Ask No Words Left

[Altair Din]

There was a noticeable look of relief when she agreed to the boat. His tail even perked up and swished back and forth eagerly and he had to actively remind himself to stop it. Altair walked over and forked over the credits for the boat and held out a hand to help Clove get on so she didn’t topple over. He eased in to sit next to her, noting the close proximity of the seating. He didn’t miss the way her face was flushed, her skin tinted red. He was thankful his own skin was too dark for it to manifest. However, he felt his face grow warm all the same.

Altair looked around himself, the trees and plants all around them vibrant and different colors. The river itself shimmered different colors between purples and blues, some of the ‘forest’ indoors to make it appear as if it were a starry night. The tiefling looked around with wide eyes, his own violet gaze illuminated by the types of lighting throughout the manmade ‘forest’.

Though he was nervous, there was an odd sense of comfort sitting here next to Clove. As the boat took them further away from the rest of the fair, he left behind all his thoughts that led up to him being here today. He put aside the war, he put aside New Alderaan and all his conflicted thoughts on everything Clove. It was just the two of them here as it had been that very first day in the botanical garden. A part of him wished he had never wandered over there, but most of him wouldn’t change it for the galaxy.

"Some of these forest 'creatures' look like the stuff of nightmares," Altair said with a soft chuckle as they passed a few trolls that grinned a bite too wide.

At some point, he turned to regard Clove, watching the way the blues and purples lit up her face or reflected against her curls. He couldn’t help but smile at the way she looked around at the plants and animatronics with wonder. There were trolls and fairies that waved or sang, a beautiful tune resounding all around them as the boat lazily coasted along.

When Clove remarked on the animatronic being pretty, Altair remarked very quietly, “Yeah…really pretty..” Only this time he made no effort to hide which way he was looking as he said it. His vibrant, purple gaze was fixed solely on her. His fingers curled and dug into the seat of the boat next to him and his heart pounded against his chest, but he didn’t look away. Not this time.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

The world had seemed to fade away. There was nothing but the blinking lights above, the mystically colored river, and Altair very close by. She wasn't used to being so close to him; she'd been in his arms and on his back before. But this time was different. Even his scent was different, or maybe she hadn't noticed it before; it was warm and comforting, like a fireplace in the winter. When combined with what appeared to be the embodiment of her daydreams, it was safe to say that everything became her own little slice of heaven. One she knew she'd have to leave soon. But not yet.

"They really do!" She replied. Because he was right; some of the creatures looked like straight-up nightmare fuel. Those smiles were terrifying. And yet, as a child, she adored them. And many other kids as well! She giggled along with him at the thought. His chuckle, the tune that swirled through the air and the animatronics moving around all helped to calm her nerves slightly.

That was until she caught Altair's almost glowing violet eyes lingering on hers when she sneaked another look at him. And she wasn't sure which startled her more: the fact that she was caught staring at him or the way his gaze was fixed on hers the entire time he was complimenting her. Her heart fluttered as fast as her ears, but instead of shyly looking away, she locked her gaze on his. And now that she didn't have to sneak in glances, she began to notice how the purple and blue hues and blinking lights above reflected onto his ashy skin. He almost transformed into the night sky himself in the right lighting, his violet eyes the brightest stars.

How could anybody fear such a man?

Clove leaned slightly forward as her right hand reached out to his, all while enchanted by his gaze. She wasn't sure how far to push it, or how any of this worked in the first place. And she couldn't exactly ask because it would ruin the mood. But reaching for his hand, for him, and carefully entwining her fingers with his felt like a good first step. So she did, her soft and delicate skin brushing against the callouses that had formed around his fingers. Her lips curled up warmly at the sensation. It was yet another example of how completely opposed they were. And right now, she wouldn't have it any other way.

---

​

tag @Sreeya ​

 

[Altair Din]

Altair expected her to look away or change the topic. He expected a nervous giggle or for her to ask him what he was staring at. Truthfully, he was prepared to answer if she did. He was prepared to answer even back when he held her as they fell asleep on that tree branch and he could still recall the touch of her curls against his face. He could still vividly remember the hospital where he was recovering from near death and the way she had been by his side for hours. He could remember the rage he felt at her and the betrayal, but through it all, a part of him had always yearned for her. Even as he spat venom at her and strode towards the transport to take him to New Alderaan.

At some point he stopped making excuses about her being nothing but a good friend. He couldn’t deny it any longer, not when he couldn’t stop looking at her. Not when she was looking at him now and also refusing to glance away. A part of him was terrified - it knew she was Jedi first. And another part of him reminded him that he had left those thoughts behind as soon as they got on the boat. This was a place just their own and they could leave everything hidden here if they chose. It was just like the botanical garden, a moment frozen in time that was just their own. The Sith Order didn’t know it and neither did the Jedi.

He didn’t look down as he felt her hand grasp his, her soft skin brushing against his rough and calloused hand and fingers. His fingers entwined with hers and he was sure with her sensitive hearing she could hear every single heartbeat as it rattled against the cage of his ribs. He had faced down infected, had come across war zones, combat, rancors and so many adversaries that would unnerve anyone. And yet nothing compared to the amalgamation of exhilaration and fear he felt all at once right now.

Altair’s free hand came up to gingerly cup the side of Clove's face, his skin warm against hers. The lights around the forest shined brilliantly against his eyes, a vivid contrast to his dark skin. The tiefling simply gazed at her for a moment as the boat continued to coast through the forest, passing under a canopy of brilliant, bioluminescent trees that glowed in the artificial darkness.

