Ask New Alderaan First Impressions

[Jonathen Baize]

Jon leaned down slightly as she whispered. She had pointed out her mother and father as the couple in the back of the room, apparently mid-argument. Jon shot her a glance as they continued. He couldn't help but feel like he was being led into the lion's den.

He smiled as her mother noticed them and approached. "Lady Demici...Lorraine. The pleasure is all mine." he said with a slight bow of his head. "Lord Demici, its an honor," he said firmly, shaking the man's hand while maintaining eye contact.

Jon moved to the side of the table, pulling Kali's chair out for her. He then waited for the two women to be seated. He glanced at her father, whose gaze moved between the two of them. After the women were seated, he unbuttoned his jacket and sat down. He was no stranger to being eyed critically. It reminded him of standing in formation, grumpy officers walking up and down the line looking for any imperfection they could pounce on. Jon could hold up to that pressure, at least.

"Wine sounds wonderful." he said cheerfully, looking back to Kali's mother. "I hope your trip has been a good one so far?" he asked, attempting to make small talk.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

She noted her mother's pleased gaze as Jon was a gentleman like always. Her father still remained unimpressed as he was still...studying him intently. He had greeted them perfectly, almost intuitively sticking to the etiquette and she was dearly hoping her father would defrost any time soon.

As they were seated, she nodded as well before he mother waved for the waiter to bring the wine. "It has been pleasant indeed. We have met...interesting people and the city has a lot to offer. Have you two received the chance to look around a little?", her mother asked and Kalique let Jonathen do the talking as their conversation seemed to go quite well, so that she met her father's gaze and gave him a subtle smile.

As the wine came, her mother took a rather big gulp, probably to calm her nerves, but Kalique also decided it could do no harm. She gave Jonathen a quick smile before she moved the glass to her lips, her jade gaze drifting back to her father. The fine wine was delicious, even if she only tried a small sip at first, but as she opted for a second, her father suddenly raised his voice.

"So, Jonathen, when are you going to propose to my daughter?". He dropped the bomb completely casually, which made Kalique choke on the wine. She mananged to swallow the sip that was still in her mouth, but had to cough quite a bit right after until her eyes were a little watery. "I expect you to ask for my blessing first, but you've been...seeing each other for quite a while now, haven't you?"

"Father!".

"Darling...please".

Kalique stared at him in disbelief. He did purposely wait for Jon to come up with any kind of a reply before his lips would slightly curl into a smirk, but anger was already bubbling up inside her. "I am just...joking". His eyes still told a different story. He was maybe half-joking, or quarter-joking, but her eyes immediately narrowed. Unbelievable. This was off to a great start. She mouthed a quick 'stop it', before she forced herself to smile and reach for Jon's hand.

Her mother gave her father a warning look and he innocently raised his hands as if to apologize again. 'I am so sorry' she telepathically said to Jon as she gave his hand a little squeeze, taking another sip. While her dad might have meant well, he obviously had no idea how to start such kinds or conversations. She still forced herself to lean back and relax a little, especially because the waiter now brought the menus as well. "So...you've met on a mission, right?", her mother asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

You could practically feel the cold radiate from her Father. In his earliest days in the military, the Sith had paraded around wielding their power over them, expecting soldiers to cower. He had risen above that; he cowered to no one. So he endured a pleasant look on his face.

"We have a little! We got to explore the lake a little. That was a good time." he said, glancing at Kali, his smile widening somewhat. "It's a shame we are only here for today; New Aldera certainly deserves more time to experience fully." he said.

The wine came, Jon left his glass on the table for the moment. He noticed a twinge in her father's eyes, a slight narrowing before he dropped his bombshell of a question. Kali outwardly reacted much as he did internally, his soldier's instincts kicking in to let him keep his composure for the most part. "You okay?" he asked Kali, turning to her for a brief second to ensure she was alright. "Its quite alright." he waved her off.

"Well, Sir, I wouldn't dream of not talking to you first. I thought it wise to give you the chance to get to know me before any such conversations." he said, leaving it vague. To be honest, he didn't much care for "protocol" in this situation, but he wasn't going to make any good impression by being obstinate. If Kali, wanted him to involve her family in such discussions, he would certainly abide by that, but in reality, the choice was hers, not his, and certainly not her father's.

