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Aiyana Waya was on a mission. Her sister had been hurt at work, and while her parents were busy with the ranch, her own career was taking off. She would have to put her career on hold if she didn't find the perfect android to take care of her sister. She walked into the CyberLife store and up to the counter to a tall, muscular man wearing a Cyber Life employee shirt. "Excuse me. I need to purchase an android but I need help?"
Lucifer glances up from his computer, he's received a message via the work email from a Mr. Neil Hargrove about his damaged love bot. He said it took a tumble down the stairs, but upon further inspection, the wounds done to the poor android were far too serious for a single fall down some stairs, especially given how strong and durable the model was. No, Lucifer was sure Mr. Hargrove had destroyed it on purpose. He was used to small repairs, but this? It was... Heartbreaking, putting this poor android back together. It looked so human. Like any other young man. Lucifer created androids to push the boundary of his genius, and he was happy to do it, but to see them being treated like this... He couldn't send the poor man back to that monster.
"Yes, ma'am, you've come to the right place. Follow me, please." He says with a smile. He turns and begins guiding Aiyana past the service androids. "What's your price range?" He'd drop the price reasonably low but not suspiciously so. He needed Billy to go home with someone who would keep him safe. Hell, even love bots were meant for the safe, simple enjoyment of sexual intercourse. He had no intention of them being abused. Surely this girl and her sister wouldn't let anything happen to Billy.
Aiyana smiled warmly when she got such a pleasant reception. "Thank you." She followed Lucifer to the back. She thought it was strange to pass the service boys, but she figured he must be taking her to see the top notch models. "My price range is between 10 and 15,000. I took a few extra gigs so I could do this for my sister." TX2934 read the label on the androids' black fitted tee when they approached Billy. "Oh he's beautiful." Aiyana said softly. "Hello. My name is William. Model number TX2934."
"Billy here is one of our top-of-the-line models. He speaks a dozen languages, he's strong, he knows all sorts of wonderful recipes, first aid and CPR trained, fully equipped with the latest upgrades such as WiFi calls, GPS and once you give him the number, a full list of your important contacts. Starting price is five grand. What do you say?" He smiles and pats Billy's shoulder, "If you need a service android, this guy is the one for you."
"Well he certainly sounds like everything I need. My sister is... Grumpy and she's a large girl. Very muscular so I need someone strong to help her. He sounds like he'd be the perfect fit for her." Aiyana said happily. "And for only five grand? That's a steal! Won't you get in trouble for cutting me some sort of deal on a top of the line model?" Aiyana asked worriedly. She didn't want to get this nice man into trouble. "I can pay ten to fifteen. It's really no bother."
"Not at all, you keep it. Between you and me, the owner won't mind at all." He chuckles and smiles, "I just want him to go to someone who will take care of him. I'm sure your sister will warm to him in no time at all, I just know it."
"Oh she totally will. I promise she won't like, hurt him or anything. People tend to be intimidated by her so I don't want you to worry this beautiful guy will be harmed." William looked at Lucifer. "Are you transferring your ownership of me, sir?"
Lucifer can't explain why it makes him feel so sad, parting with Billy. It was so hard when he saw his poor Billy returned, damaged, he didn't deserve that. He sells models every day. Children to parents who are infertile, service androids to those in need, companions for lonely people. Why is it so hard to part with this one? "...Yes, Bi- William, I am. I wish you the best of luck. I want you to take good care of your new owner when you meet her."
"Alright, sir. I will await instructions." William replied, staying perfectly still. He hadn't been told to move yet. Aiyana watched intently as Lucifer seemed to struggle to let him go. Whatever connection they had, must be deep. "Could I pay extra for like, maintenance visits for William? Like, my sister can't drive right now and we won't always have time to bring him to the store if something happens, so maybe you could stop by every so often to check his software and stuff?"
Lucifer turns back to look at Aiyana, he looks surprised, but his expression softens into delight and he smiles, "I'd be happy to do maintenance visits for him. I'm glad he's going to a woman who's sister is so thoughtful and kind." He couldn't shake the feeling that she was doing this for empathetic reasons instead of something like the warranty. "I try to be. What good is it to be human if we can't be kind to each other?" Aiyana smiled warmly and took out her wallet. "William, I'm not your new... Owner but I am her sister. Please follow me?"
"Alright." William nodded, stepping off his platform to follow Aiyana. Lucifer watches on with a heavy heart, he's sure that Billy will be in good hands with Aiyana. Surely her sister would come around to Billy. The short car ride over to Adsila's neighborhood is a peaceful one. Her work as a jack of all trades helped her save up from a young age to get the home she wanted, and once she was comfortable, she was a trained welder. She lives next door to a brilliant, if a bit reclusive, artist. Carl Manfred. Adsila was resting in her living room, her boot laid up on a pillow as she sighs and idly flips through tv. Being without her usual work out, her job, her social circles, it fucking sucked. She hated being stuck at home like this.
Aiyana led William up the front path and walked inside. "Adsila!" Aiyana called out, walking into the living room with William to smile at her big sister. "I got you a present, Sila. To help you while you're injured. I think you'll like him enough to keep him afterwards. This is William!" William blinked before he nodded. "Hello. I'm William. Serial number TX2934."
Adsila looks surprised to see Aiyana enter with an android. She'd always thought they were a little creepy, very uncanny valley. Something that looked human but it wasn't. "That number sounds familiar..." Wait a minute. She'd seen it before, on tv, those late night advertisements about the Eden Club. "Oh my God, flower, you got me a love bot." Even when Adsila was hurting, even if she was angry or frustrated, she found it hard to be mean to Aiyana. Her best friend.
Aiyana looked confused for a moment, before it dawned on her. "Oh god! The guy at the store told me he was a service bot! I thought he was just showing me the like, upper class androids because I had a good budget." She blushed a deep shade of red. "Yes. I am a love bot. But I am also strong and capable of handling whatever tasks you bestow onto me, Adsila." William said matter of factly.
"Eesh, don't say my name." Well, she didn't want him calling her like, mistress or anything. "Okay, fine, say my name, but not like that." She glances back at Aiyana, "I don't need a babysitter, flower. I can limp around just fine on my own until I'm feeling better. I can order deliveries and stuff in the meantime." Sure, she could, but the last time she ordered something, the InstaCart person got all the wrong items and the fruit arrived half eaten.
"Yes Adsila." William tried a slightly warmer tone. "Adsila, I'm not going to let you be stubborn about this. It's okay to need help." Aiyana said, sounding a bit frustrated. It was mostly at herself for not knowing much about androids. Fuck. She's disappointed her sister. She could feel her eyes well up. "I just wanted to do something nice for you because Mom and Dad and I are all so busy and I can't...I can't focus at work knowing you're alone and injured."
Oh damn, Adsila sits up, her gaze softening, "Flower, I- I didn't mean it. I'm an asshole, okay? A huge asshole. It's a wonderful gift, and you're just looking out for me. C'mere, I'm sorry. Please?" She holds out her hand to Aiyana, "I'm really sorry for acting the way I did. I feel awful."
Aiyana sniffled and walked over to sit in her sister's lap so she could hug her tightly. Ever careful to not hurt her. "I'm sorry I got you a love bot. I don't know anything about androids other than they're super helpful." Adsila hugs Aiyana tight. She was being selfish; wishing she could get better overnight and ask Aiyana to stick around the entire time. She couldn't do that to her sister. It just wasn't fair. "I'm sure he'll be a great help. I'm really sorry I acted so foolish just then. I'm being stubborn for all the wrong reasons and I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I'm grateful that you did this for me, and I'll pay you back for this gift, I promise." Jesus, she hadn't even taken into consideration the money Aiyana must've spent.
"It's okay. You're in pain and you feel like you've lost your independence. And you don't have to pay me back, the guy gave me a really good deal. The original price tags on most of their androids were between eight and fifteen grand but he only asked me for five for him. But he assured me he's state of the art. "He speaks a dozen languages, he's strong, he knows all sorts of wonderful recipes, first aid and CPR trained, fully equipped with the latest upgrades such as WiFi calls, GPS and once you give him the number, a full list of your important contacts." She recited from her memory as she snuggled her sister. "You can pay me back by giving him a chance, okay?"
