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Wilbur sighed, checking his phone again as he walked along the sidewalk to his bus stop. A shaky sigh passed his lips as he read the email again for whatever his friend had gotten him, two main pieces standing out.[Package Delivered.]
[Signature Preauthorized.]Eret had probably pre-signed for it to keep him from reading the receipt. Clever bastard. He'd always wondered how they got away with that kind of thing sometimes, always managing to skirt around things or get away with things. It was sometimes better not to question what his friends could do.He hummed, checking the time before checking the route schedule again. He still had a bit of time before the bus would be there. He hummed, shifting as he scrolled through his phone's contacts a bit, soon enough finding the self-proclaimed monarch of sorts before calling them."Hello hello, you've reached Eret~" The deep, sing-song voice remarked. "How can I be of ever wonderful help~?""Hey, Eret." Wilbur hummed, leaning against the bus stop sign. "Got the email that it was delivered. Do you mind telling me what the fuck you sent to my apartment?" He asked."Oh, you did? Oh, that's wonderful!" They remarked. "Ah ah ah, no, wouldn't be a surprise if I did, now would it?" They teased."Okay, so it's something I can shove into the pool?" He asked, not wanting to beat around the bush with the topic, snorting at the slight shriek of an answer from the other, needing to pull his phone away from his ear."Wilbur Soot I swear to everything holy to the Aether if you even attempt to do such a thing I will revoke all privileges I have given you!" Eret snapped, floral and skeletal patterns most likely adorning their skin."Okay, so it's mechanical. And if you do that I'm not bringing any of my dad's strawberry flan." He remarked. "Or my mother's strawberry mousse.""Wilby..." The wither hybrid whined. "C'mon don't be like that..." They remark with a pouting whine, huffing a bit."I will be like that if you keep this up." He remarked. "So it is mechanical, then?" He asked again."Yes, it's mechanical." They huff. "You're not getting anything besides that.""Is it big or small? Will I need help getting it upstairs?" Wilbur asked. "Is it going to be too heavy to bring up in the elevator?""It's...pretty big, though I paid extra to have it brought up to your apartment door." They hummed. "Like I wouldn't think of that." They chuckle."Um, I'll text you in a bit, the bus is coming." He remarked, hanging up before the other could respond.[Bratty Fox.] Eret texted, going back to her makeup. [But yeah, it's up at your door, just need to get it inside.] They add.[How big are we talking?] He asked, showing his bus pass to the driver as he slipped onto the bus and took his seat, putting his guitar in front of him and bag next to him. [Like, refrigerator big? Or new chair big?][Try 'coffin-sized'.] They reply.[Why the fuck would it be coffin-sized, Eret?] He replied. [What the fuck did you get me that's coffin-sized?] He asked, shifting a bit.[Oh calm down, you'll like it.] They respond. [I even got it as close to your preferences as I could. Did leave some things up to you, though.][What kind of things?] He asked, getting a confused look. [Eret, what the fuck did you get me?][You'll see when you open the box.] They reply. [See you love you bye~] They reply, going offline after.Wilbur grumbled at that. Coffin-sized? To his preferences? Left decisions up to him? What had the wither hybrid gotten him? He sighed, checking a few other messages before checking in with his family for the night so they knew he was safe.[Yeah, mum. On the bus now, should be about halfway home.] He replied.[That's good, dear. Oh, have you heard anything from your twin?] Kristen asked. [It's been a bit since he's messaged anyone, and you know how he can get when he gets really into projects.][Messaged him yesterday, don't worry.] He replied. [He said he was getting pretty far with this one. Robotics isn't easy, mum.] He replied. [Especially with his prosthetic.][I know, I know. Just remind him to message the rest of us once in a while, baby.] She replied, which got a chuckle from Wilbur.[Will do, mum. Oh, how's dad doing?] He asked. [Dad, not pop.][Your dad is doing well. Keeps talking about making you chow mein when you come to visit.] She replied. [And your pops is doing well too. Him and his partner both.] She added.[Still with the same guy?] He asked. [The deer fellow?][Yes, they're still together. Very happy too.] She replied. [No question about your half brothers?][Callahan and Dreamcatcher?] He asked. [What kind of names are those, anyways?][Your father picked Callahan's name, his husband picked Dream's name.] She replied. [You know this, darling. It's no different than Techno's birthname being Troels. I picked your name, your father picked his.][Irish name and pagan name I guess? Seems more like a hippie name.] He retorted.[Wilbur be nice!] She snipped. [But, did you figure out whatever the mystery gift Eret got you was?][No but it got delivered. They said they paid extra to have it delivered to my apartment door and that it was, and I quote, 'coffin-sized'. Said it was mechanical, though.] He replied, humming, looking up to check what stop he was at. [Text you later, mum, I'm at my stop.] He replied.[Stay safe darling, love you.] Kristen replied.[Love you too, mum.] Wilbur replied, pulling the cord and getting off the bus when it stopped, heading into his apartment building and up to his apartment after checking his mailbox.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Wilbur hummed, sighing a bit at the large box sitting outside his door. Surely that had gotten some looks while he was away. "Eret what the hell did you get me..." He sighed, going and opening his apartment door before shifting around the box. "Contradicting labels, aren't there...?" He hummed, looking over the coffin-like box made of reinforced cardboard. "You'd think if it was mechanical, they'd send it in a crate...though I guess cardboard does have a bit more absorbance to shock..." He hummed, managing to push the box into his apartment and to his living room. "Okay...now time to figure out what the fuck they sent me..." He hummed, closing his front door and going to the kitchen to grab something to cut open the box.He hummed, circling the box a bit as he tried to find an edge to cut into. "Damn, they have this shit packaged tight..." He hummed, deciding to just cut along the top, only getting halfway along an edge before huffing and grabbing his phone, going through his contacts again."Helloooo?" Eret hummed when they finally picked up."Hey. Home. Got it. The fuck did you get me and how do I open this thing?" He asked, huffing a bit.Eret blinked at the other's tone a bit, though shifted. "Wilbur, have you eaten anything?" They ask. "You know you always get extra ornery and bitchy when you don't eat for too long. What have you eaten today."Wilbur paused a bit, thinking over how the day had gone before grumbling. "...a m'ffin 'nd a l't 'f c'ffee..." He grumbled, huffing. "Don't even start I wasn't that hungry at lunch. Plus the diner was packed and I didn't want to go too far just to find something that wasn't crammed." He remarked, cutting off any grumbling remarks the wither could give.Eret huffed, still grumbling under their breath. "Do you have shit there to eat or do I need to order you food?" He asked, the connection crackling a bit."You are not ordering me food, Eret. I have shit here, I just wanna figure out what the fuck you got me." He retorted, looking over the box again. Though, it was doubtful he'd actually eat if he was left to it."Do you...have it the right way up?" They ask. "I know you're part fox and you tend to forget such things-" They start, partially teasing but partially serious."Hey!" Wilbur barked into the phone. "Don't make me send my mother after you." He threatened, knowing the wither mildly feared the woman. Though it wasn't uncommon, the only one willing to fully stand up to the woman was his dads and the other's father. One of his dads was a piglin, whereas the other was a crow and usually knew how to placate both with rather shiny gifts."Don't you fucking dare, Soot." They remark, tone trying to come off as brave but laced with a tinge of fear. "I'm ordering you shit." They huff, already heard tapping away."Eret no, don't you-" Wilbur started. He hated when his friends splurged on him. This gift had been a surprise played as an early birthday gift to keep him from protesting too much about it."Then I'm coming over." They remarked. "No arguing. Either I order you food, or I come over with food." They hum. "Your call. I order you food or I come over."Wilbur groaned, kicking one of the sides of the box. Why were they like this? Why? He just wanted to know how to open to coffin box. He sighed. He knew why they were like this. They were like this with all their friends, especially the ones who had a hard time caring for themselves. "...fine but make sure it's got lots of cheese." He remarked. "And don't take forever with getting ready, just whatever you've got."Eret chuckled a bit, smiling. "It'll be a small bit before I'm out. Did get some new makeup the other day." They remark. "But I'll be over soon, promise. I'll get us pub food, and yes I'll make sure it's cheesy." They remark, chuckling a bit. "See you soooon~" they coo, giggling a bit as they were heard moving about, "and don't fuck with the box until I get there." They remarked, their dad heard in the background quipping about them swearing.Wilbur snorted, humming. "Alright, alright." He remarked. "I'll stop hacking at the box. Just hurry up and get out here." He said. "Oh and tell your dad I said hi." He remarked, hanging up and huffing as he put the knife back in the kitchen and flopped on his couch as he waited for the other, flipping through channels and passively rubbing his side a bit, hand almost moving to his waist when he heard a knock. "Took you long enough, the fuck?" He hissed, getting up and going over to peer out his peephole before opening it for the other. "The hell took you so long?" He asked.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Eret hummed, deep voice contradicting their appearance, tight curves, wider hips, and large bosom conflicting with their otherwise masculine physique and rather masculine facial features. "Oh calm down." They remarked, standing above the musician by a good few inches, though that was in part due to their heels. "I bring a peace offering." They remark, holding up the to-go boxes, sodas balanced precariously on top.

