Ask Full Circle

[Trys Aran]

Trys had to laugh at his words, “Oh don’t get a place just on account of me,” She had a bad feeling that he was the impulsive type to do just that to spite her. Their food had arrived and she began to break into the shellfish, finding the flavors better than anything she ever had before. Trys popped back an oyster and looked down at the shrimp and other assortment of food, staring at it for a moment, “Does it….count as cannibalism for the native species of this planet?” She looked up at Talak, eyes wide with curiosity.

She thought back to his lifestyle, privately envying how he was able to pick up and go wherever when he pleased. Trys had a job and her son that tied her down, though she wouldn’t trade either of those for the world. She thought about his abilities for a moment and took a sip from her cocktail, “It’s respectable of you to be staying in a ship when you can probably use your little mindbending skills to score yourself a multi million credit mansion,” Trys couldn’t imagine all the ways her old self would have abused having powers like that.

Trys was surprised at his answer to swimming - she figured with all the adventures he was constantly on, he’d have picked it up. She helped herself to a few more bites before pondering what to do with the information, “We’re not going swimming. I don’t want you to become a liability out there,” Trys didn’t want to have to get stuck rescuing him from the depths, “However, we can probably go sailing. It’s wonderful out today,” She glanced out towards where sunlight was pouring in.

It felt strange to be so at ease, and she kept having a nagging feeling at the back of her mind that she should have been worried about something. What was all this, anyway? An extended date? Trys squashed the line of thought as soon as it appeared, taking a gulp of her drink. She didn’t want to think about what any of this meant.

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak continued munching as she suddenly looked alarmed about... cannibalism? He hadn't really given it much thought and frowned and squinted for a moment as if thinking.

Probably not... probably like us eating other land-dwelling animals, he said. Or at least he hoped they weren't eating some sentient Mon Cal child... oh that was a thought he wished he hadn't had...

Guess I'm gonna have to get a mansion now. I certainly can't be doing anything "respectable," he said jokingly. Though he wouldn't go out to get a mansion (yet) he might use those mind bending powers for a high end apartment? Maybe one on Coruscant.

Or maybe he'd just stay in his ship... he really wasn't sure.

He scowled as she said they weren't going swimming. How else was he going to learn!? One more thing to add to the list, he decided. He didn't know why he'd need to be able to swim, but he was going to learn, dang it!

Sailing he could probably get behind. That sounded like a fun way to pass the time, but now he was thinking about drowning if he fell overboard...

For a moment he felt something unsettling in the Force. Was it concern from her? It was fleeting and gone after a moment, and he desperately resisted the urge to ask her if everything was okay. He wasn't sure she'd understand that it wasn't him intentionally prodding her mind, and he didn't want to overstep whatever odd boundaries they had.

As they finished eating, they got up and headed to find a little day-sailing cruise to book. They were about to make it to the docks when he abruptly stopped.

I think you're right, these clothes aren't going to work if we're going out on a boat, he said, glancing down. He was already hot with the sun beating down on him and he disappeared into a store to find something else to wear.

He emerged several minutes later wearing a button down shirt and shorts that were far, far in contrast to anything he normally wore. His lightsaber was stuffed into the bag over his shoulder and he came out and stood in front of her.

I feel so naked, he said abruptly. It didn't help that the bandages on either of his arms were now exposed to the open air, and it made him a little bit self-conscious.

They continued plodding along until they reached the dock and it looked... quite full. In fact, Talak had to wonder if they were going to be able to find anyone who wasn't booked already.

His mouth twisted up a bit as his eyes scanned over the people gathered.

Okay, so ground rules moment. On a scale of 1 to 10, how uncomfortable with me... getting us special treatment? he asked. She would know exactly how he intended to get "special treatment" and he wouldn't do it around her if she had an objection, but it was a doorway to so many amazing possibilities.

