Private Beast of Burden

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

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Outfit: Link
Appearance: Link
Necklace: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble

There was no holding back anymore.

Husband and wife were trading blows like they were trying to kill each other, and if it weren't for Vera's excited giggling, it probably would have looked like a deathmatch to any observer. Even just jabs and simple glancing blows had the speed and strength behind them to knock out adults, but the actual power blows set this fight apart from what one could generally see.

Following a series of strikes to open up his guard, Valery moved in for the uppercut, but while she knew it was going to connect, she also knew that he was striking back and that she couldn't do anything to stop it. So right as her fist went into his gut with all of her might, she felt his fist hitting her against the back of the head, sending her down to the ground, dazed from the heavy impact, and even with a head injury after hitting the ground.

But even with blood dripping down her nose, Valery got up quickly and charged at him, still a bit off-balanced but she knew her hit wouldn't make it easy to just fight for him either. This time, however, she hoped to get real close to him, so she could drive her knee up against his liver — she was clearly favoring the body shots, knowing they were just as destructive as head shots. The height difference just made it hard for her to strike the head.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Fight free, fight with all his might. Fight without holding back. He'd never actually gone so far as to just not hold back, especially against Valery. He could feel something rupture from her blow alone. Or it would've, if not for the Force. Their bond made it clear that no matter how hard they went, just fists wouldn't be enough to kill them. And they knew when to stop at least.

He took a step back, turning the injured side away from her. Knowing full well she'd keep targeting it. No sooner than he did she was up with a bloodied nose and closing the distance. All to bring a knee up for his side, huh? He gritted his teeth as he took the blow. Pain surged through his mind, their bond. But he grinned regardless. He took the blow to catch her leg and promptly swing her around and slam her right on the mat.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

​

Outfit: Link
Appearance: Link
Necklace: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble

Valery shot him a bloodied, shit-eating grin when she managed to shove her knee into his side and search for the earlier hit to rub in the pain a little more. It was... very strange to think this way about a fight with the man she loved the most, but she knew that no strike could kill, and they'd both know exactly when to stop. So without needing to be worried, she could enjoy the real intensity of this clash, and Vera seemed to love it too.

"Go mommy!" she yelled.

Sadly, her grin faded quickly. Very quickly. Kahlil's plan had worked, and with a solid grip on the much smaller woman's leg, Valery couldn't stop what happened next. He swung her around and with a lot of force, she was slammed against the ground. The uncontrolled impact had her head strike the mats again as well, leaving behind blood on the floor as lights began to flicker for her, albeit just briefly.

But he'd still feel that she was okay enough, mostly. If anything, she wanted to kick his ass even more now.

"Yay daddy!!" Vera called out this time.

In an attempt to free herself, Valery began what looked like a twist by moving her legs over each other, but it was only a distraction. Using her free leg, she suddenly kicked back, aiming her foot riiiight below the belt to hit the crown jewels. If he wanted to toss his wife around and embarrass her a little, she'd hit him like a mule.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

There it was. Kahlil tightened his grip on her leg, fully intending to lift her up and slam her down yet again. Finish her off before they got any more hurt. Then he saw her intent. For a moment he blinked, glancing towards her.

"Wait do-"

Too late. The crippling blow landed, causing the large man to just double over as he dropped to his knees. Let go of her leg in the process to instead cradle himself.

He was absolutely defeated.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

​

Outfit: Link
Appearance: Link
Necklace: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble

Too late.

Valery could feel his pain through the Force once her foot connected, and instantly regretted her attack. Both because of how much it hurt him, and because of how much it hurt her. It was a feedback loop of pain, and with her own body and face beat up as well, she fell flat onto her stomach and barely moved an inch. The blows to her head hurt and kept her a little out of it. She was bloodied, breathing heavily, and twitching on the ground.

Meanwhile, Vera just laughed and clapped at the display.

"Babe..." she said, her voice a tad weak from the pain. "Sorry... are you okay?" Now she suddenly began to chuckle a little, "Are they okay?" she asked, referring to the crown jewels.

"You're still going to need them." She began to softly laugh, but the laughing hurt so much that she wanted to stop laughing, but she couldn't stop and just laid still on her stomach, in pain but mostly amused.

Hopefully, he wouldn't be angry with her.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Good- Fine. I'm good." He didn't really sound good, but the dull throb of pain from that and everything else was already fading. Handy thing with the Force. Especially with Valery and Vera laughing. He let out his own, flashing quite the grin to both girls as he gave them a thumbs up.

"I'm good. Promise." Especially with the needing part. That got Valery a different kind of wink. "Nothing inoperable."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

​

Outfit: Link
Appearance: Link
Necklace: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble

Vera couldn't stop laughing as her parents were crawling around and trying to bite through the pain. She knew how much all of it must have hurt, but to see them laugh and enjoy themselves made it easy for her to keep laughing. That, together with Kahlil's reassurance, made Valery smile very brightly. As weird as it was to call this a family moment, it ultimately really was.

