Ask Winter Delights

[Ezra Thorne]

It was still the holiday season, which meant Ezra had time off from school. As a result, he decided to wander around through the fancy shopping complexes on the upper levels of Coruscant. He was a bit of a snob about clothing and decided he needed new attire for the spring. He and his sister both spent an egregious amount of money on clothes, which wasn’t a surprise given how well their dads dressed all the time.

Ezra wasn’t posing as anyone else today, so he was dressed sharply for the winter and with his normal jet black hair. His bodyguard droids didn’t tag along directly next to him, but they were within vicinity to immediately arrive in case paparazzi or any hecklers showed up.

For now, he was window shopping, looking at a few suits and clothing on mannequins to figure out what kind of look he wanted to rock in the next few months. The weather was chilly, the pedestrian shopping center still lit up for Life Day. There were cute cafes dotting the sidewalk and music playing throughout the streets.

Ezra had a cup of hot caf in his hand that he was sipping from, one hand inside a coat pocket as he inspected the window of a designer shop.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Coruscant was sooo fancy! There were sooo many people everywhere and there was always something fun to explore, so Liana was in the absolute best mood as she casually strolled through the crowded city. She was actually trying to find a charity shop and then a cat café somewhere in the upper levels of Coruscant.

She knew she had to stay low as Jedi were still not actually allowed here, but as sweet and innocent as she looked, no one ever expected her to be a padawan and her master had actually allowed her to spend some hours in the city on her own and Lia as pretty good at looking after herself!

She gleefully hummed a tune while she walked past some very expensive shops, actually trying to find this café, but she was fascinated by all those fancy clothes. She liked her own ones more as they looked much more comfortable and colorful, but they surely had something on them as well.

HOWEVER, there was something totally different catching her attention after a while, as a boy with a cup of coffe suddenly walked by and she felt like she had absolutely seen this eyes again, hasn't she?! Without saying a word, her expressions lightened even further, the smile spreading even wider as she began following this mysterious, good looking person as inconspicuously as possible. Could this be Reed?! Or was she hallucinating? She didn't care, as she was just happily following this potential stranger. She had done this before as she was naturally curious and actually wanting to find out whether she had just imagined the similarity or not.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra stared at the clothing for a moment before he checked his expensive chrono briefly. Not finding anything to his liking, he kept walking to his next destination. His long legs meant his strides covered a lot of range and she would practically have to jog to keep up or perhaps powerwalk like a maniac. Even his gait was pompous and arrogant, walking as if he owned the entire street (which they could probably buy). He wasn’t aware of anyone following him, but his droids had the girl in their sights.

After a bit of walking, he opened the glass door to a shop right as snow began to fall. It was actually a bookstore with paperback, which he didn’t see often these days. The smell of local caf was heavenly to where he actually discarded the one he had, wiping off where his lips touched the cup like Pops always did.

He caught a few curious glances, but otherwise people left him alone. Ezra loosened his scarf a bit, looking through some of the shelves for books on podracing.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

The blonde, bubbly padawan was an absolute professional at sneakily stalking handsome strangers without being spotted. It was totally normal for teens to fall in love with the most random person that was just walking by, so yes, Lia had indeed been successful at such missions and so far, this tall boy hadn't noticed her either, which was great! Just like that, she would be able to figure out whether this was a twin of silver-eyed Reed she had met on Zeltros or omg, whether that was actually him!

His clothes were different and he looked really really wealthy and potentially influential even, but Lia didn't care too much about that. She simply found this young man interesting and so her insatiable curiosity forced her to follow him further and further. Due to her short legs she was forced to occasionally break into short jogs to keep up, however always staying at a safe distance until he suddenly vanished into a book store.

Was this Reed? They had the absolute same height and this heavenly carved face, too, so the resemblance was actually uncanny, but well, the galaxy was a huge place after all and this didn't meant she would go check it out! She was certain that they were destined to meet, as she, too, loved reading! And she truly wondered whether he was into romantic fanatises as well!

