Glen couldn't avoid his growling stomach as he worked on his book. Muffin had only been gone for two hours, but it had felt like an eternity. Getting a bit cramped, the Glad Hander threw his blanket off and stretched his arms. Pulling himself out of the bed, he placed his legs on the ground before immediately tumbling downwards. "Ow, what is going on?" As Glen attempted to move his legs, he soon realized that he was incapable. A panic began to overwhelm the cog as he tried everything he could think of to make himself move. Rubbing his legs, messing with his circuitry, nothing seemed to work. Gears churning at high capacity, he began to struggle to get himself up onto the bed again. "Must have been damaged when they attacked me." he whispered to himself. Using the small amount of upper-body strength within him, Glen eventually managed to crawl back to the sanctuary of his bed before falling into a deep gaze at his immobile appendages.
Shortly after his ascent, a light knocking on the door sprung him upwards. Tossing the blanket over his disabled legs, he breathed a sigh of relief as Muffin walked in, rolling in front of her a large barrel. "Sorry that took so long! There was a bit of trouble getting this back home. But I'm here!" The chunky cat collapsed onto the barrel and rested her aching muscles. "Phew, I don't think I'll need to exercise for another... lifetime."
"I'm sorry about that! I could have come and helped. I didn't realize that oil was sold in such large containers here." Glen couldn't help but smile as the exhausted cat waved him off before flexing her biceps. "Well... Maybe not." The Glad Hander became a Sad Hander as he soon realized that there was the possibility that he would never be able to walk again. "Um, Muffin. Would you be able to keep a secret?"
Concerned, the blue cat walked over and joined the cog on the bed, patting his arm. "Of course, Glen. Unless that secret is how you're secretly a weretoon or something. That would be too cool not to tell anybody!" Soon realizing she was unable to cheer up the dejected robot, she slid her hand up and down Glen's arm, gently caressing it and bringing light comfort to him. "What's going on, Glen?"
Pulling off the blanket, Glen frowned and spoke quietly. "I think it would be better if I showed you."
"Woah, I think my dad is going to be home any minute. I don't think it is really a good time to be showing me that!" Muffin's eyes widened surprised, and a little hopeful that he would continue anyways.
"What? Oh my, no. Not that. No, I'm talking about my legs." Pointing down to the frozen limbs, he waited for Muffin to scan her eyes downwards. "Look at what they're doing."
Scratching her head, Muffin stared for a few seconds. "I give up. I don't see them doing anything. Am I missing something?"
"Exactly. That's the problem. I can't move my legs. I tried to stand up earlier to stretch out but I immediately fell down. I can't seem to support myself. I think it might have happened when those Glad Handers attacked me. They also broke my health indicator. I really need to see a mechanic, but I'm not really sure how I could possibly do that. I think I might just be stuck this way. However, if other cogs found out they would likely just have me decommissioned. After all, a cog who cannot complete his duty does not have a purpose in Cog Nation. But what is a purpose in living if I cannot complete my duties?" This was a time that Glen really noticed how being emotional could have its downsides. While he enjoyed the positive feelings, such as the tingly feeling he had when he saw Muffin, the frustration and depression would quickly take over. "I'm not sure what to do."
"Oh my goodness, Glen..." A tear rolled down Muffin's cheek. This was her fault. She had basically gotten him killed, or at the least partially paralyzed because of her own actions, or lack thereof. "Do you have any friends or family who might be able to help? After all, there must be doctors for cogs, yes?"
Glen nodded slightly, before shrugging. "Well, there are mechanics. However those are generally for minor issues, like if somebody is having a malfunction that needs a reassignment or small dings and dents. I've never heard of a cog in my condition who ever came back to work another day. I don't know how I could go back. I'm afraid to go back. But what other option would I have? I couldn't possibly stay here, especially not in this condition. The burden on you two would be tremendous, plus your father seemed a bit worried about somebody finding out I was here."
Muffin lifted herself fully onto the bed and wrapped her arms around the cog, letting her emotions take over as she began to sob wildly. "I'm so sorry, Glen! This is all my fault! We're going to find a way to make you all better, and if not we're going to make sure you're taken care of. You saved my life, the least I can do is do the same for yourself." Resting her head on Glen's chest, she could feel her tears pushing up against her cheek and the soft linen suit that the cog wore.
