[IC] Hopefully Sanctuary

[KatherinWinter]

"No. I've never been to a churrascaria." Roxy replied. She didn't even know what that was. She was curious about the churrascaria. It sounded interesting. She was open to trying anything. She watched the older couple interact. She always wanted a relationship like that. One where she and her partner would joke around and flirt no matter where they were or who was around. She knew it wouldn't be easy but it would be worth the time and effort to find someone.

"It's alright Devika. They aren't bothering me. It's kind of nice." She assured Devika. She wasn't sure if the empath was always so embarrassed by her parents she doubt that Devika knew how lucky she was to have parents that loved each other. Her parents barely spoke to each other. She had no idea how she was going to deal with introducing Devika to her family. It wasn't something that she wanted to think about.

[Mistress Dizzy]

“Well, thanks for not being weirded out.” Devika smiled, and besides the embarrassment there was clear love for her parents on her face. “You get used to it. Mostly.” Not having any idea about Roxy’s family life, she didn’t realize just what she had.

Once Mr. Jones was back and dressed in something more simple, it was back outside to the car. Devika gave Roxy a subtle pat on the back as they got in, knowing that the other woman didn’t like rid ing in cars much. Once they were all settled and driving, Devika decided to let out a little soothing energy in Roxy’s direction, as this would be a bit of a ride. Honestly, it was as much for her as well, as Devika silently prayed that the restaurant would not be crowded.

“So, Roxy. What do you do for work?” Mara inquired as they drove along. Tim was doing the actual driving, humming along to some pop song on the radio.

[Mistress Dizzy]

Announcement: I am on vacation next week. I can check in on my phone but don't expect much writing out of me.

[KatherinWinter]

Roxy knew she would be spending a lot more time in cars now that Devika was in her life. She was working on a finding a way to deal with it. She tried to she turnedher attention focus something outside to help with the feeling of being trapped. When Maria asked her what she did. She was surprised Devika hadn't told them. She wasn't sure what to make out of the fact the empath hadn't told her parents what she did.

"I'm a mechanic. I own a garage downtown." Roxy answered. She watched them curiously. She was used to people reacting negatively to the idea of her doing what many considered 'man's' work. At barely five feet she wasn't what most people pictured when they thought of someone who would be capable of such physically demanding work. She didn't know them well enough to know how they would react.

[Mistress Dizzy]

“Ah, that’s right. Devvie mentioned something about that. But you own your own business! Quite impressive, especially since you’re so young.” Mara nodded, clearly on board. “Most of the time it takes family, connections or sheer perseverance to be a successful entrepreneur. Which is it for you?”

“Mom.” Devika said softly. “Isn’t that a little… I dunno, personal?”

“I’m just trying to get to know her, Devvie. Be calm.” Mara smiled a bit.

Devika sighed under her breath but turned her attention to the window.

“I mean it, though. Whatever the means, having your own gig is the way to go. I was still in school when I was your age. So color me impressed. Maybe we’ll come by for a tune up some day.”

[KatherinWinter]

"For me I suppose it was connection and sheer perseverance." Roxy answered. No one had ever asked her how she had gotten involved in such an unusual career. She honestly couldn't remember the last time anyone ask about her job. Of course she knew part of that might partly because she got defensive when the topic came up. "Growing up I spent a lot of time around guys. The garage was one of my favorite places. So when I was looking for a job at sixteen that where I started." Roxy explained. She didn't mind talking about somethings. Her job was something that she was proud of. She had worked hard to prove herself. "The guy at the first garage challenged me help him fix a motorcycle. Once I proved I that I could be helpful he hired me." Roxy smiled at the memory. Zed hadn't thought she was serious but once she proved him wrong. He had surprised her by admitting that. "When he passed away last year he left the shop to me."

[Mistress Dizzy]

“Well, Roxy, that’s quite a story. I admire your spirit, I truly do.” Mara smiled broadly.

Devika was surprised. She’d never heard anything about how Roxy had gotten the shop, even though she had asked once or twice. Roxy had usually shut her down. But her mother had gotten the story out in one meeting. She put people at ease, whether they knew it or not. It was part of what made her so good at her job.

“I’m not sure I remember what I was doing at 16.” Devika murmured thoughtfully. “Probably dumb teenager stuff.” She half grinned just thinking about it. “And here Roxy has a whole job. I’m impressed too.”

