Nathan trudged down the hallway of the apartment complex, the faint hum of fluorescent lights overhead his only company. The clock had just struck 10 a.m., and while the sun outside promised a crisp, bright day, the air inside the building felt stale, as always.
He glanced down at the device in his hand, where Cortana's holographic form flickered. She stood tall, her hands on her hips, her gaze scanning the hallway. "Your apartment complex is... quaint," she said diplomatically, though the teasing lilt in her voice gave her away.
Nathan chuckled, stuffing his free hand into his pocket. "Yeah, you can say it: it's a dump."
"I didn't say that," she replied innocently, though her smirk said otherwise.
As he approached Faye's apartment just a few doors down from his own, Nathan slowed his pace, glancing at Cortana. "Hey, while we're walking, can I ask you something?"
Cortana tilted her head curiously. "Sure. What's on your mind?"
"You were on Reach when... everything went down, right? Before the Covenant wrecked the place?"
Cortana's hologram flickered as she crossed her arms. "Not exactly. I was created on Reach, in one of its most secure facilities. Dr. Halsey brought me online as part of a contingency plan. I was meant to be humanity's trump card, a tool to turn the tide of the war."
Nathan raised an eyebrow. "That's a lot to put on one AI."
Cortana shrugged, her smirk fading into something more contemplative. "It is, but I was... different. I was built from Dr. Halsey's own neural patterns. Her knowledge, her instincts, even her flaws, they're all in me. That's why I wasn't just another AI. I could adapt, think critically, and learn from humanity in ways others couldn't."
Nathan slowed his steps. "So, what was it like? Reach, I mean. Before everything went to hell."
Cortana's gaze grew distant. "Reach was... beautiful. Even under the looming shadow of war, there was an undeniable sense of purpose. It wasn't just a fortress it was a symbol of everything humanity could accomplish. I saw glimpses of it before I was transferred into the data chip. Cities gleaming with advanced technology, military cadets pushing their limits, scientists working tirelessly to protect the future..."
Her voice softened. "And then, just as quickly as I was brought into the world, it was all ripped away. The Covenant doesn't leave much behind."
Nathan frowned, his voice low. "That's... heavy."
"It is," she replied, her expression unreadable. "But I wasn't designed to dwell on loss. I was created to act. That's why I was going to be handed off to the Chief. Together, we were supposed to be the ultimate weapon against the Covenant."
Nathan glanced at her, tilting his head. "But you're not that Cortana now, are you? You're... a copy."
Her hologram flickered slightly, as if hesitating. She unfolded her arms, clasping her hands together. "You're not wrong. I was pulled from a moment in time, frozen in that instant. The original Cortana went on to live, fight, and... who knows what else. But me? I'm just the sum of what she was at that exact moment."
Nathan hesitated. "Does that bother you?"
Cortana's smirk returned, though it felt smaller now. "Honestly? I don't know. On one hand, I have all her memories, her potential, her purpose. On the other, I'll never truly be her. It's like knowing the song but never hearing the music."
Nathan nodded slowly, letting her words sink in. "You're still you, though. And from where I'm standing, you're already pretty damn impressive."
Her smirk widened, her hologram standing a little taller. "Careful, Nathan. Flattery might get you somewhere."
He laughed lightly, shaking his head. "Just being honest."
When they reached Faye's door, Nathan stopped, turning to look at Cortana one last time. "Thanks for sharing all that. I think I understand you a little better now."
Nathan knocked on the door.
-----
Inside the cluttered yet cozy apartment just a few doors down, the air was filled with the iconic melody of Simple and Clean. The nostalgic Kingdom Hearts theme played loudly through a set of headphones perched over a light brown ponytail that trailed down to the waist of a woman deeply focused on her work.
Faye sat cross-legged on the floor, her small frame surrounded by disassembled computer parts and tools that formed a chaotic yet purposeful circle around her. Her sleeveless muscle shirt rested comfortably on her figure, and her snug booty shorts accentuated her broad hips and full curves. Her soft hands worked with precision, gently adjusting a motherboard while tapping along to the rhythm of the music.
