Off The Beaten Track

[Lief]

"Then maybe you need to think on that."

With a small sigh Mara stepped around him, reaching out to the sink where the towel had been thrown earlier, and glanced him over once. Having quite forgotten the state they were both in, that brought a slight blush to her cheeks, though before anything could be made of it she wrapped the towel around herself and stepped out onto the bathmat.

"You have to live, not just survive."

At this point there wasn't really much to be too modest about, so she remained in the bathroom while drying herself off. Her back still remained to him while he was there in the shower, those scars seeming even more vibrant against her slightly red back (induced by the heat of the shower).

"What makes you happy, Ar'ekk?" she asked, keeping up the conversation to make things a little less awkward between them. It wasn't that there was no spark, in fact had she not had any attraction to him at all he might have ended up with a red handprint on his cheek, but his present state? That wasn't worth messing with. She wasn't going to be someone's rebound, forever living up to the shadow of another.

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk Daesharacor's Apartment, Ethos City​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Kalyn Shif"]​

"Walking under the rain."

While she stepped out of the shower and dried herself off with the towel, Ar'ekk took the opportunity to finish cleaning himself up. Conversating as the warm water fell on his face and his hair was full of strawberry scented shampoo. They seemed to be comfortable around each other so being a prude was out of the question for now.

"I always enjoyed the little things. A smile, a good morning or a simple look."

If someone was bound to happen in his life, a changing experience worth undergoing, then he'd take the best of him and proceed to get out of this slump that had been affecting him ever since Jyn passed away. Closure was needed and though that was going to be a very difficult thing to achieve, Ar'ekk was more than willing to do whatever it takes to survive and live with peace of mind.

"But I cannot do this alone. I feel like I should but... There needs to be a little push." He stopped midway massaging his scalp with the shampoo to take a moment and look at Kalyn. "Will you help me?"

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[Lief]

A simple desire to say the least.

"Good job Lithios never seems to stop raining," she told him, finally breaking into a very soft smile. At this point the woman was about ready to start throwing on the clothes he'd provided, down to even the boxers, and while everything was a little loose it was manageable. She turned around once the shirt and boxers were on, not yet bothering to pull on the trousers, and regarded him through the shower curtain. Her eyes remained on his face this time, and that blush had disappeared with time.

"I don't know how I'm supposed to help," she said with all sincerity, frowning to herself, "I don't even know how long I'm going to be on this world. I can't exactly afford to make this a vacation, Ar'ekk, chit like that costs credits, but..."

At this point she was rubbing her hair dry within the towel, head tilted slightly to one side. She seemed comfortable enough, all things considered.

"I guess if I can find myself a part time job around these parts, I could stay. For a short while at least. Still don't know what use you think I'd have, though."

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk Daesharacor's Apartment, Ethos City​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Kalyn Shif"]​

"Look around you, Mara. If credits are what you need, don't hesitate to ask me. But I know you don't want to live like this, you yearn of adventures and I don't want to cut off your wings simply because I want you to stay here."

That was the intent to say the very least, to have someone every day to speak with and not losing his mind in the process. Solitude was the very same thing that would be his undoing and if there was something he had to change was exactly that. She had plans of herself and it'd be truly selfish of him to not let her go.

"Just talking to you brings me peace. It's as simple as that, I suppose."

At this point in time, Ar'ekk was ready to step out of the shower. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his torso but not before drying his body entirely so the floor wouldn't be wet as his feet touched down. Gaze lingering on Kalyn with a short wry smile, Ar'ekk couldn't help but warmly smile at the girl like he was seeing someone else.

It was too difficult to let go but it had to happen eventually.

"But if it's not your sort of thing, nothing stops you from leaving."

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[Lief]

"I ain't gonna make no long term promises," she said, finally draping the towel back over her shoulders to stave off any remaining drips and keep the shirt from becoming soaked, "But I can stay for a while. How long? Feth if I know. But I'll stay for a while. See what this place has to offer."

She turned to the mirror, and noticed how her hair had worsened over the day. Making a mental note to pick up a few of her things from Solitude when they ventured out, she let out a long sigh and tried to tame some of the tangles with her fingertips. In the end she gave up and simply tied it back into a messy bun, a few stray wisps hanging down by her ears.

"But I need to find a job in the meantime. No offense, but I ain't used to living off'a someone else's means. Always made my own way, always will."

She glanced around the refresher, after he had stepped out of the shower, and chewed on the inside of her lip.

"I'll steal your sofa, though. For now."

He'd already technically offered, after all.