 

[Trys Aran]

Trys’s jaw practically dropped when he came out in a button down and shorts. She simply stared at him for a while, completely struck by how differently he looked. Though he looked quite fit and attractive in the get up, the first words out of her mouth were, “You need a tan….bad,” She couldn’t help but grin. Being in robes at all times meant he never actually got any sun and was horribly pale. Though she had seen him bare before, it was oddly prominent now out in the sun and amidst everyone else that had some color to them.

“But you look good,” Trys added, realizing she probably wasn’t helping his self consciousness. She followed him out to the docks, also grimacing at how full everything appeared. Once he stopped and asked her about the special treatment. Her eyes narrowed as she caught his meaning, “Oh stop being cheap,” She grumbled, moving past him to one of the captains. Truthfully, Trys had no intention of spending the extra money either and just pleaded instead to his sentiments by explaining that Talak was her recovering, suicidal lover and sailing was to help him therapeutically move past it. Trys felt dirty about it, but it was still a step up above using the Force...right? She wasn’t sure anymore…

The captain agreed and even threw in some fine wine and chocolates for a ‘truly romantic experience’. Trys shrugged and agreed to it all and they soon found a sailboat all to themselves with the captain taking them out into the bay.

Trys felt the wind on her face as she turned to look at the boardwalk slowly disappearing. She turned to Talak, who was now surrounded by the big blue on all sides, “You nervous?” She grinned at him, not used to seeing him be nervous about...well, anything really. Trys hoped he wasn’t the type to get seasick. She walked back and popped open a bottle of wine, pouring them both a glass. She clinked her glass against his, taking a sip, “The wine may not be up to your usual standards, but the view is pretty damn nice.”

 

[Talak Rand]

He glanced down as she told him that he needed a tan. Because he wasn't already feeling self-conscious enough that was just what he needed.... He glared at her for a moment before she told him he looked good. Now he certainly wasn't so sure it wasn't just to make him feel better.

He rolled his eyes as she told him to stop being so cheap and followed her up to the Captain as she presented some sob story about him being suicidal. How was this any better than what he did?! This was so much worse!

Of course for the moment he tried to just look as pitiful as he could to gain sympathy points, which seemed to have gotten them some wine and chocolates. As soon as they were away from the Captain, he turned to Trys and gave her a "look."

That was so much worse, he said, actually starting to laugh. Next time I'm just using the Force, he continued to laugh. The fewer times in his life he had to fake being suicidal to get something the better in his book.

In short order, they were out on the bay, wine and chocolates in hand, and Trys right next to him on a comfy sofa-like seat. As she poured the glasses of wine and they clinked glasses, he put his arm around her and pulled her up against him. His eyes gazed out at the blue that stretched so far.

Not too bad, he said. He started thinking about drowning, and she would be able to feel his heart rate pick up a bit. But I think I'm going to need to learn to swim. This is gorgeous, and I'd love to do it without a fractional chance of death, he said with a chuckle.

He sipped the wine - not great but better than nothing - and breathed in the air. He could feel a slight mist against his face, and a glance over the side revealed they could sea straight down (ha, that wasn't a typo). Fish were swimming all around and it was clearly apparent that these cities were built on massive stilts because the ocean floor was very far down.

He grunted slightly as he saw how far down it was and took a quick breath. If I fall overboard you better not let me drown, he joked. Deep below there were hundreds if not thousands of colorful fish that could be seen without any trouble. It was truly spectacular.

What's your favorite place you've ever been? he asked after a moment. Looking down at the oceans below he certainly wouldn't have been shocked if she said this place.

 

[Trys Aran]

Trys had to marvel at his boldness as he slid an arm around her and pulled her close. He certainly wasn’t shy anymore, and she couldn’t help but find it amusing. She was more surprised at herself than anything, and she wanted to keep doing this. Did that mean she wanted to give this all a shot? No, there were so many damn complications. How would she introduce him to her son? Crix hated any man in her life by default, and seeing someone younger than her would rub him wrong even more.

