Private Don't Rush Me

[Katarine Ryiah]

Just how well I'll get to know you​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Never, always been either too busy or just unable to talk to people

She'd expected as much. He'd never been in a relationship before, though, ironically, that made him something of an anomaly in the modern Jedi world. In her own time, she had been the odd one out for ever having been in one at all. Funny, how they mirrored each other like that, opposites circling in the same current. Yin and yang, or something equally poetic that philosophers liked to overthink.

I can't promise I'll be the greatest thing, but… if something comes out of this? I'll do my best to keep that smile on your face all the time.

She smiled at that, a real one. They both knew smiles didn't come easy in their line of work. But the thought that someone wanted her to have one ... well that mattered more than she could say.

"I can't make any promises either.... the last time I did this... well.... you know how that ended." Her head dipped slightly, a shadow of guilt passing over her face, but it wasn't as heavy as it once was. "I can try to keep you smiling as well."

It felt, in that moment, like they were quietly making a pact, not quite a declaration, but an understanding. She didn't know what label to give it. Was she his girlfriend now? Did they even need to say it out loud? There was no one else for either of them, and that unspoken truth was enough. They weren't just friends anymore… not quite lovers either. Something in between maybe, like something safe, steady, and good enough for now.

A grin tugged suddenly at her lips as a mischievous thought crossed her mind. "Well," she said, laughter soft in her voice, "I think it's safe to say Daxium's never going to like you now." She smiled apologetically, but the laughter lingered all the same.

 

[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 was not only receptive to all of this, on the same page and happy about it but made the same “not a promise” that he did, Connel just half-smiled, but the best possible one he could do. So this was how it felt, to like someone, yeah, this was a good thing.

Never thought I would have a “technically” older woman as a girlfriend… It was a joke, regardless, but he was gauging her response, hoping it would be a great reception. They were laying their cards on the table, so he hoped that she would be doing the same thing.

Then she mentioned her brother and he shrugged.

Let him. I just won’t kiss you in front of him.

He winked. You can kiss me? Another joke... one thing she would learn was he used excessive humor when nervous. She was starting to make him nervous.

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Don't mean to lead you on​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Never thought I would have a "technically" older woman as a girlfriend…

Katarine laughed at this. The label was one she didn't mind and it did help to clarify things a bit, plus the way he said it was funny. "Hey I look pretty good for my age. That's probably what I'll do on the side you know. Sell beauty secrets. Could make a killing." She laughed at that ludicrous thought, though she had heard that Romi Jade had gone into the beauty industry once as a Jedi.

"Guess I am robbing the cradle though. How old are you now anyway? Ten? Eleven? Probably going to start shaving soon I imagine." She stuck her tongue out at him.

Let him. I just won't kiss you in front of him....... You can kiss me?

She actually giggled at this, which was silly and childish but the thought of doing that in front of Dax and seeing his reaction was hilarious. "He would kill us both. Let's not test him while he's in a room full of civilians."

She smiled, realizing he must be nervous too. Her own heart was beating quickly as well. Maybe walking off some nervous energy would help.

"Let's go down to the lake and walk along the beach. Then we can have a cheesy holo marathon." Or really they could do whatever. She just felt like she needed to move now. They were both nervous and it might help.

After the bill was paid and the waitress properly tipped for her indulgence of their jokes the two left the restaurant and Katarine started to lead the way down to the lake. It was gorgeous down here, and on Naboo that was saying something. As they walked they started to see the lake getting closer and a light breeze started. It was very pleasant.

"You know speaking of Daxium.... I think that rescue was way too easy..." She trailed off, clearly she had suspicions about what had happened, but she also didn't want to ruin their fun day. It was more like a mental note that she might want to look into this more.

"Buster likes to swim doesn't he?" She tried to steer the conversation back to pleasant topics. Connel had probably had enough of Daxium to last a lifetime. She know felt that way at times.

 

[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]

Her statement was true, good thing he was joking. There was no good scenario of the two of them kissing in front of him. Of course it was more the reason why Connel didn’t trust the man, we’ll get to that in a minute.

Dinner went on and they were getting ready to leave, Kat leading the way, not physically, but more of where to turn and where not to. Connel's distrust of the man was rooted in past stories, though he kept those thoughts to himself for now. As they followed Kat's directions, the group remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts about the evening's events and what lay ahead.