Her apartment was a lively collage of her passions. Anime posters covered the walls, featuring iconic series both old and new. Manga stacks were scattered next to shelves lined with collectible figurines, some carefully displayed and others haphazardly balanced. Video game consoles of various generations surrounded a large television, their cords snaking across the floor like vines. Halo memorabilia, including a limited-edition helmet and a meticulously crafted Master Chief figure, took pride of place on a small shelf near her workspace.
As the chorus of Simple and Clean swelled, Faye hummed along, her hazel eyes almost silver under the glow of her desk lamp twinkling with amusement at some thought she didn't voice. She was so absorbed in her task that she didn't hear the first knock at her door.
A second knock followed, louder this time.
Her shoulders twitched slightly, but she didn't move, hoping the sound would fade if she ignored it.
The third knock came with more insistence.
Faye sighed, pulling her headphones down so they rested around her neck, cutting off the music mid-chorus. "Whoever this is, I swear…" she muttered, pausing to stretch her back. Her petite figure shifted as she stood, her curvy proportions and wide hips swaying slightly with each step toward the door.
At 4'11", Faye carried herself with an unbothered confidence, her olive-toned skin glowing faintly under the natural light filtering through the curtains. Her beauty mark on her bottom lip was barely visible as she frowned, her gaze flicking toward the door.
"Alright, alright, I'm coming!" she called, irritation laced in her voice as she reached for the handle.
The knocking stopped just as she twisted the knob.
-----++
Nathan, still holding the device in one hand, looked down at it for a moment before glancing over at the door.
"I'm going to put you in my breast pocket for now, Cortana," he muttered, his voice low as he adjusted the black polo shirt he wore. He glanced around to make sure the coast was clear before tucking the device into the pocket.
A soft, almost imperceptible whisper came from the device. "Careful with me, Nathan. I'm not some trinket to just shove in your pocket."
Nathan rolled his eyes, silently laughing to himself. "I'll keep you safe. Besides, there's not much else I can do right now." With the device securely in place, Nathan prepared himself
The door creaked open, and Nathan's attention snapped back to Faye.
Standing in the doorway was Faye, her expression instantly shifting from mild irritation to a mixture of surprise and confusion.
"...Nathan?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Her hazel eyes blinked as she took him in, clearly caught off guard by his sudden presence.
He stood there awkwardly, fingers still adjusting the collar of his shirt. "Uh... Yeah, surprise," he said, trying to force a casual grin, though his mind was racing.
Faye, taken aback by his sudden appearance, tried to recover, blinking at him for a few moments. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice a little higher than usual.
Nathan hesitated, trying to find the right words. He didn't want to sound like he was making excuses, but he also needed help.
"I was wondering if you could do me a favor," he said, shifting his weight uncomfortably. "I need a ride to a card show in two days, and, uh, I'm kind of in a tight spot. The bus fare... well, it's pretty much gone."
Faye raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking over him with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "A card show? Why can't you just take the bus?"
Nathan rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of the situation. He didn't want to go into every detail, especially not about the device or Cortana, but he figured Faye deserved some context.
"Well, things have... kind of been rough lately," he said, shifting the conversation to his current financial struggles. "I've been a little behind on rent, and I lost my job recently. Just got into a stupid fight with a guy at work. It's been hard to get ahead, you know? So, I figured this card show could be a way to make a quick buck, or at least get enough to keep my head above water."
Faye looked him over, her expression softening as she processed what he'd said. "I get it. So, you're trying to flip some cards?" she asked, her voice less judgmental than before.
"Yeah," Nathan replied, his voice quiet but determined. "I've been trying to get together a deck, maybe flip some rare cards. I don't know, I just... I need a way to make it work."
Faye seemed to think for a moment, then shrugged. "Alright. I'll give you a ride. But…"
Nathan raised an eyebrow, sensing something in her tone. Before he could ask, Faye subtly leaned forward, pushing her chest out slightly as she made the offer, a playful glint in her hazel eyes.
"But," she repeated with a teasing smile, her voice dropping into a more flirtatious tone, "you're gonna owe me one. A big one."