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk Daesharacor's Apartment, Ethos City​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Kalyn Shif"]​

"Fair enough. I'll pull some strings for you with my contacts, see if I can get you an employment opportunity."

Better than nothing, really. He owed Kalyn that much after his contacts on Nal Hutta had simply disappeared from the face of the Galaxy and never responded to his messages through the Darknet, Lithios had jobs for a spacer by the tons. Move some illegal hardware, smuggle a couple of exotic animals? You've got it.

"I'll get us some takeaway since you cannot go outside in those clothes. Blessed be food delivery at your door."

His stomach grumbled loudly at the mention of food, feeling like he could take countless bowls of wet noodles non-stop and never getting bored of the idea. They didn't even have the luck to eat delicious food back at the diner so he owed her that much as well, paying for a big meal was the best thing.

"Alright, I'll leave you to it."

He mused quietly, finding his way out of the bathroom and changing into much more comfortable clothes once he had reached the living room.

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[Lief]

"Appreciate it," she said, glancing down over herself and realizing just how silly she did in fact appear. Still, an oversized shirt was a luxury after wearing nothing but flightsuits and tank tops for years, and as she set about cleaning her face she nestled down into it with a soft sigh.

Ar'ekk left her then, after stating that he'd sort them out with food, and Mara found herself alone within the refresher all over again. What a strange turn of events, she could not decide yet if coming to Lithios was wise or not but at least she'd have some fun in the meantime.

Gathering up her clothes out of the laundry hamper she stepped out of the refresher and glanced over to where Ar'ekk was now standing. "Do you have a laundry room?" she asked, gesturing with her hands to the clothes, "Since I only have the one set, figured I should get it cleaned as soon as. That way we can actually head out and do something tomorrow. If you'd like to, that is."

Maybe she'd invest in some street attire while she was on Lithios. It wasn't something she'd be able to take with her when it came time to leave, she didn't have the space for much in her little ship, but it would be helpful in the meantime.

Something to think about.

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk Daesharacor's Apartment, Ethos City​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Kalyn Shif"]​

"The washing machine's by the kitchen, just put your clothes in there and they'll be clean in an hour."

His index finger pointed across the room behind where Kalyn stood on her feet, making sure it was clear from the get-go that she had to go in that particular direction. With that out of the way, Ar'ekk focused on ordering them some delicious food to devour like rabid Aryx's lounging for their meal.

The perks of living the life of a high roller meant that one could waste as much credits as they wanted, specially on food, and have it on your doorstep in less than five minutes. Waiting times were close to non-existant if you had some heavy pockets or if you were someone of certain status that allowed you to earn certain benefits.

"Of course, I'd like that. We can go and purchase some outfits and supplies for yourself and your future trips. Never hurts, I suppose."

The smudgy window attracted his attention as he walked around with a commlink next to his mouth, speaking into it to place their rather hefty food order. Some delicious wing with wet noodles, Bantha grilled steak, Adder moss chips, Gartro egg omelet and Quor'sav-fried steak.

A few minutes later, the door ringed.

"You wanna take that or should I?"

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[Lief]

"Could you grab it?" Mara asked, when the doorbell rang, still in the process of getting the washing machine to work. Her clothes had been loaded in, some detergent and fabric softener had followed suit, and now she was putting it to the correct settings. A fancier machine than any laundromat she'd used in the past owned, to be sure.

She hadn't said anything when he mentioned getting supplies the next day; hopefully there'd be time to take a quick detour back to her ship so she could grab some things, some of her credit stash - which was only to be used in moments like this, where it was an investment or necessity; n this case, it was the former - and set up recurring payments for the docking fees.

Unless...

"Any chance you have space for an A-Wing in your hangar?"

It was worth a shot, and would save her a lot of credits in the coming weeks. They'd have to discuss jobs, too.

"You don't have any work that needs doing around the place, do you? That way I can at least pay my way here until I get on my feet."

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk Daesharacor's Apartment, Ethos City​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Kalyn Shif"]​

"I got it!"

A hovering droid stood before the doorway with multiple plastic bags that reeked of the most delightful mouth-drooling food one could ever think of, his taste buds going all crazy just by sniffing its enchanting aroma. Ar'ekk allowed the droid to enter his apartment and leave the bags by the kitchen counter, inserting a credit chip on a slot above its head then permitting the food delivery droid to depart.

"Thank you!" The droid expressed with a very particular animated-esque voice before leaving. "Good day!"

"Not in this hangar but I can get you one nearby, it's across the building. Big enough to fit your A-Wing next to my ship."

