[This time 9S really does stumble, his approximation of a stomach twisting into knots, and his pulse leaping into his throat.]

Huh? [He "loves" him? He's sure he must have misheard him. There's no way a human would...love an android, right?]

O-oh, uh... You're welcome! Haha... I think the drink's talking?

[9S starts leading them along again.] I guess it is pretty weird for a combat android to be "soft"...

[Arid had told him about the "companion" androids of her world, but that wasn't his purpose. Then what was the purpose of them being such perfect imitations? He can't help but wonder. The aliens didn't model the machines after themselves.]

But I don't mind--I mean, if you like it.