#hacker hack hacks reprogrammed reprogram reprogramming

ANDROID J05HU9 AND THE HACKER

You haven't lived your whole life in the city of Chroma Nexion. Your life started out very differently than it is now. Your childhood was the stuff of dreams. You grew up in a luxurious city away from this neon hell city has become. You were raised with a silver spoon in your mouth. Your father worked at a bank that handled money for huge companies like FleXeon. Everything shifted when you were freshly seventeen, after a late night at business dinner you lost both your parents in a tragic car accident.

That night shifted everything for you. The house you had grown up in left you feeling haunted. Selling it was the only way you could escape the ghost of your past.

Taking the bullet train to Chroma Nexion changed your life. You realized with the money from your inheritance and your excellent programming skills, you had the ability to never work a mundane regular job.

Meeting Seungcheol made you realize that you could hack just about anything. He took you under his wing and you joined the team that he’s made. You learned Seungcheol had one goal in life, it was to rob the rich and give to people who truly needed the money.

On one of his missions you snuck into a tech corporation. In the basement you were searching around with Wonwoo. You found an android who looked to be a test robot of some sort. With Wonwoo's help, you brought the android to your home that night.

The side of his neck had "J05HU9" tattooed on his human-like skin. It took you two days to fully reprogram him and get him up and running.

Joshua is probably the greatest thing you've ever programmed. From the moment he rebooted you instantly had a connection with your new android.

CYBER SEX

The neon turquoise glow radiates off his pristine skin. You wish you could thank the engineer who crafted him for making him look this beautiful.

Seungcheol has you out a couple blocks down from the FleXeon lab. You're sitting at a computer in the back of a van that Seungcheol set up and Joshua is playing look out with Wonwoo. You've been looking into the FleXeon server nonstop, trying to find errors in their security programming. Seungcheol's goal is to bring down and expose FleXeon and their CEO for their creation of Lavender Haze, and their legal ways of acquiring money.

Whoever designed their security programming is good. Everything is well protected, and their files are fully encrypted. You lucked out and found a kink in their almost impenetrable armor. You were able to access a pretty high up employees’ emails. Sorting through them, you found employee identification information and mentions of blue dust and lavender haze. Reaching into your bag you grab the drive Seungcheol gave you.

You start uploading everything as quickly as possible. Being so close to the FleXeon building you know they have a security sweep in about five more minutes.

Tapping your fingers you watch as the data transfers. The moment it's finished, you hit the door of the van twice. The driver side opens and Wonwoo jumps in. The back door slides open and Joshua joins you in the back.

"Did you get it?" Wonwoo asks.

"Yeah."

"Good job, Starry." It's rare these days for anyone to call you by your actual name. You have a birth on your shoulder that looks like a star, which led to mostly everyone calling you Starry. Joshua is different, occasionally he'll call you Starry, but he mostly calls you his starlight.

"I'll drop you guys off at your place, so you can take your more subtle bike to meet Soonyoung and Jeonghan." Wonwoo says.

"Where are they?" Joshua asks.

"Dumb and dumber went to the lights district." Wonwoo says, rolling his eyes.

The lights district is the scummy part of town. The morally gray and corrupt tend to hang out there. The district is filled with clubs, and even more drugs. You already know why they went there. Soonyoung wants to get blue dust, and he knows a guy who sells it there.

Arriving at your place, you and Joshua quickly jump out of the van. Joshua was smart enough to bring both your helmets.

"I wish we could just take this to Minghao ourselves." Joshua hates when you go to the lights district.

"I would love that too, but you know how Cheol works. He said I have to pass it off to these two."

He helps you put on your jacket and fasten your helmet. He starts the bike with you sitting on the back holding on to him.

Joshua pulls out of the garage. You look at the sky to see it's raining just like it always seems to do these days. Luckily, motorcycle gear works for the rain.

The twenty minute drive to the lights district in the rain isn't pleasant. Arriving at the club you know you would find them at, Joshua parks the bike. He locks your helmets on to the bike. He grabs your hand as you walk up to the crowded club. The bass is booming as EDM music rattles the place.

This place is filled to the brim with people either drunk on Pop Rocks, or high on blue dust. Pushing your way through the crowd you find Soonyoung and Jeonghan in the back. Soonyoung has his tongue shoved down the throat of some girl with pink hair, while Jeonghan is sitting on the couch whispering to a girl with icy white hair. You let out a heavy sigh. This day has been too damn long. You spent hours jumping around locations, trying to get into the FleXeon system and now you're dealing with two of Seungcheol's highest ranked men, who thought it was a good idea to get high out of their minds on Blue Dust.

"Stay back here." You tell Joshua. Him and Soonyoung already butt heads. You don't want anything to unfold between them tonight.

"Soonyoung." You yell, leaving Joshua a few feet behind you leaning on the wall.

He smiles, peeling himself away from the pink haired girl. "Starry, you came!" He shouts. By the wild look in his eyes, and with how blown his pupils are you immediately know he's high.

Soonyoung yelling catches Jeonghan's attention. He pulls himself away from his girl and stands up. His eyes are just as blown as Soonyoung's.

"You guys couldn't make this easy on me, could you?" You huff.

"You're being dramatic." Soonyoung laughs.

You knit your brows glaring at them. They could have been somewhere closer. Instead, you and Joshua had to drive all this way in the rain, after working for hours. These two are already giving you a headache and it's only been a few minutes.

"I'm not being dramatic, you're being inconsiderate." You roll your eyes.

"Ouch, Starry is more sensitive than normal." Jeonghan holds his chest like he's wounded.

"You're just being bigger assholes than normal." You can feel Joshua's eyes burning into the back of you.

"You seem more irritated than normal." Soonyoung points out.

Joshua pushes himself away from the wall, he's already irritated with Soonyoung and his nonsense.

Jeonghan barks out a laugh. "Starry, maybe if you got laid you wouldn't want to kill us all the time."

"She's fucking lover bot over there, getting laid isn't her issue." Soonyoung laughs.

Joshua pushes himself off the wall. This is going to escalate quickly if you don't shut down these idiots.

"Maybe she needs some cock from someone who isn't a machine." Soonyoung laughs. He's definitely trying to get punched. If you knew Cheol wouldn't ring your neck, you would break Soonyoung's nose right now.

"Shut the fuck up. You're just jealous you haven't seen any pussy in months." You poke Soonyoung in the chest. "My issue is that I'm trying to drop off something extremely important and you and Hannie are out of your minds on blue dust."

You reach into your pocket grabbing the drive. "Here." You shove the drive into Soonyoung’s jacket pocket.

"Cheol is gonna fucking love the fact that his edgesunner, and right hand man are high off blue dust is scummy club in the lights district."

Soonyoung reaches for your hand. "Starry, don't be like that."

"Don't touch her." Joshua is standing by your side instantly.

Soonyoung holds his hands up and steps back. "Chill, lover boy. I'm not going to do anything to her. You and I both know I tease her but I love her."

Joshua laces his fingers with yours pulling you back from Soonyoung.

"Starry, I'm sorry." Jeonghan says, sounding sincere.

"I think we should go. I better not hear that Minghao and Cheol didn't get that drive."

"We'll go now." Jeonghan says.

Tugging on Joshua's hand, you lead him through the cramped club. Stepping outside, you're hit with the cold breeze. It seems the rain stopped. Releasing Joshua's hand, you zip up your motorcycle jacket. He walks over to your bike, grabbing both your helmets. He steps in front of you, helping you put your helmet on. He buckles the bottom strap before kissing the tip of your nose. Reaching up he slides your visor down before putting on his own helmet.

"Are we going home?" He asks, walking towards you. You push your visor back up. His eyes are shifting around. You know him well enough to know he's upset. Silently, you nod.

You follow him to the bike. He stops in front of it and pauses. You don't want him to drive while he's upset. "Shua?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't worry about Soonyoung. I'm not interested in human men."

"Who are you interested in?"

"An android." You reach up, sliding the visor back down.

Joshua gets on the bike, and holds his hand out. You hop onto the back, wrapping your arms around his stomach. He gives your thigh three pats. Even if he won't say it out loud, you know that's his way of saying "I love you."

He revs the engine before he takes off down the dark alley. The asphalt below blows with the neon lights from above. The drive out the lights district takes about twenty minutes before you're back in the hub of the city.

Driving through, you look around at the video boards that line the tall sky scrapers. There's a clip of the president of FleXeon playing on repeat. That man is corrupt and helps run production of the drug known as lavender haze dust. His side company that people don’t know about. made an extra synthetic blue dust that's extra potent. Seungcheol is disgusted by drugs and will be pissed if he finds out any of you touched it.

Towards the east side of the hub, the less luxurious side, is where your apartment is located. Pulling into the underground apartment, Joshua parks the bike. You hop off and take off your helmet. Joshua takes off his own, and pulls your bag from the side compartment.

The parking garage has a low turquoise haze to it. The light near the elevator hums as it flickers.

Clicking the button you wait silently next to Joshua. Your neighbor who lives three doors down gets out of her small beat up two door car. She's a sweet older lady who works at the hospital on the edge of the hub.

"Late night out for you two love birds?" She's always in such a good mood. You don't understand it sometimes. She sees so much pain and destruction in that hospital and yet, she still smiles.

"Hello, Mrs. Opal. We wanted to go out for a late night ride." Joshua lifts his helmet to show her.

The elevator dings and the doors slide open. You step back until your back is against the cold metal wall. Joshua presses the thirteenth floor button and stands next to you.

"When are you two kids going to get married and have some beautiful babies?" If only she knew that your lover is an android. Marriage and babies aren't something the two of you can necessarily have.

Joshua is one of the most humanoid androids you have ever encountered. His mannerisms and looks make him seem fully human. His tattoo on the side of his neck could be a give away, but most people don't know that the ink on his skin is a model number. You made the choice immediately not to make it common knowledge that he's an android. The last thing you need is people snooping around or trying to hack his programming. Or worse trying to steal him from you.

"Maybe one day, Mrs. Opal."

She looks at you and gives you a sweet smile. "Darling, you're lucky you found such a great man." If only she knew that you quite literally found him, and fixed him.

"I'm very lucky." You finally speak.

The elevator dings signaling your arrival to your floor. Joshua grabs your hand leading you down the hall towards your apartment.

"Have a good night you two." She says.

"Goodnight, Mrs Opal." He responds.

He stops at the door and types in the pin. Stepping inside, you're greeted by the turquoise neon glow of the city outside. You didn't bother closing the curtains to the floor to ceiling window that looks out into the dark city. You live in a one bedroom apartment. It's spacious enough for the two of you to live comfortably together. The high ceiling with exposed metal venting, makes the space look larger than it is.

Joshua grabs your helmet from you, along with your bag and places it on the table that sits by the door. He drops down to his knees to help you remove your boots.

"I need a shower." You sigh.

"Go shower and I'll make you something to eat." For someone who doesn't need food to survive, he's really good at cooking. He often eats with you even though his body just burns up everything.

Heading off to the bedroom, you grab a pair of panties and baggy shirt. Walking into the bathroom, you take your time stripping away your clothes. Your bathroom isn't huge by any means and your lighting is terrible, but the water pressure in the shower is perfect. Your whole apartment has a radiant haze to it, just like the rest of the city.

