Morning light filtered through the curtains, blanketing the bed with sunny warmth. They woke together, blinking the sleep away, smiling at the sight of one another.
“Hi,” she said to him, her morning voice low and sultry. They giggled, for they were still lost in that giddy, puppy-love-phase of their romance. He mouthed, _hi_, back. Their fingers intertwined under the covers. She passed her tongue over her lips; he grinned, shuffling-in close for that first kiss of the day.
Several more followed.
#
After, they moved to the kitchenette. She perched on a barstool, holding a mug in her palms, a smile dimpling her face. He stood in ruffled boxers, looking tired, spent. Her dimples deepened, as she spied him over the lip of her cup.
“Hungry?” He scratched his bare chest, blinking around at the cupboards. Making breakfast was automatic for him. His skill in the kitchen was enough of a sell, though there were plenty of other… perks.
“Mmmm,” she nodded, shimmying back onto the stool.
“Ok. Let’s see what there is.” What there was turned out to be a feast. Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit, waffles from scratch with whipped cream, and an omelet loaded with vegetables.
He tidied up as she ate.
“You sure you don’t want some of my eggs?” She scooped up a last bit of whipped cream with a finger, then pushed her plate away. A whiz in the kitchen, he wasn’t _actually_ a breakfast guy. He liked to refuel at lunch and supper, consuming nothing but water until then. _A healthy guy_, she thought, burping silently.
“Nah. I’m good. I’m gonna go outside and soak up some rays.”
Rays there were a-plenty. They’d arrived at this tropical paradise two nights ago. She’d suggested this trip – their first vacation, celebrating three months together.
He was first outside, skipping down the beach like a boy. He splashed into the sparkling water, sending a rainbow of foam about him. A halo. _He’s my angel_.
She tingled at the thought, hugging her arms about her, letting this moment of lucid bliss fill her.
#
A new city. A new job. There had been a slew of men at the beginning. Too many to count. None lasting more than a couple of weeks. She’d ‘sworn off men’ for a while, but that hadn’t lasted long.
Then he’d come along. Fresh out of a brief relationship himself, and looking not for love, but just for… _something_. They’d both found something. They’d both found each other.
#
In an explosion of surf and spray, he emerged from the ocean. Sweeping his dark hair back with a hand, he paused, tanned body glistening. Taut, toned muscles flexed in the morning sun – already hot. Or maybe it was just her. She startled herself with a soft moan at the sight of him. _Not an angel – a god_!
He waved, a boyish smile leaping to his face. They met at a pair of lounge chairs, settling down into them. Water dripped from his hair, kissing her legs, raising goosebumps.
“It’s so _hot_ already,” she declared.
“You should go in – it’s really refreshing!”
“You know I don’t like to get wet all over. I never liked baths.”
“You’re weird.” He collected droplets of water off his belly and flicked them at her.
“You’re weird!” She countered, slapping his shoulder. “Sitting in the sun all day?”
“It recharges me!”
“Whatever!” They laughed, settling into a companionable silence. After a few moments, his fingers sought hers. They lounged, hand-in-hand, lost in their own thoughts.
Inspired by the moment, she whispered, “this is heaven.” He chuckled, giving her palm a gentle squeeze. She turned toward him, admiring how his bronzed skin caught the sun.
#
From down the beach, movement caught her eye. She blinked, watching a silhouette approach. It was an older woman, her arms crossed, red fingernails contrasting sharply with her white, almost transparent dress. The lady stopped short in front of them.
He’d noticed her approach too and had pushed himself out of his lounger.
_Not again_. She knew who the woman was; knew what she wanted. “Not this one. There’s nothing wrong with him.” The woman paid her no mind. “You picked right this time! He’s the perfect model – the _perfect_ match for me!” Getting angry at being ignored, she stood. “Do you hear me? I don’t want to trade this one in. I’ve made no complaint! I’m not returning him!” Finally, the older woman looked her way.
“Model 33-R Companions are nearly perfect. Often, you forget they’re not human. In fact, they even forget they aren’t human. Are you sure you don’t wish to renew this one’s lease?”
“What? Aren’t you even listening to me?” She screeched.
“I mean, she’s great,” he interjected, “Like she said, we’re a _perfect_ match.” She blinked, mouth agape. “Honestly, though,” he continued, “she’s outside my budget. I mean, she eats _so much_!
“The 33-R’s reality-algorithm does eat up a lot of power, it’s true,” the older woman agreed. “Perhaps I can interest you in a used 32-T?”
“I heard they can give you a shock if they get wet.”
“A circuit-grounding issue. We resolved that with the latest patch.”
The model 33-R snapped her mouth shut, looking between the two humans. The older woman glanced her way.
“Let’s put this one on standby, then go inside to talk.” She reached behind the Companion’s right ear, depressing her power button. The world retreated to a narrow tunnel, then snapped out of existence.