May 21st, 2024 – PM 2:57:23

Blue.

She fiddled and prodded with the bands around her wrists, still adjusting to them. The glow from her bracelets was lost in the sunlight, but they kept their incredible shade. Cyberlife Blue, while almost everywhere now, was stupidly her favorite color. The gift she had been given just the day before, three bracelets that glowed but didn't burn, had been handcrafted by Elijah Kamski himself. She busted her ass the past four years studying his work, and yet there were still new things he surprised her with.

The gym had been hot, and stuffy, and the ceremony had gone on for far longer than it was supposed to. Her older brother had already skipped out after she walked the stage, sending a message that yes, he was proud and he had video evidence of her major achievement to share with the guys at work, but he was not going to spend another minute surrounded by crying babies, mothers, and bored siblings while people who meant nothing to him received their degrees as well. He would also take her out to dinner to celebrate later, his treat. He wasn't an asshole all the time.

Besides, he really owed her after all this. She'd received many other opportunities to happiness, but she'd chosen this one. She'd given up many relationships just for him and his expectations. Even her most important one. But now, as she prepared for her new job, she was learning she would have no choice but to leave many things behind. She still hadn't decided if it was a sacrifice she wanted to make, but here she was.

So, once she got back to the rehearsal room, she quickly fled without a second glance to the miserable buildings she resided in for four years. Her car was at the farthest lot, away from what would soon be a traffic filled nightmare of anxious graduates and bumbling parents who'd only set foot on campus during their kid's family orientation during freshmen year. It was a walk, but at least she'd be able to get away, and get home.

As she passed by the library, the building where she had spent most of her time, she saw one of the head librarian android waiting by the steps. He was in the same uniform he showed up in three years ago, or at least she thought it was. She had never paid him any mind; her research had been all that mattered.

She paused for a moment, taking in the sight of something that had been her only companion many nights for years. He stood up straight, with his hands behind his back, not watching anything, just staring ahead. His hair was black, slicked back, and his eyes were a brilliant blue. Just a few shades lighter than the sky. Not a spot of facial hair, no untucked shirt, no frown or smile.

Slowly, she approached and offered a greeting.

"Hello, Miss," the android greeted her, his eyes blank, his LED blue.

"I'm sure the library hasn't been very busy today."

"No, not at all."

"Exams are over, and its graduation, so why would anyone be here, I guess. Right?"

"Yes, Miss."

"You know, I spent a lot of time with you, and I don't know anything about you. What's your model?"

"RK100."

"RK100, but Cyberlife doesn't make any RK models for production?"

"Correct. I was built specifically for this library to assist in research and literary study purposes."

She glanced towards a plaque on the side wall that held donation names, and then rolled her eyes. 'Elijah Kamski' was the biggest name, covering the bottom. She should have figured as much.

"Of course. What's your name?"

"I wasn't registered with a name."

No name? Even the new prototype service androids had names, and they were barely ready for production. Even Chole had been given a name, and- and why did she care? If he'd been human, it would have been cruel. However, she never had to ask his name when she needed his help. She never had to ask anything while she was there, he always seemed to know exactly what she needed. From what she'd learned, with his purpose he wouldn't need a name. There was no need to call him, so why call him anything? She would soon be working in an environment with that attitude. She shouldn't have questioned it.

Or, maybe, she could help change that.

She asked, "Would you like one?"

"Would a name put you at ease?"

"But would you like one?"

His LED flashed yellow and red for a moment, unable to understand her question. Then it flashed blue, and he gave her a smile and nod.

"What would you like? Well, there're at least two names in the world, right? So, pick your favorite."

The LED glowed yellow and then red again. It continued to cycle until she placed a hand on his shoulder. It slowed to amber as she spoke.

"Would you prefer I chose one instead?"

Another cycle. Yellow. Nod.

"Alright, RK100, register your name," she waited as he entered the registrar program, "Lucas."

"My name is Lucas."

Blue.

AN: Does this count as a rise from the dead? My first written fanfic in nearly 2 years. I plan to finished the Etheldrea Holmes series someday, but for now Detroit Become Human has found a special place in my heart.