Chapter 10: "Warmth"
Rather than just giving her permission, Bunnie decided to become an active helper in Metic and Sir Charles' attempt to 'organicize' her dear robot. Metic was deeply grateful for her participation, as it, more than anything else, appeased his guilt for hiding it from her originally. Sir Charles learned first-hand just how long Metic had been gone to his own perspective when the robot offered new information and ideas to help with the process from his research and the friends he made in the other dimension. Due to being in a war, Metic had opted not to attempt any changes in the other dimension.
After a couple of weeks of work together, it seemed they had a workable prototype. It was a large machine, with a small cylinder chamber where Metic could stand, his feet directly over one field-array, the ceiling of the chamber the other array. It would seal around him with durable (but not indestructible) glass. The final fail-safe to an emergency was Metic breaking himself out, so Sir Charles kept that in mind for the actual transformation chamber.
It was late in the evening of the last day of those two weeks when the three of them agreed to make the first full attempt at changing Metic. Sir Charles gave the two a moment as he went to the side of the machine to prepare the final protocols.
Bunnie ran a hand down the side of Metic's faceplate. "We can wait 'til tomorra, darlin'. We don't need ta rush it…" The gentle fear of the worst case was clear in her emerald eyes. She was in a work-suit, open down the front to expose her gray shirt underneath it, a little bit of oil and dust smudging her fur and clothes, but she looked as beautiful as ever to her robot.
Metic held her hand to his face softly for a moment. "Waiting for the morning does not diminish the risks in any way, Bunnie. If, however, you can't accept the risk that remains, I will not do this. I won't betray you like that again. Never again."
She pouted at him, her eyes watering a bit. "You didn't betray me, Metic… ya just scared the daylights out a-me. Uncle Chuck thinks it's good ta go, as best we can, so I'm not gonna fight him on it. If yer sure, I'm sure, sugar-bot."
"Thank you, Bunnie. For understanding."
A tearful smile grew on her lips. "Jus' don't forget to bust yourself out if somethin' goes wrong, okay?"
Letting her hand down finally, he nodded in a grave manner. "Absolutely. Certain risks are worth it to me, but I certainly intend to live to love you rather than die in an accident, Bunnie."
His choice of words, and simple directness… she loved it. It was just so… Metic. Steeling herself for his sake, really, she gave a calm nod. "Let's get this puppy rollin'. Uncle Chuck?"
"We're ready to go," the elder hedgehog declared calmly. "It's all on you, Metic. I'll start 'er up for you once you step onto the transformation chamber's flooring."
Metic touched Bunnie's shoulder, giving her a final, meaningful look, whispering, "I love you."
She mouthed, "I love you, too," and hurried to join Uncle Chuck before she lost her nerve.
Calmly marching up to the open cylinder, Metic gave Uncle Chuck a nod, and stepped into the space, turning around to face outward. Bunnie stood back, watching fretfully as Sir Charles activated the controls, made some adjustments, and finally raised a large lever up to full.
The two arrays in the chamber glowed with bright blue light as a building hum filled the entire lab. Bunnie clenched her hands into white-knuckled fists beneath her fur, swallowing thickly. I don't care if it doesn't work, but please, please bring him out alright. Please… she squeezed her eyes shut.
In a rush, the light engulfed Metic. He shuddered, his systems flaring with danger-signs as his frame jerked, his back arching. He couldn't see or sense anything, but the overload burning through him was equivalent to excruciating pain.
Then his body registered fundamental and extreme damage to his entire exterior armor, rapidly eating into his more vital systems. His right arm was especially burning and warping, though he could see nothing to confirm the report in his internal systems. …It's not working!
With a building shout, he rammed his fist through the cylinder's surface, and then leapt free himself, shattering the transparent material out across the lab. Bunnie shielded herself on instinct, and Sir Charles immediately snapped the power down to zero. Before the light had even started to fade, the rabbit-woman was leaping across the lab, toward the crouched, steaming shadow near the far wall.
"Metic!?"