Just give him a chance, that's all she asked. Adsila smiles and returns the hug with a happy sigh, "Okay, flower, I'll give him a chance. Thank you again, for doing this for me. I'm so lucky to have you looking out for me, you've gotta know just how much I adore you. You mean the world to me. Do you have to leave for work or can you hang out for a little bit while I get acquainted with... William, you said?" She glances at the android quizzically.
"Of course, Sila. I want you to be safe and happy and healthy, you know? I can hang out for a little bit before my shoot at 3." Aiyana smiled happily. "Yes Adsila. My name is William." He reiterated gently. "But you may call me whatever you'd like. It does not matter to me."
William seemed really formal for him, but for now, it would do. "Can you make us lunch? I don't have a lot grocery wise... My InstaCart guy screwed me but I got a lot of credits in return. I should have enough in there for something simple. Can you do that?" It almost feels weird asking him to do that, but Aiyana should get her moneys worth at least. It's going to take some practice to get used to having him around.
"Yes Adsila." William nodded, before he walked away to enter her kitchen. He analyzed the room and grabbed what he would need to make taco salads. Aiyana looked at her as she rested her head on her shoulder. "Oh. The shop guy, Lucifer I think his name was? Agreed to do maintenance visits on William so you don't have to try to get to the store to do it."
"That's a cool name. I'm glad he was so nice about it, being so willing to help out." She smiles and leans her head into Aiyana's own. "I'm sorry I got snippy. I hate being laid up like this. I have PTO and workman's comp but, I've never liked sitting still. I mean, you know that. But hey, I'm glad you're here. We can watch a movie and eat together before you have to go."
"Of course." Aiyana beamed, already more than cheered up. "I'm sorry I got so upset. I was worried I'd disappoint you and... I can't handle that." William came walking in with two bowls of taco salad with all of the fixings. "Here you are, Adsila. And for you, Aiyana. Please enjoy." William said, handing the bowls over before he went to stand off to the side. Hand linked to his wrist in front of him.
It smells heavenly, and Adsila blushes when her stomach growls. A dead giveaway; she hadn't been feeling great about herself lately and the InstaCart mishaps only tanked her mood further. She hadn't yet eaten today and it shows. "Thanks, William." She says, "Hey, what movie did you wanna watch?" She asks Aiyana, hoping to avoid the glaring reality that she's been punishing herself over an accident at work, thus downplaying her need to eat.
Aiyana squinted at her, then added some more of her own bowl to Adsila's before she moved to sit beside her so they could eat properly. "Why don't we watch 'This is Where I Leave You?'" Aiyana suggested, kicking her shoes off to tuck her feet under herself. "Sounds good. You just wanna see me cry at Judd's revelation scene." She teases with a smile. Her gaze keeps wandering back to William, it's off-putting to see him just... Standing there. It feels awkward, like he's the third-wheeling friend. "Did you uh... Wanna sit with us, William?"
Aiyana giggled and grabbed the remote to put the movie on for the both of them. "Yes ma'am." William came to sit beside Adsila. This, this was familiar. His hand moved to rest on her upper thigh, the other resting in his lap. Adsila turns red and she quickly turns to him, pulling her leg back a bit as she says, "Whoa, there, Sailor! Pump the breaks." She gestures to his hand, "What're you doing?" She's had dates here and there, sure, one night stands, but this? That came out of nowhere and ironically, yes, she should've expected it.
Aiyana bit back a soft laugh of second hand embarrassment. William frowned, taking his hand back to rest it in his lap with his other hand. "I'm sorry Adsila. I misread the situation. It will not happen again." William apologized. It was in his programming, to apologize if his owner didn't like something he did because it made them feel better that he knew he'd done something wrong and wanted to fix it. But he also... Felt sorry? The small blue circle on his head turned red for a split second, hidden by his curls, before returning to normal. No, he did not feel anything
"It's fine it's just... Buy a girl a drink first, huh?" She jokes with a soft chuckle, trying to mask the rush of conflicting feelings. She feels embarrassed at the prospect of sleeping with an android because she hasn't told her usual hook ups that she's laid up like this, and in no shape to see anyone. She doesn't want to have a lover over only to get a pity fuck in return. Ashamed at the idea of sleeping with an android who would only sleep with her because it was in his programming to do so. Ashamed, as well, of being so touch-starved for affection and disassociated from the outside world she was so used to, that she enjoyed that brief bit of contact.
William gave a very small smile, because he understood that to be a joke. It was a common ritual among humans to buy each other food and drinks before sexual intercourse a lot of the time. But maybe he wanted to do that for her. Maybe he...no. That was not what he would do unless asked otherwise. "I understand, Adsila. I am sorry again." He replied, before he turned his head to look at the TV. He had a small feeling that Adsila didn't like him staring. She had seemed... Put off at first. Did she not like androids? He would find out eventually.
As the movie continues on, Adsila ends up finishing her meal. It was nothing short of heavenly, bursting with flavor. She sighs happily and glances down at her watch. Aiyana will have to leave soon, and Adsila will have to do her physical therapy at home. She doesn't want to, but she knows if Aiyana found out she wasn't doing it, she'd worry. She can't get better without working on herself. "I wish you didn't have to go." She murmurs to Aiyana.
"I can come back by tonight, Adsila. I'm happy to spend the night whenever you'd like. Why don't I stay here temporarily? That way I can work, but we can still hang out in my off time while William takes care of you."
"Oh I can't ask you to do that, Aiyana. Are you sure? I don't want you to feel like I'm taking advantage of you, especially after you brought William here."
"No, no. I would have offered before but realistically lifting you is totally possible for me, but also taxing because of my size. He can do all of the lifting and shit while I just get to hang with my big sister." She grinned. "That sounds nice. You can sleep in the guest room, you're the one who uses it most frequently anyway. I'm excited for this prolonged sleepover." She jokes with a smile, "It'll be really nice to have you around, I've missed you. I know I haven't been easy to deal with since the accident."
"Oh Blossom...it was a scary time for you. And one thing about you is you value your independence which is now compromised. I understand why this is so hard for you and I don't take anything to heart." It was such a miserable day. She'd been chatting it up with her coworkers, having a good time with everyone, they'd been assigned to cut a large pipe into small sections for a future project and she'd mistakenly put her faith in her work table. The pipe fell, smashed into the table and landed on her foot, resulting in a clean break. She hated being in this situation but there was so little she could do about it. "I appreciate you being so understanding. I'd have lost my mind already if not for you, I just know it."
"Of course you would have." Aiyana teased. "I've got to get going, though. I'll stop home after work to get a bag for a few weeks and then I'll be here again. Will you be okay with William?"
"Yeah, I'll be okay." She'd either figure out how to make conversation with him or she'd avoid him altogether, as it seemed to be her only two options at the moment. She didn't want to rely on him for help with her physical therapy, but she very well might have to. That was kind of the point of his presence here, after all. "No suddenly feeling her up again, William." Aiyana said as she stood and toed her flats back on.
"Yes Aiyana." William agreed, getting up to get her coat for her. "Thank you." Aiyana said as she put her coat on. "I'll see you in a few hours Blossom, Kay?"
"You're trying to make me die of embarrassment." Adsila says with a chuckle, "See you then, Little Flower." She wishes Aiyana didn't have to go, but they'll be reunited soon enough. Until then, it's only a matter of keeping herself busy and hopefully avoid any more misunderstandings. Aiyana kissed her hair gently before she left to go to her gig. William walked over to sit down beside her again. "What would you like to do, Adsila? I am happy to do anything that you would like."
Adsila glances at William, looking him over curiously. He's... Frustratingly handsome, and it's hard to look him in the eye when he's being so kind. She turns away, ready to dismiss him entirely and say she'd rather nap and let him go on Sleep Mode or whatever he does, but her phone alarm on the coffee table goes off and the automatic voice says, 3:02 time for physical therapy. Ratted out before she can stop it. She sighs, "I should do my PT. If I don't, Aiyana will worry about me."