Opening the glass door, you crank the water on. It's scorching hot the moment you step in. After missions you always feel gross, maybe that's your self-conscious telling you what you're doing is illegal. Closing your eyes, you tilt your head forward, letting the hot water relax your tensing muscles. You were hoping Joshua would join you, but you know he's more worried about making sure you eat.

You're not sure what your life would be like if you didn't have him. Being with him has made your life worth living again. He's sunshine in this dark city with a fluorescent glow, and you're the midnight rain.

Getting out of the shower, you dry off and put on just a thong and a baggy shirt. Looking in the mirror, you realize how tired you look.

Walking out into the living area, you're greeted by the smell of ramyeon. Joshua is busy dishing two bowls. Your bare feet pad across the cold hardwood floor.

Sitting down at the small table near the kitchen area, you watch as he brings over food. While you were showering, he must have changed. He's now shirtless, wearing just a pair of sweatpants that are sitting low on his hips. It's clear he's not wearing anything underneath them.

He sits down across from you. He raises his brow, watching you pick up your chopsticks.

"Are you going to power down tonight?" This is the same question you ask him every single night.

"No." He picks up his own chopsticks.

You let out a heavy sigh, and rub your eyes with your free hand. This conversation is always so frustrating.

"Josh, you need to power down occasionally."

"Why?" He's annoyed by this conversation just like you.

"Because when you turn back on, it reboots. That will help get out any kinks in your system. I have to do the same thing with my tablet."

He puffs out a disgusted sound. "So I'm just like your tablet."

You set your chopsticks down. "Don't do that. Don't act like I'm calling you a robot or a device."

"But you are." His tone is pointed.

"From the first time I powered you on and fixed your software to give you emotions, I have never treated you like a robot. I have always and will always treat you like a human."

His brows soften, he leans back in his chair. A look of defeat plays across his face. "Powering down reminds me that I'm never going to be a human. I'm just an android."

You can't say anything, you just stare at him. You know how desperately he wishes he was a human.

"I sometimes forget that I'm not real."

"You're very real. You might not be human. But you're real, and you matter to me. So that's all that fucking matters." Your emotions are high after today and you know you should have just left this alone tonight.

"I'll power down tomorrow night. I don't want to do it after we just had a fight." It's probably best he doesn't do it tonight. The last thing you need to do is go to bed upset while he's rebooting.

"Okay."

You both eat in silence. You've both forgiven each other but there isn't much left to say about your fight. The food Joshua made is delicious, just like it always is. You get up to do the dishes, but he doesn't let you. He grabs the dish and heads over to the sink.

Standing at the window that overlooks the city you stand there wondering what the people are up to down below. The city is still pretty lively for it being close to four in the morning.

You hear him walking up behind you, but you don't move. His arms wrap around your stomach, pulling you back against him.

His hand taps your stomach three times. Closing your eyes, you rest your hand on his thigh and give it three taps.

"I'm sorry." He rests his chin on top of your head.

"I'm sorry too."

"It's been a long day." He sighs.

"I want to go to bed, but I just want to be with you." You desperately crave being close to him.

"I'm all yours, baby."

Pulling away from him, you turn around. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you pull him closer to you. You don't want to think anymore. You want him to fuck every logical thought out of your brain.

Leaning up, you press your lips to his for a heated kiss. You don't need to explain to him what you want, he understands you completely. His hand slips under your shirt, running across the bare skin of your back. His hand roams lower down to the fleshy cheek of your ass. Your lips don't stop moving together. He kisses you like he's trying to say he's sorry a million times over.

Pulling away, you tug on his bottom lip. "Please just fuck me."

He backs you up until your back is pressed against the cold glass window. Pulling back a little, he looks down at you. "Do you want me to take you to bed?"

"No. Fuck me here."

He grabs your hips, spinning you back around. Your chest is pressed up against the cold glass window. Your thin shirt does nothing to prevent your nipples from hardening.

Pushing your hips back against his crotch, you can already feel him hardening. Joshua’s anatomy is very much like human man's. His body reacts the same as anyone else when he's sexually aroused. Technically, his anatomy is different then the average male. Whoever created him, blessed him with a massive cock. You know deep down inside they created him to be a sex bot.

His hand dips down to your core. He pulls your thong to the side. Two of his fingers rub your sensitive clit.

With his lips near your ear, he rasps, "you're already so wet."

He slides his fingers down to your needy core hole. He dips two of them in with ease. You're so desperate for him, you're pretty sure you could take his massive size without any prep.

The palm of his hand ruts against your clit, and he works his two fingers in and out of you. Gasps leave your lips as your head rolls back against his shoulder. One of your hands grip his sweatpants while the other grips the arm that's wrapped around your stomach, holding you against him.

Your high is rapidly approaching. Your body tenses, as you struggle to breathe for a moment.

"So good for me." He moans in your ear.

Your high breaks, and your walls flutter like a heartbeat squeezing his fingers. He rubs your clits, helping you ride out your high.

"Oh—" you pant.

"You sound so pretty." He whispers against your ear.

"Fuck me."

You push your hips back against the erection that's straining against his sweatpants. He presses you fully against the window. He pulls back just enough to push his sweatpants down below his butt. He pulls out his cock, pumping it slowly a few times. Another blessing from his engineer is that his "precum" works as the perfect lubricant.

"Keep your chest against the window, and push your hips back towards me." He grabs your hip and puts you into position.

With his cock in his hand, he runs it through your folds a few times. Each time he brushes your clit, you can't help but moan.

"Please." You have no problem begging him.

The rosy mushroom tip nudges at your weeping entrance. He pushes an inch in and pulls it out. He does it a few times, teasing you. You push your hips back, causing him to slip in further.

"Naughty girl." He gives your ass a quick swat.

"Please, Shua."

He lets out a little laugh. He grips your hips with both hands. He pushes his hips in slowly. He feels you completely, he's so big you can feel every single ridge of his cock. He starts at a slow but deep pace.

Your cheek rests against the cold glass. You could care less if anyone in the sky scrapers that line the sky can see you. Joshua is fucking you so hard, your brain has stopped working. The only thing you can process is the tip of his cock, kissing your cervix over and over again.

You rock your hips back, helping meet him with each thrust. The groans that leave his lips sound sinful. Leaning forward he starts kissing the side of your neck.

"Are you close?" He rasps.

"Yes." You whine.

Without saying a word, he pulls out of you. You can't even react before he’s flipping you around. He uses his enhanced strength to lift you up, as if you weigh nothing. He pulls your panties to the side before sliding you down his massive length. Closing your eyes, you lean your head back against the window. He's hitting a completely different angle in this position.

He thrust into you at a quick pace. His sweats slip further down his thigh with each thrust. Your back knocks against the glass over and over. His lips are anywhere they can reach. He starts by kissing your jaw and then moves down your neck.

Your fingers tangle in his dark hair. Tugging his head back, you desperately want to look at him. His lips part slightly as quiet moans pass his lips.

"Shua—" his name never sounds as sweet as it does falling from your lips in the haze of an orgasm.

His hips don't stop moving. He helps you ride out your high as your walls flutter against his cock.

Your hand talons into his shoulder, lost in a cock drunk haze.

His thrusts get sloppier as he rapidly approaches the edge. He moans your name like a sinful prayer. Similar to humans, he releases a cum like substance when he orgasms. He fills you to the brim, holding you flush against him. Leaning forward, he rests his head against your shoulder.

You're scared if he puts you down, you jelly legs won't work. He leaves a few open mouth kisses against your shoulder before he pulls away.

Slowly he pulls out of you. Gently, he sits your feet on the ground. Your legs feel like they're made of jello. He tugs your thong back over your core that's starting to drip out his release. He leaves you there just long enough for him to pull his pants up and to tuck his softening cock back inside them.

He lifts you up bridal style and carries you to the bathroom. He sits you down on the cold concrete counter. You immediately shiver at the feeling.

"Can you take off your panties?" Your eyes go wide. You aren't sure your abused core can take another orgasm tonight.

"I'm not going to fuck you anymore. I need to clean up my cum."

Lifting your hips you pull off your thong. You hold it out and he grabs it before tossing it in the hamper behind him. He reaches under the cabinet for a cloth.

You take this as your sign to spread your legs. A playful smile tugs at your lips. Dipping your fingers through your sensitive core, you collect some of his release. His cum like substance looks exactly like human cum. It’s thick and milky, but instead of being salty and sometimes unpleasant, his is sweet. It reminds you almost of a subtle simple syrup. Sticking your fingers in your mouth you taste his sweet cum.

Joshua gives you a smile as he shakes his head at you. He runs the cloth under warm water before stepping between your spread legs. He gently cleans up the mess he's made of you.

Before pulling you off the counter, he stands between your legs and leans of kisses across your face. He has one hand on your butt and the other on your cheek. The hand that's on your cheek, he taps three times before pulling back.

"It's almost five, you need to sleep."

He pulls you off the counter and carries you to your room. He lays you down gently on the bed. Crawling under the covers, you wait for him to join you. He's over by the window that looks out into the city. He pulls back the curtains to block a little of the morning sun that will soon be rising.

He joins you in bed and pulls your body close to his. You're laying on your side with him firmly pressed behind you. You smile at the fact that you're no longer wearing panties and just a shirt.

"Sweet Dreams, Starlight."

GLITCHES AND STATIC

It's a night where you finally don't have to work. You contemplated staying in all night and just spending time with Joshua. Somehow Mingyu and Wonwoo convinced you to go out with them. They seem to be the only two that don't cause problems when they go out. Sitting in a bar near your place, Joshua comes over holding a bottle of beer and a weird lime green looking drink.

He slides in next to you. Wonwoo was telling you about a motorcycle he was looking to get soon. Mingyu slides in next to him, holding the same two drinks as Joshua.

"Why did you bring over battery acid?" Wonwoo asks, picking up and examining the drink.

"It's called luminescent." Mingyu responds.

"Please tell me someone didn't make a new drug." You sigh.

"The bartender said it's like PopRocks but more citrusy." Joshua chimes in.

"PopRocks makes me incredibly drunk after one." You've blacked out too many times because of that potent sparkly pink drink.

"I think Starry should drink the beer." Mingyu says. It's the best idea, Joshua can't actually get drunk. He really only drinks to blend in socially.

"What about us?" Wonwoo looks at the fluorescent green drink.

"I'll drink it, you can drive us home." Luckily Wonwoo and Mingyu are roommates and rode here together.

Joshua goes to move his hand to grab his drink, and you immediately catch his hand twitching and locking up. You definitely haven't seen that happen before. Resting your hand on his thigh, you give it a squeeze. He glances at you, moving his hand to his lap. Taking his wrist in your hand you rub slow circles into the underside where his skin is delicate.

Wonwoo and Mingyu are oblivious to what is happening as Mingyu is talks about some cute bartender he met.

Joshua keeps trying to squeeze his hand. Slowly, the glitch works its way out. He grabs your hand, bringing the top of it to his lips for a gentle kiss.

You give him a knowing smile.

"Shua, you need to try this luminescent drink."

"Alright." With his other hand, he picks up the glass filled with the electric liquid.

