“Okay! They said it was around here….” Dusa glanced down at the datapad and looked back up to figure out where she was. She was new to Port Ol'Val and every time she goes somewhere new, it was a rule she had set for herself in which when she was in a new area, must try the local soup.
Soups were stars-sent for her.
Someone bumped into her shoulder while she wasn’t paying attention as she yelped and dropped her datapad.
“Hey! Watch where ya-”
“Sorry!” They shouted back as they ran off, seemingly in a hurry. Dusa huffed and turned to pick it up right when a BB Unit droid was in a hurry as there was a rolling crunch and Dusa froze. Her hand that was reaching out for her datapad just froze mid-air and her fingers twitched.
“Come on!” She exhaled. Datapad being broken wasn’t the end of the galaxy for her. But not able to find the place that had soup?
“I just wanted to find the best soup here!”
As if her luck couldn’t get worse, it was just then that another body bumped into her.
As she looked up, flustered and flushed, she paused as she came face to face with a man with long dark hair tied back into a tail and bright green eyes.
He quickly started to apologize, his hands moving to her shoulder to make sure neither of them fell over. Then he brushed her off. As he did, he made a quick sleight of hand.
“So sorry about that,” the man rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Is your datapad ok?!”
He gestured at the datapad that was now in her hands.
With an unbroken screen.
Wyndell Tyris hadn’t intended to swap out someones datapad today. But he didn’t really need his, so it just seemed the right thing to do. He offered her his best disarming smile.
Another one?! Dusa was tired of getting run into but this man actually stopped and didn’t keep moving. Bonus point? He was handsome.
And he apologized. “No no, it’s okay- huh?” She stopped when he asked if her datapad was okay and there was some heavy weight on her hands. She looked down and saw the datapad. Her brows furrowed in confusion as she looked at the ground. Nothing. No broken datapad.
Then back to her hands. Ground. Handsome man. Hands. Ground. Handsome man. A buffering icon appears.
“Y-yea! I guess it is!” She exclaimed, “This means I can continue my search for the best soup here! I just moved here. Unless… you happen to know this area?” She flashed him a smile and wondering if she had made her first friend.
Wyn smiled easily. He didn’t need to act, as a certain earnest warmth seemed to radiate off her. He was a good study of folk, always watching. Nothing in her stance or posture or set of her shoulders was guarded. She seemed… genuinely lost in a new place.
“I wouldn’t say best soup, as it is a shadow port so I should set your expectations fairly,” he explained carefully. “…but I definitely know a hot pot spot that’s run by an actual Sullustan that knows how to do it authentic. I, er, could show you where it is?” he asked.
“Yes! I would love that! And let me buy you—“ She trailed off, forgetting what time it was. “—lunch or dinner as a thank you!” She brought her shoulder bag around and shoved the datapad in the bag as she took one last look at the ground.
She could’ve sworn- no. No need to dwell on it. Maybe it wasn’t crushed after all.
“Oh! Before I forget, I’m Dusa!” She extended her hand for a handshake.
Wyn took her hand gently, and offered a bow with just his head. “Wyndell,” he replied. “Are you sure? I don’t want to interrupt your outing…”
You literally were about to go to the bar to grill the locals in Sabaac. You have nothing better to do.
Dusa brought her shoulder bag strap to her mouth and bit into it. Did he just bow?! Then she quickly released the strap.
“Am I sure? Sir!” She held out her hands to gesture the surrounding area around her and spun around once, a smile still on her face. It was evident this woman has the word ‘confidence’ as her middle name.
“I just moved here, I finally have a job and my own apartment! I need to celebrate— oh wait, do you have something to do? I am so sorry! You don’t have to do this! I can just whip out the good old datapad and find it myself.”
Wyn blinked, momentarily at a loss for what to think. Then when she smiled, he couldn’t help but admire it.
“Nah, just making the rounds. I’ve lived here for years and don’t mind showing new folk the works. But let me show you, if I may?”
He moved closer besides her, careful to be respectful of her space, but moved a hand towards her datapad to interact with the map.
“The spot is here…and I can mark a few other places so you know even without me being around. But, I’d be happy to show you and join you.”
Oooh! So he’s from around here. That explained why he had the time to stop and chat with her. She let him interact with the datapad but once he was done, Dusa gave Wyn a suspicious squint. She wasn’t sure if he wanted to join her? But he was putting the places down on the map which was one message…
But he said he would be happy to show and join her! With that, she hooked her arm around his then cheerfully declared, “Well, Wyndell! You can totally back out but here’s the thing, all that I said earlier? Happened today! So I got to believe good things keep happen and you’re one of them! So off to soup we go!” Yet, her hook around his arm wasn’t tight, giving him permission to leave if he wished.
Outwardly, Wyn flowed like quicksilver pouring from a glass, accepting her arm as effortlessly as a maiden at court. He gently steered her towards the Plaza, guiding her and pointing out a few noteworthy locations as they passed. He realized that his pistols were casually out on his hips, but she didn’t seem to mind.
She smelled nice, too, but he kept that thought to himself.
“Here’s the spot,” he said. Then he–possibly a bit reluctantly, but he’d never show it–let go of her arm, slipped his hands casually into his leather jacket pockets and grinned at her. He then went and held the door for her.
Dusa paid attention when Wyn pointed out other good spots here so she could keep a mental note to try those places later. With her being close to him, she was able to take in his musk and her smiled got a little bit more warm.