Sir Charles moved forward, but waited, anxious and watching.
The robot looked.. charred for lack of a better term. Still smoking slowly, he snapped a damaged, silver hand out toward Bunnie to stop her approach. "I… am unsafe to touch… for a moment more…" His voice was badly distorted and warped with damage as well.
Bunnie held her hands to her mouth, tears dripping from her eyes. "Metic… please tell me yer gonna be okay?"
His respirator cycled heavily for a moment, and then he tried to stand up. He quickly stumbled back onto his backside with a thunk of metal on concrete, but he nodded over at her. He was battered, scorched, but functional, his optics bright and clear. Bunnie rushed closer, kneeling at his side. He was still almost scalding to touch, but she chanced it to help him sit up while his systems recovered. "Aw, darlin'… yer a mess…"
"Y-you'll burn yourself, Bunnie," he said gently, trying to get her to let go of him without touching her more. It was an almost comically adorable moment to see the robot's chief concern be her hands when his entire body resembled a barbecue pit that hadn't been cleaned in a decade.
Bunnie finally just giggled at him, relaxing back down, letting her hands fall into her lap to get him to stop fidgeting. He was fine…
Sir Charles finally joined them, leaning down on Metic's other side. "Well… off-hand I'd say that was a miserable failure, but did you notice anything of importance, Metic?"
The still-smoking robot shrugged where he sat. "I registered a systemic affect, yes, but my systems soon realized I was taking damage more than altering. I broke out before I risked too much harm to my body. Apparently my right arm took the brunt of it…" he trailed off, lifting the scorched limb up, analyzing it with detached curiosity.
Bunnie glanced at it herself, more just out of pity for how banged up he was, but her eyes locked on a patch of… frayed metal? "…y'all, what's this?" she muttered, leaning closer, pointing at the little patch directly.
Thanks to his robotic joints, Metic was able to completely rotate his arm to reveal the place in question to his own optics and Sir Charles' peering eyes. "…A very strange damage-pattern, you are right," Metic said simply first, considering it nothing more than an idle oddity in the specifics of how his metal shell had been scoured by the energy.
Sir Charles' eyes widened, however. "Metic! That's fur!"
Metic and Bunnie both blinked up at him, and then they focused back on the black patch on his arm. It was small, barely enough to run a finger-tip over, but Bunnie gently touched it with hers, brushing it back and forth.
"My stars…" she breathed. "He's right, darlin'… this is real fur! Black as your metal, but soft! It's like… the metal was turned into it directly."
Metic tilted his head, and ran his own fingertip over it. "…I sense no abnormal tactile sensation. It is, indeed, a purely superficial change."
"And probably still metallic in core components," Sir Charles added with a little nod. "But this means it was working! Let me scan this, son! We might have a shot at this yet!"
(Later…)
It did not take much convincing to get a simple scan from Metic. Bunnie and the robot stood by as Sir Charles told his computer to compile the data properly, and feed him the results he was looking for. Leaning in at his screen, the old genius nodded, starting to smile. "This is even better than I had hoped. The residual energy in the metallic fur almost entirely explains why the change didn't work properly. Metic," he said, turning around in his chair, "if you give me the time to rebuild the machine, I think I can implement this in a matter of hours…"
Metic's optics lit-up with hope for the first time since Sir Charles had known the unique machine. Bunnie, however, grew worried. "Again…? S-so soon, Uncle Chuck?"
"Well… we don't have to, no, Bunnie," the elder hedgehog said calmly, but he looked from her to Metic in a manner that indicated she should look at him as well.
She turned, and saw the hope vanish from the robot's gaze as he looked to her himself. "…I won't scare you again. If you want to postpone, we will."
Bunnie's heart nearly broke. Sir Charles had been right with his little look… she was twisting Metic around, pulling him away from his own hopes just because she was scared. He was alright, and Sir Charles would make it as safe as possible, she knew all of that, but seeing him fly out of the cylinder, smoking…
"…N-no… Metic. I'm sorry, darlin'. I'm bein' silly." She flashed a wan smile. "We'll try it as soon as Uncle Chuck says it's ready."