Soon a very buzzed Mingyu has convinced Wonwoo that they should play darts. You and Joshua are given a moment alone at the table.

Running your finger along the side of the beer bottle, you're mindlessly playing with the condensation. Joshua is still slowly sipping on the electric drink. He opted not to chug it like Mingyu did.

"Is the glitch with your hand new?"

"Kind of." He sighs, flexing the hand that glitched.

"How long has this been going on?" You hate that he didn't tell you the first time it happened.

"About two weeks ago." He looks down at the table, embarrassed. He absolutely hates anything like this that reminds him he's not human.

"Two weeks and you didn't tell me." You stare at the side of his head.

"Yeah. It's fine. It will work itself out." He looks at you and gives you a smile. As if he's trying to convince both of you that it's fine.

"No, it won't. I need to look at your software and fix it."

Mingyu lets out a cheer, catching both your attention. Joshua grabs his drink, taking a big gulp to help cut the tension.

He sets the glass down on the table. "Can we talk about this later?"

"Sure." This isn't a conversation that you want other people to hear necessarily. You don't want the team finding out about him glitching. Seungcheol might not be happy if one of his enforcers are having processing errors and glitches.

After Mingyu's poor decision to drink a beer after the luminescent drink, Joshua helps move a very drunk Mingyu to Wonwoo's car outside. You stand by the bike, watching everything unfold. Wonwoo reaches into the glove compartment and grabs a packet of jolt. It's a sweet substance that helps sober people up from alcohol and blue dust.

Wonwoo pulls the substance into his best friend’s mouth and slaps his cheek. Mingyu shakes his head and from a distance you can see he's already sobering up.

Joshua closes the car door and walks over to your bike. You hold out his helmet for him.

The ride back to your place doesn't take too long. Arriving back at your home, Joshua immediately heads off to the bathroom. You head off to the bedroom and grab something to change into. Opening the bathroom door, you're instantly greeted by steam and the sound of Joshua humming a song.

Stripping away your clothes, you toss them in the hamper. Opening the glass door, you step inside. Nothing is said as Joshua steps aside, giving you room for the water. You stand there, facing the facet. The hot water feels cleaning.

Joshua presses himself against you, wrapping his arms around your stomach. Neither of you say anything as he holds you.

He pulls away and grabs your strawberry scented body wash. He takes his time washing your body, making sure to massage your tense shoulders.

Getting out of the shower, you both take your time drying yourself off. You don't bother getting dressed.

"Why did you not tell me?" You finally break the screaming silence.

"Because I didn't want you to worry."

"Shua, we don't keep secrets." Since the moment you turned him on, you never hid anything from him. Long before you were romantically involved, he was still your friend and your companion. You promised him from the very beginning you would never keep secrets from him.

"I know and I'm sorry."

"Let me look at your software and upgrade you."

"It's fine? If it gets worse you can." You can tell by the look on his face this is a losing battle tonight.

"Fine." You grab your clothes off the counter. You pull on a baggy thin tshirt, and a lacy pink thong, this is the usual attire you walk around at home and sleep in.

You can feel Joshua's eye burning into you as you walk out of the bathroom. You head off to the kitchen. You need a glass of water. You don't want to go to bed upset and you just need a moment to cool off.

Leaning against the counter, you look out at the bright city. You hear Joshua before you see him. You look up and find him dressed in just his tight boxer-briefs.

"I don't want to go to bed mad." He says, stopping in front of you.

"I'm not mad." You're not lying to him. You aren't mad, you're more stressed than anything. "I'm just worried."

"I know you are, and I'm worried too." You both know deep down inside he should at least shut down for the night so he can reboot slowly.

You sit the water down on the counter. Holding your hand out, you wait for him to come close to you. He grabs your hand, stepping right in front of you. He places your hand on his chest. If he was human, you would be able to feel his heart beating.

You drum your finger three times right above the void of where his heart should be.

"It would beat for you." In a perfect world, Joshua wouldn't struggle with feeling inadequate about not being human. Him being an android changes nothing for you. You don't love him any less because of it.

You tap his chest three times again. "Mine beats only for you."

You lean against the counter. You take a moment focusing on him. Recently, he seems to be more emotional. The only reason that could possibly be is he's worried about something going wrong with his programming.

He places his hands on either side of you, caging you in against the counter.

"I'm sorry."

Things between you haven't always been like this. It wasn't until last year when Joshua started fighting shutting down a few times a week at night. He's been with you for about three years and you have been romantically involved since six months after you found him. Things between you have always been intense, but in the last year and half, you noticed how much Joshua struggles with the idea of not being a human.

"We're okay." You whisper.

Wrapping your arms around his neck, you pull his face closer to yours. Your lips touch, and the only thing your brain can think of is getting as close as possible to him. His hand grabs your hips, pulling you far enough away for him to slide his hand down your back, and to grab you butt.

You moan into his mouth, rolling your body towards him. He pulls away and immediately picks you up sitting you on the edge of the counter.

Instinctively, you spread your legs, and pull your panties to the side. He dips down and starts kissing your knee, making his way across your inner thigh. He kisses the top of your mound as he drags two fingers through your wet folds.

He focuses on licking your clit over and over again. Two of his fingers pump in and out of you, helping to stretch you out.

Your fingers tangle in his dark locks, hold his face close to your core. Looking down, you find him looking up at you through his lashes.

He eats you out like you're water in a blazing hot sun. Pushing your hips towards his face, you're growing desperate for your release. You just want him inside you, but you know he won't until you've came at least once.

He moves his fingers in a come hither motion, touching that spot inside of you that has you seeing stars.

The tidal wave hits you hard. Tugging on his hair, you try to anchor yourself. Your walls tug on his fingers and he keeps brushing your g spot.

"Fuck— Shua—" your words are nothing more than a broken plea.

He pulls back smiling. He dips his two fingers in his mouth, cleaning up your release.

"You sound so pretty when you moan." He steps back and takes off his boxers.

He pumps his massive erection, helping to lube it up before he stretches you out. Your kitchen counters sit at the perfect height for him to be able to fuck you while you sit on them.

He leans in close, giving you a wicked grin before kissing you. You moan into his mouth as he runs the tip of his cock through your folds.

He always likes to tease you with just the tip a few times before he slowly pushes his whole length in.

Your legs wrap around him, pulling him fully inside. His rose tip kisses your cervix as he bottoms out.

Wrapping your arms around his neck, you crash your lips into his. He pushes his hips into yours at a slow and deep pace.

Time doesn't seem to exist when you're with Joshua like this. All that matters is just the two of you.

Leaning back, you look down at where you're connected, watching as he stretches you.

"Baby, take your shirt off." He tugs on the bottom of the thin fabric.

Pulling your shirt off and tossing it on the ground, you're left completely bare except for your panties he has pulled to the side.

Reaching forward, he grabs one of your breasts, groping it before he tweaks your nipple.

"Fuck—" you moan.

Leaning back on your hands, you push your hips to the furthest edge of the counter. One of Joshua's hands rests on your core. His thumb rubs circles on your clit. He picks up his pace, thrusting into you.

He lifts your leg up over his shoulder. The new position has him hitting different areas then before.

"I'm close." You moan.

He’s rubbing your clit harder, helping to push you over the edge.

"Oh fuck." Your eyes squeeze shut, and your head rolls back. Your orgasm hits hard. He doesn't stop thrusting or working on your clit. Unfamiliar pressure builds in your core. One specifically hard thrust makes you see stars, and liquid sprays from you, covering his crotch.

He gets a solid two thrust in before he fills you to the brim with his synthetic cum. He stops moving fully. Releasing your leg, he pulls you close to him. Your body is absolutely spent. Your head is resting on his shoulder. His large hand is running up and down your back, helping you soothe you.

"You've never done that before." He finally speaks.

"I don't think my legs can work."

"Let me clean you up and I'll carry you to bed."

Sitting on the counter, Joshua takes his time cleaning up the mess he made between your legs. He lifts you with ease, taking you to the bedroom.

It's not long before you're sound asleep in his arms.

-

It's another late night job. Minghao has a drive for you to look at. There is a meeting on the north side of the hub.

Soonyoung is already with Minghao, and Jeonghan is coming along to make sure no one is following you.

Minghao picked a better meeting place than Soonyoung is known to pick. You're at a little hole in the wall family restaurant. There is a flicking neon open sign at the door.

You're greeted by an older man who just gives you and Minghao a nod. He tends to like to come to this place for meetings. This sweet old lady is used to Minghao and his crew showing up.

He’s at one of those L shaped booths in the back corner. He's got a sea of plates on the table. Soonyoung is next to him, eating from a plate of noodles.

Minghao is tapping away on his tablet. Jeonghan slides into the booth next to Soonyoung. You follow next to him. Joshua sits on the edge keeping guard.

"Jeonghan, did you come just for the food?" Minghao quips not looking up from the tablet.

"No, Cheol sent me."

"Does Cheol not trust us?" Soonyoung responds.

"Well, he knows we have a taste for blue dust, and he threatened to end all of us if we touch it while working." Jeonghan reached for an empty plate.

"You two idiots are the ones who did dust while you were working." You glare at him.

"How did Cheol find out about that?" Soonyoung asks, glancing up.

"I told him." You don't care that you snitched on them. Them being high is a liability.

"Then why did he send you to babysit, you were also high?" Minghao says glancing up from the tablet.

"Because he knows I'll stop it from happening again. He already threatened to throw me off the FleXeon tower if I fuck up again." The thing about Seungcheol is that he's the ring leader and the man in charge, and all of your group loves and respects him, but you all know he's a very capable man and should be feared.

"He’s trying to get into Cheol's good graces by babysitting." You respond. You know Seungcheol is tough on Jeonghan but he cares about him the most.

Jeonghan starts dishing a plate of food. Him and Soonyoung start talking about the noodles.

Joshua reaches into his bag and pulls out your tablet. Minghao set down his chopsticks. Reaching into his jacket pocket he pulls out a drive. With a firm push, he slides it across the table.

Picking up the drive, you connect it to your tablet. Opening the files, you see something unexpected. You open a drive called "the wife", your brows knit together as you scroll through evidence of an affair unfolding.

"The CEO’s wife is cheating?"

"He's blackmailing her." Minghao closes his tablet.

"That's illegal." Soonyoung says between bites.

"We can add it to FleXeon’s long list." Jeonghan rolls his eyes.

"There is some code that's blocking some security footage that I can’t figure out. I'm pretty sure you can break it."

"Should we be discussing this here?" Joshua finally speaks up.

"There isn't a soul in here and Ms. Rose knows to stay quiet. I make sure she's paid well for the trouble." You glance over to see the neon flickering open sign is turned off and the door is shut.

"I'll work on getting in. When do you want the drive back?"

"After you crack the code. Seungcheol wants a team meeting soon anywhere." Pulling the drive out, you hand it and your tablet back to Joshua. You notice immediately his hand glitches as he tries to grab the tablet. He closes his eyes as if he's trying to focus. His hand finally works and he's able to put your tablet away.

Minghao flags over Ms. Rose and hands her a hefty wad of cash. You and the boys all make your way out the door. Soonyoung and Minghao head off to their care and you follow Jeonghan off towards his. Seungcheol put him in charge of being the driver tonight.

