Oblivious and Afraid

[Darlyn Excron]

The swift kiss was something Darlyn actually expected this time around, so it was hardly able to cause the same kind of reaction as the previous two, or three technically. Regardless, she finally left, and he was able to collect his thoughts. Cold shower.. yeah that'd do.

By the time he sat in his office, he'd spent more than enough time considering what to do. Now that he was taking the steps to go on a first date, with anyone really, the opportunity for it to go badly had played a hundred different ways in his head. Silfe probably didn't expect much, Darlyn wore basically the same outfit everywhere, if it wasn't the armor it was the robes. Which made a problem, he couldn't really dress up for her to any real, meaningful extent. Well, he still could try. He managed to find a nicer set of robes, cleaned them up real good, and managed to get his mess of red hair into a somewhat manageable form before she arrived.

Honestly it was the nicest he'd looked in years.

He cleared his throat when he felt her presence outside the door, and slowly stood up. Right then, show time. He went up to the door, and slowly opened it. She was, well, stunning honestly. After her display before he had been worried but, there seemed to be no cause for concern once she arrived. He smiled a bit, and stepped out to join her. "Well, it's good to see you aren't afraid to follow things through."

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/10/cf/43/10cf434c3661827d185b8499a10eb57e.png

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

She was nervous as she approached the door but the look of appreciation for her outfit when he opened the door and came out to join her. It wasn't an overwhelming response but it was enough. She had an idea that Darlyn was going to be mild in his reactions to situations. She grinned. "Well I got you to finally kiss me didnt I?"

She reached out and took his arm with hers. "Have any thoughts on where to go for our dinner date?"

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"That you did, and If things go well I might do it again." He chuckled a little bit and took her arm gladly, at least looking confident as he started to lead her off. "I had a few, nothing too fancy of course. I'd hate to spend so much food for you to get back so little, considering how hard you worked today. There's this nice Atrisian place, if you like that kind of food. Otherwise there's also a restaurant not far from the palace if you prefer more Commenori foods. So I suppose the final vote is yours, personally I'll enjoy myself one way or the other, before tonight it was probably just going to be a sandwich and whiskey."

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

This felt comfortable, her arm in his as they walked down the palace corridor. Undoubtedly the many unseen servants would see them but Silfe didn't mind the gossip. It was about time she had discarded the shroud of sad and lonely. It was about time she let herself be happy.

She thought about the options. She remembered when she first met him and the bottle of half drunk whiskey in his hand during the meeting with the king and queen. Oh and his feet on the table, how she had felt personally affronted by his informal behavior. She was glad he wasn't constantly drinking whiskey every second of the day anymore. "Artesian is good for another time. I think I need solid "stick to the ribs" food. I am starving. How are you not starving? And why whiskey? Its so earthy and tastes like burnt wood." Silfe made a face of disgust.

[member="Darlyn Excron"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Higher alcohol content. Get drunk faster, drink less overall. And I am starving, I'm just real.." He paused in thought a moment, letting there be a momentary silence save for their footsteps. "... Used to it, I suppose. Before I was Minister I was a bounty hunter, not a particularly well paid one though. Lot of money went into public transportation or getting from point A to B. Not a lot went to food, to be real honest. So I'm kinda just used to going a few hours without much to eat." He gave a small shrug, before trying to change the topic.

"I ah, like how you've done your hair. I quite liked how you used to have it, but this is probably easier to manage isn't it? I can imagine it was a pain before." Naturally, he could only guess. His hair didn't seem to get much longer than it already was, and the only real difficulty was in managing the curly mess. Hopefully though the conversation topic here would distract from what he revealed, so there would be no awkward conversation about it. Made worse so by their very close proximity already making the situation far from normal.

[member="Silfe Sosuri"]

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

She wanted to say she understood but she didn't want to get onto such a horrifying subject as her father's abuse and how little he would let her eat. Or worse yet, the subject of him depriving her of all foods when she did something he was not pleased with. That history was far behind her though the scars lingered physically and mentally in her own way. Silfe tried to stay above them. What more could she do?

