I just... I don't want to fail again.

[Protecting others wasn't something he'd been good at before.]

I'm trying. I just don't really know what I'm supposed to do to prepare. Just going to have to keep trying I guess.

I guess you're not wrong there. Though some people sure do try and control others.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

Same to you.

[Clearly the file he's got is some really weird that Sephiroth is working on, but Mark isn't going to ask abotu it.]

I should get my coffee and get to work.

[Catch a few words of what he'd been reading? Fuck no. That would be invasive and rude and so boring. And Sephiroth's super scary, not pressing at that one.]

I know. Which is why I don't mind stopping to say hi. You don't mean to make things awkward or a problem. I like that. Besides, if I have to tell the boss that I got distracted talking to you, I know that you're the guy that would honestly say 'yeah Mark did his thing where he got distracted by something, it was his fault, but once he remembered he was supposed to be working, he rushed off'. Because it will be true.

[In fact, he's standing now and making sure he's got everything he needs.]

[Chattering was useful for him. Helped him make sure he was around other people. Who were real. And could see him.]

I'm sure you'll summarize. Anyway, going to get that coffee. See you around!