It was, but let’s not worry about it. She thought that it was too easy, that little rescue of him. She was right, it was. However, if she was saying it to change the subject, or to warn him it didn’t matter. Connel was always “on alert”, he IS a Vanagor after all, and always armed. Connel's instincts were sharp, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, ever since they returned. He kept his guard up, ready for any unexpected turn of events.

Then her changing the subject about his best friend made him smile. Loves to, just terrible at it. A slight exaggeration, but the Aak Dog always looked like he was about to sink, though he never was. Water in fact was one of the few things that Buster didn’t always wait for permission for, not that Connel minded. Planning our next date? He cautiously slipped an arm over her shoulder and winked.

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

But I want to take it slowly, slowly​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

“A date at the beach swimming with Buster sounds like a lot of fun.”

She could imagine how happy the little pup would be chasing a ball on the beach.

They walked together until they had reached the lake. It was one of the smaller ones in the area but Kat liked it because it wasn’t as crowded. Even now there was only one other family there. She watched the couple playing with a toddler in the sand and smiled.

She felt the warmth of Connel so close to her, his arm resting over her shoulder, his breathing steady as they watched the water. It was peaceful, at least until the toddlers sand castle fell over and he started to cry. Katarine chuckled.

“There are a few sail boats that come in with the sunset latter. I’ve been coming here to clear my head. There are some tide pools with small fish and some cool sea shells too.”

She was babbling nervously and blushed.

 

[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]

Maybe it was because he was comfortable.

Maybe it was just the day.

Maybe it was who he was with.

Maybe it was who he was… but when the little boy’s sand castle fell over, Connel crouched down across from him. It’s okay bud, here, let’s fix it.. Naturally, the little boy’s parents approached, concerned about what was happening, a stranger with their son, but the lightsaber was his wingman here, let alone Kat.

Here we go… He was not only helping, but telling silly jokes to make the boy giggle, all the while Connel was packing the sand subtly though the Force as he was making it look like the boy’s work and not his.

There, looks ten times better! You did great! A few high fives later, Connel stood up and smiled to the parents mouthing “thank you” to him. Then to Kat he smiled and asked. Where were we?

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

So don't rush me​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Katarine was babbling nervously and when she looked over her shoulder she saw that Connel had gone to help with little kid with his sand castle. She watched as he used the Force to help the small toddler, until eventually the toddler was laughing and happy again. The parents seemed happy as well and thanked Connel.

Where were we?

"You probably made that kids entire day. He's going to grow up and tell all of his friends about the day a Jedi helped him on the beach." She smiled, realizing that you could help people in the galaxy in small ways too. It gave her hope that the Jedi might see some unity in the future, if they could all at least agree on small acts of kindness bettering the galaxy.

 

[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 gushed over him, Connel was blushing a little at Kat’s comments. Truth is, he didn’t think about the future in that regard. I just wanted to help him feel better..

Maybe it was his upbringing, maybe it was his ideals, but Connel saw an opportunity to help someone so he did. So where to…

He didn’t care, just slipped his hand in hers and enjoyed the company.

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

I've made that mistake before​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Katarine was certain the little boy felt a lot better after building the new sand castle. She glanced back at the happy family and smiled as they waved.

She lead Connel further down the beach. The sand was soft and difficult to walk through but the view of the lake and the fresh scent of the water was breathtaking. The gulls above then chirped in a way that Katarine always felt was calming. She imagined those sounds would be on some holo tape people used to drift off to sleep. To her they always reminded her of youthful energy and peaceful memories.

As they walked the beach sands became littered with small flat stones, perfect for skipping across the lake surface. She bent down and scooped one up and gave it a toss. It made six skips and then sank.

“That’s a personal best. Last time I only got to four.”

It was nice, just talking and having nowhere to be. She supposed eventually she would need to go check on Daxium but putting that moment off for now was appealing.

 

[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]

There was a part of him that was wondering if they should get back, but in truth Connel was just letting himself enjoy himself for once and that was good. He enjoyed the peaceful calm, and while he was paying attention to their surroundings, he was not as on guard as he usually is.

Watching her skip the stone, Connel crouched down and took one, then went to toss it. One skip and then one of the gulls swooped in thinking it was food, was splashed as it hit the birds feet and fell into the water.

