[ The question was more meant to ask on his feelings regarding his brand new hoodie. She should have specified. While not the answer she was looking for, the edges of her lips quirk into an amused grin. Still, good to know he's obviously running fine.
If he lends her a comb, she might never give it back. A4 needs to find a comb for herself! Tools for curling her hair (and others) would be nice too. And some cute accessories... ]
...Sure?
[ There's a noticeable pause, along with a rather reluctant-sounding "sure". She can at least hear out his question, while deciding whether or not she wants to actually answer. ]
Is having an interest in fashion a part of your programming? And if so, what's the reasoning behind it?
[It seems like a rather strange novelty, to delegate this tendency to a combat unit. Then again, A4 was the sort who appeared to always find herself beyond the realm of basic expectation.]
...My interest in fashion is a part of the false memory I was installed with.
[ While she's not bound to Command's rules anymore, she still doesn't want to go into the entire specifics. She'll let a few details slide. ]
I've said before they wanted diversity among my squadron. One android could have the memory of a bullied child and another would remember living a peaceful life on a farm. [ To name a few examples. ] It's different for each unit.
[ She just happens to be the cheerful, fashionable one of her squad. ]
[Right, he had gotten that explanation before. Pre-programmed false memories, faux backgrounds. Still an oddity for Connor, who stepped off the figurative assembly line as a blank slate — minus the critical information of what he was, what he was meant to do, mission statements clear in the HUD of an android.]
I’m only asking because I wonder if it’s… strange to be enthusiastic about a hobby that’s based on false experience.
[Maybe that’s poorly worded, he thinks, LED blinking. Trying again, not wishing to offend, and tugging mindlessly on the strings of his hoodie to make them even—]
I don’t really have interests or preferences like that. That’s why I’m curious.
[ Unless you're an enemy machine or calling her a machine, it's very difficult to offend an android like A4. She's almost always trying to find reasons to smile. ]
Well, I don't find it strange. Perhaps it's because the experience feels real. I guess... the strange part is that there are gaps in these memories. A lot of details about human civilization are still unfamiliar to me.
[ It's only a very small portion of a human lifetime. All she knows is that she was a schoolgirl. Even then, there were missing details here and there.
Her eyes focus on his tugging and... is that a piece of lint? She leans forward, reaching over to pluck at his sleeve. ]
[Still unmoving, with the exception the way his head tilts to track her fingers plucking away the wayward piece of lint. Thanks, A4.]
No. I didn’t have the luxury of considering something like a hobby for myself back in Detroit. There wasn’t much of a need for it.
[Here, though…]
However, during long stretches of time during our stay here, at the Temple, I’ve thought about finding a task to... facilitate self-betterment. To be more well-rounded to suit the unknown variables of upcoming missions.
[ In her line of work, there's not much need for her hobby either. Time in the Bunker was mostly training simulations, but there was some downtime that would allow her to doll up.
Just say you're bored, nerd. ]
We do have a fighting ring. You could hone your combat abilities there, I guess...?
[ A shrug. I guess?! She feels like she just gave him the lamest suggestion ever, despite being a combat unit. Admittedly, she does get an adrenaline rush from battle, but she never willingly seeks out a fight. She'd rather play dress up... ]
[ Of all the YoRHa units in the Circle, you had to ask the one who mostly comes off as fun and games. Although she'd prefer to do something else, she's not adverse to offering her assistance. Maybe he'll finally get to see why she's a combat unit. She was able to see her mission out to the very end, after all.
A4 sighs, but puts on a smile nonetheless. ]
Someday, sure.
[ You're going down, Connor.
Without warning, she steps forward to grab him by the arm. She was intending on towing him off somewhere, but... where is she even trying to go? Not even she knows. ]
[Grabbed by the arm, at least Connor was placated by her previous agreement. He steps away, though, yet not to detach himself— only to offer a tug in the right direction.]
Here, in the washroom.
[Connected to his room, not that he has much use for it. But there’s indeed a mirror in there, which does get more use than anything else of his, usually.]
