What's your Malfunction?

“Fancy an upgrade, Blackjack?” “I…I…n-no, th-thank you…” [Independent, multi-muse RP blog for Steam Powered Giraffe OCs, Blackjack and The Engineer.] [Please make sure to read About and Rules pages before interacting!] [Icon images drawn by the awesome wxredwrong!!]

[introvertedscience]

“Give me a kiss. No wait…two kisses. No, three ki-” [from The Engineeer of course :3 In either canon or human au whichever]

“Three kisses?” The freckled male repeated the request with an arched eyebrow before lips curled into a teasing grin. “That’s an awfully steep fine there Darlin’. In this economy..” 

Of course he was more than happy to deliver the kisses. Especially considering the date. Not that..Oscar needed a manufactured holiday to show affection and care towards his partner but. It was a good excuse. Besides..some of the decorations ended up being cute or just..purely aesthetic. He’d ordered the other a box of those gore inspired chocolates. The one’s shaped like organs and what not. Hadn’t..handed ‘em over yet. But that could come later. Maybe while they watched a movie for something to snack on. He’d also gotten a fresh batch of dipped apples–those would ALSO come later, less The Engineer make himself sick.

“What’s in it fer me?” A gloved hand came to prop his chin up, resting on the arm of the couch before he bit his bottom lip. “Besides gettin’ ta smooch yer handsome mug?” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

introvertedscience:

Valentine’s Day had always been pretty lackluster for Oscar. Honestly just another day…like most holidays. His sweet tooth didn’t appreciate many chocolates and taffy’s weren’t exactly a common place candy on the holiday. Though he didn’t mind conversation hearts. Nice to crunch on while he worked. The roses he’d woken up to had been a shock. A nice one! Don’t get him wrong! The hidden treats had earned the biggest smile he could manage, touched by the thoughtful gesture from his boyfriend. Not to mention the fact that they were fake–anything else sentenced to death should the two need to care for actual flowers. With fake ones..he could pin them up his workspace as a reminder of the gesture.

“Iunno there pal..” Brown eyes squinted suspiciously as the counted fingers were held out towards him and his boyfriend puffed out his chest. “Three whole kisses. Stretchin’ yer funds pretty thin there ya know?” Smile dipped into something sheepish for a moment, just to make sure his partner knew he was joking around before he resumed his thoughtful pout. “Somethin’ ta bribe me huh? What’s the one the table here? What ace ya got hidin’ up yer sleeve there Sweetheart?” 

He tapped thoughtfully at his chin.

“Somethin’ could be arranged..depends.” 

The Engineer’s sweet tooth appreciated Valentine’s Day enough - or, more accurately, it appreciated the day after Valentine’s Day, when all the chocolates and sweets went cheap. If he was lucky, he could snag a box of those alcoholic chocolates. They were always fun.

Not this year, though! This year, he had Oscar!

Oof, the flowers had been…a worry, if he were honest. He knew Oscar didn’t much appreciate the pretty plants as gifts, wasn’t really that kind of guy, so he was concerned on if the flowers would receive an awkward thanks or not. He supposed the taffy in them helped - and the colour. Had made sure the shade of blue of the petals was as close to Oscar’s favourite shade as he could get.

“Whaaat?” The Engineer asked, voice reaching a higher pitch, then he waved a hand. “Nooo. Noooo, I’m not. Three kisses is nothin’, I’m alright. Got enough.” He gave a small chortle, briefly breaking the act, before he put his hands to his hips. Which…probably looked a bit silly, considered he was sitting on the arm of the couch rather than the couch itself, but he was making do. It was comfortable here. Sturdy.

“Ohh, wouldn’t you like to know?” The Engineer asked cheekily, grinning deviously. When Oscar tapped at his chin, The Engineer’s grin widened. “Depends, huh? Depends on what? How goooood my bribe is? Huh? Or have you got some other idea here, Williams?” He folded his arms. “I’ll take it, whatever you got. I’m ready - and I’m gettin’ my three kisses, just you watch. Maybe more, if I play my cards right~” He waggled with his eyebrows.

[roboticpunk]

"DEVON HEAVEN!" The door to the Movie Hut burst open and there was Bailey, one foot perked up, arms up in the air, dressed in a pink version of his usual card suit shirt. "HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, DEVON HEAVENNN!!"

Bored didn’t even begin to cover the current state of mind the male was experiencing. Not only had he had to take the opening shift that day, he was stuck sorting through the stupid romantic comedies to make sure they were in good condition to be rented for the night. As if anyone was actually going to trek their way to the Movie Hut and rent a stupid movie when they could just pull up Netflix or snag it offline. It was stupid and he’d much rather be at Bailey’s. Or lounging on the couch in the bookstore..considering his boyfriend was probably working. But here he was..the only asshole on the clock watching the dead store. His manager had called and said he’d be in later. Whenever that was.

