Kaleb Krychek (kalebkrychek) wrote in madisonvalley, @ 2017-08-13 09:19:00 |
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Entry tags: | !closed, !complete, !log, ~2017 august, ~25 points, ~~kaleb krychek (kalebkrychek), ~~~sarissa (ladyofsummer) |
WHO: Sarissa and Kaleb Krychek
WHERE: Riverbank
WHEN: Early August
WHAT: Kaleb needs dating advice
RATING: G
STATUS: log; completed
So the unemotional Mr. Krychek needed dating advice. Sarissa wondered if it had to do with the material she'd already given him, or if he'd made some advances past his lessons and needed more. Sarissa was curious enough to find out, and since he'd actually asked nicely this time and was promising her a latte for her time. She arrived at their meeting spot right at 5:30 rather than making him wait as she might've if he'd tried to issue another order to her. Sarissa believed in positive reinforcement. “Mr. Krychek,” she greeted as she approached. “How can I be of assistance?” *** Pleased that Sarissa was both prompt and immediately moving toward the business of their relationship, Kaleb handed her the tea she had requested. He gave her a pleased look - which mostly consisted of a few black sparks appearing across the black fields of his eyes and gestured at the bench beside him. “Please, have a seat,” Kaleb said, leaning back slightly. “Thank you for coming and your willingness to offer assistance. I find that I am in a situation wherein I am not sure how to proceed.” He took a sip of the black coffee. He had found that the taste, the darkness and bitterness of it, appealed to him without being overwhelming to his senses. “But before we begin, I would like to say that you are looking well.” Kaleb felt this was an appropriate statement and would resonate with Sarissa. Though, oddly, Kaleb found he quite meant it as he looked her over. *** “That’s very nice of you to say,” Sarissa said, pleased with his greeting. He was really working on softening those edges of his, apparently, and although he still held himself too stiffly and spoke too formally for his word to really sound sincere, she was proud of him for trying. She didn’t tell him so, however. Pride was something he wouldn’t understand. She did, however, give him some positive reinforcement so he knew he was on the right track. “That was a good opening. Flattery can sometimes get you as far - or further - than bribes.” She lifted her latte to indicate that he’d done both. She settled back on the bench as well, resting her elbow on the back of the bench as she turned to face him. “What’s the situation you’re in?” *** “A good piece of advice,” Kaleb commented, reaching down to unbutton the suit jacket so he could sit slightly more comfortably. He still held himself rather rigid and straight laced, but for him it was closer to relaxed. “Though it is interesting that people find such a need for praise that could be considered rather meaningless,” Kaleb commented. “Those words are rather empty if the person who speaks them does not believe them and worse if the person receiving doesn’t believe the words. How does one combat that?” Those dark eyes looked at her, considering her carefully. She was quite attractive. He was better able to identify that with some objectivity at this point. Perhaps he merely had more comparison as he paid attention to others around him. Lena was quite lovely, but Kaleb found Sarissa more aesthetically pleasing though he was unsure of what logical reason he could use to define such a thing. “Regardless of that, though I believe it would be a worthy discussion, I have some further questions regarding dating.” *** Sarissa had to grin at that. “Oh yes, the topic of empty flattery and the people who still need to hear them is something best left for another time. We simply don’t have enough time to go over it all.” She settled back and regarded him with her usual patient humour, not aware that his perception of her was changing. “Now, what do you want to ask?” She was glad he’d contacted her; she’d missed these conversations with him. She hadn’t even realized that, though, until just now, when they fell into their regular rhythm of dart and parry. *** “Then we shall have to schedule an appointment to discuss the topic later. I find that it interests me.” Kaleb wasn’t about to let go of something he wanted information on and he rather expected he could pry it from Sarissa. He had no doubt that he would be able to do so though. “Very well then,” Kaleb said, pondering his set of questions. “I have, as you instructed, succeed in asking someone out on a date.” Kaleb felt no surprise at his success, it was as it should be. He was capable and could achieve whatever he turned his mind to. “But to consider that, I am not sure of a generic item to bring as a gift to the date. It was much easier as I had more information with you, so I find that I was more able to pick something that would be incredibly suitable. So, what would be a generic item - are there such things other than flowers?” *** Sarissa shouldn't have been surprised to hear the news, but she was. She wasn't sure why: maybe she hadn't expected him to become approachable enough to get himself a date? Whatever the reason, she chose to ignore the disquiet she felt at his words and focused on his request. “I'm not sure how I feel about being so easily predictable,” she remarked. “But was there nothing in the conversation that led up to you asking for the date that might help?” She raised an eyebrow. “You did start with a conversation, I hope.” *** Having no sense