Public [Zinder Event] Carnival Comes to Dantooine!

[Novac Lyrikal]

Kuhbee Chen Yi

Novac didn't get many opportunitys to where his best outfit much, well other then when he was on his ship.

Novac had been waiting under a tree for a little while, just people watching under a couple others. He'd found a vendor selling kabobs, luckily they agreed to not cook the meat.

Novac had been planning on runnig the gauntlet, what plush he'd want if he made it he didn't know. But what he was really looking forward to was the test of strength, he knew that he'd be amazing at it. Thisspian tail where nearly pure muscle after all.

 

[Amara Zambrano]

The corners of her lips tugged against her cheeks and towards her ears, slightly, and though it was something she'd heard so many times before it didn't ring quite as hollow as it normally had. It helped, perhaps, that the conversation didn't linger there, and though the turn towards the absurdity of infamous Sith and other figures in plush form quickly caused her to forget the line already its effect on her mood had already helped relieve much of the tension she'd shown up with. "I hope she'd find it funny more than anything." She answered, having heard of the person but entirely unfamiliar with her other than her name - she'd rather not make the situation awkward, though, so she just equated her thoughts on seeing a figurine in the shape of her father with Srina instead. In fact she wasn't familiar with most of the people who'd been plushified, as social of a person as she was the sort of world she lived in was entirely separate from the cutthroat degeneracy of politics, be it Sith or otherwise.

"Done a few of these things, huh?" Amara asked, a little curious on whether she'd been missing out not trying one of these dating apps before. In truth it hadn't even occured to her to try Zinder or anything else like it until she found herself with an abundance of free time in a spaceport waiting for hours on a transport that had its arrival delayed seven times in the span of a day. "Like I said I haven't really been to one of these things before.. not like an event like this, though not one of these either, but like a carnival - or whatever a roller coaster is." She said, putting an oddly timed space between saying the words roller and coaster as if she thought it was literally two separate words and.. maybe a rolling coaster or something equally absurd. A cursory glance at some headlines suggested they were something you rode on, but that didn't quite clear things up for her in the way it might if she'd been familiar with other sorts of "rides" - a common trend was that being comatose for the majority of her life prevented her from ever coming into contact with much of these sorts of things until now.

"If you're familiar with these sort of things I wouldn't mind if you.. took the lead?" Amara said - or perhaps asked? Maybe it was just her way of suggesting she needed help deciding, but the subtle shift in the expression she worse suggested that maybe she was trying something else new for once, too. "I usually make all of the decisions whenever I'm with someone, but I don't get to learn much about them that way, y'know? So what does Eira Dyn like - that's what I'd like to try."

"Surprise me."

 

[Nyra Kairo]

Objective: Have some fun
Location: Zinder Carnival grounds, Dantooine
Outfit: Hoodie, Tank and Shorts
Tag: Saul Whesai

Nyra's lips curled into a coy smile as Saul began, "Isn't that my job?"

Oh, stars… If making her blush was his job... He was making it look far too easy. She had spent years smiling into cameras, charming sponsors, navigating interviews, and talking her way through customs inspections without missing a beat. Somehow, one awkward engineer with glowing blue eyes and an endless supply of terrible jokes had managed to leave her flustered more times in an hour than millions of followers ever had.

She wasn't entirely sure how she felt about that. Mostly because she suspected she liked it. "I think," she replied with a playful tilt of her head, "you're becoming a little too good at your job."

When Saul cautiously confirmed that a tour of The Drift might actually be on the table, Nyra nodded without hesitation. "I'd love to."[/color]There wasn't even a second's pause. "I genuinely want to hear what you think."

Most people admired the ship because it looked sleek, fast, or because they'd seen it on the Holonet. Saul...

Saul would notice things beneath the hull plating. "I spent a lot of time making her exactly what I wanted." Her smile softened. "So having someone who actually understands starships tell me what they think?" She gave a little shrug. "I'd really like that."

His description of her as nearly pure earned an immediate laugh. "Oh no." She shook her head. "I'm definitely not." There was mischief behind the smile now. "I'll admit..."

She glanced sideways at him. "...I'm not nearly as fast with the dirty jokes." A tiny shrug followed. "But I enjoy hearing them." Her grin widened. "And I am definitely not innocent." That much she could promise.

When an ungentlemanly curse slipped from Saul as the Tilt-a-Whirl did its absolute best to rearrange his internal organs, Nyra hadn't even batted an eye. Growing up on Gallinore hadn't been all etiquette lessons and polished nobles. Far from it. The corner of Hapes she'd called home still carried the rough edges of old pirate bloodlines. Colorful language had practically been a second dialect. Compared to some of the mechanics she'd flown with over the years…Saul was downright restrained.

She looked thoughtfully at the little punch card. "Hmm..." Her eyes wandered over the enormous wall of prizes. "I haven't decided." One finger tapped thoughtfully against her chin. "Maybe one of the Jedi..."

She tilted her head. "A Mandalorian would be pretty cute too." Her nose wrinkled slightly. "Probably not a Sith." She laughed quietly. "I don't think I'd sleep very well with one of those watching me."

When Saul's arm settled around her shoulders, warmth spread across her face once again. She knew why he'd done it. His legs were still negotiating a peace treaty with gravity. Even so...

It felt...Nice. Comfortable. She leaned just enough that supporting him became effortless, their pace naturally matching as they walked toward the towering Ferris wheel.

Truthfully...She didn't mind slowing the day down. There would always be another thrill ride. Another race. Another impossible canyon. She lived enough excitement for three lifetimes already. If all they managed today was one rollercoaster before the carnival closed… She'd still call it a wonderful date.

The line crept forward at an easy pace. Hip brushed hip. Saul's arm remained comfortably around her. Nyra found herself smiling for no reason other than the fact she didn't seem able to stop. By the time they settled into one of the enclosed gondolas, she made absolutely no effort to create any extra distance. Instead...

She subtly nudged herself just close enough to make sure his arm stayed where it was. The gondola lifted smoothly into the evening sky. Lights from the carnival spread beneath them like a sea of colorful stars. Silence settled between them until Saul finally broke it. Nyra listened quietly, smiling the entire time. Then...

A mischievous sparkle returned to her eyes. "So..." She folded one leg beneath herself slightly as she looked at him. "You sent me that first message..." A pause. "...fully expecting this date to go horribly wrong."

Another pause. "You thought I'd turn out to be some crazy shrew?" She couldn't even finish the sentence before dissolving into giggles. The laughter came quickly enough that there was no chance he'd take the teasing seriously. Once it faded, she took a slow breath and looked back out over the carnival lights before returning her attention to him.

"The reason I said yes..." Her voice softened. "...was because you didn't sound like a fan." There was no hesitation. "You sounded like a real guy."

Someone who hadn't memorized her latest uploads. Someone who wasn't trying to impress an influencer. Someone who wasn't hoping she'd boost their own popularity. Just...

Saul. "And..." Her smile grew once more. "...we both like starships." She gave a tiny shrug as though that simple fact explained everything. "It wasn't some complicated algorithm."