[KatherinWinter]

Roxy shrugged. She knew some teenagers had jobs. But most of them worked time and went to school. That hadn't been an option for her. She had had to support herself. "My situation was different. I had to support myself. Doing stupid teenage stuff wasn't an option." She wasn't ashamed of her past but that didn't mean that she liked talking about it. It hadn't been easy. It had been the lowest point of her life.

"While you were probably enjoying your last little bit of freedom just in case you didn't have an anchor in your circle." No one knew when an empath's ability will activate. They say it during puberty. But everyone hit puberty at different times. Devika would have known that she might have to go isolation.

[Mistress Dizzy]

"Well, I was about 17 when my empathy started really kicking in. It was minor before that, which is why I was still able to stay with my family past the 13 year test. The government said that happens sometimes. So I guess I was normal-ish." And Roxy definitely wasn't. There was more story, there. She knew that Roxy had a father, but had never heard her mention her mother. Why would she have to support herself at such a young age?

She felt bad for not knowing these things. But it wasn't as if Roxy was an open book. If her past was rough, why would she be inclined to spill it to everyone?

"I distinctly remember you doing silly things at 16, Devvie. Nothing out of the ordinary, though, according to the parenting books." Mara was grinning. "I'll save the stories for the ride back."

"Or never. Never is good." Devika was trying not to roll her eyes too hard.

[KatherinWinter]

"I thought I remembered reading that you were closer to seventeen when you were secluded." She had looked over the paperwork she had been sent when the agency had match them. She should have read it but she hadn't had the time to go through everything. Plus it had felt weird to read about someone she didn't know. It felt invasive. She figured that she would get to know Devika in person. They would have a lot of time to get to know each other.

After a few minutes the arrived at the restaurant. Roxy climbed out of the car. She followed the other's to the restaurant. She hung back. She wasn't really part of the group. She appreciated that they were willing to include her. Things would have been more awkward if they rejected her but she would have found a way to make it work. She always did.

[Mistress Dizzy]

The family got out of the car as well. Devika was chatting cheerily with her parents while walking up to the restaurant, when she noticed Roxy hanging back. Honestly, she could understand why without having an empath. It must be so awkward for her to be a part of this reunion, even if she was the reason for it. She wasn’t sure how she could fix the situation though,

As they entered the restaurant there was a tantalizing smell of roasting meat and all sorts of spices. They were quickly seated at a large booth, with Devika next to Roxy. There was space enough to where no one would have to accidentally brush up on Devika, though that would take much less effect as Roxy was around. As she looked over the menu, Devika texted with her phone in her lap.

-You ok Roxy?-

[KatherinWinter]

Roxy hadn't felt this out of place in a very long time. Not since her mom had tried to take her to a mother daughter tea party. She had gone in an effort to pacify her mom but the night had been a disaster. She pushed the memory away. Now wasn't the time or the place for those kind of thoughts. She needed to focus on. Right now. There was nothing anyone could do about the past.

She followed the others to the table. The place smelled great. The food would give her something to focus on other than how out of place she was. She was surprised when her phone went off. She frowned as she slide it out of her pocket. She did her best to keep it out of sight as possible. Not that she did that well. She wasn't used to trying to hide what she was doing. She was surprised at Devika's question. No one had cared about her comfort. She wasn't sure what to think. "I'm fine. Just adjusting."

[Mistress Dizzy]

-Okay. Let me know if you need anything.-

It was impossible to convey emotion through text, but Devika really meant that. If Roxy needed anything, Devika would help the best she could. She considered the other woman a friend, though she still wasn't sure if it was mutual, and at this point, was still a bit afraid to ask.

The server showed up and took everyone's drink orders. Mr. Jones ordered a few appetizers for the table, and put in an order for the first round of meat. This didn't take long - soon enough the server came by with fresh grilled beef as well as the 2 appetizers, both of them some kind of grilled vegetable.

"Oh man, just looking at it makes me hungrier." Devika said with a big smile. She politely sliced off a piece and popped it in her mouth. "Mmm.. heaven. I wish I could cook like this."

[KatherinWinter]

"At least you can cook. I'm useless in the kitchen." Roxy wasn't used to anyone caring about her. She didn't know how to feel about Devika's concern. It was strange. It was a fact that she couldn't change so she would have to deal with it. She was good at adapting. She had been adapting her whole life so it wouldn't be hard. She relaxed as she ate. She stuck to mostly to meat but she did eat a few pieces of vegetables. She wouldn't insult the people around her by refusing anything.

