Right Now

[The Eternal (?)]

Valentine was worse for wear, his body sore and bruised from his operation of rescuing Arda from deep Sith territory. He didn't know where she was and now that was safe, he didn't care for the moment. The Jedi was instructed to come back to Kashyyyk, having to perform tasks under General Greybok's orders to prove his worth again to his fellow Jedi and soldiers. While it would be annoying, to say the least, Valentine didn't mind that he was made to do this. It had been a while since he had returned to his roots of the Rebel military and surprisingly he was quite excited to have the feeling of boots on the ground again.

But before any of that happened, Val had heard from people that the Mando's had helped with the evacuations. He hadn't heard what completely happen, just word of mouth that the Sith had attacked while people tried to escape. It angered Val that he had left before any of this happened, wishing he could have stayed to defend his home but a student needed to be saved and he couldn't just ignore the call to do it. Not only had the Mandos helped but he had felt her signature the moment he landed as he also heard her name whispered around him, Raz Solus. She was here and he was beelining straight to her, pushing past people that recognized him as he would only offer a nod here and there.

Val ascended some stairs that wrapped around a tree like a snake, leading all the way to the top and a separate house that was away from the rest. He felt the strain in his legs but eventually made his way to the top before rasping his knuckles against the door. When Raz opened it, Val's face would have tiny cuts on it along with bruises that nearly took up his whole cheek. She would be able to see that the damage continued further under his clothing but covered by his battle-scarred and tattered clothing. The moment she opened it, Val thought he had his words planned and know what to say it but the sight of her washed everything away like it usually did.

Val just stepped forward and claimed her lips before she could speak, breathing her in as she could taste the hunger and passion on his lips. His arm wrapped around her waist as he pulled her in tighter against him before lifting her up. Now that Val had started he couldn't stop, continuing to walk forward with Raz in his arms until they stopped and that meant her back hitting the wall and his body pressing against hers. Val finally separated their lips, breathing hard before murmuring breathlessly, "Talk after." He had just dealt with a life-threatening situation and right now all he wanted was to feel good and Raz was his antidote.

 

[Raz Solus]

It had been barely a day since she had helped Greybok fend off the Sith and the Trandoshan forces after breaching the walls. It had been grand battle that took the efforts of both their people. She had lost many men and women, as had Greybok, but it had been worth it in the end. They had been able to push back the Sith threat. However, it revealed something horrible - the Sith knew about rebel presence here. She couldn’t fathom how they had come to know that, but it meant the base she had set up for her people was also in danger.

Raz had set up a temporary camp here, rapidly comming clan leaders to get them to rally troops and move them here at once. The Sith wouldn’t ease off Kashyyyk so quickly, and they would be back for another round. This time, she and her Mandalorians would be prepared even better. One thing was for certain - she had a lot more faith in the alliance after fighting alongside Greybok. She her grown to truly respect the Wookiee, and they had fought and bled side by side. They had been in the thick of battle, both convinced they would die. Yet in the end, it had all been worth it and they lived to fight another day.

She had sustained her fair share of injures. She had bruised ribs, various cuts on her arm and one of her legs. Raz was bandaged on her leg, having reopened her injury where Wyatt had stabbed her. She had also taken a hit to the face, one of her eyes bruised and her lip slightly cut.

Raz looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, grimacing at the sight. She spat blood out in the sink before washing it away and making her way back to the main room. She had been on the comms this entire time, organizing and managing efforts to bring troops here. She was also speaking with other Mandos that were helping with the evacuation efforts.

Before she could pick up the comms again, Raz heard a sharp knock on the door. She gritted her teeth, not wanting to answer the door. She didn’t have her armor on, and she had no intention of putting it on or open the door. Just in case, she walked forth and looked through a slit in the door to see who it was. Raz audibly gasped, throwing the door open.

“Cyar’ika-” She barely choked out before he burst in and captured her lips with his own. She winced as their lips collided, and he would taste the coppery hint of blood. Raz didn’t care, however, her arms wrapping around his neck as she sprang up to fasten her legs around his hips. She didn’t care about all the pains from her injuries, or that he looked like he had been through hell and back. All she cared about was that he was here, and she gave into the kiss, hungrily returning it as if she had never kissed before.

Her back all but slammed against a wall before he finally pulled back slightly. Raz gazed into his eyes, feeling a flood of emotions at seeing him again, “Where have you-” He cut her off once more, and she didn’t argue. Raz grabbed fistfuls of his hair and pulled him back into a kiss, her entire body grasping onto his tightly. Her cybernetic arm pinned him close to herself, the mechanical fingers furiously grasping onto his clothing. She felt a wave of emotions wash over as she kissed him, and it ranged from anger, relief, worry, fury, to everything in between and so many others that she simply didn’t understand yet.