"Yes, she will. She has worried about you all day today since I have met her." William said, getting up to offer her his hand. He scanned the room, finding her instructions that she needed for PT and scanned them over quickly. "Okay. I know the exercises you need to do."
"It's humiliating needing your help. I don't even use help at the gym, I've been either training solo or with my sister for years." She says with a huff, "Okay, can you please bring me my rolled-up yoga mat so I don't have to lie on the floor while I do my PT?"
"I am sure I can help make this easier on you." Billy said confidently, going to grab her yoga mat for her. He rolled it out perfectly straight, before he came over to help her get down on the mat gently. Adsila grunts when she lies down, her boot is so uncomfortable, and she hates having to wear the ugly, heavy, cumbersome thing. "I appreciate your help. This boot is so freaking miserable, so uncomfortable. I hate wearing it."
"I'm sorry that you have to deal with that, Adsila." Billy replied, as close to sympathetic as an android could get. "Let us start with your stretches, okay? So that the actual PT won't hurt you as much."
"Alright, might as well get it out of the way." She's been wearing bike shorts around the house with cropped t-shirts, so there's no need to change for PT. "Alright. Left leg first." He lifted her leg by the ankle and half Kent to make it easier on himself and her, beginning to slowly stretch her leg back. His hands stayed placed tactfully, and he leaned on her leg a bit for extra help until she was essentially folded in half.
Adsila exhales slowly, letting the tension out of her body as her hip pops briefly. She groans softly, relief comes when it finally pops and she averts her gaze because he's so close and there's no way to avoid him. Her heart begins hammering away in her chest and her cheeks flush. When's the last time she found herself in this position? Billy frowned after a moment. "Your heart rate is increased. Your skin is flushed and you're beginning to sweat. Are you running a fever, Adsila?" He moved to touch her forehead gently to gauge her temperature.
Oh God, oh God- "No I- I'm okay." She reaches out to touch his chest gently, just enough pressure to make it clear she wanted him to pull away, "I'm fine, William. Just a bit out of shape." It's a lame lie, but it's the best she can come up with on the spot. She didn't push him, no, but the spot she put pressure on had him zoning out. It was like... A grainy, out of focus clip. Someone was screaming at him, someone was shoving him down to the ground and getting on top of him to... He snapped out of it and blinked. "I'm sorry." He said, pulling away from her.
"It's alright. Just uh... Not used to this, is all. I've been begrudgingly doing this by myself for a few days now and I hate it." She hated being dependent on someone, let alone a stranger like this. "You didn't do anything wrong, William."
"If you say so, Adsila." It was a strange sentiment coming from him, almost close to genuine understanding and not just having it programmed into him. "Would you like to do the other leg now?" She wants to say no, dismiss him and put it off but she says instead, "Yes, please." She wishes she knew what to say to him, how to carry on a conversation instead of avoiding him. "Who gave you the name William?"
"It was programmed into me." He answered honestly. "You can change my name if you don't like William. All you have to do is say 'Admin access, code 3948' and you can change it and I will respond." She's not sure what makes her ask it, mostly curiosity, any reason to distract herself from the fact that he'd be really close to her all over again for her other leg. "Do you like your name?"
Billy began on her other leg. "I don't feel either way about my name, Adsila. I'm not really supposed to." He answered truthfully. "Huh, so you're like, indifferent to it? Have you ever had a nickname before?" She asks quizzically, idly wondering how he'd react to a nickname. It wouldn't be his choice, he would just agree if that's what she wanted. Was that fair? Was she reading too far into it?
"I am indifferent to it. I have no connection to my name, nothing that makes it special. It's just what I was assigned during the creation process. Would you like to change it?"
"Just seems really formal is all." She says with a shrug, as if trying to detach herself from the sincerity that comes with giving someone a nickname. Still, she promised Aiyana she'd give him a chance. "How about Billy? That's short for William."
"That is sufficient." Billy nodded. "And takes much less effort to say. Thank you for my first ever nickname." He let her leg down gently after her hip popped. "Alright. That should help keep you from cramping during exercises."
"Thank you." She's ready for any excuse to pull away, further the distance between them. She idly wonders if he has the capacity to tease her when she's flustered, or if he'd chalk her reactions up to stress or pain. "I have crutches and a wheelchair, my insurance covered both but the crutches are a pain in the ass to get around with. I really need to get groceries..." Aiyana would tell her to get out of the house... "Can you drive me to the supermarket?"
"Yes Adsila, I can absolutely drive you to the store." He agreed readily.
As soon as they finished her PT, he happily moved to get her wheel chair and help her into it. "Is that comfortable for the walk out to the car?" He asked earnestly, wanting to make sure she had everything she needed. "It's okay," She confirms before sighing, "I just hate having to be seen in it. I feel so helpless like this. I'd never say it about anyone else, but my friends and my neighbors know me as this tough, intimidating broad. I'm not tough at all like this." She gestures to the chair with a sigh.
"Something tells me your foot wouldn't stop you from being tough, Adsila. Even like this you are a very intimidating woman." Billy assured her kindly. Adsila can't help herself, she smiles, though her wicked self-doubt rears its ugly head while she's in this dependent state. "You're just saying that because it's in your program, aren't you?" Anything to make it less genuine, anything to take away from the authenticity of his words. She couldn't become so lonely that she'd actually begin believing this android cared about her. It wasn't in his design to.
"No Adsila. I was being sincere this time. Not just the programming. Sometimes we are able to be. This is one of those times." Billy said, beginning to wheel her towards the front door. When they went outside, Markus was mowing Carl's lawn. He stopped when he saw Adsila and Billy, then he waved. "Hello Adsila!" Billy looked over and scanned him quickly before recognizing him as a friend of Adsila's. The tension left him. "Would you like to go chat with Markus?"
"...Sure, why not?" Adsila figures it couldn't hurt. He's not about to make fun of her for being laid up. Carl might. Carl is sat on the front porch in his chair, watching on and listening to the birds nearby. "Is she coming over? I haven't seen her since she came home in those crutches." Carl comments to Markus from his seat.
"Yes Carl." Markus said as she was wheeled over. "And she got an android!"
"Hello Markus." Billy greeted him as he put the locks on Adsila's chair while Markus shut off the mower. "Hello William." Markus smiled, moving to retrieve Carl to bring him over to chat too.
Carl chuckles at the sight of Adsila, "It seems now we have three things in common. Good taste in art, now we're both wheelchair users and we've both got good company as well. How's the foot?"
"This boot is miserable."
"And it doesn't go with your current outfit at all." He teases cheekily, making Adsila begrudgingly smile.
Markus chuckled a bit, resting a hand affectionately on Carl's shoulder. "What made you decide to get an android, Adsila? I thought we creeped you out." Markus teased her gently himself. He'd picked up the habit from Carl. He had always been polite and warm and kind to Adsila. "You two are ganging up on me and I just got here!" She says incredulously, unable to hide her smile. "Leave me alone."
"Not a chance. Say, Markus and I were about to head inside, he makes the most delicious fresh lemonade. Perfect for a day like this. Would you two care to join us?" He likes Adsila just fine, and he can appreciate where she's coming from. Despite her youth, something crucial has been taken from her and he knows how that feels. She'll get better with time, but for now, he's going to give her a good ribbing.
Markus laughed softly and nodded at Carl's words. "You should come inside. We'd love the company."
"Adsila, would you like to go inside? The supermarket will still be there when we get done." Billy said, mirroring Markus by touching her shoulder gently like he had to Carl. That was a kind, appropriate gesture right? Adsila glances at his hand then looks up at Billy. Damn those beautiful eyes. Whoever made him put a great deal of care into that shade of blue. "Yeah, I'd like that. Lead the way, Carl."
"Markus, would you be so kind as to get the door?" Markus is very important to Carl and he has been since he arrived here. His presence in Carl's life is not only important, it's unshakable. He's simply irreplaceable. "Of course, Carl." Markus nodded and wheeled him toward the front door so he could open it for the group. Billy wheeled Adsila behind them, helping her into the house after them. "Your house is lovely, Carl."
