6-147: Mundo Zargo Highport – Boothe’s Tavern and Eatery
Gregar pauses and collects himself. He spends several moments with a thoughtful look on his face, during which he seems to be concentrating heavily, then he returns her gaze directly.
“I… am uncomfortable, yes. But I don’t think it’s from anything judgemental. It’s from talking with you here and there since you’ve been on the ship and really enjoying those interactions. It’s from finding myself liking you, as well as finding you very beautiful, and wishing for something I haven’t thought about in a long time and knowing it can’t be.”
He says his next sentence very slowly, as if individually testing the words for flaws as he speaks them, “But it’s alright, it’s sufficient – better perhaps – to simply enjoy being the friends you’ve offered to be.”
He frowns at the end of his speech, still thinking.
That slightly enigmatic quality is back as she listens. It would be very difficult to tell what she’s thinking.
“Dating is difficult with my work. Messy doesn’t really cover it. Not to mention I have yet to meet someone who is comfortable dating me whilst I maintain and enjoy my current line of work.”
A beat as she watches Gregar.
“That aside, I wouldn’t date anyone on the ship. Shipboard romances are…unwise. So there are two reasons I wouldn’t date you.”
Another beat.
“You note that neither of those reasons is…you…”