i will kiss that robot

"Uh... Mephone's on the premises." Papers voice called out of the walkie-talkie. 

Ticket perked up from his computer, staring blankly at the orange wall. He was just absently reading movie reviews online. Before answering he leans back and taps his fingers along his desk.  He turns his focus to the patterns on the ceiling. 

"Oh, he's finally back from his vacation?" OJ's voice rings out. 

Wow, those sure are bumps. On the ceiling. 

"I guess." Paper replies. 

Ticket’s face twists. It's been three years since Ticket last saw the host of Inanimate Insanity in person.  MePhone4. The last time they talked, MePhone was dismissive and angry. Telling Ticket to never talk to him again, for reasons he ‘wasn’t ready to share’. The last time Ticket saw the robot, he down right ignored him! He should be infuriated with MePhone's actions. The guy basically told him to never talk to him again, blocked his number, went on vacation, and started another season without Ticket. 

Ticket shoves his face in his hands and groans. 

Then he had a public meltdown during season three.  

Ticket watched everything live. MePhone's struggle to keep the show going for way too long. Then he almost died and that made the moron realize what he really wanted: To finish season two and retire. Something about that stirred in Ticket's heart. Things finally made sense. MePhone was struggling with something internal. Something very intense and scary. It wasn’t right for him to take it all out on Ticket, but he could understand the poor man being scared. God, did the lack of communication piss him off. Ticket needed to talk to him.

"I think he's waiting for you, Ticket..." Paper's voice echoes through his room. 

Ticket sighs, "Yeah, Alright I'm coming down. Over." 

"Good luck, soldier," OJ calls out. He was probably doing a small salute behind the walkie-talkie

'These guys really need to learn the walkie-talkie protocol.' Ticket thinks as he rolls his eyes and mutes the device.

Ticket pushes himself off his chair and makes his way to his dresser. Quickly he opens the drawer and tugs out his "Security" shirt. He pulls it over his black muscle shirt and tucks it in. He glances at the mirror and messes with his hair a bit. Licking his finger and fixing his cowlick. His eyes soften at himself. He can't believe he's doing this again. 

Ticket then grabs his keys and makes his way to the door. He hesitates and fixes his posture. Before opening the door, he knocks sense into his head: Look like your own duty, ignore how your heart is picking up, you are not excited to see him.  

Except he is excited to see MePhone. He missed him deeply, and the fact the first thing MePhone did was check the hotel? Well something had to be up. If he doesn’t check now, he would be eaten alive by his own brain searching for answers. 

Ticket briskly walks his way to the elevator and pushes the ‘down’ button. While waiting, Ticket messes with his collar. Why was he so nervous? He was just seeing his friend again. Ticket squeezes his eyes at that thought, cringe shivering down his spine. Everyone and himself knows he’s lying. His love never really simmered for that robot. 

The elevator door dings. Ticket shakes his head to empty his mind. He quickly makes his way in and pushes the ‘lobby' button. He places his hands behind him to slouch against the cold railing. 

Has his face been this hot the whole time? Ticket rubs the back of his neck. He really should've taken off his muscle shirt. This combination could be deadly. The temperature will definitely get hotter once he’s outside and around That Phone. He turns his focus to the descending numbers. They carefully descend until the elevator hits floor 3. Ticket takes notice of this and fixes his stance to look more professional in front of the new ongoer. The doors open to reveal Paintbrush, who was looking at their fingernails. They quickly look up once the elevator dings, and give Ticket a warm smile, but with a quirk in their eyebrows. Ticket smiles back, strained. 

"Finally got some work, huh?" Paintbrush asks as they step into the elevator, "oh, and could you push floor 5." 

Ticket obliges, "Just the usual." He says with a sigh.

Paintbrush's eyes widened, "He's back?" 

"Ye-up." Ticket pops his lip and steps back from the buttons and faces forward. He watches as the numbers go down to the Lobby. 

"Hm. Well, uh. Good luck," Paintbrush flashes a thumbs up awkwardly. 

It was no surprise that most contestants knew that Ticket liked MePhone. That or they assumed they were already together with how much Ticket and MePhone spend time with each other. At times even Ticket thought they were dating. 

What an idiot, Ticket thought. 

"Thanks." Ticket gives his best smile. 

Then the elevator dings and opens its doors to the lobby. Ticket huffs and starts walking, waving to Paintbrush on his way out.

Gracefully he makes his way through the lobby, taking strong and long strides to the front door. He glances at who is playing at the console. Microphone and Pickle are on the couch playing whatever game they're playing. They're too focused to notice Ticket walking past them - which is good. Ticket really does not want the attention. 

