Calm After The Storm

[Will]

Huang sighed. He was going to burn. He could feel himself burning. He hoped he wouldn't be red tomorrow for his summons. He took the bottle, Straddling Val as he poured the tanning lotion into his hands, rubbing it into her back, until it glistened in the sun.

''I still can't believe you're topless... We're in public.''

He though he had gotten used to Val's... freespirit nature. She managed to shatter his perceptions on a regular basis, it seemed.

Huang had put on sun block, the highest factor he could find. He was not going to burn today. He looked down at Val as he rubbed the lotion in.

''I don't see how anyone can enjoy this. There's no thrill.''

He sat back in the sand. A thin layer covered him, getting everywhere. It was annoying, uncomfortable. He sipped some water, sitting cross-legged on the sand. He picked up a dataslate resting on his towel. A book on the earlier notable Jedi battles. He put it down again. He was too restless for something like this.

 

[Sreeya]

Val began to doze off as he rubbed the tanning lotion, truly relaxed. However, before she could truly enjoy it, he was off. She turned to scowl at him, rolling her eyes.

"For the last time, darling, it's no big deal. Look around you! Everyone's doing it."

She watched him sit back, staring at the sand and looking irritated. Val had to bite back laughter.

"You are so whiny."

Val ignored him and relaxed for a bit longer. She dozed off for a bit, but enough for the sun to work its magic. When she awoke, Huang was still reading a stupid book. Val rose to sit, quickly tying her top back on. She smiled at him, surprised that he was patient enough to fight through the boredom. Val leaned in and playfully kissed him on the cheek.

"All right, grumpy, let's do something fun."

She rose to stand, stretching. She immediately spotted a parachute in the distance, attached to a boat. Val grimaced, weighing her options. She didn't have to say anything. He would never notice. Val looked at Huang, looked at the parachute, looked at Huang, back at the parachute. Though, if she fell into the ocean, the chances of death weren't as high.. right? Val sighed, pointing at the parachute, grimacing.

"We...can do..that.."

She knew she would regret this..

 

[Will]

''I'm just active. I've never been one for sitting around. You know that.''

He looked at the parasail. He knew she wouldn't like it. the boat sped up to yells of joy from the pair harnessed in. But... he'd been sat here for hours... It was only fair. He needed fun too.

''Let's go then.'' He got up stretching. He grabbed her hand, helping her up.

* * *

''You sure this harness is safe?''

''Yess, yess, I check it many times myself! You can trust Hezeth!''

Huang thought otherwise. He looked the complicated harness over, noting all the buckles, straps and clips. He hugged Val, strapped in front of him, tightly as the boat sped up, the great parachute opening behind them, pulling them up as cord spooled out. Up they rose, high enough to look down on the whole coastal resort. A dizzying height. Huang looked around, revelling in the feel of wind in his hair. The boat sped around, allowing them beautiful views. One could almost forget that they were held in by only a harness...

There was a jerking sensation, and Huang looked down. The rope trailed below them, no longer attached to the boat. They began to fall. Not freefall, a fall slowed mercifully by the parachute. They drifted on the wind, heading for the beach...

''Stop letting me pick things.'' Huang said, craning his head forward so Val would hear.
​

 

[Sreeya]

Val kept her eyes closed the entire time. The only good thing about these terrifying activities was that Huang was right next to her. She felt that feeling of weightlessness again, but it still wasn't as nauseating as the bungee jumping experience. Once they were up high, she wasn't as afraid, having adjusted to the feeling. She finally opened her eyes, looking all around her. Val even smiled.

"Hey this isn't so bad!"

She leaned against him, finally glad to have found an activity they could both enjoy. Val looked down to marvel at the ocean, just in time to watch the rope gracefully detach and fall away. Her smile instantly disappeared. It took a few seconds before Val panicked. They had absolutely no control of the chute, the wind carrying them towards the other side of the beach. When Huang spoke, Val had to resist from hitting him.