He smiled when Kali reached for his hand, which he took, squeezing back a response as she spoke in his mind. He was fine. She had warned him that that would happen; he was as prepared as he was going to get. He was sure he could drop other bombshell questions, but that seemed like the big one. Her father had played his cards early; maybe they could all relax a little now.

"We did. On Endor, actually." he said, a genuine smile growing on his face. "Certainly not what I was expecting to find when I was assigned the mission." he said, glancing back at Kali with a loving look.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Even though a conversation between her mother and Jonathen began, Kalique searched for her father's eyes. Surely, she had never introduced a man like that and she was an only child, but she was already about to say something before he suddenly dropped this first bomb.

Her mother was very pleased with his reply and there was nothing to add before she almost choked on her wine anyway. "I'm okay" she reassured him, softly placing a hand on too of his again before she angrily glared at her father and his 'hilarious' joke.

Even if her mother and her had made it fairly clear that they weren't pleased with his question, Jonathen kept perfect composure. Kalique obviously knew that Jon was an absolute expert in it, however the question had even caught her off guard so severely that she was completely amazed by how well he handled the bombshell question.

He worded a perfect reply that even made her father raise his eyebrows in surprise, especially because his apperent intent to catch the Commander off guard had fully been in vain. He leaned back, not fully losing control over his features, but despite having tried to keep a straight face, it was fairly obvious that he was rather impressed and pleased.

The tense moment quickly passed though, thanks to Jonathen's perfect handling of the situation and while hernfather remained silent after this for a moment, a rather lighthearted conversation between the other three of them carried on. As the anger faded from her own features, it was immediately replaced with the genuine warmth only Jon could trigger.

When their gazes met again, a soft smile was immediately planted on her lips while there was love in her eyes. "Oh...what a wonderful story though", her mother chirped, still too excited for her usual demeanor, especially because Kalique knew that normally, she didn't like hearing about missions as she worried easily.

"It was an interesting mission for sure...but I believe neither of us expected where this would lead" she softly added, giving Jon an affectionate smile. While their had definitely been immediately attraction and a wonderful level of understanding, they had carried out their service. She hadn't even expected that they'd meet again in the gym, but apperently their paths had been destined to cross again.

As the menues were brought forth, they all had a little time to browse the options which gave Kalique and her father more time to relax, however the latter soon chose to join the conversation again. "You've had a rather stellar career so far, haven't you? Do you intend to stay in your line of work?", he wanted to know of Jon and Kalique suddenly felt the urge to kick him under the table as she was assuming he was going to ask whether he could provide for a family next, but something close to genuine interest suddenly lit up in his eyes and so she remained silent and only looked back over to Jonathen.

His father had always respected the military, yet she was still convinced he'd rather see her with some random Lord on Serenno, but she could still see how his demeanor shifted as he studied the two of them. So far, Jonathen had continously impressed with his answers and overall demeanor, so perhaps he was already mellowing.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Jon and Kali's father exchanged another look, the point conceded for now as the conversation took a more casual turn. Jon forced him to relax slightly, lifting his glass to his mouth a taking a sip of wine.

The conversation continued between himself, Kali and her mother. Menus were brought out and the four of them began looking over them as they continued talking.

Jon's eyes shifted from Kali back to her father as he rejoined the conversation. This question was not as high stakes as his last question but also was more difficult one to answer. "Just be yourself" played again in his mind. "Well, I would like to think I have acted in a way any soldier would. I certainly intend to keep serving in whatever way the Empire has need of me." he responded truthfully. Duty was important to both he and Kalique. Perhaps that wasn't the answer her father was looking for, but he wasn't about to lie to the man to score a few extra points. He was who he was.

The answered tiptoed dangerously towards the political, but both his and Kali's jobs were inherently political in nature. It certainly was made a bit more awkward by the fact that Serreno was no longer an Imperial world. They were atleast still somewhat supportive of the Empire, or atleast seemed to be with their daughter.

