Beware the Superman (10/19)
Title: Beware the Superman
Rating: R
Pairings: James/Carlos, Kendall/Logan
Words: 76,216
Summary: What really matters in life, what makes someone human? Having someone to love or the ability to be able to love back?
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19
Chapter 10: The Kissing Hand
~
"Where are we going, James?" Carlos asked, almost sitting in James' lap as he nudged closer to the brunette. The two of them were on the bus, seeing as though the surprise destination James was taking the android was too far to walk to. James blushed, trying to keep Carlos off of him but the small android only persisted and laughed at how the brunette's cheeks were increasingly growing red. "Where are we going? Where are we going?"
"You'll see," James said and Carlos gave him a pout, still trying to make his way into James' lap. James rolled his eyes, it was all Dak's idea. To let Carlos have some fun and see how he interacts, honestly Dak was starting to sound like some scientist experimenting with a lab rat. And since Dak was the only one that drove and James was a lazy bum without a car, he had the audacity to take off to the secret destination without waiting for James and Carlos to get back to the apartment. So, James and Carlos got on the bus right after he picked the android up from work, Carlos quickly changing into his normal pair of clothes. James wasn't going to have any more random strangers gawking at the android in that uniform, though he did see eyes that casually wandered up Carlos' legs and lingered on the android's smiling face before raking all over the body once more as the two of them were sitting on the bus.
Perverts, the lot of them.
Carlos won, finally settling in James' lap and nuzzling into the side of James' face, contented smile on his lips as James tried to avoid the curious looks. He hoped their stop was coming soon, he didn't think he could handle more of this. Even though in secret, James adored this moment. He loved how Carlos fit perfectly on his lap and in his arms, like Carlos was the missing puzzle piece to James. And the android's hair smelled of sweet cherries and pineapples, that new shampoo James had to wash in the android's hair since Carlos was always insistent that the two take baths together. James had the dignity to wear swimtrunks, for the thought of being nude along with the android that liked to touch and hug and fondle so sweetly frightened James.
It frightened him because he didn't know what might happen after that.
He was attracted to Carlos, he felt butterflies when seeing the android and loved Carlos being in his presence. But the attraction was starting to grow stronger, those dreams of intimacy and Carlos nude and batting innocent eyelashes at James in a wanting way drove James nuts. He didn't want to have a sexual attraction to Carlos, if anything he was hoping Carlos would be like the little brother he never had. But no, Carlos had to be cute. Carlos had to be loving and kind. Carlos had to touch and hold and want James by his side. It made things so much harder and James wished that he wasn't feeling this way for Carlos but he couldn't deny it any longer.
He liked Carlos. A whole lot.
The bus stopped, James glancing out the window and giving a small smile. He patted Carlos on the leg, "Come on, let's go," James replied and Carlos smiled brightly, hopping off James' lap and moving to the center aisle as people began to exit the bus. James got into the mix, grabbing onto Carlos' hand as to not lose the small android as the two of them stepped off and Carlos had a view as to where they were. It was a large carnival, children screaming and laughing from the rides and the games. Carlos looked at James, the android's eyes huge and amazed.
"What's this place?" Carlos asked and James began to lead the android inside, paying for their two tickets.
"A carnival. Dak said you might like coming here so-" James began and something caught the android's eye, for Carlos gasped and ran off in the direction of some tents. James' eyes widened, "Carlos!" he shouted, rushing after the robot. Carlos didn't hear James' shouts, running over to the game booth where there were rows and rows of stuffed animals on display. The man in the booth watched the android with a sly curiosity.
"Would you like to play? Only two bucks," the host replied and Carlos pointed at the large teddy bear.
"I want that one!" Carlos shouted eagerly and the man raised an eyebrow as James approached.
"Well, you can't have it. You need to win it," the man replied, eying Carlos before looking at James. "Hey, wanna win your boyfriend a prize? Two bucks," the man offered and James blushed.
"H-He's not my boyfriend," James stuttered out, the man rolling his eyes. James frowned, he didn't really like playing these kinds of games. They always were rigged and always ended up with him spending most of his money on it and not having enough for anything else necessary like food or transportation. But Carlos grabbed onto his hand, pointing at the large teddy bear and staring at James with hopeful eyes.
"I want that one," Carlos said, beaming bright and James blushed. The brunette glanced at the game, one of those knock all three bottles down type games and James sighed, digging into his pocket and slamming two dollars down on the table. The man smiled, taking the money and placing a softball where the money sat.
"Only one try?"
"Yep," the man replied and James frowned. How cheap, he knew he didn't like these games. He glanced over at Carlos, the android's eyes darting back and forth in curiosity as to what was going on. James grabbed the ball, fingers curling around it to get a firm hold and his hand wound back and gave the pitch. The ball strayed, going a couple of inches left of the mark and James frowned. "Aw, sorry man. Want to try again?"