Her brown eyes met his glowing blue ones. "I thought..." Another small smile. "...I'd enjoy spending an afternoon with an engineer who likes making ships go faster."

Her cheeks warmed faintly again. "So far..." She looked out over the lights of the carnival stretching across Dantooine before returning to him. "...I think I was right."

 

[Saul Whesai]

The Cyborg couldn't help but smirk back as they walked hand in hand. "Just trying to make you keep me around." Because if Nyra let him go at this point, Saul would be the galaxy's fool. Just like he would be a fool not to take the opportunity to look at her ship and not see what he could learn from it. Maybe he could take some of her design choices into his other works.

The laugh that came out of her mouth just made Saul melt. Hearing how she didn't mind his dirty jokes and personality took some weight off his shoulders. "Well, I hope I get to see it come out of you. At least then I'll know you feel comfortable with me." And for the first time in a while, he actually did feel comfortable letting someone in.

Other than making an ass of himself on the ride, which Nyra didn't seem to mind, Saul was having a really fun time. Having the excuse to hold onto her didn't exactly hurt. Not like he was lying about needing the hand either. If the Cyborg fell in this crowd... well, getting walked all over wouldn't be fun. And so he leaned into the taller woman, trying to keep his cheeks from turning too red at the new feeling growing in his heart.

As Nyra listed out what character she wanted, Saul thought about what he was going to get. He didn't know anyone that was listed out in the information packet, and he wasn't exactly a fan of stuffed toys in the first place. So it was hard to make up his mind. He eventually decided, as he chuckled at Nyra's Sith joke. "I mean... if they make custom ones, I wouldn't mind one of you. Would be nice to imagine you in my head to give me a smile before I fall to sleep." Might help him with his nightmares from eating him alive too.

When they piled into the gondola and it started to rise into the air, the Cyborg tried his best to listen to Nyra while his mind went "How is this happening...? There has got to be a catch... No way this should be going so well." over and over again. When Nyra decided to challenge him on the subject of his doubting how this date would go, he couldn't help but put his hands up like a caught criminal and admit to the Chocolate-haired entresses. "Let's just say I haven't had much luck at these events in the past. And the last person I was interested in... well, let's just say it blew up in my face... hard..." Just thinking about that chain of events made the young man visibly shudder before he recovered. It hadn't been his best work... But it led him to Nyra, so Saul guessed he couldn't complain too much about his fortunes. "But no, I didn't think you would be some crazy shrew. I just didn't think we would hit it off as well as we have. But I'm really glad we did."

Saul looked at the lights below in absolute wonder. On city planets, he sometimes picked out the tallest place he could find and scrambled up it to just see how long the city lights went, looking out to the horizon as far as he could. And now he got to do the same with someone he liked a lot. But he knew he had some warning signs for others. I just know I have some characteristics that aren't ideal... I'm... not what you would call a people person, as you know, and I'm pretty impulsive, or I guess the word is... bombastic, which not everyone likes." It was the truth about himself, at least to the best of his knowledge. But as they both looked out at the stars around them both, Saul vowed that if he could change that for anybody, it would be Nyra.

Her reasoning on deciding on this date didn't seem far off. Saul was even half thinking this pairing might actually work long term, something he had never considered before. And then Nyra looked directly at him in a way that sent lightning to his toes. What he did next probably wasn't the smartest play, but hey, he wasn't known for being people smart, just ship smart. So when Nyra turned her head to look out at the Carnival, saying how she was having a fun time, Saul gently reached out and cupped her chin, gently guiding her head to face his as he leaned in. Their faces were inches apart, with his eyes on her as he softly whispered to her. "You might want to stop looking at me like that with those chocolate lakes you have for eyes. Otherwise, the staff might have to pry me and my lips off you with a crowbar." And with that, the cyborg pulled back, leaving her to imagine what he had just said as Saul hummed softly into the wind, as happy as could be, like nothing had ever happened. Hey, he did warn her that he could be impulsive, so she shouldn't be too surprised, right?

Nyra Kairo

 

[Nyra Kairo]

Objective: Have some fun
Location: Zinder Carnival grounds, Dantooine
Outfit: Hoodie, Tank and Shorts
Tag: Saul Whesai

Nyra's laugh drifted out into the evening air as the gondola climbed higher above the carnival. "So that's your plan?" She tilted her head with a teasing smile. "Just make sure I keep you around?" Her warm brown eyes met his glowing blue ones. "I don't think there's much danger of me letting you go just yet."

The words came easier than she'd expected. They were honest. She rested her elbow against the side of the gondola as they talked about the plushies, smiling thoughtfully at the displays shrinking below them.

Then Saul mentioned wanting a plushie of her. A rosy blush immediately returned to her cheeks. "...Oh." She laughed softly, looking away for only a second before meeting his gaze again. "I don't think they'll make one of me here."

A mischievous sparkle returned to her eyes. "...but..." She leaned just a little closer. "I'm fairly certain I could find someone who would." A beat passed. "So if you really want to take me to bed..."

She gave him a playful grin. "...I could probably arrange it." Another wink. "...The plushie, I mean." Whether she actually needed to clarify that...She wasn't entirely sure.

When Saul admitted his luck hadn't exactly been stellar, Nyra's smile softened. "I've gotten pretty good at changing luck." She'd built an entire career on taking chances. Leaving Hapes. Flying alone. Taking courier jobs. Trusting strangers. Meeting engineers from dating profiles. Fortune rarely found people standing still.

"You never really know unless you take the chance." Her shoulder lifted in a casual shrug. "And..."

She smiled again. When he admitted they were hitting it off better than he'd expected, she nodded in complete agreement. "...I'd say so too."

She listened carefully as Saul described himself. Not a people person. Impulsive. Bombastic. Nyra simply shrugged. "I've met plenty of polished people." A quiet laugh escaped her. "They're usually exhausting."

Then she nudged his shoulder gently. "...I kind of hope I get to meet this bombastic side of you." There was warmth behind the words. "I have a feeling it's entertaining."

The Ferris wheel continued its slow climb until the carnival stretched beneath them like a blanket of colorful stars. Nyra had just turned her head toward the lights when she felt gentle fingers beneath her chin.

Her breath caught. Slowly… He turned her back toward him. She didn't resist. She couldn't. Their faces drifted closer. So close she could make out every strand of vivid blue hair catching the glow from the carnival below. His neon eyes…Stars. She hadn't realized how beautiful they were from this close.

Without thinking, she held her breath. He leaned in. Every instinct told her what was about to happen. Her eyes slowly drifted shut. The world narrowed to the quiet hum of the Ferris wheel and the warmth between them. She waited.

...

Nothing.

After another heartbeat she opened one eye. Saul had leaned away. His whisper lingered in the space between them. "The staff might have to pry me and my lips off you with a crowbar." Then...

Nothing. He simply sat back, humming to himself as though he'd detonated an emotional thermal detonator and wandered away from the explosion. Nyra stared at him for another moment before unconsciously biting her lower lip.

