
Chapter 17: The Conversation
Astro and (Y/N) stayed and talked in Astro's room until the baby blue sky was slowly replaced by a deep dark blue. They exited the room as Astro pushed (Y/N)'s wheelchair towards the dining table as Orrin prepped the family's dinner. Bill Tenma was already seated with multiple sheets of paper laid out in front of him. Astro and (Y/N) couldn't help but flick their eyes and notice the papers were blueprints, while others were files filled with information. Bill smiled brightly, somewhat of a smirk. Astro noticed this and looked down embarrassed while (Y/N) just silently laughed. Astro put his head on the table and groaned. (Y/N) giggled and rubbed his back. His father broke the silence.
"You two looked like you had fun." He said casually. It was now (Y/N)'s turn to be embarrassed. Her cheeks reddened, she laughed with her hand on her forehead as she looked down. Astro looked up to his dad with wide eyes with his jaw on the floor.
"When did-? How-?! Why were you-?!" Astro struggled to find the words to express his confusion and frustration while his father just continued another conversation.
"So! I see the arm's improving." He observed as Orrin laid out the last dinner plate, which was Dr. Tenma's. He dug in as (Y/N) and Astro followed.
"Yeah, it works perfectly! I needed a little help when I woke up, but Astro helped me." (Y/N) explained. Astro changed his confused, and slightly annoyed state, into a proud smile. He showed he was happy to help (Y/N), and was glad that (Y/N) appreciated it.
"Dad, how's (Y/N)'s new leg coming along?" Astro asked. (Y/N) gleamed brightly as excitement took over. Tenma shared her excitement and explained the progress of the upcoming project.
"It's almost done, actually. Almost completely built, just needs a few finishing touches. After that, it'll be ready for you." Tenma explained and gestured to (Y/N).
"Thank you so much, Dr. Tenma." She thanked gratefully.
"It's no problem, really. I enjoy anything robotics. I even got a few other scientists who specialise in the same field so it could be finished as soon as possible, as I thought you'd want to be walking again as quick as you could. And please, call me 'Bill', or 'Tenma'." Bill insisted.
(Y/N) was thrilled. It had only been a few days and she had already received a brand new arm, but now a brand new leg in the same week?! Not to mention how close she had gotten with Astro. Which reminded her: what would happen once she was able to walk on her own again? Would she have to leave the Tenma Household? There were so many emotions going through (Y/N)'s mind. And Astro noticed this. He didn't know exactly what (Y/N) was thinking, but he knew she felt slightly overwhelmed. He held her right hand with his left, metal to metal. Now this, Tenma noticed.
"Although I'm sure you're delighted that the prosthetic is almost ready, and once it is, you'll be able to attach it to yourself immediately." He revealed. "But, I'd recommend you stay off it the first couple of days. Just to get used to the new feeling. And even after that, it would probably be best that you stayed here while you learn to walk again." Bill suggested. (Y/N) understood and nodded as he continued to explain what would come with the new prosthetic. (Y/N) tried to take in every detail, although her excitement was enough to make it hard to remember everything. Luckily, Astro was able to take mental notes of everything his father said.
"This is-! Oh my g- I-I'm speechless!" (Y/N) laughed. "This means so much to me. Is there anything I can do in return?" She pleaded. Tenma thought for a moment.
"Hm..." He tapped his index finger to his chin. "I suppose you could tell me what's going on between you and Astro?" He suggested with a sly grin. This caught both the kids off guard as Astro and (Y/N) stumbled over their words, just how he planned. Bill simply chuckled. "Don't worry. You two don't need to tell me anything until you feel comfortable." He smiled after he had his fun.
"Thank you." (Y/N) laughed nervously before Astro spoke right after her.
"(Y/N) and I are dating!" He blurted out.
"Wow! I knew something was going on but it seems like you're closer than Orrin and I originally bet on." Bill noted.
"It was kind of out-of-the-blue for us too-" (Y/N) explained.
"Wait, you placed bets?" Astro asked in between her sentence.
"-but we talked, and, it was a little awkward but... it was nice." (Y/N) held Astro's hand under the table with a smile as he smiled back.
"So, one more question." Tenma added. The two looked at him. "When did you guys first develop feelings for each other?" He asked seriously with his hands together.
"Uh... not long after I fell to the Surface." Astro summarised. (Y/N) nodded.
"Damn... then I owe Orrin another doubled paycheck."
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