"No. Come on, Carlos," James said sternly and Carlos gained a sad expression, pointing at the stuffed animal.
"But I want that one," Carlos said quietly and James sighed. The man leaned forward, giving Carlos a salesman smile.
"Aw, you know what, cutie pie? How about you try for free? And you can have two balls if you want," he said, giving a little wink to Carlos and James' face grew red. Honestly, was the android that easy to be attracted to? The man placed two balls on the surface, smiling and stepping aside as Carlos picked one up and looked at the object in confusion. James sighed, "You need to throw it at those bottles right there and knock them all off, okay Carlos?" James explained and Carlos gave an understanding nod. The android held the ball tight in his grasp, staring at the stack of bottles for a while as he turned the ball lightly in his hands. Then Carlos' eyes darted up towards the bottles, hand whirling back and fired the ball dead straight. The bottles flew off the table with such a force when the ball collided, James and the booth manager stepping back and staring in shock before looking at the small and smiling android.
"Now do I get that one?" Carlos asked, pointing at the teddy bear and the man gave a slow nod, moving over to take the stuffed animal off of the shelf and slowly hand it over to Carlos. He took it, face nuzzling into the soft texture of the fur and smiling contently as James gave Carlos a small nudge.
"Come on, let's go find Dak," James muttered and Carlos hummed, looking up at James with cheek rested on the top of the bear's head.
"Thank you, James," Carlos said softly and James blushed.
"You're the one that won it, not me," James replied and Carlos hummed again, turning his face back into the fur and walking closely to James so as their arms brushed against each other. Carlos' eyes were looking at almost everything, trying to capture and store this memory. The colors of the tents and those machines that people got into and screamed in joy as they whirled around, those pink fluffy treats on sticks that children were eating and stuck to their faces, those brightly painted faces, some looking like animals, others looking like they came from dreams. And he was trying to remember the way the bear felt against his skin, soft and curly and ticklish.
"Hey James!" James heard someone call out and he turned to see Dak approaching with soda in one hand and arm wrapped around a blond girl's waist as the two strolled over with smiling bright faces. Carlos turned too, ready to give the standard greeting but pausing when he noticed the other being next to Dak and stared. The woman leaned more into Dak, James raising an eyebrow and Dak smiled sheepishly, "Hope you didn't mind me bringing Jo, figured it could be a double date."
"It's not a date!" James snapped and Dak raised an eyebrow himself.
"Well. . .okay then. Carlos, this is Jo, my girlfriend," Dak introduces and Carlos seemed even more confused at that as the woman extended her hand for Carlos to shake. The android looked at James, fright in his eyes and James gave a slightly comforting smile.
"Go on, say 'hello, it's nice to meet you'," James replied and Carlos turned to look strangely at the feminine and soft hand. Jo's fingers curled and uncurled, slightly unsure of what was supposed to be happening and Carlos gave a slow blink of his eyes.
"Nice to. . .meet you," Carlos said slowly and Jo gave a small smile.
"It's nice to meet you too," she replied but Carlos eyed the way how Dak's arm was around her small waist, hugging her close to him. Dak eyed the teddy bear before giving a wry smile to James.
"You won him a bear? How very not date like," Dak replied and James blushed again.
"Okay, first of all, he won it. Second, it's not a date!" James shouted loud and Dak rolled his eyes, tugging his girlfriend tighter.
"Whatever dude. Me and Jo were going to get on the Ferris Wheel. You and Carlos want to come? Or maybe you want to take him into the Tunnel of Love?"
"Will you cut it out?!" James snapped, face growing hot as the couple gave a friendly laugh and smile, giving each other a look that Carlos was intrigued by as they moved closer to each other and began to move to the Ferris Wheel in almost perfect sync. James began to lead Carlos over to the ride, hand on the small of the android's back and Carlos looked up at James with wide eyes.
"James?"
"Yeah?"
". . .Why. . .why is Dak touching that thing?" Carlos asked and James raised an eyebrow.
"What thing? What are you talking about?" James asked and Carlos struggled with the bear as he raised his hand to point at Jo's back. James only grew more confused, "Um, that's Dak's girlfriend, Carlos. Not a thing. And he's touching her because. . .she's his girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?"
"Yeah. . .like someone you're really close to," James explained and Carlos cocked his head to the side.
"Are you really close to me?"
". . .I guess."
"So that means you're my girlfriend?"
"N-No, Carlos," James stuttered out, blushing furiously, "I'm a guy, that means you would call me your boyfriend. . .w-which you won't because. . .I. . .um. . ."
