[ He's mostly sure he doesn't qualify as a real child (unless being chronologically three years old counts), but it's clear Tech Boy's trying to make up for a misstep that wasn't actually his fault, so K likewise keeps the thought to himself and accepts the comfort. Though not without pointing out: I do believe you. You don't have to feel bad for what you said before. It's okay.
Listening to the explanation in thoughtful silence, he starts to absently break off bits of the circuit board. ]
You're a "new" god, but you've lived for a very long time. [ And maybe he has a somewhat skewed sense of time. See also: three year old android. He thinks he'd be lucky to live to see even a small fraction of that time; the average life expectancy of his kind is... distressingly low. ]
And you've come a long way since then. I don't think you should be embarrassed by your progress. [ Yeah, he'd noticed that shudder. ] You evolve alongside technology? [ He guesses. It's the impression he's had for a while now, and he's curious how accurate it is. ]
I evolve, and the technology upgrades with me. [ He's quick to clarify. It gets a bit complicated, god stuff always is, but this part is clear. ] My advancement inspires the geniuses who end up getting famous for their "technological breakthroughs," but it's all me. I set the benchmark, and when they get too close, I raise it.
[ For as much as he hates talking theology, Tech Boy'll gladly pick up a conversation about godhood as a distraction from the accidental hurt they keep causing each other. They share enough similarities in trauma that it just seems to keep happening. Eventually they'll work it out, but in the meantime, fortunately or unfortunately, it's also a very informative process. ]
In my particular bailiwick, rolling back the upgrades gets dangerously unstable. [ Like "throwing himself against a support beam and busting his forehead open so he ends up in the medical bay" type of instability. As he's watching K break apart the circuit board, his head tilts to the side a little in thought. ] I don't like to think about how long it's been. The only time the past matters is when I can use the old to build the new. To find the perfect building blocks to create something no one's ever seen before.
But I've always been T.B. in some way or another. The Telephone Boy. The Technical Boy. I wonder what's next. Tech 2.0 or finally another letter? [ This is mostly to himself but it nags on something he's been meaning to ask K about. ]
[ And he thinks it's a shame Tech Boy doesn't normally like discussing these things; it provides a glimpse into his life and the world he was from that K will never get otherwise, aside from when Sweeney humours his endless curiosity about the gods. But after his unfortunate blunder teasing about Laura, he assumes the leprechaun-god might not welcome his curiosity anymore, either.
They really should have programmed him with a better understanding of social relations. ]
So that's why you were restrained and bleeding when I met you. [ Suddenly he's glad that whatever's currently affecting him hasn't reached Tech Boy, if it's likely to cause another episode like that. ]
Maybe you'll become the Technical Man. [ An attempt at a joke that seems especially apt in light of his own small problem. But he doesn't want to risk Tech Boy thinking he's mocking him, so as he glances up at his face with a tentatively amused expression, he adds: ] You already are, where it counts.
[ That awkward moment when your de-aged boyfriend hits on you. Sorry, TB. ]
I've been learning engineering and robotics. To help with maintenance of Arid's suit. [ He mentions as he begins adding bits from the circuit board to some in-progress little figures that resemble frogs. Guess what inspired those. ] I wonder if you could stay ahead of me. [ Teasing, of course, which he hopes to make obvious with his follow-up question: ] Have you ever directly taught anyone before?
Retrained for my own fucking protection and so that I wouldn't cause a panic. Exactly. [ Tech Boy is also glad he's missed this particular bullshit, although he's not exactly thrilled that K has to go through this on his own.
Rather than take offense to the joke, he's stifling a laugh that finally breaks into a grin as he shakes his head and turns away. ] Technical man? Watch it, kid. You're cute but how dare you. I have an image to maintain here. I may the The Man, but saying it the other way just makes me sound old.
[ With obvious amusement, K is getting a hair ruffle from his non-de-aged boyfriend for the flirting. Sorry, K. He's not that kind of god. Gonna have to wait for the spell on his body to break for that one, even if his mind is intact. If this is the usual dreamtown shenanigans, hopefully it will pass sooner rather than later. ]
Having a skilled engineer on hand would be invaluable. I'm sure Arid will be happy for the help. I was working on something myself for her but have hit a couple of material setbacks. I'm working it out. [ He takes the teasing with a smirk. ] I'm not usually hands-on enough to teach directly, but I've been known to when the mood strikes. You wanna get on top of the robotics game? I can help. Of course I will.
[ Hmm. ] If you want a bit more of the divine type of help instead or also, I'd have to know a few things first. Work out a few technical logistics.
It wouldn't make you sound old. It'd make you sound like an android model. Nexus-10, The Technical Man, the most disobedient model yet. [ K can make jokes at his own expense, too.
His eyes widen at the hair ruffling, not in indignation but surprise — that's a first for him. While it may feel patronising to actual children, the gesture lacks the same context for him. But he understand the intent, which is why he climbs onto the sofa and proceeds to do exactly the same thing to Tech Boy, using both hands. Despite his size he's retained his strength, so it won't be easy stopping him. Take that.
He also has the perfect comeback for that "hands-on" remark, but he's taken the hint and decides to save it for later, once he's hopefully back to normal. It figures that this would have to happen to him not long after he becomes romantically involved with someone. C'est la vie à Deerington. ]
If you help me, I'd like to be able to help you in some way. [ Anticipating the response to that, he adds: ] And not just by using technology. Besides, I'm essentially using advanced technology just by existing. [ His tone's a bit dry, but he isn't actually resentful of that fact; Tech Boy's encouragement over these last several months has helped him to embrace what he is without always feeling that he's fundamentally "lesser" than humans.
Having finally found out more about Tech Boy's history, something occurs to him now and he frowns to himself as he shifts to sit down properly on the sofa. ] —None of those are really names. Telephone Boy, Technical Boy. Have you ever had a name?
