Ask Sand, Surf, Sunshine

[Nashyr Ris]

"I'd...love that too."

She felt relieved he felt the same; she never had any experience with this sort of connection, this want to be close with someone else. Always keep them at a distance, or they'll always have the power to hurt you, her old mantra for keeping distance. Any time she felt a flicker of anything for anyone, she pushed them away, kept them at bay with her flirtations and general mannerisms. If she put on an act, she wouldn't get disappointed if they didn't want to go further, as it wouldn't be a rejection of her. But this honesty thing... She never confessed anything before.

She never felt this need to be close to someone else, either, or this warmth in her chest, this rightness in the galaxy. She felt his hand tremble, and tilted her face towards his, smiling. "I'll admit... this is a first for me too." She gave a small wink. "Don't tell anyone though, or I may never live it down." The palm that rested on his chest, slowly slid up... lightly touching his scarred cheek. She glanced at this side of his face only for a moment... and then she leaned forwards slightly, her lips to meet his, giving him enough space to pull away from her intent if he wanted.

Just before she did, however, she paused to say something. A warm, intimate whisper just between them.

"I can't think of anyone better to spend this time with, either."

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

Oren could feel the relief wash over the cat's body as she looked at him with her green and golden eyes. He wondered what things they had seen, the stories she held and the memories buried inside of her. There was something so complex about her, her curiosity, and her kindness, her determination, it drew him in in ways he didn't know where possible. And to think that this all started because of a cup of Naboo Cider.

"Mmm.." He'd purr, "A relationship with a Jedi shouldn't hold any secrets," he'd muse with a slight tease. He felt her fingers run up his toned chest and against his neck, stopping as he felt them press against the pits on his right cheek. He felt her gaze on that side of his face, though he didn't feel any judgement in that moment. Instead, she would move forward towards his lips, together they were inches apart.

If she had been trying to give him a reason to escape from the moment entirely, then she'd be mistaken, he would lean into the kiss, muffling her words as he held his mechanical hand against the back of her head. At peace with everything in that moment. He wasn't sure where this would go, but he was excited.

He'd pull away, a small smile on the Jedi's cheeks, "Are you hungry?"

tag: @Killa Ree

 

[Nashyr Ris]

She chuckled softly at his comment, but... when he pulled her in to the kiss, she found her eyes closing as she leaned into it, arms wrapping about his shoulders. If there was some way to be closer, she would have found a way. She could feel his heartbeat through his shirt, and she was pretty sure he could feel hers; she couldn't disguise the happiness she felt deep in her bones, the ease that touch seemed to bring her.

Her lips quirked into a private smile as he pulled back to ask her if she was hungry; she didn't even realize it was already starting to get dark outside; purple tinged the sky not too far behind Oren, but the sun was still setting its' golden-red glow upon the waves, highlighting turquoise green and pale blue with gold and white.

"Starving," she grinned, brows arced slightly in a playful manner. "Got anything in mind?" She was reluctant to move now, but would if he wanted to. She was back to herself, with that usual glimmer of mischief with a lighthearted smile. If things were like this for the Jedi knight... then she didn't regret the choices she made back on Nar Shaddaa those years ago.

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

Oren didn't want this moment to end, if he could he would have left the order at this moment if she asked. That isn't the Jedi way, emotion yet peace Oren...You can love someone and not become possessive or reclusive. You have a life and so does she, the two of you don't have to resort to revolving your lives around each other. Simply be happy that you have company you thick headed Tauntaun. He thought to himself, his face most likely stuck in a perplexed state.

"I'm hungry," he'd say with a soft smile, "My friend, a guy I met in prison started up a little inn and restaurant, right along a cove." He'd rub her shoulders with his mechanical hand, "I might have booked us a reservation on the deck, overlooking the ocean..and after that, my room has a stellar view..." The words clung to the air for a moment as his face turned bright red. "..Sorry that was probably a bit forward."

tag: @Killa Ree

 

[Nashyr Ris]

She almost melted into him when he started rubbing her shoulders, face buried into the crook of his neck as she suppressed a groan. "You know..." she blinked, then gave him a slightly exasperated smile. "Bit hard for me to want to move when you do that..."

