Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities

Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities
Posted by… suppressed (57) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
“Have you ever wanted to find your uncle? I will say that some of the best friends I have ever had were my cousins.” he asked. “I have not met any representatives of your clan… at least, not yet. I have a meeting scheduled with Lord Michael McKenzie tomorrow. I understand he is some kind of musician and only recently took over as the leader of your clan. Is that correct?”

Hyrushi

“I haven’t met him yet. He’s a McKenzie. The Edmans are a clan from Norway and the McKenzies are from Scotland. My understanding is the two clans have quite a long history. I know Lady Revna. She,” she paused for just a breath, “she is the one who brought me to the House. She was my counselor when I was in the hospital. I am not clear on the details, but there was some turmoil within the McKenzies that climaxed after Revna and Michael married. Ragna was badly hurt during it. Michael is the eldest and heir. He was also a punk musician with Government Kills before all of that. They had a very popular song… ‘FedSec Fascists.’ Capall and Runa speak very highly of him. Capall and Seamus are his cousins, but they are closer like brothers. Those three married the three Edman sisters. Revna is the oldest and heir. When they married, Lord Cuyler and Lady Helka, and Lady Tara stepped down from leading the clans. You said Seamus McKenzie was on your cabinet. You haven’t met him yet?” She hadn’t either. He had a fearsome reputation. She was a bit nervous to meet him. Then again she was nervous about meeting most new people, though she did it anyway.

Caitlyn

“No, I haven’t had the pleasure yet; but he comes extremely well recommended.” Kenzo said . “His knowledge of conservation and ecological protection program design and overall biome sustainability is some of the highest I have ever seen. The Federation Terraforming Council has tried to bring hom on for almost a decade and he always refuses them; so his applying for the position here is quite the boon for Oed V.” Hyrushi said with no small amount of pride in his voice. “I actually saw a vid of him from several years ago. I don’t know if you were aware, but Mr. McKenzie fought for months to prevent a proposed government development. He made no progress whatsoever. However, upon hearing that Parliament was going to approve a measure to destroy a partivular old-growth forest in order to build government facilities, he marched into Parliament carrying a traditional Scottish sword and stood on the floor of rhe House of Cimmons before the entirety of the assembled politicians and said, and I will never forget this, ‘I swear by the blood and bones of my ancestors laid to rest in that land centuries ago that if you touch one… just one… tree or blade of grass I will kill you all.’” and Kenzo chuckled. “He was, of course, arrested immediately and spent 90 days in jail. But to his credit not a single ‘Aye’ vote was cast and the measure failed spectacularly.” and he chuckled again. “I have to say, that is a very ‘Oedian’ approach.” and then he laughed. “As to the song, I am afraid my exposure to ‘punk rock’ is very limited. I don’t believe I have ever heard the song before. Have you?”

Hyrushi

Caitlyn grinned, “That sounds like something Ragna, his wife, would do. A matched pair there, I guess.” She picked up her cup and took a sip. “I have. Not my type of music at all. But we had a Resident once who was escaping from a crooked politician. Apparently their music resonated with her because she would blare it from her room all hours of the day.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“While I am not familiar with that musical genre, I do have a great deal of respect for the overall message of the movement.” Kenzo said thoughtfully. “And I am glad that the music offered solace to someone when they needed it.” He looked at their bowls and said “Oh, I’m sorry. We have finished our soup. Are you ready for the next course, Caitlyn?”

Hyrushi

“Yes, please. Thebsoup was very good. My compliments to you and your grandmother.” She set her spoon in the bowl. “Music has a way of doing that. I have a great respect for composers of any genre. They are able to express for others what may be trapped and locked deep inside and don’t know how to express. The right piece of music can release that. It’s a gift.”

Caitlyn

Plates moved around on the table and Kenzo said “Well I am not certain that I want to meet someone who needs a song entitled ‘FedSec Fascists’ to unlock whatever is bothering them” and he chuckled. “Now then, the sashimi is closet to you. I recommend eating that first; before you try the rolls. Chopsticks are by your right hand. Wasabi and ginger are in the center of your plate.”.