 

[The Eternal (?)]

---​

Tiny rays of light spilled into the bedroom, each one coming from a small slit in the wall that lit up the room. Valentine slowly opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling for a few moments before directing his gaze to the window. The curtains fluttered from the wind as the sound of distant animals and wookies also came through the window, letting everybody know they were on the planet and made it their home. Val's gaze then slowly directed downwards, finding Raz curled up beside him as he smiled down at her. He would always welcome the sight of her beside him every morning, nothing sounded better than that really and he drew her in closer, enjoying her warmth. Val's fingers traversed up and down her arm, feeling her flesh then turn to metal before feeling that metal turn to flesh once more. He wondered if it bothered her anymore, it reflecting the light back and giving it a shiny appearance.

Looking down at her, he noticed all the small cuts and bruises she suffered herself. Val assumed it was from helping defend his people from the Stih. He was eternally grateful for it, wondering what would have happened had she and her clan members not shown up. Val flexed his fingers before the familiar golden light came out from it, shining the golden light down on Raz as the small cuts sealed themselves up. She was still asleep and would feel a warmth wrap around her whole body as he helped her. Val couldn't help but chuckle softly, seeming to always be finding himself treating her or vice versa. It was just how their lives worked, always jumping into danger.

Val wondered now what was left to do, taking the time to go over his thoughts, his back against the headboard now as he stared at his legs and Raz who was curled against him. The Sith knew where they were now. They could come back any minute for another attack or worse show up with a fleet. Val didn't want Dantooine to happen all over again and it made him worry and wonder what was next. Thankfully the others split up to undisclosed locations, at least giving them some chance if they were compromised once more. They couldn't suffer a close call like that again, the Sith nearly having a chance to deal a crippling blow to the GA that could set them back weeks or even months of work. Plans would need to be done and Val would need to convene with General Greybok soon to work out those details. But as Val glanced down at Raz, he realized he wanted his time to decompress and just spend it with someone he cared for.

 

[Raz Solus]

Raz was fast asleep against Val, completely detached from the world. It was hard to believe that just two days ago she had been charging into battle with a sea of Mandalorians and Wookiees, fighting for the freedom of the people from slavery. Amidst it all, Sith had arrived and they had to fight them off as well. She hadn’t properly relaxed since, only sleeping here and there and spending the rest of the time pacing and planning. Val had the uncanny ability of making her feel comfortable enough to completely doze off without a care in the world.

She didn’t even wake up when he brushed his hand against her arm and onto the cybernetic. Raz was breathing softly and only snuggled up closer to him in her sleep. She was far removed from the thoughts and concerns he had going through his mind now, and she was in her peaceful dreams that were much more beautiful than the harsh realities of the war she was caught between. The moments ticked by and Raz kept sleeping, not stirring a bit for a while.

Abruptly, her comlink began to ring. Raz suddenly jerked awake, groaning in protest as she rubbed her eyes and slapped around the side of her bed till she retrieved it, clicking it on, “Okay,” She grumbled sleepily, “Yeah… Naboo might be a lost cause then,” Raz sighed, listening to the voice on the other line for a moment, “Yeah, bring the basilisks and redirect some of the fleet. We’ll have to brace ourselves for a second Kashyyyk attack...Ugh, I’ll deal with that later,” She switched off the comlink and tossed it aside.

Raz tilted her head to look at him, regarding him properly for the first time since he walked through her door the night prior. She looked down at her wounds, noticing that some of them hurt a lot less and looked better than before, “Did you…” Raz rolled her eyes and smiled, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek, “So.. did you mind trick the guards up front to get to me?” She eyed him quizzically. Now that she was Mand’alor, she was far less accessible than before. Guards and sentries were stationed outside her quarters around the clock. She had found the gesture to be unnecessary, but the clan leaders insisted.

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Raz seemed all too comfortable against him and Valentine didn't mind in the slightest, slowly closing his eyes as he just waited for her to awake. That's when her commlink rang loudly, forcing both of them to open their eyes as she reached over with a few attempts to pick it up. Val glanced over at her as she talked into the comm piece, speaking about redirecting some of her fleet and droids while also preparing for a second attack. He didn't know how many losses they had suffered during their last attack but he was here now and willing to help if need be. It still frustrated him that the Sith had attacked mere hours after he had left for Arda and he felt like it was his fault that they lost as many as they did.

Raz broke him out of his thoughts, making him glance down her body as she did and noticed that the smaller wounds were healed and made her skin appear brand new. Val could only smile back at her as she kissed his cheek, showing her gratitude as he kissed the top of her head in return. When Raz asked if he mind tricked the guards to get through, Val arched an eyebrow out her before scoffing softly, "Please, I'm a Jedi. It was easy to sneak past them. Plus takes less time than doing that." He wasn't one for mind tricks or peering into people's skull. Val was one more to be upfront and just tell someone how he felt then playing tricks and expected the same of people, only choosing to peer into their head if it was drastically needed.