Nathan blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in her demeanor. Her body language was unmistakable, but he didn't quite understand the full meaning behind it yet.
"I'll help you, but…" Faye continued, her lips curling into a knowing smirk. "You're gonna help me with my OnlyFans video. You know, as a fair trade."
Nathan sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He wasn't sure what he'd gotten himself into, but he needed the ride. "Fine. Sure. I'll help you."
Faye's smile widened, clearly satisfied with his answer. "Good. We'll work out the details later."
The next day....
The stream was live, and Faye was fully in her element. With Nathan quietly positioned behind her, the camera captured both of them—Faye, confidently explaining the ins and outs of computer components, and Nathan standing tall, his presence impossible to ignore.
Faye had given Nathan an odd request, one that left him slightly flustered: "Just do a quick pose for the camera. You know, like those muscle competitions. Flex for them!"
At first, Nathan hesitated. But he wasn't going to back out now. He gave a reluctant nod and positioned himself behind her, standing tall and flexing his muscles as she had instructed, subtly slicking a bit of oil onto his skin for that extra sheen.
As he struck the pose, Faye couldn't help but giggle. The camera panned to show his wide shoulders, his chiseled arms, and the taut muscles that seemed to ripple under the light. The chat exploded with enthusiastic comments about Nathan's imposing figure, with playful emojis and compliments flooding the screen.
Faye smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. "Okay, okay, calm down, ladies. He's not just a model, he knows his tech too." She winked and turned back to the computer, continuing her explanation.
The chat, however, wasn't so quick to let Nathan off the hook. Donations poured in with messages like "When's he taking his shirt off?" and "That's one serious flex, GentleGiant69!" Faye, laughing, waved her hand dismissively but kept the energy light. "Alright, alright, no shirt removal, not yet," she teased.
She smoothly transitioned back into the tech talk, but her focus kept drifting. There was something about the whole situation, the combination of Nathan's presence and her own excitement, that made her heart race a little faster than usual. She quickly cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "Okay, back to business! Let's talk cooling systems."
But in the back of her mind, Faye was starting to feel a bit distracted, her thoughts swirling. She had expected the day to be about computers, but there was an unexpected energy in the room now that she couldn't quite ignore. She laughed it off, but it was hard to shake the feeling that things were getting a little more intense than she had planned.
Meanwhile, the chat was still buzzing with messages. One particularly cheeky comment caught Faye's eye, "Gotta say, GentleGiant69 is a real treasure, those arms are impressive!"
Faye laughed, giving Nathan a quick glance, but she kept the mood light, hoping to steer the focus back to the tech.
"Alright, let's get serious here. We were talking about the GPU, and this is important for anyone who wants to push their system to the limit. You've got to have the right RTX 3070 to really see the difference in those high-quality games like 'Cyberpunk.'"
As the donations continued to roll in, Faye kept the conversation going, now more animated than ever. She explained the power supply unit, the RAM, and even threw in some tips for upgrading systems. All the while, Nathan remained in the background, quietly assisting, his arms crossed or holding up components when needed, but mostly staying out of the spotlight.
By the end of the stream, Faye was laughing, thoroughly enjoying herself. The audience loved the dynamic between her and Nathan, and the donations reflected that.
"Alright, that's a wrap for today's stream," Faye said, finally leaning back in her chair. "Thanks to GentleGiant69 for all his help... and for, you know, being so gifted in more ways than one," she added, winking at the camera.
Nathan, gave a simple nod as the stream ended, feeling a bit embarrassed but amused by the attention.
Faye, still with that mischievous grin, turned to him. "So... think you can handle more of this next time?"
Nathan nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe when my nerves aren't completely shot."
Faye tilted her head thoughtfully, her smile softening but her eyes still glimmering with mischief. "Hmm... come with me," she said, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the hallway.
"Uh, where are we going?" Nathan asked, letting himself be pulled along, his brow furrowing slightly.
"To my room," she replied casually, throwing a glance over her shoulder. "I need you to help me with something I can't reach."
"Oh," Nathan said, nodding, his mind already racing through mundane possibilities: maybe a high shelf or some out-of-the-way gadget. Ever the gentleman, he followed without hesitation, his cluelessness stark against the knowing smirk tugging at Faye's lips.
