"Yes, it's a lot like a human brain. I'm able to think, and feel, and learn things, just like you. And yes, it is what makes me function." Ash saw how fascinated Laura was by all of this, smiling.
"Maybe one day you could talk to the woman who made me. She would love it explain it all to you."
Laura flicked her gaze back onto him, still holding onto his hand.
"Mm, maybe? As long as I won't bother her. I don't want to be in her way." She hummed softly, gently pulling him along over to the other side of the room. Laura kept up her little smile as she slowly wandered around the room.
"It wouldn't be a bother at all. I'm sure she would love to explain this to you. Goodness knows she does it to everyone who asks." Ash let Laura decide were they went, smiling a little. In one corner of the room, there was a metal table.
"That's were I would sit if I needed to be fixed," Ash explained.
Laura nodded a little, coming up to the table he had pointed out.
"Were you made on here?" She hummed, using her free hand to run across the top of the table. The metal was cool against her skin. "Or only fixed on here?"
"I was made here, yes." Ash smiled softly. He put his hand on the table, his memories of this place all fond.
"I remember it very well." Ash glanced at Laura, smiling softly.
Laura gave a little smile, hesitating before pulling herself up on the table.
"What was it like?" She asked softly, sitting herself in front of him happily. She was gently kicking her legs, tracing circles into the metal.
"Were you always like you are now? Or were you a kid, like me?"
"I was always like this," Ash said. He trailed his finger along the table, a small smile on his face.
"Everything felt… New. I was just basic coding. I didn't have a personality, and a barely knew how to control my body. I had to be taught most everything, just like a person. It was bright too, when I first opened by eyes…"
"That makes sense," Laura started, giving him a fond smile. "You had been familiar with darkness for so long."
She leaned back a bit, resting her palms flat behind her. She was using them to keep herself propped up.
"Were you excited, when you were… born?"
Ash thought a moment. He leaned against the side of the table, next to Laura.
"I was confused, more than anything. I had… Well, I'm not sure how to explain this. I had been aware while my body was being made, while I was still in the computer. I'd gotten used to that, so waking up in my body was very new to me."
Laura nodded a bit, giving him a little smile.
"It's like… when you're aware you're dreaming? Maybe…" She started, pursing as she tried to figure out how to explain what she meant. "Like, you know it's a dream, but can't exactly control what's happening. Normally when you're about to wake up."
Ash nodded.
"Yes, it's a lot like that. Good job, figuring that out! Even I haven't really been able to put it in words before." Ash gave Laura a smile, a bit proud of her.
Laura's face lit up a bit, and a bright smile pulled up. The little bit of praise lifted her spirits just a bit.
"Really? I was right?" She asked softly, sitting up enough to fold her hands in her lap. She was pretty happy with herself right now.
Ash watched Laura light up, grinning.
"Yes, you were. It's quite impressive." Ash turned so he could fully face Laura. "So, what do you think? Sitting on the same table I was made on?"
Laura kept up her little smile, running her hand over the table.
"It's really cool… it's funny to think you were made here, though…" Laura admitted, reaching up and tucking her hair back. "I don't know why, but it's strange to think."
"Ah, I see. Have you met someone like me before? A robot, that is." That might explain a lot of she hadn't- it was a bit strange to think of a 'living,' breathing person as being assembled on a table instead of born from a mother.
"No sir. You're the first I've ever met." Laura hummed softly, reaching out for his hand. With her little smile, she laced their fingers together and slowly swung their arms back and forth.
"I think it's cool… How old are you? Or- um… how long have you been around?"
Ash held Laura's hand gently, letting her swing his arm easily.
"Well," he said, thinking a moment, "I'd say… Fifty years now?" He chuckled softly. "That sounds about right."
"Fifty? That's a long time." Laura replied simply, and slowly realized what she had said. Her eyes grew wide, and she held her free hand to her mouth in a bit of shock.
"I- I mean… I-" She stammered, starting to panic a little.
Ash looked at Laura, giving her a reassuring look.
"It is a long time," Ash agreed, staying calm. "Even if I'm younger than most of the other robots here by several decades, I'm still old, Laura. It's okay." Ash let out a soft sigh.
Laura's face was guilt ridden, and she was practically on the verge of tears. She had said something disrespectful- and was honestly terrified how he would respond. But with his relaxed response, she was taken by a little bit of surprise.
"I- but… but you're not mad at me?" Laura asked softly, tipping her head down to the floor.
Ash kept Laura's hand gently in his.
"I'm not mad," Ash assured. "You didn't say anything wrong, Laura. Fifty years really is a long time." Ash carefully reached up, putting his second hand on hers.
Laura tried her best not to flinch or fidget when he took her other hand, glancing back up him.
"But… but it wasn't nice to say…" She insisted, her voice soft. "My… my aunt would have never let me say that. I'd… I'd be in a lot of trouble… you're really not upset with me?"
"I'm not like your aunt," Ash said quietly. He really wasn't, and would make sure Laura never ended up living with someone like that again.
"I'm not upset. I promise. You're not in trouble, Laura.'
Laura nodded weakly, trying to just breath. She knew he was nothing like her- after everything he had done, she'd be completely shocked if he turned around and tried to hurt her. It wouldn't make any sense.
"Al-alright… I… do we want to keep going?" Laura asked softly, peering up at him.
"We can if you're able to," Ash said softly. "If you need to take a break from this, we can. I don't want to see you pushing yourself too much." He gave Laura a gentle look, ready to help her down if need be.