Sudden noise and movement at the front of the store gathered his attention and he peeked around the shelves of DVD’s and Blu rays expecting to find a customer only to find his boyfriend adorned in pink. Expression immediately lifted and he all but threw the DVD case in his hand to the shelf before rushing towards the entrance, the staff lanyard around his neck swinging with the quick movements. 

“Bailey!” A grin stretched across his face and he gave the other’s outfit a once over. “Cute babe. Real cute.” 

Right. Valentine’s Day. It was pretty surreal actually having a serious relationship for the holiday. He’d shot off a quick text before going to work for Bailey to wake up to but..beyond that he hadn’t really. Done much to acknowledge the holiday. Not yet at least. Part of him hoped they could..go out to dinner tonight. Hang out? Fuck he didn’t know. They did that often. Did that mean it wasn’t as special to do it on Valentine’s Day? Was that a thing? He’d also bought Bailey a small dog plush. One of the cheesy ones that cropped up every year with the heart hanging out it’s mouth. It was currently hidden in his backpack to hand over once he was off of work. 

It wasn’t..much. He didn’t know what he was doing. 

“Pink’s a good color for you.” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

Oh, Bailey adored Valentine’s Day! It was pretty much his favourite holiday, besides Christmas.

The entire holiday was just…his aesthetic. All in one day. The pinks, the reds, the hearts everywhere, the couples expressing their love for each other, the chocolates and sweets to be given out, the flowers! It was all so much, and he loved every bit.

Of course, Valentine’s Day was always depressing when you were single, as he had been for the last few Valentine’s Days. But now he had Devon and he was more excited than ever for the holiday - just imagine what he and Devon could do together!

…No, wait, don’t - don’t imagine that - hey, hey, woooaaahhh - okay, wait - get your mind out of the gutter - woah, okay - OKAY. THAT’S ENOUGH NOW. God. Never prompting you with a thought process again. Geez…

The bookstore was indeed open today and Bailey was doing a sale on any book from the Romantic Fiction section, specifically for the day. The lounge area had little chocolates to snack on whilst deciding on a book, some fruit punch to drink (raspberry, strawberry and blueberry flavour; a nice pinky red for the holiday). The shop was decorated in paper hearts and streamers and things, all in red, pink and white. What could he say? He was enthusiastic.

And he simply couldn’t have waited for Devon to come to his store, so time for a change! Time to mix things up! A visit to Movie Hut! Come to think of it, he didn’t think he’d ever been to Devon’s workplace, so this was exciting! A whole new adventure on Valentine’s Day!

Of course, he’d bought Devon presents, but the punk would have to wait until their actual date for all of them. Except for one, which Bailey would present him with very soon. For now, he was covering his blushing cheeks and smiling bashfully, wiggling on the spot. “Awww, shucks! Thank you, hehe! Figured I’d change things up a bit for the holidays, hehehe!”

The brunet looked to Devon’s uniform, smile not deterring. “And what a nice outfit you’re wearing! Really makes your eyes pop! Although, I don’t know if I appreciate the hat flattening your hair, Devon Heaven. Your hair’s one of my favourite things about you!”

Of course, he knew it wasn’t like Devon had a choice in the matter, but there was no shame in giving opinions, right? Devon looked cute in his uniform, either way.

[introvertedscience]

“Give me a kiss. No wait…two kisses. No, three ki-” [from The Engineeer of course :3 In either canon or human au whichever]

“Three kisses?” The freckled male repeated the request with an arched eyebrow before lips curled into a teasing grin. “That’s an awfully steep fine there Darlin’. In this economy..” 

Of course he was more than happy to deliver the kisses. Especially considering the date. Not that..Oscar needed a manufactured holiday to show affection and care towards his partner but. It was a good excuse. Besides..some of the decorations ended up being cute or just..purely aesthetic. He’d ordered the other a box of those gore inspired chocolates. The one’s shaped like organs and what not. Hadn’t..handed ‘em over yet. But that could come later. Maybe while they watched a movie for something to snack on. He’d also gotten a fresh batch of dipped apples–those would ALSO come later, less The Engineer make himself sick.

“What’s in it fer me?” A gloved hand came to prop his chin up, resting on the arm of the couch before he bit his bottom lip. “Besides gettin’ ta smooch yer handsome mug?” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

“Thaaaat’s right!” The Engineer replied, then held up three fingers as he puffed out his chest. “Three whole kisses. No gives or takes. ‘s what I’m chargin’ ya.”

To be honest, The Engineer hadn’t ever been a fan of Valentine’s Day. Before getting a partner himself, it had just been a reminder of how he was single, how his relationships back in college had just been scams to get good grades, how he would die alone and never find someone who genuinely loved him.

Oh…now he had. So he supposed Valentine’s Day wasn’t so bad after all, eh?

