Jeff was a little nervous. He'd never done this before but a couple of the guys from work had talked him into going along with them. He didn't know why he had said yes; he would rather be at home in his room playing computer games. Women scared him.
Nonetheless he'd polished up, put on a dress shirt, and spent fifteen minutes making his hair look decent before giving up at stopping at a stylist on the way over. She'd made him look a lot better than he ever could. He almost looked normal. He pushed his thick glasses up on his nose, looked down to make sure his shirt wasn't stained, and tried not to grip his glass of diet Coke too tightly.
He located his first date and sat down across from her as the bell rang. Holy shit, hot Asian chick for date number one? Wow. He felt his mouth go dry. She was gorgeous, all caramel skin and bright blue eyes.
"Um. Hi. I'm Jeff. You have beautiful eyes."
Terrible opener. Jeff sipped too much Coke, sucked it down the wrong pipe and spent the next thirty seconds hacking up a lung.
"Oh God. Oh, I'm sorry."
He felt kind of miserable... Jeff knew full well he didn't have a chance with this girl. "So, uh, what do you do for fun?"
You Gotta Shop Around?
Why... why was she doing this? It had been a fit of madness Pak was sure of that. At the same time though she almost wanted to do it. Almost. Part of her was lonely and it got hard to see all her friends paired off and happy and be the only single one. Occasionally she felt in the way and a bit awkward.
Of course, just right now she felt like some desperate bimbo, but it was a bit late wasn't it.
It had take a while to get dressed, work attire wasn't appropriate, but she didn't want to be too casual or look like a whore either. Finally she'd settled on a black pencil skirt with a high slit and a red jersey top. It might have been a bit over kill for the venue which was a mid to upper end hotel on the strip. Which left her feeling even more awkward.
The referee, host, whatever, explained the rules for the evening and Pak sat down at one of the tables for two and scanned the room wondering what she had gotten herself into. About the only thing that was making her feel any better was that all of these 'dates' would only last five minutes and no one would have her contact information.
Reminding herself not to make, or at least try not to make, any snap judgments as she waited for the organizer to ring the bell and her first date to show up hoping for the best.
Stranger
12 years ago
Pakpao
12 years ago
Wow, those were some glasses weren't they? But he looked some where between normal and geek. Geek she was fine with, she knew them, could relate to them. This one looked scared. At least she wasn't the only one wigging out and nervous about this.
Pak wondered if maybe she should get herself some brown contacts and blend in a bit, but it was too late for that. She managed to smile though, a little bit more relaxed now that she wasn't the only one who was a bit freaked out by this. Unfortunately he went from awkward to dying. That was special but trying to give him the benefit of the doubt Pak brushed it off.
"No. Don't worry about it. Are you OK?â€
She wondered if there was rum in that Coke though.
"Hi Jeff, Pakpao.â€
She offered her hand stalling a bit not quite sure what qualified as fun and trying to decide how one made puzzles and origami sound interesting. Dear god she was boring wasn't she?
"Oh a little of this, a little of that. I'm a bit of a home body work is fun, puzzles, origami, a few games here and there. Does Mario Kart count as being a gamer?â€
The whole whore/courtesan thing was still in Pak, she just needed to knock the rust off. It was going to take a bit. She flashed him a bright and almost sincere smile.
"What about you? Work? Family? And this is the first time you've done this isn't it?â€
Pak wondered if maybe she should get herself some brown contacts and blend in a bit, but it was too late for that. She managed to smile though, a little bit more relaxed now that she wasn't the only one who was a bit freaked out by this. Unfortunately he went from awkward to dying. That was special but trying to give him the benefit of the doubt Pak brushed it off.
"No. Don't worry about it. Are you OK?â€
She wondered if there was rum in that Coke though.
"Hi Jeff, Pakpao.â€
She offered her hand stalling a bit not quite sure what qualified as fun and trying to decide how one made puzzles and origami sound interesting. Dear god she was boring wasn't she?
"Oh a little of this, a little of that. I'm a bit of a home body work is fun, puzzles, origami, a few games here and there. Does Mario Kart count as being a gamer?â€
The whole whore/courtesan thing was still in Pak, she just needed to knock the rust off. It was going to take a bit. She flashed him a bright and almost sincere smile.
"What about you? Work? Family? And this is the first time you've done this isn't it?â€
Stranger
12 years ago
"Oh I'm fine, I'm fine," Jeff reassured her. It was kind of her to ask, but she was probably just being polite.
He listened to her list her hobbies attentively. When she had, he nodded his head vigorously. "Sure, sure Mario Kart counts. You should give me your user name, we can race each other some time. Oh, er, well... you know, afterward."