Val stretched out his legs with a groan before sliding onto his back and resting his head on the pillow. One of his hands slid to hers and interlocked their fingers, pulling her gently so she would rest on his chest and let him look down at her. With that same hand, he raised his thumb from the jumbled fingers and stroked her cheek gently. "I'm sorry I wasn't here last time. You have my services now if the Sith attack again." It was weird to think that they used to be running from them but now they were in open combat, the secret about the Jedi out and now basically in a full-blown war. Val was thankful, to say the least, to have Raz by his side, wondering where they would be at the moment if her people hadn't helped.

 

[Raz Solus]

Raz rolled her eyes as he mentioned it was easy. Did he realize he was low key insulting her people? She pushed the thought aside, more focused on the fact that he was alive and well. Raz eyed him for a moment as he entwined their fingers and eased into the bed. She shifted to rest on his chest, her eyes gazing ahead at the light coming in through the curtains that opened up to the balcony. Kashyyyk had beauty all around, and they were in a treehouse that overlooked cliffs and waterfalls. There was no sign of civilization on the other side, the Wookiees really giving her some of the best quarters they had to offer.

She looked back at him as he apologized for not being there before. It had been quite some time since they last met. Did he even know that she was Mand’alor now? He had to, especially with all the guards poised outside and the fact that the rebels talked about her nonstop. Raz said nothing for a moment, thinking back to the night before. Where had all that come from? He was...different. She had her curiosities, but she didn’t know whether to even broach the subject or not.

In the end, she moved and swung a leg over him, propping up to sit on his stomach. Raz smiled down at him, though it faded slightly as he took in sight of all the injuries he sustained from wherever he had been. Her hand brushed over his warm skin, roaming over the new bruises and cuts on his body, “You should evacuate with the others, cyar’ika,” She muttered quietly. She knew it was foolish to even suggest such a thing and he would never listen.

“They need you,” Raz met his gaze, “You are more use to your people with them than away from them. I can handle myself. I always have,” She shrugged, looking out towards the beauty that waited just beyond the balcony. So much had happened since they parted. She had killed one of her brothers, she had the weight of her entire people on her shoulders, and she felt out of her element. Raz was afraid to ever reveal her weaknesses, and now here was one right in front of her. She purposely kept her gaze facing away, not wanting to admit that she wanted nothing more than to know he was safe somewhere else instead of in danger where she was, “The next regiment ships out later this evening, so you can just hitch a ride.”

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Raz suddenly swung a leg over him, making Valentine look over to her as she now sat on top of his stomach. He tilted his head to look at her from this angle, a smile touching his lips, "This is something I could get used to seeing." A smile was on her face as well but it faded after a few moments, not truly seeing the cuts and bruises he had across his body. Her hands slowly traveled down his chest as her fingers lightly ran over the marks, Val closing his eyes for a moment as he enjoyed the warmth of her fingers before opening his eyes as he heard her speak. The look on his face said it all and that her prediction was right, he wasn't going to listen to her and his eyes seemed to silently ask what she was thinking.

Val had already left before and missed the attack, he wasn't going to let that happen again and especially now that Raz was here. "I'm not leaving Raz. I wasn't here for the first attack and I could have helped." His hands went to her hips, both of his index fingers traveling up and down her ribs. "My people will be fine, they're moving to undisclosed locations. Besides, I'm supposed to stay with General Greybok, part of my punishment and reform for being a part of the Corellia attack." Val didn't know what to expect from this, wondering if the General would give him grueling work as some lesson or just pointless tasks to waste his time. Either way, he was going to stay and that wasn't going to change despite how he sensed Raz felt about the situation. Glancing up to her, his hand came up and cupped her cheek, tilting her gaze to look back to his amber eyes.

That same hand pulled her down so that her face rested next to Val's, tilting his head so he captured her lips for a few seconds. It made her lay flat against his torso and Val enjoyed her warmth. "Good thing I plan on catching up some rest as the ships leave out." Even though he could tell Raz wanted him to leave, he chuckled softly before kissing her on the nose like he always did. "I can sense something is bothering you." Val's other hand came up and stroked her cheek, his fingers then placing some strands of hair behind her ear. "What's wrong?" Something was bothering her and he didn't know what. Val did know that she was Mandalore now but he hadn't had time to fully congratulate her, the moment he saw her they had made love before passing out and just waking up now. But something was up with her and he wanted to know what it was.