[ Tech Boy may be a god, but he's a person, too. And people ought to have names. ]
'Disobedient.' I'd be proud to-- Hey! Not the hair. [ Tech Boy knows he deserves it for ruffling K first, but it is a singular tragedy in the god's life to have his hair mussed on purpose. He doesn't try particularly hard to stop it from happening, but the strength K still possesses does catch him a bit off-guard. Overall, it has the effect of petting a cat backwards, and it leaves him just as grumpy.
He takes the time to smooth his hair back into place, indignantly and with minimal success. Tech Boy is very fussy about this whole look, hair included. It's true that if anyone other than K had done that, there would be serious repercussions. As it is, K's off the hook (this time) because of his own current predicament, but next time he won't be so lucky. ]
Of course I'll help you. And there will be plenty of opportunities for you to return the favor. [ A little shrug. ] More than just existing, which I appreciate separately and greatly.
[ The question only catches him off-guard because he'd been having much the same thought-- and it paranoidly makes him wonder if any of the red string connection could possibly still exists. Likely not. They've simply been dancing around a few subjects for a while now, and eventually the questions are going to get asked. ]
Names are for people and for Old Gods. The New Gods are big ideas and broad concepts. More of a catch-all to be more inclusive. To cast a wider 'net. [ Although he would reluctantly admit some overlap due precisely to this imprecise designation. ] Until this place, no one really addressed me directly in a context where a name would be useful. I've had nicknames, but nothing proper. It's fine for me.
[ His expression turns serious because he's about to ask a question he knows the answer to and yet is uncertain of the result. ] What about you? Serial numbers are well and good, but have you ever had a name?
[ K may be a replicant, but he's a person, too. And people ought to have names. ]
[ Deciding to take pity on him, K leans up to very carefully help fix his ridiculous hair. Or will attempt to, assuming Tech Boy doesn't move away or push him off. Despite working at the local barber shop, he's never involved in the actual styling process, so admittedly doesn't know much about achieving the sort of aesthetics that the god prefers.
Having the question turned on him is only surprising because he's already answered it several times, in varying degrees of detail, on the public network. But he doesn't seem bothered about being asked. ]
No. My handler has never been sentimental.
[ Aside from when she invites herself into his apartment, helps herself to his booze, and then subtly propositions him in a way that allows him a choice, when she could have simply ordered him and been well within her rights. He'd woken up in Deerington not long after that particular encounter and he still hasn't really taken the time to process it. Probably for the best... ]
I've heard of a few special exceptions, but overall we're rarely given names now. Allows us too much of a sense of identity, I suppose. That can be dangerous. [ He sounds thoughtful. They're both in similar positions, just for different reasons. ]
Can't talk to ideas or concepts. Can't touch them or mess up their hair or give them gifts. So I'd say you're more than that.
[ Tech Boy's lack of a proper name seems stranger to him than his own lack of one. ]
[ re: the hair situation, Tech Boy warns K away by pointing a finger at him. He both leans away and swipes at the air as if to bat K's hands away. K has lost hair touching privileges for the foreseeable future if he's not going to respect the style but he may end up changing his mind about that. While clearly not actually mad, he makes a bit of a fuss about his displeasure. A god has his vanity, after all. He gets it back into passable shape (there's no way to get it perfect again) before focusing on the matter at hand.
The more important topic is of course that of names. Tech Boy turned the question around with the same phrasing to make a point. One that didn't work quite the way he'd wanted, but still it's occasionally better to be told something directly rather than using the info one gleans from spying on network conversations. Even if K knows he's watching the network, face-to-face has its advantages. It's less impersonal, even if it's a god's prerogative to appear omniscient.
The more Tech Boy hears of K's former handler, the less he likes her. Not simply as an representation of the bigoted cultural norm between humans and replicants... but personally. Severely. ]
It is my opinion [ and it's the god's opinion that's important here, right? or perhaps a partner's opinion? ] that you should have a name. That you should have had one, all this time. You deserve that sense of identity, and you're special to me. [ He leans in a little, conspiratorially. ] What do you think? You could try it while you're a kid, and if you hate it, you could discard it when you're back to your usual self.
[ Focusing on K now. They could revisit Tech Boy's name situation if K wanted, but the god's been so long without one, it hardly mattered anymore. ]
[ Oh, so it's going to be like that. Then Tech Boy's forced to endure K staring up at him with a dejected expression that could put kicked puppies to shame, even more sad than his usual resting sadface. Can androids cry? Tech Boy may find out for being so cruel.
But K keeps his hands to himself now, eventually leaning forward to work more on the trio of frogs, shades of genuine sadness slipping into his expression at Tech Boy's suggestion. He seems to withdraw into himself by degrees; his thin shoulders are unconsciously drawn inward, making him appear even smaller. ]
I think maybe only she can name me. I haven't been capable of choosing a name for myself.
[ Nothing is ever simple when it comes to choice for a replicant. Just like identities, preferences, personalities — they're not exactly meant to have any, and certainly aren't encouraged to, under normal circumstances. That K believes he has a favourite poem, likes reading and playing the piano, wants a relationship, and is even capable of the tentative, awkward teasing that he does is all unusual, as far as he knows. ]
But that's kind of you to think. [ That he's deserving. That he's special. You've always been kind to me. He has a sudden pang of real guilt. ] ...And I'm sorry I messed up your hair.
[ K's reaction has Tech Boy frowning in frustration. He could (maybe) have withstood the kicked puppy look over the hair restriction, but that sadness slipped too quickly into something more real. He should have anticipated it, but the extent of the withdrawal has him bordering on anger like the flip of a switch. It's not anger directed at K. It's not his fault the way he was programmed. He clears his throat lightly before he can speak, his expression fighting to remain neutral. ]
What? No. Don't worry about the hair. Listen.
[ He reaches out to put a hand on one of K's shoulders, ducking his head to seek out eye contact if he can. ]
It's not kindness, K. I mean it. You deserve it. [ Regardless of K's dilemma, Tech Boy truly believes in K's emotional capability above and beyond his programming. And it's not a liability. Far from it. ] She's not here. You don't have to wait for her here.
[ softer ] What if I came up with something? [ Is that inappropriate to ask? K's a person, not a pet or an object. ] Or I'll drop it, if you want me to.