Metic touched her arm. "Bunnie, you have been so supportive. I don't want to strain your heart with this. Uncle, perhaps you wish to do more tests of the updated energy patterns?" he asked calmly of the old genius.
Nodding his understanding, Sir Charles said, "Yeah, Metic. That's a solid idea…"
Bunnie sighed. "Stop it, both of ya. Uncle Chuck, do what ya need ta do. If ya think it's ready, contact us. I'm gonna take Metic out and spend some time with 'im while we wait."
Uncle Chuck grinned. "Sounds good. I'll take care of it, you two."
Metic smiled with his optics sincerely for both of them, and then shook Sir Charles' hand. Before he joined Bunnie to leave, he asked, "Would healing my current damage throw off your calculations, Uncle?"
"Not at all, son. Heal up. I'll contact you when it's ready, like I said. I might run into a hurdle or two after all, so if it gets too late, just get Bunnie on to bed."
With a flash of white power, Metic was virtually himself again, and joined Bunnie in thanking the old hedgehog one more time before they walked out, sharing a warm smile. Sir Charles grinned at their departure, and then turned back to the console. "Let's get crackin'…"
(Later…)
It was getting toward nighttime, but they walked leisurely together near the city's central park. The streets around the park were quiet already, most of the business and recreation centers focused further North. It let the pair walk along, hands held, peacefully. Bunnie was as quiet as Metic this time, each of them just wanting to savor the time together.
Bunnie couldn't shake her troubled thoughts, however. Seeing that flash of light, seeing him smoking from damage had made all of her fears about this work surge back to life after her promise to let him try. All of this… just to lose him forever? She looked down and away, her eyes squeezing shut.
Metic stopped their walk, turning to her, his hand releasing hers to rest on her shoulder. He carefully measured the pressure to be as light as a feather in touching her. "You are very anxious about this… You wish for us to stop?"
Bunnie turned to him, looking into his optics despite the sadness and fear in her eyes. "Metic… I promised ya we'd keep tryin', and I said I'd trust Uncle Chuck's sayin' it's safe enough. I remember all the things you've said ta me about this, but I have to stop ya here, and ask ya somethin'."
He tipped his head, his neck clicking faintly. "Of course. Anything."
Her hands reached up, and held the sides of his face. "Turnin' you into an organic is dangerous, risky, and we're jus' plain not sure about it, darlin', but there is somethin' we know, somethin' that's fer sure."
His optics tightened, but he did not interrupt her.
"Sugar-bot… I can be roboticized."
Her optics flared. "Bunnie! No, I will not allow that. I can not--!?"
Bunnie held his cheeks fast, her eyes gazing deeply into his. "Stop! Listen… I'm not gonna jus' rush off and do it on ya, but please listen?"
He calmed immediately for her. "Yes… I am sorry. I did not mean to override you…"
His way of talking… she had to smile a bit, patting his cheek with one of her hands, letting them both slip down to his shoulders before she spoke again. "…It's safe, Metic. We know it works, and that it can be reversed. It's jus' not fair a-me to leave ya to do all of the changin' and dangerous experiments. I… I can be metal with you…"
Entirely serious and sincere, Metic reached up, his metal fingers carefully resting on the sides of her neck and his thumbs on her cheeks. They were all he had to show affection, his hands, his fingers. It was the only way his emotions could reach her. "It would torture you, Bunnie. I remember your pain, your anguish when you feared you would be forever trapped with metal limbs. I remember how much you hated having metal for parts of your body. I can not ask you or allow you to do that. At least not for me.
"I couldn't continue to function knowing I had allowed that. I love you, Bunnie. You gave me a real life, not a constructed one." His hands softly caressed around, behind her neck, cupping it. "If either of us is going to change at all, let it be me. I can replace damaged parts, I can heal from virtually any damage with my abilities. I can withstand much of the risk… It will all be worth it, no matter how painful or damaging, if it allows me to give you just a moment of what you have already given me."
