sweethymns | ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ

[Hanks spares Connor another glance, who is looking curiously down at his tea. Probably running an analysis through his head, he thinks.]

Yeah, I noticed. Looks like you took him out shopping for a new wardrobe.

[Hank pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to make sense of this all.]

Are you sure it's safe for you two to be bouncing around worlds like this? Isn't there some... rule, or something, about time and space and you probably shouldn't risk tearing it apart? [That's what all the sci-fi movies say at least.

Here, Connor speaks up.]

There have been no noticeable side-effects thus far, not after the door was stabilized like I had told you about. When I visit Ai, then return, no time has passed in this world. It's really very convenient.

And how long have you been "visiting"?

About two and a half months.

Jesus Christ, Connor. You've been busy without me even knowing it.

I told you. You didn't believe me. I figured it was futile to keep repeating the same thing to you, over and over. You just would've grown irritated.

[Hank sighs, deciding to take a bite of his food (oh, it's pretty good), before looking at Ai again. He leans his elbows forward, resting on the table.]

So you two are just... what? Sight-seeing together?

Edited 2018-06-15 20:43 (UTC)

[Ai nods at Hank through a mouthful of sandwich before swallowing and wiping her mouth.]

It probably doesn't sound exciting, but compared to the situation here, my side is relatively calm. So there's a lot of time for him to explore and experience new things that other androids probably don't have the time or luxury for.

[She giggles at Connor.]

He really wanted you to believe him, but I guess I can see how that went.

Uh-huh. I’m going to assume there are no androids where you’re from, then? Yeah, I imagine Connor can do a lot more there than he can in this place right now.

[It makes Hank frown, that reality spoken so plainly. But it is what it is. Connor just looks at the man.]

We’ve done a lot so far. We shopped for clothes and books. We went to a carnival and rode the Ferris wheel. It rained that day though so we had to go back to her apartment to dry off.

Oh, and then we watched a movie called Alien. A young alien burst through the chest cavity of a human in that film. There were androids in it, too.

[He’s smiling as he says it. Hank just blinks, eyebrows rising.]

So... you guys went on...

[He pauses. Hank’s just not sure what’s going on here.]

...dates?

[CUE ORANGE JUICE SPITTAKE.

... Thankfully, in her own cup because she was in the middle of drinking.]

... Yes! There are no androids!

[Perfect, let's use that point as Ai tries to unscramble her thoughts after Hank put a name to what their outings could be construed as.]

[That’s quite a reaction, Ai. Hank isn’t sure if he should be concerned or amused. He looks over to Connor, whose brow is furrowed. He is p r o c e s s i n g . . .

Hank takes another bite or two, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. Despite all the world and time traveling weirdness, he’s glad that Connor’s made himself a friend. But at the same time, for an android still trying to find his lease on life, he wonders if he knows what he’s getting into — he doesn’t want him to get overly... attached, only to be met with disappointment.

And so he tries again:]

And yes, there were dates? Connor, you should’ve said something.

[Connor finally replies, looking at Hank skeptically.]

Again, you didn’t believe the initial premise, so I had no reason to mention it. And secondly, “dates” imply an outing of the romantic sort. We were only going as friends.

[To her credit, Ai nods to back up Connor's statement.]

Y-Yeah. That. That isn't an intention to begin with or anything.

[She is, however, looking mildly conflicted, as if Hank's question may have made her think about how things have been between her and the android. Doesn't change what was true, to begin with.]

If I can help Connor explore and enjoy himself beyond his programming he deviated from, I'm happy to do so. And I like learning more about androids too. He's taught me a lot.

[Hank makes a “hmm” noise in the back of his throat, before exhaling and continuing.]

In that case, then I should be thanking you. For giving Connor the chance to experience what it’s like to really be alive.

[It’s hard to know what else to say. Generally speaking, at least whatever they’re doing now seems to be a positive experience for the android.]

Hey Connor. You two are going to look around the city later?

Yes, we are.

Tonight’s the fireworks, remember? You should take her with you. Celebrating the newfound freedom of androids and all that. Police force is gonna be out there in droves, so you’ll see me around probably, too.

Oh... You're welcome. [What it's really like to really be alive... Is she really doing such a good job of that. Ai isn't so sure anymore since she was riding on the waves of spontaneity and the excitement of what a new day with her android friend would be like. Overthinking it? Maybe.

Ai looks interested when Hank mentions the fireworks celebration and looks at Connor.]

I'd like to go see those. It's a good chance to see androids and humans together...

[She's falling back into shyness when she asks this of him. Thanks for making it weird Hank!]

[Look, he’s just being a good android dad and inquiring about the state of his son. If he has a girlfriend he has to know!!! Gosh!

Connor interjects.]

Then we’ll go. It would be odd for me to neglect this kind of event, anyway.

[What with the part he had in freeing thousands of androids.]

Better leave a little early when you do. There’s gonna be a huge crowd there.

It sounds good! I wonder if we can find a good spot to look at them.

[Ai finishes up her sandwich and... Makes another one and gets two blueberry pancakes. It's for energy ok.]

How's the food Mister... Er, how's the food Hank? I told Connor I'd teach him how to make some simple meals just to expand his skillset. And so that he can do something more for you too!

It’s good. Thanks for putting it together for us.

[This girl must be pretty hungry, Hank thinks, but pushes the thought aside for now. He looks at Connor.]

You going to learn how to cook, Connor? Don’t I feel spoiled.

I think it would be healthy for you to not always eat out, Hank. I still count your calorie intake everyday.

Yeah, of course you do.

