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

[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.