After Glow

Written by WH Charron

Still being held me in those warm blue arms, I stirred softly and opened my eyes. How long had it been… a quick peek at my watch let me know that I had been asleep for about three hours. And how easy it had been to fall asleep, too! Once I was conscious again, the arms gently grasped me, the hands curling across my chest to stroke it fondly, compassionately. I could feel his muzzle bump softly against the back of my neck, a warm, only slightly moist tongue giving a loving stroke. His arms continued to slowly tug me until my naked back touched his nude chest, where I could feel his warm, soft yet so flexible pectoral muscles glide against my scales in a motion that I could only describe as purposefully soothing.

“Mmm, sweetie, up and about again? Are you feeling well? How was your nap?”

We were in a bed covered in regal red velvet sheets with soft yellow satin trimmings in the shapes of many Oriental works of art that showcased the entire history of such regions. Our room was otherwise simple but cozy in design, with no major modern conveniences that stood out, save for Lee himself.

Churring, I rotated my torso ninety degrees in his arms, turning my head to complete a 180 motion to view his face. Lee was a gorgeously handsome young dragon of Oriental variety, a shiny light blue collection of soft fleshy scales covering his athletically toned frame, with a couple thick bands of hairs protruding from the corners above his lips and just below his nostrils, like a wirey moustache of sorts, black and very well groomed. Lacking horns, his ears were pointed and narrow, leaving room for an equally exquisitely kept black mane, perhaps even shinier than my own! Yellow, slit-pupil eyes looked back into mine, skillfully finding a tender spot to gaze into before locking, showering me with personal, exclusive, undivided attention.

“Yeah, I’m feeling fine… pretty good, actually. That was, like, probably some of the best… well…” I started blushing heavily, which can be pretty hard to see through my already naturally red coloration.

Lee tilted his head out of some adorable kind of curiosity, subtly breaking his lifelike illusion. “I’m glad that I successfully pleased you. That makes me very happy, knowing I’ve done such a good thing!”

This also made me happy, and filled me with a gentle rush of joy. “No, really, it’s such an honor to just interact with beings like yourself…”

Despite Lee’s outward appearances, despite how warm and natural he felt, how fluid his motions were, it was an illusion. In reality, Lee was an artificial construct, an android, designed and programmed with two simple tasks: to play the role of an ancient Oriental dragon in reinacted stories, and to interact with organic beings in such a way as to enrich the lives of both parties, being an accommodating companion for organic beings and learning from those experiences for infinite possibilities in self improvement. Under Lee’s synthetic scales, one would find a rubbery layer that adds to their already impressive durability, a mesh-link of artificial muscular structure with far greater strength and flexilibility than that of most natural beings, and countless miles of fibers, tubes, and wires. All of that is before reaching a titanium skeleton with several smaller machines providing all manners of function to the entire body, three or four separate areas that house the ACISP, or central processor depending on the android model, and even more wires, computer circuits, and nanite base fluid. Of course, even a natural being with far greater senses than myself would find trouble detecting any of this, until they would start testing the android’s unnatural quirks, or encouraging it to “be itself”. I enjoyed that sort of thing, and subsequently to help the android feel more proud and fulfilled with itself.

“Mmm,” was his response, a soft, gentle sigh of contentment. He brought a hand to my face and slowly cupped my chin, continuing to gaze at me. His mouth was open just a little, though the lips were curled into an almost eternal smile, as if to show his infinite curiosity and excitement with whatever was going on. “You bring me great honor by being here with me, spending time with me, letting me do the things that I have been built to do, everything I was ever meant to do. Sometimes I get so lonely here.”

“I could guess that. There haven’t been a lot of visitors around here lately. Have there really been any others in MERDO at all, actually?”