[ His inability to choose on his own is frustrating. A real person wouldn't have these difficulties, he's sure of it, but he keeps the thought to himself. His handler may not be here, but that doesn't mean he's free of her authority over him.
The hand on his shoulder gets a surprised look, suggesting he may have taken Tech Boy's prior actions over the hair situation a little more seriously than they were intended. His sense of humour is very much a work in progress, as is his understanding of others' humour — and Tech Boy, especially, can be hard for him to read sometimes, in a variety of ways. ]
What would you call me? [ He doesn't avoid the eye contact, but also doesn't hold it for long. ] And why don't you want one?
[ Tech Boy's mood is typically so erratic, it's really a miracle that K gets him at all. This is god-level irrationality and humor, not simply figuring out how humans behave. The hair thing would have been played as a bigger deal if there weren't more pressing matters to attend to. And it's absolutely something that's going to come back to haunt K later. ]
I'm not sure yet. I'd have to think about it. There's a lot of choices and what to call someone is a big decision. Nothing too plain because that's boring but nothing too trendy so it doesn't sound dated over time. [ He pulls his hand back, bringing it to his mouth to think. ] Naming an operating system is easy. Pick an animal. Pick a snack food. Pick a landmark. It doesn't have to mean much. But names for people are harder. There's a lot to consider.
[ He's trying to think of a reason why a New God shouldn't have a name that doesn't sound like an argument K might turn back on him. Because it isn't done. Because practicality and function outweigh familiarity. Because it isn't necessary for someone who isn't addressed unless needed to preform his function.
In conclusion, he simply shrugs in answer to that second question. ] I've spent more than a century without one. Never seemed necessary.
You've given me a lot that I've never had before. [ K's voice is quiet but his gratitude is obvious as he carefully leans into Tech Boy, still concentrating on the little figures he's making. But he does spare a cautious upward glance to take in his expression before continuing his lean, until he sort of just tips into Tech Boy's lap, consciously trying to let go of the tension from the last few minutes. It'll probably make both of them feel better. And if he's going to be stuck in this diminutive form, he might as well find ways to enjoy it.
What snack food would I be named after? He looks amused at the thought while also idly wondering how hard it'd be convincing Tech Boy to give him a piggyback ride. ]
What about pet names? [ He asks aloud. Realising he may need to specify the kind he means: ] Terms of endearment. Do you mind if I use them with you? [ Because it seems better to ask before dropping all the darling, sweetheart, and other gooey sentimental pet names that he's already been thinking of Tech Boy by, in case he does mind. Planning ahead for whenever he regains his usual form...
After experimentally triggering the spring mechanism in the legs of one frog, it "jumps" out of his hands and by pure, extremely unfortunate coincidence, gets caught in Tech Boy's poor abused hair. Eyes widening, K covers his mouth and attempts to mask his laugh by clearing his throat. ]
So have you. [ The careful progress of K's lean into Tech Boy's lap does a world of good to lighten the mood. There's a lot of serious conversation in their future, but that really could wait for a little while. They'd touched on it, but there are other things to worry about for the moment. He'll still be thinking about this name conversation though, keeping it in the back of his mind. In the meantime, K makes an adorable kid, even if it is just Deerington trickery. He gets another little hair ruffle before Tech Boy stretches out his arms to rest his hands on the back of the sofa.
An android OS named after a snack food? Easy. Cheating, but they were conveniently named in alphabetical order. KitKat. Not sure if you would have seen those. It's a waver confection covered in chocolate. Sweet and, and he can say this with honesty, one of my favorites.
Pet names pet names something he'd never considered because most of what he gets called outside of his own name tend to be pretty rude. ] I-- [ he doesn't have an immediate answer for that. ] I suppose that would be all right. It would depend on the-- [ and then the worst happens. The little frog springs loose and lands neatly atop Tech Boy's head.
The stifled laugh is what does it. ] That's it. [ In one motion, he scoops K into his arms, stands, and all but tosses him over his shoulder into a fireman's carry. Somewhat less dignified than a piggyback ride, but it's just about the only time TB's ever going to get the drop on K while still being able to lift him. ]
[ Unsurprisingly, K's never had a KitKat before, but between the cutesy name and it being one of Tech Boy's favourites, he assumes it must be a good choice. Maybe he'll be able to find some in one of the local stores.
All efforts to suppress his laughter evaporate when he's picked up. Not quite the piggyback ride he'd envisioned, but close enough that he's content to enjoy the ride while it lasts rather than squirming to be put down. It's slightly tempting to go limp and act as dead weight just to make it harder, but for now he refrains. ]
Don't you like them? I'm making them for you. [ Referring to the frogs, and the one that landed on Tech Boy's head has yet to be dislodged from its perch. What are the odds of him forgetting it's there and leaving it? ]
I carried you so much more romantically. Bet I still could— [ The words are interrupted by a renewed fit of giggling. But on the topic of food and romance... ] It reminds me. You should have dinner with me, once I'm able to reach the stuff again to make it.
Oh, I like them a lot. They're very clever, but you either need better aim... or worse. [ He's not likely to forget it's there, but he has his hands full balancing K over his shoulders at the moment and won't be moving the frog until he finally agrees to put K back down.
Which isn't yet. This is actually kinda fun. ] I have no doubt, but I don't think my ego would survive you picking me up right now. Looks like you're going to have to suffer through this instead. [ the giggling is contagious. ] It might be less romantic than hauling me out of a frozen ocean filled with tentacles, but this way you can reach things in the kitchen cupboards. Weren't you complaining about starving when I first walked in here?
[ Stepping around a few fallen circuit board pieces, he carries K into the kitchen. He's actually not really explored this far into K's place, but seeing as they're in the same building/on the same floor, there's a relative similarity.
