Negri neither tries to avoid or run away from them. He's been around nearly as long as Lakshmi has, and yet he's been a mostly silent presence -- but not skittish. He doesn't start or scramble at the slightest sign that there might be trouble. So when Lakshmi clears her throat to get his attention, he turns to look at her, and when he sees both her and Sisko standing there, clearly expectant, he merely tilts his head slightly in an inquiring look. If they want to talk, then sure -- talk.