Fall from grace
Poe wandered down along stalls, keeping her hat pulled low over her brow and her gaze averted. She was starting to dislike returning to the city for supplies and had tried unsuccessfully to hire someone to do so for her. Stopping out a few stalls to pick up items for the next few days, she felt a quick poke in her ribs. Still incredibly sore, Poe turned, snarling to be met with a quick bear hug.“Angel!†If her face hadn’t been muffled by the hug, the surprise would have been clear. She recognized the scent immediately and squirmed, pulling back, shock in her face.
“Gel?†Her eyes wandered over the Miqo’te and she finally smiled, “How are you?â€
The male rocked back on his heels, wide smirk as he effortlessly tossed his hair from his eyes, “Oh you know. Came here hunting for my little Mender friend.†Poe immediately blushes, opening her mouth to say something but he laughs and stops her, “I ran into Relan a few days ago, after I got in from a business trip of my own.†His expression turned a bit more somber, “Says you are working yourself into the ground and cut off from everyone.†She could feel his penetrating stare and he finally flicked the brim of her hat back. She made it clear her annoyance and he burst into laughter again, “Still a little spitfire. I bet no one ever sees this side of you.†No one cares to…
Wrapping his arm casually over her shoulder, he starts leading her down the walkway from the stalls. Poe remained silent and while Gel indeed notice, he didn’t say anything for a while. Finally he stopped, gripping her shoulders as he faced her around to stare at her, “Look Angel. I can tell something is eating you up inside. Come hang out with my crew for the night. It will get you away from everything. Come be free, even if it’s just until the sun comes back up.†A million reasons why she shouldn’t raced through her mind but one small smile from Gel and she relented.
“Fine…†She rolled her eyes at him and he laughed, wrapping his arm back around her.
“You were always the only woman who the crew was willing to let come around. Wenches don’t count, you know that.†Gel continued to ramble on as they headed out of the city.
* * * *
Poe walked around, stunned by the view, “This place….is amazing.†Gel grinned, rocking back on his heels again, tail softly swaying as he watched his long time friend take in his place.
“Yup, we have been working hard…saving every last bit. We now have this great place…†Poe looked envious, listening to the waves crash. Gel had given her a tour of the crew’s new home and she was standing out on balcony off of his office. She fumbled in her pockets and pulled out a cigar, lighting it. He laughed, suddenly close to her as she turned around.
“Still smoking I see…†He raised a brow and pulled the cigar from her lips to have some himself, setting it back between her lips as she stared at him, “You know Doll-face, little innocent looks like that and I am going to reconsider asking you to come join the crew.â€
Poe looked stunned, “Join…your crew?†She shook her head.
Gel raised his hand, “I know. I already heard about your duties from Relan, it won’t interfere. I promise.†Poe turned to look back out over the ocean and he moved to stand beside her, his tail teasingly hitting hers. Several silent moments, he finally spoke, his tone more serious, “What has happened to you? You have lost that sparkle in your eyes.†Poe refused to look at him, continuing to stare out over the water. He grabbed her angrily now and she growled, slapping him clear across the face.
The look of shock on his face was priceless and then the male was suddenly doubled over laughing. Poe wasn’t, she was seething as she glared at him. He nodded, “A spitfire still. It’s why I have always loved you.†He moved back beside her, wrapping his arm over her shoulder and his voice soft, “It’s been bad…hasn’t it?†Poe turned to him, tears suddenly pouring down her face, nodding.
“How about we have a drink and you tell me everything, ok?â€
* * * *
“That is a lot…I can see why you have done what you have.†Gel moved from his chair to sit on the edge of his desk in front of Poe. She had been curled up in a chair, her expression still neutral.
He bent over to look her in the eyes, “Hey….remember what your old friend….what was it, Ace? You said they were concerned no one appreciated you for anything but someone to fix their wounds.†Poe didn’t say anything but suddenly felt how true that statement seemed.
“Well, our crew here…you know we love you. Fiery, compassionate, smart, I refuse to sit here and tell you all the great things. We see you as more than someone to patch us up after a bar brawl. Come on, you would be happy here. And I promise, it won’t interfere with your Mender duties.†He paused to reach out and take her hands, †You care too much, it’s eating you alive. Both of those men, fools. They clearly didn’t want you in their life. Let them go.†Poe refused to look at him and he knelt down in front of her, grabbing her shoulders, “Look at me.â€
Poe finally looked up and met Gel’s stare. He offered a small smile, leaning in to whisper in her ear, “Just let go…â€
Perhaps it was the exhaustion or the hopelessness, but Gel was right. The sound of the house guests were now filling the halls and the music playing out on the front lawn was enticing. She nodded, standing, “Just a night. It would be nice to see the guys…â€
Gel grinned, “That’s the spirit. I will have you join this crew before you even know it.†Poe gave him a look and he laughed again, “Angel, keep making eyes like that and I will finally make a true attempt at seducing you.†He wrapped his arm around her once more, leading her to the door. Turning to Poe once more, Gel smiled, “We all care about you. You matter, ok? Let the rest of it go. Let it all go. When no one feels for you, you don’t have to feel for them.†He leaned over to the shelf, pulling down an old bottle, “From that heist we pulled for Relan, like old times, right? This is the last bottle. It’s yours…â€
Poe took it, turning the bottle over in her hand. He slapped her firmly on the ass and opened the door of his office, giving her a nudge out to the main hallway, “Welcome to the party.â€