[ Oh, right. They don't have to travel far then. She winds up releasing his arm anyway, a lot more quickly than expected. It's only for her to switch over to placing her palms on his back, giving him a gentle push towards the washroom. Choo-choo... she'll let him take the lead. ]
You've gotta see how you look! Let's go, let's go!
[ A4 chants excitedly. This gives her a chance to see how she looks in this over-sized jacket too. ]
[Whoop, gently pushed into the washroom, Connor blinks as he finds himself close to the mirror.
To be fair, it's not as if he hasn't stood in this exact same spot from time to time. Fixing his hair, straightening his tie. Making certain that he's presentable down to each contour line of his uniform before he heads out to start the day proper.
Catching a glance at how he looks in the mirror today, he pauses for a moment.]
It's an unusual sight.
[He's only ever worn his jacket. Devoid of it, wearing a hoodie seems... well. Rather casual.]
[ A4 doesn't sound offended. More curious about any other thoughts or feedback, though she is fairly confident in her choices. She steps— twirls out from behind Connor, pausing to stand next to him as she looks at herself. She's partially distracted by her reflection.
Aside from the CyberLife jacket being too large on her, the colors are an unusual change of pace. The clothes that she produces for herself with her magic tend to stray towards black, like all YoRHa uniforms.
Despite how different it is, she's smiling. ]
Wow, I've never worn anything aside from black. Hey, hey— Connor. Do these colors look weird on me? I should wear a white shirt underneath like you do, with a tie. Ooor I can just tie a cute ribbon right here, instead.
[Not bad at all, not really. While the lines aren’t as straight and bold as what a jacket might employ, there’s something to be said about a more casual look when needed. Undercover, maybe, or an attempt to fit in wearing an outfit that doesn’t have ANDROID written across his back in a less-than-subtle way.]
Just not something I’m used to, but I think I can approve of the colors. And it’s easy enough to move around in.
[He takes a moment to view how his jacket looks on her, however.]
I don’t think you look weird, even if it is a little too large for your frame. I don’t know if a ribbon adheres to CyberLife standard, though.
[ She leans a little sideways, giving him a playful nudge.
Looking back at the mirror, she attempts to visualize coordinating a different set of clothing underneath. Likewise, she could get used to the jacket. CyberLife has to let some customization slide, she thinks. Her mask was customized into an eye patch, though it may be considered borderline breaking YoRHa standard. ]
Only YoRHa models wear black. Same with the masks. The older androids I've met wear— I don't know. A lot of beige and brown? And worn-out hoods and capes. Their clothing is in tatters... whatever's left on the surface, I guess.
[ Not like there's anywhere fancy for the androids to shop. And they've been forgotten...
Reaching for her mask, she tugs it loose. Not something she does often, but she's interested in seeing how she looks without it. And she does indeed have another eye underneath. ]
[The nudge just earns her a blink and a continued smile, and he just shuffles himself so that he's balanced properly again.]
There are older model androids still active in your world?
[That's news to him, a subject never encroached upon with anyone from her world. He never thought to ask, but now it's a curiosity that barrels to the forefront of his mind.
Connor looks in the mirror, assessing her own tweaks to her appearance.]
A4, why do you wear that? [If she does indeed have another eye...] Is your visual processing damaged in that specific eye?
There are. The Resistance are androids that were deployed about a hundred—two hundred years ago. Way before my time. They've been on the surface all that time, fighting the machines.
What, did you think us YoRHa types were the only ones? I was surprised too, when I first encountered them on my mission.
[ Command failed to mention their presence on Earth, among other things. Now that she thinks about it, she wouldn't be surprised if there were others scattered around other parts of the globe. Perhaps even older ones, manufactured around the time of humans. ]
And my visual processing is fully functional in both eyes. The goggles display HUD info, usually. [ It hasn't been much use here. ] Besides that, it's part of YoRHa standard to keep them on.
[ Not like she has to abide by Command's orders anymore.
She fiddles with the eye patch in her hand. Her more professional peers within YoRHa would probably chide her for this. ]
YoRHa types were the only ones that I was aware of, though admittedly my frame of reference doesn’t extend beyond what I’ve learned from those here.
[What a thought, though, the idea of Earth now under the control of machines. It’s so difficult to apply his own image of home — Detroit, in all its bustling life — to what he’s heard from other androids like A4.]
