For K, it's still impossible to fathom he's even capable of having any choice in matters outside the parameters of his programming, but he hopes it can be different for her. That she truly can have and experience every last thing she desires, that she can choose for herself, that she can be who she wants to be. That she can grow as a person. It's a thrilling thought. He momentarily closes his eyes, smiling when she leans her forehead against his.
Sapper Morton's final words echo in his mind. Maybe this is his miracle.
"I believe you." How could he not? Here she is explicitly telling him she wants these things because she wants them, not because they're dictated by her programming. He might doubt his own capacity for autonomy — which is in itself an inescapable facet of his own programming, that doubt — but he'll always encourage it in her. And what's more— "I want to give that to you," he says with a gentle squeeze of her hand. "I want you to be able to have the life you want. And everything that entails."
He wants to try, at least. It's an indescribably good feeling to be wanted, needed — far beyond the programming-based satisfaction of feeling useful to someone. And just maybe, through her, he might get to experience something like freedom too, inasmuch as something like him can.
Realising that if he can smell the hot cider, she'll be able to as well, he takes a moment to just appreciate that before remarking, "Your drink's ready." A pause. "Smell's good."
And speaking of romance... he goes ahead and shows the woman at the kiosk their scavenger hunt photos thus far, who repeats the list as she looks them over:
-You holding hands while you go down a path -Feet with autumn leaves -A genuine smile
And there she pauses, peering at the pair of them with a knowing look as she inquires, "Something you think is truly beautiful?"
She's holding up the portrait K had taken of both of them together, looking happy, then scrolls to the one he'd taken of Joi afterward. It causes K to duck his head a little, still smiling as he offers a quiet 'yes' of confirmation. Someone, rather than something, but it counts. The woman delightedly informs them that their respective prizes will be awaiting them at home! In addition and possibly related to the prizes, Joi will also later find she already has a full wardrobe to get her started, much like the trunk of clothes and items from home K had been granted shortly after arriving in Folkmore. Perhaps intended as a housewarming gift.
no subject
Sapper Morton's final words echo in his mind. Maybe this is his miracle.
"I believe you." How could he not? Here she is explicitly telling him she wants these things because she wants them, not because they're dictated by her programming. He might doubt his own capacity for autonomy — which is in itself an inescapable facet of his own programming, that doubt — but he'll always encourage it in her. And what's more— "I want to give that to you," he says with a gentle squeeze of her hand. "I want you to be able to have the life you want. And everything that entails."
He wants to try, at least. It's an indescribably good feeling to be wanted, needed — far beyond the programming-based satisfaction of feeling useful to someone. And just maybe, through her, he might get to experience something like freedom too, inasmuch as something like him can.
Realising that if he can smell the hot cider, she'll be able to as well, he takes a moment to just appreciate that before remarking, "Your drink's ready." A pause. "Smell's good."
And speaking of romance... he goes ahead and shows the woman at the kiosk their scavenger hunt photos thus far, who repeats the list as she looks them over:
-You holding hands while you go down a path
-Feet with autumn leaves
-A genuine smile
And there she pauses, peering at the pair of them with a knowing look as she inquires, "Something you think is truly beautiful?"
She's holding up the portrait K had taken of both of them together, looking happy, then scrolls to the one he'd taken of Joi afterward. It causes K to duck his head a little, still smiling as he offers a quiet 'yes' of confirmation. Someone, rather than something, but it counts. The woman delightedly informs them that their respective prizes will be awaiting them at home! In addition and possibly related to the prizes, Joi will also later find she already has a full wardrobe to get her started, much like the trunk of clothes and items from home K had been granted shortly after arriving in Folkmore. Perhaps intended as a housewarming gift.