Kenzo

“Well maybe not,” she agreed with a grin, “but when that person has been targeted by a corrupt politician, you can understand how the music resonates with them.” She listened as he described where everything was. She picked up the chopsticks, holding them expertly; she clicked them together once and then twice to make sure she had them positioned correctly. She used them a little unconventionally at first, poking the sashimi with them, but careful not to stab the fish. She was judging the sizes of the pieces so she could pick them up and be balanced on the chopsticks and not tumble off. She tried the first piece without anything. She chewed the piece thoroughly letting the flavor of the fish fill her palette. She didn’t need to say anything, the look on her face made it quite clear she enjoyed it. “Delightful. Do you recommend the wasabi with sashimi? I’ve only ever used it on rolls.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo thought for a moment and then said “I think gauging how much wasabi you are picking up will be difficult. With your permission, I can add a touch to the soy sauce and you can just dip your chopsticks in that, then pick up whatever you like. Would that work for you?”

Hyrushi

It was difficult with out specific measuring spoons or cups to gauge amount, especially with chopsticks. It was more of a visual decision. Caitlyn could figure it out, or oay the cost of too much wasabi, but his offer was very thoughtful. “Yes, thank you, Kenzo. That would be helpful.” She rested the sticks on the pillow, she remembered the word meant pillow, but not the correct Japanese term, and moved her arm out of the way.

“Where did you learn to make sushi?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He chuckled softly and said “From Ms. Fen, actually. About a year ago. I mentioned in passing that I missed having authentic sushi. She made several concerted efforts to get suppliers of the ingredients and then taught me.” As he spoke, he mixed in a small amount of wasabi into the small dish of soy sauce. He made sure it mixed thoroughly and then said “There. That should work for you.” He took a drink and then said “Now I make it every few weeks. It helps me feel less… disconnected… from my people on Earth.”

Hyrushi

Retrieving her chopsticks, Caitlyn dipped them in the soy sauce and took another piece of the sashimi. It was just enough to know the wasabi was there, but not over power with heat. The flavor was earthy and added a zing to the flavor of the fish. “Thank you, that was just enough.” She picked up her cup and took a drink. “What else do you do to stay connected?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He chewed thoughtfully for a moment and then said “I maintain my family’s dedication to Shinto. I train in kyūdō and jujutsu in a dojo I have on the other side of the garden. And I spend some time doing shodo… japanese calligraphy.” He looked at her for a long time and then asked “Do you have any hobbies, Caitlyn?”

Hyrushi

She dabbed her mouth with a napkin before speaking. “My pottery of course. I still cook and bake some. I help in the garden, though it’s hard to do on my own. Hiking, camping. When I was a kid, I used to volunteer at the animal shelter. I’d like to do that again. I enjoy reading when I can find books in braille.” She ate for a moment. “I enjoy classical music, and have thought about learning to play.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Well, the Oed library system is very proactive in maintaining texts that are accessible to all. I don’t think you will have an issue.” Kenzo said. “What instrument would you like to learn?” he asked and took a bite.

Hyrushi

“I see a trip to the library in my very near future.” She thought about everything else she needed to do, “Well, maybe in a couple of weeks.” She deftly lifted the last of her sashimi. She savored it: the flavors and texture and aroma of the soy and wasabi. “I think a string instrument. I love the sounds that come from them and the vibrations and tremble. They are my favorite sounds in the orchestra. Do you play at all?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo chuckled as he took his last bite. “Oh no.” he said and then took a drink of sake. “I am about as musically inclined as that red clam sashimi.” He looked at the plates and said “Well, it appears we have concluded the dinner portion of the evening. Would you care to take a walk? Or would you prefer to go inside and talk?”

Hyrushi

Setting down her chopsticks on the rest, Caitlyn considered. It was hard to believe he had such a garden this many stories up. She would like to experience it again, but the other option was much more tempting. “Just a short walk and then we could go inside?”

“Of course.” and he stood and walked around the table. “I’m going to take your hand and help you up, if I may.” and he set his hand on hers and held it while she stood.

