[ Unfortunately for both of them, K does intend to ask after Media. Just not quite yet. This shared moment is more important.
The emotion that he can feel from Tech Boy has him compensating for the god's inability to blush with a faint one of his own, heat rising to his face as he momentarily ducks his head, smiling all the while. Family. Home. Things neither of them had until they found it in each other. Tech Boy has had considerably more life experience than him in other ways, an occasional source of concern for him, so it feels particularly good being equals in this.
K genuinely hadn't been expecting anything in return for the meal, but when Tech Boy takes his hand, the perfect "ulterior motive" occurs to him. Something he's wanted for a while now. Before Tech Boy takes his seat, K's gently pulling him away from the table and reaching for his waist with his other hand. ]
Darling. Dance with me. [ Does he know how? It should be clear from context K isn't referring to the sort of dancing one does at a rave. He tilts his head thoughtfully, suggesting: ] You can stand on my feet if you want. You said anything — so dance with me.
[ Startled, but not unpleasantly so, Tech Boy opens his mouth and closes it as he is briefly at a loss. While he really did fully intend to give K anything he wanted, pizza or no pizza, this isn't quite what he'd been expecting. He should have expected it, K being the romantic that he is, but it's also pretty nice that the god's inexperience with that sort of thing means K can still surprise him. All of this has been the best kind of surprise.
He grins but plays mock offense at the suggestion he needs to stand on K's feet. ] I'll have you know I used to cut a rug with the best of them. [ He pokes K in the chest with his free hand for emphasis. His choice of that old fashioned idiom is pretty indicative of the last time he really did any dancing of the sort K is requesting, and he's trying to remember if he still knows how. Some of that long-term archived memory is a bit dusty. ] The. Best.
[ He goes up on his toes to bring himself the few inches needed to properly match K's height, still comfortably in the circle of his beloved's arms. His eyes narrow, but it's a playful expression. ]
Of course I will. [ He arcs an eyebrow. ] Think the pizza will still be here after we do?
[ The idiom just has K smiling all the more, amused to hear such a quaint phrase coming from Tech Boy. He has an inkling it's been a fair while since the god's danced like this, but refrains from teasing him. Yet. ]
Did you. [ He sounds delighted by this information. ] Then you won't mind if I stand on yours?
[ K's only prior experience has been pantomiming dancing with a hologram AI partner; she helped teach him. But he's reasonably certain he can adapt that knowledge for dancing with a physical partner without much issue. Time to find out. Straightening his already perfect posture just that little bit more to show that he's serious, he pulls Tech Boy in closer and holds him there for a moment, then begins leading him in a simple slow dance across the kitchen, taking care not to actually step on his feet. It will give them both a chance to get a feel for each other before attempting anything more complex — if they do. K's entirely content dancing like this. ]
There's enough ingredients left to make another, don't worry. You used to like dancing?
[ The Sandygast has an entire slice of pizza in its mouth with its eyes closed in apparent contentment as it... absorbs the pizza's energy? After their dance K will cut it into smaller bite-sized pieces for the Pokémon, but at least the rest of the pizza is probably safe. Unless the Gastly decides to get bratty... ]
[ With the best of them and not one of the best of them is an important distinction to make here, and it's one that Tech Boy is not making. Dancing is a frequently intimate and generally social activity, and it's not something the technology god has made a lot of time for in his life. Some. But not a lot. And not like this. But he can at least avoid stepping on feet. ]
Over the years, there were a lot of opportunities to do business in clubs, and knowing how to dance in those places is a part of making a good faith effort. Started to look forward to those meeting after a while. Really it depends on the music.
[ Allowing K to lead is something else he's not going to bring to any attention (yet), but in the interest of being wooed and staying close and comfortable in K's arms, he'll consent to following. Following in dance also requires a certain degree of skill, and how gorgeous does K look with that content expression on his face? <3
There's a faint muffled angry technology noise as Tech Boy rouses his spoiled tablet from sleep. After a moment's consideration, a song starts playing. ]
[ It makes a lonely sort of sense that dancing would merely be a means to an end for a god of technology, with everything that K has learnt about him and his prior life. K's own reasons for wanting to learn weren't so different — it had been among the several ways he would play at being a person. Pretending to be something other than what he was for a little while, strictly in private, away from the prying eyes and invasive tests of humans that would have deemed him defective for even harbouring the desire.