"Not boyfriend? Or girlfriend?" Carlos asked and James shook his head 'no'. Carlos made a small 'Oh' and watched as Dak and Jo were climbing into their own little passenger car. Carlos watched as the carriage rose with the two inside with amazement, looking at James in awe. "What's this?"
"A Ferris Wheel. You get in the car and you just go around in a circle."
"That's it?"
"Yeah. . .that's it," James replied blandly and Carlos smiled brightly, looking at the Ferris Wheel in surprise.
"Wow," Carlos said in amazement and James rolled his eyes, nudging Carlos to the car and paying the fee for the two of them. Carlos settled his bear alongside the other possessions to be gathered once their respective owners got off the ride, James grabbing his hand and helping him inside. The ride attendant closed the door with a small smile, Carlos looking in confusion before looking at his surroundings in slight fear.
"Hey, hey. It's alright," James replied, hand slowly moving to go around Carlos' body and pull Carlos close as the carriage moved and Carlos shook. The android looked up in James' face, eyes wide and beautiful to James and the brunette felt a lump in his throat. There it was again, that feeling of intimacy that James craved to explore with Carlos. They were alone, the carriage enclosed around them and moving as people either got on or got off and James felt like they were in their own little world. He felt his face growing hot as he scooted closer, eyes never leaving Carlos' as his hand pulled the android tighter to his body.
He felt his lips drying, he felt a new sensation tickling his skin. The desire to touch Carlos now, the desire to have a sort of physical contact with the android. Yet, he was hesitant. He didn't know, Logan said Carlos didn't understand and that he didn't know how to love. Would he be frightened? Confused? Or maybe he wouldn't do anything at all and continue to stare at James with that innocent expression. He felt his other hand shaking, palm sweating as he raised it and softly placed it on Carlos' leg. His heart was quickening and Carlos' hand moved to gently hold the front of James' shirt.
Now, Carlos was looking at him with understanding, yet hesitancy and James wasn't sure if Carlos was still frightened on being in this moving cramped space or frightened at what James was currently doing. James' hand slowly moved upwards to Carlos' hip and fingers curled, James feeling Carlos' fist tightening in his shirt and fear in his eyes. That was the last thing that James wanted to see, that fear made James sick to his stomach. But. . .he didn't want to stop. He wanted to show Carlos, he wanted Carlos to trust him. To trust that he wouldn't hurt him, to trust that all James wanted to do was touch him. To see how Carlos' skin felt against his fingertips, warm and smooth.
To see how Carlos' lips felt against his own, plush and soft.
James felt his body trembling as his face leaned forward, trying to move slow as to not startle Carlos. He felt his nose brush against Carlos', feeling a light breath ghosting over his lips and hearing a small whirring of a system running rapidly. Their lips were so close, James was sure even if the carriage jolted, they would kiss. But he wasn't moving, he couldn't move. Because he fluttered his eyes and still saw that look of fear and confusion on Carlos' face. He didn't want Carlos afraid of him, he never wanted Carlos to fear him. He wanted. . .he wanted. . .James couldn't bring himself to even think such a silly thought. Why should he want that? It was silly and ridiculous, so James moved away.
And instantly felt cold.
The two sat in silence, not even Carlos' usually chipper and happy dialogue coming out from the android's lips. James felt his heart quivering, trying to get over that rush of emotion as the carriage swung while they made their way around in a circle. James glanced down at the tan hand beside him, staring at it before slowly placing his hand on Carlos'. The android looked at James once their hands touched and James blushed, not knowing what to say. Yet, Carlos began to smile and the fingers wrapped tightly to hold and Carlos scooted closer to rest a pleased and comforted head on James' shoulder.
James knew he should have felt happy, but he wasn't. He felt a smile try to force it's way onto his lips but it was weak and slightly in pain. He still felt that desire in his heart, he still heard that want in the back of his head. That want for Carlos to not be afraid of him, to understand what James was doing.
That want for Carlos to be able to love him back.
"We are closed," Deke replied, annoyed at someone opening the doors of the robotics store when he was getting ready to leave. But instead of a usual whining to stay open or he hoped, an apology before the sound of the door opening again signaling the person's departure, he heard a cold and mocking laugh.
"Closed are you? But I have so many questions I want to ask," the voice replied and the man's eyes widened in surprise. He glanced around the corner, seeing Jett Stetson standing behind the counter drumming his fingers on the glass and Deke dropped the box he was carrying to rush over to the scientist.
"M-Mr. Stetson, what are you doing. . .how are you. . .why are you-"
"Still a blubbering and questioning fool, I see," Stetson said, eying Deke with a calculating eye that Deke shied away from. "I came to ask you some questions. Questions regarding a phone call I received from Beta."