“Dinner was excellent, Kenzo, and your company delightful.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He set her hand on his arm and said “I cannot remember having a better dining companion.” He led her across the patio and into the garden. As they moved into the bamboo, he said “Caitlyn… may I please say that I have enjoyed this evening immensely. And if it is not too forward of me, I would like to ask you for another dinner; if you are so inclined.”

Kenzo

She set both her hands together on his arm, which had the effect of allowing them to walk slightly closer together. “If you are being forward, then I will as well. I am elated that you want to have dinner again, and I am very much inclined to accept.” They walked for a moment in silence. “I will be bluntly honest, Kenzo, and admit that I did not expect to enjoy this evening as much as I have.” She squeezed his arm warmly. “Not that I thought it would be awful, far from it. I expected it to be much more awkward and difficult I guess. Not because of you, but because it is a first in my new life.” Her face turned towards him, “but it was not. It has been very comfortable and relaxing. That is because of you.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He stopped their walking and looked at her. “Caitlyn, I…” and his voice trailed off for a moment. “I enjoy your company. More than I anticipated even after lunch yesterday. I am comfortable with you, as well. Very much so. I am just… concerned… that the obstacles to privacy associated with my office will prove to be burdensome to you. And that is that last thing I wish to be.”

Hyrushi

Curiousness crossed her face and emotions as he paused. She listened thoughtfully. Caitlyn was concerned as well, but there was a gentle spark of affection lit by his concern for her. “It is true that I have lived in hidding for many years. First out of necessity for my survival, and then because I needed to heal. Along the way, I made the House my home. I want to help others the way I was helped.” She paused. “Nothing about coming to Oed was ever going to be easy. If I wanted that, I could have stayed on Earth and continued to assist there.”

“There is a time for hiding, for waiting, for hidden healing, but life will always change. That is the only constant. Whether by choice or outside circumstances we are drawn back into life. We can embrace it and adapt to the burdens, or the struggle will destroy us.” She squeezed his arm again. She was nervous and there was a thread of anxiousness, and worry of rejection. She was also genuineand earnest. “At the risk of being far to forward, I would like to face those obstacles and burdens that an acquaintance… a relationship with you might bring. I don’t expect it will be easy for either of us.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi was an individual of unflappable stoicism and who possessed a ‘poker face’ that any gambler would kill for. He had sat motionless with a blank expression as his very life was being determined on more than one occasion; and he had never so much as flinched. ‘Nonplussed’ was the default emotional state he existed in. So to say that her honesty and directness surprised him was an understatement akin to saying ‘Ferengi like latinum.’ He stood immobile and silent for a long time… not because he was thinking; but because he couldn’t. No words came to him, no thought… for once his mind went completely silent.

He finally regained his composure enough to say “I apologize, Caitlyn… it has been a number of years since I have been so… so… pleasantly surprised.” He took both of her hands in his own and said “I believe I, too, would like to face those obstacles… with you. I do not expect to be easy or always comfortable either; but I believe that even the possibility of this is worth the investment and attention it will garner.” He gently squeezed her hands and then said “And when you are ready, but at no point before, I believe I would like very much to kiss you. Please let me know when that would be acceptable to you.”

Hyrushi

He was silent much longer than normal, long enough Caitlyn began to worry she had been too direct, too honest. Well, better to know now than later. However, when he spoke, it was obvious she had simply surprised him. She let out a breath she wasn’t aware she’d been holding. She didn’t know if it would work out for either or both of them, but she very much wanted to find out. She started to speak when he squeezed her hands, but his next statements left her stunned. The shock on her face was obvious by the small ‘o’ shape of her mouth that replaced the gentle smile. Her emotions and her mind went still and blank. They simply couldn’t process forward for a long moment. When they did, she was flustered but also exhilarated by the thought. She was also suddenly warm from the blush that rushed to her face.

“O… okay.” She almost groaned. That sounded as if she was agreeing right then. Maybe she was. She certainly wouldn’t object, but she was honest enough with herself to realize she might not quite be ready for that. What if she reacted badly, like she had earlier to something so simply? Something that hadn’t bothered her only minutes before? She would be far too ashamed to ever see him again. She had been certain she had, at the very least, put him off. He hadn’t minded, in fact, he wanted to see her again anyway. “I… I mean… I will.”