Of course, he’d gotten Oscar presents. He’d greeted him with a bouquet of flowers that morning - blue roses. They’d been fake, purely so The Engineer could hide little pieces of taffy inside of them and along the stems; he hadn’t wanted to get the sweets covered in pollen (even if they were in their wrappers still). Besides, neither of them were into flower care; those roses would’ve died the second Valentine’s Day was over, if they’d been real.

He’d bought Oscar his own box of chocolates as well; along the same wavelength, only his weren’t gory, but rather mundane in comparison. Shaped like bones, coffins, skeletons, severed limbs - the works. Mostly dark chocolates, since he knew milk and white were often too sweet for Oscar to consume too much of. He planned to present them this evening.

And, of course, a proper present: a Friday the 13th based mug, complete with Jason Voorhees’s iconic hockey mask-covered face on one side and the film’s title on the other, with the surface of the mug cut and carved into, like it had been hacked with a machete. And some fake bloodstains never hurt anybody.

Hopefully, Oscar would like his presents…

The Engineer snorted, then cocked his head with a smirk. “Aww. Ain’t gettin’ ta kiss me enough for ya? Need another little nudge, huh? Somethin’ ta bribe ya with? Another prize, right?”

[wxredwrong]

It takes almost all of his courage to do so; Blackjack shuffles up to The Spine and tentatively tugs on his sleeve to get his attention, ducking his head to avoid eye contact. He seems to be hiding something behind his back with his free hand.

“Hm?”

Attention shifted almost immediately downwards after the tug on his sleeve and green optics blink in confusion before he raises his glance to look at his younger brother. 

Face plates shifted into a softer expression and he offered what he hoped came across as an encouraging smile as not to chase off the other Walter automaton. 

“Well..hello Blackjack. Can I help you with something?” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

wxredwrong:

No one was going to be marching anywhere. There’d be no dismantlement. No yelling. No anger. None of that. The Spine wouldn’t have it in him to respond to anyone that way, let alone Blackjack. 

“I won’t be mad Blackjack..” He assured quietly before removing the piece of folded up paper. Where he might have expected a letter or a card of some sort came a picture, drawn in crayon just as his princess crown had been crafted with. The pressure behind his photo-receptors returned and he stared, blankly, down at the paper unsure of where his emotions were running. He read the words, silver finger tracing over the scribbles in disbelief. You and Me. Me and You. Blackjack and The Spine. As..as humans. Humans. There was no silver coloring on his small figure in the picture. No lines marring his face. No spinal plates poking out the back. He traced over it all, taking care not to melt or smudge the wax. 

A plume of steam trailed out his mouth and he mimicked a swallow before realizing he should probably..say something, less his brother get the wrong idea. Take his silence for judgement.

“…Blackjack..this..this is..very special.” And it was. More than he could articulate into words at the moment. If the princess crown had warmed his core, this was. This was a million princess crown’s rolled into one. Eyes remained on the paper, as if frightened that glancing away would erase the image. Just. Poof.

“I..Thank you. Thank you very much. I can’t. Words. At the moment.” He let out a strained laugh before bringing a hand up to press at his eyes, checking to make sure he wasn’t actually leaking oil from them. No. Not yet.  Good..didn’t want to cause a scene. Frighten his baby brother. “I think..this is the best present I’ve ever gotten.” 

He didn’t know that…

As he heard the sounds of paper crinkling as the folded up gift was retrieved, Blackjack’s gold body only quaked more, knees knocking, hands squeezing the brim of his hat tightly as he pulled it even farther down the fraction of his head that wasn’t currently inside of his shirt.

What would The Spine think of him? Bringing up that old secret between them, daring to try and…make light of the situation? The Spine didn’t want to be reminded of their shared plight; there was a reason they didn’t speak of it, and it wasn’t just because Blackjack didn’t speak to his brother much anyways.

Who did Blackjack think he was, bringing it up like this? Just so casually. ‘Oh, here you go, The Spine! Here’s a stupid drawing of that problem we both have! Hope you don’t get offended!’ What right did he have to do that? He was just…Blackjack. Just Blackjack - and Just Blackjack didn’t have any right to force The Spine to think about their conundrum like this. Nobody did.

So, effectively, he was ruining The Spine’s day. He’d obviously already ruined it by talking to him in the first place, but now he was just making it worse. Classic Blackjack.

The Spine was silent and Blackjack knew that meant he hated it. He was about to turn and leg it when The Spine blew out steam from his vents and mimicked a swallow, and Blackjack awaited the order to get his arse down to the Sixth to be scrapped, only…it never came. He flinched at the mention of his name, and his quaking continued as The Spine spoke, only to stop when he realised that his brother’s words weren’t…negative.

The…The best present he’s ever gotten…

That didn’t sound real. Were his audio receptors working correctly?

