That's the problem, isn't it? If you want to kill someone, you should do it yourself. Quickly. Without a second of hesitation.
[ He snaps his fingers, though the sound is muted due to the gloves that he wears. It's what the pair in this room would do if it would benefit them. It wouldn't though, and so Ranger can turn on his heel to walk over to the bed.
He listens even now though, waiting to see if he'll catch something out of the corner of his eye. It would take but a moment for Midori to find some compelling reason to dispose of his only ally. ]
If you're not willing to do it with your own hands, if you're going to excuse it as that you can't, then you have no right to ask it of anyone else.
[ With the distance between them now, he plops back down on the bed, crossing his legs and setting his hand down on it as he leans back. ]
He doesn't get that yet.
[ There's that agitation again. One piece of that is who he is and where he's from, as anyone from ASUNARO would agree, but it's not quite enough to explain the way that his fingers grip the covers and grab a fistful of them as he thinks on it longer. Ranger hides his emotions well, and he's much like Gashu in that as long as he wills it nothing will show, and so those little tells always mean something. ]
the poison that makes you erect forever and it's painful
whatever shin did, his cowardice stuck out in the end from the way ranger talks about it. he's not surprised, given who they're talking about, but it's the what that he's interested in.
there's another sip of his coffee, relishing in the sweetness.
he agrees with the logic that if there's something you want to do, you do it yourself. rather than hiding behind someone else, one can use their own abilities to make things happen. it's why there was a meeting about what to do with him, he believes shin initiated that more than anyone else.
... ]
He doesn't. Not as long as he has people to utilize, and that will listen to him. If Kanna existed here, he'd have her do things for him. You've seen it, simulation after simulation after simulation...
[ but that's not an excuse, it's that he falls back to what's convenient. taking care of him meant doing things for him, he still hasn't grown out of that. ]
So that leaves the "what" does he need done that he can't do himself.
[ He unclenches his hand, letting his fingers splay out. Ranger's shoulders drop. If he lets himself grow irritable, it'll cloud his judgment. That, too, is a form of weakness that he can't afford. That's especially true when Midori is correct. He's seen it over and over again.
It was his misunderstanding. People never change, not really. At least, not in any way that really matters.
... ]
Mm? The obvious one. He can't kill you any more than he can kill me.
[ Ranger would kill anyone who tried. As for Midori, well - he may or may not, but he would ensure that there were no further efforts to do so. It's the same with the rest of the list. ]
Well, of course, murder is a bad look for anyone. But there's other things. Let's see... I could disassemble you and bury every piece in a different part of the forest, or attach an anchor to you and throw you in that bottomless pool over there. A complete shutdown, malware, formatting, injection and eavesdrop attacks, all kinds of fun scripts you can run.
[ He flops back down on the bed, staring at the ceiling as he drones on. There's no need to look when he already knows what expression Midori will wear. He doesn't think the lot of them are creative enough for half of these, much less smart enough for it, but they'd hit one or two and that's enough. ]
As long as there's no murder, no one can criticize you, and as long as there's no blood you don't have to feel bad.. Hm, maybe I'll just take your eyes out and clap my hands on your ears to destroy your hearing. I can remove your voice while I'm at it... Ah, if I throw your hands in the incinerator too then you should be safe to have around.
[ Eyes and ears that are only there to learn how to do harm, a voice that's only used to manipulate, hands that tear bodies apart... Taking away each and every sense would leave him both helpless and harmless. ]
Edited (sorry my brain is empty today) 2022-03-01 16:46 (UTC)
[ those are quite the descriptors, it's enough to make him lean more against the desk he stands next to as ranger walks over to the bed to sit down. the cup brought to his mouth, the warmth against his lips as he indulges to keep himself from talking. this is probably the only way to keep him quiet as he thinks over the scenarios. he knows that shin can't kill, and that it's a fault of his that holds him back, and why he's unable to do much, that's why he involves others. he knows that child well enough, as long as he doesn't know the outcome properly, he never has to blame himself, and that's what makes shin vulnerable.
because there's no blood, because they're not humans, it does boil down to that notion. ]
Convenient, isn't it?
[ everything that amounts to his code— a virus, sqli, the list can go on and on, just like with malware; because they're not human, because they aren't alive to die, then it's fine. ]
Crippling the body, keeping them alive. All that's left is a vegetable that can't do anything for themselves... then who knows what they'd do next, if I lost all my senses... how could I stop them? Who would even know?
[ is that how they felt about midori, or maybe it wasn't always him. his eyes watch ranger, looking the ai over as he pulls his cup away, setting it down on the table. it's because he's not fully human that the idea of removing his hearing, sight, and things like that couldn't affect him too bad because they're easy to replace. he more or less understand the intentions from his previous statement, and once he puts it together.
... ]
I arrived late, I might have never arrived at all. [ his appearance is when he decides it, ] Shin understands nothing can replicate ASUNARO technology. [ it's one of a kind after all, and that's why they're so valued. ranger is a part of three prodigies lifeblood, a model that came directly after midori that makes their innerworkings so close. their dna, the binary, it's twisted together that one mistake will cost them both. they're nothing but dominoes once one of them gives up, but midori won't allow that to happen.
his words don't come out harsh, they're realistic, expanding on his take. ]
There's no need sugarcoating it of who was his "guinea pig" in mind when thinking, "would this work? would this not?"
he just needs to find a fwb that can murder him later again
[ Ranger pulls himself up onto the bed properly, rolling onto his stomach and letting his face cards rest beside him. He folds his arms so that he can rest his chin on him, the position remaining for just a second before he tilts his head to hide his expression. There's nothing to hide when his expression is unreadable, and Midori has seen it well enough, but it still bothers him.
Dolls truly are convenient. They can be created, used, disposed of, and remade at a person's whims. That's what makes those few people that seemed to mistake him for a person so significant. He can never let his guard down, not when they'll kill him anyway, but a person is killed for who they are and or arbitrary gains rather than what they are. It makes it just a little bit easier to be near them.
He hood hangs over his forehead, shadowing his eyes, but Midori might catch those few seconds of calculations as he considers the words. It's running probabilities and possibilities, piecing together ideas and holding them up against those words. More than that, it's looking at everything and anything he know about both parties to determine their validity. Is it realistic, or is it just Midori twisting things as they suit him? Who does it benefit more.
But eotions are a troublesome thing, as are human connections. They vie for attention with logical conclusions, and a person who's never been hurt lacks the callouses that should protect them. Ranger, only knowing one kind of relationship and having never been hurt, lacks that. It's easy to see what's said her as sensible, even though there's little contradictions that he can tug at in that last statement, especially when he finds the rest to be a mere statement of fact. ]
Mmn... Our bodies and code are unique, [ Ranger agrees, ] There's not a single person who can replicate what was done.
[ Shin wouldn't understand how close their models really are. None of them would unless Ranger volunteered that information, and he's ever protective of their secrets. But a layman would assume it without recognizing the nuance.
But emotions are a funny thing, and he struggles to hold onto that idea. He doesn't like it, but he can't find the threads to pull at when he gropes around for them. All he has is that Shin's too soft to let his mind wander there - some brittle wall that reminds him that people can even become attached to objects. ]
I dunno if I'd say it was that... [ He corrects himself after a beat, ] I'm not sure if he thought that far ahead, and it would cause too many problems.
[ Neither of which preclude him considering at the time or after calming down. Ranger doesn't need to be told that, but he offers up what he knwos is a flimsy defense regardless. ]
Edited 2022-03-02 05:45 (UTC)
god STOPPP NOT FWB he doesnt need one of those look at these ppl theyre sick
[ came to these conclusions, made heads and tails of what he could do to midori's body to cripple him, place him in a vegetative state if it was to his convivence to keep him from turning against him. why would ranger come here if he thought differently, if he believes in those humans, then there's no need running into midori's room with this thought in mind. all he had to do was offer his thoughts, give the information, and be on his way. yet, that's not what's happening here. he remains, he lays on his bed in thought, he shows signs of weakness.
rio ranger has grown soft. ]
So what stops Shin from thinking it, besides, I know you, Ranger. You wouldn't say things just to say them, that'd be unlike you.
[ he'll leave things out, he'll stay facts, but that's what makes the other so convincing. it's a worm in his mind, it's digging into his thoughts and code, it's breaking down the barrier. the conversation was not the best one to have, nor was it a good idea to come to midori with it. that's what someone would think, but it's a good thing he came to midori, because he's the only one who understands, he's part of asunaro, his body is as ever close to ranger's, and no other model holds a candle. ]
I'll offer my thoughts, though, it wouldn't cause problems, rather... it'd get rid of them, that's why anyone would think up such scenarios that would affect us, wouldn't they?
[ it's a defense he can tell, it's memories, months, whatever it is that they have which midori has to pierce through, but it's not difficult. it's because he has to speak logically, make it make sense, and ranger will always do what's right for him. he looks at the other rolling about, fidgeting it puts him in the mind of as he walks over slowly, and with another sip to keep him humble.
he doesn't need to speak when he's enjoying himself. ]
But you're at an advantage as long as he hasn't seen your code, or knows the make-up of your body.
[ ... ]
Then there's no way for him to build in order to break you down. If he had a sample, just a piece, he was under my jurisdiction, he can make something out of nothing. As you know, if anyone understands how we work, then that's the end of us both, and vice versa.
[ it could look like a fault by asunaro for making them so close, but midori had chose to participate, it was a position only he could do. with a swish of coffee in his mouth, he bends his tongue to feel the serial number underneath. it's just one off from ranger's, they were meant to be this way because of what the future held, and yet those chances have expired. ]
Isn't that right, #ASU778?
[ one number next to his own. that's how close they are, one number, and a few other properties, but still the same, and can suffer the same downfall.
and he sits down on the bed next to ranger, legs crossed, and he glances into his cup to see how much he has left. ]
STOOPPP MAYBE IF HE GOT LAID HE WOULDN'T BE SUCH A FREAK
[ It had to be him. It was contradiction upon contradiction, as so many things in that company were. They couldn't afford to show weakness to each other, and yet those in the facility were the only ones they could breathe around. He's grown soft, and Midori will pull his guts out and read them like tea leaves to find what's truth is hiding inside, but he'll shove them back in and sew him up and ensure that every little mistake and misunderstanding that's materialized until now will be dealt with.
But at least he can breathe around him, because as long as it's him snapping fingers, he knows that it'll be fixed so long as he has value. He can breathe because it will ensure that no one else can harm him. The only way to protect those that you truly care for is to inflict pain on them, really - such pain that they never even think about allowing the world to inflict suffering upon them again, but even if it were to, it wouldn't compare.
