Nega was at her workbench in her room, setting up some experiments she would need to let sit for the rest of the day. At least there wasn’t much to do on it today because most of it was the waiting time.
It was earlier in the day, shortly before lunch, so Nega didn’t really note the footsteps outside of her door. But she did glance over when she heard a light knocking there. It was soft and a bit hesitant, so Nega instantly had a guess as to who it might be. “One moment, Joey” she called over. After she had corked the last bottle that needed it, she stepped over and opened the door. Joey looked a bit nervous, though he was struggling to hide a grin. Nega quirked a brow but stepped out of his way. “Come on in” she said, figuring this was going to be a conversation. At least he didn’t seem upset or hurt this time.
Joey gave a shy nod accompanied by a smile as he stepped in. He barely breached the threshold, though, stepping just off to the side. Now, Nega liked when people had a healthy fear and respect for her work and her space. This, however, was a bit much for her. So she just sighed and gestured towards the small chair near her bed. “Go on, get comfortable.” He just nodded at that and moved to sit down. He was fidgeting, seeming unsure what he should say or do.
“Go on..” Nega prompted him. She had shut the door behind him and moved to go take a seat on her bed, turning to face Joey. She wondered briefly if he was always this hesitant or if it was just her. She wasn’t the best at being comforting, though, so she didn’t bother to try.
Joey didn’t look up as he searched for his words. “I.. Uh.. Well..” Nega was trying her best to be patient as he stammered around. She knew enough to know he hadn’t been treated well in the past. Snapping at him wouldn’t help things. But, eventually, Joey continued. “I.. Met someone..”
Nega blinked. That hadn’t been what she was expecting. In fact, she hadn’t really expected it to be a positive thing. He seemed so.. Scared? Yet, when he mentioned meeting someone, it was clear he was a bit excited as well. “Okay.. So.. What’s wrong?”
“Well..” Joey said, still hesitant. “I.. I’m nervous" he admitted. "I mean.. Will can’t even meet him…” He wasn't looking up at her. He was just staring down at his hands in his lap, fidgeting absentmindedly. "And my judgement sucks, usually.."
Nega nodded slowly, trying to understand the problem. "I can meet him in the meantime. That is what we all agreed on before, is it not?" She said it simply, but tried to keep any judgement out of her tone.
Joey blinked and looked up to her after a moment's pause. He looked a touch scared, but there was a measure of hope in his green eyes. "But.. Will you.. I mean.." Joey struggled with words once more, unsure how to go on.
Nega sighed, feeling her patience wearing thin at how nervous he was over something so simple. "Spit it out.." She said the words with as much calm encouragement as she could muster at the moment.
Joey looked to her with his head still tilted down. He looked as though he was ready to flinch away at any moment. "Will you.. Be nice..?"
Nega blinked, realizing why he looked so sacred. She gave a simple nod. "Yeah.. So long as he isn't a total ass" she clarified. She then gave a shrug. "Not like Will wouldn't do the same in that case, though."
Joey smiled and even managed a little laugh. "Yeah.." He was relieved and the comment just made him miss Will. Thinking of his reactions made his chest feel all warm, though.
Nega gave a nod, glad Joey seemed to be in a better mood now. "Ok. We can all get dinner one evening. The two of you can pick when." She was glad to see Joey smile and a touch of excitement return to his eyes. "So.." she decided to ask. "What's his name..? How'd you meet?" She figured she had the time to chat a bit and it might help Joey relax more about the whole situation. Besides, more information could be good for her in this.
Joey brightened up at that, a faint blush finding his cheeks. "Oh, uh.." He hadn't been expecting Nega to ask about him yet. "His name is Artis.. And he's a stable hand.." he began. "Sis said maybe I should take up a hobby, like horseback riding or flying on a Pegasus.. So.." Joey shrugged. "I tried.. But I'm still learning stuff.. So.. Artis has been.. Helping me out."
Nega showed a hint of a smile at that and gave a nod, letting him go on. She figured she had a bit of time to let him gush.
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