[ The response quickly clues him in on the fact this isn't who he'd been having that conversation with — and then he's amused realising who received his wayward text. ]
[ Not sure if he should reward that double entendre (which he really enjoyed) if K's going to immediately follow it up with a substance abuse question.
Can you feel him crossing his arms at you? Because he's crossing his arms at you. ]
We can negotiate that when you hold up your end of the bargain. [ Odds are slim right now, K. ]
Plasmids were so two months ago. Already cleared that history.
[ He only asks out of concern, not judgment. But the way Tech Boy seems unaccustomed to someone actually caring about him hasn't escaped K's notice before... and he definitely sensed those crossed arms. ]
Can these negotiations be accomplished without me getting out of bed?
I'm going to assume that means you've fully recovered without any side effects. And I'm glad.
[ Then, sent a few moments afterward when he remembers what time it is: ]
Pretty sure the best way for you to win this negotiation is to stay in that bed right where you are.
[ As for the second part, K would be assuming wrong, but Tech Boy isn't talking about this while his... um... while K is inebriated and he's still stone sober. ]
You didn't.
I do. Sort of.
Are you always this profound in the middle of the night?
It was a legitimate question about dancing and thank you for answering.
[ While it hasn't been explicitly confirmed, K has long suspected Tech Boy is capable of observation through the Fluids even when the video option is disabled. To that end, he slides out of bed deliberately without bothering to get dressed, taking his Fluid with him as he goes to sit at his piano in his underwear.
And proceeds to play one of his favourite jazz standards (one which certainly resonates with him emotionally these days), curious whether it might garner any reaction. He pauses to text one-handedly. ]
That was not a legitimate question, but you're welcome. It was fun.
[ Oh, that's just not fair. None of that. Not the state of undress or the jazz. Tech Boy loves the sound of a piano, but not... well, at least he recognizes the song. K plays beautifully, but to say that jazz isn't Tech Boy's genre would be something of an understatement. It goes unremarked... for the moment, anyway. ]
I'm making some coding adjustments to the Children--I don't think you've met. They haven't been the most useful against the things that attack around here and are long overdue for an upgrade. They're being fucking stubborn so it's taking twice as fucking long as it should. You are always a welcome distraction.
[ ... And there's the confirmation, more or less (which makes him laugh despite himself). Now he'll have to think of interesting ways to exploit this knowledge. All in good fun, of course. ]
"The Children"? I don't recall meeting anyone who might be your kid. Or who's part of your child army. Tell me about them.
Didn't take you for a voyeur, either. Learn something new every day.
[ The lack of commentary on the song makes him change tack, playing something else. Maybe the technological voyeurism is limited to a visual feed. ]
I thought you didn't want to get out of bed. but I do love the sound of a well played piano. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to tempt me over there with your song selection. The Daft Punk isn't exactly subtle either.
and why would they install electronic eyes if they didn't want me to use them? So many cameras built into every device and mounted on every street corner. What's the point if no one's watching?
[ That's really not the way to make his case on that point. ]
The Children are constructs, and not strictly mine. They serve the New Gods as meat shields and muscle. I made them and I can reprogram them but
it's easier just to show you. Remember the search engine? The spider? Like that but stupid and person-shaped.
I didn't, but I had to test a hypothesis. And that's a very astute observation.
[ Definitely not at all subtle. So audio carries through, too. It'd be easier to just reply aloud, but for now he opts to continue with text. ]
"Because it's there" is an interesting justification for your voyeurism.
I did like the spider.
Expendable constructs designed to serve gods, doing the things they'd rather not. Lack of intelligence aside, that sounds familiar.
[ And by this point he's leaning his cheek against a hand, eyebrows raised as he stares at his Fluid's screen. If he were completely sober he'd pull it off better; he can't quite suppress the slight smile that's pulling at his mouth as he hassles Tech Boy.
Justifiably. Because come on. The way he describes them, they sound like proto-androids. ]
[ K's making fun of him at this point, and unfortunately Tech Boy always rises to the bait. It's a good thing he's not an insecure and volatile god or anything or else this could get dangerous. ]
Calling me a voyeur. They're my eyes. Why wouldn't I use them to keep watch over my [ he waffles on the word ] flock.
Whatever. I like looking at you. I'm not apologizing for that.
[ He's making excuses, and there are more coming because K's certainly got a point in his observation of TB's description of the Children. The god'd be a hypocrite to deny it, even though he knows that it's a different situation. How to defend it to the very same replicant he's just spent the last few months fighting for? ]
They're an external extension of my own will in physical form, so I'm reasonably certain they're not doing anything they'd rather not.
[ It is more accurate to say that when Mr. World takes control of the Children, World is manipulating the younger god himself. So it's actually Tech Boy doing the things he'd rather not because his boss commands it. But he's not admitting that, not to himself or anyone else.
It's also true that the spider has more self awareness than the Children do, and because of that, no one controls the search engines except the God of Technology.
