Clockwork Firefly

Clockwork Firefly - Chapter Five

She made her way carefully over the ropes and around to stand near the back where she could hear best. She didn't want to leave before she had a chance to tell the band how much she'd enjoyed the show. Tucking her purse against her side, she stood and listened through the canvas, her eyes closing, a beatific smile on her lips. Whoever this Honeybee was, she envied her a bit to have such a song written for her.

"Hoping someone will steal a kiss?"

She opened her eyes and was mildly disappointed that it was Peter the third, not the second, standing with his arms crossed over his chest.

"No. Just enjoying the music. You ever do that? Just ...close your eyes..." Which she did. "... and enjoy something?" She sighed softly, dreamily, then opened her eyes to see him glowering faintly at her. He really was too serious. "No, I don't suppose you'd do anything like that, Mr. Walter."

"Actually it's Colonel Walter. I have important things to do in my day, I don't have time to stand around being idle, Miss Mickleson." He looked left and right, rocked back and forth on his heels and generally looked like he'd been sucking on a pickle for the next half minute then, realizing he was actually doing just what he said he had no time to do, he stalked off around the back of the tent.

Chuckling gently she rolled her eyes heavenward and continued listening to the remainder of the show and when the crowds had dissipated, she made her way back around to the door in, slipping past the last stragglers heading out, and taking up a spot behind the bleachers, out of the way of foot traffic, to watch the robots interact with those who came up after the show to meet them. A trio of youths, too green to be men but too old to be boys, seemed the most impressed. A pang of some affectionate feeling spread through her as she watched the robots interact with their fans, shaking hands, making jokes, even being exceedingly patient during a short, but more often than not in key, rendition of 'Camptown Ladies' on the harmonica.

When the last of the patrons moved out into the fairgrounds, Peter stepped inside, the flaps let fall closed, behind him. Under one arm he had the money box, and under the other, the folding table he'd displayed the photographs upon. He still carried with him a handful, but not a third of what had been there when she and her family had passed by him the first time. He looked weary, but in good humor. "Well done, Lads! New kneecaps for everah-body! Ah, Miss Mickleson." He caught sight of her and gave a polite bow of his head. "A joy as ever to see you. Did you enjoy the show?" Speaking to her as he continued walking, though a bit slower, guessing right that she'd follow along.

"I'll say." She said as she stepped out and moved into step beside him, her hand still protectively resting on her purse as it hung over her shoulder. "I'm sorry I couldn't say hello earlier. Thank you for not ..."

"I understand. Trust me." He stopped at the front row of seats and set his burdens down, stretching, his palms pressed to his lower back. "You remember Miss Mickleson?" speaking to the steam-hissing band who were pouring water down their throats to top off their boilers.

"Miss Mickleson." Spine intoned in his low purr of a voice, touching the brim of his fedora in a gentlemanly way.

"Hello Princess." The Jon waved in her direction and Rabbit doffed his steam-wet bandanna and flashed a wink in her direction rubbing at his shiny copper pate with with a towel he then draped over his shoulder. A fresh bandanna soon enough replacing the one removed.

"Amazing. I admit, I underestimated how talented you are." She was gushing, but she couldn't help herself. "And..." she drew her bag around. "I think such fine entertainers should be rewarded with presents." Apparently she'd said the magic word of summoning as Jon was right there when she lifted her head, his smile bright as his golden plating. "Alright, The Jon is first." She withdrew a small folded paper package and handed it to him. He unfolded it with haste, and lifted out the heavy string with the large button hanging from it.