Suddenly Glen found himself the one feeling guilty. How could be make such a sweet, beautiful creature cry. Almost as if by instinct, he reached out and began to run his fingers through the blue strands of fur on Muffin's head, rubbing down her neck and to the uncovered part of her shoulders before repeating the pattern. "No. Neither of us have done anything wrong. We cannot take blame for the rotten actions of somebody else. Besides, if they hadn't done that... I wouldn't have met you..." The android could feel his body temperature beginning to rise, as his face suddenly turned red. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced. His gears felt like they could rip right out of his chest.
"Glen... I'm really glad we met too." Turning to make sure that the door behind her was closed, she wiped her face and smiled. Laying her lead back onto Glen's chest, the Toon purred as he continued to gently stroke her fur. "That feels great, please don't stop." Muffin's entire body was shaking. She could no longer feel herself, it was as if she had stepped out of her own skin and was now looking down upon herself. How what happened next unfolded, she would never know. Pulling herself up, she gazed into the cog's eyes, meeting his soft brown pupils with her bright blue ones. Reaching out her hand, she placed it on Glen's cheek and moved in.
Leaning forward, Glen allowed his heart to take over. Closing his eyes, he tilted his head and puckered his lips as he was met by the soft embrace from the beautiful Toon. Time slowed down as the pair of awkward kissers moved and manipulated themselves to be in the best position, After a few seconds, which felt simultaneously like an eternity and not long enough, Glen pulled back and opened his eyes, watching the Toon whom he had just shared his first kiss. "Oh my. I'm so sorry. I mean. I've never done that before. I am so stupid. I don't know what I'm doing. Oh my cog, oh my cog."
The panicking cog was calmed by the gentle touch of Muffin's gloved hand on his, never breaking the gaze they shared. "It's okay, Glen. That was my first kiss too. Although I will say, it was definitely also the best." Laying back down again, Muffin rested her head on Glen's chest, hushedly caressing his chest and squeezing tightly. Was this what it was like to like somebody and have them return those feelings? While she had certainly had crushes before, her feelings had never been requited. It was an amazing feeling, and one she didn't want to let go of. "You know, my dad probably won't be home for at least an hour. How about we work on those kissing skills? That's your new task until you are all better."
"Yes ma'am. I promise I won't disappoint!" Completely forgetting his previous issues, the Glad Hander leaned in and planted another kiss on the cat. He knew that mingling with a Toon, especially in a romantic capacity would mean possible decommission. However, if the cogs ever found him this way, he would be destroyed anyways. He was playing with house money, and he was going to enjoy every last second of it.
"Are you... are you gonna be alright to get back home, Billy? You've had like nine root beers. You sure you don't want to crash here for a few hours? I'm sure Muffin will be fine on her own. I can even give her a whisper and let her know you're not coming home." Rook leaned over the counter, both elbows down and resting his chin on his palms. "I just don't think it is a good idea to be heading out sugar high. Come on, we can get some pizza, play some video games? It'll be like college all over again!"
The orange monkey kept his balance as he stood and held onto the counter. "Sorry, man. I really need to get home. I have something that I need to take care of, it is a pretty big problem if you know what I mean."
Raising an eyebrow, the white horse shook his head. "Uh, no. I don't know what you mean at all. Are you talking about Muffin? Is everything okay with her?"
"Ugh, no. I'm talking about that cog. Like, I am sure he is probably fine but I don't know if it is safe to leave Muffin alone with him all night. What if he is secretly dangerous and is playing the long con? No, I need to be sure. Plus, Muffin is making dinner tonight and I'm starving."
"Hey! Woah!" Flinging up, Rook had a look of worry on his face. "Back up there cowboy. What do you mean cog? Why would Muffin be with a cog? Billy, what is going on?"
Smacking his forehead, the chimp shook his head. "Oh, right. I - I wasn't asupposed to tell anybody about that." Looking over at his concerned friend, he planted himself back onto his bar stool and lowered his eyes. "Well, yer my best friend. I'm sure it'll be alright. Just make sure ya don't tell anybody, okay?"
"Of course, buddy. Your secret is safe with me. Just tell me what is going on? I'm worried about you. First you come in and get sugar high, now you're telling me there is a cog somewhere in town that might be dangerous? Maybe I'm overreacting, but you're my friend and I care."
The horse waited patiently as the sheriff stumbled through, recounting the entire story as he knew it. Once he had finished, he slumped down, resting his head on the counter and burping. "So, I'm not really sure what to do Rook. I mean, he did save Muffin after all. If he was really bad, why wouldn't he have just finished her off with those bastards. But, a cog is a cog like you said. Can we really trust any of them? I promised Muffin I wouldn't do anything until he was healthy enough to scoot off. But, I'm just not sure what to do man."
