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Who: Daneel and Tony
Where: Daneel’s house
When: Day 74 or Day 75, whichever works best
What: Tony pays Daneel a visit

It’s generally considered polite to call first before dropping by someone else’s house. At least, that’s the societal convention in vogue back in Tony’s world right now. It isn’t until he’s already halfway to Daneel’s house that he thinks about it, and by then, he figures, what the hell. He’s already en route. If Daneel isn’t home, he’ll just turn around and head back the way he’d come. It isn’t like much time is lost on this short of a walk, and lately, all he has is time.

Save for their conversation over the communicators upon his return, they haven’t really had a chance to catch up and Tony wants to rectify that if at all possible. After all, the last time they’d seen each other, Daneel had been human and Tony was trying to convince himself not to bite him.

Upon reaching the house, he steps up to the door and knocks, before slipping his hands back into his pockets. He’ll give it a minute or two, and if no one comes – or someone comes and informs him that Daneel isn’t available – he’ll go on his way. No harm done.

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"You did not program friend JARVIS with the Three Laws, either." It's a gentle reminder, though the idea is still astonishing to him.

Still, this has been helpful. It's everything Daneel had hoped for; Tony's input is unique, invaluable. It gives him some reassurance that he might succeed at this. He has his framework, his solution, his path, and now he just has to see it out.

"I am sorry, Tony," Daneel says, "that you are here again against your will, but I am glad to have been able to speak to you about these matters. It's reassuring."

No, Daneel’s right about that. He didn’t program JARVIS with the Three Laws and thank his foresight for that. He just hopes that one day, Daneel can experience the kind of freedom that JARVIS has. Tony thinks he deserves it.

“Hey man, don’t even worry about it.” Shrugging, he brushes that apology away. “Home’s kind of stressing me out these days. I needed a break from it. This?” He waves a hand between them. “I like this. It reminds me of the parts of home I miss. So, if you look at it like that, it’s reassuring me too. Any time you want to talk, about anything, you let me know and we will. Deal?”

Daneel nods. "I will. Thank you, Tony. In return, I would do anything within my power to help you."

To be honest, he would have anyway, but phrasing it like that, as a favour returned, is a step closer to considering himself a person. It's only words now, but it's still a step.

"I believe it. Thank you." And if he can ever figure out what he needs that will help him, and manages to talk himself into asking for help, he will.

"Bit of unsolicited advice that I'm probably not qualified to give?" he adds after a second's thought. "Give him presents. Thoughtful presents, not huge custom-made stuffed rabbits. I've got it on good authority those are a bad choice in the pursuit of domestic bliss. But trust me, the only thing I've managed to get right in the few relationships I've had is that they like proof that you're thinking about them."

Daneel considers this information a moment. It's... honestly helpful, and he thinks of the lilacs Ned brought him with a new perspective.

"I am often thinking of him," he says. "I would not have thought to provide a token to prove that I am. I will find him an appropriate gift."

What, exactly, that might be -- well, he's not sure yet. He'll have to think about it.

"Good man. I'd offer you more advice, but something tells me you don't want to get shot and that's one of the better outcomes of my dating adventures." He's made a lot of poor decisions. A lot. How he's still alive is a mystery. "Although, hey, if you ever want advice on what not to do, I got you covered on that one."

Getting back to his feet again, he steps closer and holds out his hand. People shake hands in greeting and farewell, and while Tony doesn't really like doing it - it skirts too close to issues he's developed with being handed things - he doesn't feel the twinge of discomfort he usually does when he offers someone a hand.

"I'm gonna hit the road, let you get back to wooing your guy. Don't be a stranger, all right?"

Daneel takes Tony's hand, his grip firm and warm. It's a gesture he appreciates; he recognises it for a friendly gesture, the sort he's not entirely used to receiving.

"All right, Tony. Thank you very much for your time."

It's a poor way of expressing what he feels, and he offers Tony a small, serious smile.

"You are a good friend to me."

"Hey, you get the thanks. I'm the one who showed up uninvited," Tony says, giving his hand a firm shake before telling it go. There's a grin pulling at the corners of his mouth, threatening to turn into a smirk as he takes a step backward.

"That good friend thing. Can I get it in writing? Maybe framed? Or on a little card I can keep in my wallet?" It may be self-mockery, but he's wholly amused at it. "No one's going to believe it otherwise."

He's halfway to the door before he turns around and shoots Daneel a wink. "You're a good one to me too, Friend Daneel." He's noticed that he uses the term in relation to other robots, not humans, but Tony's always felt more at home with robots than humans anyway. Daneel might continue to insist on a difference, but as far as he's concerned, they've always been on equal footing. "Don't let anyone tell you differently."

The significance of friend doesn't escape him; it's a term layered in meaning and subtlety, affection and classification, and though he doubts he grasps all the nuances of it, he grasps enough.

Daneel nods. "Thank you, friend Tony." It's... strange to call a human that, but it's not an effort, either.