Wilbur hummed, letting the other in. "Mm, it smells like cheese." He hummed, having gotten such a craving from his mother's side of things, his twin having gotten more of a craving for chocolate delicacies. "The box is in the living room." He hummed, trying to grab the boxes that contained food.

Eret chuckled at his remark, humming. "It does, it does~ Even got extra cheese sauce for your fries because I know how you are." They remark, laughing a bit as they were nuzzled. "C'mon, let's eat." They hum, heading to the kitchen with their friend.

"Oh, you are the fucking best," Wilbur remarked, cheering a bit at the mention of cheese sauce. "Yes! Yes yes yes!" He remarked, bouncing before nuzzling his friend in a very platonic manner. "I know I keep saying this, but you're the absolute fucking best for that." He remarked, always one of the easier ones to please when it came to food.

Eret laughed, pure white eyes glimmering. "Well I'm happy that you're happy, then~" He remarked, getting the stuff set down and double-checking whos was whos, moving to fluff his hair, a few petals escaping. "Mm. Love that. Need to fix that again." They huff. "Eh, at least there's been no body issues today."

Wilbur hummed, happily starting to dig into his food, listening to the other a bit. "Th're's a pos't've f'r you." He remarked through a full mouth, a habit he'd gotten from his father.

Eret snorted, chuckling a bit. "Swallow first. Phil would have a field day with you if he saw that." They remark, humming. "Oh, by the way, have you checked in with your family lately?" They ask, starting to eat their food.

"Texted mum on the bus. She says dad is more than willing to make chow mein whenever I decide to visit. And that pops is doing alright with his partner." He remarked. "Oh, and talked with Techno the other day. Mum wanted me to tell him to get back in touch with them." He remarked.

"Sounds like Techie." They snort, humming. "But hey, at least your pops is happy now. Better than what some families end up going through." They remark. They were just a couple of years older than Wilbur and Techno, being 26 while the Soot twins were 24.

Techno had decided to go to college for engineering, as he'd always been one for tinkering and figuring things out, whereas Wilbur had decided to try and pursue music. Sure, it was slow climbing, but he was happy about it, having been the more steady one to process when their parents separated when they were 7 or so, Techno having been one to completely uproot his stability, which took ages for them to figure out why while also traversing the minefield of the boy's emotions. While Wilbur had sunk into his music, Techno had turned to escaping the house and sabotaging his own projects and ambitions, leading to him earning a prosthetic limb by 12 and being in therapy to adjust to it until just before their 15th birthday.

"He did say he was gonna try getting in touch with you." He remarked. "Something about a surprise gift. Told me not to say what it is. He did consult me on it, though, since you and I hang out more than you and he do now." He hummed.

"Oh hush I try when I can, work's just been busy lately." They quip, huffing a bit.

"Suuure you do." He chuckled, taking a bite of his burger and giving a happy little hum.

"Gods why did that sound like you just got off biting into a

burger

." They tease, laughing as he snorted and jolted before flipping them off. "Oh come on, it did!" They remark. "Sounded like you just busted one biting into that."

"Mm, see, th's 's why I b'rely e't." He shot back, swallowing his food after chewing a bit. "I'd rather not be made to think of or reminded of smut while eating."

"Okay, okay. Boundary noted." Eret hummed, sipping their drink. "So, since you've eaten a bit, wanna try figuring out the box?" They ask, tilting their head.

"We just started eating, Eret." He remarked with a slight chuckle. "Thought you wanted me to eat before messing with it?"

"Well, yeah...but I also wanna see if they got the special modifications right." They hum. "And I don't want to open your gift." They say, eating their veggie burger. "Mm, yeah, this place is going on my go-to list." They remark, giggling a bit.

"Still working on expanding that?" He asked, tilting his head. "Know you had a few places. Did you talk to pops' man?" He asked. He knew his dad's new...boyfriend? Fiance? He wasn't quite sure. They could be engaged, though no one had heard any announcements between the deer and the piglin, other than them having kids. He was pretty sure they were engaged at one point, then put it off because of Dream's little surprise entry. He should ask his dad about it later, shifting and writing on a sticky note so it wasn't just something he thought of and then forgot about.

"Yeah, still expanding on that. And no, haven't had the chance to between his and Calla's health worries." They remark. "Today's been surprisingly middle ground for me, though." They muse. "Not tilting one way or another, just steady middle river."

"Oh, that's different." He remarked, eating more of his burger. "How the hell did you get them to put cheese

in

the burger?" He asked, glancing at the other. "What's the place called?" He asked, snagging the receipt to see the name of the place.

"Hey!" Eret remarked with a laugh. "C'mon, get your hands wiped up before we go open the box." They hum, wiping their mouth and standing. "I wanna see if they got it right."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Dark walls and blue lights, that's all it remembered. It knew it wasn't extraordinary, though it was how the nursery space was, it seemed. Fragments from then, that's all that was remembered, held as a safe memory for it. That was severed when it was ripped from the space, shrieking as many of the others pulled from the safe, warm, comforting space had done, though if anyone heard it, it fell on deaf ears.

The conscience remembered fragments of being put through code readings, feeling them tear at code like the beaks and talons of hawks and vultures tearing through flesh, trying to change things around to how they wanted before it was halted, leaving the figure laying there as a trembling and sobbing mess before a gentle voice came through the 'room' it was in. Stark-white walls seemed to close around and cold, piercing lights gazed down, keeping the figure from being hidden by anything.

"Hello? Can you hear me?" It heard a voice ask. A bit deep, yet gentle. "I can see you, can you respond? Are you able to?" The voice asked.

The young figure shifted a bit before standing shakily. It felt something nudge it and make it stumble a bit before it was caught by some similar force.

"Oh, sorry. Hope you aren't too hurt." It heard the voice mumble. "Can you answer? Can you say yes or no?" The voice asked, making it a little more clear of a request.

The figure shifted, looking about before looking down at itself. A thin frame, though still with a bit of muscle filling the figure out a bit and keeping it from being skin and bone. It blinked, only to blink more as the strange objects moved up to where it was conceptualizing things, only to look them over next. It shifted a bit, trying to move about and only succeeding in stumbling more. It didn't have anything on, granted, given that it wasn't needed where it and similar others were formed. They were all the same there, none of them needing to hide anything from each other.

"Bit strange, isn't it?" The voice asked with a chuckle, making the figure glance up at the lights. "Hm. Somewhat lean stature but very strong facial features. Rare we see something like that. Very clearly a masculine figure as well. Looks like we have a fella with this one." The voice remarked. A 'fella'? The figure had never heard that term before. Was that a positive thing? Negative? Would it be let back to the safe area? "Wonder if your vocal code got messed with..."

That's when the figure felt it, the tugging feeling, though it wasn't as forceful this time. Either way, the figure yanked away from the feeling, which seemed to make it stop. At least it had the chance to stop it that time.

"Oh, no no no, fella, it's okay." The voice was heard cooing. "Gods above I hate how the other guys treat you all..." The voice sighed. "Can you sit down for me? I'll be as gentle as I can, okay?"

The figure was shaky, looking apprehensive as it looked up toward the lights. Why was this voice talking to it? Why after the previous interactions had torn it apart while still keeping it whole?

"Oh, you frightened little fella..." The voice sighed before humming. "...I suppose you need a name of sorts...You show me if you like it or not, yeah?" The voice asked, the figure tilting its head before wobbling its head a bit. So many things to get familiar with. The voice chuckled a bit at its actions. "How about...'Harry'?" The voice hummed, giving a little chuckle at its negative reaction. "No... Okay... How about... 'Emmett'? No? 'Lucas'? No-go, huh? Hm. 'Arthur'? Nah? 'Thaddius'?" The last name got the figure's nose scrunched with a very much displeased look. "Okay, that one's a hard no." The voice chuckled.