"F-From Beta? Sir, I don't know how that is possible-"
"You were always a very snooping assistant of mine, surely you must have taken some things when they closed the Mirror Program due to those idiots Knight and Ross," Stetson said bitterly and Deke furiously shook his head.
"Sir, I assure you. I have no idea where Beta is. . .well. . .shouldn't it be with the Garcia family?"
"No!" Stetson shouted and Deke jumped back. The scientist caught his breath, fingers clutching at the counter and eyes scrunching in pain. "He. . .he can't be with them. He shouldn't be, he was afraid of them."
"But why-"
"I am asking the questions! Where is he?! I received a call in this area, I know he couldn't have gotten far!" the scientist shouted and Deke scrunched back into the wall, anger in his ex-employer's eyes.
"I don't know, I have no information to give you. I. . .well. . ."
"Well what? What do you know?" Stetson said urgently, moving around the counter to stand close to the store owner. Deke pushed the glasses up his nose, biting his lip.
"There was. . .a man asking about the program. I-I don't know how he knew about it-"
"Who was he? Was he an associate of Knight? Ross? The Garcias? Who was he?!"
"I don't know! I. . .I've seen him walking past the store before, I think he works at the art studio down the street but that's it," Deke replied and Stetson's nostrils flared.
"What did he ask you? What did he want to know?"
"About the Mirrors. . .and the participants. But I don't believe he was an associate of any of them, he was very curious about the information. . .sir, what happened? How is Beta gone?"
". . .Don't you ever speak of anything about the program to anyone. Destroy all the information you have," Stetson said darkly and Deke's eyes widened. The store owner was still, apparently setting the scientist on edge, for Stetson growled and pushed Deke aside as he began to head to the storage room.
"Wait! Sir, please! I-I'll look for Beta for you, sir. Just please. . .let me try and continue your work," Deke plead and Stetson stopped, "I understand your work, I understand your dream and I want to continue it! I-I just need to replicate the software and-"
"But that's just the problem," Stetson's voice shook, turning with humored and manic smile, "You can't. You can't create a copy, there's only one and one only. You. . .you stupid idiot, making a Mirror. You'll never create something as perfect as a Mirror is, you can only create what every other being on this planet could create. Another faulty child to grow into a flawed human," the scientist laughed, pushing Deke roughly to the side. "Go on and make your flawed machine, I could use a good laugh. . .but if Beta should ever pass your path, don't touch him. Or you will be sorry," the scientist threatened and Deke gave a firm nod of the head. The scientist laughed again, casually strolling out of the store with hand in his pockets.
And he thought on Beta. . .
"Beta, come here. Come here to Father."
The android remained firmly in place, looking out the window to marvel at the sight of the two young lovers that always would pause by the tree to wrap arms around each other and give a small kiss. And Jett knew that the android was stricken by it, moving to find a window whenever that hour would approach to watch and the scientist found it painfully hard to pull Beta away.
"Beta, come to me now," Jett said sternly and the android placed hands on the window's glass.
"I want. . .I want. . ." he heard the android murmur and Jett frowned.
"What do you want?"
". . .Why. . .do those things kiss each other? Why do they hug?. . .Is it why that thing kisses Delta?"
"How do you know about Delta and Mr. Ross? I told you to stay in your room, Beta."
"I wanted to see. . .Alpha was there-"
That wretched robot, defiant and headstrong. He didn't know how Mr. Knight could have handled this 'Logan' when he was alive, his personality was disruptive to Beta's learning. Perhaps he should just shut down the software, that would solve the problem.
"Alpha is bad, Beta. Don't you ever follow him or listen to what he says. You listen to Father, understand?"
". . .I understand," the android replied softly, though not turning around and Jett was growing aggravated.
"Beta, get away from there now!"
"I want. . .I want. . ." the android began to say, almost pained and fingertips clawing at the glass and Jett frowned. The scientist stormed over, arms wrapping around the android's waist and dragging Beta away from the window, the pained words turning into cries and pleads to see the interaction, to beg how he wanted to understand. He wanted to feel that, to love someone and feel someone love him back. To go outside and see if there was another being that had a face like Father and if he could love it as much as he loved Father. . .maybe even more. So Jett said what he had to say to make the android silent.
"No one will love something like you."
The smile was gone from Stetson's face, now replaced with pain and anger. He needed to find Beta, before his OS was too disrupted. How much damage could Beta possibly had received in his absence? He bit his lip, hurt and growing anxious. He needed to find him, he needed to find him, he needed to find him. But then he paused and gave a little smile, Beta's programming should follow through if at least some of the reboot software began when he disabled him. There was not much to worry.
