[ Three years is... a lot less time than Tech Boy was expecting. Honestly, his surprise at this revelation is a credit to the quality of K's implanted memories, but it seems a bit insensitive to say so aloud. He arches an eyebrow and glances down to see that amused smirk. ] People don't usually picture their gods as children, and apparently neither does Deerington. Bet I'm fucking cute too.
[ He watches the demonstration carefully. Cooking really isn't his forte, but he doesn't want to fuck this up for K, so he'll try his best. He can manage not to slice open his fingers, but he can't promise perfectly cut vegetables. The process is taking a fair amount of his concentration simply because the task is so unusual for him. ]
Letting me help you in here is what's slowing things down. [ Luckily onions don't cause any tear-like effects, but they are trickier to handle. ] I guess time will tell. Right now I'm not working on anything that is't solo, but there's bound to be something down the line. Guess you'll have to owe me a favor.
Bet you don't look very different, just shorter. [ Just casually calling Tech Boy baby-faced.
Once the chicken's cut into uniformly-sized pieces, K adds it first to the heated and oiled wok on the stovetop. Not too long after that he begins adding in the other ingredients and seasoning, including everything that Tech Boy has cut so far (without a hint of impatience about how long he's taking), occasionally stirring as needed.
It isn't difficult, per se, but there's a definite balancing act involved to ensure each ingredient is cooked through without simultaneously burning the others. K seems very familiar with the process, enough to be watching Tech Boy more than the stir-fry. ]
Not sure how I feel about owing you a favour. [ It's clear from his tone that he's teasing, even as he tries to maintain a serious expression. Which becomes even harder when he catches a glimpse of the frog that's still caught in the god's hair. ] Unless it's the kind you'll collect once I'm back to normal... [ A long pause as he considers something. ] Will you still stay over? [ Overnight, he means. ] It's okay if you don't want to. [ Though he'll miss having someone to curl up with as he's falling asleep, he understands that it might be weird right now. ]
Ha ha. [ he says, with a little shake of his head. ] But I bet I'd still be taller than you. [ The urge to hair ruffle again is strong, but since he's dealing with food, somehow TB manages to restrain himself.
Tech Boy finishes cutting the vegetables he's been assigned and leans one hip against the counter to watch K's progress. Cooking is an outright mystery to him, but even with a child's body, K seems more than capable in this task. ]
Deal. You owe me a favor, and I'll collect once you're back to normal. [ Whenever that is. Luckily the god is patient... sometimes. Because who knows how long something like this may last? And on that subject, he answers K's long pause with one of his own, considering. It is weird right now. No doubt about that. But the physical intimacy isn't the only aspect of their relationship, and K is still K where it counts. ] Obviously there are boundaries, but yeah. [ He makes his expression into something he hopes is reassuring. ] I'll stay.
Like this half of the bed is mine, that half is yours, don't cross the invisible line?
[ He knows with reasonable certainty what boundaries Tech Boy means, but finds it funny he felt the need to actually say it. And just in case he's legitimately concerned about anything getting weird in unpleasant ways: ] Your virtue is safe with me, I promise. [ He says solemnly. There will be no taking advantage of poor, innocent gods on his watch. ]
Does me physically being in one of your key demographics feel different for you? [ Those particular ruffled feathers of insecurity have been sufficiently smoothed by this point, so he feels more confident bringing that up again.
Maybe Tech Boy was getting at something before, and K would rather not pass up a potential opportunity to gain a better understanding of how belief and worship work. He doesn't actually know whether the two are even intrinsically linked or not — Tech Boy had said his belief matters, but had also rejected his worship before while accepting his regard. It's confusing. ]
There can be a little bit of invisible line crossing because I can be a blanket hog and I dare you to take them away, but [ he moves one hand in a sort of wavering gesture ] nothing too audacious. You're not used to looking like you do now, and there aren't many, but there are a few hardwired limits based on aged and consent. Everyone's virtue remains secure. [ There's a glint in his eye. ] Until the moment whatever this is wears off, of course. Then all bets are off.
[ He's still leaning against the counter but turns so that his back is to the cupboards. Crossing his arms over his chest, Tech Boy takes a moment to think about that question. ] Yes, but it's difficult to explain. When kids access the internet, they are absolutely fearless, fucking razor sharp, but they're far more vulnerable than adults. I guess that's true in the flesh too, but that's not where I see them. I feel all weirdly kind of protective. Lots of kids grow up knowing me better than they know their own parents. [ He shrugs, frowning a little. ] It gets to a guy after a while.
I don't want to project it onto you. I know it's not the same. Still kinda feels that way though.