Arriving at the apartment, Joshua is holding your bag and your hand. The elevator ride is quiet except for the hum of the elevator. The doors ding and slide open.

Walking into your apartment, you take off your shoes and immediately get your other tablet out. Moving to the kitchen table, you start sorting through all coding.

Joshua disappears for a while before coming back dressed just in a pair of sweatpants. Glancing over into the living area by the window, you see him messing with his hand. He needs to power down and reboot but you don't want to argue with him tonight.

"Are you hungry?" Joshua asks, walking towards the kitchen area.

"Yeah. I didn't really feel like eating at the meeting." In those kinds of setting, you don't normally have an appetite.

"I can cook you dinner."

"Can you make us ramyeon?"

"Yeah."

He moves around the kitchen quietly while you work on finding the coding Minghao mentioned. This job seems bigger than anything your job has ever done. Seungcheol’s goal is to take down FleXeon and to steal money from them. Once this job is done, and if it goes down correctly, you will have enough money for the rest of your life.

Once this job is done, maybe you and Joshua can find a bigger place or take a trip somewhere. You stop typing and just stare at your tablet. Maybe you and Joshua could live a more comfortable life. A life that doesn't involve you constantly doing something illegal. Honestly you don't really need a bigger space. This loft style apartment is perfect for you both. As long as you're together, you don't feel like you need more.

"Starlight?" Joshua sits down at the table across from you.

"Yeah?"

"You're zoning out."

He puts your bowl down in front of you. You close your and pick up your chopsticks. "I'm just thinking about what we can do after this job."

"What do you want to do?" He picks up his own chopsticks

"I don't know. Maybe we could leave the crew and stop working these jobs."

"We can if you want to."

"I thought about even moving."

Joshua glances around the apartment. "But this is our home."

"I know. I love this apartment and it feels like our home. Maybe we can take a vacation. Get some space from this city."

He reaches across the small table taking your hand in his. "I'll follow you anywhere you want to go." Joshua loves you so much, and it's not because you programmed him to love you. You made sure when you fixed his programming after you found him, you gave him emotions and free will. He fell in love with you because he wanted to.

You aren't sure what you want to do, you just know that whatever happens, you want him by your side.

THE NEON GLOW IN YOUR EYES

The lights district is definitely your least favorite part of the city. You finished working another stake out and a handful of the guys convinced you and Joshua to go out.

Standing by the table, you watch the large tv that hangs in the middle. There is a press conference with FleXeon CEO Kang Dohyun. Your eyes focus trying to read the subtitles as they sprawl across the screen. The company is working on putting out another line of androids similar to Joshua. It doesn't sit right with you that people are making androids to basically be worker and sex bots. Next to you are Chan, Soonyoung and Mingyu. Joshua is at the bar with Wonwoo and Jeonghan.

Glancing over, you see Chan pull out a container of blue dust. At this point, half your crew does it during their off time. You tried it a few times when you first joined the crew. The powder feels like instant adrenaline with heightened emotions that fades into relaxation.

You think the only ones in your crew who don’t mess with this stuff are Seungcheol, Joshua, Wonwoo, and you.

Soonyoung nudges your shoulder holding out the vile light blue powder in it. "You want a bump?"

"Soonyoung—"

"Come on, you're stressed and this will help." He raises his brow.

You glance over at the bar, seeing Joshua talk to the boys. He must feel you looking at him, he turns and gives you a smile, tilting his head.

Maybe Soonyoung is right, maybe this will take the edge off. Grabbing the vile from his hand, you pour a small dab on the back of your hand. You lick it off in one quick swipe or the tongue.

Taking a slow deep breath, the high feels like ice rushing through your veins. Your eyes feel incredibly heavy for a moment. The flutter and you instantly see Joshua's eyes locked on yours.

Joshua hands his drink off to Wonwoo and rushes over to you. Every single nerve in your body feels electric. The moment he's in front of you, he rests his hand on your cheek.

"Starlight, what did you do?" He leans in close so you can hear him over the booming music.

"Dust." Your pupils are blown wide as you share him.

Joshua hits Soonyoung's arm capturing his attention. "How much did she take?!" Joshua shouts over the music.

"A small hit, she's fine. Give her an hour and she'll be relaxed."

"I don't want her on the back of my bike in an hour."

Leaning in close Joshua brushes his nose against yours, helping to center you.

"Baby."

"Yes, Shua?"

Wonwoo and Jeonghan join the rest of the group. Wonwoo instantly can tell by Joshua's uneasiness what has unfolded.

"Did she take a hit?" Jeonghan asks.

"Yeah!" Chan shouts over the music.

"She hasn't done dust in years." Jeonghan says, patting Joshua on the back.

"Do you want me to get the jolt out of my car?" Wonwoo asks Joshua.

Joshua takes your face in both hands. There is a neon glow from the lights above shining in your blown pupils. He's seen you drunk before, but he's never seen you high.

"Do you want Wonwoo to get you a jolt?"

"I don't want to think anymore tonight." Between trying to take down FleXeon and worrying about Joshua and his software glitches, for once, you just want to shut down your brain that won't stop spinning.

"Wonwoo, later can you take the bike home and I'll drive your car?"

"Yeah." Wonwoo is a wise man, and he's well aware that something deeper is unfolding.

The booming music feels like it's rattling your chest. Joshua's hand stays on your waist, holding you close. Your eyes find Soonyoung's blown pupils staring back at you. For a while now, Soonyoung has had a love for the shimmery blue dust. He's the type that will take another hit before the relaxation kicks in.

Soonyoung has his eyes on a pretty blonde girl on the dance floor. He starts whispering something in her ear.

Before you start to dip down, you just want to enjoy this feeling. Reaching out, you grab Joshua's hand.

"I want to dance." You say with your lips against his ear.

He just nods. He takes your hand, leading to the crowded dance floor. Soonyoung is already dancing with the blonde, and Chan has found himself a pretty girl.

The whole time you're dancing with Joshua, every single sensation feels heightened to the max. The feeling of his hands on your body is electric.

Your hands are wrapped around his neck, pulling him down to you. Connecting your lips to the side of his neck, you kiss your way across his synthetic skin. Running your tongue along the "J05HU9" that runs down the side of his neck.

"I want you." You say just loud enough for him to hear.

He pulls away and looks at you with big doe eyes. He looks utterly confused as he just blinks at you. "Not like this."

He doesn't like having sex with you when you're drunk. You know there's no way he'll have sex with you while you're high.

"Oh." You pull back.

Shaking his head, he grabs your hand. "Starlight, not like this."

A slow, steady warmth starts taking over you. Your heightened emotions are making you crash. The feeling of rejection is crushing.

"Baby." He takes your face in both hands. "We're okay."

All you can do is blink at him. "You don't want me?"

"I always want you. I just need to take care of you tonight."

He leans in close, resting his nose against yours. He presses his lips to yours for three quick kisses.

"Should we sit down?" You pull back from him.

Taking your hand, he leads you back toward the table where Wonwoo, Jeonghan and quite high Mingyu are sitting.

If you were sober, you might enjoy the fact that Jeonghan is trying to be on his best behavior since Seungcheol clearly put him in his place.

Joshua helps slide you into the booth. He sits down next to you. His hand laces with yours, holding it in his lap.

Slowly, your heightened emotions are starting to dissipate. A jelly-like feeling is starting to take over. You feel incredibly calm and relaxed.

Closing your eyes you lean against Joshua. "I'm ready for bed." You mumble. It's been over an hour since you took a hit and your body is starting to crash.

"I think it's time Starry goes home." Jeonghan says before taking a sip of his beer.

"Do you want my car?" Wonwoo asks.

"How is Mingyu going to get home if you just have the bike?" Joshua asks.

"We all should head out. I'll take the bike, and you can take my car." Jeonghan says.

"Soonyoung and Chan left with those girls. I'm good riding the bike."

Joshua gets out of the booth and picks you up effortlessly. He holds you close, making his way through the crowded club. Mingyu follows behind Wonwoo closely.

Arriving at Jeonghan's car, Joshua sits you in the passenger seat. Looking over at Wonwoo's car, you see him pouring a jolt into Mingyu's mouth. Joshua works on buckling you up before giving Jeonghan his motorcycle helmet and his jacket.

Joshua hops in the car. "We'll be home soon."

The ride back to your apartment feels like a blur. Joshua parks the car and Jeonghan pulls up behind you on the bike. Jeonghan helps Joshua get you upstairs. Joshua lays you in bed and strips away your clothes, leaving you in just your panties. Going over to the closet, he grabs a baggy shirt and helps you pull it on.

"I need to thank Jeonghan, and then I'll be back." He leans down and kisses your forehead.

Heading out into the living area he finds Jeonghan sipping on a glass of water looking out into the fluorescent cityscape.

"I haven't seen her like that since she found you." Jeonghan says. Joshua doesn't say anything. He's not quite sure how to respond. "I used to think what she has with you isn't healthy for her, but I think it's the opposite. You ground her in a good way. You've become a home for her. She loves you so much, and it's clear you love her."

"Jeonghan, I love her so much."

"Did she program you to love her?" Jeonghan glances over at the android standing next to him.

"No. I have free will, emotions and feelings. The only thing she did was program me to make me have normal emotions humans have." Joshua's eyes bounce around the room. "When I first told her I liked her, she asked me if I made that choice on my own. Or if I felt like I owed her something."

"Do you think you owe her something?" Jeonghan loves you and only wants to protect you.

"No. I just can't help that I fell in love with her."

Jeonghan reaches up, patting Joshua on the back. "I used to worry about her all the time. Cheol found her right after she lost her family. She was so lost and lonely. He took her in and she joined our group. She used to live with me in the beginning. I would find her crying sometime in the middle of the night. Those nights used to rip my heart out. I just wanted to see her happy, and I hoped one day she would find someone who could love and care for her like she deserved." He pauses and looks back at the city. "I didn't think it would be an android she found, but finding you made a light start burning inside of her. Falling in love with you made her so bright."

"Jeonghan."

"You don't have to say anything else. Just do me a favor and always take care of her. Even if she wants to walk away from this crew, I just want to know you'll always be with her."

"I will."

"I should go." Jeonghan pats him on his back one more time before heading out.

Joshua stands there for a moment, locked into place. He knows before him you were a mess, and he doesn't remember his life before you turned him on, but he knows what little life he had before you got together, hollow and empty before you fell in love.

His hand feels weird. He looks down and tries to squeeze his hand. He takes a moment, trying to focus on getting rid of the glitch. He's just glad Jeonghan didn't witness this. It takes minutes before he starts feeling normal.

Walking back into the bedroom, he finds you sound asleep in bed. He strips away his clothes and stays just in his boxes-briefs. Pulling the covers back he curls up next to you.

He pulls your body close to his. He kisses the top of your head and whispers, "I love you."

REBOOT AND RESTART

Stationed outside Quantum Tower where CEO Kang lives, you're in the back of a truck with Jeonghan. Joshua is standing outside acting as a guard. Chan is roaming the area with Vernon.

Sitting in the driver’s seat is Seungcheol. It's quite unusual for him to go out on missions. He's got Jihoon at the base, his third in command, with some of the secondary team at FleXeon tower with Minghao looking into their security coding, while Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Soonyoung are running the perimeter there.

