Best Keep It Straight

[Valencia Hadley]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda
Tag: [member="Darth Metus"]


As he chuckled at her, she lifted her gaze to smile at him around the simple white flower, lowering it to show the small upward quirk at the edge of her lips that hinted at a smirk. She was grateful that he seemed to have relaxed a little again now that he was assured she wasn't upset at him - and she noted that he also seemed a good deal more interested in the food on the table than he was in much else at the moment.

The Viceroy slid around the edge of the table and seated herself once more on the couch, the movement even more fluid now that she didn't need to worry about a mass of fabric around her legs. She crossed her legs above the knee for the first time in the evening and smiled softly at how comfortable the movement was. Looking elegant and put together was a useful tool - but being comfortable was always preferable. She reclined back against the cushions and idly twirled the tulip in her fingers.

Her eyes regarded him silently as he unwrapped his steak, the smell filling the space pleasantly. She kept quiet as he took care of getting himself situated with his meal, leaving the items she'd chosen for their second course in the bag untouched for the time being.

"If what I chose proves to be dissatisfying perhaps I'll take you up on the offer." She regarded the tulip in her lap, slowly rolling it between her fingers as she gave him time to enjoy his steak, considering the white petals as they twirled slowly in her grasp. She let her eyes wander back to what was left of the bottle of Idlewil on the table, still more than half of it remaining. Her legs slowly uncrossed as she leaned forward, perching along the edge of the couch and refilling her glass as well.

She lifted the glass and herself as she took a quick sip, and also brought her legs up under herself, curling them against the soft cushions of the couch and arranging herself atop them. Holding the glass in one hand, and the other resting atop the tulip that sat against her thigh, she regarded him curiously. She chose to ignore his question in favor of one of her own.

"What was the plan if I had taken the kiss poorly?" She gently swirled the contents of the glass with slow motions of her wrist, the faintest hint of that smirk still lingering at the corner of her mouth.

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda​

Tag: [member="Valencia Hadley"]​

Things had genuinely...relaxed.

It was almost as if the Viceroy's new attire had breathed new life into the room they occupied. For some reason, whether it be the Idlewil yet raging through his system or otherwise, the Sith felt comfortable in easing some of the tension in his shoulders. He was breaking one of his most cardinal laws in doing so, for lowering his guard for any reason was an elementary way of getting one's throat slit. Yet, watching how casually the epitome of grace sank into the sofa cushions inspired ease on the Vicelord's part. Even as he busied himself rummaging through their dinner bag, he could feel the tension ebbing away with each moment. Culminating with a rather satisfied breath. When last he felt this way...frankly, he could not remember.

Ever since the rise and fall of the former Confederacy, he had been a man on the run. Hunted by former allies, embattled by rivals - Darth Metus lived a purely martial life. He knew that, if he asked Valencia about keeping her guard up, she might have had a similar mindset; but he wagered that it would be political in nature. Sure, she had seen her share of risks in her time, but the Sith had tasted death itself before. Slept with one eye open. For many years, nowhere was truly safe - and it was this tension that had now eluded his person that was to blame for his longevity. But...for just a moment, did he not deserve a moment to breathe? What was the point of survival if it meant forgetting all about being human?

When at last Darth Metus joined the Viceroy on the sofa, he did not immediately dig into his meal. The smell of the medium rare cut was indeed enticing, but the exquisite appearance of his compatriot was even more so. "Have I mentioned how much I like that top?" he remarked, scooting his plate forward slightly. The words were scarcely out of his mouth when she replied to his earlier quip, causing a chuckle to bubble forth. "How's about an appetizer then?" He was close enough that she could take him up on the offer or not at her discretion; but following either decision the Sith would lean back on the sofa for a moment, beaming.

"I would have owned it." he began, nodding. "Though I'm not sure a tulip would have covered that particular transgression."

 

[Valencia Hadley]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda
Tag: [member="Darth Metus"]

The chuckle that escaped her at his offer for an 'appetizer' was like a rush of a warm summer breeze, joyous and almost musical. She lifted the tulip from her lap and leaned into him, bringing herself a foot from his face before the tulip came up to bounce once off the end of his nose. Her eyes crinkled at the edges as she beamed across at him, reclining back against the couch and continuing to laugh softly to herself as she did so. When she spoke, her voice was light and filled with that same sing-song laughter, "I'm glad you like the top. I dare say that I could find one in your size if you think you'd like one..." She offered him another playful wink as she brought up her glass and took a sip of the warm amber liquid inside.

She relaxed for several long minutes as she paid a good deal of her attention to the flower he'd given her, still idly spinning and twirling it in her fingers, taking special care not to drop it as she did. She finished another quarter of the drink before she addressed his next comments, gazing down at the white petals as she did, "Well then it's lucky for you that I'm not upset when attractive men kiss me." She turned a thoughtful face towards him, extending the hand that held the tulip to once more bounce it off the tip of his nose, that calm face breaking into a small smile.

As she drew the flower back, she leaned forward on the couch and set the bloom on the table before them, taking the bag that had been delivered and pulling it back into her lap. She wriggled a little to bring her legs out from under her, instead neatly crossing them so that she could cradle the bag against them. She kept her drink grasped lightly between her fingers as she used her free hand to route around inside the bag, pulling out a tiny container from within. Setting it down in her lap, apart from the larger bag, and returning the main package back to the table. She left the smaller container in her lap as she turned back to look at him while he enjoyed his meal. She let him be until he'd finished - sitting silently with her drink.

