Machine Fur Project IC

[Lavender_Stripes]

She nodded, smiling. "Anything for a friend." She felt herself lean over to give him one of her patented hugs. A hug she had given to everyone, save for him. She was gentle, and her fur she kept soft. She almost didn't touch him, yet she did all at once. A comforting, warm gesture she wanted everyone on earth to feel. She leaned back in her seat, back to her old self. "Hope you've been doing well! I didn't see you much, so I worried about you. But now I know! And, hey, maybe we'll be testing together. If they test today. Who knows, maybe we'll have a class or go outside. I like it outside. The breeze feels nice."

There was something under her ramblings. A hint in her voice. Anxiety. Nervousness. Uncertainty.

[AJ Fawxe]

Alex smiled softly and returned her hug, though not as enthusiastically as some would. It was comforting though, to feel a kindred spirit such as herself give him this happy exchange, it made that buzz of anxiety go away and made him feel warm inside. Just a little, but Alex could feel the usual disinterest in life and the goings on of the world lift.

"This is care and compassion, I think.. and I think I like it."

Before he broke the hug he gave a quick squeeze then swallowed nervously and blushed softly beneath the white fur on his cheeks. "I hope we do end up in some class or exercise together, going outside would be.. nice. I haven't appreciated it in a while.." Alex looked to her and though he was quite perceptive it was mostly based on visual cues, tone of voice, things the five senses could pick up. Alex didn't have her abilities though part of him thought perhaps she was still feeling his anxiousness. Maybe he was being paranoid but he'd keep watching her to see what he could deduce from it all

[Lavender_Stripes]

Thirteen smiled sweetly. "I've wanted to get to know you for a while." Especially in more recent times. She giggled to herself, eyes darting to a window. "Outside is...big. Vast and welcoming, even the little bit that we're allowed to go to. I have a feeling though..." She trailed off, taking a few quick breaths. She couldn't say it. Not yet. Not until she knew he wouldn't tell. "After dinner, can we go out?" She asked him earnestly. "If we're not called upon for something. I like talking to you. You really listen, you know..?"

[Fitzwilliam Jinglesworth]

Four scooped some standard-issue herbivorous failure vegetable paste onto a tray and waved hello as he walked up to the table where Alex and Thirteen were sitting. He was glad to be out on his own for once, and even happier to see Thirteen happy and unhurt.

"Hey, guys! Mind if I sit here?"

[Lavender_Stripes]

"Oh, hey. Sure, Four." Wait. Stop. Rewind. "FOUR!" Thirteen bolted up, hugging the goat tight, mindful of his arm. "You're okay! Oh god I'm so sorry about...then..."

[Fitzwilliam Jinglesworth]

"Whoah!"

Four staggered back, surprised by the sudden hug. He had to carefully rebalance his tray to keep it from falling.

"...it's fine, really..."

[Lavender_Stripes]

She looked as if she would cry. "No! I got you...god, I'm sorry. You want me to get you a salad or something..? I can...oh god I have to tell you. Oh god I messed up bad didn't I?" She tapped her fingers on the table, her leg shaking. Nine or Four? Or...maybe both? "You should find Two. Or...come with us outside. I don't know, I...I can't think straight." She rubbed her head. "More are coming, I...I'm having trouble focusing. I can't go running my mouth. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

[Fitzwilliam Jinglesworth]

Four blinked a few times, then started to back away.

"T-Thirteen?...I'm sorry...I can go if you want..."

He looked down at the ground, shyly.

[Lavender_Stripes]

"No no no! Really, it's fine. I'm just freaking myself out, I'm okay." She smiled. Then it was gone. "They didn't hurt you, did they? Are you okay?"

[Fitzwilliam Jinglesworth]

He shook his head.

"No, I'm not hurt. Just a little kink in my neck's all..."

He turned his head to the side, trying to work it out.

[Lavender_Stripes]

"Yeah..okay." The girl tugged at her shirt, trying to cover her own bruises.

[Fitzwilliam Jinglesworth]

Four sat down at the table and began eating, turning to Alex.

"Who's this?"

[Lavender_Stripes]

"Nine." She smiled a little, thinking back on the moments she shared with him recently. "I like him. He's cool."

[Fitzwilliam Jinglesworth]

"Hey there, Nine. Four, pleased to meet you. Haven't seen you around."

Four held out his hand to shake.

[AJ Fawxe]

Alex watched the exchange and felt his heart sink. Thirteen was in on this whole thing, and was keeping things from him too. Alex felt like if he went outside with her later he could find out what it is without any subterfuge and while part of him wanted it cause it was quick and efficient and had high probability of success. Another part of him wanted to meet with Three to keep up the challenge. "Outside.. I have a feeling," Alex muttered bits of Thirteen's last sentence to him then looked to Four and gave a very slight nod and shook his hand with a gentle grip.