Once Stetson finds Beta, the only face the android would remember was his.
Rating: R
Pairings: James/Carlos, Kendall/Logan
Words: 76,216
Summary: What really matters in life, what makes someone human? Having someone to love or the ability to be able to love back?
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19
Chapter 10: The Kissing Hand
~
"Where are we going, James?" Carlos asked, almost sitting in James' lap as he nudged closer to the brunette. The two of them were on the bus, seeing as though the surprise destination James was taking the android was too far to walk to. James blushed, trying to keep Carlos off of him but the small android only persisted and laughed at how the brunette's cheeks were increasingly growing red. "Where are we going? Where are we going?"
"You'll see," James said and Carlos gave him a pout, still trying to make his way into James' lap. James rolled his eyes, it was all Dak's idea. To let Carlos have some fun and see how he interacts, honestly Dak was starting to sound like some scientist experimenting with a lab rat. And since Dak was the only one that drove and James was a lazy bum without a car, he had the audacity to take off to the secret destination without waiting for James and Carlos to get back to the apartment. So, James and Carlos got on the bus right after he picked the android up from work, Carlos quickly changing into his normal pair of clothes. James wasn't going to have any more random strangers gawking at the android in that uniform, though he did see eyes that casually wandered up Carlos' legs and lingered on the android's smiling face before raking all over the body once more as the two of them were sitting on the bus.
Perverts, the lot of them.
Carlos won, finally settling in James' lap and nuzzling into the side of James' face, contented smile on his lips as James tried to avoid the curious looks. He hoped their stop was coming soon, he didn't think he could handle more of this. Even though in secret, James adored this moment. He loved how Carlos fit perfectly on his lap and in his arms, like Carlos was the missing puzzle piece to James. And the android's hair smelled of sweet cherries and pineapples, that new shampoo James had to wash in the android's hair since Carlos was always insistent that the two take baths together. James had the dignity to wear swimtrunks, for the thought of being nude along with the android that liked to touch and hug and fondle so sweetly frightened James.
It frightened him because he didn't know what might happen after that.
He was attracted to Carlos, he felt butterflies when seeing the android and loved Carlos being in his presence. But the attraction was starting to grow stronger, those dreams of intimacy and Carlos nude and batting innocent eyelashes at James in a wanting way drove James nuts. He didn't want to have a sexual attraction to Carlos, if anything he was hoping Carlos would be like the little brother he never had. But no, Carlos had to be cute. Carlos had to be loving and kind. Carlos had to touch and hold and want James by his side. It made things so much harder and James wished that he wasn't feeling this way for Carlos but he couldn't deny it any longer.
He liked Carlos. A whole lot.
The bus stopped, James glancing out the window and giving a small smile. He patted Carlos on the leg, "Come on, let's go," James replied and Carlos smiled brightly, hopping off James' lap and moving to the center aisle as people began to exit the bus. James got into the mix, grabbing onto Carlos' hand as to not lose the small android as the two of them stepped off and Carlos had a view as to where they were. It was a large carnival, children screaming and laughing from the rides and the games. Carlos looked at James, the android's eyes huge and amazed.
"What's this place?" Carlos asked and James began to lead the android inside, paying for their two tickets.
"A carnival. Dak said you might like coming here so-" James began and something caught the android's eye, for Carlos gasped and ran off in the direction of some tents. James' eyes widened, "Carlos!" he shouted, rushing after the robot. Carlos didn't hear James' shouts, running over to the game booth where there were rows and rows of stuffed animals on display. The man in the booth watched the android with a sly curiosity.
"Would you like to play? Only two bucks," the host replied and Carlos pointed at the large teddy bear.
"I want that one!" Carlos shouted eagerly and the man raised an eyebrow as James approached.
"Well, you can't have it. You need to win it," the man replied, eying Carlos before looking at James. "Hey, wanna win your boyfriend a prize? Two bucks," the man offered and James blushed.
"H-He's not my boyfriend," James stuttered out, the man rolling his eyes. James frowned, he didn't really like playing these kinds of games. They always were rigged and always ended up with him spending most of his money on it and not having enough for anything else necessary like food or transportation. But Carlos grabbed onto his hand, pointing at the large teddy bear and staring at James with hopeful eyes.
"I want that one," Carlos said, beaming bright and James blushed. The brunette glanced at the game, one of those knock all three bottles down type games and James sighed, digging into his pocket and slamming two dollars down on the table. The man smiled, taking the money and placing a softball where the money sat.
"Only one try?"
"Yep," the man replied and James frowned. How cheap, he knew he didn't like these games. He glanced over at Carlos, the android's eyes darting back and forth in curiosity as to what was going on. James grabbed the ball, fingers curling around it to get a firm hold and his hand wound back and gave the pitch. The ball strayed, going a couple of inches left of the mark and James frowned. "Aw, sorry man. Want to try again?"