The waiter returned a moment later and they ordered before they were left to conversate more. When he was sure her father wasn't going to ask anymore questions, Jon would speak up. "So, Kali tells me you are quite the golfer. I can imagine that Serreno has some excellent courses. I don't get out as much as I would like to, but I certainly enjoy a good game every now and then." he said, extending the olive branch. He did want the man to like him, at least for Kali's sake. Even if she spent most of her time away from family, it was clear that family was still important to her, as it was with him.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique watched her father's reaction as Jonathen gave yet another convincing reply. He quietly offered a "mhm", but it was hard to tell what he made out of the newly gained information, at least for those who haven't learnt to read him throughout the years.

A smirk crossed her lips as she knew he was silently approving. He honored diligence, compassion, dutifulness and loyalty and had always been a supporter of the Empire which was why the transition to independence hadn't been easy for him to accept. Still, that was maybe why he was relatively happy with Jon's reply, even if he didn't disclose that for now.

They were free to order whatever they pleased as the waiter approached them again, and while her mother and her started to become engaged in a conversation about what was going on in terms of her latest missions, Jonathen asked a question that finally drew a more openly pleased reaction from her dad.

"I am indeed quite interested...Lorraine sometimes calls me overly invested, but you are quite right. We have many vast areas with great courses, so why wouldn't I use them?", he replied, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Despite listening to her mother, she half-listened to their exchange.

Don't start on your clubs, she thought, right as her father leaned back, now actually smirking. "If you're also interested, I need to show you my latest acquisition". Oh no. He pulled out his phone and started swiping, before he showed him a whole series of his newest additions. Some had rather fancy ornaments, some where just golden or interestingly shaped, but it was quite obvious that he was fairly proud of his collection.

Well, at least her dad was less icy and stern now as he got more engaged in the conversation about one of his favourite hobbies and Kalique knew it was only a matter of time until he'd ask Jonathen to join him some day. Kalique meanwhile was recounting what happened on Ord Binir, but she softened the recount a little as she knew her mother was easily frightened.

Just a few moments later, their food was about to arrive as well and so the conversations slowed down a little. "How did you like Serenno?", her mother asked him after they had all tried the first parts of their admittedly delicious and finely made courses, while Kalique was generally rather glad about well the night was going so far.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Her father was fairly unreadable. That is until Jon had brought up golf. As Kali had mentioned, he instantly became much more animated, even seeming happy for the moment.

He could practically feel both women roll their eyes as he leaned forward slightly. "Of course..." he said. when her father offered to show him his collection. Jon rested a hand on Kali's leg, giving her a quick smile before leaning in to look at the pictures on his phone.

He let out a quiet whistle. "Those are impressive.." he admitted and maybe was a little jealous. Jon had a serviceable but fairly plain set of clubs. "I bet they work like a dream. Wait, is that chromium inlays on that one?" he said, shaking his head. "Beautiful," he said.

Their food arrived, which pulled their conversations back together. "Serenno was absolutely incredible. It was a shame we only had a couple of days. Certainly one of the most beautiful places in the Galaxy." he said truthfully.

"Your home was also beautiful; thank you for letting us use it." he said with a smile. He cut into the food on his plate. The food was spectacular, though he understood what was extraordinary for them was pretty normal for the noble family.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

While Kalique was engaged in her conversation, an even wider smile kept tugging at her lips as the men really got into the golf conversation. Jonathen seemed to really know his stuff and just like that, they began to bond. Her dad was overly delighted to show off his clubs and even more happy to lead a genuine conversation about the materials, different sizes, weights, shapes and whatnot.

Kalique kept her focus on her own conversation as she had no intention to listen to the golf talk but the way they perfectly got along made her happy. Still, regardless of how amusing it was, she was also glad that food brought their conversations back together.

"Ohh thank you and you're very welcome. I already knew how Kali must have invited someone special as she couldn't stop smirking when she mentioned she'd be busy", he mother explained, visibly amused to share this story. "Yeah...I told him you had your suspicions" Kalique added with a smirk, her gaze happily flicking back to Jon.

Her father was apperently pleased for now and thus held back, however her mother seemingly had a few more questions she was genuinely interested in him. "Where have you grown up, Jonathen? And was this your first time on Serenno?". Kalique knew that sometimes, Jon tended to play his upbringing down, but she was hoping he wouldn't this time.