Caitlyn

“Good. Then it is something look forward to.” he said and then set her hand on his arm and they began to walk, albeit much more leisurely. “And while I appreciate the fact that you are least tempted now, I am looking forward to the moment when you are confident the gesture is the right one for you… and I.”

Kenzo

“Am I so obvious?” She was slightly embarrassed, but she was more thrilled that she was relaxed enough with him that her emotions to showed. It only reiterated that she would take the opportunity to know him better. There was a twinge of doubt. What if she never knew when it was right? That was an obstacle for another day.

Caitlyn

He chuckled and said “Empath. I could feel you want to for a moment… even if it was fleeting.” He paused their walk and then said “I am usually much more… reserved… about feeling the emotions of others. However I find it harder to not want to feel you. So some of what I sense is the… the… bleed through of what you feeling.”

Hyrushi

Caitlyn considered that as they began to walk. “I don’t think I mind you knowing how I feel. Privacy and personal space do not worry me. But emotional duplicity bothers me. Emotional secrets. I don’t know how else to word it. I’ve had too much of that. So I think that you being able to sense what I feel is good. Especially when I am unable to articulate.” Her head tipped to the side slightly, “Does it bother you to sense people’s emotions?”

Cailtyn

He shrugged and said “I have always been able to, so I do not know any other way of living.” He thought for a moment. “But I will say that in the rare instances that I could not, it has seemed… quieter.” They walked for a bit more and then he explained. “Some species are not able to be sensed by empaths or telepaths. Ferengi. Breen. Dopterians to name a few.” He almost added the Vren, but that information was still not common knowledge. “But even then, the individual is more akin to static, not simply ‘not there’. I trained for a very long time to be able to block, filter, and sort out all the emotions that surround me.” He smiled a somewhat regretful smile. “And as Fate would have it, I am gifted with a great deal of ability in that arena.”

Hyrushi

“You sound regretful. Why?” Such a simple question that she knew probably had a complex answer.

Caitlyn

Very astute. he thought to himself. “Because it is the only reason my mother’s family tolerates me.” he said. “If I weren’t considered ‘gifted’ in my abilities; they would have nothing to do with me. As it is, they use my abilities as a social calling card within the Betazoid culture.”

Hyrushi

She paused, turning to face him. It was almost as if she could see him. She was filled with empathy for him, not pity. She understood being failed by those that should take care of you. “I am sorry, Kenzo. It is painful to be used rather than simply be accepted. I understand now, why you said you don’t speak to your mother or her family often.” She squeezed his arm gently. “Perhaps one day, if you are comfortable, you might tell me the specifics.” She wasn’t curious. The statement was made more as a request. One to understand him more, and two should they have a long relationship, she could be supportive and aware however that family dynamic might manifest itself.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He set his hand on hers and squeezed it gently in return. “I believe that I would be comfortable doing so whenever you like. It is a… lengthy… and complicated story. I would suggest we do not have that conversation while we are walking. It would be quite tiring.” and he chuckled softly before resuming their slow movement forward.

Hyrushi

Caitlyn smiled softly and shook her head, “Oh no, Kenzo. That’s not how that works. It is your story, so you chose when and how you want to share it.” She seemed to consider his last statement, but he could feel a thread of self humor in her next words. “Well, if you do choose to walk, and it is that lengthy we are assured that I will have memorized your garden by then.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo smiled, the look coming through in his words. “I certainly hope you have ample time to do just that, Caitlyn. The garden is made all the more special by your presence within it.” His words were not emotional, but the wave of sincerity that flowed from him and into her was positively the opposite.

Kenzo

Her breath caught slightly, her step paused for a heart beat, and then she continued to walk beside him. “That’s you isn’t it?” Earlier, when she’d panicked, she had thought she had felt him, but she honestly had only thought she was being fanciful - having needed comfort her mind had simply imagined it. There was no withdrawing or aversion to it. She was filled with curiosity and wonderment.

