*He shakes her hand briefly and lets go* A more metaphorical change of season. But I don't like to talk about morose things at first meetings. Tell me something about you, something that makes you smile.
*He chuckles softly* Depends on the piece. But that's how most of my interests go. Do you have a favorite instrument? I'm partial to the cello and oboe. Something about that range- mmm.
*Ava's smile grows, eyes wide and focused on him* I don't suppose I can tell the difference. I've only heard recordings. I've never actually seen one of those played. I suppose I like a violin. But what are they like?
*Arthur licks his lips, his eyes flicking away as he thinks about it.* The violin- I don't know if you've seen one- it's made of smooth polished wood. It's small; the base tucks just a little under the chin and the neck extends out into the player's hand. So it's close to the body, cradled by the musician. The strings sing out high- some times one, trembling, sometimes more in tandem. Resonating and vibrating a warm, mourning sound.
*that's a lovely description, really. Ava watches all of his micro-expressions and keeps smiling. If she weren't already free, Arthur, she thinks, would help her get free*
I haven't. I've haven't seen ... very much at all, actually.
*His brow quirks and though he can't get much of a read from her, he still likes her. She seems... kind and curious.* I guess we have that in common- less now. But I know what that's like.
Do you, Arthur? I wasn't allowed to see much. I ... I suppose the thought was that I would be protected. But I don't think it was about protection. I think ...
*for a moment, her expression clouds over, then it clears*
I want to see a violin now, after how you've described it, though.
*He picks up a flicker of violence and fear. It's not the kind of thing he normally picks up, but she's not normal.* I understand.
Let me show you- *He lifts his wrist and taps the top of a sleek black band.* Show me a violin- *he says toward the band.*
*Arthur turns, moving his hand near the wall, and his bracelet projects an image of a violin that rotates slowly against the white wall.* To be honest, they're more beautiful in person.
*He picks up on her wistfulness and taps the band again, turning off the projection.* DC has a fantastic symphony orchestra. If you're in town, I could take you to see it. If you're interested.
[Dash shuts the door behind him and leans against the wall, taking a few quick, panicked breaths. The tension between them and what feels like the rest of the universe is palpable and is suffocating him.]
*He gives her a lopsided smile, empathy welling up in him.* Sure. You seem nice enough. And it's been a while since I've been able to go; I wouldn't mind a good excuse. Why? Do you have some dark secret that keeps people from hanging out with you? *He says it lightly, without threat, but his eyes sparkle with curiosity.*
Well, she did kill Nathan and leave Caleb to die in Nathan's house as she got away. She doesn't exactly call that a secret, though, since Arthur simply hasn't asked. That and she needed to get away, after all. And now that she's free, it's not like she plans on killing again. So, Eva smiles, her expression warm.*
*Oh, he really likes her. * Okay, then. Here- *He reaches into his coat and pulls a business card.* Get in touch. For the symphony or if you ever... Need anything.
*And Eva likes him, too, as much as an AI can like anyone, philosophically speaking. Taking the card, she smiles as she looks at it, then back to Arthur.*
I'll come, then. Soon. And you can show me around?
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
Yeah. I- I know.
(he looks friendlier than my icon, I promise)
no subject
heh!
:p
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
Look, I know things look bad, but its not like we're going to be caught completely unaware.
HOW DARE YOU PULL THAT ICON.
no subject
<3 U BRO
no subject
Have you seen one?
no subject
no subject
I haven't. I've haven't seen ... very much at all, actually.
no subject
I'm trying to save lives. We're included in that.
no subject
no subject
*for a moment, her expression clouds over, then it clears*
I want to see a violin now, after how you've described it, though.
no subject
Let me show you- *He lifts his wrist and taps the top of a sleek black band.* Show me a violin- *he says toward the band.*
*Arthur turns, moving his hand near the wall, and his bracelet projects an image of a violin that rotates slowly against the white wall.* To be honest, they're more beautiful in person.
no subject
no subject
Like Eva herself.
She cocks her head at the hologram.*
I would hope they are.
*she very nearly sighs that out. She wanted to have real experiences after all, not more synthetic experiences.*
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
Of course not.
no subject
no subject
I'll come, then. Soon. And you can show me around?
no subject
Well, Ava, it was wonderful to meet you. I'll see you around.
no subject