 

[Raz Solus]

Raz wasn’t surprised when she heard him say he wasn’t going anywhere. She sighed and shook her head, already irritated about the situation, "Cyar'ika.." She began softly. However, when he kept speaking, she froze. Her head whipped back around so she met his gaze, a dangerous look on her face suddenly, “Part of your what?” She hissed, her jaw tightening. He would immediately feel a surge of anger course through her. She was seeing red, not even processing anything else he said beyond that. Raz’s cybernetic hand curled into a fist, metal grating against metal.

“You are being punished for aiding us on Corellia?” She didn’t allow him to pull her close, suddenly moving off him and off the bed entirely. Raz walked over to the side and began to gather up her clothing, “I have some kriffing choice words to exchange with Ion or Greybok,” Venom dripped from her voice as she put on her undergarments, beyond angry at learning about this. Raz was already losing her patience with the alliance, and while she respected Greybok, this new realization made her angry all over again.

“How the kriff could they? Are they actively trying to discourage us working together?” Raz was pacing around now, walking towards a wall and slamming her fist into it. She didn’t even care that the cybernetic blew a hole right into it, and she retracted the arm to continue pacing. Raz shook her head and walked to the next room opening up a case where her full Beskar’gam was stored.

“Risking my men to have shared control of Kashyyyk, sending my fleets and resources to help them evacuate and they’re punishing people for helping us fight Sith? Val cuyir di'kut!” She muttered viciously to herself as she began putting on plates of armor. Raz wasn’t even looking at Val then, completely blinded by rage. She had snapped, and she was entirely losing her patience with these allies that constantly found new ways to push her over the edge. As someone that always led attacks directly against the Sith and being overt, she didn’t understand the concept of hiding or not risking a reveal of her people. In her mind, there was no reason for the rebellion to hide, especially not after the alliance with the Mandalorians had happened.

 

[The Eternal (?)]

As Valentine kept talking, he felt that surge of anger from her and he arched his eyebrow as she snapped her head towards him. He could see it flash in her eyes and Val opened his mouth to speak but her fuse was already lit, questioning his words before and hearing the sound of her metal fist tightening and scraping against itself. She asked him another angered question whether he was being punished just for aiding them. Before he could answer she had already gotten off of him and the bed, putting on her undergarments and beginning to pace. Val sighed softly as he stared at the ceiling for a moment, "Raz..." When he heard that she had choice words for the General or Commander, he knew she was being serious and he instantly got up from the bed. Slipping only his pants on, they hung loosely around his hips as he made his way over to her.

She was pacing back and forth and before he could reach her she threw a metal fist out, it easily going through the wall as splinters and debris fell to the ground. "Hey, hey." His arm went out and across her stomach, pulling her in so her back was against him. Val's other arm went under her's and diagonally across her torso, gripping onto her opposite shoulder as he kept her in tight and prevented her from pacing. Val leaned his lips into her ear, "How about we don't punch a hole through the walls?" He chuckled softly, trying to ease her anger and the situation before continuing to speak, "It's not punishment for helping you or your people. It's for not warning them about it." Val placed a light kiss on her cheek and returned the favor from the one he got in the bed, "We've been hiding for a long time and I did just thrust them out into the open without warning. Even though it needed to happen, they still have a right to be upset."

It was right what he did but still, he forced them out into the open without much as a single word. Some wouldn't be prepared for it and he expected that but it needed to be done for the rest in the galaxy. Val kept Raz against his shirtless body, welcoming her warmth as he murmured into her ear, "Besides, I'm sure the mighty and worthy Mandalore wouldn't like it if one of her men conducted an attack without telling her first?" He gave her a reassuring squeeze with both of his arms, his way of congratulating her without pressing too much on the subject. When he said the word he could sense when her emotions fluctuate around it, knowing it was a sensitive subject but not the reason. Val was still new to Mando culture and was learning about it on his own time, using whatever free time he could really when he wasn't spending it with the Order or with Raz. He understood that she felt everyone in her clan was like family and he assumed in order to achieve her position a sacrifice had to be made. Val leaned his head down, lightly kissing her shoulder, "I'm proud of you."

He whispered the words against his skin, not needing her to explain if she didn't want to. But Val wanted her to know that she had his support and he would always be in her corner. "So if you don't mind, could we hold whatever choice words you have for the Commander or General? I'm already in the doghouse enough." Val laughed softly, imaging Raz just storming in either the General's or Commander's tent and giving them a torrent of words that would make their cheeks flush. He would have loved to see it but he already had enough on his plate when it came to building their trust and relationship again.

 

[Raz Solus]

She was still on a rampage when Val came up behind her to hold her. She protest slightly at first, but it was half-hearted. In the end, she grumbled to herself as he held her tightly to himself. She angrily gazed ahead of herself as he spoke, feeling his warm skin against hers. Raz was about to argue back, but she felt the kiss on her cheek. He was being entirely unfair, instantly diffusing her with his loving gestures. She wanted to fight against it, but she found herself sinking into his arms. Raz closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, exhaled slowly as she began to calm down.