Caitlyn

“Yes. It is.” Kenzo said. “I’m sure the sensation may be strange; but I wish you to know that my words match my heart… and that I have no other agenda than to know you better.”

Hyrushi

Caitlyn didn’t speak for several long moments. There was no unease from her just contemplation and humbleness. Another person or another time, Caitlyn might have wondered if he could manipulate how he felt in order to trick her. Perhaps she should be worried, but she wasn’t. She felt no threat or duplicity about him. He was the first person in years that didn’t raise her instincts to distrust. She only felt at ease with him.

“Yes, I suppose it is strange. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I can almost experience them as my own, but I am also aware they are not, but they could be…” the last was said questioningly as if she wasn’t sure. “It’s different. It’s intimate,” she flushed at that admission, “Extremely so. I geel… well I don’t know how to explain it. Perhaps it’s easier for you to simply feel me?” He certainly had more knowledge and experience with that sort of thing.

Kenzo spoke softly and said “Very well…” and he stopped walking and turned to face her. He took both of her hands in his and unbeknownst to her, his obsidian eyes locked onto her sightless ones.

She felt giddy, nervous, light headed, anxious, humbled and honored, connected, unsettlingly thrilled, and cared for.

Caitlyn

Kenzo allowed her emotions to waft over him like so much ethereal smoke. He smiled and said “I am glad that you feel safe, Caitlyn. And I am honored that you trust me with this… this… level of intimacy.” He took a breath and said “Would like to feel what I do?”

Hyrushi

There was a rush of nerves, akin to hesitation, but closer to anticipation. Something much more ethereal was there too, caused by the fact Kenzo, such a private and reserved person, wanted to share himself with her in this way. She bit her lip, nervous but undaunted. “I would.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo nodded and very carefully cracked open the door that was his innermost self.

First there was curiosity… followed by a sense of wonder. She could feel his amazement of her, his fascination. But there was something below that… something deeper… more substantial. At first it felt like desire, and in a myriad of ways it was. The physical was there of course, but there was something far less primal coming from him. It was a deep and unfaltering sense of respect.

Hyrushi

The experience rocked her. Not because it was overpowering, no Kenzo was far too careful for that to happen. Not because it was frightening, no there was simply nothing scary about it. It was overwhelming. Caitlyn had never experienced anything like it. The all encompassing intimacy of it was an unknown to a non-empath, and not an intimacy she would ever experience as a non-empath. Not without him. She recognized, even though it was new and unknown, there was a delicate connection tying them together now. The beauty of it, the simplicity of it, the depth of it brought tears to her eyes and they spilled over. She did not regret it, nor was she frightened of it. It was simply a shocking and amazing overwhelm for a woman who had lived so long with fear and shame and pain and disconnection.

Caitlyn

Kenzo felt her emotions respond to his and he slowly pulled her to him in a gentle embrace even as he very slowly closed the current of emotion from him to her. “You are an exceptional woman. Caitlyn. And I believe that you and I will be fine even in the face of the public scrutiny.” He slowly released her and said “Shall we continue to the den?”

Hyrushi

She shivered gently as he held her and the connection faded. Her hands and head rested against his chest, the silk of his shirt was warm from his body heat, and he felt stable in a world that often felt off kilter and precarious to her. The experience felt like something from a fairy tale. When he let go, she wiped her face with the tips of her fingers and nodded. Her hands slid up his arm and rested warmly there, a seemingly more significant touch than it had been just moments before. “Yes.”

Caitlyn

“If I may be so bold…” he said and took out a handkerchief and gently wiped her eyes. “There. Not even a smudge in the mascara.” he said softly. He set her hand on his arm and they began walking back towards the patio wjere they had dined and the seating area inside.

Caitlyn laughed softly. She didn’t wear make-up but rarely, and when she had her visor she’d never seen the point since her eyes were covered up. “Oh, that’s reassuring. I would hate to spend the rest of the evening looking like a drowned clown.”