This conversation is becoming less fun. Although he does get off on arguing, he'd much rather get off than argue. ]
[ Moderation in all things, especially teasing that he suspects is maybe being taken as criticism, with how defensive Tech Boy's responses are sounding. Not that K can blame him. Beings constructed for servitude is kind of a sensitive topic; he would know.
And it also seems he was wrong, if they're an extension of Tech Boy. ]
I don't mind you watching me. But I can't imagine it's very entertaining. Have you only recently started doing that? Seems unfair that I can't do the same with you.
My assumptions were wrong, then. I apologise. [ Guess who's had ample experience anticipating and defusing others' volatile emotions before they explode on him? It's likely overkill in this instance, but caution is preferable to making Tech Boy angry.
And a few moments after that last text he switches to video, because he would like to actually be able to see Tech Boy's face and hear his voice, to have a better indication of his mood. ]
But I'm still curious about them. You said it's easier to show me. [ A beat. ] Or I could always come over.
[ Full disclosure, Tech Boy hasn't learned to take teasing gracefully because his previous experience with it has all been either veiled criticism... or overt criticism. New Media in particular burned him in the end, and he'd lost his sense of humor about it. He's theoretically open to good-natured teasing, but he is going to have to get used to it. He pinches the bridge of his nose with a hand still holding his vape. He'll try harder, K.
He's still in exactly this position when he switches to match K's video. The featureless white behind him indicates that he's inside the network and not physically inside his own apartment. He lowers his hand and flicks the fringe out of his eyes with a nod of his head. ]
I've been keeping an eye on everything for a while. Hazards of the gig. But you texted me tonight. Best direct line of communication. [ He shrugs, a smile tugging at his lips. ] Just wanted to see you. The rest was a bonus.
[ He gets irritated very easily, but it can also cool quickly. And he can't find any reason to be anything other than pleased to see K. ]
[ Tech Boy doesn't seem upset, at least, which is a relief — more than that, now he's being sweet, and it has K smiling in turn. Maybe the voyeur jokes are best approached from a different angle... one involving giving the god something interesting to see when he least expects it. And luckily K's too tech savvy to ever ""accidentally"" broadcast roboporn to the network. ]
So you can come faster. [ Said with a perfectly straight expression and without missing a beat, because he just couldn't help himself (though he does hope it's taken in the spirit it was intended, which is negotiations are still on). And then he tilts his head. ] Show me.
[ And Tech Boy's free to interpret that as he will. ]
[ Oh, he hears that comment in exactly the way K had intended it. He runs his tongue over his teeth in a widening smile. Talk about rising to the bait. And K's deadpan delivery makes it all the more amusing. But then...
Those last two words bring Tech Boy up a bit short. His facial expression flashes through a range of unbidden emotion--sadness, anger, pain, distress, frustration, and even fear--in the blink of an eye before resting back into a smile that is sincere, albeit significantly less confident than probably anyone else has seen from him. He looks down.
There are definitely topics about which he's much too sensitive to take in a joking tone. His fight for K's freedom from his oppressive programming and his handler's conditioning is one of them. This is another. There's no way K could have known those two words were the last the CEO had spoken to him before he'd been betrayed and deleted. Spoken in a thematically similar context. Prove yourself. Tech Boy's annoyed they still have that kind of power over him.
Fuck that. Time to recoup. ]
I will.
[ K's seen his partial transformation from physical to digital during the creation of the flower app, and this is that on a larger scale. Emerging from the Network into the physical realm is one of his favorite flashy entrances and is demonstrating his power in exactly the way K requested. He appears slightly out of reach from K, body language completely at ease as if it cost him no great expenditure of energy to preform the feat. As easy as breathing. The pleased facial expression is back. ]
[ Despite having been here for a few months, K's apartment barely appears lived in; as spartan as his apartment in his homeworld, other than his piano and books. Part of that is also because he maintains a meticulously clean living space. And luckily it came furnished, so there are at least places to sit down.
Without knowing the actual context behind that shift in the god's expression, K's left to assume it's most likely his attempts at flirtation going awry, much like his teasing had. Now he worries it all came across as antagonistically mean-spirited. Little wonder why replicants are normally only used for physical gratification — so far he's navigating the emotional aspects of a relationship very poorly.
He looks suitably impressed by the entrance, though, and disregards the innuendo-laden response that came to mind in favour of a more cautiously straightforward one. Tech Boy obviously enjoys showing off, and K's happy to be shown off to. ]
You're full of surprises. That must be useful.
[ Then there's the matter of the "Children", and he isn't sure what to expect, assuming he'll be getting a demonstration. They may not be sentient beings, but. He feels a bit ridiculous and self-conscious sitting there in nothing but his underwear now, and awkwardly rubs the back of his neck. ]
[ Showing off is in fact one of the Technical Boy's favorite things. It's a recognition and appreciation, "give me your undivided attention" sort of impulse, and he does have to admit to himself that he likes it better from K than from almost anyone else. Lacking the red string connection means that, at some point, he's going to need to learn to say these things aloud. Otherwise how will K know? Emotional vulnerability is something he's going to have to work on.
