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 (31) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
“Thank you. I do not believe I have ever received a better compliment.” He didn’t move, didn’t budge lest he move and break the contact she held on his chest. He set his hand on hers and looked at her for a very long time. “Nor have I spent the evening with a more intriguing or wonderful companion.”

Kenzo

Her fingers flexed under his, curling slightly into his shirt. “I’m truly flattered you feel so.” She did, she was sure he could have his choice of companions, but he had wanted to spend it with her. In fact he wanted to spend much more time with her. Suddenly the enormity of the step she was taking hit her, and what the future might hold. She felt something akin to the beginnings of a panic attack. She didn’t run. Instead she simply accepted it and let it wash over her. It was a big deal, and it was unknown and nerve wracking, but Caitlyn had a quiet stubborn streak.

Kenzo felt the surge of panic, and then he felt the acceptance and the absolute resolve in her to not let it defeat her. That resolve and her sheer willpower caused his breath to catch. He stared at her in silence, wondering how it was possible to be so drawn to someone so quickly.

She didn’t move, she stayed still, her hand over his chest until it passed. She was nervous, but she knew how disappointed she would be if she gave in. Whatever risks and failures might happen, she thought they were worth the possibilities of what might be between them. That left her exhilarated.

Caitlyn

“You… are a most incredible woman, Caitlyn.” He said softly. He set his hand on the one she had on his chest and he forced himself to breathe steadily… even as she could feel his heart pound in his chest.

Kenzo

She could feel his heart beating against her palm and the sparks that tingled up her arm where he held her hand. “Not really, we all just do the best we can with the life we are given.” It wasn’t a fish for compliments, and his words touched her deeply, but her response was genuine humbleness. Everyone was ordinary and exceptional in their own ways.

The room was quiet for a long moment. “I hope you’ll forgive me, but I am going to do something outrageous. I’ll probably faint from my own boldness.” Her voice was incredibly quiet, but tinged with teasing. She reached for his other hand and guided it to rest gently on her own chest, right over her heart. He could feel the rhythm of it against his palm. “My heart’s pounding like yours. To be drawn so quickly to you is… well it’s scary and wonderful all at once.”

Caitlyn

As she sat his hand on her chest his sharp intake of breath was audible; and the beating of his heart sped up. He took several deep breaths and then said “Caitlyn, I…” and for one of the few times in his life he couldn’t think of the words to say. All he could do was allow her to feel what he was at that moment: attraction, confusion, hesitation, desire, admiration, and a rapidly growing affection swelled within him; and she was at the center of it all. And that fact brought him a great deal of happiness.

Kenzo

Whatever did or did not come after, Caitlyn would always remember the gift of him sharing his emotions with her. It was a stark and beautiful honesty that meant more to her than she could express or really even fathom the depth of to herself. It was humbling and thrilling to know that this wonderful man felt the same things as she did.

Her own budding affection, attraction, hesitation, respect, confusion, caution, and the slow quiet beginnings of desire responded to his. She was also uncertain. Her reaction to him was so swift, so strong that she was willingly falling head first into it, but there was a great deal of instinctual caution and fear of how her memories might surface and ruin it.

She didn’t move not wanting to break that precious connection nor knowing what to do next.

Caitlyn

They sat like that in silence for minutes; their mutual emotions swirling between them as they simply shared themselves with one another in a way that neither had experienced with another. Hands on hearts, connected in an intimacy both were hesitant and scared to share with anyone. Kenzo didn’t want to move, and he said so with both his feelings and, finally, his words.

“Caitlyn…” he whispered, and there was a surge of longing, regret, and even sadness that she could feel below the other emotions that were steadily growing stronger. Pressing ever so slightly against her hand as if to imprint her touch on him, he said “Of all the things that I could do at this moment, please understand that this is absolutely the last thing I want to do. But I made you a promise, and no matter what I will keep my word to you.” His fingers closed around her hand on his chest and he held her hand as he shifted away from her touch, while ever so slowly taking his hand from her chest and taking her other hand in his own. “I… I cannot describe what your touch- and touching you- means to me. It has been some time since I felt anything similar to this. But nothing as significant as this moment. But please know that Ibwill always prioritize you feeling safe over anything else. This place will always be a safe space for you. As will I. I give you my word, Caitlyn.”

