(Flashback)

  Standing with her back against the wall, [Redacted] watched the man in front of her with a mixture of fear and gentle calmness in her eyes.

  He had his gun pointed at her, but for some reason... he dropped it, "Why aren't you attacking? People like me kill freaks like you... why are you just standing there?" he asked, his breath heavy, his chest rising and falling in sharp intervals.

  [Redacted] stepped forward but stopped just short of striking range, "Your mouth tells me a story others made you believe, but your heart tells me the story you truly believe."

  The mercenary's eyes flickered with confused anger, "What the hell are you talking about? You freaks of nature were created to take over this world and wipe out the resistance."

  She simply smiled, "Then explain why I didn't fight back?"

  He hesitated, unable to find an answer.

  She pressed on, "I don't bear justified hate toward humans, nor do I believe you bear justified hate toward us. The only thing I want to ask is: why did you allow yourself to be programmed with hatred when you don't even know why you hate us?"

  (End of Flashback)

  Miles woke up on a soft sofa, the scent of something cooking lingering through the air.

  Blinking away the haze of sleep, he glanced around their two-bedroom apartment, impressed by how quickly Sarah had unpacked everything.

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  He turned his attention to the kitchen, where she stood at the stove, grilling dinner while swaying to the rhythm of a song only she could hear.

  Miles smiled and walked over, taking a seat at the counter, watching her.

  It took a moment, but eventually, she sensed his presence, her sensors registering his bio-data.

  She turned off the music and smirked, "Enjoy your nap? Here's some advice—staring at a girl like me with those wanting eyes only makes me feel aroused, so use that information wisely."

  Miles chuckled, "Damn, Sarah, we just moved in and you already want to make a mess."

  Sarah placed a plate of grilled fish and chips in front of him, "It's only right. I've got a new upgrade I wanted to try out—especially the milky and elastic mod I bought from a pleasure bot. Wanna test it out." She leaned forward, resting her head on her hand, licking her lips suggestively.

  Miles ignored her teasing and started eating, "You don't say. Anyway, I'll start looking for a job tomorrow morning. I still have enough credits for a stealth set—maybe I can help out at the police station."

  Sarah pouted, displeased that he wasn't playing along, "How rude. You have an attractive wife in front of you, and you're thinking about work instead of carrying her to the bedroom and ravishing her like the beast you are."

  Miles took another bite, "I was wondering—do you prefer I do bounty hunting, police work, or just take a simple job?"

  Sarah sulked, resting her head against the counter, "I'd prefer bounty hunting. I can get us started and create a work account for us."

  Miles gave her a warm smile, "Thanks. I'm lucky to have you. After I'm done eating, how about we watch a movie?"

  Sarah's head shot up, her face flushing, "Only if I get to pick."

  Miles tapped on the counter, materializing a glass, "Sure. Let me guess—you're picking a romance between humans and androids."

  Sarah leaned forward, tracing the rim of his glass with her finger as cola poured into it, "Why watch it when we're living one?"

  Miles took a sip, smiling, "You're right. Maybe we should just skip to the best part."

  Sarah perked up, "And what would that be?"

  Miles circled around the counter, scooping her into his arms. He carried her toward the bedroom, taking his time, "I'm kinda thirsty. That milk mod better be worth the buy."

  Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck, a sultry grin on her lips, "Then drink as much as you can."

  The door shut behind them.