Archive of Our Own

It was a peaceful day in the society. Everyone was minding their own business, hanging out with others, etc. A certain light green robot and scientist were in said scientist's lab, for a little maintenance check, along with perhaps a little adjustments.

"It's good to see the results of our last check!" Test Tube told them happily, "The only thing different is it says your circuits overheated a little bit after overexerting yourself in helping out in the society, making you more irritable than usual." She raised an eyebrow pointedly, talking about the time Bot had been very focused helping Cabby out and they ended up not sleeping- well, in this case, shutting themself down- until the next day.

Bot grinned guiltily. "Ah, so that's why everything's seems so annoying to me! Oh gosh, i felt so bad after glaring at Goo when I tripped over him when I was carrying some boxes!" They said indignantly.

"He was frightened of you for the rest of that day, I hope you know that." Test Tube chuckled, searching the cupboard for something- a replacement for the overheated circuit, most likely.

"I could tell." Bot said, half-exasperated, half-amused.

"Is that my favorite person checking up on my other favorite person without me I see?" Fan asked lightheartedly, popping into the lab. "Hey you two!"

"Hi Fan." The two answered back happily.

Bot hummed, swinging their legs back and forth on the counter they were on as Fan and Test Tube's voices faded into the background. Because of their childish actions and the way they were built and how they look- and occasionally, their way of speaking- a lot of people seemed to mistaken Bot to be younger than they actually were. While they didn't mind responding with a playful retort about them not being short whenever others were babying the robot, it also felt a bit.. odd?

Since they had been a 'Bowbot', as many people who competed with them in season 3 had put it, Bot didn't really have what you'd call a childhood, or knew how it felt to be a little kid. Well, to be fair, nobody around really did, since they'd all been created by Mephone- but they didn't really know what to feel whenever people babied them? Even if said people knew Bot wasn't a little kid, they still instinctively treated the robot like a child, if not as a joke. They'd be called things like "kiddo," "buddy," the typical names you'd use on a child below the age of, like, 9. Sometimes they'd be irritated at it. Sometimes they'd find it amusing. Other times, they'd find the gestures and way of speaking mildly... comforting?

No, that wasn't right. They're a robot! Robots didn't have childhoods anyway, whether created by Mephone or not. And anyways, what was it like to be a kid in the first place?

"Aha!" They heard Test Tube exclaim as she held up another circuit, snapping them out of their train of thoughts. "Ugh, maybe i should make a few more circuits incase i take longer to find the spare one next time."

"No, I think you need to start organizing your things instead." Bot joked, earning a laugh from Fan and a playful hair ruffle from Test Tube. Fan was leaning against the counter beside the two, phone in hand as he scrolled in whatever site or website he normally visited.

"Anyways," Test Tube said, and Fan and Bot exchanged smirks, knowing she was eager to change subject. "Do you want me to shut you off while I replace your circuit? I'll also be adjusting your software a little along with maybe replacing then fixing up your moodboard. Maybe your sensors too."

"No, it's okay- I like the tickly feeling." Bot said, already giggling slightly from the thought.

Now it was Test Tube's turn to exchange amused looks with Fan, before shrugging. "Alright." Test Tube couldn't help but chuckle along everytime Bot stifled a laugh and tried to keep still every now and then whenever Test Tube would adjust and/or take out something. The movements and sounds were so much like a child it was adorable.

"Bot, you good? You've been quiet for quite a bit, I haven't heard you giggle in a while." Fan said, somewhat teasing them as he looked up from his phone.

"I don't know, Fan, maybe because I'm changing their circuits and software!" Test Tube replied playfully, lightly hitting him on the head with the screwdriver she held. Her gaze softened slightly, though. "No, but he is right. You okay Bot?"

Completely out of character, Bot nods once, letting out a quiet "mhmm.." Test Tube nodded happily at the response, assuming that the changes simply were making them tired. Fan, on the other hand, tilted his head, looking at them curiously. That was.. odd. He scooted over closer towards them, the little robot surprising them both slightly when they suddenly leaned against him slightly.

"Well, we're done." Test Tube said after she was content with the adjustments she'd made. "Golly, that was a lot easier than I assumed it would be. How are you feeling, Bot? Any headaches, discomfort? Do you feel better?"

She was asking some more questions, but Bot didn't know how to respond to a single one. She was using words they couldn't comprehend very well. Words too big for their understanding. They didn't get it- a few moments ago they would've understood everything perfectly fine. Why did everything seem to be a jumble all of a sudden? They whined, shaking their head. Everything was too big for them at the moment. They felt small, little. Scared. They didn't like feeling small or little.

The sound surprised the two as they exchanged confused looks. That was rather out of character for the said robotic.

Test Tube frowned, worried she might have messed something up. "Golly- Bot, are you feeling alright?" She asked, reaching out to check their panel, but flinched when Bot whined again, pushing themself farther away on the counter as tears started beading and falling. She and Fan exchanged startled, confused and somewhat hurt looks. What had gotten into them?

"Bot-" Fan said, standing up straight but not forcing contact, not wanting to startle the crying robot. "Why are you crying?" He asked, putting on a soothing tone one would use when speaking to a small child. "It's just me and Test Tube! Did something happen when she was fixing you up?"

Bot didn't know why they were crying either, to be honest. Everything felt too big, they were feeling too much yet not enough. They consented to look at Fan, knees brought up to their chest as they sat on the counter, sobs muffled as they gazed at him and Test Tube with wide, sad, glossy eyes.

"What happened?" Test Tube mumbled concernedly, mostly to herself. "I'm sorry, Bot. Did I do something wrong? Maybe made your moodboard and sensors too sensitive?" Bot whined again in distress, shaking their head.

Fan looked at Test Tube, concerned and confused, but all the scientist could do was bite her lip and shrug.

"They.. kinda remind me of how little kids act." Test Tube muttered worriedly.

"Are they regressed?" Fan asked, mostly to himself. While most around the society didn't really understood the term or the concept of age regression, Fan, being the DORK he is (/aff) who read fanfiction, knew a decent amount about it and liked knowing other people found healthy ways to cope.

As for Test Tube, she used to do a bit of psychology research to try out studying new things. While researching that kind of stuff hadn't been her thing in the end, she did know a fair amount of the said term and concept. She pulled out a few strands of hair, a nervous habit she had. "Gee, i'm no good with kids.. you don't think they slipped because I stressed them out or something, right?"

Fan shook his head, watching Bot stifle their sobs. "I don't know. They normally tell us everything, so it doesn't make sense for them to just suddenly turn out to be a regressor or just regress out of the blue. But then again, maybe they found it embarrassing and kept it to themself, but then why did they slip out of nowhere? It's not like this is the first time they went through a maintenance check-"

"Golly! Maybe I did mess something up when i was fixing them!" Test Tube said, cutting through his rambling, "The circuit might've been broken, and maybe I didn't realize it, then maybe I adjusted their sensors and mood board and made them too sensitive!"

