[The Spine's Bedroom; fabulae_victoriana]

[awfulsentimetal]

The Spine is, at heart, an automaton that prefers simplicity over the ornate designs that were so pervasive in the 1800s and early 1900s. When picking out the trappings of his room he chose functional furniture that could bear his weight. In addition to the bed, his room contains bookshelves and a large, comfortable chair.  An assortment of ropes are looped from the ceiling that he can often be found resting in when he isn't in his chassis.  

Feel free to visit, but please, knock first. This means you, Rabbit.

Comments

/grumpcat B|

[awfulsentimetal]

I'll be right here. [Because the reassurance needed to be given, apparently. The Spine smiled at B's retreating back, silver hands slowly lowering to his sides. Now he was at a bit a loss for what to do with himself.

Stand there, he supposed. He re-adjusted the angle of his fedora and folded his hands in front of him and... waited.]

/KISSES GRUMPY AWAY

[yesterdaystomorrow]

[It was only a minute or two later that Brianna reappeared, a small, neatly wrapped box in tow that would be immediately nudged into the automaton's hands. Though it could be said that the woman always looked exceptionally cheerful and sweet--it was just her nature--it seems that the gift giving has somehow managed to make that sparkle in B's blue eyes even more prominent than normal, smile just a little more affectionate and enthused.

She only hoped The Spine would appreciate all she'd picked out for him.]

Here! Now, it isn't too much-[Gloved hands gently danced across the automaton's, adjusting the lopsided bow on the box]-But it's for your new room. To help make it a little more homey.

[Well, more so than the ropes hanging from the ceiling.]

o///o STEAM EVERYWHERE

[awfulsentimetal]

[It didn't really matter what's in the box--The Spine would be happy with anything, if it came from his Walter Girl. She could gift-wrap a rock and he'd proudly put it on display. He smiled at the crooked bow, enjoying the weight of the box in his hands before opening it.]

I'm sure it'll do the trick. [The bow was undone with care, the automaton regarding it for a moment before gently folding it. The contents brought another smile to his face and he stooped to press a kiss to Brianna's warm cheek.] More than do the trick. Thank you, Brianna, I'll put everythin' up right away.

/GETS A NICE FACIAL TREATMENT

[yesterdaystomorrow]

[Inside was an assortment of gifts for the man's new room, including a set of new books, a glass vase, a handful of decorative candles, and tucked into the bottom of the box is a new button down shirt, plain and black. Not quite as nice as his previous one, but at least it was whole.]

I didn't have a lot to spend, but I thought you deserved a little something to put up--[The kiss was taken but then the woman was stepping right out of the man's reach again, grinning.] --And there's one more thing. [Moving back to the door...]

MMM NICE CLEAN PORES

[awfulsentimetal]

[Oh, he knew that grin. His own face echoed it as he lifted a thick eyebrow.] There's more? Brianna, you're spoilin' me.

[Not that he was actually complaining, the words said with a teasing hint of a laugh.

He was a bit at a loss for how to react, too used to taking care of others, not being the one doted on. The Spine set the box on the end of the bed.

...And then stood awkwardly, well out of his depth.]

I, uh--did you want me to follow you?

[yesterdaystomorrow]

No! Stay there! [Quickly spoken as tiny hands flew up to motion the man to stop before Brianna was shooting her boyfriend a sickly sweet smile and retreating just to peek out the door. And when she'd return? It was with quite the surprise.]

Here! A little something to put on the walls. [Aaaaand that was definitely a roll of wallpaper that was decorated in the woman's favorite animal. Oh my.]

[awfulsentimetal]

[Well... that sure is cat wallpaper. After a moment of quiet consideration, the corners of his mouth twitch up into a smile. While it isn't exactly something he'd pick for himself, it's one hundred percent Brianna and he can't help loving it.]

It's perfect. Looks like I'm gonna have myself a project of the next couple of days--fancy helpin' out?

[Because humans think this kind of thing is fun, right? That's why This Old House exists.]

[yesterdaystomorrow]

[One hundred percent Brianna!]

Of course! [came that pleasant chirp in reply, the petite woman bouncing over to set the roll of wallpaper off to the side with the automaton's other gifts before she'd be burying herself against him in an affectionate hug, arms wrapping around him as her head rested at his humming chest.] We'll make an afternoon of it! And hopefully keep The Stripe from interfering too much. I don't think he'd very much like getting stuck to the wallpaper.

[Though imagine the hilarity of it all.]

[awfulsentimetal]

[A twitterpated grin finds its way to his faceplate with the hug. A strong arm wraps delicately around her waist, keeping her close. The quiet hum of his core spins up for a moment before settling again, as stable and strong as ever.]

Oh, I think we can keep The Stripe busy if he decides to stick his nose where it's liable to get paste on it. I like the cats on the paper just fine without addin' real life whiskers to'em.

[If he were a vengeful 'bot he might entertain the thought that it'd serve him right for climbing up him all the time and snaring his clothes.

If he were a vengeful 'bot.

He isn't, of course, and so the thought never crosses his headwiring.]

Tell you what, we'll go out and find him a new toy to keep him occupied. Sound good?

[yesterdaystomorrow]

[It was a good thought to avoid entertaining. As much as Brianna found amusement in the various shenanigans her kitten managed to get wound up in, she certainly wouldn't appreciate anything quite so distressing as whiskers lost to sticky wallpaper.]

Absolutely! [And hey, if The Spine wanted to wrap his arms around her and keep her close, B was absolutely okay with that.] I'm sure we'll manage to keep him distracted for at least a little while. [They could hope, at least.]

Do you think this is a good start? To personalizing your space and making it all your own?