[Connor notices, because of course he does. Observant to a fault, even when it comes to only listening to voices he's particularly concerned about. The slight cracking in the other's intonations are easily noted.]
I only did what was necessary. Not to dismiss your gratitude. I appreciate that as well.
...Are you sure you're all right? Your voice sounds strained.
[And he truly is, the part about losing family. Connor doesn't like dredging up difficult topics unknowingly; it makes him feel oblivious, awkward, and terrible at his own job -- which is to read people.
But moreover, there's a sense of something else. A sort of simply wishing that someone he calls a friend wouldn't have to experience that kind of loss. Detrimental no matter how one looked at it.]
I don't doubt what you're telling me, but listen to yourself. Your DNA might have kept you resilient in your own home, but that obviously isn't the case here.
[ he says it benignly, soothingly — like a big brother trying to ease your nerves. and then... ]
Everyone dies...that's just a part of life.
[ nier takes pause. ]
I see. I should find the source. I don't want this to spread.
You don't have to worry about me, Connor. I promise. Even if something happens, I'll... [ a cough. ] be okay. I'd like it if you took care of yourself, though...that would make me happy.
[A part of life? That is indisputable, he knows that. But Connor doesn’t think that makes it any easier; not in his own limited experience with humans. With his own friend back home, he knows how badly such a thing can resonate within a person, leading them down an apathetic path.
But he drops that line of thinking, leaving that branch of the conversation in the dust. His main concern is Nier’s health, and he’s just as stubborn as him.]
I’m doing fine. I’m an android, too, remember? If there’s something strange floating around, there’s a high chance that I’m immune from it. And if there’s a chance of you feeling unwell, you need to not push yourself.
My current stress levels are baseline at the moment. Please don’t concern yourself with it.
[The sigh, as frustrated as it is, is viewed as a very tiny victory on his part.]
I would like to visit you. If you have the time for it — I’ve been meaning to, actually, since we’ve returned. The last mission was less than kind to most us, after all, and it's only polite for me to do so.
You don't have to do anything, Connor. But I won't object to seeing you either.
[ a sigh. ]
If you're going to go through the trouble of visiting, can you tell me what kind of food you like? I know androids don't have to eat, but it would be nice to cook you something.
It would be a wasted effort, I'm sorry to say. I don't need to eat because I lack the ability to digest food. Unless you can whip up some Thirium for me, I'd rather you not waste the ingredients.
[He supposes he can allow that much, if Nier really wants to do something. After all, if he's going to rest (LIKE HE SHOULD), he'll have to find something low-energy to do, to pass the time.]
Ten minutes. I'll see you then.
[And so he will! Ten minutes pass and Connor will swing by for a visit, announcing his presence with even knocks on Nier's door.]
you see, nier has never done anything remotely low energy in his life.
ten minutes means ten minutes to run outside, gather some of the few remaining flowers in the perimeter, bolt back to his room and start weaving together. okay. that's manageable. ]
Come in.
[ this means that when connor enters, he will find nier somewhat disheveled, a small bracelet in his hands — it's a few small, baby blossoms twined together to make a bracelet.
he motions it towards him. ]
This is for you. I did it— [ he pauses to swallow down a cough. ] ...a little quickly, so if it isn't to your liking, tell me.
[It's not like he expects Nier to have been in a completely unruffled state. This is the sort of individual who continues as per normal, even if he's sick -- Connor half expects him to look a little disheveled on this logic alone.
But this is a level that's indicative of physical activity in the past few minutes, and Connor's LED flickers with a suspicious kind of consideration. Even if he steps forward and eyes the bracelet, offering his wrist in kind.]
Did you just make this now? [He schools his tone to not sound ungrateful (because he isn't), but his eyes flick upwards to take in the details of Nier's person. Dirt on his fingertips, flower petals gone astray, grass stuck in his clothing -- anything, really.]
[Something that sounds like an exhale wrapped up in exasperation, subtle as it might be. With the flowers neatly encircling his wrist now, he takes his hand back, and reaches out to pluck a wilting leaf from Nier's hair.
He shows it to him, clenched between forefinger and thumb, the damning evidence that it is.]
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[A sharp upturn in his tone, recognition and relief. Straining his audio processing to judge his state by voice alone.]
I did. Thanks to you. But that doesn't matter; how are you feeling? You made it out with little issue?
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[ there's a pause. his voice is soft as is, but it very subtly cracks here and there as though something's caught in his throat? ]
You should be proud of yourself. Doing what you did — it wasn't easy.
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I only did what was necessary. Not to dismiss your gratitude. I appreciate that as well.
...Are you sure you're all right? Your voice sounds strained.
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[ that statement is punctuated by a cough, oops. ]
What do you plan on doing now? There isn't a mission at hand.
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We take time to recover. And then we'll be sent off on our next mission soon enough. Until then, I just wait.
[But looping back to what is obviously more important:]
...Are you getting sick?