Glad for the change of subject, Silfe touched her silky dark waves and smiled a little, pleased that he noticed. "Apparently while I was away, I cut it or it was cut for me... rather short. The longer version was more tedius, but I am blessed with rather lovely hair so I enjoy it longer too. It is really nice to not have to braid it before bed. I rather like the feel of my hair free across the pillow." She smiled up at him. "I have always liked the riot of curls you have. I think the color is the best part. It's sort of a warning to people that you are more than a little intense."

[member="Darlyn Excron"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

Darlyn couldn't help but laugh at the comment about his hair being a warning. Well, intense was a nice way to put it he supposed. "That must be quite the picture. Perhaps one morning I'll get to see that. Probably looks a lot better than a single long braid." That was how you did this right? By the Force dates were hard... on a more positive note the place he had in mind was within easy walking distance, which meant they could get more than plenty exercise and fresh air. "I hope you don't mind a short little walk, I figure that it's quite a nice day, or night i guess, and it can't hurt to get a little air right?" Plus, admittadly, that meant more time together since they'd have to walk back to the palace together.

Clever boy.

[member="Silfe Sosuri"]

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

"Maybe you will." She said in a slightly challenging tone. "I think it looks better at any rate. Wouldn't it be great if the man I was dating thought so too?"

The sun was setting in the distance, though darkness had taken over much of the city as buildings blocked the last of the dying light. This meant artificial illumination had begun to be turned on throughout the lower parts of the city, including the lovely and carefully cultivated walk from the Palace towards the city. It had been a clear day and was going to be a rather nice night, if a bit on the chilly side. Her blouse was long sleeve and her skirt leather so she was comfortable even though her chest and legs were bare. "Yes I think this is lovely."

After a moment she brought up a new subject though adjacent to their last one. "Shoden has long red hair like yours, right? I saw her at our cabinet meeting."


[member="Darlyn Excron"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Yeah, she does. She's very proud of it too, since she takes care of it so well without help. She's doing quite well for herself, I just hope someone besides myself has faith in her." Quite unlike other topics, talking about Shoden made Darlyn's voice very, very noticeably pick up. Talking about and praising Shoden for her hard work, it was a doting father's favorite thing to do. She had much to be proud of, and he hoped she was at least half as proud as he was. "I suppose you know she's adopted, right? I mean, it's hardly a secret, given her age."

The lights almost seemed to give Silfe a sort of, light halo around her head. Perhaps it was just a trick of his eyes, a convenient angle with some glass window or some other reflective surface past her head, but when he glanced over to her the light seemed to ring around over her head. Even if it didn't, there was a nice shading the light made, covering just a part of her face in shadow. How long had she looked this nice? Why was he only now realizing it?

[member="Silfe Sosuri"]

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

"I gathered that she was adopted." Silfe said with a nod. Then she leaned in close and whispered conspiratorially, "The maids know everything."

Then she was back to normal and looking out over the lovely night as several restaurants came into view. "I am sure that she will land on her feet. She seems very... adaptable? Maybe that is not the right word... Ummm she is a bit of a force of nature I think.... Granted, I have only recently met her, but from what I gather she will do very well, faith be damned."

She stopped for a second and then caught up, stammering, "I mean, not that your faith in her isn't important. Of course it is. What girl doesn't want her father's love, trust and faith... I am just saying even if she didn't have it, she would be fine and maybe with it she will be exceptional. I mean... not that she isn't exceptional. I don't mean that she isn't amazing. Of course you would think so being her father... and not that a father can't see the faults in his daughter, I am just... Oh hell." Silfe breathed out after a florid, nerve wracked, wrong word vomit. The more she tried to fix it, the worse it got.

She turned to hide her face in his shoulder. "Oh gods. That was terribile. Just shoot me now and have done with it."

[member="Darlyn Excron"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

What a relief that he was not the only nervous wreck here, he was starting to get worried somehow she had taken all his courage somehow. He paused a moment so she could hide her face without worry of them stumbling or walking into a wall, Force knows that was probable to happen if they kept moving at a normal pace, and brought a hand up to her head. He gently rested it against the very top, and slowly gave it reassuring, well the only fitting word was 'pet', much like one did a beloved family companion. Fingers gently combing her hair to try and reassure her. "Hush, take a moment and breathe. I get what you're saying, just calm. Alright? She's a capable woman like you and the other Ladies of the house."