"We're doing NOTHING BUT TEA CUP RIDES FROM NOW ON! NO IFS OR BUTS!"

Val wanted to yell at him some more, but the wind made the parachute abruptly veer off, causing her to scream. After making them flip around the air and making Val almost start crying, the chute finally rolled into the beach. They would both faceplant right into the sand, the parachute draping over them. After a while someone came and lifted it up. Val spat out sand, glancing up at an elderly woman, who looked shocked. Surrounding her were children, all giggling and pointing. Among them, she spotted her own children. Raziel simply gaped at her with his jaw open and Emi looked positively thrilled. She ran over and attempted to wipe the sand off the both of them.

"You're silly!"

Raziel remained behind, looking around uncomfortably. Val finally peeled herself off the ground, shooting Huang a glare. Emi caught her attention again.

"Look mommy! We've been making stuff!"

She held up a little bracelet made of sea shells and handed it to Huang.

"For daddy."

And handed another one to Val.

"And mommy!!"

The woman ushered the other children away after ensuring that neither Val nor Huang were hurt. Raziel finally came over after he was sure no one was watching. He looked away while handing Val a sea shell necklace.

"For you.."

He grumbled the words. Val couldn't help but smile, shaking her head at the odd turn of events. She looked back at Huang.

"You're still not off the hook."

 

[Will]

''Yes dear...'' Huang sighed, letting his face loll in the sand. It was fun though.

Huang looked up as an elderly sephi regarded him as she lifted the parachute.

''Hezeth always gets the tourists with his rickety boat...'' She muttered to herself. Huang groaned, and began unbuckling himself from her. He flopped into the sand.

He looked up when Emi yelled. He noticed Raz's glare. Huang was then preoccupied by Emi thrusting her seashells into Huang's hands. He smiled, putting the bracelet on.

''Fits perfectly, well done!''

Huang got up, helping Val up as he did so. He had no idea what to do with the 'chute.

As if reading his mind, the old woman smiled, replying ''Hezeth will come pick it up. Just leave it be. Now come along children!'' She called, leading them off along the beach. Huang gave Emi a quick hug, and let her go. Raziel simply muttered 'bye.' He wasn't going to be forgiven for that for a while...

''So...teacup ride?'' He smiled playfully.

 

[Sreeya]

---​

"Is he going to be terrifying in person?"

She was met with a blank stare.

"I'm packing my lightsaber."

Although the prospect of meeting royalty sounded like a once in a lifetime opportunity, Val couldn't help but 'have a bad feeling about this'. She had learned about this Ivan while she was recovering from having given birth to Raziel. As usual, however, her curiosity eclipsed any apprehensions she had about the king. She only wondered what the visit would entail. Val had checked multiple times to ensure that it was all right for her to go as well. Their children had been all too eager to go back to playing with other children at the resort, with Raziel giving both Huang and Val a strict warning not to come crashing in later today.

Val picked out an elegant dress, one of the few she had brought. It was fitting for the occasion, hugging her curves and extending down to her feet. She had heels to accompany. Val didn't feel like dressing up as a typical Jedi today. She even dressed up her hair and checked herself out in the mirror countless times. Val glanced down at the chain on her wrist, raising an eyebrow.

"Won't he recognize the chains, Huang? He knows we're Jedi.."

It was something she hadn't even thought of. Val grabbed a purse and quickly put two saber hilts in it.

 

[Will]

''No, I'm sure he will be nothing but cordial. He is a king, after all.''

Huang had picked out his own robe, the Thustran characters spelling his name in silver thread around the ends of his sleeves, standing out against the deep red trim. He belted his sword at his hip, hidden within the robes.

''He'd expect a Jedi to bring lightsabres.''

He smiled at Val's preoccupation and worry. As ever, he was the calm one, the rock, ever stoic.

