kore_logs | Bead-weighted chests with lofticries...

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Bead-weighted chests with lofticries...

Who: Daneel, Kobra, and Lydia
What: Lydia's having intense nightmares that somehow lead to bonding with her house buddies, Kobra and Daneel. Plus a lesson on the laws of robotics.
Where: House 7
When: Day Five - Around 4:00am
Warnings: Memory of traumatic events including mental and physical abuse, potentially graphic imagery?

Even though his hold on her had seemingly been broken when he was brought back to life, the mental and physical scars of Peter Hale's bite were still there. It was easy to keep the marred skin of her side hidden. No one who hadn't known her at the time of the attack had any idea. It was the imprint he'd left, the memories and the images flowing through her mind whenever she let it wander, that she couldn't deny. As much as she wanted to repeat the words over and over, 'mountain lion' just wasn't going to cut it anymore.

It had happened.

And when Lydia closed her eyes, she could feel it happening all over again. The bite. The claws in her skin. His hands on her face. The burnt body--

She awoke with a start to the sound of screaming. It took her almost a full minute to realize the screaming was coming from her. She stopped, covering her mouth with her hand and pulling her knees to her chest as she rocked back and forth ever so slightly. There were tears in her eyes and a look of pure terror still frozen on her face.

All she could do was hope no one had heard her.

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Though he glanced backward over his shoulder at Kobra as he came in, Daneel's attention remained on Lydia. He put his free hand over Lydia's on his wrist, holding her fingers loosely. He knew of dreams, if not from personal experience. He'd witnessed a nightmare or two. None, though, had produced this sort of effect, not to this extent, and he wasn't convinced.

"Harm" did not always just mean physical harm. It would take a lot more than a simple explanation to get him to leave her now.

"You seem to be in far more distress than that explanation would account for," he said, rather doubtfully.

"Hey." Kobra put the knife on the dresser and moved closer to the bed. "Dreams can be pretty scary sometimes and this isn't exactly a normal situation."

He wasn't embarrassed by the knife, even if she was sending him looks. Someone could have been in here attacking her or something. They didn't know anyone or what was going on here at all and he wasn't going to let anyone hurt her or Daneel.

He sighed and moved to sit on the edge of the bed on her other side, reaching out a hand to her shoulder.

Lydia placed her other hand over Kobra's on her shoulder and leaned into him just slightly, grateful to know that she wasn't alone. That had been the entire point in having people to share this house with. When she was alone, she was vulnerable. When she was alone, bad things happened. And despite how annoying Kobra was or how impressive and intimidating Daneel could be, she was actually starting to care about them.

She shook her head, forcing a smile and giving Daneel's wrist a light squeeze that was meant to be reassuring. "I'm fine. Really. I'll be fine. It's-- ... Kobra's right, it's just this place."

It wasn't this place. And Kobra was never right! Not according to Lydia, anyway.

He hadn't really thought of this situation as being inherently frightening. Uncomfortable, yes. It was certainly that. Probably it would be frightening, but if there was anything that really frightened Daneel, it wasn't anything so prosaic as a place, whatever the unsettling circumstances.

"Would it help to have something to drink?" He spoke soothingly, wondering if he dared try to encourage what calm he could find in Lydia's mind. It wasn't something he'd had practice doing yet, and it seemed a very delicate process. "Some water, or some tea?"

"I can sleep in here tonight, if that would help." Kobra was familiar with nightmares himself. It was kind of the nature of life on the run. Anxiety didn't exactly produce the best dreams.

He always slept a little better when he wasn't holed up alone. That was usually when the dreams would hit. Sharing a sleeping space with his brother usually helped a lot, or even one of the other guys. He'd gotten pretty used to not having his own space or sleeping alone unless he was actually alone. He'd woken up from bad dreams here a few times, but nothing this bad.

It took her a moment to answer them. She was still trying to clear the image of Peter from her mind. The frightened pout slowly turned to an expression of firm resolve, and she nodded to Daneel, pulling her hand back.

"Tea would be really wonderful, actually. We should all just go to the kitchen. And turn the lights on. And drink tea and talk." And not sleep. That was the most important part. It had shaken her so bad that she was actually considering taking Kobra up on his offer.

Instead, she said, "You'd just love that, wouldn't you?" While shooting him a side-eyed glance. But the way she squeezed his hand was contradicting the words coming out of her mouth. Verbally pushing him away wouldn't erase the fact that she'd almost definitely end up dragging him back to the double bed when they were done in the kitchen. She'd just never admit it to anyone or mention it ever again. Ever.

She pushed the blankets off and slipped out of bed, hovering next to Daneel so he could go first while trying desperately to seem in control and unafraid at the same time.

Reading body language was at least something Daneel had years of practice at, fortunately. He touched Lydia gently on the elbow, encouraging her to follow.

