clivedoveplblog:
When it came to ‘visitors’, be it the intentional or oblivious kind, his only worry would be making sure they don’t end up leaving; Clive not looking forward to his Projects getting cut short. As patient and merciful he is, this concern was one with a priority that stood long above it, he’d not bat an eye about its necessary means. Clearly, however, this wasn’t even remotely comparable with such visits. Yet, he didn’t find himself worried — if they want a spectacle, then a spectacle they shall get.
“Of course, no need to mention it,” agreed sweetly, albeit the distorted sounds the partially damaged 'companion’ was giving was more than a nuisance to him. He’d bash it right here, right now, if he’d lack self-control. “My, are these charming names~!” Dahlia … It tingled a small, faint memory, but he discarded it immediately. Patience.
“Hm? Back from a Trip to the countrysides? Sounds quite delightful, though … amusing, I was fairly certain these Borders were closed.” just playing along, of course, there was nothing if you’d go further — A Faux London, not the whole United Kingdom.
There was a beat in silence, a stare lingering that, while it did keep his smile, was a little too off, likely to have an inner monologue on an entirely different colour. But he fixed it not all too much later, an expression that one would almost describe as warm and welcoming, if it were under other circumstances. “I’d hate to break it to you, but yes. For this hour, at least ~ by the rules of the family, you ought to stay at home until five, with very few exceptions. Hence I might have come off as rude some moments earlier, forgive me for such.”
Oh, Clive caught the hint loud and clear~! But he wouldn’t act out of line, not yet. It’d have to be them, or he’d make the first move when their chances are already far too slim anyway. Besides, part of him was curious. Curious indeed.
“If you’re taking in the sights, have you seen the beloved Chinatown yet? Surely the proudest work from the citizens.” he gestured vaguely. “I’d love to guide you there if you haven’t yet.”
Despite her seemingly innocent appearance and naivety around her, Flora was anything but that. She wasn’t stupid; she knew what was supposed to be happening, knew what cities were supposed to look like. She was also well-aware of how intrusive her little family seemed to be, she had dealt with people like those in her current role back in her village. But it was only a mere village... not a lot of effort was needed to drive people away, or even worse if they were stubborn enough to fight back. Her mind imagined that there would be a lot more effort placed into this place.
All the more interesting for her! But she didn’t come here with the intent to ruin anything, just exploring.
“ It’s just common decency, really! Can’t get anywhere in this world without it! “ ...Laughable, really. No extra comment was needed from her about Dahlia, however. The woman showed off the imperfections well enough. “ And thank you! Although you’d be better off saying it to our parents, wouldn’t you? Not that you could if you wanted to, I’m afraid they aren’t with us. “ Anymore. Leave out that one word, she had been told. Said it might cause her trouble later, and who was she to not listen to her mother’s lookalike?
“ Oh? “ A word that sounded curious on its own, but judging from the fact that the robot beside her was now staring him down, it wasn’t good in context. The corner of her gaze had seen this, however, and the lady had decided to kick the older’s leg, putting them very much out of balance and stumbling away from her briefly. “ Forgive her... again. “ Emphasis on that last word, now beginning to have spite in her tone. “ She seems to have found that quite amusing too. Because we could’ve sworn they were open when we passed by... maybe that’s why some of my family hasn’t arrived yet? “
Slowly pointing out all the inconsistencies... she wasn’t observant for no reason.
“ So it’s the same rules as our town? Everyone always goes inside rather early! We heard that the cities were different, however... but maybe our dear Dahlia lied to me about that. It wouldn’t be the first time. “ Her voice had long gone back to its natural tone by now, making her seem quite innocent again. Despite what the other might think, this was very much her natural behavior! It’s just that everyone around her caused her to act out every now and again...
A lady deserves that much, after all.
Her hands immediately clasped together upon hearing the offer, and she actually seemed quite happy to hear that. “ Really? Well, no, we haven’t! I was always very interested in the architecture of cities, their buildings look so grand and unique compared to what I’ve always seen! Are you sure you don’t mind, though? I’m afraid it won’t just be the two of us that’ll be following you! “ As if to prove her point, more metal could be heard clanking, and noises similar to those from Dahlia could be heard from the shadows. Not nearly as loud, however, they knew to keep their voices down.
Regardless of his answer, Flora already began to walk on ahead, turning around to make sure that she wasn’t going to be left to her own devices. “ Well? Don’t keep a lady waiting! “ Her companion had now wandered over to the shadows, seeming to communicate with some of... whatever else was hiding there, before making her way back over with a couple younger ( and more well-kept ) robots following her trail. Judging from their size, they seemed to be... children. Or somewhere around that stage.
If it wasn’t for the noises earlier, one might’ve mistaken the new arrivals as human.
