North Patterson boldly walked into the sky high condominium, with a flair of drama that was over exaggerated and childish, knowing he would be forgiven for it anyway. "Hi, honey, I'm home!"
"In the kitchen," came the gruff, short reply. North sighed as he was greeted by the smells of seasonings and stir fried vegetables.
"You know, you could just have a cooking unit do all of that for you," North chided the large, golden man standing behind the small induction hob. Why he insisted on using the relic, North would never understand.
"I don't like others handling my food," he replied, coldly.
"It's a robot," North muttered. He received a glare in response. "Ah, why have you not answered your device this morning? You should always answer your manager, you know, I made several calls." The man pointed with a manicured digit towards the sorry sight of a broken acrylic tablet upon his H.C.D. Desk. "And you could't use the holograph?"
"Stopped working."
"When, exactly?"
"Two weeks ago." North groaned beneath his breath. The greatest male entertainer of their generation might as well have been a complete dinosaur. It was not that this statuesque god was lacking intelligence, he just wasn't interested in the technology around him. His manager was sure that he'd actually broken the tablet on purpose, as the many phone calls were probably annoying him and as for the H.C.D..? Well, it was likely that there had been a problem with it for several weeks before it failed completely and Rush just simply couldn't be bothered to have it fixed.
"Well you have an interview in two hours, I'll have someone come and fix it in the meantime," North advised him.
***
Rush Haven leaned back against the chair in the reception area, one leg loosely bent before leaning upon the other and yawned lazily. Several women sighed in unison at the vision. This gentle, golden giant, with hair as black as midnight and eyes like two pools of swirling chocolate was the stuff their dreams were made of. Who didn't dream of running their fingers over his taut muscular arms and firm chest? He was a renowned actor, sought after model and with genes to die for.
They all turned green eyed towards the elegant, crimson-dressed woman, who arrogantly sauntered up to their idol with possessive arms. Her red painted nails, lightly touched upon his arm as she gracefully sat beside him. "Darling, I missed you," she near purred. He coldly glanced at her fingers with a flicker of annoyance. Knowing not to push her luck with him, she removed her hand. "Come now," she whispered close to his ear, "the public are watching and who, if not your wife, has the right to touch you?"
"You are not my wife yet," he replied, "so act with at least a little decency."
"Only nine months until the wedding, my love," she reminded him. Honor Harlow was a beautiful, talented actress and descended from an elite line of licensed entertainers. Her mother was the last generation's number one entertainer, her haunting voice still echoed through the playlists of many music fans and her father was now Vice-Chairman of First Entertainment. Her red curls were long and lush, falling down the graceful curve of her back like a fiery waterfall. Her green eyes were sheltered between long, thick lashes and framed by slender, perfectly shaped brows. She was tall, though her eye level was only to her fiancés shoulder and curved to resemble Venus. She was blessed that her daddy had convinced the Matchmakers to pair her with the only man she had ever desired. And soon he would be hers in more than just name.
Rush was not interested in answering her. It was not that he despised her touch, but it simply didn't rouse him, so he avoided it along with any other who dare reach for him. He disliked the warmth of others. As for his duty in producing perfect heirs, well that could be dealt with in a clean scientific manner, much like all those other tasks North insisted that technology was made for.
The power couple were soon received by the reporter, who was interviewing them about their recent movie, in which they acted as a brother and sister team who were part of sector law enforcement. Rush was amicable, but soon allowed Honor to answer most of the questions. The interviewer didn't linger long on questions regarding the film, for naturally she was much more interested in Rush's personal life.
"Ah, can I ask you," the woman said, tilting her pretty face to one side. "You are always seen at events or during your casual time wearing that bracelet. Is there any meaning behind it?"
The man's fingers gently traced the large beaded bracelet upon his wrist. Each bead was a polished white, with the exception of the centre bead, which was as black as the styled hair upon his head. "Not really," he replied. "My mother gave it to me."