She took another long, slow draw on her drink as she watched him over the rim of the glass. Taking her time to enjoy the low burn on her tongue before she swallowed, her gaze curious as she considered him, "So, Metus... Ready for dessert?"

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Atoo, Manda​

Tag: [member="Valencia Hadley"]​

Of course she would…

Ever the personification of grace, Valencia was more than equipped to deal with the Vicelord's "offer" of an appetizer. For but a moment, she allowed herself to breach the Sith's personal space - enough so that the sweet scent of her perfume indulged his nostrils slightly. Darth Metus was almost hopeful in this moment, finding himself leaning up in the sofa seat ever so slightly. However, just before she got close enough that his arm might ensnare her waist, she threw a curve ball by booping his nose with the tulip's petals. In response, the Sith's nose scrunches ever so slightly and he blinked rapidly whilst her peals of laughter filled the air.

"Oh ha ha." he quipped in mock frustration. However, the pure, infectious nature of her laughter, coupled with that smile, made it near impossible for Darth Metus not to flash his own teeth in a grin. Valencia was slowly building an arsenal that would earn her unlimited free passes with the Vicelord; though, it would remain to be seen if Idlewil would be essential for cashing them in. Nonetheless, whilst she left the Sith to deflate into the sofa cushion, she sat back and spoke into the flower. Her words caused a small huff to escape his lips - so she had enjoyed it - and with that realization he slowly sat fully up.

He did not pursue her further for the time being, as the steak began to call his name again. And, as politely, yet carnivorousy, as possible, he began to make short work of his meal. There was no slurping or obnoxious chewing or anything of that sort, as he was deliberate with his chews and knife movements. However, what was once a decent slab of meat was reduced to a single bone rather quickly, and the Sith briefly washed it down with Idlewil. He made certain not to burp, as that would have just been a rain on the parade in his opinion, but sat back in the seat once more - completely satisfied. Shortly thereafter, Valencia began to move once more.

His gift was briefly set upon the table so that she might invade the bag herself. Her container came to rest upon her lap and she looked at him just over her glass, asking if he was ready for dessert. It took actual restraint for him not to concoct a one-liner about her being the only sweet thing in the room. Instead, he settled for giving her that appreciative look over once more before grinning. "But of course." he said, scooting closer so that he might eye the container. "What's on the menu?" Screw it. "You, I hope?"

 

[Valencia Hadley]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda
Tag: [member="Darth Metus"]

It was difficult for her to keep from falling into an endless fit of giggles as she heard the frustration in his voice... Mock? Certainly. Hinted at a grain of truth? She suspected yes. It likely had something to do with the bottle or so of Idlewil that she'd finished on her own thus far, but it was almost a bit too much fun to tease the Vicelord. She managed to reign herself in a bit to allow him time to eat in peace, however. No point in making a nuisance of herself.

She managed to keep herself silent until her follow-up question, inquiring about his level of interest in dessert. She watched him closely as he answered, keeping her smile calm and passive as he moved closer. She moved the now nearly empty glass from her hand to lay in her lap next to the small container, lifting it instead and gazing down at the lid with a small smile as she pulled it open. Two small pastries sat inside the container, both topped with roses made from baked apple slices, and the whole thing smelled of warm cinnamon and brown sugar. She hadn't let on when he'd mentioned a desire for a streak - but this particular restaurant had made her short list for years because of their beautiful desserts.

The location was attached to a bakery, and their baked goods were always on the menu in addition to the amazing meat options. His suggestion that she get dessert had been a brilliant one, not that she'd ever tell him that... She lifted her gaze back to him, that warm smell seeming to mirror in her smile, all warmth, and sweetness. "They're called apple rose puffs. There's not much to them, but I can promise they're absolutely delicious." She shifted the container around to face him and offered him first pick. They were small enough to do in one bite if someone was feeling up to the task, and wasn't too worried about the possibility of getting sugar all over themselves.

"After this, we can discuss other options if you're still hungry." She kept that warm, sweet smile on her lips, but the shadow of something else moved behind those smiling pale blue eyes of hers. It was hard to pin down what exactly she was thinking, and she didn't seem keen to let him in on whatever was floating around behind those eyes of hers.

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Atoo, Manda​

Tag: [member="Valencia Hadley"]​

For the most part, the main course was consumed in silence.

Save for the light clatter of the cutlery meeting the plate itself, the Sith Lord had very few words to say whilst he indulged in his meal. The meat itself was seasoned just the way he had specified - salt and pepper only - and he could savor the buttery crust that had been formed due to late game basting. Part of him imagined that the chef had used cast iron for this particular cut, which was his own personal preference; but nonetheless the steak was delicious. One could always tell when a man enjoyed something, as in those moments he would be completely quiet. There would be nothing that mattered more than thoroughly enjoying the meal before them, and now was no different.