She looked at the food place storefront and absorbed the information. Then he opened the door. “Oh, thank you!” She strolled in followed by Wyndell as she took in a deep breath.
So far, so good. This place smelled so good she was starting to salivate a bit more. Then her stomach growled loudly in protest, her eyes shot to Wyndell, hoping he didn’t hear that.
Quick! Say something!
“So, those pistols are drop dead beautiful.”
Smooth.
Wyn definitely heard it, but pretended he didn’t. He also hesitated for a second as his wit started to sprint ahead of him. The set up was too easy.
You just met her. Don’t ruin it with an innuendo
“Heh, glad you think so. They’re named Dexter and Doakes. Help keep me out of trouble,” he did make a bit of a showy grin as he tapped the grips of each blaster pistol.
He waved at the chef behind the counter, and the lone waiter nodded and offered a seat off the side behind a silk curtain.
He held the curtain aside to reveal a small wooden table with some kind of conductive plate in the middle. There were two stool on opposite sides, making it a quaint but cozy space.
“This is the Dining style from Sullusta,” he explained. He realized that it might seem weird that it was so private. He hid his blush with expert precision though.
Smooth
Who said he couldn’t behave? Even if no one could tell him what a have was.
Oh good. He didn’t hear it. Dusa mentally sighed with relief.
“I know what you mean! This gal here,” she patted her own blaster, “has helped me a lot when I am unable to use these guns-” She curled her biceps for a moment before uncurling them, “-to hold my axe! Though, to be real with you, I am not the best marksman.”
She watched as Wyn waved to the chef as she smirked mischievously.
Bullseye! He is really a local! Though instead sitting out in the front, Wyn took her towards the curtain and saw the little private area.
“Oh! So that’s what the nod from the waiter was!” Dusa exclaimed as she hastily made her way and sat down at the stool.
“You must come here a lot to get this spot whenever it’s available.”
“Impressive, but have you tried throwing axes?”
Wyn watched her flex and found himself smiling. Which was good, because that hid his genuine interest of awareness of her bodies build. Acting training helped him not to stare. Wyn was allergic to the gym, so he simply admired anyone that was into working with the hands–arms? Focus.
He waited for her to sit first before he did. The lone waiter left two digital menus for them each.
“Nah, that’s just Sen’,” Wyn feigned humility and tried to play it off with a wave of a hand. “Helped him secure a shipment of foodstuffs that went missing a few years back, he makes good food, so he usually doesn’t mind me dropping in with no reservation.”
He looked at her head-on for possibly the first time and blinked, distracted by her features, forgetting for a moment what the were doing. He quickly recovered. “Any uh, dietary concerns?”
Without thinking, Dusa had her bag’s shoulder strap in her mouth as she bit it down when Wyn tells his tale of helping either the waiter or cook, named Sen.
“Ho-id-” Then she realized as her words were muffled and mumbled, that she was biting down the shoulder strap.
Dusa quickly spat out the strap and cleared her throat as she removed the shoulder strap of her bag and hooked it over her chair.
“Nope! No dietary concerns,” Dusa grinned as she tried to skim over the menu to no avail because-
“Oh! Yes, I do throw axes-” then she gasped, leaned forward, and hastily whispered, “-Wyn! Are you telling me there’s an axe throwing building on Port Ol'Val?”
Wyn quirked an eyebrow as she bit her leather strap. While his active imagination went into one direction, the rest of him stayed healthily curious, but dismissed it as maybe a quirk of where she came from. Who was he to judge?
“It’s a shadowport where pirates, smugglers, and people trying to lay low or create new alias’s flock to. Of course there’s an axe-throwing place,” he smiled. “Want me to order? Have you had hot-pot before?” he paused and thought a moment. “Drinks?”
“Ah!” Dusa tried to contain her excitement but there was soft tapping of her feet as she expelled a bit of her energy that could be heard from underneath the table.
“That is so-” She trailed off as she tried to think of a word, “-the bomb!” Dusa smiled. Yep. Best first day ever so far! Her happy tapping had stopped as she didn’t want to seem TOO much.
“Oh.” It was as if she was pulled back and reminded where she was as she glanced to the menu as she cleared her throat.
Stay cool, Dusa reminded herself.
“When we had the money, mom sometimes takes me to one but it has been awhile…” She murmured as she looked at the choices. “Which broth would you like, Wyn? Oh, drinks?” She glanced back to the menu.
“Aw kist, this is awesome, they have mango lemonade.”
Wyn nodded along and leaned over towards the waiter, who waited patiently. “Two mango lemonade, please. Let’s do the pork broth, and go with the chefs choice mixture of meat and veggies. Tell ‘Sen I trust him,” Wyn offered a wink to the waiter, who simply nodded his amphibian head up and down with understanding.
“I know the feeling of not being able to afford different kinds of food. I sometimes have to pinch myself to remember that I’m not that urchin anymore,” he offered more of a personal detail than he usually would have told a relative stranger. Weird. Why did he feel so comfortable around her? He didn’t detect anything through the Force, so it wasn’t maniplation of that kind. Her made sure to keep his eyes on hers, though, and not let them wander off.
Dusa smile stayed on her face as she kept an eye contact with him as she nodded, “Right!? Like I said, first day of job but boss went ahead and paid me when she find out my situation. So I got the apartment, got myself set up, and plenty leftover! It’s so…. exhilarating and weird!”