She quickly slipped into the lovely book store after him, however now switching into a different isles. She wondered why he was accompanied by droids, but wasn't really bothered by them as she simply had to get closer. She quietly tiptoed through the aisle right next to him, attentively listening for his steps and simultaneously reaching out with the Force to feel his flowing, living energy to locate him. As the tension and excitement grew, she held her breath, stepping closer and closer to the cupboard while already reaching out to grab the two books right behind the book he was grabbing, so that her face would suddenly appear and surprise him, her usual overly happy, wide smile on her lips. "Hi you!", she joyfully greeted him, hoping that he was just as excited to meet her!

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra walked past a few books on old podracing models. He wanted to look up some schematics of Clone Wars era mechanics, knowing those old methods were actually more efficient than modern stuff. He was about to reach for the book when it suddenly disappeared across and he spotted a familiar, deranged smile.

The surprise was clear on his face, those piercing silvers widening visibly as he stepped back from the shelf. It was too late to pretend not to know her as recognition flashed across his face. She was far too short to be eye level with him, so she was likely even standing on a step stool. Horrifying. His eyes narrowed back to their normal broody as he casually slid another book in place to replace the opening she had created, effectively blocking himself from view.

Ezra turned away and started to walk down the aisle and was unsurprisingly met with her right as he rounded the corner. He truly hadn’t expected to run into her again, especially not when he was Ezra Thorne. His hair was perfectly styled, he wore expensive cologne and he carried himself with a cool confidence that was slightly different from the club. He stared at her blankly.

“Hi,” He said curtly, his expression rather stoic as if she was wasting his time.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Her excitement grew and grew, curious about his reaction upon seeing her beautiful smile appear in the middle of the bookshelf just like in those romcoms she always watched! He seemed surpised and now that she had a better view while having her feet placed on the first shelving, she realized how uncannily familiar those piercing, silver eyes truly where.

It took a few more seconds until it dawned her. The expensive attire, the overwhelming perfume that lingered in the air and the way he carried himself. She had seen those eyes before! The droids...it all made sense! Omg had she really run into Emryc Thorne's son?!?!?! Despite having another book placed in front of her face that immediately blocked the view, her smile was still growing wider and she left out a short, squeaky gasp of excitement.

This was truly a fantastic day! She immediately hopped down and the shelf and sped around the corner, wanting to start this conversation properly. 'Okay Lia, stay cool, he's sooo out of your league!' She internally cautioned herself to play it cool, however the way the corners of her mouth were spread over her cheeks, she simply looked even more excited than usual.

"Oh sorry! Did-I-sacare-you? I'm so so sorry, this wasn't-my-intention!" She blurted out, almost scrambling the words as she was just talking so fast with her tone even more high-pitched than usual. Emryc Throne was a damn idol and she was obviously in his fan club, so what were the chances of her running into his son here on Coruscant?!?! He obviously didn't look scared as his expressions were completely calm, but her immense excitement made her oblivious to that.

She took a deep breath, trying to collect herself, but as she frantically started rummaging through her recycled patchwork bag, she her mouth already opened again and the words just came rushing out. "OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! You're -", she stopped mid-sentence, hectically glancing around her. She didn't want to cause a scene and raise the attention of others, so she lowered her voice right in the correct moment, "-Ezra Thorne!". She wasn't hyperventilating, but potentially getting close while she beamed at him. She couldn't believe her luck! "Omg omg check that out", she pulled out a can of the newest Emryc Thorne energy drink, Mistletoe Motion flavor, "I just got the new Life Day special edition!", she continued squealing, her rambling not over yet. "I've also got T-shirts, but none here! But oooooh you've got his eyes! And you're in this bookstore! I can't believe iiiit". Her dark blue eyes were sparkling while it was getting harder to catch her breath inbetween.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra stared as he watched the disaster unfold. He didn’t know if the girl- Lia was her name, right? Lira? Linanana? Who the hell knew. He didn’t know if she was about to go into cardiac arrest or start having seizures, but he began to look around to make sure he wouldn’t be implicated in the crime. The droids were poised at the entrance of the shop, but he gave a wave that the girl wasn’t an immediate threat.

