Hope it gives you...! (Silk/Sean)

[s]

’That was a mess. I wonder how long it’s been since anyone checked the oil filter in that thing. Probably not since the maiden voyage? How long ago was that?’ Silk calculated the time in her mind. ’That long!? God I haven’t gotten laid since then? I need to get laid…I’m hungry. I wonder what they’re serving for breakfast.”

Silken walked into the Mess Hall freshly showered and wearing actual clothing for once instead of one of her grease monkey outfits. Normally she didn’t start work until noon, long after breakfast was available, but she’d needed to get up extra early that morning to check and clean out the oil filter before the engines kicked into hyper drive and it would be too dangerous. She’d requested the time to do so weeks ago and only the day before did she get the go ahead. The whole thing was a very nasty process, one that ended with her practically covered in a fowl smelling oil and after a scrub down she’d decided she deserved the rest of the day off. Maybe she’d enjoy some of the few luxuries this ship had to offer. It was definitely the biggest she’d been on yet, and but seemed to have in it the least attractive men.

They were either all young men or old guys. No one of decent caliber. The other girls seemed nice enough though, none causing what she liked to call ‘high school drama’ and thinking they need to put her in some kind of place just because of the way she looked. She got that a lot on other ships. She couldn’t help it if she was just so damn sexy.

Thinking this, she got in the line at the mess hall, throwing a smile at the gentleman infront of her and he instantly stepped to the side, ‘After you Miss.’


“Thank you.” She purred, her smile turning to a smirk when she looked forward again. And again looks got here were she wanted to be…

[karen5]

What Sean needed was a hobby. Or maybe a girlfriend. Something. Anything. Sitting around all day in the common room was dull and repetitive, and he was getting sick of it. But until they got any prisoners, his ability to read minds as serve as an interrogator were useless. The Venia was trying to help people--and at the moment, anyway, R4 had essentially gone underground.

That left him bored and dull most days. Occasionally he'd go down to engineering to spend some time with Lizzy, but more often than not Natalie would spot them chatting and chase him away, telling him not to pester their engineers. She seemed to be joking, generally, but when a petite blonde woman came at you with a wrench, you listened to what she had to say.

Wandering the halls, as he'd often seen a red-headed woman whose name he believed started with a C and whose thoughts were always bubbling and gushing all over the place, didn't appeal to Sean, and so he'd often retreat to the common room.. Back where he'd started. Back where he was bored, with nothing to alter that fact.

It was no different today. Sprawled out on one of the comfortable sofas, he was flicking idly through channels on the holo, not really seeing or hearing the projected shows. Playing with his telepathic abilities was a good pass-time as well. Right now, he was peeking into the head of Benjamin Braun, a tactical officer, who happened to be in his room at the moment. Plotting pranks.

Quite clever pranks, really, with more detail than Sean would have thought possible. While it was a foolish and insouciant train of thought, the mind-reader found himself quite entertained by it, more so than he would be by the holo. He was distracted when his stomach growled, and with a sigh he flicked the machine off, shut his mind, feeling a little guilty for having listened in on Ben's thoughts without his consent.

Lurching to his feet, Sean brushed the thoughts aside and wandered out into the hallway, meandering slowly toward the mess hall with his hands in his pockets. It was fairly early, and so they were probably still serving breakfast. Maybe he'd make it in time to grab something.

But as he entered the hall, he felt a familiar presence in the room--a presence he hadn't felt in almost two years. The only way a telepath could sense someones presence was if that person had left a lingering print on their mind, and usually, the only people who were able to do that were their lovers. Telepaths didn't love others lightly--it was more meaningful to them.

When a telepath fell in love, it was deeper than it was for the average person. For when they loved someone, they let all their barriers down for that person--all of them. They let the thoughts, the memories, the feelings, the sights and sounds of their significant other, to become theirs. It was a bond of trust, of affection; and Sean had only opened up like that once.