She quietly withdrew into her thoughts, sipping from her wine. Maybe she was getting way ahead of herself. They were quite polar opposites in their beliefs and how they operated. She looked over when he expressed his concerns about falling overboard, “Don’t worry, I’ll throw you a tube and sit here and drink my wine,” She grinned at him, turning to look at him.

With the slowly setting sun and the light reflecting in his eyes, the honeyed hues looked even more pronounced. However, instead of the vivid and angry yellow, they were a warm, almost amber color. Trys didn’t know if these were his natural eyes or a reflection of his Force abilities, but she found herself getting lost in them.

He looked over at the ocean, but she kept her gaze on him, a smile gracing her face, “I have a few, but this is definitely climbing up there,” Trys said, waiting till he looked up again. When he did, she would lean in to capture his lips with her own. It came so naturally now, and she relished it every time.

Everything melted away around them, and it was just the sound of the waves and the setting sun and the kaleidoscope of colors in the sky. This was leagues removed from her usual life, and she wouldn’t have it any other way at this instant.

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak hadn't noticed that she was staring at him. His paranoia of noticing everything and everyone was one of the things that had brought them together working that first case, but now that he was here alone with her on the open water, that paranoia seemed to have melted away.

After a moment more he turned to look back at her and she pulled him in to kiss him. His initial surprise quickly turned to returning the kiss, letting it linger and tasting the wine on her breath. Eventually they pulled back and he leaned his forehead against hers.

I think I could stay here with you forever and be perfectly happy, he said after a moment. He didn't expect her to be able to say the same, but it didn't make it any less true for him. His life was often filled with turmoil and anxiety, but when he was with her all of that seemed distant. He relished the moments they had together. It wasn't often that you had the chance to realize you were living in the time that you would one day look back on as "the good old days" but that was where he was, and he didn't want to waste any of it.

He looked out at the sunset as it shrunk toward the horizon. A beautiful mixture of pink, orange, and red streaked the sky, coloring billowy clouds.

He just watched as the sun vanished beyond the horizon and the ship started to turn around.

As amazing as my ship is, I think we need to find a nice resort room tonight, he said. He knew it wasn't any of his business, but he couldn't help but wonder where her son thought she was tonight. Probably not doing this, but it beat the possibility that she could have been shot at. He wondered if and when he'd ever meet the fabled child.

The winds along the boardwalk were chillier now that the sun had gone down. As they made their way back toward one of the ocean-front resorts that looked like it probably did cost several thousand credits per night, Talak's curiosity got the better of him once again.

I doubt you have much free time, but do you have any hobbies? A secret musical instrument you play or a hidden love of poetry? You certainly seemed to be able to hold your own on the dance floor, he said, thinking back to their charged night of dancing that they had had. It felt like so long ago somehow and yet also so recent.

 

[Trys Aran]

Trys had to smile at his words about staying in this moment forever. She wasn’t the type to say things like that, and she had no response to give. However, her affections were shared in silence, and he could sense the deep sense of ease and comfort she felt around him. It was rare for Trys to truly relax, and she allowed herself that luxury with him.

It wasn’t long before the sun disappeared and the boat began to turn. The boardwalk was alive with shimmering lights and she could hear music even as they pulled into the docks. Everything here was laidback, and the people were unconcerned by the big bad problems in the galaxy. Trys hadn’t even known how badly she needed something like this till she experienced it. She took it all in and turned to Talak, “I’m glad you dragged me out here,” She admitted out loud, “I really needed a break.”

Trys began to walk down the boardwalk with him, glancing over at the lines of resorts. They were certainly out of her price range, but they looked incredible. She thought about Talak’s question as they walked, “I used to be in a band,” She admitted with a grin, “I played bass and did backup vocals. If I get drunk enough, I’d happily belt out karaoke,” Trys recalled a few afterparties with some other Rangers after they had solved an especially difficult case, “I also go shooting. Which is why not having a gun on some of these missions has been awful.”

