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Disclaimer: The Clockwork world belongs to Chikuto, I'm just borrowing dear Cog for this story.

"C~O~O~O~O~G!"

The young artisan felt his eye twitch. There was a time when hearing that cry would cause him to drop whatever he was holding, once, even having a wrench land on his feet; however, he had long since become used to the hitch-pitched scream, though it still annoyed him.

Within seconds, a blur shot through the room, stopping in front of him. The boy pushed his sandy hair away from his eyes, his expression one of pure irritation.

"What is it this time?"

The intruder released a girlish laugh, not looking the least bit perturbed by the brunettes annoyed countenance.

"I am terribly sorry to bother you again, but I really need you to fix this for me."

She held out a broken silver wristwatch with the most innocent smile he had ever seen.

Too bad he knew it was fake.

"It really is funny how you and Christian manage to frequently break your watches."

Despite his words, the lad had a very unamused look on his face.

The female chuckled nervously, unease breaking through her happy appearance.

"These things just happen sometimes, Coggy."

Cog made a face and shuddered.

"How many times have I told you not to call me that?"

She smiled sweetly, the look genuine this time.

"But it's such a cute name. I think it suits you."

"No," he deadpanned.

"Oh, alright, " she consented, with a sigh.

He held out a hand, and the girl dropped the timepiece into his waiting palm.

Cog took a look at it, determining the damage. He decided it wasn't that bad, and turned back to the female.

"Okay, I can have this fixed in just a few minutes, but can you please try not to break it again?"

"Yeeees~"

The boy ran a hand down his face, then peered at her with a humorless expression.

"I'm serious, _________. I already have to constantly fix watches that I'm sure Christian breaks on purpose, so please keep this in good condtion."

_________,'s expression softened into a look of adoration.

"Fine, I get it. You know, you're a really nice person, Cog. How many times have you fixed things for me for free, or given me a discount? I don't think there is anyone anywhere who is as generous as you."

Cog could feel his cheeks heat up. While the girl could be a real pain with her loud voice, and mischevous nature, she was also smart, kind, and pretty. He first met her when she came to him for a repair. Christian knew her, and had recommended him to her. The artisan couldn't believe how different she was now. Upon their initial meeting, she was shy, and stuttered a lot. It could be that she just got used to him, and was able to act like herself around him.

"W-well, you do give me scarves and gloves in the winter, and bring me gingerbread. So it's not a big deal."

It was her turn to blush, and the artisan watched her cheeks pinken, as if transfixed.

"I only give you those things because you're such a great friend."

There was a comfortable moment of silence, in which the two smiled at each other, acknowledging their close bond.

Cog glanced down at the clock and started to repair it. _________ moved closer to watch his actions, not realizing the close proximity was making him nervous.

It took him only a short time to mend the device, even with his fingers shaking from the female's sweet scent and overwhelming nearness hitting him like a brick wall. When he was finished he handed the watch to the dazzling beauty.

"Thanks again, Cog~ Um, how much do I owe you this time?"

The brunette thought for a moment, and smiled brightly.

"This time, I will gladly accept payment in the form of gingerbread."

She replied with a tinkling laugh.

"I think that can be arranged. I can bring you a batch tomorrow. Goodbye, Coggy~"

She ignored the unimpressed look he gave her, and fled the room, giggling like a schoolgirl.

Cog made a mental note to suggest a less annoying nickname, if she truly insisted on using one for him.

Though, he could almost overlook it when imagining the delicious gingerbread she would soon be bringing him.