Midori understands that kind of care, and Ranger responds in kind. ]
He saw it before coming here. Safalin gave him my chip after I deactivated, and the participants to do as they pleased with it. That's more than enough to be troublesome, but humans don't retain information that well.
[ It's a logical sequence of events in return. It was too late, and so the only hope was of one forgetting. He stays his tongue on the issue of whether or not said code was examined any further. It was, after all, nothing more than a fraction in the end. ]
It would cause problems, [ He repeats, a little more firmly now, ] Because he doesn't have the skill to do anything other than break at his level. In a place where everyone knows each other, and anyone can betray each other, people become tight knit. It doesn't matter who or what it is, as long as you're a part of that collective they won't take kindly to it being removed.
[ It's a better argument, and it's one he doesn't believe will be challenged. It's no different than a small town where everyone knows each other's names. They gossip, fight, and they have people they hate, but they won't allow anything to transpire so long as a person is still considered to be one of them. Human or otherwise, Ranger has built up enough of a network for it to be problematic to target him.
Those who aren't in their field can easily personify objects, and even if they logically understand that one isn't a person, just the loss of something that looks like one should be enough to frighten them. ]
It's the same reason the kid didn't capitalize on the opportunity to dispose of one of ASUNARO's finest early on. It would've been reckless during a nine body pile up.
[ That's not quite right, and he thinks it to be a more emotional affair, but this is far easier to justify. ]
Either that, or he didn't learn a damn thing from you.
[ His eyes flick up just briefly, just enough for the unspoken comment about it being a reflection of his teaching skills to be seen before returning down. Midori must have touched something to warrant such a precise response, but he does relent a little in acknowledgment of his first point, ]
... I don't bring things up without reason though.
[ He's thought about it often. Humans are predictable, but their predictability means understanding how reckless and impulsive they are. He had wondered countless times what would happen if he were to become a true threat, if their tentative truce was forgotten, and now he thinks the same as Midori - if one falls, then the other will too. ]
Edited 2022-03-02 07:38 (UTC)
STOPPP maybe ur right are you ready to be ditos suitor?
Mhm, and then someone else modified a piece of your code, as you said. It's a little different now.
[ that he doesn't like it. it's a start, that's all they need, but he's silent as he finishes his cup of coffee, and his thumb gently traces along the rim. there's so many things he can say, where should he start? should he mention that maybe shin has these thoughts because he has seen a bit of ranger's code? should he mention that if ranger is from a time where he hadn't died by insubordination, and that his chip still remains inside of him, there's always that chance to modify so that nothing can happen?
up to his mouth the cup goes though empty, it's giving him some time to think. the nip at his tutelage makes him laugh, though it's not the time. ]
That would also be to your advantage if he didn't learn anything from me.
[ there's no time for dramatics, because if shin did learn anything from midori, then he'd be frightening, ranger would have to watch his back. it'd do no good for him to play on shin's mentality thinking he wouldn't be able to come to such a conclusion— he has a brain, he can think, it's just how far that imagination can become reality. ]
Then what will you do, Ranger? Are you willing to excuse that slip of the tongue? Normally, people say how they feel when in that position.
[ because reasons are he's new, he doesn't have his foot in the door yet. he's still creating a path for himself, figuring out what he wants to do. he didn't plan for death, but it's not like any of them planned for this at all. he closes his eyes for a moment, even though he doesn't need to, it's just a human response of stopping time, seeing an endless darkness, and reopening them to view the world.
this is how he lives now. ]
He surely wasn't thinking of you when he made that comment, now was he? Like you said before, he's not going to do it himself, so maybe it doesn't matter when he won't suffer the consequences. Perhaps he doesn't care, or it was a warning from him to you. What is it, kill two birds with one stone?
[ but there's one thing that stands out to him, capitalize on getting rid of him? there's a reason for that. ]
If I can make a comment... I doubt you would have let him get away with it: disposing you. Nine bodies, ten, thirty, forty. You would have made sure none of them were you, which you should do now, make sure you aren't one of the victims in his plans of success.
I wouldn't. But we're just talking in terms of what people would think to try, right?
[ But the sharpness to those words promises that he understands the meaning behind Midori's. One or forty, Ranger would not be amongst them because he wouldn't put himself in such a position where it were possible. He wouldn't leave himself so vulnerable a position that someone so mediocre could destroy him. Yet, he had, and the thought makes him want to retch.
He picks through each argument logically. It's slow for him, but far too fast when compared to a human. It's no more than a few seconds, and Ranger understands exactly what argument is being made here. It's care of him, but most of all it's his colleague being concerned for himself. If he were to go through each argument, then there's answers on either side. He can be an optimist or a pessimism, all depending on his vantage point, and both are equally valid.
But which one is safer? Well, the one that leaves no room for error, of course. People had touched his code. Two people had touched him, and one hand unconsciously reaches up to run through his hair before he folds it over the other once more. If he were to leave now, he might not have to think on such things, but several long seconds drag on. Was he weaker for having gained emotions so late? If he were created like this he certainly wouldn't be. Certainly, certainly, he'd be a different person, and yet...
He's not, so he loops back around to Midori's original point, ]
Humans are scared, they're stupid, and they're arrogant. If they want to get to "Sou Hiyori," then the fastest way to do that is through "Rio Ranger." But even ignoring that, it should make for a nice back up for when things go sour. Of course, they have now, but it could have happened at any point in time. They only needed the appropriate resources. Shin got a piece of it during the game, and somebody here did as well, and that will embolden them.
Those are problem that needs to be immediately accounted for and rectified before they get out of hand.
[ He takes in a breath. There's plenty that tells him that it doesn't fit in his behavioral patterns. It's a logical argument that's been tainted with emotions, as he knows their participants. ]
... So, this naive, lukewarm approach isn't befitting of a Floormaster, nor is complacency. That sum it up?
[ It's better to doubt and remain safe than to believe and be hurt, especially when being hurt means losing both of ASUNARO's greatest assets for the second time. But that aside, he's aware that there's no greater threat or asset than a person who can learn so quickly, and who retains information. It wouldn't be wrong to say he can do pretty much anything. If it were him, he would have carefully calculated how to use what had been presented to him and when to dispose of it. Why wouldn't anyone else? Just when had he started to grow so complacent?
He's still skirting around the issue, and Ranger can recognize that in himself. But there's a little fracture, a thin cut that's traced down, and he wonders why any of them shouldn't have thought of that from the start. If Shin's saying it now, then...
...
... ]
Edited (cleaned it up now that i'm awake but the general idea is the same) 2022-03-02 16:32 (UTC)
[ he's slow to get up, the squeak in the bed loud enough as he brings himself to a standing position. the cup of coffee is empty, he's sipped far too long which allows him to speak properly now, there's nothing limiting him. not there was something ever at all, he chose to let ranger speak, offer his thoughts, and the more the other spoke, the more he'd have to listen to his own words.
it would decide things for him without midori doing it himself. all he's been hearing is him protecting, giving defenses, and ignoring the real problem. he truly has changed, and that's what's causing him so much pain with there being people who know how code, if only midori was allowed to fix it.
as he stands at the desk, he clicks on the coffee maker, the button turning red as it proceeds to pour liquid into another cup. the smell is intoxicating, warm, and there's something calming about it as it tickles his nose. once done, he picks it up with a smile, and grabs a few packs of creamer and sugar.
he brings them over to sit in the little counter by the bed, close enough that ranger can reach for them, and dress it appropriately. ]
Shhh... shhh... [ it's slow, trying to calm the other beside him. ] I know... I know... it's absolutely terrifying, when the people you thought you could understand would understand you too.
[ there's only so many people in the world that can understand an asunaro down to their core. it's why it's hard to find someone who can handle them perfectly without complaint. midori doesn't say anything about ranger's partner in this, given the fact he's the one that the other made a deal about, and so that'll lead him to a sour mood. ]
Instead they used everything they knew against you, took your help for granted, and abused what you gave them. It's always sound advice with you, what would be best, and what would cause minimal problems. Just like you heard him out, why couldn't he hear you? It goes both ways.
[ his words are thoughtful, exploring what may have been the sequence of events during their meeting. the reason ranger was there could have been to help them, they allowed him to join after all, and now he's here, laying on midori's bed unsure. ]
You were always meant to have emotions, you were to understand pain, but not in this way...
[ no one would ever think about getting rid of him, he was made by being a special part of the world, rio ranger would be wanted. that was part of the general idea.
that's all he finds with ranger so raw about the topic when it comes to shin, lining up excuses that he could never do that to him. he's afraid that if he can, it'll happen, and so he deludes himself.
midori was never meant to lose his game, but... ]
Having someone from ASUNARO must have been nice for him. There's so much he could learn in so much time until... it's too late.
[ when does one get the idea to remodel rio ranger, when the other is too asunaro aligned, and they need one more participant sided? it would have been fine if he had come to those ideas strictly at the meeting, but this has been workshopped in that beanie-attached head of his for so long.
he looks over to the coffe, watching the steam waft off the surface. he picks up the cup, grabbing the handle so he can offer it to ranger. ]
It's not your fault, and none of the participants are here. My doors are open, and my bed is empty. [ his hand is warm from the cup, and he slowly lifts it, setting it on top of ranger's head gently.
he'll fit the narration. ]
Stay here for as long as you like.
STOP THERE WAS NO DYING BUT ANYWAY WE'RE GONNA FIND HIM A NEW ONE
[ Ranger knows, of course. He's always known. There's no one who can truly understand them and few who would want to try. It's what makes his colleagues so precious. It may be coding and it may be conditioning, but most of all it's because only they can truly accept him as he is. But there's a couple people who just, his precious partner who always accepts him as he is without ever allowing him to stay that way, and one whom he's already opted not to tell Midori about.
He's understood that all this time. It's not just the participants. It's everyone. They're all excessively kind, they're all too selfless and just, too human and vulnerable. But he had thought maybe they could understand each other just a little. He had thought that they were just a little bit different, and so he had started to let his guard down. He'd forgotten not just how different their worlds are, but how easy it is to toss others aside. How easily he ahd been, even though he was supposed to be a masterwork, even though he was supposed to be more than that.
It's bitter, without even a hint of sweetness to it. It's frightening, and it hurts, and hearing those thoughts that he's tried to keep at the edges of his mind voiced to him is like having that wound ripped open. The chest cavity is cracked, the heart hidden beneath squeezed tight.