Slowly, Blackjack peeked out of his hat and looked to his brother, then his head slowly rose from his shirt and he removed his hat, looking down at it as he played with the brim. “I…Y-You’re welcome…I…find that a little hard to believe, though…I’m sure you’ve gotten better things…from fans. Or Malfunction. Or even…Rabbit…”

What was so special about a silly crayon drawing, anyways? So what if Blackjack had worked hard on it, right?

[terranatior]

Haha <:3c Happy Valentine’s Day to my partner @wander-over-the-words

Here’s some lame cards I’ve been working on <33 It’s been VERY hard not to spoil the surprise for you dlksfjlkdjf

[terranatior]

Here they are! Updated references for both of my Walter Worker Ocs!

Oscar Williams and Harper Levy Brooks!

[wxredwrong]

It takes almost all of his courage to do so; Blackjack shuffles up to The Spine and tentatively tugs on his sleeve to get his attention, ducking his head to avoid eye contact. He seems to be hiding something behind his back with his free hand.

“Hm?”

Attention shifted almost immediately downwards after the tug on his sleeve and green optics blink in confusion before he raises his glance to look at his younger brother. 

Face plates shifted into a softer expression and he offered what he hoped came across as an encouraging smile as not to chase off the other Walter automaton. 

“Well..hello Blackjack. Can I help you with something?” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

wxredwrong:

The Spine didn’t quite understand what was causing such distress. What was so nerve wracking that Blackjack couldn’t even meet his eyes like this. 

Expression dipped into a frown as he continued to hold onto the envelope, his question not..not really getting a positive or negative answer. 

It was up to him.

He froze as his brother attempted to retreat further into himself and began stuttering and stammering, tripping over his words as he begged The Spine not to be mad. Not to..to hurt him–not to hurt him. The Spine would never..had never raised a hand to his sibling’s with a negative purpose. Had never sought to hurt them. Would never wish to hurt them.

“Blackjack…hey.” He took a step closer before pausing, not wishing to make the other automaton uncomfortable with sudden closeness. “I would never..ever hurt you. You know that right..? I’m not going to be angry. I’m not going to do anything to you. Alright?” 

His free hand hovered, wanting so desperately to step forward and try to comfort the golden bot but. It wasn’t his best skill. That was more of Rabbit’s territory. Zero even. Solitaire! Anyone else. Never mind the fact that the bridge between the two of them was shaky at best. The rift was still there and The Spine didn’t want to..to destroy what progress he’d made by stepping over a boundary. Even if his brother was breaking his figurative heart. 

“….” 

Attention dropped down to the envelope again before he ‘inhaled’ quietly and pressed a silver digits against the top. He carefully tore across the top to fish out the contents. 

Oh, he’d find out. As soon as he opened that envelope…

The Spine was going to be so angry. Why had Blackjack thought this was a good idea? Why would he think this was…an appropriate gift to give to his brother? The Spine would be offended. The Spine would be disgusted. The Spine would hate him; who did he think he was? Giving such a gift?

He’d march him right down to Peter.

Scratch that, he’d march him right down to The Engineer, who would no doubt do a messier and more painful job of taking Blackjack apart. Have his moment in the spotlight; finally have the Thes work together. The Engineer would love to take him apart, no doubt.

Blackjack wished he could believe The Spine’s words. He would deserve it, his brother raising a hand to him. Raising a hand to him like…like…someone had before. When had he been hit before? Who had hit him before? Someone had…Was it The Engineer? The Engineer had hit him before.

He must’ve been thinking of The Engineer.

“You’re probably…going to be mad…” Blackjack said under his shirt, still hiding beneath it and his hat. Honestly, who did Blackjack think he was?

The envelope was torn open and Blackjack mimicked a shaky inhale and quaked even more, hiding further within his body, wishing above all else that the ground would swallow him whole - or, in the very least, that he was over with Devo right now. Devo always kept him calm; Devo never got mad at him.

Inside the envelope, there was a folded up piece of paper. And if The Spine so chose to pick out this piece of paper and unfold it? Why, he would discover that Blackjack’s Christmas/Valentine’s Day/Groundhog Day/whatever holiday one might think of present was…a drawing.

[wxredwrong]

It takes almost all of his courage to do so; Blackjack shuffles up to The Spine and tentatively tugs on his sleeve to get his attention, ducking his head to avoid eye contact. He seems to be hiding something behind his back with his free hand.

“Hm?”

Attention shifted almost immediately downwards after the tug on his sleeve and green optics blink in confusion before he raises his glance to look at his younger brother. 

Face plates shifted into a softer expression and he offered what he hoped came across as an encouraging smile as not to chase off the other Walter automaton. 

“Well..hello Blackjack. Can I help you with something?” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

wxredwrong:

The Spine gave a nod of confirmation. Of course. 

