***Haha! A double update for this book! I'd forgotten what that's like LOL

This book is officially halfway done. What do you all think so far? I find it better than "Untamed", and it's pretty cute, but I don't know that it can compare with "At Second Sight" <3 That's probably my favorite book for ships other than Jaya.

I also feel like my writing has kind of been sub-par lately. What's really lacking is fluff, I think. Would you guys like more fluff?

All right, guys. Hope you like it!***

***(Zane's POV)***

"My...what?" I am not programmed. Did Mr. Borg somehow mistake me for an android?

"Nothing," PIXAL reassures me, looking somewhat anxious. "Mr. Borg misspoke."

The man in question raises his head, and I see his eyes are as round as his glasses. "Y-yes. I, er, misspoke."

"Oh," I nod. "Then...what did you intend to say?"

"I intended to ask...oh, never mind." He laughs nervously. "I was speaking of a project I'm working on. Er, it's unimportant, Zane. Well, I hope you're hungry. We have more than enough food, so help yourself."

"Thank you." His behavior bothers me. He seems to be...covering up something? However, I don't know that I'll have much success finding out the truth from him.

"Why are you anxious, PIXAL?" I ask, dishing out a serving of potato wedges.

"Oh, um...I do not...enjoy eating in front of others."

I study her face. I know she's lying, but I decide not to call her bluff. She could very well be embarrassed about something quite personal.

"So, Zane," Mr. Borg starts. "About the project I referred to – it's on modeling for some android updates, if you're willing. Your intellect is superior to most. That's, er, what I meant when I referred to your programming a moment ago."

"I would be most happy to assist you, Mr. Borg." I furrow my forehead. "How did you learn about me? You said you knew about my intellectual capabilities?"

"Oh, um...PIXAL mentioned you earlier today. Of course, that's why she was spying on you. Er, observing. Yes, that's the word."

"All right. But...why did you not just tell me your intentions? I would have been pleased to help you with your project."

Cyrus Borg coughs. "Excuse me. Um, well...PIXAL and I were unsure of how you'd react to her being an android."

"Is that...something to be ashamed of?" I question.

"No," Borg rushes to tell me. "No, quite the contrary. But...well, many people are afraid of the idea."

"I was at first," I admit. "But PIXAL...makes me feel different." I don't think I'm capable of being fearful of her.

We talk for a while over dinner. It is pleasant conversation – PIXAL discusses how public school appears to an android. Apparently, she and Mr. Borg are performing some experiment on her interactions with the school system.

I just hope none of the other students finds out. Her secret is safe with me, but I would hate to know what could happen to her if someone like Chamille discovered her android nature. The bullies at our school make fun of me just because I talk and dress differently. How would they react to someone with a different physical composition?

I peer down at my watch to determine the time. In truth, I always seem to know the time – it's as though my mind keeps track of it – but I always check my watch, just in case.

I am surprised to find it's already eight-thirty in the evening.

I smile politely at my host. "I apologize, Mr. Borg, but I must be getting back home." Home...

My eyes widen. I forgot that I am not supposed to be separated from the team at this time. The Sons of Garmadon could very well come after me if I'm alone.

I never forget. How did such an important thought slip my mind? I suppose I must have been so worried about PIXAL, I entirely lost my sense of self-preservation.

"Oh, yes, the time," Mr. Borg laughs. "I swear, androids are the most interesting conversational partners. I just lose track of everything while speaking with them."

I nod. "PIXAL is a wonderful companion."

Borg pales. "Er...yes, I was referring to PIXAL. Anyway, you must be going! I wouldn't want you to be out too late."

I scoot my chair back. "PIXAL, do you need me to drive you back so you may retrieve your vehicle?"

"I did not drive," she states matter-of-factly. "Given my superior physical characteristics, I was able to run without tiring."

"O-oh," I say. "That is striking. I...have similar athletic ability, but I typically drive anyway. It allows me to arrive at my destination much faster."

PIXAL just smiles, playing with the tablecloth.

Mr. Borg awkwardly chuckles. "Well, Zane, it was a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to spending time with you in the future."

"And I, as well," I smile. "And...I want to thank you for trusting me with the truth, PIXAL. I will not divulge your secret to anyone."

She beams. "Thank you. Um...shall I see you out?"

"It's fine. May I, uh, hug you? Before I go, I mean." I've never wanted to be as close to anyone as I want to be with her.

"Yes." She rises and wraps me up in her arms before I can even initiate the embrace.

I smile, sure I look like a fool. I do not understand why she makes me feel what I do.

"You are a very good friend, Zane," she says, her tone quiet yet fierce. "May your loafers always be stench-free and comfortable."

My heart swells. "Thank you. Your respect for my footwear is much appreciated." Unusual, according to the standards of my peers, but...touching.

"You're welcome." She releases me. "Have a wonderful night. Drive safely, sweet dreams, number your sheep...and all the other good night phrases. Do you have dreams when you sleep?"

"Why...wouldn't I dream?"

She shrugs, toeing the floor. "No reason. Uh, have...a good trip home."

My body thrums with happiness. "Thank you both for your hospitality." I extend my hand in a wave, then show myself out of Mr. Borg's home.

I have much to think about.

