The second couples vlog began three days later, this time at Rupee's workplace.
"Welcome back, shopaholics!" Rupee's voice carried professional enthusiasm as she angled the camera to capture both herself and Arthur. "Today's episode is extra special. My Sweetie and I are giving you an exclusive tour of Rushae headquarters!"
Arthur stood beside her in the lobby of the commercial building that housed her company's operations. The space impressed with its clean design—polished floors, modern lighting, wall displays showcasing various products available through Rushae's distribution network.
"Rushae started as a small logistics company," Rupee explained, leading Arthur deeper into the building. "Now we handle distribution for dozens of manufacturers across the Ark. If you order something online, there's a seventy percent chance our drones deliver it."
They moved through administrative offices where Nikke and human employees worked at terminals, processing orders and coordinating shipments. Rupee greeted several by name, introducing Arthur with obvious pride.
"This is our operations center," she said, gesturing to a large room dominated by display screens showing real-time delivery routes. "Every drone in our network appears here. We can track packages from warehouse to doorstep."
Arthur studied the complex web of flight paths crisscrossing the Ark's districts. "Impressive logistics."
"We pride ourselves on efficiency." Rupee beamed at the compliment. "Want to see the really cool part?"
She led him to Royal Road's commercial district, where Rushae maintained several branch locations. The largest occupied a converted manufacturing space—massive interior filled with shelving units organized by product category.
"Our main warehouse," Rupee announced to the camera. "Everything you see here is available for immediate delivery. Most orders reach customers within two hours."
She approached a section of sealed crates, selecting one at random. "Let's show the viewers what we're stocking this week."
The crate contained electronics—portable terminals, communication devices, entertainment systems. Rupee held each item up for the camera, providing specifications and pricing.
Arthur monitored the livestream display while she worked, checking viewer engagement. The chat scrolled steadily:
*This warehouse is huge*
*I ordered from Rushae last week, got my package in ninety minutes*
*Rupee's boyfriend is helping her with boxes, that's adorable*
*Relationship goals*
Then the familiar username appeared:
*Hey Rupee, you're wasting time with this guy. I could show you what real romance looks like. Just give me a chance.*
Arthur's jaw tightened slightly. The same user from their previous stream, still pushing his agenda.
Rupee moved to another crate, this one filled with household goods. "We stock everything from luxury items to practical supplies. Rushae serves all demographics."
She continued the tour with practiced professionalism, opening crates and discussing inventory management. Arthur contributed occasionally, asking questions that prompted detailed explanations—good content for viewers interested in logistics.
The stream lasted ninety minutes before Rupee brought it to a close.
"Thanks for joining us, shopaholics! Remember, fast delivery, competitive prices, and excellent service—that's the Rushae promise!" She smiled warmly. "And special thanks to my Sweetie for being such a good sport."
Arthur waved to the camera as she ended the broadcast.
"That should boost our quarterly numbers," Rupee said, satisfaction evident. "Product placement, brand visibility, and audience engagement all in one stream."
"You're good at this," Arthur observed.
"I've had practice." She began gathering equipment. "The Lupins love behind-the-scenes content."
Arthur hesitated, then spoke carefully. "Rupee, there's something we should discuss. That viewer from last time—the one who kept trying to flirt with you—he's still doing it."
Rupee glanced up, surprise flickering across her face. "Really? I didn't notice him in the chat."
"He posted several times." Arthur pulled up the archived comments on his Omni-Tool, showing her the messages.
She read them with growing discomfort. "Oh. That's... persistent."
"Does this happen often?"
"Sometimes." Rupee's voice carried reluctant acknowledgment. "Most streamers deal with overly enthusiastic viewers. Usually they lose interest when ignored."
"And if they don't?"
"Then we should probably take this conversation somewhere less public," she said quietly, glancing around the warehouse where employees moved between shelves.
They relocated to a small office on the building's upper floor. Rupee closed the door, leaning against the desk.
"I've had a few problematic viewers before," she admitted. "Nothing serious. Some inappropriate comments, a few messages that crossed boundaries. I block them and move on."
"This one feels different," Arthur said.
Rupee met his gaze, something vulnerable in her expression. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just more aware now because you're involved."
"I don't like the pattern," Arthur continued. "He's not taking the hint that you're unavailable."
"I'll address it directly in the next stream," Rupee decided. "Make it clear I'm in a committed relationship and unwanted advances aren't welcome."
Arthur nodded slowly, though unease lingered.
Four days later, they filmed another stream—this one in Arthur's penthouse. The living room's central table was loaded with wrapped boxes of various sizes.
"Hello again, shopaholics!" Rupee's enthusiasm seemed infinite. "Today's special: the Lupins sent gifts for Sweetie! We're going to open them together and see what everyone chose."
Arthur settled into a chair beside her, camera positioned to capture both their reactions. "Your viewers sent these?"
