sizzling circuits!

{RUBY SPEARS MEGA MAN. POST-SERIES; SELF INTERPRETED + GROUP EXCLUSIVE.}

[blueswithouttheblues]

You just keep thinking that, Rockie. Your brother’s just going to walk next to you failing to pretend he’s not internally dying without his scarf. Some Robot Master…

“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!

…Though, to be fair, she’d probably know better. After all, after the fiasco with Top Man during that university plot (pfft: a university of high school stereotypes and another excuse for Dr. Light to stroke his own ego), she’d surely go for someone less plainly obviously going to betray her?

[nowivegotyourpower]

“So she says, anyways.” 

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!”

Sigh. Why’d he have to go and bring this up? The younger brother looks a little worried now, when really he’d just been hoping to spend some time with his estranged sibling and maybe get along with him. Just a little.

[blueswithouttheblues]

"…The wash, right." Only if by ‘wash’ Rock meant ‘getting used as a bullfighting cape against Guts Man by Cut Man and probably everyone else’. Anyway, he quickly jogged to catch up with his younger brother and tried again to look collected. Rockie didn’t need to know Proto couldn’t keep a friend (or two) to save his life.

…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!

Anyway. Roll. Let’s talk about the sister instead, she’s a lighter topic and he’d rather hear about her anyway. "Hey, how is Roll, anyway? Lil’ sis been doin’ well?"

[nowivegotyourpower]

Something tells him that that scarf is most definitely not in the wash right now, but if Proto latched on to the excuse he gave him then Rock will just let it go. It's probably not important, anyways.

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..."

Rock turns a corner, slowing to a stop at a streetlight. Not too much further now, he thinks. Another right turn three blocks down and then another intersection...

[blueswithouttheblues]

Okay. Arcade- easy enough. He could be casual about that. He followed his little brother, stuffing his hands in his pockets. It really wasn’t like him- probably didn’t look good on him, either- to be nervous about anything, especially something this easy. Was it just because he’d barely gotten to actually have fun with Rock? There was the betrayal incident, but back then he’d been forced to always have it in the back of his mind that the plan was to hurt his brother. That made it difficult to really have fun- now, if only he hadn’t been such a good actor to be able to hide that…

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.

"…Whatever," he forced himself to say. "It’s fine."

[nowivegotyourpower]

That... Was not a normal reaction from cool, collected Proto Man. Rock frowns, slowing to a stop when Proto froze in place to wait for him. Had something happened...? Nah, that couldn't be. His brother was probably the most respected 'bot in Skull Fortress. No one would pick fights with him.

...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.

"Well, hey. At least it'll be nice and warm when it comes outta the dryer? C'mon. Let's go! I wanna win Roll a nice doll or something-- To say sorry, for... Er. Stuff."

[blueswithouttheblues]

Proto Man really wasn’t the king of social interaction. Oh, he could fake it fantastically in the position he usually found himself in- one of the antagonist, the one talking down and assuming superiority. But around someone he actually cared about? He could still rely on trying to look arrogant, but right now that wasn’t exactly appropriate. And this was the situation that revealed his inadequacy; but he still tried to scrape up some dignity, despite how this interaction had begun.

"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.

And Proto was the bad guy.

[nowivegotyourpower]

It seems hanging out with his older brother is getting Rock some good eye-rolling practice in. He gets it, Proto. You're bad to the core... Or at least, that's what you say. As far as the hero was concerned, that core of his brother's had the capacity for good, too. The way he was acting now was proof enough, and Dr. Light had had a hand in his design and production.

"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, seeing him without it is really... Awkward. The scarf was practically a trademark!

[blueswithouttheblues]

Okay, there. Now he didn’t look like a complete moron. He tried to act casual, but with his shades on his head rather than over his eyes it was pretty obvious that he wasn’t as cool as he usually looked. He looked more embarrassed than anything. ‘Dork’ was right.

"Uh… not really." Which was the main reason he was embarrassed- he honestly expected to be shooed off with plasma power. "Mainly I just wanted to get out and do something besides wander around Skull Fortress.”

[nowivegotyourpower]

Rock folds his arms, studying his older brother carefully. Had he really been expecting to be rejected thoroughly enough that he'd not bothered coming up with something to do? Was he that bored? Or... That lonely? Proto Man had said Cut and Guts were off doing their own thing and from what the hero could gather, those two were the closest things to friends the red renegade had-- They were usually together when stuff was going on, anyways.

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.

"Oh... That's... Okay, then." He has to admit his brother looking so embarrassed and out of his element is kind of cute, and his tone is noticeably more pleasant, reassuring, and softer. "Well... We're not hanging around the lab, I can tell you that right now. We could go see a movie? I'll pay. Or we could go to the arcade, or just take a walk around town...? Whatever you want to do, we can do, Proto Man. It's up to you. As long as it's not illegal, I don't mind."

[missmultitool]

Yes! Victory! Roll does an internal victory dance and smiles at her brother. "Mmhmm, now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my chores. I can’t fall behind today or I could end up late to my date tomorrow!"