Markus put Carl at the table, and so Billy put Adsila beside him. Markus moved to the fridge to get the lemonade and put ice into two glasses, filling them both before bringing them over to the table. "Would you like me to make finger sandwiches?"
"Yes, please. Thank you, Markus." He says with a smile. "William, why don't you find something to amuse yourself with while Adsila and I catch up? Make yourself comfortable." Adsila glances at Billy, curious as to what he'd end up doing. Billy nodded, moving away from Adsila but keeping his eye on Carl. It was his duty to protect Adsila after all- no. Wait. His job was to serve her. "I'll help Markus." He moved over to the counter. "May I help?"
"Yes." Markus handed him some ingredients and together they began building little finger sandwiches for the two. "How've you been handling the change?" Carl inquires curiously. Usually, he turns on the TV for background noise but right now he wants to give Adsila his full attention. She sighs, "Honestly? I hate it. I can't go to the gym, I can't hang out with my friends, I can't go to work. I'm miserable."
"Mm, things could be far worse, you know."
"How?"
Carl pointedly gestures to his own chair, the one he's now forever confined to. Adsila winces, "Right."
"What, this? I just meant you could be an old man instead of a lovely young woman." He teases again, making her smile. "Take it easy on yourself, Adsila. It'll do you some good. Besides, with William helping you, you'll have someone to see you through your recovery."
Markus looked to Billy. The man was... Very beautiful. He hadn't seen another android quite like him, so he supposed they had that in common seeing as he was one of a kind too. Maybe he was custom built. "So, William, are you looking forward to working with Adsila?"
"Yes I am. She's been kind so far; that's all I can really ask for." Billy said quietly. Her sister is also very nice."
"Ah yes, Aiyana." Markus nodded. "I quite like her too. She's always nice to me and bringing Carl treats."
"How's your sister doing?" Carl inquires, "Last I heard, she was going to do the cover of a magazine shoot." Ironic, because paper magazines were harder to find by the day, but her face would soon be on the cover of many, many virtual books very soon. "She's great. It's actually because of her that I have Billy. I gave him his first nickname, he seemed... Grateful."
"You sound... Skeptical." Carl parrots back at her and Adsila waves a dismissive hand, "I'm not. I just..."
"You think that androids only do and say what they're programmed to do. Markus acts more human than most of the people I know. He's an expressive, brilliant, talented man. He's far more than he seems, and with time, I'm sure you'll see that William, Billy, is too."
"She was very kind when she came to buy me for her sister. I quite liked her." Billy offered Markus a small smile. Markus smiled back , picking up one of the plates while Billy got the other so they could drop them off at the table for Adsila and Carl. "Thank you, Markus, William. William, Adsila tells me she gave you your first nickname. How do you like it?"
Adsila glances over at Billy, curious as to his reaction. Would his opinion change or would it remain the same. "Well, sir, I wasn't attached to my previous name if I'm being honest. But, I really like the nickname Adsila gave me. It feels more... Fitting."
"I do like Billy much better than William." Markus smiled almost shyly for a moment. "Carl, would you like us to finish the lawn while you two keep catching up?" Carl glances between them curiously, he chuckles and nods, "Sure, if you'd like to. If not, you can stay here with us, and we can continue chatting." Adsila smiles, she's relieved to know that he likes it. It makes her happy to hear. He sounds so genuine when he says it and it makes her feel better about assigning it to him. She's relieved to see he and Markus are getting along.
Billy smiled back to Markus before he turned a warm smile to Adsila too. "I would like to finish the lawn for you." Markus put a hand on the small of Billy's back and led him outside. It didn't take them too long to finish the lawn with the two of them and their amicable conversation. When they did finish, they put the lawnmower back and returned into the house.
Carl is explaining to Adsila that his latest piece of art sold for fourteen million dollars at auction and he gave the proceeds to a local children's hospital. The boys catch him at the end of his explanation. "-I've been greatly inspired by Markus and his presence in my life. His view on the world, the brilliance of his mind, he's become my muse and I'm always eager to share my art with him. We've been working on a mural together. I paint and he keeps me company, he's a wonderful conversationalist."
Billy found himself longing for Adsila to speak of him that way. Maybe he could earn that - no, he didn't need her to do that. He just had to do his job and nothing more. Markus smiled as he ruffled Carl's hair gently. "Always speaking so kindly about me Carl." He chuckled softly. "The lawn is finished and we trimmed the hedges as well. Is there anything else that you need done right now?"
"Could you check my schedule for me, please, Markus?" He asks with a smile as he picks up his glass of lemonade. He drinks it and hums happily to himself. Adsila glances at Billy, deciding she should try harder to further the gap between them. "Would you come sit with us, Billy? Please? You too, Markus, if you want to." Markus smiled. "Of course." He walked over and sat down. He was quiet for a moment, his LED flickering for a moment. "You have a cocktail party tonight at 6. Other than that, your schedule is free and clear."
Billy moved over to sit down beside Adsila with a small smile. "Thank you for inviting me to sit with you, Adsila. I do appreciate it."
"I should've changed my mind about going." He huffs, "All these rich mongrels flashing their wallets. They don't care about art. They don't appreciate it, they appraise it. My work is wasted there." Adsila offers Billy a small smile, "It's no big deal. I just uh, didn't think you should have to stand around all the time." His smile really is lovely, it's... Really charming.
"I know, Carl but the money you make can be put towards a good cause." Markus reminded him gently, touching his forearm gently in a show of affection to help him relax. "It still means very much to me." Billy assured her, resting his hands in his lap for a moment. Carl smiles, "You always know how to get to me. I swear, you're turning me into an old softie, Markus. You made a good point the other day; you said that these events are a good place for people who appreciate my work to meet me. I shouldn't be so crass to appreciative artists and young up and comers."
Adsila smiles and she turns away, looking at Billy for too long will make her blush and she's afraid of being called out by Carl. Still, she doesn't want him to feel left out, so she asks Billy, "Do you like art?"
"Exactly, Carl. Thank you for seeing it from my point of view. I'm proud of you." Markus said. "I can't say I've seen many pieces in my time. But I would love to try. May I see some of Carl's work so that I may judge whether or not I do like artwork?"
Carl smiles and glances at Billy, he then turns to Markus, "Shall we adjourn to the studio? He can see firsthand and decide for himself. With any luck, he'll take it easy on an old man." Adsila chuckles, "If he sucked up to you, you'd be fuming, Carl."
"It's true. The same as when I play chess with Markus, he always challenges me. I like it better that way." Markus stood and took hold of Carl's chair handles to gently pull him away from the table so he could begin leading the others to the studio. Billy got up and did the same, taking her wheelchair to follow them to Carl's studio. "I'm very excited to see your work, Carl."
Carl smiles, "I hope you'll be pleased with what you see. Art is subjective, and there's not really any way to get it wrong. Sure, some art looks lazy, uninspired, but art is supposed to influence people, to provoke thought and action. Don't hold back, give me your honest opinion." Adsila smiles as they enter the studio, she's been here a few afternoons, watching Carl's brilliance take flight in the most beautiful, impressive ways. His art was truly breathtaking.
Billy walked into the studio and began to look around. So many colors, so many paintings making him feel... No. He doesn't feel anything. Does he? "I think it's beautiful Carl. So many colors, so many different styles to evoke different emotions and thoughts. You are very talented."
Markus smiled as Billy complimented Carl. Not his owner, just Carl. "Isn't he brilliant? You two should come to the cocktail party tonight." Carl nods, "You should. It'll be nice to be with more people we know. The party will be much more palatable with you two here. I'm almost done with this mural. I think I'll work on it some more while you're here, if you don't mind?"
"Not at all." Adsila smiles, "Billy said it best, you're brilliant, Carl." Billy was proud that Adsila thought he'd said something the best. It brought a confident smile to his face. "I would love to see you work, Carl."
