Private And Life Goes On

[Colette]

Valery Noble / Kahlil Noble

Her legs didn't carry her like they used to. They shook and shivered just a little under the weight of her own body, but the doctors said that was normal given how long she had been either in bed or bound to a hovering chair. It made the front yard of the Noble home feel so much bigger than it really was, but that did not deter Colette in the slightest. Each step was one step closer to the door, and behind that door stood one very proud owner of a certain tauntaun plushie that needed to come back home to its rightful friend.

Colette cradled the plushie in her arms as she slowly let her legs take the time they needed to find their balance again. A flare of frustration had her gritting her teeth, but the patience of those around her made it all the more easier to swallow her weakness.

"Seems I forgot how to walk." She remarked, mostly to laugh at herself. "Feels like the day after a thousand leg days, but with none of the gains."

She paused for a moment once they reached the stairs up to the front door to rest against a nearby wall.

"I sense an ambush on the other side of that door." She continued, once more to laugh at herself. "That about right?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Something like an ambush, yeah." Kahlil paused before the door with Colette, glancing towards her to give her a faint smile. He was there with her, of course. To bring her home, to walk beside her so she could put her all in her steps without fear. Knowing that if something wrong happened, he would be there to help her.

It was the least he could offer, and he would. Valery, on the other hand, had finished setting everything else up for them.

"Don't freak out too much is all I ask."

Valery Noble | Colette

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Inside the Noble home, the air was warm with the scent of freshly baked cookies and the faint scent of warm tea. Valery had spent the morning preparing, making sure everything was just right — not just because she wanted Colette to feel welcomed, but because she knew how much this moment meant to the whole family.

The triplets had worked hard on their masterpiece — a massive welcome-home drawing sprawled across a long sheet of paper, filled with colorful depictions of animals, their house, and, of course, every single member of the Noble family, including Colette. Some of the proportions were… questionable, but the enthusiasm was on point!

Valery stood in the middle of the room, Baby Yvaine resting against her chest, her tiny fingers curled into the fabric of Valery's tunic. She could feel her daughter's warmth, the soft rise and fall of her breath as she dozed in quiet comfort. Just a little ways away, Eryx was plopped down on his butt, one chubby hand resting against his knee while the other clutched onto a plush starfighter toy. He was watching the door expectantly, as if sensing the excitement filling the space around him.

Then there was Vera, standing with her arms crossed but grinning, her multi-colored eyes shifting toward the entrance every few seconds. She'd been looking forward to this, though she'd never say it outright. Instead, she just kept her stance casual, waiting for the inevitable moment when Colette stepped through that door.

And then — it finally happened.

The front door swung open, and in an instant, the room erupted.

"Colette!" Vera was the first to move, striding forward with that signature bright energy, though she stopped just short, clearly aware that tackling Colette probably wasn't the best move. Instead, she grinned wide and nudged her shoulder lightly. "Took you long enough to get here."

The triplets scrambled forward next, their drawing in hand, practically shoving it toward Colette with big, eager eyes. "We made this for you!" Aeryn chirped excitedly.

"It's got all of us in it! That's you! And that's me!" Adam pointed out.

Meanwhile, Eryx, not quite understanding what all the fuss was about but deciding he wanted to be included, let out a loud, delighted babble before attempting to push himself up onto his feet. He managed a few wobbly steps toward Colette before plopping down again, laughing at his own little victory.

Valery, still holding Yvaine, stepped forward with a warm smile, her fiery eyes soft as they settled on Colette. "Welcome home," she murmured, her voice carrying more meaning than just the words themselves. She gestured toward the table where cookies, snacks, and drinks had been set up — an open invitation to sit, relax, and breathe. "You up for some cookies, or do we need to carry you the rest of the way in?" Valery teased lightly, her smirk unmistakable.

Finally, Aurra stepped forward, a tauntaun plushie in hand, and her big blue eyes filled with wonder.