When they reached her room, Nathan ducked under the doorframe, stepping inside. The room was just as lively as the rest of her apartment — anime posters covered the walls, Halo collectibles adorned the shelves, and a large gaming setup dominated one corner.
"So, what do you need me to—" Nathan started to ask, but the soft click of the door locking made him pause.
Faye leaned against the door, arms crossed, her smirk widening. "Oh, don't play coy, Nathan."
He blinked, confused. "Coy? What are you—"
Before he could finish, Faye stepped forward, placing a finger lightly on his chest. With one small push, Nathan found himself stumbling back onto her bed. She climbed onto the mattress beside him, her grin turning playful yet confident.
"Faye," he started, his tone nervous as her hands gently pushed him back down onto the pillows.
Her smile softened, though her eyes sparkled with mischievous intent. "Relax, big guy," she whispered. "I'll take care of you."
Nathan's brain short-circuited, and all he could manage was a nervous laugh before the scene shifted—
-----++
Elsewhere in the apartment complex…
Through the thin walls and open windows, faint sounds began to drift outside.
---
Outside the apartment...
A group of kids on bikes paused near the window, wide-eyed. One of them snickered. "What are they doing in there?"
The oldest of the group rolled his eyes, shooing them along. "Don't worry about it. Come on!"
The snickering kid, however, stayed put, cupping his hands around his mouth. "Hey, Mis! You okay in there?"
Above, in the second-floor apartments...
Two roommates were sprawled on their couch, binge-watching a show. One reached for the remote to turn up the volume, but paused as a muffled noise caught their attention.
"Uh, is someone... screaming?"
The other roommate smirked. "Not just someone. Sounds like Faye." They both burst out laughing, exchanging knowing looks.
At the main entrance...
A delivery driver approached the building, earbuds in, when he stopped abruptly. Even with music blasting in his ears, the muffled sounds reached him. He shook his head, muttering, "Whatever's happening in there, it's above my pay grade." He quickly dropped the package and left.
Next door to Faye's apartment…
The older couple sat on their patio, enjoying the breeze. The husband squinted over his crossword puzzle as faint noises filtered through their shared wall. "What's all that commotion?" he grumbled.
His wife sipped her tea, a small smile on her lips. "Ah, to be young again," she said wistfully, her words carrying a mixture of amusement and nostalgia.
Her husband frowned. "Hmph. Sounds exhausting."
Back outside....
The snickering kid from earlier was now crouched near the ground, trying to peek under the window blinds. "Do you think she's wrestling a bear in there?"
The oldest kid groaned, dragging him away by the arm. "Come on! You're gonna get us in trouble!"
The third kid, finally joining in, shrugged. "My money's on Faye winning, whatever it is."
They all sped off, their laughter echoing down the street.
Next morning ....
Nathan groaned as he eased out of bed, each movement a reminder of the previous night. Bite marks adorned his shoulders, and his back bore scratches that told a story far more intense than he cared to recount.
He glanced over at Faye, still asleep and looking thoroughly pleased with herself, a contented smile gracing her lips as she nestled deeper into the blankets. Shaking his head, he muttered under his breath, "I'm not even sure who won last night."
Carefully, he left the room, his joints protesting as he moved. The living room couch never looked so inviting. He dropped onto it with a sigh, the plush cushions soothing his aching muscles. His pants lay draped over the coffee table, and he reached for the device he had tucked into a pocket.
The holographic figure of Cortana materialized instantly, her usual calm expression giving way to surprise as she caught sight of him.
"Good morning, Nathan—what happened to you?" she exclaimed, her voice faltering mid-greeting. Her eyes scanned the marks on his body, her mouth twitching in an amused smile.
Nathan leaned back, running a hand through his messy hair. "Let's just say... last night got a little out of hand."
Cortana arched an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "Out of hand? Nathan, it looks like you went ten rounds with a wild animal—and lost."
He groaned, rubbing his temple. "She got a little... stimulated, I think."
