magnetic;

“You’re saying that like I care. ‘Sides, the old man has botched coding more than once. Alongside like, ten world domination plots. I don’t think it’s too far of a stretch t’say that she might turn out weird.

He’s caught that bitterness, Tone, and will probably have a talk with Blake later. If the ninja never apologized, Blues will make him - he’s seen what not doing so leads to, after all!

“Blues, what exactly are you doing out there when you’re on your own? Honestly, now. You might be a robot, but you’re still twelve, kiddo... Y’ shouldn’t be putting yourself in unnecessary danger.”

Honestly, he’d much rather be talking about Blues right now. But knowing the kid, there’s no way he’d be able to get out of talking about this. He’s as stubborn as they come, right up there with Forte. (Speaking of his baby brother, he hopes the kiddo isn’t too lonely back at home. He’ll have to do something special for him when he gets back.)

“College? I wasn’t aware colleges accepted robots as students. I’m sure you’ll do very well regardless.” She wondered if him going to college had anything to do with why he was at the Light’s house, though so far it didn’t seem like it. Still she reminded herself to ask why he was there later. “I’d be happy to show you around and maybe we could even drop by your campus so you can get familiar to where it is.”

She tucked the lock of hair she’d been playing with behind her ear and nodded to Tone’s question.

“Yes, I work in geological surveillance. I study rocks is the simplest way to say it. I know it’s not the most exciting job to most people, but I really like it. Rocks can tell a lot about the history of an area and there’s just so much you can learn from them.” 

By that, he means that he’s a DWN. He’d had to jump through a lot of hoops and make up an entire fake backstory, then plant as much evidence of his fake existence as he could... All the hard work had paid off, but... At a cost, of course-- That cost being the reason he was at Light Labs now. He hopes Tempo won’t pry into that too much, for admitting what had happened was bad enough to the elder DLNs and Dr. Light-- And they could be considered family, in a way!

“B-but yes, that sounds great! I’ve been wanting to see it; Getting to know my way around early would be a real help too...”

Not wanting to waste any time standing around the DWN heads for the door, turning to look back over his shoulder to allow Tempo to answer his question. Geological surveillance, huh? That was pretty interesting! He wonders whether they would’ve bet much sooner if he’d gone into his original intended industry... Shame dad had to go and take him and his line and use them for combat instead!

 “Speaking of siblings… how are you doing? I heard about the thing with Snake…“

Is that a hint of bitterness coming from the DWN? Possibly.

“But... I’m fine, Blues. Don’t worry about it. I’m not sure how you know exactly what happened as Blake and I have been careful not to go into details where the kids might hear, but... I’m alright. I was in my armor at the time, so nothing was too heavily damaged...”

“And I wear my sunglasses at night So I can, so I can; Keep track of the visions in my eyes...  ♫”

“Really?” Oops she hadn’t meant to sound that eager. “I mean yeah that would be nice. And uh… thank you.” Whelp she just lost the battle to not blush so hard.

Tone returns Tempo’s smile with one of his own, noting how utterly adorable that smile is and resolving to see it as many times as possible during this outing. Tempo herself is the prettiest girl he’s ever seen, and already he’s found himself planning to spend time with her again in the future, maybe even ask her out-- But he needs to slow down. He barely knows anything about the girl, and here he is fawning over her like in one of those animes Blake thinks Tone doesn’t know he watches.

“A walk would be nice! I’ve been kinda wanting to stretch my legs, and it’d be good to get familiar with Monstropolis. I’ll, er... Be attending college in the fall, so...” He trails off, unsure of how much he wanted to go into detail about this. Would Tempo think ill of him if she found out that the entire reason he was staying at Light Labs was this fight over college? 

“...So getting a head start would be great,” He finishes lamely, heading for the door. He holds it open, allowing her to pass through first, “So... It’s Quake Woman, right? What industry do you work in? Uh, if you don’t mind my asking...”

Of course she could see that he also was feeling nervous. Though considering her own feelings nervousness didn’t always equate to being uncomfortable. Maybe if he didn’t mind she could ask to hang out with him for some time.

Oh wait he was talking now wasn’t he? Oops she should probably pay attention. Well so much for not blushing.