Silk, he thought, wincing a little at the memory of her. But she wasn't just a memory now. She was standing mere yards from him, as beautiful and as radiant as ever. And she seemed to be soaking in all the sets of eyes on her, not having noticed his--yet. But she would. Their relationship would have left a mark on her, too, albeit not as strong. If she hadn't sensed him yet, she doubtlessly would soon.

[s]

”Are these real eggs or those fake carton kind? Silk was asking the server with a brilliant white smile on her face. She popped a hip slightly to the side, knowing how good she looked in the short brown skirt and knee high boots. She flipped her hair over her shoulder nonchalantly as the server seemed to get flustered and not know how to answer her. He was just an eighteen-year-old kid and he behaved as if god had just spoken to him. Silken merely tilted her head to the side before saying, ”Oh that’s alright I’ll just have a bagel.”

She turned to move down the line when she glanced to the side, doing a quick double take. Her whole body seemed to move in slow motion. Her own dark eyes latched onto the brown orbs that penetrated to her heart and made her pulse race. Unfortunately for her when she saw him her head remained turned while her body kept moving.

“Oof!” She grunted as she walked into the person in front of her. She flushed, now being the one to act flustered she quickly apologized. Not knowing what to do with herself, she turned towards the counter again, her back towards Sean, but then she quickly realized to ignore him was silly since he’d seen her already looking at him. And she didn’t want him to think she was mad or avoiding him now that they both knew the other was there.

Doing a complete circle, she turned back around and looked in his direction, a plastered smile on her face. Knowing him and what he was, he probably could tell how embarrassed she was and how awkward she felt to be seeing him so suddenly like this.

Of all the men in her past none of them had been quite like Sean Irvine. Probably because none had had such a unique past or an interesting story to tell. Also, none had been able to look at her the way he did, to talk to her as if he knew every little thing she needed. And none had been willing to do whatever it took to get her what she needed…

Truth be told, no one managed to scare the shit out of her like Sean.

Forcing herself to take on her usual nonchalant manner, she walked towards the Mess Hall entrance, intending to at least say hi…

[karen5]

Silk was close enough that Sean could practically hear her breathing. Connected to her as he was, he noticed the way her heart spiked when she saw him. She was afraid. So that hadn't changed. The fact hurt him, but he forced it not to show on his face just how much. It was because he was a telepath. That he'd delved into her mind, and learned who she was--it had scared her away.

It was why she'd broken up with him, after all. He'd thought for the first time he might have gotten it right. That was why he'd risked opening up so much. But as he opened, it seemed to force her shut. There was so much in her past that she shied away from, that she hid from others, and that he'd found hidden in her mind.

But that was the past. He shouldn't dwell on it. It wouldn't do either of them much good. Already she'd walked into someone else and turned away from him to collect herself. Her embarrassed emotions flickered through his own system, but he forced them out, sealing the barrier in his mind more efficiently. He wouldn't pry into her mind again unless she wanted him to.

Seeming to steal herself, Silk turned and began making in his direction, and Sean rolled his shoulders back and offered her a small smile in response to the one she faked. That she had to fake a smile proved to him just how careful he'd have to be in talking to her. Fast, as always, she made it over to him despite the growing crowd within a matter of seconds, and they stood facing one another for a moment in silence.

"Hi, Silk. Long time no see, huh?" Well aren't you the smooth-talker of the century. "How've you been?"

[s]

‘"Hi, Silk. Long time no see, huh? How've you been?"

Silk’s smile turned a little more genuine. She was glad he wasn’t mad at her or anything after the way she’d practically run out on him and jumped on the next ship that needed a Tech. Even for he it had been rather cruel she knew, especially since feelings had passed between them. Truth be told Silk hadn’t felt so much for anyone before, but at the same time Sean was just so different. If anyone had asked she wouldn’t be able to put her finger on why exactly she’d left.

”Hi!” She chimed, reaching out and wrapping her arms around him in a hug, the same kind of embrace she would give a friend she hadn’t seen in a long time. It was strange and she pulled back almost as soon as it started, finding the touch making her heart skip a beat all over again.