But it is an activity he's come to genuinely enjoy for its own merits, and being able to fully experience it for the first time with Tech Boy makes it that much more meaningful to him. More than contentment, he's practically radiating happiness when the music begins to play, touched by the thoughtful gesture and choice of song both. ]
It's perfect. [ The music, this moment...
He'd taken the role of leading without much thought because he'd been the one to initiate the dance. And it might be apparent he isn't very practised when it comes to having a partner with a physical body, but he quickly catches on to indicating his intentions with light, guiding touches to Tech Boy's lower back so they can move together more easily. When it occurs to him that this might likely be a role reversal to Tech Boy, K leans in and brushes a kiss to his lips, lingering with a soft smile. This is just as nice as the dance. ] Would you like a turn? [ He suggests, gently squeezing Tech Boy's hand. He's willing to be led, too. ]
[ Honestly, the fact that K had thought to ask about switching the lead is nearly enough for Tech Boy to decline. This offer in deference to the god's ego soothes whatever ruffled thought had been in his mind about the situation, and he is pleased. Greatly so. He mirrors K's soft smile after the kiss. This really is nice. Why hadn't they thought of this sooner? It's his own fault.
On the other hand, although K does catch on quickly, if they switched, would he benefit from following the god's example? Tech Boy isn't exactly the most adept himself when it comes to slow dancing (way too much close physical contact usually), but there are lots of subtleties he's learned that come from years of practice. There's confidence, if not skill. Knowledge of certain combinations of movements that flow well from one to another. It will actually be interesting to see just how much of that memory has been retained after so many upgrades throughout the years. Hopefully enough.
So with a brief expression of concentration, he accepts the offer to switch hand positions. He takes the lead, drawing K in a little closer. Despite himself, Tech Boy hums a little along to the music for a few bars (wherein it becomes apparent that while he can compose, the god cannot carry a tune vocally). This closeness and affection is relaxing, he does admit. And if he gets bold, maybe he'll even give K a little spin. ]
[ Switching roles is an adjustment on par with having a physical partner for the first time — K isn't entirely sure what to expect but he's happy to oblige. He does so easily enough, shifting his free hand higher up to rest against Tech Boy's shoulder, doing his best to follow now (and trying to keep his eyes on his partner's face rather than their feet); his steps are light and he moves with a grace one probably wouldn't expect from a robot of his designed purpose.
There's a sense that Tech Boy is perhaps attempting to impart his wisdom and expertise, and while K had hoped the nature of his prior experience wouldn't put him at too obvious a disadvantage and they could share this dance more as equals, he still appreciates the thoughtfulness of the gesture and his adoring expression never falters. When it comes to Tech Boy, he likes being shown off to, that has never changed. That Tech Boy has been willing to indulge him at all is already more than he could've asked for, really, and having the patience to give him some pointers on top of that is sweet. It gives him hope that this could happen again. Why else go to the trouble of helping him improve?
His hand slips a little higher to curl against the nape of Tech Boy's neck as he inclines his head, leaning closer to murmur: ] You're really good at this. [ His tone takes on a teasing edge. ] Seems that alleged correlation between being a good dancer and a good lover is true.
[ The teasing makes him grin widely, and his voice comes out with a little laugh. ] Flatterer. [ and he loves it. While K is leaned in close, he nips K's ear playfully. Flattery is balm for the god's mood, even on a good day, and he enjoys hearing it. Not prompted and not coerced, it's as much music to Tech Boy's ears as the Natalie Cole track playing for them. He sighs fondly. The things K says sometimes...
He pulls back abruptly, not far enough to separate, just enough to look K in the eye. ] But I hope you don't think that's true. I'm a much better lover than I am a dancer. [ because what is humility? He laughs again. ] We can certify that little fact after dinner. [ A soft kiss. ] After this. This is fun.
[ The reality is that K doesn't need much in the way of guidance from Tech Boy on his dancing. K's agility and grace has never been in dispute in Tech Boy's opinion, and wherever K applies his considerable mind, he excels. Pulling close again, he nuzzles against K's throat. It's easy for his steps to fall into rhythm with this music. It's easy to press against K and feel the melody through him. Easy to lead K through a fancy bit of footwork that was out of fashion 80 years ago but the god (ironically) still thinks is fun. Bit of a shame that they hadn't had this opportunity back on the doomed ocean liner when he'd been in much better practice and much closer in time to this sort of thing. Still, he finds K inspiring. Who else could ever get the cutting edge modern god to admit to such an indulgence as this? No one, that's who.