Still, they were already close to finishing their main courses and while everything had worked so far, her father's demeanor was suddenly shifting again. What now? "Would you join my on a cigar on the balcony?", he asked Jon, and Kalique's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. She was confident Jonathen would be able to handle whatever questions he'd pose in a more private setting, yet she doubted he simply wanted to smoke and chat casually.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

In a lot of ways, he was most nervous about the question Kali's mother asked next. He was proud of his parents, and his upbringing but realized that people in her parent's station might not feel the exact same way. Regardless, there was nothing but to keep pushing through and deal with whatever came. So far, her parents hadn't been too bad.

"It was my first time." he said with a smile. "Though it certainly won't be my last time." he added. He was quite captured with the world. He also was certain that any future with Kali would involve Serenno in at least a minor capacity. "I grew up on Spintir." he replied to her second question. "My parents are farmers." he said, meeting her Father's eyes. As they finished their meal, he went a little into his childhood on Spintir.

When her father asked him to join him on the balcony a moment later, he paused slightly. "Absolutely." he responded a second later after he gathered himself. He gave Kali an "Everything is fine" look before smiling. "Be back in a few." he said to Kali, winking as he stood. He buttoned his jacket and followed the Serrenian noble outside.

He took the cigar and cut the cap off the end before taking the lighter with practiced hands. He puffed lightly on the cigar, letting the flavor spread. It had a deep earthy taste to it, clearly well made. He let the smoke escape his mouth a moment later. "This is excellent." he said with an appreciative nod. He was sure the older man had alternative motives in asking him outside, but Jon was patient. He stood relaxed but confident as he let out another small puff of smoke.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

As Jonathen answered, her mother raised a brow while her father remained vastly impassive. Kalique softly let her thumb run across the back of his hand, knowing that her parents had neither been on Spintir before nor did they probably have any clue about what a farmer's life looked like.

"That's impressive...a very grounded profession", her mother finally remarked, obviously not knowing what to add. It was not that she was deterred by it, but she was simply lacking knowledge in this area. Her eyes were still curios, but as this wasn't her world, she stayed out of it for now.

"Next time you're on Serenno you have to visit us! And Trevius...we could all go golfing together, wouldn't that be fantastic?", she then suggested, giving her father an almost prompting smile. "Sure. I can show Jonathen the premises of the Red Wood's Club...they're the best". The smile that followed was much more subtle than her mother's, but he seemed genuinely interested in the idea. "Oh fun" Kalique replied with a hint of sarcasm in her voice, always having found that golf lacked some genuine action, but the prospect of some quality time spent together made her smile.

As they were about to part, a hint of concern was bleeding into her features. She gave her father another 'Dad, be nice' glance, before she looked after Jonathen as he followed her father outside. "It is nice to see you this happy...", her mother softly said to her, which made her turn and smile again. "He is amazing, isn't he?". And to her pleasant surprise, she did actually agree. She wasn't sure whether her mom would entirely let the issue of not being with another nobleman rest, but as she wasn't really part of Serenno anyway, maybe the issue was simply off the table.

Meanwhile outside: Her father handed Jon a cigar and lit them both before he puffed into the night air. His gaze was directed onto the skyline for a moment before he turned back towards him with a serious expression. "I've got to admit that I'm pleasantly surprised. I still can't help but to wonder whether you can handle my daughter. You might know she's incredibly stubborn from time to time", he let out a little sigh, seemingly having given up on changing her mind. Still, it wasn't fully obvious where he was going with that.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

"Sounds like a great idea to me." he said. Kali was a little less enthusiastic about it. She hadn't sounded thrilled about "golf talk" earlier, but now that her mother had included her in the plans, there wasn't much to be done about it.

Outside, Jon let out another puff of smoke, savoring the taste of the cigar. He smiled at her Father. He had to admit a small pang of pride at earning even a little bit of the man's praise. "It didn't take long to figure out." he said, smile widening. "No, I doubt anyone could truly "handle" your daughter, Sir." he said, the end of cigar lighting up as he held it to his mouth. "But that stubbornness is earned. She is one of the fiercest, bravest, and most loyal people I know, a true asset to her Order. You have a great deal to be proud of; I know I am.." he said. She was those things and so much more to Jon though he didn't add anything further. It was obvious in his tone, that he deeply cared for her.

