That won't be necessary. But, ehh... if it's a standing offer, I'll let you know.
[It's just as polite an answer, says he probably won't be asking any time soon. He barely knows this person from any other, but he does know that outright refusal of help can feel like a rap across the knuckles even when one isn't so anxious, as she seems, to make oneself of use. It feels kinder this way. That said, it does also motivate him to continue his turn from the cart, lest she decide to become Helpful to him personally—but stops himself short of beginning to walk away for one final note:]
Oh— if you spend much time in here, be prepared for the Archivist to press you to take a break. He means well,
[sounds like a tactful translation of he's annoying as shit, perhaps a little fondly.]
no subject
That won't be necessary. But, ehh... if it's a standing offer, I'll let you know.
[It's just as polite an answer, says he probably won't be asking any time soon. He barely knows this person from any other, but he does know that outright refusal of help can feel like a rap across the knuckles even when one isn't so anxious, as she seems, to make oneself of use. It feels kinder this way. That said, it does also motivate him to continue his turn from the cart, lest she decide to become Helpful to him personally—but stops himself short of beginning to walk away for one final note:]
Oh— if you spend much time in here, be prepared for the Archivist to press you to take a break. He means well,
[sounds like a tactful translation of he's annoying as shit, perhaps a little fondly.]