that anything he did would leave Sarissa feeling other than clinical interest, Kaleb considered her statement. “Predictable is not the correct word,” Kaleb said after a moment. “Allow me to clarify. I know more about you through our distinct interactions. I knew that nature was something you connected to based on the information I gathered - specifically the powers you used and the reaction of the vegetables in the grocery store. Therefore, flowers would be highly appropriate. And the more unusual the better as you are not something who cares for the normal.” Kaleb left the explanation and then turned to her question. “And of course I did. That was a part of the instruction you provided. And one cannot ask someone out without discussion.” *** Sarissa was sad to admit that the unemotional Mr. Krychek had given more thought to her and the things she liked than some men she'd dated for real. Then again, she'd never sought out men who could be long term material. “That was a good assessment,” she admitted. “Let's use that method of reasoning to find something appropriate for your date. What did you talk about? What interests does she have?” *** Good. Now they were getting somewhere. Kaleb appreciated the distinct direction with a clear question. “We discussed her time here and technology and the differences between our location and being in this place,” Kaleb commented. “She appears neat and quite organized.” Kaleb considered other points of their talk and decided he had mentioned the key points of their words. *** Neat and organized weren't exactly the most flattering descriptions to a woman, although Sarissa suspected it was a high compliment coming from Kaleb. She smiled slightly and hoped the woman he’d arranged this date with would appreciate it. “It sounds like you have that in common: the tech here isn't the same as what you're used to. Is she from further along, or further back? Either way, is there something related to that you could bring her?” *** “We both agree that the technology here is not at the level we would typically expect,” Kaleb commented. “I have considered that and I have decided to bring the sample I have been working on, but that is not something I can give away.” Kaleb’s eyes unfocused as he considered things. “She did mention that she was noting down our date in her diary with pen. Perhaps a writing utensil?” Those black eyes turned to Sarissa as he proposed that idea, oddly looking for her approval. *** “Mm. A writing utensil is tricky,” Sarissa said thoughtfully, but she nodded her approval of his line of thinking. “You can't buy her anything too expensive, because that would be an indication of interest and commitment that's too profound for a first date. You can't buy her anything mediocre, or you might as well not try at all.” Sarissa thought for a moment. “If she's a note taker, she probably goes through a lot of notebooks. I suggest finding her one that is non-fussy to look at, but easy and comfortable to carry. There are some with a softer cover that's wonderful to touch.” *** Both were items rarely used in his world. The humans and the Changelings had more interest in them - perhaps because of their tactile natures. Psy rarely wanted to deal with the mess of paper and writing that could be done. After hearing her words, Kaleb realised he would have picked quite the wrong thing as in his mind, finer was better. “I would not have considered such an item, but I shall look into that,” Kaleb concluded. “The next question has to do with the venue. She chose something more casual - a local diner. It seems appropriate to honor her choice. What advice might you have regarding food selection for myself? Not eating would seem odd.” *** “You could order a salad again,” Sarissa suggested. “It’s not traditionally masculine, but you appear health-conscious enough to get away with it. And order a club soda to drink; it’ll be innocuous enough for you to drink and not look like a cheapskate.” She pulled out her phone, starting to enjoy this now. She might feel strange about his date, but she was finding that she was enjoying the process of walking him through this. She felt a lot like Cyrano de Bergerac today, as opposed to her usual Henry Higgins. Not that Kaleb would understand either reference. “Which diner are you going to? We can take a look at the menu and pre-select something.” *** “An acceptable option,” Kaleb stated and gave her the name of the diner. “She mentioned that she preferred something more relaxed than formal though she was comfortable in both sorts of environments.” He took a drink from his cup of coffee and considered the landscape in front of them. “I am not sure that I will be as comfortable in a less formal environment. I am not suited for such things.” *** “You’re not accustomed to such things,” Sarissa corrected. “If you loosened up a bit, you’d be fine. After all, just a few weeks ago you probably would’ve said you’re not suited for dating. And here we are, planning your date.” She smiled at him, letting him see her pride in him. He might not feel it or understand it, but maybe it wouldn’t hurt to let him see it. Positive reinforcement. She shifted closer to she could show him the menu for the diner she’d pulled up on her phone. She smiled like flowers and sunshine, and her long hair brushed his arm. She often wore it down, even in hot weather. It was easier to pull it forward that way, to cover her pointed ears. Sarissa was very conscientious about hiding the tips of her ears. “I think you should get the pecan salad,” she