Bernie Mataki reached out a gloved hand to tap Samantha Byrne on the shoulder. The brunette, in turn, jumped with surprise at the unexpected gesture before spinning around, her started expression relaxing as her gaze fell upon the old gear.
A small smile touched Sam's tired face as Bernie gave her a hug. It was nice having her around again, especially after everything that had happened since she'd left for Anvil Gate some time ago. After pulling back, Bernie's tender grin was wiped away as she looked Sam over, the motherly gear at once noticing the look in her eyes.
"What's wrong sweetheart?" Bernie asked as Sam tried and failed to hide what was on her mind.
Damnit…
"N-nothing, I'm just a bit tired. That's all," Sam lied, attempting to go back to cleaning her sniper rifle. She knew it was no good as Bernie took a seat next to her; eyes searching her face with that "don't bullshit me" look. The aging south-islander had only just arrived at Azura yesterday, but she'd wasted no time checking in on everyone, taking her role as "honorary mom" seriously. And after learning of Dom's death, she'd taken a particular interest in the well-being of the ones who'd been especially close to him. Now it was Sam's turn for a chat.
The young woman sighed, staring at her boots before meeting Bernie's gaze. Her brown eyes could no longer mask her pain, and Bernie caught on instantly, placing a hand on Sam's shoulder.
"It's Baird," Sam finally mustered, her voice low as she looked over her shoulder around the empty room, wanting to make sure they were alone before continuing. Bernie arched an eyebrow before groaning, slowly reaching up to touch her forehead.
"Alright, what did that tosser say this time," she muttered, her voice a mixture of weariness and aggravation. "Why can't he play nice?" She thought to herself. "I leave him alone for a minute and- Wait." Bernie's face contorted with confusion. She knew Sam wouldn't come to tell her that Baird had hurt her feelings. He'd been a bastard to her before, and she'd handled it on her own.
"Is he alright?" Bernie finally spoke, unable to hide her concern for the blonde. She'd already visited with him when she'd arrived the previous morning, and he seemed fine, all things considered. But with Baird, she knew, one can never really tell how he's doing.
"Oh, yeah, he's ok." Sam shook her head, dismissing Bernie's questioning gaze as she spoke. "It's just…I don't know, I…" she felt the blood rushing to her cheeks as she continued. "The last couple of days, he's been…different."
Bernie's mouth fell open a bit as Sam recounted the moment after Baird had learned of Dom's death; the soft tone of his voice when he'd spoken to her, the look in his eyes as he smiled at her. Sam shivered inwardly as she remembered how he'd touched her arm before leaving, her mind replaying the feel of his skin against her own.
"I think he likes me." Sam's eyes went wide as she finished her sentence, as if she were trying to comprehend what she'd just said. Before Bernie could voice her joy though, Sam's face returned to its pained expression.
"At least, I thought he did," she added quietly, a slight scowl on her face as Bernie's wore a puzzled look once more.
"What do you mean?" Bernie asked, turning her head in an attempt to meet Sam's gaze as the brunette's eyes became fixed on her boots. Sam pursed her lips before deciding to answer.
"I don't know…He just seemed so…genuine." Sam made eye contact with the older woman as she spoke the last word, narrowing her eyes as she thought aloud.
"I saw his eyes Bernie; the way he looked at me…I'm not imagining this…"
Sam's thoughts returned to the events of last week, her mind replaying their moment together for the hundredth time.
"He was concerned for me. Like he…actually cared." Sam couldn't hide her confusion, almost sickness at the thought. "I mean, since when has Damon Baird been concerned about anyone?"
She shook her head abruptly, cutting Bernie short as she inhaled to speak. "But now he hasn't said anything else. I kind of expected him to…I don't know, elaborate. Voice his feelings for me." Sam smiled self-consciously, feeling her ears get hot as they turned red. "Maybe I'm just being childish…" she added near-silently, looking away.
Bernie sat quietly for a moment as she watched Sam fight back the urge to cry. Her expression slackened; a tender look in her eyes as she spoke with motherly compassion.
"When did you see him last?" she asked, placing a gloved hand over Sam's.
