Taking a step back, Kyle stared at Chucky nervously. Chewing his bottom lip as he took another step away from him. Feeling highly uncomfortable as the newly upgraded Buddi gave him a confused look. Then seemed to realize that his eyes were red. Turning them back to blue, he stated,"Sorry, Kyle. It was supposed to be a surprise."

"Andy won me a whole new body at school and...and we wanted to surprise you.",he continued. Looking highly embarrassed that he had just spoiled the surprise. Toying with his hair briefly as he gave a sheepish grin. Quietly, he asked,"Don't suppose you could just pretend that you didn't realize it was me when Andy comes?"

"I don't want him to know that I ruined his surprise for you.",he added. Causing Kyle to shut his mouth as he nodded his head. Wondering how and why Andy had won the upgrade body for Chucky. Or why he was getting a job at this store of all places. Kyle toyed with the package of cookies in his hand. Then he asked,"So why are you getting a job here for?"

"I mean, it just seems weird.",Kyle added. Not sure if it was a bad surprise or a good one. He put the package of cookies into his vest pocket. Deciding to have them later for a break if he felt like it. Chucky smiled slightly at this question. He answered,"I got it to help Karen out with the bills. I just felt like that since I got a new body, I can contribute more."

"I just want to make sure that they live comfortably.",he added. Which sounded remarkably sweet considering. But part of him doubted the validity in the Buddi's words. Some nagging thought in the back of his head said it was to be around him. To keep a creepy eye on him and possibly hurt him if he angered the Buddi. Shoving those thoughts aside, Kyle said,"That's really sweet of you, Chuck. You're a really thoughtful dude."

"Thank you, Kyle. I'm glad you approve.",Chucky stated. Kyle just nodded his head as he led the large doll around the store. Showing him where the coupon wall was and what kind of things were usually on it. Which was usually just towels or cheap stuff like that. Things that people generally bought on a whim when they needed them. And some As Seen on TV type junk too. He straightened the towels with an annoyed sigh. He hated when customers did this type of shit to him. It wasn't like he had all the time in the world to fold towels and junk. Looking at Chucky, he said,"We don't really have to do this. But I do because it looks a whole lot more presentable."

"Even if it does feel like a giant waste of time.",he added. Chucky nodded his head at this information as he grabbed a towel. Folding it as well to help the older teen out. He didn't understand why this upset Kyle, he just knew it did. And he didn't like seeing Kyle annoyed or sad. Soon as they were done, he took him over to the pet aisle. Showing him all the types of food and accessories that they sold. Most of it being for dogs of large sizes. Few things were for cats, birds, and some lizard stuff. They didn't sell fish items since the pet store wasn't too far from them. Putting one of the bird seeds back, Kyle stated,"It's not a lot of stuff. But it's better than nothing."

While they headed up to the front of the store, he asked,"Still no questions, Chuck? Like not even one?"

"How long are breaks usually?",Chucky questioned. Kyle told him that they were only given ten-minute breaks if they worked four to six hours. If they worked longer than that, they usually got a ten-minute and half an hour. Or if they worked eight or so hours, they would get two ten-minute breaks along with the half hour. Which was pretty rare. Management didn't like it when people who worked part time got those types of breaks. At least he thought they did. Putting that aside, Kyle said,"It's rare that we get those unless it's the holidays. Like Christmas or something."

"So I shouldn't expect those anytime soon?",Chucky asked. Watching the older teen nod his head and smile slightly. When they got to the front of the store, Kyle noticed that Nora was looking tense. Her mouth set in a grim line as she glared daggers at someone. Following her gaze, he realized that she was glaring at Trevor. Who looked like he was up to his old tricks as he gave her a shit eating grin. Walking up to the front desk, Kyle questioned,"Everything okay up here?"

"Yes, Kyle. Everything is fine.",Nora answered. Though, he could tell that was a total lie. Her hands were gripping the counter top so tightly that her knuckles turned white. He knew that Trevor had done something dickish to her. But he didn't want to cause her more stress than she was already going with. So he went along with it as he nodded his head. Pointing his thumb in Chucky's direction, he said,"Charles and I through with the tour."

"Oh, good. Now you can take your break while I train him on the register.",Nora informed him. That was something he wasn't alright with. As he knew full well that Chucky wasn't good with people who weren't Andy or himself. But instead of arguing, he just did as he was told. Leaving Chucky in the care of Nora as he headed back to the break room. Sitting down in his usual spot as he got the cookies out of his vest pocket. Then getting his phone out of his pants pocket. Noticing there were a few messages on the Buddi App. One was just a picture of some cute birds that Tommy had seen. Another was telling him how cute he thought they were. And how he wished he'd seen them sooner than that. Then another message was about them getting the house to themselves. As George and Eddie agreed to let Glenda have a sleep over at their place. Something she'd been wanting to do for the past few weeks. A small smile came to his face at this information.

It was also good knowing that Tommy was comfortable with this. Since he'd been against her going to other people's homes for a while. Kyle guessed he was just nervous about letting her out of his sight. Since he hadn't done that in months. And the only other person who'd taken care of her was the Barclay family. Which they only got to see every few weeks or so. Mostly whenever Kyle and Karen's work schedule allowed for. He smiled as he quickly ate his cookies then locked up his phone screen. Shoving it back into his pocket before throwing away the wrapper. His break wasn't technically over but he didn't want to leave Nora alone with Chucky for too long. As he was afraid that he was doing something that they'd both regret.