They weren't allowed to exchange any kind of contact information during the dating. They had to wait until after, then write down the people they liked. And he doubted she would write him down - although, maybe she would so she'd have a racing partner. He was okay with that.
Jeff blushed when she stated it was his first time. He held his hands up in surrender. "Speed dating virgin, you nailed it. Figuratively speaking," he said. He tried to cover the bad joke with more chatter. "I'm an investment broker for a firm here in Nachton. Big family, all local, they live in the suburbs. You? Have you lived in Nachton your whole life?"
He waited eagerly for her answer... man she was cute when she smiled.
He listened to her list her hobbies attentively. When she had, he nodded his head vigorously. "Sure, sure Mario Kart counts. You should give me your user name, we can race each other some time. Oh, er, well... you know, afterward."
They weren't allowed to exchange any kind of contact information during the dating. They had to wait until after, then write down the people they liked. And he doubted she would write him down - although, maybe she would so she'd have a racing partner. He was okay with that.
Jeff blushed when she stated it was his first time. He held his hands up in surrender. "Speed dating virgin, you nailed it. Figuratively speaking," he said. He tried to cover the bad joke with more chatter. "I'm an investment broker for a firm here in Nachton. Big family, all local, they live in the suburbs. You? Have you lived in Nachton your whole life?"
He waited eagerly for her answer... man she was cute when she smiled.
Pakpao
12 years ago
Pak was starting to relax a little. He didn't seem like a bad guy, granted she wasn't getting any kind of spark but he seemed decent. Normal if nervous. Maybe she'd been panicking about this for no reason.
She was slightly amused at his enthusiastically embracing the idea of video games and wondered just a bit if that was something he was very into.
"What about you? You can't follow the markets or currency exchanges or other broker things twenty four seven. You have to get out some time.â€
Although given his nerves she wasn't convinced of that. She half grinned and half looked away at his less than smooth joke or unintended double entendra. At least he just pushed forward and didn't dwell on it.
Pak did some quick mental gymnastics and tried to guess Jeff's age and compare it to how long she'd been in Nachton and where she would have been twenty odd years ago. Of course she was also going to have to remember this story for the rest of the night she thought. Pak also wasn't sure exactly how exotic she wanted to be tonight. Some how she thought telling people she was from Siam... er.. Thailand was going to get more attention than she wanted. She settled on a bit of the truth.
"No, I'm a transplant I've lived all over. The west coast most recently, the Seattle area, Silicon Valley that sort of thing. I've been here a while now though and like it a lot.â€
She was slightly amused at his enthusiastically embracing the idea of video games and wondered just a bit if that was something he was very into.
"What about you? You can't follow the markets or currency exchanges or other broker things twenty four seven. You have to get out some time.â€
Although given his nerves she wasn't convinced of that. She half grinned and half looked away at his less than smooth joke or unintended double entendra. At least he just pushed forward and didn't dwell on it.
Pak did some quick mental gymnastics and tried to guess Jeff's age and compare it to how long she'd been in Nachton and where she would have been twenty odd years ago. Of course she was also going to have to remember this story for the rest of the night she thought. Pak also wasn't sure exactly how exotic she wanted to be tonight. Some how she thought telling people she was from Siam... er.. Thailand was going to get more attention than she wanted. She settled on a bit of the truth.
"No, I'm a transplant I've lived all over. The west coast most recently, the Seattle area, Silicon Valley that sort of thing. I've been here a while now though and like it a lot.â€
Stranger
12 years ago
Jeff was secretly thrilled with the way this was turning out. She was hot, she was funny, and she wasn't glancing at the clock as if she couldn't wait for their three minutes to end. He could be convinced to do this more... three minutes with each of a bunch of cute girls. This was actually the best date he'd ever had.
"Uh, I'm kind of a big geek," he said, pushing his glasses up on his nose. As if that weren't a big giveaway. "I don't really do a lot of anything. I mean I do some sports now and then. I do sort of like to be active."
Did LARPing count as a sport? He sure hoped so. And he could pass for active; genetics had given him bad eyesight and a slightly prematurely receding hairline but fortunately he was only a tad overweight. Pudgy at worst. He'd seen gamers look far worse.
"That's awesome," he said when she told him she traveled around. "I wish I'd done some traveling myself. I've just been here my whole life. Do you still want to travel, or do you want to stay here?"
Just then the bell rang and Jeff went slightly numb. Damn it, he liked this Pakpao. On a scale of one to ten she was a nine. For sure. If only she played WoW too. That might bump her up into 'ten' category.
Jeff stood though, since the next guy was already waiting. "Hey I had a good time Pakpao. Thanks for, you know... for talking."
Jeff smiled at the next 'contestant' and shuffled along, hoping she would write him down for at least a Mario Kart racing buddy. He planned to write her number down.
