Master squinted at a computer screen. With distress he let out that soundless sigh again.
Kaito and Meiko's relationship blossomed. She was happy with him. They went out to lunch everyday to talk about how they were. Songs they sang were reviewed. They gave one another tips on ways to succeed, Kaito gave more to Meiko than she had to give to him. She didn't care for pointing out Kaito's faults. Even if it was constructive she couldn't bring herself to speak about it. She didn't want to hurt him, she wanted him to be safe. Many of his areas of improvement weren't even visible to her, she only saw perfection. How could he be anything but perfect? Compliments were uttered in the place of constructive criticism.
Leon and Lola were initially surprised to hear about their new relationship. As it settled in their minds, a sense of wonder replaced the questioning. A "brother-sister" relationship was originally suspected, but this excited them. They thought it best to tell their master. They thought of how happy he would be to hear, as happy as they were. They left the house at 2:00pm. They found him in his laboratory crafting a robotic body.
"Master." Leon said with a smile that trailed into the name.
Master turned to ask, "What's up?"
"We have some excellent news! Kaito and Meiko are getting really close." The words Lola spoke put a knot in Master's stomach, "So close, actually, that they've began dating."
His heart split so fast and so deep you could hear it a mile away. His face crumbled and he put it in his palms. He didn't want that to be true. He wished they hated each other. Why did she have to love him? He didn't want this, not after his latest discovery. After his most recent choice. He didn't want to do it now, but he had no other choice. Lola and Leon looked to one another, confused. Unknowing of what was actually going on.
"Are… you okay, Master?" Leon touched his shoulder. Master shook his head. He stopped and stood abruptly, gestured for his creations to leave.
"Master, please-" Lola tried to say. Her voice was cut off by the same gesture only more rapid and violent. Leon touched her shoulder to lead her outside. The door slammed behind the two. It was best to do as he said, arguing with a mute man that created you wasn't the smartest idea. Lola pushed his hand off her and she yelled, "What was that for?!"
"Lola, I think what we should be focusing on is what's wrong with Master. Why would that upset him?" Lola's mood suddenly went from vexation to pondering.
"Should we tell Meiko and Kaito?" Leon stared at her, as though she knew the situation better than he did.
"I have no idea."
"Where's Kaito?" Lola asked as she sat with Leon and Meiko.
"Master called him into his office alone. Probably a private singing lesson or something." Meiko said, taking a bite of the pastry she'd bought herself.
"Speaking of, we have something you should know." Leon looked to his Engloid companion. He didn't know what to say, or how to say it.
Meiko nodded anxiously. The three sat in silence that Lola broke, "We were so happy for you and Kaito, we thought… well... we thought Master would be happy for you..." It pained Lola to say.
"He wasn't happy?" Meiko asked, her expression now hurt.
"No." Leon took control, "He seemed fairly upset. We couldn't figure out why. We just want you two to be safe. I'm so sorry. I wish we didn't tell-"
Meiko slapped Leon, "Stop!" she yelled, "Blaming yourself is selfish! This isn't about you! Just be there for me and Kaito, that's all we need." Leon rubbed his face and smiled. That slap came from a place of love, right? He didn't let it get to him. He stood and hugged his Japanese friend. Lola joined them. As long as they stayed friends, the four of them, everything would be okay. It had to.
Kaito walked into Master's study, shakily. He'd never been called into Master's study. Everyone else had for lessons or critiques but not him. "You wanted to see me?" Master nodded. He looked to Ai to see if she was ready to interpret for him.
"Kaito, I don't know how much more I can invest into you." The words confused Kaito, "The fans aren't taking well to you. Meiko, Leon, and Lola are dong just fine. Out of the small pool of supporter we have they're steadily popular. You, on the other hand, are doing very poorly. I can't help you. I'm have to uninstall you soon..." Kaito was paralyzed. He couldn't believe it. Meiko said-well… nothing actually. He knew he wasn't popular but never knew exactly how unpopular he was. He didn't know it was bad enough he had to die.
"Master..." He couldn't summon the words to explain his thoughts. Maybe something like: I want to live! Don't give up on me! I can do better I just need a little more help! I'll work harder than I ever have. Meiko loves me too much for me to leave her. She'll be crushed you know. Don't do this to us. I have so much potential. Just invest a little more! I'll try harder, I know I can do better! Actual response: "I'm sorry for failing you."
"Try… to be gentle with Meiko… I know you love her, so don't let this destroy her. I'm so sorry Kaito." Master hugged Kaito, who broke down in his arms. He didn't want to die. He didn't want to die.
The word that boggled in his head the rest of the day, uninstall.
A/N: Thanks to everyone who's been reviewing and following, (you know who you are). This is where the plot's going to start kicking in, I know it's not much but it'll get better. I feel really bad posting this because everyone has been really happy, sorry for bumming you guys out!