Then she chuckled a bit, “And maybe a bit scary. I wonder if I am getting ahead of myself.” Then she realized something as laughed as she facepalmed herself and her hand slid back to brush her hair a bit as it rested at the side.
“And I completely forgot that I should probably consider ordering furniture as priority instead.” She had gotten so lost in her quest of best soup that she had forgotten other essentials.
Wyn smiled, nodded along, and then tried to piece a few things together. “Always good to get paid up front,” but usually that’s rare and there’s a catch… “what was the gig, if you don’t mind me asking? I know most of the folks around here. Just want to make sure no one is pulling your leg…”
“Oh! It’s not. Okay, so long story short, I licked a ship for good luck, Matcha, a pilot woman saw me licked a ship and was concerned about me but I told her it’s for good luck and guess what? I won ten credits from- wait that’s not the point. So Matcha knew I was a pilot and seeking a job.”
“I am not making this short whoops- Then days went by and I haven’t heard anything and all the sudden I have this interview with her and another pilot, pretty woman, insanely uptight though. Close to bitchy, but not quite. Like she’s direct and blunt but I don’t think she knows how to have fun. Seems nice though.”
“Anyways, she got a job at the Envoy Corps and was looking for personal pilots to help her out now and then and gave Matcha the co-pilot job and I’m the backup but still can get on the ship and do my job. Matcha and I both get paid salary! She also mentioned if we’re working holidays or extra hours, she’ll pay us more.” Then she leaned forward and whispered, “Between you and me, with the pay? I think Eve- whoops, Ms. Wyvern is just rich and used her own money to pay for Matcha and me.”
Wyn blinked a few times, and only a life time of acting and living out the method of performance kept him from gawking as information rolled out.
Dusa froze. This was unusual. They were having a good rapport and going back and forth, until now. She replayed what she just said, what could had pause him like this?
“Wyn? Did… my licking of a ship for good luck bothered you?”
Wyn shook his head at the question. “Please, if I had a porg for everytime I licked something for good luck, I…would have a bunch of Porgs,” he played the fumble off with as charming of a smile as he could. “Just making sure I’m not getting distracted by how endearing you are and listening to everything you’re saying.”
He tapped his fingers rhythmically against the side of the table. Did Evelyn…plan this? They had spoken amiably after their outing and he still respected the woman immensely. He didn’t focus too much on the “miss” part, but did process the rest of the story.
He should have known that someone as nice and interesting as Dusa wasn’t some kind of coincidence. He met her eyes, admiring their gray-hue. “I just wasn’t expecting it to be such a small shadowport is all. I’m familiar with the Envoy Corps.”
As he leaned back, he pulled back his jacket a bit to show the Golden Envoy badge on his shirt. When on Ol'val, he tended to keep it hidden, but like a sherif in an old western expanse holo it flashed gold. The scarf he wore around his neck matched it in this light.
Dusa leaned back and made a funny face as she smacked her lips, she couldn’t imagine licking Porgs. Licking a ship was one thing but a Porg?
Then she smiled widely at Wyn’s compliment, calling her endearing, the smile even reached to her eyes and wrinkled the corner of it a bit.
He’s so hot- Wait. Stop.
Confusion was evident on her face when he mentioned it being a small shadowport as she blinked at him once. Twice.
Small? This port was massive! A bulb went off in her head when he mentioned about him being part of the Corps. Wait, does he know her boss!? Oh no! Distracted by the beauty of the golden scarf and the horror that she called her boss uptight, “Please don’t tell Evelyn I called her a bitc- uptight!” Dusa quickly corrected herself as she cleared her throat and then tenderly takes the golden scarf if Wyn allows her.
“I’ve seen this around once so far! Oh, it’s so much more soft than I thought! Wow! Do you wear it often?”
Wyn shrugged a shoulder casually. “It’s a good ‘get-out-of-jail’ free card I can play when needed.” He thought for a moment. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell her. Though I imagine…”
He straightened up in his seat, fixed his posture so that he was sitting ramrod straight. He tipped his chin up and out, and made a showing of fixing his hair. His expressive features went a bit stoic, and then spoke with a calm, near-perfect imitation of Evelyn Wyverns voice, “That would be misses Wyvern, and I am indeed uptight. Thank you for noticing.”
He then relaxed his shoulders and slipped back into his usual slacked demeanor. He liked watching her face, he admitted, and her smile was radiant.
Dusa passed the scarf back as the drinks arrived. She felt parched all the sudden. Oh no. Did she forget to drink today too?
“Thank you!” And she grabbed the glass and started to drink while watching the waiter leave as she turned to look at Wyn, who suddenly was serious and his face did not have an expression. Dusa went wide-eyed. Oh no. Did she do something wrong?
Then he spoke exactly the same way Evelyn talks, same pitch and tone.
Dusa made a slight gasped-choked sound as she rapidly set the glass down and grabbed a napkin, a bit of mango lemonade had spilled out as she coughed a few times mixed in with laughter.
“Wow!” She coughed a few more times, her eyes watering as she took a few more gulps of the mango lemonade to help with the tickle feeling from swallowing down the wrong tube.
“That was amazingly perfect!”
Wyn made as best of a courtly courtsey as he could from his seat. “Missed my calling for the stage, but the training always comes in handy,” he explained to his audience of one. He took his napkin and extended a hand to her. “Here, you can use mine if you need.”