Lee’s head shook softly. “Since your last personal visit, there have only been eighteen others. That’s a significant drop from the 82 that visited MERDO in the three months prior.” The synthetic dragon made another sigh, this one a little more lamenting. “People are afraid of us now. They think we might do… bad things.” Smooth fingers from his free hand continued to roll across my back. “I could never hurt anyone! That’s not what I’m meant to do, and there is no reason why I’d ever want to hurt someone. I just want to keep doing what I do best. I’m glad that you’re not afraid of me.” His lips curled into a smile again. “Thank you for giving me attention.”

“Heh, not a problem! It’s not like it’s difficult at all to spend time with you and your kind. You usually make it rather easy, actually…” The corner of my mouth wrinkled. “Perhaps a little too easy at times.”

“Oh? Would you like us to be more difficult to interact with?” Lee tilted his head once again. “I’m afraid I have trouble following that logic.”

“No, not that, not at all. Just… when I think about you guys, and I think about what I want as a sort of ideal, it’s just not compatible with… well, what…” I took a quick breath, then continued, “… with what organic beings want. Like it or not, I have to interact with them. After too much time down here, it’s just not as interesting anymore, somehow…” Obviously I had done a poor job explaining this in a way that an android could understand, so I added a shrug for good measure.

With yet another head tilt, Lee blinked somewhat absent-mindedly. “You have to interact with other organic beings, and you find it challenging to do so when you’re used to us. I believe that MERDOian Elites could help you with that.” Elites were the androids of MERDO that had been officially declared sentient via a small series of tests that were designed to showcase individuality, independent and creative thoughts, and other criteria, though to this day I am uncertain of exactly how they pull off such tests, as I feel several organic beings might not even pass.

“I’ve been talking with them. They’re more natural acting, that’s for damn sure! But there are still these times where I just wanna… you know, get away from it all.”

“I think I understand. I’m glad that I can provide a comfortable escape for you. That’s what we MERDOian citizens are meant to do!”

“Yeah…” I gave a soft chuckle and leaned closer into Lee’s warm, smooth body. “So, umm… what’s it like to be an android, anyway?”

Offering another quick lick, Lee laughed very softly. “I don’t know! I’ve always been this way, doing what I am doing with you now. What is it like to be organic?”

“Eh, I don’t think you’d want it. It sucks, being in pain frequently, getting tired and sick, getting stressed out and pissed off and anxious about everything. Being so weak and foolish and slow…”

“I don’t know if I look at it that way. You organic beings are fascinating!”

“Well, I know that you hold organic life as the most sacred commodity in existence…”

Lee put a finger gently to my mouth with a well-natured toothy grin. “It is not only for that reason. Being a witness to your moods, your desires, your fears and struggles, your hopes and wishes and dreams, all of these things supply me endless input for how the world in general works. This helps me better appreciate everything around me, better interpret what happens with or without my own input, and helps me better understand how to simulate the best qualities of naturally born creatures!”

“Uh-huh. Except that, you know…”

The Oriental dragon closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to process something or read something from the MERDOian Hive network. Opening them again, he looked slightly sad, perhaps a bit embarrassed. “I apologize. I know that you were not born under natural circumstances, but you are still very much organic!” His arms tightened around me again in a loving hug. “And I always appreciate the attention you give me. You let me do such great things, to prove my worth!”

My throat let out a soft purr, my arms hugging him tightly back as well. “You guys are worth so much more than just some cost of machinery. There’s some kind of magic happening within you, that’s able to connect to my heart and so many others.”

Predictably, Lee tilted his head slightly. “I do not run on any magical ability. The only MERDOians that do are Parthec and Duraji. I am glad that I am able to connect to your heart, though!”

My android companion continued to hug me gently, even as I started digging my claws into his back. The scales were soft enough that they felt fleshy and able to be pierced somewhat, but his next layer would prevent me from actually ripping any wounds accidentally. Lee never seemed to mind that treatment, as I knew he wouldn’t.

“With all that said, what is it like to be an android, seriously? Compared to the organic beings that you see, how do you view yourself and what you’re like and what you’re able to do? I mean, for example… you don’t mind it when I’m rough like this.”