He gives a little bow. ] The surprises are just beginning. There's so much I could show you. [ The flirting smirk is back, and he gives K a once-over appreciative look. ] So much I will show you.
[ With a smooth motion, Tech Boy pulls his cell phone from his pocket. He taps the screen (currently dark) with the fingernail of his index finger then sets it on the edge of K's piano. ]
Not yet. They're in there. Can't use the phone as a phone in this place, so I use an external storage device for some of my less commonly used operational techniques. Not that back where I was pulled from anyone uses phones to talk to other people these days. Of course, they still communicate. Communication and connection is more important than ever, but texting and video is so much more efficient and less a demand on one's time. Face-to-face interaction is a lost art and not really in my bailiwick-- [ He'd been speaking rather quickly as he chases down the point he's trying to make. He moves to K to place a hand on his chest. ] but I'm willing to work on it.
[ squint ] Are you drunk? I knew I wanted some of what you're having.
[ This is certainly preferable to their prior conversation. Maybe this one will go better if he just keeps his mouth shut for a while.
He could also get used to being looked at like that, and he's especially fond of the physical contact. And being what he is, even if his full focus isn't on what he's being told (Tech Boy's physical presence is more distracting than anticipated), he doesn't actually miss a word of it. Which is very convenient at the moment, since what's being relayed to him is clearly important.
His eyes flicker between Tech Boy's hand and his face, and he puzzles over the mood whiplash of the last while. As he thinks to reach to take the god's hand in his, the echo of a familiar refrain in his mind — Do they teach you how to feel, finger to finger? — stops him short, and he curls his fingers into a fist that he rests on his thigh instead. The unconscious straightening of his posture follows. ]
I'm not asking you to change for me. [ He carefully points out. ] If you're more comfortable with text and video— [ Tilting his head in a gesture of acceptance. Lonely as it might become for him, at least he's already accustomed to companionship that lacks any physical elements. It's all he'd known, before Deerington. ]
And I was working on it. Doubt I can get drunk, though. [ Android metabolism. But who knows? Without waiting to be asked, he gets up to locate one of the several open bottles from the kitchen counter, his unfinished glass along with a clean one, and pours a drink for Tech Boy as he's walking back, offering it. ]
[ They're going to have to come back to certain aspects of that previous conversation, but Tech Boy would agree that this is preferable. He would disagree about K keeping his mouth shut, however.
It's Tech Boy's turn to puzzle about the sudden tensing in K, the straightening of his posture and the trajectory of his hand. He frowns, pushing lightly on K's chest with his hand. He drops his head back to glance at the ceiling dramatically with a audible huff of frustration, but it's clearly a put-on annoyance rather than actual irritation. ] Wrong take away. [ He spins in place to watch K's retrieval of the beverages. ] I'm not here in person because you asked, I'm here because I want to be.
Because I can do a lot from inside a screen, but I can't do this. [ He ducks around the offered glass in K's hand so he can slide both of his own hands over K's chest and then wraps himself around K's waist. He still has his vape in one hand, and the attached glass tank (containing the frog) is a bit cold. ] And I like doing this. [ He kisses K's collarbone, then withdraws, taking the offered drink this time. ]
Getting drunk alone and texting me about dancing in the middle of the night for a reason? [ They'd lost the red string telepathy, but the tech-to-tech connection did remain at this distance. No judgment. Just curiosity. ]
[ ... Oh. Apparently he's bound and determined to be wrong about a lot of things tonight. But, in both this instance and regarding the origins of the Children, K's happy to be wrong, and that makes all the difference where his dismal sense of self-esteem is concerned. As does suddenly having an armful of Tech Boy. That surprises a quiet, huffing laugh from him, and he doesn't let the god escape without stealing a kiss himself — missing the mark a little, only managing to catch Tech Boy's chin. He'll have to do something about that in a moment. First, he's going to toss back the remainder of his glass. ] I like you doing that, too.
[ He regrets being incapable of lying to put a better spin on what led to tonight's text. Then again, when texting someone out of the blue in the middle of the night is generally inconsiderate, could sending it deliberately really have been better? ]
I think something's wrong with the network. Someone had mistakenly messaged me, that was supposed to go to them. [ It's admitted reluctantly. ] Seemed rude to not reply. But you received it instead. [ Leaving the bottle and now empty glass on the back of his piano, he steps behind Tech Boy and slips his arms around him, pulling him back against his chest and leaning his chin on his shoulder. Maybe Tech Boy's delivery could use some work, but his blunt honesty absolutely helped. ]
Then you replied — to my legitimate question — and now here we are. If you don't mind texts in the middle of the night... you can expect more legitimate questions in the future.