"I'll put the kettle on," he assured her. At home, he could have offered far more -- a vast library of entertainment, any number of chemical sleep aids -- but the truth was there was little reason for any Spacer to have violent nightmares. There was no danger on Aurora. Very little happened, too, but there was no danger. Instead, Daneel had his own self and the technology of what was, to him, a medieval kitchen. "If you wish to sit up, I'm sure we can keep you company."

He could, he knew. Kobra would as well, he suspected.

Kobra nodded. "'M all yours, Lyds." He gave her a small smile and moved his hand to her other shoulder as she stood up, so that his arm was around her. He knew that she was just trying to put on a brave face and he wasn't going to call her on it, but he was going to do whatever she needed.

"Let's drink some tea and put some wear on that couch, okay?" He stayed close as they all headed towards the kitchen. There weren't a lot of things Kobra thought he was really all that great at, but he could do this. He could stay up with her and make sure she felt safe.

How could these two people, perfect strangers less than a week ago, be more supportive and concerned and emotionally invested in her than the people who were supposed to be her friends? Friends that had ignored her for the most horrifying two weeks of her life while she turned into the town whackjob and had her brain practically possessed by a dead werewolf who subjected her to constant torment until she helped bring him back to life.

"Okay." To everything. It couldn't be anything but okay with these two around. But she still didn't know them that well. Her brow furrowed slightly as she thought about it. She had questions. Lots of them.

"How... old are you, Daneel?"

"I've been functioning for twenty decades," Daneel answered, "although I confess that much of me has been either repaired, replaced, or upgraded in that time." After all, being a robot didn't make him invincible to damage, and it didn't stop the onward march of technology -- however slow that could be on Spacer worlds.

He moved away, though he remained very aware of Lydia, and went to put the kettle on the stove. He'd made it a point earlier to familiarise himself with this ancient stove. It had seemed likely that it would be relevant sooner or later. To be honest, he wasn't entirely sure why Lydia wanted to talk about him, but if that was what she wanted he was only too glad to encourage it.

Kobra smiled a little. "No wonder you're so smart. You're an old man in disguise." Of course, he was probably naturally pretty smart, too, just like Lydia was. Figured he managed to hook himself up with two total brain trusts.

"No idea what Lydia's excuse is." If she was anyone else, he would ruffle he hair. He likes his hands, though, so he just squeezes her shoulders and gives her her own private little grin.

"He's not old. He's mature and experienced." She said a little haughtily. Can you be positive and haughty at the same time? Probably. This is Lydia.

Kobra made a good call on the lack of hair ruffle. If he had messed up her already less-than-stellar bed-head, he would have paid dearly. The option he did choose made her raise an eyebrow and tilt her head as she tried, and failed, to fight a smile before turning her attention back to Daneel and the kettle.

"So you retained your personality and memories even after losing so much of yourself? That's amazing. A little sad, but still amazing." But he couldn't just have been losing parts of himself. Living so many lifetimes... he must have lost friends, too. Maybe a lot. "Are you lonely? Can you feel lonely? And why do you care so much about harm coming to humans? Is it your programming?"

This was helping. Asking questions. Letting her mind focus on Daneel and having Kobra so close. She was much calmer now. Calm, but slightly concerned for the robot.

He didn't mind being considered old, either way. He was old by human standards, merely middle-aged by Spacer standards, and what sort of standards did a robot go by except whether he was still useful?

"To be accurate, my brain was never replaced. If my brain was to be damaged, it would certainly be the end of the Daneel Olivaw you're acquainted with. No two positronic brains can ever be truly identical, and even if it were replaced I would be... different." Daneel shook his head as he took cups down from the cupboard. "I've never thought of repairs as losing myself in any respect. It's more a matter of improvement. What is truly me remains untouched." Loneliness, though? He had to think about that. "I don't know if I can feel loneliness in the sense you mean, Lydia. There are certainly individuals I have known who no longer live or function, and I think it would be accurate to say I miss them."

And yes, the Laws. Maybe this wasn't quite the way he'd wanted to go about explaining them to Lydia, but she'd asked, and if she wanted the distraction, so be it. "I did wish to talk to you about the subject of harm, Lydia. I did already discuss the topic with Kobra. It is, in a sense, a matter of programming; my brain is structured to include the Three Laws of Robotics. The First Law states that a robot shall not harm a human, nor through inaction allow a human to come to harm. The Second Law states that a robot must obey all orders given by a human, unless those orders come into conflict with the First Law. The Third Law states that a robot must protect its own existence, unless doing so comes into conflict with the first two Laws."

There they were: three mathematical processes that governed his entire existence. Daneel calmly got the tea down from the cupboard. "Conflicts between the Laws are... uncomfortable."

