7th Screw - two private calls

[all_wound_up]

[Video; private to Nikolai Volkov]

Nikolai-san... um, do you have a few minutes?

[Video; private to Atsuro Kihara]

[Nano is visibly nervous as her face appears on the screen.]

A-are you busy right now, Atsuro-san?

Comments

[all_wound_up]

More than that...

[That line seems to have gotten Nano thinking a little.]

Do you think that's why I can use a Persona? That... that means I have a heart like a human's, right?

[otakuro]

I think it's pretty obvious even without a Persona. ...You definitely pass a Turing test, anyway.

[all_wound_up]

I don't think I've ever even studied that.

[otakuro]

Aha... Don't worry about it.

[Atsuro flashes Nano his most reassuring smile and tries to keep his pupils from shining too brightly.]

A-Anyway... Honest, you don't have to worry about it. I think with the kinds of people here, no one will even bat an eye.

...Hey, we've talked about Brainstorm, too, right?

[all_wound_up]

You're right.

[Nano smiles and nods, letting out a sigh of relief.]

From now on, I'm not going to hide what I am or lie about it. But I don't think I need to announce it either. I'm just going to be me. Just Nano.

[It looks like there's a huge weight that's been lifted from her shoulders.]

Brainstorm? I think so. Why?

[otakuro]

Hah... When we were talking about robots, right? Just so you don't feel too out of place or anything - there's at least another one here! And he doesn't even look as human as you do.

But yeah. That's a good attitude to have. It's not anyone's business what you are...

[all_wound_up]

Oh! That reminds me! I met another human-looking robot like me, right before the tournament! I couldn't tell at all - I wouldn't have known if she didn't tell me herself. Her name is Miku, and she said she's a Vocaloid.

[otakuro]

A... Vocaloid...?

[For some reason, he has the sense he is supposed to know what that means.]

Does that have something to do with voice synthesizers?

[all_wound_up]

I think so. She did say she was an idol.

[otakuro]

...An idol? Like a teen idol?

[Atsuro blinks for a few moments.]

Huh. I know they've released a few programs to simulate the sound of singing... Is that something like what you mean?

[all_wound_up]

Actually, she did mention something like that. She said that Vocaloid was also the name of a software that she was created to run.

[otakuro]

...Wow.

[He isn't sure if this is weird or awesome. ...Weren't there moral concerns about creating a sentient robot just to sell a product or something, though? Either way, Atsuro gives a shrug.]

Well, great! That's even better - sounds like she'd relate a lot better than Brainstorm, anyway. You think you two'll get along?

[all_wound_up]

I think so, yes. She's very friendly.

[otakuro]

[He feels like he's arranging a playdate for some reason.]

I'll have to try and get to know her, too! There really are all kinds of people here...

[Atsuro will shift his position as a twinge of pain runs up his leg.]

Hey, Nano...

Thanks.

[all_wound_up]

Thanks...? For what?

[In her mind, what she did at the arena was something any friend would do.]

[otakuro]

Thanks for trusting me. ...And for saving my skin back during that fight, too.

[all_wound_up]

No, I should be the one thanking you! For believing in me and accepting me.

[Even so, she's all smiles as she clasps a hand over her clockwork heart and bows her head thankfully.]

...You're welcome, Atsuro-san.

[otakuro]

((Sorry about being ridiculously absurdly late! I apologize; I think this is a good place to stop, anyway.))

[Atsuro can't help but blush a little bit at Nano's sincere demeanor.]

Not at all! No one should have to be afraid they won't be accepted...

[He flashes a quick smile.]

And if anyone gives you any trouble, you can let me know, alright?

[all_wound_up]

((No problem at all - you know I'll backtag into oblivion. But yeah, they seem to be wrapping up.))

[Nano's cheeks are a little red too, flattered to hear Atsuro thinks so well of her and happy to have confessed all on her own.]

I'll be sure to let you know, then. But I think you're right - I don't have to be afraid of showing people who I really am.