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Lounge - Icebreakers and Appetisers (TAG Kiama)

Posted June 7, 2021, 3:01 p.m. by Lieutenant Commander Kiama Naim (Chief Science Officer) (Silke Fahl)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Namid Argimeau (Scientific Intelligence Officer) in Lounge - Icebreakers and Appetisers (TAG Kiama)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Kiama Naim (Chief Science Officer) in Lounge - Icebreakers and Appetisers (TAG Kiama)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Namid Argimeau (Scientific Intelligence Officer) in Lounge - Icebreakers and Appetisers (TAG Kiama)
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Namid snagged another bite of pie to give them a moment to think. “I was five when my father enrolled in tap dance. For several years, I was basically stubbing my toes and calling it ‘art’.” They laughed, inwardly shaking their head. “Then, my drama teacher cast me as the dormouse for a strange rendition of Alice in Wonderland,” Namid’s eyes glittered with a fusion of humour and wistfulness, “I was 13 at the time. Since, I’ve developed a love for dance, musical theatre and bad poetry. It’s been a while since I’ve practised, though.”

Kiama listened attentively, her whole expression full of delight. “I’d love to see you perform some time,” she said sincerely as she reached for Namid’s hand again.

Namid softened and relaxed their shoulders, any remaining tension seeping from their body. “I’d love that,” they hummed and opened their hand to her, “and if you ever get a whim to play the violin… let me know. I’ll dust off my best—” they chuckled “—only suit just to attend.”

“I will!” Kiama grinned. “I need more practice before I’ll feel comfortable playing for anyone, but when I do, I’d like to play for you.” The smile on her face softened and a hint of shyness returned to her expression.

“Whenever you’re ready,” Namid assured with a warm, patient smile that seemed to reach their eyes. Though honoured and thoroughly delighted for Kiama to share her growing talent with them, Namid was happy to wait.

Argimeau was an amicable person who enjoyed listening. But they couldn’t recall the last time they’d prattled on about interests and passions like this. They often maintained silence about themself, fearing they’d drive people away. Kiama was different. Something about her made them feel completely at ease. Like they could talk about rocks or snails, and she wouldn’t think them strange (even though she’d have every reason to). It was an unfamiliar sensation, but they welcome it.

“Did you dabble in any extracurriculars as a child?”

— Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intel

Kiama couldn’t help but grimace and even slightly wince at that question. Of course it was a perfectly ordinary one to ask and probably one to be expected considering what they were talking about. Of course Namid couldn’t have known that they would hit a nerve, so she tried to smile instead as she replied, “Yes, I have. My mother made me take music and dance classes. I hated every minute of them. Probably simply because I was forced to go. it took me till now to even consider doing something just for the pure enjoyment of it. I mean, I tried a lot of things once or twice after I moved out. But I never considered pursuing anything as a hobby. Other than a few sports as I know they are good for me.” Looking a little awkward, slightly sheepish even, she admitted, “I have a rather difficult relationship with my mother.”

~Lt. Naim, CSO

Namid took in a sharp, soundless breath. Tending forward, they attentively listened to her answer and offered a remorseful expression. Ami knew they struck a nerve. Though the tumult saturating her words jabbed at their heart, they chose not to mention it. Kiama’s relationship with her mother was none of their business. That didn’t mean they wouldn’t listen nor support her however they could. “I hear you,” they offered a tiny smile, sincerity woven through their words, “and I’m sorry for assuming.”

Kiama shook her head and reached for Namid’s hand once again. Giving it a squeeze, she said emphatically, “Don’t be! We are getting to know each other better and both of us are most likely going to put our foot in our mouth at least once. I’m not upset with you. Far from it.”

Namid’s lips parted to counter, but a chuckle fled their lungs before words could form on their tongue. Their laughter was fleeting, tender and calm, but the relief and empathy saturating its tune remained long after it’d faded. “You’re right,” Namid squeezed her hand and added, “it wouldn’t be much of a friendship if we didn’t, eh?”

Namid considered her words a second longer, debating how to phrase their thoughts. “Would you prefer to talk about something else?”

— Namid Argimeau

“No, it’s okay. Honestly,” Kiama replied sincerely. “I want to get to know you and I want you to know me. And that includes knowing about my family, my relationship to them and how I grew up.” Looking them deeply into the eyes, she added, “Never hesitate to ask me anything. Okay? Even when you think it might be none of your business. I won’t get upset with you and should I ever feel like not wanting to answer a question, I’ll tell you.”

~Lt. Naim, CSO

“You’re wonderful,” the words rolled off their tongue before they had a chance to articulate them. A humble smile wove into their features, but they didn’t break her gaze. “I value you and whatever connection this becomes,” Namid gestured between them, “so it’s a two-way street. Whether about family or boundaries or the question tickling your thoughts.. I want to be open with you, too.”

— Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intel

“You are as well,” Kiama replied with a soft smile. She suddenly had a tingly feeling in her stomach and felt heat rising to her cheeks. “And so do I. On the one hand there is still so much we don’t know about each other and at the same time I feel like we have known each other much longer than we actually have. Do you know what I mean?” she asked and locked her eyes with Namid’s.

~Lt. Naim, CSO


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