Friends then? Is that w-what ya mean? [Or is that a bit presumptuous considering he is just a simple artificial being and she's a freaking former queen?] Cause I'm al-always happy t' make new friends, if ya like.
[Rabbit's posture straightens even further as the elegant woman rises, presenting himself for her own visual delight. The closer that she gets, the more noticeable the particular noises of his body would become. There's the continuous clickclickclick of his clockwork gears turning in rhythm, the low bubbling boil of the water in his boiler, the gentle hum of his power core, and, of course, the occasional hiss of steam released from his vents. Rabbit's body, being the first and oldest, is quite noisy when right up close to him in person.]
Can't say I've b-been called fascinatin' in quite some time, but t-t-thanks. My brothers look a bit-bit more human-like, I know my appearance can unsettle some folks.
I hate t' tempt ya, b-but I love t' talk. [His crooked grin widens, teeth flashing charmingly as his obvious enthusiasm only increases each moment that passes by. Rabbit leans in a little closer, though not hopping into her personal space by any means.] 'Specially 'bout myself. If ya ever have any questions, I'm only t' h-happy t' oblige. Or s-stories! Love t' tell stories! All kinds, any kinds! An', well, ya already know I-I-I love t' sing an' play.
[And he may just be beaming a little at that thrill comment, a happy puff cloud of steam rising from his mouth.] I'm all yers for th' afternoon. Whatever ya'd like.
'Friends'? [She lets the word hang for awhile, sit on the tip of her tongue. Hangs there like the edge of a blade. The word has stopped meaning anything a lot time ago.] That sounds grand, I should like that.
[Not that she very good at having anyone close. But she says it for his benefit really. He didn't know better after all, and it was nice to pretend everything was so simple for the moment, that she was anywhere near capable of that.] Oh I could think of something far more poetic if it suited, for surely fascinating is so poor a term. [she's still peering all over, taking it all in piece by careful piece.] So common for someone so uncommon. Surely far more colourful, perhaps I should say your eyes are as colourful as the glass in Notre Dame? Or like the great window in my brother's palace in white hall. [she stepped back a little, realising she'd leant in far beyond was near proper.] Ah forgive me, I did not mean to be so impolite.
[she gave him space, and then gestured behind her, to the seats she'd set up.] Sit, please, my manners escape me. It has been... well, a long time since I've received visitors.
[she laughed, turning back to take her seat again.] But I'll have it all, stories and songs, all of it. I've not heard it for awhile. Not here at least.
[Maybe ol' Queenie will find a bit of comfort with a non-human companion, a pieced-together creature made strictly to make real people smile, never to judge or put himself first over others (though some of that was only programming, the rest of it came from his own sparking personality instead). If anything, Rabbit could easily provide a nice escape from the coldness that reality provided with his songs and stories and general charm. He's like a drug, only slightly less detrimental to your health.]
No no, not impolite at all. Flattery is never im-impolite, though I don't think my eyes could ever compare t' th' shinin' stars I see reflectin' in yours, but I 'preciate th' compliment all th' same. Gonna get me blushin' with all these k-k-kind words.
[Creaking over to the seat provided, Rabbit lowers himself slowly, huffing a little at the usual aching pain in his knees that only continued to get worse as time went by. The absolute joy of growing older, right? His bag dropped carefully at his side before the copper automaton leaned back, arms stretching a little to loosen joints, fingers wiggling.] Then I'm only t' happy t' p-provide it all. What'll we start with?
[That made her smile, it had been such a long time since she'd heard anything so pleasant. Out of thanks, and a great deal of curiosity, she gently brushed her fingers across what looking like the top of his cheek bone... plate? Hardly knew the proper term for it. Not that is mattered she supposed.]
Such a charming one you are, saying such things to a lady, careful you'll break my heart. [it's teasing, always so teasing. She'd been like this once, all the time. When she had more hope for herself and her situation.]
I hardly know where to start... [she picked up her sewing again, settling it in her lap.] What's your favourite song to perform then?
[The copper 'bot's 'cheek' was surprisingly warm to the touch, firm and metal, of course, but not nearly as cool as the rest of his chassis. At the brush of her fingers, Rabbit could hardly stop a soft burst of warm steam to shoot from his vents across her hand, the glow in his eyes immediately dimming as a stupidly content smile slipped across his crooked lips.