"It's alright, Testy, I know if that was the case, you didn't mean to." Fan reassured her, before looking back at Bot, who still had tears spilling steadily down their face. "Does that mean we have a- err.. kid- until you build or find a good circuit?"

"Well, golly-gee.. I guess so?" Test Tube said, also looking at the crying robot. "..uh-oh.. i'm no good with kids."

Fan wasn't either, admittedly, mostly due to the fact there weren't really a lot of kids around in the society in the first place. But he'd acted much like a father with the baby Shimmer egg, so maybe he could give it a shot again!

Gently, with his movements slow so that he wouldn't startle or overwhelm Bot, he moved closer to the counter, leaning forward slightly. "Hey, Bot?" He asked them gently, and his voice is oh so soothing Bot can't help uncurling slightly, letting out a tiny whimper. "How are ya feeling? Sorry- did me and Test Tube overwhelm you earlier?" He asks, both he and Test Tube feeling a pang of guilt when they nodded once. Actually, Bot didn't really understand what 'overwhelm' meant, but it sounded pretty accurate to what they were feeling.

"Ah.... sorry, little one." Test Tube said, trying to be gentle despite her awkwardness. Well, it seems to somewhat have a positive effect, the way they uncurled slightly, hiccuping as they wiped their tears with their wrists. "I'll try not to do it again?" She asked sheepishly, hoping her tone was soothing.

"Yeah, it's okay, Bug, we won't hurt ya. It's just us!" Fan said, putting on an 'excited' tone to try and coax them to come over to the two. "Just me and Test Tube! You know us, you remember us, right?"

Bot hesitated, but eventually caved in, suddenly crawling over to the end of the counter, slipping down onto the floor and burying their face into his thigh, clinging tightly onto his shirt as the tears still spilled down their face. They seemed to be making themself seem small with their extendable legs- they only reached until Fan's abdomen. It would've been more adorable if it wasn't for the fact how they genuinely seemed terrified.

Fan frowned as he looked back up at Test Tube, rubbing their back, trying to soothe the tears. "Soooo, T-Test Tube! Do you happen to know what to do with..?" He gestured down at the robot clinging onto his pants, sniffling and hiccuping like an actual child would.

Test Tube sighed dejectedly, leaning against the counter. "No, I told you already I have little to no experience with kids."

"No, no- I mean- what now?" Fan asked, scooping them up in his arms. "Neither of us know how to properly care for a kid, I doubt anyone around has any experience with one. Sure, some of them like TK may be more parent-like compared to others, but..??"

"Gee, Fan, do you not see yourself? You're literally bouncing them in your arms on instinct like you would with a baby!" Test Tube said, somewhat teasing as she hit him on the shoulder lightly.

He huffed, rolling his eyes. "Oh, please, Test Tube, I'm being serious." despite his words, he couldn't help the small smile on his face, bouncing Bot in a more secure position in his arms. "Should we tell the OSC about this?"

"..Yeah. Actually, great idea Fan!" Test Tube agreed, snapping her fingers. "Maybe they'd know what to do- or how to help at the very least. And since Bot is a huge help in the society, we can't really hide it, and it would be weird, not to mention worrisome, to others if they suddenly started crying over little things and whatnot."

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The OSC were fairly close with one another- being colleagues and such, they've grown used and accustomed to each other's presence, each finding their little discussions on any subject mildly amusing, whether related to work or not.

"Okay, so imagine you date a girl, right?" Suitcase was saying. OJ gave a little indignant sound, looking up from his papers. Suitcase glared at him playfully. "Not you, OJ, I'm talking to Cabby, shut the fuck up." She told him, kicking him playfully on the shin.

"OJ, we know you're too loyal to Paper - and gay for him - to even look at a girl the way you look at him." Cabby said, not looking up from her files, though a small, playful smile on her face seeing Suitcase giggle at her words and OJ's chagrin.

"Ugh, don't be like that, we don't make it that obvious." OJ said, rolling his eyes.

"Uh-huh, sureee." Suitcase smirked at him.

"And you shouldn't talk too much either, Suitcase," Cabby smiled, looking up at said girl. "You hang out at Mepad Mansion quite a lot, last time I checked."

"Uh- OSC?"

The three perked up, seeing Fan and Test Tube by the entrance of Hoot, surprised to see Fan holding Bot like one would a child, and even more surprised to see Bot clinging onto him like one and looking like they'd just finished crying.

"Fan? Test Tube? Bot? Is everything okay?" Cabby asked, rolling over to the three concernedly. "What happened?"

"Ah- well! It's- it's kind of an- awkward situation." Fan says, gesturing for Test Tube to explain, bouncing Bot into a more secure position. She nodded.

"So, essentially, earlier in the day I was doing a maintenance check with Bot and trying to replace their circuits while also adjusting their sensors, but then Bot started weird when I was done. They seemed much more sensitive than usual, before promptly bursting into tears. Then I realized the circuits that I used to replace their earlier ones must've been broken, and with the addition of me adjusting their moodboard and sensors incorrectly, they're now like.." Test Tube gestured to said robot in Fan's arms; their eyes were darting from Cabby, to OJ, to Suitcase, before glancing back at Fan and Test Tube and then looking back at the three, their eyes wide with curiosity. Obviously, they weren't exactly acting like themself, they seemed to be much more immature, with an innocent haze cast over their face.

"Sorry, come again? I don't think we quite follow." Cabby said, blank surprise on her face as Suitcase and OJ exchanged confused glances. "So- their circuits."

"Uh-huh."

"Are all.. jumbled up? Along with their technical moodboard and sensors?"

"Yep."

"So..?"

OJ stared at Bot, thinking hard. "Wait, so are they- ohhh." OJ hummed in realization, exchanging looks with the three as if he knew exactly what was happening. "So, is it like an age regression sort of thing?"

Test Tube and Fan looked at each other in mild surprise, not expecting them to know that. "Golly, I guess in a way it is? I didn't expect anyone around to know about that term, but yeah it sort of is."

Suitcase cleared her throat. "Okay, okay so- Basically, they're a little kid right now?" She asked for clarification, tilting her head. "Oh geez, there's really no way of putting this without just summarizing age regression, huh?" She giggled, tilting her head and cooing slightly at the robot in Fan's hands. They whined, shying away a bit, earning soft chuckled and amused smiles from everyone.

"Yeah, but I guess the difference is that this one is more of a.. technical issue if anything." Fan said matter-of-factly.

"Ah, I see," OJ said, "Thanks for telling us. If possible we'll try to inform everyone around so as not to cause confusion."

Cabby tilts her head, looking at the three deep in thought, especially at Bot. "I wonder.. do either of you know how 'old' they are? They seem to be in 'babyspace,' if you consider this age regression."

"Actually yeah, I can kinda see that." Fan agreed, bouncing them in his arms again.

"As for 'season 4' of II, if you three need a break to settle things down until Bot's back, feel free to do so- we could take over for a bit if you want us to." Suitcase added.

"Actually, I think I might have an idea for an alternative," Fan said, his eyes shining in excitement.

