Kindle Notes & Highlights
It didn’t matter how many bodies he encountered; he would never get used to dealing with them.
Residents of Salt Lake City had free medical care, which meant he could go back on testosterone and get chest surgery. And after that, yes – hell yes – he was going to buy a sexy suit. Permanent citizenship felt like a delusion – he’d already failed the practice test several times – but there were so many more resources in the city.
His life was a typo.
“There was some confusion about your gender. My apologies, Mr Weis.” Heat rose in his cheeks. “Call me that again and you’re forgiven.” “What? Mr Weis?”
The secondhand euphoria for him 🥰🥰
Valentine’s mouth fell open. He knew androids existed, but never expected to meet one outside the city. Osric drew in a labored breath. “I’m– I’m not supposed to be in this body.” Valentine tugged Osric’s shirt closed. “Me neither, hon.”
On his first day, to his horror, he hadn’t been able to regulate his voice at all and did nothing but scream at people.
“I don’t think you want to see me in this. I’ll turn you straight.” He barked a laugh. “Keep dreaming.”
I changed my name. I’m not a woman.” “Stop being so extra,” Ace said. “He didn’t accuse you of being one.” “I’m not being extra!” Valentine snapped. “You don’t get it. You–”
“I know how it feels to have people look at you and not see who you really are,” Osric said, quietly. “Or to refuse to see it.” Valentine sat on his bedroll, then unlaced the glossy oxfords. “It’s… it’s fine. I’m used to it.” “Being used to something doesn’t inherently mean it’s right.”
“I’m a poor judge of what humans find attractive. But for what it’s worth, no matter how ill-fitting, I think you have a nice body too. I like your smile. It lights up your face.”
Though he often had trouble deciding if he wanted those guys or wanted to be them. The answer was probably both.
Rich people bought their way in and left everyone else here in a world that’s running down, falling apart. The only temporary relief any of us have are cities like Salt Lake… which only rich people can get into.”
If this was a point of embarrassment, Osric didn’t want to exacerbate it, especially since it seemed like Valentine struggled to focus in aspects beyond reading and studying too, like during conversations. Not because he didn’t care, but because his thoughts started to turn inward. And though he wasn’t certain, Osric was pretty sure most humans didn’t leave themselves notes that looked like: Brush your teeth Did you remember to eat? Clip the keys to the visor Find the keys Brush your teeth
Canon Val AuDHD
“Never thought pirates would be interested in my dirty socks and gay porno mags, but I’m willing to exchange them for freedom.”
“No pass exists. Would you like to try a slightly alternate name?” He gritted his teeth and gave his deadname. “Thank you. I have your pass, madam.” Valentine hunched his shoulders. It was too much emotional effort to correct, and he didn’t want to piss off the person in charge of letting him through.
“Transportation is free,” Osric replied. “A basic accommodation like healthcare and education.” Free. Sure. Only price was your soul.
“you’re an eleven, with or without the suit.”
Humor was an attractive quality in a man, but kindness was even better.
He wanted Valentine. He wanted to hold him the way Ace had, beneath the blankets, enveloping his despondent form and absorbing some of his pain. He wanted to caress his face and feel Valentine’s skin on his lips.
“I suppose you mean in a romantic sense? Not just concern for his general wellbeing, since I already took two arrows to the chest for him.” Osric thought of the way his heart fluttered at Valentine’s aggressive advocacy for others, his broad smile and his snark. “I’m a bit smitten with him, yes.”
“AI orgies sound kind of weak, but I’ll accept that answer.”
“I give up my dream to rescue a bunch of people in need, and the universe repays me in raisins. That sounds about right. You’re an asshole, you know that?”
The AI had found his porn.
“Then will you show me where you want me for your vanilla missionary? And are you sure that’s not a cake flavor?”
Don’t you dare leave me, machine-man.
they’d both be in the forms that best fit them, each of them going about their new lives, in this city of industry and perseverance.