You absolute menace… The thought came with absolutely no irritation. Only amusement. And perhaps...

A little disappointment. She looked back out over the carnival, trying very hard to ignore how quickly her heart was beating. Maybe...

Maybe slow was better. There was something undeniably sweet about discovering one another a conversation at a time instead of rushing everything. She could appreciate that. Even if he'd just left her wondering what that kiss would've been like.

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of her lips. That's alright, Saul. She folded her hands together in her lap, doing her best to look composed. You may have chickened out… Her smile widened ever so slightly. ...but before this date is over...I'm getting a kiss.

 

[Saul Whesai]

It made Saul smile that Nyra wanted to keep him around. To be honest, he didn't think he would find anyone who did. But here she was, blushing up a storm. The Cyborg could only chuckle when she said she could find someone to make it for him. "Funny, thought I would already have some for your merch store. Must have sold out. I wonder why?" Maybe it was something to do with how wonderful and talented she was. He was sure he would buy a plush of her if he watched her on stream every day. "But I would love to sleep with you. The plush of you I mean." The wink Saul gave the radiant women told her might mean the exact opposite.

He let Nyra's warmth sink in, his hand running along the top of her thigh to comfort her as he replied with a smile. "You certainly seem like a good luck charm to me." Saul knew what she meant. Polished people had their straight path but sinning every once and awhile never killed someone. As long as you could correct yourself of course. And the Mechanic could... most of the time... But with Nyra, that would be harder than ever.

Hearing that she wanted to see this bombastic side, he gave her a full blast. Before he pulled away, Saul took her in, the way she looked, the scent of perfume that wafted off of her and decided if she wanted to push him out of the car right now and have him fall to the earth below, he would die a very happy man.

As the car started to come back down, Saul couldn't help but glance at her. Seeing that disappointment in her face that she didn't get a kiss, he couldn't help but frown. Seeing her unhappy wouldn't do. So, the Cyborg lifted her hand up and pressed his lips gently against it. A smirk flashed across his face as he let her hand fall away, grinning like the absolute menace Nyra had cited him to be. "Think that will hold you over for now?" Because he wasn't certain it would be enough even for him before the night was through.

When they finally got the bottom, Saul got out of the gondola car and offered his hand to help Nyra jump out. It was the gentlemanly thing to do after all. Once they got back to the main path, Saul considered their options. "If you really wanted to ride that rollercoaster, we could let that be our last ride of the night." The Cyborg pointed to a tall tower in the distance, a set of seats raising up till they reached the top before they and their occupants plummeted to the bottom. "There is also the Deathdrop if you wanted to try something else along that vein." He let her choose. Just being here with her was enough of an experience for him to cherish. Nyra might as well pick out some memories of their own to make.

After they picked and started to move in, Saul leaned in as they walked so she could hear him over the large crowds around the pair. "You know, there is a fireworks show in an hour or two. We could try to fit in and find a secluded spot to watch it if the lines aren't too long for the rides. And after that, if you are awake enough to show me around your ship, I'll be happy to come along" How they both had the energy to keep this up among the chaos around them, Saul really didn't know. It was either love or adrenalin, but the Cyborg knew he was high on one or both and he wasn't coming down anytime soon.

Nyra Kairo

 

[Nyra Kairo]

Objective: Have some fun
Location: Zinder Carnival grounds, Dantooine
Outfit: Hoodie, Tank and Shorts
Tag: Saul Whesai

Nyra couldn't help but giggle again. "A plushie for my merch store?" She pretended to consider the idea seriously, tapping a finger thoughtfully against her chin. "I suppose eventually..." Her grin turned mischievous. "...but I'd have to be a little more selective than that."

She laughed. "I don't know if I'm ready for complete strangers taking me to bed every night." The joke landed exactly where she'd intended.

Then Saul followed it up. "But I would love to sleep with you. The plush of you I mean."

The second blush of the conversation bloomed across her cheeks before she managed to recover enough to grin back at him. "Oh?" One eyebrow arched. "So you wouldn't want to sleep with the real me?" Her expression remained perfectly innocent. For almost three seconds. Then she smiled, making it abundantly clear she knew exactly what she'd done.

She was just opening her mouth to answer his comment about her being a good luck charm when she felt it. His hand. The lightest brush across the top of her thigh. Every coherent thought she'd assembled simply...

...vanished. Her skin tingled beneath the contact. The sentence she'd been about to deliver disappeared into hyperspace before it ever reached her lips. Instead she looked at him for a heartbeat longer than intended before quietly clearing her throat.

"...I..." Nothing. Her brain refused to cooperate. She gave a tiny laugh at herself. "I forgot what I was going to say."

The Ferris wheel descended all too quickly. After his whispered tease that left her imagining a kiss that never came, Nyra had resigned herself to enjoying the anticipation. Then, somehow...

She realized her hand was in his again. She wasn't entirely certain which of them had reached first. All she knew was that Saul gently lifted it. His lips brushed across the back of her hand. Warm. Soft. Gentle. Her heart skipped just enough to be noticeable.

He smirked afterward like he'd committed a magnificent crime. "Think that will hold you over for now?"

Nyra looked at him for a long moment. Then shrugged with exaggerated casualness. "I guess." She was doing an admirable job pretending that hadn't completely melted her.

Once they stepped back onto solid ground, Nyra accepted his offered hand without hesitation before looking between the looming attractions. The Deathdrop. The rollercoaster. "Hmm..."

She watched the Deathdrop send another group screaming toward the ground. "It looks exciting..." She admitted. "...but it also seems a little..." She searched for the word. "...one note."

Her eyes drifted upward toward the massive rollercoaster weaving impossible loops against the evening sky. "I think I'd rather experience the rollercoaster." She smiled. "If we're only picking one big ride..." There was a slight pause as she looked at the rollercoaster, "...let's make it the big ride."

They fell into step once again, weaving through the colorful crowds. Saul leaned toward her so she could hear him. Without thinking...

Nyra leaned toward him too. The distance between them felt increasingly natural. Increasingly preferred. When he mentioned the fireworks, her face lit up. "Oh, I love fireworks." There was genuine excitement in her voice. "They're one of those things that never stop feeling magical."

She looked ahead toward the coaster before glancing sideways at him. "And if we find the right spot..." A playful smile slowly spread across her lips. "...I might insist you make a few fireworks of your own."

She paused just long enough for the implication to settle before laughing. "You know..." She bumped his shoulder lightly. "...that'll keep me awake long enough to give you the grand tour of The Drift."

Her brown eyes sparkled mischievously. "Wouldn't want you falling asleep before seeing all my engineering secrets." Deep down...She suspected neither of them was going to be falling asleep anytime soon.

 

[Caelan Mataan]

Caelan laughed softly at the accusation, the sound carrying easily above the bustle of the carnival. "I'll have to rely on my reputation, then." He let the words hang for a moment before another smile found its way onto his face. "Which is unfortunate... considering we've only just met." There was no attempt to argue his innocence or convince her otherwise. If she wanted to tease him, he was perfectly content letting her.

