This story is a sequel to Like Clockwork
It has been approximately three years since Cozy Glow passed into the tender loving care of Paul the human and she has, in spite of these dire circumstances, done quite well for herself. Indeed, it may be fair to say she has thrived, becoming if not a wholly normal teenager then at least a more well-rounded and settled one. She is happy.
By contrast Paul has, if anything, regressed. The man who felt his life had not amounted to much and what little remained would amount to even less has instead thrown himself - in his own way - wholeheartedly into trying to set up Cozy for her own life, with very little thought given to what is left of his own. While she moves forward, he has slipped backwards, and the gulf widens or so Cozy fears.
The situation is untenable, both sides have the best of intentions, and mistakes are made.
Pretty hilariously stupid mistakes.
(Also the only story of mine ever to have been pre-read (in places) beforehand by someone else. How exotic!)