"So, the wife is fucking one of the broad members?" Seungcheol asks, looking into the back of the mirror.

"It seems that way." You're tapping away at your tablet. You're trying to access the wife’s financial records.

"It looks like she was being blackmailed by someone anonymous that the CEO hired." Jeonghan chimes in.

"Why is he blackmailing her?" Seungcheol asks.

"Because he's afraid she knows too much." You've managed to find her records and discover she's been paying large sums of money to an unknown account.

"Something else is going on with her." You say.

"What?" Jeonghan asks.

"A different account is sending her large payments from her."

There are two taps on the door, before Joshua slides the door open. Chan and Vernon pile in.

"We got to go. Security is doing a perimeter sweep."

You pull the drive from your tablet and hand it to Seungcheol. "Have Minghao look into this. See if he can figure out who owns this account. "

Seungcheol slides it into this jacket pocket. Jeonghan crawls into the front seat next to Seungcheol. Vernon and Chan buckle up.

"Alright let's head out." Seungcheol nods and shifts the car into drive. Joshua moves into the seat next to you.

Looking down at his lap, you see Joshua's hand is fully locked up. Reaching down, you take his wrist in your hand. You slowly start dragging your thumb across the delicate synthetic skin on the inside of his wrist, helping to soothe him.

No matter what happens tonight, you know that Joshua needs to shut down and reboot.

The ride to Seungcheol place is about twenty minutes. He lives in an apartment on the outskirts of the hub.

Seungcheol parks the car and everyone piles out. Entering the elevator, it's quite full. Joshua is pressed against the wall with your back plastered to his front. His arm is wrapped around you, holding you close to him. Glancing up, you find Jeonghan carefully watching you. Closing your eyes, you lean your head back against Joshua's chest.

The doors dig and Seungcheol steps out. The whole crew follows closely behind. Piling into Seungcheol place, you find the girl that lives with him. You don't know much about her. According to Seungcheol she's a childhood friend he looks after. The moment she sees everyone enter, she scurries off towards her bedroom. The door closes and shortly after Jihoon, Soonyoung and Minghao walk in.

Vernon sits down on the couch with Chan. Jeonghan immediately goes off to the kitchen. Seungcheol is standing by the window with Minghao and Soonyoung scrolling through his tablet.

Joshua is standing next to you. His hand keeps glitching. Looking down, you see him trying to get it to stop. Reaching down, you grab his hand. Maybe if you mess with it, it will help distract him.

"Kang is definitely making lavender haze, and his wife is well aware of it. It's clear he's just not making tech for androids like Joshua." Seungcheol walks over. "I think if we shut down his system, we can copy the software coding he used for his androids, wipe his accounts and set him up."

"How would we set him up?" Jeonghan asks, walking back into the living room.

"We're gonna make sure everyone knows FleXeon created lavender haze."

"I think between me and Starry, we could hack the programming and any of the FleXeon androids can be reset to have emotions and memories like Joshua." You knew at some point the software edits you did to fix Joshua would end up being used again. If Seungcheol wants to fix the FleXeon androids, you will. All the androids he has out in the city being workers and sex bots deserve a chance to feel human like Joshua.

You give Joshua's hand a squeeze. "We could do it."

"Hao, I'm going to have you see who is paying the wife." Seungcheol tosses the drive towards him.

Minghao catches it and salutes him. "Next week I want to send Soonyoung and Vernon into the building. Starry, see if you can shut down their security system for a few minutes."

"Okay." You're pretty sure you should be able to do that no problem.

"Alright, you're all free. I should check on Angel." Angel is the girl who lives with him. She's one of the few people who Seungcheol will show his softer side to.

Joshua walks over to the table and grabs both your helmets. You're exhausted, it's almost three in the morning. This mission tonight has lasted longer than planned.

Heading down to the garage, the elevator is filled with most of the group. Jeonghan and Jihoon stayed behind.

The doors open and everyone immediately starts going their separate ways. Wonwoo and Mingyu head off to Wonwoo's car. Vernon and Chan head off to their cars. Soonyoung and Minghao both walk towards their bikes they took here.

Joshua takes his time helping you put on your helmet.

"How is your hand?" You ask, watching him put on his own helmet.

"It's fine." He squeezes his hand to show you it works. You both know it's not truly fine.

He hops on the bike, and holds his hand out. You hop on behind him. Wrapping your arms around his waist, you hold on. Driving out of the garage, you're hit with the sight of the wet asphalt. It must have rained while you were having your meet. The city neon haze leaves the wet roads glimmering in a glow of turquoise.

The ride back home is short. Joshua seems too quiet. You hate this feeling of impending doom.

Entering the home you share, Joshua takes your helmet before he heads off to the bedroom.

Following behind him, you start getting ready for bed. You get dressed in your normal sleeping attire. Joshua leaves after stripping down to a pair of boxers.

Walking into the living area, you find him staring out into the city below.

"Shua." He turns around.

"I won't fight you on shutting down tonight." You both know there is no point in fighting about this anymore.

"You'll only be down for about two hours. I just need to reboot your system."

"Okay." He lets out a sigh.

Walking off to the bedroom, Joshua lays on his side of the bed. Crawling into the bed next to him, you sit on your knees. He leans up, resting his hand on your cheek. He presses his lips to yours for a kiss.

He rests his hand on your thigh and gives it three taps. "I love you too." You respond.

He reaches behind his left ear and holds down a button that is barely visible. His eyes turn a bright blue before they shut. His whole body goes limp as he powers off.

Your eyes instantly well with tears. Reaching out, you rest your hand where his heart would be located. In order for his system to properly reboot he'll need to be shut down for two hours. You have this sudden feeling of loneliness that takes over. Crawling off the bed, you grab the tablet that controls his operating system.

You open it up and a hologram of his system appears. You go into his power settings, and set it for him to reboot back in two hours.

Closing the tablet, you look at him lying there completely lifeless. You know he needs to reboot every so often, and you even fight him about it, but you hate this.

Crawling back into bed, you curl up against him. Resting your head on his chest, you can't help but cry. Your tears continue to fall until you finally fall asleep.

When Joshua finally reboots, he instantly notices your tear stained cheeks. He knows you've cried yourself to sleep.

"Starlight." He whispers.

Your eyes slowly flutter open. "Shua?"

"I'm awake, and I'm okay."

"Can you hold me?" You whisper.

He moves you both so you're lying on your side and he's pressed up against you. He presses a few feather light kisses to the side of your neck.

He taps your stomach gently three times. "Goodnight, Starlight."

-

It's been five days since Joshua rebooted his system, and he may not want to admit it, but it didn’t fix his glitch with his hand.

You're in the lights district again. Soonyoung and Jeonghan are yapping about something. Mingyu is flirting with a girl at the bar, you're sitting at the table with Wonwoo, and Joshua.

Soonyoung walks over and pulls out a bag of blue dust. He holds it up towards you and gives you a wicked smile.

"Come on pretty girl, you know you wanna hit this." Soonyoung loves flirting with you. Joshua tries not to be fazed by Soonyoung, but it's hard sometimes.

"Soonyoung." You narrow your eyes at him.

"Last time you did this, I thought you and Joshua were gonna fuck on the dance floor." You instantly cringe at the reminder of what unfolded between you and your partner. His rejection still stings, but you understand why he did it.

"Knock it off." You respond.

"You act like you've never done dust before. My sweet Starry, we all know you're not miss innocent." Jeonghan fully focuses on what's unfolding.

"Soonyoung, knock it off. I don't know why you're flirting or antagonizing Starry, but you need to stop." Jeonghan put his hand on his shoulder.

"No drugs tonight." Joshua chimes in. He rests hand on your thigh, before giving it a squeeze.

"It's time for us to leave." You say.

You and Joshua get up and head out of the crowded club. You lace your fingers with Joshua, weaving your way through the club. Stepping outside, you notice the wet asphalt that has a neon glow reflecting off of it. You must have missed the rain while you were in the club.

Joshua releases your hand and grabs your helmet. "Where do you want to go?"

"I'm hungry."

"Do you want to go to Sarks?" Sarks is a little hole in the wall restaurant near your apartment.

"Yes."

Joshua helps you put on your helmet. Hoping on the bike, you sit behind Joshua with your arms wrapped around him. The ride to the restaurant isn't too long. This place has become a place that you and Joshua started coming to after late nights out. The place is located a couple blocks from your apartment. It's on the corner of a twelve story apartment building.

Walking inside, you're immediately told to pick your own table. This place is filled to the brim with people who work late. A few of the servers here are FleXeon androids, just like Joshua. Ever since you changed Joshua's software, you always wondered if you could change your favorite android Cherry's. She's a sweet girl, who was clearly programmed to act like the sweet girl next door. If Seungcheol's plan goes correctly, you want to give her the life she deserves.

She walks over to your booth and takes both your orders. You hand over the menu and watch as she walks away.

"What are you thinking about?" Joshua asks.

"I just hope if Cheol's plan goes correctly, maybe I can reprogram Cherry like I did you."

"She's sweet." Joshua looks over at your waitress putting your order into the system. "Does she just power down here every night?"

"Probably." It makes you sad to think about the fact that all she knows how to do is work. You aren't sure what Joshua's job was before you found him, but based on his original programming you're pretty sure he was supposed to be a sex bot.

"Cheol's plan will work, and we can save her. Maybe she can move in with some of the boys until we can help set her up." Joshua gives you a sweet smile.

"That's a good idea." You hope to help give other androids a life.

SYNTHETIC TEARS AND HIGH STRUNG EMOTIONS

You've both had the day off and you've spent the day locked away in your apartment.

Standing in the shower together, you watch as Joshua scrubs his shampoo into his hair. He stops moving and just stares at you with a blank stare. Immediately, you know his hand and possibly his arm is frozen. In the last couple days his glitch had gotten worse.

You don't want to fight about upgrading him, but you know that’s what you have to do.

His eyes start to dodge yours. He turns around so his back is to you. He finally gets his arm to move again. Stepping closer, you wrap your arms around him. Your cheek rests between his shoulder blades against his wet synthetic skin.

"I don't want to talk about it in the shower." He breaks the silence.

"Okay." You run your hand across the wet skin just below his bellybutton.

Getting out of the shower Joshua dries off quickly and pulls on a pair of sweats. By the way he rushes out of the bathroom you would swear he's avoiding you.

You take your time drying yourself off and applying your sweet scented lotions and oils. You get dressed in a pair of panties and baggy shirt.

Walking into the main living space, you find Joshua at the stove. He's making what you assume is ramyeon.

Heading over to the fridge you grab a bottle of juice. You look at Joshua watching as he's focused on cooking.

"I thought we should eat." He doesn't need food to survive. He only eats so he can feel more human.

"I'm hungry."

"Can you set the table?" It's clear he's trying to distract himself from the necessary conversation you need to have.

"Absolutely."

You grab some napkins and two pairs of chopsticks. Joshua dishes two bowls before bringing them over. He places the bowl in front of you. He sits down across from you.

You both eat in silencehe looming, much needed conversation, hanging over both of you like a dark cloud.