He stood still with her for a few moments like this, before gently trying to lead her back towards the restraunt, as he had been before. "Caught your breath? Feel any better Silfe?"

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

No, he wasn't the only one who was unsure. There were moments when she was confident and self assured and there was a lot of time she put a facade on so thick and solid, that it was almost as good as being genuinely confident and self assured. That facade had cracked under the cascade of words and trying to correct what could be wrong impressions. She was glad he stopped so she could hide and perhaps calm her face which was likely fire engine red with embarrassment.

His reassuring words helped and after a few moments, she stepped a little back so she could remove her face from his shoulder. She was still embarrassed, but she thought maybe they could continue their date and try to move past it. She looked up and smiled a bit sheepishly and then her eyes went to his lips and her breath froze. Gods above how she wanted to kiss him. It seemed that now that she had finally let herself do what she had wanted to do for months, all she wanted to do was that thing. She laughed a bit and looked away, biting her lip and knowing he could not possibly have misconstrued her moment of desire. "We should ummm. We should get to dinner." Or we might not get there at all, she thought.

[member="Darlyn Excron"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

No. He did not misconstrue it... if anything he shared it with her. The only slight problem, he didn't wish to embarrass her in public by kissing her there and then. What was for her months of pent up tension was, after all, vastly more repressed for him to deal with. There was little telling how much self control he had at the moment, enough to consider letting go and choose not to at the least. So, very calmly, or as calmly as he could, he gave a small nod to her question. "Yes... we should head to dinner now. It's not much further at all. Then after wards, you can stay overnight if you wish. It is quite the trip back to Acuin after all, probably just easier to stay here. Wouldn't you agree?" Alright, and there it was. The promise for if she managed to keep hold of herself through dinner.

Hopefully it'd be enough. He'd take her arm again and lead her to the restaurant in particular, having the luck for it to not be as busy as could be. Which meant it'd be very quick for them to get seated, most likely somewhere in the back where others couldn't bother them. Certainly not any particular members of the public with cameras and no respect for privacy. Once more, Darlyn would end up returning to a little bit of an awkward silence, being more than a little obvious this was his first real date and he didn't quite know what to talk about at the table.

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

Afterwards... after dinner... She looked up at him as they began to walk again towards the restaurant but kept silent until they were finally able to take a seat. She had been wanting him for months, but she hadn't expected him to move as fast as she wanted. She also wasn't about to point out that she did still have her guest chambers in the Palace for when she was here in Chasin City, but she didn't want to misunderstand so she looked at him with a sly grin.

"So... are you offering for me to stay the night with you on your couch, or are you asking me to stay the night with you in your bed?" Then before she could say more or hear his answer, the waiter arrived with menus and was asking for their drink order. She replied, "Red wine." and then looked at Darlyn.

 

[Darlyn Excron]

Well, clarification. How best to answer this very well thought out and vital question. The waiter's arrival gave him a moment to think, thankfully. "Red wine as well." He waited until the waiter was well out of earshot, before he gave the response. "Well, Silfe. I don't own a couch. So I figured, being well adjusted adults, there's no reason we can't share, is there?" Surely she couldn't misunderstand what he meant. It would take work to do so at this point, consider it the liquid courage that must be a permanent part of his blood but he was becoming more bold by the minute it seemed. A few scant hours ago he was more than delighted to spend time alone with a bottle. And here he was, passing comments slyly with Silfe whilst waiting to act on those very comments.

Dating was so weird.

[member="Silfe Sosuri"]

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

The waiter retreated and she watched him go before returning her dark gaze to her companion. He seemed to be finding his stride, becoming less nervous and more himself. Darlyn was starting to flier and she liked it. He was different than she had ever had experience with but no less intriguing for it.

"You really should invest in a couch. They really are quite handy, but I wouldn't have wanted to stay on one of you were in the next room of I am honest. Sharing is definitely preferable. If the night goes well, there might even be sharing... naked."