At his comment and wink, though, Valery faintly blushed and shot him a more reserved wink in return, "Good, and I'll make up for that cheap shot..." she trailed off and crawled over to him, "Still counting it as a win, though~" she whispered teasingly before she grabbed his cheek and pulled him into very passionate, deep kiss.

Hopefully, he didn't mind the little bit of blood still in her mouth.

"Ewww! Mommyyyyy," Vera was quick to yell but this one time, she did decide to allow it. They had just beaten the hell out of each other, after all. But now that it was over, she rushed over to get between her parents for hugs and just attention. She loved attention from both mom and dad.

"Hmm, that's better," Valery said before she shifted from hands and knees to sitting on her butt. "I'm... a bit light-headed. That first blow especially really knocked my brains around."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil just let out a wheezing laugh still. He was still pretty uh, pretty much in pain. Though trying not to show that in front of Vera. Dad still needs to seem tough, right? He raised a brow at the kiss though, though didn't deny it. Kinda. He didn't wanna make out in front of Vera, but he still couldn't stop himself from enjoying it some. Nothing like a good kiss after a fight.

"Epicanthix fighting. Graceful, but strong. Move like water, and strike like a wave to knock your opponent flat. Cheap shot as it was, ya did knock me flat."

He teased, somewhat. Hugged Vera as he watched Valery for a moment.

"Just don't stand too quick, okay?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

​

Outfit: Link
Appearance: Link
Necklace: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble

Even though she went in for a fairly long, loving kiss, Valery also kept it tame — she didn't want to gross out her daughter too much, and she definitely didn't need to see everything. When Vera made her way over, she did break the kiss and pulled her in for a little group hug.

"Yeah? Well, I'm glad to hear it. Next time, I'll get you without a cheap shot, though." She flashed a grin that showed that fiery, chaotic excitement she had for fighting, training, and battle. Not that she enjoyed serious combat where lives were lost or at risk, but things like this? She loved it.

"You were so cool, daddy! You just... lifted mommy up!" Vera then said while she held out her hands and began to spin around to imitate the way Kahlil was flinging around his wife. Valery watched and just chuckled as her little star wrapped her arms around her father's neck for a big hug. She was so happy to see him again and mess around like this, and Valery adored it all.

But while her cheap shot had hurt a ton in the moment, the blows to her head had some more lingering effects, and it drew her attention away from Vera's cuteness. Without the adrenaline from before, she was starting to feel it more and more, and Kahlil picked up on it too. "Yeah... I'll be okay." She wasn't really feeling okay yet, but she also had to look tough, of course.

"Let's uh, take it easy for the rest of the day, hm? Some couch time and just relaxing...." she trailed off and while Vera just excitedly nodded at the idea, Valery looked Kahlil in the eyes and smiled again. They'd have their little moment together later, and she was already looking forward to that as well.

"Maybe we need to help mommy?" Vera then asked, and Valery just chuckled. "As long as you don't throw me around like your father did."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil snickered just a little, watching the display with Vera for a moment. Occasionally glancing to Valery all the while, though. He was, justifiably, concerned. Blows to the head were no laughing matter. Especially since he could feel her pain and.. Well, dizziness. Concussion? Whoops. He didn't say much as he kept on carrying Vera in the hug. Then casually leaned down to scoop Valery up in his other arm. Just carry them both with ease.

"Alright alright. Couch time."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

​

Outfit: Link
Appearance: Link
Necklace: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble

Her head was hurting more than she openly showed, but seeing Vera goof off about the fight was an amazing distraction from it. Of course, she caught the occasional glances from Kahlil as well — he could feel what was really up with her, so it was only natural that he'd be a little worried.

But that meant he also knew she'd be alright.

With Vera in his arm and held over one shoulder, Kahlil then leaned down to close the distance. Valery blinked in response and quickly held onto him as she too got flung over a shoulder. "Hmm, showing off, are we?" she teased, and Vera was quick to giggle about it too. "Hey mommy!" she said, as the two looked at each other behind Kahlil's back. It was an amusing thing, and soon enough, they reached the couch.

Valery adjusted herself and laid down against him with her side, and her head resting against his shoulder. Vera... was a little more chaotic, and shifted over his lap, and chest and moved around a lot more. "I wanna learn to fight like that, too! It was so cool!" she exclaimed.

"You really sure?" Valery asked jokingly, now that she felt pretty beaten up.

Vera seemed adamant though, and nodded several times "Mm-hm!"

"Maybe we can do that lesson somewhere interesting? Perhaps on a trip to learn more about the Epicanthix?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Oh absolutely."

Kahlil let out yet another chuckle before heading back to the couch. Set them both down carefully as he could, given the headache Valery had. He laughed, louder, glancing between the two as he tried to get Vera to settle down some. At least she was excited to learn. His smile dimmed a little though as he scratched his cheek. Shrugged his shoulders. Panatha was gone.

"We can.. Try. I'm not honestly sure where we can go."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

​

Outfit: Link
Appearance: Link
Necklace: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"There are survivors, in sanctuaries scattered everywhere." Some were easier to track down than others, but she felt it was doable. Whether or not it really was the best thing to do right now, though, she wasn't sure. She didn't really want to bother people who had lost their homes, even if it had already been quite a while.

