*Context if you decided to skip the last chapter: Shashi is going to take the day off. They visited the shop first and are now going home with Edwin driving their truck.*

On the way home, Shashi took out their phone and noticed they got a message from Jaden. 

“‘Gonna be out all day with my besties. Need some me-time. Don’t wait up for me lol.’ Guess it's just gonna be us all day.”

“Yes, Sweetheart told me she would be busy today after class, so I am going to spend the day doing chores.”

“What do you need to do?”

“Chores for November 17th: Clean up Sweetheart’s room and do her laundry. By groceries for this week. Sweep and mop the apartment. Do the dishes.”

“Sounds easy enough. I can help you with dishes and clean up the apartment.”

“Shashi, you're taking the day off to rest. I am designed to do these things, so you do not need to worry-”

“If you’re gonna be stubborn about my work, then I get to be stubborn about yours.”

“... Very well, if you insist.”

"By the way, it's 'my sweetheart'."

“What is? I am sorry. I do not understand your statement.”

“Her name isn’t ‘sweetheart’ or ‘baby’. They’re more like pet names romantic couples use, so when you talk about Jaden, you’re supposed to say ‘my sweetheart’ or ‘my baby’." explained Shashi.

"I thought you would know that from all the romance stuff you guys watch together.”

“The movies my sweetheart likes to watch have not mentioned 'pet names'." replied Edwin. There is a small pause before Edwin speaks again.

"I do have a question. Why is it called a ‘pet name’? Pets are animals other than humans that are owned by humans, like a dog or a cat.”

“Oh, that’s just slang, I guess. You can look it up.”

“Pet name; a name that is used instead of someone's usual first name to express fondness or familiarity.”

“Yep, pretty much.”

“... express fondness and familiarity.” repeated the A.I. It seemed he hung on those words for a little while. Shashi looks at Edwin with curiosity in their eyes, but they say nothing.

Once they both arrived home, they started doing one chore at a time. Shashi put on their playlist and sang to each song, which helped put them a little more at ease. Edwin would stare at them for a few seconds longer each time he walked on his way to put in and take out Jaden’s laundry from the washing and drying machine. Once Shashi was finished sweeping and mopping, they started with the dishes. Edwin decided to shift from organizing all that washed laundry to taking dirty glasses and plates to Shashi. As he places dishes next to them, Edwin stood behind Shashi for a few seconds longer than he needed, just looking down at Shashi singing.

“What’s up?” asked Shashi.

“The light. Why do you ask? Is it too bright?” asked Edwin. Shashi chuckled.

“Gods, you should read City Dictionary or something. I meant, ‘what do you need?’. You were standing behind me like you needed to tell me something.” 

“Nothing. I just noticed how much smaller you are than the average person. About five inches shorter.” Shashi turned around.

“I’m not that much short- wait, what are you doing?” Edwin grabbed Shashi’s waist and picked them up. He held them up towards his face, eye to eye. 

“See? You are rather short compared to me since your feet can not touch the ground when you are at my height.” 

“Okay, I get it. Can you put me down now, please?” Edwin gently puts Shashi back on the ground but kept staring at Shashi for a few seconds.

“... hey, are you okay? You’re just kinda… staring at me. I can run a basic diagnostic check if you need it.” Edwin snapped back to reality.

“Apologies. My battery is starting to run low. I will charge at night when I am finished with my chores.”

“Ah, okay then. Please bring me more dishes from Jaden’s room, and I should be done after that. Then we can go grocery shopping together. Sound good?”

“Yes,” responded Edwin. He brought the dishes, one by one, pretending he keeps finding them as keeps organizing Jaden’s room when he actually found them in a pile on the nightstand. Soon, they are both done with their chores and prepared to head to the nearby grocery store. Edwin drives while Shashi looks out the rolled-down window. When they arrive, they are able to find everything they need quickly and head to the cash register. Before they place all the groceries for the cashier to scan, Shashi notices a rack with beanies on it.

“Hey, Edwin. Can you crouch a bit?” When Edwin crouched in front of Shashi, they placed a black beanie on his head and chuckled a bit.

“You look good in a beanie.” 

“Why did you put this on me? I cannot feel cold like you.”

“I know. Just thought it’d suit you. Don’t worry, I’ll put it back.” Before Shashi could pull the beanie off Edwin’s head, he stood back up and gave the beanie to the cashier. 

“Wait, we don’t need that.”

“It could be useful for my sweetheart since it’s starting to get colder, and she mostly wears light clothing. I should buy another one for you.”

“Oh, it’s okay. I don’t like wearing stuff on my head. It flattens my hair.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m good. Hey, we’re next. Pass me the stuff closest to you.” They finished shopping and walked back to Shashi’s truck. Edwin didn’t let Shashi carry anything, insisting they shouldn’t strain themselves.