He finally leaned in closer, tilting his head a bit as he drew close to her face. Altair’s gaze stared deeply into hers, making his intentions abundantly clear. She could draw away or move away from this any way she pleased. If she didn’t, Altair finally closed that last bit of distance to capture her lips with his. He finally got a taste that he hadn’t even known he had been craving for so long. His fingers curled very softly into her hair, pulling her close. There was no holding back the tidal wave of his emotions then. Even through the Force his chest had exploded open and she would feel the feelings that charged him as he kissed her. There was no longer denying what this was and what it became - forged from the stolen moments, betrayals, anger, laughter and forbidden desires. It was there whether they welcomed it or not. Whether they intended for it or not.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Altair's hand cupped Clove's cheek, his fingers rough but gentle against her skin. And, even though it was only a light touch on her cheek, she couldn't deny how much she'd been longing for it. How she wished she to experience something as simple as that. Her cheek tingled from the warm touch as she leaned her head against his palm, her gaze never leaving his. Clove seemed to fully relax for the first time in many moons, all while smiling the happiest she'd ever smiled, her chocolate eyes brighter than before.

She barely noticed Altair's heart pounding in his chest or the canopy of brilliant bioluminescent trees passing by. Barely. Because she'd be lying if she said she didn't take a quick glance at the beauty of the canopy before returning her attention to Altair, who looked even more striking in that light, his eyes an almost liquid violet shining ever so brightly. With each new shift of bioluminescence light, the half-Annfyn's freckles popped, making them stand out against her almost translucent skin that reflected each color.

The sight of Altair leaning in froze her muscles and caused her heart to skip a beat twice in a row. This was it. Her dream finally reached closer, giving her what she desired so much. And yet, for a split second, doubt rushed through her mind. There would be no denying her feelings and no running away if she went through with the kiss. It would be her first kiss with her first crush, heartbreak, and love. It'd be the point of no return. And if she was anything like her mother, that first kiss would haunt her for the rest of her life. Imagines of Dantooine flooded her mind, Altair's limp body, pressing down on his chest over and over while the nurses rushed over to pull her away and do it instead, his awakening and the pure anger and fear in his eyes.

Clove leaned forward, closing the gap before he could move to answer his nonverbal question. Her lips brushed against his, satisfying a hunger she hadn't realized she had, all while her muscles melted beneath the touch of his fingers brushing through her curls. Her free hand reached for the side of his face, her fingertips caressing his skin and following the contours of his jaw. It would be foolish to deny her feelings, and even more foolish to fight what both of them knew all along. Despite the agony and pain, the betrayals and rage, she was too exhausted to run from what was right in front of her. She'd save him a thousand times over and go through all of this pain again if she had to.

Just as Altair's emotions rushed through, Clove's feelings followed suit. Any mental barriers she'd built since Raze vanished, any buried desire and emotion coursing through the Force, brushing and swirling against the Tiefling's. The hand that caressed Altair's jaw lowered to allow her arm to wrap around his back, her fingers digging into the fabric of his pink tank top as she tried to get closer to him than she had before.

---

​

tag @Sreeya ​

 

[Altair Din]

Altair couldn’t deny he thought about this before, and it had always seemed impossible, nothing more than a fleeting thought. He suppressed those thoughts, firmly reminding himself that it had been nothing more than a friendship. He found her too idealistic, always clutching to her Jedi principles and he came from a different reality entirely. He disagreed with her on so many things. He never even realized when she had burrowed herself into his heart, when she had shattered through all of those carefully architected barriers and thorny walls he had placed for so long. She wove through them all with simple things ranging from the way her eyes lit up when she was excited to even when she was as stubborn as a bantha.

He felt her feelings for him through the Force and it enveloped him in an almost tangible, warm embrace. Each touch of hers reminded him that he was as wanted as he longed for her. He tilted his face against her hand, deepening the kiss and not daring to break from it. It was as if she would disappear if he let go, as if she would simply float away, as if he would suddenly wake up from this perfect dream and find himself back in his dorm. He needed to know she was here, his hand gently traveling down her back, tugging her smaller frame closer against his. At some point, his tail coiled affectionately around her waist without him even realizing.

Their surroundings were largely forgotten and the boat continued to float through the turns and twists in the river. Altair’s passions and desire for her were almost painful because in the back of his mind he knew it would come at a cost. He wanted her all the same. He wanted to kiss all of her, taste all of her, cherish every bit of her. His hand traveled down the side of her body, aching to feel more of her wherever he could. His calloused fingers brushed along the smooth skin of her leg, traveling along her knee and just barely teasing along the hem of her skirt towards her thigh. But he stopped himself, knowing fully well this was all new to her. If it was terrifying for him, it was even more so for her.

After a while, the bright sunlight from outside began to bathe them as the boat once again emerged from the enchanted forest. It was then that he finally drew back from the kiss, almost breathless and having savored every moment of it while the boat ride carried them through. He met her gaze for a long moment, his hand back to cupping the side of her face gently.

“I never wanna forget this,” He said barely above a whisper, “Even if it fucks me up one day..” Altair added the latter bit even quieter, “Even if I become someone else one day..” Each moment with her was as sweet as it was biting. Deep in his heart he knew it would twist them up inside for their individual reasons and the paths they chose to walk. Altair’s gaze lingered on hers a bit longer before he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

He sighed softly as he buried his face against her shoulder. His entire body felt as if it were ablaze, and he felt the emotions from them both, “Clove, I..” He paused and smiled sadly against her skin then, “...never mind..” He added as a soft whisper. He simply lingered there for a while until the boat finally began to arrive near the edge of the river. Altair drew back and climbed out, extending a hand to help her out. There was a different look in his eye, a tenderness and affection that wasn’t so overt before.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove felt his hand move down her back, bringing her closer before eventually reaching for her knee, but she never objected. If anything she did the opposite, blindly trusting Altair while inching closer to his body and following along with his passionate movements as best she could. For a brief moment, she was willing to abandon everything if it meant remaining in the Tiefling's arms until every single sun in the galaxy faded. He was the home she craved, and nothing else mattered; he was no longer a Sith, she was no longer a Jedi, and there was no war. It was only them. A warmth she'd never felt before swept through her body, her fingertips digging deeper into Altair's shirt.