They'd figure something out.

"You think about what you want too, sweetie. It's your birthday that's coming up," Valery then said, her voice softer so it wouldn't be too demanding with the headache. Vera had calmed down a little after some nudging from her dad and nodded. She wasn't really sure yet, but she was honestly happy as long as they were there with her.

"I... think I'm going to grab a shower and lay down for a bit," Valery then said before she slowly started to rise. She didn't look steady on her feet at all, but she was stubborn sometimes and fought through it the best she could. "Gives you two some time to play and catch up."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

One of the sanctuaries? At least they had some of those. Yeah, that'd be a good place to start. For all of them. He raised a brow as he watched Valery though. Frowned. Was she alright? .. By their bond, yeah. She seemed alright. Enough that he wasn't as concerned as he would've been otherwise.

"Alright. Lemmi know if you need help, okay?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

​

Outfit: Link
Appearance: Link
Necklace: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"Of course," Valery said with a soft smile before she retreated into the bathroom. The offer from him was appreciated but she'd more than likely just bite through discomfort and be too stubborn to ask for help. She wanted to look strong, not just for all the people in the Galaxy who looked up to her, but for her family too.

"Mommy is hurt," Vera said, only a second or two after the bathroom door closed. Through her own bond with her parents, she picked up on everything too, so her mom acting tough was an easy illusion to see through. "Not just now. She hasn't been sleeping." Kahlil's return had already changed a lot of those issues and made her feel much better, but Vera wanted to tell her dad to be safe.

"She needs you, daddy, and I do too." She crawled back over to him and wrapped her little arms around him for a long, cute hug... but also for another reason. "Can I watch the holo before bed today?" Valery didn't always just let her stay up for shows, so she had to take her chances.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil blinked slowly, glancing to Vera as she spoke up. So she really was in tune with them. No wonder she could find him. He smiled just a little before hugging her in turn. Nodding his head. "I won't leave again. I promise Little Star." As much as he could. He pulled back and raised a brow at the next question though.

"What's your mother's normal answer, hmm?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

​

Outfit: Link
Appearance: Link
Necklace: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble

His answer gave her the reassured feeling that she was looking for. His believed death had been the most difficult thing in her life by far, and even though mom did her best to take good care of her, it just wasn't the same without him. Not for her, and not for her mother either, who she could feel was struggling with everything. Much of it was beyond her understanding, but the emotions she felt surely were not.

"Okay," Vera said with a happy smile before she pulled back when he asked about her mother's opinion. Vera smiled a little sheepishly and turned, as the sound of the bathroom door opening drew her attention away. Valery stepped out with a towel wrapped around her while she brushed her hair, and paused to smile in their direction.

Her family.

There was still something strange about life just taking another rapid turn, and it was almost unbelievable to see him sitting there again with their daughter. But that's exactly why she wanted to spend more time alone with him too. Figure everything out together and really feel the fire of their relationship. She had yet to tell him that she loved him again, and while that was a given, those words had always meant a lot to her.

"Mommy lets me," Vera lied without shame after her mother disappeared into the bedroom to relax a moment later. She flashed her dad a grin and hugged him again, as if that would help convince him.

"Pleeeaaase?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil caught her gaze in passing. Gave her an all too big smile. It took a bit to just realize how much he was still welcome here. In this home, that wasn't technically their home anymore. A laugh escaped him though as he glanced down to Vera and her blatant lie. She could read both her parents almost as well as they could read each other.

But they could similarly read her.

"Alright. I'll go ask which is her favorite show to watch with you and we can give it a try, yeah?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

​

Outfit: Link
Appearance: Link
Necklace: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"Noooo...." Vera said before plopping down into his lap, all in an attempt to physically stop him from going anywhere. He was staying with her, and she wanted to watch shows before bedtime with him. "Mommy needs rest, daddy," she said, carefully constructing her argument to back up her sweet little lie. There was nothing malicious about it or about the little Noble, but she was clearly pretty serious about what she wanted.

"I know which one she likes."

With a big nod, she crawled off of him and grabbed the remote, so she could turn on the holo and switch to a rather action-packed animated show. It had Jedi in it, some familiar and others fiction, and plenty of explosions and fighting. No gore, though, and no themes too inappropriate for younger audiences.

Although a case could be made that she was still too young.

But she was also a Noble.

"Please?" she asked again, now with her best puppy eyes as she fell back down into his lap.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

He knew she was lying. The lack of malicious intent made it easier to accept, though. Ish. "You shouldn't lie, you know. We can stay up and watch a show. One episode. And no more lying, okay?"

She was being pretty clever. Kahlil let out a soft chuckle as he turned his gaze towards the holo. He wasn't much for holos and the like. Just never interested him. Probably didn't help that the holos he could watch as a boy were Sith propaganda and live executions of traitors. A show about Jedi though? He squinted after a moment, already recognizing one of them.

".. Isn't that Auteme ?"

Valery Noble