Once they made it home, Shashi and Edwin put the groceries away. Edwin just kept things he was going to cook for dinner on the counter. Again, Shashi offered to help. And after some discussion, they both started preparings some Robollita. Edwin automatically played music on Jaden’s mini speakers which were the same genre as Shashi’s. Once they finished making the stew, Edwin prepared blankets and a movie. He came back to take Shashi’s bowl and water to eat in front of the television. 

“Apologies. I did not even ask if you wanted to watch television while eating in the living room. I’ve integrated it into my weekly routine for my sweetheart.”

“No, it’s okay. It’s been a while since I just sat down and watched TV. What movies are good right now?”

“Top 10 Movie Recommendations: Forbidden Flame, Can’t Keep Us Apart, Anything For You-”

“Wait, sorry. I forgot you guys always watch romance. Not my thing. How about some sci-fi?”

“Top 5 Sci-Fi Movies of all Time, from Parade: Extraterrestrial (1979), Sun Battles: Episode V (1980), Outerspace Journey (1968), Hunter vs. Extraterrestrial (2004), and Gravelhills (2001). ” While Edwin was listing the movies, Shashi’s eyes lit up with the 4th name.

“Oh, Hunter vs. Extraterrestrial! I haven’t seen that in a while.” Edwin started the movie, and Shashi got comfortable, fixing the blanket around them and holding the bowl in their lap. After the first 30 minutes, Shashi had finished their stew and leaned onto the couch's armrest, stretching and yawning. 

“You seem tired. Would you like me to turn off the television so you can sleep?” asked Edwin.

“Mmm. No, it’s okay. I don’t wanna move.” replied Shashi in a soft voice.

“I must say, you have a strange reaction to this movie. My baby yells and holds on to me while watching horror movies. She sometimes even has me say reassuring words to ease her anxiety.”

“Yeah. I guess since I grew up with these kinds of movies, they don’t really shock me. I just think they’re cool.”

“You watched these types of movies as a child? That hardly seems like appropriate behavior from a parent or a guardian.”

“Haha, yeah, probably. But it was fun. My dad loved them and wanted to share them with me.”

“What did your mother think of this?”

“She wasn’t around. Just me and my old man.”

“My condolences.”

“Oh no. She didn’t die. She just up and left one day. I don’t even know if she is alive.”

“Ah. Nonetheless, I am sorry to hear that. But am I correct to assume your father had passed away? You said ‘loved’.”

“...yeah,” Shashi whispered.

“Again, my condolences. I apologize for bringing up the subject.”

“No. It’s okay. Not gonna lie, I still do get… emotional thinking about him, but the best memories of my life include him. We were poor and alone for the most part, but no matter what, he would always find a way to make me smile every day. A dad joke, headbanging to the radio, making up stories about how he met celebrities under the weirdest circumstances. I knew it didn't actually happen, but he was good at telling stories, so I didn't care. He would just do the most random things, so I wouldn’t have to worry about things like if we had enough groceries for the week or if our landlord was gonna kick us out for not paying rent the third time in a row. Ironically enough, it was so…simple back then.”

“Do you feel like your life is complicated now? And therefore, causing you to stress in your day-to-day life?”

“Sort of. I mean, it is and isn’t? It's hard to explain.” said Shashi as they sat up.

“That sounds like the definition of ‘complicated’.”

“Yeah, I guess your right.”

“ I am here to help you in any way I can. That is why I am here in the first place.”

“Thank you, but I’m not really sure you can help me. Don’t take that the wrong way; sorry if it sounded like that. It’s just… most of the stuff I’m going through right now is my fault. I have a criminal record from a bunch of stupid shit I did in my teenage years. Got mixed up with the wrong crowd after... what happened to my old man. I don’t wanna go into detail, but let's just say what I did was enough to have a bad rep with the law, even after turning 18. All I can do now is stay out of trouble and save up for community college. Getting even just a 2-year degree would be enough for me-” Edwin surprised Shashi with a hug. 

“That sounds very harsh, Shashi. I can see how much your situation is straining you. I will do my best to help you achieve your goal of going to college and living a more tranquil and happy life. You can tell me anything you need.” Shashi rested their head on Edwin’s shoulder and hugged him back.

“You’ve done more than enough. Thank you for listening to me and keeping me from going to work. I feel like I really needed this.” They both held each other for a few more seconds in silence. Then Shashi let go of Edwin, and he followed. He took their plate to the kitchen and came back with more water. They both kept watching the movie and about 30 minutes afterward, Shashi fell asleep on Edwin’s shoulder. He picked up Shashi and carried them to their room again, gently placing them on their bed and covering Shashi with the blanket they were using. And again, he starred down at Shashi.

“Fondness and familiarity. Pet name… Shashi… sweetheart.” He caressed Shashi’s cheek. He leaned in as if to kiss Shashi’s forehead, but they back away and walked out of their room, gently closing the door.

“Rest well.” He returned to the living room to turn off the television but stopped. There was a fight scene where the protagonist, the Hunter, ripped out the Extraterrestrial's heart. There was yellow blood oozing everywhere as the Hunter stabbed and pierced more Extraterrestrials that crossed its path. Edwin sat down and watched the rest of the movie.