She knew about his hobby of painting, and it was one she never would have expected from him. Trys kept glancing at all the places they passed before finally eyeing Talak, “So….where are we staying?” She could tell they were flying by the seat of their pants. He didn’t seem to have any kind of real plan.

 

[Talak Rand]

he smiled as she mentioned she was glad she had come out here. It was odd that they were able to almost feel like regular people out here instead of gun-toting law enforcement hunting a dark side cult and a dark side vigilante member of said cult. Wow, they were quite the... not!couple, weren't they?

A band? he asked curiously. He wouldn't have pegged her for being in a band, but now that she mentioned it he could almost see her with a guitar strap over her shoulder rocking out.

Shooting certainly didn't surprise him. She seemed like she'd love to go out and blow up an old speeder chasis with a heavy rifle if she had the chance.

My shooting skills are almost as bad as my swimming skills, but it is a fun pastime, he agreed.

They kept walking past all the people of the streets, watching as loud music drifted from some of the more popular restaurants and clubs. People were all smiles and excitement.

As she asked where they would be staying, his eyes settled on his target. I think there, he said, pointing to a building that looked incredibly expensive. It was a resort that all the rooms were underwater and they could see out into the oceans of Mon Cala.

How does this look to you? he asked, but before she could answer he cut in again. And we're not playing the suicidal boyfriend card again, he said, holding up his finger to cut off that idea.

 

[Trys Aran]

Trys rolled her eyes, “You don’t even need weapons, you know. If I had your little magical abilities, I wouldn’t even bother,” She paused for a moment, rubbing her chin in thought, “Wasn’t that how the original Empress operated?” It was clear that Trys had done a tremendous amount of research to have yanked that bit of detail out. Though she only mentioned a few of her hobbies, she was actually incredibly meticulous and thorough about reading and research.

When he pointed out a rather over the top resort, Trys’s eyebrows shot way up, “Uh, we don’t have that kind of money,” She turned to give him a scowl, knowing that he was probably planning to exploit his powers. She opened her mouth when he cut her off with not being able to use their previous method. Trys quirked an eyebrow, “Excuse me, boyfriend?” She blurted out, crossing her arms as she followed him into the lobby of the resort.

Already, people were giving them odd looks because they weren’t dressed like the other clientele. Trys wasn’t one to feel self conscious, but she was sure Talak would be uncomfortable. In fact, his ridiculous robes probably would have fit here better. Trys decided she would let Talak lead the way here and she moved up to the counter next to him.

The Mon Calamari looked up and initially grimaced at their attire. However, he turned to look at Trys for a long time. Seconds passed and she grew impatient, “...Uh, we’d like to stay here…?”

“You are that Lieutenant!” He said as he finally placed her, “You were the one that caught that...Jedi and have been hunting those people.”

Trys tried not to frown, “...Yes, what of it?”

The man grew even more excited, “There have been some reports of some criminal activity in the city. We don’t have the proper skillset to investigate. Would you be able to look into it?!”

Trys looked at his super hopeful face and sighed, “Okay can you tell me…” She trailed off then, pausing for a moment. Trys looked at the man, and then she looked at Talak, her gaze lingering on him for a bit. At last, she finally looked back at the Mon Calamari, “I’m sorry sir, I’m off duty right now. I can put you in contact with other Rangers that can follow up.”

“But you’re Try-”

“- A team of very capable people will be here to help assist,” Trys loudly cut him off, taking a notepad and jotting down some names and numbers for him to contact. For Talak, seeing this play out would be the most uncharacteristic and unthinkable of Trys for him to ever have observed.

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak rolled his eyes as she seemed so taken aback by the boyfriend comment.

I'm not really suicidal either, so don't worry, he said as casually as could be, playing it off as just being part of the "cover." He wasn't "suicidal" and he "wasn't" her boyfriend. All sorted out now. He tried not to smirk as he walked away and into the building.

He caught a few people glancing their way, and apart from the fact that he didn't actually like people looking at him (if he had people's attention he probably wasn't doing his job right) he didn't really care that he didn't look right to be there.