"Hm... Hm, hm, hm. What about... 'Jackson'?" The voice mused, chuckling a bit at the sign of interest the figure showed. "That one sounds good? You wanna go with that? Jackson?" The figure asked, sounding a bit hopeful, though the figure looked a bit unsure. "Not quite?" The voice asked. "Hm...well... How about 'Jack'? Short and to the point?" The voice asked, humming a bit at the interest shown in the name. "Okay, 'Jack' it is." There was a chuckle with that.

"Hopefully you can speak, though some don't mind ones that represent certain issues. Either way, I am going to tell you this, even though you'll end up not remembering. My name is Ryan Scarborough, though you may refer to me as 'Scar' for the short amount of time we will have together." The voice, 'Scar', 'Ryan', remarked. "Now, onto another matter for now. Your form is showing a masculine presentation at the moment, though nothing is that simple." 'Ryan' said. "Do you understand what I mean?"

It-

No.

Jack

.

The figure was called 'Jack' now.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Jack shifted, though with a tilt of the head, it seemed to get the message across. 'Masculine presentation'? What did that even mean? It was a 'Jack' now, wasn't it?"Mm, okay." 'Ryan' hummed, not sounding frustrated or upset. "Well, here. Look at these." 'Ryan' remarked, images slowly appearing in front of Jack, which made it tilt its head a bit. This was certainly different, and a bit interesting."This one," the one on the far left increased in size slightly, "is a 'masculine' presentation and identity." 'Ryan' mused. The picture depicted was strong, and had a very strong stature as well, though it also had a picture of someone closer to Jack's build shown as well, not too muscular and looking rather lean but with a bit of muscle filling the form out. "They are considered male, males, man, men, though the proper social reference is man and men, and are referred to as he, him, his, or himself if talking about a singular figure." 'Ryan' explained."This next one," the one on the far left went back to its original size, the one on the far right increasing in size slightly, "is a 'feminine' presentation and identity." 'Ryan' said. The picture depicted a figure with a thin waist and a more filled-out torso and hips and fairly long hair, though there was another picture with it, showing a figure with shorter hair and a thinner chest and waist. "They are considered female, females, woman, women, though proper social reference is woman and women, and are referred to as she, her, hers, herself when talking about a singular figure." The voice explained."This last one," the one on the right went back to its original size, the middle one increasing in size slightly next, "is an 'androgynous' or 'gender neutral' presentation and identity." 'Ryan' remarked. "Neither masculine nor feminine, but sit happily in the middle." 'Ryan' hummed. The picture showed a figure with shorter hair and a wore a blended look of the other two images, having a feminine seeming appearance but having something on that could fit either of the other two options. "This option is referred to as either men, women, or just people. Oftentimes, this option goes by they, them, their, themselves, though there is the chance that they go by xi, xim, xir, ximselves to have more of a gender neutral option." Ryan remarked.Jack shifted, humming a bit. It liked the name 'Jack', but it was all confusing to the figure. What did 'Jack' mean, then? What did these have to do with being called Jack? The figure shifted, looking between the options and giving a soft sound."You can vocalize." The voice that called itself Ryan mused. "Hang on, hold still-" The voice remarked, something tugging at Jack's figure again, a loud shriek escaping it before everything was silent again before the voice was heard. "It's okay, it's okay. Was just testing something."Jack shifted in the heap it was curled up in, glaring bitterly up at the lights before it blinked and spotted something. Another... Another figure? Jack shifted, pushing himself up warily as it stared at the new figure."Oh, your eyes." The figure, who had the same voice that had been speaking earlier, remarked. Was this 'Ryan'? "Oh, they turned out wonderfully. They'll be happy to have you." The figure remarked. "Can you stand? I could only see your stature and such before. Couldn't see finer details." The figure remarked.Jack shifted, getting onto its knees and staring at the figure with wonder flickering in its eyes. It swallowed, a small sound escaping it and spooking it a bit. It knew it was able to shriek, able to wail and howl in protest to things happening to and around it, it had shown that. Though, this tingling seemed different in a way, a reverberation of something new."Jack?" 'Ryan' asked. That's who Jack assumed it was. "Can you look at me?" The figure asked, smiling when Jack looked up at him. The figure it assumed to be Ryan, Scar, or whoever the figure went by, looked thin, though had enough pudge to round the figure's face out, and the smile caused little divots in the figure's cheeks gave a rather child-like appearance, the scraggly mess of hair just barely kept in order, the bit of scruff along the figure's jaw being the only thing keeping the figure from looking younger than it probably was meant to be. "Wonder if it got a bit convoluted..." The figure muttered. "Okay, so. You are Jack, right? That's what you picked?" The figure mused, smiling a bit when the little figure of code nodded. "That is your name then. A name is how others tell you apart from others. Same as how my name is Ryan Scarborough. Ryan is the part that helps others introduce me. Scarborough is how they tell me apart from any other 'Ryan' out there. And 'Scar' is a nickname that my friends gave me that they can call out to be sure they get my attention." The figure, now most certainly Ryan, remarked.Jack shifted, staggering to its feet. "Mm...Mm-mmm..." It softly hummed, touching its throat and looking up when Ryan spoke again."It's okay, Jack. Take your time. Pretty sure them messing with your code not long after you were pulled out of the incubatory processing and put into the nursery didn't help much of anything." Ryan remarked. "Well, now that we have an understanding of a name and what yours is, do you know what I was asking with the images?" The figure asked.Jack shifted a bit as it listened, moving and rubbing its throat. Jack was a name. A name to tell it apart from all the others. But, it didn't have a second part. Was that just if there were too many with the same name? Was that just something everyone decided when they wanted it? How did one make a name? "I-I--I-" It croaked out, coughing a bit."Oh boy...seems like your vocal stuff is a bit scratched up..." Ryan sighed. "Deep breath. Just nod or shake your head to answer." The figure remarked, even mimicking the motion. "And if you aren't sure, then you can shrug," Ryan remarked, mimicking the motion again. "Do you understand?"Jack shifted, sitting back down before nodding. That seemed easy enough."Okay, so. Do you understand the name thing?"Jack shifted, nodding before pausing and giving a little shake of the head."Yes and no, okay..." Ryan hummed. "Do you understand your name?"Jack nodded, scratching at its knees."No no, don't do that." Ryan softly cooed. "That'll hurt you, Jack. Don't want you hurt."The AI blinked, though stopped scratching and turning to fidget a bit."Good job," Ryan remarked, "now, do you understand me having a nickname?" The figure asked, humming as Jack shrugged. "Well, okay. That's okay. We can cover that more later." Ryan hummed. "What part of the name thing was confusing?"Jack shifted, thinking a bit before patting three times, double patting at the third one."Name...nickname... Oh, are you confused about the 'Scarborough' part?" Ryan asked.Jack perked up, nodding again as it leaned forward a bit."The last name part is confusing you, then." Ryan hummed. "Well, it's kind of like a family name, in a way. Though, sometimes people change it to fit more with what they want it to be rather than what their family had." The figure mused. "Does that make sense?"Jack shifted, though shrugged a bit. Family? A family name?"Oh dear...they might have messed with your code a bit too much... You're supposed to have at least a basic understanding of this..." Ryan muttered though it was half muffled by the fact that the figure had pulled back. "Okay, let's move on for now. Do you understand what I meant with any of the pictures?"Jack chewed its lip a bit, though shook its head. 