Finally Ticket was at the doors. He places his hands on one side of the swinging door, tracing the orange-like texture, and taking a deep breath. With a strong push he opens the door and walks out. 

It was Golden Hour. The sun was radiating over the horizon, casting a stunning light over the ocean. Ticket looks around and finds MePhone standing beside the door, leaning against the wall. His face is focused on his hands, which are shifting and messing with the hem of his shirt. He's still wearing that stupid vacation outfit. A Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. Other than his outfit he looked exactly the same from when Ticket last saw him. Except uncharacteristically nervous about something. 

Wow. Season 3 really broke him. 

MePhone glanced over to the door once he heard it open. Immediately his antenna perked up and his eyes widened, followed with a kind and enthusiastic smile. Ticket tries to stay stoic but something in his gut twists and his heart picks up.

"Hey, Ticket!" MePhone chirps. He has no right to be this cute. He pushes himself off the wall to get in front of Ticket. Right, he's a head taller. 

"MePhone." 

MePhone's antenna pin back a little and he shoves his hands in his pockets. He avoids eye contact while he quietly says "I missed you." 

Ticket's expression twists as his eyes go wide, "You missed me?" He said with a bite in his tone. "You avoided me for YEARS!" 

"Yeah, I did but." He finally faces Ticket "I'm sorry." 

"You're sorry?" Ticket huffs, crossing his arms tight. 

"A lot of stuff came up, and I got scared. So, I did what I usually do which is- hide. Run away." MePhone scratches the back of his head, "it wasn't fair to you. I'm sorry." 

Ticket's expression softened. He looked around to search for something to say but MePhone interrupted, "Are you on duty?" MePhone points to Ticket with his head. 

"You're here, so basically." Ticket shifts his feet. 

"Soooooo," MePhone leans to his side, "You're not busy?" 

Ticket scoffs, "No."

The robot clasped his hands together "Great! So you wouldn't mind catching up?" 

Catching up? Ticket felt himself smile and his cheeks warm. Oh, how he lost so easily. 

"Sure." 

MePhone's antennas perk up again and quickly go back down. He reaches out a hand for Ticket to grab. 

Wait, when were they back on casual hand holding? 

"C'mon. I know a place." He tilts his head away from the hotel. 

Ticket grabs MePhone's hand. His vinyl hands are now a bit more rugged than the last time they touched. His grip is strong as he wraps his fingers around his hand. Ticket loses himself in the touch. Something he yearned for so long is finally happening again. His heart picks up in his chest and heat shivers up his spine. The robot starts moving forward and Ticket follows swiftly.

The hotel glowed in the sunlight. The couple's shadows danced along the walls when they passed. The worst part was that MePhone was also incredibly beautiful. The metal lining around his face shining among the sun, and his shape being highlighted was perfect. Ticket wouldn't mind burning his eyes just to stare at the robot glisten. 

It wasn't too long for MePhone's hand to slip out of Ticket's. Awkwardly, Ticket scrambled to do something with his hands which ended up shoved in his pockets. His face was burning. He couldn't believe this was happening again. 

God, he really should've taken off his muscle shirt. The undershirt wasn't the problem, but the security shirt on top of it was basically suffocating him. Thankfully there was a breeze, but he will practically be soaked by the time they get to the destination. Gross. 

Speaking of, "Are we going to your cave?" 

MePhone hums, "maybe." 

"What about MePad?" 

"MePad isn't staying at the Cave. I think he moved to the Hotel or Mansion while I was gone." He taps the bottom of his screen. 

"Oh, must've been the Mansion because I haven't seen him around." 

MePhone shrugs. 

Ticket's been to the cave a few times. Once before Episode 13 where they shared an intimate moment. Everything after was more emotional. MePhone immediately lashing out and telling Ticket to leave. Ticket trying to pry leading to MePhone blocking him on his phone. It was a disaster. Ticket makes a face hoping that he isn't just bringing Ticket here to yell at him.

To tell him he did everything wrong again.

Ticket looks up at MePhone, and then the robot looks back at him with a warm smile. Ticket felt his face heat up again. Quickly Ticket faces forward again. Then MePhone chuckles. That laugh rings through his ears and makes his heart beat faster. He's playing with him, oh my God! He's playing with him again!

At this point Ticket would want to turn around and run back to the hotel. Leave all this embarrassment back at home. He can't handle this. 

"And would you look at that! We're here!" MePhone spreads his arms wide to "reveal" the cave. 

Fuck. 

MePhone makes his way in, but Ticket stays on the outside. He shrinks within himself, embarrassment and fluster crawling into his mind. He could just run away now and let this all go, but is that what he really wants? His feet dig into the dirt as he stands frozen.