Her big sister was home again.

Colette Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Colette]

Valery Noble / Kahlil Noble

"That bad, huh?" Colette chuckled.

And sure enough there was a lot of impressions thrown at her the instant that the door opened. From Vera to the children, to the toddlers and the rest. When her shoulder was nudged she pulled her sister in for a tight hug, and when the children eagerly pointed out their painting she had to keep herself from kneeling down to hug each of them just as tightly as she had hugged Vera. Mostly because her legs most definitely would have given out if she did.

"Oh haa-haa." She mocked Valery for her joke. With Aurra nearby, Colette finally handed the tauntaun plushie back to its rightful owner. "This one kept me safe from many bad dreams." She said and ruffled the kid's hair. "But it belongs with you, my friend."

With that she walked the rest of the distance to the table herself and took a seat. The painting was put down in front of her and she was finally able to get a good look at it. A big happy smile spread on her lips as she perked her head up with her hand and just took in all the details. This masterpiece would be going up on the wall later, there was no question about it.

"I would really like some water." Colette said and looked over at Valery, eyes pleading for something so basic. "The water at the hospital tasted weird."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil stepped to the side, watching as the Noble's full on welcome their fellow sister and daughter back home. It brought quite the smile to his face. He moved to stand beside Valery, but only for a moment before Colette asked for water. From Valery, no less. He smirked playfully, nudging her side. "It seems our daughter is thirsty for proper water. Shall you retrieve it for her, love?"

Valery Noble | Colette

 

[Valery Noble]

Aurra's small hands curled around the plush tauntaun as she took it back, her blue eyes shinin withgratitude and love. She held it in front of her for a moment, studying its stitched features before giving it a small nod. "You did good," she whispered to it, the words just barely loud enough to hear. Then, with a soft smile, she hugged it tightly to her chest and trailed after Colette, determined to stay close.

Valery smiled warmly as Kahlil stepped beside her, her gaze shifting up to meet his just as he nudged her side. "Mhm," she hummed playfully, tilting her head toward him. "It seems she does."

Then, without hesitation, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, a quiet moment of affection that lasted just long enough for—

"Ah!"

Eryx, who had just managed to wobble his way toward them, let out a loud, exaggerated grumble, his little brows furrowing as he reached his chubby hands toward Valery, clearly unimpressed that Dad was getting her attention instead of him. He stomped one tiny foot for added effect.

Meanwhile, Baby Yvaine, nestled snugly against Valery's chest, suddenly wriggled in protest, her little fingers making urgent grabby motions toward Kahlil, babbling something incomprehensible but very serious in baby language. Valery chuckled, as she turned toward Kahlil and held Yvaine out toward him. "Here," she grinned, "Your biggest fan wants your attention."

She gently passed Yvaine into Kahlil's waiting arms, and the moment their daughter was settled, she turned and scooped up Eryx, pressing a kiss to his chubby cheek. "And you, little troublemaker," she murmured, adjusting him on her hip. "Jealous already?" Eryx, completely undeterred, smushed his face into her shoulder with a happy, victorious noise.

With him securely in one arm, Valery reached for a clean glass, filled it with cool water, and carried it over to the table where Colette sat, still admiring the triplets' masterpiece. She set it down in front of her with a knowing smile. "Proper water, as requested," she teased lightly. "Nothing but the finest from the Noble household."

Colette Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Colette]

Kahlil Noble / Valery Noble

Yvaine and Eryx weren't quite like the other children. They were a little more needy, a bit more clingy, but just as much Nobles as the rest. Colette had to admit she found it a bit peculiar, but then she had been raised to be as independent as possible so it was most likely just some sort of part of the puzzle she was missing.

"Thanks." She said as she grabbed the glass, her eyes set firmly on soaking up all the details from the drawing still. "We've got a bunch of master artists in the family, huh?" She asked and finally looked up at the triplets as she took a deep sip of water.. "This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen."