Connel was dumbfounded.. okay……

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

And don't rush me​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

When the seagull came down and swooped to get the rock Katarine burst out laughing. The dumbfounded look on Connel’s face was priceless.

“I think you’ve met your match.”

The bird squawked angrily, clearly upset they weren’t offering food. It took off, trying to clip Connel with its wing while it did so.

“Come on bird whisperer. Let’s get you out of here before we run into a whole flock of angry gulls.”

She laughed and pulled him in the direction of the hospital. As much fun as she was having she really did need to go check on her brother.

They walked together through the streets of Theed. Several merchants were out selling trinkets, and others selling clothing and other things. The air was warm and full of the scents of shops and restaurants, then eventually more of a stale cleanliness as they got closer to the hospital.

“I’ll check on Dax and then if you want we can order something for dinner and hang out aboard the Northstar.” She smiled apologetically. This probably wasn’t the best first date, but it was nice to have someone to share the stress with all the same.

They walked the hospital halls until finally they entered her brother’s room. He was sitting up, glaring at them as they walked in.

“What is he still doing here?”

Katarine rolled her eyes and perched herself on the edge of her twins bed, allowing Connel to sit in the guest seat.

“We came to see if you needed anything.”

“Clearly better security.” His yellowing eyes ran up and down Connel, his lips growing into a thin line as they did so.

 

[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 was glad to see her so joyful, Kat clearly needed this. Then there was their walk back to the hospital and… her brother’s room.

… bur Connel did NOT sit. No he stood there for a moment, waved Kat back a step and then turned to her brother. I believe I owe you a handshake.

Then amid a verbal argument from Kat, he took Dax’s hand, unaffected by his mutation, and squeezed HARD, yanking the man close enough to whisper in his ear. You have a receipt coming for assaulting your sister, and if you continue to mistreat her, I will collect. Speak to me however you like, but continue to hurt her and you will never see it coming.

Yes, that is what he saw, until Connel stopped altering Daxium’s environment. In the blink of an eye, Katarine was sitting where she was initially, and Connel was indeed sitting in the guests seat, elbows on the rests and resting his chin on his fists.

If it didn’t happen, why was Daxium's hand sore?

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

This love could be so much more​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Katarine felt it before she saw the flare of fury that surged through their bond like a tidal wave. The air around her seemed to tighten, the Force bending under the sudden pressure of Daxium's anger. She didn't see the image that Connel had projected, but she knew that feeling all too well. It was the same raw, dangerous energy she'd sensed during the rescue.

Without thinking, she reached for her twin's hand. Her skin, attuned to his through their dyad, didn't flinch from the crackling energy dancing along his fingers. Lightning. The realization struck like a spark to dry tinder. Was he seriously about to unleash Force lightning, in a hospital full of civilians?

"Dax," she said quietly, her tone firm but even. "You need to calm down."

It wasn't a plea, but was a warning. Katarine had patience in abundance, but even she wouldn't allow chaos to erupt here. Not with wounded around them. Not with him like this.

His grip on her tightened painfully, his knuckles white, as if crushing her fingers could help ground the fury raging inside him. She didn't pull away. She knew what he was doing, trying to channel it, to contain the storm instead of letting it consume him.

When he finally spoke, his voice was low and venomous, like the hiss of a viper. "This looks like the beginning of an interesting relationship, Jedi."

"Speaking of beginnings…" Katarine interjected before he could spiral further, her words measured and disarming. "Have you given any thought to what you'll do once you're released?"

"I've got a goal." His eyes didn't leave Connel, the glare sharp enough to cut through durasteel. The meaning behind his words was clear that his "goal" wasn't exactly peaceful. Katarine's stomach tightened, unsure how far she could push him in this state.

At last, his gaze broke from Connel and settled on her. The poisonous yellow in his irises dimmed slightly, though the darkness still lingered beneath.

"That rescue was too easy," he said flatly. "Something's off. I intend to find out what."

Katarine exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She agreed that it had been too easy and even Connel seemed to sense it. But the unease of that truth lingered between them like smoke.

"What are you two planning next?" Daxium's voice cut through again, his eyes sliding back toward Connel with a predatory glare. The implication was clear: whatever came next, it had better not involve unspeakable things with his sister.