This was a test. All of this had to be a fucking test of his patience. That's why he was being forced to listen to this terrible human speak. Chucky gritted his teeth as he tried to ignore Kyle's co-worker, Trevor, as he talked to him. Telling him things that were just plain horrible. Mostly stuff that was ignorant or gross. Despite the various times that Chucky had asked him to stop, he wouldn't. Even when Nora asked him to stop, he didn't. This made him wonder how in the Hell he still had a job if this is how he treated his supervisor. Why wasn't he out of a job yet?

Doing his best to just bare it, he smiled as Kyle came up. There was the one perk of this job. Being around someone who was familiar. And it would be a good opportunity to get to know Kyle a lot better as well. Maybe hang out with him after both of their shifts. Or before their shifts. Whatever was most convenient. Smiling a little more as he watched the older teen get his next assignment from Nora. Hurriedly taking the pricing gun as he flashed Chucky a polite smile. Then heading towards where he needed to price. Part of him had hoped that Kyle would stay around a little longer. That way they could discuss what to say when Andy arrived. But he didn't want to interrupt his work. Nor did he want him to stay around listening to Trevor speak. As the stupid jerk was giving him a headache.

"God, that little asshole is so annoying.",Trevor groaned. Causing Chucky's expression to freeze as he stared at the older man. Tilting his head to the side, Chucky asked,"What?"

"Kyle. He's such an asshole. I swear that kid is so lazy.",he muttered. That wasn't true in the slightest bit. Kyle was one of the most hard working teens that Chucky knew. He did more than most people his age usually did. Was having to be a parent for his younger sister. And probably was saving to go to college. How in the Hell did this asshole have any right to call him lazy? Chucky's face must have conveyed his confusion as Trevor continued,"Last time I asked him to pick up a shift for me, he didn't do it. He never helps with checking people out."

"And he's such a little bitch too.",Trevor added. Rolling his eyes in disgust for added effect. It took everything in Chucky to not punch him. Or throw anything at him. He did smile when Nora said,"That's way more than enough, Trevor. He's already doing double his usual shifts so you know he can't take yours on top of that."

"Kyle takes on WAY more customers than you do when he's up here. And you got no right calling him a bitch when you're the only whining about everything and anything.",she added. Glaring at the annoying man as she continued,"If you keep talking about him that way, I'll report you to HR. Understood?"

When Trevor said nothing, Nora repeated,"Do you get me, Trevor?"

"Yes, I get you.",he muttered. Rolling his eyes so hard that Chucky was amazed they didn't fall right out of his sockets. He would've loved to see that. A few minutes later, Kyle came up with the pricing gun. Noticing the annoyed look on Chucky and Nora's faces as he glanced between them. Smoothing his face, Chucky stated,"That was fast."

"Yeah, there wasn't much back there.",Kyle said. Shrugging his shoulders a little before heading to his register. Turning on the light as he smiled at Chucky. That puzzled him at first, then he realized that Trevor was going home. And he inwardly thanked God that he was going. Keeping his smile light as he watched the manager 'float' him out of his register. Taking the asshole upstairs to the manager's room as quick as possible. While he was gone, Chucky asked,"You doing anything tonight, Kyle?"

"Just having a date with Tom.",Kyle answered. That sucked. He had wanted to hang out with the older teen and Andy. Just for a little while at the very least. Putting those thoughts aside, he smiled as he straightened out papers. Pretending to be glad for Kyle. Nora smiled as she said,"That's awesome. I'm glad you guys're getting a night alone."

"Me too. It's been too long since our last one.",Kyle stated. Setting up his paper bags as he smiled at Nora. Not noticing the way Chucky's grin was forced. Or how his body was tense as he tried to keep focused on his task at hand. Just talking about how much he adored his boyfriend. And how sweet his boyfriend was with his little sister. Part of him wondered if Tommy had a job yet. Or was planning on one. Feeling annoyed that he was making Kyle do all the work. Shoving those feelings aside, he checked the clock. It was only six-thirty PM. Only a couple of more hours until the store closed. He definitely could power through it and ignore the chat next to him.

The hours went by pretty quick. And he found himself helping Kyle straighten the front of the store. Putting clothes back on their hangers and items where they belong. He followed the older teen to where they were supposed to punch out. Kyle showing him how to and helping him with his password. Soon as they were done with that, they headed out of the store. Where Andy and Karen were waiting for him. Along with Tommy. Who was leaning against their ride with a small smile on his face. When he saw Chucky, he politely nodded but said nothing. Something about that action slightly annoyed him for some reason. But he just gave the other Buddi a small smile as Andy came over. A grin on his face as he asked,"So, Chucky, did you have a good day at work?"

"I did. This place is nicer than I thought it was going to be.",Chucky answered. Noticing the slight confusion on Kyle's face. He was a much better actor than he thought he was going to be. Andy explained that Chucky got a new upgrade body. Thanks to the art contest that they had at his school. How he'd gotten first place and what his work was. While Kyle nodded his head politely as he listened to it. Even telling the younger teen how cool his work was when he showed him the picture he took of it. Soon as they were done talking, Kyle told them to have a good night. Giving Karen a wave as he hurried to his ride. Quickly sliding into the passenger-side seat while Tommy got into the driver-side seat. Both buckled in as the car pulled out of its parking spot. And as it headed home, Tommy said,"I can't believe he's got an upgrade body..."

"I know. It's kind of weird but kind of cool.",Kyle stated. Tommy nodding his head in agreement at this. But not really feeling that statement. Now, he had more things to worry about. There was no high ground for Tommy. He and Chucky were back on a level playing field now. And he didn't like that one bit.