[ The drinking was unrelated to that. It helps suppress the unusual responses to stress he's been having on occasion, one of which Tech Boy just witnessed. But K's less certain of how to explain that without making it sound like a bigger deal than it is.
The drinking was because I'd had an unpleasant dream. It sounds amusingly juvenile, but it's the truth; possibly inspired by certain recent topics of conversation, he'd dreamt of being locked in that small white room again. As innocuous as it might seem to anyone else, for him it represents a more profound existential horror than he's ever faced in Deerington. A dream within a dream, however that works. ]
[ With K's rams around him, Tech Boy is having trouble multitasking his mind. It's such an odd sensation to be content with this casual (albeit half-naked) physical contact. He settles into it for a few seconds before turning his attention back to all the spoken things that also require his attention. ]
There is something really odd going on with the network at the moment. I'm not complaining if a midnight text message leads to this, but better wait until they stop fucking misbehaving and misfiring before trying to text me in the middle of the night. Someone else may get the wrong idea and walk in on you playing naked jazz standards. [ He drinks about half the glass, pulling a face briefly at the taste. ] Unless you're trying to make me jealous.
[ Both hands full, he uses two fingers to stroke K's arm. He'd been teasing, all previous hurt feelings forgiven, but now he falls serious. A bad dream? ] Wanna talk about it? [ He holds up the vape to K's line of sight. ] Or something stronger than the booze? [ He makes a small noise with his tongue. K had been a cop. ] Maybe you don't partake. But it helps more than drinking. I promise.
[ The naked jazz standards comment has K's shoulders shaking in silent laughter. But more interesting is the mention of jealousy. Even if it's meant in jest, he wonders if there might be any truth hidden behind it; one among a growing list of topics they ought to discuss at some point. In the meantime, he tilts his head to nuzzle Tech Boy's neck, murmuring against his skin: ] I only want you. [ Almost simultaneous with his spoken reply is the thought: In every way there is to want someone.
For his dream to make much sense to anyone else it would require an explanation of his baseline tests, and he isn't sure he wants that sort of singular focus put on his problems right now. Particularly when it runs the risk of souring Tech Boy's mood. But... it could also help him understand K better, and provide some needed context for why he's struggling with the choice of having his programming altered.
While he's thinking on the offer, he eyes the vape curiously. ] What's the frog for?
[ Someone has clearly never vaped before. Though he could make an educated guess.
Something stronger than booze. It begs the obvious question of why Tech Boy partakes as often as he does. ] Are you all right? [ He asks at length, voice still quiet. ] After the ship, Rapture, [ The plasmids. ] all of that. And don't brush me off this time, please. [ As he's speaking, he's carefully walking them backwards toward the sofa, where he pulls Tech Boy down into his lap as he takes a seat, still keeping hold of him. ]
[ Tech Boy doesn't respond aloud to the nuzzle and reaffirmation other than to make a soft sound of enjoyment in his throat and projecting "Good." with his thoughts. Any real conversation about jealousy could happen later. He's not even considering the possibility currently. ]
It's named Toby. [ he says with a giggle, then continues ] The frog is aesthetic because the juice is synthetic Bufotenin. Toad skins. My personal favorite. It's nice, takes the edge off of harsh reality and keeps me level. [ which is saying something considering how emotionally unstable the god is most of the time. ]
[ He goes down to the sofa with K easily, but he finishes his drink and sets the glass down on the floor before getting comfortable for an uncomfortable conversation. ] Fine. I won't brush you off, but you're next. [ Even thinking about what he'd gone through in Rapture and the subsequent month of detox, causes him enough anxiety that he fidgets the vape in his hand. ] I'm fine now, but it hurt at first. Like flesh from the bones bad. Then it itched, like a wound healing slowly. I think now I'm just paranoid. That it'll come back... and about other things. Which is why I'm watching. [ the increased voyeurism thing. ] And I don't sleep. I can, but I haven't been.
[ Looking thoughtful, he puts the vape to his lips... but he removes it without triggering it, deciding at the last moment that he doesn't want to blow smoke in K's face. That's an interrogation tactic for him, and he's not even going to accidentally do that to K unless K chooses to join him on the trip. ]
[ So even gods suffer the effects of addiction and withdrawal. He'd had the feeling it was going to be bad after seeing evidence of what heavy usage did to other people. But there's no desire to say I told you so; there's only regret that he wasn't able to help. That Tech Boy never let on how bad it was, and presumably chose to handle it completely alone.
With the string connection, all K'd had to deal with was the acute separation anxiety whenever they were apart. It's hard to imagine managing that while also going through extreme withdrawal... ]
I wish I could've helped. If you're ever that bad off again, for any reason, I'd like you to tell me. Don't shut me out. That's the only way this— [ Gesturing between them. ] Is going to work. I signed up for the good and the bad.
