The Results Are In
I wrestled with a needle and thread and some buttons.
Stitching here and attaching the button might work..
Ta-da! Smile Cat Unit 2 complete!
Incredible...
You didn't even have a blueprint. You just eyeballed everything and yet it looks exactly the same...
Captain trait No. 4 confirmed. Consistently low standards.
Low standards? That was harsh...
I'd say it's among the better examples of amateur work.
Anyway, Smile Cat Unit 1's all patched up, and Unit 2's good to go.
Your turn now.
Okay!
The autonomous motion system for Unit 2 is ready.
Five minutes should be enough for me to install it.
Smile tucked the intricate machinery into the stuffed animal I made.
...Are you ready?
Ready.
Smile gently flipped the switches on both Smile Cats.
...*Creak Creak*...
...Meow?
Just like last time, Smile Cat Unit 1 scanned its surroundings, on edge.
But instead of drawing its weapon, it turned its attention toward Smile Cat Unit 2.
Meow?
Meow meow!
Hngh...?!
For a moment, they stared at each other cautiously...
Then slowly, they nuzzled cheek to cheek, their fabric bodies trembling.
Anyone could tell at a glance...
Don't they look happy?
...Yeah. I think so too.
Just as I was about to reply, I looked at Smile and froze.
H-Huuuuh?!
You're... smiling!
Captain...?
Smile looked startled, lightly touching her lips.
That faint smile had already slipped away.
But I saw it.
Smile had smiled.
...
So that's what it takes... someone who matters.
That's what makes a smile.
Smile returned to her usual blank face.
But I knew. It's not that Smile doesn't feel anything.
Right now, in that quiet heart of hers, something warm is beginning to stir. Small, but real.
All that's left is to let it shine through.
Let's go find her.
It's not about learning how to smile before Smile sees her sister.
Once she's with her sister again, she will find her smile.
Because happiness is when you're with someone you care about.
Once the Journey's over... Together.
Got it.
That was... an intriguing experiment.