023 웃 VIDEO

[secretasshole]

[David looks pretty much the same as he always does, standing in his room with the video feed turned on. There's no physical difference, and sometimes, it seems like there isn't much mental or emotional difference, either, but he knows how much he's changed. He's much more... content now, and he knows if given a second chance, he would do things much differently.]

I thought it prudent to announce that I've graduated. Erik has offered me a place in his world, once I'm ready to leave the Barge. [And it's an offer he's definitely planning on taking him up on once he is ready to leave.]

But for the time being, [He does have one thing he'd been willing to stay here for.] I've chosen to stay.

I'm very much looking forward to working with all of you.

[He smiles, and it's definitely still more than a little smug - some things probably won't ever chance - but it's a little softer. Less like he might steal your kidney.]

And I don't think I ever properly thanked you for your gift, Chris. It's quite... something.

[Private to the Admiral]

I would like a key to both the Infirmary and the Laboratory, please.

Comments

[versusnurture]

I was, a little bit. I thought you'd want to get out of here. But it makes more sense now that I think about it.

[Everyone has someone they worry about. Even David.]

[secretasshole]

I do. [And now he actually has somewhere to go to, and that's still a strange thing to think, and to realize. That someone actually values him enough to want him around permanently, not just because it's convenient to them.

It's nice, but it's strange.]

Do you want to leave?

[versusnurture]

[She chews her lip. She does. Doesn't she?]

I guess. I don't really know. It would be nice to be free.

[secretasshole]

It would be.

[He's enjoying his experience with it, thus far.]

I've never been free, before.

[versusnurture]

Everyone should get the chance.

[A sardonic smile.] At least once.

[secretasshole]

I believe you will again.

[versusnurture]

. . . Seriously?

[It's always kind of weird when David has faith in her. She doesn't know what to make of it. He can be sweet in his way.]

[secretasshole]

Yes.

[Look, if he can do it, you totally can do it. Although he's not sure if his being an android and her being human might have made things more complicated for one of them.]

[versusnurture]

You're sweet.

[Which is extra fun to say because of how hilariously oversimplistic it is.]

I'm glad you're not going. I know that's kind of selfish. But it's nice to have you here.