"They love interactive content," Rupee explained. "I posted an address for fan mail, and this is what arrived. Ready?"
The first box contained a book—military history from the pre-Rapture era. Arthur examined it with genuine interest while Rupee read the accompanying note.
"From user SteelReader: 'For the Commander who treats Nikkes like people. Thank you for everything you do.'"
They continued through the boxes methodically. Gifts ranged from practical items like ammunition cleaning kits to personal touches like a hand-knitted scarf. Each came with messages expressing support, gratitude, or simple well-wishes.
Three hours passed before they reached the final box—a set of matching coffee mugs with "His" and "Hers" printed on them.
"Perfect," Rupee declared, holding them up for the camera.
She shifted into closing remarks, expression turning serious.
"Before we end today's stream, I want to address something." Her voice carried unusual gravity. "I'm in a relationship with Arthur. A real, committed relationship. We care about each other deeply. So I'm asking—respectfully—that viewers refrain from inappropriate advances or propositions in my streams or messages. I appreciate all the Lupins' support, but there are boundaries we need to maintain."
Arthur added his support with a simple nod.
Rupee smiled, warmth returning. "Thanks for understanding, everyone. See you next time!"
The stream ended. They sat in comfortable silence for several moments.
"Think that'll work?" Arthur asked.
"It should," Rupee said confidently. "Most people respect clear boundaries once they're established."
The following week passed without incident. Arthur focused on Monarks administration, Anne's continued education, and routine Outpost management. Rupee's streams continued with normal engagement, no further problems from persistent viewers.
Then, twelve days after their warehouse tour, Arthur's phone chimed at midnight.
He'd been reviewing mission reports when Rupee's message appeared—a single word followed by a location pin.
*Help. Moonbucks.*
Arthur was moving before conscious thought registered. He grabbed his jacket, prosthetic legs carrying him through the Outpost's corridors to the elevator. The Moonbucks location she'd marked was in Royal Road's entertainment district—twenty minutes by rail.
He made it in fourteen.
The coffee shop was closed, interior lights dimmed. Arthur circled the building, following instinct toward the rear parking area.
Voices carried through the darkness.
"Come on, sweetheart. Just get in the car. We can go somewhere quiet, talk about your streams."
"I already told you no." Rupee's voice carried fear beneath forced firmness. "Leave me alone."
"Don't be like that. I'm a big fan. Your biggest fan. I deserve a chance."
Arthur rounded the corner and took in the scene instantly. Rupee stood pressed against a wall, face pale in the dim lighting. A man loomed over her—heavily built, muscular frame blocking her escape route. One hand rested on the wall beside her head, the other gestured toward a vehicle parked nearby.
"Arthur!" Rupee's voice cracked with relief.
The man turned, expression shifting from predatory focus to irritation. "Who the hell—"
Arthur closed the distance in three strides. His goddesium-reinforced fist connected with the man's jaw in a single, calculated strike. The stalker dropped like a severed cable, unconscious before he hit the pavement.
Silence fell. Arthur stood over the fallen man for several seconds, ensuring he remained down. Then he turned to Rupee.
"Are you hurt?"
She shook her head mutely, eyes wide.
"Did he touch you?"
"No. He was trying to convince me to get in his car." Her voice trembled. "He recognized me from the streams. Said he'd been trying to get my attention for weeks."
Arthur activated his Omni-Tool, calling Ark Security with quick efficiency. He provided the location and situation—attempted assault, suspect restrained, victim safe.
"They're sending a unit," he reported. "Can you wait here while I—"
"Don't leave." Rupee's hand caught his sleeve. "Please."
Arthur stayed.
Rupee looked at the unconscious man, then at Arthur's prosthetic fist. "You hit a citizen. That's assault. There could be legal complications."
"I'll handle whatever comes," Arthur said flatly. "He was threatening you."
"I know." Her voice softened. "Thank you. For coming so fast. For—"
She broke off as her shoulders began quivering. Arthur moved closer, offering stability. Rupee leaned against him, forehead pressing to his chest.
"I was scared," she whispered. "He knew where I'd be. He'd been watching, planning. And I just... I couldn't get away."
Arthur's arms circled her carefully, offering shelter. "You're safe now."
They stood like that until Security arrived—three officers who took statements, secured the suspect, and confirmed Arthur's actions fell within legal self-defense parameters given the threat to Rupee.
Afterward, Arthur walked Rupee home through empty streets. She remained close, hand linked with his.
At her apartment entrance, she stopped and turned to face him fully.
"Arthur," she said quietly. "I love you."
The words hung between them—simple, honest, profound.
Arthur cupped her face gently, goddesium fingers cool against synthetic skin. "I love you too."
He kissed her then, slow and careful. When they parted, Rupee's expression carried exhaustion mixed with peace.
"Stay with me tonight?" she asked. "I don't want to be alone."
"Of course," Arthur said.
They went inside together, leaving the darkness and its threats behind.