The Neighbor Next Door

Epilogue; a snippet of life, healing, and grief.

Another year, another birthday for the robot. Though for once, this one didn't go uncelebrated. 3gs had remembered when he was told the day was, and had bought a cake. Nothing fancy, but... Still a nice gesture.

MePhone was twenty nine now. Another year, and he wouldn't be in his twenties anymore. A crazy thought, but... Even through the few months he had been staying with his brother, he didn't find himself overthinking, or spiraling about this like last year. He was twenty nine, and he was... Okay. He was okay, and even though today was still a day he'd always miss Red on, He still felt secure knowing those memories were fond now, and that 3gs was at least still here for him, and showing support, and care. It was nice, really, and right now the three of them-- MePhone, 3gs, and Knife, were stood in the kitchen after dinner. No 'happy birthday' song or anything, just the taller robot bringing the cake out of the bottom drawer of the fridge.

"I'm honestly surprised you remembered... I don't even remember half the time," MePhone kept his gaze on the table, a bit embarrassed about all the attention being on him right now, but not too much so.

"I kept it in mind from last year when you told me, and uh, I also asked MePad, who just seems to know everything."

"Huh... I'm just going to choose not to think too hard about that-- but... Um, thanks, really."

"How long's it been since you've celebrated a birthday?" Knife asked, unable to help just being curious as he was pulling out the plates, and silverware for the desert.

"Oh-- uh... I think the last time I had a real birthday was uh..." MePhone paused, having to think about it.

"Ten? Um... I tried to celebrate on my own when I was in my mid teens but I kind of lost the motivation so..." He shrugged, not giving too much thought into it.

"Well, that can change. Starting with this year," Appreciated optimism from the older robot. MePhone wouldn't admit this, but he did really appreciate this. The gesture. Something normal for him. A bit of a life he hasn't had in such a long time. Something he'd be glad to feel like he could return to-- a normal he hasn't felt since childhood.

It was later that night when MePhone got a text from OJ;

'Hey! Sorry I'm late I wasn't sure what day it actually was but your brother let me know, I hope you had a good birthday'

'i did'

'was like a normal day prety much but we got a cake'

'it was nice'

'Glad to hear! I wish I could've been there, but I'm hoping to find some time to plan a get-together soon, sorry for being so busy lately'

'its fine i get it'

'am glad enough to just call'

'wink wink'

'Yeah I think I get the message, I'll call in a bit, okay? It'd be nice to hear your voice again anyways,'

'yeag u too'

.

.

.

Despite it being the original plan, 3gs and Knife only ended up eloping a long while after they had initially planned. Not out of any issues, just that it kept getting put off for other things going on. They didn't have any sort of wedding-- not really needing some grand display to know they loved each other, and wanted to be together for the rest of their lives. Weddings were expensive, anyways.

But despite that, they still wanted to throw a party after they got back from their honeymoon. That's where they were now. Knife was in the backyard, grilling, while 3gs invited the few guests in. Their friend group from the apartments, a few others, and so on, though not too many people-- considering their home not being too big.