“Oh… well I normally hang out with Fla…er Fire. Sorry I’m not sure how well you know everyone’s civilian names. Anyway, if he’s not available I wouldn’t mind uh… spending my time with you. That is if you don’t.”

She nervously played with a lock of her hair as she fought the urge to look away. Wow she hasn’t felt like this since she first started to date Rap. Oh goodness she wasn’t getting a crush on this DWN was she?

No no don’t think about that just try to make friends first. If there was one thing she learn while regaining her emotions was that love was tricky and needed time. Crushes could wait until she got to know the person first.

Wait-- She wants to spend time with him? W... Wow, he honestly didn’t think that would happen. After all, a Wilybot was usually equated with the scum of the earth by anyone who wasn’t a Light, and even then not all of them were as open to the concept of hanging around Albert’s boys. 

“I-I’d like that, actually--” He goes quiet again very quickly at the compliment, staring down at his hands as he prods his index fingers together shyly. “Oh... T-thank you. Heh, Tempo’s a really pretty name, too. It suits you!”

He didn’t look like he was one of the meaner Wilybots either, not with the way he was blushing and stammering like that. It was actually kinda cute and Tempo had to stop herself from giggling. Wilybot or not that still would have been rude. It at least snapped her out of her shock.

“Oh sorry, I just wasn’t expecting anyone other than the Light’s to be home.” She smiled at his response and held her hands up to show there were no hard feelings. “It’s ok, guess you weren’t really expecting me either.”

She then went on to answer his question. “Well kinda, I was hoping to find someone to spend time with for a while. I don’t really know who’s at work right now so I was just coming to see who was home.”

 Someone to spend time with, huh? Well, it’s not like Tone’s doing anything much, aside from playing this game of his-- And he’s just gotten to one of the more annoying segments too. He won’t mind taking a break. Though honestly, he’s fairly certain this LMN girl -- Tempo? -- won’t want to spend time with him of all people. He’s a DWN. Most people didn’t take kindly to them...

“Um, I know Roll is home for sure,” He begins, counting off on his fingers, “I think I saw Proto Man come in a while ago, mmm... Hmm. Then last I saw, Fire Man and Bomb Man were somewhere... But I’m not sure if they’re still here or not.”

...Right. Introductions are also a thing he should probably be doing.

Tempo went up to the door of Light Labs and walked inside. Being a close friend to the family it really wasn’t uncommon for her to just invite herself in. She wasn’t quite sure who had work right now but she hoped that if she couldn’t find Flare than maybe she could find Rap or Roll to spend time with, though she didn’t mind talking to any of the other Lightbots.

Who she did fine however, was not anyone she’d been expecting. No one had told her about the two DWNs that were staying there so when she turned the corner to see one of them she was rather shocked.

Heh... He’s really found himself getting comfortable around the DLNs over the past few days. Dr. Light’s proven himself a really gracious host, and had been incredibly sympathetic when he’d heard the full story as to why exactly the DWNs were going to be hanging around for a bit. While he’s not exactly comfortable talking about it, Tone’s decided that it’s only fair that the adults around Light Labs hear as much as they deem necessary. The kids, however... No. The last thing Tone wants is to plant the idea that one of their own might react the way Snake had to something they might have done. 

Blake had been right about getting away for a few days, too. The change of scenery and new faces have helped Tone settle down considerably, and he feels much less jumpy and nervous. The Lights were so friendly and kind he felt right at home-- Almost like family. ...Which Tone supposes they are, in a way.

He doesn’t react to the sound of footsteps, curled up on the sofa with his 3DS and absorbed in his game. Though Tone does eventually notice only one pair approaching rather than two, and this is what gets his attention. Had Rock gone off to play somewhere else?

“Hey, Bla--”

Oh, hold up. This isn’t Blake. He’s finally looked up from his game, and this is definitely not his little brother.

Instead, it’s a girl-- A really pretty girl. Tone feels his cheeks heat up, and he hurries to sit upright and shut the handheld to make room. She’s never shown up at all over the past few days-- Is she even a Light model? According to his identification scan, no. Hmm... What does LMN stand for?

Oh, right! Replying! That’s a thing he should do!

“I, uh-- Hey! Er, sorry, I... T-Thought you were someone else. Er...” Well, that was a lame first impression. He can barely speak straight! “Umm... Were you looking for one of the DLNs? I-- I think some of them are around somewhere...!”