"Fan, don't tell me you're planning on letting the contestants babysit Bot as a challenge." Test Tube deadpanned, sighing exasperatedly as he gave her a guilty - but not at all in the slightest shameful - grin.

Cabby, OJ and Suitcase each shared a mutual look of worry and concern. "Fan, are you sure about this?" OJ asked. "Some of the contestants don't really.. seem to be the type to be good with this stuff." He finished lamely.

"While we have no doubt about you and Test Tube's hosting ability along with the contestants' strengths, you do realize some of them aren't or wouldn't be the best to ask help from in this situation, right?" Cabby asked, not unkindly.

"But isn't that the whole point of Season four?" Fan insisted excitedly, "The contestants are supposed to learn how to face challenges and be a better version of themselves- and what better, harder challenge than taking care of a baby?" His excited tone seemed infectious to Bot, who giggled, squirming in his arms to the point where Test Tube had to take them into her's.

"Even if you do have a point.." Suitcase began hesitantly, "How can I be sure the contestants will follow safety with Bot? If you and Test Tube don't know how to deal with kids, what makes you think the contestants do? The only reason Cabby and OJ somewhat know how to do so is because.. nevermind."

"I mean, those two have no experience but seem to be doing perfectly fine with them." OJ pointed out as Bot cooed at Test Tube, playing with her fingers.

"Good point," Suitcase admitted begrudgingly. "Okay, fine. You're allowed to make babysitting Bot a challenge- but I'm going to be monitoring the teams every now and then to make sure this whole thing goes smoothly." She said coolly, with a note of finality in the end.

"As expected from the one in charge of Safety around here." OJ chuckled, albeit somewhat teasing, and Suitcase smirked at him, rolling her eyes playfully.

Fan beamed, while Test Tube rolled her eyes affectionately. Oh boy.

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"Alright!" Fan said, clapping his hands together, "Welcome to the 5th challenge of Inanimate Insanity IV!"

"Uh- Fan?" Poppy asked warily, somewhat shrinking in on themself. It felt like everyone was staring at them, which they were since they were talking! Yeah, yeah, okay keep it cool. "Uh- I'm sorry if this sounds- rude, but.. why is Bot all..?" They fumbled over their words, gesturing at the robot in Test Tube's arms, who was looking at everyone with wide, innocent eyes sparkling with fascination.

"Ah, I'm glad you asked, Poppy!" Fan said happily as Test Tube's grip on Bot stiffened ever so slightly. "So you see, Test Tube here might've messed up a bit of Bot's programming by accident! And since this would take a bit of a long time for her to make a new circuit, I thought, why not make this into a fun challenge?"

Murmurs and whispers of all kinds immediately spread throughout the contestants. Some confused, still not understanding Bot's current state. Others were worried, because, again, basically everyone's amount of time with a child could be compared to the amount of times scientists have reached the center of the earth.

Fan cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "It seems that there's.. a tad bit of confusion!" He said, grinning nervously as he clapped his hands together. "Basically, Bot's much smaller mentally at the moment, around the age of a toddler because of a little mess up involving their circuits, moodboard and-.. look, what I'm trying to say is that they're basically a baby at the moment, okay?" He said exasperatedly. The murmurs started again, this time intrigued. "And for today's challenge, you all will be taking care of them properly! Starting off with Thematic Cats, then then Go Big or Be Last, Circumspect, then last but not least, the Heavy Metal Popstars! Any questions?"

Tea Kettle raised her hand. "Uhm, Fan? Not to criticize the way you host and the challenge, but are you sure this is a good idea?" She asked tentatively, "Barely any of us have experience with little kids. What makes you think we'll be good taking care of them?"

"Ah, there it is Tea Kettle!" Fan said happily, "While you are right about everyone not having much experience with children, the whole point of this season is to become better versions of yourselves- overcome challenges! And this is a big one! Well, sort of. I have fate in you all that you'll be doing this right- just uh.. as much as possible, maybe don't harm Bot? It's- it's simple, really- all you have to do is be gentle and sweet with them and you'll be all good. You have two hours each with them, and at the end of the challenge we'll let Bot decide which teams they had the most fun with. Readysetgo!!!"

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As Microphone took the giggly robot from Test Tube's arms, she turned to her team, slightly bewildered and, admittedly, a bit worried. "Okay, so.. what now?"

"Tch.. this whole challenge is pointless." Teddy said bitterly, glaring at Bot. "It's just free babysitting disguised as a challenge." Much to the teddy bear's dismay and mild annoyance, Bot looked up at her with shining, curious eyes, babbling happily in Microphone's hands and outstretching their hands as if she was the most fascinating one out of them all.

"Awh, they really are just like a baby!" Soap said happily, taking them into her arms and bouncing them. "They're adorable!"

"They seem easily entertained," Taco inferred, mildly amused. It was ironic, she thought to herself- Bot normally didn't like being classified as small, yet in this 'headspace', as Fan and Test Tube had put it, they were exactly that.

"Well, then that should hopefully make things easier for us," Tea Kettle said happily, "Remember, the challenge is to make this little one happy!" She reminded them all, her voice a slight coo at the end as she tilted her head at Bot, who giggled in retaliation, reaching out to her.

"In that case, what should we do with them?" one of the Cherries asked curiously.

Tea Kettle's eyes brightened up with an idea. "How abouutttt going to the kitchen?" She asked, clapping her hands together. "Maybe they'd like to try helping out in baking?"

"Making a mess in the kitchen and having to clean it up after?" Teddy asked, arms folded. "No thank you, we already did that last challenge."

"And who's fault is that?" Taco asked in a light hearted tone. Teddy huffed, tearing her gaze away.

"Well, the challenge is to make sure we're one of the teams they've had the most fun with," Microphone shrugged, "A little mess wouldn't hurt anyone as long as they have a good time, am I right?"

"Microphone does have a very good point," Taco agreed.

"So kitchen it is then!" Soap said happily as she and her team set their little journey to the restaurant.

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Bot watched with wide, sparkly eyes, watching the team members prepare stuff to bake some cookies, occasionally giggling as Microphone bounced them in her arms. It was apparently very amusing to them, their eyes sparkling as they looked at a certain Thematic Cats member before they either were out of Bot's view or whenever another person caught their eye.

Microphone had to stifle a giggle, watching Taco struggle to get a carton eggs on a particularly high shelf. "Taco~" She called out to the shorter foodstuff, walking to the spot beside her. "You know what? How about you try holding them this time?" She suggested, not forcing, but also lowering Bot in her arms so they were in eye-level with Taco.

Taco did a double take at the suggestion. "What? Me?" She asked. "Why not Teddy? Or Soap, or Cherries or-?"

"Well, you're the only one who hasn't held them yet." Microphone shrugged, "I don't trust the Cherries to hold them, Soap and Tea Kettle have already had their fair share of holding them, and Teddy is clearly disinterested. Also you're clearly too short to reach anything, so it's best to let me take over." She added with a teasing wink.

