Dating: Mandalore Edition

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth gave [member="Cleru"] a small smile, especially as his cheeks had the faint pink color to them. She led Cleru back to the table and slipped in on her side as he sat on his. Beth placed one hand on the table and the other held the menu as she scanned through it. She always got the same thing, here, so she wasn’t even sure why she was looking at it.

Although, she peeked to Cleru who had an idea. She gave a little nod, “Hm… Sounds like a good idea, actually.” Might actually get her to try something new, too. Maybe. She gave him a smile as she thought about what he might like right as the waiter came over. She pointed to what she wanted to get him and assumingly, he did similar. She ‘accidentally’ let her leg rest against his under the table.

"Hopefully... That is what you like," she admitted with a slightly nervous laugh. "Although, I am saving dessert for those danishes you made." So. Dang. Good.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

Cleru did much of the same, hiding his choice from [member="Beth Cadera"] as he pointed to the menu. The waiter chuckled at the idea, but went along with it before he went out back to put in the order. The Chiss reached across the table to take his date's hand in her own, giving it a squeeze. "Hopefully they'll be some left. But, if there isn't, I can make you something else." Another squeeze of her hand as he simply locked his eyes with hers.

There was a sudden surprised look on his face as he felt her leg against his own. He raised a brow curiously as a bit of red again filled his cheeks. "Oh?" Was all he said, though there was a deeper meaning to his look. Time quickly passed and soon enough their dinner arrived. For Beth, a medium rare slice of steak with a side of cheesy potatoes and grilled bokchoy. A hearty meal to say the least. He grinned wide as he waited to see what she thought of it before glancing to see what she might of gotten him.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth couldn’t help but chuckle along with the waiter. It was an interesting idea. A good one, too. At least, a good one if they both liked what they ended up receiving. Beth took [member="Cleru"]’s hand as he reached over to grab hers. She returned it with another squeeze as her emerald eyes locked with his once more. How could one person make her feel so… Much?

Needless to say, he did have a reaction to her leg resting against his. The red on his cheeks. She let her leg rub against his gently. She really just craved the touch, in truth. His touch. And while yes, they had their hands together, she thought about their time cuddled up in the library. She gave him a shy smile, her eyes not once breaking from his.

Until the meals arrived, at least. A delicious steak along with a side of cheesy potatoes and grilled bokchoy. It looked absolutely delicious. She gave a small nod, impressed with his choice. “This looks.. Great. Really good choice,” she said with a nod. Likewise, the waiter placed a beautifully designed chicken parmesan pasta, with a side of garlic bread. She perked a brow, clearly a bit nervous if he would even remotely like that.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

It would be foolish to say he didn't have other thoughts, but he had been pushing those back down to try and know [member="Beth Cadera"] before anything.. More happened between them. Cleru couldn't ignore those thoughts as she sat across from him. He returned the sheepish smile. That was something he'd have to talk to her about later. But! The food arrived. The Chiss seemed rather pleased with himself as she complicated his choice.

Then his own arrived. His red eyes glanced over the plate. He never had pasta before. Too much starch. It looked damn delicious though. With a grin he took a bit, letting the taste decide for him. Cleru fell silent for a moment after the bite before he grinned. "Interesting choice. Very good."

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth perked a brow at the sheepish smile [member="Cleru"] continued to give her. Her leg gently rubbed along his, just as a way to feel him. She was half Eldorai, and so the sensation and heats were more intense than perhaps an ordinary individual. But, still. She removed her leg instinctively as the food arrived. She was prepared to dig in, in truth.

“I know it’s probably… Calorie heavy and stuff, but… It is hopefully delicious for you. I’m sure we can get the calories burned off, anyway,” she said with her own sheepish grin as she began to cut her steak up into tinier bites. She watched as he took a bite, seemingly he enjoyed it. She gave a grin as she began to chew a piece of steak up.

“Whew, I’m glad. I… Won’t lie, it is kinda one of my favorite dishes here.”

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

"I've got a couple ideas of how." He smiled as he spoke, the same smile as before when their legs touched. There was no ignoring it now. Still, he dove into the food as [member="Beth Cadera"] seemed to enjoy his pick. There was nothing wrong with treating yourself once and a while, right? It was back to what seemed to be their usual small talk, planning for their trip and such. But even then his gaze would meet hers, hinting at the thoughts he had for just a moment before he took a bite of his food again.

Dinner was nice, and over before he knew it. He set his napkin on the almost fully eaten meal. Delicious as it was, he couldn't eat the whole thing. "That was good." Cleru reaffirmed. Again he reached across the table, wanting to take her hand in his own. The day had been good. No, that's an understatement. It'd been wonderful, and he certainly didn't want it to end.

