sweethymns | ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ

I... No, it's not that! Of course, I'd remember Connor! I just didn't think you'd... Oh, just...!

[She looks both ways rapidly to see if there's anyone who would spot them and she pulls Connor inside by one of his arms.]

Get in!

[He’s pulled in, but manages to balance the pizza boxes on one hand with enough grace that they don’t tumble on the ground.]

I’m sorry, maybe I should’ve called first. But I thought I would surprise you with pizza; maybe share some with your sister, if she’s available?

[He didn’t forget, after all.]

As you can see, the ‘door’ on the bench still works.

But you don't have my...! No... You do have my phone number...

[She closes and locks the door behind them.]

That's not the point just... Connor, are you hurt anywhere? Are you completely functional?

[As if to check she puts her hands on the sides of his face without really thinking.]

Absolutely no damage anywhere?

[His eyes widen just slightly at the sensation of her hands pressed to the side of his face. He doesn’t mind it, it’s just unexpected.]

No, I’m fine. I returned home with no issues — it was as if time had stopped moving, waiting for me to get back. And coming here, I’ve not been injured at all. It was surprisingly easy.

Good.

[Relieved she puts her hands down, gripping the edge of her sweatshirt she's wearing.]

Good... It's been a week so the fact that it's still stable is good news; it won't hurt anyone else if that happens to be the case.

... Actually. [Ai looks back up at Connor looking dubious. He said time didn't move on his side while he was gone, so that was good; no one thought he was missing. So that's why she wanted to ask:]

Why did you come back?

Because I said I owed you, didn’t I? So I brought pizza, like I said I would.

[He smiles and takes it upon himself to set the pizza down on the kitchen table area.]

That and you still have my uniform. I thought I shouldn’t leave such a thing in this world.

[He turns to face her, his hands clasped behind his back.]

Plus... I wanted to see how you were doing.

... Oh.

[That's all she can say at first.]

Oh.

[Her voice lowers into a whisper and her hands reach up to rub her eyes and then cover them up as if she wants to hide her face from him.

Everything is just welling up too fast in her heart. Having to be resigned as a result only for it to be overturned in the best way possible was overwhelming. He came back. He wanted to see how she was doing. He chose that and Ai doesn't have a way to dispute that genuine course of action made by the android.

She sniffs and gulps, trying to choke down the tears that threaten to well up and she hurriedly says to Connor.]

I-I'll get your uniform! I haven't dry cleaned them yet because I didn't want to leave evidence behind and... I'll just go get them!

[And she turns around before he can see her face to get his clothes, feeling impossibly happy.]

Edited 2018-06-11 01:07 (UTC)

[Her body language has changed, he notes. As if stress levels were rising, a sort of strange spike in emotion that he’s sure he was the cause of. He doesn’t know how to translate it, he doesn’t have enough time to observe — she retreats too quickly before he can say anything.]

Is everything all right? [He decides to just call out after her.]

I didn’t come at an inconvenient time, did I?

[It takes her a few good long minutes and the sound of the bathroom sink can be heard running. When she returns with the neatly folded uniform being hugged against her chest before she holds it out to him, with a small look of triumph.]

Here you go! Were you able to have an explanation to your colleagues about your clothing? You didn't actually keep the shirts Lien let you have, right?

[Her face is clean and there are faint traces of moisture left in her hair that frames her face.]

[Ah. He takes his jacket, holding it neatly and folded against him.]

Well, no one really believed my story about going through time and space. I think they might’ve thought I was joking — or that someone tricked me into buying those shirts.

[People not giving him enough credit... or too much, where his extent to joke is concerned.]

Of course I kept them though. Why wouldn’t I?

Er.

[Wow.]

You really just told them? [It's a good thing everything about the situation was ridiculous enough for his colleagues to sweep it under the rug, but. Hm.]

As for the shirts, I was thinking you wouldn't be able to wear them while you were on duty.

Yes. It wasn’t an event I could keep to myself. But like I said, it was too fantastical for anyone to believe.

[As for the shirts—]

I own more than one shirt, Ai. But... well, my status as an investigator is a bit complicated these days. Androids are trying to find their place in society, and society is trying to adjust to this change.

My role is less official these days. The police department doesn’t know what to do with me, and so I act as a consultant for now, when I can.

[And even that took Hank twisting a lot of arms in his defense.]

So when I’m not working, I wear my souvenir shirts when I can.

If the shirts brighten up your day then I guess I can't argue against that.

[She thinks that she should purchase some more respectable clothing for him while he's on this side though. As long as time isn't affected on his side, the time he could spend over here seems limitless.

The possibilities seem limitless and instead of being daunting, the newness of it makes Ai quietly excited.]

Here, let's sit down. I'll just be eating in front of you again, but I don't want that pizza to grow cold.

[Too bad, so sad Lien, she might save that pizza for you but first come, first serve. Ai takes a chair and pulls a pizza box towards herself.]

Lien's been hired for some consultation too. So, I'll keep the other box safe. [ha, food and ai, safe]

[He takes a seat close to her, setting his uniform down in his lap. The word ANDROID looks up at him, and he idly brushes his fingers across it. This article isn’t even required for him to wear any more, and to neglect it would be a show of individuality... but some things still being comfort in familiarity.]

Then maybe she’ll be around next time. She seemed really excited for the pizza.

