Private She Drives Me Crazy

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

Work on the Bulwark-class corvette had been done for a good while now, so it was just the never ending upkeep that came with a one of a kind ship. Multiple automated systems made that a bit more complicated, and yet easier at the same time. He at least knew WHAT the problem was when he had to go fix it. Much of the time was spent fabricating new parts or working on replacing a worn out component from one of the droid brains that provided automation. To help with that he had bought some old M4-Y8 astromech droids to help with that. Usually they were confined to recharge stations hidden in the lower deck, but it kept everything clean and running quite well so he was happy at least. Syler may not have been as pleased about the droids, but he had never thought to ask her about such things either.

he set down his current project piece as her name crossed his mind again, not surprising considering that she had been living on the ship for the past few months. Things were still a bit awkward between them, but they were getting used to having the other around slowly. Emphasis on the slowly. Though her quarters were on the lower level , near the medbay and his were on the main deck off to the right side of the bridge. There were plenty of times they were traveling as this was home, but that seemed to be almost equal to how long they spent in ports recently. At least she was a bit more comfortable around him now but given how they had met that was not exactly saying a lot. It was nice to have someone who he knew was nearby at all times.

Standing up, Kurayami took a moment to stretch before taking a swig from his flask that sat nearby as he considered going to check in on Syler and see if she needed anything. It wasn't far from his workshop to go see how she was. He needed to give himself a moment to collect his thoughts before deciding one way or the other.

Syler Drayke​

 

[Syler Drayke]

While he was contemplating coming to see her, she was already on her way to the workshop to go over the most recent list of repairs needed, job offers, and general updates for the day.

It didn't matter that it was some time in the mid-afternoon. She'd slept in.

She was definitely in a downswing. But she still had a job to do. Even though Kurayami didn't exactly hold her accountable to it on a regular basis. The amount of money he was paying her kept a nagging feeling of obligation in the back of her mind, even when she felt like brushing her hair was too much work for the day.

It was clear that she'd used some of that money well since coming to live on the corvette. While her style hadn't changed much, the quality of her attire was upgraded. She wore knee-high tan boots of high-quality leather. They'd been worn in over the past few months and laced up the side with pale blue cording. She had a dark chocolate skirt on today, pants required zippers and buttons that were just too much work. Her shirt was a cropped white shirt, no sleeves and her middrift showing. The corvette was kept comfortable enough that she never felt the need for jackets and a part of her suspected that might be on purpose but she didn't have the energy to care. At least not today. She did care enough to put on her pale tan armbands that covered from wrist to elbow.

What definitely showed her lack of energy or real motivation, however, was her hair. She'd hastily tied it back with a piece of spare cording. It was held at the base of her neck and many, MANY pieces were making escapes to create whisp bangs, chunks on her shoulders, and general chaos. She slipped quietly into the workshop and leaned against the door with her datapad in her arms. She'd been as quiet as she could and as she leaned her head back to gently rest it against the metal behind her the soft "thunk" was extremely loud to her (though likely barely audible in general). She waited for him to notice her, silently enjoying the quiet moment to simply close her eyes and pretend the day wasn't happening. Or at least didn't require attention.

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

While he didn't notice her emotional state right off the bat, it was easy enough to tell that she was not in the best of moods. It was mid-afternoon at least by this point in time, not that he was counting. She was here and that is what really mattered. The only question was why she had sought him out. Capping the flask, he set it back down on the bench before turning around to face her. Syler's presence had grown to be a calming one and he didn't often worry about talking to her even if the times he did were still a bit awkward. All he hoped was that if a bond formed it would not be anytime soon. They didn't do all that much together outside of work, but they did spend a lot of time together.

Once he got a good look at her his eyes widened slightly for a moment and he arched his eyebrows, it was a good look on her. Certainly an interesting contrast of color with her skin tone, hair, and eye color...and he needed to focus for a few minutes. He suppressed a laugh when he saw her hair, leaning on the door frame, the slight 'thunk' of her head against the frame erased the slight smile that had been present, she really wasn't feeling well today. Once he did address her, he did so quietly and calmly.

"Afternoon Sy, so what is it you need to talk to me about hon?"

In all honesty, the 'hon' was not added intentionally and it was doubtful if he even realized he had said it.

Syler Drayke ​

 

[Syler Drayke]

Even she didn't notice the "hon" when he said it. She sighed involuntarily when he noticed her and opened up her eyes and the datapad.