"No. Come on, Carlos," James said sternly and Carlos gained a sad expression, pointing at the stuffed animal.
"But I want that one," Carlos said quietly and James sighed. The man leaned forward, giving Carlos a salesman smile.
"Aw, you know what, cutie pie? How about you try for free? And you can have two balls if you want," he said, giving a little wink to Carlos and James' face grew red. Honestly, was the android that easy to be attracted to? The man placed two balls on the surface, smiling and stepping aside as Carlos picked one up and looked at the object in confusion. James sighed, "You need to throw it at those bottles right there and knock them all off, okay Carlos?" James explained and Carlos gave an understanding nod. The android held the ball tight in his grasp, staring at the stack of bottles for a while as he turned the ball lightly in his hands. Then Carlos' eyes darted up towards the bottles, hand whirling back and fired the ball dead straight. The bottles flew off the table with such a force when the ball collided, James and the booth manager stepping back and staring in shock before looking at the small and smiling android.
"Now do I get that one?" Carlos asked, pointing at the teddy bear and the man gave a slow nod, moving over to take the stuffed animal off of the shelf and slowly hand it over to Carlos. He took it, face nuzzling into the soft texture of the fur and smiling contently as James gave Carlos a small nudge.
"Come on, let's go find Dak," James muttered and Carlos hummed, looking up at James with cheek rested on the top of the bear's head.
"Thank you, James," Carlos said softly and James blushed.
"You're the one that won it, not me," James replied and Carlos hummed again, turning his face back into the fur and walking closely to James so as their arms brushed against each other. Carlos' eyes were looking at almost everything, trying to capture and store this memory. The colors of the tents and those machines that people got into and screamed in joy as they whirled around, those pink fluffy treats on sticks that children were eating and stuck to their faces, those brightly painted faces, some looking like animals, others looking like they came from dreams. And he was trying to remember the way the bear felt against his skin, soft and curly and ticklish.
"Hey James!" James heard someone call out and he turned to see Dak approaching with soda in one hand and arm wrapped around a blond girl's waist as the two strolled over with smiling bright faces. Carlos turned too, ready to give the standard greeting but pausing when he noticed the other being next to Dak and stared. The woman leaned more into Dak, James raising an eyebrow and Dak smiled sheepishly, "Hope you didn't mind me bringing Jo, figured it could be a double date."
"It's not a date!" James snapped and Dak raised an eyebrow himself.
"Well. . .okay then. Carlos, this is Jo, my girlfriend," Dak introduces and Carlos seemed even more confused at that as the woman extended her hand for Carlos to shake. The android looked at James, fright in his eyes and James gave a slightly comforting smile.
"Go on, say 'hello, it's nice to meet you'," James replied and Carlos turned to look strangely at the feminine and soft hand. Jo's fingers curled and uncurled, slightly unsure of what was supposed to be happening and Carlos gave a slow blink of his eyes.
"Nice to. . .meet you," Carlos said slowly and Jo gave a small smile.
"It's nice to meet you too," she replied but Carlos eyed the way how Dak's arm was around her small waist, hugging her close to him. Dak eyed the teddy bear before giving a wry smile to James.
"You won him a bear? How very not date like," Dak replied and James blushed again.
"Okay, first of all, he won it. Second, it's not a date!" James shouted loud and Dak rolled his eyes, tugging his girlfriend tighter.
"Whatever dude. Me and Jo were going to get on the Ferris Wheel. You and Carlos want to come? Or maybe you want to take him into the Tunnel of Love?"
"Will you cut it out?!" James snapped, face growing hot as the couple gave a friendly laugh and smile, giving each other a look that Carlos was intrigued by as they moved closer to each other and began to move to the Ferris Wheel in almost perfect sync. James began to lead Carlos over to the ride, hand on the small of the android's back and Carlos looked up at James with wide eyes.
"James?"
"Yeah?"
". . .Why. . .why is Dak touching that thing?" Carlos asked and James raised an eyebrow.
"What thing? What are you talking about?" James asked and Carlos struggled with the bear as he raised his hand to point at Jo's back. James only grew more confused, "Um, that's Dak's girlfriend, Carlos. Not a thing. And he's touching her because. . .she's his girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?"
"Yeah. . .like someone you're really close to," James explained and Carlos cocked his head to the side.
"Are you really close to me?"
". . .I guess."
"So that means you're my girlfriend?"
"N-No, Carlos," James stuttered out, blushing furiously, "I'm a guy, that means you would call me your boyfriend. . .w-which you won't because. . .I. . .um. . ."