”Yep it’s been… a while.” She said, realizing midway through the sentence she practically mimicked his words. ”I’ve been good. Just working ya know? One job after the other but look at you! You’re… here… on a ship and not back on Delta Prime.” She reached up to tuck her hair behind her ears, her expression confused.

”What exactly are you doing here?” She knew she might sound rude asking, and it wasn’t that she didn’t want to see him. In fact maybe saying sorry would be a good thing for her to do. She always really did feel bad about leaving.

Silk told herself she was just surprised. Not upset. There was nothing to be upset about.

[karen5]

The hug Silk bestowed upon Sean made him freeze. Not because he was against it, or even really because it was a surprise. No, he froze because of the reaction the contact had on the both of them. Heart-rates doubled, skin tingled, nerves buzzed--it was like someone had set two frayed live wires next to one another, and the sparks that flew in result were bewildering.

Thankfully, she let go almost as soon as she'd grabbed on, and he was freed from the intensity of her touch. He registered a dull ache in his temples as aftermath, but deliberately ignored it and focused instead on what Silken was saying. It was just the telepathic bond between them acting up--at least, he was fairly sure that was all it was. He wasn't that stressed, he didn't think.

Her confusion was both obvious and understandable when it registered with her that he was on a ship, working with his abilities as he'd sworn never to do. He'd told her about his past with the institute when they'd been together, and she knew why he didn't want to work. But Venia had a good cause, and he was willing to do all in his power to help against R4.

"Yup, I finally plucked up the courage to get my arse off Delta Prime. And now here I am, living the same way I was back home, but with benefits such as free food from amazing chefs, a gym, on board health care, and everything else the average person could ask for." All in all, he'd made it pretty well in coming here.

Silk's emotions were still pitching, he could feel it, and Sean wasn't sure what he could say to calm her down. Talking about herself seemed to help at times--she could put on a good front. Even though she knew he'd be able to see through it, maybe it would help her anyway. "What about you? How did you end up here?"

[s]

Silken Floss folded her arms, a stance she actually didn't often take, and listened, nodding as she did so. That was so strange, she'd never thought she'd see Sean out and working and using his abilities. Especially after all that had happened to him. She thought child labor was illegal but apparently those rules didn't apply to children with special abilities during times of war.

She felt that old pang of sympathy she'd once had for him act up just hearing him say how he had to force himself there. And knowing him it would have been a real issue. Her concern flashed on her face for a brief second and then disappeared.

"Oh," She sighed, "I'm being a Tech mostly. They already have a weapons specialist so I'm getting my hands dirty in doing a lot of the odd jobs the actual engineers don't want to do." This was mostly because the jobs she did were either the kind that got someone filthy or were very dangerous.

She looked away for a second, feeling herself get over the initial shock of seeing him before she looked back to his face.

"Hey if you've got a minute could we go somewhere and... talk?"

[karen5]

Somewhere in Sean's mind, Silk's words registered. But mostly he was just listening to the musical folds of her voice, watching the way her perfect lips moved to form her words. It was slightly irritating that she still held the power to have such a devastating effect on him, but he managed to ignore the frustration and nod along with what she was saying.

"I see," he mumbled when she'd concluded, bringing his eyes back up to meet hers. Gods she had gorgeous eyes. He'd loved staring into them back then, and he was getting the chance to do it again now. But it had been two years, and while he could indulge for a moment, he had no right in ogling them.

With a slight pang, Sean realized he missed her. How strange. After the first few months, the shock and hurt and confusion had worn down, and he'd managed to move on with his life. But now, seeing her again, it was like it had been that first day, wandering through the apartment in search for Silk and find that, not only was she missing, but so were all her things.

She was speaking again, he noticed, and he caught onto the last few words. Go somewhere and talk. "I... suppose. I've got nowhere I need to be right at this moment, so if you're available now, I suppose we could chat for a bit."

[s]

Silk was glad when he said he'd talk with her. It added more to the proof that he wasn't mad at her. She figured he had every right to be. She nodded before walking past him and out of the mess hall, glancing back once to see if he would followed.