It's not the same because I'm not a real child? [ But by the same token... ] I'm not exactly a real [ person ] adult, either. I was made to look like one. Given the mental capacity of one, with a lifetime of false memories to maintain stability.
[ And there are still significant gaps in his understanding that no amount of memory implants can really compensate for, only lived experience. Being in Deerington and being exposed to so many new situations has made that more apparent than ever. It might be an uncomfortable truth following what Tech Boy said about age and consent, though he isn't trying to undermine that. ]
My "parent" built me to specification and sold me like any other product... Being raised by the internet is a privilege humans get to take for granted. [ It's an attempt at a joke, but his tone is more wistful than dry. Humans get to take a lot of things for granted. And he can appreciate this insight into what it's like being the living embodiment of technology, even if he's a bit surprised by how fond Tech Boy seems of said human children raised by the internet. K's own feelings on the matter are — complicated, but this isn't about him.
While they've been talking he's also been diligently finishing up the stir-fry, and divides it between two plates now. But they're left on the counter for the time being. Climbing down from the chair, he returns to where Tech Boy's standing and regards him for a moment, then wraps his arms around Tech Boy's middle and sort of... faceplants against him. Pretty much what could be expected from someone with a dearth of hugging experience. ]
It's not the same because you're not human. [ That might be a bit blunt, but it's the truth. K's current physical age might be setting off some nurturing urges in the Technical Boy, protection instincts developed from "raising" so many children, but the reality is actually a bit more straight forward. ] The physical aspect doesn't indicate anything about your mental capability, despite the way I've been conditioned to respond to physical characteristics. [ Says the god who just found out his boyfriend has only been operational for 3 years. On the other hand, that's practically ancient with how quickly tech advances these days. ]
You're still "real" in every way that matters. Being human doesn't have anything to do with that. I don't know what it's like being human either, and I'm sure as hell real. I only know what I do about that particular experience because I've learned by watching them. By listening to them. By spending waaaaay too much time with them.
Now I get to learn from you. And to help you make some true memories to maintain stability. [ and hey. He's already learned how to cut an onion without cutting his hand. Among other, more important things. A productive evening.
The faceplant hug makes him shake a little with silent laughter, and he bends a little to hug K around his shoulders. ]
[ That honesty would be devastating if K were holding onto any delusions about his identity and purpose, or about his potential. He'll never be human. He doesn't want to be human, so in that regard it's gratifying to be told; acknowledging what he is without condemning him for it in the same breath, as would normally be the case.
And of course it's even better being told he's real. ]
What could you learn from me? [ An inferior imitation of a human, the thought accompanies his muffled words. It's what humans from his homeworld consider androids, among many other, progressively less kind things. And maybe they have a point, because he isn't sure what Tech Boy could learn from him that would be worthwhile.
Unless he plans to start killing androids. Regrettably K's area of expertise. ]
[ Tech Boy hugs him a little more tightly. It breaks his heart every time to hear K say (or think) these things, knowing that K himself believes them.
Made in their image, but also made in mine. You are different, but not "inferior." Words he could have spoken aloud, but it means more to him in this moment, speaking tech-to-tech on a fundamental level. ]
K, I have already learned so much from you. [ He bends to place a chaste kiss on the top of K's head. ] More than I can put into words. If you hadn't taught me that I can trust someone again-- Let's just say I wouldn't have stuck around to make dinner with just anyone. My patience and attention span is not that long. But it's worth it. You're worth it.
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brandnewtech) wrote2019-09-29 05:00 am
no subject
[ He watches the demonstration carefully. Cooking really isn't his forte, but he doesn't want to fuck this up for K, so he'll try his best. He can manage not to slice open his fingers, but he can't promise perfectly cut vegetables. The process is taking a fair amount of his concentration simply because the task is so unusual for him. ]
Letting me help you in here is what's slowing things down. [ Luckily onions don't cause any tear-like effects, but they are trickier to handle. ] I guess time will tell. Right now I'm not working on anything that is't solo, but there's bound to be something down the line. Guess you'll have to owe me a favor.
no subject
Once the chicken's cut into uniformly-sized pieces, K adds it first to the heated and oiled wok on the stovetop. Not too long after that he begins adding in the other ingredients and seasoning, including everything that Tech Boy has cut so far (without a hint of impatience about how long he's taking), occasionally stirring as needed.