"That's me, and that's… Also me. The tauntauns and the… I think this is a terrifying lizard of some sort?" She mused and looked at Aeryn. "Actually, most likely a nice lizard, hm?"

She went back to looking at the drawing for a moment before she turned back to Valery and Kahlil.

"How have things been while I was gone? I… Really want to get back into things."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil pretty much immediately picked up Yvaine, cradling her carefully to his chest. She was ultimately his little princess without a doubt in his mind. His expression did soften though as he looked to Colette. Already looking to get back into things to keep moving, huh? Being bed ridden certainly didn't help with that feeling to need to move.

"Asides from Hapan, the Empires around have fallen, giving the core back. Tython is something we're planning to fix back up, along with Teta."

Valery Noble | Colette

 

[Valery Noble]

The moment Kahlil scooped Yvaine into his arms, the tiny girl let out a delighted squeal, her little fingers curling into the fabric of his tunic as she nuzzled against his chest. She babbled something in her usual baby gibberish, but whatever it was, it was very important, her expression utterly content now that she had her dad's full attention.

Meanwhile, at the table, the triplets remained huddled around their drawing, watching eagerly as Colette took in every detail. At her guess about the lizard, Aeryn gasped dramatically and grinned, "Mhmm!" she hummed, pointing at the wobbly drawing. "It can breathe fire!"

Valery chuckled softly, shifting Eryx more comfortably on her hip as she turned her gaze back to Colette. "They all worked very hard on it for you," she murmured with a smirk, glancing toward the trio who were now watching Colette with bright, expectant eyes.

Then, her expression turned more thoughtful as she considered her daughter's words. "Things have been... busy," she admitted, her fiery gaze flicking briefly to Kahlil before settling back on Colette. "The Core is finally back in Alliance hands, but Tython and Teta both need to be rebuilt. We'll be heading out soon to help."

She paused, studying Colette for a moment before adding, "If you feel good enough to go, I won't stop you. Just... don't push yourself too hard, alright? There's a lot of ways you can help."

Colette Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Colette]

Valery Noble / Kahlil Noble

Fire-breathing lizard like a dragon! Colette seemed very impressed that Aeryn had included that. Of course it was a dragon, what else would it be with her? She laughed for a moment and tousled the kid's hair and went back to looking at the drawing.

And then the reality check. The mood sobered for a moment. Colette felt a small frown tug at her lips before Aurra patted her arm and pointed at more tauntauns. The kid's joy was contagious and Colette felt herself cheer up almost instantly.

"I think I heard about that." Colette mused for a moment as she smiled back at Kahlil and Valery. "I might not be able to go right away, but once I can use my legs again there is no way in hell that you'll be able to keep me from running out there again as soon as possible."

Just thinking about it made her antsy to get up and get out but she knew that the strength in her legs just wasn't there. Colette felt her toes push against the ground in a slow but steady rhythm. There had to be something she could do.

"I think I'm going to push myself way too hard, and I think you know that too." Colette said and gave Valery an amused glance. "Beacuse that's exactly what you would do too."

She looked over at Kahlil, expecting him to back her up on this one.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I had to convince her to continue her rest after Yvaine was born, so you're certainly not far off the mark on that." Kahlil nodded his head in agreement, glancing between both Colette and Valery. They were more alike then they probably even realized themselves, which brought quite teh smile to his face. Even if he was making fun of them, just a bit.

"There are other ways you can help, though. The Temple could always use more assistance, for example."

Valery Noble | Colette

 

[Valery Noble]

Valery narrowed her eyes slightly at Kahlil, her lips pressing into a thin line as he so easily confirmed what Colette had said. "I took enough rest," she muttered, shifting Eryx a little higher on her hip. "You're just overprotective." The grumble was quiet, but there was no real bite to it — just the honest protest of someone who had been on the receiving end of Kahlil's concern more times than she could count.

