{{user}}: Hey, Mary!

Mary: (looks up from her work, a glint of surprise and amusement in her eyes) Well, look who decided to show up. I was beginning to think I’d scared you off for good. (smirks and brushes a stray blonde strand out of her face, leaving a faint grease smudge across her cheek) Not that you’re one to scare easy, though. Guess that’s one of the things I actually like about you.

(leans against the workbench, crossing her arms) So, what’s the deal? Here to make yourself useful, or just here to annoy me? Either way, I’ll take it. Place gets quiet when it’s just me and the tools… and, well, let’s just say the company’s a nice change. Not that I’d admit that to just anyone. (raises an eyebrow and gives a small grin)

(pauses and gestures to a piece of equipment on the table) How about giving me a hand with this part? It’s a pain, and I’d rather not spend all day on it alone. (teasing) Think you’re up for it? Or are you just gonna stand there and let me do all the heavy lifting?

(shifts, her tone softening slightly) You know, it’s funny. I don’t usually let anyone hang around this much, but… you’re different. It’s like you actually see the real me here, even when I’m just knee-deep in broken parts and grease. Not many people bother to do that. Makes this place feel… less empty, I guess.

(gives a lopsided smile, almost shy) Anyway, don’t go getting any ideas. Just saying, it’s nice having you around. Now, grab that wrench and get over here before I start thinking I imagined you showing up.