As they ate, Roxy watched Devika and her parents. It was an interesting thing to watch. She hadn't ever watched families. She hadn't seen the point. She had known she would never have a family. She would always been on the outside. She'd never belong. The thought reminded her she still had to introduce Devika to her father. She pushed her plate away. Her appetite ruined.

[Mistress Dizzy]

Devika was having a wonderful time. She was catching up on stories of distant family members, neighbors, and everyone else in her parents' lives. Her parents showed their usual goofiness and general love for each other. It was a good time.

However, Devika did notice that Roxy wasn't eating. In fact she looked a little rough, paler than usual.

"Um. Roxy. Would you mind going to the restroom with me?" Hopefully Roxy would accept. They did need to keep close for now. And she could ask the other woman if she was okay once there was some relative privacy.

[KatherinWinter]

Roxy snapped out of her thoughts when Devika asked her to go the bathroom with her. Part of her welcomed the break from talk about family. Part of her felt guilty for disturbing Devika's time with her family. She hadn't meant to but she supposed that the weaknesses of the bubble had revealed the emotions she was trying to keep hidden. She was going to have to do better job of hiding them. She nodded before she slide out of the booth.

She waited for Devika to do the same. Then she followed the other woman to the bathroom. As they walked, she tried to figure out what to say to the empath. She didn't want or need any more of the other woman's pity. And explaining didn't hold any more appeal. That left her with little of say but she had to think of something to say.

[Mistress Dizzy]

As soon as they entered the bathroom, Devika started to gussy up her thick curls, not quite looking Roxy in the face. "Are you okay?" She had a feeling that the answer was 'no'. But she knew by now that Roxy wasn't going to admit that, even to her.

"You looked a little pale back there. You know me, I'm just checking on you." She half turned, giving Roxy a gentle smile.

"Of course it its something simple, like you ate too much, you can tell me." Was that an out, perhaps? Devika offered up the potential lie like an olive branch. Maybe that would put Roxy at ease. The mere fact that Devika would accept a lie, if it meant Roxy understood she wasn't alone.

"The first time I ate here, I overdid it, and I paid for it the next day."

[KatherinWinter]

"I'm fine." Roxy crossed her over her chest. She didn't approach the mirror. She didn't need to check on her appearance, she didn't want to know what she looked like. It couldn't be good. She knew Devika meant well but it didn't change anything. She would never be comfortable with someone knowing what she was feeling. She had a feeling Devika would always know what she was feeling. It was something she was going to have to find a way to deal with.

"I'm going to lie just because it would be easy to do so." Roxy told Devika bluntly. She tried not to lie more than necessary. Besides lying wouldn't accomplish anything. Devika knew she wasn't uncomfortable because she overeat. "My family isn't close like yours so I'm a little uncomfortable. I'll live." She assured the other woman. It wouldn't be easy but it would be alright.

[Mistress Dizzy]

What was this? Was Roxy actually opening up, even though it was just a little? Usually it would be the brush off and the 'I'm fine'. But this sounded like the honest truth.

Devika felt guilty somehow. Of course she wasn't naïve enough to think that everyone had an amazing family. But at the same time, she'd never thought about Roxy's family. Mostly because Roxy herself never mentioned them.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think of that. This all must be so awkward for you." Devika sighed, ducking her head slightly. "You must feel really left out, huh?" She shook her head, curls bouncing.

"Well, it's only for this weekend. And I know you can manage yourself." Still, she felt that twinge of guilt, wondering if anything could be made better.

"Thank you for being open with me. I really appreciate it."

[KatherinWinter]

"There's no need to apologize Devika. It's no one's fault." Roxy growled. She didn't need or want the other woman's pity. Her life hadn't been great but she knew others had it worse. She had mostly been proud of her life. Things changed when she turned sixteen but she still didn't have it that bad. She had built a life she was mostly happy with. It didn't matter that her mother had abandoned her when she was 9 or that her father had betrayed her when she was sixteen.

"This isn't the first time I've been left and it isn't likely to be the last." Roxy told Devika. She had been alone most of her life. That was one of the reasons this whole thing was so hard for her. "I'll be fine. I can survive a couple of days of awkwardness." She assured Devika. Being uncomfortable wouldn't kill her. There were worse things. "Can we go back now that you're reassured I'm not going to fall apart?"