Private Don't Rush Me

[Katarine Ryiah]

Red roses and temptation​

Location: Naboo
Objective: Visit Hospital
Tags: Connel Vanagor


In the months following her twin's rescue, Katarine had come to realize just how much time she used to spend with Connel. She hadn't noticed it before, the quiet routines, the banter, the way his presence seemed to anchor her, but now, in his absence, the silence felt heavier.

After the mission, they had taken Daxium to Naboo General Hospital—the same place that had helped Katarine recover from the centuries-long stasis that had left her with severe hibernation sickness. She'd thanked Connel repeatedly for helping her save her brother, though Dax hadn't managed a single word of gratitude. That, of course, was something she intended to fix today.

Katarine had rented a modest room in Theed so she could stay close, helping Dax learn to walk again and making sure the nurses survived his foul temper. Connel, meanwhile, had returned to the Hidden Path. The distance between them was... noticeable. Whatever existed between them wasn't like her fleeting infatuations of the past. It wasn't a fire that burned, it was a steady warmth, a quiet presence she missed when it was gone. She wasn't sure what to make of that, but she hardly had time to ponder it. Daxium, even half-dead and half-blind, was still a full-time job.

The hospital room door hissed open as she stepped inside. Daxium was sitting upright, looking as irritable as ever. His yellow-tinged eyes found her immediately. The doctors said his vision was nearly restored, and his muscle strength was coming back faster than expected.

She smiled. He didn't return it. Instead, his gaze flicked past her, scanning the doorway.

"What, your boyfriend's not going to visit my sickbed?"

Katarine rolled her eyes and took the guest chair. "Why should he? It's not like you've been grateful to him."

He growled, more at her refusal to deny the "boyfriend" part than the accusation itself, but she ignored it.

"As a matter of fact," she continued, "Connel is supposed to visit Naboo when he gets the chance. And when he does, it wouldn't kill you to at least pretend to say thank you. Without him, we might not have made it out of there."

 

[Connel Vanagor]

... hold me back.
Theed
Hospital

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

Why was he here?

He didn’t hate Naboo, just really wasn’t concerned about it.

The culture wasn’t a fit, that’s all. No shame or disgrace, they’re probably good people. Either way, he wasn’t here for the culture, though there was plenty, he wasn’t here for the sights, though they were numerous. Connel was here for Kat. She was in need of support and well, he wanted to support her. He was here because she needed him, and that was enough. Connel had always been someone who valued loyalty and friendship, and Kat was someone he cared deeply about, even if he couldn’t explain why, or realize until now. He would do whatever it took to help her, no matter the circumstances.

So that is why he was here, walking the streets from the Starport to the hospital. She asked him, after so many months of silence, to come. He noticed the distance, and the silence even with his work, but she needed it to be with her brother, which was fine. Her brother was a Schutta, much unlike her. So he let it go. It’s not like they had a relationship going, a relationship in th… well you know.

He didn’t wear his normal gear, Connel was in his silver and brown tunic, with Conservator, his late father’s lightsaber strapped over his back. Hospital security wanted him to check it, until an administrator let him by. When he made his way to the brother’s room and the door hissed open, he seemed to walk into the middle of a fight. Um… hi.

TAGS • Katarine Ryiah
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

You make the most of an ify situation​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Um… hi.

Katarine's head snapped toward the doorway, and a bright smile lit her face as her deep green eyes found Connel. She rose quickly, crossing the room in a few swift strides and wrapping her arms around him before she even thought about it. Only after did she remember, too late, that he wasn't exactly the hugging type.

When she stepped back, a faint blush colored her cheeks. "Hi," she said softly, her smile lingering, until her twin's voice cut through the moment.

"Well, well, well… Connel Vanagor. You're shorter than I imagined."

 

[Connel Vanagor]

... hold me back.
Theed
Hospital

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

Wasn’t the hugging type?

He rarely had the chance to.

Yes, when she hugged him like that, it was a surprise, but Connel reciprocated willingly. When Kat pulled away, he offered a tiny smile, nothing that would enable her embarrassment, but that everything would be okay. When her brother spoke up, Connel wanted to promise him the receipt that was coming for when Daxium hit her on Malachor, that was not okay. However he let it lie.

Insults didn’t bother him at all, nothing more than drivel from the mindless.

You’ve been thinking about me? I should be flattered. I haven’t thought about you at all.

TAGS • Katarine Ryiah
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

You make the most of an iffy situation​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

You've been thinking about me? I should be flattered. I haven't thought about you at all.

Katarine snorted at the remark and flashed Connel a grin before turning back to her brother. "You could try being a little nice. He did save your life, you know."

"You're absolutely right. Where are my manners?" Daxium's voice dripped with mock civility as he lifted an arm, the IV line dangling from it. "I'd like to shake his hand."

