sweethymns | ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ

[It’s a small reassurance, but it’s nice to know that she’ll be there with him. It makes a boldness creep along his spine, and Connor nods.]

Then let’s give it a try.

[The door opens, a burst of energy that he’s familiar with, before stabilizing enough for the both of them to step through. He sets his jaw and steps through.

On the other side, they’re met with the same park, the same bench. He’s seated, as he always appears to be when he arrives.]

I—

[Immediately, he performs a diagnostic scan. Processes whir to life, and he answers his own lingering question — yes, he’s android again.]

[At least she doesn't go tumbling out again. She's seated next to him, eyes shut. One blue eye opens up and she looks at Connor sitting next to her and...]

... Your LED.

[She points to it and tilts her torso to look at Connor's face from below.]

... Good! Then it isn't permanent. [There's a mixture of relief and lingering confusion. Why did the door make him go through that metamorphosis in the first place?]

[A hand comes up to touch at the LED on his temple, feeling the texture there that lets him know it exists. Another hand to his chest, feeling how he is. He doesn't need the extra confirmation, but it helps center him.]

...The difference is like night and day. And yet there are still some things that haven't changed.

[The important parts, probably. The core of him, unshaken -- what really matters.]

[Ai lets out a deep sigh and straightens her back, leaning against the bench.]

And that's what we call a heart attack... Sort of. I was worried you might get one.

[Lips purse when she tries to consider the implications of this new development.]

You... Didn't like how it felt didn't you? Does that mean you won't go through it again? I mean, I don't mind visiting you from now on instead...

[Finally, he looks at her, and his LED flickers accordingly.]

It was jarring. I hadn’t been human long enough to quantify whether or not I enjoyed it or otherwise.

[A beat.]

And what you said… about new experiences. It still holds true.

[How clearly he can think, now, with his mind unmuddled.]

Really? I said that back there because I was trying to be positive.

[She was also worried that it was an off-putting situation, being in a flesh body and all.]

There's... A lot you can do as a human since you have all the five senses. And if you're concerned about pain, you know I can take care of that.

Pain is part of the experience isn’t it?

[But perhaps more importantly—]

And I want to be able to visit you. Even if I should be temporarily human, if that’s what the door dictates, then at least I’ll be better prepared knowing what to expect.

... I see. That... That's a relief.

[And the relief shows in her smile and the way her shoulders relax. ]

I guess it was childish of me but I was worried you wouldn't want to go through again. You seemed like you were in such a shock.

[He had been sitting straight-backed, but now he leans forward a little, placing his elbows on his knees.]

It was a fair concern. It came as a surprise, to say the least. My entire body... different.

But knowing it’s not permanent, I can at least look at it as an opportunity for experimentation.

Don't push yourself too hard... And hey!

[She brightens up when she thinks of the prospect.]

You'll be able to put normal things in your mouth!

[Normal things? A hand comes up to briefly touch his lips, not having realized this until she’s said as much.]

You mean like food.

And toothpaste!

[???]

Was there something wrong with my teeth? Or breath?

N-No... That was just one of my ideas about normal things...

Um, anyways! That aside if you want to prepare yourself, maybe you can come visit tomorrow?

[Normal things. Toothpaste, food. ~~Blood.~~ He thinks of how he might explore taste in the way humans do -- an interesting prospect.]

I think I should prepare. Maybe research, or ask Hank for suggestions.

[He looks at her, his expression falling slightly.]

Sorry to have interrupted our current plans.

[When he apologizes her expression softens and she shakes her head. ]

There's no need to be. We both got blindsided by something that came out of left field.

I want you to be safe when you're with me.

I'm sure you'll keep me safe. You have an entire lifetime's worth of experience as a human; I'll defer to your judgment regarding just what to do.

So you think you have a preference on what you'd like to experience first, Connor?

I think we should start with something that we'd both enjoy equally.

Food.

[At least... he assumes he'll enjoy it. Humans often indulge themselves in eating quite fervently. (Like Ai.)]

[Magic words... Her eyes are shining and she's nodding excitedly. ]

Yes! Yes! There's so many things to try! And I'll get to share with you!

What will we start with?

[It didn't take the processing power of an android to know that would make her excited.]

Or maybe... you'll have time to think about it between now and tomorrow.

We'll have to start off small...

[And no one needs an x-ray to sslee the gears turn in her head.]

I don't want to overwhelm you with the world of flavors after all.

ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ

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