Her grin flashed as the waiter returned with wine glasses and poured the dark burgundy liquid and set it down. Silfe liked her red wine to breathe for a bit before tasting so she didnt take it up right away. Instead she wiggled her brows and disappeared behind her menu.

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Truth be told, that was the plan, for things to go that well I mean. I'm quite curious how you'd look like that, after all." Not to mention in his room, there was no risk of anyone else showing up. No reason to, his place was perfection incarnate when it came to cleanliness, he left nothing out of place. And no kids. It was, suffice to say, the perfect place to have Silfe stay the night, were such specifics to occur. Beyond that, his words had hints of playful tones, not enough to seemingly make a joke of his offer and hers in turn, but enough to seemingly make such an idea seem, normal. Like he'd prepared for it but by no means expected it, demanded it, or any variation of such words. Perhaps suggested it, but even then there was, how does one say, an out?

He lifted his own menu, hiding his face behind it. He already knew just what he was getting, but it was pointless to sit and stare. He knew little, but he knew that was an awkward, bad choice. He let a minute pass, before he decided to try his hand again at flirting. "You ah, you know it's a shame I can't see past the menu. Your eyes are quite captivating." Yes compliment the eyes. That was a solid if cliche choice.

[member="Silfe Sosuri"]

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

She was glad of the menu between her face and his. While she had been confident in making the suggestion they see each other naked, now she remembered the state of her naked body. There were some scars that made her self conscious. Most of them were old, from her teens but there were a few from during her missing time. For a moment, she wondered where they had come from but shook her head and refocused on the here and now. No doubt Darlyn had a few scars from his bounty hunting days. No reason to suppose he expected perfection.

She picked what she wanted and then lowered the menu so that her eyes were seen over the top of it and grinned, wiggling her brows. "Quite captivating you say? Why thank you." She blinked rapidly in a come hither flirtatious way. It was a bit of a caricature, but she hoped he would be amused and they could stay relaxed and less nervous.

There were questions she wanted to ask him, but they were more serious and they had only just started their date. Instead, she kept it light... "Tell me..." She drew out the 'me' as she thought about what question to ask. "Five things about yourself."

[member="Darlyn Excron"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

Even Darlyn didn't think the blinking could be done in a serious manner, which only made him relax in turn with her. If she felt more comfortable with this, then he certainly felt more secure. His menu slowly found itself folded back up, and laid on the table to rest. "Five things? That's a tall order, there are so many fun and interesting things to say about a man who works most of the day, then sleeps until he works again. So many fun stories to tell.. Well lets see...." He dragged the 'see' out, as he actually did think hard on what to say.

"Well, I built my first lightsaber out of scrap parts. My longest standing friendships are with Kay, and a Herglic named Ghoura if the old fish is still kicking. I have a pet dove I acquired after the liberation of Commenor, I'm quite well built as you'll probably find out, and I'm banned from FO space presumably on pain of death. Does that satisfy your questions so far?" The way he had a smile on his face from the last fact in particular was clear evidence he was serious, but found something funny about the last fact. Either what the content was, plain as it may be, or the way he had presented it to her.

He lifted up a foot and gently touched Silfe's leg as he continued speaking. "I don't suppose I get five facts in return? Or is this just where I get interrogated for your pleasure?"

[member="Silfe Sosuri"]

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

Interesting. She listen does he talked about building his light saber. Silfe had no idea what it took to build a light saver. Weren't they all build out of scrap parts? Maybe not if his fact gave her some context. And what on Commenor was he doing with a pet dove? His remark on his body was sort of expected and she grinned on response. The remark about FO space had her laughing.

"Well then, I wouldn't go near it if I were you."

"Hmmm five facts from me? Sometimes I get flashes of my time away. Sometimes it's not all bad." She pausednconsidering if she should say what came to mind next. "I am still mad no one searched for me when I went missing. I am the kind of person that drinks sweet coffee in the morning while peacefully looking out at the morning sunrise. I can take apart a droid and put it back together. And I invest in expensive luxury lingerie, loungewear and sleepwear."

Her grin was back as the waiter interrupted to get their dinner order and her leg brushed his.