It isn't difficult, per se, but there's a definite balancing act involved to ensure each ingredient is cooked through without simultaneously burning the others. K seems very familiar with the process, enough to be watching Tech Boy more than the stir-fry. ]
Not sure how I feel about owing you a favour. [ It's clear from his tone that he's teasing, even as he tries to maintain a serious expression. Which becomes even harder when he catches a glimpse of the frog that's still caught in the god's hair. ] Unless it's the kind you'll collect once I'm back to normal... [ A long pause as he considers something. ] Will you still stay over? [ Overnight, he means. ] It's okay if you don't want to. [ Though he'll miss having someone to curl up with as he's falling asleep, he understands that it might be weird right now. ]
no subject
Tech Boy finishes cutting the vegetables he's been assigned and leans one hip against the counter to watch K's progress. Cooking is an outright mystery to him, but even with a child's body, K seems more than capable in this task. ]
Deal. You owe me a favor, and I'll collect once you're back to normal. [ Whenever that is. Luckily the god is patient... sometimes. Because who knows how long something like this may last? And on that subject, he answers K's long pause with one of his own, considering. It is weird right now. No doubt about that. But the physical intimacy isn't the only aspect of their relationship, and K is still K where it counts. ] Obviously there are boundaries, but yeah. [ He makes his expression into something he hopes is reassuring. ] I'll stay.
no subject
[ He knows with reasonable certainty what boundaries Tech Boy means, but finds it funny he felt the need to actually say it. And just in case he's legitimately concerned about anything getting weird in unpleasant ways: ] Your virtue is safe with me, I promise. [ He says solemnly. There will be no taking advantage of poor, innocent gods on his watch. ]
Does me physically being in one of your key demographics feel different for you? [ Those particular ruffled feathers of insecurity have been sufficiently smoothed by this point, so he feels more confident bringing that up again.
Maybe Tech Boy was getting at something before, and K would rather not pass up a potential opportunity to gain a better understanding of how belief and worship work. He doesn't actually know whether the two are even intrinsically linked or not — Tech Boy had said his belief matters, but had also rejected his worship before while accepting his regard. It's confusing. ]
no subject
[ He's still leaning against the counter but turns so that his back is to the cupboards. Crossing his arms over his chest, Tech Boy takes a moment to think about that question. ] Yes, but it's difficult to explain. When kids access the internet, they are absolutely fearless, fucking razor sharp, but they're far more vulnerable than adults. I guess that's true in the flesh too, but that's not where I see them. I feel all weirdly kind of protective. Lots of kids grow up knowing me better than they know their own parents. [ He shrugs, frowning a little. ] It gets to a guy after a while.
I don't want to project it onto you. I know it's not the same. Still kinda feels that way though.
no subject
[ And there are still significant gaps in his understanding that no amount of memory implants can really compensate for, only lived experience. Being in Deerington and being exposed to so many new situations has made that more apparent than ever. It might be an uncomfortable truth following what Tech Boy said about age and consent, though he isn't trying to undermine that. ]
My "parent" built me to specification and sold me like any other product... Being raised by the internet is a privilege humans get to take for granted. [ It's an attempt at a joke, but his tone is more wistful than dry. Humans get to take a lot of things for granted. And he can appreciate this insight into what it's like being the living embodiment of technology, even if he's a bit surprised by how fond Tech Boy seems of said human children raised by the internet. K's own feelings on the matter are — complicated, but this isn't about him.
While they've been talking he's also been diligently finishing up the stir-fry, and divides it between two plates now. But they're left on the counter for the time being. Climbing down from the chair, he returns to where Tech Boy's standing and regards him for a moment, then wraps his arms around Tech Boy's middle and sort of... faceplants against him. Pretty much what could be expected from someone with a dearth of hugging experience. ]
no subject
You're still "real" in every way that matters. Being human doesn't have anything to do with that. I don't know what it's like being human either, and I'm sure as hell real. I only know what I do about that particular experience because I've learned by watching them. By listening to them. By spending waaaaay too much time with them.
Now I get to learn from you. And to help you make some true memories to maintain stability. [ and hey. He's already learned how to cut an onion without cutting his hand. Among other, more important things. A productive evening.
The faceplant hug makes him shake a little with silent laughter, and he bends a little to hug K around his shoulders. ]
no subject
And of course it's even better being told he's real. ]
What could you learn from me? [ An inferior imitation of a human, the thought accompanies his muffled words. It's what humans from his homeworld consider androids, among many other, progressively less kind things. And maybe they have a point, because he isn't sure what Tech Boy could learn from him that would be worthwhile.
Unless he plans to start killing androids. Regrettably K's area of expertise. ]
no subject
Made in their image, but also made in mine. You are different, but not "inferior." Words he could have spoken aloud, but it means more to him in this moment, speaking tech-to-tech on a fundamental level. ]
K, I have already learned so much from you. [ He bends to place a chaste kiss on the top of K's head. ] More than I can put into words. If you hadn't taught me that I can trust someone again-- Let's just say I wouldn't have stuck around to make dinner with just anyone. My patience and attention span is not that long. But it's worth it. You're worth it.