Once inside, Kenzo guided her to the couch and helped her find her seat. He said “I will be back in just a moment.” and he walked away; but a small tendril of him stayed with her as went to the kitchen and prepared tea. He came back, set the tray down, and picked up a cup and set it gingerly in her hand. “Now then… where were se?” he asked with a soft chuckle.

Hyrushi

She listened to the sounds of his home, his foot steps, the sounds of water and dishes in the kitchen. She paid attention to the scents, the linger of his cologne, the fading aroma of their meal. When he returned she was staring seemingly into space, but she turned at his approach. She cupped her hands around the warmth of the tea. She sipped it delicately, it was quite hot, and she blew across the top before taking another sip. “Well, we were discussing the idea of challenges and obstacles to… seeing each other. What you being an empath means for that,” and that had been brought about by her reaction to the idea of him kissing her. Which made her stomach flutter all over again.

Caitlyn

“Indeed. So let us begin with what it means to be… involved… with an empath when one is not one.” He took a drink of his tea and began. “For me, it means that I will be able to feel what you are feeling unless I try to consciously block it. That being said, the closer we are to someone, the more we spend time with them and the more emotionally invested we are in the other makes blocking that difficult. For you? For you it will mean having to discern if the feelings you are having are entirely yours. That will become much easier over time, but at first it could be… ‘muddled’. Will that scare you?”

Hyrushi

She didn’t answer right away. She drank her tea as she considered. That brief moment had been, well wonderful didn’t quite describe it, but it hadn’t been frightening. “I don’t think it will,” she said slowly. “Perhaps if it were to cause me to act out of character or forced to do something I know I don’t want.” She set a hand on his arm, “And I don’t mean that you would be manipulating me. I do not believe you would ever do that. What I mean, is, well you said it could be muddled and hard to discern what are my feelings and what are yours. I mean it in that context.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo set his hand on hers and said “It would not effect your behavior unless the emotions from me were particularly strong. And I will do everything I can to ensure that never happens.” He watched her for a long moment and then said “What else can I tell you? What other concerns do you think we should discuss?”

Hyrushi

“You,” she took a breath, “You understand that I’m not going to get better? Not just the blindness, but the brain damage. Mostly it affected my sight, but there are other problems.”

Caitlyn

He watched her body language and then said “I am not interested in you because I believe I can ‘save’ you.” Kenzo said flatly. “I wish to spend time with you… as you are. I have no wish to see you changed or to be so arrogant as to think I can ‘fix’ something that isn’t broken.” He shook his head slightly and then asked “What other problems?”

Hyrushi

“Sometimes my brain forgets how to tell my body how to do things. The doctors explained that my brain tries to send signals along the original pathways instead of the new ones. Sometimes that looks like an absence seizure. Sometimes I forget how to walk or how to do something. A memory I remember I suddenly can’t. I get sudden severe episodes of vertigo and I fall. That’s why Ashran or Marissa always guide me instead of using my cane. Just in case. I get excruciating pain in my eyes and where the acid burned me. The doctors said it’s where the damaged nerves are acting kind of like ghost pains that amputees have.”

Hard memories intruded with the telling, but she didn’t withdraw. “It used to happen all the time, when I was first injured. Now, they are less frequent, but they do happen.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo listened intently to her describe the difficulties she had, and part of him did wish he could fix it. But he didn’t start throwing options at her. Instead, he said “Oed V has a vast array of medical practitioners and cutting-edge procedures and technology from all over, including outside the Federation. If those issues do get to be a problem or seem to be getting worse, I am a hundred percent certain you will be able to find someone who can help. And if decide that is needed, I will assist you however I can.” He watched a loose hair fall across her face and he said “May I touch your face? You have a hair that has fallen loose.”

Hyrushi

Caitlyn wished it were that simple, of just finding the right doctor. Maybe one day it would be. It had been hard to accept that the doctors couldn’t restore her sight to any degree. She had to accept it though, in order to move on and heal and regain her life. Dweling in the hope to be fixed only held her back, and she couldn’t hold out for that hope. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t explore options if they presented themselves, but searching for one would consume her life and only leave a bitter shell behind.