“They would never have been ready for it,” She muttered, “They are too cautious and would rather stay in the shadows forever. You did them a favor and gave the rest of the galaxy hope,” Raz grumbled under her breath. When he went on to congratulate her, she realized he knew about her new title. The words caused a faint smile, and she reached her hand up to grasp his wrist, gently brushing along his forearm where he held her. The kiss on the shoulder was tender and his words made her face feel suddenly warm. Raz was smiling now, shaking her head, “That’s not fair..” She murmured, “How do you do that?” He had somehow managed to tug her entirely back from seeing red and preparing to storm out of here.

His last question caused her to roll her eyes. She finally turned to face him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she looked at him. Raz looked into his eyes, her gaze lingering for a moment before she spoke, “Fine, I won’t say anything,” She mentioned, though still not pleased about it, “But you have to stop doing stupid shit that gets you in trouble,” Raz sighed, leaning her forehead against the top of his chest, “I worry about you more than I care to admit.”

She didn’t know when all this happened or when she lost control of her emotions or feelings. When it came to Val, nothing made sense. He caused a whirlwind of emotions in her she didn’t understand. She was stubborn as a bantha, and very few people could reel her back in once she was seeing red. He had managed it easily, and she was back to being tender with him. Raz closed her eyes, still leaning against him, “I….had to kill someone I considered as good as a brother to become Mand’alor..” She said quietly, pain shooting through her whole body. It was almost a visceral pain, the wound still raw from Wyatt’s death.

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Valentine could slowly feel the anger seep out from her body, his words and embrace doing wonders to diffuse her as he hoped. As much as the wookies appreciated his help, he didn't think they would like if they checked one of their quarters and found a bunch of holes in the walls. Raz's hand traveled along his forearm and felt her grab onto his wrist, causing him to grin behind her as he gave her shoulder another reassuring squeeze. Even though she was in front of him, he could tell she was smiling and when she called him out for not being fair, he just laughed softly at her words, "A Jedi is never supposed to reveal his secrets." Val knew the power of the weapon he had in calming her down and he certainly wasn't going to let her in on it, enjoying having the kill switch for her.

Raz spun back around, her arms sliding around his neck and fitting in place there as he stared down at her. His gaze locked with hers, the amber reflecting in the bright light before she finally admitted she wouldn't say anything. She then warned him herself not do any more stupid shit and he laughed once more, "Me and stupid shit are quite hard to separate Pip. We were together long before me and you." But Raz sighed and put her head against his chest, Val putting one of his arms around her shoulders and drawing her in closer. His lips pressed into her hair, Val staring off in front of him before closing his eyes momentarily, "I can take care of myself Raz. I don't want you stressing over me with so much on your plate right now." Val shouldn't be in her head at least in that regard, him the one being the Jedi with mystical powers. She was newly appointed Mandalore with the entire weight of her people on her shoulders, he didn't know how she had room to worry about him but he appreciated it.

When she spoke again, it was Val's turn to be quiet, just standing there with her and in his embrace. He felt the pain rip through her as she said it and how deep the wound was. Val didn't really know what to say at first, just staring at the wall behind her as she would feel his chest slowly rise and fall. "I'm sorry, Pip." He eventually murmured before kissing the top of her head tenderly before stepping back away from here. "Come here," Val slipped his fingers between hers before pulling her out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. When he approached the kitchen table he pulled one of the chairs out slightly with the force before grabbing the spine and pulling it out fully. "M'lady." Val murmured and waited for her to take her seat.

When she did, Val made his way over to the fridge, some of the counters beside it opening by themselves before utensils levitated in the air. They arranged themselves orderly in front of Raz as Val opened the fridge and crouched down, his hand resting at the top of the door. His gaze was on whatever was inside the fridge before pulling out an assortment of ingredients and placing them on the counter, grabbing a nearby knife and some oranges. After cutting them up and juicing them, Val walked back over to her before handing her a fresh homemade glass of orange juice. "Need your vitamins." He gave her a wink before flicking some of the juice at her that was still on his fingers.

Making his way back over to the counter, Val immediately got to work in preparing at least a sizeable breakfast. He felt Raz's pain and instead of offering words, he wanted to treat her to something nice and take her mind off of death or war. Through his years in the military, he wasn't some gourmet chef but he could at least handle himself in the kitchen if he needed to. Val through a small hand towel over his naked shoulder, completing the sight with the only other garment being his basic pants. He glanced back over to Raz with an arched eyebrow before asking, "How many pieces of bacon you want? If you say none were going to need to have a talk, Pip."

