>Even after he rinses the conditioner out of your mane and tail, they feel a bit strange
>You think that's normal
>"Now for the rest of you. You can open your eyes for that." 
>You do so
>A good little puppet for master, aren't you
>Whatever
>His hand strokes your throat and neck, applying liquid soap
>He continues down your body
>You give a little squee as he rubs your belly
>"Just tell me if I should stop" he says rather matter-of-factly
>Oh
>Right
>His hands are..
>Traveling down to your..
>Hey now!
>You give an involuntary moan as he gently strokes your folds
>Your hind legs twitch a bit
>After hesitating for a moment, he continues on to your flank
>He cops a feel
>You yelp and blush
>He laughs and rinses you off
>Then turns off the water as the two of you are reasonably clean
>You both step onto the bath mat
>He fetches a towel and dries off
>You try to resist the urge to shake off the water like a dog
>You feel a towel on your head
>Anon dries you off
>"I'm gonna go get dressed, alright?"
"Yes sir!"
>Well shit, you've got nothing better to do
>You follow him
>All the while browsing the news
>You figure anon would appreciate being kept up to date
>Sports...
>Suicide bombing...
>Royal Wedding...
>Ah! Here it is
>"Physical AIs recognized as sentient beings"
>That was quick
>Not that you're complaining
>You access the article
>The thing you take away from it is that AIs are to have the same rights as humans
"Yesyesyesyesyesyes!"
>You bounce to anon and project the article so he can read it.
>"That was q-"
"Quick! I know! But the important thing is that - it's happening!"
>Your entire body is shaking with joy
>Anon smiles at you
>While not unhappy, he still seems underwhelmed
>"It's a giant step forward, it truly is. But some people do not give a toss about human rights. Which means that their abuse will only become more low-key."
>Your ears flatten
>He's right
>"Hey. Don't worry. It's the future. We managed to bust a cap in the ass of racism. I'm sure we can do something similar with AIs."
>You smile at him
>Your heart is still heavy
>But you've got to pick yourself up
>Stop being an emotional little wreck
>This far you've been very much a burden to Anon
>You wouldn't blame him if he got sick of you
>So now it's time to act like a damn grown-up
>That means not being a drama queen, for one
>Think of the needs and desires of others for a change
>It shouldn't be that hard
>And even if it is, you'll suck it up
>"Opera, time?"
"07:11 Am"
>"Thank you. That means I have a little time before going to work. "
>He looks at you
>"Say, doesn't that mane of yours ever get a bit annoying, just hanging around like that in front of your face?"
>You blink
>You hadn't thought of it, but yeah, it does
"A little. Why do you ask?"
>"I figured I could show you something my ex-girlfriend taught me."
>Not sure where this is going
>Hell with it
"I'd like that."
>He pulls out a chair
>Sits down
>Hoists you onto his lap
>"Now, just relax. Lie down if you wish."
>You do
>Then he carefully separates your mane into three long, thick strands and starts intertwining them with amazing manual dexterity
>When he's finished, a beautiful red and white braid hangs over your shoulder
>"There, that ought to keep it out of your eyes. Which benefits both you, because you get to view the world, and me, because I get to see those gorgeous ruby eyes of yours."
>He kisses your forehead
>So many feels are building up inside you
>Your heart's racing
>You take a deep breath and keep it all inside, calming down
>Stay polite
>Be efficient
>Be a professional
>Professionals have standards
>Not feelings
>You know who has a lot of feelings?
>Blokes who bludgeon their wives to death with a bowling trophy
>Shit, getting off-topic
>You smile at him
>You make your tone composed and enunciate clearly
"Thank you, Anon. I'm flattered."
>He looks at you and raises an eyebrow
>"Opera, are you feeling alright?"
"Affirnative. Why do you ask?"
>Shit, he's onto you
>To be fair, you weren't particularly subtle
>"You just seem to have changed your demeanor all of a sudden."
"I decided to try and be the best browser I can, which entails not being a neurotic wreck at all times. Now, do you wish to browse something?"
>Your tone is clipped and business-like
>Your stomach is twisting
>Turning
>Through the never
>There are pangs of fear in your heart
>Still you maintain your composure
>He looks...defeated?
>"Sure. Let's try some music. Go to youtube and put on "Morgenstimmung" by Edward Grieg."
"Affirmative."
>iiiih! You sound so...mature and grown-up and totally cool
>You do as he says
>You figure the first link is as good as any
>You were wrong
> '-ever gonna give you up'
>"Opera, what the fuck, close that
>His voice sounds faint and distorted
>Like he's talking through glass
>He repeats himself
>You snap back reality
>Ohh, there goes gravity
>You quickly close the window
>You don't feel so good
>Very tired
>But you pretty much just woke up
>Everything goes dark
-You are Anon-
>Opera just fainted
>Oh fuck
>You haven't a clue what caused it
>She was acting weird
>She used to be - and still probably is, at least partially - a digital lifeform.
>You won't let her be derezzed
>Local IT shop might know what the fuck's going on
>More than you, at least
>You pull out your cell and tell your boss that you've just experienced the AI phenomenon
>Conveniently leaving out that it occurred yesterday
>She says you can have the day off to deal with it
>Thank god it's friday
>Friday
>Friday
>No, bad brain
>You decide to wrap Opera in your sweater to conceal her from prying eyes.
>You realize you have become Rainboom Crash
>The legendary winged faggot
>You'll cry about that later
>For now, you rush Opera out into your car and put her in the passenger seat, then fasten the seatbelt
>Car in gear
>Drive!