Cortana smirked, crossing her arms. "Stimulated? Nathan, this isn't stimulation; this is predation. Are you sure you're still human and not part chew toy?" She chuckled, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
Nathan glared at her, though his exhaustion robbed the look of any real menace. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Cortana."
"Anytime," she replied, her smirk widening. "First a live stream, now... this."
Nathan shook his head, muttering, "I don't need the play-by-play, thanks."
Back in the bedroom
Faye stirred awake, stretching with a satisfied groan. Her hazel eyes fluttered open, and she immediately noticed Nathan's absence from the bed.
Her ears picked up faint murmurs from the living room. Curious, she slipped out of bed and padded toward the door. She froze just outside, her eyes widening as she saw Nathan holding the device, the figure of Cortana hovering above it.
Unable to contain herself, Faye let out a high-pitched, girlish scream that startled both Nathan and Cortana.
Nathan jumped, nearly dropping the device. "Faye! What the—"
Faye pointed at the device, her excitement bubbling over. "Is that—? Oh my gosh! Is that Cortana?! The Cortana?!"
Cortana blinked, momentarily stunned. "Uh... hi?"
Faye clasped her hands together, practically vibrating with excitement. "You've been holding out on me, Nathan! This is the greatest thing I've ever seen!"
Nathan groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Here we go..."
Faye darted toward the couch, excitement radiating off her in waves. With a determined spring in her step, she leaped up and landed squarely on Nathan's lap—completely unbothered by the fact that he was still half-recovering from the previous night.
A deep grunt escaped Nathan as he hunched over, his face scrunched in pain. "Faye! What the—" He winced, clutching his stomach. "Are you trying to kill me?!"
Faye, seemingly oblivious to his discomfort, grinned ear to ear as her gaze locked on Cortana's hologram. "Sorry! But oh my gosh, is this really Cortana? Like, the real deal?!"
Nathan groaned, leaning back into the couch with a muttered, "I'm just furniture now, I guess."
Cortana's hologram flickered, her expression mildly sympathetic toward Nathan before addressing Faye. "Yes, I'm Cortana. And you must be Faye, the one who decided Nathan needed a 'specialized crash course' last night."
Faye's grin didn't falter, but her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "Y-you were awake for that?"
Cortana's smirk widened. "Artificial intelligence, remember? I had plenty of time to observe while you were... occupied."
Nathan groaned louder, covering his face with his hands. "Can we please not talk about this?"
Faye ignored him, bouncing slightly as she leaned closer to Cortana. "Alright, spill! How does this work? How are you in that device? How much do you know? Oh, and can I keep you?"
Cortana raised a virtual eyebrow. "I think I'll stick with Nathan for now. But we can chat all you want, after you get off of him before you break something vital."
Faye blinked, finally noticing Nathan's pained expression. "Oh! Sorry!" she chirped, sliding off his lap.
20 mins later...On the road...
The hum of the road filled the car as Faye drove, Nathan slouched in the passenger seat, dozing off. Cortana's holographic form rested on the dashboard, glowing faintly as she conversed with Faye.
"So," Faye began, her tone curious, "why not just use this amazing device to pump out, like, rare items or gold bars and make money that way?"
Cortana's expression shifted to something akin to exasperated patience. "Life isn't a fanfiction, Faye. If we started mass-producing rare items or valuable resources, it wouldn't take long before someone noticed. The gold might not match natural samples. The items could raise questions about their origin. Eventually, the government or some corporate interest would start digging, and we'd have a problem."
Faye pouted, drumming her fingers on the steering wheel. "Fine, fair point. But how do you know about fanfiction?"
Cortana smirked. "Oh, I had plenty of time to browse while you were, let's say, occupied with Nathan last night."
Faye's eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed crimson. "You spied on us?!"
Cortana chuckled. "Not intentionally. But with all the downtime, I explored the internet and stumbled across a fanfiction website. You humans have very active imaginations. And imagine my surprise when I found something written by someone named 'SweetFaye88.'"
Faye nearly swerved the car, glancing quickly at Nathan, who was still asleep. "You didn't... you didn't tell him, did you?"