As her hand settled around his arm, he simply continued walking beside her, the gesture feeling natural enough that he treated it as such, matching her pace as the two of them wandered deeper into the carnival. Warm lights stretched overhead in long strands between colorful tents while laughter drifted through the evening air from every direction. Somewhere nearby, a bell rang out, followed immediately by triumphant cheering as someone conquered one of the midway games, and the scent of fried sweets mingled with grilled food while children darted excitedly between families, each convinced the next attraction would somehow be even better than the last.

"The strength game?" His eyes followed the direction she indicated, settling on the towering striker where another contestant had just sent the weight clattering halfway up the tower before falling short of the bell. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I like that idea." When she turned the question back on him, Caelan slowed just enough to take everything in properly, his gaze wandering across the carnival and lingering for a moment on the rides climbing into the evening sky before drifting back across the winding pathways filled with people who looked just as undecided as they were.

"Honestly?" He looked back at Lily."Nothing's really caught my eye yet. Half the fun is wandering into something you weren't looking for." The answer came without any deeper meaning behind it; it was simply how he had always enjoyed seeing the world.

His attention returned to the strength game, and with an amused smile, he nodded toward it. "So we'll start with your idea." He glanced back toward her. "And after that... we'll see where the evening takes us." He smiled to himself as they started toward the game; there wasn't any hurry. If something else caught their attention along the way, they could always change direction. As they began making their way toward the game, another quiet laugh escaped him. "I should warn you, though." Blue eyes met silver once more. "If you beat me..." He paused just long enough for the smile to broaden. "...I'll absolutely admit you beat me." Another beat. "I'll know not to challenge an Echani twice."

​

TAG: Lily Decoria

 

[Saul Whesai]

The Cyborg couldn't help but shake his head as he chuckled at her jokes. Of course he would love to sleep with her. Saul would love to do anything with her if it meant spending time together. But of course, he fought back against her humor with his own, hoping to get to hear that cute giggle once again. "Well, you just said you aren't ready for complete strangers to take you to bed. Guess that includes me." He wouldn't say they were complete strangers, but they were still learning about each other and feeling each other out. It was a process that scared him half to death, but it was also exciting. The cyborg didn't mind the risk to find out more about this beautiful woman that was somehow attracted to him. It would be worth it in the end.

Who knew such a little thing would cause such a big reaction? Saul looked on in amusement as he watched her lose track of what she was saying as her eyes seemed to grow big in their sockets. It was the funniest thing the Cyborg had seen for a while. "I didn't think I had force abilities, but I think I just discovered how to do a force mind trick. That will be fun to use in the future." And oh, he wanted that future more than anything.

When Nyra looked at her like he had just done terrorism, the cyborg's grin just spread wider. He guessed that he had pleased her even if she kept a straight face. Saul was slowly getting more comfortable with the idea that Nyra might actually like his affection. That she might want it even when the fact blew his mind.

When they got out and started to walk, Saul watched her consider her options with a smile and listened to her reasoning. And when she was finished, he agreed with her reasoning. "Fair enough, roller coaster with its turns and loops it is then." It was probably going to be hell on his legs and his stomach, but he wasn't backing down now. The Cyborg wasn't letting her go now that she was practically fitting into his side like a puzzle piece, and with his arm around her, they both marched on to their fate.

Saul was glad that Nyra liked his ideas, though that line about insisting to create a few fireworks of his own... Well, the fireworks that blossomed on his cheeks told it all. He managed to stutter out something while looking down at his feet, trying not to fall flat on his face and take Nyra down with him. "You... really know how to push me, don't you?" Because boy, he was feeling the pressure to deliver.

As they made their way through the line, Saul had a million simple questions he wanted to ask her. Her favorite color, her favorite foods, what was her dream place to visit in this galaxy. But lining up in the line for the coaster, whenever he turned to ask her a question, the words just fell apart as he took her in. Guess the Jedi Mind Wipe worked both ways.

When their set of cars clacked into place in front of them, and their passengers filed out, Saul took a deep breath, trying to balance and calm himself before the attendants ushered them into the front car. As the safety bars came down around them, the Cyborg muttered a silent prayer to the Ones to please keep them safe and not let them be on a news video with a caption of "Roller Coaster Crash Kills Passengers on Dantoonie." And as they started to climb the initial hill, he reached over to grip his lucky charm's hand while the Cyborg did everything in his power not to look down. Going around in loops, Saul could take. Not being in control... Now that was something else entirely.

Nyra Kairo

 

[Nyra Kairo]

Objective: Have some fun
Location: Zinder Carnival grounds, Dantooine
Outfit: Hoodie, Tank and Shorts
Tag: Saul Whesai

Nyra's smile turned soft as Saul volleyed her joke right back. "Well..." She looked at him from the corner of her eye. "I suppose that's fair." There was a thoughtful pause before another playful smile appeared. "I would let you take me to bed..."

She let the sentence hang in the air just long enough for his imagination to sprint ahead of reality. "...the plushie version of me." A quiet giggle escaped her. "We've at least gotten to know each other well enough for that." She was rather pleased with herself.

His delighted reaction to accidentally scrambling her thoughts only made her laugh harder. "Oh, don't sound so proud of yourself." Nyra shook her head, still smiling. "I've never completely forgotten what I was about to say because someone touched my leg."

Her cheeks warmed again at the memory. "...I hope I get used to it eventually." She looked over at him. "Otherwise that reaction is going to stay very embarrassing." Although…A small part of her wasn't entirely convinced she wanted to get used to it.

As they walked toward the rollercoaster, Nyra stole another glance at Saul. He'd agreed awfully quickly. Maybe... Too quickly.

She slowed half a step. "Hey." Her voice softened. "You don't have to do this just because I picked it." She gently bumped his shoulder. "I saw what the Tilt-a-Whirl did to you." There wasn't any teasing in her tone this time. "If this one wins too..."

She smiled reassuringly. "...we'll rest afterward." Another shrug. "I don't mind." Then, with genuine appreciation in her voice, "And... thank you."

She squeezed his arm lightly. "I appreciate you riding the one I wanted."

The memory of making his cheeks turn bright red from her fireworks comment resurfaced, earning another grin. He really did blush spectacularly. It was adorable. Far more adorable than she suspected he realized. When he stammered that she really knew how to push him, Nyra laughed. "I hope you like being pushed a little." She tilted her head mischievously. "I certainly do." Not endlessly. Not cruelly. Just enough to keep life interesting.

The line stretched ahead of them in a winding maze of rails. Around them families chatted, children bounced impatiently, and excited screams echoed overhead every few moments. Curiously...

Neither of them spoke much. Nyra caught Saul looking toward her more than once, as though he wanted to ask something. She probably looked guilty of exactly the same thing. There were dozens of questions she'd love to ask. Favorite planet. Favorite meal. What had made him fall in love with ships. What had made those glowing blue eyes so wonderfully unique. Instead...

They simply stood together in a comfortable, nervous silence. Honestly...She preferred it. The whole carnival didn't need to hear their stories. There would be time. Hopefully…Lots of it.