Valentine’s day went for everyone..whether they were a romantic couple or not. He knew a handful of the Walter Worker’s always gave out little gifts here and there to their coworkers. Like those little boxes of conversation hearts (the ones that supposedly tasted like chalk.) 

Green optics stared towards his brother as he rushed to grab the gift out of his shirt with just as much nervous urgency as he had with the Princess Crown. He watched as his head descended into it’s turtle-esque hiding technique before carefully reaching forward and taking the item from the other’s golden hold. 

An envelope?

His own silver digits traced along the writing before face plates shifted to allow the arch of an eyebrow. He hesitated, touch worrying at the edge of the object before ‘clearing’ his throat.

“May I open it now? Or would you prefer I wait..?” Maybe it was a strange question..but the last thing he wanted to do was further Blackjack’s discomfort if he could prevent it. 

Oh…he supposed that was true, yes. When you put it that way. Perhaps he should look into getting gifts for the Walter Workers, then, too. In the very least, for The Engineer. And Oscar. And Cherry. And Flynn. And Harper. And -

Blackjack’s body still quaked with nerves, even as The Spine removed the envelope from his grasp. Once his hand was free, it joined the other one in grabbing the brim of his hat, pulling the headgear down further over his eyes to cover them from watching his brother’s reaction. This was it.

Ohhhh, he didn’t know if he could do this…

Blackjack dared to peek out at The Spine’s question. Did he want him to open it now? Did he want to be here for this? The Spine could be so angry…so disappointed in him. He could throw it to the floor, stomp on it, laugh in Blackjack’s face! Could take Blackjack by the wrist, march him down to the Sixth and order him to be scrapped then and there. How dare Blackjack do this!

His brother was going to hate him…

But then, who was he to order his brother around? The Spine had authority over him; couldn’t tell him when to open it.

“I…It’s…up to you…” Blackjack replied, speech muffled by his shirt, what with the lower half of his head still hidden. “I…Just…” His nerves hit a new height and he shut his eyes once more and tried to shove his entire head down. “J-Just! P-Please, don’t be c-cross with me! I-I didn’t mean to make you mad! H-Honest! P-Please, don’t…hurt me…!”

[terranatior]

The bois wouldn’t get along with Harper very well lsdkfjslkdf

Based on this

The Engineer belongs to @wander-over-the-words

[sparknshinerpmemes-blog]

         Gettin’ heavy

                with the devil

     you can hear

        the wedding bells

[wxredwrong]

It takes almost all of his courage to do so; Blackjack shuffles up to The Spine and tentatively tugs on his sleeve to get his attention, ducking his head to avoid eye contact. He seems to be hiding something behind his back with his free hand.

“Hm?”

Attention shifted almost immediately downwards after the tug on his sleeve and green optics blink in confusion before he raises his glance to look at his younger brother. 

Face plates shifted into a softer expression and he offered what he hoped came across as an encouraging smile as not to chase off the other Walter automaton. 

“Well..hello Blackjack. Can I help you with something?” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

wxredwrong:

Oh no. 

No one would be stealing his crown unless he knelt down low enough for someone to swipe it off his head or two someone’s stood on each other’s shoulders, like two children trying to don a trench coat and sneak into a movie.

“Well..I think it’s a big deal.” He answered softly whilst shifting his posture, taking a moment to adjust his knees before straightening back to his full height. The Spine had never been able to just sit and..make something out of paper and glue like that. He was far too busy for crafts..not that. Music wasn’t a craft itself. But. It was different! He’d never been the most creative of his siblings after all. 

“Something else?” The silver automaton echoed, pursing his lips before looking down at his brother curiously. Of course Blackjack hadn’t had to get him a present. His own gift deliveries hadn’t been on time this year, shockingly enough, The Spine caught up in assisting Peter with the Yulemas party and the bonuses and the remaining concerts. It’d been quite a busy time..he hadn’t seen much of Blackjack then. But he’d still dished out the gifts he’d bought to those they were for. Surely Blackjack had found his; it’d been addressed to him and only him. 

“Valentine’s day deals with all forms of love Blackjack. Not to worry.” He shot the golden bot another grin, “Platonic. Familial. Fanatic. Romantic etcetera etcetera..” Valentine’s day! He’d have to get his plans sorted for that as well. With all the excitement of the anniversary concert, the holiday had nearly slipped his memory banks. 

(Or unless a certain English Walter Worker grabbed a stepladder. Wink.)

Blackjack faltered, then just ducked his head lower. The Spine…thought it was a big deal that he made him a paper crown? Surely not. Surely, he was just…playing. It was just…a silly crown. One of Blackjack’s silly antics.

It really hadn’t…been hard. He liked arts and crafts, did drawings all the time. Been pretty easy to make a crown; making sure it was The Spine’s size was a bit more difficult, but he’d gotten hold of Rabbit’s old hat and had used that for size (after all, if Rabbit’s old trousers fit The Spine, why shouldn’t her hat?)

