New Protocols

Monday morning. 10:00 AM.

The door to the Archive Room creaked open.

Benji walked in. He was wearing a sweater with clouds on it. He was carrying two coffees.

"Delivery for the Office Human," Benji announced.

Arthur spun his chair around. He smiled—a real, genuine smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes.

"Good morning," Arthur said.

Benji walked over and set the coffee down. He leaned against the desk, his knee brushing Arthur’s thigh.

"So," Benji said. "I was thinking. The archives are great, but have you ever considered the botanical gardens? For lunch? It’s quiet. Lots of plants. Very organized nature."

"I could be persuaded," Arthur said, taking a sip. No foam. Perfect.

Benji grinned and reached out to adjust Arthur’s bowtie, which was slightly crooked. His fingers lingered on Arthur’s collar.

"You missed a spot filing the 2019 reports," Benji teased.

"Impossible," Arthur said.

"Guess you’ll have to keep me around to double-check your work," Benji said.

"I suppose I will," Arthur replied.

He looked at the chaotic man in the cloud sweater, and then at the pristine rows of files. His world was still organized. His data was still safe. But now, there was a new protocol running in the background.

* Affection.exe loaded successfully.*

And Arthur had no intention of closing it.