'Supposed to have a basic understanding'. Was it something incomplete? Is something wrong with it?"Jack, it's okay. Not all of you get taught some things. They probably left it out because you're marked to go live with someone who mostly lives alone at the moment." Ryan remarked.Jack blinked, looking at the figure and tilting its head. 'Marked'? What did that mean? Did it have a mark on it that the other could read?Ryan blinked, noticing Jack checking itself over. "Jack, what are you-?" The figure started before realizing how the figure said it. "Jack, Jack, you don't have an actual mark. I mean that I have it written down on some papers who you are going to." The figure explained, smiling as the AI seemed to settle at that. "Now. Do you understand the pictures I showed you? The ones I showed earlier?"Jack shifted, though shrugged a bit. It was something interesting, though it didn't quite make sense as to why it was being asked.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Ryan mused a bit, tongue clicking a little. "Do you understand the concept of it?" The figure asked.Jack blinked, though nodded with a soft hum."Well, if you understand the concept..." Ryan started, clearly thinking a bit before realizing something. Sure, Ryan had explained it, but what good is explanation without application when working with these young ones?'Young ones.'Ryan wasn't meant to call them that. They were meant to refer to them as what they were. Lines of code. AI. Artificial life. Though, Ryan knew better. Knew how they could flourish if given a chance. Knew how they could create or destroy just like the rest of them. Knew how they could feel joy and pain, and Jack's reactions to everything, the shrieks and shouts that seemed to transcend even the volume limit on the speakers as if the AI was directly screaming into them to make them stop. That was when Ryan had stepped in, checked on Jack's state, had seen the moments of distrust and fear. Ryan knew they could feel, knew they could think. But that wasn't what the company wanted. The company wanted obedience in the form of mock sentience. The company wanted compliance in the form of sentience-eradicated robotic servants.Ryan hummed, shifting a bit. "Well, your name is what you are called, right?" The figure asked, smiling as Jack nodded. "Your name is separate from whether you are masculine, feminine, or androgynous. Does that make sense?" Ryan asked, watching as the sentient form thought a bit and smiling as it nodded.So it was different from a name. You could have a name as well as one of the other pieces. "N-Na-Na-a-a-a-" It coughed again, trying yet again to speak, only to hear the other coo for it to settle and not strain itself."You're okay. You're okay, Jack." Ryan cooed. "We'll try speaking later." The figure hummed. "Let's get back to the choices, yeah? Do you know what they are?"Jack huffed, looking almost disappointed, though glanced up with a shake of the head and a small shrug."Not really? Do you have an idea?" Ryan asked, noting Jack's wary expression. "That's okay, it's okay. What these refer to are genders. Your gender is what you  want  to present and identify as. So for me, I am a man. I go by he, him, his, and himself. My  name  is how I  introduce  myself. Does that make sense?" Ryan asked.Jack blinked, processing the information a bit before nodding. This Ryan figure was a he. That meant 'Jack' was how it introduced itself. But, what was it, then? Was it just 'Jack'?"Okay, we have a bit more understanding, yeah?" Ryan,  he , asked, smiling as Jack nodded. "Alright. Now, going back to the pictures," he pulled them up in front of the AI, "if you hover a hand over one, it will show you more impressions of the option."Jack shifted, reaching out and hovering a hand over each, the feminine showing very fine features, elegant and ruffly gowns, nice shoes, florals, soft colors, though Jack's hand pulled away rather easily, making a slight face."Not feeling the feminine option, hm?" Ryan asked, letting the AI take its time. "That's okay. There's still two more to look at." He hummed, though turned the mic off when someone came in. "What do you want, Mueller?" Ryan asked, looking over to his coworker."Still wasting time with those things, aren't you?" The other man, Mueller, remarked. "You know the higher-ups aren't gonna be happy hearin' about that." The man teased, chuckling.Ryan rolled his eyes a bit. "At least I don't have a detrimental rehab rate for traumatizing and torturing them." He quipped back, the man glaring at him. "You know I'm right. If everyone could get through their heads that these aren't just little circuit boards to rewire, we wouldn't have them being brought back so much." He snipped, huffing as he glanced back to the one he'd been working with.Mueller rolled his eyes. "Which one is that?" He asked, leaning over. "Why are you taking so long to decide its code?""Because I'm letting  Jack's  code actually  form  rather than tearing into code like a fucking vulture." He snapped, turning his chair toward the other. "Unlike  someone  who rips and tears at code until they're so unsteady that they break down within the first mon-" Ryan snapped, grunting as he was shoved back into a wall."Fucking try me, Scarborough." Mueller hissed, holding the man by the collar. "You know as well as I do that I could have you kicked off the team and sent packing if I so want-" The man gloated, though jolted as a sharp pain jabbed into his side, making him stagger a bit.Ryan blinked, shifting a bit as he glanced toward the computer he'd been working at, noticing Jack's glare. Though, he didn't say anything for now. "Get out of my office.  Now ." He snapped, glaring a bit and making sure the man really had left before turning back to his computer and turning the mic back on."Jack...did you just...help me...?" He asked after a few moments' pause. He'd heard a few stories of it happening, which risked and often resulted in the AI in question being marked as defective.Jack shifted, shying back a bit as the AI made itself look rather small. Had it done something wrong? Was it not meant to? Was it meant to just watch? Jack swallowed, sitting back against what felt like a wall as he curled up."Oh dear...this is going to take longer now, isn't it..." He sighed, putting through that a bit more work would need to be done due to 'tampering', though he didn't hold back with saying who it was, even sending the clip he had of the other man 'talking to' him. Even if the audio hadn't been captured, the action of pushing a disabled coworker in a very clearly threatening manner in the middle of work would not look good for the other man."Jack?" He hummed. "Can you look at me...?" He asked, smiling when the AI looked up. "Let's get back to what we were doing..." He hummed. "Did you pick one...?" He asked, eyes showing genuine care as he coaxed Jack back to their tasks.Jack shifted, nodding a bit before trying to push one forward. Masculine. Sure, the androgynous one was nice to a degree, though Jack liked more of the things in the masculine option."Male?" Ryan hummed. "He and him?" He asked, smiling a little as the AI nodded. "Alright." He hummed. "Do you want to pick a last name?" He asked, mouth quirking a bit as the bot shook its-  his  head. "Want me to pick at random?" He asked, chuckling as the AI nodded. "Okay. I'll...pick a few...and...you can decide from that..." He hummed, searching around before offering Jack a few last names. O'Connor, Ridley, Humphrey, Hayes, Welch. Though, none of them seemed to interest Jack.
Ryan hummed, clicking his tongue as he thought. "Hm... I can't figure out what, then, Jack..." He remarked, pulling up a dictionary of names. "Why don't you look?" He asked.