Blackjack’s presents usually weren’t as…personal as the one he had hidden in his pocket. Usually just grabbed stuffed animals or colourful sweets and left them around the manor for people to find. Never presented people with their presents, lest people be agitated that he was bothering them. Didn’t want to bother anybody. Presenting them with the odd candy cane for no reason? No problem; didn’t have to wait for their reaction. Actually stopping someone, giving them a present and having to see their reaction to their own special gift? Nope, couldn’t handle that; hiding them around the manor would do.

(Blackjack had indeed found his, but - seeing that it was from The Spine and fearing it would be some cruel prank or some sort of device to trap him so he could be scrapped or to kick him out of the manor - he hadn’t opened it. It was in his treasure room, along with all the SPG merchandise he’d taken over the years.)

“Oh, well…that’s a relief…” Blackjack nodded. So, now he had a reason to give this to The Spine? A reason not to chicken out?

Ouch.

Blackjack faked an inhale through his synthetic teeth, then he plunged a hand into his waistcoat, snatching the item from his shirt pocket and let his head sink into his shirt as one hand yanked the brim of his hat down over his eyes and his arm was once again thrust and The Spine’s gift was presented to him.

An…envelope. With pretty cursive writing on the front.

TO: The Spine. FROM: Blackjack.

[wxredwrong]

It takes almost all of his courage to do so; Blackjack shuffles up to The Spine and tentatively tugs on his sleeve to get his attention, ducking his head to avoid eye contact. He seems to be hiding something behind his back with his free hand.

“Hm?”

Attention shifted almost immediately downwards after the tug on his sleeve and green optics blink in confusion before he raises his glance to look at his younger brother. 

Face plates shifted into a softer expression and he offered what he hoped came across as an encouraging smile as not to chase off the other Walter automaton. 

“Well..hello Blackjack. Can I help you with something?” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

wxredwrong:

Not a stupid crown thank you very much. He’s planning on wearing it all day; and even after he’ll probably wear it when he needs a pick me up. All because of his thoughtful brother. 

He froze as Blackjack complimented him, photo-receptors glowing a bit brighter after being called cool. It was one thing to call himself such things on stage. To joke about how…cool and hip he was. But to actually hear it, unprompted, from the sibling most estranged from him? Certainly meant the world to him. 

Of course, bringing attention to it might embarrass Blackjack. Push the other away and..The Spine wouldn’t want that. So he simply ‘cleared’ his throat and tried not to sabotage the situation they were currently in before focusing on what else was being said. 

The Engineer had stolen Blackjack’s crown. Well..that was no good but..it certainly sounded like something the English male would do. Especially the whole ‘Declaring himself king and rushing off to do what he wanted’. That just..screamed The Engineer.  It wasn’t really..alright that it had just been taken. But bargaining with The Engineer usually didn’t end well for anyone. 

“Well..no one is getting their hands on this.” The Spine assured, pointing up at the crown resting on top of his own hat. Of course he miiiight go and show Rabbit for the sake of things but after that it’d be safe with himself in the Hall of Wires. He’d find a place to keep it out of harm’s way. Out of QWERTY’s way as well, less the AI try and snatch it with his clawed attachment. Even if someone got hold of it well! His name! Was right there! Who in the world would dare to take it? 

“Thank you once more Blackjack. It really is something special..I can’t believe you’d go out of your way to make me this.” 

Oh…Gosh…He didn’t have to, if he didn’t want to…

Yes, his crown was in The Engineer’s possession now. He suspected it would either remain so or it would be back within his possession by the end of the week; if The Engineer hadn’t given it over to Oscar, no doubt Solitaire would be telling on him to the freckled male and Oscar would sort things out. Tell The Engineer to give it back, stop being a bully. Either way, Blackjack was sure this wasn’t to be the last time he saw that piece of royal headgear.

Blackjack nodded at The Spine’s promise that no harm would come to the crown. That was reassuring; he couldn’t imagine that anybody would want to take The Spine’s crown, though - or that they even could. The Engineer certainly couldn’t; The Spine was much too tall for him to snatch the crown from his head and run away with it, like he’d done with Blackjack’s crown.

Steam pumped out of the vent on the back of Blackjack’s neck as he turned bashful and sheepish. He looked down at his fingers, playing with them again as his nerves struck up again. “Oh, well…It’s no problem. It’s just…It’s no big deal. It’s just…paper and glue, isn’t it? Some crayon…” No big deal, not really…anything to pat Blackjack on the back for. He was just…a robot, who made a paper crown. Not really anything…massive…

The item in his pocket continued to feel heavy and he wiggled slightly, his head threatening to fall into his shirt again as his nerves starting hitting new levels. “I…Uh…I have…something else…” He faked another human gulp. “…It…occurred to me that I…never gave you your Christmas present…” (Well, of course he hadn’t; he’d been with Devo at Christmas, teaching him what Christmas even was.) “And, uh…well, I suppose it could count as a…Valentine’s present?”

