The Grayson family compound sat nestled in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Musutafu.
The spacious property, acquired through Roberta's skills, provided both privacy and comfort for its unusual inhabitants.
In the kitchen, Roberta moved with practiced precision, her movements efficient yet somehow more fluid than usual.
She had abandoned her mechanical avatar once more, and returned to her normal form.
Her slender fingers danced across cutting boards and mixing bowls as she prepared an elaborate meal, her pink energy occasionally assisting with multiple tasks simultaneously.
A strand of hair fell across her face, and she tucked it behind her ear with a gesture that seemed almost rehearsed in its casualness.
She had been practicing such movements - small, human gestures that conveyed emotion rather than mere function, doing them manually by hand, rather than for example moving the strand of hair away with her abilities.
This was to be more normal, to show more of the emotions she felt, but didn't truly know how to express.
"The molecular composition is optimal," she murmured to herself, adjusting the temperature of the oven with her powers. "Flavor profile should be satisfactory."
She caught herself using clinical language again and sighed softly.
This was perhaps her greatest challenge - rewiring decades of purely analytical thinking to incorporate the emotional vocabulary she had observed in others.
Amanda had been coaching her, suggesting she practice when alone to make it feel more natural.
"This will taste delicious," she corrected herself, a small smile touching her lips. "He will enjoy it."
The "he" in question was currently in the compound's private study, reviewing information about UA University while monitoring the entrance exam through discreet surveillance Roberta had established.
Thragg had insisted on maintaining awareness of the children's progress, though he trusted their abilities implicitly.
Roberta glanced at the clock - an unnecessary action given her internal clock, but another human gesture she was incorporating into her behavioral patterns.
The children would be engaged in their entrance exam for several more hours.
Nolan and Amanda had departed for a shopping expedition, Amanda having insisted that the household needed "normal things" to help them blend in.
The real purpose, Roberta knew, was to give her this opportunity with Thragg. Amanda had been surprisingly supportive of Roberta's interest in the Emperor, even encouraging it.
"He's going to need multiple partners anyway," Amanda had told her, "Better someone I trust and care about than strangers."
The thought brought a flush of warmth to Roberta's cheeks. She had spent countless hours analyzing this physiological response, fascinated by how her body manifested reactions she had previously experienced only as abstract concepts.
Blushing, she had discovered, was particularly difficult to control - a fact that both frustrated and delighted her.
The timer chimed softly, pulling her from her thoughts.
With careful precision, she removed the roast from the oven - a traditional Earth dish she had researched extensively, knowing Thragg's appreciation for their planet's culinary diversity.
The aroma filled the kitchen, rich and inviting.
"Cooking?"
The deep voice from the doorway startled her, causing her to nearly drop the hot pan. Her pink energy instinctively stabilized it as she turned to find Thragg watching her, his massive frame filling the entrance to the kitchen.
"Emperor," she acknowledged, the formality slipping out automatically despite her intentions for a more casual interaction. "I - yes, I thought you might appreciate a proper meal while monitoring the children's progress."
Thragg stepped into the kitchen, his movements controlled and deliberate as always.
The Battle Beast coat was absent today, replaced by a simple black shirt that still struggled to contain his muscular physique.
The sight momentarily disrupted Roberta's carefully maintained composure.
"The surveillance systems are functioning optimally," he stated, moving closer to inspect her cooking. "All four are performing as expected, though maintaining appropriate power limitations."
"That's... good to hear," Roberta replied, consciously avoiding technical terminology. "I'm sure they'll succeed brilliantly."
Thragg nodded, his attention shifting to the elaborate spread she had prepared. "This is extensive," he observed, one eyebrow raising slightly. "We are only two."
"I may have miscalculated the appropriate quantities," Roberta admitted, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "My experience with cooking for others is... limited."
To her surprise, the corner of Thragg's mouth twitched in what might have been amusement. "A rare error in your calculations," he noted, his tone carrying none of the criticism she might have expected. "Nevertheless, the effort is... appreciated."