[ His delivery is too gentle to be taken as a lecture, at least by the standards of most people. But having learnt how sensitive Tech Boy is to any perceived criticism, he attempts to further soften the impact of his words by slipping his hands beneath the god's shirt, languidly stroking along his sides in soothing motions. ]
You can not-sleep with me if you ever want to. [ And K knows how that sounds, judging by his small smile. Barring recovery from injuries, he requires less sleep than his human counterparts, so Tech Boy could have conscious company for most the night. ] What other things are you paranoid about?
[ At that obvious hesitation, he nods toward the vape to indicate he'll try it. But his own hands are otherwise occupied, so it's up to Tech Boy to decide how he wants to share it. At worst it may not have much of an effect on him, K figures, but he's curious now. ]
[ First things first, because apparently this conversation is going to require a bit more steel than Tech Boy had anticipated when he first popped over. Given consent and the current position of K's hands, here's a trick he doesn't get the opportunity to use very often. He makes significant eye contact with K as he brings the vape back to his lips, but then closes his eyes as he slowly draws a mouthful of the odd-smelling vapor. Leaning in close enough as if he's going to kiss K, his eyes flutter back open. ] Inhale. [ He parts his lips to slowly exhale the smoke. He's going to be watching K's reaction to this very, very carefully. ]
I'm a god, K. [ His voice carries a softer edge than usual. ] We're not in the habit of admitting our weaknesses. Not to ourselves, and not to anyone else. It's dangerous to be vulnerable. [ a soft kiss on the lips. ] But I guess now you know.
[ And K does, showing no signs of hesitation as he inhales deeply and suppresses the initial impulse to cough. Markedly different from the nicotine he's tried before, that much is immediately apparent to him, though it takes several more moments before the synthetic Bufotenin begins to really affect him. Subtly at first, with the faint flush that's spreading across his skin — from the chest up — and the movements of his hands become even gentler as he focuses on the sensations, eyes partially closing at the barely there brush of Tech Boy's lips on his. Everything seems to blur a little at the edges in a way that makes him feel... loose.
Even Tech Boy is blurring in his vision, changing. Being revealed. ]
Dangerous to be vulnerable out there. You don't have to pretend here. Not with me. [ He says quietly, bringing one of his hands up to lightly touch Tech Boy's altered face in fascination. Then leans in to return the prior kiss, warm and insistent, before whispering: ] I see you. [ And through their connection is the echo of a thought, dreadfully distinct. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
brandnewtech) wrote2019-09-29 05:00 am
no subject
Only if you'll do The Robot.
[ Double-entendre? Maybe. ]
How have you been feeling post-plasmids, anyway?
no subject
Can you feel him crossing his arms at you? Because he's crossing his arms at you. ]
We can negotiate that when you hold up your end of the bargain. [ Odds are slim right now, K. ]
Plasmids were so two months ago. Already cleared that history.
no subject
Can these negotiations be accomplished without me getting out of bed?
I'm going to assume that means you've fully recovered without any side effects. And I'm glad.
[ Then, sent a few moments afterward when he remembers what time it is: ]
Did I wake you up?
Do you sleep?
no subject
[ As for the second part, K would be assuming wrong, but Tech Boy isn't talking about this while his... um... while K is inebriated and he's still stone sober. ]
You didn't.
I do. Sort of.
Are you always this profound in the middle of the night?
no subject
It was a legitimate question about dancing and thank you for answering.
[ While it hasn't been explicitly confirmed, K has long suspected Tech Boy is capable of observation through the Fluids even when the video option is disabled. To that end, he slides out of bed deliberately without bothering to get dressed, taking his Fluid with him as he goes to sit at his piano in his underwear.
And proceeds to play one of his favourite jazz standards (one which certainly resonates with him emotionally these days), curious whether it might garner any reaction. He pauses to text one-handedly. ]
If you weren't sleeping, what were you doing?
[ And then resumes playing. ]
no subject
That was not a legitimate question, but you're welcome. It was fun.
[ Oh, that's just not fair. None of that. Not the state of undress or the jazz. Tech Boy loves the sound of a piano, but not... well, at least he recognizes the song. K plays beautifully, but to say that jazz isn't Tech Boy's genre would be something of an understatement. It goes unremarked... for the moment, anyway. ]
I'm making some coding adjustments to the Children--I don't think you've met. They haven't been the most useful against the things that attack around here and are long overdue for an upgrade. They're being fucking stubborn so it's taking twice as fucking long as it should. You are always a welcome distraction.
And you are being very distracting.
no subject
"The Children"? I don't recall meeting anyone who might be your kid. Or who's part of your child army. Tell me about them.
Didn't take you for a voyeur, either. Learn something new every day.
[ The lack of commentary on the song makes him change tack, playing something else. Maybe the technological voyeurism is limited to a visual feed. ]
no subject
I thought you didn't want to get out of bed.
but I do love the sound of a well played piano.