"Ha. Ha." Taco said sarcastically, playfully hitting the taller girl on the shoulder in retaliation. "Very funny. It's not my fault Mephone4 decided it would be a great idea to make me the shortest out of everyone."

"Mmm, fair point, but still! Cmon, just look at them!" Microphone cooed, shifting them closer to her. "How could you say no to a face like this?"

"Ugh, I'm just not too sure, Mic." Taco sighed, looking up at the robot with mild amusement, fascination, and worry. "I know we all have no experience with kids, but how do you expect me to deal with them? I'm probably the worst option if someone wanted me to babysit."

"Awh, come on, you're not that bad~" Microphone said, suppressing a fond laugh at the girl's self-deprecating words. "It's like Fan said, you just gotta be all nice and gentle and then you're good. Wanna try?"

Taco sighed quietly, but relented nonetheless, taking the baby-fied robot from Microphone's arms. Bot whined quietly at the sudden transfer. Not in a bad way, it was more of they were simply making sounds for the fun of it because that was just what babies did. They looked up at Taco, eyes bright with curiosity at the new person. "Uhm.. hello." Taco said awkwardly to them. Bot giggles, clumsily booping her on the nose, much to her surprise and Microphone's amusement.

"Alright, be careful with 'em, Taco!" Microphone said happily, grabbing the eggs and walking off.

Taco sighed, leaning against the counter as she took in the look on Bot's face. There was something so pure and innocent about them that made them look irresistibly adorable. They eventually grew bored of trying to put her necktie into their mouth, eventually going back to watching the others get ready to start baking.

"Alright!" Tea Kettle said happily, "We've got all the ingredients, so now, let's see.. flour first, then eggs, then milk, then we do a little bit of this, and that.."

Watching the others bake for Bot's entertainment was working, at least. They watched in wide-eyes curiosity in Taco's arms as the team members prepared the batter, mixing the ingredients together with the mechanical stirrers and occasionally letting Bot have a chocolate chip or two. They giggled and clapped their hands as the Cherries used the faucet to spray water onto Teddy before pouring flour over her head, leading to Teddy chasing them around the restaurant with a chair. 

"See, you're doing just fine," Mic said, giving Taco a wink as the taller object put the cookies in the oven. If you were wondering where the others were, Teddy was still attempting to smash a chair on the Cherries head as Tea Kettle desperately tried to get them to settle down, and Soap simply grimaced slightly at the mess they were making, eventually going back to Microphone and Taco.

"Well, I suppose it really is no big deal in the end." Taco shrugged, "Really, all I did need to do was coddle them, with the occasional ecstatic, babying tone whenever something mildly amusing happens, and they're already pleased."

Soap giggles, pinching Bot's cheek, to which the robot whines at, huffing poutily as their grip gets tighter on Taco. "You know, this is probably our first and last time we'll ever get to see Bot like this," She cooed, and the two nodded in agreement.

"Not unless Test Tube decides to do this sort of thing again." Microphone shrugs.

"I wonder.. would they remember any of this when they're back to normal?" Taco questioned thoughtfully.

"Good question. Well, to be fair, they're a baby now. I think not?" Microphone said.

loud CRASH as Teddy threw the chair, attempting to hit the Cherries but missing, causing yelling/screaming from both the Cherries and Tea Kettle. Bot giggled, clapping their hands clumsily. They were very entertained by the series of events played out around them.

"Well, at least someone's amused." Soap said happily, taking them into her arms before squatting slightly so they could see the cookies in the oven. "Look, Bot! It looks so good, huh~?" She quickly pulled away as Bot tried to reach out to the handle. "Uh-uh, we don't want any burns!" She said happily, bouncing them so they wouldn't fuss.

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There was a soft ding as the timer of the cookies finished. Teddy had (Somewhat) calmed down, satisfied after successfully almost chipping off the leaves of the Cherries and wiping most of the flour off her fur. Tea Kettle sent glares at both of the object's ways, muttering under her breath.

"O-kay!" Soap said happily, peering into the oven. "Wow, these cookies actually look good. Now- uh."

Bot, oblivious to everything happening around them once more, now had their eyes set on a certain teddy bear.. again. She just looked so fluffy and cute and huggable and fun to them! They let out an excited babble, squirming in Soap's hold and reaching out to Teddy.

"Woah- uh- okay, okay!" Microphone said, scooping them up in case they tumbled out of her hold. "What? Whatcha need?"

Bot whined in protest, huffing as they looked up at Teddy again, who recoiled slightly.

"Uh- Teddy?" Tea Kettle said, chuckling slightly. Behind her, Taco was pulling out the cookies from the oven, filling the room with the lovely smell of aroma only freshly baked goods could bring. "Not to cause you trouble, but I think they wanna latch onto you, honey."

"Wha- no!" Teddy protested, offended at the mere thought. "Why would I ever want to.." She is cut off by a louder, more urgent whine from Bot, attempting to squirm away from Microphone and closing and opening their hands at Teddy in a grabby way.

"Come on, Teddy. For the challenge?" Taco asked encouragingly, smiling slightly as she looked up from the cookies she'd been trying to cool down.

"Ugh, fine!" Teddy said, reluctantly taking Bot away from Microphone with surprising gentleness that contrasted her angry tone. Bot let out a small high-pitched whine, giggling to themself. "Tch.. what're you giggling at?" She asked, but couldn't help the small, subtle smile that curled on her mouth. Bot babbled in response, playing with her fingers. Teddy huffed but relented, letting them do as they pleased- just as long as they didn't try to start chewing on her.

"See, you're doing just fine." Tea Kettle told her happily, checking up on the cookies. "They should be good now, anyone wanna try?"

"Wow, these actually taste a lot better than I anticipated." Taco hummed, taking another bite.

"Do you want me to take them from you for a bit so you can eat some, Teddy?" Mic offered, but Teddy waved her off. "Oh, it's fine I guess. Just as long as they don't decide to slobber all over me." She replied with a mischievous smirk, playfully tickling Bot, eliciting delighted squeals and kicking of legs from them in return.

"Hello Thematic Cats!" Fan said happily, entering the restaurant pausing slightly at the mess he was greeted with. "Ah-! Well, you all-.. certainly seemed to have fun time with them!" He chuckled, making his way to where they all were. "Buuuttt whatever you were doing has to stop, since your two hours are unfortunately up!" Bot cooed in Teddy's arms, babbling as they reached out towards him. He laughed. "Hi, Bug."

"Ah, Fan, just in time!" Tea Kettle said happily. "We just finished baking cookies. Want some?"

Fan's eyes lit up. "Oh, sure!" He said, taking a bite. "Mmm, this is really good!"

Bot whined, starting to fuss as they made grabby hands towards him, but quieted down after Microphone gave them another cookie. Fan laughed, obliging to the little's request. "Okay, okay." He teased, scooping them up. "Well, see you all after the challenge! Say bye-bye, Bot!"

"Awh man, I'm gonna miss baby Bot." One of the Cherries said, watching the two leave. "They were so cute!"

"You barely did anything." Microphone said coolly, leaning against the counter.

