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If you tell Connor that, I’m certain he’d just tell you it’s because he’s been programmed to integrate with people.

[ It’s very clear that Arenvald has had this conversation, or at least similar conversations, with Connor before. Their last foray into the subject got particularly heated, and was only really assuaged by a mermaid dumping the both of them into the lake.

Nothing was really solved, but at least they were still on friendly terms. ]

I think… I think he just needs time and encouragement. How he feels about me is irrelevant, as long as he learns to be his own person.

That does sound like him.

[Though she has yet to have an actual argument about it... every time Connor spoke of it she was just left confused. She definitely didn't understand programming, or even still... what androids truly were. Not really.

It's easy to believe Arenvald, because she wants to believe. Wants to think that Connor had free will and his own emotions and choices because... the alternative was too terrible.]

Well- we can do that!

[Seizing on the opportunity, Konoha clutches his hands tighter and shakes them up and down a bit, aiming for encouraging.]

I'll help!

[ At least Arenvald has technology in his world to compare with. Nothing as advanced as Connor by a long shot, so there are still many things he doesn’t quite grasp, but he probably has a better idea than Konoha.

His unwilling journey through Connor’s past probably helps as well.

But even so, Konoha just jumps right in with all four feet, clasping his hands and declaring that she will help. It’s… almost refreshing to know that he doesn’t have to fight this battle by himself. ]

You will?

[ Of course she will. He can’t imagine Konoha has a disingenuous bone in her whole body. ]

I… thank you, Konoha. Really. He needs all the support he can get.

Of course!

[There isn't a second where she thinks she won't- or a second where she allows herself to think she can't. Once you start thinking like that... there was no stopping it. And maybe she'd let herself start thinking that way about Gonta, about her chances to or the morality of telling him how she felt, but-]

You're both my friends, so I'll support Connor and Arenvald.

[In different ways, obviously, but. She smiles, a bit bittersweet, her enthusiastic shake of their hands slowing to a stop.]

And if you ever need to talk... I know how it feels. I'll listen.

Edited 2018-11-13 23:35 (UTC)

Thanks.

[ He said that already, but he feels it's worth repeating. ]

You're really an amazing friend, you know that?

[She wonders if that's true. Not because she thinks she's a bad friend, but just... She's only acting how she wished people would treat her if they were friends, so to her... it's just normal. Just how she'd been raised.

So she just tries to push the bitter from the bittersweet smile, laughing a little despite herself.]

Maybe too amazing, if your friend thought I liked you like that... I'll have to be more careful.

[Should she... praise him less, maybe? Or try not to blush when she thinks about his physique? ... Probably that one.]

I hope you didn't think it was gross or anything... I don't have many girl friends since I started working on the lumber yard, but I think men and women can be friendly even if they're not married...

[ Yes, if she stops blushing when talking about him, that would definitely help. Not saying things like “he let me sleep with him” would help too. ]

Oh, no, I didn’t think it was gross. [ Mostly because he hasn’t really thought about how a hyur and a jinba might… get intimate. Cough. ] Alphinaud likes to tease and I’m fairly certain he was out to deliberately embarrass me. It worked.

But… I agree. I’m honored to be your friend, Konoha, and I’m glad that I met you.

[But he did let her sleep with him! It's not her fault other people have dirty minds, okay? Though okay, maybe she had imagined how a jinba and a human might get intimate, once she'd realized she might be stuck here forever with no male jinba around...]

Mmm. I'm going to miss you a lot if we go back to our worlds, but... until then... We're here.

[Whenever... that was or maybe... wasn't...

She finally lets go of his hands, fingers twining as she just... smiles. They're here, and they're-]

Friends.

[ Ah. He doesn’t know if he’s meant to find a spark of hope in those words, but find one he does. To be parted will be painful, but for now… they’re here. They’re here and they have to make the most of it, no matter what waits for them down the line. ]

Friends.

... Come here, I want to hug you.

[Her smile brightens immediately, glad not only that he wasn't upset about the misunderstanding, but that he also wasn't too depressed by the realization just now.]

It's a secret from Alphinaud, okay?

[But she comes more than gladly, leaning down just slightly (she still can't believe there are people here she only has to lean down slightly to hug?), make herself embraceable.]

Most definitely.

[ He slings his arms around Konoha’s shoulders as soon as he’s able, holding her tightly, fingers clenching at the fabric of her clothes. It’s as much a bear hug as anyone can give a jinba. ]

I’m glad you came to visit me today.

[Now that's a good hug. Konoha was affectionate in general, rather free with skin to skin contact in a way that only the commoners of her society didn't consider somewhat scandalous- and it's been a while since she's had a hug that wasn't... post something terrifying the Circle threw at them.

So she embraces him tightly, strong by virtue of her biology but gentle in nature, nuzzling a bit. His hair smells nice.]

Me, too.

[And now they have two secrets.]

I've got some more pumpkins to deliver, but let's get some of those supplies ready together after, Okay?

That sounds like a wonderful idea. Just let me know when you're ready.

[ Even as he breaks the embrace, he keeps his hands on her arms a moment more. ]

Thank you.

I will.

[She might be afraid to never get back to her world, heartbroken at the possibility of never seeing Gonta and her parents again, sad about the idea of leaving behind the people she's come to love here...

But for now, she smiles.]

You're welcome, Arenvald.

Edited 2018-11-23 06:33 (UTC)

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