''He won't ask about yours, I'm sure. You can pass yours off as a simple bracelet. You're not Sephi, they'll accept that. As for me...''

He rolled the chain up, hidden beneath his sleeve. With miniscule effort, he used the force to hold it in place, the focus becoming simply a niggle in the back of his mind.

The phone rang. Huang picked it up, the receptionist saying their limousine was here with members of the royal guard.

''Well, we shall arrive in style, neh?'' He held out his arm for Val to take.

''Shall we?''

* * *

''They are on their way, my liege.''

Ivan nodded, waving away the dark red and black clad royal guard. He sat on his throne, the throne next to it, as it had been these past three years...

Faeyna had died in childbirth, bequeathing him another son. There were whispers he never recovered. Let them whisper. He was their king. Their whisperings held no weight.

But today was a day of joy! Huang Karasu, the Sephi whom had become the hero of Thustra was here! He had quickly become the face of the Jedi war effort, and his people followed his words closely. After Ando Prime, there were many petitions to both Ivan and the good senator, whom was present at court, on the floor below, to secede from the Republic, and become an independent world. Yes, the people loved the Sword Master. Even Ivan followed his work eagerly. It was why he had invited the Sword Master.

Ivan wore his armour, of the same colouring as the Royal Guards, but with finer nuances. A silver filigree worked through the black, the red lacquer carved into scenes of glorious battle. The eagle of house Valtiere was emblazoned on the chest, wings outstretched, the royal sigil in its talons. A longsword rested in his hand, sheathed tip touching the floor.

And so, he waited. He did not join those below, including his son, the crown prince, prosthetic arm polished to a dull gleam. The seating was set out for them all, but for now, they all stood, chatting, drinking, the king sat over them.
​

 

[Sreeya]

Val took his arm, letting him guide her out of the resort. When she saw the limousine, her eyes widened in surprise. It hovered in the air, bearing the insignia of the King. The limo elegantly descended down to the ground level, ready to be boarded. Right away, Val noted that various tourists and onlookers stopped by to observe, wondering at who the passengers were. They expected someone to get out, but only the royal guard did, calmly awaiting Huang. Val had to cast him a sideways glance.

"I could get used to this. Let's move here."

She had expected Huang to be popular here, but she had no idea to what extent. Val knew he secretly enjoyed it, though he disliked the constant attention. As soon as the two stepped out, crowds began to gather around them. For once, Val felt a bit uncomfortable, having eyes on her from all sides. The walk to the limo appeared to take forever, and she kept her gaze lowered the entire time. Val was more outgoing than Huang, but she was still not used to this kind of treatment. At once, they were ushered into the limo, and she heaved a sigh of relief as the doors closed.

"We're going to get hassled so bad when we come back.."

Val was distracted from her thoughts as she looked around at the interior of the limo. The windows were tinted, but the inside was well lit, a long line of glasses and expensive alcohols decorating the side directly across from them. There was music fitting to the atmosphere, the red and black color combination only working to heighten the already almost sensual ambiance. Val simply marveled at everything for a while, running her hand over the fine leather seating and glancing over at the various holo screens around should they choose to view them. Val looked up to see that there was a divider between them and the driver, along with the Guards. She had to shake her head, leaning in to whisper into Huang's ear.

"Why didn't we get one of these after our wedding? We could have made some memorable moments in one."

Val couldn't help but grin, turning away to grab a glass. She grabbed a bottle of something that looked expensive, but couldn't read the characters. She simply shrugged and poured them both a glass, hoping it wouldn't floor her by the time they arrived at the palace. Val clinked her glass against his.

"To being temporary celebrities!...Well just you, but you catch my drift."

 

[Will]

Huang reclined in the seat, enjoying the plush upholstery.

''Nicer than the council chairs...'' He said, mainly to himself.

''Hopefully not. I'll make sure the King enables us certain...invisibility, if I can.''

He sipped the champagne.