More and more people were rushing for a chance to get some breakfast before the mess hall turned to its lunchtime menu. But she wasn't really feeling all that hungry anymore. She wrapped her arms into each other again, folding them as she slowed her quick step to a stroll. She glanced sidelong at her Ex boyfriend, hesitating to speak.

"I just wanted to say sorry for walking out on you two years ago. And I wanted you to know it wasn't because of you or anything you'd done..." She doubted that would fix things between them. But she at least wanted to get things off her chest. For what it was worth, Sean had been the best guy she'd ever dated and secretly she really didn't think she deserved him...

[karen5]

Once Sean had agreed to talk, Silken had turned and led the way out of the mess hall, beckoning him to follow with a brief glance over her shoulder. Together they made their way briskly through the halls, passed the bustling crew members on their way to grab a late breakfast. After they'd gotten a little ways away, Silk slowed, and Sean readjusted his pace to match.

She was quiet, her arms crossed and discomfort rolling off her in almost palpable waves. But if she was uncomfortable with him around, then she wouldn't have asked for them to go somewhere more private to talk, she would have opted to stay in the mess hall, or to have not talked at all. So it was something else, then.

Gently, he loosened the barrier in his mind, letting some of her less serious thoughts spill into his own. Her appetite had vanished, and she was trying to piece together a good way to phrase whatever it was she wanted to say to him. When the words fell from her lips, he accidentally let the barrier drop more than he'd intended merely out of surprise.

Silken was apologizing? For something she'd done two years ago? Well, better late than never, but... he shook his head to stop her from continuing. "Silk, you don't have to say anything. You left, and it hurt like hell. But I've long since forgiven you. There's no use in trying to trap a free spirit, and if there ever was a free-spirit it was you."

Sean had been planning to continue, to say something sensible, about how he understood why she'd left and that he didn't blame her for her choices--words that would pacify her. But then the thought she'd had, only in passing, slid through the over-sized crack in his barrier, and he came to a halt.

"Whoa, wait, what?" he murmured in amazement, grabbing her arm to pull her to a stop with him. She thought that she didn't deserve him? When the hell had that happened?

Doubtlessly she didn't understand what he was asking about right then, and would slap him or something when she realized that he'd been in her head again. But it had been an accident, and that thought was something worth further examination. Deciding to bite the bullet, he pressed on.

"Silk, you're the one who left. That means that either I did something, which you claim I didn't, or that you'd moved on. The fact that I didn't try to come after you proves that you had all rights to leave. Of course you don't deserve me--you deserve someone multitudes better than I am. Don't you ever let yourself think otherwise."

[s]

Silk stopped suddenly and blinked at him in surprise. His sudden outburst seemed to come out of nowhere and her confusion became apparent. Then he started to talk and she realized what must have happened. Her features softened and she breathed out through her nose. Back when they'd been together the fact that he could read her mind had bugged him on occasion but she knew he didn't do it on purpose, and that most of the time he didn't have all that much control over it.

She listened to him tell her the same excuses she'd told herself two years ago. It was true, she had left because of him. Because the things he could tell her about herself scared her to her core. She liked putting on a face for people and acting like everything was perfect all the time. Confrontation really wasn't something she did well at all.

As he finished speaking she raised her hand, her fingers lightly touching his chin as her lips curled into a smile.

"Shhh." She said softly, appreciating what he was trying to do. He was sweet.

Then she stepped in to hug him again, this time keeping in contact, her arms wrapping around his neck. Holding onto him for a long moment she purred, "I've missed you..."

[karen5]

Silk reacted to Sean's words a little differently than he'd anticipated. He thought she'd heave a sigh of relief or something, thank him for not pressuring her, and then be off on her way, happy as per usual. But, while she was clearly happy, she didn't leave--she ghosted her fingers across his jaw, smiling at him in a way that made his heart sing.

Her warm, tender arms embraced him then, and he closed his eyes at the feeling of being so close to her again. When she whispered in his ear, he sighed quietly and buried his face in her hair, wrapping his own arms around her waist. "What part of 'you deserve someone better than me' doesn't make sense to you?" he mumbled against her forehead.