She savored every moment she could, daring to reach her hand down to the small of Altair's back and feel the heat radiate from his skin. She wasn't ready to stop, she wasn't ready to let go and face the harsh reality, not when she was the happiest she'd ever been.

But the first rays of sunlight fell on her pale cheek, reminding her that they had left their little paradise. She knew what it meant, and so did Altair, because he began to part his lips from hers and slowly lean back. She chased his lips for a split second, almost desperate to prolong the kiss, but she stopped when she felt his gaze on her. Clove opened her big eyes and looked into his violet gems. No single word made its way into her mind, leaving her in blissful peace and silence as she took in every detail of the Tiefling. The way his eyelashes curled, the little stripes of darker and lighter violets in his iris and the small imperfections in his skin that made him perfect.

His words stung. But, unlike before, she no longer tried to appear brave or stubborn and instead allowed her emotions to linger. It wasn't like there was any point in hiding it; the Force revealed her emotions long before she could respond to him. "I never want to forget this, or you for that matter, either." Her voice was no more audible than his. "No matter what... You'll always be this silly sweet Altair for me."

The Tiefling pulled Clove into a close embrace and she immediately wrapped her arms around him. His broad chest and big arms made her feel small, much smaller than she'd ever felt. She moved closer to his chest, seeking the safety he gave her, her forehead pressing against the side of his neck. His whispers reached her twitchy ears, causing her to softly chuckle. "I know, I feel the same." She answered quietly as well. They didn't need to say the words to understand what they meant. Clove drew back, her hand grasping his, to climb out of the boat once the riverbed arrived. But instead of letting go when her feet found solid ground, she clung to his hand, her fingers again intertwining with his.

While moving toward the exit, the half-Annfyn hardly glanced in the direction she was going. The look in Altair's eyes was too bewitching to look away, leaving her feeling unarmed, defenseless and completely at ease. Clove's own body posture and gaze reflected her relaxation and lack of a mental barrier; for once, there was no skip in her step and no over-the-top big grin. There was nothing but calm and a timid but content happiness.

A small booth with a woman in front of a wall of holo pictures was next to the exit gates. Clove gave the wall a quick glance as they walked past it, only to do a double take. There was a picture of them in one of the frames! Her eyes widened slightly as she walked over to the counter, dragging Altair by his hand. She stared at the holo frame containing their photo for two seconds before turning to the woman. "Hello! I'd like two holo images of number 6." She said as she reached into her pocket with her free hand to retrieve some credits. Clove pushed the credits over the counter before retrieving the two disks after the woman placed them on top of the counter, ignoring the slight scowl from the lady. And, with a warm smile on her lips, she extended one of them to Altair. "Now we can never forget."

---

​

tag @Sreeya ​

 

[Altair Din]

Altair was frozen in place when she remarked that she felt the same. There was no stopping the way his tail eagerly wiggled around even while still half coiled around her. It was as involuntary as her ears sometimes. He drew back and stared at her in silence, the surprise and joy clear as day in his violet gaze. No clarification needed to be made, the emotions he felt from her on the boat ride a testament to what they shared between one another. It was exhilarating and terrifying all the same.

The tiefling’s hand was entwined with Clove’s and he savored every moment of it. There was no fanfare around it - it was a calm acceptance that felt right and natural as ever. Though he had expected their kiss to be a simple one off, it was obvious Clove felt the same way and it manifested in how she subtly changed their dynamic. They had arrived at the fair as friends and clearly something had shifted since.

Altair smiled at the pictures, glancing down, “You look beautiful,” He said quietly, “Way outta my league,” He chuckled softly as he glanced back at her.

“I’m… glad I came,” He said as they began to walk away from the picture booth. He still held her hand the entire time and walked at her pace, “I hope you’re having a good birthday,” He didn’t know what they were now and he didn’t bother putting thought into it. All he knew was that he felt strongly for her and he wanted to act on those feelings no matter what happened. He suppressed the voices and logic deep down that sounded alarms.

“Is there anywhere you wanna go next?”

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

"Me, way out of your league?" Clove huffed playfully, her head tilting to the right. "While I am very very flattered by your compliment... Altair! You are so handsome!" Her tone made it clear that she wasn't joking or trying to be nice just for the sake of being nice. Every inch of her believed he was both attractive and handsome, an absurd amount for that matter. And she could only hope quietly that one day he would see himself as she saw him.

The sensation of his lips brushing against hers lingered, gently tingling her skin. She wished she could ask for another kiss or two, but she didn't want to look even more desperate. So she concentrated on what she could still feel: his rough hand in hers and the warmth his touch sent through her body. It'd suffice until she could find an excuse to sneak in another kiss.

The half-Annfyn looked up at the Tiefling as he said he was glad he came. "I'm glad you came as well. You..." Her voice trailed off for a moment. "You're giving me a birthday I'll never forget. I have no complaints!" She giggled as she squeezed his hand lightly. She had no idea how long it would take for the memories she'd rather forget to flood back in, or for her mind to go into a panic, but one thing was certain: she'd enjoy the day in all of its glory. Whatever happened after that was a worry for the future. And by the looks of it, Altair was more than happy to do the same.

"Hmmm. Maybe we can try a rollercoaster? Not an extreme one! Simply... Uhm..." Clove hummed for a moment. "I've always seen pictures of a large wooden boat that swings back and forth! Could we start with that? Don't think that classifies as a rollercoaster but!" She'd shrug her shoulders before making her way out of the Fantasy-Empire and towards the Rough-Empire.

