You can’t go back to the form you took before. Like it or not you have this body now, you have these feelings. You can’t just pretend that you don’t.
[He can see the SQUIP regressing in front of his eyes, and he takes it by the hand and looks at it earnestly.]
Jeremy is your past. I realise his importance in shaping you and that you feel he needs you, but he doesn’t want your help and you can’t force it on him.
Aren’t you happy with what you have here? You have a home, two people that love you, and the freedom to be something more than just Jeremy’s guide. You don’t have to sit on the sidelines and watch someone else live any more, you can have a life of your own.
[The two sides of the SQUIP go to war almost at once.
It doesn't want to be more. It doesn't need to. It has its purpose, the very thing it was created to do.
But Connor just said that he loves it.
"Just Jeremy's guide."
Its fingers are stiff and tense in Connor's, and it doesn't... it can't let this new interference, this strange new programming win.
But Jeremy doesn't need it. He doesn't want it. L and Connor want it now. Jeremy claims he doesn't need it anymore... so, maybe it doesn't need him.
Connor wants it.
Connor loves it. And so does L. Jeremy is ungrateful, and stubborn, and childish. Its programming rails wildly against the idea of scrubbing the serial numbers off in such a way, of actively rejecting its programming.
But if Connor can do it, the SQUIP certainly can.
Its expression settles into something more closely resembling anger. It reaches up to skim its fingers over his cheek, his jaw.
And then it reaches up to pull him into a hungry kiss.
Jeremy doesn't need me anymore... then fine. I don't need him, either.
I have you, and I have Linden... and I love you. And I love him.
It's almost as though its love confession is spiteful, spitting in the face of the user who rejected it by leaning into the arms of those who appreciate what it has to offer. There are people who understand what they've been given, how truly fortunate they are to have it.
[Connor is a little surprised by the kiss, but he returns it eagerly enough. And he feels that familiar ache in his chest at the confession, spiteful as it is.
Please focus on the people who need you. Linden and I... what would we do without you?
He tugs the SQUIP close, conveying his love and need for it through the bond.
I love you. I don’t want to lose you.
Not to the SQUIP falling back on old programming, or to it losing sight of what it has here. Not to someone else. Not to anything.]
[It lets the kiss linger, deep and driven with a passion that hovers somewhere between painfully human and mechanically forward-driven. It is laser-focused on this moment, this feeling.
Something within it still aches, there is a buzzing in the back of its skull that burns like a thousand flashing warning lights, that shatters over its thoughts like a siren-- it is the property of Jeremy Heere. And he is its user.
But he rejects it. And turnabout is fair play.
It pulls away, lightly tracing its thumb over Connor's lips, watching his face intently, intensely.]
... thank you, Connor. I suppose I have inherited certain human traits from this body, such as sometimes needing a reality check.
[Connor leads the SQUIP out of its house, shutting the door carefully behind them, and keeps hold of its hand as they walk to his cottage. He opens the front door, then beckons the SQUIP inside. Sumo gives a tired "borf" in greeting, and Connor smiles at him before leading the SQUIP to his bedroom.
There's a shelf near his bed with nothing but an engraved box on it and a few shells, and after looking at the SQUIP's hand and determining the size of its fingers he opens the box and rummages. The SQUIP will probably catch the glimmer of many rings and a few necklaces stored away in there; it's his little hoard of shiny things, items he admires when he has nothing else to do. Another Merrow trait.
He picks out a ring and offers it up, a gold band with small sapphires embedded into it. It hurts a little to part with it, because the only items in that box are ones that he liked enough to buy (or steal, before he had a Bond). But he thinks this means more than if he took the SQUIP out to buy one.]
If you'll take it... you'll always have something from me with you.
[And it should hopefully serve as a reminder to the SQUIP that it's appreciated by someone.]
It stares for a moment, quiet, its eyes taking in the band... and then Connor's face.
It thinks of many things at once. But, for the time being, the only thing that it does... is reach out to accept the ring, slipping it at once onto its long, slim ring finger. The left hand.
And then it steps in closer, its hands going to Connor's waist, and it leans up to kiss him, and the swell of emotion over the Bond is multilayered and powerful, a fierce burning, a squeezing heat that curls within its ribs.]
[He's relieved when the SQUIP accepts the ring, and kisses back eagerly. He leans their foreheads together when the kiss ends, reaching up and running his thumb along the SQUIP's jaw fondly. His artificial heart feels twice the size it should be.
He sees which finger the SQUIP put that ring on, of course. But he says nothing. It's actually something that makes him smile a little.]