His short answer would become an indication of the affection that he had for the long deceased woman, of how he had clearly been a mother's boy and all older women would begin looking at him with appreciative eyes for his filial piety. It would also start a massive trend. Anyone, who was anyone would start adorning knock off bracelets of varying quality that looked just like Rush Haven's. A small common boy was amongst them, even forgetting to take it off during his videos.
"Your wedding date had been set for April of next year, are you excited?" The interviewer asked.
It was Honor who naturally interceded in answering; "But of course, who isn't excited when they have been paired with their perfect match!" She cooed, taking advantage of the situation and plastering herself onto Rush's arm. "This man, he is my destiny!"
***
"Pfft," a young girl laughed in scorn as she watched the interview over the net. "Such cheese! 'He is my Destiny!' Hey Kez, wanna be my destiny?"
"Not interested," the boy said as he adjusted the booty shorts that kept riding up the crack of his arse.
"Come on," Leilei pleaded, "if you had the op, I'd totally do you." He rose one shaped eyebrow into the hairline of his platinum blond wig, before kneeling down to lace up his boots.
"Even if I wanted to have a sex change," he mentioned, "I'd still like men. Besides," he smiled, coyly, flicking back the platinum hair, "you know that I am just out of your league!" She laughed and smacked him on his pert bum.
"Dance for me baby!" She sang, manipulating the tech that would pixelate his image into the avatar and played the music track she had created. Kez obediently obliged.
***
Xavier had been a little star struck when he had entered the condominium situated on a floor he could usually only stare up at from his bedroom window. Just which of North's actors lived in a pad like this anyway? He had squealed over the few retro pieces of tech, he loved old things like that, before moving his gaze to the broken tablet and H.C.D. He winced at the damaged device, that kind of destruction was beyond him. He'd have to recommend purchasing a replacement. With a sigh he turned his attention to the H.C.D.
The model was a little outdated, but had it's core processor not blown a circuit or two, it would probably work just fine. He had a spare on him, but it was a newer model and he wasn't sure if it was compatible. Still he was not an early graduate for no reason. It took a little time, but he replaced old with new and started up the Holograph for testing. Using his handheld to remotely connect and using a master password to gain access to the device, he tested it for virus's and malicious software as well as giving it's programming a thorough inspection. It gained a clean bill of health.
As he was shutting it down, a notification came up on his handheld device.
Wish has uploaded a new video with music by DJ Shang. Do you wish to view?
Hell yes! He fisted the air and settled down to watch the video, completely forgetting where he was.
***
Rush returned home, accompanied by North, feeling down. He hated interviews. It was probably a good thing that he was an actor and could falsely project excitement that he did not feel. Was it even necessary for him to get married? Couldn't he just donate sperm or something...? Sensing his friend was unhappy, North chose to stay silent.
As they entered the condominium, they were greeted by a sight that left them speechless; a boy with unruly curls dancing about the living space, wiggling his butt in time to an unfamiliar beat. The whole interview and proceeding gloom became forgotten.
North was the first to speak out. "Seriously, Xavier, you're listening to that stuff here?!"
Startled, the boy spun around, tripped over his own feet and fell backwards over the lounge sofa, disappearing behind it with a crash. North cursed and hurried in to help the boy up. Rush picked up the handheld device that he had dropped on the floor and stared at it. Over the screen danced the 3d visage of a cute, young girl wearing a cropped loose t-shirt and high riding shorts over striped tights. Rush felt an odd amusement ripple through him as he watched the animated character and a sudden loss when the handheld was taken from him.
"Ah, sorry about that," the boy blushed, pushing the borders of his handheld, before pocketing it. "I fixed your H.C.D. by the way, but the tablet is a complete loss."
"What was that?" Rush asked, pointing at the handheld.
"Never mind," North began, but a broad smile had already appeared on Xavier's face and he began to enthusiastically explain.
"That's this Vocaloid called Wish! She's an underground idol!" He said, completely forgetting the identity of the man standing in front of him. "Her creator uploads video's of her dancing and singing to music by a guy named DJ Shang. It's totally out there!"
North slapped his forehead with his hand as he noticed the sparkle in Rush's eyes. This Wish character had piqued the man's interest and that would definitely cause him, as his manager, grief.