Oh. Oh. That felt very nice. It's been a very long time since Rabbit has had a pretty lady petting him.]
Uh, I, uh.... [His glowing optics blinked, head shaking a little to get the gears in his head turning properly again.] N-nah, I ain't that kinda 'bot. Loyal t' th' end. Usually I'm th' one t' end up with a broken heart, so n-no worries there, beautiful. [It was a startlingly honest confession, but Rabbit said it casually, with a touch of aloofness, in the hopes it wouldn't come out sounding quite so sad as it could be taken as.
But favorite song? That was terribly easy to pick out and it related quite directly to the conversation at hand.] I wrote a lil' song called Honeybee s-some years ago, if ya'd like t' hear it? Not exactly th' most upliftin' o' songs, but... uh, it's a love song.
[She couldn't help but laugh at the steam. How so much like his reactions were to a humans, but yet so different. Made it easier to tell in some regards. But amusing to her all the same because she'd never heard the term 'letting off steam' so literally. All the same, her hand lingered, he just looked so content like that, or as far as she was learning of him. Her son had been so content, once.]
Loyal? There are greater crimes. [her hand dropped, and it was sad to her, no matter how it was phrased and in what tone, because perhaps more than any other, she understood what it was to watch people slip away. The intent stayed where perhaps the words did not] You ought to be careful then, hearts can be so strong, but so easily taken from you.
Well then, I would like to hear such. I do like love songs, as only a woman can. [there's another smile, warm, for him.]
[As long as her hand remained against his face, Rabbit was humming, deep down in his mechanical throat, the sound almost akin to the soft purring of a contented cat. But the conversation continued on, as if he was completely unaware of his own body's reaction to the pleasant touch.]
H-hey, ya don't have t' tell me twice. Pretty much an ex-ex-expert at havin' p-p-pretty lil' ladies snatch my heart away.
[The prompt and smile are more than enough to coax him to song. Not that it has ever taken much to get Rabbit in the mood for music. It was what he was created for, after all.
And so the 'bot straightens in his seat, filling his bellows with air he didn't need, and sings.
It's easy enough to see in the way he puts his everything into every single syllable of the tune that this song in particular is very important and meaningful for the robot. His ridiculous accent and mannerisms melt away, Rabbit's tone serious and calm and just a touch melancholic, head bowing and eyes closing. It's a song that starts off happily enough, the hope and blossoming sweetness of a new love, but slowly turns into something that sounds much more like mourning.
Halfway through the song, there's the briefest of glitches to run through the copper 'bot's system, a triple twitch of his head to the side rather forcefully, a garble of static before all returns to normal and he continues on as if nothing had occurred. It always happened during this song. No mechanic could explain it, though perhaps one of his brothers had a slight insight into why.]
[Elizabeth noticed it, as she noticed everything, it was a curious feeling under hands as it was to hear.]
Say such thing, and we will have to find you a protect from such fates. It does not do to have one's heart snatched so often. Otherwise what is left for you?
[She settled back, enjoying -- in fact she enjoyed all of it. It was soft, gently. All the things she wanted. It reminded her of being young, of being in England. But the longer it went on, as it changed... slowly, she noticed that her sewing was blurring out of sight and she blinked rapidly, trying to clear the tears that stung. Foolish woman, when had she become so sentimental that a simple song did this to her?
But it was simple, in it's affection, it's want to please. I don't want to live my life alone. She turned her head down a little more as she wiped at her eyes, though more than one escaped. A darker splotch on the white of her sewing. Not that she wanted him to stop singing, she liked it. Hadn't heard that much modern music, and in a lot of ways she knew that the pure choirs she'd raised too would never be matched... but this, it was different and complete in its emotion. Lamenting and hopeful and regretful. Sweet as any bard she knew.
When he finished, she hoped her tears didn't show and gave him a weak smile.] That was very lovely, Master Rabbit. I think I like it very much.
[Oh dear, he hadn't wanted to cause that kind of reaction with a simple song. No, not at all.
Rabbit's spindly arms reach forward halfway through the distance between them before they freeze in midair, unable to allow himself to continue without permission. She is royalty, after all, and a woman. That kinda thing just ain't proper.] I'm, uh, I'm real g-glad ya liked it.