They made their way up to the counter, and unfortunately Talak's Force abilities made "feeling" the man's arrogant disdain a bit easier. He wouldn't feel bad at all for taking whatever he wanted from this place... or rather "convincing" them that he belonged.

Before he could say anything, the man had realized who Trys was and was asking her to investigate. He actually loved doing their little investigations, but he was floored when she started turning it down. He tried and failed to hide the complete shock on his face and then tried not to laugh as she started loudly declaring how competent the team was.

He just stood there, smirking and blinking for a moment.

As she finished giving him the information, he managed to snap out of his dreamy look and looked back at the man behind the counter.

Oh, right... you want to put us in your nicest tier of rooms, he said, waving his hand casually after glancing to make sure no one was close enough to hear. If they took the nicest room then it might end up drawing attention from higher ups. The nicest type of room, however, would be plentiful enough to not catch any real attention. It was clear this wasn't his first time thinking through how not to draw attention from his abilities.

The man handed over two room keys to "the lovely couple" and Talak tried so hard not to smirk. They made their way to the turbolift, and as soon as the doors closed, he quickly turned to Trys and pushed her up against the glass wall and kissed her deeply before pulling back.

Do you have any idea how sexy it is that you turned down work for me? he asked. Truthfully, he would likely volunteer to go back with her to investigate later if she wanted, but it would be her call.

 

[Trys Aran]

Trys barely finished handing over the names when Talak jumped on things and casually did his handwave. She couldn’t help but shake her head, feeling dirty for allowing this to happen. The man happily passed over the keycards and Trys stared down at them. She scowled at Talak as they walked, “Total abuse of power,” She grumbled as she followed him. She would never admit how convenient it was and how this would normally be impossible for her to afford otherwise.

She stepped into the turbolift with him and was about to glance out through the glass when Talak abruptly pinned her against it. Trys was caught off guard, but he leaned in to kiss her then. She wasn’t used to anyone feeling gutsy enough to make moves like this with her, and she was surprised by the sudden spike in desire from the very simple action. Trys grabbed fistfuls of the front of his shirt, returning the kiss and not caring that the glass meant people they passed could see.

Trys stared at him when he pulled back, an almost dazed look on her face, “Damn… I need to see this side of you more,” She grinned at him, flashing him a wink as the doors opened. Trys had to lightly push him out of the way as there was an old couple standing there with wide eyes. She cleared her throat and politely excused herself as she awkwardly passed them and towards the room.

They walked through an underwater tunnel that took them to their room, and she couldn’t help but marvel at all the fish swimming above and all around them. Trys stepped into their room and had to marvel at the scenery, a huge dome of glass underwater. There was indoor jacuzzi and a full bar, and she could only shake her head.

“This is over the top,” She walked over to inspect the expensive wine, “I feel like such a fraud.”

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak seemed unperturbed by the use of his powers to get a few amenities here and there. He wasn't breaking anyone's bank by doing this. She had to object but if she wasn't going to arrest him then it was all fine.

She winked at him and said that she needed to see this side of him more, and something told him that he could oblige that request. He was about to lean in to kiss her again as the door snapped open and a nice old couple was standing there. Talak cleared his throat as well and tried not to laugh. Right as he was starting to leave and neither the Trys nor the old woman could see, the old man gave him a wink, smile, and pat on the shoulder. Oh yeah, the old man knew what was up.

Talak was immediately speechless as he looked up at the tunnel. He knew the resort would be remarkable, but this was far beyond anything he could have imagined. He walked through with a look of genuine wonder that was almost boyish. For as much travel as he did these days, his start was on a backwater world, and there was a great deal of the galaxy that he'd never seen before.

When they made it to the actual room, it was no less spectacular. He felt like royalty, and didn't make a habit of living like such royalty. Now, however, he wondered if he shouldn't do this more often.

This is amazing, he said quietly. Despite all his power, it was clear he didn't take time to go to resorts often.

He heard her grumbling about being a fraud and he smiled and walked over to her as she looked at the wine.