His expression twisted. “Can family members…give each other Valentine’s Day gifts? Not sure. Maybe. Don’t know. Mine don’t. But…I don’t know. It’s the only holiday coming up that I can think of…”

(But, hey, there’s another holiday he’d have to teach Devo about…)

[datarobotsuggestion]

date a robot who really likes hearing you say their name

[wxredwrong]

It takes almost all of his courage to do so; Blackjack shuffles up to The Spine and tentatively tugs on his sleeve to get his attention, ducking his head to avoid eye contact. He seems to be hiding something behind his back with his free hand.

“Hm?”

Attention shifted almost immediately downwards after the tug on his sleeve and green optics blink in confusion before he raises his glance to look at his younger brother. 

Face plates shifted into a softer expression and he offered what he hoped came across as an encouraging smile as not to chase off the other Walter automaton. 

“Well..hello Blackjack. Can I help you with something?” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

wxredwrong:

Well of course he was wearing it!

One was supposed to wear crowns weren’t they? That’s what they were made for after all. The giggle extracted from his brother only served to widen the grin on his face. 

He listened as Blackjack explained his actions and ducked his head as another plume of steam escaped him. Bless Blackjack. Just. Bless him. Of all the Walter automatons he was probably the only one who would ever go to such lengths to make The Spine smile like this. 

“Thank you very much Blackjack. I’m glad this crown appreciates me.” Throughout all the years and all the skits performed on stage, Rabbit was always the one who received crowns. Fake or not. A crown of awesome for example, whilst The Spine remained a weak baby. 

He gave a thoughtful hum as the other told him the next bit, smile never fading or dipping. Out of all the Walter bots, Blackjack was probably the MOST deserving of being crowned. He’d try not to be too upset.

“Well that’s fair. Upgrade is an expert on these things. But if you’re a Princess where’s your crown Blackjack? Hm?” Hands moved to his hips and he arched a playful brow at his brother. “I certainly hope you didn’t give it away to Rabbit. She’s had her fair share of crowns for the day I would think.” 

Well, yes, but…The Spine might’ve not wanted to wear this crown. Was probably a stupid crown.

Blackjack wasn’t certain if he was the only Walter automaton who would, for he liked to have faith in his siblings, but he hoped that it wasn’t a surprise that he did. As intimidated of his brother as he was, even afraid of him, he didn’t want him to be upset over not getting to be a princess. That would be an awful shame.

“As am I,” Blackjack chirped, smiling sweetly up at him. “Would be awfully embarrassing if I had presented you with the crown and it hated you. I would’ve had to throw it away for its dreadful opinions about my cool big brother.” He turned bashful as he realised his words, looking away sheepishly.

Oof. Couldn’t just…call The Spine that. Without warning or permission! Who did he think he was?

But, well…he didn’t think The Spine was a weak baby. The Spine was cool. The Spine was awesome.

The gold automaton faltered and looked back to him. Hm? Where was Princess Blackjack’s crown? Ah…

Blackjack looked down at his feet. “Oh. Well, I had one, when Upgrade and Rabbit declared me to be a princess like them. They said they were happy with me keeping it. But then The Engineer took it from my head, put it upon his own, declared himself king and ran off before any of our dear sisters could take it back. My guess is he’s either kept it, given it to Oscar or he’s still running around whilst they chase him for it.” There was a moment, then he smiled again. “It’s alright, though. So long as he’s happy with it.”

Blackjack played with his fingers once more, nerves once again settling upon him, and his smile dipped into a fearful pout as he looked down at his hands. The hidden object within his pocket - yet another item to present to The Spine - suddenly felt…heavy.

[wxredwrong]

@gcldandblxe made me cry over Blackjack making him a Princess Crown

[wxredwrong]

It takes almost all of his courage to do so; Blackjack shuffles up to The Spine and tentatively tugs on his sleeve to get his attention, ducking his head to avoid eye contact. He seems to be hiding something behind his back with his free hand.

“Hm?”

Attention shifted almost immediately downwards after the tug on his sleeve and green optics blink in confusion before he raises his glance to look at his younger brother. 

Face plates shifted into a softer expression and he offered what he hoped came across as an encouraging smile as not to chase off the other Walter automaton. 

“Well..hello Blackjack. Can I help you with something?” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

wxredwrong:

Lips dipped into a small frown as Blackjack’s nerves only seemed to worsen and The Spine opened his mouth to assure the other it probably isn’t stupid or dumb or whichever negative adjective he wanted to stick to the present. 

Surely it was a lovely thing. Whatever..it actually was. 

He blinked again as his brother looked away and shoved his arms outward, extending the surprise towards the older. 

Was that..? It was. Oh gosh. 