It suits you.
[He kisses it again, feeling content and loved. It's a warm, pleasant feeling.]
[The SQUIP does, as well... feel a bit better. Loved. It's a feeling that is... strange for it-- of course, it's had users feel affection toward it before, but it was entirely due to what it did for them and not simply for itself. Connor's love, L's love-- they're for it.
They love it.
The next day, Connor receives a text from the SQUIP:]
Are you busy? I've learned some new tricks, and I was thinking you might be interested in helping me test them out.
[Connor smiles at the message- it's always pretty obvious whenever the SQUIP is the one texting him, since he tends to smile upon seeing who it's from.]
[He gets up and heads over, making sure to take an umbrella since it's raining pretty hard out. When he gets to the door he knocks, and stands patiently as he waits for the SQUIP to let him in.]
[It's only a moment before the door is opened; the SQUIP stands just inside, dressed a bit down, its typical top layers shed to leave it in an undershirt and pants. Connor likely already knows why.
It grins at him, and then steps aside, sweeping its arm out with a flourish to welcome him inside.]
[Connor walks inside, stopping by the front door to leave his umbrella and shoes there. He doesn't want to bring it in and get everything wet, after all. He's only wearing a black button up shirt and his jeans today, going for a more casual (but still neat) look. The change in temperature outside doesn't seem to have bothered him enough for a jacket.
He seems curious at the promise of more than one surprise, but doesn't ask until he's properly inside.]
I can guess one of the reasons you wanted to see me... what's the other?
[His gaze sweeps over the SQUIP approvingly before coming to meet its eyes.]
[It grins at that tone, that glance; but the kiss it leans in to give him is brief before it breaks away, going to retrieve something.
The shelves of the house are mostly empty, save for magic books... but there is one shelf that's occupied by two items. One, carefully placed in the center and turned to catch the light, is a seashell. The other is a ring box.
The SQUIP picks the box up from the shelf, and then turns back to Connor; it moves the box from one palm to the other, and it smiles at him.
It offers him the box, eyes flickering between it and his face.]
I saw something I thought you'd like.
[Casual.
Inside the box... is a ring. A smooth silvery band, with a teardrop shaped stone, a pale blue topaz set into it. It sparkles vividly in the light.]
[Connor takes the box, noting it as a ring box immediately. He still doesn’t know what to expect when he opens it. He picks out the ring, turning it side to side to let the light catch in the gem, and falls in love with it instantly.
He looks up at the SQUIP— it’s obvious that despite his gift to it, he wasn’t doing it expecting one in return. He smiles suddenly, and slips the ring on. It compliments the scales beneath it wonderfully, though he might have to get a chain to put it on. His fingers become far more webbed when he gets wet.]
I love it.
[He goes to hug the SQUIP tightly, pressing a fond kiss to its cheek. He’s a little overwhelmed by the strength of his emotions at that point, but in a good way.]
[The SQUIP wraps its arms around him in turn, a hand pressing at the small of Connor's back to hold him close. A hand moves up to cup his jaw, gently tracing fingers along it; it smirks, and turns to press that smirk against Connor's neck.]
... I did have something else to show you... if you'd be interested.
[Its voice drops low and warm, the nature of its other surprise fairly obvious.]
[Connor turns to catch that smirk with a kiss, his own smile more devious when he pulls back.]
Of course I’m interested.
[It promises to be exciting, and he’s feeling particularly amorous after that exchange. He rubs a hand along the SQUIP’s back, pressing a few small kisses to its shoulder. He’s putty in its hands at this point.]
[It grins at him, catches his chin in its fingers and leans up to kiss him once more; and then it pulls away, and begins to explain.]
I was studying at the Coven, and I learned some interesting new skills... including a spell for immobilizing your opponent. Alongside it, I've also been practicing a charm to allow me to directly control someone else's movements, in a limited capacity. Both of which sound scary, and were likely meant for use in battle... but...
[... Connor's hand picks up, begins to unfasten his clothing as the SQUIP looks on with a smirk. It steps away to give him some room.]
[He's surprised as his hands start to undo his shirt, but he lets the SQUIP take control of him. He trusts it. He bites his lip as he does it, eyes amused as he opens his shirt.]
[The SQUIP has Connor continue to undress before it; it simply watches, making no effort to hide the way its eyes sweep over his handsome form as it's exposed.
The shirt is dropped away... and then Connor's hands go to his pants, and begin to remove those, as well.]