So obscuring the eyes is part of the… uniform, so to speak. That’s an interesting design choice, if you don’t mind me saying.
The others could tell you more, if you're interested. They've a few years of experience on Earth.
[ Unlike A4, who'd only been on the surface for a few days. She hasn't seen much else beyond Mt. Ka'ala. ]
I wouldn't be able to explain the reason for the design choice. It's just how it is.
[ The android that came up with Project YoRHa would know, whoever that may be.
She turns once to face her back to the mirror. With a glance over her shoulder, she can't quite see what's on the back of the CyberLife jacket, but she's aware of the words spelling out "ANDROID" in large letters. ]
Speaking of design choices, why the big ol' text on the back? Are these on all CyberLife types? It really stands out.
[And it is. He'll make a mental reminder (pinging in his processing, filed away for later), to ask.]
Yes, there are several identifying factors that androids must adhere to at all times. The LED, the triangle at the front of the jacket, and the clear indication of 'ANDROID' across the back.
Simply stated, it's so that humans can differentiate us from them.
Right. That makes sense. [ Knowing that he comes from a world where humanity's still living on the surface. ] I'd rather not be mistaken for a human.
[ Humans are far above androids in hierarchy after all, on the same level as gods.
She spins back around to face forwards and tugs the jacket closer to herself. Her gaze drift back over to Connor's reflection in the mirror. Her lips widen into a grin. ]
Wanna try going full-on black some time? We've already got the pants... it's kind of a work in progress.
[ The leather pants are unforgotten. Does she just want to see him dressed like a YoRHa unit? Maybe. ]
[Strange wording, something that he pries gently upon just to see if she'll explain further.
However, as for the rest:]
Black? I suppose you're trying to dress me in a similar way to you, then. [A knowing look, but it's innocent enough.] The pants you mentioned, they looked... slim-fitting.
[Connor, being as he is, will definitely not argue against that particular comment. So easily spoken, it must be nice to know your place in the world without something coming up to question it time and time again -- there's irony in that, he thinks, but doesn't focus on it for now.
Instead, tight-fitting pants. A very important topic.]
...Well. Generally not. As long as it doesn't restrain movement.
[ ...Does it? She doesn't think it would. Or maybe she only believes that since she's an android built with ridiculously amazing reflexes. Jumping around and fighting in a dress is normal. ]
You'll have to try it on to find out. Maybe when I can create a perfectly coordinating black coat. Oh, and I'd have to find some matching gloves and boots somewhere. It'll be a fun change of pace!
[ She claps her hands together, giggling as she's imagining all sorts of possibilities. "Fun" for A4 anyway. Yes, this is a very important topic to think about. ]
By the way, is it fine by you if I wear your jacket awhile? I feel cute in it.
no subject
If he lends her a comb, she might never give it back. A4 needs to find a comb for herself! Tools for curling her hair (and others) would be nice too. And some cute accessories... ]
...Sure?
[ There's a noticeable pause, along with a rather reluctant-sounding "sure". She can at least hear out his question, while deciding whether or not she wants to actually answer. ]
What do you want to know?
no subject
Is having an interest in fashion a part of your programming? And if so, what's the reasoning behind it?
[It seems like a rather strange novelty, to delegate this tendency to a combat unit. Then again, A4 was the sort who appeared to always find herself beyond the realm of basic expectation.]
no subject
[ While she's not bound to Command's rules anymore, she still doesn't want to go into the entire specifics. She'll let a few details slide. ]
I've said before they wanted diversity among my squadron. One android could have the memory of a bullied child and another would remember living a peaceful life on a farm. [ To name a few examples. ] It's different for each unit.
[ She just happens to be the cheerful, fashionable one of her squad. ]
no subject
I’m only asking because I wonder if it’s… strange to be enthusiastic about a hobby that’s based on false experience.
[Maybe that’s poorly worded, he thinks, LED blinking. Trying again, not wishing to offend, and tugging mindlessly on the strings of his hoodie to make them even—]
I don’t really have interests or preferences like that. That’s why I’m curious.
no subject
Well, I don't find it strange. Perhaps it's because the experience feels real. I guess... the strange part is that there are gaps in these memories. A lot of details about human civilization are still unfamiliar to me.