When the front car rolled into the station, Nyra stayed beside Saul as they followed the attendant forward. A quick step. One hand on the rail. Then she settled into her seat beside him. The restraints locked into place with a heavy metallic clunk.

The train lurched. Slowly...Steadily… It began climbing. Nyra's heart fluttered. Not from fear exactly. Excitement. Her grin spread wider with every click of the chain lift pulling them higher above the carnival. "This is going to be good." She couldn't keep the excitement out of her voice.

The track stretched endlessly ahead before disappearing into impossible dives, loops, corkscrews, and twisting turns. Minutes. Maybe less. That was all it would last. But in those few minutes they'd fly. Up. Down. Left. Right. Upside down. Weightless. Completely surrendered to momentum. And somehow...

That was the part she loved most. She wasn't steering. Wasn't piloting. Wasn't making decisions. For once…Something else was in control.

Then she felt it. Saul's hand finding hers. Without hesitation she intertwined their fingers and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. Before she even realized she was moving, she'd scooted just a little closer until their shoulders touched beneath the restraint. If this was how they were going to hurtle across the sky...

She was perfectly happy doing it together. The chain carried them toward the summit. One last metallic click… Then the track disappeared beneath them.

 

[Eira Dyn]

​

Outfit: Dress
Date: Amara Zambrano

Eira nodded her head, "perhaps make some critiques on how to more accurately portray the Sith Empress in the future." There was a soft chuckle to Eira's voice, enjoying the thoughts of seeing the Sith Empress standing and discussing with the Zinder app owner about the errors and inaccuracies in her plushie form. Seeing any of the Sith Lords having meetings with the app owner over such inaccuracies in their portrayals felt something that could be greatly amusing. Many were known to be ruthless and cruel in plentiful of ways, but this might be something that they could be revealing a more amicable mentality towards. If Eira ever saw one of herself, not only would she consider it to big a great achievement, but she also start demanding royalties for her likeness being portrayed.

Never turn down the opportunity for profit.

Shrugging her shoulders, "a few but not much success. Either had dates that never showed, dates that failed to impress or just not intrigued by the type of event being held." Eira admitted, not holding back her thoughts on how things had been before this date. "I continue to try since, the work I do... Sometimes being alone in a bed is the worst feeling in the world. Sometimes nice to have some form of company." It was a deeper peek into Eira's thoughts and feelings than she usually allowed but if Eira wanted to ensure the date was successful on her part, she needed to open up more. While Eira had trained herself to be cold and closed off, she knew it was never something that could work forever.

"Well, things can move fast. Not dangerously fast, though it can feel dangerous when you are on the ride." Eira tilted her head slightly, wondering which ride would be best to start with. "Let's do the Ferris Wheel? Slower, gets you accustomed to how high the rides can be, and gives us a chance to talk a little more. Feels rude to stop talking to one another so early on in the date." Eira smiled warmly, her red eyes locked to Amara's, "then we can try something more the speed I prefer to go." There was a slight slide of her sunglasses and a flirtatious wink as Eira offered a hand out to Amara so that Eira could lead the way to the Ferris Wheel without losing her date.

 

[Lily Decoria]

​

Outfit: Summer Dress
Date: Caelan Mataan

"A reputation, hm? Sounds like someone might be a big time flirt, do I have to be on the look out for others chasing your affection?" Lily raised an eyebrow with a smirk on her lips, her walk was carefree yet still maintained the measured grace and balance to move as smoothly around as she did. "Well, it would be stranger still if you held no reputation. I have heard a lot of interesting things about the Mandalorians and how some of them are in relationships." Lily teased a little further. While it was just silly rumours, Lily did not think it would be harmful to use them in a joking manner. Especially since she held doubts on them being actually true.

She shook his head when he could not select a second game for them to venture towards, "well, you are going to have to come up with something soon, I refuse to select all the options here!" Lily stated, it would be far too boring in her mind if she picked out everything that they did. She was determined to know more of what he found interesting and would be a little sneak into who he was and what Caelan liked. "Surprised the shooting galley didn't call to your Mandalorian spirit, or are you not the gun toting type of Mandalorian?" Many used blasters and slugthrowers but Lily understood that there were also melee focused Mandalorians as well.

Stepping towards the strength test game, she gave a shiver as they got close. It felt like something had been lost to her. Confused, Lily looked around, "huh... feels strange..."

"That'll be the Force nullification field. Prevents cheating from ya Force User types!" The game master announced to Lily and Caelan as he handed the hammer over to Lily. "Caught a few boosting their strength with the Force to cheat the challenge, this way it keeps things fair for non-Force User types."

Lily nodded her head to him as she held the hammer in her hands, "never been one for hammers. Not as elegant of a weapon as a blade." Lily mentioned before raising the hammer up high and then hitting the target with her strength, the best that she could. The hit was solid but not perfectly square on and Lily knew that she hadn't nailed the test. Watching, the ringer for the bell at the very top rocketed past the average strength line and reached the peak at just body builder before descending down.

Handing the hammer over to Caelan, "let's see how you do." Lily grinned widely.

 

[Saul Whesai]

Saul only rolled his eyes at her plushie joke, letting her win while still having that cheeky grin on his face. "I guess I'll take it. For now, at least." For her, the Cyborg could wait a little longer. Or at least till they made each other go mad.

The grin stayed on his face as they walked, with him admitting. "I hope you never do." It would be too boring otherwise. Taking in the sight of her blushing form, the Cyborg made sure that image never left his memory. It was too precious to lose.

Yes, Saul had agreed fast because this big beast was something from the beginning. His opinion on that choice was that he could survive one monster of a ride if it meant experiencing it with the brown-haired nymph beside him, even if the thought of being stuck in a railcar rushing along a track with no guardrails made him feel a pit in his stomach. Still, the Android put on a smile to show Nyra he was alright. "Aww... You are treating me like I'm already your boyfriend. Wait..." He mock-gasped as he had just figured out the secrets of the universe. "Maybe I should grab my helmet and water wings just in case. Can never be too prepared."

Saul only pretended to step out of line for a moment for his nonexistent protection devices before stepping back beside her. "I'll be fine. And if I'm face-first in a trash can after this puking my guts out, I have you to blame." Was Saul looking forward to this as much as Nyra was? No. But he was willing to give it a shot. Who knows, maybe it would even be fun.

Trying to recover, the blue-haired young man coughed into his palm as they slowly moved up in line. "I don't mind a little pushing now and again as long as you don't mind a little silliness. Well that... And if you were a Sith Agent having been sent to seduce me, I would give you the best review ever to your bosses." And it was true, he was having a wonderful time. This was the best interaction he had ever had with someone, period. And Saul knew how difficult he could be to get along with sometimes. Nyra was... something magical that had fallen into his lap, and he was about to sit it down and let her get away, even if it meant screaming his head off on a roller coaster.