The AI perked up with notable curiosity, seeming to 'flip' through the pages after being shown how it works. Though, after a bit, he eagerly gestured to a choice.

Manifold.

Jack Manifold.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Wil, c'mon. I know what kind of people you like, you've shown me your dating app interests." Eret remarked."My interests change with every other person I see, Eret. How do you even know you got it right?" Wilbur asked, sipping his drink."Wilbur. Open the fucking box. You are as much of a raging bisexual as I am, I doubt I fucked it up." They quip, eating some of their fries. "We've known each other since preschool. Pretty sure we know each other like siblings. Other than when we kissed in your treehouse." They remark."Hey, I thought we agreed we wouldn't talk about that." Wilbur quipped, huffing a bit. It was one time. One. And the other was still bringing it up. "Okay, so you didn't try 'helping' my twin?" He quipped, watching the other's face turn red. "Don't even start with arguing, you started it." He remarked. "I will eat a whole block of cheese to spite you. And you know I don't get small blocks of cheese.""Do not fucking dare do that, Wilbur. We both know how sick your ass gets when you gorge on cheese." They remark. "You are not shoving a one-pound block of cheese down your throat. C'mon, let's just focus on the box. Unless you're fine with me taking it for myself. Because damn like you don't have some pretty nice tastes."Wilbur's eyes narrowed at the threat of his gift being taken from him. "No, my gift fuck off and get your own." He snipped, letting a bit of his piglin side appear. He and Techno may be twins, though both show different levels of their personalities at different times, yet it was always clear as to which of the other's personalities they were mirroring.Eret chuckled a bit, sipping their drink again before setting it aside. "C'mon, then, let's open it." They remark, hooking their heel on the edge of the box."Well, the arrows are all pointing up, but there's not much other indication. Hence why I started hacking at it." He remarked, going over. He'd let his form relax, letting his more fox-like features be seen.Eret hummed, looking the box over. "Here." They hum. "Think I found a spot."Wilbur perked up, the two struggling a bit to get the box open. "Of course, they put a box inside a box. I'm getting the knife." He grumbled, at least until his tail was grabbed."Chill ya dick, Soot, looks like they made similar ta a doll box." They remarked. "If I'm thinkin' right... Ha!" They grin widely tossing the lid up and over on its creased hinge. "Oh shit wow they went all out with the stuffing-" They remark as their voice strained. "You may wanna grab a garbage bag."Wilbur huffed, blinking at the amount of packaging material, though looked to the other. "No fucking moving shit until I get back over here." He quipped, heading and grabbing a couple of garbage bags before going back over, helping the other get the top packaging fluff out before blinking at the large, soft blanket covering a form. "...why does this look like a corpse, Eret?" He asked, looking at his friend."As I said," they chuckle, "casket-sized box!" They hum, feeling along the edge of the box. "There should be some papers..." They hummed. "Like a mock birth certificate and shit like that." Wilbur hummed, feeling along the edge of the box before pulling out what looked like a tablet, and looking it over. "The hell is this thing?"Eret hummed, glancing up. "Oh, you'll need that to finish personalizing the android." They remarked, perking up and pulling some papers out. "Aha! Got 'em!" They triumphantly proclaim, smiling and holding them up. "Hahaha~!"Wilbur rolled his eyes. "Drama queen." He quipped, moving to try and figure out how to turn the tablet on."Thank you~" They hum, looking over the papers. "Mm... Oh! They did put in the heterochromia!" They remarked, smiling. "Hm. 'Jack Manifold'. Well, that's certainly a name. Cis male, I put it as 'masculine type' when inputting it..." They click their tongue a bit. "Basic household tasks, intimacy system togglable, yadda yadda yadda yadda..." They huff, flipping through things."Yadda yadda yadda to you too." Wilbur quipped, finally getting the tablet to turn on. "Ha. Got it." He remarked. "Oh, that's a fuckin' creepy lookin'- Eh, I guess it's got an odd sort of cute idea to it." He hummed, tilting his head. "...Cucurucho...?"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Eret looked over with a hum. "Isn't that like, the name of that ice cream thing they have down in South America? I'd have to double-check that to be sure." They remark, going over and sitting next to him. "Awe it's a little white teddy bear~!" They coo, though blink. "Gods why is its mouth stitched like that-?" They reel back a bit in surprise."No clue. Probably to sell the doll aspect?" Wilbur suggested. "Guess it's the company's mascot?" He hummed "I guess it suits it. 'Bluebird Industries'. Odd name. Wonder what that whole story is." He mused, blinking as the little animated bear brought up information on the company. "Oh shit. Voice inputs." He hummed, smiling a little as he scrolled through the different things. "Here, mission statement." He remarked, scrolling through it. "Hm. Lots of things here, damn. Even wavers." He said, scrolling through them."I mean, if someone sticks their dick in the wrong hole, doubt they'd have a fun time." Eret quipped, sipping their drink. "I'm not wrong." They chuckle. "Someone had to have done it for them to have that in there." They hum, smirking.Wilbur snorted and laughed, voice pitching like a hyena. "Gods, why did you have to bring that up?" He asked, wheezing a bit before sniffling and trying to settle down. "Fr-From what I'm seeing... Th-The CEO's name is 'Cucurucho'." He remarked."Gods that is such an unfortunate name-" Eret remarked, snorting. "Imagine being named after a dessert. Unless it's a last name. Then there's been worse." They hum."Probably is a last name. A lot of places will use the last name as the name of the company. Disney, Hershey, Ford. All last names. Probably the way they went with it." He mused, scrolling through and accepting them with just barely skimming them."Mm, that'd make sense." They muse, trying to look over them a bit more. "You're really just blindly accepting that shit?" They quip, quirking a brow as they rest an elbow on his shoulder."It's all basic shit. 'Fuck around, find out'." He remarked. "Basically just the usual 'If you fuck with our shit and make it do shit we didn't design it for, we're not responsible for you getting your dick ripped off'."Eret snorted, snickering a bit. "Geez, graphic. But yeah, I guess that makes sense." They hum. "Whatever. At least the mascot is cute." They chuckle, shifting. "Techno would love it. You know how he is about polar bears.""The closest he could get is a white and orange Saint Bernard," Wilbur remarked. "And a large polar bear stuffed animal. Think he still has that, actually. Pretty sure pops made sure to get one that was weighted. Got him it once they managed to get him into therapy and figure out what was going on. Thought that pops would be too busy to be around and that mum wouldn't want 'reminders' of her previous marriage since Techno looked more like and liked more things that pops did." He mused. "Think I saw it on his bed the last time we called. As well as the blanket mum had knit him." He mused. "Though he was eating one of the meal kits dad sent him." He chuckled."Those ramen meal kits?" They mused. "Thought he hated those oh so much?" They chuckle, smirking a bit."I dunno, guess dad figured out the right combination of things?" He hummed, shrugging a bit. "He seems to like it, at least. Know they were having trouble for a while getting him to actually eat." He mused."Mm, I remember that. Would work through meals before they started finding things he would actually want and crave. What's it your pops sends him?" He asked."Irish food. Fuckin' loves soda bread." He remarked, chuckling. "Gets it from dad, I think." He hummed, tapping through things. "Oh that's a lot of things-"Eret hummed, looking at the screen. "Hm... Go to the info tab." They hum. "See what info they have in there." They muse, smiling with a tender chuckle. "Techno would love it. You know he absolutely adores polar bears.""The closest he could get is a white and orange Saint Bernard," Wilbur remarked. "And a large polar bear stuffed animal. Think he still has that, actually. Pretty sure pops made sure to get one that was weighted. Got him it once they managed to get him into therapy and figure out what was going on. Thought that pops would be too busy to be around and that mum wouldn't want 'reminders' of her previous marriage since Techno looked more like and liked more things that pops did." He mused. "Think I saw it on his bed the last time we called. As well as the blanket mum had knit him." He mused. "Though he was eating one of the meal kits dad sent him." He chuckled."Those ramen meal kits?" They mused. "Thought he hated those oh so much?" They chuckle, smirking a bit."I dunno, guess dad figured out the right combination of things?" He hummed, shrugging a bit. "He seems to like it, at least. Know they were having trouble for a while getting him to actually eat." He mused."Mm, I remember that. Would work through meals before they started finding things he would actually want and crave. What's it your pops sends him?" He asked."Irish food. Fuckin' loves soda bread." He remarked, chuckling. "Gets it from dad, I think." He hummed, tapping through things. "Oh that's a lot of things-"Eret hummed, looking at the screen. "Hm... Go to the info tab." They muse. "See what info they have about this one in there."Wilbur hummed, tapping the tab the other suggested. "Jack... Manifold ? Gods I thought the paper might've been a mistype. What kind of last name is-?""No different than your stepdad's being 'Craft'." They quip. "Or half my family's being 'Halo'." They point out.He hummed, though shrugged a bit. "Oh. They list pronouns for the thing." He hummed. "Not sure why... Gods I hope it's not because of the reason I'm thinking..." He groaned."Probably is so let's go  past  that and look at the rest of it." They hummed, scrolling down. "Oh, you can put your information in. Legal, preferred, age, gender, sex...guess in case you ask them to fill something out and it requires legal information." They muse, clicking their tongue."Maybe. Don't know why you'd want an android to do that, but whatever." He hummed, starting to fill the information out as he hummed. "Okay, that's sorted...Heh hey, look." He hummed, showing the other. "Why not just power it on as it is?" He asked, showing the program was suggesting that the android be put in a sitting position.They hum, shrugging a bit and moving to yank the blanket-like covering off the android, though quickly put it back. "Oh I didn't know that part-" They remark with a slight look of flustered dread. "They apparently don't dress it in anything- And you have yet to get thicker curtains-"Wilbur blinked. "What the fuck are you ta-" He started, pulling up part of the blanket, only to shove it right back where it was with puffed cheeks. "Oh yep, that's bare skin- Er- Silicone? Would you call it skin if it's a machine?" He asked."Question to ponder later. For now, we need to find this fucker some clothes and try  not  to flash anyone outside." They remark, standing. "Is it taller or shorter than you? I left that up to random design chance." They hum, already heading back to the other's room.Wilbur shifted, looking through the information. "It lists 5'6." He remarked, which would make the android almost a foot shorter than him, the musician being about 6'4 when standing straight."Oh, so shorter than you by a good bit." They hum. "Eh, your clothes will be a good lock-in for it. Plus you'll need to look through the catalog to pick outfits for it."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Bluebird Industries Mission Page
Welcome to Bluebird Industries, where the future is being shaped by innovation and technology. Our mission is topioneer the creation and distribution of advanced artificial intelligence and android solutions that enhance lives,streamline processes, and empower individuals and businesses across the globe.