She raised her brows at his suggestion... and her grin widened as she shifted back to look at his face. It looked like he struggled to get those words out... and the suggestions behind them had to be absolutely difficult for a man so usually withdrawn to suggest. Her mischievous grin softened at his obvious embarrassment, hands lightly framing his face as she turned so she was fully facing him on his lap, legs tucked on either side of his own.

"I'm sure it'd be worlds above me sleeping in my ship..." she grinned, then shook her head at his last few words. "Not at all. You know what..."

She slowly slipped off his lap, her hand outstretched as she gave him a wide smile, not even disguising the happy warmth she could feel radiating in her chest as her gaze looked down at his, her thoughts or her feelings. For once... the guarded Cathar let down a piece of the wall she built to keep herself safe... and she knew she trusted him enough. If the night was promising... her guard could maybe, finally drop altogether... and perhaps for the first time, someone would see all of who the Cathar really was.

"I think I'd like that very much, it sounds perfect."

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

A few hours had passed since their little alone time on the beach, and after a quick shower and change, the two of them would make their way over towards the bar and lounge portion of the small, inclusive, and romantic inn that his old friend had started. It was hard to believe that the owner of this place had served twenty five years for killing a man that had killed his child, Hesh Drezel was his name.

Prison was interesting, there were those who deserved to stay in there forever, for one reason or the other. But, many were in for small crimes or were innocent, Oren couldn't really hold it against many of them. They all tried to survive in a world where your humanity and identity were stripped from you, and any hope for recovery seemed so little. So to be here at this lovely wooden bar, with the soft Bith jazz playing in the background, was a sight that brought pure happiness to the Jedi.

He sat back in his seat, a white floral button down which had been mostly unbuttoned, and a pair of white pants, which had been neatly cuffed at the ends, along with a pair of sandals. His hair had been done as well as he could get it to go, but he really didn't have the fashion sense to know if it looked good or not. His forearm tattoo was on full display as he had it resting upon the fence that looked out over the clear blue sea. Nash was still getting read, and his heart pumped as he waited for her to arrive.

tag: @Killa Ree

 

[Nashyr Ris]

Nashyr hadn't really planned on a date date… so when she went with him to his hotel room, she realized one thing. She literally packed lightly... and nothing seemed good enough. Oren said his hotel they were staying in was ownership of a prison friend, and she hoped to make the best impression. Somehow, she had the gut feeling he had a few friends that he kept in good contact with. It was hardly surprising after all, he seemed to have a way with people. It was one of those traits she admired so much, and yet wished he was a little more cautious using.

He had left by the time she was done showering, so she could dress in peace. And it was nice, for once, to feel a cool breeze at her neck and back, tingling along arms. She left her hair unbraided, but put in gold studs in her ears and a red local flower over one ear. The white dress she wore was simple, woven lightweight material that left her arms bare and draped over curves to her ankles, the high slits on both sides showing off as she moved with simple straw-material sandals she bought from a small vendor on the way. She briefly considered modesty and covering her shoulders... but on a humid place like this, why would she bother with the extra layer?

She had never been so underdressed for anything... but when she saw him leaning over the fence, she couldn't suppress the pure smile that lit up her features. She could feel her heart pounding, and for once, all sassy comments or smart remarks vanished as she just took in the sight of him, feeling that lightness in her chest almost painful with all the joy she felt. She only had eyes for one... and as she strode up behind him, her hands settled on her hips, head cocked slightly.

"Hey there, handsome. Come by here often?"

When he would turn she was smiling, a full, warm grin. The night couldn't get any better.

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

"Hey there Handsome, come by here often?"

He would turn towards the direction of the all too familiar voice. catching her smiling gaze. The markings on his face would slowly morph a shade of crimson as he looked up and down the white dress, which showed off the aging patterns that made up her arms and shoulder, her black hair flowed like a waterfall, contrasting her dress. He bit down at the bottom of his lip, as the old awkward self slowly began to creep his way into his consciousness.