The waiter came back and lit the convection plate. Then he sat down a pot of water, and small dishes with different ingredients- vegetables of different colors and shapes and kinds, meats sliced into small cubes and thin strips. Chop sticks were placed down.
“Stage?” Dusa inquired as she thanked him and took the napkin. She patted a few spots on her top that had gotten a bit messy. The food had arrived and there was the small pause as the food was being set down and the fire being lit for the pork broth. Dusa grabbed the chopsticks and broke it as she picked up a piece of vegetable and as she dipped it in broth;
“Ooh, did you want to be part of a play? Why can’t you? I say sign up! Who cares what other thinks! You won’t know until you try.” She took the bite and let out a soft ‘mmm’ in respond.
Wyn similarly worked his chopsticks without much thought, dipping the meet into the pot to let it cook.
He was taking a sip of his drink when she reacted to the food and tried to not think about how he enjoyed her..enjoyment of the food.
“Hah,” he replied. “It ain’t about fear, don’t you worry. It’s just a different lifestyle. One day, maybe, but Envoy work pays the bills, and I work twice as hard because I don’t want no one thinking I’m getting by on family favors instead of my own prowess. Besides…there are people who depend on me, need my help, people I can genuinely save with my…abilities.”
He shrugged. “Besides, life is a stage if you really think about it. And everyone is an actor. I enjoy learning and weaving through that.”
Dusa teamed up by having a few meat in the pot and a few vegetables but it was evident that she was rather hungry as she made her way halfway through the vegetables.
She let out a heavy sigh. Right. Bills. Ugh. Then her eyebrows furrowed. She was uncertain how she felt about him worrying of people thinking he’s getting by because of family.
“Why do you care so much about what people think, Wyn? Family and friends should be happy whatever you want to do! I get helping people, I love that too but- if the whole reason why you aren’t doing what you want to do cause you worry about what they think… well, that’s no way to live, is it?” Wyn would be perceptive enough to see why Dusa went deep on this. He may get the feeling that she may have been shunned or ignored quite a lot growing up.
Wyn smiled. Not sadly, not with joy, just a plain smile of the struggle of getting how he felt out. “I can do whatever I want. I understand that. But there are reasons that I have for what I do. They are just as important to me, if not more.”
He sighed. “And it’s not that I care what people think, but it makes my job harder. Especially when your little Brother is the Exarch.”
He hated name dropping Marick. But maybe it would get across why he wanted to maintain his own path.
“Anyway, I get to go to the theater whenever I want. And appreciate the art. That makes me happy. So,”
He realized she was talking a bit much, so he stuffed some meat into his mouth. With chopsticks.
Dusa realized that she had made this conversation worse. Her eyes widen in surprise at finding out that his brother was Marick, her boss, boss.
He changed the topic and Dusa happily followed, she had a feeling the topic may had been a bit heavy, not just for Wyn, but herself too at the moment.
“That’s good! I am now guessing because it is the shadowport, of course, we have theater here,” Dusa smile as she slowed down on the food, she didn’t want to hog the whole thing.
Even though it was delicious.
“I am not a big fan of… opera or sad plays but I am down to …try one with you? I haven’t gone to a play until my mom made me to be flower number four in ‘Winnie the Ewok,” Dusa grumbled, her tone light-hearted and showed him he can laugh with her having such an 'important’ role.
Wyn paused mid chew. Then swallowed. “Number 4? That’s the hardest part to get right!” he explained with sincere gravity. “That’s amazing,” he made a hand gesture towards the waiter to bring another round of food.
“Folks think that you need to have lines for a part to be difficult. But some of the most important parts have none at all. Sometimes the background is as important as the foreground. Without the former, the illusion is broken for the later,” he explained.
don’t nerd out on the pretty girl that likes axes
“I can definitely get tickets to some of the more comedic shows. You’d be surprised how many good improv comedians can be found around a shadow port,” he added.
Dusa watched him made the motion to get more food and she got a bit worried. Did she eat too much?
Oh no, I hope he doesn’t mind I eat a lot… wait he’s still here isn’t he?! It’s fine. Everything’s fine. Chill Dusa, you are still ax'ing this. Without her knowing, she was biting her chopsticks as it rested between her lips horizonal.
Who IS this man? He just seemed to know how to make her feel better about her silly little role in a play and made it seemed important. She laughed softly and the movement made her realized chopsticks were between her teeth and she immediately removed it and cleared her throat.
“Well, I guess I should apologize to mom for giving her such a hard time then,” then she tilted her head for a moment, her white hair flowing to the side.
“I would love to try a comedy show, yes!” She wasn’t sure if she was going to like it but she won’t know until she tries. She then straightened up as the waiter brought more food and thanked them and looked back over to Wyn.
“I’m sorry for hogging most of the food the first time…” Dusa started to put meat into the pot for both of them. “Got to keep up the protein!”
Wyn shook his head. “Don’t apologize, please. Sen’s happy for the business, especially when customers eat.” He leaned in towards her, eyes meeting hers in an almost conspiratorial way, and whispered. “Trust me, you don’t want to see him when someone has the audacity to not finish everything they ordered.” He winked at her, leaned back, and added some more meat to the pot, making sure he took his portions so she didn’t feel too bad about it.