Thankfully enough, Darth Metus ate without being subject to tulip petals on his nose. Whilst he carved a path through his steak, his lovely compatriot sat quietly beside him. He could feel her eyes on him as he ate, so he made certain not to be a complete monster as he worked. Once he was finished eating, she then broke the silence by introducing dessert. She couldn't help but laugh at his earlier quips and offered a smile that was as dazzling as the confections that she presented. And frankly, the Sith found himself pleasantly intrigued at what Valencia had selected. The pastries were small in terms of size, enough so that he could have plucked one up and eaten it whole in one shot.

However, he figured that these were desserts meant to be enjoyed, not devoured.

As the Sith procured a fresh fork, so that there was no cross-contamination at play, he noted the amusement dancing within Valencia's eyes. Though he was sure the dessert would be a fitting cherry on top of a nice meal, he would always be happy for another sweet after that. His fork selected the leftmost pastry and gingerly broke through the warm exterior, securing half of its form on the metal. And as he raised the confection to his lips, he said: "They smell amazing.." The aroma was just the beginning, for the pastry immediately melted upon his tongue. A warm whirlwind of sweetness hit his mouth, eliciting a satisfied mmph to fall from his lips. The second half of the pastry did not last as long as the first.

Finally, once the dessert had been consumed, Darth Metus leaned back on the sofa seat, beaming. "Those were amazing." he began. "Simple. Delicious. Though a bit small - I bet they were designed to leave you wanting more, huh." His hand found its way to her knee once more as he exhaled happily. "So what was this about other options? My appetite can be everlasting some days." Whether she'd break out another menu or something else remained to be seen.

 

[Valencia Hadley]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda
Tag: [member="Darth Metus"]

She did her best to be unobtrusive as he enjoyed his meal. It hadn't been her intention to make him uncomfortable by not getting anything for herself - though in truth she hadn't suspected that she'd find herself in this particular setting either. A man with a reputation for being powerful and at times fearsome would certainly fit with his meal choice - but she hadn't imagined him being as accommodating and, dare she think it, affectionate as he was. As her nursed the drink she'd poured for herself it brought a gentle smile to her lips, still gazing somewhat distractedly at the tulip he'd given her in recompense for his earlier slight.

When his attention had returned to the question of dessert she'd made sure to keep herself as passive as possible, genuinely interested in his opinion of what was objectively her favourite place to eat in the entirety of Aroo. She wasn't disappointed, his audible exclamation of enjoyment bringing another of those warm smiles to her lips. She let him finish the tiny apple blossom before she turned the container back to herself and did what he had dared to not; lifting the entirety of the pastry in her fingers and popping it into her mouth.

She shot him and look that spoke to mirth as she blissfully chewed away at the pastry, using the thumb of the hand she'd used to scoop it up to wipe a small smudge of the liquidy brown sugar from her lower lip. It took her no time at all to polish off the mouthful of delicious sugary sweetness, using the opportunity to close up and deposit the empty container onto the table along with the rest of the package their meal had come in.

She reclined then against the back of the couch, retrieving the glass from her lap with her left hand and popping the edge of her right thumb passed her lips to clean off the sugar she'd smudged there earlier. Her eyes came to rest on the hand he rested on her knee, however, pulling her finger free as she turned to look at him once more.

"I'm so sorry to hear they weren't enough to satiate your hunger, Vicelord. There's a good number of other options if you're interested." She turned her head to motion towards the door. "I'm sure we could find you something." She kept her voice carefully neutral, and her expression to match.

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Atoo, Manda​

Tag: [member="Valencia Hadley"]​

The longer he stayed, the more he understood.

When it came to the subject of dessert, Darth Metus did his absolute best not to come off as a heathen. He addressed his chosen pastry with a fork and delighted in its flavor. He resisted the urge to simply pluck the morsel off the platter and devour it in one go - for he did not want to offend or disgust the radiant woman beside him. Frankly, as the evening went on, the Sith was beginning to learn just a tad more about the Viceroy. For this action was frivolity on his part. Just as soon as he had finished his own morsel, Valencia polished hers off in a single bite; in the same exact motion that Darth Metus resisted no less.

He came to understand...that she was Human. And no, not in the sense that he thought she was a human replica droid or something absurd. But that there was more than the perpetual professionalism and peerless decor than met the eye. On paper and in person, Valencia Hadley was a stellar individual. Educated. Poised. More than enough to meet his criteria for special council. But as a person, she had much of the same traits that were prevalent in her guest. She seemed to love poking fun, just as much as saying "kark it" to manners and downing a dessert in one bite. She was as dynamic as the setting sun; and frankly, the Sith genuinely enjoyed being in her company.

Perhaps it was because she reminded him what it was like to be human as well. What it was like to be more than a sulfur-eyed demon. What it was like to be…normal.

Nonetheless. When Valencia had finished her dessert and licked clean the excess from her lip, she seemingly opted not to fall prey to his veiled advance. With a tone that was devoid of any tells, she simply suggested that they could procure for him more to eat. The Sith gaped - she was karking with him he was sure of it. The thought alone bemused him so mightily that thunderous peals of laughter escaped him, causing him to completely sit up in the sofa seat. "Okay." he breathed, after settling. "You got me. You got me." He raised his hands in mock defeat. "I am stuffed - and the only thing I have room for is you. May I have a bite?"

At this point, he was having too much fun to give a flying rats about tact or anything of that sort. Consequences were meant to be dealt with later.

