Private Gamble

[Kiran Arlos]

The lights of Alderaan's carnival spilled across the night like a thousand tiny stars brought down to earth. Lanterns bobbed above winding rows of game booths, while the air carried the scent of fried pastries, candied fruits, and the faint floral breeze that always seemed to cling to the planet. Laughter rose and fell in waves as children darted between stalls, and musicians played lively tunes that mixed with the hum of chatter.

Kiran walked just half a step ahead of Persephone, nervous energy buzzing through him as though he were preparing for a duel rather than a date. He'd picked this place on purpose, public enough to feel casual, but bright and warm in a great way. "See?" he said with a crooked grin, gesturing at the kaleidoscope of lights. "Not deadly. Just… slightly dangerous. Rigged games, overpriced food, and a good chance we get hustled by a booth runner. Practically perfect."

He stopped at one of the stalls where holo-targets zipped across a projected sky, the kind of shooting gallery designed to drain credits fast. With mock-seriousness, he turned to her. "So, first date rules: loser buys the other a candied treat. What do you think?"

Around them, the carnival carried on: Ferris wheels glimmered against the twilight, the crowd shifted in swells, and the night ahead promised as much chaos as sweetness. For the first time since he'd worked up the nerve to ask her out, Kiran felt a little steadier. Even though he had no idea what he was doing right now. He would just smile, act his normal self and be happy he was in her presence once more.

And he had one more surprise for her, but it wouldn't happen until tomorrow. He was sure she would probably enjoy that more than this, so he saved it for last.

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

ALDERAAN : GINGERBELL BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Compared to what she had experienced in life, this wasn't slightly dangerous, it was downright placid. Yet she would let Kiran Arlos believe that potential shady carnies was just the right mix of slightly dangerous and fun. While her companion for the evening walked in front of her like an eager kid with pocket money, she was much more reserved.

It may have something to do the fact she was stuffing her face a fried Crunchies cereal hand pie. Someone had thought it to market it as walking 'milk and cereal' and she had fallen for the trap. Either way it was delicious, was already getting comments on her ZikZok holo, and she was plotting on how to possibly make them at home.

"Yeh" Mouth was stuffed full of her fried dessert when he asked. There was powdered sugar at the edges of her mouth and on her pink polished nails.

[ I believe Miss Persephone meant that those terms sound delightful. ]

Persephone rolled her eyes. Zee was always with her, it was literally his programming. Yet the hulking security droid was all but glued to their presence today. If she had to guess her parents had given Zee specific instructions for this outing. It wasn't unusual and the droid didn't even try to hide it anymore - if his optical sensors were dimming and brightening it was a sure sign he was communicating to them. Or to their own droids at least.

Napkin came out of her pocket and Persephone wiped off her mouth and hands now that the treat was gone, finally able to speak on her own.

"Thank you so much for speaking for me during that moment Zee."

[ My pleasure Miss Persephone. ]

Oblivious. Persie looked at Kiran. She had a massive competitive streak. Was he even prepared to handle what he had just unleashed?

"I hope you're ready to lose."

 

[Kiran Arlos]

Kiran glanced over his shoulder at her, catching the powdered sugar still clinging to the corner of her lip before she'd wiped it away. He smirked, not at all hiding his amusement. "Oh, I'm absolutely ready," he said, falling back into stride beside her. "But just so we're clear, if Zee ends up 'accidentally' helping you win, I'm filing an official protest. No way I'm losing to both you and your walking tank."

His tone grew mock-serious, eyes narrowing in a playful challenge. "You think I came all the way down here just to hand you a win?" he tossed back, stepping closer, voice light with a smile on his face. "No chance."

The look he gave her wasn't smug, though, it was daring. A spark of eagerness mixed with the thrill of testing himself against her.

The Booth Runner handed them both their 'weapons' "First to 50 points win the match, and if you happen to hit the asteroid, you win a prize from the top shelf." He pointed to several prizes from the top, stuffed animals, trinkets, at various other things.

The countdown started as Kiran smirked and gave a small glance to Persephone Dashiell

"Don't go easy on me."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Zee would never help me." Too much moral programming in him. Kiran Arlos didn't need to know that though, nor was she going to make an argument as to otherwise. Persephone needed every advantage. "You also forget I am hopped up on confectioners sugar. I already have an advantage going into this."

Typical boy, thinking he could easily best her. Persie wasn't going to trash talk though. She hadn't seen him in action so that would be highly premature on her end. Waiting until they had done one activity was wise then she could gauge where to go and how much to hate on him.

Their 'weapons' were little plastoid blasters that would shoot out small lasers. A child's toy really. Persephone surmised the targets had sensors on them that indicated when they were hit. She had played a similar game where one wore a vest with sensors and ran around a dark room with obstacles on teams. Something silly she had done with her friend group not too long ago.

They both had 'lanes' and Persephone took hers, settling in and focusing. As promised, Zee stood away from the booth but watching, as if he would be keeping score on his own. With both of them in place, the booth attendant started the countdown. The booth came alive and added to the sights and sounds of the Gingerbell Festival.

"3....2....1....Go!"