“You’ve mentioned your mom a few times. Are you…still close with her?” he asked as lightly as he could. He knew it was personal, and probably too probing, but he knew he could likely pivot if he noticed her being too uncomfortable by the ask.
Dusa first looked to the left and the right playfully as if checking out the ‘scene’ to make sure they were safe to whisper. A soft chuckle emitted from her, well she couldn’t blame him. One, she was taught to eat everything she had because-
No. I’m not there anymore. Dusa reminded herself as she was chewing on the meat when he asked about her mom. She cleared her throat and did a half-hearted shrug. It was part of her defense mechanism.
“She died. I… know I talk about her present tense but I do talk to her? In a way? If I have time to stop by Corellia to visit her grave.” She cleared her throat and then smiled at him, quickly changing the topic.
“So! Wyn! Say, what’s the plan after this? Wait, I should stop asking you and ask if you have plans later today- or tomorrow! Or, sometime or-” Dusa groaned as she facepalmed and took a deep breath.
Chill. Confidence! Get back up, let’s go!
“Okay, what I’m trying to say, I’m worried that I will stuffed myself silly that I might get sick because I don’t want this to end. And it’s not just because of the amazing food but this handsome man across me who I am just dying to axe more questions and get to know him more,” Dusa looked completely and totally confident with herself.
While her stomach actually dropped and she was nervous but she did everything she can to hide that. She doesn’t get nervous in front of people. No.
Wyn blinked once at the range of emotions. Was this how he made other people feel? He hope so.
“I’m sorry about your ma’. I talk to mine too. Lost her when I was young. Part of why I learned to play the game at a young age.” He gestured vaguely around them, as if to signify life as the game he played every day, hustling, finding joy, amusing himself. “My niece…she is really special and can see things must of us miss. Spirits. Some people don’t believe her, but I do.”
He shook his head. “Sorry, I’m rambling a bit. Dusa. It’s okay. I don’t mind you axaloting questions. Axalots are cool.”
He smirked.
“Also, I don’t have any assignments today so I’m happy to spend more time with you if that’s something you are interested in. Aaaand, if we’re being honest, if we do stuff together, I can expense it. Since, you know. Team bonding and stuff! ”
“Oh! A niece! That is so exciting! How old is she?” But then a chill went down her spine when he spoke of her having the ability to see spirits.
It clicked.
He had mentioned having abilities earlier, and now his niece? Could they be talking about-
She busted out laughing at the axalot pun. Then she paused, a thoughtful expression was on her face.
“You know. Maybe after some research, perhaps I can adopt an Axalot and name it Axe.” Dusa grinned from ear to ear. She tried to hide her excitement of them hanging out later and failed when she made happy taps with her feet again underneath the table.
Then she playfully pouted, her lower lips tucked out as she leaned back and crossed her arms.
“Hey now! You can’t expense everything! Come on, Wyn, let me cover some things too!”
Oh. Right. Furniture. Well.. I can sleep on the floor again. After this awesome day? Worth it.
“That would be the coolest Axalotl, for sure,” Wyn agreed, realizing as he watched her range of emotions that he needed to…be a bit more careful in what he touched on. She seemed to be making BD-like happy taps with her feet so, that probably meant he hadn’t messed up yet?
“You mentioned furniture earlier. I got'a'guy that resells from people who split town. Happens a lot- folks need to move around a lot, have perfectly good furniture, and then need to leave in the middle of the night. She goes around, collects, and resells. Good deals, too,” he nodded.
As they finished eating he handed a credit chit to the waiter. He looked at Dusa, and got distracted for more than a few seconds by her pout lip. What was he doing again? Oh right.
“No, no, see that’s part of the game. I was simply saying- having someone to spend the afternoon with is not only financially better, but I also get to see a bit more of you,” he gave a boyish grin that made his elfin features seem younger, without losing his air of maturity. Look wise, at least.
“Did you still want to check out the Axe-throwing place?”
The chopsticks were between her teeth again before he could blink as she was holding the ends of the chopsticks and trying to contain herself while he explained further on the furniture.
My stars, he is stars send!
Then he continued on and then she smirked, she quickly put the chopstick down as if nothing happened.
“Oh! That makes sense! I also like to see more of you too-”
Then finally, her pale skin immediately turned red as she laughed and facepalmed. Her hand gently slid up as she rubbed her forehead.
Then giggled out, “Phrasing!”
Then she brush her hair back a bit as it naturally slid forward to it’s place when it slipped out between her fingers.
“I would axe-solutely love to check out the axe-throwing place!”
Wyn forgot what he was going to say next as he watched her play with her hair. Apparently, he had reverted to being a shy teenager for a moment. He pushed past it, remembering that he was a pretty cool gunslinger with a leather jacket. What was it that Zig had said? ‘Chicks dig leather jackets?’. She did tend to know women pretty well.
“Okay, awesome,” he smiled, getting his card back. As he got up, he held the curtain back for her letting her go first. As they left, he traded some kind of handshake with “Sen”, who said something in a language she wouldn’t have known. It sounded aquatic, but Wyn managed to reply with a few words in it that made the resteraunt owner laugh. He bowed politely to Dusa, then said in basic, “Come back anytime, you eat proper!”
When it was time to go, Dusa made sure to grab her shoulder bag. When they stepped out, she bit her shoulder strap again when he was being friendly with Sen. Wait.
She sputtered as she remove the strap away from her mouth. Why must she bite things everytime Wyn does something so hot?