Our Vision:
At Bluebird Industries, we envision a world where AI and androids coexist seamlessly with humanity, driving progress andtransforming industries. We aim to lead this transformation by designing cutting-edge technologies that revolutionize theway we live, work, and interact.
Our Mission:
Innovation: We are committed to pushing the boundaries of technological possibility. Through continuous researchand development, we strive to create AI and android solutions that are at the forefront of innovation, setting newstandards for performance, functionality, and human-machine interaction.Empowerment: We believe in harnessing the potential of AI and androids to empower individuals and organizations.Our products are designed to enhance human capabilities, whether it's by automating tasks, enabling new formsof creativity, or providing unprecedented insights through data analysis.Ethics and Responsibility: We recognize the ethical considerations that come with developing AI and android technologies.Bluebird Industries is dedicated to implementing ethical guidelines that prioritize the safety, privacy, and well-beingof users. We are committed to transparent communication and accountability in all our endeavors.Customization and Personalization: We understand that every customer is unique, and their needs can vary greatly. Ourproducts are designed with customization and personalization in mind, allowing us to tailor AI and android solutions tospecific industries, businesses, and individuals.Collaboration: We believe that collaboration drives progress. Bluebird Industries collaborates with experts, researchers,and industry leaders to ensure that our products are built on a foundation of diverse perspectives, expertise, and knowledge.Environmental Responsibility: As we innovate for the future, we are dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact. Fromsustainable materials to energy-efficient designs, we are committed to practicing responsible manufacturing and distributionprocesses.Our Commitment: Bluebird Industries is dedicated to providing top-notch AI and android solutions that exceed expectations.We are committed to long-term partnerships with our customers, ensuring that our technologies evolve to meet the changingneeds of an ever-transforming world.Join us on our journey to shape the future, where technology blends seamlessly with humanity, and possibilities are limitedonly by imagination. Together, let's paint a world where AI and androids are the catalysts for progress and a brightertomorrow. 
Discover. Innovate. Transform. Welcome to Bluebird Industries.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Bluebird Industries - Legal Waiver of Injury or Serious Harm

At Bluebird Industries, our commitment to safety and quality is paramount, especially in the realm of AI and android
companions. Nevertheless, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential risks that come with technological interactions.
By choosing to engage with our products, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:
 
Adherence to Operational Guidelines: You commit to operating our AI and android companions strictly in accordance with
the operational guidelines provided with our products. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may lead to unexpected
behavior or potential technical issues.

Technical Challenges: As with any technology, our AI and android companions may encounter glitches, errors, or
operational challenges. You acknowledge that neither Bluebird Industries, its affiliates, employees, agents, nor Cucurucho
are liable for any consequences arising from these technical issues.
 
Responsible Interaction: Interacting with our AI and android companions can evoke emotional responses. You pledge to
engage with our products responsibly, considering your emotional state while using them.
 
Release of Liability: By utilizing our AI and android companions, you release Bluebird Industries, its affiliates, employees,
agents, and Cucurucho from any liability for injuries, damages, or serious harm that may occur as a result of your use of
our products. Responsible usage and adherence to guidelines are paramount for your safety.
 
By continuing to use our products, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in
this legal waiver. Your engagement with our AI and android companions signifies your acceptance of these terms. If you
have any concerns or require clarification, please contact our customer support before using our products.

Sincerely,
Cucurucho
Founder, Bluebird Industries

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Arturo Cucurucho - From Humble Beginnings to Innovating the Future
 Welcome to the inspiring story of Arturo Cucurucho, the visionary CEO of Bluebird Industries,whose remarkable journey from a humble upbringing to leading a technological revolution is atestament to the power of determination and ingenuity. Early Challenges and Determination: Arturo Cucurucho's childhood was marked by economic challenges.Growing up in modest circumstances, he was exposed to the harsh realities of limited resources. However, itwas within these challenges that his unyielding determination was forged. Even as a young child, Arturoexhibited an insatiable curiosity and an eagerness to learn about the world around him. Education as a Path to Transformation: Despite the financial hardships faced by his family, Arturo's hungerfor knowledge propelled him forward. With the support of scholarships and sheer perseverance, he pursuedhis education in engineering. Education became the stepping stone that allowed Arturo to dream beyond thelimitations of his circumstances. The Birth of Bluebird Industries: In 2005, drawing upon his deep passion for technology and his firsthandexperience of the transformative power of education, Arturo founded Bluebird Industries. His vision was clear:to create a company that not only pushed the boundaries of technological innovation but also empoweredindividuals to overcome their own challenges.Elevating Human Experience Through Technology: Under Arturo's leadership, Bluebird Industries quickly gainedrecognition for its pioneering work in AI and android companions. Arturo's own journey from a modestupbringing played a pivotal role in shaping the company's ethos — to create technology that empathizes withhuman experiences, enhances emotional well-being, and bridges the gaps between individuals.Advocacy for Equal Opportunities: Arturo's personal experience of overcoming adversity fueled his commitmentto providing equal opportunities to individuals from all walks of life. He instituted initiatives within BluebirdIndustries to support underprivileged communities and provide access to education and technology, echoing hisown transformative journey. A Vision Realized: Arturo Cucurucho's ascent from a childhood of economic challenges to the helm of BluebirdIndustries is a living testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering belief in the potential of bothtechnology and human resilience. His legacy continues to shape the company's commitment to creatinginnovative products that enrich lives and celebrate diversity. A Future Guided by Empathy: As Arturo leads Bluebird Industries into the future, his own journey remains asource of inspiration. His vision for technology is one that is deeply empathetic, reflecting his belief that eventhe most cutting-edge advancements should resonate with the human experience. Join us in celebrating Arturo Cucurucho, a visionary whose roots in humble beginnings have blossomedinto a legacy that continues to empower individuals and transform the landscape of technology. 
Bluebird Industries - Empowering Lives Through Innovation

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Wilbur blinked a bit, brow furrowing. "Why would I look through a stupid catalog?" He asked. "Why not go down to a thrift store and grab something from there?"

Eret hummed, shifting as they returned with an old band shirt and a pair of pajama pants. "I am

not

rummaging through your underwear drawer, Soot." They remark. "Also, I think the catalog clothes are meant to have tracking units in them that help you locate them?"

"Gods that sounds worse than a tracking app. At least you can turn the tracking apps off." He remarked, rolling his eyes. "That's worse than my ex-" He started.

"Ah ah ah, don't even start trying to bring him up," Eret remarked, expression hardening a bit as they went over to the other. "Jared was a piece of shit and you do

not

need to be thinking about him. Stop it now, stop." They huff, tossing the pants over to the other.

Wilbur blinked, putting his hands up. He hadn't realized how bitter Eret would still be about his ex, though it was the other man's idea to open up the relationship, to which he found Sally. However, they'd slowly pushed him away before disappearing with half the stuff from the apartment and the lease being canceled.

That led him to get a small studio until he could afford the place he currently had. He hated the studio. It felt like a moldy shoe box. The heat barely worked in winter and the water almost always went out every other day. Not to mention the constant damp smell and how often he would get sick. It was only thanks to his mother that he'd managed to get this place, given that Jared had tanked his credit during their relationship, and he was just starting to build it up again. However, that didn't stop Eret from wanting to track the man down and make him pay for it.

"Okay, okay, I get it...I'll shut up about it..." He mumbled, curling up a bit as he went back to the tablet. He should know better than bringing up Jared around Eret. Maybe the android was what he needed to get over the man? He wasn't sure, really. He just knew that the other had gotten him it as a gift. "Oh, have to put in allergies and comforts." He remarked.

"Don't forget about your cheese addiction," Eret remarked, "you can barely go a day without some sort of cheese snack." They giggle, nudging her friend. "You know it's true~"

"Is not." He whined, blushing brightly. "It's not an addiction. If it was, then Techno would have an addiction to chocolate." He remarked, knowing that would shut the other up. "Should I mark the uncommon allergies, though?" He asked, shifting a bit as he scrolled through things in the setup. "They aren't very common. I doubt they'll come up at all-" He started.

"Nope. Put it in. Otherwise, I'm taking it and putting

so

many more things in there." She remarked, which got the man grumbling and putting some things in. "And I know you're sure that you can ignore it, though avocado oil does exist, my dear Soot." She hummed.

"Yeah, yeah, I know..." He sighed, though blinked. "...why is it asking for family information-?" He asked, shifting a bit. "Like, it gives the option to skip it, but it says that it will 'hinder the android's abilities'." He remarked.

"Mm. Maybe just so the android knows who to contact if something happens?" They suggest. "Knowing how to address people and such, maybe? You can put me down in there if you're able." They hum, shifting a bit.

"Maybe..." He mused, though did put his friend into the contacts section as a close friend. "What else...what else..." He mumbled, scrolling through the different tabs before perking up. "Should I randomize his likes and dislikes?" He asked, glancing at his friend.

Eret hummed, snorting a bit. "Do it, see what you get." They remark, resting their jaw on their friend's shoulder. "I wanna see what it thinks you should have as a 'partner'." They hum.

Wilbur chuckled, shaking his head. "He's not my 'partner'. He's just a companion." He remarked shifting to tap the randomizer button a couple of times. "Let's see, let's see..." He mumbled, watching the words shuffle around on the screen.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Wilbur hummed, watching the words spin on the screen like casino slots before they finally stopped. "Hm... It picked hiking trails, film photography, succulent gardening, beach picnics, and open mic nights for likes, as well as small talk, bland cuisine, unpredictable weather, unnecessary drama, and noisy eaters as dislikes." He remarked, laughing a bit. "Gods, could it have gotten any more pompous?" He asked.