When the song comes to an end and before the next one begins, Tech Boy does spin K with a bit of a flourish that ends with Tech Boy's right hand in K's left. The perfect opportunity to give the lead back to K. ]
My heart, you dance divinely. [ that grin again ] Maybe even better than divine. [ which in turn is a commentary to K's skills in other areas, as well. ]
And so modest. [ But this isn't a complaint; K's watching him with a fond look. Tech Boy's confidence has always been attractive. ] Is that a promise?
[ A dance and the promise of even more undivided attention later — the pizza's a resounding success and Tech Boy hasn't even tried it yet.
The spin catches K by surprise but he suppresses the instinct that would have him stiffening his posture in order to maintain his balance, instead fluidly moving with the momentum and laughing quietly. Tech Boy's right about this being fun. He thinks that little flourish might conclude their dance, but Tech Boy hasn't let go yet and then there's another, familiar song beginning to play. Perfect. His words cause K to duck his head as a faint flush of colour spreads along his cheeks. Considering the breadth of their experience together already, it's undoubtedly comical how easily affected he still is by the mere suggestion that Tech Boy enjoys his company in an intimate sense... but he can't help it. ]
You don't have to say that.
[ Since it's surely an attempt to reciprocate K's compliments and not actually true, but he can appreciate the sentiment and shows as much by accepting the lead back, gathering Tech Boy closer, and continuing their dance. As they move, he smoothly incorporates some of the footwork that was just demonstrated for him. At least he learns quickly. ]
You've mentioned her before. Media. [ Mainly in his thoughts, but that still counts. K has never mentally "eavesdropped" where he wasn't wanted (and isn't sure it would even be possible when Tech Boy's obviously the more powerful of the two of them in that regard), so presumably the god hadn't minded him listening in on those occasions. ] You work together a lot?
It is a promise, and I don't have to say it, but I want to. It's true.
[ K's reaction to the spin has Tech Boy very pleased, and he snuggles a little as K gathers him closer, content. He's also pleased that K picked up on his little show-off dance moves. It's a bit of fun that the god has honestly never been on the receiving/following end of before, and it delights him in wordless ways to be a part of it here and now. To even be able to allow himself to relax like this in the presence of another person is still amazing to him. To have found someone to trust and to call fond names in a sincere manner. To let his guard down and to be vulnerable. That is family? It's sure as fuck better than anything he's ever hoped for or felt he deserves.
And throughout that thought, in the midst of an intimate dance, the technology god can't help but think about things like learning algorithms and how smoothly K adapts to anything that's thrown his way. Combat skills, dance footwork, cooking, dealing with an emotionally unstable asshole god. It's impressive on a daily basis. It's also clear to Tech Boy that the emotion and passion is all K's own, something grown (figuratively) organically out of complex but restricted programming to become more than itself. Despite his reservations, K is (and has been) a person--his own man--in Tech Boy's eyes.
So yeah. He can comfortably follow K's lead. And it makes him smile to think about.
The question about Media does pull him out of his own head a little, and Tech Boy glances up to K's face for a half second before answering. He'd stiffened nearly imperceptibly at the sound of her name as if expecting her to be summoned like Beetlejuice at the mere mention. ] Yeah, we did. And before that bitch's last upgrade, we even kind got along sometimes. [ Name dropping her is one thing, but thinking to hard about their situation is not the least bit comfortable. ] I brought the hardware. She managed the content. It worked. Most of the time.
[ Even more reason to hold tighter onto K now. He asked, so Tech Boy will talk, but he's going to do it with his face buried against the hollow of K's throat. ]
[ Tech Boy's obvious discomfort and the harshness of his tone when speaking about Media catch K off-guard, and he realises he must have miscalculated in bringing her up; he hadn't meant to sour the moment with an unpleasant topic. Hashtag instant regret.
Her last upgrade. And Tech Boy had said he was forcefully retired. K's heart sinks as he reaches the logical conclusion: she may have likely played a role in that. Even if she didn't, one thing has been very clear to him about these gods. Genuine loyalty doesn't seem to exist between them, only alliances for convenience and deals made out of necessity. It would make sense, if there's only so much worship to go around, and each new thing he learns paints an even clearer picture of just how lonely Tech Boy must have been. Not unlike how K had felt being despised by humans and his own kind in equal measure, with his only source of companionship one he paid for... He can understand.
