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[lilyground]

[There's a soft buzzing in the background. Lily's been neglecting her bee!]

Um... I'm okay, everyone. Really. It wasn't-I'm fine.

Hey, B, can we make something? I have to ask Even, but he'll say okay! Angelica will come, too!

Comments

[screwyoubob]

Yeah! I finished the Talkie Toaster and I wanna show you! Where do you wanna meet! This'll be fun! Yay!

[screwyoubob]

[A silvery puddle blorps out from underneath a table and forms into the mechanic. He smiles brightly at Lily, then his gaze slides to Even.

Even.]

... hi, Lily.

[A prickle of fear.]

[lilyground]

He wouldn't hurt me. B wouldn't hurt any-

[-And there he is! Lily beams.]

Hi B!

[Oh. Oh, is he... Lily looks between the two a few times, then smiles reassuringly at B.]

He won't hurt you. Promise.

[screwyoubob]

[This one, this man with the dead gaze, is dangerous. The mechanic can tell because he's seen men and women like this before, but never this close. His eyes flicker around the room, land on Even's and away again, up to the ceiling, around, the ground, his feet, his hands--melt into goo, reform under the table--Lily's face.

He smiles and reaches behind himself, brings out a small, metal toaster.]

Lily! I finished it! Come see!

[lilyground]

[Lily giggles happily and lets go of Even's hand to trot forward and see. Wow, it's shiny! She leans really close to see the toaster.]

Cool! What does it do?

[screwyoubob]

[The toaster sprouts legs from the bottom and shakes itself like a dog. It trots over to Lily and sets its hind end down on the ground.]

Would you like some toast? An English muffin? A toaster strudel? Any sort of toasted pastry?

See? It's a Talkie Toaster!

[B beams.]

[lilyground]

[OH MY GOD.]

It's so cute!

[She reaches down to sort-of pet it. How does one pet a box of metal? When she bends over, a collection of jagged scars become visible on her shoulder, but she doesn't seem to notice or care.]

You made this?

[screwyoubob]

[He notes the scars and his eyes flick from them to Even. Him? Dangerous man, hurting a little girl? Maybe. Maybe he needs to keep his eye on Even, watch him, keep Lily safe.

The mechanic nods eagerly when Lily asks him the question.]

Yeah! Isn't it cute?

[The Talkie Toaster skips in a circle, still begging to make toast.]

[lilyground]

It is!

[She leans closer to the Talkie Toaster, smiling.]

Can you make me some toast?

[screwyoubob]

Of course! Put some bread in my head and I'll make you some toast! How well toasted do you like your toast? Lightly toasted or well-done?

[The mechanic crawls out from under the table and starts going towards the buffet.]

Let's get some bread, Lily!

[lilyground]

Okay!

[Lily scoops up the toaster and trots after B, throwing a smile back towards Even. We're just going over here, Even, no need to be angry, Even, don't hurt him, Even.]

Can I get it lightly toasted?

[screwyoubob]

Yes! I can toast it any way you like!

[The mechanic has found an enormous platter of various breads and he's utterly fascinated by all the types. He sniffs and smells... is that sourdough?]

Oh, my God, I love this bread! Lily, toast this!

[lilyground]

Okay!

[She takes a slice of bread with her fingers-tongs? What're those?-and looks at the toaster.]

... Where do I put it?

[screwyoubob]

In the holes! Like this!

[B takes two slices of sourdough and pops them into the Talkie Toaster, who obediently starts to heat up to make toast.]

Now we wait. Lily, how are you?

[B sits down on the ground and looks at Lily expectantly.]

in b4 html fix

[lilyground]

[Lily sits on the ground opposite B and smiles.]

I'm good! How are you?