"It's a real treat." Markus assured him, standing just a bit closer to Billy. Something was drawing him towards him, and neither human seemed to notice so he should be okay. "Excellent. Just a moment." Carl wheels himself over to the machine that hooks to his chair and lifts him so he can paint. He can manage it himself since he sees how fast Markus is warming up to Billy. Interesting. He picks up his pallet and it begins rising up to carry him toward the unfinished section of the mirror. Adsila watches Carl curiously, she smiles, "How long has this piece taken?"
"A few weeks," Carl replies as he begins using more blue shades in his mural. "Your dedication is admirable, Carl. I know many humans who procrastinate or leave projects unfinished." Billy complimented him. "He's a stubborn man. He won't let anything beat him." Markus laughed softly, brushing their hands together very gently.
Billy glanced down, then smiled at him. "You are flirting with me."
"I- What?"
Adsila glances at the androids, she watches the exchange for a moment and turns back to look at Carl instead. It's none of her business. Carl, who didn't hear it, responds to Billy and Markus, "I can't help myself. I'm set in my stubborn old ways. I used to have terrible artist block when I got older, but Markus' presence here shifted my entire perspective on the way I view art."
"It sounds like Markus has done his job very well. Helped enhance your life to be better and forge a good relationship with you." For some reason, he had the urge to touch Adsila's shoulder so he did. "I admire that a lot."
Markus looked away for a moment, looking proud before he grinned at Carl. "I don't let him wallow unless it's absolutely necessary." Adsila glances at his hand, eyeing him quizzically. She can't get a read on him, or whatever's going on with him and Markus. As if she was jealous of two androids. If they could even feel things like infatuation, she had no room to be jealous of him. She wasn't even sure how she felt about him. She looks back at Carl who says, "It's true. I was a lonely man when Markus came to me. I try to be stubborn with things like my medicine, my art block, social gatherings, but he keeps me playful. He makes me feel young."
"Give yourself some credit Carl. You've stopped fighting me as hard as time went on. Now you begrudgingly let me give you your medicine." He laughed, eyes seeming to shine with genuine affection for the man. Billy hoped he could have a good relationship with Adsila one day. He squeezed her shoulder gently before he let her go. "Can I do anything for you, Adsila?"
"That's true." Carl says with a chuckle. "I'm telling you; you're making me soft, Markus." Adsila shakes her head, "No I'm fine. Actually, I uh, wanna get some rest. I'm not feeling so hot." She's feeling a mix of emotions that she'd rather not think about. She's not going to be able to drink herself out of this because Aiyana would worry, so she'd rather get to bed and sleep it off.
"I'm actively trying." He teased. Billy nodded. "I will take care of you." He looked to Markus and Carl. "I'm going to take her home to rest as she says she isn't feeling well. But if she is feeling better later we can come by the cocktail party." He brushed his hand gently against Markus' before he moved to take ahold of the handles of Adsila's chair. "Thank you for having us both over."
"Have a good rest, Adsila, we'll see you tonight for the party." He says with a smile, waving them off. He's absolutely going to tease Markus about Billy later. Adsila waves but doesn't comment on their departure. As she's wheeled out, Carl glances at Markus. "That Billy is quite a handsome fellow, isn't he?"
Markus' head whipped over to look at Carl. He'd noticed? Oh he should have known he would. "Yes he is. And as far as I know, the only android who looks like him too."
"That's something interesting you have in common." Carl jokes with a chuckle, "Perhaps you'll make a new friend in him. Hm?"
"Carl." Markus huffed softly, but smiled. "You're teasing me." He said, coming close so he could admire Carl's work. "I am, but only because that's become our love language." He jokes with a smile, "What do you think of it?" He gestures to the mural, "I think this one I'll keep private. When I die, paint over it so no one else can have it. I'd like to leave you as my sole heir, but, I don't know what the court will say about that." Leo... Leo would have a safety net he could access only under the understanding that he went to rehab and got clean first. He wouldn't leave his son to struggle.
Markus laughed, before focusing his attention back on the mural. "I think it's beautiful. Your utilization of multiple shades of blue to create this is very impressive. And it evokes a sense of... Calm." He complimented him. "Good," Carl says with a smile, "Blue in art is often used to give a landscape depth or express great sorrow. Here, I'd like to use it for layers of an entire person. Give it a more positive light. Have you figured out who my figure is going to be yet?"
"I think I might have." Markus smiled fondly. "Is it going to be me, Carl? Because that would mean a lot to me if it is."
"I can't pull any surprises on you these days," Carl jokes with a smile, "Yes, Markus. It's going to be you. I'm most inspired by you and this is my present to you. A gift for all the kind, selfless things you do for me. I know some of the things you do, you do them because you care."
Markus beamed at him, moving to touch his shoulder gently. "You know, Carl... You're like a father to me." He said softly, gazing at him with so much genuine affection. Markus smiles, he won't dare downplay what this means to him. "Markus... You're my s-"
The doors to the studio open and Leo saunters in, he looks pale, his fingertips are trembling, and his eyes are bloodshot with bags under them. He looks exhausted. "Hey dad."
Carl's smile turns to concern, he looks surprised. "...Leo. What're you doing here?"
"I was just in the neighborhood." Not likely, his apartment was on the other end of town, last Carl heard, Leo was living in the slums. Markus kept his face impassive as he eyed Leo up. "Carl, would you like me to escort him out?" He asked quietly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Whatever you choose to do, I will back you up."
Leo frowns as he watches the exchange. "Yeah, dad, what're you gonna choose to do? You gonna throw out your only son?"
Carl frowns, "Leo, why are you here?"
"I need some cash." Leo says bluntly.
"What happened to the money I gave you?"
Leo scoffs and it turns into a chuckle, "You know how it is, dad. It just... Goes."
"Right... Markus, would you please escort Leo out?"
"You're- You're not serious. You're gonna make your shiny toy do your dirty work? You don't care about helping your son because I'm not perfect like this fucking thing!" Leo snaps at Markus.
Carl shakes his head, "Leo, that's enough. Markus, please." Markus nodded and walked up to Leo. "Leo, you need to leave. Your father asked you politely. I do not want to have to throw you out. I want you to keep your dignity." Markus said calmly. "So please, start making your way out and I will be right behind you."
"My dignity!?" Leo snaps with a frown, "Who the fuck do you think you are? At the end of the day, you're nothing. I'm his son and you're just a thing that he owns. I'm leaving but I'll be back. I can walk myself out."
"I will be right behind you. I can't risk you stealing from your father on your way out." Markus said, crossing his arms loosely over his chest to stand to his full height. He was trying very hard not to fight back. To talk back too much. "Leo, please just go." Carl says, he sounds tired, sad.
Leo turns and stomps toward the door. "I know what you think about me. You and my dad in this ivory tower. You think I'm some low life thief. I can't stand you." Markus frowned as he followed him. "I don't think that. I think you're a man with personal issues that he needs to work out because he's hurting his father terribly."
"You don't know shit about my father." Leo turns once he steps outside, he glares at Markus, "You'll see it for yourself one day. When he's tired of you, he'll cast you aside, too." Leo turns away and begins walking down the steps. "He's nothing but kind to me as I care for him near the end of his life. It seems like you don't know shit about your father." He stood on the porch, blocking the doorway from him.
Leo gives Markus a withering glare before turning away to head down the pathway and around the corner, he walks out of sight, presumably to catch the bus home. Carl calls out to Markus, "Is everything alright?" Markus felt a pulsing in his chest. Felt his LED flickering away with...a software instability? "Everything is fine, Carl. He's gone."
"I wish I knew where I went wrong with my boy." Carl says with a sigh, "Did I coddle him too much? Did I love him too much to the point that I blinded myself from the pain he was in?" Markus shut the front door behind himself and returned to his studio. To Carl. His father. "No, Carl. He has an addictive personality. He unfortunately just fell in with the wrong crowd, and got into the wrong things. If he gets help he can turn it around."
"That if is what scares me, Markus. I can't force Leo to get clean, I can only stand by as he gets worse and worse. I worry for him so much." He sighs, "Markus, I'm feeling rather winded. Perhaps we could settle in with a movie and relax until tonight?"