You take your first bite of ramyeon. Placing your chopsticks on the table, you give him a sad smile. He looks down at his empty bowl. Neither of you can avoid this any longer.

"Shua."

He closes his eyes and tilts his head back. "I know."

"You have let me upgrade you. If you keep glitching like this, a systematic error could pop up in your software."

He doesn't say anything, he just stands up. He grabs both your dishes and walks over to the sink. He doesn't bother cleaning them. He just rinses them with water.

"Joshua." You stand you. You don't want to play games right now. You just want him to listen to you.

He walks towards the living area. You follow him closely.

"I don't want you to upgrade me. It's a mild glitch, I'm fine." He sits down on the couch with a huff.

"Clearly you're not fine." You love him so damn much, but sometimes he's too stubborn. "Your mild glitch will lead to something worse if you don't let me fix it."

"No." He leans back pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Joshua—" He stares at for a long moment before standing back up.

He doesn't respond. He just walks over to the big window that overlooks the city. You stand frozen in place near the couch.

"Joshua, stop being stubborn about this." You hate that he never makes this easy on you. "If I don't fix this, the error could be irreparable. If we're not careful, it could corrupt your software, and I could lose you. I need you to realize I don't think I could live without you."

He turns around and you instantly recognize the sadness in his eyes. "What if something happens when you upgrade me? I'm absolutely terrified I'm going to shut down for an upgrade and I won't remember a thing when I wake up." You have this same fear, but you trust yourself enough to know that won't happen.

"You have to trust me." He walks towards you in two big steps.

"I do trust you. Just like you can't live without me, I don’t want to exist if I don't remember everything we have."

He drops to his knees in front of you. He rests his head against your stomach. His arms wrap around you, holding you close. Mindlessly you run your fingers through his hair, helping to soothe him.

"I won't let anything go wrong." You close your eyes as tears slide down your cheek.

"You can do the upgrade." He pulls back, and you see his glossy eyes, slowly leaking tears. Just like humans, androids have the ability to cry. "Should we do it tonight?" He picks himself off the floor.

"Yeah."

He stands in front of you. He leans down pressing his lips to yours. Pulling away slightly his noses rest against yours. "I love you." You both are truly in love, but it's rare you say those three words. Normally, you communicate it by three simple taps on the other person's body.

"I love you too."

He laces his fingers with yours, leading you off to the bedroom. He releases your hand and walks over to the shelf by the window. He grabs your tablet that you use to monitor the software, and the cable that connects behind his ear.

He hands off the equipment and lays down on the bed, in the same spot he sleeps in every night.

He blankly stares at the ceiling. The vice grip on your heart is making you nauseous. This is the last thing you want to do. But you know this needs to be done.

"I'm sorry." You truly are. You wish that you didn't have to do this. Upgrading his system scares you, just as much as it scares him.

"It's okay, Starlight." He reaches out for your hand. He brings it towards his lips and presses three kisses to the top of your delicate skin. "I love you." He releases your hand.

Closing your eyes, you try your hardest not to cry. "I love you too."

Taking the cord, you connect it into the small port hidden behind his ear. Plugging it into your tablet, the hologram of his software pops up. You start taking away the coding of his software.

"The software update should take about four hours."

"Okay. Get some sleep while it updates." He glances over at you.

Crawling across the bed closer to him, you lean down and press your lips to his. You kiss him like this is the last time you might get to kiss him. "I'll be right next to you when you wake." You can't help the salty tears that slide down your cheeks.

He reaches up resting his hand on your cheek. "I'll see you in a little while."

He pulls his hand away. You start the updating process. His eyes turn bright blue before they go completely dark as he shuts down.

For the first hour of his update, you lay in bed next to him, watching the tablet to make sure nothing goes wrong. You stay awake until your eyes have grown too tired to stay open.

You dream of Joshua. You dream of a life away from this neon city. You find yourself laying in the tall grass under the warm sun, curled up in his arms. On your finger is a matching gold band that both you and him wear. There's a warmth that fills your chest, that he's your husband.

You're woken up to the feeling of the bed moving. Your eyes slowly flutter open, and you find Joshua awake, laying next to you.

"Joshua?" You’re terrified he won't have his memories.

"Hi, Starlight."

"Are you okay?" You push yourself up.

He nods and gives you a smile. "All my memories are still there."

All the worries that have been eating away at you instantly disappear. Your eyes instantly start to water.

"Baby, don't cry." He hates seeing you upset.

"I was so worried." You push the blanket off you. You push yourself up and crawl into his lap. He rests his hand on your cheek, brushing away your salty tears.

"I'm okay. No need to worry anymore."

Wrapping your arms around his neck, you crash your lips into his.

His strong hands roam your back under your shirt. You pull away from the kiss, long enough to pull off your shirt.

Joshua maneuvers both of you so you're on your back and he's hovering over you.

He leans in, pressing multiple kisses on your lips before he starts leaving a trail of kisses across your jaw and down your neck.

Not much is said as he kisses away his across your chest, taking his time to toy with each of you nipples. He tags his tongue across your stomach. He stops at the top of your panties.

You're impatient and just want him to touch you. "Shua—" you plead.

Hooking his fingers into the top of your panties, he slides them down your thigh. Lying in the bed, completely bare, you stare at him with a mixture of lust and love in your eyes.

"What do you want, Starlight?" Normally, you would tell him to fuck you, but right now, you don't want that. You want him to be as close as possible as he can be to you.

"I just want you."

A smile tugs at his lips. He hops off the bed and makes quick work of removing his sweatpants.

"I don't need foreplay, I just want you."

He walks over to the dresser and pulls out the little container of lube. Even though his cock is self lubricating, he needs to make sure you're wet enough for him. He crawls on to the bed towards you. Clicking the container open, he pours some of the cool lube onto your core. He takes his time massaging you and helping to prep you for his massive size. He clicks it shut again and starts pumping his length, helping to lube up his cock.

Spreading your legs wide, you welcome him. Sex between you is always passionate, and can sometimes be on the rougher side. Right now you don't want that. You just want things to be nice and slow.

He pushes the tip of his cock in, earning a gasp from you. "You feel so good."

Your hand talons into his shoulder pulling him closer to you. You want him as physically close as he can be. His nose rests against yours as he pushes the rest the way in, the tip of his length is kissing your cervix.

He's resting on his knees, practically plastered against you. Reaching up, you hold his face in your hands. He's not moving, he's giving your body a moment to adjust to his size.

"You're the best thing that's ever happened to me." You say as tears slide down your cheek.

"You're the best thing that could have ever happened to me." He gives you a smile that makes you feel like mush. "I can't imagine a life where I'm not by your side."

He starts moving at a slow but deep pace. The room is filled with echoing sounds of skin hitting skin and your moans and whimpers.

Your hands roam his body, touching anywhere you can possibly reach. His lips are constantly on yours, or kissing the side of your neck. He gently nips at your skin, definitely leaving marks in his wake.

The feeling of his cock stretching you out, with each thrust is intoxicating. Reaching between your bodies, your fingers toy with your clit, helping to push you closer and closer to the edge.

"Baby I can tell you're close." He moans against your neck.

You rub your sensitive clit harder, pushing you closer to the edge. He pulls back so he's sitting on his knees between your spread legs. He lifts one of your legs resting it against his chest. He moves your hand away from your core. He rests his hand on your mound, and with his thumb he starts quickly rubbing your clit. Every muscle in your body tightens. Squeezing your eyes shut, you let out a loud moan. You high hits you like a ton of bricks.

Your orgasm hits hard and fast. Joshua never stops moving. He picks up his pace a little, chasing his own release.

"Please cum." You beg him.

He drops your leg and moves so he's hovering over you again. He crashes his lips into yours as he comes hard. He feels you to the brim with his sweet release.

Slowly, he stops moving, but doesn't pull out. He pulls his face away from yours and gives you the sweetest smile. "I love you."

Gently you tap his lower back three times. "I love you too."

He drags his thumb across your tear stained cheeks.

"I'm sleepy." You sigh.

"Let me clean you up, and then you can sleep."

Joshua slowly removes himself from you, before he takes his time cleaning you up. Neither of you bother getting dressed for bed, you both curl up in bed naked together.

OH THE LAVENDER HAZE

It's three in the morning and everyone is together for the big heist. Everything your crew has been working towards has led up tonight. Standing in Seungcheol's apartment you watch him as he stands in the kitchen area, talking to the girl who lives with him. She looks just as concerned as you would be if Joshua was going on this mission without you. The whole entire crew is here tonight.

Seungcheol walks back in. "Alright, here is the plan."

The plan is to split off into three separate crews. Seungcheol, Jeonghan, Wonwoo, and Joshua will go in Mingyu's car where he'll act as the getaway driver.

Vernon, Chan, Jihoon, are gonna be running security outside the building.

You and Minghao are going to be breaking into the security office with Soonyoung to shut down the whole system and copy all the files.

"Any questions or concerns?" Seungcheol asks.

"Do we have another person with Starry and Hao?" Wonwoo asks. You glance over at Joshua to see he looks anxious. Soonyoung is a very capable person of keeping both of you safe. Soonyoung can be vicious and even deadly if he needs to be. You've seen him get into fights and they're terrifying. Minghao is also extremely capable of protecting both of you. The gun he keeps tucked into his waistband and the knife he keeps concealed is enough to keep you safe. You're pretty confident in your own fighting abilities. When you joined the crew, Soonyoung and Wonwoo taught you to fight to protect yourself.

"We'll be okay." You chime in.

Joshua grabs your hand. He instantly squeezes it and stares at you with the same anxious look.

"Let's go."

"I'm team one, Jihoon you're team two, and Soonyoung you're team three." Seungcheol says.

Everyone starts heading out of the apartment. You and Joshua linger behind for a moment. He takes your face in both hands. He smiles before leaning in for a searing kiss. It definitely feels as if this could be a goodbye kiss and that's scary. Joshua's team is not going to have it easy. They're going to have to take out a lot of guards.

"I love you, be safe." You say with your lips against his.

"I love you too, and you be safe as well. Listen to Hao and Soonyoung. They will both keep you safe."

Following everyone down to the cars, you get in the back seat of the car Soonyoung is driving.

It's pouring outside. The rain leaves the asphalt with a neon turquoise glow.

Reaching into your bag, you pull out Joshua's tablet. You open it up and immediately his hologram pops up. You scroll through his coding, making sure there are absolutely no errors in sight.

Minghao glances into the back seat. "He's going to be fine."

"I know." You close the tablet and stick it back in your bag. "I'm just worried."

"Quit stressing about your robo boy. He's going to be fine." Soonyoung chimes in.

Arriving at the FleXeon building, Minghao already has the cameras up. You're working on shutting down their alarm system. Mingyu's car pulls up behind you. Soonyoung reaches into his bag and pulls out ear pieces for all three of you.

"No matter what happens, you both need to listen to me." He says. You and Soonyoung might butt heads often, but you're well aware he's a good leader. He'll make sure nothing goes wrong. Getting out of the car, the three of you pull up your mask and your hoods. The rain helps your cover.

The alarm system is fully down and Minghao has tricked the system into thinking nothing is wrong. After many nights casing this place, Soonyoung leads you both off to the side door that's near the security office.

