The Reconstruction of Plaza [Crankshaft Rafflesian]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

[image description: A large cake-like dessert full of swirls of cream, jelly, and fruit against a evening sky in a old timey area.]

You decided to meet up at a unusual spot today, one that struck you as odd. 

The little resting area in historic plaza, one you couldn't help but instinctually avoid.

Everytime you think of it, your chest hurts. 

You can't say for sure why.

The lot was empty around this time, only really active around time for lunch breaks or when aspiring photographers would like to get a nice shot. 

All that was there was the rabbit sitting there with a dessert for two. 

Did things really hit off that well? 

Maybe this was all some cruel joke, another insider in Mori's agency just getting close to you. 

It'd happened before, every moment of your short and scattered life has been watched or micromanaged. 

Can't live on your own they say, hard disagreeing but-

This felt too specific, too targeted, she couldn't possibly know right? 

She gives you a warm look, hair poofed up til it covered half her face.

Just give her a wave. 

Dotty: Hey!

Lex: Yo! I uh... got us something to share today. You made it here alright? 

Dotty: Mmhmm! 

Quickly joining in to sit at the table. 

Her smile hits you like a truck.

Dotty: So like uh... what's all this about? 

Lex: I dunno, just glad to see you again is all. 

There was a ring on her finger you don't quite remember her having yesterday but..

Is she married? Are you in the middle of a affair or-

Dotty: Yeah! Gotta go out on a whim more, usually ends up just being me after work and-

Lex: You're fine. 

She slides you over a spoon on a pile of napkins. 

Dotty: A-ah! Thank you, I can pay you-

Lex: Don't worry about it. You ever been to this spot before? 

Dotty: Maybe..

Lex: Kind of a favorite of mine, air's kinda magical but... I dunno. It's sad without someone else here with you. You know? 

Dotty: I get that. 

Lex: Soooo... I wanted to share that with you. I figured you either already been here plenty or you'd appreciate it. 

Dotty: It's kinda nostalgic.

Her voice doesn't really line up with the dopple you met. 

Are you sure that's actually her? 

Lex: Came here straight from work, yeah? 

Dotty: What do you mean? 

Lex: Uniform, unless you don't got much in casual clothes.

Dotty: Not really, no.. 

Lex: Should go shopping together, been needing to update my closet too. 

That kind of sounds nice... 

Dotty: Just asking but.. you are Lex, right? 

There's a stung look on her face, one she's quick to shed. 

Lex: Weird question. 

Dotty: Maybe that's a bit out of line, you're just so different today... 

Lex: Just a mood I guess... shit's gonna melt by the way.

She taps the ice cream with her spoon before going for a mouthful.

You join in with her, things offputtingly quiet for a good bit before someone's willing to break the silence. 

Dotty: So what's plans for after all this? 

Lex: I'm probably gonna head back quick to handle a errand. After that, regroup and wing it maybe? 

Dotty: Wing it? 

Lex: Just feel out the night, you know? Go with the flow. 

Dotty: We can do that. Yeah. 

Lex places a hand on the table, reaching for yours. 

Dotty: Sup? 

Lex: Let me take a look..

You oblige, placing your hand down and letting her gently look over things. 

Lex: Haven't been taking care of it as much as you should. You polish at all in the past month? 

Dotty: Not really... pretty bad at keeping up with my maintenance.

Lex: You're okay. If you want I can tune you up. 

Dotty: I'm not really a contemporary model... 

Lex: I've done plenty of work on Tinman era constructs before, not a prob.

Dotty: Really: 

Lex: Yeah. Someone I knew needed help with this too. Had to do a lot of reading but it's coming in handy again so...

Do I remind her of a ex..? 

Dotty: If it's not too much. 

Lex: Not at all... 

She gave your hand a little comforting squeeze. 

It felt... too natural, familiar with every joint and curvature. 

Intimate.

Dotty:... Did you know me before? 

She let go of your hand.

Lex: I'll definitely know you with time...  I... I'm the rabbit from yesterday but only really on the outside. I just wanted to meet you too... 

She plays with the spoon against the glass, dessert finished down to the bottom. 

Dotty: So you're two rabbits? 

Lex: Yeah. 

Dotty: And yesterday was Lex. 

???: Mm. You're catching on. 

Dotty: So today you're-

Jam: Jam. And if she gets to go out with you I want time too. 

Dotty:... It's really that easy? All this just to ask me out? 

Jam: Yeah well... 

Dotty: I mean the answer's yes, I just... didn't expect things to play out like this. Like... two of you... 

Jam: Pretty sure it's just two. Could be a third secret one, I dunno. 

Dotty: Two with a potential of a secret third. 

Jam: Not confirmed but you never know. So?

Dotty:... you got a quick errand, yeah? 

Jam: Yeah-

Dotty: Coming with you. I don't want you disappearing on me cause Lex didn't come back. 

Jam: You know what? Fair. While you're there I can show you a few things, then we'll find something fun to do in town. Sound good? 

Dotty: Sounds good.