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It's a quiet, sunny, unsuspecting Friday afternoon when it all happens. Mumbo's on his usual shift, Charlie Byrd humming through the nearby record player and flowing into the tech store.
The store itself, Big Rons, is quiet, only a couple customers still browsing the aisles, content to navigate without Mumbo's help. So, it's not surprising that his mind's trailing to other matters, mostly vauge plans his (eventual) thesis and whatever else happens to pop into his mind.
Luckily, that day happens to be the day the vinyl record ends earlier then expected, waiting for Mumbo to swap out the vinyl. And he does so, methodically, and he wonders if there's a way to do that bit automatically without the risk of damaging the record.
He mulls over the idea. Although there's been recent robotic developments in the field of robotics, with honestly awe inducing feats of engineering and computer work, Mumbo had yet to hear of a any that made use of such fine motor mechanics or that worked with record players.
So, Mumbo begins sketching, inbetween helping the few customers, and by the end of the week he has a fairly bulked out concept plan. Fully committed now, he spends the weekend sorting through the stores bin of spare parts, animatedly explaining the idea to his boss/uncle, Ronald "Big Ron" Jumbo.
"And right now, I'm thinking that theres a sensor then a push mechanism to swap between records! It's simple, really, as long as I have a way to sense when the record's finished and how to replace the record."
"Sounds interesting" nods Ron thoughtfully, a warm hand on Mumbo's back"Yeah, take whatever. As long as you give me a free supply of your invention to sell"
"Alright, if I manage to get it off the ground, I will" chuckles Mumbo
"Oh, I think it will" hums Ron "I'll see you on Monday then"
Mumbo hums a sort of noise of affirmation, continuing to sort through the piles of spare bits and bobs, gathering an assortment of items. Most importantly, he manages to find a sensor and a fair amount of pistons.
Mumbo smiles to himself, packing away what he didn't use, and setting out the parts he needs on a workbench. The rest of the day, and really the next fourty eight hours, pass in a blur of welding wires together and running test after test.
He's just gotten the first successful run finished when the chime upstairs announces a new customer and Mumbo pulls himself away from his work. Quickly checking the clock he jumps, running up the stairs to meet Grian.
"Hi G" he smiles, albit a bit sheepishly
"Hello Mumbo"
"Apologies if I kept you waiting, I may have gotten a bit distracted?"
"Another project?" grins Grian, mischift glinting in his eyes "'sides, it's only half past three, you're fine.
"Right, right," chuckles Mumbo "I can tell you about it over drinks if you'd like?"
"That'd be lovely, Mumbs"
Mumbo roll his eyes in lock exasperation, locking up behind the two of them. Grian just grins back at him with a knowing look in his eyes.
"Soooo! Where too tonight?" he hummed, drumming his fingers against the wheel of his car
"Oh! I didn't really think that far ahead, I'll be honest. Stratos Pub maybe? It's safe enough, I'd say"
"Let's head over then" Grian nods, pulling out of his parking spot, the both of them beaming with warmth as the radio sung out cherry tunes.
They drive along, Grian tapping his fingers along the steering wheel as he hums along to the song, Mumbo humming alongside him.
Stratos Pub is warmly light, dark oak paneling along the walls. There's a low buzz of conversation as the pair enter, most of the patrons out on a date or with friends.
"Evening mates!" Greets one of the servers "Just the two of you tonight?"
"Yeah, just us" hums Mumbo "Do you have room?"
"We should, yeah" he replies "Follow me. Out for any kinda occasion?"
"Just discussing some buisness ventures" replies Grian easily, the server nodding
They sit in a booth, taking a menu, taking a quick moment to place their order—Corned Beef Sandwich for Grian and a Hero Sandwich for Mumbo, each with a side of chips and a glass of beer.
"So!" Starts Grian, once the server's left"Your invention?"
"Oh right! So, basically it's to automate the process of switching between vinyls? Especially for stores so if you're busy, you know?"
"Sounds brilliant so far, mate" hums Grian
"Yeah, most of yesterday I just faffed about with some of the bits and bobs Uncle Ron had laying around"
Their food arrives sometime in between their conversation, Mumbo continuing to explain the device as they chat.
"Remember me when you're famous, Mumbs" smiles Grian affectionately, pulling up outside Mumbo's flat, the afternoon sun lowering itself deeper into the sky
"Aww G!" laughs Mumbo beamingly "Course I will, mate!"
"You're an absolute sap" sighs Grian, hiding a grin
"Oh, you can deal with it"
"See you soon, Mumbs. Stay safe, alright?" smilles Grian, laughing
"You as well, G" agrees Mumbo, before heading into his flat.
