Artificial

Cooldown

Operator Velox

The ship lands, and Evo manages to peel himself off of me for just long enough to sweep me off my feet, and onto his broad, stable shoulders. We exit the ship without a goodbye or thank you.
I feel kinda bad, but the other two seemed like they were in their own little world as well. As we walk through the base, we come across Reach and Shockwave, who look overjoyed to see us. They begin to approach us when Evo shoots Reach a look, and he nods, his smile turning into a mischievous grin. He takes Shockwave's arm and guides her away, and we continue to our quarters. He unlocks the door, and I roll backwards off of him, landing neatly on my feet, and sit on the edge of our bed. He locks the door behind us, and then everything becomes a blur. Suddenly he's on top of me, and everything is moving so quickly, happening so intensely. Before I know it, I'm pulling off Evo's tank top, marveling at his meticulously designed torso and reveling in the knowledge that deep within lies a mechanical heart that beats only for me.
Then he reaches for my bra, and I hesitate.
And so does he.
And suddenly, I don't have a reason to hesitate anymore.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah," I reply, relieved. "I just... I just needed to know I still had control."
"Of course you do. Vel, I want this, but I care about you more. I only want to go as far as you're comfortable with."
A smile appears on my face of its own volition.
"Thanks."
I pull him tightly against me, my chin resting on his shoulder.
After a few minutes of him stroking my hair and holding me so softly, yet securely, I finally muster the will to commit.
"I—I think I'm ready," I stammer softly into his ear.
"Okay. Remember, we can stop at any time if you feel uncomfortable."
"I know. I trust you. Let's do it."
I stand facing away from him, and throw my sports bra to the ground, my underwear following soon after.
I've never felt so vulnerable.
I take a deep breath, and bare everything to him.
The look on his face tells me I made the right choice.
"Wow. You're...flawless."
"Tell me something I don't know," I reply coolly, my confidence soaring as I take a step toward him and sit on his lap. "Actually—better yet, don't say anything. Just...enjoy."
"Believe me, I will," he replies, composed, but undeniably excited. "Every single second."