''So we could use the money for they 'honeymoon' Remember it?'' He whispered back. He was glad the Guards were not here. It gave him room to move. Stretch his legs. He accepted the toast, smiling.

''They'll have me on reality TV next. I'll have to do crazy things to keep in the spotlight. Steal a car, or run around the palace naked...''

He finished the champagne. ''We should have 45 minutes or so...'' He started.

* * *

''My Liege, they approach the main gate.''

''Excellent. Send out the guard, and Senator Ulrees to meet them.''

The head of the Royal Guard bowed brusquely, moving down the steps, word rippling through the hall as guests moved to their places. Ulrees nodded to the King, a now personal friend, strolling out.

''Valena! And Sword Master Karasu, the man and woman of the hour! How good to see you! It is an honour.''

Ulrees was there as they got out of the limo.

''You may want to fix your hair, the King is waiting.'' He smirked, noting the tousled hair of the pair of them, and the guards climbing out of the limo staring awkwardly at the floor. He hugged Val, and grasped the Sword Master's hand in both of his own, shaking it.
​

 

[Sreeya]

Val rolled her eyes as Huang mentioned the council chairs.

"Not that I'd know."

She laughed and shoved him lightly, as he often joked about his higher rank within the Order, where she was merely a Knight. Val scooted closer to him, finishing her first drink. She was about to comment on the Sephi guards and their rigidness when he mentioned they had 45 minutes. Val glanced up at him in confusion.

"Should have 45 minutes to...?"

She caught the grin on his face and her eyebrows raised immediately.

"Ohh..."

Val put her glass away, smiling.

---​

As the limo pulled up in front of the palace, she felt it lower to the ground, nudging to a halt. Val was surprised to find Ulrees there. She smiled and practically ran towards him, returning the embrace. Val was truly glad to see him.

"It's so great to see you again! You have to see Raziel, he's so big now!"

She stepped back when he commented that they should fix their hair. She immediately glanced back at Huang and her face flushed red. Val quickly fixed her hair and her clothing as Ulrees walked away to lead them into the palace. She took this time to fall back into step with Huang, angrily whispering to him.

"Such a terrible idea! We're so obvious right now.."

She glanced up and was about to say something else when she noticed a few bite marks along his neck. Val had a small heart attack, quickly stopping him and attempting to apply a quick heal. To her horror, they didn't go away. Thankfully, Ulrees was too busy talking to the guards at the entrance before they met the king. As a last ditch effort, Val reached into her purse and brought out some powdered concealer. She quickly applied the makeup to Huang. Of course, it didn't help that he was several shades lighter than her, but it was better than the alternative. Heaving a sigh of relief, Val put the makeup away and continued walking behind the senator as if nothing had happened.

 

[Will]

Huang smiled as he shook the hand of the senator.

''It is good to meet you, senator Ulrees. My wife has raved about you.''

He straightened his hair and robes, seeming as pristine as ever. He leaned in to whisper back.

''I hardly had to force you, did I?''

The great doors opened, allowing the whole party to step through to a massive antechamber, the doors to the throne room ahead, engraved beautifully with the royal sigil. As the doors closed behind, those in front opened into the Throne room.

* * *

As the herald called the names of the Jedi, Ivan sat up, assuming a more kingly position. The lights grew brighter, seeming to pool around him.

''Bring them in.''

The doors opened, allowing the Jedi to walk along the dark red carpet, leading them to the foot of the throne. Ivan rose, spreading his hands out wide in a symbol of peace and friendship. Royal Guards lined the walkway, their armour a reddy gold.

''I bid you welcome, Jedi. Your home is my own.'' He injected austere warmth in the words. Very kingly.
​

 

[Sreeya]

To say that Val was in awe of the palace, was an understatement. She felt like a small child, looking around with her eyes wide and jaw hanging open. The last time she had been this impressed was when she had graced the senator's halls. Val looked over at all the guards surrounding them, all expressionless and rigid. She couldn't help but grin, sending a telepathic message to Huang.