****************************************
Loren slid into the chair the chubby nerdy guy had just vacated. He smiled confidently at the gorgeous Asian lady with the surprisingly bright blue eyes.
"Evening," he said. "My name's Loren. With an 'o,' not like the women spell it."
He waited for her to introduce herself, hoping he wasn't immediately dismissed as too old for her. He was in his mid forties, divorced, but he kept in shape. His hair had gone white when he was much younger, but his face and eyes were still youthful. He liked to think he wasn't too hard on the eyes. He went to the gym regularly, at least he had once he'd realized if he didn't get out from behind his desk he was going to be alone forever.
Loren didn't really like the sound of that, so he was trying lots of new things. this was the second speed-dating night he'd attended. The first had been interesting and he'd had a date or two, enough so that he didn't feel entirely out of practice, but there hadn't really been any sparks. He was hoping tonight might be different.
"Uh, I'm kind of a big geek," he said, pushing his glasses up on his nose. As if that weren't a big giveaway. "I don't really do a lot of anything. I mean I do some sports now and then. I do sort of like to be active."
Did LARPing count as a sport? He sure hoped so. And he could pass for active; genetics had given him bad eyesight and a slightly prematurely receding hairline but fortunately he was only a tad overweight. Pudgy at worst. He'd seen gamers look far worse.
"That's awesome," he said when she told him she traveled around. "I wish I'd done some traveling myself. I've just been here my whole life. Do you still want to travel, or do you want to stay here?"
Just then the bell rang and Jeff went slightly numb. Damn it, he liked this Pakpao. On a scale of one to ten she was a nine. For sure. If only she played WoW too. That might bump her up into 'ten' category.
Jeff stood though, since the next guy was already waiting. "Hey I had a good time Pakpao. Thanks for, you know... for talking."
Jeff smiled at the next 'contestant' and shuffled along, hoping she would write him down for at least a Mario Kart racing buddy. He planned to write her number down.
****************************************
Loren slid into the chair the chubby nerdy guy had just vacated. He smiled confidently at the gorgeous Asian lady with the surprisingly bright blue eyes.
"Evening," he said. "My name's Loren. With an 'o,' not like the women spell it."
He waited for her to introduce herself, hoping he wasn't immediately dismissed as too old for her. He was in his mid forties, divorced, but he kept in shape. His hair had gone white when he was much younger, but his face and eyes were still youthful. He liked to think he wasn't too hard on the eyes. He went to the gym regularly, at least he had once he'd realized if he didn't get out from behind his desk he was going to be alone forever.
Loren didn't really like the sound of that, so he was trying lots of new things. this was the second speed-dating night he'd attended. The first had been interesting and he'd had a date or two, enough so that he didn't feel entirely out of practice, but there hadn't really been any sparks. He was hoping tonight might be different.
Pakpao
12 years ago
She nodded a bit, he didn't look totally sedentary; not a body builder but he did obviously get outside.
The idea that he liked to travel perked her up. Pak was afraid that he might be one of those people that was content to stay in the United States forever. OK so the whole don't judge a book by its cover did hold true.
"I'd love to do some more traveling but it is nice to have a home base."
And then the bell rang. Pak wasn't sure how she felt about that. At least she hadn't gotten bored and he was a nice enough guy. It hadn't been a wonderful 'first date' but she hadn't hated it.
"It was nice to talk to you too Jeff."
And then the next guy showed up. Pak wondered for a bit if a woman would show up at her table. Wouldn't that be a twist?
The age thing didn't bother her at all. She suspected that she was the only vampire here and had been alive when his great great great grandparents had been alive, and she might be off a few greats. Oh god she was a speed dating vampire and all of these folks were probably human. This wasn't looking for a date this was a buffet. For a second Pak felt like either crying or just walking out, but she didn't.
His hair was a bit of a shock but it was not more quirky than here eyes so she didn't notice it really. Over all, not bad. Although the way he introduced himself made her raise an eyebrow for just a second before smiling.
"Pakpao. Nice to meet you. What brings you out tonight?"
It was a weak joke but she was trying that had to count for -something-.
The idea that he liked to travel perked her up. Pak was afraid that he might be one of those people that was content to stay in the United States forever. OK so the whole don't judge a book by its cover did hold true.
"I'd love to do some more traveling but it is nice to have a home base."
And then the bell rang. Pak wasn't sure how she felt about that. At least she hadn't gotten bored and he was a nice enough guy. It hadn't been a wonderful 'first date' but she hadn't hated it.
"It was nice to talk to you too Jeff."
And then the next guy showed up. Pak wondered for a bit if a woman would show up at her table. Wouldn't that be a twist?