Bunnie cried quietly, her hands trying to caress his shoulders, but she knew he couldn't really feel it. "Yer so… so good ta me, darlin'. I jus'… After all you've done fer me, I could do this fer you." Her head tilted, her ears swinging to one side, limp with her sorrow. "You've learned so much jus' ta be able ta be with me. I can learn how ta be metal fer you."
Metic gently, carefully came closer, wrapping his arms around her in his intricately calculated squeezing hug. Bunnie relaxed against him, returning the embrace, and then heard him whispering in her ear, "Please, no. Do not sacrifice that for me."
"Metic… I hated those metal parts because I always thought they'd keep me from havin'… From havin' this. From bein' close to someone I loved. If bein' metal means I can be closer ta you, it wouldn't hurt me, darlin'. I swear it."
His head gently shook, mindful of hurting her own so close. "Your heart is so warm, dearest Bunnie. I can not bear to see it wreathed in metal. Please, my love, do not sacrifice this for me."
Bunnie exhaled as fresh tears trickled down her cheeks, and she squeezed her hug tight, knowing she really couldn't hurt him like this. He knew not to squeeze any harder than he already was. "…I love ya so much, Metic… You say all the stuff I don't even expect ta hear, and ya make it sound so… so… perfect. I can't lose ya, darlin'. Please, I'm so scared. I can't lose ya…"
His optics shut off, his facial articulation clenching with anguish. "…Please forgive me for frightening you. I will contact Uncle. We will stop the experiments at once."
She eased back, and he released her to let her do so immediately. Looking into her eyes, he saw sad surprise, and, strangely, guilt. "You'd… give anythin' up fer me… Anythin'."
Metic tilted his head. "Is that not what it means to love someone? You have just offered me the same, Bunnie. To give up your very body just for my sake. I never wish to frighten you. If these experiments do that to you, I must stop them."
Controlling a sob, pressing her lips between her teeth, she reached up, caressing his faceplate. "But ya told me… how important it is ta you. Ta hold me in warm arms. I'm breakin' yer heart askin' ya to stop…"
His hand came up to hold hers. "I'm breaking yours by trying to do it."
She shook her head, and eased closer, kissing his cold faceplate gently. His head tilted to her beautiful show of affection. When she broke the kiss, she whispered, "You've broken your heart enough fer me, darlin'. It's my turn to take on some a-this burden. If Uncle Chuck feels confident about this new set-up he's got goin'… Let's do it."
"Bunnie, I do not wish to frighten you. I will stop it all…"
She nodded, easing back to just look at him. "I know ya would, darlin'. Without a bit a-hesitation, too, but this is important ta you. I need ta stand by ya for it."
A soft beep interrupted them before another word could be said. Bunnie blushed, but pulled the little comm device out of her pocket. "…It's Uncle Chuck," she said with a nervous smile, and turned it on. "Hey there, Uncle Chuck!"
"Bunnie," he began warmly, "is Metic still with you?"
She smiled at him, and the robot said, "I am, Uncle."
"Perfect then. I have wonderful news. I believe this device is ready, and I'm supremely confident in it. Bunnie, I think this one will be quite safe. My pre-tests have all worked without a bit of harm. If you two are prepared, we can try at once."
The two looked at each other. Metic smiled with his optics, and gestured to Bunnie. At the last moment… he was leaving it up to her. Bunnie smiled at him tearfully, and then raised the device to her lips. "We're comin' in Uncle Chuck. Fire that puppy up."
"Will do!" And the device beeped off.
Metic tipped his head to her. "Thank you, Bunnie."
She kissed his faceplate softly one more time. "Jus' don't hesitate to break out if you start getting' hurt, okay?"
"You have my word."
Smiling strongly, she winked. "Mind givin' me a lift, sugar-bot?"
He bowed playfully. "My pleasure, Bunnie."
And with a sonic blast, they were off.
