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The moon wasn’t bright tonight. It was dimly glowing behind the clouds, creating a grey circle of light in the sky.
But none of that light reached the ground. That meant it was more likely he would be out tonight.
You didn’t actually know who or what he is. He was.. an anomaly to be sure.
You first spotted him a couple months ago, so this companionship (if it could even be called that) with him was still kind of new.
You had found him stomping around by the creek you liked to sit and draw by, he had seemed to be upset by something, shifting and rattling around in circles.
The first thing that came to your mind was fascination, not fear. What a marvellous creature, was it new to nature? Or was it ancient and had just been good at hiding. And how on Earth were you just noticing it now.
But as your time spent watching him grew longer, you realized that this was no product of nature.
He was an odd combination of metal and flesh, twisting and intertwining with each other. And he was inside of what could be compared to an animatronic’s suit. Synthetic fur and strong rabbit resemblance. It was like his outer shell.
You did what any artist would, you drew him. A lot.
He was very challenging to draw, lots and lots of details went into your sketches of him. Pages of your sketchbook were filled of this oddity.
You were getting far too comfortable, but you couldn’t help yourself. He kept coming back, and so did you. Unaware of the danger he could be, and him unaware of your presence.
Eventually you slipped up, and his head swiftly turned to your direction, tilting and ears moving in a sinisterly curious manner.
You hadn’t meant to disturb him, you were attempting to get a better view and slipped on some rocks, banging your chin in the process.
It dazed you, and you could vaguely feel his heavy footsteps thumping towards you.
What you expected was some sort of pain, and indicator that you were going to be killed.
Instead your mind became clear enough to realize that he had stopped and wasn’t looking at you, but instead was looking at your sketchbook.
More specifically, your drawings of him.
He faltered, unsure of how to react.
“Uhh..” Immediately his gaze is on you again.
Absolutely dumbfounded, and in a state of shock, you say the first thing that comes to mind. “You’re a challenge to draw.”
That was about four months ago.
You were sitting on your porch steps, waiting for him to step out of the shadows of the trees and within the perimeter of your porch-light.
You were still looking at the sky remembering your first interaction when he appeared to you. Footsteps heavy and sure.
“Hey big guy, how was your day?” He didn’t respond verbally, he never did. You didn’t know if he could. But you liked asking him things anyways.
He chuffed in response, it reminded you of how tigers chuff, except his was raspy, and more mechanical.
“Mm I thought so, come sit will you? Don’t look so tense.”
His joints and body creaked and rattled as he sat next to you.
“You know, I had a the most awkward experience when I went into town for groceries today.”
His ears twitched, asking you to tell him about it.
“So I have my groceries right, and I’m in line to pay, and I recognize the voice of the cashier and I’m like ‘no fucking way’ and I get to the front of the line and it’s my ex from high-school. Whom I had to get a restraining order on because he wouldn’t stop showing up at my parents’ front door asking for me.”
Your rabbit-like companion made a noise that was somewhat of a sigh and a tsk. It came out as a sort of hissing sound.
You scoffed playfully, “Oh alright don’t worry about it big guy, I’m flattered to hear that you care though.”
He huffed and offered his hand to you.
You smiled and placed your hands on his, enjoying the unique texture of them. Soft but worn, it reminded you of your old stuffed rabbit.
“He didn’t say anything thankfully, he seemed just as awkward as I was.”
Your companion leaned down to nuzzle the side of your face with his snout.
You couldn’t help but laugh. “That tickles bud!”
He snorts and briefly nudges your face again.
He makes a rattling sound that sounds similar to a chuckle.
You admires how expressive he could be.
You sigh with content, catching his attention.
His eyes glow slightly in the night, and they make a low whirring sound as he focuses on you.
“What?” You ask quietly.
He reaches for your face, and gently cups your chin.
His hand is large and soft against your skin, it’s comforting.
“Oh…” You say softly.
At your response he immediately retracts his hand and makes a grunting sound.
“Wait no, uh-“ You stammer, reaching for his hand.
“It’s alright big guy, hey, look at me.” You hold his hand and lace your fingers with his.
“I’m glad you’re here, y’know?” You breathe deeply, looking up at him.
He tilts his head slightly.
“I just- It’s nice to finally have company. You’re nice company I mean, I like you. Wait I mean, like, I you- well yeah”
You take a deep breath trying to sort your thoughts out.
“I like you, I like your company and I enjoy your presence. Granted I don’t really know anything about you or who you are or who you used to be….” You paused, watching as his ear twitched with curiosity.
“Basically I’m just trying to say that I really like you. I’m glad you’re here bun.”
He makes a sighing sound and gently pushes his snout against your forehead.
You chuckle softly and reach up to bring his face towards you.
“You have the prettiest eyes y’know?“
He makes a rattling sound and rests his face in your hands.
“Hmm, my handsome boy.” You run your hand over his head and kiss his nose.
He makes a sound akin to a purr, it’s a deep sound. You decide like it a lot.
“Oh that’s a new sound, I’ve never heard you make that one before.”
He inhales deeply and snorts loudly.
“I think it’s cute big guy. You should make that noise for me more often.”
His ears perk up and he resumes his metallic purring.
The two of you sit there for a couple more hours before you let out a yawn and check your watch.
1:30am.
“Come inside with me would you? It’s about time I get to bed. I’d like you to stay if that’s alright?“
He lifts his head from your lap and stands, towering over you. He reaches for your hand.
You look up at him and smile.
“Thanks big guy, I’m really happy you’re staying.”
As you stand you feel yourself being lifted off the ground.
“Oh- you’re so romantic bun.”
He’s silent as he carries you throughout your house to bed.
Gently, he sets you down once he reaches your bedroom.
He climbs over you and brings you into his chest.
You let yourself sleep peacefully that night.