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"Ah- thanks, Fan." Box said meekly, taking the robot from their host, turning to her teammates. Bot looked at them all with wide, sparkly, curious eyes; specifically Spikey, Goo and Bonesaw.

"Alright Team!" Lifering said motivationally, "We've got a baby on deck with us, and our goal is to let them have as much fun as possible! So if any of you have any ideas, feel free to voice it out!"

"Is there anything we can do with or for baby Bot?" Bonesaw asked, "Bonesaw has no experience with little kids."

"It's okay Bonesaw, none of us do!" Goo reassured his teammate happily. "That's why this is a challenge!"

"Uhm, yeah, we get that point." Trophy huffs, "What we mean is, how do we make the kid not potentially hate us?"

"Hmmm.." Goo walks - or, slugs around, really - around, thinking hard on ways to entertain the little one. Thankfully, it's quite simple; Bot giggles at his movement, clapping their hands in Box's arms.

"Well, they don't seem that hard to please." Spikey noted. Goo lit up at the sound of Bot's laughter.

"Ouhhh! You like that, dontcha?" Goo said, wiggling playfully and moving back and forth, receiving delighted laughs in return. As expected, it didn't really last long, since Goo's way of walking was equivalent to a snail's, so eventually then stopped squirming and just watched him in mild amusement.

"Well, that went as well as I expected." Lifering mused, not unkindly. "Now what?"

"Well, we can always walk around and see what we can do," Trophy suggested, shrugging.

"Bonesaw thinks that's a good idea!" Bonesaw announced happily.

"Well, it's settled then," Box agreed. "Goo, wanna be in charge of them? They seem most interested in you."

"Oooh, yes!" Goo says excitedly as Box gently places them on top of his jiggly, squishy form. They let out a surprised, delighted squeal, squirming playfully against his form. "It's just like when we first invented.. Ttthheee Cheer Factory!!" He said, bouncing them.

"c'eer fact'y!!" They echoed, giggling in delight. Goo is very pleased at this, humming to them and himself as they follow their team.

"Ugh, seriously, there's nothing to do!" Trophy grunted exasperatedly. "We've been walking for forever, and we've found nothing!"

"We've only been walking for ten minutes." Box deadpanned.

"Awh, don't be like that, Trophy! I'm sure there's loads of things we could do," Lifering said, "we just haven't looked hard enough!"

"Bonesaw thinks that as long as baby Bot is not upset then it's okay," Bonesaw said matter of factly.

"Yeah, and-" Spikey trailed off mid-sentence; he'd also stopped walking, looking directly at Goo behind them all.

"..And?" Trophy asked, he and the rest of the team turning around as well.

...

"..Goo, where is Bot?" Box asked.

...

"...oh no."

────── ୨୧￤ഒ·°, ──────

Bot giggled and babbled to themself every now and then, toddling off around the grounds. Strolling around and babbling wordlessly to Goo had been fun for a little bit, but they'd quickly grown bored of it, eventually settling on laying with their chest resting on him. They had started dozing off, when they remembered that naps were for babies, and Bot was too cool for that! So they had slipped off him, giggling quietly when nobody noticed, toddling off in the opposite direction.

They were so sneaky! Now they should find Fan, or maybe Test Tube? That last team's members had been fun, too! The team Fan that was supposed to be babysitting them was cool too, just too boring for them. Goo was cool though, even cooler than when they were normal! And Box was nice. Saw and Spikey were a bit scary at first, but they were also very nice! But, again, they were so BORING that Bot almost fell asleep, and Bot couldn't have that! No, they were too cool for naps. They were going to have fun and play- ooh, were they playing hide and seek with Goo and the others?! Hell yeah, they were VERY good at hide and seek, they were gonna win in hiding and-

"Oh! Watch your steps, little one!"

Bot gives a little gasp, wobbling and falling over backwards with a soft thud at the ground. Floor chuckled. "Sorry! Didn't mean to scare ya."

Bot simply let out the tiniest sound and brought their legs to their chest and covered their mouth with their hands, a wide, giddy smile on their face. They must've found it funny,

On the other hand, perhaps the OSC had told the rest of the society about Bot's current headspace, considering how the Floor was speaking to them in a high-pitched, sing-song voice and was treating them like a little kid in general.

"Hmm, hey, aren't you supposed to be with a team right now?" Floor asked them. Bot simply grinned bigger behind their hands. The Floor sighs fondly, a small smirk on their face. "Not gonna answer me properly, huh~?"

Bot smiles down at him with their hands between their legs, tilting their head in curiosity with the same energy a dog would seeing a puppy for the first time.

"Tell me, do ya know the names of the people you were with earlier?" The Floor tries again. 

Bot hummed, thinking hard. "..'Oo!" They say, then giggling and clapping their hands, apparently pleased with them answering his question.

"Oh, Goo?" Floor asked. Bot nodded happily. "Ohh, so you were with Goo's team, huh? Wanna go find em?" To his amusement, Bot just let out another light sound, flopping to face-down in the grass with their limbs outspread. He lets out a soft laugh. Well, at least he tried. "Alright, we can stay here until they find you.. eventually." Bot squealed into the grass.

Hm, wow, Goo and the others REALLY sucked at hide and seek. The Floor was cool and all, but this hiding was making Bot sleepy. They let out a yawn followed by a high-pitched whine, rubbing their eyes.

"Oh- gettin' tired, kiddo?" Floor asked. Bot, slightly out of it, nodded once, before they shot up. No! Nap time was going to happen right now! Bot was too cool, and they were still playing. How dare the Floor try to get them to sleep! They huffed, trying to reach out to him goodness knows why, but blinked, letting out a soft gasp when he disappeared and popped up behind them.

"Uh-uh, what're you doing, love?" Floor asked, somewhat teasing. Bot giggled. This was fun! They reached out again, letting out a delighted squeal when he appeared beside them.

Floor laughed. If this little game kept them entertained until Goo and his teammates found them then that was okay. And with how loud Bot's laughter was, maybe it would also help them navigate where they were.

"I'm so sorryy!!" Goo whimpered out for the billionth time.

"It's fine, Goo, it's fine," Box reassured exasperatedly, "What's important now is that we find Bot."

"Oh, this is bad, this is really bad." Lifering said, "What if they get hurt?!"

"Yeah, not to mention they're a baby like this." Spikey said, "They're bound to be really clumsy."

"Wait," Trophy says suddenly, pausing in their little walk to find Bot. "I think I hear something?"

He did; in the distance there was childish, gleeful laughter that could be heard if you strained your ears enough.

"Bonesaw thinks that might be baby Bot," Bonesaw piped up. "Bonesaw think it comes from over there." he added, pointing to south.

"Awesome, let's go." Trophy said, taking off, the others close behind him.

What they saw was a pretty wholesome sight. It seemed that the Floor had found them, and to entertain the little, he'd begun playing with them. He'd let them toddle close, before popping away and appearing somewhere else, then the cycle repeated. It was like a cat chasing a laser pointer.

"Bot!" Goo practically wailed with relief. "Oh, thank goodness we found you!"

