grinding gears ☸ 002 - action

[malfunctionbot]

[Take a stroll through one of Mandalus' many parks this week and you may find yourself stumbling upon a bit of free public entertainment.

Today, the sound of a catchy tune and the sharp notes of an unusual wind instrument can be heard fluttering through the park, the source of the delightful commotion a certain performing automaton, who was

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[cigarboss]

[Boss had just been passing through, honest. But the song had caught her attention, completely different from the kind of music she was used to back home, and she'd paused at the back of the crowd to listen to the rest. She'd turned to leave once the man - machine? - had finished, but she paused at his question, looking back over her shoulder curiously.

It's totally not her volunteering, though, don't you even dare, metal man.]

[malfunctionbot]

[Oh boy, Rabbit just can't help but zone right in on the woman soldier, her expression and bearing reminding him immediately of his somber, far too serious brother. It always took some prodding and teasing to break The Spine out of his shell and get him to smile.

The challenge of doing the same for this woman is just too great to resist. Seriously, it's like a disease right down in his gears.]

Hey, Blondie! You look-look-look like ya got a good story! Mind sharin'?

[cigarboss]

[She raises an eyebrow once she realizes the robot is speaking to her.]

I'm not particularly keen on it, no.

[malfunctionbot]

O-o-o-ouch! Would'ya look at dis cold dame here, f-folks? [Rabbit recoils in a dramatic gesture, hand over his chest in feigned shock. The crowd titters in reply, but the presence that Boss gives off is intimidating.]

Come on, now ya got us all interested, Lady. Don't leave a st-strugglin' artist to starve.

[cigarboss]

[If Rabbit thinks any of that will embarrass her into talking, he is sorely mistaken. However, she supposes she can throw him a bone. She's not heartless, after all.]

What would you care to have me share?

[malfunctionbot]

[Oh, this is gonna be good.]

Ju-just your experience dabbling in that m-m-m-most wonderful thing called looovre~.

[cigarboss]

[She takes a moment to look like she's contemplating her answer carefully. When she finally speaks, it's likely not what he had hoped for.]

It was complicated.

[malfunctionbot]

[Rabbit leans in, hopeful for a good story, but at her simple explanation, his faceplates curve into an expression of disappointment.]

N-not so chatty, huh?

[cigarboss]

It's not really a story meant for total strangers.

[malfunctionbot]

Okay okay, I'll let it slip t-t-this time, but only cause I ain't gonna push a lady into chattin' 'bout what she don't want to. I was pro-programmed to be gentlemanly!

[And then as inappropriate as it is and perhaps just get a reaction out of her, the 'bot with the glowing eyes winks her way, smirking.] B-but maybe you'll be more willin' to talk if we got t' know each other better.

[cigarboss]

[The most that gets out of her is an irritated sigh.] I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. If you even have any.

[malfunctionbot]

Can't say I do! [Her sigh only coaxes a chuckle out of the 'bot. He'll let her go for now, but this isn't over.]

But if ya aren't up for storytelling time, maybe I'll let ya-ya-ya slip back into the crowd an' just play a-another song for ya instead!

[cigarboss]

How kind of you. [She inclines her head slightly to indicate he can continue his show, but it also serves to hide the small smile forming.] Maybe a song about love? To make up for my ruining your act.

[malfunctionbot]

Hey, [The brightness of Rabbit's lopsided grin doesn't diminish in the slightest, a slight hop in his jerky steps as he clanks over to gently set his melodica down beside the hastily made donation box. A hiss of steam rises from the vents embedded in his cheeks as his glowing eyes scan the dwindling crowd before returning to the woman.] -ain't ruined at all, l-lady. Believe me! If we were able t' perform to a crowd callin' us mechanical ab-ab-abominations and throwin' things right at our hollow heads, I think I can h-handle a lil' resistance.

A r-r-request for a love song, h-huh? I might be able t' do that! Ya just m-might be surprised to learn that even robuts can fall in luuuuurve.

[cigarboss]

[Okay, now Boss feels a little bad, not even annoying robots deserve to have things thrown at them.]

Not that surprised, but I can feign it, if it'd make you feel better.

[malfunctionbot]

[The robot shoots a too-wide grin her way.] P-p-please do!

[And he'll just be waiting for it now. Come on, Boss. Time to play pretend.]