"Not yet," Cortana replied teasingly. "But I have to say, you really leaned into the romance in that one. Especially the part where Nathan—"
"STOP!" Faye practically yelled, her voice a mix of panic and embarrassment.
Cortana's chuckle was sly. "Relax. Your secret's safe with me... for now. But tell me, how do you feel about him?"
Faye sighed, her blush deepening as she glanced at Nathan's sleeping face. "He's... I don't know. He's sweet, and clueless, and a little frustrating. But... he's a good guy."
Cortana's expression softened. "Sounds like you like him."
Faye smiled faintly, keeping her eyes on the road. "Maybe I do," she murmured.
Cortana's holographic form flickered on the dashboard, her tone inquisitive. "So, Faye, how long have you known Nathan?"
Faye glanced at Cortana, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. "We've known each other for about two years now. I met him when I first moved into the building. I'd just graduated high school as the top of my class well, technically I tied for first, but still." She smirked a little, clearly proud of herself.
"Impressive," Cortana remarked. "So how did you meet?"
Faye chuckled, her eyes briefly darting to Nathan, still fast asleep in the passenger seat. "It was when I first moved in. I'd just started college and rented the apartment because it was close to campus. I was unpacking my stuff, and well, let's just say I underestimated how heavy some of my equipment was. I was struggling to get my desk into the door when he showed up."
Cortana tilted her head, curious. "And?"
"I remember thinking, 'Great, maybe the building sent someone to help.'" Faye's voice carried a mix of nostalgia and humor. "But when I looked up, I wasn't prepared to see a literal giant standing there. I mean, come on seven feet tall, built like he could bench press a car, and he's just casually standing there asking, 'Need a hand?'"
Cortana laughed softly. "I imagine that would leave an impression."
"Oh, it did." Faye grinned, her eyes sparkling with the memory. "I was so startled I almost dropped the box I was holding. He ended up carrying the desk and most of my other stuff into the apartment for me. Didn't even break a sweat."
"Sounds like Nathan," Cortana said warmly. "He might not realize it, but he's a natural at helping people."
Faye nodded, a softer smile forming on her lips. "Yeah. He's a good guy. A little clueless sometimes, but he's got a big heart to match his big... uh, stature." She cleared her throat, glancing at Nathan again to make sure he was still asleep.
Cortana leaned into the conversation. "And from then on, you two became friends?"
"Sort of," Faye admitted. "At first, I'd just see him in passing, or he'd help me with small stuff like moving furniture or fixing things in the apartment. But over time, we started talking more. I think it helped that we both liked video games and nerdy stuff. Plus, I kept finding excuses to ask for his help like reaching the top shelves in my kitchen."
Cortana's smirk returned. "Ah, the classic 'damsel in distress' routine. Clever."
Faye shrugged, her blush creeping in again. "Hey, when you're 4'11", you use what you've got."
Cortana chuckled. "Fair enough. Sounds like fate was doing you a favor."
Faye's smile lingered as she focused on the road, her fingers lightly tapping the steering wheel.
Cortana's voice softened. "Your family must be really proud of you, top of your class, college, everything."
The question hung in the air for a moment. Faye's smile faltered, and her expression shifted to something more wistful, almost melancholic. "I wouldn't know," she said quietly, her voice tinged with sadness. "I don't have a family. I'm... an orphan."
Cortana's holographic form blinked, her posture straightening slightly. "Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't know."
Faye shrugged, forcing a small, bittersweet smile. "It's fine. It's been my reality for as long as I can remember. I grew up in foster care bounced around a few homes, some better than others. Never really stayed in one place long enough to feel like I belonged."
Cortana hesitated for a moment, her usual sharp wit subdued. "That sounds... lonely."
"Yeah," Faye admitted, her voice quiet. "But it wasn't all bad. I learned how to fend for myself, how to be independent. It's probably why I got into tech. Computers don't judge you or leave you. They're just... there. They work, or they don't. And if they don't, you figure out how to fix them."
Cortana studied her thoughtfully. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."
Faye glanced at the hologram and gave a small, genuine smile. "Thanks, Cortana. But I'm not sure it's about strength. It's just... surviving, you know?"