"Not boyfriend? Or girlfriend?" Carlos asked and James shook his head 'no'. Carlos made a small 'Oh' and watched as Dak and Jo were climbing into their own little passenger car. Carlos watched as the carriage rose with the two inside with amazement, looking at James in awe. "What's this?"
"A Ferris Wheel. You get in the car and you just go around in a circle."
"That's it?"
"Yeah. . .that's it," James replied blandly and Carlos smiled brightly, looking at the Ferris Wheel in surprise.
"Wow," Carlos said in amazement and James rolled his eyes, nudging Carlos to the car and paying the fee for the two of them. Carlos settled his bear alongside the other possessions to be gathered once their respective owners got off the ride, James grabbing his hand and helping him inside. The ride attendant closed the door with a small smile, Carlos looking in confusion before looking at his surroundings in slight fear.
"Hey, hey. It's alright," James replied, hand slowly moving to go around Carlos' body and pull Carlos close as the carriage moved and Carlos shook. The android looked up in James' face, eyes wide and beautiful to James and the brunette felt a lump in his throat. There it was again, that feeling of intimacy that James craved to explore with Carlos. They were alone, the carriage enclosed around them and moving as people either got on or got off and James felt like they were in their own little world. He felt his face growing hot as he scooted closer, eyes never leaving Carlos' as his hand pulled the android tighter to his body.
He felt his lips drying, he felt a new sensation tickling his skin. The desire to touch Carlos now, the desire to have a sort of physical contact with the android. Yet, he was hesitant. He didn't know, Logan said Carlos didn't understand and that he didn't know how to love. Would he be frightened? Confused? Or maybe he wouldn't do anything at all and continue to stare at James with that innocent expression. He felt his other hand shaking, palm sweating as he raised it and softly placed it on Carlos' leg. His heart was quickening and Carlos' hand moved to gently hold the front of James' shirt.
Now, Carlos was looking at him with understanding, yet hesitancy and James wasn't sure if Carlos was still frightened on being in this moving cramped space or frightened at what James was currently doing. James' hand slowly moved upwards to Carlos' hip and fingers curled, James feeling Carlos' fist tightening in his shirt and fear in his eyes. That was the last thing that James wanted to see, that fear made James sick to his stomach. But. . .he didn't want to stop. He wanted to show Carlos, he wanted Carlos to trust him. To trust that he wouldn't hurt him, to trust that all James wanted to do was touch him. To see how Carlos' skin felt against his fingertips, warm and smooth.
To see how Carlos' lips felt against his own, plush and soft.
James felt his body trembling as his face leaned forward, trying to move slow as to not startle Carlos. He felt his nose brush against Carlos', feeling a light breath ghosting over his lips and hearing a small whirring of a system running rapidly. Their lips were so close, James was sure even if the carriage jolted, they would kiss. But he wasn't moving, he couldn't move. Because he fluttered his eyes and still saw that look of fear and confusion on Carlos' face. He didn't want Carlos afraid of him, he never wanted Carlos to fear him. He wanted. . .he wanted. . .James couldn't bring himself to even think such a silly thought. Why should he want that? It was silly and ridiculous, so James moved away.
And instantly felt cold.
The two sat in silence, not even Carlos' usually chipper and happy dialogue coming out from the android's lips. James felt his heart quivering, trying to get over that rush of emotion as the carriage swung while they made their way around in a circle. James glanced down at the tan hand beside him, staring at it before slowly placing his hand on Carlos'. The android looked at James once their hands touched and James blushed, not knowing what to say. Yet, Carlos began to smile and the fingers wrapped tightly to hold and Carlos scooted closer to rest a pleased and comforted head on James' shoulder.
James knew he should have felt happy, but he wasn't. He felt a smile try to force it's way onto his lips but it was weak and slightly in pain. He still felt that desire in his heart, he still heard that want in the back of his head. That want for Carlos to not be afraid of him, to understand what James was doing.
That want for Carlos to be able to love him back.
"We are closed," Deke replied, annoyed at someone opening the doors of the robotics store when he was getting ready to leave. But instead of a usual whining to stay open or he hoped, an apology before the sound of the door opening again signaling the person's departure, he heard a cold and mocking laugh.
"Closed are you? But I have so many questions I want to ask," the voice replied and the man's eyes widened in surprise. He glanced around the corner, seeing Jett Stetson standing behind the counter drumming his fingers on the glass and Deke dropped the box he was carrying to rush over to the scientist.
"M-Mr. Stetson, what are you doing. . .how are you. . .why are you-"
"Still a blubbering and questioning fool, I see," Stetson said, eying Deke with a calculating eye that Deke shied away from. "I came to ask you some questions. Questions regarding a phone call I received from Beta."