"Look, honey, they look about as jolly as you on a good day."

She was distracted from her thoughts when the king arrived. Val had a preconceived notion of him, and it couldn't have been further from the truth. Though he had a rugged look about him, he projected nothing but kindness. She smiled warmly, bowing politely.

"It's an honor, your majesty."

Val felt a bit nervous, never having been in the presence of royalty before. Ivan projected a superior elegance and grace that made her feel rather out of place, and incredibly ordinary. Thankfully, Huang's presence helped to alleviate the feeling.

 

[Will]

A lesser man, who did not exercise a tight grip on his emotion would have reacted to Val's jibe. Huang did not.

outwardly.

They look like you after trying something new.

Huang knelt before the throne, head bowed.

''You summoned me, my king?''

* * *

''Rise, Swordmaster Karasu. I will not have a Jedi kneel before me. And you, honoured knight. Neither of you should kneel before anyone.''

He sat back down on his throne. His court wouldn't like all this friendliness, but they could not fault any action towards as prominent a figure as the Swordmaster and his Jedi companion.

''I'm sure you're curious as to why you've been summoned to this grand affair.''

He smiled.

''I'm afraid I'm going to embarrass you both dreadfully. I have many honours and gifts for you, as recognition of your services to our planet.''

Ivan held up a hand, silencing the inevitable question.

''When you defend the republic in war, you defend my people. We were behind you in the Ando incident. As you have seen, my people are staunch supporters of the order, through the best and worst times. We seek to honour you.''

He rose, drawing his blade.

''My Lady, I apologise, this is a purely Sephi honour. Kneel, Huang of house Karasu, first of his name, Swordmaster of the Jedi.''

He tipped the blade so the point stopped in front of Huang's adam's apple. Ivan held it there. Huang gripped the blade, allowing it to cut across his palm.

''Arise, Exarch.''

Exarch was an honorific term, an elite warrior whom had proved themselves to the king, similar to a human 'knight'. But, in Ivan's opinion, Exarch rolled better off the tongue.

He sheathed the weapon, with blood still on it.

''Good, now we can get on with things that don't leave the good lady out.''

He climbed up the steps, sitting back down on his throne.
​

 

[Sreeya]

Val was about to protest to tell the King that none of this was necessary, but he held up a hand before she could even speak, having expected it. She quieted down, observing the interaction between Huang and Ivan. She felt like a member within an audience, watching from the outside. There was an odd connection that she couldn't understand, as it was one of the few times she was blatantly reminded that she was a human among a palace full of Sephi. Val bit her lip, tensing as she saw the blade near Huang's throat. The abrupt flare in her Force aura would be felt by him, an entirely involuntary action. She watched as the edge of the sword neatly cut across his palm, causing her to shift uncomfortably. Val knew this was part of customs, but it was still a bit unusual to watch. She visibly relaxed when the sword was withdrawn from Huang, her eyes flicking back to Ivan. Val barely caught the end of his sentence, smiling.

"It's no trouble, really. I have much to learn about Sephi culture."

She glanced over to smile at Ulrees, someone that had schooled her on various aspects of Sephi tradition while she healed from having given birth. As Val noted how easily Huang appeared to fit into the setting with Sephi all around him, she couldn't help but wonder why he had never visited the home planet of his people, where he was revered. She made a mental note to ask him in the future. For now, she politely looked back at Ivan, wondering exactly what he had hinted at.

 

[Will]

''Well, I'm sure you shall know plenty by the end of your visit, Knight Valena Cross. Relax, Senator Ulrees has told me much of you. A friend of the good Senator is a friend of the crown.'' He smiled at Valena's shock that the king would know her name.

''I have been following your career as well. I am curious as to why you haven't taken the title of Master. But ah, another question for another time. Without all the pomp and ceremony.''

His eyes flicked to the chain around her wrist.

