(D7, LA, Rebyk Motel) Post Race and Post -ahem-

[Dhelih Dotaivi]

They'd been a bit too distracted to notice any lingering bloodstains in the parking lot. Dhel'd been only moderately amused at the exceedingly no-nonsense check-in, having assured Korvin that this was one of the better places in this part of the city.

But a bit of privacy, away from roommates and family and full of race-generated adrenaline was well worth the price of admission, and very satisfied Dhel dozes, curled against Korvin, head resting on his shoulder.

[Korvin Hikarrin]

With a full days worth of excitement packed into the last couple of hours, it would make sense for Korvin to be tired and dozing himself. But his heart rate was still high, as it typically was around Dhel, so the Pantoran lay there well awake.

For a time he just basked in this happy moment, one arm wrapped around Dhel and keeping her warmth close to him. After a bit, he shifted slightly, his opposite hand coming over to slowly, gently stroke the woman's hair.

[Dhelih Dotaivi]

With a long inhale, she opens her eyes, then smiles to see him quite awake. "Hey." Her eyes flick toward the blinds, judging time by the angle of the sun slanting between them. She relaxes, the slight tension evaporating as she realizes she hadn't dozed for long. "You had quite a cheering section there, didn't you?" Reaching across him, she snugs herself a bit closer.

[Korvin Hikarrin]

The man leans in to kiss her forehead, then smiles as he encourages the snuggle with a squeeze.

"It was nice. I, uh... wasn't really sure anyone would come. I mean, except you, of course."

[Dhelih Dotaivi]

Shifting a bit to brush a lock of hair back from his face, Dhel seems surprised. "Really!? How long have you been racing now? I guess I thought it'd been long enough to have some folks rooting for you."

[Korvin Hikarrin]

"Well, yeah," he says, looking a touch embarrassed. "But a lot of it's last minute, who knows where we'll be kind of stuff. So it's not like you really count on anyone. Having a big to-do, and having people show up for me at that... It felt really nice," he said, smiling in what he was sure was an uncool way.

[Dhelih Dotaivi]

There's a long moment, something shifting behind Dhel's eyes. "Do you..." she shakes her head a bit. "Is that...normal in the Upper? Not knowing who's got your back? Who'll show up for you? I guess your folks wouldn't show for this...but otherwise?"

[Korvin Hikarrin]

Korvin looks at her expression thoughtfully.

"Well, if I really needed help with something... Like, my parents are reliable. Or if I was in danger and needed help, Tens would totally be there. But, I mean, this is just racing, right? Racing isn't... I dunno." His mouth crinkles.

He seems like he might say something more, then looks to the side and shrugs a little.

[Dhelih Dotaivi]

"Isn't what? Important?" Propping herself up on an elbow, she kisses the cheek he's presented by turning aside, and again at the corner of his eye. "Usually plenty of folks willing to show up when it doesn't cost them much. Granted, coming down to the Lower's a big ask for some. And then there's the friends who'll be out looking for you if you're like...running from the bucketheads"

A small grin, "I"m guessing your parents don't know about today's race. Can't imagine they spent all these years keeping you safe to not have choice words about risking yourself racing through Gonk territories."

[Korvin Hikarrin]

Korvin can't resist smiling at Dhel's little kisses, and he turns his head to face her.

"Racing is what I do too prove I'm my own person. Not just a rich kid, playing around with his parents' money. My bike, my money, my rep..." She's seen him get energized saying similar things in the past. "So yeah, this was definitely more of a Tybalt day than 'respectable young man' day. And maybe that's..." Korvin seems moved by the moment. "Maybe that's ok. Maybe the Tybalt way is the way to go... Have a... plan," he says, making it seem like an almost foreign concept.

As he's speaking, the hand that had reached over to stroke her hair earlier catches one of her hands, giving only the gentlest squeeze.

[Dhelih Dotaivi]

Dhel laces her fingers with his, looking bemused. "Why's it matter whose money it is? Your rep is what you do with it. Where you stand. Look at Mara. Really don't know this Tybalt and his plans, but she's put her money where her heart is for sure. And put herself in the middle of any bullseyes folks are drawing. So I know whose word has some weight for me...who I might step up for if it came to it, you know?"