 

[Valencia Hadley]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda
Tag: [member="Darth Metus"]

It was true that there was a good deal more to the Viceroy of Manda than met the eye. In a world where many came to her level of power and privilege through no honest work of their own - she'd built herself up from nothing. She'd been hungry before. She'd been without a home, without a bed to lay her head upon at night. She knew what it was to not know if any given meal would be her last. It had taught her a good many things, but one such lesson was that the things that were worth living for; the things that were delicious, beautiful, fun - those things weren't to be saved for tomorrow. She would not deny herself the pleasures that life had to offer simply because they came infrequently.

With that in mind, she was unwilling to delay the enjoyment she was going to get from dessert. She couldn't help the genuinely kind smile she turned to him as she watched that bit of realization dawn on his features. She suspected that there was something of that mentality in the warrior that sat lounging on her couch as well. She didn't know much of the Sith over and above what she'd been told from others, but the way he enjoyed simple things, the way he seemed to have a genuine sense of empathy for what had vexed her earlier... There was something there other than just a bloodthirsty, Force-wielding monster.

When she schooled herself to neutrality to respond to his bait - she struggled to keep that tone and her face as calm as possible. What she hadn't expected was his laughter. It startled her a little, causing her to jump just a fraction and spin to face him as her free hand rose, stopping before she clutched at the sweater across her chest. She'd literally gone for the non-existent pearls he'd startled her badly enough. Feeling her heart fluttering in her chest, she couldn't keep the soft chuckle that bubbled from her as she started to calm herself once more. Her expertly manicured eyebrows raised in a graceful arch as he leveled with her, however.

She took a moment to lower the hand that she'd raised back to her lap, considering the man that sat before her. He was charming, influential, powerful, handsome... But he was also so much more than that. It was a bit of a wonder to her, and she felt herself shrug mentally. Feth it.

She took her free hand and planted it on the couch cushions between them, using her other to place her nearly empty glass on the caf table without looking, her eyes on his as she leaned forward and raised that now empty hand to gently rest against his chest, bracing herself as she pressed her lips to his. She lingered there, allowing herself a moment to marvel at how soft his lips were, before she leaned back, not far though.

"Since you asked so nicely."

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda​

Tag: Valencia Hadley​

Most Sith considered Darth Metus unorthodox.

When it came to the typical servant of the Dark Side, ambition was certainly the foundation of their personality. The average Sith was selected from a relatively vulnerable place in life - whether it be youth or simply turmoil - by a Master who craved power all the more. They would be shaped by tragedy, agony, and strife; often being subjected to arbitrary tests of will by their mentor as their powers grew. And, at the end, the Sith would adopt the title Darth as a challenge to the stars: that their might exceeded or met any who dared cross them. The man seated next to the Viceroy did not hail from this typical heritage in the slightest, and maybe that was why they were able to silently enjoy a common ground.

He was reared from practically nothing - just the same as Valencia. As a native of Mandalore, his clan was miniscule compared to the legendary greats. Those bearing the surname Verd could not hope to hold a candle to the Vizsla or Skirata when he was a child, yet still, Darth Metus climbed. From an unblooded warrior to a bounty hunter to a candidate for the highest office known to his people, the Sith earned his place in the world by his strength alone. By the time he had become practitioner of the Dark Side, he had already earned for himself the comforts of a normal life. The pleasures of security. The luxuries of modest wealth. He, at that time, enjoyed every moment to the fullest before succumbing to his own personal ambition: to preserve all which he had built.

And when he adopted the mantle Darth, it too was a challenge. A guarantee that he was mighty enough to weather any storm thrown at him by the Galaxy. That his power was enough to maintain his way of life. Somewhere down the line, however, it seemed he had forgotten how to live the life he fought so hard to maintain. Valencia, effortlessly, managed to remind him of how to do just that.

They shared a laugh in response to her devouring of the pastry. The Sith had managed to significantly startle the woman by how loudly he burst into chuckles as she licked the sweet remains from her lips. Yet, after placing a hand upon her chest, she joined him in the moment of absurdity. However. The moment passed as quickly as it came, for Valencia settled her glass down upon the table with a noticeable tap. She moved, invading the "sanctity" of his personal space by placing a hand upon his chest. The Sith's heart thudded away in his chest as she closed the gap and gave him the dessert he had been begging for. And, when their lips parted, he could taste a phantom remain of the pastry upon his bottom lip. Dessert indeed. The Sith's arms drew her in once more after she ceased her words; for this time he was not asking for seconds.

 

[Valencia Hadley]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda
Tag: Darth Metus

There was a good deal about the Vicelord that Valencia had no inclining of. He had been a figure of interest to her ever since she’d aspired to the office of Viceroy – and thinking on it now, it was likely a very bad idea to be putting the moves on what was essentially her boss… But she could worry about that tomorrow.

She couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the edges of her lips as he reached for her, the hand against his chest lifting to coil around the pressed collar of his shirt, pulling his lips down to hers once more…

---

​

---

The automatic visor above the large window in her bedroom was programmed to rise along with the sun, and so it did. The soft murmur of the shutter rising caused her eyes to flutter open, enjoying for a moment as the warm glow of the sun as it broke through the cluster of skyscrapers that sat directly outside of her window. Whatever storm had buffeted the city the night before had passed it seemed. Those quiet moments, first thing in the morning, were some of her favourite. The peace that came with the dawn was always welcome.

