[ Even as an AI... Zelkova likes that idea. His world is numbers and codes and learning whatever he can, but the thought that he was meant to meet certain friends? It's a nice one.
Just like that, he thinks he understands humans a little bit more. ]
Nope. You can give it a name if you want. It's yours now.
[ He grins. ]
Oh, but make sure you give it a little hug too. That's important!
[ a hug - hmmmm. hani looks between zelkova and the grunty doll. assessing priority of friendship…
then: ]
Zelkova-kun first. [ they hug him loosely, a little warm and a little awkward. but they like the hug and they hope he does, too.
then it’s the grunty’s turn. but they do realize they can do both so everyone gets one more hug, together this time. ]
I think I will call this child, “Ki.” From the Japanese word for tree after the zelkova elm. But it’s also the first syllable of “hope.” [ as in kibou! ]
[ He isn't expecting the hug, but he does welcome it, even briefly wrapping his arms around Hani. It makes sense now, why people like hugging. It's warm and affectionate.
And it's also why he doesn't mind the second hug with the grunty doll. ]
That's a great name, Hani.
[ Zelkova approves!
And, once hugging the doll, Hani will notice that they no longer feel the effects of the illness that has been spreading amongst everyone. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ Zelkova makes his way over to a large console and starts pressing a few buttons. ]
You seem to like it here, Hani.
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[ they just look at everything with bright curious eyes. ]
I do - because I’m learning more about a friend. And I do love this beautiful world.
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[ Whatever that means, Hani will have to interpret for themself.
After messing around with the console, Zelkova pulls a little Grunty Doll out of his inventory and holds it out to Hani. ]
Here, take this.
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[ they don’t really question that because zelkova is zelkova and hani is hani. ]
Does it have a name?
[ they take the doll with both hands and hold it up to observe. so cute… ]
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Just like that, he thinks he understands humans a little bit more. ]
Nope. You can give it a name if you want. It's yours now.
[ He grins. ]
Oh, but make sure you give it a little hug too. That's important!
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then: ]
Zelkova-kun first. [ they hug him loosely, a little warm and a little awkward. but they like the hug and they hope he does, too.
then it’s the grunty’s turn. but they do realize they can do both so everyone gets one more hug, together this time. ]
I think I will call this child, “Ki.” From the Japanese word for tree after the zelkova elm. But it’s also the first syllable of “hope.” [ as in kibou! ]
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And it's also why he doesn't mind the second hug with the grunty doll. ]
That's a great name, Hani.
[ Zelkova approves!
And, once hugging the doll, Hani will notice that they no longer feel the effects of the illness that has been spreading amongst everyone. ]
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Thank you - for sharing.
[ this place, the new AIs, the doll… ]
Can we stay here a bit longer? And should I tell the others about your special place?
[ the doll they will surely share, but if zelkova doesn’t want them to mention this place, they won’t. ]
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[ It's a tenuous place, after all. He can't let everyone pile in here. ]
But you're welcome to stay a little while longer.
[ They seem to enjoy being here, after all, so Zelkova isn't about to kick them out. ]