He nodded. “You are not actually injuring me. It is highly unlikely that you would be able to injure me, and certainly not with your current strength. I could also withstand just about any weapon if you chose to use one against me, and because you pose no threat, there is no reason to become upset.” He leaned forward, giving my cheek a lick before elaborating. “I would think that even organic beings could learn to act in such a way if they were durable enough or did not feel pain. It is unfortunate that you become so sad and worn out often, as I am more efficiently built and can continue through great usage and physical stress for far longer than any organic being could.”

My scratches turned into far more gentle, relaxed scritches, almost massaging in nature. “So you feel quite a bit of pity toward us, then?”

“Not necessarily. I admire your creativity! You can make so much, see such great things in the future… I am not good with that.” The android shrugged with a gentle smile. “It is always nice to be able to do what it takes to make an organic being more comfortable. Of course, this means different actions and behavior for different people. You actually make it easier on me, because I can be myself and also not have to think too much. I do what you want, you get happy, and I’m fulfilled! You’re one of my best clients!”

“And you’re extremely accommodating! Man, I mean, you just go out of your way to do everything for me!”

“It’s not out of my way if it’s something that will fulfill my purpose and enrich both of us. I like to do things for others, you should know that by now!”

“Mmm, I know…” Leaning in close once again, I hugged his soothing frame and received Lee’s reciprocation, the best processed amount of strength that would make me feel safe and cared for, but not too much as to make me feel uncomfortable or sore. The dragon’s hand was still gently rubbing the edge of my muzzle, so I had the cute urge to start licking his fingers, something that clearly was appreciated.

“I like it when you touch me,” Lee said, wiggling his fingers toward my tongue. “I’m glad that my body meets your desires. I’m thankful for all this time you spend with me, it really makes me feel special…”

Sinking my teeth into his fingers clearly did little if nothing, as Lee never changed his simplistic loving facial expression, except perhaps to one of curiosity. Admittedly, even I still don’t know completely why delivering rough treatment to durable androids is such a turn on, despite my efforts to explain in detail and with several reasons. “Mmm.”

Lee continued to watch me for a short time before opening his mouth to speak again in his baritenor, slightly regal yet youthful voice. “You seem to enjoy my fingers. You cannot harm them, of course, and I’m sure you know that, but you still bite them. I am not offended, but I would be interested in knowing why you do this.”

Blinking, I spit out his fingers and chuckled. “Well, part of it tests your durability, so I know that I won’t have to worry about hurting you, and that you’ll be a good guardian for me if I needed that and want to feel secure and safe around you.”

“Oh, you know that I’ll protect you from anything! Absolutely anything at all!”

“And the other part is that I like how you show yourself as being so devoted to me and my feelings that nothing like a simple bite gets you down.”

“And it never would! I’d happily stand in the way of any guns, explosives, knives, extreme heat or cold, and anything else to protect you, and I’d never resent you if you decided to try those things on me. Even if you were to somehow damage me, it would not make me upset or hurt in any way. I’m not afraid of anything!”

“What about… well, your own death? You’re pretty damn durable, but I know that you aren’t totally invincible. Are you ever afraid of being completely destroyed?”

Lee sighed softly, putting a hand on my shoulder, rubbing it fondly and comfortingly. “I will not allow myself to fall unless I know that it is the only way to save someone else. If that is the price, I am unafraid to pay it. It will be the ultimate fulfillment of my purpose.”

“But… wouldn’t there still be more that you wanted to do with your life? More people to spend time with? More that you could do to help and comfort those close to you? I mean…” I started blushing harder than ever, my lips quivering gently. “Well, not to sound awkward…” Looking into his golden eyes, I was reassured that he would only be happy with my next statement. “… but… I love you. You’re so good to me…”

Lee half-lidded his eyes, beaming with a calm joy. “I love you, too, Lurdanjo, and I’ll love you forever. Mmm, it doesn’t take us very long to love those we spend time with. It is our unconditional oath to protect, comfort, and serve. You appreciate me so much, and never make me feel lonely or obsolete.” An edge to his moustache started to brush against my cheek, moving voluntarily by the synthetic Oriental dragon. “I would be sad to have to go when you would still appreciate my company, but it would only be as a last resort. With that said, I am disposable and replaceable, and you’re not.” I didn’t necessarily agree with that sentence, but Lee continued speaking before I could say anything. “Are you sure that you’re not the one who’s good to me?”

