The day of Madeline's birthday was at hand. Emmy had planned for everything in advance and Madeline even had a darling new dress just for her party. Normally, it would be overwhelming to put everything on just one Nandroid but Emmy was thankful to have Red there to back her up.
However, Red couldn't help but notice that something was off with Emmy. It wasn't anything major but still something to look out for; her right arm seemed to be glitching at inopportune times. He had first noticed this when she was making her macarons for Madeline's part and when she was sifting the flour and powdered sugar, that's when it happened.
"Heh heh...that was not supposed to happen."
"Are you okay?" Red asked as he came over, preparing to clean up the mess.
"Yes, just a minor glitch, nothing to get worried about."
Emmy always had extra in case of emergency. However, Red still gave her a worried look as he got to work in cleaning up.
EMMY
Today was finally the day and Madeline was up bright and early. She happily slid down the railing of the stairs and jumped into Red's arms as he was there to catch her.
"Good morning, Madeline! Feel any older today?" Emmy smiled.
"Yes! It's my birthday, Emmy! I AM older!"
"Well, I hope this eight-year-old has room for her special birthday breakfast!" Emmy said as he brought over a dish of crepes with extra whipped cream.
"Crepes for you too, ma'am," Red said as he handed a plate to Angela as well.
"Perfect as usual, Red." The woman smiled. "And please, just call me Angela, remember?"
"Good morning, Mr. Delaire! Would you like a crepe? Emmy greeted Ted as he was on the phone.
"No thanks, Emmy." He said before turning to Angela. "Ange, we got a problem. They double booked on us."
"What?! Who did?"
"The guys with the p-e-t-t-i-n-g-z-o-o..." Ted said, trying to be discrete but his daughter was smart.
"WE GOT A PETTING ZOO?!"
Red and Emmy winced at the little girl's volume and tried to push her along.
Angela sighed. "Well, so much for that surprise. She's not 4, Ted. Hand me the phone, I'll talk to them."
Red just chuckled as he sat down to help himself to some crepes as well.
EMMY
Emmy was busy setting up the Happy Birthday banner when Angela came over with a request.
"Emmy, I'm afraid I need your help. Ted is busy dealing with the entertainment."
"Of course, Mrs. Delaire! How may I help?" Emmy asked happily.
"I'm feeling a bit nauseous...actually very nauseous and I think I need to lie down for a bit before guests arrive."
"Oh dear! It's not the crepes, is it? Do you need an antiemetic?" Emmy asked worriedly.
"No, no, I'm sure it wasn't that. I'll just take something and rest." The socilalite assured the Nanoiod. "But would you and Red mind helping Madeline get ready for me?"
"Don't need to ask." Red bowed with a smirk. "I already planned for something like this; Maddy is probably sneaking
As his eyes had been closed, Red didn't realize that as he'd spoken, a screen had materialized into the room, showcasing a schedule and video of Madeline going through her dress choices. Once his now glowing eyes opened he realized what was going on.
"Hey, I didn't know I could do that; a holographic schedule feature in my brain, it's pretty helpful!" Red chuckled, his eyes glowing and projecting the schedule in question.
"Thanks, Red. You're a lifesaver."
"Hey, anything to help you out, Mo...I mean, ma'am."
"Crepes are so messy with the extra syrup, but I don't care because I'm living my best life today." Madeline said as she walked in, her face, hands, and clothes covered in syrup.
EMMY
Madeline was taking a shower while Red was standing by with towels and other things to dry off with as Emmy went to get her charge's birthday dress.
"Madeline, it's time to get dressed for the party! I can't wait to see how you'll-"
However, Emmy suddenly let out a large gasp when she saw a stain on Madeline's dress, the young girl quickly hurried over after getting her bathrobe and towel from Red.
"I can explain! It was an accident." She said hurriedly. "Last night I wanted to try it on again, then I got hungry and had a snack... But I tried to fix it so I put soap and water on it!"
"Why didn't you tell us last night?" Red asked.
"I didn't want to get in trouble..."