As they got closer more rollercoasters and rides appeared in their field of vision and screams quickly filled their ears. The one scarier looking than the other. Clove was clearly intimidated by the sight ahead of them, as well as the many children with green cheeks, but she wasn't about to back down. She took some larger steps, her large eyes scanning the area, with some obvious fake confidence. "I think we have to go to the left?"

---

​

tag @Sreeya ​

 

[Altair Din]

Altair’s face immediately went warm when Clove complimented his appearance. His tail involuntarily began to swish back and forth and he didn’t even bother suppressing it this time. He had dealt with others looking at him with disgust or fear for almost all his life. While he certainly made the effort with the Emryc Thorne routine and staying fit, he knew he had a startling appearance when it came to the greater galaxy. For Clove to compliment his appearance meant the world to him, “Thanks..” He said quietly, unable to hide the cheesy grin on his face, “Means the galaxy comin' from someone that looks like one o' the diathims in the stories Ma used to tell,” His gaze lingered on her for a second or two before he realized he was sounding obnoxiously dorky. He cleared his throat and began to walk again.

As she suggested the boat, he grinned, “Sure, but it ain’t for the faint of heart,” Altair informed her as they got in line for the wooden boat. His mood had changed considerably since he arrived on the planet. He couldn’t stop finding excuses to smile and his tail was in constant motion. It was enough to completely ignore the glances he continued to get, or the ones Clove got for holding his hand.

Altair helped Clove step into the boat, and unfortunately they got the last row. While he knew it would be a bit terrifying, he didn’t want to discourage her from it. The tiefling sat next to her and gave her hand a squeeze. He even wrapped his tail around her waist again, “There, now you’re really secure,” He gave her a smile before leaning in to steal a quick kiss from her, “Just hold onto me if you get scared, okay?”

After a moment, the giant boat began to move forward and up. The many rows before them began to go completely vertical and Altair was having a great time. However, he constantly looked over to see how Clove was doing, his tail still firmly around her. Once the boat was up, it completely began to swing in the clear opposite direction and backwards, giving that dramatic weightlessness feeling.

“Whoooo!” Altair cheered along with the others. The wind rushed through his skin and hair and he was reminded of doing this when he was a child. His mind was flooded with happy memories when his entire family went to the fair. To share something like this with a girl he adored so much only enhanced the experience. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt so happy, and he didn’t care what it was costing.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove should've listened when Altair warned her that it wasn't for the faint of heart, but she didn't; why would a swinging boat be intense? She'd spent a lot of time on swings! Sure, they were smaller ones on playgrounds. But they were swings! And a swinging boat is just a bigger swing, right? With that mindset she stepped into the boat, sitting as close to him as she could once they reached the back row. The Tiefling's tail curled around her waist and squeezed her hand, assuring her that nothing could go wrong. She was safe right next to him. And when he snuck in another kiss, Clove was certain she had made the right choice. "Okay! I'll hold onto you!" She replied back with a softer tone.

Regret began to set in as the boat rose higher and higher into the sky, and she realized why the back row was empty within seconds. They were at the boat's highest point when the rows in front of them turned vertical. "Oh sh-," she whispered, her face one of pure panic, just before the boat swung down, leaving her weightless. What would have been the end of her sentence became a scream.

Clove grabbed Altair's arm without hesitation, clinging to the Tiefling for dear life. She held her breath as the boat's opposite end rose into the sky and left them close to the ground. There was a moment of calm, a lack of movement. But what goes up must come back down. And she couldn't decide which was worse: the forward drop or the backward swing.

It took a few swings for Clove to get used to the strange sensation of weightlessness before she could notice other things, such as the wind rushing through her curls, the sound of people cheering and laughing, and, most importantly, Altair's laughter. Clove looked at him as much as she could while suppressing another yelp as the boat swooped down, and let out a giggle herself. He looked so happy, so in his element, and it was nearly impossible not to be happy because of it. The sight of his bright smile was worth the sickening drops in her stomach. She'd ride any rollercoaster, no matter how terrifying, just to see him smile like that again.

Clove's hair was no longer nicely kept together by the time the boat finally came to a stop; her curls fluffed up from all the wind brushing through, with many strands either covering her face or sticking out from the sides. She blinked twice before loosening her grip on Altair's arm. "... Woah." She whispered, her brown eyes drawn to Altair's violet. The sound of footsteps leaving the boat reached her ears, warning her that they needed to get up. So she got up on her feet with a few wobbly steps, never letting go of Altair's arm, although she no longer squeezed shut a vein. "Did you like that? It reminded me of a ship dropping in orbit real quickly!"

---

​

tag @Sreeya ​

 

[Altair Din]

Altair’s tail was firmly coiled around her and he had to chuckle at the way Clove fiercely clung to him. This was the same girl that faced down terrifying Sith on the battlefield or did dangerous rescue operations in the middle of an orbital bombardment. The tiefling kept as close to her as possible, though he was determined to show her this could be fun. He had his smile the entire time and he whoop’d in cheer each time the boat did its swing. Eventually he saw her ease into it and even let out a giggle, though he had no clue it was because she was focused on his reaction. It was infectious as it made him happier in turn and he enjoyed the experience that much more.

He held her hand and gently helped her off the ride after it was over. Altair nodded, “I love that ride! My family and I used to go on these. My little brother would puke without fail every time,” He rolled his eyes at that, “Did you like it? You seemed to ease up near the end there!” Altair said excitedly, believing he had converted her to find a newfound love of rides.

