#inspe

A sequel to my favorite IG episode, ‘The Haunted Castle’, as well as my fanfic ‘Through Thick and Thin’.

This particular scene take place towards the end of the fic. Brief summary - Penny is 14; she, Gadget, and Brain return to Transylvania to investigate evil machinations, M.A.D. conspiracies, and legends of a vampire haunting the local village. 

Plus I just wanted to write something fluffy and fun after all the angst I’ve written. Enjoy!

The band quickly struck up a pounding, fast-paced tune, and soon the villagers were clapping and dancing despite the tavern being packed near to bursting.

Gadget quickly sidestepped to avoid a young couple that had actually decided to dance on one of the tables given the lack of room (he suspected a bit too much beer on their part but as they weren’t underaged he’d let it go this once). The young man stumbled, nearly falling off the table, until Gadget’s extended hand caught him by the collar, steadying him.

“Thanks, Inspector! You should join in!” the man laughed as he twirled his partner around, not even batting an eye as Gadget’s arm telescoped back to its normal length.

Shaking his head at the wildness of today’s youth, Gadget leaned against the wall to avoid any more dancers (or having any drinks spilled on him). He watched with a smile as a woman pulled Penny into a chain of men, women, and children.

Her golden hair whisked among the dancers and Gadget would have been perfectly content to stay there all night, watching his niece dance, until suddenly she was right in front of him.

“Come on, Uncle! It’s fun!” she said, face flushed as she took his hands in her own. “I don’t know the steps...” Gadget protested as his niece pulled him into the crowd.

“That doesn’t matter - I don’t think there are any steps!” Penny laughed, beaming with such life and joy that it nearly took his breath away.

Feeling a bit like a clumsy ox next to a graceful doe, Gadget reluctantly let Penny pull him into the crowd. When Penny had been much younger they had playfully danced together to the radio at home, but never like this with so many people around them.

Gadget had never really been fond of dancing, even from before he had become a cyborg. Penny noticed his hesitation and gave him a quick hug.

“No one’s going to laugh at you, Uncle,” said Penny softly, so that only Gadget with his enhanced hearing could hear. “They just want you to enjoy yourself.” Gadget nodded, relaxing somewhat as he wrapped one arm around Penny’s waist, taking her other hand in his own as they moved with the crowd.

“It’s okay to have fun,” Penny added, laughing as they were jostled a bit by the excited crowd of dancers. “That means you too Brain!” she called to the dog, who barked excitedly, tail wagging.

The band sped up their tune to an even faster one and the crowd sped up as well. Soon the very floorboards were shuddering under so many pounding feet. 

Penny laughed as they were pressed close together from all sides. Gadget felt his self-consciousness fade at seeing how happy his niece was. His eye suddenly caught sight of the clock above the entrance and he smiled down at his niece.

“Wowsers, Penny, it’s midnight! That means it’s your birthday!” he nearly had to shout above the noise but didn’t mind. “I almost forgot!” the girl exclaimed breathlessly.  Suddenly feeling mischievous and much more confident, Gadget suddenly put both hands on Penny’s waist and lifted her up above him, twirling her around.

“Uncle Gadget, put me down!” Penny half-gasped, half-laughed, once again amazed at her uncle’s strength as he effortlessly held her. 

She wrapped her arms around his neck, laughing as they twirled around until the room spun in a wash of color around them. She leaned her forehead against her uncle’s and relaxed completely in his arms, knowing he wouldn’t drop her.

Gadget shook his head, suddenly feeling more human than he had in a long time. He kept his arms wrapped around Penny’s waist, one hand resting against her back to keep her steady.

“Can’t do that, Penny! It’s your birthday!” he said with a grin.

“Oi, it’s your birthday? Happy birthday, kid!” 

“Yes, happy birthday!”

“Many happy returns, my dear!”

The girl blushed and waved her thanks at the villagers who were now in full swing, shouting and clapping and whistling as they danced with abandon. The count had certainly been correct when he had said that they knew how to throw a party, she thought.

Gadget watched his niece’s beaming face and was once again struck by the utter trust Penny had in him. He had felt her immediately relax as soon as he had picked her up, only surprise and joy in her face when so many other people had often given Gadget looks of horror and fear (he wasn’t quite as blind as everyone thought).

“Happy birthday, Penny,” he murmured, hoping his tone conveyed his feelings. Penny never failed to remind him that he was still human despite everyone else seeing only a machine.

Penny smiled gently down at him, her hair a complete mess and hanging in a golden mass that brushed against Gadget’s skin as she playfully kissed his nose.

“You’re amazing, Uncle Gadget.”

Gadget blushed a bit but didn’t put her down as the music and laughter swelled around them.