Kenzo

The withdrawal hurt and the reasons for his promise cut like a knife. Even as his promise began to heal something inside her. She squeezed his hands gently, memorizing the feel of them as if she’d never experience it again. She understood, intellectually, that the shame and stabbing pain she felt at his withdrawal was unfounded. That it was a reaction of years of suppression and fear and the sudden intense positive experience. Her mind and body not quite ready to accept something good after all the trauma. She knew it took time, but that didn’t lessen the self-directed shame and guilt and pain. “Neither have I ever had such a significant and deep experience. I should apologize, Kenzo, for being so forward, but it would be insincere.” Really she was sorry for being broken. That too she knew was irrational and unfounded. “It is a moment I will cherish always.”

Caitlyn

Keno’s head tilted slightly to the side and he gazed at her for a moment. He took her hands and spoke softly but emphatically. “Caitlyn, you are not broken.” he said as if he had read the very thought from her mind. “You were hurt by someone. That takes time to heal and recover from. That is natural and necessary. And this-” and he let go of her hand and again set his hand on her chest and her other hand on his, “- this is not a fleeting thing. It is not a singular event. This can and will happen again… at any time you want. If that is now, tomorrow, or a year from now. Or even all three. I do not allow myself the privilege of getting so close to people. The fact that this has happened as it has proves to me that this is something… extraordinary. And I do not intend to let it fade away. But I am not going to rush you. We will go as slow or fast as you wish.” He pressed her hand against him as he pressed slightly against her. “You are in control of this, Caitlyn.” he said a flood of sincerity and trust flowed into her from him. “You have your power in what is happening here. I am simply here for you, in whatever capacity that may be or become.” and he very slowly removed their hands, but kept a tendril of connection between them.

Kenzo

There was an instinct there to turn away, but she didn’t. She refused to be hide from him or to be ashamed of how she felt. Even when she knew she had no cause for some of those feelings. Her voice was equally soft, “I know, Kenzo. I still feel like that sometimes.” She held onto his hands. Her touch was soft but strong. “After all these years I know that I must recognize and accept how I feel before I can deal with them. Ignoring or burying them only makes them stronger.” She smiled at him and there was genuine joy and, she was willing to acknowledge, affection for him. “Please don’t feel that because these feelings surface that I feel unsafe with you or have changed my mind in wanting to spend time with you. I know it does no good to wish things had not happened, but there are times when such feelings form. I’m sorry you had to experience it. It’s not pleasant for me, so I imagine it is not for you either.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo shook his head slightly. “I do not feel that way, nor would I ever fault you for feeling what you feel. When those feelings form, you are always welcome to talk through them with me. And regardless of how often those feelings form, it will not change my mind about you. Is that simple enough?” he asked

Kenzo

She nodded, even as she made the tension leave her. It had been there, but she didn’t need it. “Yes.” She stared intently toward him. “You are a remarkable person, Kenzo. Your compassion alone is extraordinary. I’ve never met anyone quite like you.”

Caitlyn

“Nor I you, Caitlyn.” Kenzo said. “You possess a remarkable will and strength. It is very impressive. And I must say that it makes me drawn to you that much more. I look forward to learning more about it… and you… as we move forward.” He picked up his tea, now cold, and set it back down. He relaxed, blowing out the intensity of the past half hour and then said “Tell me about your childhood. Your family. I would like very much to learn about how such a remarkable woman came to be.”

Kenzo

A small shrug lifted her shoulders. “There is nothing really remarkable about my childhood. My parents married later than most people, and waited to have children. My mother was a retired zoologist by the time I was old enough to remember. Of course she did retire early. My father was an architect. They enjoyed arts and culture and took me to all the events that they enjoyed. Theatre, symphonies, ballet, art galleries, and museums. When I was four I contracted a new and particularly virulent strain of tuberculous meningitis. At first they just thought it was a bit of exhaustion combined with too much activity for a few days in a row. They put me to bed to rest. When they checked on me later I was having a seizure my fever had spiked so high so fast. I was in the hospital for several days before they were able to find a way to treat it.”

