Chapter 297: Chapter 297 - Missing The Best Way To End The Day
It was becoming almost automatic. The mental focus ’clicks’ on the way to activating the medical 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 mean 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 mention - which is truly a funny phrase considering you always mention it by not mentioning it... all because Claire happened to give me 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 me 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 me 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 message that *said* it was cold, rather than feeling it the way I used to. And thinking of that, of messages, made me think of Kyrie. The woman who had kept her ’promise’ about not bothering me if I sent the pic of my food.
All day, I’d been expecting another small message, at least. The absence of one felt... uncomfortable. Though it shouldn’t? It would not be the first time that she has stepped back and let me reach out first.
> In fact that is what she has done ever since we met. 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 name: [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 me 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 me 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 same.
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 home any of the clothes? I’ve heard sometimes 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 time 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 come out in the black while not caring if they come out in the red. <
I started to type a response, then stopped. Because that same feeling as when Anise was asking me questions hit.
C: [I did not, but I may see about ordering a few things from the designer if they are willing. Still walking home, I might message you later.]
Reaching a small park halfway to Perigee Residences, I stop in place. Like there was something I should be doing, the day felt incomplete somehow. The light that illuminated the walkways didn’t give me 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 meet me 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 me 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 times 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.