As though nothing could fall

[Coren Starchaser]

The man was shaking his head, and when his eyes came into focus, he could see a few things around them. The blue eyes were definitely a bit bloodshot, but he could feel the warm breeze coming in through the window, and the light was already starting to peak through. Rolling over, he felt the warm skin of the woman next to him, and a smile had crossed his face. Last night was something else, wasn’t it? He remembered where the night began. Chaperone in the Silver Prom, with the woman who was laying next to him in bed. There was a talk of them being Prom King and Queen, somehow.

Was that even allowed? He wasn’t sure, they were chaperoning. And it went quickly from talking to the kids from GUIDE, to getting crowns, to an after party. Or what he supposed was an after party. Wrapping an arm around her, he smiled and kissed her cheek.

“You feeling ok?” The man laughed as he got up slowly. Not really bothering for decency as he grabbed the crown from the bed post and placed it on her head. “My Queen.” He smiled, as he looked back at her, then around the room. How many bottles were there?

It would explain the headache. But still, it wasn’t getting him down.


[member="Celeste Rigel"]

 

[Celeste Rigel]

Celeste was out, lost in a deep and dreamless slumber.

Coren's arm wrapped around her and his lips found her cheek; only then did she begin to stir. She had only an indistinct mumble to answer him. She turned her face back to the pillow but soon felt something atop her messy chestnut locks. Celeste squinted at Coren as he called her his 'queen.'

Her hand slid up to feel the crown on her head... and it all came rushing back in an instant. The prom, the Prom King and Queen, the dancing, the booze... Oh, the booze. Sitting up, she quickly gathered the sheet up to cover herself; not that there wasn't anything Coren hadn't seen the night before.

“W-what... time.. is it?” She asked in a tired voice.

Celeste drank on occasion, but it was usually a glass of wine with dinner or the occasional glass of champagne. Her head was absolutely pounding. It was a rare occurrence, but it wasn't all bad. Not at all, really. Though, she was currently feeling a bit bashful, she also felt... content. Their years of pent up feelings had finally been dealt with and, despite the hangover, there was not an inkling of regret.

Standing, she wrapped the sheet around her slim form and approached Coren. She leaned against him, head on his shoulder. And she whispered in his ear, “Caf.”

[member="Coren Starchaser"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

It was always interesting, when Jedi got together, and not together in the physical sense, but a group of them hanging out. Following after the Prom, the more adult group had time to unwind in a bit more of a situation where they could have a few drinks. And following that, well, the King and Queen had some things they had to take care of. Missed connections years gone by, and recent tensions that had perked up. Maybe that was why he felt satisfied.

Because when Jedi got together, things were a bit different. It wasn’t only a physicality, but a spiritual level connection. The fact that were a few bottles meant they had a bit more fun than he was outright remembering. Looking at her, as she pulled the covers to herself, he nodded.

He definitely remembered.

“Uh…” He looked at the dresser and grabbed his watch. “Mid morning by the looks of it.” He shook his head as he grinned. No regret at all. His hand slipped around her slim waist again. “Probably water too.” He kissed her forehead and made his way to the kitchen.

“And I think we’ll need to clean up before house keeping.”

And find their clothes.

[member="Celeste Rigel"]

 

[Celeste Rigel]

Mid-morning. Celeste would normally have whisked through a rather long mental checklist by now. She would have already made breakfast for her son, dressed, and left for work. But, today was an exercise in contrast. At least, she'd already made arrangements for Atticus and for work, too. The woman, tightly wound as she normally was, would take advantage of this time away from her everyday life – with as little guilt as was possible.

“Mm,” She affirmed. Water was probably the better choice, but Caf would cut right through the fog in that lingered in her mind. A soft smile formed on her lips when Coren kissed her forehead, and she watched him move into the kitchen.

Her smile turned into a quiet grin.

“You're probably right,” She said, rubbing her head. Bare feet carried her across the carpet that was littered with a variety of things: corks, bottles, snack wrappers... Their clothing was around somewhere, she was certain. She passed by a pile of silken cloth that was the crumpled fabric of their new cloaks.