The age thing didn't bother her at all. She suspected that she was the only vampire here and had been alive when his great great great grandparents had been alive, and she might be off a few greats. Oh god she was a speed dating vampire and all of these folks were probably human. This wasn't looking for a date this was a buffet. For a second Pak felt like either crying or just walking out, but she didn't.
His hair was a bit of a shock but it was not more quirky than here eyes so she didn't notice it really. Over all, not bad. Although the way he introduced himself made her raise an eyebrow for just a second before smiling.
"Pakpao. Nice to meet you. What brings you out tonight?"
It was a weak joke but she was trying that had to count for -something-.
Stranger
12 years ago
Loren laughed at Pakpao's greeting.
"Oh, just wandering by. Thought this place looked like fun. I can't imagine you come here often," he said with confidence.
At least, that was what he would have said if he hadn't opened his mouth and immediately started to cry. Not quietly either. Big gut wrenching sobs that tore from his throat with no grace whatsoever.
"I'm sorry," he wailed between sobs. "It's just been so stressful since Debbie left me, she took the kids, she took the dogs, she took all of our photo albums. Even my mother likes her better. I'm so lost, I don't know what to do."
And he kept going... and going... about his job, about his alimony payments. Everything. So that by the time the bell rang he didn't even hear it; he just kept bawling and explaining and apologizing.
"My therapist said I should get out more so I thought this would be a great way to begin you know, all casual and no pressure and stuff but it's horrible. It's not you, it's me, really, I just can't commit to this right now."
They had to ask him to leave. And not quietly, either. All in all, Loren felt like he did pretty well... the last time he'd even thought about this he'd ended up prone on the floor of the supermarket, having passed out from a panic attack.
He left the building upright, still babbling.
"Oh, just wandering by. Thought this place looked like fun. I can't imagine you come here often," he said with confidence.
At least, that was what he would have said if he hadn't opened his mouth and immediately started to cry. Not quietly either. Big gut wrenching sobs that tore from his throat with no grace whatsoever.
"I'm sorry," he wailed between sobs. "It's just been so stressful since Debbie left me, she took the kids, she took the dogs, she took all of our photo albums. Even my mother likes her better. I'm so lost, I don't know what to do."
And he kept going... and going... about his job, about his alimony payments. Everything. So that by the time the bell rang he didn't even hear it; he just kept bawling and explaining and apologizing.
"My therapist said I should get out more so I thought this would be a great way to begin you know, all casual and no pressure and stuff but it's horrible. It's not you, it's me, really, I just can't commit to this right now."
They had to ask him to leave. And not quietly, either. All in all, Loren felt like he did pretty well... the last time he'd even thought about this he'd ended up prone on the floor of the supermarket, having passed out from a panic attack.
He left the building upright, still babbling.
Pakpao
12 years ago
Pak opened and closed her mouth a few times not at all sure what to say or do at this point. This was completely beyond her realm of expertise. She tried to get a word in edge wise and sound calm and reassuring. It wasn't going well.
"Oh... I'm sorry. That had to be rough. I... ummm...â€
Oh crap the whole damned room was looking at them. At Loren at least. Pak squirmed in her seat and gave up trying to say anything. She just watched him lose it. It was funny how bad you could feel for some one you'd never met before. Maybe this was why country songs were popular?
She looked slightly like a deer caught in headlights when he babbled about how he wasn't ready to commit and how it wasn't her it was him.
"It isn't a commitment... it is three minutes.â€
She didn't know if she was being a snippy bitch or trying to be nice at that point she was just at a loss and slightly desperate. It got worse when Loren was escorted out. Pak buried her face in her hands hoping no one was watching her. When she finally cautiously looked up things seemed to have gotten back to normal.
She hadn't touched her glass of wine at all since she'd ordered it, but now took a healthy swallow and tried to shake that mess off. Taking a deep breath she looked up and saw her next 'date' and smiled.
"Hi. Sorry about that. So... tell me, do you have a therapist?â€
That probably wasn't a great come on line or even remotely flirtatious, but she'd been rattled.
"Oh... I'm sorry. That had to be rough. I... ummm...â€
Oh crap the whole damned room was looking at them. At Loren at least. Pak squirmed in her seat and gave up trying to say anything. She just watched him lose it. It was funny how bad you could feel for some one you'd never met before. Maybe this was why country songs were popular?
She looked slightly like a deer caught in headlights when he babbled about how he wasn't ready to commit and how it wasn't her it was him.
"It isn't a commitment... it is three minutes.â€
She didn't know if she was being a snippy bitch or trying to be nice at that point she was just at a loss and slightly desperate. It got worse when Loren was escorted out. Pak buried her face in her hands hoping no one was watching her. When she finally cautiously looked up things seemed to have gotten back to normal.