The tiefling checked his dataphone for the time and his smile faded a bit. Altair sighed, “I promised your ma I’d bring you back on time,” He said quietly, “We can probably do one more ride before I gotta start takin' you back,” There was no hiding the disappointment in his tone and his tail drooped slightly.

“You ready to try a coaster?” Altair asked, pointing to one up ahead. It went fast, but it didn’t go upside down.

Whether they went that way or not, there was a hollowness he felt at having to part ways. He wanted nothing more than to find more hours in the day and spend every moment with her. He wanted to find a place to be alone with her and be away from the galaxy and people. Altair knew their paths took them different ways all the time, and he didn’t know when he would even see her again. He had cemented their kiss to memory and he would never forget this day, but he craved and ached for so much more.

The tiefling was withdrawn in his thoughts, appearing slightly dejected as he walked by her side, the point of his tail dragging along the ground.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

"Your brother would puke?" Clove giggled softly, "Well, at least I beat your brother!" She noticed the excitement in his voice and the sway in his tail, which warmed her heart even more. "Yeah, I enjoyed it!" He didn't need to know why she liked it; what mattered was that she liked it, which she did.

She hadn't been paying attention to the time, so when Altair pointed out that it was almost time to go home, her ears started to droop. Still, there was some time left, enough for them to hop on one ride. So, she decided to try to focus on that for the time being and grinned at the Tiefling when he pointed to one of the roller coasters. It seemed fast, so Altair would surely enjoy it. "Okay! Let's go to it!"

But, despite her best efforts to focus on the time they still had left, she'd be lying if she said she didn't feel sadness creeping into her chest as they walked silently towards the coaster. Altair, by the looks of things, was clearly feeling the same way. His once-joyous swinging tail had sagged to the point of dragging across the tiles. And she couldn't really blame him. While fate always ensured they met, even if it meant meeting on the battlefield, fate also had a fun twisted way of keeping them apart. If the Force's Will was real, it was borderline sadistic. And now that she'd tasted what his love was like, having to accept they'd be planets apart and the possibility of meeting as enemies was a bitter pill she couldn't stomach.

If she could blow out her birthday candle one more time, she'd wish for time to freeze.

Still. She couldn't stand seeing him so sad. So Clove took in a deep breath and hopped closer to Altair, her hip brushing against his as they made their way towards the coaster. "Hey! We still have some time left, and maybe you can stay for dinner? I heard there'd be falling stars tonight." She'd smile and shrug before resting her head on his shoulder. It made walking awkward, and Force knew that people were staring at them in disbelief, but she didn't care. She wanted to be as close as possible while she still could.

Finally arriving at the coaster, Clove noticed a minimum height check. It looked like some type of wizard with flowy red robes, its arm acting as the height minimum. Some kids were posing in front of it, hoping to pass the threshold and enter the queue. Curiously she began to approach it, her eyes squinting slightly as she read the number on its arm. 4'7". She was 4'9". The sudden realization that she was barely tall enough to ride the coaster made her snort, and she began dragging Altair toward the check without hesitation. She'd gotten somewhat used to the children who fled in terror and took the opportunity to pose in front of the check, just like them. "Look! Imagine if I did the check without the heels!" She said while looking up at him with a cheery and entertained grin. "You'd have to smuggle me in!"

She walked into the line while still grinning, but her nerves were beginning to return. But this time she somewhat knew what to expect and that it would make Altair happy. On top of that, the decoration once they got to the inside portion of the queue, that of a wizard's tower with magical floating candles and potion bottles, was enough to cause her to cast a wonder-filled glance in all directions.

---

​

tag @Sreeya ​

 

[Altair Din]

Altair’s tail picked up again when he felt her lean against him as they walked. While it was almost a bit comical given their height difference, it brought him nothing but joy. The smile was back on his face and he adjusted so his arm wrapped around her to tug her close, always savoring the way she fit against him. It was all new and exhilarating and he had no idea he had wanted this for so long.

“Would…that be okay with your ma?” Altair asked softly. The way he was raised, everything was Ma’s rules. However, he couldn’t deny that staying a bit longer was everything he wanted at that moment. It added a pep to his step and his tail was back to full on swaying once more and all without him even realizing.

There was a moment of concern as Clove walked towards the height check. She barely met the requirement by the wizard and Altair exhaled in relief, “Wait, stand there, this is a milestone occasion that you ain’t too short for something,” He chuckled as he took out his dataphone and took a picture of her standing next to the wizard.

Altair helped her get on the coaster like before, double checking her straps even after the attendant strapped them in. His tail once again found its way around her as he gazed at her, “Ready?!” Altair grabbed the bar in front of him as the coaster began its slow climb. It was always a false sense of security when coasters did this as they arrived at the peak. There was a pause as he felt the breeze up here brush against his hair and he looked over at Clove.

A moment later, the deep plunge happened, the coaster careening down and swerving around all through the tracks. Altair cheered loudly and even raised his arms up as he felt that wonderful weightless sensation again. He felt like a little kid again and he kept looking over at Clove for her reaction.

The coaster did several more twists and turns, their surroundings smearing into a blur because of how fast they were going. After a while, it finally came to a stop. Altair was grinning from ear to ear, his hair completely disheveled from the rush of the wind. He uncoiled his tail from Clove as the straps were removed.

“What did you think?!” He asked excitedly, a small part of him hoping she wouldn’t double over and throw up.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

"Oh yeh! Mum won't mind, after all, the more the merrier." Glad to see that Altair was starting to feel better again, Clove grinned at him. And she wasn't lying. She knew her mother would be overjoyed at the idea of cooking dinner for the boy she was smitten with. She'd go to any length to make Clove happy. Well, almost anything anyway.