Ranger tilts his head back as Midori goes on, the hood falling back to reveal the fluffy orange hair hidden beneath it. He pushes himself into a sitting position next to Midori, letting his legs hang off of the edge of the bed. He takes the cup of coffee and stares down at it as he thinks on those words. He can see a bit of his reflection in the dark liquid, that melancholy and tired look. He doesn't add much to his coffee, just a little bit of cream and sugar to mask the bitterness of it.
He had done his best for them, he had been willing to do and say what none of them could. He was right, he had done the right things, and yet...
It's Midori's hand resting on his head, causing his his widen and his body to freeze up for just a moment before he slumps. It's like a puppet whose strings have been cut, the way his head dips and his shoulders drop. The tense grip on the mug finally relaxes, and he switches to rubbing it idly with his thumb. It's been a long time since he's felt that warmth, years since he's been shown true affection by the people he wanted it from most.
Midori cares, and he doesn't. It's not a love that anyone else could understand. It's a poisonous flavor that he's so familiar with. Those pieces were never added to his jar, but allowed to melt on his tongue as it was readily swallowed, and even now he finds it to be the sweetest flavor of all of them. He blinks slowly, and he thinks that Komaeda and Midori really are a lot alike in that. They're different flavors though, and so he finds himself mixing a pair of sweet venoms while waiting to see which it will be that stop his heart while understanding that he can't allow either to.
But if he had to choose one, he would want it to be his partner.
The fact that he doesn't move is an answer in and of itself to the offer. ]
Yeah, you're right... I knew from the start that it would turn out this way, but... [ ... ] ... There wasn't anyone else.
[ There wasn't anyone to fix his code. There wasn't anyone to look him over. There was no one that could pin it down when his system started glitching. But he couldn't let it continue, and he can't let himself die, so what was he supposed to do if not what he was designed for? He was always meant to adapt to any situation with ease. But then, he wasn't ever truly meant to just be shoved out into the world alone either. ]
But we were never going to understand each other. I was never going to be anything other than a product of ASUNARO.
[ He finally takes a sip of coffee. ]
... Bitter.
Edited (hit enter too soon) 2022-03-02 22:13 (UTC)
STOPPPP HE DOESNT NEED A FWB hes helping other peoples relationships
[ midori cares for what works out for him, and if being a shoulder for ranger to lean on helps him then he will be. it's wrong, but it's also right due to their relationship with asunaro, as close as their bodies are, and what happens the moment one of them falls, and someone is allowed their body. he's doing this to save himself, in a way, his life sits right there in ranger's palm, in his code, and because of his desperate need to survive, he'll capitalize on that weakness. he really does love how humans associate with each other, how they're so blindly honest, how they ruin things for themselves when they should have worked together.
self-sabotaging tastes so sweet for the third party, for the one's involved, the taste isn't so grand, and it can be unbearable. hearing that the coffee is bitter causes midori to chuckle. there's not enough sugar, not enough creamer to dress reality. this is what ranger has to accept, and if he can swallow this bitter substance, then it becomes easier to accept. that shin tsukimi only took because of what ranger gave, and he took, and he took, because it all worked for him. it does hurt him slightly that his precious friend wants nothing to do with him, not even to play truce for a few seconds. if alice hadn't got in the way, they could have shared a few more years, shin would have spoken on command, and maybe he would have never been so clumsy with the tongue.
he would have taught him how to speak, just like his own parents have taught midori— never say too much, never hide away with too little. the middle has always been comfortable if you aren't in charge of the conversation, that's where you focus on the other person's words, and match yours with their own. had he been with shin just for a little while longer, then he could have been a pro at this.
a job hopper never has to be good at their job, it's as long as they show up that they're credited for the work that they do. ]
Isn't that good: that you knew? Now you can put a stop to it... no one can hurt you anymore when you're aware of their inner thoughts.
[ he stares down at the cup that mirrors ranger's reflection, he can see the expression on his face, and when did he start to use his face cards less and less? that's different. there has been nothing but changes here that the eye can see. ]
How about I ease your nerves?
[ it's with the packet of sugar in hand that he shakes it from left to right, causing the substance to go to the bottom before ripping it from the top. if ranger wants it, he'll pour it in, but he doesn't move to do it at all, and instead continues to stay where he's sitting next to him.
[ Ranger moves to pluck the packet from his hand and pour it in himself. The little bit is already too much, and he stirs it with just a few steady turns of the spoon. ]
You'll do the opposite.
[ It's true enough that once one becomes aware of the thoughts of others, they can use that to their advantage. The name of the game is to notice the other person before they notice you, and to use what you've found to gain an advantage. Ranger has done that from the start, and his knowledge of those around him has only grown. There's a downward twitch of the lips that might pass as a frown as he searches for the error in his calculations and comes up blank.
Careful observation. Logical assessments. Running through each and every option before forming a conclusion. In the long term, that should have been correct, and even now he's rolling over what had transpired in his mind to try and make sense of it. It won't do to let himself grow stupid from fear, and he's not satisfied with this result. But for as much data as he's collected, he finds no evidence that he wouldn't be betrayed. There's nothing that can affirm that every action wasn't with some end goal in mind. If it were him, he would handle it that way.
A couple more switches, and he taps the spoon against the mug. He can find no evidence that he won't be treated the same upon being found inconvenient. ]
Ahaha! If you left it to me, you'd say something like "this isn't coffee anymore!"
[ his own cup was nothing but sugar, but it was enough for him to get through the conversation. it's not like everyone has the same taste buds as him, but having it too sweet might have been what was best, it would have helped in easing his nerves because they'd talk about something else.
it's probably shit coffee because when did yogen care about getting them anything good, he really drowns it in both sugar and creamer. there's a jar of honey sitting on the desk though, if ranger would like to use it as a substitute, for midori had at one point. it's the cute glass with a see through brown, and the honey comb spoon settled inside. ]
We're the only two here from ASUNARO, I wouldn't do anything to you that would pose problems, you see...
[ he knows better, especially where his standing is in this place— shin has warned plenty, he's sure, there's so many people who knows to stay away from him now. word moves quick in a small school, especially when most of the student body is frozen in place in the study hall. there's a different between him and shin, he knows how to use, and throw away when he doesn't need them anymore, and shin was a fool who would still need ranger, and would probably still ask for help despite his inner goal of figuring out how they work, and using it to his advantage. ]
How close are they? Himeko and Shin.
[ any answer will be the wrong answer, because there's only one answer in his mind as he asks. ]
no see he's helping right now, ranger wants to go bond with someone
[ It's shit coffee, and Ranger has expensive tastes, but he thinks that he could pay for a better blend. He takes another sip before letting the cup rest in his lap. If it's to ease his nerves, he thinks that finding Komaeda might be a good idea. He's easy to talk to, and his judgment is sound. There would be no need to worry about intentions and accuracy.
He casts a glance at the door. He's reported as he should, and Midori has been given the opportunity to correct the misunderstandings that had been in place, so it wouldn't be out of line for him to leave now when they can catch up later. He believes it when he's told that the other won't cause him any trouble, as doing so would be to his detriment here. Ranger is a steadfast ally who aligns himself with others. It would be reckless.
There's another slight frown at the query. It's a loaded question, but he'll answer regardless, ]
[ he masked his own, so it tastes a whole lot better than what ranger is drinking— eight packs of sugar, and nine tablespoons of sugar is more than enough to fix the problem. he lifts one hand, tapping his chin as to what he shoudl do "properly," and he'll look over to the coffee maker. what are they supposed to expect in the year 2000, but things are meant to taste better as the years go on, things become more artificial, they lose their taste. this is unique shit coffee. ]
No, no.
[ why is he looking towards the door, must be that other person, sighs... when will he fuck up so midori can ruin that relationship too. ]
As soon as you're better, then you can leave the room.
[ not that ranger has bad taste in partners, but he's heard something about that one, and he's very active. it would be safer.
annoyingly so, midori knocks his shoulders with ranger's, laughing a little as he remains leaning on the other, but not too much that it becomes uncomfortable. ]
Close enough that she'll no doubt learn about what was said in the meeting?
Edited 2022-03-03 02:46 (UTC)
STOP can't believe how fast midori's warning bells went off
He shoots Midori a questioning look. Better? The day's events have left a bitter taste in his mouth and left a gaping wound, but that's all the more reason to seek out his partner. He's easy to speak with, and it would be less lonely. ]
Probably. He's just gonna blurt it out like an idiot to everyone he's talked to even once.
[ Ranger is at least certain of that much. But the truth is that Shin himself isn't very a very reliable source, and he doubts he'll go into detail on the matter. With any luck, it'll wind up backfiring.
He twitches a little when Midori bumps against him, but he doesn't move. ]
I'll leave when I want to... Anyway, I wanna go talk to someone else. That shouldn't be a problem.
[ For as deferential as he could be to the other three, Midori has never quite had the same pull over Ranger. ]
Give it thirty more minutes for your mood to settle. With that expression, someone might as well ask you what's wrong as soon as you leave!
[ which isn't wrong, he's trying to save ranger from the inquiries of certain people, and then if a fuss is made, it'll make ranger out to look like the crazy person from shin's meeting. the last thing they need is the other being so uptight, that there's something visibly wrong— shin could paint the narrative any way that he wants. they did push ranger out because of being asunaro and having close ties, but he also knows that holding him isn't how you treat those with this sort of personality.
he truly is like a cat, they normally come back once they're ready. ]
If that's too long, then before you go...
[ thinking dots, he holds his hand out for the cup if he's not interested in it anymore. ]
I suggest that we don't leave room for error. You said Himeko was a "smart kid, picked the code up fast", and that's no good. There was no one else at the time, but I'm here, and we can remove that convenience floating around.
[ as an addendum, which ranger should already know. ] You'll be both awake and aware.
Edited (thinkin bout my typo) 2022-03-03 04:21 (UTC)
THAT IS TRUE EVERY TIME HE DOES SMTH IT SHOULD WORRY YOU
[ It's true enough. Ranger is difficult to read. He's as stoic as Gashu when he chooses to be. Nor would he worry if anyone he did, as the atmosphere has grown increasingly tense since the investigation started. But his emotions are starting to settle, and there's nothing left for him but hurt and confusion and distrust.
The latter seems that it might be what he's been angling for this entire conversation. He puts a few additional inches between them. ]
... Emiri Harai, Michiru Namida, Gashu Satou. Those are the only three authorized to access my code or perform maintenance.
[ He should have never let anyone get close, and he should have never let anyone touch it. It was his first mistake, and it was a painful one. Midori, who has far more skill than those youths, would pose a far greater threat to him now.
