One Flew Over the Nano Nest....

[Thessa Kai]

[SIZE=10pt]What was left of the bodies floated silently in space, among the wreckage. A familiar voice cracked through the edge of her nightmare, chinking away what was reality. With one last good thrash, eyelids snapped open in a panic.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Chest heaved as she gulped in air, finally focusing on where she was and who had woken her up. Iced-azure gaze locked on Judah. Maybe it was because they had been close for the past few days, but she didn’t hesitate in sitting up and wrapping her arms tightly around the dark-haired pilot. Her ward, the one she was supposed to be protecting.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Salty liquid burned her eyes that thankfully Judah couldn’t see. “I’m sorry. Bad…memories.”[/SIZE]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah hugged Thessa back. He wasn't going to pry into what had happened beyond bad memories. It would be too painful and frankly he hated when people did it to him. No need to drag out the bad experience in his opinion. Judah rubbed her back a little, considering there wasn't much else he could honestly do but be there for the Flight Captain.

"For once, I can say I truly understand. I'm sorry"

 

[Thessa Kai]

[SIZE=10pt]“I know you can,” she whispered back, burying her face into his shoulder. “A long time ago, there was a dog fight above Alderaan. The Empire…we lost a lot of good people, a planet was destroyed, and we were forced to run. Sometimes I just can’t stop seeing their faces…hearing their screams.” Her mouth closed and she remained silent for a few moments, feeling…what was she feeling? It felt natural talking to Judah and she was grateful for his companionship. His arms around her, it made her feel something she hadn’t felt in a long time.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Lifting her head, she took a few moments to compose herself, a thin smile on her lips. “Just promise me you won’t tell Command. They’ll ground me and stick me with someone like…me.” She laughed against him before releasing her arms.[/SIZE]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah had been in Flight Academy when he heard about that attack. It shook a few people from his class to actually drop out and head back home. He had no idea how devastating it was until just now. Sounded like anyone would still be haunted by such an attack, no matter how battle hardened. When her arms released from around his body he frowned for just a second before loosening his own grip. "Sounds pretty terrible" he quietly commented, Judah wasn't about to give empty words of comfort. He knew simply telling Thessa 'it wasn't her fault' would help nothing.

"Promise. Your secret is safe with me."

Smiling a little, Judah squeezed her hand lightly before dropping it."Go back to sleep....still got a little bit before daylight" Awkward all of the sudden, he got up, heading for the door. Why the hell did Thessa do that to him? He felt like a 13 year old boy with his first crush.

 

[Thessa Kai]

[SIZE=10pt]She shivered as he pulled away, immediately feeling the absence of his warmth. She didn’t realize how much she missed it until now. “Wait, Judah.” Gnawing on her lip, she hesitated.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“I know it’s not fair for me to ask this. And please, I hope you don’t see me as your superior in these…situations.” Stars, this is why she had to transfer him to another flight group, or transfer herself out of the squadron.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“But would you stay and just…hold me?” A grimace crossed her features. “Sorry, it sounded a little less cheesy in my head and you, uh, don’t have to, y’know. Please feel free just to leave the room. Wow, now this is awkward,” gaze traveled down to her lap as a rosy-hue flushed her scale-speckled cheeks.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]He made her feel like a wet noodle.[/SIZE]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

To be honest he was a bit surprised, Thessa had been so measured around him lately. Either the nightmare had really shook her to the core or the Galan was finally coming to terms that she actually had a life beyond being a Captain in the Republic Navy. Judah stopped short and turned, listening to her continue to ramble on. He shook his head slightly, moving back to her.

"I think I can tell the difference between an order and a personal request, work and our personal lives."

Judah slid under the sheets and comforter, right next to where she was half sitting up in bed. His arm snaked around her back, resting on her pillow. His brow quirked at the Galan before his expression softened. Obviously it was already very difficult for her to admit her.....feelings?desires?emotions in general?

"This is going to work out better if you lay down and relax Thess" He said gently, watching her.

 

[Thessa Kai]

[SIZE=10pt]Relief. There was relief when he chose to stay which quickly turned into a whole basket of nerves.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]And the man moved quickly, no hesitation. She was grateful for that. Anything less would cause her to be unsure.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]And there was his warmth again, hand along her back. Iced-azure gaze flitted to Judah and she gave a small nod, wiggling back beneath the covers. On her side, she nudged back until she was against him. With his arms around her she already felt safe and more at ease than she had in months.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]And she didn’t want to question why. For once, she let herself accept it.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Eyelids began to grow heavy but she didn’t close them before whispering. “Judah. Will you stay?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The question seemed to delve deeper than beyond the morning and beyond the remaining of the two weeks.[/SIZE]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Not goin' anywhere"

By the time the sun was streaming through the windows at full force Judah had woken up and found Thessa still sound asleep in front of him,his arm still securely around her waist. Infinitely better than sleeping on the floor.Very carefully Judah removed his arm from around her,taking great pains to get out of bed without waking up the still-sleeping woman. Judah pulled the covers back over her body and left the room, stretching a little as he went.