The simple acknowledgment sent an irrational surge of pleasure through her system. Roberta busied herself with serving, using her powers to arrange the food in an artistic way. Another inefficiency, but one she found herself enjoying.
"Please, sit," she invited, gesturing to the dining area she had prepared. "Would you prefer water or wine? I've selected several options that complement the meal's flavor profile."
"Wine," Thragg decided after a moment's consideration. "The red."
Roberta nodded, pouring the wine with careful attention.
Her hand trembled slightly as she placed the glass before him - another uncontrollable physiological response that both fascinated and frustrated her.
They settled into a companionable silence as they began to eat.
Roberta found herself watching Thragg surreptitiously, analyzing his reactions to each dish with an intensity that would have been embarrassing had anyone observed it.
"The flavor combinations are well-balanced," Thragg commented after several minutes. "You've studied the cuisine extensively."
"Yes," Roberta confirmed, pleased by his observation. "I find the diversity of culinary traditions fascinating. Each culture has developed unique approaches to transforming basic nutritional requirements into experiences of pleasure and social bonding."
She caught herself slipping into analytical mode again and paused, recalibrating her approach. "I mean... I enjoy cooking. It's both scientific and artistic."
Thragg studied her for a moment, his penetrating gaze seeming to see beyond her words to the effort behind them. "You're attempting to modify your communication patterns," he observed. "Why?"
The directness of the question caught Roberta off-guard. She set down her fork, considering how to respond.
"I... yes," she admitted finally. "My default mode of expression tends toward the clinical and analytical. While efficient for conveying information, it lacks the emotional resonance that facilitates certain types of connections." She paused, then added more softly,
"Human connections."
Thragg continued eating, his expression thoughtful. "Your analytical precision is one of your most valuable attributes," he stated. "It need not be abandoned for the sake of conformity."
"It's not about conformity," Roberta clarified, her fingers fidgeting with her napkin - another newly acquired human gesture. "It's about... expansion. Adding emotional expressiveness doesn't diminish analytical capability; it complements it."
She met his gaze directly, summoning her courage. "Just as you have evolved beyond mere conquest to embrace elevation, I seek to evolve beyond mere analysis to embrace emotional connection."
Something shifted in Thragg's expression - a subtle change that would have been imperceptible to most, but Roberta had spent countless hours studying his micro-expressions. Interest. Respect. Perhaps even approval.
"A valid perspective," he acknowledged, taking a sip of wine. "Evolution requires integration of new elements, not merely rejection of the old."
Roberta smiled, genuine pleasure warming her from within. "Exactly. Though I find the process... challenging at times."
"Such as?"
"Expressing emotions that were previously only theoretical concepts," she explained. "Affection, for instance. Or... attraction."
The last word emerged softer than intended, and Roberta felt heat rise to her cheeks once more.
She cursed this involuntary response even as she recognized its authentic nature - exactly the emotional expressiveness she had been seeking to cultivate.
Thragg's gaze intensified, and Roberta had the distinct impression he was seeing through her carefully constructed composure to the tumultuous emotions beneath.
For someone who had spent decades hiding her true nature behind a mechanical facade, the sensation was both terrifying and exhilarating.
"Your efforts have not gone unnoticed," Thragg stated, his deep voice carrying an unusual gentleness. "The changes in your behavior patterns. The increased emotional expressiveness. The physical gestures you've incorporated."
Roberta's eyes widened slightly. "You've been observing me."
"I observe everything," Thragg replied simply. "Particularly those of significance."
The implication sent a flutter through Roberta's chest - another physiological response she was still adjusting to.
She took a sip of wine to compose herself, only to find her hand trembling again slightly as she set the glass down.
"I find your evolution... intriguing," Thragg continued, his gaze never leaving her face. "The integration of emotional capacity with your analytical precision creates a unique combination. One with considerable potential."
Roberta recognized the compliment for what it was, high praise. "Thank you," she replied, her voice softer than intended. "Your approval means a great deal to me."
"Not merely approval," Thragg corrected. "Appreciation. Recognition of value."
