ealdanagutiérrez; 001

[adequacies]

While I know there are many more pressing matters at hand, there's been a distinct problem I've noticed onboard in the most recent karaoke nights.  I won’t name names, but I have noticed a lack of rhythm that can be rectified with a little practice. Luckily, I am here to help, and there is no singing required.

This Friday, I'll be hosting a group salsa class in the community room.   You don't need to have danced before; all prior skills you need are the ability to count to eight and how to stand up straight.

All are welcome, though anyone who is judgmental towards others just learning will be asked to leave.  I don't have patience for that, and it's supposed to be fun.

See you Friday at seven.  Wear comfortable shoes.

Comments

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

Tell me how you're feeling about the mission, and then I will explain why I am being silly and childish.

dominiko.

[loculus]

[...]

Optimistic: To think we could find a new home to help unVeiled may thrive.

Delighted: To work with buildings outside the Architects' reign for the first time in 20 years, however Soviet Practicality Chic they may be.

Relieved: To be under open sky once more, however mere weeks from being so unceremoniously extracted I may be.

Apprehensive: To be responsible for any agents, let alone so many, when I'm used to working alone.

Irritated: To have a chaperone when I functioned well enough without one for so long.

Worried: To eventually, potentially, admit it was all been a disaster and I lost my one chance at proving that I can still function in the field.

Terrified: To even conceive that the worst happens under my watch.

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

All of which are perfectly understandable feelings to be wrestling with at the moment. I can see why the medic's presence might feel a bit vexing, but think of it as keeping a fire extinguisher in your flat. You may never need it, but it's reassuring to have in case of emergency, no? And while I understand your apprehension about the responsibility as well, this mission suits you perfectly, and I have no doubt you'll handle it with aplomb. I have complete faith in you, Domingo.

dominiko.

[loculus]

I'm feeling inspired now, please have another list.

Fire extinguishers do not:

• Speak
• Follow me everywhere
• Watch my every move
• Report back to their superiors about my every move

[...] Thank you, however and otherwise, for the vote of confidence. It

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

The fire extinguisher is very concerned for your safety, as are we all.

dominiko.

[loculus]

It's impossible to understate how aware of this fact I am.

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

I know. I'm sorry about it. It would frustrate me too.

dominiko.

[loculus]

Thank you. Now, why are you being petty and childish?

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

[...] You might have fewer reservations about a hypothetical Wyatt than about me. I was jealous.

dominiko.

[loculus]

[...] That's all?

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

I suppose it's one component of a larger issue.

dominiko.

[loculus]

You've no need to be worried of my imaginary harem.

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

But you do have reservations about me.

dominiko.

[loculus]

You're a real person with all of the beauty and [...] history that entails whereas Wyatt is an imaginary contractor who probably slurps soup without a lick of shame.

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

I don't have any reservations about you, dragi moj. You have all these interior rules that act as brakes on your desires, but I do not.

dominiko.

[loculus]

[...] I'm sorry, I haven't made this easy.

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

I'm sure I haven't, either. But it is not urgent. We can talk more once you're back from Russia.

dominiko.

[loculus]

Am I allowed to admit I'd prefer if we this whatever we we parted on a better note than this?

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

I will translate one thing I've told you in Croatian. You can pick.

dominiko.

[loculus]

Leaving me alone with a key and three days off-grid is quite the risk, but more than that, I [...] don't want you to spend that time thinking about what doubts I may have.

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

[...] I appreciate that. Did you have something in mind?

dominiko.

[loculus]

It's not
While there's only one, you
Please don't think

[...] There's only one but I need a moment to ensure I'm not [...] being unfair.

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

Take your time.

dominiko. (30 minutes later)

[loculus]

I will ask this once and then we may never speak of it again. [...] It's not something that I spend my nights worrying about, per se, nor that I believe is the truth; but more some dark thought that oozes from the cracks during my weaker moments and I can't repair that wall without reassurance.

When you began pursuing me—this time, here—was I a proxy for Adrían?

He'd recently taken a good friend further into his heart than he had you and you've mentioned before that he and I [...] fill the same need. When you learned you couldn't have him completely, I appeared, unattached. There's the ring conversation and he's even since told me he's in love with you. [...] You speak of wanting a love that's complete and intense and so utterly focused on you, and I understand that because I would want the same, but I can't release this brake (thank you for the phrasing) until I've heard your answer.

dominiko.

[oneirophrenic]

What?