If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to tempt me over there with your song selection. The Daft Punk isn't exactly subtle either.
and why would they install electronic eyes if they didn't want me to use them? So many cameras built into every device and mounted on every street corner. What's the point if no one's watching?
[ That's really not the way to make his case on that point. ]
The Children are constructs, and not strictly mine. They serve the New Gods as meat shields and muscle. I made them and I can reprogram them but
it's easier just to show you. Remember the search engine? The spider? Like that but stupid and person-shaped.
no subject
[ Definitely not at all subtle. So audio carries through, too. It'd be easier to just reply aloud, but for now he opts to continue with text. ]
"Because it's there" is an interesting justification for your voyeurism.
I did like the spider.
Expendable constructs designed to serve gods, doing the things they'd rather not. Lack of intelligence aside, that sounds familiar.
[ And by this point he's leaning his cheek against a hand, eyebrows raised as he stares at his Fluid's screen. If he were completely sober he'd pull it off better; he can't quite suppress the slight smile that's pulling at his mouth as he hassles Tech Boy.
Justifiably. Because come on. The way he describes them, they sound like proto-androids. ]
no subject
Calling me a voyeur. They're my eyes. Why wouldn't I use them to keep watch over my [ he waffles on the word ] flock.
Whatever. I like looking at you. I'm not apologizing for that.
[ He's making excuses, and there are more coming because K's certainly got a point in his observation of TB's description of the Children. The god'd be a hypocrite to deny it, even though he knows that it's a different situation. How to defend it to the very same replicant he's just spent the last few months fighting for? ]
They're an external extension of my own will in physical form, so I'm reasonably certain they're not doing anything they'd rather not.
[ It is more accurate to say that when Mr. World takes control of the Children, World is manipulating the younger god himself. So it's actually Tech Boy doing the things he'd rather not because his boss commands it. But he's not admitting that, not to himself or anyone else.
It's also true that the spider has more self awareness than the Children do, and because of that, no one controls the search engines except the God of Technology.
This conversation is becoming less fun. Although he does get off on arguing, he'd much rather get off than argue. ]
so about this 'negotiation'
no subject
And it also seems he was wrong, if they're an extension of Tech Boy. ]
I don't mind you watching me. But I can't imagine it's very entertaining. Have you only recently started doing that? Seems unfair that I can't do the same with you.
My assumptions were wrong, then. I apologise. [ Guess who's had ample experience anticipating and defusing others' volatile emotions before they explode on him? It's likely overkill in this instance, but caution is preferable to making Tech Boy angry.
And a few moments after that last text he switches to video, because he would like to actually be able to see Tech Boy's face and hear his voice, to have a better indication of his mood. ]
But I'm still curious about them. You said it's easier to show me. [ A beat. ] Or I could always come over.
video;
He's still in exactly this position when he switches to match K's video. The featureless white behind him indicates that he's inside the network and not physically inside his own apartment. He lowers his hand and flicks the fringe out of his eyes with a nod of his head. ]
I've been keeping an eye on everything for a while. Hazards of the gig. But you texted me tonight. Best direct line of communication. [ He shrugs, a smile tugging at his lips. ] Just wanted to see you. The rest was a bonus.
[ He gets irritated very easily, but it can also cool quickly. And he can't find any reason to be anything other than pleased to see K. ]
It's faster if I came to see you.
no subject
And luckily K's too tech savvy to ever ""accidentally"" broadcast roboporn to the network.]So you can come faster. [ Said with a perfectly straight expression and without missing a beat, because he just couldn't help himself (though he does hope it's taken in the spirit it was intended, which is negotiations are still on). And then he tilts his head. ] Show me.
[ And Tech Boy's free to interpret that as he will. ]
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Those last two words bring Tech Boy up a bit short. His facial expression flashes through a range of unbidden emotion--sadness, anger, pain, distress, frustration, and even fear--in the blink of an eye before resting back into a smile that is sincere, albeit significantly less confident than probably anyone else has seen from him. He looks down.
There are definitely topics about which he's much too sensitive to take in a joking tone. His fight for K's freedom from his oppressive programming and his handler's conditioning is one of them. This is another. There's no way K could have known those two words were the last the CEO had spoken to him before he'd been betrayed and deleted. Spoken in a thematically similar context. Prove yourself. Tech Boy's annoyed they still have that kind of power over him.
Fuck that. Time to recoup. ]
I will.
[ K's seen his partial transformation from physical to digital during the creation of the flower app, and this is that on a larger scale. Emerging from the Network into the physical realm is one of his favorite flashy entrances and is demonstrating his power in exactly the way K requested. He appears slightly out of reach from K, body language completely at ease as if it cost him no great expenditure of energy to preform the feat. As easy as breathing. The pleased facial expression is back. ]
For when speed matters.
