Thread: A.I. (Artificial Idol) Project [Kaen Lazuli & tiger_lily]

Truth be told, as Rory continued conversing with Nova, she grew more and more certain this was some kind of deception. Not due to anything in particular which made her suspicious, but simply because it was so unbelievable that the galaxy-famous Nova was standing here before her, in the flesh. When Nova insisted on calling her Aurora, she wondered if Helen was involved, but she couldn't imagine the stuffy woman ever doing something that required a sense of humor, even a malicious one. And she had also decided she didn't care. Real or not, the idol standing before her was pretty, charming, and friendlier than the majority of people she'd met in her career. Rory would accept her at face value, since, as she'd already reflected upon, she had nothing to lose by doing so. That misunderstanding lasted up until she clasped Nova's hands, and the idol's eyes widened as she pulled her hands away with a scream, stumbling backwards and falling into a protective crouch. Rory suddenly felt the eyes of the entire party upon her - most of them shocked, a few instantly assuming the worst and glaring at her. Her instinct was to rush forward and try to comfort Nova, but fortunately, after taking a single step forward, Rory realized that would be exactly the wrong thing to do. She stood there awkwardly, exchanging brief, sheepish glances with the silent onlookers. The occasion had banished all thoughts of Nova being a sham from her mind. Her reaction didn't seem fake... and honestly, who could conceive of feigning a reaction like that? When Rory thought about it, it made sense that someone unused to her body would find physical contact profoundly unsettling... but it hadn't ever occurred to her before. Naturally. Or she wouldn't have initiated it. You don't have anything to apologize for, Nova, Rory replied when the other idol begins speaking again, her voice filled with relief. It was my fault. I'm so very sorry, I never considered that taking your hand would be so uncomfortable for you. I... I'll be sure not to do it again. As it became clear what happened, and how - while odd - it was nothing to be alarmed over, some of the staring eyes peeled themselves away and a low murmur filled the room as the party gradually resumed. Of course, Rory and Nova still have many people transparently watching and listening to their conversation, but they had been doing so even before the incident. Rory didn't say much more, still feeling terribly awkward. But she does conclude, If there's anyone who deserves to be treated like a doll, it's you, Nova. She smiled sadly. ...As for me, sometimes I feel like a dog in a pretty dress, just rampaging around and causing havoc when she's let off her leash. That's why I'm not sure the stage is the place for me. When Nova drifted away from her, Rory headed to the refreshment table and helped herself to some snacks the amount of energy she'd spent during the concert had made her fairly hungry. Nobody approached her, her previous fans seeming to have been intimidated by her interaction with Nova... well, that, and several of them were crowding around Nova herself, trying to get a chance to talk with her. Memorable as Rory's final performance was, she didn't stand a chance compared to the galaxy's top idol appearing in the flesh for the first time. With a sigh, she considered leaving the party. She never really enjoyed these kinds of occasions, even if they were an opportunity to talk with her cute juniors. But as Rory gradually made her way towards the exit, Nova's suddenly by her side again. The redhead blinked, taking a moment to process the other idol's words. O-of course. I'd be delighted to see you home, she replied instantly, determined not to miss the opportunity to spend more time with Nova. Driving is a bit of a formality in this day and age - the police still want someone with flesh and blood to hold responsible if the automated systems built into each and every vehicle fail, but those systems do most of the work. It made sense that Nova wouldn't qualify, but Rory wondered if Nova wanted more from her than just a drive home - surely she could have asked one of the ProCom rank-and-file, or taken a taxi like Rory usually did. After Nova's reaction earlier, she'd given up on her brief fantasy of taking the idol to bed, but she thought back to what Nova said earlier. Touching is strange... It is bearable when I am the one initiating it. Maybe... maybe that will just mean that Nova wants to be on top. Rory's cheeks grew red at the thought. She smiled to mask her embarrassment, offering an arm to Nova if she wished to take it. Shall we be off, Miss Nova? she asked.