Page 43 of Cyborg's Tether
She arched against him, her body trembling on the edge of release. “Xavier, I’m close.”
He held her tighter, moving his hips faster. “Let go, Amaya. I have you.”
With a cry, she climaxed, shuddering in his arms. The sight and feel of her pleasure pushed him over the edge, and he followed her into ecstasy, his systems overloading with sensation.
They collapsed together onto the bed, limbs tangled, and both breathing heavily. He stroked her back, appreciating the softness of her skin against his metallic hand.
“So good...” She laughed softly. “No more words needed.”
Xavier smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Agreed. It seems my vocabulary subroutines are inadequate for describing such experiences.”
She propped herself up on an elbow, studying his face. “How do you feel now? About the dream, I mean.”
He considered the question. The melancholy that had gripped him earlier had faded, replaced by a warm contentment. “The past is the past. I can’t change it, and I don’t wish to. My life now, with you, is what matters most.”
Her expression revealed myriad emotions, chief among them hope and happiness. “I love you, Xavier. All of you—human, cyborg, and everything in between.”
“And I love you, Amaya,” said Xavier, the words feeling right and true. “You’ve given me a future I never thought possible.”
They lay together in comfortable silence, the hum of the facility a soothing backdrop to their shared moment. Xavier’s cybernetic systems began to power down for rest mode, but his human heart remained fully awake, filled with love for the woman in his arms.
XAVIER’S CYBERNETICeye adjusted to the dim light of early morning as he stirred from sleep. Beside him, Amaya’s form was a warm presence, her breathing steady and rhythmic. He savored the moment, allowing his organic eye to linger on her peaceful expression.
The synthicator in the corner of the room hummed to life, its pre-programmed routine initiating the preparation of their morning meal. The aroma of freshly synthesized coffee filled the air, mingling with the sterile scent of the facility.
Amaya stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. “Good morning,” she whispered, her voice still thick with sleep.
“Good morning,” he said with affection.
They rose from the bed, moving in comfortable synchronization as they prepared for the day ahead. At the small table in the corner of the room, they settled with their synthicated breakfast. Xavier’s plate held a precisely calculated balance of nutrients designed to fuel both his organic and cybernetic systems. Amaya’s meal was more traditional—scrambled eggs and toast.
“How did you sleep?” asked Amaya, taking a sip of her coffee.
He paused, focusing on a point beyond Amaya. “I had another dream. A memory, perhaps.”
She leaned forward, her interest piqued. “What was it about?”
“I was on a battlefield. There were explosions all around, and the air was thick with smoke and the scent of burned flesh. I was leading a squad of soldiers, all human. We were pinned down by enemy fire.”
Amaya listened intently, her breakfast forgotten.
“One of my men was hit. I carried him to safety, shielding him with my own body. I remember his weight, and the warmth of his blood on my hands. It was before my conversion, but the memory is so vivid.”
“That must have been intense,” she said softly. “How do you feel about it now?”
His cybernetic eye whirred as it focused on Amaya. “It’s strange. I feel a connection to that past self, yet also a disconnect. The emotions are there, but muted, as if experienced through a filter.”
She reached across the table, her hand resting on his metallic one. “That’s understandable. You’ve been through a significant transformation.”
He nodded. “Indeed. Which brings me to something I have been considering.”
Amaya tilted her head, curiosity evident in her expression. “What is it?”
“I would like us to share quarters permanently,” said Xavier, his voice steady despite the vulnerability of the request. “I find great comfort in your presence. I believe it would be beneficial for us both, personally and professionally, to deepen our connection.”
Amaya’s eyes widened as surprise and joy danced across her features. “Xavier, I... yes. I would love that.”
He smiled with contentment. “Then it’s decided. I’ll begin the process of moving my belongings to your quarters today and giving up my rack in the barracks.”