No, he had never felt the desire to handle or control Kalique. Those were things that had attracted him to her first. He let the silence build again as he shifted his eyes back to the cityscape beyond the balcony.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Was Kalique nervous? A little. Her jade eyes kept darting to the grand glass door every now and then, the very thing that was separating her from Jonathen and her dad. Was this were conversations would escalate now? No...Jonathen knew how you use words carefully and so far, nothing had made him lose his composure, so he'd be fine...

"Kali, it's okay, I feel like they're getting along well so far", her mother softly reached forward to pat her hand, but she pulled back out of instict. "Yes...but you know how father can be". "Yes...but did you know that he was quite nervous himself today?". "No way...". "Yes he was. You haven't...introduced men like this before. He was...quite happy that you've reached out to us".

Sure, she was rarely reaching out to them now as she had distances herself from them quite a bit throughout the years, but during the last months it had actually gotten better as they had been less...demanding. "So it's important for him, too...interesting". The thought drew a genuine smile of her, even if her gaze flicked over once again.

Outside: Again, her father's expressions were hard to decipher. He studied him intently and took another puff from his cigar before letting out the smoke. It took a moment until he broke the silence "It's impossible to break through your reserve, hm?", he noted, before a sudden smirk spread on his lips. "I can't deny that it's impressive...and that you've given a good answer. I've learnt that all way too late", there was a hint of nostalgia as he spoke, but after all, he was approving of what Jon said.

"You seem like a good man...you seem to treat her well and I'm surely hoping this won't change". Perhaps here you could sense a trace of a father's protective 'break my girl's heart and you'll regret it' tone bleeding into his voice, but while he worded no such warnings, he still seemed rather pleased. "If you ever find her down, get some lemon cakes. Her grandmother had made them rather often and she absolutely loved them". Even if his voice was still rather cool and his posture a little distance, the smile grew genuinely as he shared a piece of advice.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

"I have been called stubborn a time or two myself." he said with a hint of a smile as he held the cigar between his teeth. Again, he felt a small surge of pride at man's acceptance. He found himself wanting to be accepted by her family much more than he had originally thought.

"I would never do anything to hurt her." he said truthfully. "Besides, if I did, I think you would have to get in line behind her to kick my ass." he said with a chuckle, growing a bit more casual, testing the waters. They shared a look. They shared some understanding on that balcony with each other; both had a common goal: to care for and protect Kalique. More than anything else, that was something they shared with one another.

He was shocked when he offered him some advice next. "Hrm." he said, smoke escaping from his mouth. "Lemon cakes. Thank you, Sir." he replied with nod. He noted the information down mentally. He was a soldier through and through and a good soldier never passed up on valuable intel.

They finished the cigars. "Should we get back inside?" he asked her Father as he extinguished the last ashes of the cigar.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

There was no one else outside and the air had definitely cooled down, yet the nightly breeze was still relatively pleasant. It made the smoke they puffed dissipate into fresh the night air rather quickly while the city's hustle and bustle from the street echoed up in a rather attenuated way.

Jonathen replied with a little joke, and at first, there was nothing again. For a moment her father seemed to weigh Jon's words before he suddenly chuckled, seemingly amused by the thought of her daughter actually kicking his ass. "Well...my wife and I never had the pleasure of any first-hand experience with her force-sensitivity, yet we've seen her toss around tree trunks when she was a frustrated teenager", he explained, seemingly half proud about how his daughter could help herself, but also adding to the image Jonathen had created.

He raised no further questions and offered a curt nod when Jonathen thanked him. "Sure. Let's join the ladies again", Trevius answered, the relatively stern features still slightly amused as he gestured for him to take the lead. Kalique noticed the movement in her periphery and immediately turned her head, studying the two of them attentively, but again, everything seemed totally fine and so she let out a slightly relieved breath.

"You didn't scare him away, father" she said to him as he took his seat, his eyes meeting his. "No. He seems rather resilient", he replied, giving her a little smirk, before Kalique asked, "Does anyone want dessert?". Her parents were a little indecisive at first, and as Kalique was fine with either, she waited for Jon's reply.

Still, from the very moment he sat down, she immediately reached for his hand again, her pulse now finally slowing as he was back and both men seemed rather pleased. "Is your hotel room to your likings? And was there anything else you've wanted to do tonight? I'm afraid we'll turn in rather timely as the congress starts quite early", her mother explains, now also much calmer as the initial excitement had finally passed.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Her Father motioned for him to go first, which he did, opening the door and returning to the table. There was still a part of him that didn't want to turn his back on the man lest he decide to run him through with an unseen weapon, but he pushed through.

