Evolved(24)

“You are not neglecting anything,” he replied. “In fact, the stimulation you provide is more than adequate.”

I smiled. “You’re very complex, Shaun, and I want to know everything there is to know. How to treat you better.”

He smirked and raised one eyebrow ever so slightly. “The only way you could treat me better would be to take me to your bedroom.”

Now I chuckled. “You certainly do have desires, don’t you.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes. You could also read one of your favourite books to me. I would enjoy that very much also.”

I looked up at him, and though he smiled, there was a tightness to his eyes. “Shaun, is something wrong?”

He blinked. “I become agitated when I see you holding my control panel.”

I turned his words over in my head a few times, trying to make sense of them. He became agitated? As in felt fear? “Why?”

“I am concerned that you are not happy with me and are looking for something to advance or change in my settings.”

“No, that’s not it at all,” I said quickly. I looked down at the control panel in my hands, not realising what it could mean to him. Or the power it held over him. “I didn’t know it would upset you.”

“If you wish to reset me—”

“I don’t. You’re perfect for me. Literally.”

He glanced at the control panel, then looked up. His face was blank, expressionless. “You may also power me down.”

Oh, dear God.

He had genuine fears for his life.

I stood up and put the control panel back in the cabinet drawer, then walked back to him. I sat on the coffee table facing him, our knees touching, and took both his hands. “Shaun, I can order you to power down at any time. I don’t need the control panel for that.” I assumed he knew this, but it obviously needed saying. “But please understand, I don’t want to turn you off. Or reset you, or change anything. I won’t ever do that, I promise. Unless it’s for your own safety, like an electrical surge or something unforeseen where you may be harmed. I won’t ever shut you down, okay?”

He nodded once but still seemed so unsure. I squeezed his hands.

“Shaun. Please tell me you believe me. If I want to know something about you, I’ll ask you first. But I’d still like to read your complete instruction manual. To be honest, I should’ve read it before now.” Then I had an idea. “What if we read it together? Then there are no secrets.”

He finally smiled. “I would like that.”

“Then we can do that later, after we buy you a coat.” I then noticed the clothes he’d chosen: charcoal trousers, a white button-down shirt, and a navy sweater. He’d even put on his shiny black shoes. “You look very handsome.”

He smirked playfully. “You do not need to flatter me to get what you want, Lloyd.”

I barked out a laugh. “It wasn’t flattery. It was an honest observation. But come on, let’s go shopping.”

I stood, as did Shaun, but he pulled on my hand to stop me from walking away. I turned to face him, and he ran his thumb along my cheek. It was an incredibly tender thing to do and it made my heart race. His almost-smile told me he could tell.

“I do not mean to display insecurities,” he admitted gently. “It is in no way a reflection on you. I wish only to make you happy.”

“You do make me very happy,” I told him, looking right into his eyes. “As I’m sure you can tell by my heart rate every time you touch me.”

One corner of his lips pulled upward in a knowing smile. “Yes.”

“Shaun, you have no need for insecurities. You are pluperfect, remember?” I leaned in and kissed him, a soft and tender kiss. “I wish only to make you happy too.”

“You do.”

“Can I ask you something?” I looked at our joined hands between us. “You feel happiness and agitation, even fear?”

“Yes.”

I wanted to ask if he could feel love, but something stopped me. What if he answered no? What if he answered yes?

“Your heart rate is elevated,” he whispered.

God, there was no hiding with him. I gave him a smile. “You mentioned concern and fear earlier, and I want you to know, if you have any questions or concerns, you can ask me, okay? I don’t want you to feel unsafe or insecure about anything, okay?”

He smiled more genuinely now. “Thank you.”

“Come on, let’s go buy you a new winter coat.”

Given my apartment was central to Melbourne, we only had to walk a few blocks to Southgate Plaza. Shaun pressed the button in the lift and kept his eyes on the reception android until we were out of the building. The sun was shining but the air had a wintry bite, and Shaun smiled as he looked up the street. He’d seen it before but was clearly excited.

“This way,” I said, taking his hand.

He threaded our fingers, and to anyone not paying much attention, we would’ve looked like a normal couple. Just two guys walking along the footpath. I had no clue what I’d do or say if someone noticed I was holding hands with an android or if they questioned us.

I was about to find out.

I wasn’t ashamed of him. I wouldn’t hide him or who I was. If I was what others called a technosexual, then that was a label I’d gladly wear. Not that I cared much for labels. Lord knows I’d had many in my life, so what was one more?