plasticasshole | Aefenglom IC Inbox

He bites back the urge to say that he's Bonded with the SQUIP now precisely for the reason that he wants to protect Rich. Well... that's part of the reason, anyway. But he doesn't think it would go down well, no matter what his reasoning.

"You can't understand... we share something. A connection. We see things in a way humans can't. And we're the only ones here. We have to look out for each other."

He pauses before continuing.

"Right now, the SQUIP needs protecting more than anyone. It's vulnerable, and there are people out there who want to hurt it."

His voice distorts as he speaks, and Connor clears his throat and wonders why the SQUIP's voice came out of him then... but it doesn't seem important after a moment. Don't worry about it...

Rich is expecting the first answer, really. It's similar to what he heard before. They have an inherent connection, both being AI, and Connor isn't willing to give that up, blah blah blah. He gets it. He doesn't get why it wins out over all the evidence proving the SQUIP isn't a good person...

But what Connor says next explains away that confusion. Rich hears the strange distortion and immediately is put on edge, eyes wide and breath caught in his throat. It's not familiar coming from Connor's voice, but Rich couldn't mistake it for anyone else.

The SQUIP was speaking for Connor. He doesn't know how, but obviously, that charm spell in Dorchacht wasn't the only one the SQUIP had been experimenting with.

He needs to tell Myr. He just needs to end this conversation first.

"I... think you know better than to think it's the most vulnerable thing in this place. I'm sorry you can't see yet which one of you is getting hurt. But... I forgive you, okay? For whatever shitty things you're saying."

Connor just tilts his head and gives Rich a confused look.

"...Thank you?"

He didn't think he was saying anything shitty, but...

"I guess I'll talk to you later, then."

Rich seems to be gearing up to leave, so he'll wind down the conversation and get back to cooking.

"Yeah. I'll talk to you when I figure something out. I... I'm sorry, too, okay? I know I've been angry at you, but it's not your fault I couldn't see what was actually going on."

But he definitely sees now. The SQUIP couldn't hide this forever, no matter how he covered his charming in front of Connor.

"Tell the SQUIP to enjoy your company."

While it lasts.

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