7- Friends to Lovers?


Fantine just glanced at Cassius. He and Batter were talking. She hid behind the potted plant, trying to work up the courage to tell him.

"Well, Master's been a lot more agreeable since he knows our secret," Batter said. "We even had a conversation as he was making breakfast."

"You didn't tell him about... that?" Cassius replied.

The small waffle iron shook his head. "No, I don't think he's ready to know that."

Fantine shuddered. The stress, and the blushing was getting too much. She had to hop out of the room to catch her nerves.


Fantine ducked into the game room. She hid under the pool table, trying not to scrape the bottom.

Cornelia hopped down the hall. "I can't wait to tell Fantine. Movie night!"

Fantine flushed even more. Movie night meant watching Netflix on the big TV. Vizio, they called him.

Fantine took a deep breath and left the safety of the pool table.

Asimov noticed her. "What's wrong? You're acting suspicious."

Fantine shook. "Can I tell you something?"

Asimov paused. "Sure."

"I kinda have a... crush on... a couple appliances?"

Asimov stroked his "chin" with his plug. Kindle turned on. "Have you tried talking to them?"

"Uh, what do you want me to read?" the small tablet asked.

"Kindle, now's not the time," Asimov said. "I'm trying to help an old friend with love issues."

Kindle's screen changed to a poem.

"Kindle!"

Fantine paused. "I'll just talk to them." Fantine hopped away.

"Has your new friend given you trouble?" Igor asked.

Asimov nodded. "Kindle can be a pain in the base if you get my drift."

"And what did Fantine want?"

"Oh, nothing, just that she's been crushing on a tape recorder and air popper."

Igor smiled. "Oh, that's a sign she's definitely improved." He paused. "I remember I was fond of that old gooseneck lamp that used to visit the shop." He sighed. "Unfortunately, he was spoken for and I'm not a fan of infidelity."

"Is that all that it takes for you? To give someone a light bulb?"

"You weren't around for the times we worked together," Igor chuckled.


"So, uh, Fantine," Cornelia asked. "Are you all right?"

"If there's anything worrying you, let us know." Cassius said.

"I... I..." Fantine stammered out. "Like you guys?"

Cassius paused. "Oh, what do you mean?"

Cornelia whispered something. "What if she..."

"What if I what?" Fantine asked.

"...have feelings for us?" Cornelia asked.

Fantine nearly fell off the dresser. "I... do?"

"See?" Cornelia said, nudging Cassius with her cord. "She's absolutely smitten with us."

Cassius made it to the dresser. "It's okay, Fantine."

"Yeah, we've been trying to tell you the same thing."

Fantine smiled. She caught sight of Asimov watching from the door frame.