[What to do what to do-] H-h-hey, wanna hear another? Somethin' a lil' more upbeat an' dance-y? I got one I think you'll r-r-really enjoy it.
[She truthfully didn't mean it. But it was difficult to... hold it all together, though she does manage it. Takes a short breath and swallows back, chancing a wider smile at him.] I did like it, very much.
[But she didn't want him to be awkward, to think she didn't like it. So she took his hand, lightly kissing the back of it. Squeezing tightly for a moment before she let him go.]
Whatever you think will serve, I don't have much of a preference. But you have a lovely voice, and I've never heard this kind of music.
[The kiss to his cold, spindly hand has Rabbit puffing out another burst of hot steam, looking just a little taken back but definitely pleased at the contact. How could he not rise to his feet in an instant with a jittery creak of his limbs, grinning wildly at the lovely queen before him?]
J-j-j-just sit back an' enjoy yerself! [The copper man replied while bending to shuffle through his bag, pulling out his new melodica for a tune she can bob her sweet head to.] You'll really like this next one!
[No more of those sad, sappy songs from Rabbit for today. It was all upbeat from here on out for the rest of the afternoon, for as long as she'd have him.]
[Rabbit's posture straightens even further as the elegant woman rises, presenting himself for her own visual delight. The closer that she gets, the more noticeable the particular noises of his body would become. There's the continuous clickclickclick of his clockwork gears turning in rhythm, the low bubbling boil of the water in his boiler, the gentle hum of his power core, and, of course, the occasional hiss of steam released from his vents. Rabbit's body, being the first and oldest, is quite noisy when right up close to him in person.]
Can't say I've b-been called fascinatin' in quite some time, but t-t-thanks. My brothers look a bit-bit more human-like, I know my appearance can unsettle some folks.
I hate t' tempt ya, b-but I love t' talk. [His crooked grin widens, teeth flashing charmingly as his obvious enthusiasm only increases each moment that passes by. Rabbit leans in a little closer, though not hopping into her personal space by any means.] 'Specially 'bout myself. If ya ever have any questions, I'm only t' h-happy t' oblige. Or s-stories! Love t' tell stories! All kinds, any kinds! An', well, ya already know I-I-I love t' sing an' play.
[And he may just be beaming a little at that thrill comment, a happy puff cloud of steam rising from his mouth.] I'm all yers for th' afternoon. Whatever ya'd like.
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[Not that she very good at having anyone close. But she says it for his benefit really. He didn't know better after all, and it was nice to pretend everything was so simple for the moment, that she was anywhere near capable of that.] Oh I could think of something far more poetic if it suited, for surely fascinating is so poor a term. [she's still peering all over, taking it all in piece by careful piece.] So common for someone so uncommon. Surely far more colourful, perhaps I should say your eyes are as colourful as the glass in Notre Dame? Or like the great window in my brother's palace in white hall. [she stepped back a little, realising she'd leant in far beyond was near proper.] Ah forgive me, I did not mean to be so impolite.
[she gave him space, and then gestured behind her, to the seats she'd set up.] Sit, please, my manners escape me. It has been... well, a long time since I've received visitors.
[she laughed, turning back to take her seat again.] But I'll have it all, stories and songs, all of it. I've not heard it for awhile. Not here at least.
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No no, not impolite at all. Flattery is never im-impolite, though I don't think my eyes could ever compare t' th' shinin' stars I see reflectin' in yours, but I 'preciate th' compliment all th' same. Gonna get me blushin' with all these k-k-kind words.
[Creaking over to the seat provided, Rabbit lowers himself slowly, huffing a little at the usual aching pain in his knees that only continued to get worse as time went by. The absolute joy of growing older, right? His bag dropped carefully at his side before the copper automaton leaned back, arms stretching a little to loosen joints, fingers wiggling.] Then I'm only t' happy t' p-provide it all. What'll we start with?
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Such a charming one you are, saying such things to a lady, careful you'll break my heart. [it's teasing, always so teasing. She'd been like this once, all the time. When she had more hope for herself and her situation.]
I hardly know where to start... [she picked up her sewing again, settling it in her lap.] What's your favourite song to perform then?