[nowivegotyourpower]

"...'Kay... Guess I'll just, dunno... Go see if Dr. Light needs a hand. Or maybe take Rush for a walk. Yeah, that sounds good. He was bugging, earlier..."

Yeah, he's sulky. He's probably going to stay that way for a while, Roll. Doesn't stop him from giving you a quick hug on his way out, at least? 

[blueswithouttheblues]

"Yeah, I’m sure you— wait, what?"

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."

Congratulations, Rock. Your brother is a hecking loser.

[nowivegotyourpower]

Rock snickers at his brother's expression, muttering 'dork' under his breath. He lets his brother finish getting dressed, rolling his eyes once again before replying.

"Yeah, I'm serious. Otherwise I'd be kicking you out right about now. Heck, I've still half a mind to-- What if Roll had come in and seen you waltzing around like that?! But... Whatever." The robot in blue attempts a smile, shrugging. "So, what did you want to do? If you came all this way you probably had something in mind..."

[missmultitool]

"Roooooooooooooooooooock."

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.

"It’s my job to find out who’s good for me. Not my brother’s. I made a mistake before, but I know what I’m doing. And you spying will just ruin it. Nobody wants to go out with a girl who has a hovering brother.”

[nowivegotyourpower]

Aaand there he goes. He's given up (for now!), shoulders slumping as he exhales a deep, artificial breath. She's not gonna crack. Rock's bickered enough with Roll over this in the past to know a lost cause when presented with one...

"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?"

Now if you'll excuse Rock, he has to go sulk.

[missmultitool]

"If the date goes well, I’ll tell you afterward. But only if you don’t try to spy on us! Otherwise you’ll get nothing out of me. Nothing.”

[nowivegotyourpower]

"Rooooooooooooooooooooooooooooll............"

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

"...I just... Wanna make sure he's good for you is all. I'm sure he is, I just... Wanna know for myself?"

[blueswithouttheblues]

Proto scoffed. “Guts and Cut have been doin’ their own thing,” he said. Meaning- they ditched him. They’d probably reconcile eventually, but… “And the other Wilybots are lame! Besides, I like buggin’ you. It’s what a brother’s supposed to do, ‘ain’t it?”

Fact was, Proto couldn’t keep a friend if his life depended on it and had the actual proper social skills of an electric eel. Would he ever admit to any of that? Nope- just resort to the lowest of lows as an excuse to hang out with his little brother.

[nowivegotyourpower]

...Oh, well. That kind of made Rock feel bad for telling him to shoo. It shows in his softening expression, and he folds his arms contemplatively. Perhaps, just this once, he could hang out with Proto...

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."

And not because he secretly misses his big brother, deep down. Definitely not.

[missmultitool]

"All you need to know is he’s nice, and sweet, and totally not a slimebot in disguise. He’s honest and was really sweet about asking me.”

[nowivegotyourpower]

"Roll, that doesn't tell me anything. Of course he's going to be nice and sweet to you if he's trying to ask you out! What're his hobbies? What does he dress like? Does he swear? Sis, c'mon..."

[missmultitool]

"I do~! And no, I’m not telling you who with or where we’re going because you’ll just get crazy overprotective."

[nowivegotyourpower]

"Wha-- No I won't! I'm not overprotective, Roll! I just wanna know who they are... I'm your twin, I need to know these things!! What if something goes wrong?!"

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

...Again.

[missmultitool]

"Guess who has a date tomorrow night~? This girl!”

[nowivegotyourpower]

"I'm sorry, my audio processors must be malfunctioning. I'm pretty sure you just said you had a date, sis."

[blueswithouttheblues]

"Bro, you have no idea. There is literally nothing to do in Wily’s fortress.”

Here was another whinefest about how the old man had done basically NOTHING and there were no evil plans. “Seriously— I don’t know if he’s finally giving up or what, but I want SOMETHING to do! I’m so BOOOORED!”

[nowivegotyourpower]

And cue a roll of the eyes from the younger of the two. Seriously, if Wily was actually giving up, that'd be the best news of the century!

"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."

He's still a little bitter about... Well, everything. Not seeing Proto around for some time had given Rock time to really think, and he's hesitant to let his older brother back in. Not after such a betrayal... That Proto didn't even feel sorry for!

[blueswithouttheblues]

"Aw, you’re no fun!"

Reluctantly, Proto grabbed his pants to put them on, looking pouty as a child. “Spoilsport.” B(

[nowivegotyourpower]

Yep, definitely five. Well, at least Proto was somewhat clothed now.

"That's me! Someone's gotta be mature if you won't." He shrugs, "Now is there a reason you decided to show up? Or are you just out to be as annoying as possible?"

[blueswithouttheblues]

"Make me!"

Proto Man crossed his arms and prepared to run. Heh- what would the headlines look like the next day? ‘Mega Man Chases Wilybot Streaking Through the City’. Heh!

[nowivegotyourpower]

"What-- How old are you, five?! Get dressed or I'll go right back to pretending you don't exist."

...Rock, that's low.

[blueswithouttheblues]

"No."

[nowivegotyourpower]

"Wha-- Why not?! C'mon, no one wants to see that. Put some pants on!"

Not that robots had those parts, but...