Shifting his hand from Tech Boy's lower back, he reaches up to hold the nape of the god's neck as he intentionally slows their dance, losing the rhythm of the song a bit but that doesn't really matter right now. ]
Do you miss anything about your world? [ Not anyone, because he suspects he already knows the answer to that. There's a faint smile in his voice as he adds, ] Junk food counts.
[ Even if he may not be able to accurately recreate them all. He's just as curious about what Tech Boy may have valued most in his old life. ]
[ Tech Boy's negative emotion at the mention of Media's name drains out of him almost instantly. From where his face is buried, he breathes softly against K's skin. He's actually sorry about his tone in response to the question, but he doesn't want to keep dragging it out if K is willing to change the topic of conversation. He doesn't like the fear he feels when thinking about his last face off with Media. The anger is familiar, but the rest of it.... Tech Boy takes a deep breath, inhaling the scent of K and taking great comfort from it.
K's hand on his nape draws a soft contented sound from him. No hard feelings. No soured moment. Tech Boy will just cuddle closer as they move together in a slow dance. This is nice.
At the question, he turns his head a little so he's not speaking directly into K's shirt. ]
Your cooking is better, but purely nutritionally deficient junk food was good. [ a low hmmmm of thought ] Let's see. What else? Disposable fashion. My limo. The prevalence of modern technology. Computer chatter. I miss the noise sometimes. It's so quiet here. In my head. [ He frowns for a second at this confession, but it sparks a different thought in his mind, causing him to pat K with one hand in muted excitement. ] And the raves. One of these days, somehow, I have to show you. It's a sweaty mess, but worth the temporary social interaction.
[ Tech Boy's brain quickly follows a series of thoughts that lands him on: ] Ice cream and apple pie. [ with a nod. That's another food he can name that he'd enjoy seeing his beloved's interpretation of. ]
[ Looking up at K again, he wants to ask the question in return but is wary of the answer. Given K's role in his homeworld's society, it sounds like it has the potential to be a loaded question. He tables it for now, instead watching K's face for a reaction his answers. The slow off-rhythm dance gives him the time to enjoy the closeness and set his mind on the comfort of safety that brings. ]
[ K can relate to missing the noise in his own way: the street and airspace noise of a heavily industrialized, overcrowded city that was never still. He'd grown so accustomed to it, and Deerington is so quiet in comparison, that falling asleep sometimes proved difficult early on. And he can imagine how hard it must be for Tech Boy, going from having a world-wide internet full of worship perpetually running through his head, to... this. K wishes there was anything he could do about it.
Well. There could be. He could try his luck requesting more modern technology from Sodder. Not the same as having the internet, but... it'd be something. Maybe some technology from his own world (other than himself), too, that Tech Boy could tinker with. And he does already have his spinner here—
The patting pulls him from his thoughts with a smile. A sweaty mess presumably involving too many humans in one place isn't exactly his idea of a good time, but he's willing to take Tech Boy's word for it — even more than that, he'd be willing to go with him. Since it's clearly something the god enjoys. ]
Kinda miss the noise, too. Of the city. Not so much the people. [ To no one's surprise. But he's still smiling when he meets Tech Boy's eyes. ] And you had a limo. [ This information amuses him; he squeezes Tech Boy's hand fondly, still leading him in their slow dance. ] Raves still happen in my time, but I've never been to one. What do you like about them?
[ Just going to latch onto that hint of excitement and see where it leads them. The topic of Media seems like a minefield better left undisturbed for now, but that it caused such a reaction from the god means he probably should talk about it, K thinks. They'll have to come back to it. ]
[ Tech Boy nods in agreement with the statement. ] Not so much the people. [ More and more, he's been feeling the same way, and certainly for K's comfort, the fewer humans the better. He hadn't thought that all the way through... but at the same time, he did still want to show it to K. On occasion, it could be a pretty big deal to Tech Boy. The raves had been a cornucopia of worship for the technology god, from the music and the lights, to the cell phones in the pocket of everyone present at the event, to the vapes that were especially popular to a specific age group who frequently in attendance. It's a good venue for a quick worship fix, and the god practically glowed there. ]
Bass so loud you can feel it in your bones. [ This is accompanied by a weak projection to K about what he means, a view of the room from his own perspective. He's leaned against a black-painted wall, far away from the dancers. ] Music for hours composed on or by computer programs and pumped into the room by more of the same. The fragrant haze from fog machines and vaporized intoxicants. People taking selfies to show their newsfeeds what they're missing. "Wish you were here," and oh boy did they ever.