said, pointing to the option on her screen. “The dressing will be too rich for you, but she’d think you’re strange if order without dressing, so order it on the side.” *** While he appreciated the smile, Kaleb didn’t understand the reason behind it. His mind could only process that she was pleased by something, though what about the discussion would be pleasing Kaleb couldn’t fathom. But then there was much about Sarissa Kaleb did not understand - her attachment and passionate defense of emotions for one. “I do not think loosening up would be in the realm of possibility,” Kaleb commented. “There is only so much that I am capable of mimicking in the effort to learn to be more human. I have considered other clothing, but none of it looks remotely comfortable and I categorically refuse to wear clothing I exercise into a date.” Kaleb did have some limits and he was going to enforce them. His eyes went to the screen and noted the suggestion. “That seems a reasonable choice. I am glad for the advice.” He then turned his attention back to Sarissa. Again his fascination with her surfaced. Those dark eyes traced the line of her hair and his senses were filled by the scent that wafted off of her. It was unlike anything he had smelled before. Though not a tactile person, Kaleb was struck by the need to touch the length of her hair. He filed the interest away to be examined for when he had time. But there was hair touching his arm so it seemed acceptable to move that. His telekinesis carefully took the strands and pushed them back, tucking them over her shoulder. *** Her hand caught the strands before he could lift them too high. “Sorry about that.” She carefully tucked her hair back, leaving the crown of her head still covered, and replied to his statement. “Loosen up doesn't mean start dressing like you're going to the gym.” Her eyes - dark brown with flecks of green that hadn't been there when they'd first met - shone with amusement. “You can just leave the blazer at home, for example. Undo the top button of your shirt.” *** An interesting reaction. Kaleb noted it and did nothing, made no reaction. It was merely something he filed into the set of information he was collecting on Sarissa. There was something there, but what it was Kaleb could not pinpoint. Again, his own fascination with her surprised him. It was not normal. “There is nothing to be sorry for,” Kaleb commented, unemotional as always. “And while your statement makes sense, that is not something I have ever done.” Kaleb looked down at his suit and then those endless black eyes met her gaze. “I am not certain that doing such things outside the comfort of my own space would be doable.” *** “Is there a mental block that prevents you from doing so?” Sarissa asked, raising an eyebrow. She’d chosen those words specifically, knowing that for all his protestations of not having emotions, he had a certain amount of pride when it came to his mental capabilities. She was curious to see how he’d react when she challenged them. *** An interesting question. Kaleb considered it, sitting himself up straight and looking out over the sights in front of them. “There is no mental barrier in comparison to the aversion that my race has to touch and overwhelming use of the senses,” Kaleb started and then stopped. What he was going to say seemed to be incongruous with his logical thought process. He did not like that, but something about Sarissa compelled an odd sense of honesty. “The clothing is a barrier. A reminder of who I am and what I control. The question remains to decide whether or not losing control in one way would make a difference in another.” It seemed a fanciful statement, but Kaleb had no other reason. “It is a perception as well for both myself and those around me.” *** “It's like a safety blanket,” Sarissa said, amused. She knew it was more than that, of course. But Kaleb took himself so seriously sometimes she had to force the conversation to go to lighter territory. “I suppose the question is, then, whether making a statement about who you are is more important to you, or fitting in with the atmosphere your date has chosen for your dinner.” She suspected she knew the answer to that, but she'd let him make the decision. For all that she was prodding him to be more human, these kinds of decisions had to be his own. *** “A safety blanket,” Kaleb repeated with some scorn tinging his voice. He did not think of it that way. It was a uniform that was required of the Psy and wearing it protecting him from attacks as much as his attitude did and the reputation of his power. Of course, there was no reason here to protect himself in such a manner other than his own need to cling to who and what he was. “I suppose I could go without the tie,” Kaleb commented. It was something he was willing to try, but he still felt uncomfortable with such a change. The armour of his clothing kept him protected and he was not yet comfortable enough to do without that armour. *** Sarissa’s lips twitched. That reaction was beyond what she'd expected. For all his protestations against feelings, he definitely felt pride. “That's a good start,” she agreed. “For you, it’s casual.” She put her phone away and shifted back to give him the personal space he liked. “Do you have any other questions?” *** “What do you think of the recent event here?” Kaleb inquired, his mind flipping to a rapid change of topic with ease. “It was an interesting deviation of the events that are normally a part of this world. I am fascinated by the event. What did you think of