"I do," he'd say nervously, "And I haven't seen you around before," his words would flutter from his mouth as he moved towards her as he wrapped his hands around her waist. He would lean in, letting his lips hover for a moment before kissing her own softly. "You look...absolutely splendid." He'd say as he pulled back with a smile, his hand guiding her towards her seat. "I honestly couldn't ask for a better view," he'd say as he took a seat across from her--did he mean the ocean or her? That was up to her to find out.

tag: @Killa Ree

 

[Nashyr Ris]

She grinned as he stared; in that moment, she never felt more confident, or more sure than before. It was almost giddily freeing to be able to be so expressive with her feelings now, rather than hiding them away or pretending they didn't exist. When he stepped up, sliding his warm hands against her waist, her smirk warmed into a tender smile, arms wrapping about his shoulders when he pulled her close. "Mmm," she hummed just as he paused, and then pulled all the tighter against him, savoring for a moment the feel of him and his arms around her, and her senses all focused on his. The rest of the galaxy could have faded away, and she would hardly have noticed.

"You scrub up good too," she quipped back, pulling away reluctantly, but settling down with a grin as he led her to their table. Heat flushed at her face and neck; she knew nobody could tell, but her eyes lowered, and she grinned up at him. A teasing glint sparkled in her eyes, and she spoke up. "Well, if you want a better one I could move out of your line of sight," she teased, but instead shifted forwards, arms tucked beneath her bust as she propped her elbows on the table to look at him.

"You look great too, Oren," she spoke low, a hint of flirtatiousness hinting at her tone, but something else lurked in that. A feeling of warmth.. gentleness and light.

Can a Jedi really love like this? she worried briefly. She knew it was strange... but she truly didn't want to ask anything more of him than what he could give. She knew they were against passion, and stars knew she had her share of passion in the past... but this was different. Slower... sweeter. She didn't even know feeling like this could be possible. One hand slid forward at the table, an offering for him to take it if he wanted. It was nice, for once, to not feel pressured into being or acting a certain way. It was... different, but good.

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

"I think I like the view right in front of me," he'd smile towards the Cathar, as she leaned forward, her sharp cat like eyes cut through him. He'd take a heavy breath as he smiled and gave a gentle nod. How did someone so awkward get so lucky? He wasn't going to complain about it, she irradiate plumes of lightside energy and her body and mind seemed so youthful, even in their aging years. I feel like I'm eighteen again.. He thought to himself with a slight smile.

He understood why a Jedi of old forbade attachments such as love, it was a strong emotion that sucked you right in, and could quickly become uncontrollable if one wasn't careful. Emotion, yet peace..Passion, yet serenity. He wasn't going to turn away from these feelings he felt for the Jedi Knight, but he wasn't going to let it consume or pull him away from the duties they both had--though deep down, he really hoped this wasn't going to be another blue moon in a sea of endless space. He felt her hand slowly creep across the fabric of the table and onto his own. Out of natural instinct, his fingers would interlace with her own.

"Do you like seafood?" His voice cracked slightly, as he felt the heat of his emotions against his face. Really...this is the best we got?

tag: @Killa Ree

 

[Nashyr Ris]

The smile widened a fraction when he interlaced his fingers with hers, enjoying just for a moment the quiet. It wasn't too often she could enjoy the solitude with someone else.. in fact, the only other person she didn't feel the need to constantly talk with was Max, but that was different. He almost treated her like his kid... a fact that amused the Cathar to no end.

But this...?

She blinked at his question; it looked like he was going to say something else. She wasn't going to pry... but part of her was curious. She simply nodded, eyes glinting with humor. "I do, but it's been a long while since I had anything like it." She was surprised she could eat at all, actually; so many nights on Ajan Kloss were spent bolting down protein paks and anything she could sneak from the kitchens in between training sessions and teaching, she was surprised that there were good things in the galaxy.

She knew that after this, they would have to eventually return to the galaxy. He seemed to know she valued her freedom, something she hadn't expected anyone to understand. She simply... never felt like the settling down type. Hell, it had only been recently she developed feelings for someone...

