The suspense, the fight scenes, the stealth, it all seems straight out of a holo game to Nova. Clank's in the tux paint job, and it looks sharp. He deftly runs circles around the enemies, regardless of the situation, and it's quite interesting to watch. It's especially ironic that a robot named for the noise of metal hitting metal is playing as a master of stealth, but Nova refrains from saying this out loud. He's really good at this. I wonder if we were in similar situations way back when. He makes it look so easy, and he looks good doing it.
She's so tempted to ask questions, to make comments about what she sees, but she wouldn't dare to interrupt the program. Or admit the 'looking good' thought. That would be awkward to say, especially since I was technically his family before.
Saros tries to place his arm around Nova's shoulder, but she doesn't pay the gesture any mind. Instead, she seems deep in thought as she watches Agent Clank sneak through a room full of guards, silently taking them out one by one. In a later scene, he notices her eyes widen a bit at seeing Jeeves. He'd ask what that's about, but that starry eyed focus is on her face. She probably wouldn't hear me anyway. I'll ask after it's done.
When Jeeves enters the scene, a nearly inaudible gasp of fascination escapes her. She's seen a few photos of them together, and she's seen Ratchet and Clank's statue, but to see Ratchet's face on screen, alive, is so much different. In character, his body language and voice is stiff and forced. Clank speaks of him as a level-headed hero, so his lack of confidence seems strange here. I wonder what he was like off screen, just casually living life. I wonder what he would think of this, if he could see me now?
After leaving the casino, Agent Clank is driven back to the agency by Jeeves, and the credits roll. Nova gets up to remove the disc, carefully placing it on top of the other movies. "That was really cool. I bet it was really fun to film too."
Clank grins at the memory, and speaks as Nova turns off the holovision. "It was certainly fun for me. Ratchet, however, did not last long in show business. He disliked his role, and the director had a preference for robotic actors. Ratchet was never very comfortable with cameras anyway. He was fired quickly, and replaced with a monkey!"
Nova's eyes grow wide, and she laughs at the very thought. "Replaced by a monkey? Wow, that had to hurt. He certainly didn't seem to enjoy Jeeves very much. He seemed so out of his element."
Saros rises to his feet as well, stretching as he walks to Nova's side. Clank backs away to give the young suitor space. "See something you like, Nova?"
Nova turns to Saros, her grin from the show and her laughter on her face. "Yeah, the show was great."
"No, I mean Jeeves. The way you looked at him, I figured you had a preference for.."
She questioningly cocks an eyebrow at his comment. A moment later, Saros watches as the lightbulb goes off in her head as she catches up with what he meant. "Oh, like a crush? Nah. It's just neat to see Ratchet. Clank tells stories all the time, but it's not the same as seeing the guy."
A bit thankful for her answer, the young man allows it to show on his face as a teasing smirk. "If you say so."
Nova smiles in return, leaning down to put away the dishes. "Alright. I'll clean things up around here and settle for bed. It's late, so you should head out.."
She stacks the bowls, holding them in one hand, and Saros takes the other. Nova's voice trails off as he slowly leans in, closing his eyes, and she instinctively leans away a bit. His lips find purchase on her cheek, and Nova freezes. The suitor releases her, and turns to open the door. He steps outside, and the garage door slowly closes behind him as he turns back with his final words and a smirk.
"Sleep well, Starlight."
The door settles, and the muffled sound of a starship taking off is heard beyond it. Clank looks up to Nova, still frozen in shock and staring into the doorway. Her entire face is lit up, wrapping her mind around the situation as her empty hand touches her cheek.
"Saros has certainly warmed up to you, Nova. Hehe!"
"S-Starlight?!"
Nova might be a bit slow on the whole flirting thing, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out a kiss.
"I don't know about this," she mumbles. "It's moving way too fast for me. He hasn't even asked me about dating yet. A kiss? Already? And he was going for.." A hand brushes her lips as her voice trails off, but she shakes the thought out of her mind. "I can't focus on that right now. I've got bigger problems to worry about than boys."
Nova leads the way to the kitchen, already working on cleaning the mess they made. Clank hops up on a stool to reach the sink and runs dishwater, carefully scrubbing the soiled pot as the markazian adds in the bowls. "While there are certainly other things to focus on, It is also important to find balance in work and leisure."
Nova, leaving Clank to the dishes, wipes off the counters and removes her makeup. They're not expecting company for the rest of the night, so there's no point in wearing it. Maybe someday soon I'll drop this stuff. Maybe after Nefarious is gone. Clank continues as she listens. "Focus is one thing, Nova, but obsession is focus in excess. You must give yourself a reason to fight with everything you have, as well as live for everything you have."
Nova grabs a clean towel, drying her hands as she glances back to Clank. "I guess you're right."
"When am I not?"
His giggle spreads to the woman, and she thinks on his words with a thoughtful hum. Live for what I have, huh? "Maybe we can watch more Secret Agent Clank as a start?"
The night is young, and there's still plenty of volumes to enjoy. Hours later, Nova is asleep, and curled up to the edge of the couch with a remote in hand. Clank giggles at the sight, turning off the holovision that was previously looping the menu music. A nearby throw blanket is draped over her, and Clank sits beside her as he enters sleep mode for the night.