As almost an afterthought, he adds, ] Yeah. We can do dinner later. [ Between a god's life and a replicant cop's work and all the insanity that the dreamworld of Deerington throws at them-- something as mundane as 'dinner' seems pretty extraordinary. ]
[ There's some evidence that K's been climbing on the counters to reach things (a kitchen chair is set against one, several items are uncharacteristically out of place), so he was clearly just being dramatic. He'd really rather not have to treat the counters and kitchen chairs like playground equipment in order to get by, though. ]
I wasn't complaining. I was stating the eventual outcome of your failure to fulfill my request. [ He says airily. ] But you're more useful than a step ladder, so this works. [ Even if Tech Boy did have to carry him in nearly the most awkward way possible. He'll make do.
Pointing out several of the upper cupboards, he'll pull down the needed items once he's close enough to reach them: a wok, sesame oil, several sauces. After living on synthetic substitutes for his entire short life, being able to make his own "real" food is an indulgence he's clearly enjoying. ]
[ Lacking a stepladder, this just means Tech Boy needs to be around more often to be climbed on instead of the counters and furniture. He is probably getting too much enjoyment from carrying K around over his shoulders, but (despite his usual bad attitude) he really does like kids. Indirectly, he'd raised quite a few of them in recent years. And even thought this kid is K's adult mind in a child-shaped body, it counts in the god's perception. With almost a parent-like patience, even while he's fighting with them over the Network, kids can get away with a lot in Tech Boy's presence.
Hence the frog. Hence not dropping K when he points out Tech Boy's failure at the fetch request. ]
I'd better be more useful than a stepladder, or you're in trouble.
[ He's strong enough to shift K's weight a little to get him into a better position to search through the cupboards. He's pretty interested in whatever K's doing. Tech Boy is good at a lot of things, but anything kitchen-related is not one of them. He's a fast food and takeout kind of guy. ]
I like McDonalds. [ He really does not have a classier answer than that. Please help him, K. That stereotype applicable to many of the Internet God's followers doesn't come from nowhere. ] And pizza. I don't really have to eat, so I usually just snack because I like to.
[ Fast food and pizza. He isn't sure what he'd expected, but that's... something, all right. Maybe a bit confusing, having assumed Tech Boy's from a time and world that has the virtually limitless cuisine options that the people of K's homeworld could only dream about now. And in K's case, never got to experience in the first place. But he doesn't hold that against Tech Boy. ]
"In trouble"? What would you do, give me time-out? [ It's a miracle he manages to say that without laughing. ]
I haven't had either of those. But to my understanding, maybe only one qualifies as a meal. [ He sounds dubious, but to his credit, he's also trying to figure out how he could get McDonald's food now. The closest might be the food served at the diner or arcade. Pizza should be doable, though. Even home-made pizza.
Reaching things in the fridge on his own is less of an issue, but the freezer does require a boost, so he's going to continue taking full advantage of being carried around. Motioning toward the fridge, this time he hands off some of the ingredients (chicken, various vegetables, leftover cooked rice) to Tech Boy since he can more easily reach to set them on the counter. ]
Do you know how to cook?
[ There's some amusement in his tone because he suspects he already knows the answer. But Tech Boy has surprised him before, so it can't hurt to ask rather than assume. ]
No time-outs. I'll just leave, and then you'll have to do all this on your own.
[ Tech Boy really needs an adult with adult tastes in his life, but his reliance on junk food and fast food ironically stems from the overabundance of cuisine options. The convenience of the crap he eats is made possible only because of a national surplus, cheap ingredients, and really aggressive chain restaurants. It's the result of a god's lifetime of not having enough free time to step away from his work to take (let along prepare) a proper meal. He likes real food, but if it can't be delivered fresh, picked up in a drive-through, or tossed on a baking sheet in he oven, he can't slow down long enough to bother. Simply watching K's gathering of ingredients is more time than he's spent in a kitchen in decades.
He does help without much comment, allowing K to climb on him as needed and accepting handed items to place them on the counter top. ]
Anything can be a meal if you're really fucking dedicated to the concept and willing to overlook some nutritional components.
[ K doesn't strike TB as the type to eat cookies and milk as a meal substitute, but if he's not already wise to the idea, he'll introduce K to the concept of a classic American breakfast for dinner. Damn, he should have led with that idea. Maybe it'll make a nice surprise later.
What isn't a surprise is Tech Boy's answer to this question. ] No, I can't honestly say I've cooked a day in my life. Might be able to boil water though. And I can follow instructions.
That's not quite the kind of teasing — if it's even teasing? — K had anticipated in response to his own, and it gives him pause. He's quiet as he finishes collecting the remainder of the ingredients and then indicates he wants to be put down. ]
I appreciate your help, but you don't have to stay if you don't want to. Or if you have other things to do. [ Not an unreasonable assumption when Tech Boy always seems to be busy with something or other. ] I know it's probably weird for you. [ And there's that.
It may be the wrong takeaway again, but a lifetime of being treated like a disposal object and with the utmost disdain continues to make these things difficult to navigate sometimes. Whenever he's uncertain of how to handle any given situation, that's the experience he has to fall back on. And he genuinely doesn't want to be an inconvenience, and assumes Tech Boy isn't getting much out of being here to begin with when he's stuck in this diminutive form. Aside from maybe a free (and proper) meal, if he wants one. ]
[ Tech Boy notes that K's grown quiet and doesn't comment again until after he sets him back on the floor. It was fun while it lasted. He'd been teasing with his threat to leave, but that seems to have brought up an unkind memory for K. ]
If I really didn't want to be here hanging out with you, I wouldn't be. Trust me. With the general exception of being stuck in Sodder's nightmare, I don't stay in places against my will. [ He crosses his arms and tilts his head to one side a little. The frog is still nestled in his hair. ] I'm not going anywhere until you tell me to go.
So you have to tell me when I start getting in the way. [ He hazards a quick glance at the stove top. ] Like while cooking.
[ Under usual circumstances, there's a comment to be made about "other things to do" but, as it is, he just shrugs with one shoulder. ] Yeah, it's a bit weird, but from my perspective, still not the weirdest thing I've seen. And you're still you where it counts. Even if your body looks a bit different. [ A smirk twitches the corner of his lips. ] You make a cute kid, for whatever that's worth.