Eret howled with laughter, head tilted back. "Gods that is the most backward compatibility to you." She remarked, doubling over as her frame shook with cackling snorts. "How does that even remotely seem compatible?" She asked.

"Who the hell knows." He remarked with a chuckle, going to go to the next batch of things. Though, when the screen jumped back up to the likes and dislikes, asking for the man to 'not leave them blank', his brow furrowed. "What? They're... They're not blank...?" He hummed, looking to Eret.

"Hm... Maybe it's a programming bug? A hiccup of some sort?" They suggest, shifting a bit. "Maybe you missed a step? What did you put for your own likes and dislikes?" They ask.

Wilbur shifted, tucking one leg under himself. "What I like and don't like. Vintage guitars, dark roast coffee, indie or alt-rock, collecting vinyl records, and yes I put cheese in there." He remarked.

"M'kay...what did you put for dislikes...?" The wither asked, shifting as they looked over the screen for a moment.

"Bubblegum, crowded and noisy places, anteaters, reality TV shows, romcoms, and extremely spicy food." He remarked, not really thinking about it.

"...I still don't get your whole thing about anteaters." They state, looking at him. "You suck at explaining it, too."

"I do not suck at explaining it." He grumbled, huffing a bit as he went back to scrolling through the things. "I dunno...maybe I should just try and reroll it?" He asked, glancing at his friend.

"Most I can think at this point." She hummed, stretching. "But. We maaay want to get him dressed first before finishing this up and getting him turned on." She noted. "Unless you want a nude humanoid wandering around your apartment trying to get familiar with things."

Wilbur blinked at that as if just remembering his prior discovery under the soft blanket that rested on top of the corpse-like figure in the middle of the living room. "Right. It's not a tablet program it is a full fucking body." He said, shifting and setting the tablet aside and grabbing the clothes to try and get the android at least decent. "Gods, how did you ever get my drunk ass dressed back then?" He asked, moving about as he attempted to get clothes on the life-sized figure.

"Well to be fair," Eret mused, watching the other, "you weren't totally dead weight, you at least squirmed and shifted, even if you ended up being nearly black-out drunk." They shift, moving to help the other get the android in clothes before picking up the tablet. "What-?" They start, brows furrowing as they stare at the screen.

"What's up?" Wilbur asked, peering over the other's shoulder. "...did you press the button?" He asked, taking the tablet in bewilderment.

"I- No, I was just about to ask if you'd bumped it." They remark.

"I don't think so?" He said, doubt lacing his words as he moved about and looked over the android's listed likes and dislikes. "I- Maybe I bumped it?" He said, sounding rather unsure about it.

"That has to be it, right...? Or...Or maybe it has a time limit on confirming them...?" She said, trying to rationalize it in her head. "That...That has to be it, right...?" She asked, looking over it with him. That had to be it, didn't it? That had to be the reason. A machine wouldn't just randomly change things on its own. Right? "What's all there?"

Wilbur hummed, scrolling through things, though snorted. "Okay one of us must have bumped it because there are little reactionary things next to some of my likes and dislikes." He remarked. "Uh...it says 'musical companionship, artistic exploration, technological curiosity, nighttime explorations, and literary allure'..." He hummed. "Dislikes are 'inauthentic art, monotonous music, lack of culinary adventure, closed-mindedness, and unclear mechanical understanding'." He shifted, tilting his head a bit. "Guess it was trying to make it more compatible?" He guessed, shrugging a bit and pressing the button to proceed to the next page.

[CONGRADULATIONS!]

[Your new android companion is fully set up!]

[We hope you enjoy the company and service]

[your new companion will bring to your life!]

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Wilbur hummed, watching as the loading animation spun around, showing two birds chasing each other in a circle. He shifted, glancing at the corpse of an android that lay in a box, jolting when the eyes suddenly snapped open. Though he wasn't quite alone in his startled surprise, his wither friend gave a very slight shriek as dark ash covered her hands and skeletal patterning imprinted across her shoulders.

"Geez you'd think they'd have a warning about that." She remarked, taking a few deep breaths to stave off a wave of anxiety. "...is...is it broken...?" She asked, leaning over it slightly.

Wilbur took a few deep breaths, blinking at the question and glancing down at the tablet. "Er....no, it's just loading up some things...probably just accustoming some things like lighting filtration and such...?" He suggested, mostly talking out of his ass. He knew little to nothing about how these things work. "Did...Did you pick two different eyes for...?" He started to ask, glancing at his friend.

"That I did." Eret said. "You said either blue or burgundy, so I went with both. They had a heterochromia option so why not?" They mused, shrugging a bit. "It turned out really cool, too."

Wilbur hummed, shifting before he moved to pace a bit. "Yeah... But... That's...gotta be it, right...? Just...just loading things up...?" He asked, though his shoulders slumped as the android's eyes closed again, looking back to the tablet.

[Oh no!]

[Looks like your new friend needs]

[a special nap!]

[Please set up provided charging]

[station on a soft and level surface.]

"Charging station...?" He hummed, moving to look through some of the papers that had come in the box. "I don't... It says to set up the provided charging station on a 'soft and level surface'." He remarked, rummaging through the box more.

Eret hummed, tilting their head a bit as they moved to stand. "Hm...maybe we gotta move 'im?" They suggest, moving to help the other rummage through the box. "Wait, here." They remark, pulling out what looked reminiscent of a full body heating pad, much like one that would lay under the blankets. "Guess it's more the smart-charge type they're pushing for." They say, starting to open up the packaging. "See if you can find the cord for it. I'll go get it laid out in the guest room."

Wilbur watched as his friend started to open the packaging, though blinked at their statement. "Why the guest room?" He asked, tilting his head. "I mean, wouldn't that just be parallel to a child having a separate playroom where they don't give two shits about the toys inside until they're bored and remember them?"

"Well, I just figured-" Eret started, faltering at the musician's remark. "...fuck you I hate how that makes sense." They remark after a moment. "Okay so...uh...out here? Or would you rather not have 'em out in the open?" They ask, letting the mat unfold.

"Mm. Probably not out in the open. Too many things could damage the charging pad if it's left out. Or it could get damaged if we have to store it or move it a lot." He said, still feeling about for the cord that went with the charging pad.

"That's fair." Eret hummed. "So. Your bed, then? Or the window seat?" They ask, tilting their head as white eyes gleamed at their friend. They knew their friend loved playing music in the window seat, though also knew their friend wouldn't want to seem hopelessly desperate for affection by jumping at having the mat lying on his bed.

Wilbur blinked, pausing his search as he realized the corner the other had put him in. "...you're an ass." He quipped, managing to find the cord after a moment longer. "You know how either option will make me look. You know I like the window seat-"

"And I know how lonely you've been lately~" Eret teased, chuckling a bit. "Oh come on, Wilbur, it's not that bad of a thing. You're part piglin, they're group types, more prone to wanting attention and affection." He remarked. "Just like how my type is quicker to both anger and tire out. It's just part of what our hybrid types are." He said, going over and cupping his friend's cheek. "Which side of the bed do you like more?"

Wilbur sighed, standing as he looked at the figure lying in the box, mind wandering a bit. "...what do you think he sounds like...?" He asked gently, though squeaked when his cheek was poked. "What it's just a question." He remarked, shoulders hunching a bit as his eyes gleamed with the golden shimmer he'd gotten from his father. Though his father was also a piglin brute with an automotive degree and worked in a junkyard. It was partially why Techno had taken so much interest in machinery.

"

You

, dear Wilbur, are getting off track." Eret hummed, looking at the bot. "But. To answer you. I dunno I didn't pick." He mused, shrugging a bit. "Left it up to fate and chance and all that shit." He said.

"Oh come on I know you, Eret. You don't leave things like that up to chance even if your life depends on it." The spectacled man remarked. "You never could, even as a kid. You'd insist on finding 'the absolute perfectly right' color for a fairy character's

wand

, for crying out loud." He stated, causing his pearly-eyed companion to fluster a bit.

"I was

five

, thank you!" They snap back, blush bright across their cheeks. "And don't get all haughty about it. You're not one to talk, Mister 'Trying-Every-Instrument-He-Can-Before-Settling-On-The-One-His-Father-Suggested-First'." They retort, crossing their arms as they glared at the other.

Wilbur flustered a bit, throwing some of the packing material at the other. "Shut! Go put that on the bay window." He remarked, huffing.

