[It still takes her a few moments of staring at the hand in hers - reciprocation is a rarity judging by the look of mild surprise. Then at some point she realizes she's making herself look stupid and relaxes with an exhale.
It's a very minute relaxation, still standing tall and proper, only holding Mary's hand back as much as it takes to keep her attached. But at least it's not stiff robotic handshakes? It's only stiff awkward silences as they walk until she looks away pointedly and speaks again.]
I apologize for frightening you. I have not had much contact with normal beings in many years.
[There may or may not be a dusting of embarrassment here. She's not good at feels, oops.]
no subject
It's a very minute relaxation, still standing tall and proper, only holding Mary's hand back as much as it takes to keep her attached. But at least it's not stiff robotic handshakes? It's only stiff awkward silences as they walk until she looks away pointedly and speaks again.]
I apologize for frightening you. I have not had much contact with normal beings in many years.
[There may or may not be a dusting of embarrassment here. She's not good at feels, oops.]