sweethymns | ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ

[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.]

[3... 2... 1...

Okay, another three seconds is needed to register the question.

3... 2... 1...]

Wait... No, it's not like that!!

[She had stopped in the middle of taking a third slice and sits back down to wave her hands in front of her and to shake her head rapidly to defend her position.]

I don't even know how to tie a man's tie! I'm not very good with men—... Wait, I'm not experienced—... No that doesn't sound good either!

[DEEP BREATHS. She is a human being with extreme emotions, sorry Connor.]

What I MEAN to say is. This is a first for me. Like it is for you. I hope that's cleared up.

[Connor is the epitome of ‘???’ as she tries to explain herself to him. He didn’t think anything needed explaining? It was just a simple question, regarding if she had any experience with men’s clothing.

Observant as he is, it’s easy to tell that she’s embarrassed.]

I’m sorry. Did I embarrass you?

[Connor’s brain: whirs into overdrive regarding why and how. Conclusion:]

I should have been clearer. I didn’t mean ‘have you dressed or undressed men’ in a romantic or intimate way. That’s a very personal question.

[Not that he doesn’t ask them sometimes...]

I'm... Just a little. Just a little embarrassed.

[It is at this moment that Ai quickly remembers that Connor IS an android. And especially with his particular design structure, he would be more straightforward and not duplicitous in his normal conversations, intentional and mild joking aside.

Ai just nervously tugs at her braid, face red as the tomato sauce on the pizza. God, why is she like this???? She clears her throat and looks Connor straight in the eyes with all the seriousness she can muster.]

So to answer the question properly; no. I haven't dressed any men before, romantic or otherwise.

[this isn't an interrogation god!!]

[Her face is still red. She is definitely embarrassed, just as she admitted. Connor tries to figure out a way to make the situation less awkward, even if he didn’t mean for it to be this way.]

I see. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m not judging.

I just wanted to gauge how experienced you were. I was hoping you’d know where to start better than I.

[She's simmered down now and she's mulling over the places they can visit. Possibly keep it to two or three stores.]

I won't pretend I know all about men's fashion, but it's not hard to do research and we can keep it simple enough. From what I remember, Lien says, it's about the silhouette and the fit. As with anything we wear really.

You're really tall and your shoulders aren't noticeably broad. You might be easy to dress all things considered.

A lot like wearing a uniform.

[Well, sort of. But she gets the idea probably.]

Then we should go looking when you’re done eating. The weather is nice today. I’m even wearing a cap.

[He sounds proud of his ‘disguise’ to cover up his LED.]

Right... The cap should be fine for today, but we should also try using some waterproof makeup to cover your LED light up.

[Ai can be practical thankfully.]

California's been rather dry so there won't be much rain to worry about. We'd just have to remove it once you're ready to go back.

If you teach me how to apply and remove the makeup, I can do it myself each time before I come visit. It'll be easier that way, I think.

[But generally speaking, a good idea!]

[Ai nods in agreement and gets back to finishing up the pizza. It's going to be an event filled day and she'll need the energy to be able to show Connor around her side of the woods.]

✾✾✾

[The sky is a pleasant blue hue without a cloud in sight and it's accompanied by clear sunshine. Ai has taken both herself and Connor to the mall by way of the bus, which in it of itself was somewhat of an adventure (it was crowded, Connor is tall and that helped Ai get seats more easily. How convenient).

She's led them inside the mall and straight to a clothing department that has a wide variety that covers everything from children's clothing to, of course, men's. There was so much to see outside of that area, but Ai thinks it's best they focus on their "mission" as of that moment and then explore more afterward.

Because right now, the shirt Connor is wearing is louder in public. Ai sifts through some dress shirts on a hanger.]

Heat doesn't bother you too much, does it Connor? We're nearing that season where the temperatures might go up, but not too badly.

[It’s so different here, he thinks. Not just because of the time period, but because it is unlike anything he’s ever seen — as an android created by CyberLife for one very distinct purpose, it’s not as Connor was very well-traveled. Everything seems new simply because it is.

He follows her loyally, like a curious dog on a leash. He stops when she does, watching her shift through men’s clothing.]

I don’t. Not usually. Though extreme heat and cold will affect my processing and overall body state, even if I don’t normally feel it.

[“Normally” because he could choose to turn on those sensors if he needed to. And “normally” because he did feel the biting cold of a winter storm, within the confines of his own head once.

But that’s too complicated of a story to go into right now.]

In some ways, it’s an advantage. And in some ways, it can be considered a disadvantage, too.

[The lack of sensation Connor is fortunate or unfortunate to feel gives her pause.]

True... You're more resilient as a result but on the other hand, you'd still be damaged.

[She idly wonders how he'd fare in humidity as she thumbs through some more shirts until she stops at a plaid collared shirt taking it off of the hanger and holding it up to Connor's chest to assess it.]

This looks good. Not too stuffy, but not too loose.

[Exactly that. The same advantages and disadvantages of not feeling pain also apply.

He looks down at the shirt as she hold it up to him, taking in the color and pattern.]

I like the color. I hear that humans have certain tones that look more flattering on them when worn. Do you think this shade of navy is mine?

It could be. With the way you were visually designed, I think styles for you would be rather flexible.

... Although I did kind of choose this blue because I thought of your other jacket. That contributed somewhat.

[He grins a little.]

I do like blue. In general. And not only because it seems to be an on-going color scheme with CyberLife.

...At least, I don't think it's because of that.

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