He let his hands drop to his sides and in plain view. He hoped that it might put Magnet slightly at ease if he could see Snake’s hands more clearly. Far added measure, the older of the two deactivated his armor, leaving his hair to fall across his face.

“I… I’m sorry…”

“It’s…Fine.” Snake replied, hesitance in his voice. It really wasn’t, and if he were to be truthful, Snake was still angry over Magnet going to college, especially considering that he didn’t tell anyone except Shadow. However, even Snakeman knew that bringing the topic back up wouldn’t be a good idea, and he hadn’t gone to his younger sibling with the intention of making him more upset. No, he had come to apologize and perhaps ease Magnet’s fear, not yell at him again.

“I didn’t get angry at you with the intention of this being the result.” He explained, voice surprisingly gentle. “I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”

He took in a synthetic breath, body tensing for a moment before relaxing, but it really just gave the impression that Snake was tired. He looked away from Magnet and ran a hand through his hair, a time of silence passing between them. He looked back up at his brother. Despite the fact that Snake wasn’t the most affectionate person in the world, the situation and the way Magnet had been effected by Snake’s outburst made him want to hug the younger robot, show some form of affection to him, but…

The last time he touched Magnet he had hurt him, physically and mentally. He guessed that his brother wouldn’t be willing to have Snake touch him again, even if the contact wasn’t meant to hurt, wasn’t driven by anger.

The sight of deactivated armour -- and weapons firmly out of reach -- seems to calm the blond somewhat, and he relaxes a little in his posture. If his brother decided to try and hit him again like this, it wouldn’t hurt as much-- and it would be easier to shove him off; Civilian modes tended to be much lighter and easier to maneuver in, despite it coming with the sacrifice of some strength and durability.

...At least it would take his brother time if he decided to suit up again, which could also make an opportunity for a quick getaway...

Funny, if this had been any other time, his first thought would be about pestering Snake to let him brush and re-braid his hair.

 “It’s… Fine.”

“N... No it’s not,” he murmurs, finally daring to meet his brother’s eyes now that he was out of armor. “While... I’m... I’m going, no matter what, I... Should have at least discussed it with you before going into the preparations... Or something. Or... At least not have kept it a big secret, or... Have been so selfish... I just... I need a change of scenery, and a new experience, and I was thinking... Maybe... Well...”

He trails off, deciding against finishing his sentence. “N... No. Never mind, it was stupid. I’m sorry... I’m being really selfish, and... I’m sorry...”

“I didn’t get angry at you with the intention of this being the result.”

Part of him wants to bitterly question what exactly Snake had thought the result would had been, given everything that had happened, but he keeps quiet and stares at his hands again. Nope. He’s not starting another fight. Not when he knows what might happen after...

“A-and I’m not scared of you, either... I just...”

...Well, yes he was. Scared of upsetting him. Scared of Snake deciding he didn’t love him any more. Scared of disappointing him.

“Gos,” Forte warns softly, then shrugs. ”Maybe? That might look kind a weird though…” Comfy, maybe, if he was in utter privacy, but weird. He watches Tone flinch, not quite understanding why - it’s not like he’s complaining, he’s just stating a fact.

…Okay, maybe he’s complaining a little.

“Dunno,” the SWN mutters, and shrugs. “If he’s ever around again, I might. Might not bother, though. I know y’ just said not to stop tryin’, but when I do try it’s just been endin’ up worse, so what else can I do?” 

“Hey, Gos?” he ventures, “Try under the bed. There might be something nice down there.”

‘Something nice’ being a few toys he had gotten the dog well before Forte’s glitch had been fixed. All his attempts to give them to Forte to pass along had met with, well... A trip to the repair table. So had all his attempts to be friendly in general, but...

At least it had all paid off, now.

“Who exactly have you been talking to, Forte?” Tone asks, adjusting his position against the wall, “I’ll speak to them. And... Well. Nothing starts unless you take action. If you really want something, you have to work for it. Giving up is too easy. You can do anything you set your mind too-- Having the patience to see it through is key. Besides, you’ll get bored of me fairly quickly. It’d be nice to be on good terms with the others. Talk to Quick-- He may take you along on some of his trips if you can get on his good side! Wouldn’t that be fun?”