After several long moments of watching the sun pour into the room, she began to stretch, luxuriating under the warmth of her covers. That was when one of her outstretched hands bumped into something that was not normally there. She paused for a moment and turned her head, spotting the sleeping form of her new teacher, asleep in the sheets with her.

That was right… After a time in his chambers, she’d expressed an interest in returning to her own, and he’d accepted her invitation to join. A tired but not unimpressed smile slid over her lips as she recalled what had followed; though it didn’t last long as she considered instead what she had on her plate for the day. She gazed across at him for several long moments before sighing softly and sitting up, taking a moment to ensure that his covers weren’t disturbed before extracting herself from the bed.

---

She’d spent a good portion of the morning preparing and sending missives to those on her council. She made those who needed to know aware that she was likely going to be scarce for a time, and also took the liberty of inviting Margurite to see her as soon as was convenient for the woman. With any luck, she could take care of the few items that had arisen from the previous evening prior to the Vicelord waking up.

Barring that being an option, however, she had taken the time as soon as she’d entered her office that morning to put through a requisition. Once he did get himself out of bed, there would be a fresh set of clothes, as well as breakfast waiting for him in the living area of her quarters. Knowing that he was likely feeling the residual effects of the Idlewil they’d finished off the evening before, she’d ordered something lighter. More of a light brunch than heavy breakfast was her thought.

With everything else taken care of, she moved from behind her desk and coiled herself in one of the low chairs in the small seating area they’d used the evening before. She carefully smoothed out the creases on the legs of her jumper, before leaning back in the seat and wrapping her fingers around the warm mug of caf she'd made for herself. She found herself smiling softly as she sipped from the mug, gazing silently out the windows and into the glaring morning light... It hadn't been a disappointing evening.

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda​

Tag: [member="Valencia Hadley"]​

A soft grunt rose from her touch.

When the morning came at last, the Vicelord had all but devolved into a black bear within his cavern. The light when it came to the Force and mornings was never his ally - and therefore, as illumination filled the room, he did his best to avert his eyelids. Darth Metus was not displeased to find that he was coiled within the silken sheets of his lover; and if he were more awake he might have greeted her far more properly than with a slight grunt as she rose from the bed. However, she was a vastly different creature than he when it came to early rising, and therefore he tarried in her wake once she left the bedroom. The evening before was a swirl in the Sith's mind as he rested; and yet there was not a moment he would change for the world.

In time, Darth Metus did brave the light and forced himself to sit upright amidst the sheets - only to find that his back stung in protest. At this reality, he reached back - only to find tender trails leading up and down his spine. A low chuckle escaped his lips as he flipped over the sheets and placed his feet upon the floor - the grace didn't do Valencia justice. He didn't make it too far out of the bed until his nostrils found what she had gone out of her way to provide. Ever the gracious host, he found a fresh change of clothes and breakfast laid out, waiting for him.

He made a small request of his own on his datapad before digging in.

It wasn't hard to find the Viceroy after he had made himself presentable. The button up shirt she provided was a simple, clean white, coupled with gray slacks and a dark belt. His facial hair hadn't grown to bonafide stubble yet, and therefore shaving was not a necessity yet. Though in the next day it certainly would be. She would find him bearing the last vestige of his breakfast in hand, datapad under his dominant arm, and his requisition within his offhand. Her office was indeed the pinnacle of modernity and oozed quiet efficiency. Yet, his gift was but a little touch of color - and a memento of all the fun they had a few hours before. The crimson rose was settled upon her desk in a simple vase. It matched the decor, but also made itself a focal point: something something zen.

This time, he did not act without making certain that they were alone. The snafoo of opening the door prematurely was still something he would overthink and nag himself about well into the future, and so he greeted her with a brief touch of his lips upon her cheek. Something simple, just in case the door swung open, it could be misinterpreted as him reading over her shoulder or something. Nonetheless, he smiled and leaned back, finishing his piece of toast in two bites. One swallow later and he eased himself into the chair adjacent to her own, beaming.

"Time permitting, maybe we should go out into the city today. What do you say?" he began, before leaning forward ever so slightly. "Also...I think we should order dessert after every meal. Just a thought."

The innuendo was strong with this one.

 

[Valencia Hadley]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda


She spent what was left of her time alone in the office curled around the warm mug in her hands, eyes gazing out the windows into the bright morning sun, though her mind was firmly elsewhere. Valencia gently strummed her nails along the porcelain of the mug as she fought to keep her face blank, recalling the amount of care her nails had needed in the shower that morning to remove remnants of the evening prior... The smile that finally broke across her features was warm and left her eyes a touch distant as she continued to idly strum her fingers against her mug. She almost missed the sound of the door to her office sliding open, the constant strumming of her nails pausing as she listened to the sound of approaching footsteps.


She turned her head a touch as he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her cheek, Valencia's smile lighting up as bright as the morning sun that shone through the windows. She slid one leg off the chair to plant it on the floor before her, using her toes to swivel the chair around to follow [member="Darth Metus"] as he strode over to his own chair and planted himself there, finishing off what was left of his breakfast. She caught from the corner of her eye the rose sitting atop her desk, one of her eyebrows raising curiously before she turned to face him, lifting her leg to curl it back under herself.

