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"When did you get so sweet, Mike?" The word "sweet" appeared on Tenna's screen in decorative lettering. "This outing is EXACTLY what I needed after a long week of work!"
"Just a lucky guess, Boss!" Mike grinned. In reality, he'd overheard Tenna earlier that day—while out of costume—lamenting to anyone and everyone who'd listen to him, talking about he wanted to be taken out: "for dinner or with a gun, I can't afford to be picky!". He received only polite, awkward laughs in return, but he didn't seem to mind.
Mike just wanted to make sure Tenna didn't get too down. Happy boss, happy... he couldn't be assed to think of a rhyme.
"It's been a hard week, so I thought ya deserved a nice night out."
Tenna looked pleased. "Well, thank you, Mike! I don't know what I'd do without you!"
"Good thing I'm always here then, Mr. Tenna!"
Mike sat politely, taking small bites as he watched Tenna enjoy his own steak.
"How're you likin' the food, Boss? This place has great reviews from the Pippinses! Or so I've heard. Through the rumor mill. Annoying as those strange little guys may be, they can recognize a good d—they can recognize good value!"
"I suppose you're right, Mike!" Tenna said, between bites. When he looked up at Mike, the latter smiled wider, combing his head back. Tenna felt rather endeared to the short little man.
"You know, Mike, I've been thinking..." He turned his head slightly, gazing into the distance as he got lost in his thoughts. "Maybe we should spice things up in the studio. For real this time! Who knows, some new programs could be just the thing to bump viewership up again! I've already got ideas for new game shows bouncing around in my head!" He looked back. "What do you think, Mike?"
Mike nodded silently and enthusiastically, with a twitch of one ear.
"I just knew you'd agree!" He clasped his hands together, delighted. "Let's brainstorm some ideas..." His gaze landed back onto his steak. "... after dinner! This steak is simply delightful!"
A sound effect played out of his speakers as word-art flashed on his screen once more.
Mike nodded once more, now seemingly incredibly invested in his own steak. Tenna chuckled a little. "Easy, Mike! It's not going anywhere!"
Mike laughed back, but continued eating the steak until there was about a third of it left.
"Although..." Tenna rested his head on his palm, leaning against the table. "I'm not sure the studio can handle so many programs at once! Even TV Time! has its limits." He sighed. "Maybe we should cancel some older programs. Like that cowboy one... that hasn't seemed to be getting much engagement lately..."
Mike nearly jumped at that. "I, uh, politely ask ya to reconsider. Dat show's been around for a long time, hasn't it? It'd be sad to get rid of it."
"That's true... ah!" He perked up. "Maybe, instead of replacing it, we can... improve it! Like a reboot, but with more nostalgia and fewer ruined childhoods!"
Mike seemed rather pleased at that, head bobbing back and forth. "Dat sounds like a real good idea, Boss."
"You're a lifesaver, Mike! I can't believe I even considered cancelling that show!" He stood up suddenly, palms shooting down to make contact with the table. "I have to work on this IMMEDIATELY! Let's just take these leftovers home."
Tenna and Mike left the restaurant with takeout bags in both their hands.
"Thank you again for your help tonight, Mike! I can always count on you."
"No problemma, Mr. Tenna! Motormouth Mike's always here to help!"
Behind them, two other Darkners lurked in the shadows, their presences unnoticed.