"You have some new job requests, twelve to be exact. I thought you might want to look them over before dinner. Also, one of the astromechs is playing music in the halls and has very poor taste. Maybe wipe it's memory when you get the chance? It's giving me a wicked headache."

She looked up from the datapad and held it out for him to take. There was an "inbox" of sorts pulled up with a series of requests for their services. Some were for his piloting, some were for her medical skills. She'd taken to letting him choose based on their income needs, how long the job would take, where it was, and any other factors he decided to add in. Right now, she exuded "don't make me work" energy. Hopefully, e noticed and wouldn't respond to any medic jobs. Though she could easily swing back in an instant and she knew it.

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

Well, she didn't think that the usage of 'hon' was noteworthy even. That was odd in and of itself probably? Once she handed him the datapad he looked over the jobs. There were some that were pretty standard cargo runs or passenger transport. Then came the ones he considered a bit more interesting, likely due to it not really being his line of work. The medical ones looked like they had decent rates, but not exorbitant. Granted they didn't need to take jobs that paid all that much thanks to his ongoing contract with FIolette and the fact that he owned a shipwright that produced vessels that were custom tailored for each customer. Plus, the more she kept her skills sharp, the more it benefit him when he managed to screw up on a job.

"Okay so the flying stuff is below my standard asking rate, so screw that noise. The medical stuff is mostly right on the money for your rates. I figure we could grab those and let you keep sharp as well as let the medbay see some actual use..."

He trailed off as he looked up at her again, it was clear that she wasn't looking forward to any contracts right now, and if worst came to worst he could figure out some way to write it off as a business expense. Maybe. Either way he had a nice cushion and they didn't absolutely have to take work at the moment.

"Ya know what? Looking closer at those as well they are actually undercutting the price a lot. Forget the whole lot. They can scam someone else. We don't really need the money right now. Yea, I'll wipe the droids core soon, just hope it picks up a better taste in music next time. So now that work is done for the next bit, anything else you need or want to do? Outside of sleeping, you neeed to be awake for a little bit at least. As always I'm happy to help however I can."

The smirk returned to his lips, but his eyes betrayed the slight amount of concern he had given the emotion rolling off of her currently.

Syler Drayke ​

 

[Syler Drayke]

Syler listened to his response and slumped against the door a bit. She was about to protest his suggestion that she use the medical bay with a half-cooked response suggesting she could practice suturing him if he really thought her skills needed sharpening. Of course that would require cutting him open first. Which seemed almost not worth the effort right now. But before she could say anything he stopped himself and went a completely different direction.

"I would argue that being awake is the last thing I need right now. Other than fixing the dubstep droid."

She caught the smirk but focused more on the concern in his eyes. Well... Shit. She tried to summon enough effort to offer him a half smile at the corner of her mouth. It partially worked. Her mind ran circles over the implications of him offering to help her and noticing that she needed help. She hated needing help. More than anything right now she wanted to go back to her quarters and hide from the galaxy until this downswing passed. But she had a job... And an employer... And accountability. For the first time in quite a long time. She remembered why she'd tried to stay solo for so long.

It wasn't like this was the first downswing Kurayami had seen though. She'd been like this once or twice before. But she'd hidden it better? Maybe. She wondered if it was something about her look that was giving away her status. Reflexively she tried to tuck bits of her hair back and smooth out any wrinkles in her skirt.

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

He was awaiting a smartass response, one that never came sadly. Or perhaps not, either way it wasn't super important. Her being awake though would be a good thing, she'd gotten more than enough sleep so maybe this was one of those...what did she call them? Downtrodden, downturn...no it wasn't either of those...down something though. Size? No definitely not that. Shift? Not quite, but closer. Swing? Down swing? Yea, that sounded about right.

"Well thing is I'm not here to argue with you here. And I did say it would fix the droid, but dubstep really? Damned thing could have at least gone for cantina band music. Or literally anything else."

While she may have focused on his eyes relatively easily, he still was having to remind himself to not let his gaze wander too much, or too often. Maybe though, just maybe a compliment might help her feel a bit better about the day? Eh, worth a shot he figured. Now what to address? He hadn't planned this far ahead so he thought a few moments shaking his head slightly as he knew that some would have been wildly inappropriate. But he should say something.

"Nah. You look great. Really like the uh, contrast in your outfit. Messy hair look suits you nicely too, at least in a more casual setting like here."

During the response he noticed that she was trying to brush her hair back and smooth out her skirt, not that either of those things seemed to be happening.