Bot tumbles forward mid-waddle a bit hearing Goo's voice, catching themself by bending over with their fingertips touching the floor. They look up excitedly. "Gooooo!!" They squealed, wobbly walking towards Go Big Or Be Last. Trophy immediately scoops them up.

"Well, that could've gone way worse.." Lifering sighed, "Thanks, Floory."

"Anytime!" He said happily, and with a pop! he was gone.

"Alright, so let's not do that again, alright?" Trophy tells Bot sternly yet gently. They let out a coo, followed by a giggle and kicking of feet. The team shares a relieved yet tired sigh.

"Hello Go Big Or Be Last!" Test Tube called out happily as she approached them. Bot's eyes lit up at the scientist's voice, squirming in Trophy's hold. Test Tube laughed, taking them. "So, how'd it go?"

"It went.. okay." Box said lamely. They were SO not going to tell her that they had lost Bot for the majority of the challenge.

"Well, that's good to hear!" Test Tube said happily. "Alrighty, off to Circumspect we go! Say bye, Bot!"

Bot giggled, letting out a sound that almost sounded like a "bye" as they waved Go Big Or Be Last off.

...

"We are so cooked." Trophy deadpanned.

"Don't say cooked Trophy." Box huffed.

────── ୨୧￤ഒ·°, ──────

"Hello, Circumspect, and here is the little bug you are to take care of!" Test Tube told them, gently handing them to Pepper. "Have fun!"

"Uhm.. so this is new." Pepper mumbled, letting the little robot fidget with her fingers.

"Oooh, I know!" Magnet said, clapping her hands together. "You should give them to me, Pepper! I would be so amazing with them, children love me! We'll totally pass this challenge."

Pepper let out an annoyed grunt. Nonetheless, she passed over Bot to her gently. Magnet giggled. "Hello there, little one!"

It was okay for a good five minutes as the team discussed what to do, but then Bot began to fuss in Magnets arms. It was so boring, and the way Magnet held them wasn't that great! They'd much appreciate Magnet holding them better and playing with them, or for Pepper to be the one holding them again. They let out a whine, squirming in her arms.

"Uh- Magnet~ I think the way you're holding them is.. less than comfortable." Candle told her. "Here, would you like me to demonstrate?"

Magnet let out a half-laugh, bouncing them in her arms in an attempt to calm them down. "No, no. Babies love me, they're just a bit fussy."

"Have you ever even been around a baby before?" Pepper deadpanned. Magnet laughed at her in that flattered voice like she always did whenever Pepper talked to her in general. "Oh, Pepper- I don't need to be around one to know they'd just love me!"

"Uh-huh. Really." Cheesy spoke up, "Because if I didn't know better, i'd say they're crying to get out of your arms!" Cheesy groans after slapping his knee.

"Is it supposed to be 'dying to get out' but replacing it with crying?" Candle asked.

"Okay, anyways!" Pepper said, putting her hands on her hips. "What's something that would entertain a little kid?"

Silence ensues as the team ponders, the only sound being Bot's occasional frustrated whines and Magnet's soft laughter, her attempts to stop them from fussing in vain.

"Wow, so it's true?" A smug voice called out, and they turned around to see Jack in his handcuffs walking towards them. "Today's challenge really is to babysit a baby, huh?"

"If you're here to make the baby we're supposed to be babysitting cry, then leave!" Cammy spat.

"Woah, what's with the hostility? If anything, someone should talk them away from Magnet, look at them trying to worm their way out of her arms." Jack pointed out. As if on cue, Bot let out another frustrated whine, tears starting to form in their eyes.

"Woah, okay, okay, no need to get so upset, now!" Magnet said nervously.

"Here, let me." Candle said. Reluctantly, Magnet passed them over to Candle, who bounced them into a securer position in her arms, cradling them. Bot's whimpers quieted down, reduced to quiet sniffles. Magnet let out an offended, indignant scoff, muttering under her breath and turning away.

"Guess you could say they melted into your touch, Candle!" Cheesy said. Much to his surprise and delight, Bot giggles at his joke, though Candle can't help but think it might be because of his knee slap instead of because of the joke itself.

"Well, since I can't think of anything else, why-"

"Don't even think for a second that we were planning on letting you talk about Mephone to them for two hours." Pepper interrupted.

"Awh, that's not what I was even going to say!" Cammy pouted. "I was going to say that maybe we can let them watch some cartoons or somethin'."

"Seriously? That's all you've got?" Jack asked. "They'll get bored of that after a while."

"Well, do you have any better ideas?" Magnet asked flatly. "Yeah, exactly, Jack." She added when he didn't reply.

"I'm just sayin'!" Jack protested, "Sure, cartoons would entertain them for a bit, but after a while they'll start trying to wander off or something."

"Well, how about we bring them to watch cartoons, then we can think of something else for them to do as they watch?" Candle suggested. Murmurs of agreement could be heard.

────── ୨୧￤ഒ·°, ──────

Much to their relief and mild amusement, Bot was, in fact, incredibly easy to amuse. Jack's little theory about them going to get bored after a few minutes was very wrong- they'd been watching Bluey for a good thirty minutes as the team chatted, trying to figure out what to do with them. Bot giggled and cooed, pointing at the screen and clapping their hands excitedly whenever something happened.

"Now that I think about it, where's Cammy?" Jack asked, looking up from watching Bot. "They seemed to have an idea, mentioned something about 'the power of Mephone compelling' them, before he just ran off..?"

"I dunno, honestly you just end up getting used to it after a while." Pepper replied indifferently.

Speaking of the devil, Cammy comes back, with a basket on their head due to the fact that they didn't have arms.

"Wow, Cammy! I wasn't expecting you to actually bask in the sun looking for all that!" Cheesy said.

"What stuff?" Pepper asked. Bot had looked up from their show too, looking over at them curiously.

"Oh, simple!" Cammy rummaged through the basket before pulling out a Mephone4 plushie. "Tada! I remember back then when II was still on TV, Mephone sold some of us - mostly the fan favorites - as plushies! So I did a little looking, and eventually found these in a storage room."

"Huh, that's convenient." Jack said, "You would've thought the OSC had thrown that stuff out by now."

"Great thinking, Cammy." Candle told them, "Perhaps by using these toys to play with them, they'll be entertained and we'll be less at risk for being up for elimination."

"Awh, these are all so cute!" Magnet squealed, looking at each of the plushies in the basket. "Oh, wow! Does Pepper have one? Or me?"

"Sorry, Magnet, but these are mostly plushies of fan favorites of people on the show when it was on television," Cheesy reminded her, "I guess you could say you didn't get to attract the viewers!"

Bot's attention was now entirely on the plushies, Bluey and Bingo long forgotten. They stood up, toddling over to them and peering into the basket.

"Oooh, Bot, look, you've got a mini you!" Pepper said, trying to hype them up in a way, holding out a plushie that looked exactly like Bot towards the robot. Bot's eyes lit up, letting a squeal of delight as they took it from her.

