Noah was making out with Loire, or was Loire making out with Noah? Did it even matter? When Valko woke up, and given that he'd been drip fed while he was KO'd, it went without saying that his tummy craved some solid food. He hadn't made much of a racket yet though, and went unnoticed, and luckily for Noah and Loire, he'd headed straight to the kitchen instead of looking around for his captain or Viva.
"So are you going to let me go?" Loire asked.
"Didn't think you were the type for one-night stands doc." Noah replied, casually smoking a cigarette, despite the fact that most cruisers didn't allow smoking on board for health and safety, heck the Lucidae was his ship, he'd smoke if he wanted to.
"It's a serious question Noah." Loire replied, for someone who was usually so soft spoken, Noah managed to bring out a stronger side, a healthy challenge.
"Do you really want to go? I mean, I know we didn't meet on conventional terms, and right now, I'm in deep shit, but we could give it a go right?" Noah was lying of course.
He had no intentions of really making anything work with the doctor, but he knew that Loire would be able to outsmart him, he was a genius. No bribe, and no cage would keep the doctor with them, and a doctor was valuable, especially since Noah found himself in the line of fire more often than he'd care to admit. Having someone to patch them all up was a good asset to have on the Lucidae. Plus, out in deep space it was hard to get laid, Noah would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy those perks as well. Viva wasn't exactly up for it, at least not with Noah, not to mention how awkward things would be on board between himself, Val and Vee if anything ever happened.
Loire was too smart to be held captive against his will long-term, and knowing Viva, she'd help Loire escape, either to spite Noah, or because she pitied the doctor. Noah knew he had to convince the doctor to stay himself. Not only was that the easiest, but it was also the most effective option, and luckily for Noah, the doctor seemed to have one dreadful weakness, despite all his brains, he had the emotional intelligence of a space-cow. Something had traumatised the doctor, Noah had a sneaking suspicion that the doctors depression wasn't a chemical imbalance like the doctors would tell you, but instead it was some trauma that never really left him. A jilted lover? A humiliating rejection in his teens? Noah couldn't tell, but he knew Loire would lap up any affection if it appeared genuine enough, once his guard was down.
Noah hated to admit that it was almost laughably easy to crack the doctor, now, depending on the doctors response, he'd have him right where he wanted him.
"You're asking me to shack up with a space bandit trafficking drugs throughout the galaxy?" Loire rephrased.
"I'd hoped you didn't think so lowly of me, but yeah, that pretty much sums it up."
"That's not what I meant-" Loire started.
"Save it, you're doing what I'd do. Talking tough, being sarcastic and witty ... deflecting. I'm not deflecting you right now." Noah looked the doctor straight in the eyes, deeply, quizzing him.
The doctor was vulnerable, his eyes always carried a glint of pain, a slightly haunted stare. Now Noah had Loire's full attention captured in a serious and unwavering gaze. Noah was an incredible actor when he needed to be, and Loire was totally convinced by the act.
"If this is just a one night affair to you and nothing more, I can handle that, but I'm asking you seriously ... Do you want to stay with me? I can't promise you the sun moon and stars ... or that I'll keep my nose clean, but I can try make you happy, thats what you want right?" Noah said, ready to collect his Oscar at this point given his award-winning performance.
Loire's eyes faltered and glanced away briefly. Noah wondered if he'd lost the gamble he'd taken ... seducing the doctor was one thing, getting him to stay and believe this could become something was a riskier game.
"Make me happy? ... I want that more than anything but-."
Suddenly Loire heard a rummaging noise outside (Valko of course.)
"Did you hear that?" Loire asked, perching up on his elbows.
Noah, concerned for his cargo, and the fact that they were vulnerable when they were docked, sprung up, tugging on his clothing hastily. Loire followed suite, getting dressed himself, though Noah already had a head start and was already halfway dressed and making a move for the door.
Further down the ship chaos errupted as Viva made her entrance. Noah and Viva stumbled upon Valko at about the same time. "What the fuck?" was all Noah could manage admidst the confusion. Loire finally caught up, looking a little less prim than usual, his normally neatly brushed hair (which was either tied back out of his way or neatly brushed through) was tousled as though he'd just woken up, he was fully dressed though and looked otherwise his regular self. Noah was unkempt as usual and looked no different than normal.
Noah glanced back at Loire. "Doc you'll need to review him right?" Loire nodded and Noah helped ease Valko back up to his feet.
"C'mon champ, back to the med bay with the doctor, you're up earlier than expected." he said, casting his gaze to Viva who had a bloody nose and a sore looking eye. She'd need to see the doctor too but she was steady on her feet and appeared to be able to handle herself, Valko had just woken from a coma and life threatening injuries, he needed medical attention first, Viva would have insisted Valko get looked at first anyway.
Loire tried helping Valko back to the med bay and up onto the bed to begin checking over his wound and do some standard tests.
With the doctor taking care of Val, Noah was able to take on Vee. "What the fuck happened out there Vee? Your nose is bleeding, get the doc to check you over once he's cleared Val. Whats our status? What happened out there? What happened to you, are you okay?" he said, he'd already planned what to say if Viva asked why Valko was able to get up and wander around without the doctor noticing (because he wasn't going to expose his plans to her at least not yet). Noah knew Viva was fond of the doctors company, and he also knew that she'd probably interfere with his plans, once he had the doctor right where he wanted him, Noah was going to tell Viva and make it clear to her that the doctor wouldn't take her side, Loire would be with Noah and hopefully that would keep Viva somewhat under his control too. Her loyalty to the doctor would keep her compliant, to spare Loire's feelings.
The puzzle pieces were falling into place for Noah, all he had to do now was make the Nth drop-off without any more hitches and they were going to live like kings, for a few months at least.
