-Squip-

I stay in that alley for what feels like hours. Al is an enigma, they don't do something without a reason. So what reason do they have for wanting me to break up with Jeremy? They hadn't done anything to me yet and they haven't done anything to Jeremy, but I know that if they want something, they won't stop at anything until they get it. And if that "thing" is me then I have no choice. It's a battle I cannot win. If I even try to withstand, they will not hesitate to make Jeremy's life a living hell. He doesn't need that right now, he's already a loner.

If I never showed up, he probably wouldn't hang out with Rich at all.

If this is some sort of revenge, Al will win. I force myself to stand, wiping at my eyes. Pulling up Jeremy's number one my head, I consider sending him a text. But that wouldn't do anything. Just when I was starting to learn to actually maybe love, everything fell apart.

A tear slips down my face but the switch has flipped again. Jeremy preservation will always win over self preservation. I can't let Al hurt him.

More tears roll down my cheeks as I force myself to stand, getting up. Forcing myself to stand. The darkness breaks as I step out of the alley and into the sun reflecting off the modern college building. I fall onto a stone bench, hunching over. How could I let this happen?

I should have seen Al for who they are right away, making sure they couldn't bother me or anyone. A Squip like that will only use emotions for their own conceded purposes.

A hand comes down on my shoulder and I jump, looking up at Evan, the guy from a few days ago. He's wearing the same polo but with a satchel slung over his shoulder. He gives me a nervous smile, "Are you okay?"

"Evan!" I exclaim, jumping up and quickly wiping at my eyes, blinking rapidly.

"I thought it was you. What's wrong?"

My eyes flicker to his arm. On his skin, in huge sloppy letters is the name "CONNOR." What an adorable relationship. I wanted Jeremy to take a sharpie and put his name on my arm. I wanted to have a life. But that would never happen again. I'm stuck with that sick, sick creature. "They made me break up with Jeremy!"

My voice sounds oddly calm, but I can't mess up my words, not like humans do. Evan helps me sit down on the bench again, keeping his arm around me. He could never understand what it's like to live a lie. To have something so close, something real, and to have it torn away with one stupid mistake. He has someone, he has Connor. He had a life. Still, I end up telling him everything.

Speaking of Connor, the brown haired man turns a corner and spots us. "What's this?" he asks mildly, sitting down next to his boyfriend and eyeing me a little suspiciously. He reminds me of a bomb just waiting to go off if someone steps in the wrong spot.

Evan is the exact opposite. He's a doormat. One can walk all over him and he would never say a thing. He's probably apologize. "Connor, this is Eric, remember him? He just had a break up."

"My name is actually Squip," I say, staring down at my hands. Hands that Al had held captive a few moments ago.

"Like those Japanese computer thingies that Jared got?" Evan says, surprised.

I don't know who Jared is or why I should care but I nod. "I got a upgrade, project Intermingle, they have me humanity. I'm more of a cyborg except I was never human, so maybe not. But like a machine with humanity and emotions so.."

This isn't going anywhere. I sigh, I just want my boyfriend back.

Evan rubs my back, looking between me and Connor. "Do you have a place to go?"

"I was staying with Jeremy but I obviously I can't anymore."

"You're staying with us," Evan says matter of factly, "until you get back on your feet."

Connor shakes his head, "This isn't like the whole lost puppy incident."

Evan rolls his eyes and kisses his boyfriend, "I'm aware sweetie," he pats Connor's thigh, "but he's my friend and he needs help."

"You barely know him," Connor reasons.

Evan shrugs and stands up, "He's my friend now and I barely knew you when I helped you so stop being such a grouch."

And that was that.

I stop at the school cafe and get a Mountain Dew, using it to refresh my mind. Get a handle on myself. The Dew sends shocks my system awake and I feel awake for once. Maybe now I can focus and try and come up with a plan to stop Al.

-----

He doesn't know who the two men are, but they seem to play a important role in helping the test subject.

However, they are not a part of the program. He will have to talk to his employer about this.

Yet, the Alpha Squip is also not a part of the program, and they get to stay for some reason. He frowns, making careful notes on this.