It takes nearly three months for Mumbo to perfect his design, Grian making sure he takes a break in between his tinkering alongside a good handful of their friends friends. When he's finally ready for it to be displayed, Uncle Ron gets an event set up, and puts sales on all the items.
The store is busier then Mumbo can ever remember it being. People are crowded around the display set up, Mumbo nervously greeting the patrons.
"I'll be honest" he hums to Grian, standing next to his boyfriend "I did not think it'd get this busy!"
"You made something-it's absolutely incredibe what you've made, y'know?People like seeing new things, Mumbo"
"Yeah, I suppose you're right"
"Oi, suppose?!" grins Grian
Right on schedule, Uncle Ron rigns a small bell, the room falling silent
"Alrighty folks! My nephew, Mumbo has invented an incredible device, and I couldn't be happier you've all come to see the first public demonstration." anouncces Ron proudly "Mumbo, would you like to say a few words?"
"Er, yeah! Like my uncle said, I'm really happy you all came! My invention, the JamBot was made to make it easier to have a consistant stream of music in stores and restauraunts, and it just swaps between the vinyls using a set of pistons. So, like this."
Mumbo flicks the power on, and music plays through the store for a couple minutes before the vinyl ends and the pistons fire, moving the needle and flipping the vinyl to the opposite side and continuing it there. Needless to say, it's a big hit, and people are soon asking him questions about how it works, and how it's made weeks after.
Its on one of his work days, that a man in a proper suit comes it, right up to the counter.
"Are you Mumbo? The guy who made that new vinyl switching device?" he asks, observing him
"That would be me, yeah." replies Mumbo, still incredibly confused "How can I help?"
"Well, you see, I'm the CEO of an up and coming technological company, and I'd love to help you patent your device and bring you on as an engineer !
"Oh! Um, I'll have to get back to you on that one!" Mumbo says, laughing sheepishly
"Ah, of course! If you're interested, here's my number." The buisness man nods, sliding Mumbo a buisness card "Whenever you're ready!"
He leaves, the door slamming behind him and drives off, leaving Mumbo still marginaly confused and staring at the buisness card infront of him.
He still doesn't quite understand what's just happened, the next day, when the same thing happens with a different buisness man, and then another. Buy the end of the day, he gets the picture. By the end of the week its a nuisance
Unfortunately, the buisness cards continue to pile up, and doesn't show any sign of stopping. He complains as such to Grian on his next smoke break, out on the fire escape of the store.
"I don't get it!" He sighs, the cigarette hanging between his fingers
"Eh, I did tell you to remember me when you became famous!" Grian replies cheekily
"Yeah, yeah, you're chuffed about that and all. Still! It's absolutely ridiculous!"
"None of them appeal to you?"
"I mean, I don't particularly want to start working for a company? Or hand over the rights to JamBot for that matter." Huffs Mumbo, waving his free hand vaugely
Grian hums sympathetically, before straightening suddenly and wildly grinning at Mumbo
"What if we started a company for JamBot! One of my Uni friends could help with production and stuff; you remember Impulse, right? He's cool, and we could co-own the company!" He suggests eagerly
Mumbo mulls it over, and after a minute, he makes his decision.
"You have yourself a deal, G" he says, matching Grian's grin and offering his hand. Grian smiles proudly shaking Mumbos hand before leaning in too kiss his cheek. "And the deal has been sealed!"
"You're a ridiculous man" sighs Mumbo affectionately "An absolute spoon, even"
"And you love me for it" grins Grian
"Yeah, I do" Mumbo replies easily, grinning back at him "kiss?"
"Yes. Always"
Mumbo holds Grian, meeting his lips, the taste of tobacco still there, and they kiss.
A small miracle, overlooking the small alleyway where Mumbo throws out the boxes that come with every shipping order, where their cars get parked.
And for a moment, the world falls away. There is no fear of prying eyes, and they are standing in the privacy of the fire escape.
When they pull apart, Grian smiles at Mumbo, happy to stay in their own world for just a moment more.
"Um. So, logistics?" Manages Mumbo, when the moment has run out
"That can be a Monday thing. We can wait for Monday to iron that out." says Grian "I'll contact Impulse tonight though, I'll need to get that taken care of. And then, maybe a night out to the cinema?"
"Yeah, that'd be great G. Thank you"
"Course! Now come on, we should get some sort of food in you"
Mumbo chuckles, wrapping his fingers around the palm of Grian's hand with a smile as they make their way out to the streets.