A wicked grin curled across his face. Katarine glared at him. "That's not funny." The toxin in her twin's bloodstream made even his touch dangerous, something she'd never quite learned to joke about.

She turned back to Connel with an exasperated sigh. "Don't mind him. He's just cranky because his sponge bath's running late."

Rolling her eyes, she caught Connel's hand. "Come on. Let's take a walk before he poisons the mood any further."

She tugged gently, leading him out into the sunlight. The bond with her twin still thrummed at the back of her mind, his irritation a low, burning echo, but she pushed it aside. Having that connection open again was taking some getting used to. It was strange, feeling another person's emotions humming alongside her own every moment of the day.

The garden outside was alive with birdsong and the soft murmur of fountains. Naboo had a serenity that seemed to soak into the bones. Their boots found the path almost on instinct, gravel crunching quietly beneath their steps.

Katarine glanced at Connel, her smile softening. "I'm glad you came. How are you? How's Buster?"

She'd missed that scruffy little pup almost as much as she'd missed his owner. As they walked, she realized her fingers were still wrapped around Connel's hand. A faint blush rose to her cheeks, but she didn't let go.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

... hold me back.
Theed
Hospital

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

When Dax offered to shake his hand, the twin didn’t know that Connel was paying attention when Kat told him about the mutations that they both have. True, he did not know the specifics of Daxium’s but this was a hospital, and thus boxes of gloves were hanging on the wall for anyone to use. So he grabbed a pair, or at least he went to do so before she tugged him out of the room.

I’ll shake your hand when we get back from our walk.

Immature? Definitely.

Fun? Oh yeah.

Walking outside, Connel did indeed notice she didn’t let go of his hand, and he didn’t mind, even swung their hands a little. He didn’t really care about Naboo, sure, it was nice, beautiful even, but it wasn’t his cup of tea as already addressed. He did like the company though, so that was alright.

He’s doing really well, thanks for asking. He’s with my Mother right now, she has her own pup so he has a playmate. I miss this… being able to just chat about life. How are you holding up? You have the patience of a saint. I mean no disrespect to your family… but yeah… very patient. I admire that.

TAGS • Katarine Ryiah
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

I'm weighing my decision​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Katarine was thrilled to hear that Buster was doing okay and that he had a playmate. She was sure he missed Connel but she bet he also enjoyed playing with another dog. She could only imagine how cute that would be to see.

I miss this… being able to just chat about life. How are you holding up? You have the patience of a saint. I mean no disrespect to your family… but yeah… very patient. I admire that.

Katarine had missed it too. She had realized in his absence just how much time the pair had spent chatting. Sure they kept in touch with messages or comm calls but it wasn't the same as being with someone. His comment about her patience made her laugh.

"Dax is a handful. He always has been. To be honest he's maddening to be around but I don't want to leave because he's dangerous. I'm afraid he will hurt the staff if I'm not here to calm him down. I also want to talk to him about his plans after he's discharged. The last thing I need is him running off to join the Sith and burn the galaxy down."

She sighed and for a moment her eyes looked extremely tired. Her twin was certainly taking a toll on her but she didn't want to spend her moments with Connel complaining about Dax. He was the type of brother that could easily push away friends or important people and she didn't want Connel to be pushed away.

"How are things with The Path? Keeping out of trouble?"

 

[Connel Vanagor]

... hold me back.
Theed
Hospital

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

Poor thing was stressed. It spoke a lot about who Dax was, but even more about her patience, and especially her loyalty. Squeezing her hand a couple of times as they were apparently headed to a gazebo, he looked on. Still says a lot about you, he's your brother. You can pick friends and loved ones, you can’t pick family.

A true statement to be sure, a telling statement possibly. Sure, he wanted, and if the opportunity presented itself would punch Dax, but Kat needed some support on this. She would get it.

Then she asked about what was going on in the Path. He didn’t really want to talk about it, after all, what was there to talk about? Not a bad feeling, but really, he was here to get away from it for a day or two. He appreciated her concern but wasn’t ready to delve into it. Instead, he shifted the conversation to lighter topics, hoping to maintain the peaceful atmosphere. The Path could wait; for now, he just wanted to enjoy the moment.

It is what it is. We come together when we need to, we do our thing and plan when we’re not.

TAGS • Katarine Ryiah
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Who's to say if it's love or if it isn't?​

Tags: Connel Vanagor


He was correct that you certainly could not pick your family. Dax was the only family Katarine had. She learned latter that her parents were murdered by the cult that was after the twins, but she had no memories of them. She did have fond memories of her grandmother of course and that was nice. The memories of Dax were a coin toss. Sometimes they were playful and fun and other times they were miserable, just like Dax himself she supposed.