it?” His intelligence wanted to hear what hers had to say. The event had been fascinating - so based on something that was clearly a use of mental powers. *** ‘Fascinated’ was a strong word for him to use, which indicated his level of interest. Registering that, Sarissa turned more serious to answer his question. “It's definitely on a bigger scale than anything we've seen from it,” she agreed. “I think there was a sickness here, earlier, which sent people into similar comas. But it wasn't as sudden as this, from what I read. This just took things to the next level.” She rested her elbow on the back of the bench and leaned her head on the back of her hand. “Do you still think there's some consciousness at work here?” *** Those black eyes followed her as she moved, his mind focused on her words more than her actions. “To create such mass hallucinations speaks of a power that is not easily contained,” Kaleb commented. “There is no evidence of a consciousness - none that I can find anyway.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “It seems so many here take such things in stride - without fear. But I…” Kaleb stopped and then considered his next words. They admitted a vulnerability he did not appreciate in himself. “I do not like the idea of so many being so unprotected from such a force.” It was probably more about him than others, but it did bother him a great deal - the inability to protect whom he considered the vulnerable. *** “I can imagine.” Sarissa’s voice softened, and all teasing had gone from her tone. She understood just how much trust he'd just imbued on her by making such an admission, and she wanted to honour it. “I don't know how much responsibility you bear back home, but I hope you can come to understand that here, you are not responsible for the well-being of everyone else. You are not the only one powerful enough to help.” *** A soft sound, perhaps akin to a chuckle escaped Kaleb. “At home, I am the most powerful of my race. No others carry what I do and none of the others that do seem to regard the welfare of others as a concern.” Now, Kaleb would readily admit that most of his race could die in sweeping swaths and he would not be bothered in the slightest. But the fact that Sahara was still out there, still one of the most vulnerable, made sure that he never considered such an action himself. And more, it made sure that he would never condone such an action. And if it may occur, then his retribution on that entity would be swift and unforgiving. “There are those here that are powerful, but this was a mental attack - one at the highest levels of power,” Kaleb replied, “it would not be right of me to turn my back on such an event and not use what I have to prevent such a thing happening again.” *** “Again you’re working off the premise that there is something consciously at work,” Sarissa pointed out. “If you think it was mental attack, there has to be someone doing the attacking. I think the others think of it more as a natural force, like the weather. If it rains on a day you were planning to have an outdoor party, would you think it's an attack?” *** It was a good logical thought and Kaleb appreciated the redirection in his process to comprehend the incomprehensible. “Excellent point,” Kaleb commented, leaning back on the bench, long legs stretching out in front of him as he watched the children play on the embankment in front of them. The peacefulness of the actions and their delighted laughter reminded Kaleb of how good life could be for others. “You are quite correct, but it seems to powerful, too deliberate, to be a natural force,” Kaleb commented and then stopped. “I suppose that is a rather illogical thought as I have no proof. Well, neither side has proof in actuality so I suppose it would be easier to assume it is more benevolent as nature than malevolent as a person might be.” *** “Occam’s Razor,” Sarissa said. “I don’t know if he existed in your world, but in ours, he posited that the best explanation is often the simplest one. Specifically, one that introduces the least number of new requirements.” She watched him watch the children, observing his interest in them. Beyond that, she couldn’t entirely see or figure out what he was thinking. It kept her on her toes, which she appreciated. After several hundred years, there wasn’t a lot of new things she could explore. Kaleb Krychek was entirely new. She continued. “In the absence of proof favouring either theory, which one has the least number of elements? A natural phenomenon, as neutral and uncaring about individuals and society as gravity or evolution, or a powerful entity making conscious, self-aware choices in attacking the people who live here?” Oh yes - decades of undergrad, coming in handy now. *** This is why he continued to speak to Sarissa. She never allowed him to stick with a single thought, but challenged him to continue to expand his thinking. This was the kind of thinking he needed to solve the problems he faced at home with the Net. He rather wanted to bring her there and see what she might conceive of. “A logical thought process,” Kaleb said, nodding with agreement. As he watched, one of the children slipped on the embankment and was headed for the water. With ease that required no thought, he caught the child with his telekinesis and put them back on the bank. The astonished child looked around, wondering what had happened. The group gathered to discuss the event and Kaleb enjoyed the moment. He wondered if they would now test to see if any of the others could