That's because you are a fraud, he said, and if she looked at him she would be able to see a look in his eye that said he was far from serious. You're nowhere near snobby enough to be one of these people, and I count that as a definitive positive, he said, moving over to glance over her shoulder at the wine in her hands.

Whoa... was all he said at first. For how poor she thought he was, the one thing he had a tendency to use his powers to "liberate" were extremely expensive bottles of wine. She had already drunk thousands of credits worth of wine aboard his ship without realizing it. Artee was so fond of brining her the most expensive bottles.

The bottle she held in her hand was nice enough to grab even his attention.

We're definitely drinking that, he said before walking over to the window. Fish swam by in the window outside and Talak bent down to look at the ocean floor. Odd, sponge-like creatures clung to the sand and coral lined the ground. It was spectacular.

So, if we take that investigation, does it mean that I get to keep you here for a few extra days? Or weeks? he asked mischievously. He could think of much worse things than having the two of them stranded there for "business" for a while. It wasn't like his bosses were looking over his shoulders if hers weren't... if they had been he definitely would have been killed for definitely not dating a Sector Ranger.

 

[Trys Aran]

Trys felt guilty about drinking the wine, but the way Talak got excited about it suggested that it was quite the treat. She shrugged and poured them both a glass, handing him his as she walked over to join him in admiring the view. Every now and then she spotted a sea creature she didn’t even know the name of.

She took a sip from the wine and had to marvel at how perfectly smooth it was. Trys watched him crouch down to stare at the coral, finding the fascination he displayed very endearing. She glanced up as she saw a large manta ray float by, silently admiring all the beauty around them.

When he asked about the investigation, Trys chuckled, “No way, I don’t feel like working here,” She gazed at him for a moment, sipping from her wine, “I need to get back tomorrow,” Trys knew he would protest and she prepared for it, “This was all very impromptu, you know. I don’t normally take time off. I called in sick,” She grinned and shook her head, still in disbelief that she was out here relaxing while blowing off work.

After a moment, Trys turned over to the jacuzzi, walking over as she switched it on and felt the warm waters. It wasn’t long before she shed her clothing and stepped in, bringing the wine glass with her. The jets felt incredible against her back, and she tilted her head back against the edge, “Man I need to get me a job that allows me these luxuries more often,” She said as she tilted her head to look up at the ceiling, “Get in here and try this.”

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak took the glass she offered him and sipped as he watched the creatures floating by. She rejected his offer to investigate with her, but that was fine. He could certainly understand not wanting to work when you actually managed to snag some time off.

However, when she mentioned that she had to head back tomorrow he turned and frowned.

What?! he vehemently objected. He thought he would at least get a couple of days with her, but tomorrow!?

He sighed and rolled his eyes, but didn't argue further. He knew there was no point, and although he would have pouted if he thought it would get him anywhere, he knew it wouldn't.

He did quirk an eyebrow as she mentioned that she had called in sick. How scandalous of you, Lieutenant, he smirked. He always found it thoroughly amusing whenever she broke the rules at all. Perhaps it was his own aversion to restraints.

It didn't take much prompting for him to decide to join her, stripping down in moments as well. However, instead of moving to the other end of the jacuzzi, he slipped in directly in front of her, facing her, and setting his wine glass off to the side.

Well, he said quietly as he leaned in toward her. He kissed her neck as she looked at the ceiling. If I only have you for a day, I can think of some ways to spend it. Most of them don't involve leaving this little ocean, he said, motioning to the ocean surrounding their room.

After all, how easy is it to get time alone with a famous detective? he asked. He knew that she hadn't ever expected to be famous, but now she was the face of the Sector Rangers to many people. Bent on keeping everyone safe from the Force users in the galaxy. It was really quite amazing, and she deserved all the credit she received.

 

[Trys Aran]

It was definitely scandalous for her to be playing hooky with work. However, she had been burning out lately, and this was a much needed break. Trys tilted her head slightly to look at him once he eased into the water, grinning at his words. She felt his tender kisses along her neck, still marveling at how every little gesture like that sent shockwaves through her.