 

[Raz Solus]

Her mind was in a dark place, reliving that day all over again. She could still feel the rain on her face, Wyatt’s blood running hot over her hand. She could remember how heavy his body felt as it slumped against hers, the light fading from his eyes. He had wanted so bad to avenge his wife and child, and instead he died to someone he considered his family and leader. Raz hated the thought of the tradition they had, but she knew she had to uphold it. She could see the way the others looked to her for guidance and direction.

She was taken out of her thoughts when Val grasped her by the hand and led her away from the bedroom. Raz didn’t protest, walking behind him. She was still half undressed, wearing only a tank top and undergarments. Her long, slender legs were bare, the bandage still around her left thigh. The blood was dried, and it was a reminder that it would take a while for that wound to heal. She grinned as he pulled the chair for her, “They teach you chivalry in Jedi academy?” She teased as she took a seat, curious to see what he would do.

He was interesting to observe, and he seemed right at home. Raz watched him prepare things around the kitchen, first squeezing her some orange juice and getting to work on making breakfast. She rested her elbows on the table, her chin on top of her palms. Was this what it was like to have an every day lifestyle with….was he a boyfriend? Was that what he was to her? Her face flushed at the thought, but she couldn’t imagine what else he was. There was something oddly comforting about all this, and it felt so far from her usual life with her brothers and sisters at all times. She simply stared at him, her eyes betraying all sorts of emotions.

She almost missed it when he asked her a question. Raz had to shake her head to clear her thoughts, “Uh… “ She bit her lip, looking slightly embarrassed, “I’m actually a vegetarian,” Raz couldn’t help but chuckle, her eating habits often a point of contention with the rest of her House. Anytime there was a barbecue or event, she was constantly hassled over her choice of bringing some vegetables to grill. She rubbed her hair sheepishly, looking at Val with an apologetic look on her face, “Sorry babe..”

 

[The Eternal (?)]

”I actually taught myself over the years.” Valentine gave her a grin before returning his attention back to the meal. It was pretty much the truth, his friends in the the unit not the most helpful in teaching him the proper etiquette of being with a woman. They rather preferred the more raunchy side of things and while his back was turned to Raz a smile spread across his face. Old memories of his unit surfaced to his head and some were his favorite, the entire squad of old together and drinking as they just talked about life. But that then reminded Val of Rabbit, that pain still fresh in his mind and heart as Tin’s words replayed in his head. But either way Val shook his head, now spending time with Raz and wanting to enjoy it instead of having it sombered by his internal thoughts.

When Val turned around to ask about the bacon, he could see something flash across Raz’s eyes before she seemed embarrassed about answering. That’s when she dropped the bomb that she was a vegetarian, staring there in stunned silence at her for a few moments. Val couldn’t almost believe it at first and it took a lot out of him to not say anything about it right in front of her. Slowly glancing between Raz and the assortment of food he had on the counter, Val eventually spoke, “I’ll make it work.” It was a minor setback although a surprising one to say the least. He really didn’t expect her to not like it and it threw it off his game slightly before he managed to regain his balance. Val had to give it to her, she really did manage to surprise him with something new every day and that’s what made her so interesting. He had no idea what to expect with her.

“No need to apologize honey.” Val smoothly replied back before spending the next few minutes making their breakfast. He had to make multiple trips to the fridge to switch out ingredients with the new information and eventually the entire kitchen smelled like fresh and tasty food. Val turned back around to face her, holding two plates in hand as he made his way over to her before placing one down. It was a simple meal of some fresh eggs and steaming vegetables while Val’s had a huge stack of bacon where half of it was originally meant for her. Picking up one of the pieces of bacon, Val took a bite with a satisfying crunch before aiming it at her, “Is there any other major things I should know about Mandalore?” He gave her a coy smile before taking another bite with a loud crunch.

 

[Raz Solus]

She was privately glad to see him do the cooking. In truth, she vividly remembered how much of a protest everyone made whenever she attempted. Poor Dan had outright passed out from trying some of her casserole at her party and a few others had vomited. Was she really that bad? The food didn’t seem to taste too awful when she tried it. Nevertheless, she decided she would keep from cooking for Val if she intended for him to stick around.

The reveal about her eating habits definitely threw him off, and she saw a spark of change in his face. He looked as if he were about to say something, but ultimately bit back from it. He chose to simply spin back around, and the sight made her actually start to laugh. She could tell he was doing his very best to hide his exasperation that a girl could actually not want bacon, but he played it off well. When he commented that she didn’t need to apologize, she laughed even more, burying her face in her hands, “Stop! I know you’re judging me right now! Jedi aren’t supposed to judge, you know,” She looked at him, grinning, “You’re supposed to be the harbingers of peace, the good guys. In fact, shouldn’t you be a vegetarian? Eating animals doesn’t seem like a very light side thing,” Raz laughed again, always enjoying making little quips about his Jedi lifestyle.