She hadn't touched her glass of wine at all since she'd ordered it, but now took a healthy swallow and tried to shake that mess off. Taking a deep breath she looked up and saw her next 'date' and smiled.
"Hi. Sorry about that. So... tell me, do you have a therapist?â€
That probably wasn't a great come on line or even remotely flirtatious, but she'd been rattled.
Stranger
12 years ago
Michael watched with a quirked eyebrow as the guy in front of him was escorted out, crying. He moved to the newly vacated spot and was immediately asked if he had a therapist.
Raising his other eyebrow at the attractive Asian woman, he said, "Wow we're just gonna cut straight to the chase huh? Aggressive, I like that. But no, I don't have one. Don't need one. I am one."
He held his hand out as he sat down. "Michael. Nice to meet you. I'm a psychotherapist."
He watched her reaction carefully. Then he said, "I'm guessing that's not cool with you but I promise, I'm not here to analyze you even if you could stand to benefit from it."
He gave her a winning smile and took a sip of his drink.
Raising his other eyebrow at the attractive Asian woman, he said, "Wow we're just gonna cut straight to the chase huh? Aggressive, I like that. But no, I don't have one. Don't need one. I am one."
He held his hand out as he sat down. "Michael. Nice to meet you. I'm a psychotherapist."
He watched her reaction carefully. Then he said, "I'm guessing that's not cool with you but I promise, I'm not here to analyze you even if you could stand to benefit from it."
He gave her a winning smile and took a sip of his drink.
Pakpao
12 years ago
"Not enough time to beat about the bush.â€
Pak grinned trying to take the sting out of her unintended snip. God, she needed to get out more if she was this out of practice. Back in the day she could be distressingly charming and witty, it was part of what customers were paying for.
Just as she was managing to pull herself out of T-Rex mode he threw her a curve ball, he -was- a therapist. Pak didn't like empaths, they made her nervous, and she tended to go out of her way to avoid therapists. She had issues and she knew it, however, Pak didn't want to go into them.
As her manner became a little stiffer and her smile dimmed he commented on it. Taking in his cheesy overly confidant smile Pak hide her feelings behind her subterfuge, leaned back and crossed her legs, in general looking at ease and a bit more sexy than usual.
"Now what would make you think that. Maybe you just took me by surprise. I didn't expect to meet anyone with such credentials.â€
Nope, she wasn't impressed, but she was faking it like no one's business.
Pak grinned trying to take the sting out of her unintended snip. God, she needed to get out more if she was this out of practice. Back in the day she could be distressingly charming and witty, it was part of what customers were paying for.
Just as she was managing to pull herself out of T-Rex mode he threw her a curve ball, he -was- a therapist. Pak didn't like empaths, they made her nervous, and she tended to go out of her way to avoid therapists. She had issues and she knew it, however, Pak didn't want to go into them.
As her manner became a little stiffer and her smile dimmed he commented on it. Taking in his cheesy overly confidant smile Pak hide her feelings behind her subterfuge, leaned back and crossed her legs, in general looking at ease and a bit more sexy than usual.
"Now what would make you think that. Maybe you just took me by surprise. I didn't expect to meet anyone with such credentials.â€
Nope, she wasn't impressed, but she was faking it like no one's business.
Stranger
12 years ago
Michael raised his eyebrows and withdrew his hand, since the woman seemed disinclined to shake. Or provide him with her name. He shrugged, then, unconcerned.
"So... guys with credentials don't need dates and don't want to find that special someone?"
He leaned forward slightly. "Please, it was written all over your face. You got stiff, your smile sort of died out. You didn't bother to shake my hand and you haven't given me your name."
He sighed and shook his head, rolling his eyes. "I know when I'm striking out, but it would have been nice to have a half a chance."
There were plenty of women here and Michael wasn't afraid to say what he meant. Did this woman think just because she was hot he was going to pretend to be what he wasn't? No way. He didn't play like that.
"So let's just play small talk until the time's up, huh? My favorite color is red. I hate beer. How about you?"
"So... guys with credentials don't need dates and don't want to find that special someone?"
He leaned forward slightly. "Please, it was written all over your face. You got stiff, your smile sort of died out. You didn't bother to shake my hand and you haven't given me your name."
He sighed and shook his head, rolling his eyes. "I know when I'm striking out, but it would have been nice to have a half a chance."
There were plenty of women here and Michael wasn't afraid to say what he meant. Did this woman think just because she was hot he was going to pretend to be what he wasn't? No way. He didn't play like that.
"So let's just play small talk until the time's up, huh? My favorite color is red. I hate beer. How about you?"
Pakpao
12 years ago
"And if I told you I was an IRS auditor or a malpractice attorney you would have been jumping for joy to see me.â€
She half purred. He didn't intimidate her. He was, however, going to need a massive attitude adjustment if he was going to score with any one. The eye roll wasn't at all charming but she opted to over look it, after all she had made a couple of blunders.