[ It's only a very small portion of a human lifetime. All she knows is that she was a schoolgirl. Even then, there were missing details here and there.
Her eyes focus on his tugging and... is that a piece of lint? She leans forward, reaching over to pluck at his sleeve. ]
Ever consider trying a hobby, Connor?
no subject
No. I didn’t have the luxury of considering something like a hobby for myself back in Detroit. There wasn’t much of a need for it.
[Here, though…]
However, during long stretches of time during our stay here, at the Temple, I’ve thought about finding a task to... facilitate self-betterment. To be more well-rounded to suit the unknown variables of upcoming missions.
[aka hE’S BORED]
no subject
Just say you're bored, nerd. ]
We do have a fighting ring. You could hone your combat abilities there, I guess...?
[ A shrug. I guess?! She feels like she just gave him the lamest suggestion ever, despite being a combat unit. Admittedly, she does get an adrenaline rush from battle, but she never willingly seeks out a fight. She'd rather play dress up... ]
no subject
I’ve visited a couple of times to observe. I’ve even sparred with some of my closer acquaintances.
[It’s no detective work, though. No problem-solving, no analytical thinking. HIs entire means of function has been waylaid and it’s rather bothersome.
But…]
Actually, A4, would you mind sparring with me someday? You were designed for combat, so I’m sure there’s a lot I could learn from you.
no subject
A4 sighs, but puts on a smile nonetheless. ]
Someday, sure.
[ You're going down, Connor.
Without warning, she steps forward to grab him by the arm. She was intending on towing him off somewhere, but... where is she even trying to go? Not even she knows. ]
...Got a mirror, somewhere?
no subject
Here, in the washroom.
[Connected to his room, not that he has much use for it. But there’s indeed a mirror in there, which does get more use than anything else of his, usually.]
no subject
You've gotta see how you look! Let's go, let's go!
[ A4 chants excitedly. This gives her a chance to see how she looks in this over-sized jacket too. ]
no subject
To be fair, it's not as if he hasn't stood in this exact same spot from time to time. Fixing his hair, straightening his tie. Making certain that he's presentable down to each contour line of his uniform before he heads out to start the day proper.
Catching a glance at how he looks in the mirror today, he pauses for a moment.]
It's an unusual sight.
[He's only ever worn his jacket. Devoid of it, wearing a hoodie seems... well. Rather casual.]
no subject
[ A4 doesn't sound offended. More curious about any other thoughts or feedback, though she is fairly confident in her choices. She steps— twirls out from behind Connor, pausing to stand next to him as she looks at herself. She's partially distracted by her reflection.
Aside from the CyberLife jacket being too large on her, the colors are an unusual change of pace. The clothes that she produces for herself with her magic tend to stray towards black, like all YoRHa uniforms.
Despite how different it is, she's smiling. ]
Wow, I've never worn anything aside from black. Hey, hey— Connor. Do these colors look weird on me? I should wear a white shirt underneath like you do, with a tie. Ooor I can just tie a cute ribbon right here, instead.
no subject
[Not bad at all, not really. While the lines aren’t as straight and bold as what a jacket might employ, there’s something to be said about a more casual look when needed. Undercover, maybe, or an attempt to fit in wearing an outfit that doesn’t have ANDROID written across his back in a less-than-subtle way.]
Just not something I’m used to, but I think I can approve of the colors. And it’s easy enough to move around in.
[He takes a moment to view how his jacket looks on her, however.]
I don’t think you look weird, even if it is a little too large for your frame. I don’t know if a ribbon adheres to CyberLife standard, though.
[A small joke. He knows it doesn’t.]
Do androids in your world dress only in black?
no subject
[ She leans a little sideways, giving him a playful nudge.
Looking back at the mirror, she attempts to visualize coordinating a different set of clothing underneath. Likewise, she could get used to the jacket. CyberLife has to let some customization slide, she thinks. Her mask was customized into an eye patch, though it may be considered borderline breaking YoRHa standard. ]
Only YoRHa models wear black. Same with the masks. The older androids I've met wear— I don't know. A lot of beige and brown? And worn-out hoods and capes. Their clothing is in tatters... whatever's left on the surface, I guess.