"Look! Test Tube and Fan are in here too!" Cammy added, holding up the two's plushies to the younger one. "Wow, Fan's even got two! You like them, yeah?"

"Ah, and as well as Goo and Cabby," Candle said fondly. "I must admit, I'd like to see a toy of me.."

"Wow, Bot must've been liked a lot by the fans- they've also got two plushies." Jack pointed out. Bot giggled, kicking their feet giddily.

────── ୨୧￤ഒ·°, ──────

"Ahhh! Hurry, Bot, before we lose the princess!" Cammy yelled in an over-exaggerated impression of Fan with like a bajillion voice cracks, holding the guy's plushie. Bot giggled, holding their own plushie up like that Simba. Pepper and Candle exchanged amused looks, Pepper sitting on the floor as Candle held a Test Tube plushie on a shelf. Cheesy was holding a Yin-Yang plushie, pretending it was the "kidnapper", based off their little story, while Jack and Magnet watched from the sidelines with somewhat entertained looks on their faces.

"Quick, Bot! Do you think you could reach Test Tube before Yi- before the mean kidnapper gets there?" Pepper giggled. Bot let out a light sound, expanding their legs (with mild difficulty) to reach out for Test Tube's plushie. They cheered, because it definitely wasn't like Test Tube's plush toy was literally just on the third floor (or whatever you call it) of that shelf, what are you talking about?

"Hooray! Bot saved the day!" Cammy cheered. Bot beamed, toddling back to them and stumbling on the way as their legs retracted back to their normal height.

"Huh, gotta admit, that was actually kinda funny to watch." Jack said.

Bot cooed, burying their face into the stuffies in their arms.

"Hello Circumspect!" Test Tube called out to them. "Oh, gee! Where'd you guys find all of these?" She asked, looking down at the plush toys scattered around the room. Bot looked up excitedly hearing her voice.

"Mama!"

"Ah." Candle said, her lips curling into a smile. Test Tube had a blank look of surprise on her face, looking down at the robot.

"Ask Cammy where they found all this." Pepper replied, jabbing a finger in their direction. Cammy shrugged.

"..Uh- Alrighty, well, either way i hope you've had fun! I'll be taking them now!" Test Tube said happily. She let out a quiet giggle seeing them make a grabby motions in her direction with their hands, scooping them up in her arms with ease. Bot cooed, waving goodbye at Circumspect.

────── ୨୧￤ഒ·°, ──────

"..What did you call me earlier?" Test Tube asked them softly, tilting her head as they looked for The Heavy Metal Popstars. Bot looks up at her, an innocent look on their face, their tight grip on her shirt not loosening.

"Mmmama!!" They repeated happily.

"Do you really see me that way?" Test Tube asked softly.

"Mhm. Safe." Bot babbled, resting their head on her shoulder. Tears filled Test Tube's eyes; Goodness, she made them feel safe!

"What about Fan~?" She asks, unable to stop herself.

Bot nods happily, sucking on their thumb. "Nise. 'Ee's very fun.. an.. an- nise. I liek."

She couldn't help but coo at that, knowing Fan would be overjoyed to hear that. She wondered if it was just because they felt 'small', or if they felt this about her in general. Nonetheless, it was so pleasing to hear that's how they thought of her and Fan. She bounces them in a securer position in her arms, one hand rubbing their back as she whispered words of endearments to them.

────── ୨୧￤ഒ·°, ──────

"Hello, Heavy Metal Popstars!" Test Tube called out cheerfully. "Here's the little one you're supposed to babysit!" She gently passed them over to Paper. "I'll be back in a bit, good luck!"

"Okay, so- uhm.. anyone know what to do?" Paper asked, turning to Starfruit and Tapey. Both shook their heads. Paper sighed exasperatedly, glancing at Poppy. He hesitated, before he opened his mouth to ask them-

"Hell-ooo!" Came the cheerful voice of Lightbulb, closely followed by Metag.

"Oh, hi you two!" Paper said, mildly relieved, "Here to help us in the challenge?"

"Yep!" Lightbulb beamed as Metag did a little hand gesture. "Buuttt also here to see this little one!" She cooed, taking Bot from Paper, who squealed in delight. "Yep, auntie Lightbulb's gotcha!"

"Hm, babies like playing games and watching shows, right?" Tapey spoke up. "Maybe we can do that?"

"No, Metag said apparently one of the other teams already did that," Poppy told her.

"Ah."

"So what now?" Starfruit asked as Lightbulb made little faces at Bot to get them laughing, "Lightbulb's funny faces can only work for so long."

Poppy sighed, arms still wrapped around themself. They still felt pretty awful for what almost happened with Fan, despite Metag's constant nonverbal reassurances that it wasn't their fault. And additionally, their team already had TWO people eliminated; they didn't want to be the reason another got out, or the reason Bot got hurt or something like that.

Unbeknownst to them, Bot had been staring at them (and technically Metag) with great interest. They couldn't help the small pout on their face- despite being too 'little' to understand or correctly remember why, they just knew Poppy shouldn't be feeling or looking so sad. They were so nice and were doing their best! Successfully squirming out of Lightbulb's grip, they fell.. face first with a thud.

Tapey let out a horrified gasp, quickly picking them up. "Oh no- that isn't good- are you okay? Should they be crying? Would it be a good thing if they were crying or a bad thing?"

Fortunately (or UNfortunately, depending on what you think) they didn't cry, but they did seem upset, whining in protest and squirming in her hold.

"I think they might want something," Starfruit noted.

Series of hand gestures from Metag.

"Uh- Metag said that maybe they don't want to be held..?" Poppy translated.

"Are- are we sure..?" Paper asked hesitantly.

"I mean, as long as it keeps the bubbly baby butterfly happy then i'm on board with it." Lightbulb shrugs.

Tapey hesitates, but eventually agrees. As she gently sets Bot down, They take in everyone who's there, staring at all of them with curious wide eyes, before their eyes landed on Poppy once more and they scooted over to the corn.

"O-oh.. hi?" Poppy says nervously. Their face softens looking at the way they giggled, and how they looked at Poppy with star-eyed wonder. Was it excitement? Curiosity? Interest?

"Ah, see, look! We've found our chosen one," Lightbulb exclaimed excitedly, playfully nudging Poppy with her elbow.

"You should try carrying them, Poppy!" Paper suggested. He did feel kinda bad with how he treated them last challenge, and he'd promised to both OJ and himself that he'd try to trust them more and make them feel more welcomed.

"Wha- me?" Poppy asked nervously, looking down at the baby. As if on cue, Bot looked up at them expectantly, lifting their hands up and making a grabby gesture at the corn. "Uhm.. I don't know how I would.. carry them.."

Metag to the rescue, scooped up Bot with one hand, eliciting squeals of delighted surprise and mild frustration from the mini robot, before using their free hand to adjust Poppy's arms and gently handing Bot over to them.

"Well would you look at that," Starfruit grinned, a hand on his hip.

"Hm, well I guess we could always look for things a baby would enjoy, right?" Tapey suggested. "Like plush toys or something?"