"Sorry about that. The last guy did rattle me a bit. I'm Pakpao. My favorite color is red as well and I have no strong feelings on beer one way or another, although there is a great little dinner just off the strip that makes a killer stout shake.â€
You know this wasn't too bad, Pak could imagine only too well what a whole evening with this guy would be like. This way she wasn't going to have to deal with him for but two more minutes.
She half purred. He didn't intimidate her. He was, however, going to need a massive attitude adjustment if he was going to score with any one. The eye roll wasn't at all charming but she opted to over look it, after all she had made a couple of blunders.
"Sorry about that. The last guy did rattle me a bit. I'm Pakpao. My favorite color is red as well and I have no strong feelings on beer one way or another, although there is a great little dinner just off the strip that makes a killer stout shake.â€
You know this wasn't too bad, Pak could imagine only too well what a whole evening with this guy would be like. This way she wasn't going to have to deal with him for but two more minutes.
Stranger
12 years ago
Michael shrugged. "I have nothing to hide financially, and I'm a therapist. Not a doctor. And bully for you, for defeating the system and jumping into a male-dominated career path."
Something about this woman just set him off. It was wrong of him. She offered up some fun facts of her own and he cracked a smile at her.
"Look I'm sorry to come off as such an ass. I guess I've gotten used to that surprised reaction from too many people, and I unloaded on you. I apologize."
He glanced at the clock nearby. "Any chance we can make good use of our remaining minute and a half? Let me try this again."
He stood up, turned in a circle, and sat back down. "Hi. I'm Michael. It's been a while since I had a decent relationship and I thought this was a good way to get myself out on the scene again. My social skills are a little rusty, so please excuse me if I put my foot in it."
He held his hand out, eyebrows raised, and waited to see if Pakpao would shake his hand this time around.
Something about this woman just set him off. It was wrong of him. She offered up some fun facts of her own and he cracked a smile at her.
"Look I'm sorry to come off as such an ass. I guess I've gotten used to that surprised reaction from too many people, and I unloaded on you. I apologize."
He glanced at the clock nearby. "Any chance we can make good use of our remaining minute and a half? Let me try this again."
He stood up, turned in a circle, and sat back down. "Hi. I'm Michael. It's been a while since I had a decent relationship and I thought this was a good way to get myself out on the scene again. My social skills are a little rusty, so please excuse me if I put my foot in it."
He held his hand out, eyebrows raised, and waited to see if Pakpao would shake his hand this time around.
Pakpao
12 years ago
Hmmmm... Pak wondered absently if she could hack his systems and how much damage it would cause. Did therapists need databases? Of crouse she might also be totally messing with some one's therapy and that didn't seem right.
It was something of a surprise when he almost smiled and even more so when he apologized. Pak grinned tentatively, almost shyly. She actually giggled when he stood up and sat back down giving them a fresh start of sorts.
Pak did take his hand this time.
"Pakpao and I'm afraid I'm in the same boat with the social skills, so maybe we should call it even. Its nice to meet you Michael. Does this count as a second chance to make a first impression?â€
He did get credit for the effort. It wasn't love at first sight but she no longer wanted to watch his drink 'fall' into his lap. That could change at any second... but for now...
It was something of a surprise when he almost smiled and even more so when he apologized. Pak grinned tentatively, almost shyly. She actually giggled when he stood up and sat back down giving them a fresh start of sorts.
Pak did take his hand this time.
"Pakpao and I'm afraid I'm in the same boat with the social skills, so maybe we should call it even. Its nice to meet you Michael. Does this count as a second chance to make a first impression?â€
He did get credit for the effort. It wasn't love at first sight but she no longer wanted to watch his drink 'fall' into his lap. That could change at any second... but for now...
Stranger
12 years ago
Michael continued to smile as he shook Pakpao's hand. "Absolutely. I believe in second chances. Or repeat first chances. However it goes."
Her smile and her laugh had seemed more genuine this time, and he felt a little bit guilty about jumping on her when she'd obviously had a rough round before him. Michael sighed at himself. He had to learn to leave the office at the office. No need to analyze anyone here. He could, but he shouldn't.
"So what do you actually do, Pakpao? And if you say malpractice law I'm out of here."
The sarcastic words were offset with a humorous grin. Michael did have a sense of humor. Really. He'd been told he was charming, when he tried to be.
"And what the hell is a stout shake?"
That last one, he just had to know.
Her smile and her laugh had seemed more genuine this time, and he felt a little bit guilty about jumping on her when she'd obviously had a rough round before him. Michael sighed at himself. He had to learn to leave the office at the office. No need to analyze anyone here. He could, but he shouldn't.