She absentmindedly skimmed her thumb over the scarred knuckles of his hand, then tilted her head slightly. If he wanted to say something else, she would bide her time until he got the courage to speak it out loud. But she wasn't going to pressure him to say it. Truth be told, she was still happily off guard with everything going on; he cared for her too, and wanted her here, and here she was. Something about it felt familiar, but right now she didn't want to question it.

"How about you?" she tilted her head at him, giving a smile. "Got any favorites?" It was a safe enough question to ask, until he would say whatever else he had pressing on his mind.

She had all the time in the galaxy right now.

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

The hair on the back of his neck tingled with excitement as he felt her padded fingers rubbing against the burns and discolored hand. He felt the ash swept lands and the smell of burning soot under his nostrils, and the sacrifice he made to save his students on Ifrane. He hadn't told anyone about it before, he didn't really like the spotlight being put on him, especially by other Jedi. But, part of him wanted to tell her about it, tell her about all of his life--in due time.


He listened to her speak, nodding slightly, "Well, I do enjoy a platter of Mon-Cal Lobster," he'd say with a chuckle, "Hesh here is one of the best line cooks in the detention center, when he was working the mess hall, you knew there would be fights to get as much of his food as possible." His eye twinkled slightly as he though back to his time in prison--his fingers curling into the pits between her own. He felt a pressure on his shoulders, the same ones that she had told him to let go of back on the Ice Ceremony, but he was more stubborn than she'd ever know.

"I still can't really fathom being released, when you're in there you lose count of the days and everything blends together. It becomes about survival," the tattoo on his forearm was enough to prove that, and he'd be willing to speak about it if she asked. "I saw so many faces, mostly Nara's..." He felt pressure building up around the bottom of his good eye. "And when I got out, it wasn't the same..it was more mature, her round cheeks had filled in as she grew, and she grew about a foot taller it seems." His hand would slightly tremble, "I feel terrible, because it's affecting me, and I know that a Jedi shouldn't worry himself with such things, nor should I care this much about missing these moments in her life..but, I do." He wasn't really sure why he even was telling her this. Talk about killing the mood...

tag: @Killa Ree

 

[Nashyr Ris]

"You made a mistake. You paid for it. Unfortunately, that mistake... cost you time." She said the last part slowly, but there was no judgement in her tone, her gaze calm. "We all do things we think is right... unfortunately, even those times we believe we're right, we could be wrong." She said the last part with a sigh, other hand curling into a fist and propping beneath her chin. "But you've been punished enough, Oren."

Her gaze met his squarely, unflinchingly. But her lips softened into a faint smile... and she nodded. "Nara seems to be a good kid," she answered, thinking back to the last time she had seen her on Ajan Kloss. A little spitfire with sass... reminded her somewhat of one of her younger sisters. The smile turned bittersweet, though. "She's like your daughter, isn't she?" This part was spoken gently, her eyes gentle. "You should be proud; you missed time, but now you have a chance to catch up." Her hand subtly tightened on his for a moment, a reassuring squeeze. "Don't let your past overshadow what you've got now, and don't make me start lecturing you." Her eyes twinkled, and she turned her gaze to their hands, her expression reflective.

"You know..."

Her smile became sad, as though she were looking at the past, lost in a regret she felt keenly even now. "...there was a time I wanted kids. A family." She snapped back to the present, then sighed, chuckling with halfhearted humor. "Thank the stars I didn't, huh? More of me roaming the galaxy..." she shook her head, then glanced at him, expression almost unreadable. "You're lucky to have people that believe in you, that are your family in more ways than just the Force. It'll never be the same as it was..." she paused, then grinned at him, head cocked slightly.

"But it has the opportunity to be so much better. I believe that. Miss the moments, sure. And you should. But embrace the future too. She's got a bright one." she winked at him, the grin back in place once more.

"Now tell me, handsome," she teased, relishing already the dark lines of his face already flushed red, "What's a cat gotta do to get some of Hesh's finest? I'm looking forward to meeting this guy... and spending some time catching up, if that's okay." She could feel some of the ease returning to her shoulders, eyes glittering with that same warm smile lurking in the corners of her lips. If anything, she was relieved he was talking. It seemed like he carried enough things alone as it was.