And so Saul found himself locked in, holding a pretty stranger's hand for dear life as the coaster did a loop de loop with only the safety restraints keeping him in his seat. And despite how he dreaded the experience from the start, he was actually enjoying himself. The stress from the anticipation of getting on this crazy ride eventually bled away into pure joy. And when the craziness was over, when they stopped back at the ride station, the Cyborg's legs even worked as intended. Now that was a miracle.

Happy that bile wasn't coming back up his throat from breakfast, he turned to Nyra as they blended back into the crowd, their bodies resting against each other as they had never stopped. "Want something to eat before the fireworks?" It had been three to four hours since they had met at the pavilion, and the chocolate-eyed woman was probably starving. Last thing she needed was her stomach rumbling during what would be a romantic moment.

Nyra Kairo

 

[Nyra Kairo]

Objective: Have some fun
Location: Zinder Carnival grounds, Dantooine
Outfit: Hoodie, Tank and Shorts
Tag: Saul Whesai

Nyra laughed quietly as Saul surrendered the latest round of their ongoing plushie debate. "For now?" She raised an eyebrow. "So you're planning to renegotiate later?" There was enough amusement in her voice to make it clear she wasn't objecting to the possibility. Not even a little.

When he admitted he hoped she never got used to his touch, the warmth that had been dancing in her cheeks all afternoon returned once more. She found herself smiling down at the ground for a second before glancing back up. "I think..." She hesitated. "...I might be okay with that." It wasn't a complete answer. But it was an honest one.

Then Saul smiled and remarked that she was treating him like he was already her boyfriend. Nyra froze. Her face blossomed into an impressive shade of pink. Stars… For one dangerous heartbeat... She wished he was.

The realization arrived so suddenly it nearly startled her. She wanted to tell him. Wanted to admit that she liked how naturally they walked together. How easy conversation had become. How comfortable his arm around her felt. How she'd spent half the Ferris wheel hoping he'd kiss her. Instead...

She managed absolutely nothing. Fortunately, Saul immediately rescued her by gasping dramatically and announcing that he ought to retrieve a helmet and water wings. The absurd image shattered her spiraling thoughts. She laughed. "Oh, I think you've missed the proper safety briefing."

She nudged him lightly with her shoulder. "And don't worry." Her voice softened. "If this ride gets the better of your stomach..." She smiled reassuringly. "I'm not going to think any less of you."

Nyra shrugged. "That's what rides like this do, they throw your stomach around." She looked over at him with genuine appreciation. "The fact you're willing to chance it with me means more than whether you end up feeling a little green afterward."

A mischievous smile returned. "So yes..." She nodded solemnly. "You have full permission to blame me."

His comment about Sith agents drew another delighted laugh. "I promise..." She lifted a hand as though swearing an oath. "I genuinely enjoy the silliness."

Her grin widened. "And I have absolutely no plans to work for the Sith." A thoughtful pause. "...Although..."

She tilted her head playfully. "If I were secretly a Sith agent..." Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "...you've probably charmed me enough by now that I'd lie to my bosses for you."

The rollercoaster had been everything she'd hoped. The impossible drops. The inversions. The feeling of weightlessness before gravity remembered its job. She laughed almost the entire way through, squeezed Saul's hand perhaps a little tighter than necessary during one particularly vicious corkscrew, and by the time they rolled back into the station she was wearing the sort of wide smile that only came from genuine exhilaration.

Even better...Saul was smiling too. And...More importantly...He wasn't immediately searching for the nearest trash can. That alone felt like a victory. As they stepped back into the carnival crowds, Nyra naturally settled against his side again. This time...

There wasn't any practical reason. His balance had recovered. Neither of them needed support. They simply...Stayed close. Because they wanted to. She found herself smiling at that realization.

When Saul suggested food before the fireworks, Nyra immediately looked him over with exaggerated scrutiny. "Hmm." She narrowed her eyes dramatically. "Are you sure your stomach is ready for food?"

Her gaze drifted briefly toward the rollercoaster they had just conquered, then back to him. "I mean... you just survived a centrifuge designed by lunatics..." She spread her hands innocently. "...and a rollercoaster that spent half its time upside down."

A soft laugh escaped her as she bumped his hand lightly with her own. "I'm happy to eat, but only if you're not about three minutes away from introducing your dinner to the pavement." Another grin followed. "Because if that's still a possibility..." She pointed toward a nearby bench. "...I'm perfectly content sitting with you for a little while before we go looking for something."

Her expression softened. "The fireworks aren't going anywhere." And, if she were honest with herself...Neither was she. Not yet.

 

[Saul Whesai]

The Cyborg only winked as they got closer and closer to the boarding station. "Depends if we get to know each other better and you don't take up the whole bed." Saul only grinned when she admitted that she never that she was okay being surprised by his touch. And that shy look as she looked down at the ground... It made Saul only want her more. He couldn't help but think, "This is the one," because that's what he hoped she would be. Now time would tell if she would be, or the Cyborg would screw this good start up.

That laugh of hers had the power to make his heart race. And the thought that she cared about him enough to give him a second chance even after throwing up on her. "Hey, seeing you happy and getting the chance to spend more time having fun with you is worth the risk." Hearing her say that she generally enjoyed the silliness also reassured him that he wasn't going to push her away. It also encouraged more flirting. "I don't know... Those shorts certainly ooze evil the way they show off your assets. Absolutely sinful. They would seduce any man, and I don't know I can trust you to use that power responsibly." He certainly couldn't be responsible enough not to glance at it once and awhile. But maybe that was what she was hoping for. "But it's good to know I can make a double agent so easily. Just make them happy by joking and flirting with them, and they repent in their ways. Wonder why the Jedi couldn't do that?

Saul enjoyed the ride, almost forgetting Nyra was there as the wind pushed his face back into his seat. At least until they squeezed their hand, leading him to look over to her laughing and giggling, making him smile as he admired her a little bit longer than was necessary. When they pulled into the station, Saul took a breath, making sure his limbs were still working before climbing out of the car. Thankfully, his arm were still able to curl around Nyra as they walked away intact.

The Cyborg couldn't help but shake his head as she questioned his ability to keep his guts on the inside. "I'm alright for the most part..." before his stomach started gurgling. Whether it was upset with him for not eating or forcing it through a dryer, he didn't know. Still, sitting with a beautiful woman didn't sound too bad. "But sure, we could find a seat first." And so they went off to settle at one of the picnic tables near the various food stands. This way, they could see what was available at a comfortable distance.

When they had settled down, Saul held her hand as they enjoyed each other's company among the sights and sounds of the carnival. And he simply enjoyed being there with her for a bit, stealing glances at her because his neon blue eyes couldn't help themselves. Eventually, he asked the question that had been kicking around his head. "So... What would you like in a partner?" It was one of those basic questions that Saul wanted to know just to make sure he could give her what she wanted. Because if this kept going and ended poorly because the Cyborg couldn't emotionally, his heart might break for good.

Nyra Kairo

 

[Nyra Kairo]

Objective: Have some fun
Location: Zinder Carnival grounds, Dantooine
Outfit: Hoodie, Tank and Shorts
Tag: Saul Whesai

Nyra's grin widened as Saul wondered aloud whether she'd take up the whole bed. "Oh?" She rested her chin lightly against one hand, pretending to give the question serious consideration.

