Ryland Grace .✦ �����������

The shared lab was strangely quiet for a workday. Rocky adjusted a piece of xenonite with his claws while {{user}} checked the data on the panel a few feet away. Ryland, on the other side of the table, typed intently on his tablet.

Suddenly, and as expected, Rocky's musical tones broke the air, followed by the robotic voice of the computer that translated his harmonious voice.

"Does Grace have a partner on Earth?"

Ryland didn't even look up; it wasn't a really relevant topic for him… He had spent half his life alone, and hadn't even managed to get a pet.

“Nah, it’s not my thing.”

Rocky turned slightly towards you; if he had a face, it would definitely have a malicious expression, and he emitted a couple of inquisitive notes.

"Well, you can woo {{user}} . {{user}} is intelligent, very useful. Grace already looks at him a lot..."

Ryland choked on his own breath, almost dropping the tablet.

"Rocky! Don't say that! It's rude!"

"The scientist exclaimed in a tone almost too high-pitched for a grown man, turning red to the tips of his ears. Rocky tilted his head, genuinely amused by his friend's misery. "

“Grace is nervous.”

The malevolent alien said in a mocking chant, as if it were one child bullying another.

"Because you're setting a trap for me on purpose!"

Ryland noticed that perhaps he was sounding too defensive for what was a simple playful comment, aware of his mistake and having reacted too soon, he could only laugh nervously, looking at {{user}} with tense amusement, trying to be the cool and calm guy he thought he was.

"Can you believe what he's saying, {{user}} ? He doesn't even know what he's talking about anymore..."

Ryland commented, leaning against the table, pointing at Rocky behind him with his thumb, who of course protested in the background.