re_alignment_logs | 'TIS THE SEASON

She's awake of course, when he enters it's nothing unusual. He's been almost a constant fixture in her room since he'd first come to see her. He was good on his word, and Vandal appreciates it more than she can say.

"Hey Perce. Merry Christmas."

She'd actually worked up a small gift of her own, but for now...

"What's up?"

"I realize this is a particularly special time in your culture, and I have prepared a small something for you to commemorate the season. As your health has improved to the stage where it is now feasible for you to leave the medbay, I would be most appreciative if you did me the honor of joining me."

He offers her his hands, expression still serious.

"I do not think the meds would be too upset if I borrowed you for a few hours, assuming you are willing."

Edited 2012-12-26 05:04 (UTC)

Honestly he could have said he was going to do data entry and she would have jumped at the chance to go along. Being cooped up here has been hell. She brightens visibly.

"You... you got me a Christmas present?" She can't keep the grin off, no matter how hard she wants to.

Using his hands, she stands up in bed, steadying herself. She's healed to the point where she can wear a gown, which is not a typical hospital gown, since there was a distinct lack of human supplies- but rather a shoddy looking nightgown. Something light that wouldn't interfere or chafe on her healing injuries.

"Hell yes I'll go with you."

"Indeed. I have arranged it in one of the adjacent rooms."

Once she's up on her feet Perceptor wastes no time in carefully bundling her up and raising her to his chest, carrying her against his broad chestplace as he turns and exits the medbay.

He doesn't go far, stopping outside one of the nearby--currently unoccupied--rooms in the temple.

"I hope I have decorated it appropriately. My data on human culture is sadly lacking, and it is difficult to come across here."

When the door slides open a gentle wash of colored light spills out. Lacking proper Christmas lights, he's made do with yards of lighting cable, the colors tweaked to add more personality than the basic white, and small, eclectic looking 'ornaments' of colored metal, plastic, and glass hang from everywhere possible, reflecting the light. The effect gives a certain warmth to the otherwise dim room--even more so when Perceptor steps inside and shuts the door behind them, cutting out the stark lighting of the hallway.

"You didn't have to..." She's briefly distracted by being picked up and held. She's been ridiculously needy lately and she wonders if perhaps this is a little pathetic, to be placated by being toted around.

But whatever. She's comfortable. He's comfortable. And she quietly enjoys it more ways than she should.

"Nonsense, I'm sure you did-" Her thought ends abruptly when he opens the door and steps inside.

It's beautiful and warm and probably one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for her. That counted up there with everyone saving her life.

"Oh wow..."

"I hope this is acceptable..."

He carries her into the room and sets her down on the berth next to a large (for a human), neatly folded fluffy blue blanket.

"The blanket is for you. I salvaged what I could from a larger piece of material from the junk pile, then decontaminated it to the best of my ability. It's quite clean."

Perceptor steps back slightly, clearing his throat awkwardly.

"There is another part to my gift, if you'd close your eyes for a moment."

"This is way more than acceptable. It's amazing!" She eagerly pulls the blanket around her, curling down into it.

Seems to be the thing to give her, which suits her well because she's one of those people who likes bedding and warmth.

"Thank you. This is all a bitch much but-" Well. Jeez, something else? She would have been pleased as pudding about just this, but obediently she covers her eyes with her hands.

"Okay. Not looking..."

Perceptor crouches near the edge of the berth, optics dimming as he focuses.

His holoform materializes a few feet away from her, standing on the end of the berth. A human male, dressed in casual clothes, looking a little nervous. It took a lot of work to get the holoform to meet his own high standards, and he's both eager and nervous to see her reaction.

He takes a moment to re-familiarize himself with it, then clears his throat.

"Alright, you can look again."

Well. When she opens her eyes, that definitely wasn't what she was expecting.

"AAAHHH! WHAT TH- Who the fuck is this?!" If she wasn't half crippled she'd probably have hauled off and punched the poor man in the face. But you just don't see many humans around, and the ones you do she could count on one hand.

She squints, looking between the (rather handsome) man and Perceptor himself.

"... Perce...?"

Ah. Well. That's what he gets for surprising her, he supposes. He shifts a little awkwardly, folding his hands behind his back.

"It's a holoform, Karrie. They were utilized on Earth to help us blend in with the population."

And yep, that's definitely Perceptor's voice coming out of it.

"If... It distresses you, I can shut it off."

Well that makes her eyes go wide, mouth hanging open slightly. SHe's never seen a hologram this... real looking.

"No! No... don't. It's just... wow." She scoots forward, not trusting herself to walk on her own really, so that she can get a closer look.

She squints again and slowly reaches up to gently prod him in the abdomen with one finger, and much to her surprise: he's solid.

"You. Made... this?"

Why is it so...

Hot?

Kneeling down to be more on her level, he hazards a tiny, bashful smile. At least this part of her reaction is a little more worth it.

"Yes. Traditionally holoforms have been lacking in expressive capabilities, usually limited to a single set appearance, but with extensive modifications I believe I have crafted one that could more effectively pass as human."

He pauses, reaching up to fuss over the lay of his shirt across his stomach.

