ţhere is always a limit to what Samuel Hayden is capable of handling. Had anyone else said such a thing to him, his mood would have soured far past it’s usual point, and aggression would have taken shape in either emotional or physical wounds. The fact she seemed so… Young… The fact his first thought was not how much energy he could expend just to throw her across the street–but wondering where her parents were and why she seemed so hardened stopped him from resorting to anything even remotely violent.
She was a child, but something about her face screamed everything but a child. Someone forced to grow up all to quickly… He could relate.
“ Contrary to what you may believe, I prefer the term automaton better, and unfortunately, between the both of us, I’m not working with the so-called scientists who have brought us here. Even if I had been offered, I would not associate or even waste my breath working with such a mediocre crew… Samuel Hayden. ”
Slowly, he kneels–or attempts to–just to save them both the trouble of harming their necks trying to meet one another’s gaze… A hand offered out for the first time since he’d gotten here, just for her to shake.
“ I’ve never been much of a fan for small talk, but… You seem awfully young to be wandering alone in this city. Though I have reason to believe you’d tell me otherwise, wouldn’t you. ”
Taking a quick step back at the sound of his voice, she continued to regard him with caution, despite the lack of hostility. Sure, Clementine was the one who had initiated the conversation in the first place, but that didn’t get rid of the fact she still had to be careful around him. He was a robot for crying out loud.
Oh. Automaton. Okay, so, robot was a no-go.
Tentatively, her hand reached out to meet his in a handshake.. It was a strange feeling, but she gently attempted the shake- signaling that she saw him in good faith.
“You and me both.” Her lips curled into a faint smile, amused, as he seemed to already pass that annoying point of discussing her age. He wasn’t wrong, but it was just a little surprising. Was she that easy to read? Regardless, she felt inclined to confirm his assumption.
“You’re right. I would.” She crossed her arms over her chest, followed by a nonchalant shrug. “I’m just glad I don’t have to explain myself. It gets a little old after awhile. Although.. I’m not stupid enough to just think I can take on anyone I meet. It’s different, especially here.” A subtle way of admitting that she’s only human against the clear majority of others present in the city.
“Since you’re not with the scientists... do you know anything about getting out? Has anyone tried or managed to do it?”