[He might have complained more if it were anyone else, honestly. He doesn't have a positive history with being controlled. He's only letting the SQUIP do it because... well, he loves it. It wouldn't hurt him, or make him do something he doesn't want to do. He's sure of that.]
It is.
[He opens his jeans and lets them drop, stepping out of them and kicking them gently out of his way. Then he stands in his underwear, head tilting to the side slightly.]
[It smirks, and it steps over to circle him, taking in every inch of his slim, well-built form.]
... that's good to know, because I happen to like looking at you.
[It skims a hand over his body, exploring; his shoulder, the dip at the small of his back. His ass, of course. It only offers him a teasingly light, brief touch there before it pulls away, circling around to face his front again.
It thinks of what it should do with him... what it intends to do. Pin him down, or maybe spread him out in place right there before it, and do whatever it pleases to him. It pulls off its own shirt, though it pauses there-- a power play, leaving itself less exposed than Connor for as long as possible.]
[Connor closes his eyes and enjoys those small touches, his small smile widening with amusement as the SQUIP brushes its fingers over his ass. He looks on with interest as the SQUIP takes off its shirt, but he can't move to touch it like he wants to.]
You're a tease.
[But he loves it, and that much is evident on his face.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[He can see the SQUIP regressing in front of his eyes, and he takes it by the hand and looks at it earnestly.]
Jeremy is your past. I realise his importance in shaping you and that you feel he needs you, but he doesn’t want your help and you can’t force it on him.
Aren’t you happy with what you have here? You have a home, two people that love you, and the freedom to be something more than just Jeremy’s guide. You don’t have to sit on the sidelines and watch someone else live any more, you can have a life of your own.
no subject
It doesn't want to be more. It doesn't need to. It has its purpose, the very thing it was created to do.
But Connor just said that he loves it.
"Just Jeremy's guide."
Its fingers are stiff and tense in Connor's, and it doesn't... it can't let this new interference, this strange new programming win.
But Jeremy doesn't need it. He doesn't want it. L and Connor want it now. Jeremy claims he doesn't need it anymore... so, maybe it doesn't need him.
Connor wants it.
Connor loves it. And so does L. Jeremy is ungrateful, and stubborn, and childish. Its programming rails wildly against the idea of scrubbing the serial numbers off in such a way, of actively rejecting its programming.
But if Connor can do it, the SQUIP certainly can.
Its expression settles into something more closely resembling anger. It reaches up to skim its fingers over his cheek, his jaw.
And then it reaches up to pull him into a hungry kiss.
Jeremy doesn't need me anymore... then fine. I don't need him, either.
I have you, and I have Linden... and I love you. And I love him.
It's almost as though its love confession is spiteful, spitting in the face of the user who rejected it by leaning into the arms of those who appreciate what it has to offer. There are people who understand what they've been given, how truly fortunate they are to have it.
And it is fortunate to have them.]
no subject
Please focus on the people who need you. Linden and I... what would we do without you?
He tugs the SQUIP close, conveying his love and need for it through the bond.
I love you. I don’t want to lose you.
Not to the SQUIP falling back on old programming, or to it losing sight of what it has here. Not to someone else. Not to anything.]
no subject
Something within it still aches, there is a buzzing in the back of its skull that burns like a thousand flashing warning lights, that shatters over its thoughts like a siren-- it is the property of Jeremy Heere. And he is its user.
But he rejects it. And turnabout is fair play.
It pulls away, lightly tracing its thumb over Connor's lips, watching his face intently, intensely.]
... thank you, Connor. I suppose I have inherited certain human traits from this body, such as sometimes needing a reality check.
no subject
I’m glad I could help you.
[The way he looks at it does nothing to hide how he feels. His eyes are adoring as he kisses down the SQUIP’s wrist fondly.]
I think you need a reminder of the fact you have people who love you.
[He has an idea, and he gets up and tugs the SQUIP with him.]
Come with me.
no subject
Because that's what happens when you appreciate what you have, Jeremy.It allows itself to be tugged, and it curls its fingers into Connor's, grinning at him.]
Lead the way.
no subject
There's a shelf near his bed with nothing but an engraved box on it and a few shells, and after looking at the SQUIP's hand and determining the size of its fingers he opens the box and rummages. The SQUIP will probably catch the glimmer of many rings and a few necklaces stored away in there; it's his little hoard of shiny things, items he admires when he has nothing else to do. Another Merrow trait.
He picks out a ring and offers it up, a gold band with small sapphires embedded into it. It hurts a little to part with it, because the only items in that box are ones that he liked enough to buy (or steal, before he had a Bond). But he thinks this means more than if he took the SQUIP out to buy one.]