No, Kobra was pretty sure that 200 was fucking old. Maybe it wasn't for a robot, but it was compared to the two of them. He wondered what Daneel must have seen in his long life so far. It must be amazing to see so much. Kobra was pretty sure he wouldn't reach 30. Hell, he was pretty sure he might not reach his next birthday if Bruce was right. He wondered how long he had until he started to get sick. It's not like there was any treatment here or back home, so why worry? It was easier to focus on Lydia's dreams.

He listened to Daneel's explanation. He was glad that Daneel was telling Lydia, too. She should know so that she could help him look out for Daneel. She was sharp and she'd definitely notice if someone was taking advantage of him. "Dan, if you like being around people, then I'm sure you can feel loneliness."

Okay, yes, it was really fucking old! But You don't have to say that out loud, Mr. Sensitivity! It's a good thing Daneel doesn't seem to get offended easily. But suddenly, a lot of things about him made a lot more sense. By making vague threats to hurt people, even jokingly, she was making Daneel uncomfortable. That was unacceptable.

"We'd never order you to do anything, Daneel. In this house, you can just do whatever you want. And if there's a problem, you can tell us. We'll fix it." She nudged Kobra gently with her elbow implying he better be on board with that. But it was obvious that he was, and of course she'd help in any way possible. It would be easy for someone to abuse those laws and hurt Daneel. Lydia would not stand by and let anyone take advantage of anyone else. She knew from experience that there were people like that out there.

"That is what Kobra said to me," Daneel said.

He shook his head very slightly. There was no reason for them to treat him like this, and he couldn't understand why they would, but it was nevertheless... pleasant. It brought up all sorts of reactions in him that were almost wholly new, and he hadn't worked out the right words to use for them just yet. Happy, maybe? Was that accurate?

"It seems that I'm giving the impression that I'm forced into these actions against my will. That's not accurate. It's more accurate to say that they are my will, for the most part. It's not often that I've been given strong orders that go against what I wish and what I feel is right. That can be painful, I confess. Fortunately, it's a rare occurance."

With the at last water boiling, he filled the teapot, and picked up the tray he'd laid out: the pot of tea, two cups, sugar and milk if wanted, an assortment of cookies he'd found in the cupboard. Daneel brought it over to Lydia and Kobra, and set it down before reaching to pour the tea out. "Do you take anything in your tea?"

It was a relief that Lydia felt the same way he did about the matter. He gave her another smile. "I told him that if anyone messes with him, they're getting a stern talking-to."

At least, that was what he would tell Daneel. He didn't want to cause Daneel any harm or pain, but he couldn't just change his methods over night, either, even if he would put in an honest effort. It wasn't like there was anything he could see that needed to be fought here. He remembered growing up without this kind of fighting. He could almost picture living a normal life if he tried hard enough.

"Uh, sugar? I don't usually drink tea." He turned to Lydia. "What do people usually take in it?"

Lydia grinned. How did she guess? Good. They were all on the same page and they would definitely stick together. Daneel was an entity that could feel pain and think freely and care about people, that was the only incentive she needed to want to protect him.

"Right. We'll pull them aside and give them a piece of our minds." Yep. Choice words weren't all they'd have in store for anyone who was stupid enough to mess with him.

She stared, a little stunned, at the tray in front of them. While Lydia would usually be all about someone waiting on her hand and foot, she felt a little guilty that Daneel was filling the role of robot butler. "Thank you, Daneel, this is... really nice." It was. More than really nice, actually. She'd have to do something to show her appreciation without being too obvious about it. Later. For now, she turned to Kobra, "You're probably gonna want milk with that sugar. That's how I usually take mine. Knowing you, it would probably be four or five sugars."

... That wasn't as condescending as usual. Damn. She was starting to go soft. She briefly considered following that up with something bitchy, but instead chose to simply move over on the couch so Daneel could sit with them.

Daneel mixed two cups of sweet, milky tea, and handed them to his friends -- he said the word to himself, recognising that he meant it, and it was not a casual courtesy in this case. They were friends, real friends, his third and fourth real friends in his existence. Recognising an invitation, he sat down on the couch next to Lydia.

"I believe you're both being far more protective of me than is at all necessary," he said, "but I appreciate the sentiment. Thank you. And you are very welcome. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

He was slightly anxious about it, his concern for Lydia still foremost in his mind.

"Thanks." Kobra took the tea with a smile. He was glad to see Daneel sitting with them, since he'd been about to ask him to, anyway.

He touched Daneel's shoulder with the hand that was already around the back of Lydia's shoulders. "That's just how friends are, though. It's like how people in danger make you worry and feel sick. When I know my friends are in danger, it does that to me, so I'd rather just keep you safe to begin with." He couldn't keep his friends back home safe, but he could keep his friends here safe.

"... Just stay here? For a while?" That's all she needed. Lydia couldn't possible feel more secure than she did at that moment. She sipped her tea, grateful for the warmth.