(Back at the Lab…)
Bunnie was amazed how quickly Uncle Chuck had cleaned up the lab and rebuilt the machine. The transformation chamber was ready and waiting the moment they arrived, Uncle Chuck manning the control-console. He welcomed them back, gave Bunnie a quick hug, and then shook Metic's hand. "Well son, are you ready for this?"
Metic nodded, giving Bunnie a meaningful glance. "We are."
She smiled at his choice of words.
Understanding quite a bit of what was unsaid between the two of them, Sir Charles gestured to the machine. "Step right up, Metic. I have some spare clothes here for after the fact, shades of Mobius willing this works."
"Appreciated, Uncle," Metic replied sincerely, walking over to the transformation chamber.
"Wait!"
They both stopped as Bunnie ran up to Metic. He faced her, ready to end the whole event on her word, but she just gripped his shoulders and kissed him. His hands reached up to hold her close for the kiss, and when they parted, they shared a gentle smile.
"Jus' come back ta me in one piece, okay?"
"I'll break free if anything seems amiss, I promise."
Appeased, Bunnie backed away, but continued to watch. Metic took his position, and nodded to Sir Charles near the corner of the large machine.
"Alright, here we go," Sir Charles began, adjusting some controls.
The cylinder closed down around Metic. He seemed calm, but he and Bunnie shared another look, holding their locked gazes.
"Beginning organicize sequence," Sir Charles announced, raising the power-level to maximum.
In a swift rush, blue-white light filled the transformation chamber. Bunnie had to avert her eyes with a wince it was so bright.
Metic immediately knew something was different this time. His systems overloaded, but his pain sensors and damaged responses didn't trigger. It all built into an almost system-warping hum, and… then he felt warmth tingling through his core.
The light began to fade, and Bunnie focused on the cylinder immediately, her heart clenching in her chest as Sir Charles eased down on the controls. He hopped around the corner of the machine himself, watching.
The cylinder was filled with white smoke, possibly steam just before it popped open at last. The mist gushed out, and something crumpled down to the base of the chamber. Bunnie and Sir Charles shared an alarmed glance, and ran over immediately.
What they saw through the diminishing steam made them freeze in shock and flared their hope anew.
A hedgehog was curled up on the floor there. An organic, flesh and blood hedgehog. Before a panic could arise, his body flexed gently with breath, his jet-black quills shifting gently around his second tone of dark gray fur.
Bunnie's hand came up to her slack jaw, tears in her eyes. She was still worried, afraid he might have been hurt, that he might even be dying in front of them, but at the same time thrilled at the idea it might have actually succeeded.
He groaned, his left hand slowly flexing out, stretching along the cool metal of the chamber's base.
Realizing the poor man was naked, Bunnie controlled her blush, and hopped across the room, grabbing a sheet before she leapt back to him, and ducked down, bringing the sheet down around his body, almost like coddling a child. "Metic…?" she called breathlessly.
Sir Charles just stood, watching, seeming stunned at his own success.
The black and gray hedgehog groaned more actively, and his head tilted upward. "…Bunnie?"
It was even his same voice! Deep and strong, simply without the electronic rasp in it.
"Yes! Darlin', I'm right here!" she exclaimed, wrapping the sheet snugly around him, starting to help lift him off the floor.
He was heavy, but she was strong, and he tried to help as well. Even so, he leaned heavily against her, both sitting on the floor. Bunnie was flushed at the closeness. He was so warm himself… and she could feel how soft his fur and quills were through the sheet already. But was anything wrong…?
At last, his eyes opened, clean and organic, with bright, red pupils in his clean-white corneas. They opened wide as he started to look around, seeing Uncle Chuck above him, and then finally focused to the side, looking right into Bunnie's eyes as she almost sobbed with hope and partial relief.
"I have no displays in my vision," he muttered, seeming groggy and uncoordinated.
Bunnie held him tight, slowly rocking him. "How do you feel? Do you… know what's happening?" fear constricted her voice. Had his brain been warped by the transfer from machine to organic? Had they crippled him?
