sizzling circuits!

“A date? Really?” Proto raised an eyebrow. “As long as it’s not with any of the Wilybots, I know some of ‘em have been eyeing her. I know there aren’t a ton of female robots around, but nobody under Wily’s command is good enough for our sis!”

And he meant that. If he ever saw one of his allies hitting on her, he’d punch them out. Heck, he’d already had to punch out a few Wilybots who’d been hitting on Rock! Seriously though- if Metal Man hadn’t discovered Bomb Man and moved away from Rock, Proto probably would’ve turned him into scrap metal.

…A thought occurred to him. “Y’don’t think that’s why she hasn’t told you, do ya? It’d sure explain why she thinks you’d spy on ‘em.” For the record, Proto would join him. Again: Roll was too good for anyone with a DWN designation number!

The younger of the two shrugs, though can’t help raising a brow at his brother’s words. Not out of irritation, mind, but confusion. Since when does Proto Man care about their sister’s love life? It’s not like he disagrees with him-- There is no Wilybot good enough for Roll, definitely not! -- but... 

It’s Proto Man. Rock thought he’d consider himself above what was going on with their sis... Or even with him.

“They have? Really? Uh, who? Just-- Just out of curiosity.” And so that if he ever happens to see ‘em, he can give the scumbot a warning.

...

Oh, no. Now that Blues has brought it up, the thought of Roll secretly dating a Wilybot won’t leave his head. It makes too much sense-- Why else wouldn’t she tell her twin brother where she was going, or with whom?

“Please don’t say that. It makes too much sense, and now I’m never gonna be able to let this go. I mean, if she really wants to go ahead and date one of you guys, I guess I can’t complain so long as they’re treating her right... But it’d sure help to know who’s butt to kick if it all goes down the drain!”

…Now that he remembered that he was missing his scarf he felt that much more uncomfortable. Geez- what was he, to need a long piece of cloth as a security item? He was better than that! He was Proto Man! He was Wily’s best and brightest, not some awkward wimp with a blaster!

Though... Maybe he could get his hands on a second scarf, later. Just until Proto could get his own back. Maybe it'd make him feel better. Rock makes a mental note to try it while they're out. 

And thank heavens Proto decided not to bug him about what exactly he did to make Roll upset. He still felt awful, and the last thing Rock needed right now was to be made fun of for it.

"She's, uh... Good, I guess. She says she has a date tomorrow night, but she won't tell me anything about it-- She says I'll try and spy on her, but I won't! I just wanna know who the guy is, y'know? A brother needs to know these things..."

Hearing Rock’s question, Proto froze in place. One hand touched his bare collar. His scarf- he almost cursed. "It’s, uh- back at Skull Fortress," he said. "…Crud."

It must’ve slipped off when he’d been fighting with Guts Man. Well, he wasn’t going to be allowed to go get it; ugh, he’d have to deal for now. That sucked! He liked that scarf a lot. It made him look cool! No wonder he couldn’t act as well as he normally did. Now he really was naked.

...Would they? Bah, he'll worry about it later!

"In the wash, huh?" Rock supplies, "Heh, sorry. It's just weird to see you not wearing it-- Heck, you even wear it when we're... Y'know."

He doesn't want to say 'when we're fighting'. He really doesn't. Even if it's just for tonight, Rock wants to pretend they are normal robot brothers doing normal robot brother things. Like going to an arcade.

"The arcade sounds good to me." It was what stuck out the most out of what his brother had listed. "Besides, if you stop me before I’ve even started doing something bad, then that’s just not as fun."

The way Proto figured it, this was about the closest he was going to get to actually managing a good relationship with Rock. Actually, this might’ve been pushing it. It was definitely pushing it half of the time when he was hanging out with Guts Man and Cut Man, but at least they had the excuse of also being Wilybots and therefore not the most sociable bunch, either. Rock, on the other hand? He was the good guy.

"Alright, badbot. We can do the arcade. It's been a while since I've been, anyways-- I bet they've changed out the prizes in the claw catcher by now!" 

Perhaps it was just the DLN's friendly nature at work, but he already felt quite a bit more relaxed around the Wilybot, and they hadn't even really left the area yet. 

...Better change that, though, before Roll sees and flips out. Rock's about to lead his brother out of the lab, but it suddenly strikes him that Proto Man is missing something. Something soft and yellow...

"...Bro, where's your scarf?"

Geez, now he kind of feels bad for his attitude. But... He couldn't just let everything go on a dime now that Wily had slowed down... It could be a trap. Get Rock's trust and screw him over again. Blues had gleefully played along last time, who's to say he wasn't at it again...?

Deep down, Rock really hopes his brother is being genuine... As much as he'd been hurt, he still really wanted a chance to rebuild their relationship, maybe... Maybe even be friends.

Proto Man stared at his brother, legitimately surprised to hear that they would actually be spending time together. Here he was, making an ass of himself to be annoying, and it somehow paid off? How did that work?! … He’d probably better put his shirt on, as well. He’d embarrassed his brother enough as-was.

"Are you serious?" he asked genuinely as he put on his shirt and zipped up his pants. "I mean— uh— heh, good! Good t’know my lil bro won’t disappoint."

She’s straight-faced, and not giving in. No, Rock. Your spying attempts are terrible, she’s not going to put up with your behavior.

"Alright, alright... But I wanna meet him sometime, still. And if he hurts you in any way I'm still punching his face in. Okay?"

Heavy sigh. He's giving you the puppy dog eyes now, Roll. Stay strong for the sake of your date!

Just this once, though.

"A brother's not supposed to stab his brother in the back," Rock mutters, before ultimately changing his tune, "But... I guess I'll spend some time with you. For now. It's not like I have anything better to be doing."

That's a lie. If Rock finds out who Roll's going out with, he will almost certainly try to spy on them. 

"And how's that my problem? Don't you have friends you can go harass? I don't see why you're so dead set on bugging me all the time, go hang out with them."