Celeste reached up and removed the crown that sat lopsided on her head and set it on the counter. As she glanced at Coren, she couldn't quite shake the feeling of closeness... not that she wanted to, of course. It was a new bond – strong, caring, and deeply intimate.

“I slept well, very well.” She said, leaning against the counter. “But, I'm still tired. Maybe the caf will help...” She opened a cabinet to pull down some mugs, her free hand dropped to clutch the sheet and keep it from falling. “... How about you?” She asked, eyeing him curiously.

[member="Coren Starchaser"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

So many differences between the pair here. Healer and a Fighter. Mother and well, at one point he was technically a father, he still is, but there were circumstances in his history that made that situation completely different. When he wasn’t near an active war, he received only messages of the utmost importance. It allowed him the freedom to work on the Jedi Alliance and to take the fight from the New Alliance, and bring it where it needs to be. And it gave him the freedom to be where he wanted to be whenever he wanted to be there. Like here, and now.

He didn’t mind the fog, not really. He knew what it was. A bit of lust and desire fulfilled, a good evening gone past. Water would keep the headache back, of course the pair could probably just use the Force to keep that at bay, but there were times where even thinking of going that route was hard. As he entered the kitchen, he turned to face her, giving her a long look over, and a smile was hard to remove from his face.

There was definitely the wearing of crowns last night, that much he remembered.

As she moved to get the mugs, there was a bit of surprise from Coren when she prevented the sheet from falling. Not really any disappointment, she was who she was, and he wasn’t bothered by that in the slightest. “Slept better than I have in a long time.” A warm smile on his face, he had a glass of water now as he approached her.

A hand slipped around her waist. “You okay with what happened?” He didn’t want to be the downer, but he did want to make sure she was okay with it. He’d not mind that becoming a regular thing, but he also understood loss.

[member="Celeste Rigel"]

 

[Celeste Rigel]

The caf began to brew, the inviting aroma was already in the air. It was enough to clear a bit of the fog, and she smiled softly as Coren spoke. As he came closer, she felt his hand upon her waist. His touch brought back quite a lot of memories of the night before, and it nearly melted her right there in the kitchen. Her eyes found his as he posed her a question, and she remained in thoughtful quiet for a moment or two.

Celeste gave him a steady nod.

“Yeah, I mean,” She started, her own hand slid up his chest and onto his bare shoulder. “I think we both knew that it was going to happen.” She said, smiling. “I'm glad it did.”

True, the grief still lingered... how could it not? But, Coren's companionship had helped her heal far faster than she would have alone. Celeste did have quite a ways to go, but she was well on the right path. And, she wanted Coren to be there at her side. If she wasn't mistaken, there had been something of a bond formed the night before.

She moved closer, studying his features.

“What does it mean for us?” She asked, her voice soft. “I don't think this is a one-time thing” Celeste added, biting her bottom lip slightly.

[member="Coren Starchaser"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

A smile as the aroma filled the little hotel room. Being part of the known Jedi definitely helped one get through to where they needed to be. Military budgets also saved them on rooms as well. But that wasn’t at all what he was thinking about. How did they get this room? Someone would be getting a statement on their account. And it was going to be worth it. Absolutely and completely.

“We both did, but I’d not push it further if that was what you wanted.” He knew what he wanted, and that was for this to continue. The way he felt about her, and the way he knew she felt about him, it was a shared thing when they were… well, the night before. He smiled softly as he rubbed her back.

“For us? What do you want it to mean? People have been seeing us around, its not like we’re hiding what this probably is.” It was a matter if she was ready to call it that, or if she needed time. He wasn’t going to be offended, that wasn’t Starchaser’s way. She could figure it out, but he wasn’t planning to go anywhere.
[member="Celeste Rigel"]

 

[Celeste Rigel]

Celeste gazed fondly at Coren, her eyes were soft. There was a definite fluttering in her chest that was accompanied by warmth, affection that she felt for the man. It was probably much more than simple affection, the feeling went both ways. As he rubbed her back, she had a momentary flash of last night.