"So that's why you asked about the cogs being good or bad, eh..." Rook rubbed his chin and nodded. "Alright, I'll trust you on this one buddy. Your secret is safe here, but if I hear anything about that cog causing trouble.." Mimicking shooting with a finger gun, Rook held it upwards and blew invisible smoke from the barrel. "Although I don't think he'd last long enough for me to get him with you. Anyways, you sure you don't want me to talk you home?"
"I'll be alright, Rook. Thanks though. I think just getting that off my chest will be a load off my mind. After all, after what happened I'm sure Muffin will be staying as far away from any Glad Handers for the rest of her life..."
Gary tapped his fingers on his shoulders, crossing his arms impatiently as he waited for this supposed Ninja to show up. The Toon had insisted they meet in the back alley of Donald's Dreamland and refused to meet anywhere else. The Glad Hander had considered not going in case this was a trap, but ultimately he decided that he could easily defeat any Toon who may dare to fight him. Plus if anything went wrong, Beppo would surely be reprimanded for his horrible referral. Leaning against a wall, he began to get frustrated when he felt a chill up his spine. The feeling that somebody was watching him overwhelmed his senses. Standing up into a defensive position, he made a circle, scanning his surroundings for any possibility of an ambush. "Don't worry. I'm not here to kill you. If I wanted you dead, you would have by now." Out of the shadows walked a short, orange monkey. The Toon stood out, even among the unusual looking Toons as he was dressed in a mostly black robe which covered his face, and not much else. "You must be Gary, I presume."
"You're late. You said you would be here fifteen minutes ago. I generally wouldn't tolerate such things, however you received high praise from a co-worker so I hope this has been worth my time." Gary spoke with a hint of fear in his voice, trying to mask his true feelings with a deeper and aggressive tone.
"Ah, but I am not late. I have been here the entire time. I wanted to make sure that you were not attempting to lure me into a trap. Plus, if you really want to use my services you will work on my schedule. If you don't agree to those terms, then I would recommend you find somebody else."
Biting his lip, Gary nodded reluctantly. As much as he wanted to launch a schmooze and shut up the arrogant chimp, he knew that it would be best to remain professional. He needed this done, and he didn't have anybody else. "Very well. I accept your terms, Toon. I have an important job that needs to be done."
Ninja rolled his eyes. "Of course you do. Otherwise you would not have come to me. Know that I do not work cheap, I expect to be compensated for my work as it requires a lot of risk."
"Of course. I will pay whatever you need. I will allow you all of the resources at my disposal to do this." Pulling out a sheet of paper, Gary handed it to the unaffected monkey who swiped it and began to read over. "There is a small town just outside of Toontown called Toonstone. I want you to go there and gather information. I need to know all the details about their supply of gags, how many fighting Toons they have, and anything else that may benefit me in an invasion. Could you do that?"
"Could I do that? Could a baby soil their diaper? I mean, if this is it this will be easy. Wouldn't you prefer that I just go and kill them all? Would be a lot easier to take over the town if everybody is dead." Ninja crumpled up and paper and tossed it behind him. "Of course nothing would ever get back to you. My word is as good as I am."
Thinking over the offer, eventually Gary shook his head. "No, that will be unnecessary. I wish to personally be the one who brings the destruction of that town. I want the last thing those Toons as they finally go sad is my face. I want them to know that they have messed with the wrong cog. Do you have any issues with betraying your own kind?"
"Ha. Do I care? Not one bit. I've killed more Toons than there are stars in the sky. Give me forty-eight hours. I will be here in exactly forty-eight hours. If you're not here, I will assume you no longer want the information. I expect payment regardless. If I do not receive payment I will get it regardless. Do you agree to those terms?"
"Fine. It's a deal." The Glad Hander stretched out his hand, but was quickly rebuked by the monkey.
"We're not friends, cog. I'm doing a job for you and that's all. I assure you that I would as quickly stab you in the back for somebody else if they paid me. After your job was completed of course. I always follow through." Leaping up, Ninja soon disappeared into the darkness leaving the Glad Hander confused and frustrated.
Setting out his propeller, he lifted himself into the sky and looked down at the top of the buildings, the streets, and everything in between. There was not a sight of the Toon. He was gone. The Glad Hander smiled. This was going to work. Setting the alarm on his watch, he would be back in forty-eight hours. "Toonstone, enjoy your last few days of freedom."