MePhone turns around once he notices Ticket isn't following, "What, did you get turned into a vampire while I was gone? Come in." 

Ticket shuffles forward, "Yeah, I did." He jokes. "Why are we here? I feel like we could've done this anywhere." 

"Well, the forest is a good spot, but I have things being set up for the finale there." MePhone replies. He faintly glows in the darkness of the cave. It’s stunning.

"Uh-huh." Ticket replies deadpan. 

The robot sighs, "Look, I have this all planned out. If you want to question my ways you can, but this is how it's going to go." 

Something about this is weird. MePhone is never like this. Did a switch flip in him or something? This place is so secluded and-

Heat quickly reaches up to Ticket's face once he realizes where MePhone is taking him. They make a turn to a more isolated area. The place is decorated with mainly blue crystals and star stickers on the ceiling. At the end of the area is a curtain that basically blends in with the wall, which MePhone reaches for and pulls it open. 

"Come on in," MePhone gestures for Ticket to come inside. His smile is sheepish and a hint of flush radiates off his cheeks. 

Tickets stomach twists as he looks inside to see a plate of cookies on top of a bed: chocolate chip and lemon meringue. Slowly he walks in and softly places a hand on the bed. He remembers this place. This little secluded area is MePhone's bedroom. He scans the area to see his nightstand with an electrical plug he probably "installed" himself. MePhone's whiteboard with plans and random doodles. When he turns around he notices MePhone closing the curtain. 

"The last time you brought me here was, so..." Ticket takes a step to MePhone. 

"Yes, I know. It's still pretty much the same too." MePhone makes his way to sit on the bed, he pats it once he sits down. 

Ticket follows, "MePhone what's this about?" 

MePhone already had a cookie in his mouth. He quickly tries to finish it while crumbs fall down his shirt. He swallows, "I just wanted to catch up and talk about things." 

"We're in your bedroom?" Ticket quirks his head to the side.

"People hangout in each other's bedrooms all the time!" He waves his wrist around, "C'mon get your mind out the gutter."

Ticket sighs. His hand reaches for a cookie, the lemon ones, his favorite. He examines it before taking a bite, savoring the same flavor he's grown used to. A hum escapes him as he continues to eat. 

"So, what have you been up to?" MePhone asks, reaching for his chocolate chip cookies. 

"Mm.” He swallows. “No no no. You first," Ticket points to MePhone. "What's your issue?" 

MePhone sucks his teeth, "Which one?" 

"Well first, you yelled at me, blocked me on your phone, then left to avoid all the issues from Season 2? Now you show up like nothing has happened between us!!" Ticket waves his hand between him and the robot, "MePhone, you hurt me, a lot."

The robot's antenna pins back like a wounded animal. He takes a bite of his cookie and takes a moment to think. Then, he takes a deep breath, "Look, I wasn't the kindest after I got my memories back. I was making a lot of rash decisions to hide from the pain I was feeling." MePhone fidgets with the cookie in his hand, "I really needed time to think, and with the attack right after? I just thought... He- Would..." MePhone trails off. 

Ticket nodded.   

"So I went on vacation, started a new season. One that would hopefully last forever, which was, wooh." MePhone spreads his hands out.

"Not smart." Ticket inserts. 

"Yeah. Not smart." MePhone's mouth forms into a line and his eyebrows crunch, "Did you watch season 3, by any chance?" 

Oh, Ticket watched Season 3 alright. He spent most of his days watching the episodes live. Ticket didn't know if he did this because he hated himself, or because he had a deep desire to be close to MePhone. He also collected an embarrassing amount of screenshots and photos from when MePhone looked good. Embarrassing. Other than his crush driving him to watch season 3, MePhone was displaying new behavior. He was kinder to the contestants, and seemed to be more involved with the competition. The whole fiasco about keeping the show going forever made Ticket cringe. It also tugged at his heart. He was really worried about MePhone.

Ticket chuckles, "yeaaaa. Not one of your best moments, Boss." Ticket squeezes his eyes in embarrassment for using the nickname.

MePhone's antenna twitches in acknowledgement. "No they weren't," he says lightly. He takes another large bite from his cookie, finishing it. 

Ticket could really go for a cigarette. Instead, he reaches for his lemon cookies, and takes a bite.

"I did a lot of thinking" MePhone starts up again, "As much as I love hosting Inanimate Insanity, It's gotten too big for me." 

"Mhm" Ticket swallows his bite, "heard you were going to retire. That's good. I think you need it." 