The sheet around her parted slightly, and in a swift motion, she drew Coren close. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, enclosing him in the breezy fabric as well. Celeste looked deep into his icy blue eyes.

“We can take it a day at a time,” She murmured softly. “Together.” Celeste knew how he felt, she felt the same way. It was only a matter of putting a label on what they had. Her situation as a widow was still delicate, still rather new – but she'd known all along that she didn't want to be alone. Now, the feelings that she'd rekindled for Coren were blazing bright, he would feel it.

“My King,” She said, lips curling into a smile.

And, she began to lean closer. Celeste closed her eyes and went in for a kiss, but was quickly interrupted by the low rumble of her stomach. What might have been quite a passionate kiss turned into a quick peck on the lips, and a slight blush formed on her face.

[member="Coren Starchaser"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

That was one thing he did admire about her. Coren was a bit rougher, a bit more world weary, and definitely the soldier. Celeste, she was a mother, a healer, a teacher. She was what he wasn’t, and he found that incredible. So many Jedi, many because of him, had taken to becoming soldiers, warriors, and defenders. But there were better ways than that to make a difference. He was starting to learn that, but if he gave up his spot…

Who would take it?

His hands found her hips as he slowed his rub of her back. Feeling her arms around him, and the sheet covering them both, he leaned down and put his forehead to hers. “That sounds like a great way to take it.” Another smile. He wanted to make her happy, but didn’t want to interfere with anything going on in her mind, with her family.

Ready to accept her kiss, the man was already smiling from the jokingly honorific title of being called King. Prom King to be exact, but his smile remained as her body informed them that they both should probably eat. “Breakfast? Here?” Or there? He wasn’t sold on any, but he felt the dress code here was simpler. His lips found hers quickly again.

[member="Celeste Rigel"]

 

[Celeste Rigel]

Celeste returned the quick kiss, and pulled back slightly, enough that the sheet around them would begin to part in the middle. “Hmm,” she glanced around their hotel room. It was a rather nondescript place, with blank walls and the bare minimum of furnishings... but there had to be something around to cook.

Drawing her sheet back, leaving Coren exposed to the air, she let the fabric drape about her in almost a robe-like fashion. Taking a peek in several cupboards, she found some mix to make pancakes – they only needed to add water. And, in the fridge there two small bottles of milk and a half-dozen eggs.

“It's not much, but it's something.” She shrugged, setting the ingredients on the counter. She also happened to notice a rather tacky apron hanging from a hook on the wall, she tossed it to Coren with a small laugh.

“I'll start on the pancakes if you make the eggs, deal?” She asked, canting her head to the side.

[member="Coren Starchaser"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

The pair were really enjoying each other’s company, and it didn’t seem like it was just a superficial situation. No, he knew that there was something larger there, more intense, and feeling of a missed opportunity, but now remedied. But it wasn’t just an itch to be scratched, he hoped. He knew that they had gotten into a pretty cheap hotel, not that cheap, but not going to break anyone’s bank. As for food?

It was one of those semi-finished rooms, it provided some food for the residents. “Seems like they stocked up for people to be coming in here and nursing a hangover in the morning.” He laughed, as he gave her a little grab on the behind while she was searching around. As she tossed him the apron he make a ‘tsk tsk’.

“Don’t like my outfit?” The Corellian smiled as he shook his head. Slipping the apron around him, he made moves to get the pan and the eggs. “I can only promise this will be mostly edible.” A wink.

[member="Celeste Rigel"]

 

[Celeste Rigel]

As Coren's hand gave her a little squeeze, she had given him a look of mock-sternness. And when he caught the apron and donned it, Celeste brought a hand up to cover a laugh. Moving around the counter island, her hand dipped low to give Coren a little grab, too.

“You look good,” She said, “The apron really pulls it all together. You're probably right... I wonder how many others from the temple are here – doing the same thing we are.” Drinking, dancing, and other activities... After last night, it was anyone's guess. Still, none of them had crowns and capes like they did. She only hoped that she hadn't made a fool of herself after the prom.

As she turned her attention back to cooking, she measured out the mix and water by eye. A quick search of the drawers produced a wooden spoon, and a large frying pan, which she set to the heat of the stove top.

