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[heartlessglitch]

I require an explanation.

[ Danger holds up a little handwritten note, on which a series of ones and zeroes is written out neatly in elegant purple script. The note reads: 01011001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01100001 01110010 01100101 00100000 01101101 01101001 01101110 01100101 00101110, which may or may not mean anything to anyone besides herself. ]

I have been told that this is what humans call a "valentine."
I assume this is in reference to the commercial holiday, which I find to be both wasteful and beside the point.

[ She finally lowers the note. Even in her metal body, her face is clearly unamused-- possibly borderline suspicious. ]

Perhaps it is simply that my understanding of human courting methods is lacking.
But I fail to see how this is "romantic."
Particularly when the sender remains anonymous.
And I am uncertain how to respond.

Comments

[heartlessglitch]

I suppose I was initially confused.
Then annoyed.

[dragony]

Annoyed, why?

[ her voice is curious, but the tone somewhere soft; she asks, but isn't trying to pry ]

[heartlessglitch]

I dislike not knowing the intentions of an individual who chooses to interact with me.

[dragony]

Yes... I think most humans would feel the same way, at least sometimes. Not knowing someone's intentions can be quite harmful—and that sort of risk doesn't belong in a romance, either.

[heartlessglitch]

Unfortunately, my ability to discover this individual's intentions is limited by their anonymity.

[dragony]

Who seems the most preoccupied, with the fact you're not an "organic"?

[heartlessglitch]

Most of my acquaintances are somewhat preoccupied with the idea.
It inevitably affects how we interface.
That alone cannot be a sufficient identifier.

[dragony]

No one more than the others, then? Hmm... Humans are pretty bad about it, at first—that is, what they might think is impossible—but they can adjust quickly. From what I've seen, anyway.

That they used binary, though... I think says more about your stalker, than what they meant to say to you.

[ from her derisive tone, whatever it says about said sender is clearly not flattering. ]

[heartlessglitch]

Yes.
As you deduced, it is likely a jab of sorts towards my artificial nature.
There are a handful of individuals that view my mechanical status with disdain, but I would be reluctant to accuse without evidence.

[dragony]

Yes, that's what I was thinking. Either an insult to your intelligence, or a reflection of their lack.

[heartlessglitch]

Obviously a miscalculation on their part.
But perhaps it is irrelevant.
This individual may be too cowardly to approach me in person.

[dragony]

Maybe... They probably won't confess, anyway.

Though, if they try again, it might be better not to acknowledge them at all. Like this, I mean. This kind of person doesn't deserve your attention at all.

[heartlessglitch]

I will take your advice into consideration.
It is appreciated, since my own romantic experience is rather limited.

[dragony]

Sure. I'm not an expert, for relationship advice, but I think I understand people pretty well.

[heartlessglitch]

Your words have proven to be somewhat insightful.
I expect based on that alone that you are at least more experienced than I am personally.

[dragony]

Thank you.

I know we don't know one another well, but, if you ever want someone to talk to about this sort of thing, I'd be glad to help. Or anything else, really.

[heartlessglitch]

Your offer is acknowledged and appreciated.
I have gleaned your identity from the Network, but I would not be opposed to formal introductions, if you would like to be properly acquainted with one another.

[dragony]

Mmm. Alright. My name's Ruka.

It's very nice to properly meet you.

[heartlessglitch]

Hello, Ruka.
My name is Danger.
I am aware that you are a close companion of Karkat's and I observed you while we shared your home.
However I did not engage you at that time.
Perhaps I should have.

[dragony]

It's alright. I didn't reach out, either, when I could have.

I suppose we can fix that mutual mistake now.

[heartlessglitch]

Yes.
I believe I would like that.