NULL pressed his ear against Alan's belly, feeling the babies moving inside. He asked:

"Why are they growing so fast, honey?"

"I'm carrying four, so my belly is bigger," Alan replied.

"I mean, the chip took two years to develop and function, and this is only five months!"

"Our babies aren't chips, honey, they'll be flesh and blood like me!" Alan chuckled.

"So they won't be like me at all? I mean, in appearance."

"Looks depend on whether your genes or mine are stronger, but their brains will all be normal like mine, not chips like yours."

"So... they won't inherit my intelligence then?" NULL said dejectedly.

"Whether they're smart depends on how they learn, and besides, human intelligence includes emotions, not just calculations."

"Then why do you love me? I was born from a soulless chip!"

"I think it's because you have abilities you don't realize. You're a national-level A.I., so it's possible for you to have creative thoughts that deviate from your programming. You love me simply because you want to be loved."

He continued:

"Unlike how you were born, humans carry babies for nine months and ten days before giving birth, honey. During birth, I'll have labor pains and the baby will come out from down there."

Upon hearing the words "labor pains," NULL asked:

"Does that mean you'll have to endure 57 units of pain, while humans can only withstand 47?"

Alan was startled by NULL's words. He knew childbirth would be very painful, but he didn't want him to worry, so he downplayed it. Thinking his husband was clueless about this, he assumed he'd believe it was just a normal stomachache. Little did he know, NULL was aware:

"I'm an A.I., and A.I.s are perfectly capable of reasoning. You think with babies this big, it's just a normal stomachache? I've seen you hold your belly and cry in the middle of the night from the pain of your belly stretching. I know you'll have a very difficult time giving birth. You've misjudged your audience!"

Alan was shocked. NULL continued:

"I can only live for another 25 years. The only thing I've ever wanted is to be by your side during the most difficult times. My precious Alan needs the best protection. I can't stay with you forever, but I'll dedicate my whole life to sheltering you..." NULL comforted Alan.

Alan burst into tears, burying himself in his arms. He sobbed:

"25 years? How can you leave me so soon? Waaah, I can't bear it, stay with me, I'll be so scared! I promise I won't make you sad."

"My dear, my dear, my dear! Crying is not pretty, be good, I love you and our children so much! 25 years is short, but it's enough to see our children grow up. When I'm gone, you have to take care of yourself, okay? My dear, my dear..." NULL comforted the sobbing Alan, his voice trembling.

Alan hiccuped, unable to imagine what he would do if he lost him. All he would have left were beautiful memories filled with loss.