"I like your robot—he's so cute!!!" Lila said, practically skipping toward Sir Sparkleton. With a bright giggle, she leaned down and pinched his cold, metallic cheeks like he was some kind of oversized action figure.
Sir Sparkleton's red eyes blinked once.
Then twice.
Pinch.
Pinch.
"Warning… facial sensors temporarily distorted. Recalculating cuteness index…" he spoke, his voice buzzing slightly from the sudden affection assault.
Lila gasped with delight. "He even talks like a grumpy old man! How adorable!" she squealed, giving his square head a gentle tap like a pat on a puppy.
Sir Sparkleton straightened up from his tiny beach chair with as much dignity as a half-sunk tin can could muster.
He raised one little arm, dramatically brushing her fingers away.
"Miss Lila, please refrain from unauthorized cheek-pinching. I am a highly classified surveillance and defense companion—"
He paused, as if this next part pained him,
"—not a plush toy from a carnival."