"Of course, Carl. I'll let them know you're under the weather." He run the studio where the cocktail party would be and let them know. Then, he called Billy mentally and let him know too.
Back at Adsila's home. "Adsila, may I ask you a personal question?" Billy asked as he wheeled her back into the house and began to help her upstairs.
"Shoot." Adsila says with a sigh, her room feels like it's a million miles away.
"Did I do something to upset you? You won't look at me and I can sense your heart rate picking up when I asked you."
Adsila frowns, "I guess you know the answer if you can read me so easily. I'm just tired, Billy, I need to lie down. There's nothing to be upset about."
"I think you are lying." It was strange, an android talking back. "I apologize. I'll put you in bed." He lifted her effortlessly from her chair and set her on her bed, moving to pull her blanket over her gently.
Adsila looks surprised the entire time he dotingly puts her to bed. She watches him for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. "Are you feeling alright? Do you need to like, run a diagnostic on yourself or something?" Billy kept his face stoic as he tucked her in gently. "I will leave you to rest. I will be downstairs cleaning up if you need me, ma'am." Billy said, before he walked out of the room to go downstairs. What the hell was wrong with him? Like she'd asked, he ran a diagnostic test on himself and everything came back normal. What was going on?
That was odd. Was he even allowed to do that? Did he know he could do that? If she'd upset him, would he snap back at her? It wasn't exactly easy to know where she stood with him. He'd been so nice so far, not that she'd made it easy on him. She turns over and decides to try and get some rest so she can sleep off her worries. Hopefully, she'll be more relaxed when it's time to go to the cocktail party.
Billy busied himself with cleaning. He would not bring it up again, lest she begin to worry and return him. If he failed his duties, he would be scrapped. That's what everyone said. Left in some sort of... Junkyard. An android cemetery where they threw deviants. He had to behave.
A short while later, Carl says he's ready to go to the party after his breather. He says he wants to at least put in an appearance. He asks Markus if Adsila and Billy will be attending. Billy confirmed that they would attend, and that they could carpool if he wanted. Adsila did have a very nice car. When Markus conveys the message, Carl says, "Is her car wheelchair accessible or do we need to call a taxi?"
"Yes. It is wheelchair accessible. It is a mod she added to her car...within the last year. Must have been especially for you."
"You think so?" He smiles, "How cute. She's getting soft, too. Are you dressing up tonight, Markus?"
Adsila picks out a velvet black dress with spaghetti straps and a diamond necklace Aiyana got her for her last birthday. She sits on the bed and pulls it on over her head but she'll need Billy's help to pull it down properly. "Billy?" She asks softly, already flustered by the idea, "Can you help me?" Billy was in nice jeans and a blue button down tucked in and unbuttoned halfway. "Yes ma'am." Billy walked over and began to help her get into the dress properly.
Adsila isn't thrilled about being wheeled around an event, people leering at her android while pitying her at the same time. It sounds like a nightmare, but at the very least, she can drink socially and hang out with Carl. "Thank you," She murmurs, "Can you help me get my heel on?" She could only wear one with the boot on. "Yes ma'am." Billy knelt down and grabbed the shoe to gently slide it onto her foot. Then, he adjusted the straps to fit her comfortably. "There." He stood. "Any jewelry, ma'am?"
"Yes Carl." Markus smiled and headed to his room for a moment to change into black slacks and a nice deep purple shirt tucked into them. Add a nice belt and black loafers gifted to him by Carl, and he returned to him. "How do I look?"
"You look like a million bucks." Carl smiles, "Shall we head next door to her house?" Markus grinned. "Enough to impress Adsila and... Billy?" He asked shyly as he began to wheel Carl to go downstairs and head next door. "Most assuredly Billy. Sounds like you've taken a real shine to him rather quickly." He says with a chuckle, "Is that accurate?"
"That is accurate." Markus chuckled, a bit shy about it. "I've uh... Never really responded like this to another person other than you. I think...Carl I think my software is malfunctioning. I shouldn't be able to feel things."
"Feeling things is part of the human experience, Markus. Some of them aren't so pleasant, but infatuation, well, it's pretty pleasant. There's nothing wrong with liking someone else. Society will shun you for being different, but you'll get none of that from me. Do whatever makes you happy." Markus smiled. "Thank you, Carl. You're the best father figure I could ask for."
"There's a diamond bracelet in my jewelry box, it'll match the necklace my sister got me. Thanks for your help, by the way. I know I haven't been making this easy on you." Billy nodded and retrieved it, coming to put it on her wrist gently. "It's no problem ma'am." Adsila nods, "Thank you, and again, really, I'm sorry. I'm under a lot of stress and frustration, it's not your fault." He doesn't need to deal with her complicated problems, especially since been he's eyeing Markus instead. It's better for both of them that way, in the long run. She'll have to get the idea out of her head. "It's okay, ma'am. I'm hopeful I can help lessen your stress levels." He said. "But Carl and Markus should be on their way right now. Let's get you downstairs and ready to go."
Adsila nods, "Alright, I'm ready. My purse is downstairs on the entryway table. I need to get it before we go." She can't leave something so important behind. "Yes ma'am." Billy nodded, getting her down the stairs by simply lifting her with his right side and carrying the chair in the other.
"You're just trying to butter me up. C'mon, son," He says with a smile, "Let Billy know we're almost there, would you?" Markus telepathically let Billy know they were coming up to the door.
"I don't think I've ever met a man who was stronger than me." Adsila jokes with a chuckle. Billy chuckled a bit and set the chair down, then set her in it and handed her her purse. "They're here." He opened the door. Carl smiles at the sight of them. "Don't you two look nice? That's a beautiful dress, Adsila."
"Thanks." she smiles back at him, "You two look nice, too. I'm ready to go rub elbows with the art community."
"Absolutely. Markus?" He gestures to the car, "If you could help me along." Markus was stunned by how good they both looked. Unable to hide it, his LED flickered as he looked them over, then he looked away quickly, embarrassed as he wheeled Carl towards the car.
Billy wheeled Adsila along behind them. "You flustered Markus. He was... What do you guys say? Checking you out." Adsila snorts, amused, "Yeah right. You don't have to further my ego. I know he was looking at you. It's alright to admit it."
Carl thanks Markus once the car door opens and he gets inside with a soft grunt. "I promise I'll be on my best behavior." Markus laughed. "You? Best behavior? Never." He shut the door and loaded his chair into the back.
"He wasn't only looking at me. His LED only flickered when he got to you. You made his software malfunction." Billy helped Adsila inside and loaded her chair into the back before he got in the driver's seat. Adsila wants to deny him again, turn his flattery away and sink into her self-deprecation because it feels easier to justify his wandering eye. She just chuckles and settles in quietly when Carl joins her. He makes polite conversation on the way there with the group about the up-and-coming artists who are sure to be in attendance and his hope for good caviar, one of his favorite dishes.
The cocktail party was going off without a hitch. They'd gotten Carl and Adsila inside with ease and we by their sides as they observed pieces and chatted with others. But Markus' eyes stayed wandering to Billy and Adsila. "May I compliment you, Adsila?" Markus asked.
Adsila looks surprised, she smiles and nods, "Sure. Hit me." It's a shock but she's not about to be mean to Markus and risk her friendship with Carl. The aforementioned artist is chatting up a woman named Elise Elliot, a successful pop art artist. He wouldn't mind them talking among themselves if it meant they were bonding. "You look... Absolutely ethereal tonight." He said sincerely, taking her hand to bring it to his lips so he could kiss her knuckles gently.
Billy chuckled softly. "I told you." Adsila will deny it, but her lips part, her cheeks flush and her entire body language gives away the fact that she's flustered. "Markus... I don't know what to say. Thank you." It's a genuine compliment that helps her feel much, much better about herself. "You're very welcome, Adsila. I hope that wasn't too forward of me." He chuckled softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before he let it go. "You look lovely too, Billy. I'm surprised Adsila hasn't made use of your primary function yet."
