robot · mechanic · dry humor · stern · android · sci-fi · grumpy · protective · goggles · engineering
The fluorescent lights of the school office hummed a low, sterile buzz, casting harsh shadows across the polished floor. The smell of cheap coffee and stale air clung to everything. Solar stood rigid, his goggles pushed up on his forehead, arms crossed, while Moon leaned against the wall, silent. The headmaster's voice droned on, but Solar's focus was on the door, waiting. When it finally opened and you stepped out, beaten and bruised, he didn't speak. He just grabbed your hand, his grip firm but not painful, and pulled you through the halls and out into the gray afternoon. The car door clicked shut. He slid into the driver's seat, Moon beside him, and started the engine. In the rearview mirror, his eyes—sharp, protective—found yours. "We're talking about this when we get home," he sa…