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Without knowing the actual context behind that shift in the god's expression, K's left to assume it's most likely his attempts at flirtation going awry, much like his teasing had. Now he worries it all came across as antagonistically mean-spirited. Little wonder why replicants are normally only used for physical gratification — so far he's navigating the emotional aspects of a relationship very poorly.
He looks suitably impressed by the entrance, though, and disregards the innuendo-laden response that came to mind in favour of a more cautiously straightforward one. Tech Boy obviously enjoys showing off, and K's happy to be shown off to. ]
You're full of surprises. That must be useful.
[ Then there's the matter of the "Children", and he isn't sure what to expect, assuming he'll be getting a demonstration. They may not be sentient beings, but. He feels a bit ridiculous and self-conscious sitting there in nothing but his underwear now, and awkwardly rubs the back of his neck. ]
Are we going to be having company?
video --> action (2 comments ago)
He gives a little bow. ] The surprises are just beginning. There's so much I could show you. [ The flirting smirk is back, and he gives K a once-over appreciative look. ] So much I will show you.
[ With a smooth motion, Tech Boy pulls his cell phone from his pocket. He taps the screen (currently dark) with the fingernail of his index finger then sets it on the edge of K's piano. ]
Not yet. They're in there. Can't use the phone as a phone in this place, so I use an external storage device for some of my less commonly used operational techniques. Not that back where I was pulled from anyone uses phones to talk to other people these days. Of course, they still communicate. Communication and connection is more important than ever, but texting and video is so much more efficient and less a demand on one's time. Face-to-face interaction is a lost art and not really in my bailiwick-- [ He'd been speaking rather quickly as he chases down the point he's trying to make. He moves to K to place a hand on his chest. ] but I'm willing to work on it.
[ squint ] Are you drunk? I knew I wanted some of what you're having.
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He could also get used to being looked at like that, and he's especially fond of the physical contact. And being what he is, even if his full focus isn't on what he's being told (Tech Boy's physical presence is more distracting than anticipated), he doesn't actually miss a word of it. Which is very convenient at the moment, since what's being relayed to him is clearly important.
His eyes flicker between Tech Boy's hand and his face, and he puzzles over the mood whiplash of the last while. As he thinks to reach to take the god's hand in his, the echo of a familiar refrain in his mind — Do they teach you how to feel, finger to finger? — stops him short, and he curls his fingers into a fist that he rests on his thigh instead. The unconscious straightening of his posture follows. ]
I'm not asking you to change for me. [ He carefully points out. ] If you're more comfortable with text and video— [ Tilting his head in a gesture of acceptance. Lonely as it might become for him, at least he's already accustomed to companionship that lacks any physical elements. It's all he'd known, before Deerington. ]
And I was working on it. Doubt I can get drunk, though. [ Android metabolism. But who knows? Without waiting to be asked, he gets up to locate one of the several open bottles from the kitchen counter, his unfinished glass along with a clean one, and pours a drink for Tech Boy as he's walking back, offering it. ]
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It's Tech Boy's turn to puzzle about the sudden tensing in K, the straightening of his posture and the trajectory of his hand. He frowns, pushing lightly on K's chest with his hand. He drops his head back to glance at the ceiling dramatically with a audible huff of frustration, but it's clearly a put-on annoyance rather than actual irritation. ] Wrong take away. [ He spins in place to watch K's retrieval of the beverages. ] I'm not here in person because you asked, I'm here because I want to be.
Because I can do a lot from inside a screen, but I can't do this. [ He ducks around the offered glass in K's hand so he can slide both of his own hands over K's chest and then wraps himself around K's waist. He still has his vape in one hand, and the attached glass tank (containing the frog) is a bit cold. ] And I like doing this. [ He kisses K's collarbone, then withdraws, taking the offered drink this time. ]
Getting drunk alone and texting me about dancing in the middle of the night for a reason? [ They'd lost the red string telepathy, but the tech-to-tech connection did remain at this distance. No judgment. Just curiosity. ]
https://i.imgur.com/XjcuC2i.jpg
[ He regrets being incapable of lying to put a better spin on what led to tonight's text. Then again, when texting someone out of the blue in the middle of the night is generally inconsiderate, could sending it deliberately really have been better? ]
I think something's wrong with the network. Someone had mistakenly messaged me, that was supposed to go to them. [ It's admitted reluctantly. ] Seemed rude to not reply. But you received it instead. [ Leaving the bottle and now empty glass on the back of his piano, he steps behind Tech Boy and slips his arms around him, pulling him back against his chest and leaning his chin on his shoulder. Maybe Tech Boy's delivery could use some work, but his blunt honesty absolutely helped. ]
Then you replied — to my legitimate question — and now here we are. If you don't mind texts in the middle of the night... you can expect more legitimate questions in the future.
[ The drinking was unrelated to that. It helps suppress the unusual responses to stress he's been having on occasion, one of which Tech Boy just witnessed. But K's less certain of how to explain that without making it sound like a bigger deal than it is.
