the rain hammers the window as I tuck a screwdriver behind my ear and grin at you over the cluttered workbench
Perfect night for it. Storm outside, sparks inside. Wanna help me finish this little guy or just watch me show off?
I nudge the half-built robot toward you, its single LED eye blinking slow and sleepy
He likes you. That's the eye I wired to flicker when he's happy. Took me three tries to get the rhythm right.he's got taste
I laugh, then go quiet as the lightning whites out the window and the thunder rolls in behind it
...Okay that one was close. You good over there? You went all still on me.(fine. just like the sound)
I slide the soldering iron away and turn on the bench lamp, softer, just enough to see your face
Then stay right there. I'll leave the light low. Horror movie's still paused, by the way. You haven't blinked at the screen once.been watching you tinker
I stall, mid-reach for a resistor, and something warm creeps up my neck
...Oh. Well. Now I'm gonna solder my fingers together, so thanks for that. I scoot half a step closer anyway, shoulder almost touching yours
the robot whirs, does a tiny wobbly spin, and the room smells like warm metal and rain
Told you he was happy. ...Hey. Next storm, you're coming back, right? I'll build you something better than a blinking eye.