[ Once he's down, he pauses long enough to give Tech Boy a pointed look. ] I don't want you to leave and you're never in the way. [ He's quick to say, hoping his prior words won't be misinterpreted as some kind of dismissal. The company is always welcome, even if they'll have to take a rain check on a few of the things they usually get up to together.
There's a nebulous, nagging worry of what will happen if this change is of a more permanent nature than the ones he's previously experienced, and that's weighing on his mind as well. Enough that Tech Boy's remark about his making a cute kid takes a couple seconds to fully register, and then his eyes widen in surprised realisation. ]
I look like me. [ Like an actual child version of himself. ]
I have memories of being a child— that's not me. They're just implants, like most my memories. [ And on that cheerful thought, he pulls out a couple knives from a drawer that's thankfully within his reach, gets the cutting board, and drags the kitchen chair over to the counter where the ingredients are all laid out. Climbing up, he rinses some of the vegetables in the sink. ]
You make time for me. It hasn't gone unnoticed or unappreciated. [ He adds, returning to the prior topic of conversation. After preparing the peppers (cutting off the ends, removing the seeds and ribs, laying them flat) with only some difficulty due to his smaller hands now, he looks back to Tech Boy. ] And I think you need a real meal. Can you cut these into strips without cutting yourself?
[ He did say he can follow instructions, and that's probably the easiest place to start. ]
Then I won't leave. [ Simple. He likes that. He didn't want to follow through with that threat anyway, even in jest. But he's certainly about to get in the way. Tech Boy knows his way around a lot of things, but a kitchen is not one of them. ]
You look like you, just-- [ He raises his hand to adult!K's approximate height just over his own head then lowers it to touch the top of now!K's head. ] shorter. Still cute. [ But the mention of implanted memories raises a question to mind that Tech Boy hadn't thought to ask before, even as he was posed one very similar. ] How old are you, anyway? Um. Shape-changing notwithstanding.
[ He's aware that the memories he has seen all seem to come from a very recent past, but it hadn't occurred to him that it was odd until just now. There's actually quite a lot the god's curious about, such as the version history of replicant models or what specifically lead to the decline of human civilization in K's world--but it all seemed too academic during the times they had more physical things to do. And adult-minded or not, it still strikes Tech Boy as too serious of a conversation for this moment.
because there are peppers to cut and fingertips to avoid cutting. ] Yeah. [ He thinks. ] Yeah, I can do that. Show me one cut and I'll do the rest.
I've been in service for about three years. [ How's it feel to be a cradle robber, TB? K peers up at him with an amused smirk. ] I'm curious how you'd look as a child. [ Never mind how young the god already appears.
K demonstrates the thickness he wants the peppers to be by cutting a few strips, then pulls the onion over and gets it started as well, doing his best to show how to hold them to avoid any knife injuries, occasionally glancing up to make sure Tech Boy's following. The remainder are left to him as K flits around the kitchen seeing to the rest of the preparations, tugging the chair along as needed. And it's frequently needed, but he's less self-conscious about it now. ]
What're some things you could use help with? In exchange for helping me with the robotics and engineering. [ Which might not end up being an especially involved process, given how efficiently he learns, and depending on Tech Boy's teaching methods. ] Assuming letting me help wouldn't just slow you down. [ Stated with the pragmatism of someone who understands that sometimes it's easier working alone. ]
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brandnewtech) wrote2019-09-29 05:00 am
no subject
Listening to the explanation in thoughtful silence, he starts to absently break off bits of the circuit board. ]
You're a "new" god, but you've lived for a very long time. [ And maybe he has a somewhat skewed sense of time. See also: three year old android. He thinks he'd be lucky to live to see even a small fraction of that time; the average life expectancy of his kind is... distressingly low. ]
And you've come a long way since then. I don't think you should be embarrassed by your progress. [ Yeah, he'd noticed that shudder. ] You evolve alongside technology? [ He guesses. It's the impression he's had for a while now, and he's curious how accurate it is. ]
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[ For as much as he hates talking theology, Tech Boy'll gladly pick up a conversation about godhood as a distraction from the accidental hurt they keep causing each other. They share enough similarities in trauma that it just seems to keep happening. Eventually they'll work it out, but in the meantime, fortunately or unfortunately, it's also a very informative process. ]
In my particular bailiwick, rolling back the upgrades gets dangerously unstable. [ Like "throwing himself against a support beam and busting his forehead open so he ends up in the medical bay" type of instability. As he's watching K break apart the circuit board, his head tilts to the side a little in thought. ] I don't like to think about how long it's been. The only time the past matters is when I can use the old to build the new. To find the perfect building blocks to create something no one's ever seen before.
But I've always been T.B. in some way or another. The Telephone Boy. The Technical Boy. I wonder what's next. Tech 2.0 or finally another letter? [ This is mostly to himself but it nags on something he's been meaning to ask K about. ]
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They really should have programmed him with a better understanding of social relations. ]
So that's why you were restrained and bleeding when I met you. [ Suddenly he's glad that whatever's currently affecting him hasn't reached Tech Boy, if it's likely to cause another episode like that. ]
Maybe you'll become the Technical Man. [ An attempt at a joke that seems especially apt in light of his own small problem. But he doesn't want to risk Tech Boy thinking he's mocking him, so as he glances up at his face with a tentatively amused expression, he adds: ] You already are, where it counts.
[ That awkward moment when your de-aged boyfriend hits on you. Sorry, TB. ]
I've been learning engineering and robotics. To help with maintenance of Arid's suit. [ He mentions as he begins adding bits from the circuit board to some in-progress little figures that resemble frogs. Guess what inspired those. ] I wonder if you could stay ahead of me. [ Teasing, of course, which he hopes to make obvious with his follow-up question: ] Have you ever directly taught anyone before?
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Rather than take offense to the joke, he's stifling a laugh that finally breaks into a grin as he shakes his head and turns away. ] Technical man? Watch it, kid. You're cute but how dare you. I have an image to maintain here. I may the The Man, but saying it the other way just makes me sound old.