He had heard all this before - fans of his father that obsessed over him. Ezra never understood why people thought he would want to hear about how someone had his father as a body pillow. In the middle of her gushing, he glanced down at his chrono again. There was a nearby boutique that was opening in a few minutes and he knew he would find some tailored clothes there. He began to think about what kinds of shirts he would need when he remembered that the girl was still talking.

Ezra blinked, having completely zoned out for a moment, “Aren’t you technically banned on this planet?” He asked quietly. She was a Jedi, right? She had to be since she was from that nauseating TokTik group at the warehouse. Perhaps getting rid of her wouldn’t be so difficult after all..

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Was this worry on his face?! Yes, he was obviously as cool and calm as his father, BUT while others would have seen nothing but mild interest, Lia interpreted the way he glanced around as though he was afraid paparazzi were after them! Oh yes, they had to be careful and regardless of how excited she was, she wouldn't expose EZRA THORNE.

She rambled and rambled, but when he suddenly replied, her mouth flapped right open. Wait wait wait...how in the Force would he know about her being a padawan? Was that because his dad was EMRYC THORNE? Had he run some background checks on his fancy chrono? That was absolutely fancy! Yet, he did have a point. Here on Coruscant she had to be careful what she did and obviously she had left her lightsaber with her Master as she was just out for the afternoon.

As there were a few people, including the book shop owner who now eyed them warily, around, she had an idea about what he was doing. "Whaaaat? No! I'm just a girl on a sweet little shopping tour in the afternoon! Are you enjoying all those beautiful Life Day decorations as well?!", she wanted to know, her voice still squeakier than usual. She was hoping that her clever change of subject would avoid raising any suspicions.

"Waaait! Are you here all alone? I mean, with your cool droids I mean? I can't believe I've met you!", he hadn't even confirmed who he was, but hasn't denied it either and so she was assuming he was also trying to avoid sticking out too much. Again, she forced herself to breathe deeply, but while fumbling around with her hands in front of her body betrayed her excitement, she was also constantly changing weight from one foot to the next. When the owner looked away, apparently not paying any more attention, she leaned a little closer, getting on her tiptoes and lowering her voice. "What gave me away? Or do you have aaaall the information on that watch?", she was obviously curious about that and didn't mind just directly asking. Oh, maybe he had gotten lost and he even needed help from a Jedi?

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra grabbed the book he wanted and walked towards the register to pay and leave. He was vaguely aware of Lia following him, entirely unconcerned. He walked outside, snow beginning to fall. Ezra didn’t look at her as he answered, “Because I saw you TokTik dancing with the other Jedi toddlers,” He said dryly, not bothering with keeping up a facade anymore.

Ezra was making his way towards the clothing boutique he wanted, pausing to stare at the window. He looked over at her at last, a thin layer of snow beginning to collect on his hair and shoulders, “What do you want, exactly?” He asked bluntly, turning to face her fully.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Ezra began to move towards the counter and she obviously didn't miss that he had chosen a pod-racing book. She was sooo sooo sooo curious to learn more about the son of EMRYC THORNE! Just like a lost puppy she trailed along, her usual excited bounce in her step and seemingly a,ways having to take two steps while he did one.

As he suddenly replied the broad, warm smile was finally wiped from her lips and a sudden shiver washed over her that has, however, not resulted from the sudden snowfall. Zeltros? Was he talking about the party on Zeltros? Lia, maintain your composure and keep up your appearance, she internally warned herself, however it then suddenly dawned her.

"WAIT A SECOND". So mucn for keeping her composure. Her mouth flapped completely open, staring at him wide-eyed and her voice back to overly high and squeaky. The eyes. It all made sense now as even his face had seemed oddly familiar, but wow...this was a lot to take in for this little, always so positive and happy soul. "NO WAY! No no no, omg I can't believe I partied with E-", she stopped again, her mouth immediately covering her mouth before she quietly squealed, "Ezra Throne!!". Wow...now this was a mind blowing revelation and she was so fascinated that she started jumping up and down again.

"I...I've got the afternoon off! We could totally hang out! Do you want to buy new clothes? In this boutique? I'm an excellent style adviser, I know exactly what suits people and I can even grab clothes in different sizes or colors and bring them over!", she beamed at him all excited, the sheer thought of going shopping with EZRA THORNE completed thrilling her. She could even show him the cute charity shop she had seen on her way through the city!!!