That’s hot? I am not going to make it through the day. Dusa gave Sen a wave as she nodded and then quickly now too, not sure if it was his customs or not but wanted to respect him.
“I will!” Dusa promised. This place was fantastic, she doesn’t see why she wouldn’t want to come back.
Wyn offered his arm this time for her. “Cool if I guide us? It’s a bit of a walk, but I think you’ll like the spot”
Dusa fought the sudden urge to ask for a piggyback. She wrapped her arm around his arm that he offered to her.
“Of course! Lead the way!”
Wyn smiled, enjoying the excuse to be closer to her as they walked. Out on the streets, it was a bit easier to blend in, and no one was really watching him or her. People minded their business on Ol'val. So he chatted idly with her of small things and kept pointing things out for her to remember.
They came to a set of stairs that lead down to a semi sub level. The sign outside read: “No Axe-cuses” and had a cartoonish logo of crosses throwing axes.
“Here we are.”
Dusa found herself just wanting to take in Wyn and enjoy everything about him.
The moment she read the sign, she laughed.
“Oh! That’s great!” Then her hand slid down Wyn’s arm and if he allowed her, grabbed his hand with hers.
“Come on! Are you a gambling man, Wyn?” Dusa asked as a mischievous smirk played on her lips while she quickly opened the door and hastily made her way to the counter.
Wyn might have flushed. But it could also have been the red neon sign light. Probably that.
He felt her hand in his hand and reminded himself not to get too excited. Be cool.
“I like to live… dangerously”
A spark flickered in her eyes. Oh-ho. What should she dare to gamble on?
After talking to the owner and getting a booth reserved, Dusa waited for nothing as she pulled Wyn to their reserved spot. There were hatchets already at the ready. Her hand freed his. It didn’t occur to her how strong of a move that was.
“Then tell me, Mr. Danger, anything specific on your mind that you would like to gamble for?” Dusa set down her bag nearby as she picked up a hatch.
Wyn tapped his lip in speculation. “Let’s start small,” he said. “If I win, I get to know your comm-code.” He paused dramatically. “If you win, you can have mine,” he flashed his teeth in a grin.
Smooth, Wyn.
Dusa was so glad that Wyn had a perfect idea because she was not thinking that but it fits.
Chill Dusa, eye on the targets, don’t scare him away.
“Well. Now I’m not going to lose. I can’t miss that opportunity.” The first one she threw however, was a bit off.
She scoffed. Was she being distracted? Nah. She rolled her shoulders and second ones so close to bullseye. Then the third one-
Dusa let out a whoop as her fist went to the ceiling, “Bullseye, baby!” She recovered the hatchets and handed them over to Wyn, curious how he would do.
Wyn nodded appreciatavely. He definitely was watching the target and where the axes ended up…not the corded muscles in her arms, sleek as a hunting cats, stretching and contracting as she deftly used her shoulder, hips, her hips…and pivot of her foot, right. Good foot placement.
“Not bad,” he said, looking at her with a grin. “A warrior and a beaut’ in suth? Be still my heart,” he quoted a famous play.
He ambled over to the axes and studied them. He made a showing of stretching, but then realized his jacket restricted it. So he took it off. He wore a v-neck tunic with long sleeves that he rolled up, which framed his thin arms. There didn’t seem to be too much bulk or muscle, on the surface at least. He was built like a long distance runner more than a sprinter, lean, lanky, but sure of his movements.
He picked up the first axe, and it felt a bit heavy. He didn’t need to act. But, fortunately, he was also a Prophet of the Force. He had a plague signed by the Master at Arms and everything to prove it hanging in the desk in his room.
So he subtly drew on the Force to make the axe seem light enough for him to lift it. It was still much different than a blaster, of course. But just like the game with the small lightweight ball and beer-filled cups, where you lined up cups in a pyramid and then tried to get the balls into the cups (heh), it was all about the angles and vectors. Just like marksmanship.
He made a showing of sizing up the target. He considered the distance, subtly calculating it, and guessed a bit at the arc he could propel the axe at. The weight was top-heavy, so he’d need to compensate.
He closed one eye, stuck his tongue out the side of his mouth like he was concentrating and hurled it at the board. It clunk into the middle most circle. A bullseye.
“Nice, first try!” he grinned. He picked up another axe and this time, looked a bit more focused. No goofy face, just lazer-like focus.
The axe flew. It hit the bullseye again. He grinned.
He didn’t look at her, and shook his hand out a bit to show that it was still difficult on him. Even with a nudge from the Force, his hands were not conditioned for this kind of labor. When he took this one, he lined up another shot.
Then he glanced sideways to see her reaction before he threw. When he did, he noticed that she had one of her throwing axes, the shaft, clenched between her teeth with her eyes fixiated on him. This time he did flush, unsure how or why he deserved that kind of look, so when he went to actually throw his third axe, it barely hit the target rings.
“Huh, well,” he said, recovering a bit and rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m not the best at math but, do i win that round?”
Dusa attempted to talk but it was mumbled and she realized she was gnawing on the handle as she quickly placed it down.
“You axed it! I cannot believe this- okay, best two out of three?” Dusa suggested with a sly smile.
“Hmm, I guess that’s fair,” his eyes danced at the challenge.
Can it be? Had she found someone that likes to take up challenges? She stared at him for a bit longer than she would’ve liked as she quickly went over since it was her turn and he accepted best two out of three.