“My parents were wonderful. They stayed with me, made sure I had the best doctors, the best visor, the best therapists to help me. They taught me to advocated for myself when I needed something, and they taught me the consequences of trying to use my blindness to get an easy ride. There was nothing they didn’t encourage me to do. I was an only child, so I probably could have been spoiled, but they never just gave me things. They encouraged me to do things for myself. I miss them. It was just us. My mother had a brother, but I don’t know where he is. I never heard back from him when my mother died.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo listened, careful to remember what she said and how her body shifted and moved as she spoke. When she mentioned her uncle, he looked confused for a moment and then said “Have you looked for him? Do you want to know him? Sometimes even distant family can give us a sense of belonging.’

Kenzo

“When I was in the hospital, after… when I was injured. Revna tried to find him for me. She was unable to locate him. That was 8 years ago. I admit, I wish I knew where he was at least. I figured if he was still around he doesn’t want to be found.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo thought for a moment and then said “Would you like me to see if he can be found? No offense to Lady McKenzie, but I may have access to avenues of inquiry that she did not.”

Kenzo

“If you would like. His name is Nolan Barnett. The last place I knew him to be was Hanolan colony. It’s alright though. It would be nice, but he’s probably passed by now. My mother only had a few holos of him. He hadn’t seen me since I was 2, maybe 3.”

Caitlyn

“I will have some of my staff look into it and let you know what is found.” he said. “And I will make sure to keep your interest out of the inquiry to maintain your privacy.” He sighed softly and said “Even though the night is still young, I would like to ask you a question normally reserved for the end of our encounter. After tonight… when may I see you again?”

Kenzo

She wasn’t too worried about her privacy in that matter, but then her uncle could be someone unsavory for all she knew.

Her answer was immediate. “Whenever you want. Right now my schedule is rather free compared to yours I’m sure. The next week is mostly going to be setting up and settling in. Next week I will be looking for office properties. Commissioner Karlson has offered to set up a few introductions for me as well. So you can see me whenever you would like.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo smiled and said “My first instinct is to say tomorrow.” and he chuckled softly. “But despite that inclination, I would ask a request of you. If you would be comfortable doing so, I would like for you to come to my office when you would like to see me. Do not worry about scheduling; I will make the changes as needed.” He took his hand and set it on hers. “And I look forward to the anticipation of seeing you almost as much as I look forward to seeing you.”

Kenzo

“I can certainly do that,” she smiled even as she considered who might be willing to take her just so she could see him. “Are you sure Ms Fen won’t eat me like an uncouth reporter if I just show up?” She laughed then paused, “Will Security let me through without an appointment?”

Caitlyn

He let go of her hand and there was the sound of him picking up the PaDD and tapping. After a moment he said “There. You are now approved for access at any time. I have also given you access to the lobby here, as well. Anytime you wish to or need to see me, you may. As for Ms. Fen, I would recommend that you endear yourself to her with a gift of food. The fastest way to that woman’s heart is certainly through her stomach.” and he chuckled.

Kenzo

Surprised delight suffused her. “I won’t abuse it, I promise. As for Ms Fen, if you suggest bribery who am I to argue? Is there a particular desert she enjoys? What about you?”

Caitlyn

Kenzo said “She loves mochi. Specifically chocolate and citrus flavors. As for myself, I have never been fond of sweets; although I do enjoy fresh mango and sticky rice. And I will never turn away a good bread pudding. The only other dessert I have ever had I truly enjoyed was some kind of fruit custard made on Novarra. I have never found it outside of there, though. And you? What desserts do you like?”

Kenzo

Her mind tripped over several ideas. “I like fruit based deserts. They are lighter than other types of dessert. The fruit provides its own sweetness without having to add sugar to the dish. My favorite though was my mother’s banana bread. She used to make it first holidays and special occasions. It was the first desert I ever learned to bake.”

Caitlyn

“I’m sure it is splendid.” Kenzo said sincerely. “Should you ever feel the need to make it, Sloane Square should have everything you need.” His curiosity piqued and he said “Please tell me about this land you and your people are settling. I have heard promising things from Director McKenzie’s department about ecological reclamation; but it is a sizable area. What do you intend to do with all of it?”