He makes quick work, knocking two guards unconscious. The three of you rush down to the hall to the security room. Minghao immediately plugs his device in and works on shutting down the security system.

Soonyoung is standing at the door with his gun drawn. You watch him carefully for a moment before you start sorting through the system coding.

The second you're into the file database you start making copies of everything.

-

The moment Soonyoung gives the signal that everything is clear, Seungcheol leads team one into the building. Seungcheol's goal tonight is to not only steal all the company's data, but to also steal any tech they're storing.

Heading up to the lab is where they encounter their first batches of guards. Seungcheol's original plan was to knock them unconscious, but when one of them sends a bullet slicing through Joshua's synthetic skin, that's when things take a turn. Jeonghan and Wonwoo are both incredibly good shots. The two of them take down most of the guards while Seungcheol and Joshua knock out the others.

Walking up to the lab door, they're relieved to see that the lock’s been shut off. Stepping inside Joshua winces at the sight of different androids like him. Some of them aren't fully built, while others look like they're fully operational.

Joshua walks over towards this. Wonwoo puts his hand on his shoulder. "We'll get them later."

Seungcheol starts searching around. He finds a latch that opens another door. In there they find the machine that makes lavender haze.

"Got ‘em." Seungcheol starts snapping photos of everything. He grabs his duffle bag and starts filling it with close to a million dollars worth of lavender haze. Jeonghan disappears for a while and comes back holding wads of cash.

"Where is that from?" Joshua asks.

"I found a room with a safe in it."

"How did you get the safe open?" Seungcheol asks.

"I shot it, obviously."

Wonwoo barks out a laugh, and Seungcheol just rolls his eyes.

"Wonwoo, go with Jeonghan and start filling all the bags with the money. Joshua, start taking the androids to the van."

-

Through the security camera's tablet, you watch as Joshua moves through the building quickly. He's carrying as many androids as he can to the van Mingyu is in. Mingyu is helping load them into the back quickly.

Tapping away at your computer, you know you probably have another twenty minutes until you have all the data copied over. Your goal once you're done is to send a virus to FleXeon’s system. You and Minghao worked together to make itto nearly impossible to stop viruses.

"How is team one doing?" Minghao asks Soonyoung.

"Cheol says they need another thirty."

"I can keep the system down." You respond, not bothering to look up from your device.

"I found all the hidden files for the formula for lavender haze." Minghao chimes in.

"Make double copies of that."

These passing twenty minutes are some of the most stressful of your life. The data has finished copying and you're making sure to monitor the cameras. Your eyes go wide when you see more security heading towards the room you're in.

"Soonyoung, code red."

"Fuck." He says. "Code red, code red." He says into his com.

"Minghao, are you good?"

"Yeah. We have everything copied."

"Launch the virus." You respond. You start typing away. You launch the virus into the system.

Seconds later, Soonyoung starts shooting down the hall. You hear Seungcheol yelling over the com to clear out. You and Minghao move quickly to grab all your stuff. Reaching into his waistband, he pulls out a gun, and Minghao holds it out to you. Without even thinking, you grab it. He grabs another gun from his bag.

Soonyoung grabs ammo from his bag, reloading the gun. "Hao, guard Starry and get her out of here."

Minghao turns to you. He takes your face in both his hands. You must look terrified. You've been with this group for a long time, and this is the first time you're worried you might die because of a job. "Starry, I promise you won't get hurt."

"Okay."

"Stay behind me, and keep your gun drawn." He keeps holding your face. "Joshua will kill us all if we let you get hurt."

"Fuck what about Shua?" You realize if you're in a gun fight it might not be clear at the lab.

"He's fine." He releases your face. "Just hold my hand until I let go." He takes your hand in his.

"Okay, go." Soonyoung gives you the signal.

Another set of guards are running up. Minghao leads you out towards the door with his gun drawn. He takes two shots by the two guards blocking the door.

"Run." He shouts. You run next to him with your gun drawn.

You practically throw your body against the doo,r breaking your way outside. Soonyoung follows behind you.

Standing in the pouring rain you look over towards Mingyu's van to see him and Joshua soaking wet, loading a machine into the back. The moment Joshua turns and looks at you, he pushes his wet dark hair away from his face. Instantly, you see the tear in his jacket, and the slice in his arm. You're frozen in place staring at him.

Gun fire rings out, startling you. Minghao grabs your hand dragging you towards the car.

You see Jihoon and his team sprinting towards the van. Soonyoung grabs you from Minghao and practically throws you into the back seat. The car speeds away before you can even react. Looking out the window, you watch as team one breaks out of the building with guards following behind them.

Your eyes water thinking about the danger you're leaving behind. It's the dead of night and the fluorescent city, is a buzz with the sound of blaring sirens. Soonyoung drives like a mad man to get back to Seungcheol's place.

Salty tears slide down your cheek as you think about the chaos that has unfolded. Minghao's phone rings and he's quick to answer. He doesn't say much, you just hear him repeat yes over and over. He hangs up the phone and is instantly calling another person.

Soonyoung glances in the mirror looking back at you. Quickly you avert your eyes, the last thing you need is him teasing you about the fact that you're crying.

"Seokmin." Minghao says. That name immediately catches your attention. You know he's a medic. He's stitched up the boys a few times. Your heart sinks, and nausea hits you quickly. "It's Jeonghan and Wonwoo."

The car is silent for a moment outside the sounds of distant sirens and the rain hitting the car.

"Not fatal. Jeonghan was shot in the shoulder and Wonwoo in the ribs." He pauses again. "Cheol said Wonwoo was grazed pretty deeply."

"Soonyoung—"

"They're fine." He quickly responds. "Hao said he's not fatal. Seokmin will stitch them up.”

"Just meet us at Cheol's asap." Minghao hangs up.

Soonyoung pulls into the dark parking garage. Getting out of the car, you grab yourself. Soonyoung looks around making sure you're not being watched. You all rush towards the elevator.

Minghao presses the button and instantly the doors slide open. Stepping inside, Soonyoung quickly hits the close button over and over.

The elevator rattles as it heads up to the tenth floor. You blankly stare down at your shoes.

"They're fine." Minghao finally speaks. "They just need stitches."

The doors slide open. You all practically run down the hall to Seungcheol's apartment. Soonyoung punches in the code, and the door slides open. Sitting on the couch near the window, you find the sweet girl who lives with Seungcheol. She jumps at the sudden intrusion.

Soonyoung puts up his hands letting her know we aren't a threat. "It's just us. Seungcheol is on his way home."

"Is he okay?" You've never actually heard her speak before. Her voice is quiet and full of fear.

"Yeah he is." Soonyoung slowly puts his hands down. Silently she gets off the couch and rushes out of the room.

Minghao grabs his bag and walks over to the table. "Can I have the drive with the lavender haze formula?"

You reach into your pocket and grab one of the two drives that hold the information. You toss it over to him. He plugs it into his computer and starts typing away.

"What are you doing?" Soonyoung asks.

"I'm concealing some of the formula and anonymously leaking it."

There is a knock on the door. Soonyoung grabs his gun and walks over. He pulls the door open with his gun drawn. Instantly he puts it down at the sight of Seokmin.

Seokmin comes in and starts getting out all the supplies he'll need.

The door flings open and the rest of the crew follows in. Wonwoo limps in with the help of Joshua and Mingyu. Jeonghan is being helped by Seungcheol. Jihoon, Chan and Vernon follow in behind them.

Joshua stares at you with wide eyes. Everything is so chaotic that neither of you have time to talk.

"Vernon, do you remember how to do stitches?" Seokmin asks.

"Yeah." Vernon walks towards him.

"Okay, I'm going to need you to take Wonwoo to the restroom and full-clean out his wound and then stitch him up." Seokmin reaches into his bag and pulls out everything Vernon will need. "Mingyu and Soonyoung please help Vernon."

Everyone listens to Seokmin and takes Wonwoo off to the bathroom. Seungcheol brings Jeonghan towards Seokmin.

"We need to remove his jacket and I need to see if there is an exit wound." Jihoon and Seungcheol take a very dazed Jeonghan into the kitchen.

Joshua rushes towards you. He pulls you into his chest and kisses the top of your head. "Starlight, I was so worried about you."

"I'm fine, Hao and Soonyoung kept me safe." You pull away and glance at his torn synthetic skin. "I need to fix this later."

"Okay."

You hear Jeonghan scream. You take off towards the kitchen where you see Seungcheol holding him down as Seokmin is digging the bullet out of his shoulder.

You wince when you see a very obviously in pain Jeonghan let out another scream. You walk closer to him. He's turning his head away from his injury, wincing.

Reaching out, you rest your hand on his cheek. "Hannie, it's okay." His eyes go wide looking at you. "It's okay." You wish there was some way you could soothe him.

"Chan, get me a syringe of numbing meds from my bag." Seokmin shouts.

Moments later, Chan comes rushing in. Seokmin gives Jeonghan a full shot of the numbing meds. His eyes droop slightly as they instantly take effect.

Joshua grabs your hand, leading you away from the chaos. Moving into the living room, you sit on the couch feeling dazed. Wonwoo comes out of the bathroom with the help of Mingyu.

They sit next to each other on the other couch. Seokmin shouts for Joshua's help. He leaves you alone for a moment. Seungcheol heads out the kitchen and instantly heads towards the room Angel is in. He must be going to check on her.

Joshua walks out of the kitchen carrying Jeonghan. Jihoon leads them off towards Seungcheol's room. Seokmin walks out of the kitchen with his shirt stained with blood. Soonyoung walks of the bathroom.

"Is Jeonghan okay?" Soonyoung asks.

"Yeah. We knocked him out because he was in pain, but the bullet is out and stitched up. Luckily, it missed all the major arteries." Seokmin says.

Seungcheol heads back in and gives everyone the run down and then gives everyone a bag with money in it.

"This is just cash. I'll have more coming later." He lets out a sigh and pushes his fingers through his hair. "We can have another meeting in a couple days when Jeonghan is feeling better."

"Breaking news." The tv turns on blaring. "FleXeon is being exposed for producing the very illegal drug known as lavender haze. Police arrived on site now at the CEO house. The company is now under investigation."

Soonyoung barks out a laugh. "Looks like we were successful."

"Everyone keep your heads low for a little while." Seungcheol says.

MEET ME IN THE AFTERGLOW

Arriving back at your apartment, you sit down Joshua at the table and work on fixing his arm that's sliced open.

"They missed your wiring." His wiring is essentially his arteries. "If they hit those I might have had to rewire your arm." You know he's listening to you, but he's completely silent as he stares at the floor in front of him. "This is a simple fix."

"Does this feel weird having to fix your robot boyfriend? If I was human you wouldn't have to worry about my wiring." He glances up at you.

"If you were human, you could have been in bad shape like Wonwoo and Jeonghan." At this point you prefer he's a robot. You never have to worry about him getting sick or hurt like that.

"Do you wish I was human?" There's a deep rooted sadness behind his eyes.

"No, not at all. I promise, I've never once wished you were human." You aren't lying. Never once have you had that thought. You finish working on his arm, and move so you're standing in front of him.

"I wish I was human."