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra stared blankly as she began to jump up and down, wondering exactly what she was smoking. Was this the same girl that flashed him? He was about to tell her to buzz off when he decided he didn’t entirely mind some help picking out clothes. Her own fashion sense was terrible, but a second pair of eyes was never a bad thing.

He opened the door and walked in, jutting his chin towards the shopkeeper that obviously knew him. Ezra pointed to a chair for Lia to go sit in, “I’ll model clothes, you tell me what looks good,” He stated curtly as he removed his coat and scarf.

He disappeared briefly and emerged with the first outfit. The pants fit especially nicely around his rear. He strutted out as if he owned the place, turning around to model the attire.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

She wondered whether he would even agree to this, because despite always, absolutely always being overly and sometimes even hopelessly optimistic, he was a VIP after all and she was just a Jedi padawan he had encountered in a club before!

She expectantly waited for his reply, not blinking at all in order not to miss any visual cues, but as he suddenly agreed, she jumped again. "Yay! Omg yes, this will be fun!", she excitedly exclaimed, however forcing herself to take a deep breath before slipping in with him. "I've already got something on my mind which would look dashing on you!". He had the perfect shape and this boutique looked so fancy! And he even wanted her to come! This was becoming the greatest day ever!

Not hiding her excitement at all, she excitedly clapped as he walked out, presenting an absolutely stunning outfit. "OH! WOW! It does fit perfectly and you can totally wear green!". She was obviously giving him honest feedback while she really found his new attire great! "I love the colors and how they match. Maybe try...purple next! A dark hue of purple! This could totally work!" He was walking right past her, disclosing his rear all of a sudden and immediately bringing a bright blush to her cheeks.

She frantically rummaged through her back, grabbing her Emryc Thorne holiday special flavor, opening the sizzling can with a hiss and taking a sip, hoping that the refreshment would let her appear less blushed.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Purple? He dyed his hair purple sometimes, but he didn’t wear it as a color often. With a shrug, he disappeared back into the changing room and emerged with a purple and white attire combo. This fit around his slender body perfectly and the pants adjusted for his long legs. It was becoming clear he could do this all day, having a penchant for fashion and clothes.

Ezra turned to look at her, eyeing her cheap attire, “Are all Jedi poor?” He asked coolly, his gaze flicking down and up her body. He appeared entirely unimpressed.

“Maybe you look better in Jedi robes,” He said with a scoff.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Internally, she was still struggling as it was hard to process that she was shopping with HIM, even having the privilege of having a say in what he would buy and thus wear next! This was so damn excited and this day was truly just getting better and better!

The show immediately went on and she watched intently, rocking around on her chair, struggling to remain seated calmly until she saw him reappear. She sipped and sipped her drink, the cold, sweet fluid somehow helping with the blushed cheeks, yet energizing her further and just adding to that excitement.

"YES! Look at that!", she gestured towards him with her hand. "Purple is your color! I mean, green was great as well, but the purple makes your mesmerizing eyes appear even more striking! What do you say?", OH NO. Had he just called his eyes mesmerizing?! With the energy drink, this seemed to be getting out of hand.

She bit her tongue, trying not to say another thing that would end up being embarrassing, but he was EYEING HER right then! "I-", she was missing words for a moment, being forced to clear her throat. "Poor? I mean we don't care about material possessions", she explained, trying to remain cool, but what he said next just made it worse. "Oh", the rosy red cheeks were back immediately. "Why thank you!", she finally blurted out, louder and higher than expected. Why was he making her sooo nervous? "I could show you my robes! Or I can show you the stores I usually go to!" She suggested, trying to overplay the nervousity with simply more words!

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was checking himself out in the mirror while Lia hyperventilated in the background. He decided his rear looked rather nice in these pants and he would add it to the list. At the mention of going to her stores, he turned to look at her, “I have no desire to go to a charity shop,” He said icily, disgusted at the thought.