“Alright then,” she glanced over to Wyn with a grin, trying to ignore the amazing slender frame before her. Dusa glanced back to the target.
She took the hatchet in her hand and thrown it.
A six. No. This was not acceptable but an idea had occurred.
We didn’t put down the rules~ Dusa mentally mused to herself mischievously while focused on the Force as she felt a surge of energy and strength.
There was another thunk. Bullseye. Just like that, her confidence soared through the roof. She had an idea as she looked over to Wyn, gave him a strong wink, and walked over and grabbed the hatchet. However, while walking back, she quickly slightly squatted, threw the hatchet between her legs and the moment it was right between, she added a bit more power to make the hatchet lift due to the under motion and there was a soft thunk as the hatchet laded on the wooden target.
Dusa looked over her shoulder and her smile was huge. Bullseye!
“Are you regretting the challenge now, Wyn?” Dusa teased.
The only thing Wyndell Tyris regretted in that moment was restraint, as he watched her body bend and flex.
I might be in trouble he mused.
“Impressive, m'lady” he drawled.
He moved past her and brandished his own axe. Again, he leaned on the Force to make the weapon easier to heft.
He also knew he had to somehow one up her stunt. If it was a gun range, that would be as easy as breathing.
“How about this?” He took his scarf and tied it around his eyes. A small part of him laughed at the self image - and he imagined Kirra clapping her hands in delight as she saw her uncle looking like a Miraluka.
Now blindfolded, his other senses equalized in a different direction. Dusa smelt of clean sweat and fresh glades. Through the Force, he could sense her there, but obviously couldn’t see her reaction.
With a grin, he lined up his target, or where he assumed it was, with the Force.
He lined up all three axes and then hurled the first two, one after the other. They did not strike center, but off to the sides.
Third time is a charm–
His wrist quirked as he let the final axe fly. It didn’t spin correctly, wasn’t on the right trajectory. It made a loud, clanking clatter noise as the wood handle hit the floor.
No where near the target.
Wyn winced. But then turned towards Dusa and tried to smile sheepishly and innocently as possible. Like he’d broken his grandmother’s favorite vase by accident.
“I uh, meant to do that,” he kept the blindfold on, but placed his hands on his hips proudly and posed.
Dusa eyes widened as she subconsciously gnawed on the handle of the axe, not yet quite noticing the wood-sy taste in her mouth. This just confirmed it. He had to have the Force, just like her.
Wyn did the first two hatchets… decently well but better than she thought he would.
That was, until the third one. She cringed at the crashing noises as she placed the hatchet she was gnawing on, down. She softly giggled when Wyn tried to play it off while she approached him, her head shaking in amusement.
“Really now?” Dusa gently teased, her voice telling Wyn and if he was sensing her, he would known that she was now in front of him. Her hand gently touched his arm, finger tips trailing up.
“I do have to admit, gold is your color. It looks great with your hair… but…” Her hands gently were at the sides of his head as she tugged up the golden scarf as it rests on his forehead, “It looks better with your eyes.”
Close!
Wyn’s bravado faltered and wilted and he felt a flush creep up his neck to his cheeks. She was so close. He could smell her hair now, which was just as lovely as the rest of her. Her eyes were alight with playful energy, and he took in the curve of her nose, her lips, but was then immediately magnetized back to meeting her eyes.
He could feel his heart beat loud in his ears.
“I uh, thanks, I’ve always been a bit of a golden boy you could say,” he managed to get out. But he felt a shiver go down his spine as her fingers danced on his arm.
He looked up towards his new headband. Then back down to her. He did not move away from her, but did gingerly place a hand on one of her hips. “Pretty ninja, right?” he wiggled just his eyebrows.
Dusa chuckled, as she enjoyed being close to him. His hand rested on her hip and she cannot help it as she cocked her hip to the side that has his hand on and relaxed the other leg. It would be obvious to him that it meant she approved.
Her cheeks had turned into a faint pink tint.
Suns, why does he reminds me of the woods? Dusa kept her playful smile while looking up at him.
“You make it really difficult for me not to throw you over my shoulder and whisk you away.”
Tha-Thump Wyn’s heart skipped a beat. There was no ego in her “threat”. Just a promise, one she was confident in herself in fulfilling, and he was surprised by how easily he wanted that.
This was all too good to be true. Life experience alone helped him keep his cool.
“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” he replied smoothly. “But we still have a challenge to settle, yeah?” His eyes got lost in hers again as the fingers on her hip pressed in faintly.
Dusa leaned over and slightly pouted. He was right.
But he’s so handsome, and friendly, and kind- She stopped herself and glanced over to the bullseye. Target acquired.
“We do indeed! I believe I am winning. Can’t wait to have your number.” Dusa then fixed his scarf by lowering it and gently have it around his neck. She pulled away and gave him a wink with a click of her tongue at the same time as she grabbed the hatchet.
“Round three! Let’s see what surprises await.” She threw one a bit too soon and it barely went off target. Dusa laughed at herself. She was so distracted. She brushed her hair back and regained her focus and threw another one with a soft thud. It was good… but now she wanted to show off. She looked around and her eyes laid on the chandelier.
Perfect.
She sent the Force to her feet and did a back flip onto the chandelier.
There was a loud, “Hey!” coming from the worker.