There was just a large mess where coherent thought had been in Sean's head just moments ago, and he was scrambling to recollect it. While he didn't want to let her go, he wanted to keep her near for as long as he possibly could, he knew that there was danger in letting her so close so freely. It was how he'd been hurt before.

And so, after stealing a quick moment for himself to remember and drinking in her heady, familiar scent, he stepped back and offered her a sad smile. "I've missed you too, Silk. For two years now, I've missed you. I loved you back then, and even after you left I loved you. I still love you. Most likely, I always will, even if you decide you despise me and run off to be with someone else, someone who actually deserves you."

Sean paused, and in this pause he sighed again. "But... just because I love you doesn't mean that we should get back together." That had been more painful to say than he'd expected. He was fairly certain he'd just winced as he'd spoken. "We went wrong somewhere before, and I don't know if I could take it if we went wrong again."

It almost physically hurt to say that. He had half a mind to pull her into his arms again and kiss her simply to vent all the emotion pent up between them, but that wouldn't get them anywhere but back to a place they'd been before. A little apprehensive now, he realized that Silken had yet to respond. Would she be angry with him? Would she agree? Or was she considering disregarding his words just as much as he was?

[s]

Silk wasn’t ready to let go. She could feel what was happening to him, the embrace more than just friendly. She knew he was thinking the same thing she was. That they were both there, lonely, wanting companionship. And they already knew they liked each other a lot.

‘What part of you deserve better than me doesn’t make sense to you?’ He muttered and she had to suppress a laugh.

”All of it. She said, her tone still low and soft. When he pulled back she frowned but made no move to try and stop him.

His words surprised her and even stung a little. She wasn’t used to being the one that got told no when it came to these kinds of things. But she understood.

When he said he still loved her her eyes grew wide and she parted her lips, but nothing came out. How could he still love her after two years? It didn’t make sense.

After he’d finished she looked away for a moment before looking back at him. She wasn’t mad. Just disappointed.

”I understand,” She lied, ”But we can still be friends can’t we?”

[karen5]

Affection. Amusement. Confusion. Offense. Understanding. Shock. Disappointment. Pain. It was hard to follow Silk's dancing emotions, but somehow Sean managed, comparing them against his own. She'd clearly been open to the idea of a reunion, and was displeased that he'd closed the door so abruptly.

He brought his hands up to cup her face and stared into her eyes again. Not because he was looking for anything, or because he wanted to try and get a better connection with her mind (that eye-contact was needed was a lie made up to make the public feel safer), but simply to marvel at their colour. Her words made the corners of his mouth twitch up.

"You don't understand," he disagreed gently, tracing her cheek-bones with his thumbs. "You can't, because I don't. And of course we can be friends--so long as you don't mind being seen with the crazy ship telepath whose been in love with you for two years."

Slowly, deliberately, he leaned in to plant a kiss on the smooth skin of her cheek, hoping it would curb his longing for a time. But, as he suspected it would be, it wasn't enough, and he had to pull away before he did something he would regret. "I'm probably keeping you from doing your job, aren't I?"

[s]

Silken was surprised again when he reached out to take her face in his hands. Her heart pumped in her chest as she stared back up into his gaze, feeling warm and so exposed to him, it made a lot of raw emotions come to the surface that she’d never been comfortable with, but even so she didn’t want to look away or for him to stop touching her.

Her hands moved up to lightly touch his as his thumbs caressed over her cheeks. The way he looked at her made her just want to cry. He seemed so sad. It wasn’t fair that he could always know what she was thinking and feeling and she could do nothing but trust his words.

“Are you kidding?” She laughed softly, “As long as you’re willing to be seen with the grease monkey Latino chick I’m willing to be seen with you.” She smiled fully then. The more he said he was in love with her, the more it tugged at her heart strings. She’d told him she loved him before, and she’d meant it back then. But love was a strange thing and that was a work she never shared lightly.

When he pulled back her hands lowered and she rubbed a bit awkwardly at her wrist, ”Actually I’m taking the rest of the day off. Normally I wouldn’t be up this morning at all. You know me. I’m not a morning person…