 

[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]

Connel said nothing during Daxium’s outburst. He could see this was Kat’s show, so to speak, and frankly he already had regretted putting her in that scenario. So he sat there, if needed, he was prepared to jump, but not now. Once things calmed down, and Daxium was eyeing him, Connel was eyeing right back, but with a slight smirk. At the same time, he was holding up an index, and a middle finger as if to say “That’s two”.

She may not speak up for herself, but he was going to make Daxium treat his sister like family, and not a burden, or a whipping post. Then came the comment about how the rescue was too easy. That was no rescue, not in Connel’s eyes, it was an insertion. Daxium had something to do with all of it. Call it what you like, but there was something about this not adding up. Especially with a man who was in carbonite for supposedly hundreds of years.

When he demanded to know what they were doing, he was looking at Connel again, who just pointed at Kat as if to say “Stop disrespecting her”.

I came here to emotionally support your sister. So I have no plans. He could have said something like “defile” her, but all that would do was give Kat more stress, so that wasn’t happening. Daxium wasn’t worth it, Katarine was.

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

It's well worth waiting​

Tags: Connel Vanagor



Katarine smiled faintly when Connel said he was there to support her but Daxium only scoffed, as if the very idea was laughable. For all their differences, at least they could agree on one thing: getting Dax out of that temple had been far too easy.

That thought lingered with her. It was one of the reasons she'd stayed behind in Theed, to watch over her twin's recovery, and to make sure no unseen hand had followed them out. If someone was after them, Dax would need her protection until his strength returned. So far, though, the months had passed quietly, uneventful, save for her brother's occasional flashes of anger.

The medical screen by the bed blinked with a soft chime. Katarine reached over and swiped it open, still clumsy with the gesture. The doctors had shown her how a few days ago, but she was hopeless with modern tech, nine hundred years behind, by her own count.

Her deep green eyes scanned the data. After a moment, she smiled.

"Your muscle regeneration's coming along faster than mine did."

"That's because I'm better at everything."

She stuck out her tongue at him, then turned back to the screen. The report was thorough almost too thorough. There were notes questioning whether Daxium might have undergone the same frozen conditioning she had. The thought made her glance up. Dax was glowering at Connel again. She had wondered, more than once, if her brother had been involved in the strangely smooth rescue. But he'd shown no hostility toward her. Maybe that was the real reason she stayed. She didn't quite trust Daxium anymore.

"We're going to watch some holo-vids," she said, rising from her chair. "I'll check on you tomorrow, alright?"

She'd just turned to go when his hand shot out, closing around her wrist. His grip was firm but not painful but just enough to make her stop. Katarine looked back, meeting his gaze. His eyes, still tinged with sickly yellow, held hers for a long, silent moment before he finally let go. She frowned, and stood there for a quiet moment before she said softly. "I'll come back tomorrow okay?" He didn't respond.

She lead Connel out of the room and together they headed for the hospital doors. "Sorry about him. He's usually more obnoxious when he's sick. " There weren't really enough apologies she could utter for her twins behavior. Together they walked through the double doors of the hospital, back into the late afternoon sun of Theed.

"Is there anything you want to do or see?" She knew he wasn't a fan of Naboo so she wouldn't hold it against him if he wanted to just go back to the ship and rest on his day off.

 

[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]

Teasing… he could understand…

Competitiveness… he could understand…

Sibling Rivalry… he could… well he understood…

This dynamic between them? No.

But what could he do? Other than be there for Kat.

When she led him out, he made sure to point at Daxium as her back was turned, and raise up three fingers when she wasn't looking... and when Kat apologized for her brother, his stomach turned. There was more to him, more to that cult, more to that rescue that was starting to add up to him. Maybe it was his Mother’s influence, but he wanted to do very “Not very Jedi like” things right now, but how would that support Katarine? It wouldn’t. So he just walked with her.

I’m sorry that you feel the need to make excuses for him. It was a hard truth, but one nonetheless, to him anyway. I won’t disrespect you by speaking idly of your family though.

