In This Together (Sprunki)

3. Knock knock

With Fun Bot's newfound promise, the two begin to walk down the path with intertwined hands. They're still processing all of the physical touch they've been receiving, it's unfamiliar to them. They can't necessarily "feel" it, but they know what it means and represents. It's not like they've never held hands before, but this time it feels different. It's not in a familial way, like how Clukr or Garnold would lead the robot around, and they don't think it's in an acquaintance way either. They're friends, and this is what friends do. Although, they don't remember the other sprunkians being so touchy.

Speaking of the others, they wish they got to know them better when they were still alive. They were never able to form any close bonds or friendships, unable to connect with them the same way a normal person could. They were only approached whenever they were needed by someone, and honestly, they didn't mind that! They were built to help, they love being able to cheer people up and make their lives easier. Some attention is better than none at all, right? Or at least, that's how they view it.

Well, that's how they did view it.

Is it wrong to feel underappreciated? Forgotten about? Worthless?

With all of the time they've had to think, they've realized the majority of their friendships were one sided. Fun Bot is only worth something if they have something to give. Of course they miss the townspeople, God they really do, but they can't help but perceive themselves as some sort of object to them. A toy. They'll never be a human, they'll never even come close. Unlovable, that's what they are. Can they blame them for not wanting to be around a creation so strange?

All of that is in the past now, they'd rather not dwell on it any longer. They have a good day ahead of them. Something, no, someone in life that's worth looking forward to. A genuine friend.

As the two get closer and closer, Fun Bot is becoming increasingly agitated. They haven't entered the civilization just yet, but they're nearing the border of it. They're praying they don't get spotted, they'll have to walk along the backroads. Usually they couldn't care more if they were seen by the crazed ones, but they have to be extra vigilant with Brud by their side. He's an easy target and it doesn't help that he's not able to comprehend the situation they're in. How much time do they have until Wenda or Black finds out about this? They'll act quickly once they do, and they're aware of that.

Or, maybe they're overanalyzing this encounter too much. If the two of them really wanted Brud dead, wouldn't they have killed him months ago with the rest? Wouldn't they have finished the shabby job that Simon had done? Who knows, Fun Bot clearly doesn't. They're thinking of all of the possible outcomes and problems this could cause, occasionally their "logical" programming is more illogical.

They're probably fine. Probably.

They didn't miss this place as much as they thought they would. When they had first entered the forest, they were dead set on staying in this hellhole of a town. They wouldn't ever dream of leaving the place they grew up in, until they saw how much better it was outside of it. Far away from the chaos, separated from all of the constant madness. The beautiful serene landscape and the peaceful twisting streams (even if they can't fully appreciate the water, they still find it stunning). And most of all? Him.

Oh dear God.

That's a normal thought that friends have, right?

Yeah, yeah it is.

They're eternally grateful for how smooth the walk went, they didn't spot anyone nor any signs of being watched. It was silent, other than Brud humming a tune that they weren't familiar with. It's only been a few hours since Fun Bot left, fled, and returned, but it feels like it's been days since they've last seen their house. They temporarily let go of the critter's hand, stepping ahead in order to open the door for him. He joyfully skips inside, plopping right down onto the couch.