191 Near Disasters

[cal_sitter]

I've been told to go do whatever it is I do to relax. The only stipulation was that I not do so at Lux.

The cats might find it fulfilling to sit and stare through the window all day (Something wrong, Ishiah?). I don't. A spot inspection of the dojo sounds about right. Maybe some practice after. Unless someone has another suggestion?

[ooc:

Comments

[starchilde_lost]

I'm pretty sure along with the Lux edict there was an impled, "any workplace" clause.

You could go to the Library, there's a ballet tonight, there's a movie theater, there's restaurants, there's clubs that aren't the Lux, and there is a nice big forest and pretty gardens to have picnics in.

[cal_sitter]

Fortunately, Kyle isn't part of the corporate structure at the dojo, such as it is.

Too much sitting and staring, too much alcohol, I see the forest every day, and the moment I sit down in a garden I'm liable to be ambushed by Robin.

[starchilde_lost]

But do you see the trees?

Is there ever a time when you're not worried about something? That you just sit back, relax and let the world sail by without you for, oh, I dunno, an hour or two?

[cal_sitter]

Cumulatively?

[starchilde_lost]

At one time, Niko.

Jeez, you're as uptight as my dad and that? Is saying something.

[cal_sitter]

You should get used to me as I am, Rachel.

[starchilde_lost]

I am used to you, Niko, that's what depresses me. For all that you have friends and family here, you still come off as one of the unhappiest people I've met. And that's saying a lot, too.

Yeah, it's tough and you've got problems back home I'm pretty sure I don't want the details on, but you're here, not there, and that has to count for something, right? I know you're not exactly Mr. Sunshine and never will be, but you're human, you get to enjoy frivolous things once in awhile, it's your right.

[cal_sitter]

Then you're not watching closely enough.

[starchilde_lost]

Or maybe its just me.

[cal_sitter]

You've known me for little more than a month. You've seen one nightmare, and the effects and aftermaths of curses. You don't know me, Ms. Summers. Not yet.

[starchilde_lost]

If you'd actually spend some time with me outside of work I might get a chance. I've asked you to come over for dinner, or out for lunch how many times now? If you're not interested in getting to know each other that's fine, Niko, just tell me and I'll stop bothering you about it.

[cal_sitter]

You also need more patience. My brother and I don't form attachments quickly.

[starchilde_lost]

Then I guess I owe you an apology, patience has never been big on my list of virtues.

[cal_sitter]

Accepted. I recognize that it's difficult being in our company.

[starchilde_lost]

It's not difficult, Niko, I'm just used to having a better...sense for when I should back off. Usually I'd use my empathic abilities, kinda like reading body language, looking for subtle cues, comfort zones, but I don't do that with you 'cause I know how it makes you feel. And from a non-empathic standpoint, you're hard to read. You keep closed off when you're around people who aren't in your circle, and I understand that, I do.

So do me a favor? You wanna do something, have lunch, grab a coffee, let me know, I'll be game. Otherwise...I'll step back. I don't want to risk tripping a boundary I don't know is there. I respect you too much for that.

[cal_sitter]

Thank you for that. I will consider your offer. I don't say that simply to be polite.