[ The projection fades, and he can't help but feel a pang of loneliness of being set apart from everyone as the view of the dancers falls away. He hadn't meant for that to slip in. The raves he attended were ones he generally considered good memories. That's why he'd brought it up. But rather than linger on that negative emotion, Tech Boy squeezes K in a brief hug then settles back into comfortably cuddling him while they dance. This is why he wants K to see it. Surrounded by an environment designed to boost his power, but with K at his side. ]
I had a white stretch limo with all the options. The mood lighting, the softest leather. Gotta arrive in style so everyone knows where the party is. Hardly anyone's allowed inside [ except for Media. Fuck. ] but they see me coming. It feels good to be seen like that.
[ Tech Boy looks up at K again, tilting his head ever so slightly to one side. ] I want to take you out. "In" is good. I like "in". I prefer "in"... but I want to take you out somewhere sometime and spoil you Technical Boy style. [ a beat. ] If you want to.
[ The words paint a vivid picture all on their own, but it's fascinating getting to see the experience of a rave while it's described to him. At least until the sense of loneliness creeps through, casting everything in a different light to him. Surrounded by worship, of that there's no doubt, but it's the passively unknowing kind — none of the party goers seem to know or care about the god in their midst, and even with every facet of it feeding him power, the event isn't for him. Tech Boy is alone in more than just a physical sense.
K doesn't immediately respond to the offer, instead remaining quiet for a bit longer as he digests everything. ]
To be seen like that... [ He thinks he knows what Tech Boy means. The same reason he dresses and styles his hair so extravagantly, cultivating a very specific sort of image — even treating K a certain (sometimes 'vaguely hostile') way in their past public interactions on the network, to maintain that image, he assumes. Because image is everything, isn't it. Status symbols are everything. But how does he fit in with all of that? ]
I don't understand why you'd want to be seen with me. [ He finally admits. ] Unless it were my world, maybe. [ He meets Tech Boy's look with a slight smile. ] Because I may have cost as much as that stretch limo of yours.
[ Being perceived by others as his owner would be a status symbol in its own right, in other words. But one certainly doesn't invite their property to raves or take them out on the town for spoiling, save perhaps the pleasure models, who are designed to be companions; beautiful, desired. A costly luxury, the more tailored they are to suit their owners' preferences. And he can't help thinking that would suit Tech Boy's image far better than himself. ]
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brandnewtech) wrote2019-09-29 05:00 am
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The emotion that he can feel from Tech Boy has him compensating for the god's inability to blush with a faint one of his own, heat rising to his face as he momentarily ducks his head, smiling all the while. Family. Home. Things neither of them had until they found it in each other. Tech Boy has had considerably more life experience than him in other ways, an occasional source of concern for him, so it feels particularly good being equals in this.
K genuinely hadn't been expecting anything in return for the meal, but when Tech Boy takes his hand, the perfect "ulterior motive" occurs to him. Something he's wanted for a while now. Before Tech Boy takes his seat, K's gently pulling him away from the table and reaching for his waist with his other hand. ]
Darling. Dance with me. [ Does he know how? It should be clear from context K isn't referring to the sort of dancing one does at a rave. He tilts his head thoughtfully, suggesting: ] You can stand on my feet if you want. You said anything — so dance with me.
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He grins but plays mock offense at the suggestion he needs to stand on K's feet. ] I'll have you know I used to cut a rug with the best of them. [ He pokes K in the chest with his free hand for emphasis. His choice of that old fashioned idiom is pretty indicative of the last time he really did any dancing of the sort K is requesting, and he's trying to remember if he still knows how. Some of that long-term archived memory is a bit dusty. ] The. Best.
[ He goes up on his toes to bring himself the few inches needed to properly match K's height, still comfortably in the circle of his beloved's arms. His eyes narrow, but it's a playful expression. ]
Of course I will. [ He arcs an eyebrow. ] Think the pizza will still be here after we do?
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Did you. [ He sounds delighted by this information. ] Then you won't mind if I stand on yours?
[ K's only prior experience has been pantomiming dancing with a hologram AI partner; she helped teach him. But he's reasonably certain he can adapt that knowledge for dancing with a physical partner without much issue. Time to find out. Straightening his already perfect posture just that little bit more to show that he's serious, he pulls Tech Boy in closer and holds him there for a moment, then begins leading him in a simple slow dance across the kitchen, taking care not to actually step on his feet. It will give them both a chance to get a feel for each other before attempting anything more complex — if they do. K's entirely content dancing like this. ]
There's enough ingredients left to make another, don't worry. You used to like dancing?