That was the legendary Ebon Hawk, the very same one that took Bastila Shan and Revan through many historical journeys throughout the galaxy during the Old Republlic era. That was eons ago but the interior of the ship remained intact as if time had stopped and the manic way that Ar'ekk had of keeping history undamaged helped to preserve it just the way it was.

"A droid comes every week to do the cleaning, so I guess not. What type of jobs you're looking for, though? That way we can narrow down our options and look for something specific."

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[Lief]

"Well I could fix stuff if you got anything that needs fixing," she said, when he explained that the cleaning was done by droid, closing the washing machine and letting its steady hum ring through the apartment. Though afterward she merely sighed, and shook her head. Perhaps he was right, and getting straight to the job hunt would prove better than trying to find something to do in the meantime.

"I mean, I'll do pretty much anything that ain't too degradin'. I'm trained as a mechanic an' a pilot, I've done couriering and personnel transport work, but honestly? I'd even take working in a bar or somethin' if it put credits in my pocket. I ain't too fussy."

Stepping through into the main living space her stomach began to grumble in anticipation of the good that had just arrived. She slumped down into a seat at the sofa and leaned her head over the back of it, stretching out her sore neck. When she saw how much food he'd ordered, though, her eyes lit up.

"I know this is the part where I'm supposed to ask how we're both meant to eat all that, but... When I say I gotta appetite, well..."

He'd see what she meant by that soon enough.

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk Daesharacor's Apartment, Ethos City​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Kalyn Shif"]​

"You're a mechanic, though. My ship could use some adjustements, repairs and whatnot. How about that for a start, sounds good?"

The Force knows that the Ebon Hawk required an urgent diagnostic by someone capable such as Kalyn, a milennia old ship such as that one would need more than a couple of upgrades to make it travel-worthy again. Most of the modifications installed were from the black market and not exactly fitting for a vessel of its kind but they did the work, at some extent.

"When I'm hungry? You better run, it's incredible. We'll manage with this, believe me."

A grin beamed on his face as he began assorting the white containers packed with food, almost spilling from the sides because the boxes couldn't even close. Condiments and light beverages of choice were included with the order, of course, they'd be thirsty and hungry at the same time.

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[Lief]

"Score," she said, with added enthusiasm, when he settled on an idea for her to earn her way until she had a temp job set up, "That sounds great to me, definitely somethin' I can do." It was, after all, the same thing she'd been taught to do back with Kilian and the crew. Something she always took pride in. There was nothing quite like taking a damaged ship and making it shine again... And if it was upgraded in some way? Well, then all the better.

With the food all laid out, and a few plates having been grabbed from the kitchen, Mara was more than eager to tuck in. She picked up a container of rice and layered it onto her plate, then made a Smörgåsbord out of the other dishes. Her plate came alive with colours and scents, and without much thought she started to chow down. While some of the flavours did not inherently go together, she still wolfed down her first helping so quick that one might have presumed all that had lay upon the plate was a piece of bread.

Taking a break in order to take a sip from her drink, she glanced over to Ar'ekk and let out a satisfied sigh. "I don't think I've had food quite like this before," she informed him, though she could tell it was Atrisian-inspired food. Mara had never eaten Atrisian food before, mostly because she'd never ended up in their neck of the woods. "It's interesting, definitely interesting."

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk Daesharacor's Apartment, Ethos City​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Kalyn Shif"]​

"Sweet! I assume that will do the trick for now until you can "settle" down with a proper job, I promise you'll get one that matches your ambitions."

That was all he needed to hear, that Kalyn planned to stay for a little longer. Why she decide to do that? It wasn't something he'd question by any means necessary but he appreciated the gesture, having someone around to at least speak with was the most valuable thing he had in his life in that moment.

"The best of Lithios just one bite away. I knew you would love this, it's almost impossible to resist its taste."

He held a glass of soda in his right palm, gulping the liquid and enjoying its addictive taste as it traveled through his throat. There was too much to eat and while he'd love to attempt to pig himself with everything, Ar'ekk stopped eating ten minutes in due to a full stomach. Reclined on his seat and setting both hands over his belly, mission complete.

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[Lief]

Ar'ekk may have given up early, but Mara?

Mara had a lot of calories to make up for.

She'd always had an extremely fast metabolism, which lent itself to requiring far more food than anyone her size had any right to eat. She was almost always hungry, especially when she was exerting herself and not just sat within her A-Wing getting from place to place. When she wasn't hunting down or completing jobs, it was food which governed her existence.

