739 Uninvited owner (1)
Erik ambled towards the plush sofa, sinking into its welcoming embrace. The soft cushions conformed to his form, providing a comfort he hadn't experienced in a while.
Across from him, June mirrored his actions, his human form now apparent, albeit unclothed. A moment of silence passed between them before Erik broke it with a jest.
"If someone walks in right now, they might think we're having 'a moment."
June's response was quick and equally humorous. "Well, at least it would be a memorable first impression."
Both of them burst into a hearty laugh. These past weeks had been tense, and having a moment of respite was a welcome relief.
However, the humor in the room and the comfy sofa were insufficient to fully erase the weariness both had.
However, to be able to sit on a couch, in a safe space, was a luxury they hadn't been afforded in a long while. In particular, June never had the pleasure. He remembered how it was from Erik's memories, but they were that. Just memories.
The feeling of the soft fabric against their skin, the gentle give of the cushions beneath their weight, was completely different from the sand or the ground he was used to.
Erik glanced over at June, a smirk playing on his lips. "You know, June." Erik's tone was casual. "I'm happy to see you are comfortable, but you are smearing your balls' sweat all over the cushions."
June looked at Erik, blinking in surprise before another laugh erupted from him. "Well," he said between chuckles, "Wasn't comfort really is in the details? Who knows, maybe the smell will help you sleep better!"
Erik didn't reply.
For June, the experience was unique. Born just four months prior, he was still discovering the world and its many sensations.
"Sitting on a sofa is better than expected," June said aloud, his eyes reflecting a sense of wonder. "Can't wait to test out the bed."
Erik chuckled at June's comment. A playful smirk appeared on his face. "Careful with your wording there, June."
"Stop it, please!"
Erik laughed again. But there were many things the clone wanted to see. Despite being a clone, June was not Erik. He had Erik's memories, yes, but they were like scenes from a movie he'd never starred in.
They were experiences he knew but hadn't lived through himself. Although they shared physical attributes and memories, their thoughts and feelings were their own.
They were two distinct entities sharing an uncanny connection. They looked alike, shared memories, but their experiences and perceptions of the world were their own.
The exchange between them was light-hearted, and it helped them both ease the tension they felt since coming into the city.
Erik reached for the remote, pressing the power button and bringing the sleek, wall-mounted television to life.
The screen flickered for a moment before illuminating the room with its vibrant display.
June, who had only caught a fleeting glimpse of the television back in the city's entrance room, where they had been momentarily detained, was now utterly enthralled.
His eyes were wide with curiosity and anticipation. The glow from the television screen reflected in them, creating a mesmerizing dance of colors that only added to his childlike wonder.
It was a sight that Erik found both endearing and somewhat amusing.
The sight of June, so fascinated by something Erik had long since taken for granted, brought a smile to his face. It was a moment of purity amidst their insanely complex reality, a reminder of the simple joy of discovery.
June's face was lit up, his features softening as he watched the television with rapt attention. His lips were slightly parted in amazement, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to take in every detail.
It was as if he was trying to absorb the world through the television screen, eager to learn and experience everything he could.
June's memories, Erik's memories, contained countless hours spent in front of a television screen. But this was different.
This was June's first encounter with the device, and Erik could see the thrill of discovery etched on his face.
Erik leaned back into the plush sofa, his gaze shifting from the television screen to June. "Want to find something you'd like to watch?" he asked, offering the remote to June.
June's eyes lit up at Erik's offer. He nodded with enthusiasm, reaching out to take the remote from Erik's hand.
His fingers danced over the buttons, changing channels with an eagerness that was almost palpable.
The room filled with a cacophony of sounds as scenes from various channels flashed across the screen, each one holding June's attention for a fleeting moment before he moved on to the next.
In the end, he settled on a channel talking about history. The screen displayed images of the past, a documentary narrating the catastrophic events that had shaped their world.
The emergence of the Thaids, their destructive rampage through the cities, and the ensuing death toll that numbered in millions. The somber tone of the narrator filled the room, a chilling reminder of their reality.
June's face took on a serious expression as he watched the documentary unfold. His brows furrowed in concentration, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Having Erik's memories, June hadn't bombarded his maker with questions about the Thaids. He knew what Erik knew, had seen what Erik had seen.
However, there was one thing that gnawed at his curiosity - the origin of the Thaids. Why did they come? What was their purpose? These were questions that Erik's memories couldn't answer. They were enigmas wrapped in a mystery.
His gaze remained fixed on the television screen, lost in thought. The images of destruction and despair were disturbing, but they also fueled his desire to understand.
To know why such monsters had come into being and caused such devastation. It was a curiosity born out of a need for understanding, a need to make sense of the world he had sunk into.
<None kno — >
Erik's words were broken by an unexpected sound. The distinct noise of a door unlocking echoed through the apartment, jarring them both from their thoughts. Their heads whipped towards the entrance, eyes full of focus and murderous intent.
The owner of the apartment was home.
Foll𝑜w current novℯls on fre𝒆web(n)ovel.co(m)