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"Ferryman, if it wouldn't be too much of a bother, could you keep V1 busy while I'm gone? Or contain them to Wrath?"
"Of course, my Radiance, it will be no problem at all."
It was a problem. It ran rampant around the ship, jumping from balconies, sliding through the vents, and climbing the walls. They do not recall it having this much energy before. Does it dislike them now?
They followed it up the stairs, watching wearily as they jumped the railing and ran back out the entrance. They weren't sure how much longer they could keep up with it.
They scurried back down the stairs just in time to spot V1's wings disappearing into their art room. Shit. They picked up the pace, turning into the room not long after, relieved to find it simply observing their projects. It wandered over to their cabinet of unfinished sculptures, pulling one out at random.
It was a cupped hand made of granite, carved in a moment of weakness. They snatched it from V1, quickly setting it back into the cabinet and closing the door. They stared down at Gabriel's machine, watching them try to peek into the cabinet once more before bringing up its hands to sign.
"What was it for?"
"That's none of your business. Come on, why don't we-"
"Why did it look like Gabriel's hand?"
"V1, come on, we can-"
"Do you miss him?"
They falter and it's just the opening V1 was looking for to pounce. It gently takes their hand and leads them over to the couch on the adjacent wall. It sits them down, joining them soon after.
After a short staredown it continues, "He misses you."
"Doubtful, we're just friends. There's no need to lie to me."
"He does. He cares about you."
"We're more than friends, not lovers, never lovers, but more than friends. Our relationship would upset you."
"He's talked about it before. I do not mind. I love him, I want him to be happy. You are my friend. I like you, I want you to be happy. If he is happy, I am too. If you and he are happy, I am doubly so."
It knelt on the couch to gain some height, reaching out and tenderly, its touch so much softer than they would have expected from a warmachine, cupped where their cheek would be.
They really shouldn't allow themself to give in to worldly desires. They don't need touch. They lean into that eternally warm metal palm anyway.
"You look tired. Lay down?"
"That's your fault." They tried not to be disappointed by it pulling its hand away with an amused trill. "I'll rest when his Radiance comes to collect you."
It wilted a little, looking up at them with faux-sadness. "Not even a quick nap?"
"I'm supposed to keep you out of trouble. I can't if I'm asleep."
"Even if I promise to stay here?"
They sigh, though it's hardly more than a whisper in the silence. "Fine. Where do you propose I rest?"
"Here. I'll sit on the floor."
It scooted off the couch, patting the cushions. They took a pillow they sat beside and set it down. They eased themself down until they were resting on the too-small couch. They closed their nonexistent eyes and tried to sleep.
And continued to try to sleep.
They tap V1's shoulder, not because they want company, but because they need to keep an eye on it. It cocks it's head at them.
"I need to make sure you stay here, can you…" They sit up and pat the couch.
It somehow looks smug as it gets comfortable, resting against the arm and laying down in their way. They just sigh, setting their pillow down on its midsection and resting their head against it. At least now they know the little beast won't go running off to engage in slaughter.
"You weren't joking about being able to tire them out."
"Of course not. They miss you."
"Maybe you can persuade them to stay with us for a few days."
"I'll try. You'll need to help too, you're the one they want to see."
"Very well. But it can wait until they wake."