“And I'm sure your cooking will be just fine,” She said, offering an encouraging smile. It was odd but incredibly endearing, seeing [member="Coren Starchaser"] dressed in an apron, helping with the morning meal. “I could get used to this,” She said, without thinking.

 

[Coren Starchaser]

There was that whole thing when something was new that you couldn’t quite keep your hands to yourself, but lets be serious, Starchaser had been playing pranks on Celeste for a while now, months? Years? He didn’t keep track officially, but once he knew she was a degree of separation away from him, he was making sure his presence around her was known. But today? Well, this was not anything he had foreseen happening, even months ago.

Looking at the Healer after she made a grab at him, he smirked and rolled his eyes. “It does, doesn’t it?” At least he’d not be getting any grease splatters on himself. “I don’t know how many are doing exactly the same, but I figure the adults did go unwind.” He smiled, eyes roaming her form. Plus it was Jedi, some knew how to have fun, others… involved dark siders. Sure, they seemed edgey and fun, but… really?

Watching her, he began cracking eggs and found a spatula. With the pan already heated, he watched Celeste with a soft smile. “Could you?” Don’t get distracted, Coren, this was breakfast.

[member="Celeste Rigel"]

 

[Celeste Rigel]

As she waited for the pan to heat up, she walked past Coren and gave his arm a squeeze. She poured herself a cup of caf and held the mug up as she inhaled the nutty aroma. Smiling, she watched over the top of her mug as Coren cracked the eggs and started cooking.

“Yes, I could.” She nodded. “Perhaps you should cook for me this way more often.”

She had to admit, the view was pretty nice. After taking a sip, she set the mug down on the counter and moved back to join Coren at the stove. Her pan was hot now, and she adjusted the heat before pouring the first pancake. Celeste's gaze flickered to the side a couple of times, but she needed to keep an eye on her pancakes, lest they should burn.

“Domestic life,” She started, her voice a bit far away. “Could you ever get used to it?” She asked, moving to stand just a bit closer to Coren's side.

Of course, deep down, she thought she knew the answer. Her lashes fluttered softly as she glanced up at him, curious.

[member="Coren Starchaser"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

This was definitely not a life he knew, not even when he was with Kelly, all those… decades really, 20 now? 25? Ago. That was before the carbonite, before the Fringe, before he knew where he really sat in the greater scheme of things. That he was destined for the Jedi like his father, and to help inspire the masses, provide a place for freedom and choice to remain. That was why he did what he was doing, why he fought like he did. But this time away, with Celeste? It was nice.

Why he fought.

“I mean, I could, for sure.” When he was home. And was that what he was calling it with Celeste? Yes, maybe not Kashyyyk, but with her? It felt like home. But watching her cook, and the way she was… well, dressed? That was on his mind while he was trying to not burn the eggs.

“Maybe, I don’t know. If we had a different galaxy? More people to fight?” He shrugged. He didn’t want people to fight, it was why he went so hard. But the galaxy right now? The raids and war. But everyone knew he would retire one day. Become an instructor. And prepare another generation. He offered a smile to Celeste, he just didn’t have a time table.

[member="Celeste Rigel"]

 

[Celeste Rigel]

A different galaxy.

Was that what it was going to take? Celeste lowered her gaze to the pan again. She drew a breath, slowly accepting her fate. Perhaps she would always be second to wars, epic fights of light vs. dark, and the greater good. But, as she stood next to Coren at the stove, she knew that it was worth it.

Celeste watched a smile form on Coren's lips, and she returned it with one of her own. She was quiet, turning her concentration to the pancake. Lifting the pan from the heat, she held it firmly by the handle as she gave the pancake a flip.

“It takes skill to do that without a spatula,” She said, a faint smile on her lips.

One pancake down, one to go. A quick glance to the side, she blinked. Someday, he would slow down, right? Celeste moved closer, the side of her face against his shoulder as she watched him cook. She longed for this life with him. But, she knew that she would have to be patient. It was about the present, and she would treasure each moment.

“Looks like we're about set,” She said, moving away to set the table.

