[ In Connor's defense, the question is a rather idiotic and rude one. Thinking he's mistaken about his own identity because she cannot process the fact of him? Check your privilege, Lucina. ]
It's only -
[ another small sip, to wet her throat and soothe the hoarseness of her voice ]
- where I come from, only vile magic can give sentience to...
[ ...synthetic objects.
At the last second, she refuses to refer to him that way, biting down on the end of her sentence and cutting it off at the quick. At least she isn't thinking of him along the same lines as the Risen anymore! Congratulations on your upgrade: from zombie to item. ]
[Connor isn't offended, at least, just vaguely confused. But at least item is an upgrade! Maybe one day they'll even manage person, in which Lucina will see him as more than he sees himself. Womp.]
'Vile magic'?
[He can fill in the blanks. Something inorganic, something that was worth almost pulling a blade on, when they first met.]
I think... that maybe perhaps you need to perceive me as something different than what your experiences dictate. Magic had nothing to do with my own creation, only human ingenuity.
[ Technically, Lucina could argue that human ingenuity is the origin point of foul magic... but she does take his meaning. ]
Alright.
[ Her voice croaks across the word. She dampens her throat with more tea before continuing - ]
How should I think of you, Connor?
[ It's an evenly stated question. She's leaving it entirely in his hands, probably. If he decides he wants to identify as unicornkin, now is the time. ]
[Well. Here's the issue with Connor, and he even told Hank something similar (though the man doesn't remember): he is whatever others make him out to be. A machine, an individual, or just a tool to be used, in order to achieve a purpose. He has no agency over his own identity, or so he believes.
[ Connor, that is too much responsibility for her! Lucina inhales softly - her angry, swollen throat protesting the gesture - as she mulls over her reply. ]
...
As a friend.
[ It doesn't take that much thought, in the end. ]
[ Her smiles are not quite the rare things they used to be but their presence is still something not insignificant, leaving her face looking a little younger and graceful than it might otherwise - or, just as accurately, leaving her looking as young as she is. ]
I'm glad to hear of it.
[ it, uh, it doesn't really settle her crisis about his existence but whatever
she'll deal, that's what princesses do ]
I suppose I should go lie down before I risk infecting you. [ Just go with it. ] You'll return the bracelet to me once it is functional?
[Designed as he is, looks don’t get past Connor, significant or otherwise. Her smile seems to be a novelty, easing her usual serious features. His smile remains, as if to encourage it, to make certain it doesn’t fade quickly — gladness always pings as positive, and positive experiences and associations are what any human would prefer, in the end.
He nods, succinctly.]
Of course. Don’t let me keep you. Just promise to not push yourself too hard.
no subject
It's only -
[ another small sip, to wet her throat and soothe the hoarseness of her voice ]
- where I come from, only vile magic can give sentience to...
[ ...synthetic objects.
At the last second, she refuses to refer to him that way, biting down on the end of her sentence and cutting it off at the quick. At least she isn't thinking of him along the same lines as the Risen anymore! Congratulations on your upgrade: from zombie to item. ]
no subject
'Vile magic'?
[He can fill in the blanks. Something inorganic, something that was worth almost pulling a blade on, when they first met.]
I think... that maybe perhaps you need to perceive me as something different than what your experiences dictate. Magic had nothing to do with my own creation, only human ingenuity.
no subject
Alright.
[ Her voice croaks across the word. She dampens her throat with more tea before continuing - ]
How should I think of you, Connor?
[ It's an evenly stated question. She's leaving it entirely in his hands, probably. If he decides he wants to identify as unicornkin, now is the time. ]
no subject
Thanks, CyberLife. Thanks, Amanda.]
How do you prefer to think of me?
[He says it with a faint smile.]
no subject
...
As a friend.
[ It doesn't take that much thought, in the end. ]
no subject
Hard to know how to parse that, until it isn’t. That he has more than a few here who would call him a friend, and so why should he deny them of that?]
I see.
[He thinks he may be glad for it, though.]
Then that’s how you should view me. As your friend — simple enough.
no subject
I'm glad to hear of it.
[ it, uh, it doesn't really settle her crisis about his existence but whatever
she'll deal, that's what princesses do ]
I suppose I should go lie down before I risk infecting you. [ Just go with it. ] You'll return the bracelet to me once it is functional?
no subject
He nods, succinctly.]
Of course. Don’t let me keep you. Just promise to not push yourself too hard.
I’ll find you when there’s news about your watch.