Private Finished Learning How to People

Being unable to have fun because of work restraining your life didn't sound like living "more," but who was Sela to judge? People were inconsistent with strange motives and perspectives. Trying to understand was more trouble than it was worth.

"I'm happy to hear. If you can make your own games, then there's..." With half-closed eyes, Sela's speech became slower and wearier. "There's no need to pay for the same experience."

"Are the virtual reality games not fictional and safe?" The sleepiness in their voice muffled their speech a little, but they tried their best to hide it. "And Symlink, wouldn't you be learning from him if he knows more stuff?"

"I'm always sleepy," replied Sela, as if they didn't know what Neon actually meant. They were exhausted. In a safer place, they would have slept midway through the conversation. Not out of boredom or maliciousness. Simply because it was in their nature.

Ophiel was walking toward the group now. Or trying to walk. It was more of a glide with a walking motion. Sela could see that they weren't putting much work in presenting as human.

"I think it's time to go. It was, um, fun playing with you two. Can Symlink and I play at recess? If we have the same recces?"

Ophiel paused beside Sela with a smile plastered on their inanimate face. Sela floated into their arms and nuzzled their head into their shoulders.

"It pleasures me to see that Sela has made a friend. Is it possible for us to trade contact information to schedule future playdates?" Ophiel's face moved, finally showing signs of life, yet their words didn't completely sync with their lips. They were a few milliseconds off.

"Family time sounds nice," Sela mused as they drifted off to sleep.

Ophiel nodded. "That's not a problem for us. I think we may incorporate our own version into Sela's life," they replied. "For now, I should focus on getting Sela back home. It was nice meeting you Neon, and I hope to see you again, Symlink." They gave a polite nod of the head before moving away and towards the dormitories.