Kali eyed their return, and he gave her a relaxed smile as he walked back to his seat. He gladly took her hand, able to feel her relax a little. No one seemed all that interested in the desert, so he passed as well. He had faced literal demons and had not run from her, it was going to take a lot more than some forward questions to chase him off at this point.

"It has an incredible view," he said, looking towards Kali. "We had talked about do about of seeing the city at night," he explained. "Unfortunately, my transport back to Raxus leaves in the morning." he said.

The diner soon started to wind down, and the conversation winding down. He found himself enjoying himself. A temporary truce was called between her father and him. He gave her another smile, squeezing her hand softly as they prepared to leave.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

After the men's return, something had definitely changed. Her father was a little less cold and the dinner ended relatively uneventful in terms of other, potentially explosive questions, so that Kalique was relatively sure that whatever happened on the balcony had gone rather well.

She smiled warmly while they finished, lastly payed and started to say their goodbyes. Her parents were about to return to their hotel right away, so the two of them were soon free to do whatever they pleased in the city's night life.

"It was truly a pleasure to meet you, Jonathen. And it was nice to see you again, Kalique", her mother softly said as she hugged her daughter, planting a quick kiss on her cheek. Her father meanwhile offered Jonathen a hand. "Guess I'll see you on the court one day".

Judging from his remark, this dinner had gotten even better than Kalique could have hoped for and so after saying goodbye to her mother, she gave her dad a quick hug. "Take care. I'll call you soon". Maybe she, too, should check in more often, even if it was simply through a call.

They finished their goodbyes after having traveled down to the ground floor again and so this was where the four of them split up. Kalique took Jonathen's hand as they walked out, the fresh night air immediately greeting them and raising Kalique's spirits further. "Okay...now his went well. I mean, how couldn't they love you? Still, my dad was extraordinarily tame. You must have really impressed him" she softly said to him, fully delighted about this pleasant development.

"How do you feel now?" she then asked him with a little smirk, still expecting that regardless of how he was back then, now that he could fully relax, he would speak his true mind. "I really hope my father wasn't mean out there". Well, one way or another, he seemedto have handled it super well.

"What do you want to do now?". She knew he had to leave early, yet it wasn't super late, so they could still seize their chance of exploring whatever they felt like.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

The rest of the dinner was peaceful enough. They had conquered this battle together like they had others in the past. He was sure her father wasn't done testing him, but for now, he had earned the evening.

"Thank you for meeting us for dinner. I am glad we all finally got to get together, we will have to do this again soon." he said to her Mother after he took her father's hand and firmly shook it. " I look forward to it, Sir. Will start working on my short game to keep in practice." he said with a smile.

Kali said her goodbyes, and they were once again alone. He let out a sigh of relief and finally breathed a little easier. They held hands as they walked back out on the street. He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. "Oh, your father wasn't so bad. He is just protective. I can respect that." he said, still smiling.

"I feel great though." he said truthfully. It was like a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. He had truly wanted to make a good impression, and he felt he made some good progress towards that tonight.

"Wouldn't you like to know what he said..." he said, raising an eyebrow. "Sorry, you got dragged into golf though..." he said. "I am sure we could have a great time though.." he said with a nudge.

"I heard there is this great piano bar down the street." he said "We could hang out there for a bit. Or we could just explore a bit if you wanted.." he said with a shrug. He didn't much mind what they did.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Once alone, the two of them strolled through the streets with a lot less weigh on their shoulders and a very successful first meeting. "I'm glad you're fine...he can be intimidating. But honestly, I wasn't expecting he'd immediately invite you to his favorite course" Kalique admitted with a smirk, still amazed by how he'd manage to impress them so much.

"Honestly, I'm looking forward to it. Golf isn't as bad...but playing with certain groups can be very dragging. If all four of us go, this would be just lovely". It would take some time to make it work with all of their appointments and work, however if it ever worked out, she was convinced the day would be fun.

