'TIS THE SEASON

[percept]

WHO: Vandal and IDW!Perceptor
WHERE: Starting in the medbay
WHEN CRISSMIS
WHAT: Schmoop.
WARNINGS: n/a

Perceptor crept into the medbay feeling, as always, more than a little out of place. This was the domain of medics and the unwell, and since his own prolonged convalescence he had mad a point of avoiding it. At least, until Vandal had become a fixture. Now he found himself there daily, popping in to visit her, spending as much time with her as he could. The past couple of days he's only left to scrounge supplies for... well. A surprise.

Which is why he's here now, approaching Vandal's berth, trying to put his best poker face on.

"Hello Karrie."

Comments

[percept]

"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.

[vandalization]

"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."

[percept]

"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."

[vandalization]

"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.

[percept]

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?"

[vandalization]

"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."

[percept]

"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?"

[vandalization]

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.

[percept]

"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?"

[vandalization]

"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."

[percept]

"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.

[vandalization]

"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.

[percept]

"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."

[vandalization]

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."

[percept]

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."

[vandalization]

"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.

[percept]

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.

[vandalization]

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.