Something about the way Altair double-checked the straps before wrapping his tail around her made her stop and quietly stare at him. Her stomach squeezed together as if something tickled it, but it didn't feel wrong or unpleasant. They were butterflies. His protective and warm touch gave her butterflies. Her cheeks started to burn, and she was about to say how silly that felt before the coaster's shacking stopped her in her tracks.

She shifted her attention away from the Tiefling and onto the track in front of her with widening eyes. "Uh! I'm ready yeh!" She replied while quickly grabbing the bar ahead of her. Deep breathe in, deep breathe out. Do it for Altair's sake. He'll enjoy it. She told herself this over and over again as the roller coaster rose higher and higher, bracing herself for the worst. And yet, when they arrived at the top of the coaster, she was met with a strange sense of peace and security. The way she could see the park, the sun setting and painting the world in golden rays, the wind blowing through her hair, it was pleasant. All while sharing that stunning view with someone far more stunning. Her breath was taken away by the way that same ray accented his jaw and painted his completely black hair, turning it into a shimmer blanket of gold. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

And then the coaster dropped.

It was just as bad as she'd imagined and then some.

Her neck muscles tensed as her hands tightened around the bar to the point where her knuckles turned white, all while letting out a yelp. It was worse than any crash she'd been in, and she'd been in a lot of them in her shuttle. The butterflies she had felt only moments before had vanished, unable to withstand the twists and turns her stomach was making. And yet, even now she couldn't help but hear Altair's joyful cheers. He was overjoyed, as if he was experiencing the ride for the first time in his life. It was enough to make her lips curl up slightly among the yelps.

Finally the ride came to a stop. Clove sat there frozen for a moment, her hair, like Altair's, a total shambles. Her muscles began to warm up again, and she gradually began to move. It took a few seconds for her hands to let go of the bar, but once she did, she rose to her feet, clutching whatever she could to support her trembling legs. But, despite her fear of collapsing and emptying her stomach, she managed to recompose herself. For the most part, anyway. So when Altair asked how she liked the ride, she turned to face him and his ear-to-ear grin. "Hmm. While it was perhaps a bit too fast, I think I can get used to it! And I loved the wind in my hair!" She softly smiled as she re-grabbed his hand. It was terrifying, but for him, she'd keep trying until she was cheering alongside him.

As they moved back in the direction of the speeder, Clove once again tucked her head against Altair's shoulder. Knowing he'd stay for dinner made her feel better about leaving the park, though she secretly wished they'd never had to leave. Still, Clove was humming a gentle song by the time they climbed into the speeder. And, where she'd once sneaked glances on the way to the park, she was now staring at him with her cheek against the side of the chair, taking in every detail she could find until he'd ultimately vanish from her sight once again.

"Mum's cooking isn't as good as yours, but! We'll have salmon lasagna made with fresh Naboo salmon. Or, at least, as fresh as fresh meat and fish from another planet can be." Clove laughed softly as the speeder began to approach farmhouse. "I hope you don't mind that it's fish, because it's one of my favorites!"

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[Altair Din]

Altair was actually familiar with the song and he went as far as actually singing it, his beautiful and melodious voice resounding for her as they drove back. He entwined their fingers as he took them back towards her homestead, “I love fish! We used to eat it all the time whenever my brothers and pa would come back from a camping trip. And there ain't nothing that ever compares to a ma's cooking," Altair smiled at her.

By the time they arrived, the sun had gone down and he walked to the door of the house with Clove. It was only then that he finally released her hand, unsure of how her mother would react to the change in dynamic from when they left. Altair smiled at Kaalina when she was at the door.

“Told you I’d bring her back on time,” The tiefling smiled brightly at the older woman as they were allowed in. Clove would notice he was exceptionally polite and helped set the table and prepare for dinner. He had been raised as such by his family and he was certainly taught how to behave if he was ever meeting the parents of a girl he liked.

Altair took a seat next to Clove. He smiled at Kaalina, “You’ll be thrilled to know that Clove was very brave and rode a coaster today and wasn't even scared,” Altair chuckled as he looked back at the half-Annfyn and playfully nudged her.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

When the two arrived, Kaalina was already standing by the door. "Indeed, thank you for taking such good care of my little girl; please come right in," she said gently, opening the door further to let them both in. The farmhouse's usual light colors had faded, making way for the warm oranges of the candles that lit the house. Sure, they had electricity, but in Kaalina's opinion, nothing beats the comfort of candles at night. And, well, no one was brave enough to stand up to Kaalina when she set her mind to something.

Clove's ears twitched slightly as she brushed her shoes against the doormat, listening for the sound of soft snores. And, as she expected, a melody of albeit quiet wood saws emanated from the living room. "Sssh, let's go to the kitchen! Dad's taking his pre-dinner nap. I think he just returned from work." She chuckled to Altair before making her way to the kitchen, where the aroma of food hit them right away. Clove's nose rose into the air, her eyes closed, and she smiled at the comfort the scent provided. Her eyes reopened, and with Altair by her side, she cheerfully started helping her mother prepare dinner and set the table.

A short man with deep dark brown eyes and a head full of small brown curls sat down at the table near the end of the preparation. When the three of them sat down, he looked at Altair with no fear in his eyes. He'd seen far stranger species at the clinic and knew better than to judge based on appearances. He was more interested in figuring out who the boy with the horns was. And then it clicked. "OH! You must be Altair, son." He let out a warm belly laugh. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you! I'm glad you could join us for dinner! I've been dying to meet the boy Clo has been rattling on about." He frowned for a moment before raising his brows. "Where have my manners gone?! My name is Ron Vanhoop, Clo's father." He extended his hand to the Tiefling, giving him what he thought was a firm handshake. In reality wasn't much stronger than Clove's grip, but he gave it a try.