Did he want to leave?No, he could have lounged there all morning. Uncertainty colored his thoughts, especially if Thessa had asked him to stay last night while she was half asleep, would she even remember?

Figuring the least he could do was make breakfast, Judah started on the task, thankful that his mother insisted he learned to cook. At the same time, he flipped open his datapad and worked on a set of forms. It was time he request that transfer to a new squadron. He didn't understand Thessa at first when she had mentioned it but now it had become clear why she had.

 

[Thessa Kai]

[SIZE=medium]@[member="Judah Dashiell"][/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]The smell of a fresh breakfast other than bland-cereal rations tickled her nose. Eyelids fluttered open and the Galan sat up slowly, rubbing the last traces of sleep from her eyes. Swinging her legs over the bed, she padded out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, trying to wrap her mind around what she was seeing.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]And what she remembered from last night. She hoped it wasn’t all just a dream.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]“Mornin,’” stifling another yawn, iced-azure gaze eyed the cooking food curiously. “And suddenly I feel like I never knew you Dashiell. Smells good. Really good,” a crooked smile decorated aqua lips. But her gaze turned pensive. “How’d you sleep last night?”[/SIZE]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah had just finished his transfer request and sent it off. He had kept his reasons vague enough;citing his time as a nano host and a made up recommendation from his therapist about moving onto Corsair Squadron. There was no point in giving the real reason from the transfer as it would only end in trouble for both of them. His gaze flicked up to see Thessa making her way out and he handed over a plate loaded down with food.

"Thanks....Hopefully it tastes good"

Judah cleaned up the last of his mess before answering the woman.

"Never better" He couldn't help but grin. "What about you? Any more nightmares, you hardly moved so I wouldn't think so..."

 

[Thessa Kai]

[SIZE=medium]“Mmhmm,” she affirmed Judah in his cooking skills as she gulped down a bite of food. Swallowing, she put her fork down and went to get them each a drink, realizing her failure as host. “You want caf, kelp juice?” She smirked, “Kidding, unless you really want some. Caf?” Turning her back momentarily to her fellow pilot, she reached into the cabinet for some mugs. “I slept the best I ever have in a…long time,” she admitted somewhat shyly.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]“Stars Judah. You make me feel so vulnerable and I still don’t know how you’re really doing. I…” voice trailed off as the front door hitched open, and her trusty R2 unit rolled on in.[/SIZE]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Just caf"

The thought of kelp juice made him want to gag. Maybe the plant tasted better dried but squeezed into juice, no thank you. He leaned against the counter, watching her as she spoke, eating his breakfast. At least thus far the morning hadn't incredibly awkward. Somehow he felt it was going to drag into that territory again once Thessa finished her sentence but stopped.

His shaggy head turned to the door as it opened and he swallowed hard. A droid. Judah had been doing his best to avoid them thus far....logically he was going to encounter them but didn't expect his reaction. He shakily set the plate on the counter before he dropped it, staring as the droid entered, whistling and beeping. He supposed the...machine....was upset about being left behind by his master.

Starting to sweat, Judah rubbed the back of his neck, sliding down as far as the small kitchen would let him. His heart was starting to race, along with his mind. The young pilot was struggling to keep it together and not wind up a crying heap on the kitchen floor.

 

[Thessa Kai]

[SIZE=10pt]Chit. Chit. Chit.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Sparky, stop,” holding up her hand, she cast Judah a worried glance as the R2 unit beeped indignantly. “Just wait outside, I’ll come to the hangar in a little bit. Stang.” Offering another slew of beeps, the droid backed up and left the apartment with a slam of the door.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Holding Judah’s caf in one hand, she quickly sunk down next to the shivering man. “You were messed up real good. I’m sorry Judah, I told Sparky to stay away…” offering him the mug, her other hand reached out to press lightly against his clammy cheek and forehead, checking his temperature. [/SIZE]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

His cheeks flushed bright red, not because he was hot but out of sheer embarrassment. His brandy colored eyes avoided Thessa as he took the mug, taking a sip as the woman felt his head. Temperature was the last thing on his mind. He leaned back further against the lower cabinets and let out a soft sigh, one of disappointment.

"Don't blame Sparky, its me." Judah tilted his head back up, looking at Thessa. "I can't even handle an R2 unit, how am I going to fly again? If I can't fly I'm going to be discharged and sent back to Saleucami..."

Running a hand through his hair, Judah shook his head at the thought of going back home. Reaching up, he set the caf mug on the edge of the counter above him. He gazed forward for a long moment, breathing coming back to normal. For a long moment, it seemed he had forgotten where he was. His eyes refocused back on Thessa ,embarrassment still lingering in his features.

"I don't know what to do and time is ticking....I know it is. They won't allow me to be out long and here I am, on the floor like a baby after merely the sight of a droid."