Metic blinked a few times. "I… f-feel," and then he looked down at his own hands. Awareness donned on his face, his slim nose and thin lips fitting his sharp, overall features. He had the same tall, slim frame as his robotic body, his muscles coiled and smooth. "…It worked," he breathed, staring at his hands, starting to brush his palms with his fingertips, a ghost of a smile forming on his lips by instinct. "…So much data…" he marveled at the sensations.
And then he finally realized what was going on. Animated, strong, he looked to Bunnie immediately, his eyes wide. "Bunnie? …It worked… I can… You are so warm…"
Bunnie sobbed with a laugh of heartfelt relief, nodding. "You're not so chilly yerself, sugar-bo--!?" she cut herself off with a blush. "I-I'm sorry, darlin', just a habit…"
She trailed off as he shook his head with a glowing, fond smile. "I like it when you call me that…"
Sir Charles eased back with a content smile, moving away quietly to give them a moment before he helped them get organized.
Bunnie reached up, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks before she gently caressed his face. Metic inhaled, gasping with overwhelmed shock at her touch, then tilting his head to her touch, his eyes falling closed with tears dripping out of them as well. Bunnie's mouth hung open, seeing how deeply her simple touch affected him.
He breathed, "You… feel beautiful…"
Controlling the sheer power of her own emotions, Bunnie reached around him, whispering, "Come 'ere…" and pulled him into a powerful embrace.
Metic exhaled, his arms wrapping around her with almost desperate appreciation. "…It is beyond my fathoming… how beautiful this is. My love, thank you so much."
She finally started to sob outright, but she was smiling as she held him tight, running her hands down his silky quills, caressing his warm back. And his soft, strong hands were gently caressing her back and neck as well. Combined with his still perfect appreciation in his gestures, his new warmth and softness was like a moment of heaven in the real world.
And then she knew exactly what she should say to him. "…This feels so nice…"
For the first time, his emotions could truly express themselves. He sobbed with a laugh of his own, tears flowing out of his red eyes as he held her close. "I am so glad… I can not imagine anything more perfect."
Easing back just a little, Bunnie smiled into his adorably overwhelmed eyes, and she reached up with one hand, caressing his cheek again. "Can't imagine it, huh?"
He shook his head softly.
"…How about this," she whispered, and kissed him on his new lips.
Metic exhaled through his nose, his body shocked by the wonder of the sensation, his hands rising up to hold her, caress her, comfort her as their lips touched at last.
The thin sheet covering him started to slip down, and Bunnie blushed, breaking the kiss with a little giggle as she grabbed the sheet and held it to him again. "S-sorry, darlin'…"
He smiled at her, feeling as if he were in a dream. "How could you have ever dreamed of giving this away for me, Bunnie? I have never felt such wonderful things…"
She ran her hand back over his head-quills, watching him savor it with closed eyes. "…I think you appreciate 'em all a lot better 'an I could, sugar-bot," she said with a playful giggle.
He grinned, then chuckled softly. Abruptly, he blushed, glancing down at himself. "Oh! Of course… I am not used to clothing myself. Forgive my indiscretion…" he was sincerely apologetic, realizing it must have greatly embarrassed her.
Bunnie just smiled at him, shaking her head. "You're fine, darlin'. Hold it to yerself. I'll help ya up on yer feet."
And they got up together. He was a little unstable on his feet at first, but quickly found the coordination he needed. Sir Charles rejoined them with a warm smile. "Just this way. I'll show Metic how to get the clothes on, Bunnie, if he needs any pointers."
She blushed, but nodded. "Thank ya, Uncle Chuck."
"Uncle?" Metic asked gently.
"Yes, son?"
Metic offered his hand. "I can never repay this debt. Thank you…"
Sir Charles warmly shook his hand. "Don't you worry about it, son. Now come on. Let's get you some clothes so poor Bunnie can stop blushing."
"Uncle Chuck!"