“I won’t break anything! If I do, I’ll pay!” Dusa didn’t give time for the worker to respond, which they became quiet and pondered if it was worth to see if they would get paid or not.
She then sat down on the chandelier, feeling the brass underneath her legs, letting out a loud, “Whoop!” When she hung upside down from it. She focused, her free hand pointed at the target as she closed one eyelid. Then threw the hatchet.
“Hey! Look at that! Flawless!” She fingerguns at Wyn while still upside down.
Wyn blinked as she pulled away and used one of his own best moves against him. He knew the click-wink was a power move, but no one had ever tried it on him. Wow. Then she pulled her stunt. He swallowed slowly and was, for once, unable to come up with a witty response or quip. She was incredible. Then she hit him with the finger gloves. That was borderline copyright infringement, that was.
This has to be a dream.
Shaking his head slightly. He walked over to where she was upside down. He placed one hand on her finger guns, lowered them, then stepped up so that their faces were even, hers upside down to his. This was, surprisingly, a first for him despite having done some suspension work before.
Still, he reached up carefully, moved a hand behind her head, fingers gently tangling in her hair, and only barely just touched his nose to hers. Almost as if he would…no, not yet. “Need a hand down?” he asked.
Dusa could sworn her heart had dropped to her throat. Her blood pounding in her ears. And it had nothing to do with her being upside down but everything to do with the man so close to her. His hand touching her hair as she leaned into it, her cheeks flushed. The focus of him being right there had loosen her legs and she felt herself drop an inch as she caught herself with a loud gasp, the Force coming into the aid as she tightened her legs grip again. She held back a whine when he stepped away and asked if she needed help getting down.
“Tell you what,” Dusa smirked, an idea churning in her head, “Why don’t you finish up the last round and come back right here,” She pointed to the spot where he was earlier before he pulled away. “And I’ll let you know if I need a hand down.”
Wyn grinned, and winked at her. Then he went over and grabbed the first axe. He looked at her, not the target, and let the axe fly. It sunk into the bullseye. He looked away from her, then threw the second. Bullseye.
Then he stepped right back up to her. He looked into her eyes, upside down as it were. His face went straight, and serious. Not mean, or cold, just, focused. On her.
He threw his final axe. Without looking. It split the other two axes perfectly.
“Bullseye,” he said, his face hovering from hers. He smiled with his eyes, his lips quirked faintly, but he never broke eye contact.
There was a tiny squeak from Dusa which was an attempt of her holding back a squeal as she clenched her fist and bit her knuckles. Her eyes would dart from the target to Wyn every time he threw a hatchet.
Each time it hit, her eyes would widen in admiration. The second one hit, her cheeks flushed to nearly a bright tomato red. However, that third one?
Made her weak in the knees but her muscles didn’t give up on her. She doesn’t skip leg day or log day. Her hands flew as she grabbed his face gently, tilted her head, and pressed her lips against his.
It was like explosions went off, her heart beat harder and faster-
She pulled away, her tongue bringing in her lower lip as she tuck in her lower lip for a moment, and flashed a charming smile at him as she hoped that she didn’t ruin this.
“Hi.”
“Hello there,” he replied, then tangled his fingers in her hair, pulled her face back towards his, and kissed her slowly but firmly, holding it enough to force her breath away before pulling back with a very very soft, faint pop of suction. “Unfortunately, it seems like I lost. Oh no…I guess I have to give you my number now?”
Dusa groaned softly in the kiss, and when he let out a long soft shaky exhale when he finally free her. Her eyes playfully narrowed at him, she twisted her body and did an upside down sit up, her hands grasping the brass chandelier as she removed her legs and hopped back down.
“Such a shame, isn’t it? How terrifying!” She went to her bag and handed him the datapad, “To be honest? After that last move, I would’ve say you won.”
Now does she mean the last hatchet move or the kiss?
Who knows?
“Wyn-ing,” he agreed with a smirk. He took the blank datapad that he had swapped out and then added his number to it. “Well, now that you have it, you know how to get me.” He thought for a moment. “Would you like company on the walk home?” he asked.
“Wyn-ing, oh my- no, I have to- hold on-“ she quickly grabbed the datapad when he just finished entering his number and changed his name to, ‘Axesolutely Wyn-ing Wyn’.
“There. Much better.” Then her smile had brightened. “I would love that! Just in case I break the- well.” She looked at the datapad again, wondering what really happened. She could’ve sworn it was smash in pieces, her brows furrowed as she tried to figure it out again.
A buffering icon appeared over her head
Wyn grinned. “Do you know where your place is from here? Actually, I want to watch.”
He took her hand gently and entwined his fingers with hers. “Lead the way. I trust your Axepertise.”
“Maybe? Sort of? Let’s find out!” Dusa felt his hand as she happily intertwined her fingers with his.
She let out a soft laugh at his pun, “Oh man, I’m so jealous, I never thought of that one.” They stepped out of the store front and she glanced at their environment.
“This way,” she lead him towards the similar direction of where Sen’s restaurant was.
“I figured if I backtrack our steps, we’ll be there! Course imagine my horror if there’s a better way to get there from here.” Dusa grinned, not seemingly bothered if that situation did happen.
Wyn nodded, opened his mouth almost as if to speak, then closed it. This was part of the journey, after all. She needed to experience Ol'val her own way, and it would be rude of him to take that away from her with fact checking. So he just held her hand, and followed, letting himself flow to the winds direction