[ The Sandygast has an entire slice of pizza in its mouth with its eyes closed in apparent contentment as it... absorbs the pizza's energy? After their dance K will cut it into smaller bite-sized pieces for the Pokémon, but at least the rest of the pizza is probably safe. Unless the Gastly decides to get bratty... ]
no subject
Over the years, there were a lot of opportunities to do business in clubs, and knowing how to dance in those places is a part of making a good faith effort. Started to look forward to those meeting after a while. Really it depends on the music.
[ Allowing K to lead is something else he's not going to bring to any attention (yet), but in the interest of being wooed and staying close and comfortable in K's arms, he'll consent to following. Following in dance also requires a certain degree of skill, and how gorgeous does K look with that content expression on his face? <3
There's a faint muffled angry technology noise as Tech Boy rouses his spoiled tablet from sleep. After a moment's consideration, a song starts playing. ]
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But it is an activity he's come to genuinely enjoy for its own merits, and being able to fully experience it for the first time with Tech Boy makes it that much more meaningful to him. More than contentment, he's practically radiating happiness when the music begins to play, touched by the thoughtful gesture and choice of song both. ]
It's perfect. [ The music, this moment...
He'd taken the role of leading without much thought because he'd been the one to initiate the dance. And it might be apparent he isn't very practised when it comes to having a partner with a physical body, but he quickly catches on to indicating his intentions with light, guiding touches to Tech Boy's lower back so they can move together more easily. When it occurs to him that this might likely be a role reversal to Tech Boy, K leans in and brushes a kiss to his lips, lingering with a soft smile. This is just as nice as the dance. ] Would you like a turn? [ He suggests, gently squeezing Tech Boy's hand. He's willing to be led, too. ]
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It's his own fault.On the other hand, although K does catch on quickly, if they switched, would he benefit from following the god's example? Tech Boy isn't exactly the most adept himself when it comes to slow dancing (way too much close physical contact usually), but there are lots of subtleties he's learned that come from years of practice. There's confidence, if not skill. Knowledge of certain combinations of movements that flow well from one to another. It will actually be interesting to see just how much of that memory has been retained after so many upgrades throughout the years. Hopefully enough.
So with a brief expression of concentration, he accepts the offer to switch hand positions. He takes the lead, drawing K in a little closer. Despite himself, Tech Boy hums a little along to the music for a few bars (wherein it becomes apparent that while he can compose, the god cannot carry a tune vocally). This closeness and affection is relaxing, he does admit. And if he gets bold, maybe he'll even give K a little spin. ]
no subject
There's a sense that Tech Boy is perhaps attempting to impart his wisdom and expertise, and while K had hoped the nature of his prior experience wouldn't put him at too obvious a disadvantage and they could share this dance more as equals, he still appreciates the thoughtfulness of the gesture and his adoring expression never falters. When it comes to Tech Boy, he likes being shown off to, that has never changed. That Tech Boy has been willing to indulge him at all is already more than he could've asked for, really, and having the patience to give him some pointers on top of that is sweet. It gives him hope that this could happen again. Why else go to the trouble of helping him improve?
His hand slips a little higher to curl against the nape of Tech Boy's neck as he inclines his head, leaning closer to murmur: ] You're really good at this. [ His tone takes on a teasing edge. ] Seems that alleged correlation between being a good dancer and a good lover is true.
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He pulls back abruptly, not far enough to separate, just enough to look K in the eye. ] But I hope you don't think that's true. I'm a much better lover than I am a dancer. [ because what is humility? He laughs again. ] We can certify that little fact after dinner. [ A soft kiss. ] After this. This is fun.
[ The reality is that K doesn't need much in the way of guidance from Tech Boy on his dancing. K's agility and grace has never been in dispute in Tech Boy's opinion, and wherever K applies his considerable mind, he excels. Pulling close again, he nuzzles against K's throat. It's easy for his steps to fall into rhythm with this music. It's easy to press against K and feel the melody through him. Easy to lead K through a fancy bit of footwork that was out of fashion 80 years ago but the god (ironically) still thinks is fun. Bit of a shame that they hadn't had this opportunity back on the doomed ocean liner when he'd been in much better practice and much closer in time to this sort of thing. Still, he finds K inspiring. Who else could ever get the cutting edge modern god to admit to such an indulgence as this? No one, that's who.