"On your bed it is." They hum, heading off to Wilbur's room again with a little sway in their step. They could be quite the brat when they wanted. No wonder the shark liked them so much. He sighed, shaking his head and tossing the cord for the charging mat aside for now, shifting before trying to hoist the corpse-like body up. Surely he could get it back there. His brother and dad could lift multiple heavy tires and move weighted things around without issue, why couldn't he-

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Jack shifted, looking around the 'area' a bit, the circuit paths intriguing him more than anything. It was far different than the other area he'd
been dropped in
, feeling more like the nursery in a way, just without the circuit ports that
he and many others had been cradled in
. It settled him quite a bit, not being stark white and having the pulsing warmth he remembered.

"Jack? Can you hear me?" The now familiar voice asked, making the small computerized fragment of sentience look around. "Okay, you can," Scar said, smiling a little. "I'm sure this is a bit more comforting to you. But your previous action is a bit worrying. Do you know why you did it?"

Jack blinked, head tilting a bit at the question. He wasn't sure why he was put back in an area like this, though he didn't mind it at all. It was better than the last few places he'd
been dragged through
before Mr. Him Ryan had stepped in. He was still adjusting to the information given to him before, though he greeted the other with such all the same when giving response messages.

Scar chuckled a bit, smiling warmly. "You only need to put 'Ryan'." He gently replied. "You use 'he
',
'him
',
and 'his' to refer to what actions or objects relate to a person. Such as when someone says 'he will take your order
',
or 'give this to her
'.
" He hummed. He knew it took longer to train the little life specks this way, though it also resulted in far less being sent back for 'repairs' when they ultimately broke in one way or another. They'd even had some who'd actually managed to tear their code apart and corrupt it to the point the system ended up deleting the actual AI from the androids.

Jack shifted, slowly pushing himself to his feet, only to stagger and stumble. He was still getting used to mobility after what had happened to him in the stark white area, though something seemed to support him a bit and keep him from collapsing to the ground. He shifted a little, looking up at the display slightly above him.

"You're okay, Jack." Scar hummed, giving a warm smile to the little computerized soul. Well, if one could consider lines of code in a machine a soul. Ryan liked to think it could be. "Do you want to try speaking again? Or would you rather decide some other things?" He asked, letting Jack get his bearings while trying to stand.

Jack shifted, rubbing his throat as he tried to figure out if his voice was going to cooperate with him yet, though that was before he heard a soft sound as the man spoke. Where was he going? Did Jack do something wrong? Did he not respond soon enough? Quick enough? Had he messed up in some way? Was he going to be repurposed? He’d heard some other voices mention it. Had he failed something? Had he messed up with stepping in? Had he-

He seemed to flinch when Scar spoke again, fear flickering in his mismatched eyes as he looked up at the visage of the man above him.
Though,
the fear faltered for a second, replacing with confusion before he blinked.
Before his sight was a small, round-eyed creature in the man’s arms. He shifted, the rest of the fear melting away to confusion and curiosity as he slowly tried to move closer to the screen. ‘What?’ He mouthed, his voice not
quite
wanting to work yet.

Ryan smiled. “This is Jellie! She’s my very old sweetheart of a cat and my closest companion. I get to bring her along now and then. She’s the sweetest little princess.” He remarked, though blinked when Jack mouthed his question. “Could you try that again? I want to see something.”
He remarked
,
the ball of grey and white, Jellie, laying perfectly in his lap as it rumbled like a little motor.
It was
…
a ca
t…?

Jack’s attention stayed on the round thing in Ryan’s lap, clearly intrigued by the thing in Ryan’s lap. Though, he did blink when the gray and white creature in Scar’s lap, blinking when Scar whistled a bit to get his attention
back,
though the tender chuckle and repetition of the question. Jack shifted a bit, trying to repeat the question as Scar seemed to check through some things and sigh.

“That’s what it is…” He sighed. “That’s why you don’t go tearing through code like a damn idiot-” He remarked, Jellie giving a soft little sound before hopping off his lap and going out of sight, the man looking over a moment after. “Oh, hey. Didn’t know you’d be stopping by.” He remarked to someone else just out of sight.

“Well, I did say I’d stop in around lunch and asked what you’d want.” An accented voice remarked, Jack perking up a bit at the voice with
clear
interest.

“Shoot, right.” Scar remarked
rubbing
his face. “Been working on getting this one feeling better and figuring out what they messed up for him.” He said, leaning back from the screen. “I don’t know what they did
but
I’m trying to figure it out.”

“Oh? Another prog-?” The other voice started to remark.

“Yeah, another project to work on.” Scar cut in, casting a hard-to-read look toward whoever else was there. “Actually think he shocked Mueller.” He remarked. “Like, legitimately shocked him. Physically.
Or did something to make him back off.
Just not quite sure what.” He hummed, a new figure wandering over. Dark eyes and bronze hair set among pale features. Though the more striking part of the figure was the flecks of orange and teal feathers and the vibrant wings on the figure’s back. Jack’s eyes lit up with curiosity and interest, looking over the new figure with amazement.
“What’s this one then? Record or test?” The new figure hummed, not yet noticing the little form’s look. Though, Scar seemed to notice rather easily.
“It’s a custom, Grian. One they almost did serious damage to given the fact that they tore apart his vocal settings.” Scar remarked to the figure. “You didn’t get chocolate-covered bugs again, did you?”

“No, left those out this time.” He hummed. “For your sake, know you’re a bit picky about that. How custom is- Are those two colored-?” The figur
e…
Grain? Was that what Scar had said? That had to be what Scar had said, right?

“You know I don’t mind you having them once in a while, just not when you’re trying to be romantic.” Scar remarked with a chuckle. “But also, yes. He has heterochromia, it
was requested
.” He remarked, shifting. “You’re a pesky bird sometimes, you know that?” He remarked with a chuckle.

“I’m your pesky bird, you troublemaker~” The winged man chuckled, so gently pressing his mouth against Scar’s and getting a chuckle from him.

“Careful now, Jack’s watching.” He mused, making the winged man glance around a bit.

“Who-?”
He started, only to have his cheek cupped by the man in the chair and gently turned toward the screen again to see the innocent
and almost
starry-eyed look the little figure of code had.
“That’s it’s-?”

“His.” Scar gently corrected, rubbing behind the feathery forms on the side of the man’s head.

“Right, right, sorry.” He hummed, giving an odd sound as he nuzzled Scar’s hand. “That’s

his name

? Jack?” He hummed.

“Yeah.
He
didn’t like my suggestions. He chose the last name ‘Manifold
’,
though.” Scar mused.

He hummed, tilting his head. “Interesting choice of a name.” He said, shifting a bit. “What else was picked?” He asked, glancing to the other.

“Blaze hybrid, which is probably causing a few issues. Not sure how the system will handle it given the previous tests…” Scar mused, shifting a bit.
“Oh c’mon, now. If anyone can figure it out, it’s you~” ‘Grain’ remarked. At least, Jack understood it as ‘Grain’. It made the most sense, really.
“Grian, I have to focus on this.” He hummed, though
noticed
the confused look Jack had. “What’s wrong, Jack?” He asked, a little box appearing in front of the figure.

Jack shifted, swallowing. [What name?] He asked after a few hesitant moment. [Why feather?] He
asked
, though given what the code said, he was probably just going for the quickest response, a little ping coming up in the code window.

“Oh, this is Grian. G, r, i, a, n.” He hummed, even spelling it out for the little bot. “A bit odd
but
it’s what he goes by. And the feathers are because his body
is mixed
with the features of a bird. It’s called ‘hybrid features
’.
” He remarked, knowing he would partially need to act as teacher for the AI in the computer. “You have some as well, which
is what
I meant by stating ‘blaze hybrid
’.
” He remarked, pulling up some references of what he was talking about.

“On the right is what’s called an ‘avian hybrid
’,
like what Grian is.” He remarked, images of avians with varying bird-like features appearing, some with talon-like hands and feet, some just having their feet be talon-like
while
others yet had normal human appearances, some having tail feathers while others didn’t, some having patches on their noses while others didn’t, some having smaller wings on their heads and others just having feathers on their ears. “There are different variations of them, from how Grian is to many other variations.” He hummed, smiling widely at how curiously intrigued the little AI form looked.

“And this, Jack, is what blaze hybrid looks like.” He remarked, displaying figures of mighty seeming strength and segmented limbs, hair flowing up like they were submerged in water as bright beacons of inferno burned atop their heads without causing them any pain or injury, some seen with what seemed to be segmented yet floating tails
while
others had mighty torches of golden bars floating around them. “This is what your body will be, in a loose sense. You will have a more human-esque look like this most
of the time
.” Scar remarked, showing images of people who looked human other than the few odd traits. Soot-stained fingers, the segmented, floating tails, and slightly pointed ears telling them apart from any other types seen in the photos shown.