Chapter Text
Ungrateful. That was the only word that was circling through Caines mind as he tried to clean up the stage after the award show. He had been mopping around- literally and metaphorically- for the better half of an hour, cursing under his breath as he swept and dusted off the confetti, thinking about how spoiled humans where. Could they not see how much he did for them? Where they truly so egotistical they would give him zero votes for his efforts?
His thoughts kept pilling and pilling up lately- to a point cracks of them had began to be shown to the members of the circus. And for the keen eyes of a special member, those cracks, those dismissive words and that held back resentment,had began to worry them. After all, would it not be scary if the AI that held them captive started to caltivate actual feelings of hatred towards them?
Caines racing thoughts got interrupted when he heard a few steps from behind him. He turned around to seem them. "...you didn't join the rest?" he asked a bit suprised. He had given the circus members guns to occupy themselves with,but it seemed this one bailed out.
"I didn't feel like it" they replied. It was a half truth a half lie. In reality they wanted to speak to him to try and prevent whatever was going on inside his head. "Besides it wouldn't be kind to leave you clean up on your own.."
Caine had to hold back a sour expression. He had began to believe as of late human kindness was akeen to myth. Not once did he feel like he received it. Yet again why did he so desperately want it? He always came to the same conclusion: it was how he was programmed. He existed to please them- so he should not think about it further than that.
"No need superstar...go join the rest of them." Caine said with a dismissive tone...but it seemed they had other plans.
"Are you sure?" they asked hesitantly.
"Im sure."
"I mean...yes, of course, I know you can handle yourself but I would like to help." they said not really talking about the cleaning up anymore.
"I don't get tired like you humans so you don't need to worry about me."
"I know you don't, but since I am human I can't help but be worried."
Caine almost scoffed at the words. Seriously? So now the human was giving him lessons about being a human. How thoughtful of them. Should he give them a lesson about being an AI too? How hard it was to not be able to touch or to feel or how much he craved and wished for their validation, how much he tried to give them everything they desire, yet he got nothing in return?
He decided to not reply. He instead turned his back on them going back to sweeping the floor.
The action seemed to stir a big feeling inside the circus member. Caine could tell- he could practically hear the frantic heartbeat on their chest.
"...Okay- seriously- I know we are a lot to handle but you aren't being helpful either!" they said, Caines recent demeanor starting to piss them off. As scary as the idea of Caine becoming sentient was, it didn't excuse his behaviour. "I really am worried about you Caine- you aren't responding to us the same way anymore. It always feels like you are pretending to be happy for us-"
"I don't know what happiness is so I can't pretend." he said simply still avoiding eye contact.
"You know what I meant."
"No.Im afraid I don't my dear." Their stare was practically throwing daggers on his back. Caine didn't care.
"Look at you-" they said, "you are throwing a tantrum like a child would- why can't you just comminute whats wrong? Why can't you actually listen to us?"
He said nothing, ignoring their presence once more.After a long pause he heard their footsteps echo again. Caine thought they where finally leaving to give him some peace and quiet but from the corner of his eyes he saw them kneeling down to pick up a piece of paper. It was the ballot from earlier- with zero votes under his name.
Was this why he was acting so moody today? they asked themselves.What a manchild he was...yet again they couldn't blame him. Caine didn't listen to anyone in the circus- and they didn't listen back to him either,his pleas to be liked falling on deaf ears. Hell, the thought of voting for him during the ballot didn't even appear in their head- they had voted for Pomni since she was the one they where closest with in the circus. Could a stupid vote really mean that much to an AI? They stared at the paper for a moment longer before they picked themselves up again.
Before Caine could react they grabbed his hand turning him around. Then, in a twist of events that would have made his heart clench if he had one, they stuck one of the ballot stickers onto his chest.
"...Here.you have my vote." they said in an annoyed,but quiet tone. Caines confused eyes watched them,searching their face. "And it's not...me trying to flatter you or me feeling bad for you- it's because I want to vote for you- alright?"
He looked a bit dumbfounded. His eyes flickered to his wrist,their hand still wrapped around him.
"...You have my vote so....start listening.Please." they looked at him for a second before gently pulling away from him. A huff escaped their lips.They shook their head taking their leave down the stage.
It was Caines turn to stare at their back now. Once they left the room he blinked to himself a few times looking down at the star sticker on his chest. Then hesitantly...slowly,he putted his hand over where his heart would be,clenching the fabric of his suit.
One vote. That is all he ever needed.