Loving Deviant
Page 43
rude, Father. Deviant didnt want Venice to think she wasnt trusted.
That wasnt my intention. I didnt want to frighten her. Shes been through enough after Stag discovered her presence aboard. Your mother will find out about the girl and cause trouble. I wanted you to be prepared for it.
Venice isnt a girl, and Mother will have to accept her in my life.
This is your mother were speaking of. She is determined to find a female cyborg willing to accept you into a family unit. You agreed to allow her to make those arrangements.
I didnt foresee Venice.
I understand. You approved of your mothers plans because you didnt wish to be alone anymore, regardless of who she found to accept you. Now youre not alone. But your mother wont see Venice as a viable option. Shes similar to Stag on her stance of Earthers.
She allowed you to adopt Cyan.
Cyan is revered by cyborgs. She helped us escape Earths tyranny. For your mother to say no would have been seen as offensive by our race. And your mother aspires to one day gain a seat with the council. She evaluated my request and felt her generosity to allow the adoption would make her appear a favorable candidate to the populace.
Deviant didnt try to hide his surprise. I didnt know she hoped to join the council.
The female holds grudges. She only wants the position to make their lives difficult.
That hurt. His father didnt say it, but they both knew why she would hold a grudge against the council. Theyd ruled against her wishes and forced her to become pregnant with a child she hadnt wanted. Deviant. You believe shell see Venice as a threat to her accomplishing her goal?
Yes.
Some of the council members have joined into family units with Earthers. They hold no ill will toward them. She will see reason. Ill reminder her.
Good. I just dont want her to disappoint you.
Again. They were both probably thinking it. Thank you for the warning. Im aware of my mothers flaws.
Im so sorry, Deviant.
Her actions and words have always been her own.
I am aware, but I still wish she had been a kinder female.
Why did you choose her? May I ask?
His father broke eye contact and glanced around the room.
She chose you, Deviant guessed. Do you know why?
I had earned respect for my part in our escape. At one of the Anniversary of Freedom celebrations, the council singled me out during a speech. They thanked me and shared stories of my contributions. It was a high honor, and she offered to contract with me. I agreed. I felt fortunate to be asked.
She chose you to gain favor with the populace as well.
Mavo nodded. The reason didnt seem important at the time. I believed shed get to know me and learn to value my contributions to our family unit.
Deviant reached out and pressed his hand to his fathers chest, knowing that had never happened. I value you. You are and have always been an excellent father.
Thank you. Are you and Venice hungry? Ill go get you food.
That would be appreciated.
Mavo backed away and left, leaving Deviant to go to the cleansing unit, where he opened the door. Venice leaned against a wall looking bored.
I apologize.
Space is limited in your quarters. She smiled. Its okay.
He offered her his hand, gently leading her out and to the bed. They sat. I dont want you to believe I dont trust you. My father just wanted to speak to me about my mother. Shes difficult, and might object to my bringing you home.
Youre a grown man. Can she do anything?
No. He was amused by her terminology. I am an adult and have my own living quarters on Garden. It will be fine.
She released his hand and leaned in close, then reached up and cupped his face. Im nothing but trouble for you, am I? Im sorry.
Dont ever apologize. Im glad that you came into my life. My mother rarely requires my attention. I believe my father is more worried than he should be. Thats what he does. He worries about me.
He seems like a really great father.
He is. Dont give my mother a second thought.
Venice smiled and his mood lightened. He hadnt lied to her. His mother would probably be relieved the pressure was off her to find females willing to test him for a family unit.
My father is bringing us food. Once he leaves, I believe we should indulge in our delayed celebration.
I agree. Im for any reason we can
That wasnt my intention. I didnt want to frighten her. Shes been through enough after Stag discovered her presence aboard. Your mother will find out about the girl and cause trouble. I wanted you to be prepared for it.
Venice isnt a girl, and Mother will have to accept her in my life.
This is your mother were speaking of. She is determined to find a female cyborg willing to accept you into a family unit. You agreed to allow her to make those arrangements.
I didnt foresee Venice.
I understand. You approved of your mothers plans because you didnt wish to be alone anymore, regardless of who she found to accept you. Now youre not alone. But your mother wont see Venice as a viable option. Shes similar to Stag on her stance of Earthers.
She allowed you to adopt Cyan.
Cyan is revered by cyborgs. She helped us escape Earths tyranny. For your mother to say no would have been seen as offensive by our race. And your mother aspires to one day gain a seat with the council. She evaluated my request and felt her generosity to allow the adoption would make her appear a favorable candidate to the populace.
Deviant didnt try to hide his surprise. I didnt know she hoped to join the council.
The female holds grudges. She only wants the position to make their lives difficult.
That hurt. His father didnt say it, but they both knew why she would hold a grudge against the council. Theyd ruled against her wishes and forced her to become pregnant with a child she hadnt wanted. Deviant. You believe shell see Venice as a threat to her accomplishing her goal?
Yes.
Some of the council members have joined into family units with Earthers. They hold no ill will toward them. She will see reason. Ill reminder her.
Good. I just dont want her to disappoint you.
Again. They were both probably thinking it. Thank you for the warning. Im aware of my mothers flaws.
Im so sorry, Deviant.
Her actions and words have always been her own.
I am aware, but I still wish she had been a kinder female.
Why did you choose her? May I ask?
His father broke eye contact and glanced around the room.
She chose you, Deviant guessed. Do you know why?
I had earned respect for my part in our escape. At one of the Anniversary of Freedom celebrations, the council singled me out during a speech. They thanked me and shared stories of my contributions. It was a high honor, and she offered to contract with me. I agreed. I felt fortunate to be asked.
She chose you to gain favor with the populace as well.
Mavo nodded. The reason didnt seem important at the time. I believed shed get to know me and learn to value my contributions to our family unit.
Deviant reached out and pressed his hand to his fathers chest, knowing that had never happened. I value you. You are and have always been an excellent father.
Thank you. Are you and Venice hungry? Ill go get you food.
That would be appreciated.
Mavo backed away and left, leaving Deviant to go to the cleansing unit, where he opened the door. Venice leaned against a wall looking bored.
I apologize.
Space is limited in your quarters. She smiled. Its okay.
He offered her his hand, gently leading her out and to the bed. They sat. I dont want you to believe I dont trust you. My father just wanted to speak to me about my mother. Shes difficult, and might object to my bringing you home.
Youre a grown man. Can she do anything?
No. He was amused by her terminology. I am an adult and have my own living quarters on Garden. It will be fine.
She released his hand and leaned in close, then reached up and cupped his face. Im nothing but trouble for you, am I? Im sorry.
Dont ever apologize. Im glad that you came into my life. My mother rarely requires my attention. I believe my father is more worried than he should be. Thats what he does. He worries about me.
He seems like a really great father.
He is. Dont give my mother a second thought.
Venice smiled and his mood lightened. He hadnt lied to her. His mother would probably be relieved the pressure was off her to find females willing to test him for a family unit.
My father is bringing us food. Once he leaves, I believe we should indulge in our delayed celebration.
I agree. Im for any reason we can