The drinking was because I'd had an unpleasant dream. It sounds amusingly juvenile, but it's the truth; possibly inspired by certain recent topics of conversation, he'd dreamt of being locked in that small white room again. As innocuous as it might seem to anyone else, for him it represents a more profound existential horror than he's ever faced in Deerington. A dream within a dream, however that works. ]
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There is something really odd going on with the network at the moment. I'm not complaining if a midnight text message leads to this, but better wait until they stop fucking misbehaving and misfiring before trying to text me in the middle of the night. Someone else may get the wrong idea and walk in on you playing naked jazz standards. [ He drinks about half the glass, pulling a face briefly at the taste. ] Unless you're trying to make me jealous.
[ Both hands full, he uses two fingers to stroke K's arm. He'd been teasing, all previous hurt feelings forgiven, but now he falls serious. A bad dream? ] Wanna talk about it? [ He holds up the vape to K's line of sight. ] Or something stronger than the booze? [ He makes a small noise with his tongue. K had been a cop. ] Maybe you don't partake. But it helps more than drinking. I promise.
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For his dream to make much sense to anyone else it would require an explanation of his baseline tests, and he isn't sure he wants that sort of singular focus put on his problems right now. Particularly when it runs the risk of souring Tech Boy's mood. But... it could also help him understand K better, and provide some needed context for why he's struggling with the choice of having his programming altered.
While he's thinking on the offer, he eyes the vape curiously. ] What's the frog for?
[ Someone has clearly never vaped before. Though he could make an educated guess.
Something stronger than booze. It begs the obvious question of why Tech Boy partakes as often as he does. ] Are you all right? [ He asks at length, voice still quiet. ] After the ship, Rapture, [ The plasmids. ] all of that. And don't brush me off this time, please. [ As he's speaking, he's carefully walking them backwards toward the sofa, where he pulls Tech Boy down into his lap as he takes a seat, still keeping hold of him. ]
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It's named Toby. [ he says with a giggle, then continues ] The frog is aesthetic because the juice is synthetic Bufotenin. Toad skins. My personal favorite. It's nice, takes the edge off of harsh reality and keeps me level. [ which is saying something considering how emotionally unstable the god is most of the time. ]
[ He goes down to the sofa with K easily, but he finishes his drink and sets the glass down on the floor before getting comfortable for an uncomfortable conversation. ] Fine. I won't brush you off, but you're next. [ Even thinking about what he'd gone through in Rapture and the subsequent month of detox, causes him enough anxiety that he fidgets the vape in his hand. ] I'm fine now, but it hurt at first. Like flesh from the bones bad. Then it itched, like a wound healing slowly. I think now I'm just paranoid. That it'll come back... and about other things. Which is why I'm watching. [ the increased voyeurism thing. ] And I don't sleep. I can, but I haven't been.
[ Looking thoughtful, he puts the vape to his lips... but he removes it without triggering it, deciding at the last moment that he doesn't want to blow smoke in K's face. That's an interrogation tactic for him, and he's not even going to accidentally do that to K unless K chooses to join him on the trip. ]
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With the string connection, all K'd had to deal with was the acute separation anxiety whenever they were apart. It's hard to imagine managing that while also going through extreme withdrawal... ]
I wish I could've helped. If you're ever that bad off again, for any reason, I'd like you to tell me. Don't shut me out. That's the only way this— [ Gesturing between them. ] Is going to work. I signed up for the good and the bad.
[ His delivery is too gentle to be taken as a lecture, at least by the standards of most people. But having learnt how sensitive Tech Boy is to any perceived criticism, he attempts to further soften the impact of his words by slipping his hands beneath the god's shirt, languidly stroking along his sides in soothing motions. ]
You can not-sleep with me if you ever want to. [ And K knows how that sounds, judging by his small smile. Barring recovery from injuries, he requires less sleep than his human counterparts, so Tech Boy could have conscious company for most the night. ] What other things are you paranoid about?
[ At that obvious hesitation, he nods toward the vape to indicate he'll try it. But his own hands are otherwise occupied, so it's up to Tech Boy to decide how he wants to share it. At worst it may not have much of an effect on him, K figures, but he's curious now. ]
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I'm a god, K. [ His voice carries a softer edge than usual. ] We're not in the habit of admitting our weaknesses. Not to ourselves, and not to anyone else. It's dangerous to be vulnerable. [ a soft kiss on the lips. ] But I guess now you know.
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Even Tech Boy is blurring in his vision, changing. Being revealed. ]
Dangerous to be vulnerable out there. You don't have to pretend here. Not with me. [ He says quietly, bringing one of his hands up to lightly touch Tech Boy's altered face in fascination. Then leans in to return the prior kiss, warm and insistent, before whispering: ] I see you. [ And through their connection is the echo of a thought, dreadfully distinct. ]
cw: drug use (two comments ago)
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