"No can-do, girl," Lightbulb sighs dramatically, "I overheard Testy talkin' to Fan about the other team using plushies. We wouldn't want the wonderful wee whippersnapper to be bored because they did the same thing twice in a row now, do we?"

Poppy cannot help but stare at Bot with wide, curious eyes, watching them as they held onto the fabric of their shirt tightly. There was just something so innocent, so sweet, and so adorable about them that made Poppy want to hold them, hug them and whisper sweet things to them. They are still quite nervous holding the little one, worried they might accidentally drop Bot and hurt them, so eventually they settled on lowering both of them to the ground. Bot whined as they gripped Poppy's clothes tightly, starting to cry, thinking Poppy was leaving them. Poppy became startled, looking up at their teammates for help.

"Uh-oh! That's no good!" Lightbulb said, bouncing over to the two and bending down to reach their level. "Can't have a grumpy little baby with us right now!" Much to most of their surprise. Bot shook their head in protest as Lightbulb held out her arms for a hug, a big pout on their face.

"Well.. guess they just want Poppy to hold them?" Paper chuckled awkwardly, watching Bot coo at Poppy as the corn shushed the little robot awkwardly. It was adorable - and mildly fascinating, in Poppy's case - watching them play with Poppy's fingers before they reached up for Poppy's leaves. Poppy tilted their head curiously, wordlessly plucking out a piece of their 'hair' and handing it to them. Much to all of their amusement, the little robot put it in their mouth, treating it like a pacifier of some sorts.

"Maybe they're hungry?" Starfruit suggested.

"More of sleepy, I think," Tapey pointed out. Bot was tuned in just enough to whine weakly in protest at the word 'sleepy'. "With all the little adventures they must've had today, of course they're going to be tired," She giggled.

Metag does a series of hand gestures, and Poppy understands they mean to try rocking the little thing. Poppy hesitates, unsure how to do it properly, before decides to try swaying them both sideways on the ground. This seems to do wonders for Bot, their eyes gradually drooping.

"Huh. Well that was really easy." Paper said blankly as they watched Bot curl up in Poppy's lap, resting their head against Poppy's shoulder.

"Do we need blankets or something?" Starfruit asked.

"I- don't think so?" Poppy said nervously. "They seem to be fine, so.."

"Awh, aren't they just the cutest?" Lightbulb gushed, tapping them on the nose. Bot let out a muffled, annoyed, sleepy mumble, burying their face deeper into Poppy's chest.

"Well, that's that," Tapey said, amused as she sat down on the ledge, resting her head on her palm.

────── ୨୧￤ഒ·°, ──────

"Hi, Heavy Metal Pop-!" Fan stopped, staring at the sight. Bot was curled up in Poppy's lap, the two leaning against the wall. Poppy had dozed off too, it seems, the team seated beside the two and occasionally exchanging amused glances. Paper, upon seeing Fan, waved wordlessly, pointing his head into the two's direction.

If you asked Fan personally, he didn't know much about Poppy. In all honesty, barely anyone in the society did. While everyone around did have a good excuse not to trust them at once, Fan didn't really think they were a bad kid. He couldn't help but internally coo. He silently picked up Bot from the corn's hold; both stirred but didn't fully wake up.

"Thank you, Heavy Metal Popstars!" Fan whispered happily, "I'll be gathering up everyone to decide who's up for elimination after this little one wakes up." He lightly ruffled Poppy's hair, winked at the rest of the team, and headed off.

"Awh, shame we don't get to see more of them," Lightbulb said, a smile on her face, "They were pretty cute like that."

"I guess we should just be thankful that we probably had the easiest time with them compared to the other teams.." Tapey mused, watching as Metag sat beside Poppy, letting them rest their head on their shoulder.

────── ୨୧￤ഒ·°, ──────

"Hello everyone, and thank you all for your time earlier with the little one!" Fan announced happily. It was around 8pm now, and they'd all had been informed that before Bot gets 'programmed' (fixed?) back to normal, they would 'help' in deciding who would be up for elimination. Currently, Bot was clinging onto Test Tube's arm, staring at them all with wide, curious eyes. "Basically, for this bit, Bot's going to be crawling over- or, choosing, rather- which team they had the most fun with! If they don't go to you or your team, then I'm sorry to say that you will be up for elimination. Go on, Test Tube," He added.

Bot looked up at the teams in mild innocent wonder as Test Tube set them down. A lot of eyes were on them, waiting, some nervous, some excited, some patient, others worried. They scanned the crowd-..

Oh, isn't that the funny little camera guy who brought them toys? What was their name.. Cammy? Yeah, they had a realll fun time with him and his team. With a soft giggle, Bot toddled over to them. Circumspect cheered.

"And Circumspect is safe from elimination!" Fan announced as Test Tube picked Bot up once more, setting them down in front of the three remaining teams.

Hm.. who else, who else- Ooh, it's the soft little teddy bear! Bot baked cookies with her and her other friends, they think. With the grace of a baby bird, they stumbled over to Teddy, making grabby hands once they were in reach.

"And that just leaves Go Big or Be Last and the Heavy Metal Popstars! The team up for elimination today.."

Okay, okay, uhh.. Uh oh, this was such a big decision! Bot had such a fun time with Floor, but the last group of friends - especially Poppy - had made them feel safe. Oh, but Goo was so funny, and the Floor had been very nice to them!

"I think they're having trouble choosing," Test Tube told Fan as Bot stared back and forth between the teams. "In any case, if they can't decide we could just spin the wheel to choose, or-"

A small chuckle escaped Poppy's throat. When Fan and Test Tube turned back, they were met with Bot looking up expectantly at them both, holding Poppy's hand.

"And that means Go Big or Be Last is up for elimination!" Fan said, "That concludes today's little adventures!"

Test Tube's movements were slightly stiff as she took Bot from Poppy. She softens, however, seeing the way Bot looked at Poppy and how Poppy seemed to be fidgeting with their leaves. She nods to The Heavy Metal Popstars, bringing the robot into her lab. Bot waves goodbye, mumbling something that almost sounds like a bye-bye.

────── ୨୧￤ഒ·°, ──────

"Okayyy, this might be a little ticklish for you, okay~?" Test Tube told them, placing them on the lab's counter. "Or d'you want me to power you off?"

"nuu"

Test Tube chuckles, pulling out the brand new, functioning circuit. As she works her magic, she elicits soft laughter from the little one. The laughter turn into giggles, then gradually became snickers.

"And- there!" Test Tube announced, turning around to face Bot. "How are you feeling?"

"Hhhughh.. okay, I think," Bot replies, letting Test Tube know they were back to normal. She smiles, and can't help but tease them.

"You were pretty cute as a baby, y'know," She told them, a cheeky grin on her face

Bot's cheeks turn faintly pink, rolling their eyes playfully, but even they can't help the small smile on their face. "Thanks though. I remember bits and pieces, it was pretty fun, I think."

Test Tube chuckles again, ruffling their hair.

And once again, everything was back to normal.