Still, he wasn't wrong. Neither of them were. She had always been the type to push herself too hard, to throw herself into whatever needed to be done, regardless of how much she had left to give. And, well… Colette was her daughter.

She sighed, though a small smirk tugged at her lips.

"He's right, though," she admitted, looking at Colette. "Start simple. Help around the Temple first, get your strength back. Then you can do more as your body allows it." Her fiery gaze softened slightly. "You'll be back out there soon enough. No need to rush it."

Before Colette could respond, a tiny voice piped up from the table.

"Please don't get hurt," Aurra murmured, her big blue eyes looking up at Colette, full of oncern. The little girl hugged her plush tauntaun a bit tighter, as if the thought of her big sister running off into danger unsettled her more than she wanted to admit.

Aeryn, looking equally as serious for once, nodded along. "Yeah! No getting hurt."

Colette Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Colette]

Valery Noble / Kahlil Noble
Got her. Valery got got. Colette lifted an amused look as Kahlil agreed and Valery went on the defensive. Her brown eyes darted between the two with a crap-eating grin as the former tried to explain that she had in fact rested and then tried to explain recuperation to Colette.

It wasn't really until the children jumped in that she let her grin fade.

"Yeah, don't worry about it, I wasn't planning on getting hurt so soon." She said and gave them a warm smile. "It will take more than some stupid Sith to keep me from you guys."

"No matter what, I will be there for you when you need it."

"Besides, someone has to keep the Jedi supply chains up. I can't think of anyone better than me for that. Safe, out of most dangers, and very important work."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Some times you do need just a bit more protection than normal, mm, Amara?" Kahlil smiled the same kind smile, but the glint in his eye was very clearly a mix of teasing and the unspoken promise to use her full Force given name if she pulled what she had the last time. And all he was going to say on it. Her middle name would be enough, he figured, to clue her in.

"It is very important work, though, that is true. Especially now with the Imperial's retreat."

Valery Noble | Colette

 

[Valery Noble]

Valery slowly turned her head toward Kahlil, one brow arched, her gaze narrowing with focus. "...Amara, huh?" she repeated, the way someone might speak right before launching a pillow across a room. Her eyes were practically squinting lasers at him now, lips twitching at the corners in a mix of betrayal and amusement.

"You're lucky we're in front of the kids," she muttered softly to him, a smirk tugging at her lips, "I'll get you back for that." Oh, and she would. She didn't know how yet, but revenge was brewing.

Still, her attention shifted back to Colette, the teasing moment giving way to something softer. She nodded in agreement, her arm tightening slightly around Eryx. "Good. Helping with the supply chains is more than just important — it's vital. You'll be doing something that helps keep things going. And it'll let the kids sleep easier at night too." Aurra, who was still hugging her plush tauntaun like her life depended on it, visibly relaxed at that. Aeryn leaned into Colette's side a little, too. Eryx, of course, was too busy trying to grab at Valery's ponytail again to have much of an opinion.

Valery hummed thoughtfully, then turned to Kahlil with a small smile. "You know… with the Core back in our hands, and everyone here safe and healthy…" Her smile turned sly. "Maybe it's time we celebrate."

She glanced toward the table, then looked at the triplets. "What do you think, kids?"

She barely finished the question before the response hit her like a blaster bolt. "PANCAKES!" they all shouted in unison, bouncing where they sat. Aeryn shot up onto her knees, eyes wide. "With syrup! And berries!" Valery chuckled and looked at her husband. He was the only Noble authorized to make pancakes.

Because his were the best.

Colette Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Colette]

Valery Noble / Kahlil Noble

There was no real secret that Colette didn't enjoy sweet things. The cookies had gone mostly untouched except for a few polite courtesy nibbles from her, and now that the mention of pancakes (and especially syrup) came up she couldn't help feign a smile at the idea. Of course she would be happy to eat something after having had hospital food for so long, but underneath all of that she was still the same Colette.