''An interesting piece of jewlery. Did you know we Sephi use it to mark our marriage? It seems Ulrees did not tell you about that.''

There was a slight grin on his face as he waved his hand.

''Plenty more jewlery to adorn yourself with. I tried to tell my Steward you would like a bespoke lightsabre, but they would not have it.''

He paused. He was being overly nice. Displacing Faeyna onto this young woman. His grin vanished as the serving staff brought small boxes, each with a piece of Jewlery in. A necklace, a choker, rings, earrings, finally, a pendant matching Raziel's.

''If it's not to your taste, my steward will be flogged, and I'll talk to the armourers.''

He waved his hand again.

''Yet more for your esteemed counterpart, I am afraid.''

A pair of stewards brought out a black jacket, with red facing and silver braiding and buttons. Another brought a Kama worked with a Sigil on the back, and a darkwood box.

''Exarch Karasu, yet more honours. This jacket is the dress jacket of a Major of the Royal Guard of Thustra. It would be my personal honour to name you an honorary Major. This Kama has the sigil of your family worked into it. A simple gift. In the box, is information on that family. I hope you find it useful.''

He got up from the throne, his own kama falling just below his knees, attached to his belt.

''Now, I must leave you. I look forward to hosting the Jedi again in the future.''

A herald yelled out the titles of the King as he left.

Once out of sight, he visibly sagged. Gods, I miss her.

* * *

Huang graciously accepted the gifts, but only one thing was on his mind.

The box that held his family. He could find them. Perhaps his parents were an anomaly...

He bowed, on hands and knees, head almost grazing the floor.

''I cannot thank you enough, your highness.''

He rose after the king left. Servants dutifully held the clothing for him, Huang holding the box.

''Come by my estate, both of you. I would love to have you both for Dinner.'' Ulrees offered as Huang passed.

''Another time, Senator, we are planning on taking the Younglings on a trip this eve.''

Huang smiled, moving past the dignitaries, men and women he didn't know congratulating him as if he were their son. He had no stomach for it. Only this pressed on his mind. But before that...

* * *

''Ok.''

Huang took his hands away from Val's eyes.

Before her, there on the beach, the sunset framing it, was a table for two, a solitary candle atop it.

''It's not much... but... with battle and everything, I haven't had a chance to do something nice. We're finally on Holiday, so I thought this would be...''

He gestured to it all.

''Do you like it?''

It had taken a lot to make the restaurant set up a table like this, but the glory of mind tricks could do anything. And Val needed this. A whole day focussing on him, it was unfair. He was still nervous. he had not done proper, drippy romantic before. He had gotten the idea when he stumbled across an old, well thumbed romance novel tucked under Val's pillow. She was a sucker for it, and so, he would treat her. She had earned it.
​

 

[Sreeya]

Val had no idea where Huang was leading her. She decided to humor him, and didn't ask him what he had planned. Truthfully, though she had enjoyed being around the palace, it made her feel oddly out of place. Val felt as if she were on the outside looking in. She couldn't help but feel guilty, as Ivan had showered her with gifts. However, by the end of their visit, it was obvious something was bothering him. The thought nagged at her, but she hadn't had the chance to ask Huang about it.

As Huang took his hands away from her eyes, she had expected to see something related to battle. Or perhaps a new sword of some kind. Val audibly gasped when she saw what he had planned instead. It took her a moment to take it all in. When he spoke, she simply smiled, turning to him.

"You did this for me?"

She could tell he felt a bit out of place, not used to things like these. Val reached up to pull him into a hug.

"I love it!"

She pulled away and grasped his wrist, excitedly walking towards the table. Val had to laugh softly.

"Since when did you turn into such a romantic?"

Huang was always full of surprises, even today, after she had known him for so long. Val sat down across from him, the gentle spray from the ocean very lightly kissing her skin. She smiled at him, taking his hand into her own.