 

[Thessa Kai]

[SIZE=10pt]It killed her to see him like this. She hid these feelings as she pushed herself to stand, offering Judah a hand-up. “I’m not gonna sugar-coat anything. If you don’t improve, then yeah, you’ll be medically discharged. The question is, are you ready to improve?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The flight Captain looked back toward the door. “I’ve got some ideas,” she forced a small smile. “Baby steps, right?” She knew it wasn’t going to be easy but she did know that if Judah really wanted it, he could do it. “How about we take a trip to the hangar? It’s an off day, so it should be relatively quiet, minus the maintenance droids and R2 units.”[/SIZE]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah took her hand, standing. Thessa was right, it was becoming time to make this mind over matter or whatever plan she had in mind. He needed to get back into the skies, no way was he harvesting grains the rest of his life. Not to mention Thessa capturing his interest, he would hate to leave without seeing if the attraction between them actually led anywhere.

"I'm ready....been ready.I'm game for your field trip" A pause then a half-smile and an attempt to lighten the mood. "Mind if we finish breakfast first? I'm still a growing boy"

-----------

After wolfing down his meal and getting more properly dressed, Judah found himself with Thessa wandering through the base, noting it seemed fairly quiet today. It was days like these he used to enjoy, normally working on his X-Wing or visiting the weight room. Hopefully whatever the Captain had up her sleeve would work.

"So...uh....what are we doin' Boss? You're not going to make me wax Birds while droids slowly encroach on me, all the while yelling?" Grinning, Judah hoped his joke wasn't coming to pass.

 

[Thessa Kai]

[SIZE=10pt]She grinned, patting her full stomach. “Not a bad idea but I think you’ve made me too full to yell for a while. Either that, or I’ll pass out in a nap in about two hours. I’m sure that was your plan all along, Dashiell.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Offering a quick wink, she walked over to one of the birds. “This one’s loaded with an R2 unit. Think you can handle climbing into the cockpit with the droid behind you? I want to see how you do with the pre-flight exercises.”[/SIZE]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"If that was my plan I should have enacted it months ago"

Judah followed behind, approaching the looming fighter. His hand ran along the durasteel of the vessel, looking at the quiet R2 unit sitting in the back of the ship. He frowned, it was either deactivated and waiting for the pre-flight or merely keeping its little beeps to itself. Either way he was already on edge. However.....something had to give. Droids were everywhere, he couldn't be a hermit. Or could I?

Shaking the thought out of his head,Judah placed a hand on the ladder. "Sure. Lets, uh, see what happens."

Climbing into the cockpit of the X-Wing, Judah slid into the seat, canopy up. The R2 unit was deactivated, that much was clear. Which made him a little less on edge. The pilot enjoyed being back in an X-Wing for a moment, even if it wasn't his X-Wing. He shot a look to Thessa. No time like the present.

Judah flipped a series of switches, bringing the X-Wing to a warm up phase. The R2 unit whistled and trilled, coming to life. The display screen lit up with various messages, including one from the droid.

Current Objective : Unknown

Flinching, Judah wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of a droid feet behind his head. At the same time, it wasn't moving towards him. That was his only comfort for the moment as he forced himself to push his back into the padded jump seat.

"You know....I've decided a hermit may be a better career option" He joked, trying to forget about the droid and his panic.

 

[Thessa Kai]

[SIZE=10pt]She could hear it in his voice, the nervousness. Sharing close quarters with someone for a week and working with him for months now had its advantages. Reaching up, she pulled herself up the ladder until she propped her elbows on the side of the ship and peered face-to-face at the shaggy-haired pilot, chin resting on her spread-out fingers.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Hermits are overrated,” she grinned, “then I’d have to start calling you a nerfherder.” Though she joked, iced-azure gaze intently studied his work. He was doing well, surprisingly so. He hadn’t missed anything through pre-flight.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]She knew he would have to get even more comfortable with the droid if he ever hoped to rely on it in space.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Listen, every time you feel like you might lose it, I want you to picture something you love dearly, okay? Take a moment and get that image in your head, imagine everything down to the finest detail. And keep that thought ‘cause we’re gonna take these birds up on a test run.”[/SIZE]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"That is a misconception.My family has never even owned a single nerf..." He wanted to explain more but the back water farm boy had no need to come out and explain the differences between a nerf ranch and a farm. Shutting his mouth, it appeared everything was in working order. The R2 unit informed him of a mechanical update scarcely three days ago.

Judah turned his head to find Thessa extremely close to him, looking over his work in probably what was the most relaxed looking posture had ever seen her be in inside the confines of a hangar. Maybe because its an off day. As Thessa continued on about doing a mental exercise while flying, picturing an image and holding it, all he could really do was stare at her stupidly. Oh he believed in her words, having daydreamed in Academy long enough to know the trick worked, until he got more confident and the dreaming got yelled out of him.

As soon as Thessa finished her sentence, he leaned in brushed a piece of her blue-streaked hair behind her ear. Its now or never, hopefully you don't get slapped Dashiell.

Judah kissed the Galan briefly, not wanting to push his luck. Even if Thessa killed him it was going to be worth it."Something like that should work" He said quietly, searching her for a reaction.