"So what do you actually do, Pakpao? And if you say malpractice law I'm out of here."
The sarcastic words were offset with a humorous grin. Michael did have a sense of humor. Really. He'd been told he was charming, when he tried to be.
"And what the hell is a stout shake?"
That last one, he just had to know.
Pakpao
12 years ago
"I'm in IT at Meridian."
Pak paused for a moment and wondered if she might make a joke, try and flirt a bit. It took half a second but she decided that she might as well. After all that is part of the reason she was out here tonight wasn't it?
"Don't I look like a geek? Or should I not have left my pocket protector at home?"
With any luck that would go over as intended, after all he'd made a joke first. Still her toes curled a bit nervously in her Jimmy Choo's. Sometimes her sense of humor took some getting used to and she certainly hadn't tried to attract a man in ... well... a hundred years or so.
His question, however, put her on firmer ground.
"Don't judge, but it is a shake made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and a beer. An oatmeal stout. It is delicious."
And went really well with a clove. She was suddenly dying for a clove.
Pak paused for a moment and wondered if she might make a joke, try and flirt a bit. It took half a second but she decided that she might as well. After all that is part of the reason she was out here tonight wasn't it?
"Don't I look like a geek? Or should I not have left my pocket protector at home?"
With any luck that would go over as intended, after all he'd made a joke first. Still her toes curled a bit nervously in her Jimmy Choo's. Sometimes her sense of humor took some getting used to and she certainly hadn't tried to attract a man in ... well... a hundred years or so.
His question, however, put her on firmer ground.
"Don't judge, but it is a shake made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and a beer. An oatmeal stout. It is delicious."
And went really well with a clove. She was suddenly dying for a clove.
Stranger
12 years ago
"Oh really? I've heard that's a great place to work," Michael said. It was common knowledge throughout Nachton, really. Meridian was one of several mega companies, and had been around forever as far as he knew.
Pakpao fished for a compliment and he didn't have any problems giving her one. When they both made a decent effort the conversation wasn't half bad. He sort of liked her if he were to admit it to himself.
"If you mean a geek's wildest dream come true, then maybe," he said, laughing. "I think you'd have made the pocket protector look damn good."
He couldn't guarantee he'd have been looking at her pocket, though.
When she explained the stout thing to him Michael glanced at the clock. Time was rapidly ticking down to a close. He surprised himself with his next words; given how their initial meeting had gone he hadn't expected to be interested, but he was.
"Maybe another time you can introduce me to them," he said, and their brief time together was over. Michael stood and began to move away, then turned back and gave her a little bow. "Thanks. For the second chance."
Several rounds passed and he found that every date or two he looked back at Pakpao... just to see if she might be looking at him, too.
Pakpao fished for a compliment and he didn't have any problems giving her one. When they both made a decent effort the conversation wasn't half bad. He sort of liked her if he were to admit it to himself.
"If you mean a geek's wildest dream come true, then maybe," he said, laughing. "I think you'd have made the pocket protector look damn good."
He couldn't guarantee he'd have been looking at her pocket, though.
When she explained the stout thing to him Michael glanced at the clock. Time was rapidly ticking down to a close. He surprised himself with his next words; given how their initial meeting had gone he hadn't expected to be interested, but he was.
"Maybe another time you can introduce me to them," he said, and their brief time together was over. Michael stood and began to move away, then turned back and gave her a little bow. "Thanks. For the second chance."
Several rounds passed and he found that every date or two he looked back at Pakpao... just to see if she might be looking at him, too.
Pakpao
12 years ago
"It is surprisingly like family for such a large company.â€
Pak said, her answer a bit tongue in cheek. Not all of the humans that worked with them knew, but some did. Either way the company and the clan worked hard to take care of every one. At least that had been her experience. She did, however, leave out the fact that she was well up in the IT food chain, it was both bragging and hard to believe that any one who looked like they should just be out of college at best would be running things.
The appropriate response was a quite modest smile, and since he had given the compliment as expected she did just that.
"You're not half bad your self.â€
He wasn't. He was no movie star but she couldn't turn her nose up at him. It was sort of surprising given how they started but Pak found herself cautiously liking him. A little, maybe. She was rather disappointed when time ended. The been went and so did he.
"Maybe we can do that.†Her face brightened a bit at the bow. "Thank you for taking it.â€
So far he was the most interesting guy she'd met but this was only her third 'date'. One sweet but nervous, one serious head case, and one who wasn't as big a jerk as first appearances suggested, she was a little worried what would come next.
Pak said, her answer a bit tongue in cheek. Not all of the humans that worked with them knew, but some did. Either way the company and the clan worked hard to take care of every one. At least that had been her experience. She did, however, leave out the fact that she was well up in the IT food chain, it was both bragging and hard to believe that any one who looked like they should just be out of college at best would be running things.