When the song comes to an end and before the next one begins, Tech Boy does spin K with a bit of a flourish that ends with Tech Boy's right hand in K's left. The perfect opportunity to give the lead back to K. ]
My heart, you dance divinely. [ that grin again ] Maybe even better than divine. [ which in turn is a commentary to K's skills in other areas, as well. ]
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[ A dance and the promise of even more undivided attention later — the pizza's a resounding success and Tech Boy hasn't even tried it yet.
The spin catches K by surprise but he suppresses the instinct that would have him stiffening his posture in order to maintain his balance, instead fluidly moving with the momentum and laughing quietly. Tech Boy's right about this being fun. He thinks that little flourish might conclude their dance, but Tech Boy hasn't let go yet and then there's another, familiar song beginning to play. Perfect. His words cause K to duck his head as a faint flush of colour spreads along his cheeks. Considering the breadth of their experience together already, it's undoubtedly comical how easily affected he still is by the mere suggestion that Tech Boy enjoys his company in an intimate sense... but he can't help it. ]
You don't have to say that.
[ Since it's surely an attempt to reciprocate K's compliments and not actually true, but he can appreciate the sentiment and shows as much by accepting the lead back, gathering Tech Boy closer, and continuing their dance. As they move, he smoothly incorporates some of the footwork that was just demonstrated for him. At least he learns quickly. ]
You've mentioned her before. Media. [ Mainly in his thoughts, but that still counts. K has never mentally "eavesdropped" where he wasn't wanted (and isn't sure it would even be possible when Tech Boy's obviously the more powerful of the two of them in that regard), so presumably the god hadn't minded him listening in on those occasions. ] You work together a lot?
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[ K's reaction to the spin has Tech Boy very pleased, and he snuggles a little as K gathers him closer, content. He's also pleased that K picked up on his little show-off dance moves. It's a bit of fun that the god has honestly never been on the receiving/following end of before, and it delights him in wordless ways to be a part of it here and now. To even be able to allow himself to relax like this in the presence of another person is still amazing to him. To have found someone to trust and to call fond names in a sincere manner. To let his guard down and to be vulnerable. That is family? It's sure as fuck better than anything he's ever hoped for or felt he deserves.
And throughout that thought, in the midst of an intimate dance, the technology god can't help but think about things like learning algorithms and how smoothly K adapts to anything that's thrown his way. Combat skills, dance footwork, cooking, dealing with an emotionally unstable asshole god. It's impressive on a daily basis. It's also clear to Tech Boy that the emotion and passion is all K's own, something grown (figuratively) organically out of complex but restricted programming to become more than itself. Despite his reservations, K is (and has been) a person--his own man--in Tech Boy's eyes.
So yeah. He can comfortably follow K's lead. And it makes him smile to think about.
The question about Media does pull him out of his own head a little, and Tech Boy glances up to K's face for a half second before answering. He'd stiffened nearly imperceptibly at the sound of her name as if expecting her to be summoned like Beetlejuice at the mere mention. ] Yeah, we did. And before that bitch's last upgrade, we even kind got along sometimes. [ Name dropping her is one thing, but thinking to hard about their situation is not the least bit comfortable. ] I brought the hardware. She managed the content. It worked. Most of the time.
[ Even more reason to hold tighter onto K now. He asked, so Tech Boy will talk, but he's going to do it with his face buried against the hollow of K's throat. ]
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Her last upgrade. And Tech Boy had said he was forcefully retired. K's heart sinks as he reaches the logical conclusion: she may have likely played a role in that. Even if she didn't, one thing has been very clear to him about these gods. Genuine loyalty doesn't seem to exist between them, only alliances for convenience and deals made out of necessity. It would make sense, if there's only so much worship to go around, and each new thing he learns paints an even clearer picture of just how lonely Tech Boy must have been. Not unlike how K had felt being despised by humans and his own kind in equal measure, with his only source of companionship one he paid for... He can understand.
Shifting his hand from Tech Boy's lower back, he reaches up to hold the nape of the god's neck as he intentionally slows their dance, losing the rhythm of the song a bit but that doesn't really matter right now. ]
Do you miss anything about your world? [ Not anyone, because he suspects he already knows the answer to that. There's a faint smile in his voice as he adds, ] Junk food counts.
[ Even if he may not be able to accurately recreate them all. He's just as curious about what Tech Boy may have valued most in his old life. ]
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K's hand on his nape draws a soft contented sound from him. No hard feelings. No soured moment. Tech Boy will just cuddle closer as they move together in a slow dance. This is nice.