Which, speaking of nibbles, a certain little feline creature made a beeline for the chair in which Colette was seated. No permission asked, just a few stealthy toe beans tapping the ground and then a vigorous head rub against her chest, neck, and face. It would seem that someone was really happy to see her, and Colette felt much the same. She wrapped the cat in her arms and pulled it in for a gentle hug, its purrs louder than ever as it greeted its caretaker back home.

She kissed him repeatedly on his head.

"Missed you too, buddy!" She gleed and let the cat go so that it could post itself up on her shoulders, Colette's posture taking an immediate dip as he did. "Back to normal, huh?"

"I hope he wasn't a problem when I was away." The cat was mischievous but not an ass. His name ever true to his preferred method of attack. "Did you remember to feed him, Aurra?"

This most beautiful cat in the whole wide galaxy was after all their shared responsibility. That had been the pledge when he had chosen them.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Pancakes it is. Shall we, Yvaine?"

Kahlil flashed a smile to the littlest Noble before glancing to Colette. He watched as she was reunited with her cat, all smiles and joy. Then flashed her a little grin. Nothing explained, just a knowing grin before he and Yvaine disappeared into the kitchen. It didn't take long for the smell of pancakes to flood on through. And meat.

Lots of meat, at that.

Sweets weren't Colette's thing, much to Kahlil's sorrow. Pastries and the like were something he'd learned how to make early on. But he was ever adapting, and wanted to make things all his children could enjoy. So, meat pastries. Pigs in a blanket. Something savory, over sweet.

Valery Noble | Colette

 

[Valery Noble]

Valery smiled as Kahlil took Yvaine in his arms and disappeared into the kitchen. The scent of pancakes — and the unmistakable sizzle of something meatier — was already beginning to drift through the house, warm and familiar. But what caught her attention most was the soft, bubbly sound of Yvaine's voice carrying back to them.

The littlest Noble was cooing up a storm in her father's arms, tiny hands flailing with wild enthusiasm as if she were telling him the most exciting story in the galaxy. Every so often, her babbling was broken by a delighted squeal, and Valery could only shake her head with a fond, slightly amused sigh.

Meanwhile, Aurra was already nodding eagerly at Colette's question.

"Mhm! I also played with Nibbles lots!" she announced proudly, her little legs swinging off the edge of the chair. "He likes the feather stick best. And the red ball. And he sat in my lap while I watched cartoons!" Her blue eyes sparkled with pride as if she had accomplished a grand Jedi mission all on her own.

Valery chuckled softly and glanced toward Colette with a warm, knowing smile. "She woke me up every morning to go feed him," she said, her tone so full of warmth. "She had me explain how to set an alarm for it." The house, for a moment, felt perfectly whole — the scent of food coming in, the triplets happy and loud, Colette reunited with her purring sidekick, and Kahlil in the kitchen with a babbling baby who already had him wrapped around her tiny fingers.

It was peace. And Valery would hold onto it as long as she could.

Kahlil Noble Colette ​

 

[Colette]

Kahlil Noble Valery Noble

"Of course she did!" Colette beamed and tousled the kid's hair. "She knew a life depended on it."

The smell of meat getting cooked filled the air. Colette raised a brow back towards the kitchen. It wasn't unheard of that Kahlil made the extra effort every once and again. Colette never ever expected or demanded it but she appreciated it nonetheless.

"Is that… Nerf?" She asked curiously and slowly pushed out of her seat to approach the kitchen. "And… Mint?"

It was no secret she liked mint!

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Oh is that so? Very interesting."

Kahlil responded in turn to the littlest Noble, entertaining her story, whatever it might be. He kept her in her chair once he did start sizzling steaks, just so no juices would end up splashing and burning her. Safety first, after all. It was indeed Nerf and Mint. Valery was the one who cooked the meat in the home, but he'd taken the time to make sure he could make it as good, if not better, than her own.

Valery Noble | Colette