"She's got a job now."

"She does seem happier than before," 1872 smiled to himself. "I'm..."

"Happy? You're a mannequin!" 1872's fellow mannequins laughed at his stupidity.

"I guess spring really brings good things."

The girl smiled, taking a good look at all three mannequins. 1872 felt something move inside his hollow self as her eyes skimmed over his outfit.

He had learned to read her lips over time, as he always felt like Gloss left something out. "This one's actually perfect," she said.

He chuckled, amused by how she said that about literally every new dress. The Spring Line had literally made headlines in the Blings magazine and everyone had a copy.

1872 tried to not squeal as she walked past the store, a newfound confidence in her gait. Her bag fashionably clung to her and she looked through her files once, but stopped suddenly. But before he could process what was going on, she left and he let go of the uneasy feeling that was taking over him.

Gloss watched as the man dragged her towards the store next door, scolding her in an unusually gentle but firm manner. Her face heated up and she mumbled something, letting the man drag her by her wrist.

He distantly heard him say, "Do you wanna get some coffee later?"

He knew the reply without even listening to it.

"Good job, guys. Yet again, number one. I'm so proud of you... even our rivals are looking up to us now!" the boss praised everyone. Pat, Mark and the other employees who hadn't been fired yet mumbled a soft, 'Thank you', making the young man smile in contentment.

1872 focused on their conversations, not having anything better to do.

After a while, the man picked up his tablet and walked out the entrance saying he had to 'visit the other stores'. He turned to the right, walking past the display window, his chest swelling with pride. And as he turned to leave, he bumped into another man.

They greeted each other with hostile smiles and shook hands venomously.

1872 waited for the drama to go on, but nothing happened. They just headed different ways, each one furiously grumbling.

Gloss knew what was happening, though. They were rivals, waiting for a chance to take each other down.

But he also knew something else. He knew the man and how his deeds were going to hurt his only friend. And how bad he was.

He knew that on that day, his soulless friend would have to cry with a million other heartbroken souls.

Night came and the newly installed, subtle pink lights were switched on. People passed by store, casually glancing at the store.

Amongst all the familiar faces, the three mannequins and Gloss were eager to see only one.

All for different reasons.

After a very short while, the girl came. Much to the horror of Gloss, disappointment of 1872 and glee of the only girl, she was actually with the man from earlier. Her boss.

He held onto her hand and she let out a light laugh as he said something to her. But then they both turned to face each other, looking a little more serious.

Gloss stopped looking at them, unable to take it anymore.

"Are you seeing that Gloss?" 1872 choked out. He sounded like he was being strangled.

"Don't," Gloss replied, wishing he wasn't so transparent.

"He can talk, Gloss."

"Stop..." Gloss wanted it to be winter so he could fog up.

"And he can move around..."

"No, 1872..."

"He can express his feelings too... just look at his eyes..."

1872 couldn't tear his eyes off the happy couple. Her happiness usually kept him happy. 

But not anymore.

"He's holding her hand and making her laugh. He can love her without having to hide it."

"But you never..."

"Shut up," someone interrupted.

"That should've been me. I should've been that petty human. He even looks good. I hate him.

"Look at his eyes, it's like even they are speaking. It's disgusting. I should've been human. Alive!"

"Well, you're not," the rude female mannequin cut him off.

"You're a mannequin. You aren't allowed to even think, let alone feel. And here you are, wishing to be able to express your feelings. To a human?!? You're weird, not unique. 2000 was right, I should hate you," she added.

Stunned, 1872 momentarily forgot the consuming pain he was feeling. He turned to look at the mannequin.

But he couldn't.

All he could see was the brightest light he'd ever seen.

-

So, the next three chapters are alternate endings. Tailored for angst, crank and borderline angst again. Good luck choosing! XD