The appropriate response was a quite modest smile, and since he had given the compliment as expected she did just that.
"You're not half bad your self.â€
He wasn't. He was no movie star but she couldn't turn her nose up at him. It was sort of surprising given how they started but Pak found herself cautiously liking him. A little, maybe. She was rather disappointed when time ended. The been went and so did he.
"Maybe we can do that.†Her face brightened a bit at the bow. "Thank you for taking it.â€
So far he was the most interesting guy she'd met but this was only her third 'date'. One sweet but nervous, one serious head case, and one who wasn't as big a jerk as first appearances suggested, she was a little worried what would come next.
Stranger
12 years ago
David slid into the chair at the table opposite the Asian woman. He had a dirty martini in one hand but held his right out to shake.
"Oh my God, I love your shirt," he said. "I can't pull off red. Makes me look fat."
He usually knew right off the bat if someone was willing to give him a shot or not. He was a little on the fluttery side sometimes, a very comfortable metrosexual. A lot of women were turned off by that, assuming he was gay. Man, was he ever used to the rolled eyes and the expression of sudden disinterest. Did they really think he'd be here if he weren't interested in women?
He leaned back, crossed his legs, and perched his martini on his knee. "Name's David, and yes, I know I'm meeting women."
He flashed her a smile. He was a good looking guy, most people had told him. "This is supposed to be fun, right? I feel like I'm in a highly stressful game of musical chairs."
David sighed and watched the woman's reaction. Hopefully she would be different from the vast majority of her sex. He hadn't found The One yet, but he was going to keep on trying.
"Oh my God, I love your shirt," he said. "I can't pull off red. Makes me look fat."
He usually knew right off the bat if someone was willing to give him a shot or not. He was a little on the fluttery side sometimes, a very comfortable metrosexual. A lot of women were turned off by that, assuming he was gay. Man, was he ever used to the rolled eyes and the expression of sudden disinterest. Did they really think he'd be here if he weren't interested in women?
He leaned back, crossed his legs, and perched his martini on his knee. "Name's David, and yes, I know I'm meeting women."
He flashed her a smile. He was a good looking guy, most people had told him. "This is supposed to be fun, right? I feel like I'm in a highly stressful game of musical chairs."
David sighed and watched the woman's reaction. Hopefully she would be different from the vast majority of her sex. He hadn't found The One yet, but he was going to keep on trying.
Pakpao
12 years ago
Automatically Pak accepted the offered hand. She wasn't about to make that mistake again tonight. She smiled, but for the briefest of seconds she thought that she was speaking to Eiryk. It was just the sort of thing he would say and he certainly wouldn't be here.
As Eiryk wouldn't be here and this guy was Pak decided not to tune him out immediately. But boy after one mental break down and one guy starting off as a jerk wouldn't it be her luck to get a gay guy.
"Thank you. I didn't know red could make you look fat though. Maybe that's why I don't like wearing pink.â€
He looked totally comfortable and Pak decided that if nothing else David was very secure with himself.
"Pakpao and I'm tremendously glad to hear I don't look like a man. Thank you.â€
She grinned weakly once again trying to take the sting out of her words. It was something she was having to do more often as the night progressed. This was more work than she had thought it would be. Apparently her new 'date' agreed and she chuckled weakly.
"I don't know about you but I'm afraid they are going to stop the music and I'm going to wind up with a sixty year old toothless red headed redneck that hasn't showered in a month.â€
Maybe she was leading these men on. David seemed nice enough and he certainly wasn't hard on the eyes but how serious was she about finding a date? Pak wasn't sure she'd give any one her contact information. Maybe though, you never knew.
As Eiryk wouldn't be here and this guy was Pak decided not to tune him out immediately. But boy after one mental break down and one guy starting off as a jerk wouldn't it be her luck to get a gay guy.
"Thank you. I didn't know red could make you look fat though. Maybe that's why I don't like wearing pink.â€
He looked totally comfortable and Pak decided that if nothing else David was very secure with himself.
"Pakpao and I'm tremendously glad to hear I don't look like a man. Thank you.â€
She grinned weakly once again trying to take the sting out of her words. It was something she was having to do more often as the night progressed. This was more work than she had thought it would be. Apparently her new 'date' agreed and she chuckled weakly.
"I don't know about you but I'm afraid they are going to stop the music and I'm going to wind up with a sixty year old toothless red headed redneck that hasn't showered in a month.â€
Maybe she was leading these men on. David seemed nice enough and he certainly wasn't hard on the eyes but how serious was she about finding a date? Pak wasn't sure she'd give any one her contact information. Maybe though, you never knew.