He grabbed several different clothes and soon had multiple bags in his hands. Ezra was preparing to leave and realized Lia was still tagging along. After a moment, he sighed, rolling his eyes as he looked at her.

“As long as it’s not a clothing store, show me,” He stated simply, letting her lead the way to whatever shops she liked. He had nothing better to do so why not entertain this bullshit in the meantime.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

While this was absolutely turning into one of her favorite days, it felt like her heart was constantly beating way too fast as she was way too excited the whole time, but well, how couldn't she, considering their circumstances?! "Oh, that's okay! Not everyone likes them! And it seems like you've been successful with your shopping tour already", she happily replied, completely oblivious of his tone.

He didn't seem to bother that he was still tagging along, which was another thing that just made her even more joyful. "Should I take some of your bags? Mine doesn't weigh much and you look packed!", she was still happy that he had found so many cool outfits, so she would gladly help him if he needed a hand!

They left the shop together and the snowfall had slightly increased, so that the surroundings were already lightly covered with the first layer of snow, slowly creating a sugary winter wonderland. Lia loved snow, as it always made everything so pretty and magical, that her mood was sill continuing to get better and better.

As he also showed interest in letting her lead the way, she was almost exploding with joy, but she remembered that she had to play it cool, at least a little, so that he wouldn't think she would be a psycho or anything! "OH YAAAY!", it escaped her loudly, still higher and quicker than expected, but with another attempt to clear her throat, she was getting better at this! "I know juuust the right place!", she declared, grabbing his hand out of reflex as the bubbly Jedi often did that.

If he'd pull his hand away, she'd simply lead the way, otherwise she'd drag him along to this Loth-Fat café she had heard of and as it wasn't too far off, they already reached it in a few minutes. "I hope you like hot cocoa! Or well, coffee! They're supposed to have all kinds of fantastic specialities, and, best of all, they have friendly Loth-Cats you can pet while enjoying drinks and snacks! Obviously, they offer veggie snacks...do you like them, too?", his father did, so so did he, right? She hadn't been in this exact café yet, but she had visited cafés from the same brand on different planets and this one looked just as cozy from the inside with all the colorful, plushi, comfortable chairs and loungers.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

“No, my droids have it..” Ezra said as she asked to take his bags. He was surprised by the offer, handing his bags off to his droids. They were absolutely not made for this, but he had no desire to lug around his own shopping. But he certainly was raised better than expecting a girl to carry his heavy bags for him.

He winced again as she squealed in delight, his pointed ears twitching slightly. Ezra grimaced slightly when she abruptly grabbed his hand and started dragging him away. He didn’t fight it for now, following her to whatever store she planned. Ezra had never been to a Loth-cat cafe before and the concept seemed bizarre. Why would anyone want to drink caf around filthy animals?

Ezra stepped inside and was surrounded by mewling kittens. There were people all around petting them and the kittens were climbing over everyone and everything. Ezra could only look around in disgust moments before he sneezed, and then sneezed again. He wiped off his nose, wondering if he was allergic to these beasts.

To its credit, the caf selection looked good, so he ordered himself one. Ezra quietly sipped from his drink, spotting several kittens rubbing against Lia’s foot. After a moment, his features softened a bit as he watched the interaction. There was something endearing about the way she interacted with the animals and her positive nature in general. If she looked his way, he promptly glanced away, the same broody expression back on his face.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Good! She was fine with the droids carrying the bags as it didn't looked like they were too heavy for them, but she found the looks some passengers gave them delightfully amusing, as they and well, she herself had never seen such particular droids carrying bags before. They didn't complain at all, so she was happy as well!

Her eyes widened further in excitement while her smile spread from one ear to another again as her gaze fell on the first Loth-Cats inside. Lia absolutely loved the idea of those cafés and headed in as happily as ever, soon ordering herself a hot cocoa with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, a slight vanilla infusion and additional rainbow sugar sprinkles on top before they took a seat in a booth.

"I can't get over how cuuute they are", she gleefully swirled before she was already checked out by several cats. One was already purring on her lap while other rubbed against her from different angles and she truly felt like in paradise. She took a sip from her drink before she dedicated her attention to the cats, actually neglecting Ezra a little right now as she got carried away by he'd deep fascination.