A secondary pile of food was stacked onto her plate, and where many females might have felt self-conscious about how much they were eating she truly didn't give a feth. He could think all he wanted, but some things were simply a necessity.

"So," she said, after a little while, her second plate as quickly devoured as the first, "What did you want to do tonight?"

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk Daesharacor's Apartment, Ethos City​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Kalyn Shif"]​

"I'm not sure. Too tired to hit a nightclub but with a mood good enough for a walk."

Eating was bliss and judging her for that would be unfair, keeping in mind he loved to eat as much as she seemed to enjoy such activity. Who in their right mind was able to reject piles of warm and delicious food? Definitely not them, Ar'ekk had a big stomach but tonight was overwhelmed by big plates and beverages.

"But that's just me. Anything on your mind?"

A way of enjoying life was staying at home, sheltered from the rain and watching holoflicks all night until he was either too tired to keep going or had enough of what he was watching. He was an awful planner and going outside was heavily "restricted" to making shop runs, meeting with contacts and pulling jobs, life of a hermitage at full splendor. That was about to change.

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[Lief]

"I was wondering if you could give me a lift to my Solitude so I can grab a couple of things?" she asked, somewhat sheepishly. Glancing down over herself, and realizing that she still hadn't put the shorts on, she let out a small sigh. "Though I suppose that would require me to finish getting dressed, huh?"

Pushing away the empty plate, deciding that she could easily eat more later if she remained hungry, Mara waited to see what his response would be.

"Outside of that, though, a walk could be nice. Then maybe we could find something to watch? You're right, way too tired to dance around like last night so maybe a quiet night in. That never hurt anyone, right? I haven't been able to just relax in a long time though so, correct me if I'm wrong."

Constantly on the move, forever hopping from job to job, on a little A-Wing, didn't really give room for hobbies or quieter activities. Just flying, sleeping, working, and eating.

That's all her life had become.

She really needed to get a bigger ship, one which could also house her Solitude, for those longer journeys when she didn't necessarily need to be stuck at the wheel.

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk Daesharacor's Apartment, Ethos City​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Kalyn Shif"]​

"Of course, don't mention it." he hurled back, smiling. "I'm sure you won't be able to leave this apartment with nothing but an oversized shirt and slippers."

Looking at Kalyn, that was definitely not the smart choice to do. Obviously it was said in jest, a laugh escaping from the man as he watched her from across the table.

Stowing away the white boxes of leftovers inside their respective plastic bags and drinking the remainder of his soda, Ar'ekk looked around the room for a moment. There was a thunderstorm going outside and the lightning on the sky mixed with the tenebrous sounds set up some sort of "Stay at home" mood.

"Sounds like a great plan. Some blankets, snacks for the evening and a good movie of your choice. It's good to get out of your daily routine, so this will be something great for both of us to enjoy."

Enjoying mundane activities alone were his sort of thing and he was thankful there was someone present to relate with that. After a life of hardships and despair, one deserved to have some room to breath even if it was simply temporary.

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[Lief]

In anticipation of a quick trip down to the starport, Mara pulled on the shorts he'd provided and pulled the string tight so as to keep them from falling down. While she didn't look fantastic, she pulled off the look rather well, especially with her messy bun to boot, some sort of dressed down casual look.

It could have been worse.

"Let's go before the storm gets any worse?"

Already she ventured over to the doorway, and therein she pulled on her boots and grabbed a few of the items she'd tossed on the sideboard before throwing her clothes in the washing machine. Things which would get her into her hangar, and her ship.

"On the way back we can pick up the snacks, and I'm sure there'll be a holoflick on without us having to specifically rent one. Right?"

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk Daesharacor's Apartment, Ethos City​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Kalyn Shif"]​

"Take this, don't want you to catch a cold."

Reaching inside the wardrobe and tossing Kalyn one of his leather jackets, Ar'ekk made sure she was able to withstand the awful conditions outside. The thunderstorms claimed many lives every week, most of the victims were homeless people and junkies who couldn't afford putting a roof over their heads because they wasted all their alms on BTLs.

"Rent? I highly doubt that's a thing nowadays, specially on Lithios. But we'll have some holoflicks waiting for us."

Putting on his clothes again and preparing to leave, he grabbed the apartment keys and walked outside to the turbolift with Kalyn. Leaving the very warm nest that he called home seemed like an awful idea once they set foot outside on the rainy street but they'd be soon back on track, the docking bay where his airspeeder waited was close.

"It's freezing, feth!"

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