Truth is, Connel saw Daxium for what he was (in his eyes). Daxium fell long ago, and was a part of this cult. He hoped, for Kat’s sake that he was wrong, but it all made sense, everything added up. When she asked what he wanted to do, he just shrugged. [COLODARKORANGE]Anything that will make your day less stressful, you have enough to worry about/[/COLOR]

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

And my resistance is weakening, weakening​

Tags: Connel Vanagor


Katarine could tell that this wasn't the family dynamic Connel had with his own family, and honestly that was probably for the best. Her relationship with Daxium was complicated. She loved her brother but he was touched by the darkside. She hopped for redemption but she wasn't sure it was a path he wanted. It wasn't a problem she had expected to have, centuries after they were both supposed to be dead, but since it was handed to her she supposed she would deal with it as best she could.

Anything that will make your day less stressful, you have enough to worry about

"He's really not that bad." Even as she said it the emotion didn't quit touch her eyes. She had a bad feeling about the way they had left things back there, but she pushed it out of her mind in favor for a more fun night with Connel. She took him to a small shop next to the hospital so they could load up on movie snacks and treats. She figured they could order something to eat for dinner latter.

"Are you a salty person? Or a sweet person?" She held up some chocolate, and some popcorn, wondering which he wanted for their movie night.

 

[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’s really not that bad…” that sentence can end so many ways… “... once you get to know him.” there was “... you should see him when we’re alone.”

The red flags were clear in his mind. Connel would probably never trust Daxium, nor vice versa to be sure, but he was learning to trust Kat more and that meant respecting her decisions. She felt responsible for her brother, and her brother was using that to his advantage. That was the end of that conversation, at least for the night. It had to be, or Connel would go and collect on those receipts.

Daxium wasn’t the only one touched by Darkness…

When she held up the snacks, Connel just smirked. Well, I’l salty with jerks who mistreat their sisters, and… oh wait.... Covering his mouth in faux worry, he chuckled. Both.

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Every time we touch​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Katarine nudged him playfully in the shoulder. "Be nice." Her laugh was light, easy. She grabbed a few handfuls of candy, some salty snacks, and a couple of drinks for them both.

Truthfully, she suspected Dax still blamed her for his time in carbonite, and she couldn't entirely fault him. She had chosen to exile herself, to be frozen without a thought for how that would affect her twin, bound to her through the Force. It had been selfish. Every sharp word or cold glance from him since felt like penance she quietly accepted.

They left the little shop and made their way toward the starport, chatting idly, taking in the glow of city lights and the hum of evening air. When they reached her ship the Northsta. She keyed in the access code, and the ramp lowered with a soft hiss.

Inside, the ship was modest, even sparse. Katarine had never been one for clutter or decoration; no clothes lay strewn about, no trinkets marked the space as lived-in. The only personal touch sat in one corner, a plush dog bed with new toys and a box of treats beside it, neatly arranged.

Katarine set the snack bag down on the small table near the cockpit, where a few worn takeout menus were scattered. "Make yourself at home," she said with a small smile, slipping off her boots, her quiet signal that the day's work was done.

There was no need for a tour. Connel knew the ship well enough; he was the only person besides her who had ever stayed overnight aboard. Entertaining wasn't her strength. She'd grown up in the quiet austerity of temple life, and she still struggled with the concept of comfort, of ownership, of belonging.

"I guess I should decorate," she said with a soft laugh. Then her eyes brightened with sudden recollection. "Oh, but I wanted to give you something."

She crossed to the main cabin and opened a small drawer built into the table. Inside, wrapped in a piece of velvet, was the cross pendant he'd once given her months ago. She unwrapped it gently and looped the chain around his neck, her fingers lingering for a heartbeat.

"There," she murmured, smiling faintly. "I'm glad I could give this back."

 

[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]

I won’t disrespect your wishes, I promise. That being said, I’m not going to let him continue to hurt you uncontested. That was that. He spoke his peace and dropped the matter after that. He was here for her, not her and her brother and after the lunch, and day they had, it meant that much more.

Kat.. nodding, his expression softening. He understood her hesitation, but he also knew that standing by idly wasn't an option. You don't have to face this alone, he reassured her, his voice steady and sincere. I'll be here, no matter what.

Okay, now he was done.

When they got to her ship, the lack of decor was a little surprising, but no big deal, she had a lot going on. Her brother was a ball of stress for her.

Enough of him…

When she walked over and put the chain around his neck as he relaxed on the couch, he noticed her hands around his neck for a beat so he slipped his around her waist and leaned in for a soft kiss.. Sorry, felt right.

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