Maybe that's why he'd steered the conversation in this direction? It's possible that it was just an effort to control the narrative, true or otherwise. If he could detach Ranger from the rest, then that would serve several purposes at once. It would allow him to monopolize Ranger as an ally, with only his partner to worry about, and access to his code as well. It would mean taking a powerful piece from the other side, and the increased tension would hurt them more than him. It's what Ranger would do in his position.
...
... ]
There's no anomalies. You have nothing to worry about.
[ He murmurs those last words, a little distracted as he hands the coffee cup back. It's too bitter. ]
[ that there's no anomalies, but ranger's words hold no ground anymore. those three that had authorization to his code are no more, and he continues: ]
You said it yourself, that no one can match our code. [ that's how special they are, some of asunaro's finest, but ranger is the masterwork. he's the most important part of the puzzle while midori was made to do something else— he wasn't to be an heir, but there was something special waiting for him. it was taken from him unfairly, and with that piece of ranger's code known out there within the school, it breaches that same feeling. a fluke, information given because ranger felt terrified of what was happening to him. ]
Doesn't that mean I'm the only one who understands it intimately here?
[ midori would be a threat, to give him that control, but who's fault is it that the control is even here? had ranger not been afraid, he wouldn't be here, the reason he's sitting on the bed in the first place is because of his code has been touched, that someone could mess with his code and take everything from him. if no one had that piece, then he'd have no reason to be afraid. in little ways, ranger is just like midori.
midori felt powerful when no one knew he was afraid of death, but when it's known... everything changes.
he takes the cup, walking back over to the desk where the maker sits, and this time, he grabs a different cup. he sets it down before him, and slowly he begins to rip open a few packets of sugar and powdered creamer. it all falls down to the bottom, and as he slips the cup under the machine, he watches as the black falls down, filling it. it isn't to the brim, but enough when he puts the spoon inside of the liquid that it doesn't run over.
there's a few stirs, before he reaches for a jar of honey, grabbing the honey dipper, turning it slow so that no honey drips off. it stays in place, even as he hovers it over the coffee, and with a turn of his wrist, it begins to drip into the liquid. he watches it slowly, light brown disappearing into light brown, and he brings the dipper back to place inside of the jar.
with that done, he slowly walks back over to ranger, offering the new cup that he's made. it's no longer bitter. ]
If you were able to handle your own code, you wouldn't have needed an extra hand.
[ ... ]
I only offer because of how dangerous that is, and there's no denying it. If it's anyone else, they won't value you as they should.
[ can't break what's already been ruined. ]
Unlike them, at least I know what I'm doing in regards to check-ups! Ahaha.
[ It's tempting to remind him that Ranger knows their code just as well, but he understands that Midori is making the same point. He chews on his word as the coffee is prepared. There are reasons to be concerned about who knows what about him, but those are fixed by removing the problem rather than reviewing his internal code once more. He's done that and found there to be nothing of interest.
The code given to him was sloppy by their standards, and a member of ASUNARO could perhaps perfect it further, but it was functional. The safety mechanism that had kept him from modifying his code on the level that others could, and so he could do so himself, but Ranger sees no reason to modify it when that could lead to issues with his system, and he would rather not further depend on others to repair and restore him.
He takes the cup when offered, holding it by the handle now as he tries an experimental sip and finds it to be sweet. It's too saccharine for his tastes, but it hides the muddy taste of the cheap coffee mixed in with it.
He tells Midori none of that, but it'll become apparent if he's allowed to sift through his code. Ranger look down once more, eyelids lowering halfway as he slowly turns his options over in his head. ]
You're the only one who can understand it, so you're the only one who would understand how to modify it to your benefit, especially without it being noticed. As for me, I can self-repair. There's few things that I'm not equipped to handle.
[ That much is true. Their systems truly are impressive, and Ranger is sensitive to small changes in his code. It's unusual, but so long as everything is running properly there's no strict need for it to be looked over. But as with their intentions, he can't deny the possibility that there's some part of his code hidden from him. There was before, and that needed to be found by another person.
He takes another sip. The sweetness is a little more manageable now. ]
... So, you're saying that there's something that I can't access, and that if there is, you can fix it before it can cause issues down the line.
[ A beat, and then cautiously - ]
What are you thinking would've been done that I wouldn't have noticed?
I don't know ASS ABT FUCK IN CODING LIVIN ON A PRAYER
Don't see me cruel, but why did someone touch your code?
[ he places that down on the board first, there was something ranger must have not noticed then he arrived here. considering he's more emotion based now, he must have found that, because he wasn't anything like this before. that's specific, fixing a code, and even this isn't well done, he finds some hiccups in his actions— midori knows all about what ranger was meant to be, and the fall out of where he was picked apart due to gashu's poor understanding of what makes a human.
everyone always forgets love! ]
Our benefit. Unless you're satisfied with Shin knowing your data, and Himeko having a piece herself. The only thing left of ASUNARO is us, and what little reminders appear.
[ having that information out there is no different from safalin skulking the facility levels, that's ranger willingly putting them all in danger because he wants to trust so badly. time is different though, it makes you think, and want to relate to them more— not believe they can do something because they're just normal people, and one of them have probably an online degree in coding.
but ranger wants examples, and midori holds out an index finger as he taps that first to list off his thoughts: ]
Logs, trackers, records.
[ pieces of information set inside ranger that's locked away because of high security, it seems like normal code until the hatch is flipped, and there's something hidden underneath, and the surface camouflaged perfectly into what reads normal to him. ]
Worst of all: honest mistakes.
[ with a sigh, he crosses his arms as he explains, figuring that ranger may understand why this is the worst one that can happen with a masterwork like himself. all it takes is someone touching a sensitive code, and... ]
They start unnoticeable at first, but multiply like bad calculations. It's like a cancer in the code. Say they misunderstood a certain value, and tried to apply it elsewhere.
[ he sits down now, crossing his legs, and his hands placed into his lap. ]
But surprise! It meant something else entirely, and every time that value is called on, it becomes more messy, more jumbled.
[ maybe that's why he still has good faith in shin, there's a value misplaced, but he'll let ranger come to that conclusion if he finds that the shoe fits. ]
I'm not fond of those surprises, and then there's little Easter eggs like your chip. With the proper decryption, it's not like it has to be used the way that it was. Using something important from you to destroy ASUNARO, I don't see why they wouldn't try it again.
If you can't find the answer to that yourself, you don't deserve to know it.
[ There's a coolness to those words that hasn't been present up until now, and Ranger thinks this to be enough of a hint for the man beside him. For Rio Ranger, whose loyalty would always lie with ASUNARO and who had no capacity for love or trust, his code was all that he had.
That name, that note, that person, those people, experiences had and questions asked. One piece knocked over after another until the gameboard was flipped over to reveal the scribbled message hidden on the underside and the remainder fell to the floor.
Nothing changes and every day is the same, and yet nothing is as it was yesterday and it can never be the same again. Each and every day is like that.
If Midori can't find the truth perfectly, precisely, in just seconds then it's not one he's worthy of being given. If he doesn't care enough to, then that only benefits Ranger, who has no desire to speak of his creator's flaws, nor to see them used as leverage in this conversation. ]
You don't believe that I could detect that, and that an amateur using sticks and rocks could decrypt and utilize what those three worked on for years without depending on our facility to do the heavy lifting.
[ Those words are chillier still, and Midori should catch the implication that hes beginning to feel offended on the behalf of the three who put him together. He may be right, but he was designed to detect even the slightest changes. The modifications done had been like a itch that he couldn't scratch until he adjusted to it, but every scan and consideration had proven them to be safe.
Every consideration had gone into ensuring that their masterwork would be kept from harm.
...
He knows that right about now Harai would snap at him for being so stubborn. But then, if it were her he wouldn't be.
Begrudgily: ]
... Human error is possible. They don't have a fraction of Harai, Namida, or Gashu's talent.
Edited (the way everybody refer to only gashu by his first name) 2022-03-03 20:15 (UTC)
[ the error in his design, what made him rio ranger, and not rio lazier. if they're getting to the point, then midori can do so as well, it's the most obvious aspect that stands out like a sore thumb. even if he minded his business all that time, that doesn't mean he wasn't aware of what was going on. the role ranger was meant to have, and how because he no longer had it, the death game was meant to go according to plan. if he hadn't suffered through that loss, then nothing would have to be this way.
midori keeps a small smile as he runs through the information. ]
Actually, I believe you can, that's why I'm here to help... a touch more freedom.
[ without damocles' sword looming overhead, so that shin's words frosty bite disappears from the forefront of his mind, but it's unfortunate it'll always remain inside the memory bank. nothing they can do about that now, so with a touch of kindness, he explains from an emotional point of view than logical. ]
I want you to enjoy yourself, and not live in fear...
[ midori is someone who lives to the fullest, but that's because he chooses what he can and can't do. it's all by his own will, and he knows that he's different from ranger because he wasn't created from start to finish by prodigy hands. he was born from two successful humans, and he was taught, guided by their hand, and learned by his own curiosity. as he grew older, he understood what he was meant to do, and so he began to replace himself one by one— he wants to live, his humanity spread, he's eternal.
even though he's dead, pieces of his body still exist there. ]
I know you're tired of hearing my thoughts, so I want to listen to you...
[ because those at the meeting wouldn't listen to his side, and midori feels as if he's given enough of his thoughts on the matter of what makes this dangerous and terrifying. it's ranger's turn, besides, he must have quite a lot to think about, to mention, and what he'd like to say. ]
Anything on your mind, what you have to say matters as well.
Ranger found it, and he kept the information to himself. There was just one person who knew, and he had never intended for them to find out. That was when a seed had planted itself in his heart, but it was stifled and unable to even bud. He'd noticed it then though. He had noticed it after. Finding out that he was shackled had been a curse, and if he had never found out then perhaps he could have just continued to exist as he was. But things have changed, and yet nothing has, and yet they can never be the same again.
Midori has always been adept with a scalpel, cutting out a person's heart with ease. Ranger has no heart, but he can still use it, carving out every emotion and thought that he wants to keep hidden. He knows that, but still he falls silent for several seconds as he looks down at the cup that his hands have wrapped around once more.
It hurts. It's painful. If he had never been born, then the world might have been better. But Rio Ranger is alive, and he'll preserve his existence at all costs. He's alive for that, and he had loved them even when he wasn't capable of such a thing.
