Chapter Text
“Are we like petty man?” Renbob turned to Goatman with a knowing look. “I like mean that in a non-aggressive way, like what we did there was a bit petty. We should do like some vibe yoga and reflect on our choices and how like those vibes may affect those around us!” Renbob turned to the computer and began scrolling through the options.
“Yeah yeah, okay, we can do extra meditation if it helps you but you have to admit. It did feel good to get back at Grian after the last one.” Goatman shamelessly told his colleague. “Grian didn’t appreciate sleeping and this time he really did.” Goatman chuckled to himself and leaned over to look at the options. “And it certainly did make Grian a bit more mindful of mental and physical health.”
“Like man that was because he was dying. I know that we wouldn’t let it go that far but man, it hurts to see our friends in pain. I worked with Grian a while ago man, and like he is a good man at heart.” Renbob told him quietly, reaching up to tug his floppy ears with a grimace. “I know you aren’t seeing him at his best right now man.”
“I don’t know I am often forced to see more of him than I want but I understand. It is tough being in the simulations. I remember my training one… It was rough… I am glad that as a level 5 employee I don’t have to go under for updated training.” Goatman shuddered remembering the sickness he got from the gel… apparently, he was one of the few people who were allergic to it. He had spent so damn long trying to get the gel out of his fur.
Renbob tilted his head, those ears that Goatman wanted to rub so badly, flapped before they were grabbed again. “I don’t remember like doing that for my training man.” He told him and wrinkled his nose. “Like Gigacorp in my head, man sounds horrible.” He admitted, tugging his ears again until Goatman grabbed his hands. “I like know man.”
“Yeah you know you need to stop tugging your ears. You will end up with bald spots.” Goatman told him firmly. Apparently ear tugging was a dog hybrid version of biting his nails and Renbob had been trying to stop this habit, and had asked Goatman to help him stop. “Come on… You can tug my horns?”
“Like man, that is an offer and half.” Renbob told him and Goatman flushed dark red. He didn’t mean it like that. He didn’t think he was going to offer that! Goatman was struck silent from embarrassment and shyness. He peered at Renbob, trying the gauge if he was disgusted or interested or conflicted? Renbob peered back at him.
The moment of awkwardness was broken by the computer beeping loudly. Goatman looked at the simulation program. “Okay, looks like the next one is ready, after they completed the previous one, we can try a more complex one… there was no evidence of the virus through out… it seemed Project Yank helped with that… But this one will push the program to its limits.”
Renbob pressed closer to peer at the screen to see what Goatman had typed into it. Goatman happily watched his companion, the way his eyes glowed in the computer light, the way he smiled happy over Goatman’s work. Damn right, Goatman had set up the best elements of the previous simulations, hoping that now with the pair having done Project Yank and completed a smaller simpler sim that this time it would keep them under for sure.
“Like… man that is perfect. You are so good!” Renbob told him and Goatman felt his cheeks heat up at the compliment. Somehow that meant more than the letter of recommendation for his efficiency and economic savviness from Gigacorp, and he didn’t have to deal with 1ply toilet paper to earn it either!
“Thanks, I reviewed all the previous sims and found the most common elements and cross referenced them for successfulness and this is the outcome. A Victorian story with Scar, Grian and Mumbo… We can pull the others to fill in characters as needed, because they do respond better to actual Hermits than NPCs.” Goatman proudly told him, he was all puffed up, unable to hide the excitement and pride in his voice.
“Like, can I push the button man?” Renbob asked and Goatman gave him a shy look.
“Why don’t we push it together and go get on that emotional yoga session you promised me.” Goatman told him and the pair reached for the enter key and pressed it together.