She felt him squeeze her hand and smiled. The sensation felt nice, but some of the old hesitancy was creeping up into her mind. She knew this was a dangerous path. The last time she'd let feelings blossom was not something to repeat. She had to be careful, but she couldn't bring herself to pull away from him at that moment. His skin against hers was warm and comforting.

"I'm sorry about the way he treats you. Believe me it's not personal. He treats everybody that way."

His mention of the path made her nod. She too was in the mood for lighter topics and since he hadn't brought up any crisis she assumed they were free for the afternoon at least. Of course she cared about the Path and the friends he had there, but it was a nice day, the company was unbeatable, and she wanted to enjoy it.

"So how long do I get you for? Naboo might not be the ideal vacation spot but there are some fun things to do around here." Katarine had mixed memories of Naboo as it was tied so closely to her marriage falling apart, but she couldn't deny the medical team was helping Dax. She would put up with the lingering memories for as long as she needed. With any luck her twin would be out of here soon and she could move along.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

... hold me back.
Theed
Hospital

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

He went a little too far in squeezing her hand and knew it. She was of a difficult past and already reliving it, she didn’t need to feel like he was manipulating her as well. That’s okay, he could back off, more appropriately ease up. Sitting down in the gazebo, he pat the bench next to him for her to sit as well.

When she apologized about her brother, he brushed it off. He’s a brother… brothers are protective. Frell, my sister has been deceased over eight hundred years. We met through the Force, and that was it. I’m still protective of her.

A weird statement to be sure, but it was true. Alyscia pulled him into “the ether” for lack of a better term at one point. It was the only time they had ever met, or he even knew of her. Now though? He feels that kinship, knowing she is one with the Force and watching over him. He’s very protective of that.

She’s probably nudging me to be here.

When she asked about how long she had him for, it was a little confusing. Was he “hers”? They hadn’t talked about it. Make no mistake, it made him smile when she asked, but it was still a little surprising. Not in a bad way though.

I’m here as long as you need me to be… or tomorrow afternoon. Whichever comes first.

That was nice.

TAGS • Katarine Ryiah
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Who's to say if it's love, or if it isn't?​

Tags: Connel Vanagor


Katarine took a seat beside him at the Gazebo and listened as he described meeting his sister. She could picture the encounter in her mind, and smiled at the thought that Connel still felt protective over his sister. Connel was a very protective person, a quality she had picked up on almost immediately. She knew he was willing to go to the ends of the Force for the people he cared about. She wished she could have met more of his family, though she felt as if she had somewhat met Caltin just by the stories and the way others spoke so highly of him.

I'm here as long as you need me to be… or tomorrow afternoon. Whichever comes first.

She smiled at him, happy to hear that they at least got the night together and more happy to hear he would be around longer if she needed. She didn't want to keep him away from his work or his family, and she could tell in the way he walked he wasn't keen on Naboo, but she was glad he had braved all that to come see her. Being stuck on this rock with Daxium was exhausting and Connel was a welcomed and fun relief from that.

"I'm glad I get you for the night. I've been staying on the Northstar. I can't thank you enough for that by the way. That ship is a dream for someone so flying challenged as me. Buster's bed is still set up too and I found him a squeaky toy when I was visiting one of the villas in Theed. I'll have to give it to you so you can take it home with you."

Her happiness was evident and she couldn't believe how much lighter her heart felt having him here. There were so many possibilities of how to spend the day. They could enjoy the outdoors, get some food, or go back to the ship and talk and watch some stupid holo movie. She was just so glad he was here.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

... hold me back.
Theed
Hospital

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

When she thanked him about her ship, he simply nodded. She needed it and he could help, it’s what Father had done, it’s what Mother does, it’s what he’s learned. It was sweet, the way she took to Buster, but the mention of squeaky toys made him playfully cringe. I think I’ll let you keep it here for when he has a chance to stay. He has more than enough squeaky toys that keep me… him up at night..

He thought about how clearly happy she was right now. He could hang out a bit. The company was good.

This is nice. Perhaps you can show me what you like about this area later…

A question? A thought? A suggestion?

TAGS • Katarine Ryiah
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Only time will tell​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Katarine laughed when he mentioned that squeaky toys kept him up at night. She could imagine Buster playing all night long and Connel yelling for some peace and quiet, but deep down being happy his friend was playing. It was a lot like new parents who hated when the baby cried but also secretly loved it, or so she had heard from others who were lucky enough to have children in their lives.