“Oh,” her hand lifted towards her face and then paused and lowered to her lap. “Yes, of course.”

Caitlyn

He reached over and very gently pushed the strand away from her face e and tucked it behind her ear. He let his fingers graze her cheek as he pulled it back. “Perhaps we could change the topic of discussion to something more pleasurable. Tell me, Caitlyn… in all your research of Oed V, what was something you wanted to experience?”

Hyrushi

Even knowing the touch was coming, she still caught her breath for a moment, and her cheek tingled long afterwards. “The Symphony. Maestro Julpheta lives here. I always loved her music and wanted to see her in person. Her return to performing after her injury was stunning. She’s inspiring. I would love to attend one of her concerts.” Jelpheta’s journey resonated with so many people who had suffered a disability. It made her music all the more poignant to Caitlyn. “And the food. Oed has some very well known establishments, and I would love to try them.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo smiled. “Then it is fate.” amd he chuckled softly. “So what would you think about our first foray into the public eye being you allowing me to take you to the Symphony? The Maestro is a good friend of mine. I met her at the first official Reception I held. And I will say that I enjoy the Symphony a great deal. Next week. I have a box, and I would be honored to attend with you.”

Hyrushi

“Yes,” her excitement and delight didn’t need an empath to pick up, both for the symphony and his company. “I would be delighted to go to the symphony with you.” She paused briefly, slightly biting her lip, “Are you sure? It isn’t hard to tell you value your privacy. We both do. Once we are seen in public, we can’t be unseen.” There was a thread of trepidation toward this first public step forward, but no hesitation of her choice. What he could mostly feel was respect and concern for him.

Caitlyn

“I do value my privacy, yes.” Kenzo said and took her hand. “That being said… I am not ashamed to be seen with you. Nor do I value my privacy more so than I desire to explore this particular potentially.” He squeezed her hand and then said “Will you need assistance shopping for an evening gown? I am certain Ms. Fen can be of help.”

Hyrushi

“I will need to get a dress.” She hadn’t had need of one for a long time. His offer was kind, but it was something she would feel more comfortable doing with someone she knew. “Runa or Revna will be happy to take me. Besides, she must be as busy as you, and I don’t know when I will have time to go either.”

Caitlyn

“One moment.” he said and stood and went and picked up a PaDD. He walked back and sat, somewhat closer to her than before, and said “The concert is in eight days. I have sent you the program, dress code, and a copy of the invitation. I have also RSVP’d to the invitation and listed you as my plus one.” He set the PaDD to the side and then said “I know the gossip mongers pay attention to the guest list of these events. You may receive calls from columnists or reporters asking you questions. If you do not wish to speak to them, simply say you will not be taking questions. If they press you, call my office. Ms. Fen has a particular appetite for devouring pushy reporters, and I am not sure she has been fed one in some time.” and he chuckled. “However, if you do wish to talk to them, you are free to do so. And I do not worry that you would say anything that would be.... problematic… so speak your mind.” He took her hand again and said “I am sure it will be fine, and you will be a media favorite in just a few statements.”

Hyrushi

Caitlyn laughed as she silenced her comm as the program and invitation came through, “Well I’m quite used to telling the media I have no comment. If I need to make a statement other than that, I also have the benefit of having Revna McKenzie as a friend. She is quite used to dealing with questions and the press. Then again so is her husband.” That made her laugh more. “Oh dear, I hope none of them try to show up on their lands. There may not be anything left for Ms Fen.” It wasn’t a bad idea to ask Revna. Caitlyn was liable to freeze the first time she tried to give an answer other than ‘no comment’. It would help her immensely to be prepared.

“Is there a particular color I should keep in mind or avoid? For all I know what I pick could be pantone and orange swirl.” She laughed, because that wasn’t likely to happen, but they could clash enough to draw attention.

Caitlyn

There was the trademark Kenzo pause, but when he spoke there was a sincerity to his words that was so palpable that even a non-empath could feel it. “I’m sure that you will be the most beautiful woman there… even in pantone and orange swirl.” he said softly, as if he wasn’t aware he was speaking what he was thinking.

Kenzo