"Absolutely! You have to tell me what he said...not gonna lie, I was certain he was posing more inappropriate questions". Had he tested him out there? Probably. But he still had been relaxed afterwards. "So what did he say?" she gave him a pleading look, however was still smirking.

"Ohh sure! Sounds fancy...we can go check it out and then see what else the city has to offer". They walked down the street and towards the said bar where the bouncer just waved them through. Apperently there was some kind of a dress code, but they easily matched it, so there weren't any issues.

"Do you want a little drink?". They had to get up early, but as they only had a little wine at dinner, one more glass wouldn't hurt. If he agreed, they'd go to the bar first, if not they'd already settle down at a table and listen to the elegant music playing in the background.

"Okay is there any chance your parents might raise such questions? Because damn...I'd have to prepare", she chuckled, now that the mood was finally fully lighthearted again. She knew he didn't see them this often anymore, yet he had also told stories that had proven how warm and loving they were...also, they seemed less distant and aloof in general, even if her parents had indeed held back in this regard today, or they had generally changed quite a bit...

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

"We will see how he feels about me when I beat him on his favorite course." he said, eyes lighting up with the idea of competition. "Its going to be a fun time, though if we are both there, it may turn deadly..." he said, trailing off.

"He said you went through an angry tree-throwing phase as a teenager," he said, eyes practically sparkling with joy at the information. , imagining the younger, more angsty Kalique hurling trees in the forest. It was terrifying, but he believed every word of it. "The rest...I don't know if I will tell you.." he teased with a smile.

"Great." he said when she agreed to head to the bar down the street. It was a nice walk, the evening air pleasant. "After tonight, I could certainly go for a drink." he said with a grin. It wasn't a bad night, but he certainly would pass up some relaxation time.

Music​

They approached the bar. The bartender looked to Kalique for a drink order and then turned to Jon. "Whiskey on the rocks." he said with a nod. They had their drinks within a minute and moved to find a table. The room was dimly lit; a candle flickered on the table. He smiled as he met her eyes, candlelight dancing across her emerald eyes. "My parents are much more casual. They make ask forward questions, but it isn't to trap you. They are just nosey and care too much. You have NOTHING to worry about." he said with a chuckle. "My parents are going to adore you." he said with a smile.

He leaned in a little, staying close to her. "So, meet the parent phase, huh?" he said, taking a sip of whiskey. "That's pretty huge.." he said, calling back to their familiar joke.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Her eyes lit up in excitement as he mentioned the competition. "You sound confident" she remarked, the corners of her lips turning into a smirk.

"Deadly....well I wouldn't go this far, however don't expect your beer pong luck to carry over" she teased, nudging him playfully. Kalique could be competitive and she loved challenged, so this would indeed be fun, still she was delighted about his confidence and curious to see how this would end.

"He did what?!" there was a subtle hint of annoyance directed towards her dad in her voice even if she couldn't help but to chuckle. Not that she minded sharing childhood stories with him, but the way her dad had probably put it was unfair.

"I swear it wasn't like that. He made me quite mad with grounding me, but rebellious teenage me did at least step out of the premises and I might have disrooted a tree in the forest behind the property..." she hasn't thrown it, but she had definitely tossed it around a little...Absolutely no one had gotten hurt, the poor, killed tree had been beyond saving.

"I can't believe he shared that" she shook her head before she met his gaze again. "No..no no no. Absolutely not. You have to tell me!" she then demanded as they walked into the bar and chose to approach the bar.

"Great" she agreed with a warm smile, also delighted about the idea to relax a little. She ordered herself a fruity cocktail before they settled down at a table. "Straightforward...well I like that. But still...you've set the bar quite high now" she admitted, still a little concerned. It was also important for her to make a good first impression and they were important persons for him, so the pressure was still there.

As he confronted her with the joke, she chuckled again. "You know...yeah. I mean now we've skipped right into the 'hang out in a piano bar' stage...Where are we even headed at this pace?" she amusedly joined in, feigned some dramatic in her voice. "This isn't protocol...we're out of control".

Her drink was a wonderful refreshment and her eyes sparkled in joy as they continued their playful exchange. "Diner was really great though, on a more serious note. But it's sad that we're parting in a few hours again". They were quite good at making the most out of their limited time, yet she was still always a little sad when the moment of goodbye arrived.

@Raydo