"What now?"

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth sheepish, shy grin grew at his comment. She had quite a few ideas, too. Nonetheless, they mostly small talked as they picked and ate away at their food. Particularly their travel plans, what to see of the galaxy. The times their eyes did lock held a certain chemistry that perhaps wasn’t quite there before. Perhaps their relationship was just growing still.

She smiled as she gave a nod. “It was. Absolutely delicious,” she reaffirmed as she took his hand and gave it a little squeeze. “Hm, let’s head back to the Palace? Perhaps there will be some danishes left over for us to snack on tonight.” Of course, they might not be, considering how much the lizard people seemed to like it. Either way, with a goal in mind, they left the club and made their way towards the palace again.

At the entrance of the palace, the guards had rotated. Beth gave a nod to them as she guided [member="Cleru"] into the entrance hallway and towards the kitchen area once more. The sun had already set in the distance, with the moon taking over the sky. The light flickering in from the large windows.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

Back at the palace Cleru glanced to the moon, smiling faintly. The stars always caught his attention. Soon enough though they were in the kitchen. It was getting late, and most of the cooks had left and the few remaining were busy cleaning. The tray of danishes? Gone. He couldn't help but chuckle. He had expected that. The Chiss squeezed [member="Beth Cadera"] 's hand as he peered around.

"I can make something quick if you'd prefer."

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth had a slightly disappointed look at the realization that they would not be having any dessert, at least not the tray of danishes he made. She let out a small sigh of disappointment, but glanced to [member="Cleru"] with a smile nonetheless. “Ah, no, it’s okay.” She chuckled a little as she thought, “We did have ice cream, today, too.” They technically had dessert… Just before the dinner.

“Can’t spend half your time in Sundari workin’ away in the kitchen. I’d much rather you spend the time with me,” preferably, in some fashion or form of touching. Like holding hands, or cuddling, or other… Gosh. She was so… Squishy, she realized. And all melty and… She exhaled as she glanced up into Cleru’s eyes.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

The Chiss had already begun to remove his jacket to start baking again, but paused as he heard [member="Beth Cadera"] speak up saying the opposite. He wasn't going to say no to that. He took her hand in his own again, squeezing. "That's true. Well. Why don't we go back to the cubby?" There was a grin on Cleru's face as he again squeezed her hand. Spending the rest of the day with her sounded nice.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

The night passed by blissfully. Time spent in the library was absolutely amazing, the night passed by with talks of plans, themselves, and what they hoped for their futures. Vulnerable moments happened as they continued to learn more about each other. All in all, a pretty great night into the early morning.

Beth sat at the counter in the kitchen, where the chefs had ironically made blueberry pancakes. Yikes. Was it a compliment to [member="Cleru"] for his little pastries from the day before or perhaps they just thought it would be funny. Beth, however, made no comment on such as either way, the meal was going to be delicious. Compared to the day before, Beth put her hair into a loose bun and slipped on a dress that Aunt Peggy brought back as a present a few months prior. One hand scratched at the bacta patch on her neck, which probably could be removed by the time breakfast was over.

Her eyes drifted over to Cleru as she somewhat daydreamingly watched him from her seat. He would probably have to leave soon, which is something she didn't want to accept but she had to prepare herself emotionally for. And so, she already tried to plan what she'd do after he left. Probably exercise. Or maybe go to Concordia to Force train. Or the library at the University. Anything to try to distract her mind from the sadness she'd surely feel.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

What a night it was, if a long one. They had stayed up rather late with their conversations and other such activities. And now, bright and early in the morning, Cleru was clearly still tired and completely missed the blueberry joke the Lizards had left for him. What he really wanted was his delicious, warm, dirty bean juice. Coffee was a godsend for the Agent who used it to keep himself alert for his missions.

And now was no different.

Cleru idly sipped at a steaming cup as they ate their breakfast together. Once his wits were more about him he caught [member="Beth Cadera"] 's stare, where he'd meet her gaze with a warm smile. He was still here. "What's the plan after this? I've still got a couple hours I can stay."

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth ate the breakfast peacefully, enjoying the blueberry pancakes. And the blueberry that sat, eating his own blueberry pancakes with a cup of stim caf. Beth had a glass of water she would sip from every now and then. Really, she only drank that or tea. Particularly Sapir tea, as it ordered en bulk for the hopeful return of Lady Kay from prison. What was up with all these people she admired getting thrown in the big house or getting the Force ripped from them or…?

She shook her head as she thought about, munching on another bite of the pancakes. Their gaze connected. She gave him a small smile. A couple more hours… That was the time they had left. She had no reason to doubt him but there was a piece of her that worried that perhaps he would vanish after this. Irrational, perhaps, but the thought was on the back of her mind. She trusted him, and had major, strong, feelings for him which the past day, night, and morning had confirmed.