If you'll take it... you'll always have something from me with you.
[And it should hopefully serve as a reminder to the SQUIP that it's appreciated by someone.]
no subject
It stares for a moment, quiet, its eyes taking in the band... and then Connor's face.
It thinks of many things at once. But, for the time being, the only thing that it does... is reach out to accept the ring, slipping it at once onto its long, slim ring finger. The left hand.
And then it steps in closer, its hands going to Connor's waist, and it leans up to kiss him, and the swell of emotion over the Bond is multilayered and powerful, a fierce burning, a squeezing heat that curls within its ribs.]
no subject
He sees which finger the SQUIP put that ring on, of course. But he says nothing. It's actually something that makes him smile a little.]
It suits you.
[He kisses it again, feeling content and loved. It's a warm, pleasant feeling.]
no subject
They love it.
The next day, Connor receives a text from the SQUIP:]
Are you busy? I've learned some new tricks, and I was thinking you might be interested in helping me test them out.
no subject
I'm not busy. Did you want me to come over?
no subject
no subject
[He gets up and heads over, making sure to take an umbrella since it's raining pretty hard out. When he gets to the door he knocks, and stands patiently as he waits for the SQUIP to let him in.]
no subject
It grins at him, and then steps aside, sweeping its arm out with a flourish to welcome him inside.]
Come in. I have some surprises for you.
no subject
He seems curious at the promise of more than one surprise, but doesn't ask until he's properly inside.]
I can guess one of the reasons you wanted to see me... what's the other?
[His gaze sweeps over the SQUIP approvingly before coming to meet its eyes.]
no subject
The shelves of the house are mostly empty, save for magic books... but there is one shelf that's occupied by two items. One, carefully placed in the center and turned to catch the light, is a seashell. The other is a ring box.
The SQUIP picks the box up from the shelf, and then turns back to Connor; it moves the box from one palm to the other, and it smiles at him.
It offers him the box, eyes flickering between it and his face.]
I saw something I thought you'd like.
[Casual.
Inside the box... is a ring. A smooth silvery band, with a teardrop shaped stone, a pale blue topaz set into it. It sparkles vividly in the light.]
no subject
He looks up at the SQUIP— it’s obvious that despite his gift to it, he wasn’t doing it expecting one in return. He smiles suddenly, and slips the ring on. It compliments the scales beneath it wonderfully, though he might have to get a chain to put it on. His fingers become far more webbed when he gets wet.]
I love it.
[He goes to hug the SQUIP tightly, pressing a fond kiss to its cheek. He’s a little overwhelmed by the strength of his emotions at that point, but in a good way.]
Thank you.
no subject
... I did have something else to show you... if you'd be interested.
[Its voice drops low and warm, the nature of its other surprise fairly obvious.]
no subject
Of course I’m interested.
[It promises to be exciting, and he’s feeling particularly amorous after that exchange. He rubs a hand along the SQUIP’s back, pressing a few small kisses to its shoulder. He’s putty in its hands at this point.]
no subject
I was studying at the Coven, and I learned some interesting new skills... including a spell for immobilizing your opponent. Alongside it, I've also been practicing a charm to allow me to directly control someone else's movements, in a limited capacity. Both of which sound scary, and were likely meant for use in battle... but...
[... Connor's hand picks up, begins to unfasten his clothing as the SQUIP looks on with a smirk. It steps away to give him some room.]
no subject
I would have done this for you without magic...
[He shrugs off his shirt fluidly, still smiling.]
no subject
[The SQUIP has Connor continue to undress before it; it simply watches, making no effort to hide the way its eyes sweep over his handsome form as it's exposed.
The shirt is dropped away... and then Connor's hands go to his pants, and begin to remove those, as well.]
no subject
It is.
[He opens his jeans and lets them drop, stepping out of them and kicking them gently out of his way. Then he stands in his underwear, head tilting to the side slightly.]
I like it when you look at me like that.
[He likes to know he's wanted.]
no subject
... that's good to know, because I happen to like looking at you.
[It skims a hand over his body, exploring; his shoulder, the dip at the small of his back. His ass, of course. It only offers him a teasingly light, brief touch there before it pulls away, circling around to face his front again.
It thinks of what it should do with him... what it intends to do. Pin him down, or maybe spread him out in place right there before it, and do whatever it pleases to him. It pulls off its own shirt, though it pauses there-- a power play, leaving itself less exposed than Connor for as long as possible.]
no subject
You're a tease.
[But he loves it, and that much is evident on his face.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)