Why is PIXAL so different from my other friends? I now know she's an android, but...that should not make me feel tingly and warm inside. And why does her father think she's somehow inferior to humanity? It's not that he mistreats her, but his comment earlier about me not really finding her human...that was rather harsh.

And – the question that bothers me the most – why can I not get PIXAL out of my mind?

When I arrive back at the monastery, it's almost nine in the evening. The night is chilly and dark.

I climb up the patio staircase, parking around the back of the building. Something makes me want to retrace the steps I earlier took with PIXAL.

That's when I stumble upon Lloyd and Nya. They have several large comforters out and are snuggled up next to each other, watching the stars.

Apparently, they do not notice my presence.

"Lloyd, why do you like Harumi?" Nya asks softly.

"I don't know." He readjusts his arm around his best friend. "She makes me feel something I've never had for anyone else before."

I very well understand that.

"Yeah, but..." Nya sighs. "She's the wickedest witch."

"You're exaggerating. She can come off a little mean, though. Sometimes, she just gets this superiority complex. But she's had a hard past, Nya."

"So have we, and we're not bad people."

He lets out a long breath. "Just cut her some slack, okay? She's still working through a lot of hurt."

"And we're not?"

I quietly pad past them, keeping to the edge of the deck. I don't want them to notice me.

Something about this bothers me. Lloyd and Nya hang out all the time, but Lloyd is dating Harumi. The way he's holding Nya right now...is that really proper? It almost looks like they're more than best friends. And Nya...why does she continue to like him, even when he's dating Harumi?

But it is not my place to judge. I know nothing of romantic relationships.

I sneak inside the monastery and make my way to the bunkroom. Kai is talking with Skylor on his cell phone, Cole is passed out in bed, and Jay is writing something in a journal.

I smile and wave in greeting. "Hello, friends."

Kai nods. Cole burrows deeper into his pillow. Jay blushes and drops whatever he was writing.

"Hey, Z-Zane," he says nervously.

Kai sighs. "Jay, we all know you keep a diary, so you don't need to pretend otherwise. You were probably writing love notes to my sister. At least I know you don't have the guts to ask her out." He scrunches up his face, speaking into his phone. "What? No, not you, Skylor!"

Jay coughs. "I...wasn't writing anything."

"Right. I believe you," Kai laughs. His expression morphs to exasperation. "Oh, come on, Skye. Not everything I say over the phone is directed at you!"

I shake my head in contentment. My friends may be a little chaotic and disorganized, but they are very near to my heart.

***(PIXAL's POV)***

***Music Cue***

"Mr. Borg, may I speak with you?" I ask, standing next to the sofa.

"Of course," he agrees. "Would you mind helping me onto the couch?"

I smile, gently aiding him as he transfers his weight from his wheelchair to the furniture. I rearrange the couch cushions behind him until he's comfortable.

"Thank you," he says warmly. "Now, PIXAL, what is it you wanted to discuss?"

I sigh, positioning myself on the couch next to him. I curl my legs under myself.

"Mr. Borg...I was wondering if you ever...programmed me with the ability to, um, be attracted to someone."

"What do you mean?" he asks, intrigued.

"Well, I...I feel...I feel for Zane, I think. I've run everything through my database, and I have all the signs of a crush: nervousness, a tingly feeling, incredible happiness whenever we're near each other." I sigh, running a hand through my silver locks. It's a move I learned from watching one of the girls at school today.

"You have a crush?" my creator repeats, annunciating each word.

"Well...I believe so. Is that in my programming?"

"N-no," he stutters, dumbfounded. "I...this is incredible. You're...you're almost human. Tell me more. Is this just hero worship because he led you around the school this morning?"

"I do not think so. I don't need a hero, Mr. Borg. I just...I feel that we connect."

"Incredible!" he exclaims. "Tomorrow afternoon, when I go to install your latest updates, I'll have to check out this aspect of your processor. This is amazing!"

I nod. "It does feel that way."

His teary eyes hold me. "PIXAL...you might...be more than an android."

A thrill runs through me. "Really?"

"Yes. This changes everything." He shakes his head.

I grin. "I must make one request, though. Tomorrow, when you go to perform my updates...will you turn off my GPS volume? It is slightly annoying."

He laughs. "I...assume this was an issue for you today?"

"It quite bothered Zane."

He nods. "Of course, I'll fix that for you."

I rise. "Thank you. Is there anything else I can do to assist, Mr. Borg?"

"No, PIXAL. Do you mind if I call you in a bit to come help me get into bed?"

I nod. "Of course. Until then, if you do not mind, I'd like to adjourn to my room."

"Of course, PIXAL. Thank you for all your help."

"You're welcome, Mr. Borg. I only perform the functions you built me to." And maybe...one more. I was not created to ever have an interest in romance, but Zane...he's changing that about me.

I climb the winding staircase to my bedroom. For some odd reason, I just want to lie in my bed and think about all that's happened today.

I attended school for the first time and perfectly understood all the material in each of my classes. Mr. Borg's programming is succeeding.

I made a new friend – a friend I can trust. I was able to tell him I'm an android.

I developed a crush. If I possessed the ability to dream, I'm sure Zane would be the highlight this evening.

And I found out that I'm more than just a robot. I might be just as real as Mr. Borg or any of Zane's friends. It's something I've always hoped for.

Maybe that hope is not in vain.

***All right, folks. I'll update next tomorrow or Tuesday!***