Clove's cheeks burned brightly throughout their interaction, which was worsened when Altair playful nudged her and mentioned how brave she was. "Oh! Uhm! I tried my best! It was very fun with Altair." She replied back. "Ah. A coaster, sweetheart?" Kaalina slid some salmon onto her fork. "I'm glad you two had a good time." Clove lowered her gaze to the lasagna, fiddling with a layer of cheese and spinach with her fork. She was having dinner with Altair and her family, with no problems what-so-ever. Even in her wildest dreams, she never imagined this day would come true. Yet here they were, cracking jokes while eating some of her most favorite food. "So, how did you like my cake, son? I noticed that some of the slices were missing!" Ron raised his large rounded eyes to Altair, a proud grin on his lips.

When the four of them had finished their meals, Kaarlina stood up, stacking the dirty plates together and lifting them off the table. "Would you like to join me in the kitchen, Altair? It's for dessert." She didn't wait for a response before turning and heading to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Ron shifted his gaze to Clove, his warm smile giving way to a mischievous grin. "He's taller than you said he'd be. Very.. chiseled, isn't he?" The man laughed, and Clove responded with a groan. "I've never seen a Tiefling with four horns before; I wonder if it's a genetic trait. Is he nice to you?"—"Yeh, very sweet!"—"If he hurts you, just you wait Clo!"

Despite his efforts to speak somewhat quietly, Ron's warm and joyful voice carried far throughout the house. Kaalina was gliding through the kitchen, placing the dishes into the sink and pretending she hadn't heard the two at the dining table before turning her gaze to Altair. "If you don't mind, I bought some candles and edible flowers to place on top of this Viennetta Icecream cake. Care to help?"

---

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tag @Sreeya ​

 

[Altair Din]

There was a flash of nervousness when Clove’s father appeared. Damn, he was meeting the whole family?! He was suddenly especially aware of his hair which looked slightly disheveled. He probably looked ridiculous and of course that’s how he was meeting her father. He cleared his throat and offered a smile, extending a hand to return the man a firm handshake like he was taught. He tried to ignore how his face was heating up from hearing about Clove supposedly talking about him, “Great to meet you, sir. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your beautiful homestead.”

The tiefling tried not to think too much and eased into the setting, helping himself to the meal. Altair was on his best behavior and politely passed around dishes to others and savored each bite, “This is absolutely delicious,” He said, “Reminds me of homecooked meals back home,” Altair said with a smile, “I don’t go back as often as I want to so this is real nice,” He couldn’t help hints of his farmer accent slipping through.

Altair nodded at Ron, “The cake was great! Have you tried mine?” He asked brightly. It wasn’t often that he met others that genuinely enjoyed cooking or baking. Altair looked over when Kaalina asked him to join her in the kitchen. He nodded and followed at once, insisting that she let him carry the pile of dishes instead.

The tiefling also did his best to pretend he didn’t hear what Clove’s father had said, his tail swishing back and forth in small jerky motions. He actually began to clean up the dishes quickly just to get it out of the way. Altair then glanced over at the cake and smiled, “Of course, Mrs. Vanhoop,” He said as he dried off his hands and helped arrange the flowers. She would notice he did it in particular aesthetic patterns and with great care, “Are there more pink ones? Those are her favorite,” He said as he arranged the candles and flowers. He took a moment to glance at the Annfyn and smiled, “Thank you again for letting me be a part of her special day.. Sh-she means a lot to me..” He blurted out without meaning to. He cleared his throat and looked back at the cake, “Um, I think it’s ready.”

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

"I have! I immediately stole a slice when I saw it." Ron blurted out, his eyes widening at the boy. "I have to say, I'm not sure how you managed to make that icing. It's delicious. I couldn't believe my ears when Kaalina told me it wasn't from a professional baker!" The man leaned in closer, clearly impressed, if not inspired, by the Tiefling's skills. This fascination and interest persisted throughout the dinner, with several questions about baking being fired at the Altair.

Even though Clove was talking with her father after dinner, she couldn't ignore the voices coming from the kitchen. Thankfully, Ron changed the subject to some of the oddities he discovered in the wheat field today, so she could nod respectfully while trying to smother the big grin that desperately tried to sneak its way to her lips. She meant a lot to him! He had no reason to tell her mother unless he truly meant it. Sure, they kissed. And in the Force, his emotions felt very genuine! But he told her mother!

Kaalina moved to the side, allowing Altair to perform his magic and help him where she could. When he mentioned the pink flowers, she paused, looking at the Tiefling for a few moments before handing him a few more. "There you go. You seem to know her very well." She noticed his smile and the way he expressed how much he cared. "I'm just glad you're making her happy; that's all we want for her as her parents." She paused. "It looks lovely. Let's get it on the table."

That was Clove's cue to sit up straighter and focus on the doorway. Although she had heard what was going on, the sight still caused her lips to curl into a bright smile. "Oh, it's beautiful," she said in a whisper, her gaze fixed on the delicately arranged flowers. She admired the flowers, especially the pink ones, for a few seconds before shifting her focus on the candle. It wasn't a traditional birthday candle, that one she had already blown out in the morning, but she didn't care. It'd do. Before closing her eyes and blowing out a candle, Clove turned her head to face Altair for a brief moment, gazing up into his eyes. A wish radiated from inside her heart, lingering in the front of her mind as the flame turned into smoke.

To never lose her four-horned Tiefling.

