flashback

As their laughter died, the wolf's demeanor noticeably shifted; he was now solemn, which was unusual for him. He looked seriously at his companion, who was staring back curiously. After a few moments, he broke the short silence.

"What will you do when I die?"

His voice was uncharacteristically monotone, and almost sounded sad - his companion looked taken aback. She did not usually think of these things, but she knew what she would do. It was what she always did.

"Find a new universe. Another friend," she said in her robotic voice.

"And that's what you did? Before me? When there were lots of people around?"

The robot paused a moment. "Yes. And now you are the only one. What else can I do?"

The wolf nodded. "I hope you find someone as cool as me," he said teasingly, more like himself now.

She grinned at him, but of course, he couldn't see it. Her mouth only ever appeared when she was talking. "You have been my favorite so far. I will only ever be able to find someone to fill the void. And you aren't dead yet."

The male frowned. "I will be soon," he said softly, his voice agonized.

The robotic cat had never liked thinking of these things. She had never spoken about any companions she'd had over the years, and never remembered them, either. But she could've, if she wanted to. The memories were there. She just wasn't accessing them.

'It wasn't fair to you,' she thought. 'You were the only one left. It wasn't fair. It never will be.'

He glanced over at her. "I know you don't like having feelings. But you have them. And it's okay." Sadly, he looked away, and whispered, "And if you don't want to be there when I die, that's okay too. You'll always be my friend, no matter what. I'll still love you."

She looked at him, and flicked her tail slightly, but remained silent. He looked back at her. "But hey, today isn't that day. So... let's sleep." He gave her a smile, and she silently smiled back.

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