No one, not one single person, could possibly understand that feeling. But the person next to him, who works with functions and values, can see hints of it. He knows that, and that's why despite understanding everything about the person beside him, Ranger's shoulders slump, and the tension eases out all at once. It's too heavy a burden to carry by himself, and he's eased it onto others over time, and yet there's so much that he can't. ]
... "Rio Laizer." That's how I was addressed when I arrived. It's a name that should have held no meaning. We can buy and sell trust.
[ He rubs his thumb on the mug once more. It's a light brown, the color changed by the creamer and sweeteners added. ]
Why was I born a doll? Are you sick? Why create a human that's less than one?
[ ... ]
"I love prodigies... Let's create a human." [ Midori will no doubt recognize those words. ] Why was I born? Who am I? How do I feel about you? Errors in parsing answers. Lost bits of time. Have you seen snow before? Let's look in a mirror together. You are no longer a masterwork, but you are my partner, and I want you to have hope. This is for you. Next time, I'll be sure to pick out the gift myself. I'm going to find a way back. Black boxes where words should be. I X you.
[ X, because even though he knew the right word, it wouldn't pull at his system. It was pulling at threads that wouldn't connect, code that wasn't there. Everyone forgets the love, but only one person had, or else he might have been able to. Ranger places his hand over the pendant that he wears around his neck for just a moment. He'd traded his scarf for it. That one little piece of attire he'd been given, the one item that could be proof that Rio Ranger existed. Crystalized affection. Proof that he mattered once. But he touches this and it reminds him that he still does.
It's months condensed into just a handful of sentences. And finally, in between all of that - ]
No one is here. I don't want to die. I hate being by myself. I want to know how I feel about you. I want to understand. A thrown cord. Calculations and data and observations. I can trust you with this.
[ And here they are, and Midori already knows the rest. He takes a sip of coffee. It's sweet, a saccharine taste that cuts through the bitterness of those words. ]
Edited (removed the last sentence ) 2022-03-04 16:15 (UTC)
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maybe your hand gets stuck and it injects 1000 doses of poison that would be funny
That's the problem, isn't it? If you want to kill someone, you should do it yourself. Quickly. Without a second of hesitation.
[ He snaps his fingers, though the sound is muted due to the gloves that he wears. It's what the pair in this room would do if it would benefit them. It wouldn't though, and so Ranger can turn on his heel to walk over to the bed.
He listens even now though, waiting to see if he'll catch something out of the corner of his eye. It would take but a moment for Midori to find some compelling reason to dispose of his only ally. ]
If you're not willing to do it with your own hands, if you're going to excuse it as that you can't, then you have no right to ask it of anyone else.
[ With the distance between them now, he plops back down on the bed, crossing his legs and setting his hand down on it as he leans back. ]
He doesn't get that yet.
[ There's that agitation again. One piece of that is who he is and where he's from, as anyone from ASUNARO would agree, but it's not quite enough to explain the way that his fingers grip the covers and grab a fistful of them as he thinks on it longer. Ranger hides his emotions well, and he's much like Gashu in that as long as he wills it nothing will show, and so those little tells always mean something. ]
the poison that makes you erect forever and it's painful
whatever shin did, his cowardice stuck out in the end from the way ranger talks about it. he's not surprised, given who they're talking about, but it's the what that he's interested in.
there's another sip of his coffee, relishing in the sweetness.
he agrees with the logic that if there's something you want to do, you do it yourself. rather than hiding behind someone else, one can use their own abilities to make things happen. it's why there was a meeting about what to do with him, he believes shin initiated that more than anyone else.
... ]
He doesn't. Not as long as he has people to utilize, and that will listen to him. If Kanna existed here, he'd have her do things for him. You've seen it, simulation after simulation after simulation...
[ but that's not an excuse, it's that he falls back to what's convenient. taking care of him meant doing things for him, he still hasn't grown out of that. ]
So that leaves the "what" does he need done that he can't do himself.
that's just midori's life
It was his misunderstanding. People never change, not really. At least, not in any way that really matters.
... ]
Mm? The obvious one. He can't kill you any more than he can kill me.
[ Ranger would kill anyone who tried. As for Midori, well - he may or may not, but he would ensure that there were no further efforts to do so. It's the same with the rest of the list. ]
Well, of course, murder is a bad look for anyone. But there's other things. Let's see... I could disassemble you and bury every piece in a different part of the forest, or attach an anchor to you and throw you in that bottomless pool over there. A complete shutdown, malware, formatting, injection and eavesdrop attacks, all kinds of fun scripts you can run.
[ He flops back down on the bed, staring at the ceiling as he drones on. There's no need to look when he already knows what expression Midori will wear. He doesn't think the lot of them are creative enough for half of these, much less smart enough for it, but they'd hit one or two and that's enough. ]
As long as there's no murder, no one can criticize you, and as long as there's no blood you don't have to feel bad.. Hm, maybe I'll just take your eyes out and clap my hands on your ears to destroy your hearing. I can remove your voice while I'm at it... Ah, if I throw your hands in the incinerator too then you should be safe to have around.
[ Eyes and ears that are only there to learn how to do harm, a voice that's only used to manipulate, hands that tear bodies apart... Taking away each and every sense would leave him both helpless and harmless. ]
midoris life needs to be changed
because there's no blood, because they're not humans, it does boil down to that notion. ]
Convenient, isn't it?
[ everything that amounts to his code— a virus, sqli, the list can go on and on, just like with malware; because they're not human, because they aren't alive to die, then it's fine. ]
Crippling the body, keeping them alive. All that's left is a vegetable that can't do anything for themselves... then who knows what they'd do next, if I lost all my senses... how could I stop them? Who would even know?
[ is that how they felt about midori, or maybe it wasn't always him. his eyes watch ranger, looking the ai over as he pulls his cup away, setting it down on the table. it's because he's not fully human that the idea of removing his hearing, sight, and things like that couldn't affect him too bad because they're easy to replace. he more or less understand the intentions from his previous statement, and once he puts it together.
... ]
I arrived late, I might have never arrived at all. [ his appearance is when he decides it, ] Shin understands nothing can replicate ASUNARO technology. [ it's one of a kind after all, and that's why they're so valued. ranger is a part of three prodigies lifeblood, a model that came directly after midori that makes their innerworkings so close. their dna, the binary, it's twisted together that one mistake will cost them both. they're nothing but dominoes once one of them gives up, but midori won't allow that to happen.
his words don't come out harsh, they're realistic, expanding on his take. ]
There's no need sugarcoating it of who was his "guinea pig" in mind when thinking, "would this work? would this not?"
he just needs to find a fwb that can murder him later again
Dolls truly are convenient. They can be created, used, disposed of, and remade at a person's whims. That's what makes those few people that seemed to mistake him for a person so significant. He can never let his guard down, not when they'll kill him anyway, but a person is killed for who they are and or arbitrary gains rather than what they are. It makes it just a little bit easier to be near them.
He hood hangs over his forehead, shadowing his eyes, but Midori might catch those few seconds of calculations as he considers the words. It's running probabilities and possibilities, piecing together ideas and holding them up against those words. More than that, it's looking at everything and anything he know about both parties to determine their validity. Is it realistic, or is it just Midori twisting things as they suit him? Who does it benefit more.
But eotions are a troublesome thing, as are human connections. They vie for attention with logical conclusions, and a person who's never been hurt lacks the callouses that should protect them. Ranger, only knowing one kind of relationship and having never been hurt, lacks that. It's easy to see what's said her as sensible, even though there's little contradictions that he can tug at in that last statement, especially when he finds the rest to be a mere statement of fact. ]
Mmn... Our bodies and code are unique, [ Ranger agrees, ] There's not a single person who can replicate what was done.
[ Shin wouldn't understand how close their models really are. None of them would unless Ranger volunteered that information, and he's ever protective of their secrets. But a layman would assume it without recognizing the nuance.
But emotions are a funny thing, and he struggles to hold onto that idea. He doesn't like it, but he can't find the threads to pull at when he gropes around for them. All he has is that Shin's too soft to let his mind wander there - some brittle wall that reminds him that people can even become attached to objects. ]
I dunno if I'd say it was that... [ He corrects himself after a beat, ] I'm not sure if he thought that far ahead, and it would cause too many problems.
[ Neither of which preclude him considering at the time or after calming down. Ranger doesn't need to be told that, but he offers up what he knwos is a flimsy defense regardless. ]
god STOPPP NOT FWB he doesnt need one of those look at these ppl theyre sick
[ came to these conclusions, made heads and tails of what he could do to midori's body to cripple him, place him in a vegetative state if it was to his convivence to keep him from turning against him. why would ranger come here if he thought differently, if he believes in those humans, then there's no need running into midori's room with this thought in mind. all he had to do was offer his thoughts, give the information, and be on his way. yet, that's not what's happening here. he remains, he lays on his bed in thought, he shows signs of weakness.
rio ranger has grown soft. ]
So what stops Shin from thinking it, besides, I know you, Ranger. You wouldn't say things just to say them, that'd be unlike you.
[ he'll leave things out, he'll stay facts, but that's what makes the other so convincing. it's a worm in his mind, it's digging into his thoughts and code, it's breaking down the barrier. the conversation was not the best one to have, nor was it a good idea to come to midori with it. that's what someone would think, but it's a good thing he came to midori, because he's the only one who understands, he's part of asunaro, his body is as ever close to ranger's, and no other model holds a candle. ]
I'll offer my thoughts, though, it wouldn't cause problems, rather... it'd get rid of them, that's why anyone would think up such scenarios that would affect us, wouldn't they?
[ it's a defense he can tell, it's memories, months, whatever it is that they have which midori has to pierce through, but it's not difficult. it's because he has to speak logically, make it make sense, and ranger will always do what's right for him. he looks at the other rolling about, fidgeting it puts him in the mind of as he walks over slowly, and with another sip to keep him humble.
he doesn't need to speak when he's enjoying himself. ]
But you're at an advantage as long as he hasn't seen your code, or knows the make-up of your body.
[ ... ]
Then there's no way for him to build in order to break you down. If he had a sample, just a piece, he was under my jurisdiction, he can make something out of nothing. As you know, if anyone understands how we work, then that's the end of us both, and vice versa.
[ it could look like a fault by asunaro for making them so close, but midori had chose to participate, it was a position only he could do. with a swish of coffee in his mouth, he bends his tongue to feel the serial number underneath. it's just one off from ranger's, they were meant to be this way because of what the future held, and yet those chances have expired. ]
Isn't that right, #ASU778?