(Later…)
A short time later, Metic smiled down at himself, smoothing his dark gray shirt down beneath his black jacket. He kicked the ground with his new shoes, and patted down his black cargo-pants. He felt… real. It was almost hot in this new body, and he could feel the blood rushing through his veins, the muscles and ligaments clenching and shifting, his bones creaking. His heart-beat was astonishingly loud, as was breathing, he realized. He'd had to readjust his pants twice before he realized his body expanded and contracted so much with each breath.
The door knocked gently. "Ya all dressed, sugar?"
"Yes, Bunnie," he answered happily, facing the door. "Please come in."
She stepped through, smiling happily, and then stood, arms akimbo, putting on a show of looking him up and down. "My stars… if ya aren't the handsomest man on Mobius, sugar-bot."
Metic chuckled, blushing a bit, which was now very clear on his gray cheeks. "Do I really look alright? Not worse than you hoped?"
She smirked at him, marching up. "You are one silly hedgehog, Metic." She tussled his quills.
Metic gave a little squawk of dismay, realizing it was uncomfortable, and then blinked as Bunnie giggled violently at his reaction. He blushed, and cleared his throat, straightening his quills. "It was… uncomfortable. You surprised me." He was glancing off in controlled embarrassment.
Bunnie just grabbed onto him with a tight hug, which he returned with a soft moan of relief. It was addicting, this wonderful warmth… her heartbeat, her breath felt so… amazing.
Blushing softly, Bunnie eased back. "My stars… that's gonna take some gettin' used to," she laughed anxiously, trying to calm her blush. Truthfully, she was breathless. He held her so… passionately, but he didn't claw at her, or make her feel threatened. It was just so… obvious that he loved having her close. That he wanted her to stay close…
He scratched the back of his head with a little laugh of his own, blushing bright. "Y-yes, that's true. S-should I… be more careful how I touch you now? My own reactions are… astonishingly powerful," he admitted, swallowing tightly.
Bunnie eased closer, pecking his cheek. He smiled warmly at her, grateful, and she winked. "Yer golden, sugar-bot." She patted his arm. "I jus' never dreamt…" She shook her head. "It's wonderful, Metic. Ta be able ta hold ya like that. I felt so awful I couldn't hold ya before…"
He smiled kindly, and reached up himself, caressing her cheek this time. Bunnie cooed, holding it to her face softly.
"…You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known," he whispered.
She blushed, but smiled happily, letting his hand retreat. "…Thank you, Metic. I know ya really mean that when ya say it… It's nice ta feel so special," she admitted bashfully, her ears drooping with a little smile.
Metic had to pout at her adorable reaction, which, in turn, made her coo at him again, and then they both blushed and laughed.
Then another knock came to the door.
"Come in," they both called easily, sharing a light smile for doing it together.
Sir Charles stepped inside, smiling broadly. "Well aren't you two a pair?"
Bunnie giggled, and pulled herself close to Metic by his arm. "That's right!"
Metic blushed at the sensations of having her clutch his arm to her own front, and swallowed thickly before smiling himself. "As Bunnie said."
They shared a little laugh before Sir Charles spoke again. "I just wanted to inform you that I have all the data stored. The process should be reversible and repeatable, should you ever, Mobius forbid, need your robotic form again, Metic."
Bunnie raised her eyebrows, Metic tipping his head. "That is a relief, in fact, thank you, Uncle. I know this organic body is much more fragile than my original body. If something should go wrong, I want to be able to protect Bunnie."
She smiled gently at him when he looked at her.
Sir Charles chuckled. "So I see. I also made to back-up copies of the data, just in case. I thought you two might like to keep them."
Bunnie finally relaxed away from Metic's arm, realizing she was making the poor man completely distracted with his new body. "That sounds great, Uncle Chuck. Where are they?"
Smirking mischievously, Uncle Chuck held out his hand, and revealed two, reddish black rings. "Right here. You can wear them…"
Metic blinked at them, and then looked to Bunnie. She was blushing, staring at the rings, and then up at Uncle Chuck. "Ya… made them into rings?"