Reaching out you take his face in both hands. "I've never wanted you to be anything else." His eyes are wide and glossy. Slowly you drag your thumb across his cheek. "I love you for who you are."

"I love you too." He closes his eyes leaning into your touch. Leaning down you press your lips into his for a sweet kiss.

Stepping back, you walk off into the kitchen to wash your hands. Looking over, you watch as Joshua stands up. He walked over to the big window that looks out into the city. In the distance, the sun is starting to rise. The sky is becoming shades of cotton candy pink and orange.

"When I heard the first gun shot, I was scared they were going to take you from me." Joshua says as he blankly stares towards the windows.

Walking over, you stand in front of him and wrap your arms around his stomach. "I was scared too, but I knew the boys would keep me safe."

"Starlight, look at me please." You step back and look up at him. "Right now, I just want to be with you."

"Okay."

You aren't surprised when he reaches down and picks you up as if you weigh nothing. Crashing your lips into his, you kiss him as if you need him to breathe.

He pulls his lips away long enough to lead you both to the bedroom. In between kisses, you both strip away your clothes.

Laying on the bed with your legs spread wide, he eats you out like a man starved. He plays with you until you fall apart not once but twice. Your fingers tangle in his hair, holding him close to your needy pussy.

Crawling up your body, he crashes his lips into yours. You can taste yourself on his tongue, and it's absolutely intoxicating.

You aren't sure what his plan is, but all you know is you want him in any possible way. He grinds his already hard length against your core over and over, until you're moaning into his mouth. Practically on the brink of falling apart again.

"Shua—" you whine as he pulls away.

He moves so he's sitting with his back against the headboard. You waste no time crawling across the bed to get to him.

Sitting on his lap, you card your fingers through his dark hair. Lifting your hips, you reach down, lining his cock up with your needy entrance. Ever so slowly, you sink down on his length, inch by thick inch. He's snug inside you, but neither of you move. He looks up at you with needy eyes.

Neither of you seem to have any desire to move. You could sit on his cock for hours, and he would do anything to stay inside you forever.

"I have never and will never love anyone like I love you." You can't explain the love you feel for him.

"We may not be able to get married, but you're my wife." His sweet words earn a smile from you. He's never called you his wife, but you could get used to him calling you that.

"Are you going to buy me a ring with the money we just got?" You hold up your bare hand. You could actually care less about a ring, you honestly just want to tease him a little.

"I'll buy you anything you could possibly want." Leaning forward, he presses his lips to yours for a searing kiss. "Anything my pretty wife could ever want, I'll give her." He says between kisses.

Lifting your hips, you pull yourself off of him, until only the tip is left inside. You tug his hair back so he's looking up at you. Slowly you drop back down. He's so long he's practically bruising your cervix. Rolling your hips, your clit brushes against his pelvis.

Joshua's hands are anywhere they can touch. He doesn't help guide your movements yet. He'll help you move once he knows you're too tired.

Biting your bottom lip, you try your hardest to hold back your moans. His wet lips start leaving a trail of kisses from your jaw down to your breast. He takes his time teasing each of your pert nipples. He gently bites your nipple earning a moan.

"Josh—" you cry out.

He pulls away smiling. "Baby you feel so good."

You pick up your pace, desperately chasing your high. Reaching down your fingers quickly start rubbing your clit.

"I love watching you play with yourself." He moans with his lips against your neck.

Your orgasm is like a white hot ecstasy. Throwing your head back you cry out in pleasure. Salty tears slide down your cheeks at the overwhelming feeling. You two have had a lot of sex, but this feels extra intense. Your walls flutter around his cock like an erratic heartbeat. Your lips are parted as mindless moans pass your lips over and over.

Without saying anything, his large hands grip your hips and he helps guide you up and down his massive length. Your high is barely settled and he's pushing you right to the edge all over again.

"Fuck—" you whine.

"Can you cum again?" He asks.

Wordlessly you nod. He's fucked you to the point you aren't even sure if you can form proper words. He’s guiding you up and down, practically impaling you on his massive length over and over again.

Your orgasm hits both of you at the same time. He holds you down flush against him as he fills you to the brim with his sweet and sticky release.

Your body goes limp leaning against him. His hand runs up and down your back slowly, helping you relax.

"You did so good." He knows exactly how to praise you. Your mind can't process much other than the two mind numbing orgasms you just had back to back.

"Baby, I need to clean you up."

"Just let me lay here." You sigh.

He lets you stay sitting on his lap for about twenty minutes before he forces you to take a shower with him.

After showering you don't even bother getting dressed for bed after he dries you off. Curled up in bed together, your head is resting on his chest. Mindlessly he's drawing different shapes on your back.

"If you want, we could have a little wedding with our group. It doesn't have to be official, but they'll be there to witness us getting married." You say.

"I would like that. I meant it when I said you're my wife."

"And you're my husband."

What you have may not be conventional by any means. But the love you feel for each other is what people dream about finding. You know there is still a lot to be done by making sure FleXeon doesn't come back, and you and Minghao need to work on reprogramming the FleXeon androids. But for just a little while, you want to have time with Joshua. You don't want to think about an evil corporation. You just want to think about the future you have with Joshua.

When Vania was very young, the IPC came to her planet to colonize it. Her father, the sole owner of a fairly well respected flower company, sold out to the IPC entirely, causing him to become a wealthy capitalist and causing wife to leave him with his infant daughter.

Vania, his only daughter, has spent her life being ignored unless she is specifically expected to show up to a public event where she’s treated like a trophy by her father. It’s to the point where most people on her planet don’t even know that her father has a child at all. Left on her own most of the time, Vania spends hours and hours playing her favorite video games under the pseudonym “Princess Manic.” She became so good at playing games that she began to learn to hack and mod them for her own amusement.

When she started to play with others online, she was introduced to the idea of aether hacking, which she took to like a fish to water. While “Vania” is known as a spoiled rich girl who hardly speaks and never leaves her room, “Princess Manic” is quickly becoming known as one of the most dangerous aether hackers in the universe, now with a high bounty from the IPC. From seemingly harmless pranks to reprogramming and ruining lives, there doesn’t seem to be much Manic won’t do.

General Description

Anya “Reaper” Cortez is a female worker drone that had been modified, upon her own behest, to a certain extent. Most of her modifications are internal, the main exception being a tail comprised of reused limbs from other types of machinery than drones, with a drone hand affixed to the end. The internal implants serve to assist in hacking, reprogramming, breaching digital defenses, and so on, she also possesses necessary hookups, interfaces, and built in hidden spools of cables to interface with whatever machine she can think of, generally. Thus, instead of using a separate device to hack into systems, she does it all from her own system, which is protected by specialty Black IC (intrusion countermeasures) built upon a lesser non-sentient AI, created to either keep the intruder out, or kill them before they can do any damage. Most of the programs she uses are her own creations, or human-made professional grade software that she had modified to suit her needs. Fact is, if a thing has a system, she can bend it to her will sooner or later provided a connection can be maintained. Anya doesn't do such things to drones though, not willingly anyway.

She was considered a weirdo her whole upbringing and young-adult life, and will most likely be perceived that way for good. She doesn't mind that though, in fact, she revels in this. She is weird, and she loves being as weird as she wants to be. Plus, her loving parents have always been supportive of her peculiarities, provided they weren't unsafe or unhealthy. Thanks to her leaning so hard into it, not breaking down to any bullying whatsoever, she had made plenty of decent friends along the way, with her bullies being left by the wayside as they found out that messing with the maniac that she is was generally a bad idea, at least for one's psyche.

She quickly became friends with Martin Locke after he joined the colony, and the two's personalities meshed in just the right way to become great friends and capable partner in various tasks and operations they had undertaken. Anya provides intel, manages the area of operations with the help of a self-built remote control flying drone with high quality optics mounted to it, and carries plenty of mechanical gizmos that usually make the task they need to perform go pretty smoothly.

Notable talents / abilities

Superb hacker

capable jury rigger

electronics and computers specialist

possesses a knack for developing her own software, including specialty viruses, rootkits, and worms

a decent fighter, especially so when she has her titanium tonfas 

Special physical features

built-in hacking equipment, including programs as well as connecting equipment

tail with a WD hand at the end of it

increased flexibility thanks to chassis modifications

internal parts for controlling an RC drone remotely from within her system

specialty scanners built into her visual array, meant for locating wires, network hardware, nearby nfc equipment, and even structural weakpoints within machinery and structures

built in radio receiver/transmitter and jammer

Usually used tools/items

tonfa

cellphone

small laptop

portable toolbag

a portable directed EMP generator

foldable remote-control surveillance drone

Personality

Bold, brash, chaotic and loud. Highly prone to nigh-incoherent ramblings that do in fact make sense if it weren't for her way of saying them. High energy, hates not having much to do. Endlessly enthusiastic, with plenty of mood-swings as well. The embodiment of “fuck it, we ball”. Hard to set off, shockingly easy to calm down, in some cases even showing her some shiny coin or stone does the trick after no more than a few seconds. 

Hobbies

tinkering

video games

pranks

tabletop games

playing an electric guitar

playing a keyboard

bumper cars (she got to ride one once and she's been chasing the high ever since)

drawing

photography, from time to time

exploring abandoned locations

Notable Likes

being a nuisance

tinkering

hacking

her friends

acting cringe

scuttling on the ground to scare others

pulling pranks

destroying things in the most convoluted ways

collecting old human currency for the sake of it

rings! She loves to collect rings of any size, shape, style, or material

big guns

her family

any and all sunglasses

rock music

playing her guitar or keyboard, would love a keytar if she found one

RC toys

comics

travelling around Copper 9 in Martin's vehicles, while being carried by a DD friend, on foot, or on her own vehicle

Notable Dislikes

boredom

books

waiting for stuff

being quiet

being calm

the color red

stairs

forgetting things

Miscellaneous Notes

biromantic

female

about 158cm tall, slightly taller than an average WD

drone equivalent of ADHD

Martin is usually the straightman in her jokes

bad luck with romance

Notable friends/other

Martin “Spider” Locke - a good friend, as well as a teammate. “Spider” and “Reaper” operate in tandem, with “Spider” being the ground operative while “Reaper” provides intel, overwatch, etc

Tessa Eliott - “a friend of a friend will be my friend as well!”

the lore is that, instead of making a pokemon rom hack, the hacker (named nicky in this AU instead of cody) makes a hack that recreates the story of sonic.exe, but exe himself isn't a real entity - it's all just sonic, who's been reprogrammed to "believe" he IS exe. this sonic eventually becomes sentient, but the hacker's reprogramming has made sonic grow numb and angry about having to kill tails, knuckles and eggman so many times. sonic just wants it all to end for good, instead of playing out the same cliched story again and again. the hacker then dies of unknown causes, leaving the game abandoned for years. afterwards, sonic's friends return from the dead one last time, having turned sentient as well, and chase sonic around. sonic, feeling horrified, guilty and emotionally detached, tries to run away from the consequences of the hacker's actions. sonic wishes the three would just stay dead, and would kill them all again if given the chance, but after the hacker's death, all of sonic's exe powers mysteriously disappeared and has become really cowardly as a result… sonic hates being called "sonic" now, but doesn't seem to like being called "exe" either… when asked about a preferred name, they give the name "nix."