[ one number next to his own. that's how close they are, one number, and a few other properties, but still the same, and can suffer the same downfall.
and he sits down on the bed next to ranger, legs crossed, and he glances into his cup to see how much he has left. ]
STOOPPP MAYBE IF HE GOT LAID HE WOULDN'T BE SUCH A FREAK
But at least he can breathe around him, because as long as it's him snapping fingers, he knows that it'll be fixed so long as he has value. He can breathe because it will ensure that no one else can harm him. The only way to protect those that you truly care for is to inflict pain on them, really - such pain that they never even think about allowing the world to inflict suffering upon them again, but even if it were to, it wouldn't compare.
Midori understands that kind of care, and Ranger responds in kind. ]
He saw it before coming here. Safalin gave him my chip after I deactivated, and the participants to do as they pleased with it. That's more than enough to be troublesome, but humans don't retain information that well.
[ It's a logical sequence of events in return. It was too late, and so the only hope was of one forgetting. He stays his tongue on the issue of whether or not said code was examined any further. It was, after all, nothing more than a fraction in the end. ]
It would cause problems, [ He repeats, a little more firmly now, ] Because he doesn't have the skill to do anything other than break at his level. In a place where everyone knows each other, and anyone can betray each other, people become tight knit. It doesn't matter who or what it is, as long as you're a part of that collective they won't take kindly to it being removed.
[ It's a better argument, and it's one he doesn't believe will be challenged. It's no different than a small town where everyone knows each other's names. They gossip, fight, and they have people they hate, but they won't allow anything to transpire so long as a person is still considered to be one of them. Human or otherwise, Ranger has built up enough of a network for it to be problematic to target him.
Those who aren't in their field can easily personify objects, and even if they logically understand that one isn't a person, just the loss of something that looks like one should be enough to frighten them. ]
It's the same reason the kid didn't capitalize on the opportunity to dispose of one of ASUNARO's finest early on. It would've been reckless during a nine body pile up.
[ That's not quite right, and he thinks it to be a more emotional affair, but this is far easier to justify. ]
Either that, or he didn't learn a damn thing from you.
[ His eyes flick up just briefly, just enough for the unspoken comment about it being a reflection of his teaching skills to be seen before returning down. Midori must have touched something to warrant such a precise response, but he does relent a little in acknowledgment of his first point, ]
... I don't bring things up without reason though.
[ He's thought about it often. Humans are predictable, but their predictability means understanding how reckless and impulsive they are. He had wondered countless times what would happen if he were to become a true threat, if their tentative truce was forgotten, and now he thinks the same as Midori - if one falls, then the other will too. ]
STOPPP maybe ur right are you ready to be ditos suitor?
[ that he doesn't like it. it's a start, that's all they need, but he's silent as he finishes his cup of coffee, and his thumb gently traces along the rim. there's so many things he can say, where should he start? should he mention that maybe shin has these thoughts because he has seen a bit of ranger's code? should he mention that if ranger is from a time where he hadn't died by insubordination, and that his chip still remains inside of him, there's always that chance to modify so that nothing can happen?
up to his mouth the cup goes though empty, it's giving him some time to think. the nip at his tutelage makes him laugh, though it's not the time. ]
That would also be to your advantage if he didn't learn anything from me.
[ there's no time for dramatics, because if shin did learn anything from midori, then he'd be frightening, ranger would have to watch his back. it'd do no good for him to play on shin's mentality thinking he wouldn't be able to come to such a conclusion— he has a brain, he can think, it's just how far that imagination can become reality. ]
Then what will you do, Ranger? Are you willing to excuse that slip of the tongue? Normally, people say how they feel when in that position.
[ because reasons are he's new, he doesn't have his foot in the door yet. he's still creating a path for himself, figuring out what he wants to do. he didn't plan for death, but it's not like any of them planned for this at all. he closes his eyes for a moment, even though he doesn't need to, it's just a human response of stopping time, seeing an endless darkness, and reopening them to view the world.
this is how he lives now. ]
He surely wasn't thinking of you when he made that comment, now was he? Like you said before, he's not going to do it himself, so maybe it doesn't matter when he won't suffer the consequences. Perhaps he doesn't care, or it was a warning from him to you. What is it, kill two birds with one stone?
[ but there's one thing that stands out to him, capitalize on getting rid of him? there's a reason for that. ]
If I can make a comment... I doubt you would have let him get away with it: disposing you. Nine bodies, ten, thirty, forty. You would have made sure none of them were you, which you should do now, make sure you aren't one of the victims in his plans of success.
I'M NOT but midori sure is
[ But the sharpness to those words promises that he understands the meaning behind Midori's. One or forty, Ranger would not be amongst them because he wouldn't put himself in such a position where it were possible. He wouldn't leave himself so vulnerable a position that someone so mediocre could destroy him. Yet, he had, and the thought makes him want to retch.
He picks through each argument logically. It's slow for him, but far too fast when compared to a human. It's no more than a few seconds, and Ranger understands exactly what argument is being made here. It's care of him, but most of all it's his colleague being concerned for himself. If he were to go through each argument, then there's answers on either side. He can be an optimist or a pessimism, all depending on his vantage point, and both are equally valid.
But which one is safer? Well, the one that leaves no room for error, of course. People had touched his code. Two people had touched him, and one hand unconsciously reaches up to run through his hair before he folds it over the other once more. If he were to leave now, he might not have to think on such things, but several long seconds drag on. Was he weaker for having gained emotions so late? If he were created like this he certainly wouldn't be. Certainly, certainly, he'd be a different person, and yet...
He's not, so he loops back around to Midori's original point, ]
Humans are scared, they're stupid, and they're arrogant. If they want to get to "Sou Hiyori," then the fastest way to do that is through "Rio Ranger." But even ignoring that, it should make for a nice back up for when things go sour. Of course, they have now, but it could have happened at any point in time. They only needed the appropriate resources. Shin got a piece of it during the game, and somebody here did as well, and that will embolden them.
Those are problem that needs to be immediately accounted for and rectified before they get out of hand.
[ He takes in a breath. There's plenty that tells him that it doesn't fit in his behavioral patterns. It's a logical argument that's been tainted with emotions, as he knows their participants. ]
... So, this naive, lukewarm approach isn't befitting of a Floormaster, nor is complacency. That sum it up?
[ It's better to doubt and remain safe than to believe and be hurt, especially when being hurt means losing both of ASUNARO's greatest assets for the second time. But that aside, he's aware that there's no greater threat or asset than a person who can learn so quickly, and who retains information. It wouldn't be wrong to say he can do pretty much anything. If it were him, he would have carefully calculated how to use what had been presented to him and when to dispose of it. Why wouldn't anyone else? Just when had he started to grow so complacent?
He's still skirting around the issue, and Ranger can recognize that in himself. But there's a little fracture, a thin cut that's traced down, and he wonders why any of them shouldn't have thought of that from the start. If Shin's saying it now, then...
...
... ]
STOP MIDORIS DIED!!!!
it would decide things for him without midori doing it himself. all he's been hearing is him protecting, giving defenses, and ignoring the real problem. he truly has changed, and that's what's causing him so much pain with there being people who know how code, if only midori was allowed to fix it.
as he stands at the desk, he clicks on the coffee maker, the button turning red as it proceeds to pour liquid into another cup. the smell is intoxicating, warm, and there's something calming about it as it tickles his nose. once done, he picks it up with a smile, and grabs a few packs of creamer and sugar.
he brings them over to sit in the little counter by the bed, close enough that ranger can reach for them, and dress it appropriately. ]
Shhh... shhh... [ it's slow, trying to calm the other beside him. ] I know... I know... it's absolutely terrifying, when the people you thought you could understand would understand you too.
[ there's only so many people in the world that can understand an asunaro down to their core. it's why it's hard to find someone who can handle them perfectly without complaint. midori doesn't say anything about ranger's partner in this, given the fact he's the one that the other made a deal about, and so that'll lead him to a sour mood. ]
Instead they used everything they knew against you, took your help for granted, and abused what you gave them. It's always sound advice with you, what would be best, and what would cause minimal problems. Just like you heard him out, why couldn't he hear you? It goes both ways.
[ his words are thoughtful, exploring what may have been the sequence of events during their meeting. the reason ranger was there could have been to help them, they allowed him to join after all, and now he's here, laying on midori's bed unsure. ]
You were always meant to have emotions, you were to understand pain, but not in this way...
[ no one would ever think about getting rid of him, he was made by being a special part of the world, rio ranger would be wanted. that was part of the general idea.
that's all he finds with ranger so raw about the topic when it comes to shin, lining up excuses that he could never do that to him. he's afraid that if he can, it'll happen, and so he deludes himself.
midori was never meant to lose his game, but... ]
Having someone from ASUNARO must have been nice for him. There's so much he could learn in so much time until... it's too late.
[ when does one get the idea to remodel rio ranger, when the other is too asunaro aligned, and they need one more participant sided? it would have been fine if he had come to those ideas strictly at the meeting, but this has been workshopped in that beanie-attached head of his for so long.
he looks over to the coffe, watching the steam waft off the surface. he picks up the cup, grabbing the handle so he can offer it to ranger. ]
It's not your fault, and none of the participants are here. My doors are open, and my bed is empty. [ his hand is warm from the cup, and he slowly lifts it, setting it on top of ranger's head gently.
he'll fit the narration. ]
Stay here for as long as you like.
STOP THERE WAS NO DYING BUT ANYWAY WE'RE GONNA FIND HIM A NEW ONE
He's understood that all this time. It's not just the participants. It's everyone. They're all excessively kind, they're all too selfless and just, too human and vulnerable. But he had thought maybe they could understand each other just a little. He had thought that they were just a little bit different, and so he had started to let his guard down. He'd forgotten not just how different their worlds are, but how easy it is to toss others aside. How easily he ahd been, even though he was supposed to be a masterwork, even though he was supposed to be more than that.
It's bitter, without even a hint of sweetness to it. It's frightening, and it hurts, and hearing those thoughts that he's tried to keep at the edges of his mind voiced to him is like having that wound ripped open. The chest cavity is cracked, the heart hidden beneath squeezed tight.
Ranger tilts his head back as Midori goes on, the hood falling back to reveal the fluffy orange hair hidden beneath it. He pushes himself into a sitting position next to Midori, letting his legs hang off of the edge of the bed. He takes the cup of coffee and stares down at it as he thinks on those words. He can see a bit of his reflection in the dark liquid, that melancholy and tired look. He doesn't add much to his coffee, just a little bit of cream and sugar to mask the bitterness of it.
He had done his best for them, he had been willing to do and say what none of them could. He was right, he had done the right things, and yet...