Her thumb strokes along the edge of his hand. "Nothing against racing. You like it. But the only rep it builds is that you're this or that kind of racer...good, or vicioius or whatever." Leaning in to nuzzle along his cheek, she murmurs, "I mean, I'm going with good there, personally. It was a good race to watch."

[Korvin Hikarrin]

"Yeah," he quietly agrees, before getting distracted by the nuzzling. With a heavy breath, he forces his half-closed eyes back open. "Yeah, I think... I think maybe taking risks in racing is something I'm, I dunno... outgrowing? Cuz like you said, this stuff with Mara..." he shrugs gently. "It's just more important, right?" Korvin's golden eyes still shine with that warmth they almost always show for Dhel, but there's a touch of... something else... in there at this moment. Seeking?

[Dhelih Dotaivi]

"Petra thinks so. I still...well I want to know that we're not trying to push one jerk group off the planet and just replacing them with homegrown assholes instead." With a sigh, she settles back against one of the hotel pillows that seem to try making up for quality with quantity. "I think I'm starting to see that...if I want to have any say in that though, I have to push for it? Try to be part of the change to have a voice on who's running things on the other side?"

"That's just...a lot more commitment than I'm used to," she groans. "Of the things I've let friends drag me into. Politics is like...the worst."

[Korvin Hikarrin]

Korvin chuckles softly. "Yeah, I think it is. But I also think you're right, if you want something a certain way, you have to make it happen. I mean, this could be our time."

His voice shifts from so confident, talking about politics, to... not. "It, um... sounds like we both... are having... feelings about commitment." He seems to say the last word quietly, worried about what happens if it's said louder.

[Dhelih Dotaivi]

"Not used to having a time, to having any say beyond just...me and who I can touch." She rolls to tuck herself into his shoulder again. "I don't know how much farther I want to reach."

Dhel grows still against him, in tune enough to guess he's not talking politics now, but not sure the shift is any more comfortable. Still, although she's perfectly fine to let unspoken assumptions lie, and will even dodge around them here and there, this isn't one that gets less messy for avoiding it. There's a long sigh. "I'm having feelings about committing to the thing that was...more important than keeping my sibs or my brother or me safe, yeah."

She releases his hand and strokes her fingers down his arm, shoulder to elbow, gently repetitive. "I'm not having feelings about other commitments. That's just...I don't settle in like that, Korvin."

[Korvin Hikarrin]

Korvin deflates as he hears it, even though he at least mostly expected it. His eyes close and he takes a deep breath, not saying anything for what seems like forever as her fingers continue to slide along his arm.

"Yeah," he says slowly, eyes still closed. "I, uh... Yeah." His voice is sad, tired all of a sudden. "I guess I just don't know what to do with that," he admits quietly.

There's a pause, like maybe that's all Korvin has to say for now, but if Dhel starts to speak he raises his hand to stop her. His eyes are open, sad but determined now.

"So let's... Not. Not deal with that. Until..." He closes his eyes, taking another heavy breath. "Not until I figure some stuff out." His eyes look like they're seeking validation.

[Dhelih Dotaivi]

"We.." Dhel starts, but pauses as he lifts his hand, pulling back to better see his face. This is not entirely what she expected.

"Does not dealing mean...pretend this conversation didn't quite happen for now, or?" There are other options, she's just not sure where they're landing. "I"m fine being that girl from the Middle that goes with the flashy racerboy lifestyle," she offers with a soft smile. "But sounds like maybe that's not who you are for much longer."

[Korvin Hikarrin]

Korvin's voice is slow and quiet, as he's clearly still struggling.

"I feel like there are big... things... happening around us. I don't know what they mean, and I don't know what to do with them. But... I know... that I need what you bring to my life. So, I want to keep that -- keep this relationship -- while I... figure out... the other stuff."

He closes his eyes and his face creases like he's wincing.

[Dhelih Dotaivi]

She inhales deep and exhales in a long sigh, sympathetic as she gathers him in, one arm slipping beneath his shoulders. "It's your heart to break, then. Don't hold too tight, and I can be what you're needing." Her own hold tightens hard around him in contrast to her words.

[Korvin Hikarrin]

Korvin purses his lips, avoiding saying anything right now. He returns the loving hold, ignoring everything else.

After a short time in that silent embrace, Korvin takes a heavy breath. He doesn't immediately move away. Instead, his hand starts to trace slowly from the back of Dhel's neck down the soft fur of her back.