"Guests will arrive in an hour!" Emmy pointed out. "I won't have time to clean it."
"But it's my birthday dress! Can't you just throw it in the washing machine?"
"The dress is hand-wash and air-dry only! You'll have to wear something else I'm afraid."
Madeline's eyes got all big and sad. "B-But Emmy... I love it, it's my special party dress."
"We don't have time to do the whole wash procedure..." Red muttered before snapping his fingers. "I think I got it!"
Digging into the box of party supplies, Red then took out a blue ribbon with the number eight on it and pinned it over the stain on Madeline's dress. The girl beamed happily, feeling like everything fit together.
"There ya go!" Red laughed as he scooped the girl up in his arms and rested her on his shoulder. "You're my superstar, kiddo!"
EMMY
Emmy was just putting the last of her macarons in place when she heard the doorbell ring.
"One of the entertainers must be here!"
Going over to answer the door, she was about to greet who it was when they beat her to the punch.
"Heyyy Emmy!" Franny greeted.
"Franny! You're early! Where is Mr. and Mrs. Flagg?"
"Yes, I know. Mr. Flagg is out of town and Mrs. Flagg had to take Luke to a playoff game this afternoon so she'll be coming later!"
"Nathan! Ryan! You're the first here!" Madeline smiled as she came over to the twins. "Come in! Come in!"
Franny smiled. "There's the birthday girl!"
"Happy Birthday, Madeline!" Ryan said as Nathan had the present in hand.
"Let's chase each other through the house and scream!" Madeline declared as the boys cheered, handing Franny the present as they did so.
"So...should I set the present out back or..." Franny began to ask as already, something was heard crashing.
"I'll be sure to give that lamp a proper burial later..." Red sighed as he went to clean up the mess.
EMMY
Franny had gone to help Emmy out in the kitchen as Madeline continued playing with Nathan and Ryan while Red made sure to keep his eye on them.
"Thank you for lending a hand in the kitchen, Franny. Today has been rather hectic." Emmy said. "Mrs. Delaire was feeling under the weather so Red and I had to take on extra duties."
"I know what a commotion birthday parties can be. I'm happy to help!"
"You have five children to look after in that house! I can't imagine how preoccupied you must be."
"Well, some are teenagers now. They become different people, so you better learn to savor the precious moments while you can." Franny said, a melancholic look crossing her eyes.
"Indeed! That's why I want everything to be absolutely perfect for Madeline's special day." Emmy said.
"It doesn't have to be perfect to be special," Franny said. "If I've learned anything about caring for children, it's that sometimes the best moments are found in the imperfect-"
Red suddenly came by, catching a Nerf dart fired by Ryan, who was running around with a Nerf gun in hand.
"Eh, crazy kids..." The cyborg chuckled as Emmy looked a bit unsure about something.
"So Franny...how have you been feeling since the latest update?"
"Mmm fairly well! Mostly feeling the same, to be quite honest. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, I was just wondering is all... You haven't noticed any peculiarities? Any issues?"
"Why no... I've been running fine. Have you noticed anything?"
"Me?! Oh no, not at all. I was just curious." Emmy said unconvincingly. "Probably just a rumor I heard somewhere."
"Emmy, may I interject?" Red spoke up. "I saw your right arm acting kinda glitchy. Maybe it was an accident in the update or something. If you want, I could help with that."
Emmy didn't know why, but her cheek lights glowed bright red at Red's offer. Franny couldn't help but giggle, blushing herself at how gentlemanly and considerate the cyborg was.
As the birthday party was just about to start, Red couldn't help but feel like something serious was about to happen and he would need to be extra alert, not just for Madeline and the Delaires sake...but for Emmy as well.
Knightmare Lord A/N:
Next chapter, we're gonna have some birthday shenanigans and hopefully start the next step in Red and Emmy's relationship. I have a lot of good ideas on what to do going forward from here!
What say you, Mrotrax?
Mrotrax A/N:
After the intensity of last chapter, a nice, happy mini-arc is in order…that and some shipping fuel being lit