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[ he totally didn't just swallow down a cough there or anything. ]
I'm fine. But if you're worried about an illness...you should check up on your friends, Connor.
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[Sorry, he is a stubborn android.]
Do you not qualify? After all you’ve done for me, you’re worthy of my “checking up” on.
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[ stubborn meets stubborn. that next statement incites a small burst of energy, however. ]
Of course we're friends. But you should take care of the others first. Or even start thinking about things you want to do. Remember what I told you?
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[He can turn that argument around, or so he thinks!]
You've never been sick before?
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[ why the hell is he laughing— ]
I'm glad that we're friends.
[ he is most definitely sick.
his voice lowers, however — there's an adjustment in gravity here. ]
My mother died due to illness, and my little sister was ill herself.
In the 21 years I lived, I hadn't caught anything.
[ ... ]
It's in my DNA. That's what the androids I knew told me.
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[And he truly is, the part about losing family. Connor doesn't like dredging up difficult topics unknowingly; it makes him feel oblivious, awkward, and terrible at his own job -- which is to read people.
But moreover, there's a sense of something else. A sort of simply wishing that someone he calls a friend wouldn't have to experience that kind of loss. Detrimental no matter how one looked at it.]
I don't doubt what you're telling me, but listen to yourself. Your DNA might have kept you resilient in your own home, but that obviously isn't the case here.
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[ he says it benignly, soothingly — like a big brother trying to ease your nerves. and then... ]
Everyone dies...that's just a part of life.
[ nier takes pause. ]
I see. I should find the source. I don't want this to spread.
You don't have to worry about me, Connor. I promise. Even if something happens, I'll... [ a cough. ] be okay. I'd like it if you took care of yourself, though...that would make me happy.
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But he drops that line of thinking, leaving that branch of the conversation in the dust. His main concern is Nier’s health, and he’s just as stubborn as him.]
I’m doing fine. I’m an android, too, remember? If there’s something strange floating around, there’s a high chance that I’m immune from it. And if there’s a chance of you feeling unwell, you need to not push yourself.
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[ he heaves a sigh. a burst of frustration at and with his own weakness. nothing new. ]
What can I do to make you stop worrying? Not that it bothers me...I just don't want to stress you, Connor.
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[The sigh, as frustrated as it is, is viewed as a very tiny victory on his part.]
I would like to visit you. If you have the time for it — I’ve been meaning to, actually, since we’ve returned. The last mission was less than kind to most us, after all, and it's only polite for me to do so.
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[ a sigh. ]
If you're going to go through the trouble of visiting, can you tell me what kind of food you like? I know androids don't have to eat, but it would be nice to cook you something.
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It would be a wasted effort, I'm sorry to say. I don't need to eat because I lack the ability to digest food. Unless you can whip up some Thirium for me, I'd rather you not waste the ingredients.
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[ damn androids and their...differing digestive systems... ]
Well, I'll just have to make you something else then. It won't be food. And I can't knit you anything because of the heat...
Give me 10 minutes. And then you can come to my room, okay?
action??? if you wanted to play this out!
[He supposes he can allow that much, if Nier really wants to do something. After all, if he's going to rest (LIKE HE SHOULD), he'll have to find something low-energy to do, to pass the time.]
Ten minutes. I'll see you then.
[And so he will! Ten minutes pass and Connor will swing by for a visit, announcing his presence with even knocks on Nier's door.]
yes, action always!
you see, nier has never done anything remotely low energy in his life.
ten minutes means ten minutes to run outside, gather some of the few remaining flowers in the perimeter, bolt back to his room and start weaving together. okay. that's manageable. ]
Come in.
[ this means that when connor enters, he will find nier somewhat disheveled, a small bracelet in his hands — it's a few small, baby blossoms twined together to make a bracelet.
he motions it towards him. ]
This is for you. I did it— [ he pauses to swallow down a cough. ] ...a little quickly, so if it isn't to your liking, tell me.
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But this is a level that's indicative of physical activity in the past few minutes, and Connor's LED flickers with a suspicious kind of consideration. Even if he steps forward and eyes the bracelet, offering his wrist in kind.]
Did you just make this now? [He schools his tone to not sound ungrateful (because he isn't), but his eyes flick upwards to take in the details of Nier's person. Dirt on his fingertips, flower petals gone astray, grass stuck in his clothing -- anything, really.]
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and his boots are notably off and placed near the front door, as if to not track dirt into the room. maybe. ]
It's rude to have someone over and not offer them something.
[ he doesn't answer the question, naturally. ]
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That isn’t what I asked. [-he says, exasperation hanging off his words.]
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...It doesn't matter...?
[ he coughs.
an excellent retort. ]
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[Something that sounds like an exhale wrapped up in exasperation, subtle as it might be. With the flowers neatly encircling his wrist now, he takes his hand back, and reaches out to pluck a wilting leaf from Nier's hair.
He shows it to him, clenched between forefinger and thumb, the damning evidence that it is.]
Why are you so eager to neglect your own health?
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