[member="Coren Starchaser"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

Maybe that was a harsh way to say it. He didn’t want to kill the mood. Sometimes Coren spoke, well, okay, most of the time, he spoke without considering the consequences of his words. He was a Watchman, and a warrior. Words were never a strong suit, unless he was trying to swindle, but how long had it been since he smuggled? Trying to keep the Alliance together, in whatever fashion, that became a problem. He was always hopeful for the world at the end of the war. And where he would be in there.

Could he rest? Would he be allowed? Would he earn it for the problems he caused in his past?

Maybe one of those driving factors, if anyone went this deep into his backstory. A smile as he looked at her. “It seems to. Not that capable in the kitchen, myself.” He was saying, as he was trying, and really intensely, to keep the eggs from burning. Feeling her against him though, that did help to calm him.

“Almost done, yep. Still more caf?” He said as he plated the eggs from the pan, and bringing them over to the table, before losing the apron.
[member="Celeste Rigel"]

 

[Celeste Rigel]

Celeste had placed the pancakes, one for each of them, on the table, along with forks and napkins. As Coren brought the eggs over, she gave him a smile. And that smile stretched into quite a grin as the apron dropped away.

“Yeah, I'll get you a cup,” She answered, and turned back into the kitchen. After filling a steaming mug for Coren, she topped off her own and added a small drizzle of cream. She returned, the hem of her sheet sweeping along behind her. Pausing next to Coren, she set the cup down and let her fingertips trail along the top of his shoulder before she had a seat.

That simple touch carried her affection, and the spark was still felt against her fingers. There was part of her that wanted simply to be in his arms again, entangled in the bed sheets. But, she was very hungry, but doing her best to stay ladylike and not eat too fast. Lifting a bite of eggs, her brows lofted.

“Not bad! It seems you have some skill in the kitchen, after all.” Though, admittedly, she knew that was not where his true talents were. He made up for it, though. Celeste knew that they couldn't stay all day, no matter how she might have wanted. “Will you be here on Kashyyyk much longer?” She asked, and instantly regretted doing so. But, she did want to know...

[member="Coren Starchaser"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

Coren smiled at Celeste, there was definitely something about her. He’d seen her around for years, and after last night? Something changed, all for the better. He was still smiling, softly and subconsciously. He watched her eyes and shook his head a bit. “You know I’m more than a piece of meat, hun.” He laughed as he took a seat. Watching her move to get a mug, the man couldn’t help but smile more.

He had a good view of her from where he was. Feeling her hand on his shoulder, he looked at her and smiled, before leaning in to kiss her hand. There was definitely a spark from her fingers, and he didn’t think it was just a Force thing. It was something more …primal? Connected? He wasn’t looking for the right word, but there was definitely a feeling here.

Watching her take a bite, he was smiling. They would have the room for a few more hours after breakfast, maybe a quick nap. “Only a bit. Just enough so we won’t hate everything we eat.” Winking, he had some of the pancakes and nodded. She was a good cook too, but she was a mother, it was part and parcel of that gig, wasn’t it?

“I’ll be here for a bit. Just have to check in with the Alliance and Coalition. But until I hear murmurs from the Sith? I can handle a lot of things from here.” He looked at her and smiled. “Why, trying to ration me?”

[member="Celeste Rigel"]

 

[Celeste Rigel]

Celeste laughed, it was a sound that was rarer these days, but not so much around Coren. He was the only one that could make her smile and laugh like this. Her heart felt light when she was with him, almost as if it fluttered within her chest. It felt good. The healer wished she could feel like this all the time, maybe there would come a time in the future when she did.

“Oh?” Her gaze lit up upon hearing that he didn't need to rush away just yet. The life of a soldier was unpredictable, she knew that. And being involved with a soldier only made it that much harder. But, Celeste knew the galaxy needed Coren. “Yes, I'm trying to ration you.” She smiled.

Another bite, another sip of caf.

“In fact, I may try to keep you here.” There was a wide smile on her face as she lowered her mug. Her chestnut eyes narrowed slightly, focusing on Coren. “What would it take?”

[member="Coren Starchaser"]