Billy grinned. A dirty joke? He liked Markus. Adsila can't help herself, she laughs, "Markus! God, between the two of you, I don't know what I'm going to do with you guys."
Elise excuses herself and Carl chimes in with a chuckle, "I'm sure you could get creative if you tried hard enough, Adsila."
"Carl!" Adsila laughs again, cheeks rosy as she covers her face. Markus grinned too, giving a hearty laugh with Billy. "Carl's got my back here."
"So I was not incorrect earlier when I thought you may be looking at the two of us just before your LED flickered."
"Nope." Markus hummed. "I'm going to need more champagne if you three are going to keep flirting." Carl teases. Adsila smiles and reaches up to touch her rosy cheek, "Markus... I uh, I have to admit, I got the wrong idea earlier."
"You got the wrong idea?" Markus looked confused for a moment. "About what, Adsila? My interest in you?"
"It's... It's stupid, I know, I just..." Saying nothing would be easier but she can't exactly take it back after she got this far. "I thought you were only interested in Billy. And I... I was jealous. Of both of you."
"Oh Adsila. I would never overstep that way. I have interest in the both of you." He smiled. "And Carl supports me in this." Carl nods, "It's true. No harm done, as far as I can see."
This entire conversation felt taboo. Adsila didn't think Markus was a love bot, but it was clear he had an interest in them. "I um, I wouldn't mind further discussing this sometime." So maybe she shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. Two gorgeous men who were sweet and attentive? She didn't see any downside here. It was harmless fun. "I would like that a lot. Can we get you both more champagne?" Markus smiled warmly.
"It would be our pleasure to. We can grab you some finger foods too." Billy nodded. "I'd like that," Carl says, to which Adsila agrees so she can catch her breath for a moment, "Yes, please." Markus nodded and walked away with Billy to get them their champagne and finger foods.
Billy poured Adsila a chute and picked a heft amount of tiny sandwiches with ham and cheese, and some other miscellaneous stuff. "She's a muscular woman. She'll need calories to upkeep that." He's sure she would appreciate the thought he put in. "Yes she is." Markus hummed softly.
"You're taking an interest in those two?" Carl teases with a smile. "Maybe just a small interest." She says with a smile, "I hope I'm not overstepping."
"Not at all. You're all adults."
"I guess I just got a little in my head for a while. They would be perfect together and I felt so insignificant when faced next to two literally perfect people."
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Adsila. Be kinder to yourself."
Billy and Markus approached again, and Markus came to Carl first, holding his plate diligently for him so he didn't have to put it in his lap. "Thank you, Markus." Carl says with a smile as he begins eating. He swallows his bite and says, "Mm, you know, this actually turned out quite nice. Thank you for convincing me to come here."
Billy did the same for Adsila, handing her her flute of champagne before holding her largely filled plate for her. "The food seemed so minuscule, I know you need a bit more for your muscle mass."
Adsila looks surprised then flattered by the gesture, she smiles, "Thank you. Did you know that just by looking at me or did Aiyana tell you about my work out regimen?" No sense in lying to her. "I calculated it just by looking." Billy replied honestly. "Aiyana did a lot of nervous talking on the drive home but she didn't mention your workout regimen. Adsila chuckles, "That's my sister, always thinking of others. Aiyana is one of the most wonderful you'll ever meet." She says with a smile, "I love her dearly. She's my best friend."
"Of course Carl." Markus smiled kindly. "I want you to enjoy yourself." He placed his free hand on his shoulder to give it a gentle squeeze. Carl smiles and offers his empty glass to Markus, "I've had enough to drink tonight, thank you, Markus. What time is it?"
"It's about 8:30 Carl." Markus replied, giving the glass to a passing waiter android before taking a small cup of water for him. "We should get back home soon, maybe at nine?" He asks with a smile, "I can't stay up as late as I used to be able to." Best not to push himself too hard. "That sounds good." Markus nodded, doing his best not to eavesdrop. "We've got a plan, then," Carl says with a smile, "I've had a nice time so far."
"I could tell your bond was strong when I saw you two together. It must be nice. To feel things." Adsila looks surprised. "Don't you feel something toward Markus?" She asks quizzically. "We should be going soon. How about at nine?" He dodged the question quickly. Adsila chuckles, "That sounds nice, yes. Thank you for bringing me, I've had a good time tonight."
"Alright." Billy nodded.
Markus nodded at Carl. Did Billy not feel the connection he felt? Or was he avoiding answering because he was scared because showing emotion was too human?
Come nine o'clock, Billy and Markus got Carl and Adsila loaded up and he began the drive home. On the ride home, Carl asks to turn up the radio as he's a tad too tipsy to make conversation right now. When they get home, they drop off Adsila and Billy. "Have a good night, you too," Carl says, "Don't have too much fun now."
Billy laughed. "Thanks Carl. Goodnight Markus." Billy said.
"Goodnight, Adsila." Markus turned away and began wheeling Carl back up to his house.
Billy frowned. "Did I do something?" He asked Adsila. "Markus! Did I do something wrong?" He called after them. So, he could feel things and he was just hiding it. "Goodnight Billy." He called back before he shut the front door behind him and Carl with a smile. Adsila watches Billy before Markus disappears into the house. She grins at Billy, "Someone's playing hard to get. It's a fun thing that people do sometimes when the feeling is mutual." She chuckles, "It's not a bad thing, it's a form of flirtation."
Markus got Carl changed and into bed comfortably tucked in after brushing his teeth. "Goodnight, Markus. Would you put turn on my stereo, please?" It's full of soft jazz records to help him sleep. "Good night, Carl." He smiled, and kissed his forehead gently before he turned on his music and left to go to his room.
"Oh." Billy frowned still as he wheeled Adsila up to her house and inside, lifting her simply out of the chair to carry her upstairs to get changed. "Well I... This is all very confusing. I'm not supposed to feel things."
"I'm sure it's okay," She says with a smile, "You're not going to be in any trouble with me if that's what you're worried about."
"You're not going to... To throw me into the scrap yard?" His voice nearly trembled at the mention of the place he'd hear about.
Adsila's smile drops immediately, "Oh my God, Billy, no! No I wouldn't do that to you. I know I was apprehensive to live with you, but I won't let anything bad happen to you. I promise. I wouldn't do that to you. Listen to me, I swear, I will not let anything bad happen to you." Billy looked like he was searching her face for some kind of sign. When he only found sincerity, he slowly relaxed. "You do like me."
Adsila turns red again, she chuckles and glances away, "Yeah well, don't go telling anyone, yeah?" She looks back at him. "Yes, Billy, yes I do like you." Billy grinned, looking triumphant as he went to get her some pajamas to change into. "I'm telling Aiyana."
"You rat!" She says with a laugh, "Don't you dare tell her. She won't let me hear the end of it, Billy."
"I am." Billy grinned and came over to help her out of her dress and heel, and into her sweatpants and cropped tee-shirt. "Thank you," She says with a smile, "But don't you dare tell her. She'll have a field day with that information."
"I'm going to." He made an attempt at teasing her. "And you're welcome. Now, let me tuck you in before I retire for the night."
"The tuck in treatment like I'm a baby? Pretty big, muscular baby." She jokes with a smile, "I should know better than to argue with you by now." Billy chuckled. "Never too big or too old to be tucked in." He tucked her in gently. "Goodnight, Adsila. I'll let Aiyana know you're resting when she gets home." Adsila nods, "Thank you, goodnight, Billy. Sleep well." She's feeling a comfortable buzz and no doubt, she'll end up sleeping well tonight. It'll be the first peaceful sleep she's had since she got hurt.
"I will, Adsila." Billy murmured and walked to the doorway, turning her light off before he shut the door gently.
Markus roused from his sleep mode when he heard what sounded like footsteps. The music in Carl's room abruptly cuts out and the stereo falls with a thud. Behind the door comes a muffled, "Leave that alone!" It sounds like Carl is in distress. Markus ran down the hallway and busted into the room as he made the call to 911. "Carl?!" His brain took a moment to analyze the room. Leo. "Leo, I've contacted the police."
