One way

[depthlesslock]

Or another

Comments

[protective_logic]

Delta starts at the question. What else...?

"I..." No one ever asks that. Not even Omega. They have an understanding about them and happiness. It isn't happening.

"I guess when the twins draw pictures and ask me to put them up on the fridge."

[depthlesslock]

York tilts his head, looking curiously at the man next to him. He sure did stumble over that answer.

'Anything for yourself? Activity? Hobby? Friends? Boy or girlfriend?'

[protective_logic]

"I-I'm an accountant. Or I will be. I'm in college," Delta answers quickly, his words rapid to try and hide his lack of comfort over this. He doesn't do anything. He raises his family, does his job, and takes his classes. Do people he talks to regularly at the store count as friends?

Oh man now this really nice, charming, attractive guy will think poorly of him.

[depthlesslock]

Hmm. Sounds like this guy needs to get out more. He's starting to put together an image of Delta's life and family, and it's a complicated one already. Well, York is all to happy be the guy to lead him out of the door for once.

'Do you like coffee?'

[protective_logic]

Huh?

"Yeah," Delta says immediately, even if he's confused by the question. "Who doesn't?"

[depthlesslock]

His grin grows.

'Would a coffee at the Green Fairy make you happy?'

[protective_logic]

The Green Fairy? Delta stares at him in shock. "I've never had Green Fairy coffee."

It's supposed to be quite good.

[depthlesslock]

York smiles back at that shocked face. 'Then let me introduce you to the best coffee in town.'

[protective_logic]

"I... my helmet's broken," Delta protests. What in the world is happening here? Is this guy asking him to coffee?

[depthlesslock]

'Then it's lucky it's being repaired,' he counters. 'And there are other days to come, if you can't make today.'

[protective_logic]

He can't make today and he can't make another day.

"A very kind offer," Delta assures him. "But I will have to pass."

Not like he can afford coffee shop coffee.

[depthlesslock]

'Oh?' Too shy? Taken? Matter of money? Actually, that's a good possibility. 'Even if it's on me?'

[protective_logic]

On him? That makes it far more tempting. But...

"I'm not exactly in possession of a lot of time," Delta admits. "Between school and family and work."

[depthlesslock]

'Surely you can take one hour in your life? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like school, family and work is pretty much all you do. Take some time for yourself.'

[protective_logic]

"I..."

He's not wrong, but Delta is now blushing, ashamed that the man has read him so easily.

"York," Smithson calls from the counter. "Got your repair done."

"I think he wants you," Delta says, quite happy for the distraction. God he feels so pathetic.

[depthlesslock]

Damn, talk about bad timing.

'Think about it,' he says as he gets up and heads over to Smithson.

'Hey, man. Thanks for the help. Delta's repair cost still on my tab?' He picks up his helmet, good as new, and tucks it under his arm.

[protective_logic]

"You never said anything about that," Smithson says, puzzled. "He's still here? Hell, thought I'd already given him his helmet."

Delta, meanwhile, has gotten his reader back out. It is so much easier to try and control his embarrassment when he's not looking at people.

[depthlesslock]

'Thought I did when I came up earlier.' He shrugs. 'Anyway, put it and the next time him or one of his family comes in for a repair or replacement on my tab. Oh, and do you have a piece of paper and a pen I could borrow? Or use, in the paper's case.'

[protective_logic]

Smithson shakes his head and rolls his eyes. "The guy's work is temporary and about two-hundred creds," Smithson warns him, picking up the paper and pen and sliding them across to York.

[depthlesslock]

'Come on, Smithson, you know I can afford that,' he says, shooting a grin at the helmet tech and then writing his comm number on the paper. 'Thanks.' He passes the pen back.

[protective_logic]

The man shrugs. "Do whatever you want. But don't bother my customer too much."

[depthlesslock]

He taps the side of his head in a two fingered salute. 'Yes, sir.'

[protective_logic]

Smithson passes his customer's credchip back across and salutes briefly. "Have a good one."

[depthlesslock]

York nods and takes the chip. He always liked Smithson.

Business finished, he turns to leave, but makes a quick stop by Delta, holding out the paper with his comm number on. 'Here. In case you change your mind.'

[protective_logic]

Delta looks up, shocked. "I... what?"

[depthlesslock]

He waves the paper a bit, smiling. 'In case you change your mind,' he repeats. 'Or, if you just want to chat.'

[protective_logic]

Wow that man has the nicest smile?

"I... I'll keep it," Delta promises. Maybe... he can find some time. At the very least for the coffee.

[depthlesslock]

York beams and hands him the paper.

'Awesome. See you around, Delta.' He turns back for the door, fitting his helmet over his head as he presses the button to open the airlock.

[protective_logic]

Delta stares, and it's just before York steps into the airlock that he speak.

"You will. See me around."

[depthlesslock]

York turns in the airlock as he hears Delta. Under his helmet, he's smiling wide, but he's only got time for a thumbs up before the airlock closes between them.