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

Oren would listen to Nash, his eye never breaking contact with the Cathar as she spoke. Her words of encouragement filled him with some sense of comfort, and brought him an ease that he never knew he needed. At that moment he felt like the student, herself the master. Her words were correct, he knew this all along, yet he had always been too hard on himself to agree. He could see it on her face, the way her black stripes gently bent and shifted as her lips moved, the way her pupils grew as she talked--she believed those words, and so did he.

"Yes..she's my daughter," he'd say with a heavy breath, knowing all too well how bad that sounded for a Jedi Master to say. "She was an Orphan and well, we spent so much time together, and I didn't want to get attached, but she looked to me in ways that a Master couldn't provide," his words wavered as he felt wrong saying them. "I wouldn't change it for the galaxy either..I love that girl."

He closed his eye as he took a deep breath, it felt good to admit the words out loud and actually say them to someone. He hadn't tried to control her life, but he knew that his feelings for her were on a fatherly instinct. He opened his eye to see her lips sag slightly as she mentioned children, and a family. What has she faced in her life? That sadness lingered for only a moment before she placed a mask back over her face, the one hidden behind flirtatious mannerisms and witty lines.

For a brief moment he thought of having a family of his own, a wife and children. But, quickly pushed the thoughts away, "We never know what the force has waiting for us," he'd say with a gentle smile, "I didn't expect this.." His hand would squeeze against her own as he leaned back in his seat a bit.

"Hesh is working on a special meal for the two of us," he'd peer towards the inside of the restaurant, seeing several other patrons, couples mostly, all enjoying their company. He had almost forgotten that the galaxy was full of others besides the two of them. "What was your life like before the temple?" He'd ask as he tilted his head to the side--the cool breeze of the ocean drifted along his face, as sea salt filled his nostrils.



tag: @Killa Ree

 

[Nashyr Ris]

"She's lucky to have you."

Perhaps they weren't the wise words of a Jedi Knight, or the kind words of a friend. It felt like.. more than that. She genuinely meant it, too; she barely knew the girl, but knowing their bond went this deep connected the dots as to why the girl was so upset when Oren was arrested in the first place. She knew she misjudged her, and she knew she'd have to apologize sooner or later for it. Still, in an odd way, she was touched he felt so much for this little spitfire of a young woman.

Her gaze flicked down for a moment when he asked about her past. She hated bringing it up; it felt like another lifetime. But she wanted him to know. He bared a piece of himself for her. She would do the same, but it took a couple moments to work up the courage to say them.

"I... owned a xeno strip bar in Nar Shaddaa." All traces of any smile were gone, shoulders tensed slightly. "I built that place from the ground up for ten years, starting when my brother got in hot water with the Hutts. I had to work out deals to keep him free. But, in return, I lost my own freedom." Her face flickered with pain. "I lost girls to that Hutt, or to drugs. Or other gangs. I was always looking after someone, and at the first chance of a change to my own life I jumped ship without thinking of their own lives." Her other hand lowered to the table, trembling.

She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders to gaze straight into his own face. She wasn't proud of her past. Equally, though, she wasn't going to flinch behind it anymore. "I worked some nights there too, to keep it running... it wasn't good, clean work, but it kept the people I cared for out of the same kark that dragged them in."

She shivered slightly, more so out of memory than any chill.

"Before that, I was on Corellia. I worked..." her eyes took on a faraway cast, lips turned to a nostalgic smile. "I was working on my own business. I owned a gym, taught kids how to fight without weapons." The smile dropped, and she shrugged. "Parents wanted me to go find someone to Bond with, but I never met anyone. And after a few years on Nar Shaddaa…" she glanced at him, and the smile crept back up, but it was bittersweet.

"I felt too old to pursue that. The younger kids needed their chance. I thought I lost most of mine." She knew that he would probably judge her... but oddly, she was fine with it. She just wasn't certain how much it would affect this... and now she wondered at something.

How did he manage to get her to admit something that even she struggled to admit to herself for years? That she felt like such an overwhelming failure at missing so many things in life. And yet... Yet.