 

[Will]

He took her hand, his fingers rubbing it lightly, absent-mindedly. He smiled at her wonder. He never did much of this. He simply wasn't good at it. He was a warrior, not one for big displays such as this. He tried, but most of the time, it wouldn't work. For once, it seemed it had.

''I don't seem to say this enough.''

He took both her hands in his own, looking deeply into her blue eyes.

''I love you. I love you more than anything in this galaxy. Nothing could compare to you. I would lay down my life infinite times for you.''

He leant over the table, planting a soft kiss on her lips. It was always hard for him to express himself.

''Every day still feels like the day we first got married. Back when there was a peace, of sorts. I have never stopped loving you as much as I ever have.''

A waiter poured wine for them both, deep, visceral red.

 

[Sreeya]

Val's smile faded from her initial joke. She hadn't expected such words from Huang. They were often playful, but she seldom she saw this side of him. It wasn't often she had the chance, with their children or the Jedi Order taking up most of their attention. The smile returned to her face, her eyes gazing into his. His soft golden orbs conveyed his love more than his words ever had to. Val also leaned in, tilting her head to kiss him. She let it linger for a moment, gently nibbling on his tender bottom lip before breaking away. She still did not sit back, her face inches away from his.

"And I love you, Huang. I always will. And you won't have to lay down your life because I can kick ass all on my own."

She playfully winked at him before grasping his wrist, the one with the chain that represented their marriage on it. Val smiled at him, lightly kissing the chain that meant so much to her. She withdrew from him at last, grabbing the wine and taking a sip. Val looked as if deep in thought for a moment before speaking again.

"You know that day...so long ago.."

It was obvious she was trying to bite back an amused grin.

"..when I threw seafood on you? Did you know then that over a decade later you and I would find each other again? We can do all these things as Jedi..precognition and whatnot..but did you know this would happen? Because I sure as hell didn't..and I'm truly glad."

 

[Will]

He smiled as Val brought up that day, in the temple.

''Yes, you were so impetuous back then...I had you clean that room, didn't I?''

He grinned.

''You haven't changed, though, have you?''

He looked sombre for a moment, before continuing.

''I had no idea I would end up falling for that youngling, no. For all our gifts, we are still as blind as any other when it comes to love. I am glad I didn't know. If I had, there would have been no fun in it.''

He smiled again.

''I had no idea at all when we began your training. Oh, your hatred for me. I could feel it. Who knew that we would end up running from a farmer, eh?''

 

[Sreeya]

Val had to laugh.

"I didn't hate you! I just..."

She grinned widely.

"Please, everyone gets intimidating by your appearance at first. And also..I can't believe you made us go to that pasture knowing that old fart was gonna be there! No..the best part, by far, was when you got poison ivy on your.."

Val burst out laughing again. He had been reduced to just underwear and had sat right atop poison ivy. She gazed at him fondly for a moment before abruptly rising from her seat. The waiter looked confused, but she paid him no heed. Val grabbed Huang's hand and led him away, towards the beach.

"Come with me."

She kept walking, leading them into the sand. Val left her shoes behind and took Huang down to where the waves would rush in and wash over their feet. She kept her fingers entwined with his, walking along the shoreline. Val looked over at the setting sun, painting the sky a reddish orange tinged with blue. It was the perfect complement to the sapphire ocean below. She glanced back at Huang, marveling at the way the light caught his skin, enhancing every contour of his face. It only reminded her of just how perfect he looked. Val smiled at him.

"You...are stunning.. I can't believe you fell for just a human like me."

She knew he wouldn't know what to make of being told something like that. Val looked away, bringing his hand up to kiss the back of it. There was a slightly more serious expression on her face then.

"Huang..what did you find out about your family? Would you like to find them?"

Val looked over at him again, hoping the topic wouldn't anger him. She knew what he thought of his family, but as a result, she had never asked him about it. It always bothered him, but after their visit with the King, she knew it couldn't be ignored anymore.