It was becoming almost automatic. The ntal focus ’clicks’ on the way to activating the dical scan. And the lack of feedback from the system, on their end, made it easy to justify sneaking around their permission - for these people were useful and skilled.
"It’s not like I intend to take them on as royal retainers. Being part of my pack is just words that an nothing."
But underneath that rationalization, I knew it was simpler than that. I liked them. And I wanted people I’ve had kind interactions with to be safe when everything went to frozen hell.
No matter how many dozen I impulsively ’acquire’. Not to ntion - which is truly a funny phrase considering you always ntion it by not ntioning it... all because Claire happened to give the ability to Track them all on the map, now...
Though it’s a bit of a hassle to pick each one and then find where it appeared on the interface-
> It will allow to check on them. After I’m sure that I am personally safe. There’s nothing wrong with that is there? Peace of mind.<
The thoughts sobered as I walked along the city sidewalk. The evening air was properly in the ’cold without an outer layer’ range now for humans. I’ve seen none walking without a coat or jacket, at least.
But with my new temperature regulation? It felt like nothing more than a mild *understanding* of it. I could stand out here for hours without any discomfort.
Like I was reading a ssage that *said* it was cold, rather than feeling it the way I used to. And thinking of that, of ssages, made think of Kyrie. The woman who had kept her ’promise’ about not bothering if I sent the pic of my food.
All day, I’d been expecting another small ssage, at least. The absence of one felt... uncomfortable. Though it shouldn’t? It would not be the first ti that she has stepped back and let reach out first.
> In fact that is what she has done ever since we t. For the most part. Not counting the stalking. Shouldn’t I really be counting things like that more? I know that such behavior would normally concern a human... and it is a kind of breach of trust... <
I pulled out my phone, thumb hovering over her contact na: [Flickering Candlelight]. Thinking to text - or to call and hear her voice - I feel suddenly self-conscious and moved to Anise instead.
C: [Shoot wrapped. Think it went very well. Quite tired but satisfied.]
A: [I KNEW IT! Tell everything. How did the crew treat you? Did you love the clothes?]
C: [All good. Seriously exhausted. Will call you tomorrow with more details.]
The little white lie kept from remaining stuck typing to her ’tonight’. I was certainly tired, but not so much that I couldn’t carry on that sort of conversation. It just felt like sleeping on it would be better, because I don’t want to gush... to *her*, as much as I thought.
Next, I texted Claire and the result of that went about the sa.
C: [Survived working. I had a lot of fun, so thanks again for the assistance you’ve given by collecting those first videos and modeling information sites.]
BK: [Ooh, did you take ho any of the clothes? I’ve heard sotis they will let models either keep or buy for cheap since it was a piece so well used. Like a display piece discount!]
That actually hadn’t been brought up while I was there, but I guess it’s worth asking Ember next ti I speak with him. Not for free stuff, but just generally if I could buy a few of the pieces I’d worn today. If he wants to give it free after I’ve made the opening...
> Yes, it’s a tactic called respecting your negotiation partner. Instead of assuming you will co out in the black while not caring if they co out in the red. <
I started to type a response, then stopped. Because that sa feeling as when Anise was asking questions hit.
C: [I did not, but I may see about ordering a few things from the designer if they are willing. Still walking ho, I might ssage you later.]
Reaching a small park halfway to Perigee Residences, I stop in place. Like there was sothing I should be doing, the day felt incomplete sohow. The light that illuminated the walkways didn’t give any ideas... so I just sat on a bench and thought.
With the new perk, I could theoretically sit out in the cold without discomfort. Though I don’t know it’s limits or potential downsides... maybe I’ll get hungry faster? That would be a real nightmare double-edged ability, if so.
"I could ask her to et here."
Talk face to face about the day. Maybe see if she wanted to take a walk, or... no. All of that felt like pushing things in the direction I keep telling myself to avoid. I’d already allowed too much. I really should just stay away from her, for a little while.
I wasn’t ready to risk another night of blurred emotional boundaries. So face to face is out... in person. But a video? She was supposed to send one. I’m pretty sure there is a video call option...
That felt safer. Still see her reaction, hear her voice, but with a boundary of distance between us. Second guessing my decision process twice more, I tap the video call button and listen to the device ring on speakerphone.
Until it apparently reached the limit of the number of tis it would do so and stopped. I sent a text next asking if she was busy... and waited. Tried the call again, after about ten minutes with no answer.
A third, normal call went to voicemail after several rings. By that point, I was starting to feel stupid for... for trying so hard. But it was a good thing I didn’t need anything in a hurry, wasn’t it?
"No, that’s not fair. You wouldn’t want her to drop everything to answer, anyway. And she knows if it was really major, that I could have called her assistant."
Kyrie was many things... and busy was likely one of them. Just like I am many things. And hungry for plenty of protein is almost always one of them.
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