Silver digits twitched forward and The Spine carefully took hold of the paper crown, warmth spreading through his core. Blackjack had actually made him a princess crown after the concert’s joke. Of course he hadn’t been too torn up over the fact that neither sister would actually dub him a princess. (Maybe a little.) 

“Blackjack..this. This is very sweet! Thank you.” Oof. Why in the world was there pressure behind his optics? An exhale of steam worked it’s way out of his cheek vents before he shook his head. 

He took in the craftsmanship. Took in the coloring. Took in the drawn on jewels and gems that his brother had crafted just for his princess crown. Arms raised to set the paper over the top of his fedora and black lips twitched into a delighted smile once he was sure it was secure in it’s position. With that taken care of he extended his arms as if to show off an outfit.

“How do I look? Royal enough for the court?” 

Ohhhh, God. It was stupid, wasn’t it? Really stupid. The Spine was probably holding back laughter right now. Wait for it, he’d burst into laughter any moment now. Any moment. Just wait.

Blackjack felt the crown disappear from his grasp as The Spine took it and his head turned to face him, but only so that it could sink into his shirt without banging his chin on his own shoulder. His arms were still locked in place in his fright, still awkwardly extended outwards, and his whole body only quaked more as he waited.

The Spine hated it, obviously. He was going to start laughing. Going to throw the stupid paper creation to the floor and stomp on it. Laugh in his face, just as The Engineer had the last time he had drawn his doppelganger (although The Engineer had later apologised for upsetting; judging by the fact Oscar had been with him, he could tell that the freckled male had made him do it, but Blackjack had still appreciated the sentiment and liked to think The Engineer had kept the drawing). Any moment now…

Except he didn’t.

The comment was given and Blackjack’s eyes opened under the brim of his hat, blinking in confusing, and he waited until he heard the rustling of paper and the question about how it looked before he allowed his head to ascend once more.

The Spine was…wearing it. And he was smiling!

Blackjack blinked his big blue eyes…and, despite himself, giggled, like a child amused by a parent’s antics. “Uh-huh!” He replied with a nod, then he played with his fingers and looked away shyly. “I just…wanted you to know that…I think you’re pretty enough to be a princess. It was rather cruel of Rabbit’s tiara to dub you not worthy. But this crown likes you all the same.”

There was a pause, then he looked up at him again. “…Though, I don’t mean to rub it in your face when I say that I asked Upgrade and Rabbit and they both said I was pretty enough to be decreed a princess. I’m not letting it get to my head, though, don’t worry…Still the same old Blackjack…”

Whether that was a good thing or not depended on if it was Blackjack or The Spine you were asking.

[wxredwrong]

It takes almost all of his courage to do so; Blackjack shuffles up to The Spine and tentatively tugs on his sleeve to get his attention, ducking his head to avoid eye contact. He seems to be hiding something behind his back with his free hand.

“Hm?”

Attention shifted almost immediately downwards after the tug on his sleeve and green optics blink in confusion before he raises his glance to look at his younger brother. 

Face plates shifted into a softer expression and he offered what he hoped came across as an encouraging smile as not to chase off the other Walter automaton. 

“Well..hello Blackjack. Can I help you with something?” 

[gcldandblxe-blog]

wxredwrong:

“I doubt it’s stupid Blackjack.” He offered gently, listening to the soft rattle of spurs on the back of cowboy boots as his brother shifted and twisted his feet about nervously. Always so nervous whenever he had to interact with his own siblings. 

“I’m sure I’ll love whatever it is.” Of course he wouldn’t know until he actually..received whatever it was. But. Honestly how could he hate something from one of his siblings? The fact that Blackjack had thought of him and..and worked up the nerve to get this far already spoke volumes.

“May I see it?” 

The rattling (rattling - no jingling or jangling here, thank you very much) of spurs increased as Blackjack went from toeing the floor to repeatedly hitting it with his heel, effectively banging the spiky boot trinkets against the tiles. Probably chipping the tile by accident, but he’d deal with that guilt later.

“It probably is…” Blackjack muttered, still so uncertain in himself and his gift. But, the thing was, The Spine seemed certain in it and in Blackjack, so…so he supposed he would have to present the gift. Couldn’t just back away now.

And so Blackjack closed his eyes tightly, tilted his head away and thrust his arms out, shoving the gift through the air and in The Spine’s direction.

A crown. It was a crown, constructed from paper and coloured in yellow crayon to try and make it look gold (the actual gold crayon hadn’t really looked that…gold. Blackjack had compared it to his body and found them to be very different.) There were gems drawn on in red, blue, purple and green and written in black crayon were words: PRINCESS THE SPINE.

Blackjack’s body shook lightly in fright, eyes still tightly shut and head still turned away, and so the paper crown rustled in the quaking robot’s hands. It wasn’t so much confidence that was keeping him from taking the gift back and running away, but more so that his limbs had locked up.