She watched as he quickly shuffled things around, now bringing out more veggies. He was entirely focused and concentrated, and she could do nothing but stare at him with half amusement and half adoration. When he was finally done, he set their plates in front of her. She watched him with his absurdly large pile of bacon, the grin on her face again, “Thank you,” She muttered as she pulled her plate to herself and took a bite. Her eyebrows rose as she tasted it, “Wow, you’re pretty good at this,” Raz thought about his question, wondering what other major things she hadn’t mentioned yet.

“Let’s see…” She met his gaze for a long moment, “I haven’t told you that I have a pet dire badger named… Bubbles,” Her face heated up in embarrassment at the admission, “I haven’t told you that I’m actually terrible at cooking, so I hope you’re not expecting the same treatment from me,” She took another bite of his delicious meal, “I haven’t told you that I have a collection of vintage action figures that are probably worth a lot of credits now,” Raz rubbed her chin in thought, “I haven’t told you that… sometimes I’m really afraid,” She was quieter now, hesitating. Raz stood up from where she was, walking towards him, the smile no longer on her face. She reached a hand out to cup the side of his face, pushing him back from the table to give herself room. Raz sat down on his lap facing him, her legs on either side of him as she placed her arms around his shoulders, “..afraid because I’m kriffing crazy about you, and I'm not even sure when that happened.”

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Valentine laughed softly, "Of course I'm not judging you, babe. I'm just admiring your life choices. I certainly couldn't do it." He caught her grin before hearing that he was a harbinger of peace and that he should have been a vegetarian as well. Val could only arch his eyebrow at her, "Well good thing then I have you hear to balance me out. I'll be sure to cut some shrubs on the way out to make sure you're stocked." Raz had always had little comments about him being a Jedi and Val was relishing the fact that now he had something to tease her just as equally. "And animals very much enjoy my company." He took another sizeable bite of bacon to illustrate his point before chuckling softly as he plunged his fork into the eggs.

Raz gave another grin before giving her thanks, Val giving a grin back before murmuring, "My pleasure." It was, he enjoyed this immensely. It was one of the times where it seemed he could just be himself, not having to deal with the duties of being a Jedi or have to be a stoic figure for everybody to follow behind. He wasn't used to it, to say the least, and he was happy to just have a short break from it and enjoy Raz's company. Val chuckled again at how he was good this, "I can hold my own with basic meals. I'm nothing special really." He could thank the Rebels for teaching how to cook enough just so he wouldn't be embarrassed and he greatly appreciated that. Raz seemed to think on his question, wondering what she actually hadn't told him before answering. Val stopped eating to look at her, "You have a pet badger named Bubbles?" He had never seen a dire badger before and he certainly didn't expect Raz to name it Bubbles. A smile instantly spread across his face and he couldn't manage to make it disappear.

Raz only piled on with the revelation that she couldn't and that she had an action figure collection that was worth a lot of money. Val slowly chewed on his food, just staring at Raz before finally speaking, "You do know that I'm going to have to see this vintage collection and Bubbles." He almost didn't believe the words coming out of her mouth, the Mandalore of the infamous Solus clan having an action figure collection. But when she mentioned that she was afraid, the smile disappeared and concern spilled across his face, wondering what made her so. Then Raz, however, got up from her chair, walking over to Val's side as his eyes followed her. She cupped his face with her hand before pushing him back enough that there was room for her, now sitting on his lap with her legs to the side. Val instantly wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pulling her in tighter against him and making sure that she couldn't slip off of him.

She put her arms on his shoulders and he stared up at her with a grin, "I'm glad to know I'm not the only one in that boat then." He leaned forward, capturing her lips and kissing her passionately for a few seconds before pulling away. Val's lips then went to her neck, kissing along the tender skin as the trail went downwards to her shoulder, "I don't know when any of this happened. I only know it's the happiest I've been in a while and that's all I need to know." He then gave a playful bite on her skin before pulling back to look at her, pressing his forehead against her's before kissing her lips again before murmuring with a chuckle, "I just hope you can live through my bacon breath babe."

 

[Raz Solus]

“Yes, Bubbles,” She responded defiantly, “I’ve had him since I was young and he means the world to me,” Raz couldn’t keep the serious expression on her face, cracking a smile once more. As he mentioned meeting the badger, she quirked an eyebrow, “You’re going to have to earn that. Not just anyone gets to meet him, you know,” She playfully nudged him, “Especially being a filthy Jedi and all,” Raz wasn’t afraid to point out what her people normally thought of Jedi. It was no secret. She only imagined what it would be like when Val ever saw how she acted around other Jedi.