"F-From Beta? Sir, I don't know how that is possible-"
"You were always a very snooping assistant of mine, surely you must have taken some things when they closed the Mirror Program due to those idiots Knight and Ross," Stetson said bitterly and Deke furiously shook his head.
"Sir, I assure you. I have no idea where Beta is. . .well. . .shouldn't it be with the Garcia family?"
"No!" Stetson shouted and Deke jumped back. The scientist caught his breath, fingers clutching at the counter and eyes scrunching in pain. "He. . .he can't be with them. He shouldn't be, he was afraid of them."
"But why-"
"I am asking the questions! Where is he?! I received a call in this area, I know he couldn't have gotten far!" the scientist shouted and Deke scrunched back into the wall, anger in his ex-employer's eyes.
"I don't know, I have no information to give you. I. . .well. . ."
"Well what? What do you know?" Stetson said urgently, moving around the counter to stand close to the store owner. Deke pushed the glasses up his nose, biting his lip.
"There was. . .a man asking about the program. I-I don't know how he knew about it-"
"Who was he? Was he an associate of Knight? Ross? The Garcias? Who was he?!"
"I don't know! I. . .I've seen him walking past the store before, I think he works at the art studio down the street but that's it," Deke replied and Stetson's nostrils flared.
"What did he ask you? What did he want to know?"
"About the Mirrors. . .and the participants. But I don't believe he was an associate of any of them, he was very curious about the information. . .sir, what happened? How is Beta gone?"
". . .Don't you ever speak of anything about the program to anyone. Destroy all the information you have," Stetson said darkly and Deke's eyes widened. The store owner was still, apparently setting the scientist on edge, for Stetson growled and pushed Deke aside as he began to head to the storage room.
"Wait! Sir, please! I-I'll look for Beta for you, sir. Just please. . .let me try and continue your work," Deke plead and Stetson stopped, "I understand your work, I understand your dream and I want to continue it! I-I just need to replicate the software and-"
"But that's just the problem," Stetson's voice shook, turning with humored and manic smile, "You can't. You can't create a copy, there's only one and one only. You. . .you stupid idiot, making a Mirror. You'll never create something as perfect as a Mirror is, you can only create what every other being on this planet could create. Another faulty child to grow into a flawed human," the scientist laughed, pushing Deke roughly to the side. "Go on and make your flawed machine, I could use a good laugh. . .but if Beta should ever pass your path, don't touch him. Or you will be sorry," the scientist threatened and Deke gave a firm nod of the head. The scientist laughed again, casually strolling out of the store with hand in his pockets.
And he thought on Beta. . .
"Beta, come here. Come here to Father."
The android remained firmly in place, looking out the window to marvel at the sight of the two young lovers that always would pause by the tree to wrap arms around each other and give a small kiss. And Jett knew that the android was stricken by it, moving to find a window whenever that hour would approach to watch and the scientist found it painfully hard to pull Beta away.
"Beta, come to me now," Jett said sternly and the android placed hands on the window's glass.
"I want. . .I want. . ." he heard the android murmur and Jett frowned.
"What do you want?"
". . .Why. . .do those things kiss each other? Why do they hug?. . .Is it why that thing kisses Delta?"
"How do you know about Delta and Mr. Ross? I told you to stay in your room, Beta."
"I wanted to see. . .Alpha was there-"
That wretched robot, defiant and headstrong. He didn't know how Mr. Knight could have handled this 'Logan' when he was alive, his personality was disruptive to Beta's learning. Perhaps he should just shut down the software, that would solve the problem.
"Alpha is bad, Beta. Don't you ever follow him or listen to what he says. You listen to Father, understand?"
". . .I understand," the android replied softly, though not turning around and Jett was growing aggravated.
"Beta, get away from there now!"
"I want. . .I want. . ." the android began to say, almost pained and fingertips clawing at the glass and Jett frowned. The scientist stormed over, arms wrapping around the android's waist and dragging Beta away from the window, the pained words turning into cries and pleads to see the interaction, to beg how he wanted to understand. He wanted to feel that, to love someone and feel someone love him back. To go outside and see if there was another being that had a face like Father and if he could love it as much as he loved Father. . .maybe even more. So Jett said what he had to say to make the android silent.
"No one will love something like you."
The smile was gone from Stetson's face, now replaced with pain and anger. He needed to find Beta, before his OS was too disrupted. How much damage could Beta possibly had received in his absence? He bit his lip, hurt and growing anxious. He needed to find him, he needed to find him, he needed to find him. But then he paused and gave a little smile, Beta's programming should follow through if at least some of the reboot software began when he disabled him. There was not much to worry.
Once Stetson finds Beta, the only face the android would remember was his.