"Good morning, Metus..." She lifted the mug of warm caf to her lips and took another sip, listening to him with that smile a touch more muted behind the mug. Once she'd finished she lowered the mug to her thigh, resting it there lightly as she regarded him, "I'd be happy to accompany you around the city if there's something you'd like to see..." The kind smile twisted a touch into a smirk as he leaned forward, however, her nails rapping along the mug once more, "And you're welcome to have dessert whenever you'd like it, Vicelord."

She took another sip of the caf before leaning forward and setting the mug onto the table between them. She placed her hands on the arms of the chair and lifted herself from it, moving around her seat to the desk and plucking the rose up from the vase that sat there. She also scooped up her datapad from the desk there and strode back to their little seating area, lowering back into her chair with her nose buried into the rose, enjoying the smell immensely for a moment before glancing up at him again. "Can I interest you in a cup?" She motioned to the mug on the table between them and settled the datapad into her lap, swiping and tapping her fingers along the screen smoothly.

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda​

Tag: [member="Valencia Hadley"]​

Good morning, Valencia..

There were very few things in the Galaxy which had the capacity to attempt to deviate his attention. Yet, as the Viceroy briefly abandoned the comfort of her chair to visit her desk, Darth Metus settled his sulfuric gaze upon the City of Aroo. Her words, alive with that velvet tone he was coming to fancy, confirmed that she was fine with venturing into the bustling metropolis she called home. But in the same breath, she said something that would see them locked within the confines of the skyscraper well into the evening. Darth Metus couldn't help but chuckle at the juxtaposition - but either was an adventure that he was more than happy to partake in. As she settled within her seat, he absently slid one of his hands within his pants pocket.

Airspeeders zigged and zagged in neat lanes throughout the city as the early morning commute began. As a city that was older and more established than Golbah City, the congestion was a bit more pronounced; leading to the Sith's momentary curiosity. However, his attention returned to where it belonged following a head on collision between two careless drivers. The impact was a mass of sparks, flame, and metal which threatened to plummet to the surface - if not for emergency repulsors kicking on at the last second. Yet, that momentary flash of fire reminded Darth Metus of something unpleasant. And, without realizing, he planted an image of fire into the mind his companion. A volcano erupted before her mind's eye, spewing ash into the heavens.

Yet it vanished as quickly as it came, for Darth Metus took a seat beside her. What was on the agenda was...caf. Yes. Caf. No more thinking about that day. The Sith did his absolute best to banish the thought from his mind. "Perhaps later," he began, acknowledging her offer of caf. That in of itself was a testament to just how much the memory bothered him at times. He was a fiend when it came to caf, but for right now...he could live without it. Instead, he simply placed a hand upon her knee and offered a smile. "What's on your to-do list?" The attempt to distract himself with the sound of her voice was very evident.

 

[Valencia Hadley]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda
Tag: [member="Darth Metus"]


She hadn't picked up on the Vicelord's momentary lapse of attention, her own focus on the rose he'd provided her as a gift, along with the datapad she cradled in her lap. There was something to be said for a woman who could keep up an enjoyable conversation while also getting her work done - perhaps not a skill that would serve her in the coming battles he'd promised, but one that had made her invaluable in situations like the one at present. She hadn't even noticed the crash outside the window - though in truth, due to the volume of commuters in the city, it was a miracle most days didn't see them come careening through her windows. But she did take notice of the shift in his mood as he projected the image of the magma littered scene into her mind.

The soft gasp that slid past her lips and the momentary stillness in the fingers that swept across the screen in her lap were the only indications that she'd seen anything. It took her a moment to even register that the flash had happened - and when it did she lowered the rose that was still in her left hand to rest it against her thigh beside the screen and turned 100% of her attention to the man that lowered himself into the seat beside her. Her eyes were bright, a little wider perhaps than normal, and filled with a question she wasn't sure she should ask...

As his hand came to rest on her knee she moved her own hand to gently lay atop his, offering him a smile that wasn't like any she'd given him before. There was a depth of understanding there, compassion that spoke to a comprehension of what something like what he'd inadvertently shown her might mean. There was no chance she had seen the same level of horror that Metus had, and it was unlikely she ever would - but she knew what it was like to have pain, and she knew what it was like to be reminded of it at inopportune times. Valencia tried to put into that simple gesture all the calm she could manage... He was safe here with her, from whatever that horror was - at least she hoped he was.

When she spoke she did so with none of that emotion, however, opting instead to follow his lead and speak of other things. She turned those pale blue eyes of hers back to her lap and used the hand that didn't rest over his own to begin navigating through the datapad again. "Well, it seems that Maggie isn't available today for the meeting I'd suggested - so I'll likely try and fit that in tomorrow. Everything else is easily pushed back until tomorrow as well." She gave another flick or two of her index finger and thumb before she swiped her hand across the screen and it went dark.

She lifted her eyes to his once more, that bright and open smile he'd come to know firmly back in place. "Which means I'm all yours."

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda​

Tag: [member="Valencia Hadley"]​

Nothing got past her.