She thought for a moment, though, “Hm… I think I have an idea,” she said with a smile. “I’ll keep it a surprise,” she said shyly to [member="Cleru"] as she took a sip of her water.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

"A surprise huh?" He grinned. Surprises were something as an Agent he despised, but with [member="Beth Cadera"] he actually found himself looking forward to what she might have in store for them. Cleru hurriedly finished off his breakfast, downing what was left of his caf, and stood to walk beside her, holding out a hand for her to take. "Show me." Until he left he refused to think of anything else but enjoying the time he could with her. There'd be time for sadness later.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth smiled with a nod. Indeed, a surprise. It seemed like a perhaps fitting way to end their time together. After the memories that they made over the past day and night. Beth ate her breakfast, although unable to fully finish. She finished her water as she stood, her heels clicking on the stone. She put her hand in his.

And then she walked for a bit as she heaved a very large door. Inside the room was a wide, large open room with large windows about it. A ball room, made specifically for dancing. She gave him a grin, seeing if he would catch why. Even with its own balcony that ran fully around the wall, with entrances in the middle of each windowed wall. It wasn’t nearly as beautiful as the Chiss, in truth, but it wasn’t shabby, either. She paused as they stepped into the room, which she took a breath. "I learned to dance here," she commented offhandedly.

Either way, she turned to him as her dress waved slightly with the wind. “Would you care to dance?” She winked at @Cleru.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

"It's.. Impressive." Cleru muttered as [member="Beth Cadera"] led him into the room. Indeed, it was a beautiful in it's own way. Chiss and Mandalorian cultures were vastly different, and it showed in how the ballroom was designed. To the Chiss, who had grown use to his peoples version of beauty, stood memorized by how truly beautiful this room was. He turned his gaze back to the woman as she spoke, nodding and squeezing her hand.

"Yes, lets."

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth smiled as [member="Cleru"] commented the Sundari ball room. It was beautiful in its own way, she supposed. She took a breath as she remembered her dancing lessons. The fun she had with Baiko, her deceased grandmother from 5 years back. Beth sighed for a moment, missing her. She snapped herself out of her momentary daze as Cleru squeezed her hand.

An old time favorite, Beth wrapped her arms around Cleru’s neck as the dancing began. There was no music playing, but… They didn’t need it. They had their eyes to light their passion, to light their rhythm in the dance. And Beth was able to forget that he’d have to leave, and any anxiety of losing him, for their dancing.

Yeah, there was no doubt about it. She was falling for him. And faster than she ever expected she’d fall for someone. From that first night at the Masquerade on the balcony...

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

Dancing without music was.. New for Cleru. He had learned to dance for his missions, and it had never come up for him to dance with someone in silence. It was.. Odd at first. The Chiss was trying to find a rhythm that worked for both of them, and for several seconds he could only blush and laugh at his awkwardness. It was when he decided to pull [member="Beth Cadera"] into his arms, resting his forehead against hers, that he finally got a rhythm.

Cleru was more then willing to dance like this with her for the remainder of their time together. They had done so much in the last day that had his heart pounding that this, them holding each other in silence.. It was perfect.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

It was strange, dancing with no music. But... It was part of the charm. There was no one to actually play the instruments, anyway, especially as it was fairly impromptu of them to arrive and dance in the ball room. But, there was laughs. Even Beth laughed and giggled as they found their rhythm. It may have taken a minute, but... In each others arms, nothing mattered.

Time went by fast as they made the last couple of hours together count. To make more memories before there would be a likely long period of separation. Her heart ached knowing he would have to leave soon and as the time kept passing it infiltrated more and more of her mind. But, she didn't let it phase her. At least, she did her best to try to not let it.

The loud sound of a clock hitting the time snapped Beth from her daze of @Cleru. It'd likely been a little over a couple hours since they started dancing. Beth stopped at the end of the 'song', taking a few moments to catch her breath. She placed one hand on his cheek, leaned in and kissed his lips softly.

"I'm going to miss you," she admitted in a quiet, worried whisper.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

As the clock chimed the reality that he'd have to leave [member="Beth Cadera"] finally hit Cleru. It was something he was hoping to avoid, but that's not how life was. He set both of his hands on her cheeks, holding her kiss against his lips for far longer then he had expected. The Chiss didn't want to leave, that much was clear. He set his forehead against hers as she whispered, nodding faintly.

"I'll miss you too Beth. We'll see each other soon, I promise." There was a hope in his whisper that it'd be enough to hold her. If she didn't have her career of being a Doctor he'd have stolen her away.