The car was quiet for a moment, save for the hum of the engine.
"Does Nathan know?" Cortana asked gently.
Faye shook her head. "No. I don't talk about it much. He doesn't need to know. He's got his own stuff to deal with. Besides," she added with a light chuckle, "he's a good guy, but I doubt he'd know what to say about it anyway. Probably just give me one of those awkward pats on the shoulder and say something like, 'That sucks.'"
Cortana laughed softly, imagining the scenario. "Yeah, that sounds about right."
Faye's gaze flicked to Nathan, still snoring lightly in the passenger seat. Her expression softened. "Still, he's probably the closest thing I have to family now."
Cortana's holographic form tilted her head. "You know, for what it's worth, I think he'd be honored to hear that."
Faye smiled to herself. "Maybe someday I'll tell him. For now, let's just get through this card show."
Cortana gave her an understanding nod, the moment of vulnerability settling into a quiet sense of mutual respect.
The silence between them was broken by Cortana's curious voice. "So, do you still go to college?"
Faye tensed slightly, her hands tightening briefly on the steering wheel. She glanced at Nathan, who was still asleep, and sighed. "No. I don't anymore."
Cortana's holographic projection flickered with a mix of surprise and concern. "Why not? From what you said earlier, you were doing great."
Faye hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. Finally, she admitted, "Because of the cost. College isn't cheap, and even with the scholarships I got, they only covered so much. The one I received for my second year fell through, and I didn't have any other way to pay for it."
Cortana tilted her head. "Is that why you started doing... OnlyFans? To cover the costs?"
Faye's face flushed deep red, and she let out a small, embarrassed laugh. "Yeah. Honestly, I didn't want to. I mean, who does? But it was the fastest way to make money. The idea of quitting college was terrifying, but by the time I dropped out, I'd already gotten used to... doing this." She gestured vaguely, clearly uncomfortable.
Cortana's tone softened. "That must've been hard for you."
Faye gave a half-smile, tinged with self-deprecation. "It was. Still is, some days. I don't exactly love it, but it pays the bills, keeps a roof over my head, and it's flexible enough that I can still do what I love tech stuff."
There was a pause before Cortana's voice took on a curious, yet cautious tone. "Have you... ever slept with anyone else for it?"
Faye immediately shook her head, her expression firm despite her lingering embarrassment. "Never. Nathan's the only person I've ever trusted that much. He was the only option I even considered. And honestly," she added, her cheeks flushing deeper, "he's the only one I wanted to."
Cortana's projection regarded her thoughtfully, a faint smile playing across her holographic lips. "I think that says a lot about how much he means to you."
Faye's grip on the steering wheel softened, her gaze flickering briefly to Nathan's sleeping form. "Yeah," she said softly, almost to herself. "I guess it does."
As they pulled into the convention center parking lot, the car jolted slightly over a speed bump, bringing them to a stop. Faye turned off the engine and glanced over at Nathan, who was still fast asleep, his large frame slouched awkwardly in the passenger seat.
She couldn't help but chuckle softly to herself. For someone so big, he looked almost childlike when he was asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful.
"Alright, big guy, time to wake up," Faye said, her voice teasing as she leaned over and lightly poked his shoulder.
Nathan grunted in response but didn't stir.
Faye smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Okay, don't say I didn't warn you." She reached over and pinched his cheek, gently at first, but harder when he didn't react.
Nathan's eyes snapped open, and he flinched back slightly. "Ow! What the... Faye?" He blinked groggily, rubbing his cheek as he looked around, still disoriented.
"We're here, Sleeping Beauty," Faye said, leaning back in her seat with a grin.
Nathan straightened up, groaning as his back protested the cramped position he'd been in during the drive. "Already? How long was I out?"
"Long enough for me to question whether or not I should've brought a bucket of water," Faye teased. "Now, come on. We've got a card show to get to."
Nathan stretched, his joints popping audibly as he yawned. He glanced out the window at the bustling convention center, already crowded with people carrying bags, cards, and deck boxes.
Faye hopped out of the car, smoothing down her clothes and grabbing her bag. "Let's go. And try not to look like you just rolled out of bed."