The atmosphere was light and cheerful, and the ice cake was quickly devoured. And in between it all, Clove tried to eat a hand full of flowers before pulling many faces of regret. Flowers, no matter how cute they looked, were not her thing to eat. She rose up once everyone was finished, collecting the plates and turning to her mother after recovering from the pungent taste in her mouth. "Mum? Do you mind if Altair and I go to the apple tree in the backyard?" Kaalina wiped the corners of her lips with a napkin as she stared at her daughter in thought. "Hm. What are you planning on doing there?" Clove bit her lip, feeling the blood rush into her ears. "There'd be falling stars this week, and today would be a good day to see some." She blurted out. "So we'd like to see them." Lying wasn't exactly possible while living with someone with super-sonic ears, so she stuck to the truth, even if it made her feel uncomfortable and fidgety. "I see. Don't go past the fence; there's a picnic basket with a blanket next to the door. Be indoors around midnight, don't want you two to catch a cold."

Clove's face lit up, her fluted ears dancing up from excitement, a sight that caused Ron to chuckle. "Thank you, mum and pa! And thank you for the wonderful dinner!" She quickly kissed both of her parents on the cheek and embraced them tightly before grabbing Altair by the sleeve and dragging him over to the back door. She swung open the door with a grin, revealing a large yard of land, connecting to grain fields. A light wooden fence surrounded the land, marking its borders. And in the back of it all, a tall lone apple tree stood proudly, swaying gently in the wind "Come! Can you take the basket with you, if you don't mind?!" she said enthusiastically while untying the white straps that held her shoes and kicking them off near the door. She stepped out onto her bare feet and started to hobble-run past the path and into the grass, all the while inhaling deeply and savoring the fresh night air.

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[Altair Din]

Altair sang along for her birthday cake cutting and clapped as she blew out the candles. He didn’t miss her glance over at him briefly before she made her wish. Whatever it was, he hoped it would come true. He also couldn’t help but smile as her mother fussed over her, and he was reminded exactly of how his own Ma always warned about catching colds even though tieflings could withstand extreme weathers.

The tiefling stared in awe as they stepped out into the back fields, glancing up at the stunning sky stretched out for miles. If he thought the lands were beautiful during the day, this was absolutely breathtaking. Altair vaguely nodded as he took the basket, kicking off his own shoes. He couldn’t take his eyes off the sky, following behind her. He looked over when she began to hobble run and he quickly caught up with a chuckle, “Slow down or you’re gonna eat it,” He reminded her as he fell into step by her in case she did so.

Finding a spot near the tree, Altair unrolled the blanket and set the basket down. He didn’t hesitate as he grasped Clove by the hand and guided her down to the blanket with him. Altair plopped down on his back and tugged her down next to him. From here, he stared up at the sky in wonder, the lights reflecting against his brilliant purple eyes.

Theme​

There was no smog here, no pollution. Each breath he took was fresh, crisp air. He tugged Clove to himself, snuggling her against himself as he stared up. He couldn’t imagine a more perfect night or place to be, all thoughts of Sith or Jedi as far from his mind as possible. His tail lazily flipped side to side against the grass in contentment.

“As guilty as I feel for sayin’ this,” He said as he tilted his head to look at her, their faces inches apart, “I’m glad your friends were too busy,” Altair admitted softly, “I’m glad it was just you and me.”

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

"Fineee!" Clove huffed after being reminded to slow down because there was a good chance her legs would give out, and the last thing she needed was toppling over and ruining her dress. So she slowed down, smiling up at Altair for a moment before returning her gaze to the sky above. She'd taken this walk before; the apple tree was one of her favorite spots. But it's never felt as special as it did now and the stars had never looked so bright before.

She laughed as she watched Altair unroll the blanket before grabbing her by the hand and dragging her down onto it. A new wave of shyness washed over her, reminding her of how awkward she felt sleeping against his chest on that tree. But this time she was determined to be less stiff and to fully enjoy the moment.

Altair's hand pulled her against him until her head was almost against his, snuggling ever so closely together and giving her the push she needed to fully relax. She felt her body practically wrapped around his warm side, keeping her cozy in the night and protecting her. It was as though she had always belonged in the empty space under his arm; it was a place where she fit naturally. Clove sighed deeply and relaxedly, allowing herself to snuggle even closer, her hand idly grasping and holding the hem of the Tiefling's shirt.

When she heard Altair's voice, Clove's eyes met his violets. They almost seemed reflective in the night sky, lit up by all the stars above. She'd never get tired of staring at them. "Hmmm." She almost purred, her lips curled up into a bright smile so happy that her cheeks squeezed against her eyelids until they nearly shut. She inched closer before resting her forehead against his. "I'm glad as well, this has been the best birthday of my life. Scratch that... the best day of my life, I think. Thank you so much for coming; it was the best gift you could ever give me." It had truly been a day unlike any other. A day where she felt like just Clove, exploring new parts of the galaxy and experiencing things she desired for the first time. A day when she was truly free, with no wheelchair, no Jedi or Sith, and no mental burden, at least for the most part. Just Clove, spending the best day with Altair. Words could not express how grateful she was.

She rolled in the grass until she was on her side, her forehead never leaving his all while the hand that held his shirt let go, curling over his chest and relaxing lazily on top of it. "You know... You are so handsome and kind. Your eyes shine almost as bright as a flame, and it's nearly impossible to look away from you. And I don't want to, ever." Her gaze danced up, with their foreheads touching the Tiefling's horns curled right next to the sides of her heads. "And your horns are amazing, and I love your piercings, and... everything about you is just..." Her voice trailed off for a moment. "I've always wanted to say those things ever since I saw you run on that field during Huttball. Even sooner I think. And now... now I can!"

Clove giggled, her leg brushing against his. "I never thought I'd say something like that to anyone." She whispered, her fingers idly drawing random patterns on his shirt. Clove didn't have much of a filter, but there was a lot she knew she couldn't say out loud because people would judge her. So being so open, so intimate without a zero filter, all while underneath the endless sky above... It felt oddly freeing.

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