[ With obvious amusement, K is getting a hair ruffle from his non-de-aged boyfriend for the flirting. Sorry, K. He's not that kind of god. Gonna have to wait for the spell on his body to break for that one, even if his mind is intact. If this is the usual dreamtown shenanigans, hopefully it will pass sooner rather than later. ]
Having a skilled engineer on hand would be invaluable. I'm sure Arid will be happy for the help. I was working on something myself for her but have hit a couple of material setbacks. I'm working it out. [ He takes the teasing with a smirk. ] I'm not usually hands-on enough to teach directly, but I've been known to when the mood strikes. You wanna get on top of the robotics game? I can help. Of course I will.
[ Hmm. ] If you want a bit more of the divine type of help instead or also, I'd have to know a few things first. Work out a few technical logistics.
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His eyes widen at the hair ruffling, not in indignation but surprise — that's a first for him. While it may feel patronising to actual children, the gesture lacks the same context for him. But he understand the intent, which is why he climbs onto the sofa and proceeds to do exactly the same thing to Tech Boy, using both hands. Despite his size he's retained his strength, so it won't be easy stopping him. Take that.
He also has the perfect comeback for that "hands-on" remark, but he's taken the hint and decides to save it for later, once he's hopefully back to normal. It figures that this would have to happen to him not long after he becomes romantically involved with someone. C'est la vie à Deerington. ]
If you help me, I'd like to be able to help you in some way. [ Anticipating the response to that, he adds: ] And not just by using technology. Besides, I'm essentially using advanced technology just by existing. [ His tone's a bit dry, but he isn't actually resentful of that fact; Tech Boy's encouragement over these last several months has helped him to embrace what he is without always feeling that he's fundamentally "lesser" than humans.
Having finally found out more about Tech Boy's history, something occurs to him now and he frowns to himself as he shifts to sit down properly on the sofa. ] —None of those are really names. Telephone Boy, Technical Boy. Have you ever had a name?
[ Tech Boy may be a god, but he's a person, too. And people ought to have names. ]
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He takes the time to smooth his hair back into place, indignantly and with minimal success. Tech Boy is very fussy about this whole look, hair included. It's true that if anyone other than K had done that, there would be serious repercussions. As it is, K's off the hook (this time) because of his own current predicament, but next time he won't be so lucky. ]
Of course I'll help you. And there will be plenty of opportunities for you to return the favor. [ A little shrug. ] More than just existing, which I appreciate separately and greatly.
[ The question only catches him off-guard because he'd been having much the same thought-- and it paranoidly makes him wonder if any of the red string connection could possibly still exists. Likely not. They've simply been dancing around a few subjects for a while now, and eventually the questions are going to get asked. ]
Names are for people and for Old Gods. The New Gods are big ideas and broad concepts. More of a catch-all to be more inclusive. To cast a wider 'net. [ Although he would reluctantly admit some overlap due precisely to this imprecise designation. ] Until this place, no one really addressed me directly in a context where a name would be useful. I've had nicknames, but nothing proper. It's fine for me.
[ His expression turns serious because he's about to ask a question he knows the answer to and yet is uncertain of the result. ] What about you? Serial numbers are well and good, but have you ever had a name?
[ K may be a replicant, but he's a person, too. And people ought to have names. ]
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Having the question turned on him is only surprising because he's already answered it several times, in varying degrees of detail, on the public network. But he doesn't seem bothered about being asked. ]
No. My handler has never been sentimental.
[ Aside from when she invites herself into his apartment, helps herself to his booze, and then subtly propositions him in a way that allows him a choice, when she could have simply ordered him and been well within her rights. He'd woken up in Deerington not long after that particular encounter and he still hasn't really taken the time to process it. Probably for the best... ]
I've heard of a few special exceptions, but overall we're rarely given names now. Allows us too much of a sense of identity, I suppose. That can be dangerous. [ He sounds thoughtful. They're both in similar positions, just for different reasons. ]
Can't talk to ideas or concepts. Can't touch them or mess up their hair or give them gifts. So I'd say you're more than that.
[ Tech Boy's lack of a proper name seems stranger to him than his own lack of one. ]
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but he may end up changing his mind about that. While clearly not actually mad, he makes a bit of a fuss about his displeasure. A god has his vanity, after all. He gets it back into passable shape (there's no way to get it perfect again) before focusing on the matter at hand.The more important topic is of course that of names. Tech Boy turned the question around with the same phrasing to make a point. One that didn't work quite the way he'd wanted, but still it's occasionally better to be told something directly rather than using the info one gleans from spying on network conversations. Even if K knows he's watching the network, face-to-face has its advantages. It's less impersonal, even if it's a god's prerogative to appear omniscient.
The more Tech Boy hears of K's former handler, the less he likes her. Not simply as an representation of the bigoted cultural norm between humans and replicants... but personally. Severely. ]
It is my opinion [ and it's the god's opinion that's important here, right? or perhaps a partner's opinion? ] that you should have a name. That you should have had one, all this time. You deserve that sense of identity, and you're special to me. [ He leans in a little, conspiratorially. ] What do you think? You could try it while you're a kid, and if you hate it, you could discard it when you're back to your usual self.
[ Focusing on K now. They could revisit Tech Boy's name situation if K wanted, but the god's been so long without one, it hardly mattered anymore. ]
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But K keeps his hands to himself now, eventually leaning forward to work more on the trio of frogs, shades of genuine sadness slipping into his expression at Tech Boy's suggestion. He seems to withdraw into himself by degrees; his thin shoulders are unconsciously drawn inward, making him appear even smaller. ]
I think maybe only she can name me. I haven't been capable of choosing a name for myself.
[ Nothing is ever simple when it comes to choice for a replicant. Just like identities, preferences, personalities — they're not exactly meant to have any, and certainly aren't encouraged to, under normal circumstances. That K believes he has a favourite poem, likes reading and playing the piano, wants a relationship, and is even capable of the tentative, awkward teasing that he does is all unusual, as far as he knows. ]
But that's kind of you to think. [ That he's deserving. That he's special. You've always been kind to me. He has a sudden pang of real guilt. ] ...And I'm sorry I messed up your hair.