The Vicelord had not realized what nugget of truth had escaped the recesses of his mind. Typically, when it came to that particular chapter of his life...he was alone. The sole other being in the Galaxy who had the means to understand was the one who was literally tethered to his soul. And even then, he did his best not to allow the depths of his…fear to bleed forth. He was Darth Metus. He was Mand'alor the Reclaimer. He had cut a swath through Hutt Space. He had tamed the Mandalorians and the Southern Systems. He could not afford for anything to place a knot in the pit of his stomach. And yet, when the airspeeders collided and the memory slithered to the forefront of his mind...it was fear. He would never admit as much - not aloud, or to himself for that matter.

But to be consumed by fire terrified the Sith. It filled him with a cacophony of grief, anger, and terror that he could not adequately put it into words if he tried. And when the thought pushed into Valencia's mind...she did not react in a way that he caught. Ever the epitome of poise, the only sign that anything was amiss was her slightly widened eyes and heightened eyebrows. But in the span of a breath, everything had settled perfectly into place. By the time Darth Metus' posterior sank into the cushion of his seat, his gaze found the pristine smile that he had grown so fond of. To him, a woman who was busy at work sat at his side, not someone who had seen the exposition to his Demise. He expected their flirtatious banter to continue per the usual...but she reached out.

And when she placed her hand upon his knee, there was a weight to her presence. The depths of her eyes were filled with a silent compassion, as if she was speaking words that he just couldn't hear. The small gesture, from the outside looking in, was out of place. But. The Sith gaped. It was as if he did not realize he had spoken out loud, for she was acting as if she heard his thought. He knew she was gifted…did she? His dominant hand came to rest over hers for a moment. "I…" he began, fishing for the words. "...You can ask." Whether she took him up on the modest offer was up to her. But, soon thereafter, their conversation resumed to its regular, upbeat self at the mention of Valencia's schedule. Her appointments, datapad tapping aside, had been rectified.

She was all his? A low chuckle escaped him. "When you say such things, you cancel my ability to think about anything but dessert."

 

[Valencia Hadley]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda
Tag: [member="Darth Metus"]

He was becoming many things to the young Viceroy, this troubled Sith Lord. It hadn't been a full 24 hours since they'd met, but still, Valencia's innate ability to sense the pain that radiated from him was keen, and it hurt her heart a little to see that she'd caught him off guard with her expression of kindness. She could see that whatever he'd shown her had caused a visceral response, and she was cautious to pick at it - but his offer to explain presented a tempting pathway to getting to know her tutor a bit better...

She carefully leaned back into her chair once more, tucking her datapad into the seat beside her and regarding him with curious eyes. His comment about her teasing made her smile a little less friendly and bit more-... Something else; but quickly she put that aside, deciding it was better kept for later - perhaps once they'd had time to discuss whatever had made him react the way he had. "I confess that though I'm excited to spend a full day at your disposal, Vicelord - if you would be comfortable sharing with me whatever that..." She paused for a moment, searching for the words to convey what it was she'd seen, "Whatever that vision was, I would do my best to see if I can provide some reprieve from the-" Valencia's voice died as she thought of what word she'd been about to choose...

Fear. Fear was such a private thing - a personal thing. And the man that sat across from her was not a man who you freely accused of being afraid, at least not if you wanted to have the opportunity to ever speak again. She wasn't sure that what he'd shared with her had been on purpose, and she most certainly wasn't sure that he'd meant to let her feel that small moment of fear. Best for both of them that she ignore it for the time being.

"I would offer you a reprieve from the distress if I'm able." She gave his hand another gentle squeeze before she shifted to tuck her legs up under her once more, the entirety of her focus on the man who sat beside her. She meant what she'd said - whatever was in her power to provide to him to assuage that fear, she'd offer freely.

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda​

Tag: [member="Valencia Hadley"]​

Who would want to remember?

Time and time again, the Vicelord had found himself at the receiving end of the phrase "let the past die." It was the icy reminder of his favored Apprentice that what came before tended to be a shackle upon his present. His life...his experiences...all that made Darth Metus himself were to be sources of reflection. Not hindrances on the way forward. The fact of the matter was, the Sith did he absolute damndest not to be a slave to his past. He tried and tried to turn a blind eye to the corruption of Mandalore. He tried and tried not to let his literal death upon Mandalore not affect him. But...How many times had [member="Srina Talon"] made the trip across Sinner's Well in order to comfort him when the dreams became too fierce? How many nights had he found solace in the embrace of his dearest friend and confidant when he just could not kill his past once and for all.

Though the Vicelord made the offer to explain the invasion of her mind, there was a large part of him that wanted to ignore the fact that it transpired. A large, suddenly vocal part of his soul that wanted to leave the vision of fire behind. But, like a child confronting his irrational fear, the Sith had to take a shovel to his demise. He had to bury it, once and for all - and there was no better step forward than to get it out in the open. He liked to think himself invincible at times. Pride himself on the fact that he had clawed his way back from death. But, he had fallen victim to its vicious embrace. He knew what it meant to die. And in doing so, he was one of the few people that did not think Darth Metus invincible. No matter. A calming breath filled and escaped from his lungs as Valencia carefully selected her words.