The cats simply seemed to enjoy the all positive aura and vibes the padawan was giving, while so far, they rather stayed clear of Ezra who didn't seem to show that much interest in them. He must have been a little afraid and shy, she assumed, and so instead of staying seated on the fluffy bench across from him, she was carefully picking up the cat on her leg while slowly slipping away from the one that was busy headbutting her leg and squeezed herself into the row he was in.

"Okay, so you don't have to be afraid. They might be shy because your own hesitation affects them, too. They don't want to be pushy, because they're reaaally polite cats, but they would never harm anyone, so you don't have to be afraid", she threw him an encouraging smile before she slowly placed the cat down on his lap.

She continued scratching its ear while simultaneously massaging its chin then while she softly whispered, "Everything is fine. They're just so sweet and fluffy and you can just see how happy they are when being pet". The cat glanced up to Ezra, still not fully sure what to make out of his rather chilly, distant demeanor, but as it was a very affectionate one, it suddenly bumped its head against his chest, purring loudly. Lia's aura switched to more soothing, a thing she had obviously learnt as a padawan, but the smile was still not wiped from her face.

"Awww...see! It seems to like you a lot". Lia couldn't have been any happier. Seeing this cute, calico Loth-Cat rubbing it's head against Ezra Thorne was just a sight to behold. However, as his sniffing and sneezing didn't actually stop, her expressions quickly turned into genuine worry. "Oh noo! Allergies against them are actually not that common, but oh my I'm sooo sorry! Perhaps we should get going...I'm sure we can find a less hairy place". She absolutely didn't want to see him suffer. She had obviously enjoyed this furry detour, but she couldn't let him stay here!

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

“Afraid?” Ezra asked with a scoff. Yeah right. He was disgusted by these things. He grimaced when she placed a LothCat on his lap. All he could do was stare at the hair being left behind on his expensive clothes. Ezra sneezed a few times, trying to ignore the little monster on his lap. When the Lothcat purred and nudged against him, he reached down to move it off him. However, that’s when he felt the velvety soft fur. He found himself absentmindedly petting the kitten as he glared at it, entirely unamused but unable to stop petting it.

He sneezed a few more times before looking up at Lia, finally pushing the cat off his lap, “What’s your next idea?” Ezra asked suspiciously. Cat cafe was quite something, and he imagined it only went downhill from here.

“Why are you on this planet, actually?” He asked curiously, “Risking yourself..”

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

So Ezra Thorne believed that he was able to distract her by simply repeating what she had stated, while actually, he was just confirming her assumption. It was cute. Everyone knew Loth-Cats could be fierce of necessary and so she obviously didn't blame him for being cautious!

Still, she found it sooo absolutely adorable how he started petting the furry little friend. It gave Lia time to be gave some love and affection to the other cats surrounding her for a little longer before she finished her heavenly drink and climbed out, so that he could do the same.

"Next idea? So we can cross shopping and a warm, wonderful drink off the list, but I still wanted to check out the local Arcade this afternoon! It's not far off and it's supposed to be one of the absolute best in the sector!", she explained while she was already busy happily trailing alongside him.

As they left the Café, she immediately glanced up to the tall teen, asking, "How are your allergies now? Does the chilly, fresh air help?". She then grabbed his hand again and started leading him onwards, already knowing exactly where to go. "Oh! My master actually had some business to tend do! We helped a few people, obviously while keeping a low profile, and as he wanted to visit someone today, he allowed me to explore the city on my own today! He knows I'm reliable and that I'll be cautious, hence I'm just here as a normal girl!", the quirky padawan bubbled away, continously glancing up to him.

He was sooo tall, maybe she would even end up with a little neck pain at the end of the day! "You know what I've been wondering? How comes you're hanging out with-", she stopped for a second, glancing around attentively and lowering her voice, "-padawan so often?". He had been in this warehouse, he seemed to know quite a few of her Jedi friends well and he absolutely seemed to enjoy her happy little company! "They even supposed to have those funny little bumper cars at the indoor arcade!", she suddenly remembered and feeling the urge to share those exciting news immediately.

@Sreeya