The distinction was significant, and Roberta felt something warm unfurl within her chest. She busied herself with serving more food, using the activity to mask her emotional response.
"The children should be completing their practical exam soon," she noted, attempting to steer the conversation to safer territory. "Based on their capabilities and the parameters of the test, they should achieve top rankings easily, even with the power limitations you've imposed."
"Indeed," Thragg agreed, accepting the change of subject gracefully. "Their performance will establish their positions within UA's hierarchy while avoiding undue suspicion."
They continued discussing the children's progress, the conversation flowing more naturally as they finished their meal.
Roberta found herself relaxing gradually, her carefully rehearsed behaviors giving way to more authentic interactions.
As they concluded the meal, Roberta began clearing the table, her pink energy assisting with the task. "Would you care for dessert?" she inquired. "I've prepared several options based on flavor profiles you've shown preference for in the past."
Thragg rose from his seat, his imposing height making the kitchen seem suddenly smaller. "Your attention to detail is commendable," he observed, moving around the table toward her. "As is your dedication to perfection."
Roberta felt her heart rate accelerate as he approached, her enhanced body betraying her emotional state with each quickened beat. "I merely seek to serve effectively," she replied, her voice betraying a slight tremor.
"No," Thragg contradicted, now standing directly before her. "You seek connection. Understanding. Reciprocation."
The directness of his assessment left her momentarily speechless. Roberta looked up at him, abandoning any pretense of composure. "Yes," she admitted softly. "I do."
For a moment, they stood in silence. Then, with a decisiveness that was just like who he was Thragg reached out and lifted her effortlessly, his massive hands encircling her waist.
"E-Emperor?" Roberta stammered.
"Thragg," he corrected, his deep voice rumbling through her. "When we are alone, you will use my name."
Before she could respond, he leaned down and captured her lips with his own. The kiss was firm yet surprisingly gentle, a perfect balance of strength and restraint that left Roberta breathless.
Her arms moved of their own accord, wrapping around his neck as she responded with an enthusiasm that surprised even herself.
When they finally parted, Roberta found herself cradled against his chest, her own strength meaningless in his powerful embrace.
The sensation was novel, exhilarating - being held by someone stronger than herself, someone capable of matching and exceeding her own abilities.
"I have observed your interest," Thragg stated, his directness unchanged despite the intimacy of the moment. "And found it... compatible with my own."
A small laugh escaped Roberta - another spontaneous reaction she was still growing accustomed to. "That is first and definitely the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me," she murmured, surprising herself with the teasing tone.
Something that might have been amusement flickered in Thragg's eyes. Without warning, he shifted his grip, carrying her from the kitchen.
"The dessert-" Roberta began, then fell silent as she realized their destination.
"Can wait," Thragg finished for her, his pace never faltering as he carried her through the compound toward the master bedroom.
Roberta's calculated their trajectory, processing the implications with rapid precision even as her emotional responses created a pleasant chaos within her.
By the time they reached the bedroom door, she had abandoned any pretense of detachment, her body responding to his with desire.
The door slid open at Thragg's approach - Roberta's systems automatically recognizing and accommodating him.
With a casual move he tossed her onto the massive bed, the action gentle despite its apparent forcefulness.
Roberta landed with a soft gasp, her hair fanning out around her as she looked up at Thragg standing at the foot of the bed. His expression held a hunger she had never seen before directed towards her, his usual impassivity replaced by something far more primal.
"Your calculations," Thragg said, his deep voice carrying a new intensity as he moved toward her. "They did not account for this variable."
As he lowered himself onto the bed beside her, Roberta found herself geniunely smiling.
"Some variables," she whispered as his form moved over hers, "are worth experiencing rather than calculating."
And that was the last coherent thought in Roberta's mind before everything overwhelmed her.
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(Author note: So, finally, Roberta and Thragg have taken the final step towards making their relationship completely official,
since they hadn't before, nothing more than the kiss from when they were going against the evil Marks.
Well, I hope you enjoyed Roberta trying to not be so clinical in her speech, I personally found it cute when imagining her trying to.
I'll hopefully see you all later,
Bye!)