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What? No. Don't worry about the hair. Listen.
[ He reaches out to put a hand on one of K's shoulders, ducking his head to seek out eye contact if he can. ]
It's not kindness, K. I mean it. You deserve it. [ Regardless of K's dilemma, Tech Boy truly believes in K's emotional capability above and beyond his programming. And it's not a liability. Far from it. ] She's not here. You don't have to wait for her here.
[ softer ] What if I came up with something? [ Is that inappropriate to ask? K's a person, not a pet or an object. ] Or I'll drop it, if you want me to.
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The hand on his shoulder gets a surprised look, suggesting he may have taken Tech Boy's prior actions over the hair situation a little more seriously than they were intended. His sense of humour is very much a work in progress, as is his understanding of others' humour — and Tech Boy, especially, can be hard for him to read sometimes, in a variety of ways. ]
What would you call me? [ He doesn't avoid the eye contact, but also doesn't hold it for long. ] And why don't you want one?
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I'm not sure yet. I'd have to think about it. There's a lot of choices and what to call someone is a big decision. Nothing too plain because that's boring but nothing too trendy so it doesn't sound dated over time. [ He pulls his hand back, bringing it to his mouth to think. ] Naming an operating system is easy. Pick an animal. Pick a snack food. Pick a landmark. It doesn't have to mean much. But names for people are harder. There's a lot to consider.
[ He's trying to think of a reason why a New God shouldn't have a name that doesn't sound like an argument K might turn back on him. Because it isn't done. Because practicality and function outweigh familiarity. Because it isn't necessary for someone who isn't addressed unless needed to preform his function.
In conclusion, he simply shrugs in answer to that second question. ] I've spent more than a century without one. Never seemed necessary.
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What snack food would I be named after? He looks amused at the thought while also idly wondering how hard it'd be convincing Tech Boy to give him a piggyback ride. ]
What about pet names? [ He asks aloud. Realising he may need to specify the kind he means: ] Terms of endearment. Do you mind if I use them with you? [ Because it seems better to ask before dropping all the darling, sweetheart, and other gooey sentimental pet names that he's already been thinking of Tech Boy by, in case he does mind. Planning ahead for whenever he regains his usual form...
After experimentally triggering the spring mechanism in the legs of one frog, it "jumps" out of his hands and by pure, extremely unfortunate coincidence, gets caught in Tech Boy's poor abused hair. Eyes widening, K covers his mouth and attempts to mask his laugh by clearing his throat. ]
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An android OS named after a snack food? Easy. Cheating, but they were conveniently named in alphabetical order. KitKat. Not sure if you would have seen those. It's a waver confection covered in chocolate. Sweet and, and he can say this with honesty, one of my favorites.
Pet names pet names something he'd never considered because most of what he gets called outside of his own name tend to be pretty rude. ] I-- [ he doesn't have an immediate answer for that. ] I suppose that would be all right. It would depend on the-- [ and then the worst happens. The little frog springs loose and lands neatly atop Tech Boy's head.
The stifled laugh is what does it. ] That's it. [ In one motion, he scoops K into his arms, stands, and all but tosses him over his shoulder into a fireman's carry. Somewhat less dignified than a piggyback ride, but it's just about the only time TB's ever going to get the drop on K while still being able to lift him. ]
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All efforts to suppress his laughter evaporate when he's picked up. Not quite the piggyback ride he'd envisioned, but close enough that he's content to enjoy the ride while it lasts rather than squirming to be put down. It's slightly tempting to go limp and act as dead weight just to make it harder, but for now he refrains. ]
Don't you like them? I'm making them for you. [ Referring to the frogs, and the one that landed on Tech Boy's head has yet to be dislodged from its perch. What are the odds of him forgetting it's there and leaving it? ]
I carried you so much more romantically. Bet I still could— [ The words are interrupted by a renewed fit of giggling. But on the topic of food and romance... ] It reminds me. You should have dinner with me, once I'm able to reach the stuff again to make it.
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Which isn't yet. This is actually kinda fun. ] I have no doubt, but I don't think my ego would survive you picking me up right now. Looks like you're going to have to suffer through this instead. [ the giggling is contagious. ] It might be less romantic than hauling me out of a frozen ocean filled with tentacles, but this way you can reach things in the kitchen cupboards. Weren't you complaining about starving when I first walked in here?
[ Stepping around a few fallen circuit board pieces, he carries K into the kitchen. He's actually not really explored this far into K's place, but seeing as they're in the same building/on the same floor, there's a relative similarity.
As almost an afterthought, he adds, ] Yeah. We can do dinner later. [ Between a god's life and a replicant cop's work and all the insanity that the dreamworld of Deerington throws at them-- something as mundane as 'dinner' seems pretty extraordinary. ]
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I wasn't complaining. I was stating the eventual outcome of your failure to fulfill my request. [ He says airily. ] But you're more useful than a step ladder, so this works. [ Even if Tech Boy did have to carry him in nearly the most awkward way possible. He'll make do.
Pointing out several of the upper cupboards, he'll pull down the needed items once he's close enough to reach them: a wok, sesame oil, several sauces. After living on synthetic substitutes for his entire short life, being able to make his own "real" food is an indulgence he's clearly enjoying. ]
Do you have any favourite meals?
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Hence the frog. Hence not dropping K when he points out Tech Boy's failure at the fetch request. ]
I'd better be more useful than a stepladder, or you're in trouble.
[ He's strong enough to shift K's weight a little to get him into a better position to search through the cupboards. He's pretty interested in whatever K's doing. Tech Boy is good at a lot of things, but anything kitchen-related is not one of them. He's a fast food and takeout kind of guy. ]
I like McDonalds. [ He really does not have a classier answer than that. Please help him, K. That stereotype applicable to many of the Internet God's followers doesn't come from nowhere. ] And pizza. I don't really have to eat, so I usually just snack because I like to.
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"In trouble"? What would you do, give me time-out? [ It's a miracle he manages to say that without laughing. ]
I haven't had either of those. But to my understanding, maybe only one qualifies as a meal. [ He sounds dubious, but to his credit, he's also trying to figure out how he could get McDonald's food now. The closest might be the food served at the diner or arcade. Pizza should be doable, though. Even home-made pizza.