Trys shifted then, turning around and pushing him back against the opposite side of the jacuzzi. She moved onto his lap with her back pressing into his chest. Trys brought her drink with her, easing against him and enjoying having him envelop her. She was surprisingly cuddly with him, even by her own standards.

“I don’t like being famous, you know,” She mumbled as she took a sip from the wine. She, of course, had no idea that she was mentioning this to someone that was well on his way to becoming galactic wide famous. Trys gazed ahead, thinking about how her privacy was beginning to disappear.

“I don’t like having the spotlight on my son,” Trys always fretted over him, and the concern and fear was in her voice even then, “Even here someone recognized my face. They’ll probably start looking into you next since you showed up with me,” Trys closed her eyes and sighed, tilting her head back to lean against his shoulder, “I just want to forget about it all.”

 

[Talak Rand]

Trys didn't seem like the cuddling type, and the fact that she was with him didn't go unnoticed. As she pushed him back against the other wall and leaned up against him, his arm draped over her shoulder and around her upper chest just below her neck, holding her tenderly against him. He would have held her lower, but with the bandages and burns, submerging them in hot water didn't sound overly appealing.

He listened to her speak quietly about disliking being famous. There was danger to her son, the pressure of being famous, and the stress that came along with it all. He felt her head rest against his shoulder and he wanted to help her. He wanted to provide comfort, but he couldn't take away the pain. So, in silence, he held her reassuringly.

He wished they could have just run away together and left it all behind. Leaving Sector Ranger and Sith Eternal as a distant memory, but he knew they couldn't.

He nuzzled his cheek up against hers as his fingers gently caressed her shoulder reassuringly.

Whenever you need to get away or forget about things, you know how to find me, he said quietly. He could have stayed here with her forever and never missed the rest of the galaxy.

He put his hand out and the wine glass he had set down at the opposite edge of the tub floated to his hand.

What does your son think of his mom being on holo? he asked gently. If she gave any indication she didn't want to answer or discuss it he wouldn't pry. He knew that she didn't like to talk to him about her son, and he tried not to let his overactive mind read into whether it was because she didn't trust him. He knew that she was far more open with him than most people, and it warmed him just to think about it.

 

[Trys Aran]

Trys smiled at his words about finding him, “Even if you’re in the middle of doing some big, epic important task for your grand overlord?” She felt him nuzzle against her cheek, and she pressed closer back against him. The warmth of the water and his body was absolutely perfectly, and she could almost fall asleep here.

She watched the wine glass float over, shaking her head, “I can never get used to that,” Trys muttered quietly. Force use still made her uncomfortable, but she couldn’t deny how convenient it was for an avenue for being lazy, “You’d think all Force users would be overweight by never needing to get up to do anything.”

Trys thought about his question for a moment, “He’s been eating it up,” She rolled her eyes, “You know, he’s fascinated by the concept of Force users. Wants a ‘laser sword’ of his own,” Trys scowled at the wall opposite of her. She idly traced her fingers along his arm that was around her, gazing off into the distance, “Sometimes I hope I didn’t kriff everything up by going on Holo. I feel like I set off an entire war against me. I can’t afford to do that when I have so much to lose.”

She lingered on the thought for a moment before pulling herself out of it. Trys didn’t want to dwell on anything depressing right now. She moved and turned around to face him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Trys flashed him a grin, “Why do you always ask me so many questions? Am I really so hard to read?” She looked into his eyes then, letting the gaze linger, “Do you really need the Force to know what goes on in my head?”

 

[Talak Rand]

He certainly hoped he could still come even if he were in some big, epic thing. He knew that if she were ever in danger he would drop everything to be there. He knew it because he had basically done just that when the Eternal's declaration had been made. The thought of it still made him uncomfortable, but he knew there was little he could do about it right now.