And Darth Metus began. Honestly. "Very few this far South of the Core paid much mind to what befell Mandalore. Frankly, that's true to this day. But, a few years ago, there was a cataclysm. Every volcano on the planet exploded at once, compliments of two old friends of mine." His mentor and his childhood friend, of all people. The urge to spit was strong. "My family home, in those days, was built into the side of one such volcano. It had been dormant for literal centuries. I grew up in the shadow of that mountain and…"

His tongue felt heavy. It remembered the sensation of boiling within his mouth.

"The tremors destroyed the family transports. We didn't have any way out. I burned every shred of power I had in tearing them open an escape. I cut a hole to the Netherworld, just long enough for them to survive." It was now that he suddenly wished that he had that bottle of Idlewil from the night prior. "I'm sure you've expended yourself until there's nothing left at least once in your life. Well...I had nothing left. And it didn't help that I was wearing my armor. What little energy I had wasn't enough to move and…" He shook his head. "I burned. I died. I saw what came after. And I laughed in Death's face." The last portion of his statement was but the remnants of his pride attempting to hold on. But the truth was laid bare. His death was among the things which haunted him. To die by fire was...a nightmare in of itself.

"Every now and again, I'm reminded of what happened and. Well, you know how it goes."

 

[Valencia Hadley]

​

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda
Tag: [member="Darth Metus"]

The Viceroy of Manda had a lot of experience putting a good face on difficult things. She had suspected that her new teacher might be much the same, though with a reputation like his it was far more likely that the things he was forced to remain passive, or gods forbid smile, through were a whole lot more painful. She had arranged herself in the chair to receive his story, believing it would be something uncomfortable - but she hadn't prepared for what he spoke of then.

For a time, as he wove the tale, she sat in stunned silence; until of course he told the portion of his story where he'd ripped open an entrance to the Netherworld, in time to save his family, but not to save himself... Her mind flashed once more to that glimpse of molten rock he'd shown her earlier and she felt her breath catch in her throat. The hand that rested his leg didn't move, but she did. Valencia unfolded herself from the chair she'd tucked into and closed the distance between them.

The Sith before her was a practiced and learned man, one who with an effort could most likely easily shield his feelings from those who would pry - but his apprentice was not so skilled, not yet. As she moved to kneel at his feet, her hands slid forward and took both of his in turn, her hands squeezing his fingers tightly as she turned those marvelously pale blue eyes up to meet his own. There was a depth of pain there that made her feelings all the more easily telegraphed- though the hurt that radiated from her was palpable.

For him, this pain was old, like a silvery, gnarled scar that still ached from time to time, but for her, it was not so. That momentary flash of what had literally ended his life was now clear in her mind, as she knew it had been in his when he'd let it slip. Her eyes searched his for several long moments in the silence that followed his story, and she did her best not to let the burning behind her own spill down her cheeks.

Her voice came barely an octave above a whisper as she gazed up at him, fighting not to let the tremble she could feel in her chest make its way to the hands that held his own, "Metus, I'm so sorry..." She swallowed audibly around the lump that had formed in her throat as she leaned her head forward and gently pressed her forehead against the backs of the hands that clasped his, trying to collect herself and visibly struggling.

There had been so much to unpack with that one momentary flash of flame and ash, but more than the images were the emotions that came along with it. There had been loss and pain... So much pain. But more than that, the heat had not been from that molten rock - but anger. He'd been so angry; enough so that it was nearly infectious now. More than that pain and that loss, she felt his anger in that instant - and it was difficult not to want to make it her own.

​

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda​

Tag:[member="Valencia Hadley"]​

He...Didn't know what to expect.

After the words formed and fell from his lips...after he had laid the grievous wound that marred his soul bare...the Sith was not certain of what to expect. In the moment, while he spoke, his mind was set upon the past. The words, though painful, flowed like blood from a scab torn asunder. Only momentary efforts to retain some semblance of pride dare punctuated the truth which slithered from his tongue. He...He had expected surprise from the woman before him. Surprise that a man who had perished was now sitting there in the flesh. That a man who had literally burned alive was able to have and hold her. And, indeed there was shock which colored her expression - but it had nothing to do with the logistics of his being alive.

No, the way Valencia reacted told Darth Metus that her heart was firmly in the fire. Firmly there with him in the midst of the suffering he endured. The way her pristine eyes reddened as the story flowed forth...the way her hands came to grip his own...the way her brow touched his palms as she worked to compose herself. All left the Sith feeling a strange number of things. He felt raw from the pain of reliving the past. Comfort from her being there. And above all...he felt that the woman before him truly cared. In his head he knew that the Viceroy had the capacity to care - she was not a monster and he was beginning to quite fancy her after all. But in this...she cared so deeply that he could feel how she was feeling.

He could feel how she struggled to cope with the anger he had felt that day. How she struggled to prevent his own suffering from becoming her own wrath. For but a moment, the Sith's hands abandoned her grasp...so that his arms might encircle her form and draw her close. His lips came to touch down upon her hair once, twice, thrice...as he muttered gentle affirmations that he was okay. The worst was over. He had died...and yet he now lived. "I...will be alright." he confessed, after a few moments had passed. "It just takes time." As he spoke, he briefly raised her chin with his offhand, offering a small smile.

"You make me feel...like I'm not alone. Thank you." He said. And when he kissed her...his touch was gentler than it had been before.