[ Not like there's anywhere fancy for the androids to shop. And they've been forgotten...
Reaching for her mask, she tugs it loose. Not something she does often, but she's interested in seeing how she looks without it. And she does indeed have another eye underneath. ]
no subject
There are older model androids still active in your world?
[That's news to him, a subject never encroached upon with anyone from her world. He never thought to ask, but now it's a curiosity that barrels to the forefront of his mind.
Connor looks in the mirror, assessing her own tweaks to her appearance.]
A4, why do you wear that? [If she does indeed have another eye...] Is your visual processing damaged in that specific eye?
no subject
What, did you think us YoRHa types were the only ones? I was surprised too, when I first encountered them on my mission.
[ Command failed to mention their presence on Earth, among other things. Now that she thinks about it, she wouldn't be surprised if there were others scattered around other parts of the globe. Perhaps even older ones, manufactured around the time of humans. ]
And my visual processing is fully functional in both eyes. The goggles display HUD info, usually. [ It hasn't been much use here. ] Besides that, it's part of YoRHa standard to keep them on.
[ Not like she has to abide by Command's orders anymore.
She fiddles with the eye patch in her hand. Her more professional peers within YoRHa would probably chide her for this. ]
no subject
[What a thought, though, the idea of Earth now under the control of machines. It’s so difficult to apply his own image of home — Detroit, in all its bustling life — to what he’s heard from other androids like A4.]
So obscuring the eyes is part of the… uniform, so to speak. That’s an interesting design choice, if you don’t mind me saying.
no subject
[ Unlike A4, who'd only been on the surface for a few days. She hasn't seen much else beyond Mt. Ka'ala. ]
I wouldn't be able to explain the reason for the design choice. It's just how it is.
[ The android that came up with Project YoRHa would know, whoever that may be.
She turns once to face her back to the mirror. With a glance over her shoulder, she can't quite see what's on the back of the CyberLife jacket, but she's aware of the words spelling out "ANDROID" in large letters. ]
Speaking of design choices, why the big ol' text on the back? Are these on all CyberLife types? It really stands out.
no subject
[And it is. He'll make a mental reminder (pinging in his processing, filed away for later), to ask.]
Yes, there are several identifying factors that androids must adhere to at all times. The LED, the triangle at the front of the jacket, and the clear indication of 'ANDROID' across the back.
Simply stated, it's so that humans can differentiate us from them.
no subject
[ Humans are far above androids in hierarchy after all, on the same level as gods.
She spins back around to face forwards and tugs the jacket closer to herself. Her gaze drift back over to Connor's reflection in the mirror. Her lips widen into a grin. ]
Wanna try going full-on black some time? We've already got the pants... it's kind of a work in progress.
[ The leather pants are unforgotten. Does she just want to see him dressed like a YoRHa unit? Maybe. ]
no subject
[Strange wording, something that he pries gently upon just to see if she'll explain further.
However, as for the rest:]
Black? I suppose you're trying to dress me in a similar way to you, then. [A knowing look, but it's innocent enough.] The pants you mentioned, they looked... slim-fitting.
[THEY LOOKED TIGHT....]
no subject
[ Her words are casually stated. Perfectly content with acknowledging herself as someone of much lower status.
She places her mask over her eye as she talks, carefully re-affixing it around her head. ]
Slim-fitting? Is that bad?
[ BUT YOU HAVEN'T TRIED THEM ON YET... ]
no subject
Instead, tight-fitting pants. A very important topic.]
...Well. Generally not. As long as it doesn't restrain movement.
[Does it restrain movement?]
no subject
You'll have to try it on to find out. Maybe when I can create a perfectly coordinating black coat. Oh, and I'd have to find some matching gloves and boots somewhere. It'll be a fun change of pace!
[ She claps her hands together, giggling as she's imagining all sorts of possibilities. "Fun" for A4 anyway. Yes, this is a very important topic to think about. ]
By the way, is it fine by you if I wear your jacket awhile? I feel cute in it.
(no subject)
(no subject)