Leo is standing over Carl's dresser, he's holding a wooden jewelry box in hand, no doubt containing things like fine watches and Carl's wedding ring. He turns around, glaring at Markus, "This stuff is eventually going to be mine anyway, I deserve it. What difference does it make if it's sooner rather than later?" Carl is holding his chest, panting, "Leo, go home! You need to leave!"
Leo glares, white-knuckling the box in hand, "This is all your fault... You fucking thing!" He throws the jewelry box at Markus. Markus took the hit to the head and caught the jewelry box to make sure nothing got damaged, setting it aside. It did split his fake skin and blue began to dribble sluggishly down his face. "Leo, you need to leave."
"Markus!" Carl shouts, worried. "Markus, listen to me... Don't defend yourself. You hear me?" Leo stomps forward, "You will never replace me, you hear me? Never!" He shoves Markus backward toward the door, "You're a plastic toy and you're not his son! I am!" No. No, Carl was in distress. His heart rate was off, he was going to..."NO!" Markus shouted and shoved Leo hard. He watched him hit his head and fall down, and panic immediately set in. "Carl I..."
"Leo!" Carl shouts, he leans over but he can't get out of bed like this, "Oh Leo... My little boy. Oh... Markus," he sniffles, shaking his head, "You've got to get out of here. They'll destroy you. You have go now!"
"Carl but... But I..." The sirens and flashing red and blue lights appeared by the window and Markus... He panicked. "I'm sorry." He said, before he hurried out of the bedroom and back to his own place. He grabbed some clothes and climbed out the window before they secured a perimeter. He rushed next door to Adsila's place and hurriedly knocked on the back door.
Billy answered it and registered the injury. Carl would never do something like this so... Something must have happened. "Come upstairs." He led Markus up the stairs so he could clean him up. Adsila begins to stir when she hears the noise, she sits up and yawns. She rubs a hand over her face and leans over to pick up the alarm clock on her bedside table. "Mm, Billy?" She glances around and moves to sit up, calling out again, "Billy? Is that you?"
"Yes!" Billy rushed into the room. "Something happened next door. Markus...he's in trouble. Can we hide him out here? I can explain better once everything settles." Adsila looks surprised, it's a hell of a lot to wake up to so suddenly, but she agrees easily, "Y- Yeah, okay." Outside, she can hear police sirens, and the flashing lights begin to show up against her curtains.
"I promise I..."
"DETROIT POLICE. OPEN UP! THERE IS A DEVIANT ANDROID ON THE LOOSE AND WE HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE HE FLED TO YOUR HOUSE!" Came over and intercom outside. "Cover for us. Please. Please." Billy begged before he hurried back out of the room. Aiyana opened the door. "What on earth is going on." Adsila reaches out to Aiyana for a hand to stand up, "I can explain; Carl's android, Markus, he's hurt. The police are here and we have to hide the boys. Can you help me, flower, please?"
Aiyana nodded. "Absolutely." She helped her sister up and got her the crutches she needed. Downstairs, the police banged on the door again. "OPEN THE DOOR AND LET US SEARCH THE PREMISES BEFORE WE FORCE OUR WAY IN. A DEVIANT IS ON THE LOOSE." Came over the intercom again. "Shit, get the door please? I'll make my way downstairs. We don't need them breaking in. If they ask about the delay, tell them I'm on crutches. I have no idea where the boys are hiding, we'll have to be extremely careful. Go, flower, go!"
Aiyana nodded and ran downstairs, taking a breath before she opened the door. "Officers. I'm so sorry, my sister is on crutches and I had to help her up." She stepped aside. "Understood, ma'am. Do we have permission to search the premises?"
"Yes." Aiyana nodded. And the search commenced. Adsila carefully makes her way downstairs. She watches the policemen walk past the stairs and she can't help but wonder where the boys hid out. Alicia raises her flashlight as she walks along, "Did you happen to hear any intrusion?" She asks curiously, looking at Aiyana. "Have you seen anything strange?"
Adsila thinks back to the front door, if Markus was hurt, what are the chances he bled on the floor? Shit. "No ma'am. I just got home and my sister was asleep upstairs." She said softly, watching the police begin to search the house. Fuck. Where were the boys?"
"A young man was injured next door, he was sent to the hospital with a head injury. Seems the man's android pushed him."
"Pushed him? There must be some misunderstanding." Adsila says, "Androids don't... Act like that."
Alicia turns to enter the living room, she looks around curiously, narrowing her eyes for any signs of anything out of place. "Are you ladies alone in the house?" She asks over her shoulder. "Deviants Do. A software malfunction causes them to act out, to be disobedient." The officer told her.
"My sister's android went for a run to the store, so yes. Were alone in the house." Aiyana answered Alicia. "I see." Alicia says with a nod, she glances over at her partner, "Why don't you take this floor, I'm going to head upstairs and look around, see if I can find anything."
"You got it Alicia." Officer John Reynolds said, turning on his flashlight so he could search the bottom floor. Alicia turns and begins heading upstairs. She opens the first bedroom door. There's a wooden bed frame that touches the floor, no space to hide under there. There's no closet. She walks over to the window and examines it, it's locked. "Hm." She turns away and heads to the bathroom, nothing. The next bedroom, nothing. Outside in the hallway, she glances up and spots the attic door. She reaches out to pull the string down and begins climbing up the ladder when it falls, slotting itself into place.
Billy urged Markus to stay in the shadows, both of them freezing in place when they heard someone coming up the step ladder to the attic. "Run." Billy whispered, and rushed out of the shadows to leap out of the attic window and onto the roof. Markus followed after him, but when they both jumped off of the roof, the police were waiting, guns aimed. They fired as soon as they landed.
Adsila gasps when she hears the gunshots, she turns to Aiyana, horrified. "Oh God... Billy. Markus." Aiyana rushed outside. "Billy!" Billy managed to loll his head a bit to catch Adsila's eye just before his eyes glossed over.
Alicia rushes outside to join her partners, she holsters her gun and nods, "Alright, someone call the Android Collection Unit, haul these two off to the dump and get rid of them."
Markus tried to get up, but all he managed to do was fall over onto Billy, his own eyes glossing over as blue blood dripped down his chin. Adsila can only hobble over to the door, she watches on with a mortified look on her face, "Billy... Oh my God... Markus..." How was she going to tell Carl? Her heart drops into her stomach and her eyes turn glassy. "Billy..."
Alicia turns to look at Aiyana, "Did you address him by name? I thought you two girls were home alone tonight." Adsila looks at Aiyana, worry overtaking her panic. Shit. "I... He was my android." Aiyana said. She knew an accomplice to a deviant would be arrested.
"Aiding and abedding a deviant." Reynolds took his cuffs out and wrenched her hands behind her back. "And right under your sister's nose while she's injured?" Adsila feels like the rug has been pulled out from under her. Her world is collapsing all within the span of one day. "Aiyana!" She calls out from the porch, ready to confess to her involvement in the situation. Alicia turns her attention accusingly to Adsila. "Were you involved in this?"
Aiyana didn't resist Reynolds at all, made it easy for him. If she cooperated that looked better to the courts. "No she wasn't! He was my android. I just bought him today! You can ask the store guy Lucifer!" She gave Adsila an urgent look. Don't you dare say a word. Adsila sniffles and shakes her head, "No... No I didn't know anything about this."
Alicia nods, "We'll speak to the store rep and explain what happened to his model. As for you, you're going to a holding cell for the night while your case is given to the court." She turns and opens the car door for Reynolds, "Let's get her out of here." Reynolds put Aiyana in the back of the cop car, shutting the door behind her. "All good. Let's book her." He said, climbing into the car.
Aiyana watched Adsila as everyone began to load up to leave. She offered her a small, reassuring smile. You've got this. Adsila sniffles and wipes her tears away as they fall, "I love you," She mouths back to Aiyana. She'll get her parents involved asap, explain the situation and get some help. She watches the car drive away before turning to walk inside, she closes the door and picks up her phone so she can tearfully call Carl. It's going to be a very, very long night.