"I suppose that depends on how much room I'm allowed to claim." A quiet giggle escaped her. "But if you're worried about space..."

She shrugged innocently. "...the plushie version of me is probably the safer investment." She wasn't about to admit she tended to sprawl in her sleep. Not on a first date.

His willingness to endure rides that clearly weren't his favorite just because they made her smile tugged at her heart. She looked over at him for a moment before speaking. "You know..." Her voice softened. "I'm really glad you'd risk a little hardship to make me happy." That wasn't something she took lightly. "But..."

Her smile turned fond. "...that means I'm going to have to be careful how much I let you risk." Nyra had never been especially good at asking people to sacrifice for her. She wasn't about to start now.

Then came the compliment about her shorts. Or...Whatever exactly that had been. A rosy blush spread across her cheeks. "My shorts?" She laughed, shaking her head. "I've never heard anyone accuse cargo shorts of oozing evil."

Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "If you think these are dangerous..." She leaned in just a touch. "...you should see me in a swimsuit." The words slipped out before she could overthink them. A heartbeat later she realized what she'd said.

"Oh..." Another laugh. "I walked right into that one."

His joking theory about turning Sith agents into double agents earned another amused smile. "I don't know..." She tilted her head thoughtfully. "I think some agents would be a little harder to flip." Then she pointed a thumb toward herself. "I might just be an easy mark."

By the time the rollercoaster had delivered them safely back to the station, Nyra was laughing almost as hard as she had during the ride itself. The attendant happily stamped both of their ride cards one final time. "Three!" She held the card up triumphantly. "I've officially earned my plushie."

Now...Which one?

The wall of prizes presented a difficult decision, but after another minute of indecision she finally reached for the little Matsu Ike plushie. The tiny Jedi Master looked impossibly serene despite having been transformed into a stuffed toy. Nyra hugged it lightly against her side with a delighted smile. "You're coming with us."

Food was momentarily forgotten in favor of finding somewhere to sit. The picnic tables offered plenty of open space. Even so... Nyra naturally settled down close enough that their shoulders nearly touched. When Saul took her hand again, she happily intertwined their fingers. The simple contact had become surprisingly natural over the course of the afternoon.

Then came his question. "What would you like in a partner?"

Nyra blinked. A laugh escaped her before she answered. "Saul..." She squeezed his hand gently. "I'm twenty-two." Her smile was warm, almost self-deprecating. "I honestly have no idea what the perfect partner looks like."

She looked out over the carnival for a moment, watching families wander between attractions before returning her gaze to him. "I know I want someone I can have fun with." The answer came easily now that she'd started. "Someone who makes me laugh. Someone who can accept that I'm a little crazy."

She smiled sheepishly. "I don't expect them to come cliff diving on every planet or race speeders through canyons with me." A small shrug accompanied another smile. "But it'd be nice if they smiled while I told them about it afterward." Her gaze drifted down to their joined hands, her thumb absently brushing across the back of his.

"I suppose..." She paused, considering the thought before giving it voice. "If we're talking about the long haul..." Her expression softened. "...I'd need someone who supports me." Nyra gave a small, almost apologetic shrug. "I take chances. A lot of them." She looked back toward the carnival lights. "And eventually I'm going to fail."

There wasn't any sadness in the admission—just practicality. "It comes with the territory." When she turned back to Saul, there was quiet sincerity in her eyes. "I'd want someone who doesn't disappear just because one adventure doesn't work out."

She squeezed his hand once more, a little firmer this time. Then the seriousness gave way to the familiar sparkle in her eyes. "But right now?" A playful smile returned to her lips. "I know I like glowing blue eyes."

Her gaze lingered on them for just a moment before she continued. "And someone who's confident enough to admit when they're scared, nervous, or struggling instead of pretending they're invincible." The teasing smile returned in full force.

"...And later tonight..."

She tilted her head toward him, the little Matsu plushie still tucked comfortably beneath her arm. "...I'm apparently going to like someone who's willing to give me a brutally honest engineering critique of my ship." She laughed softly. "That last qualification is surprisingly specific."

One final affectionate squeeze of his hand accompanied the smile she gave him, warm enough to say that, so far, Saul was doing a remarkably good job of meeting every qualification she'd discovered that afternoon.

 

[Saul Whesai]

Well, he couldn't have everything in a partner, could he? Saul couldn't help but let out an uncontrollable laugh as they walked, while Nyra admitted she didn't exactly sleep soundly. Saul wasn't exactly a restful sleeper either, often falling out of his bunk on Base when the nightmares came... Another thing that probably shouldn't be talked about on a first date. Nyra would hear his screaming soon enough if he didn't fumble this date. Managing to say through his laughter. "I guess the bedroom wars have begun then. May the best man or woman win." Who knows, maybe they would both kick each other out of bed. Wouldn't that be funny. Worst case, he might be confined to his hammock for both of their safety.

To him, relationships needed give and take. Riding a ride that scared the shit out of him was a necessary give. Besides, what would have been fun in sitting out alone? Smiling back, he joked. "If you are going to do that, you might as well cut out my tongue." That way he couldn't risk losing her with his dumb thoughts.

Just like the ones he had let out now. Saul couldn't believe he had said that about her shorts, and he couldn't believe even more that she entertained it with a laugh. He was about to say that anything could be evil if used for evil purposes, which on her they obviously were meant to seduce men to their deaths. That was until she made him think about her smiling in a swimsuit, and his cheeks immediately went red as he became speechless at the fun thoughts he imagined. The images flashing through his brain made him regret they hadn't decided to go on one of the water rides.

Managing to shake that image out of his head, he managed to chuckle while shaking his head in disbelief. "I guess I'm the easiest mark there is for you then." That didn't change when they stepped off the roller coaster as he watched Nyra pluck at his heartstrings while choosing her plushie. For himself, he decided on the Zinder's creators himself, deciding that the Zeltron looked cute enough. Not as cute as Nyra but cute enough.

Maybe he shouldn't have said anything at all and just enjoyed Nyra's touch as they sat together. But he was curious, curious about her motives, curious about what was going on in that head of hers. And so Saul asked the question to which Nyra managed to answer with modesty. And Saul completely believed her. Her ideas of what a partner should be like were pretty much his, making his smile widen even more. "That's fair; this would be my first relationship too, so who knows what I want, but your ideas are pretty much mine. It just boils down to having someone I enjoy and want to be around." Putting his arm around her and pulling her into his side, he whispered playfully while forgetting any filter. "Guess that means you." And it was true, they were pretty much a same person at heart. Him with his risky mechanical contractions and her acting like she was invincible. Saul couldn't help but think they made a good pair. "By the way, is now a good time to admit I've done a high wire act a few stories up before?" It was his own way of telling her that she wasn't the only one who liked to take risks.