"Yesterday," the brunette replied, grumbling. "The bastard's been holed up in his new 'workshop' since day one."
Bernie thought for a moment, picturing Baird in one of the elaborate offices he'd claimed for a workspace once they'd decided to call the hotel home.
"And how was he?"
Sam shrugged, her reddish eyes still locked on her boots. "The same. I brought him some spare parts me and Anya collected on a salvage run, but he's just…" She raked a hand through her dark hair, her frustration clearly getting the best of her. "God, he's just so clueless. I could say anything to him; I'll smile, try to act nice and he's still such an asshole."
Bernie winced at Sam's harsh words, but kept her voice even.
"Did you tell him how you feel?" she asked coolly.
Sam looked up with surprise.
"Well no," she admitted, looking down again. She could feel Bernie's gaze as she quietly waited for her to say more. "To be honest, I wouldn't even know what to say." Sam lowered her voice significantly, as if embarrassed.
"I like him Bernie." Sam looked at her friend with glassy eyes as the old south-islander smiled kindly. "There's just…something about him. He drives me crazy. I mean," she laughed in spite of herself. "I've seriously wanted to put a bullet in his chest more then a few times before." The brunette sighed, her expression sobering. "But no matter what I do, I can't get him out of my head. I think," she looked up once more, the fear in her voice palpable. "I think I love him." The sentence came out in a whisper as a single tear ran down Sam's cheek.
Bernie was speechless as she watched Sam, tough-as-nails, don't-take-shit-from-anyone Samantha Byrne shed tears, hopelessly in love with Damon Baird.
"Aw, sweetheart…" Bernie mustered, squeezing Sam's hand as the younger gear struggled to control her emotions. Sam. In love with…Baird. The bugger…She wasn't going to let him blow it.
"Sam?" Bernie asked softly, cringing at the sight of her tear-stained face.
Sam shook her head, ignoring Bernie's questioning tone. "I've felt this way before, Bernie. But…" her voice cracked as she tried to finish and Bernie felt instantly sorry for her, recalling her interest in Dom. Poor thing. Even she knew it would have never worked between the two, but she couldn't help feeling bad for her. Sam obviously had feelings for Baird, but probably didn't want to jeopardize their friendship in an attempt to pursue them.
"I'm just scared…" Sam whispered, choking back tears.
Bernie's brow knitted sympathetically. "I don't think you have anything to worry about Sam."
Sam was clearly confused as she wiped her eyes. "What do you mean?" she questioned, her voice coming as a soft whimper.
"Baird, he- Well," Bernie smiled, shaking her head as she lowered her gaze. "He's not that good at…using his nice words." She wore an expression so full of pity that Sam furrowed her brow, feeling bad for the man they spoke of.
"The poor sod doesn't have a clue how to talk to women."
Bernie reached out to touch Sam's arm as the brunette laughed softly, sniffling.
"Well, you're right about that for sure."
Bernie nodded. "I'll bet he feels the same way you do Sam."
The young woman's face brightened at her words. "You-You really think so?" She asked; her voice sounding more like a little girl's then the strong soldier Bernie had come to know, which made the older woman soften her tone even more.
"I do. Let me talk to him. Maybe I can get through to him somehow."
Bernie smiled, wiping away the tears that still lingered on Sam's face, glistening like diamonds against her tanned cheeks.
Sam mirrored her expression, unable to adequately express her gratitude. "Thanks Bernie," she finally managed, throwing her arms around the old gear in a tender hug.
"Anytime love," Bernie replied as Sam released her.
"Just don't hit him, ok?" She added with a laugh as they stood, Sam slinging her rifle across her back as the pair made their way out of the small room.
Bernie chuckled, recalling old times. "Oh, don't worry." She smiled deviously. "I don't think it'll come to that. He learned his lesson the first time, I assure you." Her grin softened as she began to part ways with Sam, who was no doubt on her way to get a drink. "We'll just have a chat," she called, waving her goodbye, Sam doing the same.
"Alright, I trust you," the brunette called back before disappearing around the corner. Bernie watched her go, and then shook her head with a good-natured laugh as she walked down the hallway in search of her favorite blonde mechanic.