Kenzo

“I’m not really sure. We were expecting nothing but hard packed dirt and rock when we arrived. It’s what we trained for. But we have grass and small trees in some areas. Lord and Lady McKenzie bought 3 times as much land as we were expecting. One of the things we focused on was conservation. Both clans have a long history of ecological preservation and living with the land rather than from it. So our first goal is to encourage and nuture that growth. There will be farming and herding of course. The tentative plan is to have a small village in each of the three main land parcels. Then reevaluate.”

“A wise course. And one that I hope Director McKenzie maintains for all of our terraforming efforts.” Kenzo said.

“I believe he will. I mean if he’s done jail time to preserve a forest, I can only imagine how protective he would be of land he is nurturing to grow and heal.” Not to mention the overall stance of the clan about such things. “I think, based on how things on Earth were, the clan will probably leave most of the land undeveloped. Allow it to grow and be wild to an extent. They are very adamant about leaving as small of a footprint as possible.”

“We have been granted 10 acres for the House. We still have to pick where we want it. We’ll grow vegetables and some fruit. Cotton and Flax. Kelsey makes thread and yarn. She wants to try making cloth. We will sell the excess of all of those things to help support the expenses for the House.“

Caitlyn

“There is a definite market for local goods here.” Kenzo replied. “Many Oedians prefer to keep their business local. We even created a support program to support local residents who are trying to start a business here. They can get mentorship, legal and financial advice, post materials for trade or job openings, and even network with other local business owners to help one another. All for free. All we request is that they give three percent of their profits for one year to local charities.”

Kenzo

“That’s more than doable. 3 percent of profit is not a lot, and if the business is struggling, it won’t make it harder on them. I’ll have to get the information and share it with Kelsey. I think it would be good for her to have a larger goal than just continuing the same activities.” There was a deep well of care as she spoke about the other woman and heavy concern. “Of course the economic market is going to be flooded with new consumers, new suppliers, and a lot of new potential employees and employers. The logistics of moving that many people are staggering.” Revna and Mike had excellent help in Runa and Capall to help make that happen.

“You should come out and see it. The land they bought, where we’re settling. The scope of it and the plans. It’s really amazing what’s happened in just one day.”

Caitlyn

Kenzo smiled a broad smile, a true rarity, and it was audible in his voice. “My dear Ms. Dillon… are you asking me on a date?” and he chuckled. “Because if you are, the answer is yes. But if you were asking me to simply see what your people are doing… well, the answer is still yes.”

Kenzo

“What if it was both?” Her smile was warm, delighted, and free of any concerns. “Unfortunately, it would be a rather public date. I share a tent with the others from the House and we are camping very roughly. We eat on blankets or picnic tables, and our favorite entertainment is telling very old stories around camp heaters.” She squeezed his hands, “But I would very much like for you to see it.”

Caitlyn

“Then I shall.” he said immediately. “Send the appoin-… the schedule… of when you would like me to attend. I would love to see it.”

Kenzo

“Apppintment might be more accurate. There are 10,000 people there. You might be my da… guest,” she blushed sweetly, “but it will still be a big deal for the governor to visit. How about you tell me when you will have a day to maybe try to leave a bit early.” She paused, she knew people would want to talk to him, but she wanted to be able to spend time together as well. “It will be rustic and very informal.”

Caitlyn

Kenzonwas quiet quite a bit longer than normal. But when he spoke, there was such… warmth… in his voice, his sincerity could not be missed. “Caitlyn, I do not know why I feel as I do. And it is a foreign situation for me. I do not remember a time when I have ever said this to anyone but, barring a true emergency, I…” and he took a deep breath. “I will be happy to work around your schedule.” The enormity of his shift in priorities was almost surreal to him.

Kenzo

Her surprise was palatable. Granted, it was a hope, an expectation, that when you entered a serious long term relationship, that all parties would but the other before their own needs and desires. But it was quite literally the beginning of their acquaintance much less a relationship. However the warmth and flutters spreading from her stomach reflected how special it made her feel. “Kenzo, I’m flattered. How about I let you know when I come to your office?” That would allow her to decide what might be on her schedule.

Caitlyn

“An excellent idea. Although I find myself wondering how long it will be until that happens.” He looked down and spuwd their cold and forgotten tea. “Our tea has gone cold. Would you care for some more?”

Kenzo