Maybe she hadn't missed things after all. Still, her gaze connected with his own once more, calmly waiting for his reaction.

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

Oren would avert his eye towards the fabric of the table, he didn't really think anyone deserved him, he had denied himself happiness for years, as payment for his own outburst of emotions as a young teen and his temptations with the darkside of the force. He had denied himself the things that made him a member of this galaxy, and slowly became more robotic with his emotions, he was his harshest critic, and felt he didn't deserve to have the recognition put on him by so many.

But, he didn't have time to dwell in pity as Nashyr opened up on her own past. She talked about her life on Nar Shaddaa, how she formed a club out of pure determination, and the many long nights, tears, and the people that most likely hung around such a type of establishment. He had no idea what an Xeno-Strip Bar was, he had heard of strip clubs, but had never been to nor really gave it much thought. His face would shine vibrant red, as he thought about her dancing on a stage, her black hair dangling in a dimly lit club, her golden-green eyes staring into a customer's soul--her body exposed for those to see. He looked at her, and then her body as he bit down on the bottom of his lip. Her bathing suit was the most he had ever seen of a woman's body in his life, and the sheer thought only made him more nervous.

"It sounded difficult," he'd say with a gentle tone, unsure of what a life like that would even entail, "Wearing a mask around men or women you didn't know, making them happy while you and your girls struggled with your own lives and challenges." He'd say with a heavy breath as his brown eye focused in on the white fur that covered the bridge of her nose. "I grew up in a similar situation," he'd say without diving into much more.

He would instead let her continue on with her life, he thought about her gym, and the many faces she had to have met during her time. "You and I..might be alike," he'd say with a soft smile, "We're just two old souls that got lost in helping everyone around us. We never really stopped to look after ourselves." He would peer towards the sea, as he thought about it all, he wasn't young and all of his social skills had been stunted in the pursuit of fixing himself and his loss. But, he still managed to be secretly happy, even when things seemed grave. "And it's true, that you and I are not young, but we're still alive...And I don't see a better day to start living than today," he'd peer back towards the Cathar. "And I think I want to do that, with you..."

tag: @Killa Ree

 

[Nashyr Ris]

She saw him look at her face... and then the rest of her. She didn't flinch from the look, but she calmly awaited hearing his judgement. But he didn't release her hand... in fact, if anything, he seemed to contemplate her words. She didn't, however, expect that he'd be so kindly.

Or so observant.

"I forgot who I was, those ten years."

Her lips twitched up though, when he commented that they were old souls. "I'm pretty sure we're just getting old," she commented, giving him a faint grin. She knew it was a weak joke, but that was how she processed things. Jokes, humor, kindness, bravado in a sense... if she didn't give herself that time or space, she'd lose her mind trying to slog through all the kriff she had to.

She gave him a wink though, leaning forward once more. "I look forward to living this life with you too, you know," she replied, and then the smile returned. She felt like... she could fly. All the weight, all the secret fears of being judged, suddenly lifted, and she felt like she could laugh again. It wasn't a total unloading of all the kark she had to get through... but it was a start.

And he was still there.

"Can't imagine a better person to share it with, either," she chuckled, head tilted. And suddenly, just like that, she felt like she could take on the galaxy. Was this... like Bonding? She wasn't certain, but if it felt this bright, this beautiful, could it really be so grim? Her smile was luminous, and she could feel the warmth, the same warmth she felt flow in the Force, pulse and spark between them. She couldn't explain it, but everything around her suddenly looked so vibrant and alive. And for once... the Cathar found a moment of real peace without fear of judgement.

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

There was so much that the Jedi Master wished to tell her, but he knew he couldn't right now, he was afraid of running her off with a lot of the baggage that he carried, and he was sure that she had her own secrets. She seemed taken aback by his response, and he imagined that most people probably looked down on her for her occupation, but it was really just that. People change, and it was something she did to survive.

When she mentioned about spending a lifetime together, his heart grew warm and fuzzy, he wanted to agree with her. But, that was when the loud laugh echoed across the waves, and with a gentle thud came Hesh with four plates of steamed and spiced seafood, and various rice. "Oriii, my brother!" The alien would grin, as he placed the food down, his four arms reaching out towards the Jedi Master that stood up, embracing him in a hug.