She was happy she wasn’t alone in her thoughts, and she realized this was the most she ever expressed her feelings about him. Raz managed a smile when he mentioned this was the happiest he had been, and she couldn’t help but agree. As he leaned in to kiss her, she returned it, pressing close to him. Being in his arms had become a familiar, comfortable spot for her, and she found herself savoring it. This was a way for her to unwind and relax, and she didn’t have to think about being Mand’alor or leading people.

She closed her eyes as he leaned in to kiss along her neck, trailing his soft lips along her skin. The subtle gesture caused waves throughout her body, and she found herself desiring him again. Raz playfully kissed him again, laughing at his words, “Bacon breath is the least of the amount of nonsense I have to put up with you,” She pressed her face into the crook of his neck, holding him tight as she closed her eyes, “I just want to stay here and not go anywhere. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing by becoming Mand’alor. Things were much simpler when I was just that random nobody bounty hunter…”

Raz wasn’t sure why she was sharing any of this with him. It was a sign of weakness, and it made her freeze up. After a moment, she withdrew from him and rose back up to her feet. Raz wasn’t in the habit of expressing her thoughts like this, especially when it meant revealing self doubts. What would her people think if she spoke like this? She shook her head, walking back towards the large balcony that overlooked waterfalls and cliffs.

Even from here, she could smell the wet earth and feel the lightest mist on her face. The powerful waterfalls resounded all around, and there were no other sounds save for the occasional bird in the distance. She placed her hands on the railing, gazing ahead. Her thoughts were far away, and if Val joined her here, she wouldn’t look at him just yet, “You know neither of our people will take kindly to us being together…” She muttered barely above her breath. Especially as she was Mand’alor, her relationship with Val was even more complicated.

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Valentine couldn't help but smile at her comment, "Well, I can't argue with you on that." When Raz leaned into his neck, he twisted his head away to let her nestle there before resting his head on top of hers. His arm fastened around her, keeping her tight against him as they both seemed content to just be in each other's embrace. He sensed her relax and it made him as well, just inhaling as he closed his eyes momentarily and relished the serenity. Raz then spoke into his neck, making Val's eyes open as he glanced to her. He didn't know what to say to her at first but before he could manage to open his mouth she locked up against him. That's when she suddenly got up from his lap and made him arch his eyebrow at her, wondering why she wanted to leave.

She didn't speak and instead went out to the balcony, Val's eyes just following her the entire time before getting up just like her. He pushed in the chair softly before following her out, tossing the towel on him near his plate. He didn't fully step out to the balcony, stopping in the middle of the sliding door as he leaned against the frame with his arms crossed. Raz still only wore a tank top and undergarment, providing him a view with the waterfall in front that he didn't want to waste. His eyes slowly scanned her up and down but he knew he couldn't just stand there and just stare, making him push off the wall with a simple push of the force. Val made his way over to her before she would feel both of his arms wrap around her stomach. He simply rested his chin on the top of her head, her height permitting that as he stared forward at the waterfall. The water cascaded down with power, Val's eyes were drawn to its natural beauty as animals flew around it. Every time he had visited Kashyyyk, he was always blown away by the beauty of the planet and he wondered if this war would ever end and if he could live on the planet.

When she said neither of their people would take kindly to them being together, Val just scoffed softly, "I revealed my kind and the Rebels to the entire galaxy against their will. While I respect my friends, the only opinion I care for right now is you, my Kar'ta. All that's left is you." Val in his spare time finally translated what she called him from time to time and also looked up a name for her. She had outgrown from Pip and now she was something else entirely to him. It was scary but a part of him now and him saying the word in her language made it real for him. Val had felt her nervousness before and he thought he narrowed it down, making him kiss her temple lightly, "You did make the right decision, you are what they need. It was never going to be easy, being in charge never is. But don't forget, your people chose you not because of your skill but because of who you are. You'll find them more accepting then you think." He was speaking from personal experience even though it was a smaller scale compared to her. And even though he wasn't a Mand'alor like her as well, he had hidden his true Jedi nature from his friends so long. Val realized, in the end, he should have just told them the truth.

It was clear that Val wasn't or wouldn't be bothered by the flak he would receive, if he did any, about being with Raz. While he respected the Jedi code and the people that followed it, he wanted something that for himself that brought him happiness. He didn't need to lock everything away or always keep a constant wall around him, Raz was showing him the truth of that. But he knew it was different from her, obviously, her people's opinion of his kind not that good and backed up by her recent "Jedi filth" comment it didn't seem to have improved. It was a big decision for her and Val simply kissed the back of her neck softly before stepping murmuring softly against her ear, "Don't let your breakfast get cold." He gave her waist a squeeze before stepping back from her and back inside. Val wanted to give her time to think and he just picked up his fork and patiently began eating his meal while waiting for her.