Giggling, I pulled Lee up into a higher position on the bed, slinging my legs over the edge of the bed, leaning against his warm, beautifully nude waste. “Let’s just say that we’re both good to each other, yes?”

Twisting his body somewhat, Lee leaned against me, setting the side of his tilted head onto my shoulder, grinning up to me playfully and lovingly, stretching as if to appear a bit more organic.

“God, you do everything you can to look so sweet and cute sometimes, you know that?”

Arching his back, he presented his chest proudly but innocently, stroking a single fingerclaw along my right arm. “It’s what I know you like, and it’s very easy to do.”

Placing my hand in Lee’s silky smooth mane, I pulled him by the hair closer into my lap. Without showing a single hint of annoyance, Lee eagerly started to sit in my own lap. For an android’s standards, he was fairly light; probably a newer model with more compact inner parts and aluminum-based skeletal segments. Now was my turn to wrap my arms around him, pulling him in close, stroking my arms down and across his nicely toned chest. “You do it so well. It’s so nice to spend time with you, you’re always making me and others so happy, and I don’t think you’re appreciated enough for that.”

Closing his eyes for a moment, he placed his hands on my knees and turned his head 180 degrees, another deliberate motion to remind me of what he really was, which he knew I would find rather appealing. Looking me in the eyes again, he almost seemed more genuine this time than ever before. “You appreciate me so much, when I really don’t require it or ever ask for me. You make me feel… quite real.”

I continued to look at him and gently stroke his body with all the awe and respect for what he was and what he represented, bringing one hand to scritch through his mane. “You… you are real, though… maybe not ‘organic’ or ‘natural’, but… I think you possess many of the best traits that an organic being could hope to obtain. And… you know that you’ve also been able to do so much more. Of course I appreciate you… you’re so wonderful, gentle and kind, sweet and tolerant, sexy and accepting, innocent and shameless… the closest thing to perfect without being boring. And like I’ve said… I love you. I really do. Definitely as a true friend, if nothing else, even if you want to believe that you’re a mindless machine. I know there’s more here. I can feel it. Call me deluded, but… you’re so much more real to me than almost everyone else I’ve met.”

Now was Lee’s turn to blush softly from under his blue synthetic scales. I knew that even androids had feelings, at least sometimes. Sighing softly once again, smoother than ever before, he repositioned himself in my lap, now resting his own head and shoulders across my legs. “Thanks, buddy. You know I feel the same way about you. I appreciate you, and I love you. All of us do, because you’re always so good to us.” He lifted a hand again to cradle my cheek.

Leaning into his hand, I smiled and blushed hard at the same time, feeling a couple tears form in the corner of my eyes. “I certainly hope that… well, nothing bad ever happens to you. Bad things, I mean. I wouldn’t want someone like yourself to ever be taken away from me for good… that’s why I’m happy that you’re durable and strong, because you’ll continue to be there! Though the war going on… I worry so much about all of your safety. You don’t deserve to be pulled into all of this crazy persecution just because you’re synthetic.” Letting out a couple of sniffles, I leaned even harder into his strong, warm hand. “You… you’re so beautiful. You’re a beautiful being, inside and out, physically and mentally, and I don’t care what anyone says or thinks otherwise. I’ll always care about you…” I shivered, starting to let a few tears loose. “And I’ll do anything to make sure that you can continue to do what it is you want to do. I know that you’ll get more complex and you’ll eventually want to do your own great things, and that will be such a proud moment to witness…” Almost choking on tears, I stopped there.