MePhone smiles fondly, his antenna twitching, "Hopefully season 2 ends with no interruptions!" 

"Yeah, I really like it when you're not threatened." Ticket rolls his eyes.

MePhone snickers, "me too." He leans back on his palms, "I'm sorry, really- You didn't deserve to be treated that way. I was just... Scared, and I lashed out. It wasn't fair." 

MePhone looks up to Ticket, who's higher now due to his posture. The robot looks at him with deep sincerity in his eyes and a wobbly smile. Ticket feels his heart pick up in his chest again.

"Thank you." Ticket replies dryly.

"So..." MePhone glances to the side, "How's the hotel been?" 

When the hotel found out OJ was finally going on vacation, the main hotel management was passed down to Paper, and Paper's job was passed down to Ticket. The main difference between this and his security job is that Ticket found himself working behind the main desk. Answering calls and offering help to the contestants that stayed at the hotel. Since MePhone wasn't around, he didn't need to stay on guard. 

Because MePhone was the reason Ticket had the security job in the first place.

It was boring, but thankfully Ticket could watch the new season or cool movies behind his desk.  Eventually Ticket became a beacon for gossip and complaints. Both could be equally annoying and entertaining. Because of this, Ticket also ended up making better connections with the people at the hotel. Ticket never understood gaming, but Pickle explained how watching a story driven game could just be like a movie. Microphone would talk about music with Ticket. One time Microphone slipped and accidentally mentioned Taco. Ticket promised to keep her a secret as long as Taco doesn't do anything evil, nor sneak into the hotel. Some days Trophy would pass by and make fun of Ticket. He would take it because Trophy was hot. 

Ticket found himself rambling for a long time. While he explained things, he would reach for a cookie to take a break. MePhone also generated some water for Ticket to wash them down with. 

After an hour or so, MePhone and Ticket found themselves laying down on the bed and holding a casual conversation. They're conversation about other contestants died down and they both laid there in silence. Ticket watched as MePhone eventually sat back up. He focused on how his back "muscles" and his arms moved to reposition him. How his older model clicked once he hit his resting position. Ticket felt heat grow in his face and he covered his eyes with his arm.

MePhone tapped his fingers against the bed. Ticket listened to the rhythmic tapping for a little bit until realizing MePhone was trying to get his attention. "What's wrong?" Ticket uncovered his face. 

MePhone shrugged and sighed into his hand. Ticket props himself to sit up next to MePhone. He takes a look at his face in his hand, a faint blush covers his cheeks. Ticket placed his hand over the robots, and slowly removed it from his face. MePhone's antennas perk up once they're both making eye contact. Ticket feels his heart pick up, MePhone's just too cute. The robot grips Ticket's hand, running circles into it. Ticket shivers and pulls his hand away. He shouldn't be doing this again. He starts to face away before MePhone grabs his chin and pulls to face him. 

Ticket’s eyes widened. His heart thumps loudly in his chest. Examining MePhone's face he looks at him with want. He glances at Ticket's lips. Ticket nods halfway before MePhone already places a peck on his lips. The kiss was soft and short, but this time MePhone initiated it. 

This was the first kiss Mephone initiated. 

"MePhone-," Ticket whispers. 

Before he could say anything else, MePhone planted another kiss on his lips. This one was strong and desperate. Ticket found himself reaching for MePhone's shoulders to bring himself closer. He hummed as he savored the way the robot’s staticky mouth encased his lips. He would've loved this kiss to last forever, but MePhone quickly pulled away. The robot's face was covered in a deep blue hue, he glances down and bites his lip in thought. 

MePhone grabs Ticket's hand and leans his head against it, "I love you."

Ticket glances around. His heart thumps in his chest. MePhone could definitely feel his pulse. 

"I have for a long time." MePhone runs his thumb against Ticket's hand. 

"W-why are you telling me this now?" 

MePhone huffs and lets go of Ticket's hand. Ticket retracts to hold his hands against his side. MePhone scratches the back of his head, "I wasn't ready back then. I was- I was worried about what would happen if I dated you. The scandal or... Heart break." MePhone deflats a little bit, "if you don't love me anymore then I understand." 

"You want to make things official?" Ticket leans in a bit closer.

MePhone twiddles his thumbs, "After season 2, because I'll finally be done hosting," MePhone grabs Ticket's hands, "I want to be partners." 

Now it was Ticket's turn to kiss MePhone. Ticket immediately tackled MePhone, pampering him in kisses all over his face. He kisses the side of MePhone’s screen, his cheeks, his forehead and finally his lips. He lingers on the lips for a long time, letting his hands wrap and tangle in the robot's hair.