Reaching things in the fridge on his own is less of an issue, but the freezer does require a boost, so he's going to continue taking full advantage of being carried around. Motioning toward the fridge, this time he hands off some of the ingredients (chicken, various vegetables, leftover cooked rice) to Tech Boy since he can more easily reach to set them on the counter. ]
Do you know how to cook?
[ There's some amusement in his tone because he suspects he already knows the answer. But Tech Boy has surprised him before, so it can't hurt to ask rather than assume. ]
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[ Tech Boy really needs an adult with adult tastes in his life, but his reliance on junk food and fast food ironically stems from the overabundance of cuisine options. The convenience of the crap he eats is made possible only because of a national surplus, cheap ingredients, and really aggressive chain restaurants. It's the result of a god's lifetime of not having enough free time to step away from his work to take (let along prepare) a proper meal. He likes real food, but if it can't be delivered fresh, picked up in a drive-through, or tossed on a baking sheet in he oven, he can't slow down long enough to bother. Simply watching K's gathering of ingredients is more time than he's spent in a kitchen in decades.
He does help without much comment, allowing K to climb on him as needed and accepting handed items to place them on the counter top. ]
Anything can be a meal if you're really fucking dedicated to the concept and willing to overlook some nutritional components.
[ K doesn't strike TB as the type to eat cookies and milk as a meal substitute, but if he's not already wise to the idea, he'll introduce K to the concept of a classic American breakfast for dinner. Damn, he should have led with that idea. Maybe it'll make a nice surprise later.
What isn't a surprise is Tech Boy's answer to this question. ] No, I can't honestly say I've cooked a day in my life. Might be able to boil water though. And I can follow instructions.
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That's not quite the kind of teasing — if it's even teasing? — K had anticipated in response to his own, and it gives him pause. He's quiet as he finishes collecting the remainder of the ingredients and then indicates he wants to be put down. ]
I appreciate your help, but you don't have to stay if you don't want to. Or if you have other things to do. [ Not an unreasonable assumption when Tech Boy always seems to be busy with something or other. ] I know it's probably weird for you. [ And there's that.
It may be the wrong takeaway again, but a lifetime of being treated like a disposal object and with the utmost disdain continues to make these things difficult to navigate sometimes. Whenever he's uncertain of how to handle any given situation, that's the experience he has to fall back on. And he genuinely doesn't want to be an inconvenience, and assumes Tech Boy isn't getting much out of being here to begin with when he's stuck in this diminutive form. Aside from maybe a free (and proper) meal, if he wants one. ]
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If I really didn't want to be here hanging out with you, I wouldn't be. Trust me. With the general exception of being stuck in Sodder's nightmare, I don't stay in places against my will. [ He crosses his arms and tilts his head to one side a little. The frog is still nestled in his hair. ] I'm not going anywhere until you tell me to go.
So you have to tell me when I start getting in the way. [ He hazards a quick glance at the stove top. ] Like while cooking.
[ Under usual circumstances, there's a comment to be made about "other things to do" but, as it is, he just shrugs with one shoulder. ] Yeah, it's a bit weird, but from my perspective, still not the weirdest thing I've seen. And you're still you where it counts. Even if your body looks a bit different. [ A smirk twitches the corner of his lips. ] You make a cute kid, for whatever that's worth.
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There's a nebulous, nagging worry of what will happen if this change is of a more permanent nature than the ones he's previously experienced, and that's weighing on his mind as well. Enough that Tech Boy's remark about his making a cute kid takes a couple seconds to fully register, and then his eyes widen in surprised realisation. ]
I look like me. [ Like an actual child version of himself. ]
I have memories of being a child— that's not me. They're just implants, like most my memories. [ And on that cheerful thought, he pulls out a couple knives from a drawer that's thankfully within his reach, gets the cutting board, and drags the kitchen chair over to the counter where the ingredients are all laid out. Climbing up, he rinses some of the vegetables in the sink. ]
You make time for me. It hasn't gone unnoticed or unappreciated. [ He adds, returning to the prior topic of conversation. After preparing the peppers (cutting off the ends, removing the seeds and ribs, laying them flat) with only some difficulty due to his smaller hands now, he looks back to Tech Boy. ] And I think you need a real meal. Can you cut these into strips without cutting yourself?
[ He did say he can follow instructions, and that's probably the easiest place to start. ]
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You look like you, just-- [ He raises his hand to adult!K's approximate height just over his own head then lowers it to touch the top of now!K's head. ] shorter. Still cute. [ But the mention of implanted memories raises a question to mind that Tech Boy hadn't thought to ask before, even as he was posed one very similar. ] How old are you, anyway? Um. Shape-changing notwithstanding.
[ He's aware that the memories he has seen all seem to come from a very recent past, but it hadn't occurred to him that it was odd until just now. There's actually quite a lot the god's curious about, such as the version history of replicant models or what specifically lead to the decline of human civilization in K's world--but it all seemed too academic during the times they had more physical things to do. And adult-minded or not, it still strikes Tech Boy as too serious of a conversation for this moment.
because there are peppers to cut and fingertips to avoid cutting. ] Yeah. [ He thinks. ] Yeah, I can do that. Show me one cut and I'll do the rest.
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K demonstrates the thickness he wants the peppers to be by cutting a few strips, then pulls the onion over and gets it started as well, doing his best to show how to hold them to avoid any knife injuries, occasionally glancing up to make sure Tech Boy's following. The remainder are left to him as K flits around the kitchen seeing to the rest of the preparations, tugging the chair along as needed. And it's frequently needed, but he's less self-conscious about it now. ]
What're some things you could use help with? In exchange for helping me with the robotics and engineering. [ Which might not end up being an especially involved process, given how efficiently he learns, and depending on Tech Boy's teaching methods. ] Assuming letting me help wouldn't just slow you down. [ Stated with the pragmatism of someone who understands that sometimes it's easier working alone. ]
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