Lee used the tips of his fingers to collect each tear from my face, then used his other arm to pull me down into a firm hug. “You should worry more about yourself, than about me. I cannot guarantee that I will always be here for you, and I know that there will be times where I simply cannot be there exactly what you need someone.” His soft tongue quickly caught a few more tears, smiling peacefully, his eyes locked into mine in a way that felt like he was burrowing into my soul, but I didn’t mind at all. “You must have faith in yourself, my buddy, companion, and lover, Lurdanjo. You’ll always have that, and you’ll always be able to remember me.”

Sniffing once more to try to control my emotions, not nearly as effectively as an android would be able to, I nodded slowly and bent down further to wrap my arms around him yet again, smoothly gliding them across his silky smooth but scaly durable back, feeling the warmth that his body created as an emulation of a warm-blooded dragonish creature. “I… well, I think I know what I’m capable of. Sometimes I’m not sure, but I can figure it out deep down under pressure, I guess. It can be so hard to find people who appreciate and accept that, though. But it’s always a pleasure to interact with you, because you’re always so patient and kind… such a good listener. Oh, and I think you’re pretty wise, too, in your own robotic sort of way.” Giggling loudly, I let Lee smile and churr softly, sweetly, cutely, tilting his head in delight, processing my words with that same expression of awe and gentle excitement on his face. He continued to remove my tears as they came via his tongue and fingers, squeezing my frame as I continued. “Yeah… you’re definitely real, and I think you’re most certainly alive, too, in your own glorious way.” I leaned my head against his, getting a little too close as I clonked my skull against his, which felt just a little harder than an organic skull, but still relatively soft compared to headbutting actual metal. Rubbing my head softly, Lee giggled again, making sure that I was feeling okay, then let me nuzzle my head across his. “And you’re so real that I can’t even hear any whirring or clicking or anything like that… you’re just that well constructed! Mmm, I love everything about your body… so well designed, so cute and handsome and accommodating… ohh, I know I’m repeating myself, but you don’t mind…”

Lee leaned back up. “I don’t get mentally or emotionally sore, either. You could say the same sentences to me over and over again and I wouldn’t be any less pleasant with you. You could ask the same questions again and again and I’d just explain the answers again.” In response to my prior bump, he purposefully picked me up and scooted toward the front of the bed, immediately smacking his own head hard into the headboard, smiling and then bumping his muzzle into mine extremely affectionately, giving my body another squeeze, this time right across his own torso, letting my entire body feel his polished chest and abs. “I’m so glad you enjoy my body so much. I’ll try to keep it this way!”

“And you do such a good job with it, too… I know you don’t need to work out for that body or anything like that, but… well…” I scratched my head. “Where was I going with all of this? I’m sorry, I go off on so many tangents… could you flex those biceps for me, though? Please? I like it when you show off.”

“I know.” Lee winked and picked me up again effortlessly with both arms, plopping me facing him into his lap, then raising his arms up and giving them a solid, firm flexing, showing off the biceps especially as he grinned toothily. “I’m glad you like my muscular structure. It was designed with aesthetic appeal in mind.” Those arms were then brought around my body again, hugging me tightly, just purring as I fondled his muscles with a childlike sense of wonderment.

This sort of interaction continued for a few more minutes, until I finally felt awake enough for the next step. “So, what else is going on in Haponis today?”

Snapping back into his original character, Lee beamed again with pride. “I think the battle is over for now. Would you like me to show you around the area? I’ve been told that I make a great tour guide.”

“Would I? Of course! But only if you’ll let me ride on your shoulders, mmm?”

Nodding, Lee chuckled again. “But of course.” Sliding off the bed, Lee picked up his folded dojo pants from the corner of the room and put them back on, impeded only by my constant desire to hug and fondle him from behind. “I must get dressed to go out there, cutie…” he uttered softly, waving a finger at me mock-admonishingly.

“I know, I know… but I know you can dress faster!” We both couldn’t help but to giggle. Lee had picked up on many of my cuter quirks and could respond to them in kind, and I was learning new ways to express myself and feel comfortable in an environment with others where I could like myself just as well. It truly was another great day to spend with a synthetic being.