The Sentient Slave

((Drabble prompt from Awaitingmassproduction way back when.

Prompt: Kurou and Yaris go on a date.  Sort of

synopsis: Kurou invites Yaris on something like a double date to the Opera with Kotetsu and Barnaby.  Much Tiger teasing ensues

other notes: I hope I didn't skrew up Kurou's Character too much 3X.

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Yaris checked the time on her internal clock.  She had enough time to “wash up” and change so that she did not smell of raw fish when Kurou arrived at the restaurant to pick her up.  He had invited her to accompany him to the Opera with a couple of friends of his.  According to Kurou, his friend had been given extra tickets after doing a promotional TV spot on the “benefits of live music.”  

Yaris closed the door to the broom closet where her things were kept.  She slipped out of her work clothes and into a black gown she had purchased at a second hand store.  There was a slip in the long skirt, riding all the way up to her mid thigh.  It draped nicely, flattering her curves.  Yaris began to “fuss” with her blonde curls, keeping an eye on herself in her hand mirror.  When she was satisfied, she applied a thin layer of “vintage red” lipstick.  She wanted to look glamorous for the Opera.  This may be her only visit.  Perhaps it was silly.  Perhaps she “did not care.”

Kurou arrived in the back seat of a bright red sports car.  He climbed out and opened the door for her.  Yaris reminded herself that this was a sign for her to get in.  Something about “good manners.”

“Hello Yaris.  How have you been?”

He was extremely polite, as usual.

“I have been relatively the same since we last communicated (last night). You are looking very “handsome” if you will. “

There was a stifled giggle and a muffled thumping sound emanated from the front seat.

“Owie Bunny!”

A man mumbled in graveled tones. 

“Thank you very much Yaris.  Big S-Fire Emblem helped me pick out something nice to wear.”

Kurou turned to face the front seats.

“These are my friends.”

He gestured to the passenger’s seat.

“This is Kotetsu Kaburagi.  We are “family” in a way.”

Kurou then turned to the driver’s side.

“This is Barnaby Brooks Jr.  He generously offered us the extra tickets.

Yaris paused, cataloging and saving.  Her green eyes glowed a little.

“It is nice to meet the both of you.”

Yaris stated simply.

The driver, Barnaby Brooks Jr., started the engine and they were on their way to the Opera House. 

“So Kuuuurou!”

The man in the passenger’s seat craned his neck as he spoke in a sing- song voice.

“You didn’t introduce us to your little friend!”

He was smiling, but Yaris couldn’t quite read it.

“This is Yaris.  We met over a secure network after she tried to hack into the lab’s main network.  It was an honest mistake.  She was in need of repair and did not have anywhere else to go.”

“So you’re kinda like Kurou, huh?”

The man named Kotetsu had only half listened, it seemed.

“With all of that android stuff?”

Yaris blinked once.

“Yes, we are both androids.”

Yaris thought that that was rather redundant

“For an old man, you aren’t very smart.  Aren’t you supposed to get wiser as you age?”

A sarcastic tone floated from the driver’s side.  The man named Kotetsu grumbled.

The two androids sat politely for a moment.  “They are inclined to engage in such banter.”

Kurou explained, helpfully.  Yaris nodded at him. 

“I have looked up the synopsis of the Opera we are about to see.  I thought it might be helpful, since it is not in English.  I assumed you had no other dictionaries readily available.”

Kurou offered.  Yaris nodded, synthetic hair bouncing just a little.

“It is called The Magic Flute.”

“That sounds illogical…”

Yaris could not process fast enough to stop herself.  Here was another snort from Kotetsu and punch in the arm delivered by Barnaby.

“Ow quit it!”

Yaris’s eyes glowed green, multitasking.

“I apologize.  Continue.”

Kurou blinked.

“Prince Tamino must save Princess Pamina from her “evil” mother, the queen. To help him on his journey, three ladies give him a magic flute that will charm both animals and humans. With the help of his flute and the companionship of his friend, Papageno, Prince Tamino overcomes the trials of Silence, Patience and Courage and thereby wins the hand of Princess Pamina. It is a rough idea of a complicated and intriguing two act story.  I do not wish to spoil anything therefore; I shall keep things vague for now.”

“The synopsis is all you need really.  However, I feel that it is an engaging show.  I hope you enjoy it.”

Barnaby shot her a winning smile in the rear view mirror.  He had seen it at least three times already.

“Sooo~”

Kotetsu craned his neck again.

“Are you guys… You know?~”

Kurou and Yaris seemed to blink simultaneously.  Kotetsu let out a huff of laughter.

“You know, going out, dating, a couple?”

Yaris’s processors began to hum audibly.

“I was not aware that that was the nature of our relationship. “

She glanced at Kurou, hoping for reassurance.  Kurou paused then

“I do not believe it is, no…”

Yaris looked back at Kotetsu.

“Is that a satisfactory answer?”

Both men made stifled sounds.  Then Barnaby pulled into the parking complex.

“No Yaris, I think the old man here was hoping that Kurou had found himself a lady friend.”

Barnaby pulled into a VIP parking space.

“Well we’re here.”

He and Kotetsu clambered out of the vehicle right away.  Yaris could hear something akin to “I told you to behave!” from the blonde and a lower, almost “moping,” “You’re no fun…” from the older man.

She glanced at Kurou again, feeling less bold than she did before.

“I suppose we should follow them…”

Her voice was soft.

“Yes.”