a spectral latte

[showybusiness]

A: Pre-Show

The resent tall, shiny, sexy robot entertainer of the base seems to be chiding a mug on the counter of the dining area. Not in a mean way, no - his tone suggests a firmness, but a firm encouragement. A soft order, perhaps. Not a command, but a hard suggestion.

He stands, bendy robot arms bent, hands on his hips. A power stance. The stance of a businessman, and superstar, used to giving orders.

"This will be a neat little stage trick! I promise!"

B: Show Time!

As they have been doing intermittently (and without total routine, as the pair have been working on other projects), the pair have taken center "stage" of the dining area. Mettaton sings his usual set - campy high energy song, followed by a softer song about being THE BEST, followed by a softer, sad ballad about being locked in a dungeon (???). His co-star, the large, sheet-like ghost of the base, hums a sorrowful, haunting back melody behind him.

Comments

[naughty_nurse]

"If you're that big of a celebrity... is it really okay for someone like me to talk to you?"

[showybusiness]

He's visibly taken aback - but only for a millisecond. A micro-expression. Ah, this person is very much like his ghost.

"Sweetie, of course it is! I talked to you first!"

He laughs, a warm, campy laugh.

[naughty_nurse]

"Oh, that's a relief..." She sighs as well, glad she wasn't overstepping any imaginary bounds.

[showybusiness]

Poor thing. Easily stressed, no self-esteem... the people closest to him are like that. His gaze is warmer, fonder, with the pink heart-shaped core in his stomach giving off a softer glow.

"You are always welcome to come see us."

[naughty_nurse]

"Oh! U-Um, then... I'll try to come and see it as much as I can!" She now felt obligated to do so, story of her life.

[showybusiness]

Oh goodness, she was very like his ghost.

Which made him come up with a delightful, fun, cheeky idea. An exciting, delicious idea!

"Darling, would you ever consider smooching a ghost?"

[naughty_nurse]

Wherever Mikan thought this conversation was going, she never would have thought it'd steer them here. Did she hear him right.

"... Wh... what?"

[showybusiness]

Mettaton crouched down slightly, getting in real close and winking. His pink eyes moved from her to the ghost on stage, then back.

[naughty_nurse]

What what what what what what what what.

Mikan has no idea what's going anymore and has to wonder if this is some of lucid dream. "You... w-want me to kiss him?"

[showybusiness]

Mettaton gasped - well, actually said "gasp!" - at such a salacious suggestion!

"NO! No, no! I was asking if you would ever consider... a very sweet, very shy ghost. You're both very alike."

[naughty_nurse]

Was this better or worse? She wasn't sure.

"Uh... I... Um... I-I've never dated anyone before... I d-don't know..."

[showybusiness]

"Just wondering! I'm always looking out for my lovely Blooky. Ghosts are very soft, you know, and only the pure of heart can touch them!"

Yet Mettaton can touch a ghost.

[naughty_nurse]

"Th-then that definitely leaves me out... I'm not pure at all."

Although that really depended on who you asked. Years of bullying could do 'wonders' for a person's psyche.

[showybusiness]

"Really?! Well, if you can't touch Blooky that might be an issue... we'll have to see."

He winks.

[naughty_nurse]

Does she want to know what he's thinking? ... No.

But Mikan swallows, and bows, not wanting to be rude. "I-I can try to introduce myself to him... and to you. M-My name is Mikan Tsumiki."

[showybusiness]

"Mettaton! A pleasure, sweetheart."

He bows back, smiling, assuming this is a cultural thing.

[naughty_nurse]

"I-I hope we can get along, mister Mettaton!"