do it. “Do you think then, there is no solution, so better to just let nature take its course and not worry about protecting those who are the most innocent?” Kaleb asked, watching as one of the boys attempted to hop off in the same location and Kaleb’s power lazily returned them to safety. “Even in the midst of a natural disaster, people ascribe to protection of moving to higher ground or laying in extra supplies.” *** “I think there are provisions made on an individual basis,” Sarissa replied. She finished off her latte and set the empty cup beside her on the bench. “For example, people who have children - I’ve seen discussions of what would happen to the children if the parents are returned home. So far, I haven’t seen the children being affected - none of them fell into comas this time.” She was still watching him, trying to figure what those pinpricks of stars in his eyes meant. “Why are you so specifically interested in the well-being of innocents? I would’ve thought that beyond the realm of the Psy.” *** His head nodded slowly as the group of boys continued to test the limits of where they could jump and be caught by his power and returned to safety. Their laughter and delight was clear and Kaleb savoured every moment of their carefree freedom and lack of fear. “For most Psy, I would agree with your statement. Most Psy would say there are no innocents. And that losses in the path of war are acceptable - children or not. In fact, children are a highly prized legacy by many of the Psy and so ruining those of your enemy and protecting yours with aggression are acceptable. At the same time, a lack of care for offspring after they reach a point wherein their care can be transferred to someone else is more than acceptable.” “I, on the other hand, know that children and other innocents are our future. And while it is acceptable to destroy one’s enemies, making sure they are utterly broken, children are a different story,” Kaleb said and looked at Sarissa. “Many Psy are not children - they are mere possessions and a means to further a legacy and gain power. That does not mean they are any less worthy of care. And I have seen how humans and Changelings care for their children - there is little they wouldn’t do for them.” Looking back, Kaleb watched as the boys continued to dare one another to more extreme feats. He would have to make sure they understood when they left that he had been responsible for their safety. “And if I have the power to protect, a power barely used in this location, should I not be doing so?” *** “Most people who claim to have no emotions wouldn’t think so,” Sarissa said quietly. She, too, turned to watch the boys at play now. “They have no concept of innocent, or guilt. Of corruption or of purity. I’ve known people like that. That you could see the difference where they could not…” Her lips lifted in a smile. “You’re going to have some new friends after this.” Because once the boys realized he’d been helping them, they weren’t going to leave him alone again. *** Neatly trapped. Kaleb would have laughed if such a thing was possible. Instead his lips curved upwards and sparks slid across the black fields of his eyes. “I believe the phrase would be ‘touche’,” Kaleb commented, a tinge of amusement touching his voice. “I suppose that would be the result of a childhood that far too many Psy are subjected to.” A parent came over the group of boys, hands on hips, demanding to know what they were doing. Kaleb stood and commented, “A moment if you please.” Long strides carried him to the adult and the boys and he briefly explained what had been happening and his part in it. The parent clearly wanted an explanation which Kaleb provided, leaving the boys wide eyed with excitement. With a shake of their head, the parent reminded the boys it was time to go, though they all clamoured to see Kaleb again, clearly showing no fear of him or his power. After extracting a promise that Kaleb would return to the location again tomorrow, the boys followed the parent away, chattering with excitement. “I believe that I have been required to return so that the event can be repeated for the amazement of school friends.” *** Sarissa, who had no compunction about laughing, did so. “Imagine that: the big, powerful Kaleb Krychek, reduced to obeying the whimsy of a bunch of schoolboys.” She grinned at him, eyes dancing with amusement. “It’s a good look on you. But…” She rose gracefully, the folds of her dress falling gracefully down to her calves as she did so. “Your job seems to be done here, and my latte is finished. Is there anything else you need before your date? Do you need me to come by and ensure your appropriately dressed before the date? Approve of your gift?” *** “They should enjoy their lives and I am willing to assist,” Kaleb commented, watching her as she rose from the seat. He appreciated her graceful movement - everything about her was aesthetically pleasing. Again, that would have to be considered at another time. “I shall be fine at this point in time. I find your advice helpful. Thank you for your time.” Humor appeared in his voice. “Shall I check in when I have completed the task?” *** That was disappointing. Sarissa would've liked to be there when he got dressed and forewent his tie. Maybe she might've even been able to convince him to leave the top button unbuttoned. Maybe she could've been the one to undo it. ...which was why it was good that Kaleb didn't need her from here. The last thing she needed was an attraction to someone who couldn't return it. |