"I... Thought I might embrace you like this, if you are willing."

O-oh... his smile seems to trigger something. Something that Vandal seems to realize and look abruptly down, embarrassed.

"You... make yourself human for me," It's oddly touching. That he would go to all this effort and-

Her face lights up red. Cuddling up to robots wasn't odd for her. There was still that degree of separation. But that's. That's just. Yeah. Wow.

"You... heh. You made yourself human to cuddle with me?" She really can't hide how obviously flustered she is.

"That's really fucking cute."

How can she even refuse?

"I think I'd like that."

His head tilts slightly at her blush, curiosity written on his face. It's harder to school his expressions when operating through the holoform, particularly when he's spent as much time as he has making it expressive in the first place.

Still, when she doesn't refuse him he edges closer, a little relieved. He wouldn't have been hurt if she had said no, but he's pleased that his plan is working out.

"I thought it might be pleasant to be with someone your own size and species, if only in form, for a little while, and seeing as there is a distinct shortage of humans, I thought..."

He scoots in beside her, lifting up the blanket, inviting her in.

"I thought you might enjoy it."

"Well. You thought right." As much as she does love lounging on robots...

The warmth and softness and even the smell of another human being as she tentatively eases herself over and leans slowly against him. She's tense at first, hand stiff and awkward against his shoulder, but the authenticity, and the comfort of knowing that it's still just Perceptor, slowly coaxes her to relaxing bit by bit.

"You really did an amazing job. With this... with everything. Color me impressed, Perce."

He lets her come to him, not rushing it, letting her settle and get comfortable before he wraps the blanket around them and slings an arm around her. Immediately he's struck by the difference--they're on the same scale now, equals, instead of him looming over her constantly. It's... nice.

More than nice, really.

"I am glad you approve. I tried to make it as accurate as possible to avoid the... I believe it's known as the 'uncanny valley' effect? That many holoforms suffer from."

Oh he makes it very easy to cozy up to him, doesn't he? Being that good looking as a human definitely helps. Uhg god, she covers her face with one hand, reprimanding herself for being so shameless and shallow.

Not that it was really the source of her feelings for him to begin with.

"Well you definitely hit it out of the park with this one. I mean wow. What did you um. Model him after? Movie stars or something?"

Because he's cute enough to be one.

It doesn't slip past him that she's still a little uneasy, but he chalks it up to her adjusting to dealing with him via a different platform.

"I combined simple randomization and algorithms with basic knowledge of Western human culture to create a holoform that I thought would not be aesthetically displeasing."

He grins, almost shamelessly pleased.

"I am pleased that you think I did a satisfactory job. You were my target audience, after all."

It wrings a grin out of her.

"God you are fucking ridiculous. In a good way," She says, playfully prodding him in his would-be ribs.

The way he speaks, so scientifically about everything, even in casual situations is getting just a little bit adorable.

"How come you're so sweet to me, huh?"

The prod earns a small laugh, but after that he ducks his chin down slightly, almost shyly, and it's a moment before he speaks. When he does, his voice is serious.

"You... Are very dear to me, Karrie. I enjoy making you happy in any way I can. When I thought you were lost..."

Another pause, then he shakes his head, squeezing her close for a moment.

"I feared you were gone for good. That you had simply disappeared into the Badlands. I was afraid."

Oh that's adorable. She's tempted to try again, but she lays off for now.

It's kind of odd, she never fathomed why he, or anyone else went to such great lengths for her. The idea of being likeable for any reason is absurd to her. She keeps that to herself though and just leans against him a little more.

"Afraid," She echoes as if the word doesn't make any sense.

"You shouldn't worry about me like that but-" No, don't fight it, not today.

"But thank you. I'm really lucky to have people like you."

"Worrying about you is my right as your friend, I am afraid."

The arm around her tightens slightly, and he turns toward her to turn it into a proper hug. It feels nice like this, to be able to wrap himself around her properly, without worrying about their size difference potentially causing problems.

"And we will likely always worry about you. You have many people here who care very much about your safety and well-being. We love you, Karrie."

He earns a chuckle from her, and she readily returns the embrace. She'd always taken hugs for granted back home. But here they were like a commodity.

"God you're going to get me all choked up, Perce," She mumbles into his shoulder.

"I love y- you guys too." Probably more than she ought to.

"You've all been so nice to me. Never got treated like this back where I'm from. It's kinda something else, you know?"

"If it's any consolation, I haven't been physically affectionate with anyone in... A very long time."

He isn't counting that one kiss with Drift, because Primus only knows how big of a mistake that turned out to be.

"I enjoy having someone to be nice to again."

Really, he can't recall the last time he was able to sit down with someone and just be close for a while. It's a novelty he's sadly missed.

"Yeah?" Her brow knits slightly. It's any wonder why,she thinks he's plenty attractive, and she's not talking about the holoform.

"Well. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. No problem by me, I'm always down for this." She smiles into his collar, eyes lidding.

"You deserve it, anyways."

"I am not the most socially adept of mechs these days. I do not make friends easily, and I seem particularly prone to ruining what few relationships I am amble to form..."