This is nice. Perhaps you can show me what you like about this area later…

She grinned a little mischievously. Katarine was an extremely impish person and the invitation to invite some playfulness into life would never go unanswered. "Well I warn you.. I'm a fan of swimming so I spend a lot of time in the water. I also love seafood and boating so the lakes are generally where I spend all my free time when I'm here. I've heard there is a nice hiking trail up the mountain though and back in the day there used to be a pretty good tea place here. Of course that was centuries ago and I never really got into tea the way other Jedi have but my old friend Hawk Hinata swears by Naboo tea."

 

[Connel Vanagor]

... hold me back.
Theed
Hospital

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

This is the problem with being in and around Special Forces. They train in all environments. So hiking, swimming, boating, it’s all like “work”. It was okay though as this was about hanging out with her. She needed the time away from the ball of stress that was her brother and he was willing to help her get away from it. Especially with that mischievous laugh of hers.

The way she spoke of it all, it seemed like she did not have much of a chance to experience what she brought up, so this would be a good thing. It’s not that he was against any of this, but “work” wasn’t going to get away today and that was absolutely fine with him.

Well, first of all, I LOVE seafood. … an exaggerated truth… So… swimming… boating… hiking… whatever we can fit in it is! They hadn’t let go of each other’s hands.

TAGS • Katarine Ryiah
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Just how well I'll get to know you​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Well, first of all, I LOVE seafood.

"Really?" Katarine had never met anybody else who liked seafood before. Most of the time others gave her a side eye or teased her that her name was "cat" and she liked fish, which admittedly was pretty funny. "Well there is a nice seafood place down by one of the lakes. If you want we can go get some lunch and talk there. We can also swim after at the same lake. Then maybe just relax and watch some cheesy holofilms. Do you like films?"

It was okay if he didn't of course. Katarine was just happy to be with him and out of that stupid hospital room. Dax had already thrown a bed pan at the nurse this morning and tried to electrocute her twice. His temper was beyond control and she didn't want to deal with it at the moment.

"What do you like to do in your down time?"

 

[Connel Vanagor]

... hold me back.
Theed
Hospital

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

That really brightened her up, which was a good thing. It made him glad he came here, and that he was doing this. She seemed a little surprised that he “loved” seafood, which was funny. As she was bringing up all that she wanted to do, it sounded more than fun. It was good to see her smile, she didn’t seem to do it a lot lately.

Whatever you want to do, I am more than up for... What she asked about what he liked to do in his down time, he had to think about it. I don’t really get a lot of downtime, if any at all. Didn’t even when I was with the New Jedi Order. Life of a “Shadow” I guess, on top of the Vanagor “Take everything you do seriously and to the fullest”... personality…

He laughed. I guess, visit my Mother more, and spend time with Buster.

TAGS • Katarine Ryiah
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Don't mean to lead you on​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

I don't really get a lot of downtime, if any at all. Didn't even when I was with the New Jedi Order. Life of a "Shadow" I guess, on top of the Vanagor "Take everything you do seriously and to the fullest"... personality…

Katarine laughed as he described his personality. He did have a serious personality but she was starting to peek underneath it. She had the feeling he didn't show his softer side to many people but that deep down he did have one. She also knew what it was like to take the job seriously. Since her deep freeze ended she had been spiraling a bit, but as she found her footing in this galaxy she was starting to commit back to her work. She imagined she would return to hunting criminals soon. That was her true calling in life and a way she could help the galaxy. She was also worried about the state of the Jedi being so fractured so had considered opening an enclave as well, but all those thoughts could wait for another day. Today was about fun and relaxation.

"Spending time with family and Buster sounds great." She wondered if she would meet his mom someday. At the dance they had attended she had seen the woman who seemed more than encouraging of Connel to make friends. His mom probably saw what Katarine saw, which was that Connel could be a very lonely person if he kept himself closed off.

She pulled him to his feet and started to lead the way towards the seafood restaurant they had discussed. Theed was busy but beautiful and she was enjoying the walk.

"If I ever get to a place where I'm more settled I should get a playmate for Buster. Imagine how much fun they could have."

 

[Connel Vanagor]

... hold me back.
Theed
Hospital

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

This was nice. As he sat there, just talking about nothing in particular. It was an enjoyable experience he had not really had the chance to do. While his responsibilities are large, he also wanted to be able to take and enjoy his downtime like Father learned to do. However at the same time, he did not want to take time away from Mother, she needed company more and more, even if she did not want to admit it. He would see how Alyksandra Angellus buried herself in her work after Liram died… Michael seems like an afterthought to her. It made him feel bad. He’s my wingman.

When she pulled him to his feet and led him out of the hospital, it was a bit of a surprise. A welcome one.

Buster could find a playmate at a symposium on the mating habits of womprats… Okay, where did that come from? It was a joke nonetheless. You’d be surprised at how much love they can gic, and vice versa.

TAGS • Katarine Ryiah
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​