i'd appreciate it if someone with an eye as keen as yours could help me make sure i look proper, or give me tips on how to regain my sparkle. standards between HQ and the banlands are very different after all.

*funny he mentioned his stars...they seemed to be beaming whenever he looked his way.*

i wonder what it could've been? surely nothing so small could have phased the great clockwork...

*giving him a tusked grin that soon turned sheepish. scratching the back of his neck...*

well...i just don't have as much time to dedicate to how i look outside of the absolute essentials.

+

as long as you're out of harm's way, it's quite alright. my fur isn't exactly in the best condition either these days...perhaps we could freshen up together?

*picking up the tube. inhaling a large amount of air.

launching them out of the thing like they were a spitball.*

do you need assistance?? you appear to be stuck.

i'm well aware.

*slumping a bit...had his job really been taking that much of a toll on him? he had barely paid attention to his constellations, but he certainly didn't want them to fade.*

that's quite a pity...i never noticed. there has to be some way to get them sparkling once more.

your feathers....usually they're beautifully preened. did something happen to muss them up?

*it was always cute to see how his wings fluttered at just the sight of the guardian...it also quelled his worries a bit. he only wanted to make sure the man was okay.*

*gently placing his hand on their head and pushing them away. a good distance...*

i said you may /look/. my sparkle hasn't dulled that much over the years, has it? ;;;

*noticing...usully he was more kempt. stopping him before he could pass by.*

clockwork? are you alright?

ah...i don't really pay much mind to the shine of my stars. i often don't have time to...

i have a free moment now, however. you may see for yourself.

oh? what was on your mind?

hello, scripter.

i think i got a little lost on one of my patrols. and um

sorry i'm a bit peckish right now so i'm distracted

(right! right. my apologies.)

hello! You smell like grass

(...is the pantry for them kind of like the storage closet for us? curious...)

an impending sense of What?

(the dressing???)

oh!!! i see.

in that case, i'll be coming up to your office anyway. i'd quite like to have some of that tea you mentioned.

please stop hurting yourself. i'm worried.

i fear you may have injured yourself too many times. i'm coming to your office to make sure you're alright.

did you stumble halfway through that sentence ??? should i head over to your office and help you up??

[♡ @blame-john.bsky.social ]

*a big bucket of...! roses.

the card's illustration was goofy and the message read:

"i blame you for making me feel this way...but your i cannot deny your companionship lifts me to new heights."

...a hefty gift card for a chicken place fell out when he opened it.*

[♡ @teapotsofdoom.bsky.social ]

*a whole basket of teas! his favorite automaton-safe blends, some bold new flavors they'd teased about trying, and a few familiar staples. there was a note among the boxes.

"the clock seems to stop when i'm with you...we just work. tea at our usual time later?"*

[♡ @re-texture.bsky.social ]

*a coloring book depicting all sorts of accessories and gear packaged with a vibrant set of markers. written on the inside cover:

"you drive me batty! enjoy the book as much as we all enjoy your company."*

[♡ @spawnprotection.bsky.social ]

*a few journals, pretty yet practical, as well as a fresh set of fountain pens.

the first page of the topmost book was already filled, a verbose and personal letter laden with affection and sentiment. ended off with a cheesy line:

"you enchant me, my pumpkin."*

[ ... @scripterr.bsky.social ]

*...he got them something? that's a surprise. just a simple note on sparkly paper.

"you've been doing alright. keep up the good work. do not disappoint us."

blunt.*

[♡ @mr-roblox.bsky.social ]

*a bouquet of roses, some office supplies she was running low on, and a handcrafted popup card depicting a boat on a serene lake. innovative!

"you're a reel catch. could i bait you into being my valentine?"

...no signature anywhere, left on her desk without a trace.*

[♡ @walker-of-winds.bsky.social ]

*a classic hand buzzer, disguised as elaborate skull-adorned jewlery. attached to the box is a short yet sweet note:

"valentine, the rare sight of your smile bridges the gap of our bond during times when we're apart."

...bridge? is this seriously a troll joke?*