It was official. Her social status would never recover. Her secret was out, the nightmares and screaming were back, and her two best friends were a really old, futuristic robot and a kind-of old, futuristic weirdo. It almost shocked her to realize that she didn't even care. Lydia wouldn't trade these two for anything.

"Ditto."

Kobra had an interesting way of putting things. If Daneel ever did figure out the Laws of Humanity that he and Giskard had discussed (because there simply had to be some equivalent to the Laws that governed human behaviour, and he just didn't know what they were), the safety of those close must have some sort of place on it.

"I have no need or desire to be anywhere but here, Lydia," Daneel promised. "As long as you want company, I'm more than glad to be here for you. As the pair of you keep telling me, it's part of what friends do for each other. I don't think it's out of place to insist it go both ways, if you two insist on treating me as you do."

Still, Lydia would be fine. He'd known that before and he knew that now.

Kobra smiled at him and leaned against Lydia's side. He took a careful sip of his tea and then tipped his head so that it rested against hers.

"I absolutely do insist on it, Dan. You're one of us and we're going to take care of you just as well as you take care of us." He was glad that Lydia felt the same way. It meant he was right about her. Her bitchiness really was just posturing. She was a good person. He could tell.

He turned his head to kiss her temple. "Don't let yourself get too stressed, Lyds. We've got you."

The tears that pricked at the corners of her eyes and threatened to fall were definitely happy ones. Ecstatic ones, actually. Stupid guys. Stupid feelings! As much as she missed Jackson, she'd never felt like this with him or with any of her friends. Not even with her family. She could definitely be a good person around the right people.

These were the right people.

Lydia took Daneel's hand with her free one, threading her fingers through his, and held it in her lap to pull him a bit closer as she let herself relax against Kobra. After a few more sips of tea, she set her mug back on the table and settled between them again with her legs folded up under her. She was just resting her eyes...

"I vote we all go to the future with Daneel when we find a way out of here." She said, sleepily.

That was potentially not the best idea. There was so much waiting for him in his own time, so much responsibility, an entire galaxy to care for while he went about the business of making himself disappear, and what place was there for Kobra and Lydia in the middle of that? All the same... maybe he could feel a bit lonely at the prospect of going back alone. It would be pleasant to have them there, as unwise as it might be. Would it be better to explain to them the Zeroth Law and his own mental abilities, plus what he and Giskard had done at Three Mile Island, just in case that scenario ever happened? He kept his secrets, knowing what would happen to a robot who was too powerful, who had thwarted the Three Laws even a little, but... maybe that didn't apply here.

Tonight was not the night for that conversation, and maybe it never would be. Tonight was for helping Lydia, and that came first, of course.

"I'll remember that," Daneel promised. He squeezed Lydia's hand gently, and since she seemed to want that physical closeness, he moved a little closer. He could be warm and comfortably and physically there, if that's what she needed. "I believe I would miss you two, were I to return now, though I'm not at all sure you would be happy there."

Kobra would much rather follow Daneel or Lydia home than go back to his own time. He just wished he could find a way to take the other Killjoys from his time, too. They would all be happier somewhere else. Maybe it was selfish, but he knew that his friends would want him to go someplace better if he could--somewhere with real medicine and real luxuries like beds and showers.

"I can be happy anywhere, long as I have good company." And the two of them counted. Even if Kobra was going to die here, at least he knew that there were people with him who would care.

He smiled over Lydia's head at Daneel.

Lydia was fine and dandy, now. Calm, content, and drifting off right there on the couch. If she could, she'd just bring them both back with her. They'd find somewhere to settle far away from Beacon Hills. Somewhere safe. No werewolves, no dying, no painful, conflicting laws.

She mumbled, "You sound like a hallmark card." before murmuring, "But same here. We'd miss you, too, Dan."

Oh no. The nickname stuck. She was too tired to care.

No one had given him a nickname before he'd arrived here, and he found the intimacy implicit in it... very nice, to say the least, doubly so now that Lydia was apparently using it as well. There were more words he was considering the use of besides "happy," now, like family. Part of him was slightly shocked that he even dared think such a thing -- he was a robot, and that was a ridiculous thing for a robot to claim, robots did not have families -- but it also seemed... rather apt.

Daneel stroked Lydia's hair, soothing. If she could sleep, it would be the best thing for her. No harm would come to her, or Kobra for that matter.

"Relax," he said softly. "You're safe here."

Even if those words weren't directed at him, they made him feel safer, too. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt safe. It was a really nice feeling. Nothing was coming for him and if it did, Daneel would probably know before they did. He could be ready if he needed to be, even if he'd left his kitchen knife in Lydia's room.

He sighed and rested his head against the side of Lydia's, eyes closing. This was nice. Sometimes he felt like he trusted a little too easily, but his gut said that everything about these two was good for him.

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Bead-weighted chests with lofticries...

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