[How casually he assumes there will be a next time; but why not? Given how easy it is to return, and with little no consequence, he doesn’t see why it would be an issue. Unless the twins grow tired of him, of course.]

Have you been doing all right?

[Taking a corner slice, yessss.]

The past week felt a little slow, but otherwise, it's been peaceful.

[Two large bites of her pizza are taken and she munches with a focus on the taste and texture. She swallows and continues her answer.]

I had to eat a lot after we stabilized your door and Lien slept for about 12 hours the next day, but we straightened ourselves out after that.

... And it's sort of silly, but I think after meeting you, I went back to read my manuals about my devices more carefully.

More conscientious of your technology now?

[He looks a little amused at that.]

I’m glad the both of you were able to recover, though. Given that stabilizing that doorway was no small feat, it must’ve taken a lot out of the both of you. When I was watching you do it, all I could think is how powerful of a psychic you must be.

[Ai's cheeks turn pink somewhat at his observation and her big bites of pizza turn into a nibble at the crust.]

... Thank you! [

[She wonders why she prefers a remark that she's heard other variations from him than from other people. Probably because the expectations were different and his comment was not loaded at all. It helps, being from a different world with a different perspective.]

I've mentioned most psychics just have one defining ability like Lien, but I was—

["Made?" Should she say "born?" Or even "constructed?"]

—Born with more. And you saw most of them already so no need to go over them again.

[Okay, second slice GO. She's gonna crush this pie.]

You said that your status as an investigator is complicated right now so... Coming over here, besides checking on me, is there something you feel inclined to... Enjoy? To discover?

[So she was something of a special psychic, born with more abilities? That was interesting; she truly was talented in her community, then.

Her question gives him some pause, though. Connor seems a little torn, not wanting to impede on her more than he already has.]

I don’t want you to misconstrue this visit as me... taking advantage of a world that doesn’t have androids. I don’t want you to think I’m only using your company for my own sake.

[A beat.]

But this world does afford me a freedom that I don’t possess back home. Even with androids gaining recognition, the process is long, and there will always be expectations that exist there that won’t here. Your world is a good place for me to learn how to be...

[What’s the word? Human? He would never truly fall into that category; there were experiences as a human he would never feel, just as there were many things about him that a human might never comprehend.

He works his jaw. ]

...me.

[His explanation was more than acceptable and even if it may have seemed questionable on the surface, Ai didn't think so to begin with (that's why she's a dope). Lien had mentioned some details she saw of Connor's memories after he left, describing the bits and pieces of the world he was from and it matches up with what he tells her now.

So when he says that he wants to, in a sense, figure out himself, Ai thinks it over the second slice of pizza. When it's done, she wipes her mouth with a napkin and nods at Connor.]

I think I understand what you mean. You've just had one focus for the longest time and while you're good at it... There's other metaphorical and in this case, literal worlds to explore right?

You're still an android that investigates Connor. But now you can investigate whatever you want! And I'd be more than happy to explore that with you.

Yes. That’s right.

[One goal, one mission. One purpose, designed to be carried out with the utmost efficiency. It was how he was created to be, and shattering those bonds was simultaneously freeing and left him drifting on a large, open sea, unsure of the direction he should take from there.]

But I don’t know how to start. Likes and dislikes? Hobbies? Self-reflection?

[He shakes his head.]

I thought spending time with friends would be a good starting point. Doing fun things simply because I can. No offense to my friends back home, of course.

[But Hank had his work, and while Connor wouldn’t ever discard his friendship with the man, why would he neglect this new one with the twins?]

That is, only if you’d like to sometimes spend time with me. I know you have a life of your own, too.

[Friends. What a wonderful word. Usually, these sort of relationships take time, but there's nothing like healing up the injured to seal the deal; Ai thinks their chance encounter really was a miracle and to meet again to forge unknown paths is doubly so.]

Connor, I think you'll find me fairly agreeable with your company. Spending time with you sometimes is more than enough. Lien will like it too. It'll be good for all of us.

[They're all figuring out this, "being alive" and "free will" thing, don't worry about it.]

After we're done eating, we'll start by making sure you have a supply of clothing to wear here. You haven't been able to go outside the first time so you'll get to see more of this part of California. It should be a fun exercise.

[He’s glad that she seems amiable to the idea. A feeling like relief swells in his chest.]

Of course. Part of crafting an identity is by expressing yourself via fashion. Or so I’ve heard.

[Plus, shopping with someone? He’s never done that before.]

So... I’d like that.

It'll help! The shirts are... Okay. But, they are noticeable and it's more than possible to look decent, without big bold typefaces on a plain colored t-shirt.

And I don't want to make you carry anything too conspicuous back, so I'll keep what I buy for you here. I have more than enough storage space.

[She's so eager to help and be part of Connor's journey that she's kind of forgetting that's gonna be weird, but. Hey.]

The people you work with might think you're joking about a rip in time and space, but I think the growing collection of full outfits will be questionable.

[Stupid t-shirts though? Nah, no one cares really]

[Connor also doesn’t think it’s weird! She’s just helping him, right? It’s nice of her to keep his clothes here for him. What’s strange about that?

Oblivious fools.]

That’s true. I should avoid being conspicuous in general, but to be honest, I think I’ll have to defer to your judgment regarding clothing. My experience is limited.

Have you dressed many men before?

[He also doesn’t think that’s a weird question.]

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