Syler Drayke ​

 

[Syler Drayke]

Someone had once told her that you should never comment on anything about a woman that she can't change in five minutes. Of course... He tried.

Her actions were indeed serving more to ruin her look than rectify it. Her skirt was loose enough that brushing only fluttered it slightly and her hair stubbornly refused to cooperate. She listened and when he paused long enough to stare awkwardly and then attempted a... compliment? She couldn't quite tell. She still wasn't looking when she responded.

"It wasn't really a 'look' or anything... Just kinda happened."

She didn't know what he meant by "in a more casual setting like here" but instead of audibly addressing it she just squinted her eyes at him with a confused look. She hadn't bothered to block him out of her mind (again too much work), so if he bothered to mentally check he might hear mumbled thoughts of "what the...?" "here on the ship?" or "where would this not be a good look?" but mostly just a wave of awkward confusion. She folded her arms over her chest, not really helping the situation as the action bunched her shirt up to just below said arms and pushing the v-neckline a bit downward.

"Is there anything else you need me to do today or can I go back to hiding in a dark room and pretending I don't exist?"

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

He hadn't meant to upset her, or confuse her, either way seemed that one had fallen flat. Incomprehensibly flat.

It was very difficult for him to not comment on her actions and point out that they were not helping in the intended manner. He wanted to help her fix her hair at least, but he knew that was more than dangerous. It seemed that she was at least able to respond to it. And made no other mention of the attempt.

"Oh...sorry. I mean It could be and it IS a good one."

Apparently he had managed to confuse and possibly offend her, confusion was a better bet once her eyes did meet his. Her thoughts did manage to seep through, though not overly loud he managed to hear it. It would lead to another comment usually, but then her crossing her arms over her chest managed to distract him enough from saying what came to mind first. The wave of confusion was unmistakable though.

"Well need, no...but I'm sure if you give me a few moments or less I could think of somethings that I would like for you to do...to me."

The smirk was still present for a few seconds after he spoke, slowly disappearing as he realized what he'd he said.

"FOR me...not...frakking hell. Definitely meant 'for...'"

Deep down he knew he had been to slow with the correction only time would tell how that played out. Not likely to be a happy ending though.

Syler Drayke ​

 

[Syler Drayke]

Syler wasn't currently one for much small talk. But she was also fully listening as he dug himself into a deep pit of awkward shame. His first attempt to correct his comment about her hair was quickly overshadowed by the terribly not-thought-through flirting. Or slip? She wasn't sure if he'd intended it until he corrected himself and continued to dig down into his hole. Part of her wondered if he might turn red soon, though the lighting on the ship wouldn't make that easy to see. Shame. She debated with herself while he floundered, her face showing very little response other than a quirked eyebrow. She wasn't sure she had the energy to really bury him in the dirt from his hole... But she might have enough to kick him while he's down.

"To, for, on, around, with, above, through, in, behind... The preposition doesn't really matter. I know your brain will make it scandalous however you phrase it."

A heavy sigh escaped her and she grabbed the datapad from his hands while he was still frozen in awkwardness.

"Unless you have work for me, or something to help me fast forward out of my spiral of ineptness and self-loathing, I'd really like to let you dig your own way out of that awkwardness and go eat a pint of brownie sundae ice cream and contemplate the futility of existence in peace."

​

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

It was a slip that was absolutely noticed, while he was a bit embarrassed by that fact, he recovered quickly after averting his gaze for a few seconds. He could feel a heat work its way up to his cheeks, and hoped the lighting was dim enough to not be noticed by the woman across from him. Her mental debate was only punctuated by a quirked eyebrow and her kicking him while he was down, all he could manage was a small laugh.

"Well we'll work on gettting to all of those in time I am sure, but let's take things a bit slower, especially since you aren't looking for a romantic entanglement right now. Shame really...and it wasn't necessarily made scandalous until you mentioned that fact. So thanks. Definitely going to take some time for those images to fade."

She may or may not have caught an almost silent utterance of 'son of a queen!' Either way wasn't of utmost important as she sighed and took her datapad back. Oh yea he probably should have handed that back to her before.

"Given that I just turned down all twelve or however many jobs there were with a generic, 'Thanks, not interested at this time.' response I don't have any actual work for you. What awkwardness? Hey! That ice cream idea sounds good, you got more than a pint, right? As for contemplating the futility of existence, I just call that meditation..."

Syler Drayke ​