"You must be Nashyr," he'd turn towards the Cathar with a chuckle, "Quite the pretty one Orii..you told me you had someone, but I didn't think she'd be you know..like this," he'd grin as he pulled a chair up to sit beside them for a few moments. "How do you like Rishi? Is it what you expected?"

Oren would give a gentle nod, "Of course, I never knew I could enjoy waves and the peace so much," he'd peer towards Nashyr, "When you have the right company, anything is fun.."

tag: @Killa Ree

 

[Nashyr Ris]

Orii…?

She glanced over towards the alien Hesh approaching them, and she could feel a smile start to tilt her lips as he greeted Oren casually, and seeing Oren just as casually embrace Hesh. There had to be a story between them... but her grin widened as Hesh seated himself with them for the time being, and her smile became engaging. "Brothers, huh?" Her gaze slid back to Oren, her tone taking on a teasing note. "If all your friends are this handsome, maybe I chose the wrong one, Orii."

Her lips quirked up into a genuine chuckle, but she spared him a wink before glancing back to Hesh. "Oh? He mentioned having someone, did he? I'm the last to find out, apparently." She gave a warm laugh, head still quirked to the side slightly. "I'm loving it so far. It's... a good place to learn to breathe again." Her tone had a soft, contemplative note to it, but she soon grinned at Oren's friend, tilting her head towards the patio. "Congratulations though, this place is beautiful; you must be proud."

One of the few things the Cathar was, was sincere when it came to how others ran businesses. She didn't count on Hesh to know it... but Oren would know, possibly, that when she paid a compliment, it was made with truth and lack of bias weighed in. At Oren's last comment, however, she glanced sideways at him and gave a small, warm smile, her hand subtly squeezing his own in agreement.

"It's almost like coming home."

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

Hesh would raise one of his arms to reveal the same inking on his forearm as Oren had as well, "Orii was mostly confined to solitary, but we shared the same yard and grub shifts...and we worked the meal line," the alien would pat his large belly a bit as he let out a sharp laugh, "Orii doesn't look it, but he can cook a mean batch of Fondorian pancakes, with a bit of Kashyyyki Wroshyr Syrup...Mmm.." He'd boom as he slapped the man on his shoulder as he fell silent for a moment. A soft expression forming on his face, "Orii..he helped me win my re-trial case..he used his ability to touch things, and see through the..force?" He'd tilt his head slightly, "They were able to find new evidence that proved I was innocent..and for that, I'm forever grateful to this man!"

Oren shifted his attention away, he hated being the center of attention, and while it helped change the life of this man, he still felt he could have done more to help so many in the prison system, but he didn't have the time nor the access a lot of the time. He was always so rigid and serious with his thoughts and contemplation,he was always on guard and his emotions were hidden behind masks that he rarely revealed. But, Nashyr had this natural ability to say something that would rip it off, and get him to feel alive.

As she jokingly flirted with the man, a soft smile would form on his face, but when she mentioned the words..Orii.. his face would take on the most vibrant color patterns and expansions that he had never seen before. The lines would expand into thick large block lines, and the red color would slowly shift from red to a near purple like color. "I.." He had only heard that nickname from Hesh, His old Masters and two closest friends, and now her. "..there always has to be the ugly one in any group..." He'd say with some exhaustion.

Hesh would peer towards the two of them for sometime, realizing the situation, "Your words are too kind, and I hope you enjoy your stay," he'd place a hand against her forearm as he stood up, "Take care of him," he'd lean over to whisper the words into her ear. "He carries too much, and tries way too hard."

The alien would pull back, and clasp his hands together, "You two are something special..please enjoy the dishes, and the rest of your night.." He'd point towards the beach that the small hotel looked out over, "The Dancing stage is being set up and should be ready soon, it was nice meeting you Nashyr." He'd turn towards Oren, patting the still shook Master, "Don't let this one escape pal," he'd laugh as he stepped back into his restaurant.


tag: @Killa Ree