He trails off, expression growing pensive, and he attempts to distract himself by snuggling closer to Vandal, relishing the warm contact.

"Thank you for being my friend, Karrie."

"Perceptor..." She ventures to stroke her fingers through the holoform's hair. Feels real.

"Thank you for being mine. I'm lucky to have you. Though judging by the way you decorated with all this mistletoe I'd say you wanted more than that, if I didn't know better."

She chuckles. The place is strewn with it. He probably didn't realize what it meant, but she'll pick on him for it anyways.

Oh, that feels nice. His head tilts slightly into her touch, his eyes drifting shut momentarily--at least until she comments on the mistletoe.

He quirks his head to look at her, clearly perplexed.

"It was present in my files as a common seasonal decoration. Is it inappropriate?"

"Well no," She clears her throat, "It just means that we have to kiss."

Maybe its a little mean spirited. And self serving. And probably taking advantage of a few things, but he can say no if he really wants to.

"It's a human custom."

"Oh, I see."

A human custom. Of course. Clearly he should have done more research, but, ah--hindsight is 20/20. For now he simply clears his throat, looking a little flustered but not particularly put out.

He did set out to make this experience as close to the real thing as he was capable of. It would make no sense now to back out, and besides, there's... There's a certain appeal to kissing Vandal.

Hesitation aside, he shifts slightly, lining up to chastely brush his lips over hers.

"Like that?"

Well he took that rather well. And rather quickly. The kiss sends a little chill up her spine. How long as it been?

She hooks a hand around the back of his head before he can pull away to yank him back in for something much firmer.

"Like that," She echoes as she releases him.

"Oh."

His voice sounds a little breathless and weak, despite the whole lack of needing to breathe thing, as she releases him from the kiss.

"I, ah. Yes. Alright. I will endeavor to perform to expectations in future situations."

Yeah he. Kind of sounds a little dazed. The last time he had a kiss anywhere near to that was Drift, and that... That hadn't ended well, in the long run. This gave him the same sort of light, tingling feedback though, the sort that sent a small prickle down his backstrut.

"Do we, erm. Kiss just the once, then?"

"Future situations, eh? Making plans already, Perce?" She can't help but tease him. It's so easy, and the results are usually incredibly satisfying.

The last bit makes her raise an eyebrow.

"Well usually. Unless you know. You wanted more."

"I simply meant that if we find ourselves in the presence of mistletoe again I will know how to react appropriately."

Yeaaah, definitely thoroughly flustered now. And perhaps a little confused.

"I, ah. I would assume that it would be presumptuous and inappropriate of me to press for more."

He's trying not to focus on how nice it felt, or how smooth her lips had been against his, how warm they were, how--no, no. Think about something else.

"Uh-huh. Gotcha." She nods sagely, her lips drawing a tight line of her face.

There's a little silence after he finishes. Would it be bad of her? She'd only told Wing that she had a... well a preference for all three of them. More over, she wants to be certain of something like that. That she's not just needy for comfort or rebounding or whatever. She doesn't want to hurt him. Or anyone.

But-

"Well I mean not really I don't mind or anything. S'pose that's the first time you've ever kissed a girl." Which is odd to think about.

"I suppose it was. It was a very... A very pleasant experience."

He wants to do it again, that's for sure, but he's quick to quash the impulse. Still, it would be so easy to simply lean back in, brush their lips together and--

No. Abort. Negatory.

He turns the slow lean in into a simple, gentle headbutt, resting their foreheads together. Good job, Perceptor.

"Happy Christmas, Karrie."

She finds herself getting her hopes up, only to balk a little when their foreheads touch.

Oh. Alright. That's probably for the best. She honestly shouldn't be inlicting herself on these poor bots any more than she already does, anyways. He already did this much for her, it's ride to expect him to- well. After how the last experience went, she doesn't want a repeat.

"Merry Christmas, Percy."

He doesn't want to presume anything, and he already feels like he's pushed it too far. That, given how much he enjoyed their kiss, he's somehow abusing an innocuous human tradition.

"Would... You be comfortable resting like this, with me?"

He's almost meek when he asks, his expression hopeful.

"I thought we could sleep together for a bit. I'm sure the medics won't mind if you're gone for a while--I can take full responsibility for your whereabouts."

"Hey, you don't need to convince me." Sleeping in the arms of a very attractive man-robot? Without a doubt.

She tugs him down with her and curls against his chest, wrapping her arms around him . That's a very, incredibly satisfying feeling. Far more so than she should really allow herself but...

What the hell.

He's happier than he should be that she accepts his request without needing any sort of prodding from his end, laying back and folding his arms around her.

This is what he's missed most. The closeness. The comfort. Just having someone with him for once.

He'll feel guilty about the kiss more later. For now he's determined to focus simply on being with Vandal and enjoying it.

This is perfect. This is so good she could just cry. She won't, but damn it's fucking nice.

She closes her eyes, and she can hear a simulated heart beat. He really went all out.

One hand resting on his chest, she lets herself drift in and out, not terribly concerned with sleep, just enjoying the great sense of comfort it brings.

'TIS THE SEASON

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