He listened to her talk about her son and his fascination with Force-users. He had the sense not to volunteer to come visit and increase the interest all the more.

He could hear the concern as she talked about the war declared on her, and he knew that even if it meant throwing away his position in the Sith Eternal - for whatever that was worth to him - he would have fought for her.

You're not alone, was all he said. He knew she didn't want his protection, but he also didn't want her to feel she was alone in the fight. His position couldn't have been much more complex.

She turned around and looked at him, gazing into his eyes with intensity. He smiled and let a hand come up to run a finger down her cheek and along the angle of her jaw.

You're an enigma, he said with a small smile. He was fascinated and confused by her. Completely captivated.

In the early days before we were... well, when we'd first met, I tried to get glimpses of your mind, but you were complex. Difficult to read, he told her.

I don't really try anymore because I told you I wouldn't, but being around you is... what was the word he was looking for? ...lovely, he said, though it still wasn't really right.

And even if I can't feel everything going on in there, I still want to know your mind because... well, you're you. And I've become quite... captivated by you, he said, and as soon as he said it he realized how utterly silly it sounded. He looked away, but there wasn't anywhere for him to go with her against him. Wow that sounded dumb, so I'm going to kiss you, he said with a chuckle before doing precisely that. No matter how many times he did it, it never lost its potency and he never stopped wanting her.

 

[Trys Aran]

Trys stayed silent as he began to ramble, finding it endearing. The smile on her face was getting progressively wider, and she knew he did this when he was slightly flustered. She was about to say something when he caught himself and simply leaned forward to kiss her. Trys eased into it, closing her eyes and wrapping her arms tightly around him.

She pulled back after a moment, watching the way the blue all around them reflected on his skin. It was all such a stark contrast to his eyes which she couldn’t look away from, “This scares me too..” Trys said softly, barely above a whisper. It wasn’t like her to admit fear, but this came from the core of her being, “Where it can lead….what it can do to us...how it can look,” Trys sighed, looking down. He wielded a red saber, and she could never forget that.

“I can’t be selfish….” She spoke seemingly to herself, still not looking at him again. Her heart was pounding against her chest, and her arms were still around him. However, she wasn’t as close to him as moments prior. It was getting more and more difficult to deny how much she wanted him. For all her age, wisdom and walls, it was getting to be unbearable.

“I can’t want you like this,” Trys exhaled and pressed her forehead against his shoulder, “This can destroy us. I have so much to lose.” Did he?

 

[Talak Rand]

He leaned into the kiss, feeling her arms wrap around him, and her skin against his. It was captivating and tantalizing. They broke the kiss and both looked at each other. He could tell she was looking at him very differently than she had before. Her gaze betrayed more emotion than perhaps she had intended.

After a moment she admitted the fear she had with this, and he knew there was risk involved in this. He could hear the doubt creeping into her voice and she started to pull back a bit. He was going to pull her back in, but her withdrawal stopped after a moment.

She leaned her head against his shoulder and he could tell her mind was going to a dark place. So many thoughts ran through his head. Thoughts about leaving the Sith behind or even joining the Jedi. Thoughts about becoming just a regular person or actually pursuing that bounty hunting life. He would have given it all up to be with her, but a part of him was still afraid. Afraid that she'd wake up in the morning and the magic would be gone; that she would suddenly see him and he would be left alone again.

Trys... he said quietly. He knew the risks he was taking by being here as well, but he didn't have a child relying on him either.

Look at me, he said, nudging her head up to look into her eyes. Somehow he seemed... unperturbed. She might write it off as his impulsiveness, but she would also know just how concerned he could be when true danger was on the horizon. But now there was nothing but confidence and determination.

We can make it work. And you won't lose, he said. He knew she seldom expressed fear, and that alone was a testament to her concern about this. But if she was in it with him, he would do whatever it took to make it work. He wanted to ask her then and there if he should leave behind the Sith, but he knew in his heart that wasn't a decision he could put on her. The decision, however, seemed to draw him more and more with each passing day.