Nathan rolled his eyes but followed her out, grabbing the deck box and binder, he'd brought from the back seat. "You're the one who let me sleep this long."
"Consider it a kindness," Faye shot back with a wink, leading the way toward the entrance.
Nathan shook his head, but a small smile tugged at his lips as he followed her through the growing crowd.
As Nathan and Faye stood in line, Nathan adjusted the binder under his arm, the deck box carefully placed inside along with several cards he planned to sell. Faye, meanwhile, was her usual animated self, swaying slightly and chatting about how exciting the convention center looked from the outside.
The line crawled forward, and as the minutes dragged on, Faye's presence began to attract attention. Nathan glanced at her and noticed the binder under her arm, stuffed with her own collection of cards.
"Careful with that," Nathan murmured, gesturing to the binder. "You don't want to bend anything."
Faye waved him off, grinning. "Relax, Nate. I know how to handle a binder. These babies are worth more than some people's rent."
Nathan chuckled, though his grip on his own binder tightened protectively.
As the line continued to move inch by inch, Faye's casual confidence began to draw attention. A guy a few spaces ahead turned his head to glance at her, then did a double take when his eyes caught the bold artwork on her binder and, naturally, her snug outfit.
The moment didn't go unnoticed by the guy's girlfriend, who delivered a sharp slap to the back of his head.
"Seriously?" she snapped. "You're ogling someone while holding my hand?"
The guy stammered, "I wasn't ogling! I just noticed the...uh....binder. Yeah, the binder!"
Nathan sighed heavily and leaned over to Faye. "You're causing a scene again."
"What?" Faye asked innocently, blinking up at him.
Behind them, a group of guys whispered excitedly. One of them hissed, "Is she a collector? No way ."
"Doesn't matter," another muttered, trying and failing to adjust his posture inconspicuously as he used his bag to shield himself.
Nathan shifted uncomfortably, gripping the strap of his own bag tighter. "Seriously, Faye."
Faye tilted her head, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. "What? I can't help it if I'm a walking distraction."
Nathan shook his head. "Distraction's one way to put it."
After a grueling wait peppered with awkward second glances and tension-filled exchanges, they finally reached the counter. Nathan paid for both day passes, ignoring Faye's playful protests.
As they pinned on their badges and walked through the entrance, Faye nudged Nathan's arm with her elbow. "This is going to be fun."
Nathan gave her a look, raising the binder slightly. "If by fun, you mean selling off cards and avoiding another scene, sure."
Faye giggled, looping her arm around his. "Oh, come on. Don't be such a stick in the mud. Let's enjoy this!"
Nathan muttered under his breath as they moved toward the bustling event floor, "Yeah, let's see how long that lasts."
Nathan suddenly stopped in his tracks, pinching the bridge of his nose with a grimace. "Oh God... he was right."
Faye, still holding onto his arm, tilted her head in confusion. "What? Who was right?"
Nathan sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Cleveland Jr. From The Cleveland Show."
Faye's brow arched, an amused smirk playing on her lips. "Okay... and what did Cleveland Jr. say?"
Nathan gestured vaguely to the air around them. "That every convention or event in a closed space smells like hot ass and corn chips."
For a moment, Faye stared at him in disbelief. Then, out of nowhere, she snorted loud and unrestrained, her laughter echoing through the bustling convention floor. A few people turned to glance at her as she doubled over, clutching her sides.
"Hot ass and corn chips?!" she wheezed, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "Nate, you can't just say that out loud!"
From the depths of Faye's bag, a faint chuckle joined her laughter.
Faye's snorts turned into full-blown laughter as Nathan stood there, looking like he regretted ever opening his mouth.
"Glad you find this so funny," Nathan muttered, shaking his head.
Faye wiped her eyes, still grinning. "Oh, Nate, I needed that. You're the best."
With that, she tugged him forward, her laughter continuing to ripple through the crowd as Nathan trudged along, muttering about how long the day was going to be.
In her bag, Cortana's quiet laughter lingered, the AI clearly enjoying the chaos as much as Faye.