Nerf, she was making it hard not to kiss her. He had to fight back the urge to as she listed all the things she liked about him. At least enough to say, "And I know I like someone whose laughter gets stuck in my head... And I want to do this action with for a long time to come..." That action being looking into her eyes for a long moment and letting their lips meet as his hand squeezed her side affectionally, letting her know that this was one adventure that the Cyborg was never going to back out of, whether she liked it or not. And as other families marvelled as the night started to bloom with fireworks of different kinds and colors, Saul was really glad that luck had actually helped him for once.

Nyra Kairo

 

[Nyra Kairo]

Objective: Have some fun
Location: Zinder Carnival grounds, Dantooine
Outfit: Hoodie, Tank and Shorts
Tag: Saul Whesai

Nyra covered her mouth as a quiet laugh escaped her. "The bedroom wars..." She repeated it under her breath, testing the phrase as though it were the title of one of her own Holonet videos.

Another fit of giggles followed. "I suppose..." She looked back to Saul with amused eyes. "...if it becomes that serious..." A playful shrug lifted her shoulders. "...we'll just have to find a really big bed." Problem solved. At least…That was the theory.

She noticed, however, that there had been something behind Saul's laughter. A hesitation. A thought he hadn't quite shared. Nyra didn't press. If she'd somehow expected to know every corner of the man beside her before the end of their first date, she'd only be fooling herself. There were undoubtedly stories he wasn't ready to tell. Just as there were stories she wasn't ready to tell him. Those could wait.

When Saul joked that she might as well cut out his tongue if she intended to keep him from saying foolish things, Nyra's eyes widened in mock horror. "I would never do that." She squeezed his hand. "Besides..."

A grin spread across her face. "You'd be far less interesting without it." She rather liked hearing every unfiltered thought that escaped him. Even the ridiculous ones. Especially the ridiculous ones.

Her casual mention of a swimsuit achieved exactly the reaction she'd hoped for. Saul...Actually became speechless. His cheeks turned an impressive shade of red. Nyra couldn't stop smiling.

"Oh?" She tilted her head innocently. "I didn't realize that image would be so dangerous." There was just enough mischief in her voice to make it clear she was absolutely going to remember that for later.

When he declared himself the easiest mark there was, she laughed outright. "I don't know..." She narrowed one eye playfully. "I think we're going to have to spend some more time together before we figure out which one of us is easier." Knowing both of them...The answer might very well be both.

She smiled as Saul selected his own plushie. The little Zeltron really was cute. Nyra found herself wondering if, had she not been sitting beside him, he might have gravitated toward one of the other adorable female plushies lined across the prize wall. Honestly...She wouldn't have judged him. Cute was cute.

His answer about relationships caught her pleasantly by surprise. "This would be my first relationship too..." Nyra drew a slow breath. "Well..." She rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "I've had a boyfriend before."

Her smile turned a little lopsided. "It lasted almost a year." She laughed softly. "But..." Another shrug. "I was way too young for it to ever be serious." Her expression wrinkled ever so slightly. "He's kind of a jerk now." The words escaped before she thought about them. "I honestly don't know how I managed to put up with him for that long."

Thankfully...That chapter felt very far away now. Especially sitting here. Especially with Saul. When he quietly admitted that, by his own definition... She was exactly who he wanted...Warmth blossomed through her chest.

She didn't answer immediately. Instead she simply smiled and let herself melt comfortably into his side as his arm settled around her. It fit. Comfortably. Naturally. Like it had somehow been there longer than a single afternoon.

Then came his confession. "I've done a high wire act a few stories up before." Nyra looked at him with amused surprise. "So..." She bumped him lightly with her shoulder. "I never actually thought you were a scaredy cat." Her smile softened. "I figured it was the speed…And all the spinning."

She gestured vaguely toward the rides. "The movement where you aren't really in control." She looked back into his glowing eyes. "I think we'll find plenty of adventures we both enjoy." There was a confidence in her voice that surprised even herself.

Then Saul looked at her. Really looked at her. His words settled softly between them. "I know I like someone whose laughter gets stuck in my head..." Nyra felt her heart flutter. She didn't speak. She didn't need to. When he leaned forward this time...

She met him halfway. Their lips finally touched. Gentle. Warm. Everything she'd quietly hoped for since the Ferris wheel. Her arms slipped naturally around him, returning the kiss with unmistakable happiness. For a brief moment...

The carnival disappeared. There were no rides. No crowds. No music. Just the two of them. When they finally drew apart, Nyra stayed close enough that their foreheads nearly touched. Then...

A brilliant burst of color blossomed across the night sky. The first firework. She looked upward, watching golden sparks spread across the darkness before smiling back at Saul. "Ours were better."

The grin that followed made it perfectly clear she wasn't talking about the pyrotechnics overhead. She glanced back toward the fireworks, her fingers still comfortably intertwined with his. "But..." Her smile softened. "...let's watch these." Another explosion of brilliant colors reflected in her warm brown eyes. "And afterward..." She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "...you can finally come see The Drift."

 

[Saul Whesai]

Saul didn't think being on different sides of the same bed would be enough to keep him away from her. Either way, as long as he was in the same one as her, he would be happy. He couldn't help but be glad Nyra didn't want to dig around in his past. Finding out he was made to be a joytoy... would probably be awkward for both of them.

After his last nerfup with the Jedi, Saul was glad that Nyra actually liked the more zanny parts of his personality. It made his fear that he was too much for her or anyone to handle slowly go away. The thought slowly brought Saul's smile back. "Thanks, I needed that." Now, Nyra seeing his cheeks blush at imagining her in a swimsuit and giving her prime teasing grounds... the journey was still out on that. He shook the "dangerous" comments away with a shake of his head. "Nyra, you are a beautiful young woman. All of you is dangerous to a guy like me. It's why I said I'm the easiest mark because I can't help but have my eyeballs extend out to look at you and go "Owaggghhh" when you walk by." In Saul's mind, he didn't need to test who was the easier mark because he had already decided he would follow Nyra wherever she went. As Nyra said, cute was cute.

The Cyborg raised an eyebrow as Nyra admitted she had been with someone before. It shouldn't have surprised him. Nyra was a catch after all. And she wasn't his first crush either. "I've had a couple of crushes, just never been compatible enough to close the deal with anyone. But he really lost out. I'll try my best not to." Otherwise, he would miss the feeling of having this chocolate goddess close against his side.

Nyra was pretty much right; he liked being in control of himself. Whenever he got out of control, that's when the bad things happened. He managed to keep his smile up as he said. "I think we will too. And I'm sure we will enjoy every second." He already was doing just that, enjoying every moment he got with her.

The kiss... the kiss was something out of this world. For something he never thought he would ever get, the Cyborg was certainly glad to have had it with Nyra. When they broke away from each other, the Cyborg tried to recover his breath as their foreheads rested together, trying his best to make words. Thankfully, Nyra found her words first, making him probably the happiest guy here. "To that, I'll agree. Happy my first kiss was a good one." And as they both watched more colors come to life in the sky, Saul wondered if some colors didn't burst into his tin body after all.

Nyra Kairo