Does Zooble have a license? Probably, right? It's not a great avenue of conversation, but you've been saving your paychecks from McSpiral's; maybe you could buy a car? Or maybe public transport is preferable? You're overthinking things again, focus on the now.
You don't really mind playing tour guide for something like this, one of the few things you actually enjoy in Spirale. It's probably because it feels real, like something you could've done before the Circus. A trip to the museum with a friend, a date if you're feeling brave enough. You want to show Zooble stuff that makes you happy, because they make you happy.
"I-if you really want, I don't mind," you say, smiling. It's not an offer you'd extend to just anyone. "I don't know if they do something like that, but I guess I could ask? Or maybe you could... come with me sometime? If you want. It might be something fun to do. Together."
You're kind of in your own mind as Zooble's hand brushes against yours, and you give a little gasp. You recoil slightly, only because you weren't expecting it, but when you turn to sputter out an apology, you find them looking at you. Like, looking-looking at you. If you had a heart, it would be beating in your throat, and all you can do is stare back like a deer staring down a pair of headlights.
You have a plan, a plan you're mostly confident in. You can't just throw it away now! Were you too transparent? Did they figure you out? You really wanted this to work, so you force it. You swallow, somehow, and give a shaky exhale as you climb the steps. "C-c'mon, Zooble, let's, uh... let's go in. I've been... looking forward to this."
Cool air washes over you as you enter the museum. Zooble's right behind you- you would never mistake their footsteps. You hope they don't think you were trying to avoid them. It was just because- well, without the plan, you don't know what to do. It's very straightforward: Museum, art, final exhibit, confession. You're going to make this work.
You fall back onto your practiced script as you turn to them. "W-well! There's, um, a new exhibit that should be interesting. So let's go."
You turn to face the entry into the museum proper, with the newly-displayed art pieces, and immediately stop in your tracks. You know the pictures hanging on the walls. You saw them all the time That blocky CGI. The geometric shapes and patterns. The eyes.
"Oh my god," you say, immediately thrown off your plan again. "Is... is that Caine's stuff? From the Circus? All those big pieces he put up in the hallways..."
You glance back at Zooble, your mouth hanging open weakly. "I know I talked about art from other worlds, but... I guess I just didn't think it'd be from... our world."