It's Midori's hand resting on his head, causing his his widen and his body to freeze up for just a moment before he slumps. It's like a puppet whose strings have been cut, the way his head dips and his shoulders drop. The tense grip on the mug finally relaxes, and he switches to rubbing it idly with his thumb. It's been a long time since he's felt that warmth, years since he's been shown true affection by the people he wanted it from most.
Midori cares, and he doesn't. It's not a love that anyone else could understand. It's a poisonous flavor that he's so familiar with. Those pieces were never added to his jar, but allowed to melt on his tongue as it was readily swallowed, and even now he finds it to be the sweetest flavor of all of them. He blinks slowly, and he thinks that Komaeda and Midori really are a lot alike in that. They're different flavors though, and so he finds himself mixing a pair of sweet venoms while waiting to see which it will be that stop his heart while understanding that he can't allow either to.
But if he had to choose one, he would want it to be his partner.
The fact that he doesn't move is an answer in and of itself to the offer. ]
Yeah, you're right... I knew from the start that it would turn out this way, but... [ ... ] ... There wasn't anyone else.
[ There wasn't anyone to fix his code. There wasn't anyone to look him over. There was no one that could pin it down when his system started glitching. But he couldn't let it continue, and he can't let himself die, so what was he supposed to do if not what he was designed for? He was always meant to adapt to any situation with ease. But then, he wasn't ever truly meant to just be shoved out into the world alone either. ]
But we were never going to understand each other. I was never going to be anything other than a product of ASUNARO.
[ He finally takes a sip of coffee. ]
... Bitter.
STOPPPP HE DOESNT NEED A FWB hes helping other peoples relationships
self-sabotaging tastes so sweet for the third party, for the one's involved, the taste isn't so grand, and it can be unbearable. hearing that the coffee is bitter causes midori to chuckle. there's not enough sugar, not enough creamer to dress reality. this is what ranger has to accept, and if he can swallow this bitter substance, then it becomes easier to accept. that shin tsukimi only took because of what ranger gave, and he took, and he took, because it all worked for him. it does hurt him slightly that his precious friend wants nothing to do with him, not even to play truce for a few seconds. if alice hadn't got in the way, they could have shared a few more years, shin would have spoken on command, and maybe he would have never been so clumsy with the tongue.
he would have taught him how to speak, just like his own parents have taught midori— never say too much, never hide away with too little. the middle has always been comfortable if you aren't in charge of the conversation, that's where you focus on the other person's words, and match yours with their own. had he been with shin just for a little while longer, then he could have been a pro at this.
a job hopper never has to be good at their job, it's as long as they show up that they're credited for the work that they do. ]
Isn't that good: that you knew? Now you can put a stop to it... no one can hurt you anymore when you're aware of their inner thoughts.
[ he stares down at the cup that mirrors ranger's reflection, he can see the expression on his face, and when did he start to use his face cards less and less? that's different. there has been nothing but changes here that the eye can see. ]
How about I ease your nerves?
[ it's with the packet of sugar in hand that he shakes it from left to right, causing the substance to go to the bottom before ripping it from the top. if ranger wants it, he'll pour it in, but he doesn't move to do it at all, and instead continues to stay where he's sitting next to him.
ranger's so cute when he listens. ]
okay true he is being very helpful today
You'll do the opposite.
[ It's true enough that once one becomes aware of the thoughts of others, they can use that to their advantage. The name of the game is to notice the other person before they notice you, and to use what you've found to gain an advantage. Ranger has done that from the start, and his knowledge of those around him has only grown. There's a downward twitch of the lips that might pass as a frown as he searches for the error in his calculations and comes up blank.
Careful observation. Logical assessments. Running through each and every option before forming a conclusion. In the long term, that should have been correct, and even now he's rolling over what had transpired in his mind to try and make sense of it. It won't do to let himself grow stupid from fear, and he's not satisfied with this result. But for as much data as he's collected, he finds no evidence that he wouldn't be betrayed. There's nothing that can affirm that every action wasn't with some end goal in mind. If it were him, he would handle it that way.
A couple more switches, and he taps the spoon against the mug. He can find no evidence that he won't be treated the same upon being found inconvenient. ]
You should learn how to make coffee properly.
[ Either that or it's just cheap coffee. ]
helpful (for me) me thinks!
[ his own cup was nothing but sugar, but it was enough for him to get through the conversation. it's not like everyone has the same taste buds as him, but having it too sweet might have been what was best, it would have helped in easing his nerves because they'd talk about something else.
it's probably shit coffee because when did yogen care about getting them anything good, he really drowns it in both sugar and creamer. there's a jar of honey sitting on the desk though, if ranger would like to use it as a substitute, for midori had at one point. it's the cute glass with a see through brown, and the honey comb spoon settled inside. ]
We're the only two here from ASUNARO, I wouldn't do anything to you that would pose problems, you see...
[ he knows better, especially where his standing is in this place— shin has warned plenty, he's sure, there's so many people who knows to stay away from him now. word moves quick in a small school, especially when most of the student body is frozen in place in the study hall. there's a different between him and shin, he knows how to use, and throw away when he doesn't need them anymore, and shin was a fool who would still need ranger, and would probably still ask for help despite his inner goal of figuring out how they work, and using it to his advantage. ]
How close are they? Himeko and Shin.
[ any answer will be the wrong answer, because there's only one answer in his mind as he asks. ]
no see he's helping right now, ranger wants to go bond with someone
[ It's shit coffee, and Ranger has expensive tastes, but he thinks that he could pay for a better blend. He takes another sip before letting the cup rest in his lap. If it's to ease his nerves, he thinks that finding Komaeda might be a good idea. He's easy to talk to, and his judgment is sound. There would be no need to worry about intentions and accuracy.
He casts a glance at the door. He's reported as he should, and Midori has been given the opportunity to correct the misunderstandings that had been in place, so it wouldn't be out of line for him to leave now when they can catch up later. He believes it when he's told that the other won't cause him any trouble, as doing so would be to his detriment here. Ranger is a steadfast ally who aligns himself with others. It would be reckless.
There's another slight frown at the query. It's a loaded question, but he'll answer regardless, ]
Close enough.
not that one *door disappears*
No, no.
[ why is he looking towards the door, must be that other person, sighs... when will he fuck up so midori can ruin that relationship too. ]
As soon as you're better, then you can leave the room.
[ not that ranger has bad taste in partners, but he's heard something about that one, and he's very active. it would be safer.
annoyingly so, midori knocks his shoulders with ranger's, laughing a little as he remains leaning on the other, but not too much that it becomes uncomfortable. ]
Close enough that she'll no doubt learn about what was said in the meeting?
STOP can't believe how fast midori's warning bells went off
He shoots Midori a questioning look. Better? The day's events have left a bitter taste in his mouth and left a gaping wound, but that's all the more reason to seek out his partner. He's easy to speak with, and it would be less lonely. ]
Probably. He's just gonna blurt it out like an idiot to everyone he's talked to even once.
[ Ranger is at least certain of that much. But the truth is that Shin himself isn't very a very reliable source, and he doubts he'll go into detail on the matter. With any luck, it'll wind up backfiring.
He twitches a little when Midori bumps against him, but he doesn't move. ]
I'll leave when I want to... Anyway, I wanna go talk to someone else. That shouldn't be a problem.
[ For as deferential as he could be to the other three, Midori has never quite had the same pull over Ranger. ]
STOPP WHEN RANGER DOES STUFF ITS FOR A REASON
[ which isn't wrong, he's trying to save ranger from the inquiries of certain people, and then if a fuss is made, it'll make ranger out to look like the crazy person from shin's meeting. the last thing they need is the other being so uptight, that there's something visibly wrong— shin could paint the narrative any way that he wants. they did push ranger out because of being asunaro and having close ties, but he also knows that holding him isn't how you treat those with this sort of personality.
he truly is like a cat, they normally come back once they're ready. ]
If that's too long, then before you go...
[ thinking dots, he holds his hand out for the cup if he's not interested in it anymore. ]
I suggest that we don't leave room for error. You said Himeko was a "smart kid, picked the code up fast", and that's no good. There was no one else at the time, but I'm here, and we can remove that convenience floating around.
[ as an addendum, which ranger should already know. ] You'll be both awake and aware.
THAT IS TRUE EVERY TIME HE DOES SMTH IT SHOULD WORRY YOU
[ It's true enough. Ranger is difficult to read. He's as stoic as Gashu when he chooses to be. Nor would he worry if anyone he did, as the atmosphere has grown increasingly tense since the investigation started. But his emotions are starting to settle, and there's nothing left for him but hurt and confusion and distrust.
The latter seems that it might be what he's been angling for this entire conversation. He puts a few additional inches between them. ]
... Emiri Harai, Michiru Namida, Gashu Satou. Those are the only three authorized to access my code or perform maintenance.
[ He should have never let anyone get close, and he should have never let anyone touch it. It was his first mistake, and it was a painful one. Midori, who has far more skill than those youths, would pose a far greater threat to him now.
Maybe that's why he'd steered the conversation in this direction? It's possible that it was just an effort to control the narrative, true or otherwise. If he could detach Ranger from the rest, then that would serve several purposes at once. It would allow him to monopolize Ranger as an ally, with only his partner to worry about, and access to his code as well. It would mean taking a powerful piece from the other side, and the increased tension would hurt them more than him. It's what Ranger would do in his position.
...
... ]
There's no anomalies. You have nothing to worry about.
[ He murmurs those last words, a little distracted as he hands the coffee cup back. It's too bitter. ]
STOPPPPPPP WHEN WE KILL HIM
[ that there's no anomalies, but ranger's words hold no ground anymore. those three that had authorization to his code are no more, and he continues: ]
You said it yourself, that no one can match our code. [ that's how special they are, some of asunaro's finest, but ranger is the masterwork. he's the most important part of the puzzle while midori was made to do something else— he wasn't to be an heir, but there was something special waiting for him. it was taken from him unfairly, and with that piece of ranger's code known out there within the school, it breaches that same feeling. a fluke, information given because ranger felt terrified of what was happening to him. ]
Doesn't that mean I'm the only one who understands it intimately here?