That and it’ll give me something to do around the house to keep me occupied. You’ve been telling me to pick up a hobby that “isn’t putting strange things in my mouth”.
[Hank scoffs at that.] That I do.

[She's halfway done with Sandwich No. 2 already...]

If tensions between androids and humans begin to lessen, is Connor going to be able to keep working with the police department?

[Ai wonders this because it means that Connor would be able to work on what he's best at again even if it meant he would visit her less... Not a thought she wanted to entertain, but she had to be mature about these things, she thought.]

Not for me to decide. But I’m pushing for it, and if they know what’s good for them, they’d be begging for Connor to be a permanent member of the DPD.

But it’s a little tricky right now. We both got ourselves into some trouble a few months back. Hard for everyone to overlook that so easily.

[Connor doesn’t say anything, just keeping his hands clasped around his mug of tea, registering the warmth against his touch.]

[Ai nods at Hank's explanation and looks over at Connor. She was used to him interacting with him one-on-one; there was always so much to talk about and to react to, that seeing him quiet like that was... Well.

Machine-like.

Taking her glass of orange juice, Ai drains it, sighing.]

I understand... After what happened, it's not like it's an instantaneous process.

[Freedom of choice, freedom of spirit, freedom to live cannot be earned with dust. What Lien described to her so briefly about the androids of Detroit and what Connor tells her when she asks lets Ai learn that much. There's such a long way to go and Connor is still part of that wave.]

I hope everything works out for the both of you then. Connor spoke very fondly of you so it sounds like to me you'd be really good at solving cases together.

[Hank’s grin is a little lopsided.]

Did he? Didn’t know you cared, Connor.

[And because he’s sitting close enough, Hank reaches out and gives Connor a teasing bump against his shoulder with a fist. The latter’s own lips quirk into a grin.]

Of course. I only told her the truth of the matter. And you’re right, Ai, that we made a good team; I’m looking forward to being able to freely work with him on a more permanent basis, whenever that time comes.

Though the wait can be admittedly... frustrating.

[Ai seems to giggle at that admission.]

So you DO have some impatience, Connor.

[Somehow, it rounds him out.]

[Oh, Connor glances away, maybe a little self-conscious of that detail.]

Only sometimes.

[Oh boy, thinks Hank. The lieutenant regards the both of them when some mild amusement.]

You might be an android but you’re still not perfect. [To Ai:] You’ve obviously only seen the nice side of him. Connor can get as frustrated as the rest of us, not to mention he’s one of the most stubborn people I know.

He even has a sarcastic streak if you really get under his skin.

[Wow thanks for painting him in a flattering light, dad.]

[Ai likes this. She likes getting to know Connor through someone else's eyes. She likes this atmosphere they've made for themselves, company around the table where the attitudes aren't stiff and she can express herself freely.]

I can believe it! Who would he show sarcasm to though?

[give Ai all the juicy deets robo dad]

Edited 2018-06-16 03:02 (UTC)

[dad no]

Well, let’s see... [Hank leans back in his chair somewhat, considering. A hand comes up to scratch at his chin.]

There’s a detective at the department named Gavin Reed. He’s a real prick in general, and he really hates Connor. Mostly ‘cause he’s an android. Was always trying to pick on him while we were on the deviant case.

He ran into Connor when he was trying to get into the evidence room one day. It was supposed to be Connor’s last day, and— well, what did you say to him?

[Omg why.] That I was really going to miss our bromance.

[Hank laughs.] Bromance. I didn’t even know you knew what that word meant. God, that was good.

[Ai's hands fly up to muffle her mouth because her laughter cannot be stopped. Oh god, even she knew that word (via Lien, of course) and the fact that Connor of all people just said it with a straight face??

She manages to talk rubbing one eye. (When was the last time she laughed? Ai can't remember and in a way, it pains her to realize that in the back of her heart).]

Connor you're...! [She muffles another giggle.]

That. I wish I could have seen that.

[Her laughter bubbles up, overflowing and making the atmosphere itself lighten. Connor doesn’t think he’s ever seen her laugh like that before, and for a moment, it’s all he can do but to look at her expression. At the way she seems utterly delighted.

He’s feels glad that he’s the reason for it. Even if, at the time, the story Hank has told has left out the tension and stress of the moment itself.

Connor can’t help but smile.]

He wasn’t happy about it. But I didn’t care. Detective Reed is agitating and annoying, and decided to make his appearance at the worst possible time.

So basically don’t get on Connor’s bad side. [Hank chimes in with a laugh of his own.]

Woe to anyone who does, right?

[She's able to catch her breath and finish her meal as the giggles settle.]

I'm glad to hear he has those sides.

[A whole person, a whole existence, one that fills up her heart more and more these days.]

I have a temper when I least expect it so that might be similar.

Edited 2018-06-16 05:54 (UTC)

You have a temper?

[Ai, kind and shy and terrified of scary space movies. Connor has a hard time imagining her with a flaring temper.]

I’m having problems imagining it.

[And with all his programming regarding the predictive behavior of humans, too.]

Well, you've seen how I've gotten irritated with my sister.

[Even though that could be seen as just normal sibling interactions, Lien really is one of the few people that can get a rise out of Ai because of her inability to stay serious a majority of the time.]

But it is rare otherwise. [Ai being docile is probably for the best when it comes to a powerful psychic like her.

She's done eating for now and turns to Hank.]

Hank, what time are the fireworks? That way I can plan on what to wear at night.

(no subject)

determinare - 2018-06-16 07:43 (UTC) - Expand

ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)