It's okay. If I didn't want to answer, I'd tell you. I can't begrudge you being curious when I got nosy about your plastic, right?
[There's a soft sigh, and he continues.]
I've had to kill my fair share of demonic beasts, unfortunately. In the heat of the moment, you're worrying about survival, not that they used to be people. But then... you dwell on it.
And it's hard not to dwell when you've also watched people turn into those things. To know that you could end up that way, easily.
[Connor nods. Well, if Ashe told him that much, he can share a little.]
It's something you do dwell on after a while. We don't have beasts where I'm from but I've had to kill my share of humans, too.
[He feels like he should explain himself a little there, though.]
It was only in self-defence. Humans and androids were fighting, you see. We- androids- wanted rights. To be seen as people.
[For that to happen, humans had to die. There was never going to be an entirely peaceful resolution. What Connor doesn't mention is his role in getting androids killed, too. That's too personal for him, right now.]
[Ashe scoots a little closer to sit next to the android, listening attentively.]
...I've had to kill people too. Not just when they were monsters, but when they were humans. You aren't alone in that.
I'm sorry you had to fight to be seen as a person. I don't know why that's hard; it seemed obvious to me right away. But people have their fears and strange beliefs, and they're willing to fight for that, for better or for worse.
Did... did the androids get that? Did you guys succeed?
The president told the soldiers to stand down, in the end. I suppose she would want to talk to our leader, Markus... but I ended up here before that could happen. I'm not sure how it'll go.
[He absently strokes the cat again as it nibbles on the treat.]
At least here, I don't have to worry about it that much. People accept me, and I only have to worry about the one person who doesn't rather than every other human I come across.
[The purring is nice, and Connor rests his hand across the cat's side to feel it better. It's still very new to him. He rolls his eyes at the thought of Gavin, though.]
Yes, someone from home who hates me and my kind has shown up here.
[Sighing, Connor rubs under Loog's chin.]
The first thing he did upon seeing me here was threaten me, and I don't suppose I can avoid him forever. I don't feel particularly threatened by him, but it's still irritating.
[Loog's eyes squint happily at the rubbing under the chin. Excellent choice.]
Still, you shouldn't have to deal with someone like that who can't even see you for who you are.
I know you said you don't feel threatened, but let me know if you need anything, okay? I'm sure you can take care of yourself, but... I don't know, I don't like the idea of someone feeling like they don't have someone else to rely on. It's a rotten feeling.
Well... there's not seeing eye to eye with someone, and having someone threaten you. So my offer still stands- if they become a problem for you, I'll do my best to help.
That's really sweet of you, Connor. Thanks. I think I'll be okay, but if I need help, I'll tell you.
[Oh, this is a tough thing to answer. Ashe decides to drag Loog into his lap for this.]
It's kind of hard to pinpoint exactly. Mostly, I think we just can't meet in the middle. We have different ideas about trust and what it means to be friends. I don't know how else to explain it, but we just don't get along. We fight all the time, it seems like. He hurts my feelings, but he's also scared of people. I want to be open-minded, but he's kind of made it tough.
It's sad, but that's how it is, I guess. It's not really the same as your problem at all, but uh... I appreciate you asking.
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[There's a soft sigh, and he continues.]
I've had to kill my fair share of demonic beasts, unfortunately. In the heat of the moment, you're worrying about survival, not that they used to be people. But then... you dwell on it.
And it's hard not to dwell when you've also watched people turn into those things. To know that you could end up that way, easily.
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It's something you do dwell on after a while. We don't have beasts where I'm from but I've had to kill my share of humans, too.
[He feels like he should explain himself a little there, though.]
It was only in self-defence. Humans and androids were fighting, you see. We- androids- wanted rights. To be seen as people.
[For that to happen, humans had to die. There was never going to be an entirely peaceful resolution. What Connor doesn't mention is his role in getting androids killed, too. That's too personal for him, right now.]
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[Ashe scoots a little closer to sit next to the android, listening attentively.]
...I've had to kill people too. Not just when they were monsters, but when they were humans. You aren't alone in that.
I'm sorry you had to fight to be seen as a person. I don't know why that's hard; it seemed obvious to me right away. But people have their fears and strange beliefs, and they're willing to fight for that, for better or for worse.
Did... did the androids get that? Did you guys succeed?
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[His brows furrow.]
The president told the soldiers to stand down, in the end. I suppose she would want to talk to our leader, Markus... but I ended up here before that could happen. I'm not sure how it'll go.
[He absently strokes the cat again as it nibbles on the treat.]
At least here, I don't have to worry about it that much. People accept me, and I only have to worry about the one person who doesn't rather than every other human I come across.
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I guess that's true. There are certain things you don't have to worry about like you might back home.
[He pauses, then frowns.] Is there someone here who doesn't accept you?
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Yes, someone from home who hates me and my kind has shown up here.
[Sighing, Connor rubs under Loog's chin.]
The first thing he did upon seeing me here was threaten me, and I don't suppose I can avoid him forever. I don't feel particularly threatened by him, but it's still irritating.
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Still, you shouldn't have to deal with someone like that who can't even see you for who you are.
I know you said you don't feel threatened, but let me know if you need anything, okay? I'm sure you can take care of yourself, but... I don't know, I don't like the idea of someone feeling like they don't have someone else to rely on. It's a rotten feeling.
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I'll be sure to let you know. Thanks. The same goes for you too, you know.
[Even if they don't know each other well yet... well, Connor tends to like people pretty quickly after meeting them so long as they're nice to him.]
Though I assume nobody here troubles you?
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But I've kind of accepted it's a lost cause at this point. You can't be friends with everyone. I've had to learn that the hard way.
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[Though he is curious-]
What is it you disagree on?
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[Oh, this is a tough thing to answer. Ashe decides to drag Loog into his lap for this.]
It's kind of hard to pinpoint exactly. Mostly, I think we just can't meet in the middle. We have different ideas about trust and what it means to be friends. I don't know how else to explain it, but we just don't get along. We fight all the time, it seems like. He hurts my feelings, but he's also scared of people. I want to be open-minded, but he's kind of made it tough.
It's sad, but that's how it is, I guess. It's not really the same as your problem at all, but uh... I appreciate you asking.
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[Which is fine. Though Connor tries very hard to get along with all kinds of people, sometimes it really just doesn't work.]
You shouldn't feel too badly about it. It doesn't sound like it's your fault- at least you tried.
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[He chuckles.] Thank you. And I appreciate you listening to me. I know I kind of rambled.
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[He smiles, reassuring.]
What matters to me is that I think you seem nice. So I would be happy to talk to you more often.
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Oh, right! Before I forget, you should come meet my horse, Kyphon. We'll get him some carrots to eat.
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[Ah, but of course, he has to meet Kyphon. Connor gets up, excited.]
I can tell you whatever you'd like to know while we feed Kyphon, then.