The elder hedgehog nodded. "That's right, Bunnie. I thought you might like that. A little… sign of how far you two have come together."
Uncle Chuck then dropped both of the rings into Metic's waiting hand. "Why don't you put the other one on her finger?" he asked with a wink.
Bunnie was glowing red, but didn't protest as she faced Metic, who smiled softly at her. "…Bunnie, may I place this ring on your hand?"
She nodded rapidly, squeaking something unintelligible that was probably a 'yes'. Her eyes were damp.
Metic gently slipped the data-ring onto her waiting finger, and then placed the other on his own.
Smiling softly, she pulled her ring-clad hand back to herself, cradling it with the other as if it had suddenly become precious. It was so like another kind of ring with the way Metic gave it to her…
"Bunnie?"
She looked up at Metic immediately. "Yeah?"
Metic smiled warmly, his eyes so kind. "I love you."
Bunnie finally sobbed again, smiling, and managed, "I…love ya… too, darlin'…"
Metic pulled her into a soft, soothing hug, caressing her ears and back. Sir Charles smiled fondly at the pair of them. Bunnie was adorable with her man. It was almost like Sonic and Sally when they were first married…
And then Metic's stomach growled violently, and he cringed as Bunnie pulled back with a stifled laugh.
"…That was unpleasant," he muttered, looking down at himself.
Bunnie patted his shoulder, trying not to laugh at him. She and Sir Charles shared an amused look before she explained, "You're hungry, darlin'. Come on. Let's get you something ta eat."
Metic blinked, and then went along with her. "I had no idea hunger was so… uncomfortable."
Bunnie giggled, winking over her shoulder at Sir Charles as they walked off. The elder hedgehog just chuckled, and waved them off.
"Don't worry, Metic. I'll help ya figure all this organic stuff out."
He smiled at her. "Thank you."
"Hey, ya did this fer me. I owe ya a little help along the way, right?"
He chuckled. "As you say it, Bunnie."
She laughed, and hugged him from the side. "Sugar-bot, you're just too darn precious!"
(Author's Note)
There is an epilogue, don't worry, it's not quite over yet. Obviously, this is the final resolution to the conflict remaining for Bunnie and Metic. Metic now has a flesh and blood body that can share warmth and softness with her. There are no plans for a third story, but I wanted to keep my options open with Metic, so I kept the process reversible. I hope this chapter was enjoyable for everyone reading it!
I understand if people believe my choice of resolution was a cop-out. Instead of keeping Metic a robot, I make him an organic. In fact, some may wish to call me a hypocrite after my strong arguments before about not 'dodging the issue' of his robotic nature in regard to romance with Bunnie. To fully explain my view of it: I wanted to tackle the issue, but also resolve it fully, in a happy manner. I took my time with it, I didn't just snap my magic-author-fingers and have him turn flesh and blood. I was arguing against the rush-job method more than anything. In addition, I like the idea of Bunnie having children later. That is the primary reason I did not follow the option of roboticizing her. I want Bunnie to have warmth, and I felt, in the universe of SatAM, having Metic turn into an organic would still work. I just didn't want to ignore the issue.
And, yes, I intended from the beginning to turn Metic organic. In fact, the idea of turning him organic is most of what inspired me to actually write a sequel to GitS in the first place.
Now, in regard to the chapter itself, I adore it. The whole thing, all the little moments between Metic and Bunnie, I just love it all. The sincere words, the willingness to sacrifice everything they've wanted for each other, the attempts at affection, and then the wonderful surprise of sharing the warmth, tender touches they've dreamt of sharing. I'm personally satisfied with his chapter, especially in regard to Bunnie's dialogue and characterization. For the story as it stands, I don't think I can do better for her.
I'd like to think that if Bunnie read this story herself, she'd find it, at the very least, charming.
Just the epilogue left to go! Thanks for all the reviews and positive comments! I really appreciate them, and they help keep me going on my work!