[ midori would be a threat, to give him that control, but who's fault is it that the control is even here? had ranger not been afraid, he wouldn't be here, the reason he's sitting on the bed in the first place is because of his code has been touched, that someone could mess with his code and take everything from him. if no one had that piece, then he'd have no reason to be afraid. in little ways, ranger is just like midori.
midori felt powerful when no one knew he was afraid of death, but when it's known... everything changes.
he takes the cup, walking back over to the desk where the maker sits, and this time, he grabs a different cup. he sets it down before him, and slowly he begins to rip open a few packets of sugar and powdered creamer. it all falls down to the bottom, and as he slips the cup under the machine, he watches as the black falls down, filling it. it isn't to the brim, but enough when he puts the spoon inside of the liquid that it doesn't run over.
there's a few stirs, before he reaches for a jar of honey, grabbing the honey dipper, turning it slow so that no honey drips off. it stays in place, even as he hovers it over the coffee, and with a turn of his wrist, it begins to drip into the liquid. he watches it slowly, light brown disappearing into light brown, and he brings the dipper back to place inside of the jar.
with that done, he slowly walks back over to ranger, offering the new cup that he's made. it's no longer bitter. ]
If you were able to handle your own code, you wouldn't have needed an extra hand.
[ ... ]
I only offer because of how dangerous that is, and there's no denying it. If it's anyone else, they won't value you as they should.
[ can't break what's already been ruined. ]
Unlike them, at least I know what I'm doing in regards to check-ups! Ahaha.
I'M ABOUT TO KILL HIM RN
The code given to him was sloppy by their standards, and a member of ASUNARO could perhaps perfect it further, but it was functional. The safety mechanism that had kept him from modifying his code on the level that others could, and so he could do so himself, but Ranger sees no reason to modify it when that could lead to issues with his system, and he would rather not further depend on others to repair and restore him.
He takes the cup when offered, holding it by the handle now as he tries an experimental sip and finds it to be sweet. It's too saccharine for his tastes, but it hides the muddy taste of the cheap coffee mixed in with it.
He tells Midori none of that, but it'll become apparent if he's allowed to sift through his code. Ranger look down once more, eyelids lowering halfway as he slowly turns his options over in his head. ]
You're the only one who can understand it, so you're the only one who would understand how to modify it to your benefit, especially without it being noticed. As for me, I can self-repair. There's few things that I'm not equipped to handle.
[ That much is true. Their systems truly are impressive, and Ranger is sensitive to small changes in his code. It's unusual, but so long as everything is running properly there's no strict need for it to be looked over. But as with their intentions, he can't deny the possibility that there's some part of his code hidden from him. There was before, and that needed to be found by another person.
He takes another sip. The sweetness is a little more manageable now. ]
... So, you're saying that there's something that I can't access, and that if there is, you can fix it before it can cause issues down the line.
[ A beat, and then cautiously - ]
What are you thinking would've been done that I wouldn't have noticed?
I don't know ASS ABT FUCK IN CODING LIVIN ON A PRAYER
[ he places that down on the board first, there was something ranger must have not noticed then he arrived here. considering he's more emotion based now, he must have found that, because he wasn't anything like this before. that's specific, fixing a code, and even this isn't well done, he finds some hiccups in his actions— midori knows all about what ranger was meant to be, and the fall out of where he was picked apart due to gashu's poor understanding of what makes a human.
everyone always forgets love! ]
Our benefit. Unless you're satisfied with Shin knowing your data, and Himeko having a piece herself. The only thing left of ASUNARO is us, and what little reminders appear.
[ having that information out there is no different from safalin skulking the facility levels, that's ranger willingly putting them all in danger because he wants to trust so badly. time is different though, it makes you think, and want to relate to them more— not believe they can do something because they're just normal people, and one of them have probably an online degree in coding.
but ranger wants examples, and midori holds out an index finger as he taps that first to list off his thoughts: ]
Logs, trackers, records.
[ pieces of information set inside ranger that's locked away because of high security, it seems like normal code until the hatch is flipped, and there's something hidden underneath, and the surface camouflaged perfectly into what reads normal to him. ]
Worst of all: honest mistakes.
[ with a sigh, he crosses his arms as he explains, figuring that ranger may understand why this is the worst one that can happen with a masterwork like himself. all it takes is someone touching a sensitive code, and... ]
They start unnoticeable at first, but multiply like bad calculations. It's like a cancer in the code. Say they misunderstood a certain value, and tried to apply it elsewhere.
[ he sits down now, crossing his legs, and his hands placed into his lap. ]
But surprise! It meant something else entirely, and every time that value is called on, it becomes more messy, more jumbled.
[ maybe that's why he still has good faith in shin, there's a value misplaced, but he'll let ranger come to that conclusion if he finds that the shoe fits. ]
I'm not fond of those surprises, and then there's little Easter eggs like your chip. With the proper decryption, it's not like it has to be used the way that it was. Using something important from you to destroy ASUNARO, I don't see why they wouldn't try it again.
ME IT'S FINE WE'LL JUST BS OUR WAY THRU IT
If you can't find the answer to that yourself, you don't deserve to know it.
[ There's a coolness to those words that hasn't been present up until now, and Ranger thinks this to be enough of a hint for the man beside him. For Rio Ranger, whose loyalty would always lie with ASUNARO and who had no capacity for love or trust, his code was all that he had.
That name, that note, that person, those people, experiences had and questions asked. One piece knocked over after another until the gameboard was flipped over to reveal the scribbled message hidden on the underside and the remainder fell to the floor.
Nothing changes and every day is the same, and yet nothing is as it was yesterday and it can never be the same again. Each and every day is like that.
If Midori can't find the truth perfectly, precisely, in just seconds then it's not one he's worthy of being given. If he doesn't care enough to, then that only benefits Ranger, who has no desire to speak of his creator's flaws, nor to see them used as leverage in this conversation. ]
You don't believe that I could detect that, and that an amateur using sticks and rocks could decrypt and utilize what those three worked on for years without depending on our facility to do the heavy lifting.
[ Those words are chillier still, and Midori should catch the implication that hes beginning to feel offended on the behalf of the three who put him together. He may be right, but he was designed to detect even the slightest changes. The modifications done had been like a itch that he couldn't scratch until he adjusted to it, but every scan and consideration had proven them to be safe.
Every consideration had gone into ensuring that their masterwork would be kept from harm.
...
He knows that right about now Harai would snap at him for being so stubborn. But then, if it were her he wouldn't be.
Begrudgily: ]
... Human error is possible. They don't have a fraction of Harai, Namida, or Gashu's talent.
N OT BS OUR WAY THROUGH IT ok okm ok
[ the error in his design, what made him rio ranger, and not rio lazier. if they're getting to the point, then midori can do so as well, it's the most obvious aspect that stands out like a sore thumb. even if he minded his business all that time, that doesn't mean he wasn't aware of what was going on. the role ranger was meant to have, and how because he no longer had it, the death game was meant to go according to plan. if he hadn't suffered through that loss, then nothing would have to be this way.
midori keeps a small smile as he runs through the information. ]
Actually, I believe you can, that's why I'm here to help... a touch more freedom.
[ without damocles' sword looming overhead, so that shin's words frosty bite disappears from the forefront of his mind, but it's unfortunate it'll always remain inside the memory bank. nothing they can do about that now, so with a touch of kindness, he explains from an emotional point of view than logical. ]
I want you to enjoy yourself, and not live in fear...
[ midori is someone who lives to the fullest, but that's because he chooses what he can and can't do. it's all by his own will, and he knows that he's different from ranger because he wasn't created from start to finish by prodigy hands. he was born from two successful humans, and he was taught, guided by their hand, and learned by his own curiosity. as he grew older, he understood what he was meant to do, and so he began to replace himself one by one— he wants to live, his humanity spread, he's eternal.
even though he's dead, pieces of his body still exist there. ]
I know you're tired of hearing my thoughts, so I want to listen to you...
[ because those at the meeting wouldn't listen to his side, and midori feels as if he's given enough of his thoughts on the matter of what makes this dangerous and terrifying. it's ranger's turn, besides, he must have quite a lot to think about, to mention, and what he'd like to say. ]
Anything on your mind, what you have to say matters as well.
WE GOT THIS I BELIEVE IN US
Ranger found it, and he kept the information to himself. There was just one person who knew, and he had never intended for them to find out. That was when a seed had planted itself in his heart, but it was stifled and unable to even bud. He'd noticed it then though. He had noticed it after. Finding out that he was shackled had been a curse, and if he had never found out then perhaps he could have just continued to exist as he was. But things have changed, and yet nothing has, and yet they can never be the same again.
Midori has always been adept with a scalpel, cutting out a person's heart with ease. Ranger has no heart, but he can still use it, carving out every emotion and thought that he wants to keep hidden. He knows that, but still he falls silent for several seconds as he looks down at the cup that his hands have wrapped around once more.
It hurts. It's painful. If he had never been born, then the world might have been better. But Rio Ranger is alive, and he'll preserve his existence at all costs. He's alive for that, and he had loved them even when he wasn't capable of such a thing.
No one, not one single person, could possibly understand that feeling. But the person next to him, who works with functions and values, can see hints of it. He knows that, and that's why despite understanding everything about the person beside him, Ranger's shoulders slump, and the tension eases out all at once. It's too heavy a burden to carry by himself, and he's eased it onto others over time, and yet there's so much that he can't. ]
... "Rio Laizer." That's how I was addressed when I arrived. It's a name that should have held no meaning. We can buy and sell trust.
[ He rubs his thumb on the mug once more. It's a light brown, the color changed by the creamer and sweeteners added. ]
Why was I born a doll? Are you sick? Why create a human that's less than one?
[ ... ]
"I love prodigies... Let's create a human." [ Midori will no doubt recognize those words. ] Why was I born? Who am I? How do I feel about you? Errors in parsing answers. Lost bits of time. Have you seen snow before? Let's look in a mirror together. You are no longer a masterwork, but you are my partner, and I want you to have hope. This is for you. Next time, I'll be sure to pick out the gift myself. I'm going to find a way back. Black boxes where words should be. I X you.
[ X, because even though he knew the right word, it wouldn't pull at his system. It was pulling at threads that wouldn't connect, code that wasn't there. Everyone forgets the love, but only one person had, or else he might have been able to. Ranger places his hand over the pendant that he wears around his neck for just a moment. He'd traded his scarf for it. That one little piece of attire he'd been given, the one item that could be proof that Rio Ranger existed. Crystalized affection. Proof that he mattered once. But he touches this and it reminds him that he still does.
It's months condensed into just a handful of sentences. And finally, in between all of that - ]
No one is here. I don't want to die. I hate being by myself. I want to know how I feel about you. I want to understand. A thrown cord. Calculations and data and observations. I can trust you with this.
[ And here they are, and Midori already knows the rest. He takes a sip of coffee. It's sweet, a saccharine taste that cuts through the bitterness of those words. ]
A WEEK LATER IM ON A PRAYER
ME I NEED TO BE DOUSED IN HOLY WATER