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Oh. Oh. That felt very nice. It's been a very long time since Rabbit has had a pretty lady petting him.]
Uh, I, uh.... [His glowing optics blinked, head shaking a little to get the gears in his head turning properly again.] N-nah, I ain't that kinda 'bot. Loyal t' th' end. Usually I'm th' one t' end up with a broken heart, so n-no worries there, beautiful. [It was a startlingly honest confession, but Rabbit said it casually, with a touch of aloofness, in the hopes it wouldn't come out sounding quite so sad as it could be taken as.
But favorite song? That was terribly easy to pick out and it related quite directly to the conversation at hand.] I wrote a lil' song called Honeybee s-some years ago, if ya'd like t' hear it? Not exactly th' most upliftin' o' songs, but... uh, it's a love song.
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Loyal? There are greater crimes. [her hand dropped, and it was sad to her, no matter how it was phrased and in what tone, because perhaps more than any other, she understood what it was to watch people slip away. The intent stayed where perhaps the words did not] You ought to be careful then, hearts can be so strong, but so easily taken from you.
Well then, I would like to hear such. I do like love songs, as only a woman can. [there's another smile, warm, for him.]
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H-hey, ya don't have t' tell me twice. Pretty much an ex-ex-expert at havin' p-p-pretty lil' ladies snatch my heart away.
[The prompt and smile are more than enough to coax him to song. Not that it has ever taken much to get Rabbit in the mood for music. It was what he was created for, after all.
And so the 'bot straightens in his seat, filling his bellows with air he didn't need, and sings.
It's easy enough to see in the way he puts his everything into every single syllable of the tune that this song in particular is very important and meaningful for the robot. His ridiculous accent and mannerisms melt away, Rabbit's tone serious and calm and just a touch melancholic, head bowing and eyes closing. It's a song that starts off happily enough, the hope and blossoming sweetness of a new love, but slowly turns into something that sounds much more like mourning.
Halfway through the song, there's the briefest of glitches to run through the copper 'bot's system, a triple twitch of his head to the side rather forcefully, a garble of static before all returns to normal and he continues on as if nothing had occurred. It always happened during this song. No mechanic could explain it, though perhaps one of his brothers had a slight insight into why.]
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Say such thing, and we will have to find you a protect from such fates. It does not do to have one's heart snatched so often. Otherwise what is left for you?
[She settled back, enjoying -- in fact she enjoyed all of it. It was soft, gently. All the things she wanted. It reminded her of being young, of being in England. But the longer it went on, as it changed... slowly, she noticed that her sewing was blurring out of sight and she blinked rapidly, trying to clear the tears that stung. Foolish woman, when had she become so sentimental that a simple song did this to her?
But it was simple, in it's affection, it's want to please. I don't want to live my life alone. She turned her head down a little more as she wiped at her eyes, though more than one escaped. A darker splotch on the white of her sewing. Not that she wanted him to stop singing, she liked it. Hadn't heard that much modern music, and in a lot of ways she knew that the pure choirs she'd raised too would never be matched... but this, it was different and complete in its emotion. Lamenting and hopeful and regretful. Sweet as any bard she knew.
When he finished, she hoped her tears didn't show and gave him a weak smile.] That was very lovely, Master Rabbit. I think I like it very much.
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Rabbit's spindly arms reach forward halfway through the distance between them before they freeze in midair, unable to allow himself to continue without permission. She is royalty, after all, and a woman. That kinda thing just ain't proper.] I'm, uh, I'm real g-glad ya liked it.
[What to do what to do-] H-h-hey, wanna hear another? Somethin' a lil' more upbeat an' dance-y? I got one I think you'll r-r-really enjoy it.
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[But she didn't want him to be awkward, to think she didn't like it. So she took his hand, lightly kissing the back of it. Squeezing tightly for a moment before she let him go.]
Whatever you think will serve, I don't have much of a preference. But you have a lovely voice, and I've never heard this kind of music.
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J-j-j-just sit back an' enjoy yerself! [The copper man replied while bending to shuffle through his bag, pulling out his new melodica for a tune she can bob her sweet head to.] You'll really like this next one!
[No more of those sad, sappy songs from Rabbit for today. It was all upbeat from here on out for the rest of the afternoon, for as long as she'd have him.]
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