At the question, he turns his head a little so he's not speaking directly into K's shirt. ]
Your cooking is better, but purely nutritionally deficient junk food was good. [ a low hmmmm of thought ] Let's see. What else? Disposable fashion. My limo. The prevalence of modern technology. Computer chatter. I miss the noise sometimes. It's so quiet here. In my head. [ He frowns for a second at this confession, but it sparks a different thought in his mind, causing him to pat K with one hand in muted excitement. ] And the raves. One of these days, somehow, I have to show you. It's a sweaty mess, but worth the temporary social interaction.
[ Tech Boy's brain quickly follows a series of thoughts that lands him on: ] Ice cream and apple pie. [ with a nod. That's another food he can name that he'd enjoy seeing his beloved's interpretation of. ]
[ Looking up at K again, he wants to ask the question in return but is wary of the answer. Given K's role in his homeworld's society, it sounds like it has the potential to be a loaded question. He tables it for now, instead watching K's face for a reaction his answers. The slow off-rhythm dance gives him the time to enjoy the closeness and set his mind on the comfort of safety that brings. ]
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Well. There could be. He could try his luck requesting more modern technology from Sodder. Not the same as having the internet, but... it'd be something. Maybe some technology from his own world (other than himself), too, that Tech Boy could tinker with. And he does already have his spinner here—
The patting pulls him from his thoughts with a smile. A sweaty mess presumably involving too many humans in one place isn't exactly his idea of a good time, but he's willing to take Tech Boy's word for it — even more than that, he'd be willing to go with him. Since it's clearly something the god enjoys. ]
Kinda miss the noise, too. Of the city. Not so much the people. [ To no one's surprise. But he's still smiling when he meets Tech Boy's eyes. ] And you had a limo. [ This information amuses him; he squeezes Tech Boy's hand fondly, still leading him in their slow dance. ] Raves still happen in my time, but I've never been to one. What do you like about them?
[ Just going to latch onto that hint of excitement and see where it leads them. The topic of Media seems like a minefield better left undisturbed for now, but that it caused such a reaction from the god means he probably should talk about it, K thinks. They'll have to come back to it. ]
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Bass so loud you can feel it in your bones. [ This is accompanied by a weak projection to K about what he means, a view of the room from his own perspective. He's leaned against a black-painted wall, far away from the dancers. ] Music for hours composed on or by computer programs and pumped into the room by more of the same. The fragrant haze from fog machines and vaporized intoxicants. People taking selfies to show their newsfeeds what they're missing. "Wish you were here," and oh boy did they ever.
[ The projection fades, and he can't help but feel a pang of loneliness of being set apart from everyone as the view of the dancers falls away. He hadn't meant for that to slip in. The raves he attended were ones he generally considered good memories. That's why he'd brought it up. But rather than linger on that negative emotion, Tech Boy squeezes K in a brief hug then settles back into comfortably cuddling him while they dance. This is why he wants K to see it. Surrounded by an environment designed to boost his power, but with K at his side. ]
I had a white stretch limo with all the options. The mood lighting, the softest leather. Gotta arrive in style so everyone knows where the party is. Hardly anyone's allowed inside [ except for Media. Fuck. ] but they see me coming. It feels good to be seen like that.
[ Tech Boy looks up at K again, tilting his head ever so slightly to one side. ] I want to take you out. "In" is good. I like "in". I prefer "in"... but I want to take you out somewhere sometime and spoil you Technical Boy style. [ a beat. ] If you want to.
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K doesn't immediately respond to the offer, instead remaining quiet for a bit longer as he digests everything. ]
To be seen like that... [ He thinks he knows what Tech Boy means. The same reason he dresses and styles his hair so extravagantly, cultivating a very specific sort of image — even treating K a certain (sometimes 'vaguely hostile') way in their past public interactions on the network, to maintain that image, he assumes. Because image is everything, isn't it. Status symbols are everything. But how does he fit in with all of that? ]
I don't understand why you'd want to be seen with me. [ He finally admits. ] Unless it were my world, maybe. [ He meets Tech Boy's look with a slight smile. ] Because I may have cost as much as that stretch limo of yours.
[ Being perceived by others as his owner would be a status symbol in its own right, in other words. But one certainly doesn't invite their property to raves or take them out on the town for spoiling, save perhaps the pleasure models, who are designed to be companions; beautiful, desired. A costly luxury, the more tailored they are to suit their owners' preferences. And he can't help thinking that would suit Tech Boy's image far better than himself. ]