Private Nothing Left Unsaid

[Naamino Zuukamano]

​

Gliding high above the Valley of Golg, Naamino allowed himself a moment of rare respite upon the back of his fearsome sithspawn companion and friend. He and Zafira had developed a deep bond over the months he'd painstakingly raised her from an egg, so now he exalted in the rewards of those labors.

Time spent flying and hunting with his war mount was just as valuable as time spent in the classroom or on the training grounds under the strict tutelage of Darth Thaliax. Together, they'd grown strong and fierce. Between them an almost primal kinship existed and Naami felt as close to "home" perched in the saddle as he'd felt almost anywhere.

Almost.

His thoughts wandered to the woman that brought to mind the truest sense of comfort he'd ever felt in his life. She was like the calm of a quiet rain when one had a good story to read while curled up inside, or an inferno that could burn white-hot before simmering down into the warmth of a hearth fire.

Leshanna Dromar

She was as close to peace as Naami dare seek. For he knew that such fanciful notions were illusions. But when she was cozied up in his arms? When he had the privilege to hold her close and press his face into midnight silk hair? Leshanna could make him believe in such things as quiet fulfillment in a life of calm comfort.

The thrill of war, the promise of glory, even that tantalizing feeling of bringing chaos into order with decisive action and stern command. These things were nothing in comparison to the power and joy he felt when she was by his side.

Those private musings carried him through the flight from wild desert to the outskirts of Vardin. Zafira's mind, connected with his own, was alert to their trajectory and she nudged his reverie sharply with a hunter's instinct.

You dream of the Flower-Warrior while I take us to her— we are nearly there. Awaken your senses, she chided him with all the grace and authority of an apex predator.

Naami's voice would be lost in the wind, but he grumbled at her nonetheless. Too often these days he'd found himself lost in thoughts about life after the Order. Once he'd served a respectable amount of time, perhaps if enough of the galaxy had been lifted out of chaos and into proper structure under Sith rule.

He knew it was madness to think so far ahead, and still couldn't help but imagine a time when he'd be able to focus more on his personal life. The careful balance he currently struck between holding duty above all else while secretly treasuring certain connections more than anything in the galaxy was a precarious path to walk indeed.

Naami pushed those thoughts away as he focused in on the rapidly approaching main Kor'ethyr courtyard. This was technically restricted airspace and he was risking reprimand by pulling such a flashy stunt, but what use was having rank if he didn't use it every now and again?

Besides, this was for a special occasion and the young man felt justified in making a grand entrance.

Zafira circled the open courtyard as she descended, her great leathery wings flexing and tilting incrementally as they approached the ground. Naami spotted his gorgeous girlfriend on the second to last turn, where Leshanna was lounging casually in the shade of an ornamental tree as she read something on her datapad.

The great ebony sithspawn landed with surprising finesse at the edge of the courtyard, where she waited patiently for the zabrak to dismount, her electric blue eyes glittering with eagerness at seeing the raven haired girl. Naami swung one strong leg out from the saddle and smoothly slid down the Adar's shoulder with a practiced motion— even using one of her fearsome spines to aid in his dismount.

Naami was dressed in finely tailored Iridonian robes that had fur lining the neck and shoulders for extra warmth. They were unusually fine clothes to be wearing for a casual afternoon flight, but the zabrak held with utmost confidence as he made his way toward his girlfriend.

"Volke, i'shree y'le," he greeted in zabraki with that deep baritone his voice had steadily grown into over the past months.

 

[Leshanna Dromar]

Naamino Zuukamano
​

Leshanna was quiet as she rested and waited in one of the many outdoor courtyards of Kor’ethyr, casually searching through her personal data device to entertain herself while she waited for the arrival of one of her handsome boyfriends. Duty pulled them all away from each other far more than what any of them would like, especially now that they were all a little bit older and expected to step up and begin exemplifying what it meant to be Sith for the Order - even while still being students at the Sith Academy.

The raven-haired young woman reflected on that for a moment, her mind drifting over the time since she had arrived on Korriban, having gone through her initiation trials to even get into the Academy. So much had happened since that point in time - so much learning, so much growing. She’d been slow to step into her Force powers, but they were gradually coming along. Her latent abilities in certain areas had caught the eye of Professor A’Mia - and the neti was now not just her guardian, her Mistress…but her Sith Master as well. The botanical woman was strict, orderly, and expected a lot from Leshanna…but the young Sith woman knew that she wouldn’t have gained a Master unless they saw potential in her.

She took pride in that - and of course, she gave her very best efforts whenever she could and accepted corrections when they came.

Beyond gaining a Master, Leshanna had stepped into her own as a formidable warrior. Of course, she had her amazing Zabrak boyfriend to thank for that; he had taken her under his wing of sorts, sparred with her and helped her grow more confident and physically fit. She went from being bullied and pushed around and outclassed in her saber and fighting classes, to standing her ground and coming out as the victor more times than naught.

Darth Thaliax had taken notice, and after putting her through some harsh tests - had advanced her. She had potential, but she needed to be truly pushed to reveal what all she was capable of. It had also resulted in her undergoing her Trials for the King’s Hand - along with several others. But that was something that was kept a secret, hidden from the view of all those except for the two boys who had undergone the Trials with her.

And of course, they were her boyfriends now.

A smile crossed her dark colored lips as her thoughts drifted to both Naamino and Haro, her boys. They had been through a lot together. They had had their disagreements, their struggles, and yet they always triumphed. Lesh didn’t know where she would be without either of them beside her. They were the ones that fanned the flames of her courage, fueled her desire to excel in every area of her life, who taught her how to truly love and care for those who were closest to her.

She had learned that she would do anything to protect them, protect what they all had together. She would even kill for it.

It was also something she had to somewhat hide from the powers that be. As a growing Sith, it was rather frowned upon that she would develop such close bonds with others. She kept watchful eyes off of her by keeping to her duties and remaining steadfast and obedient to those in rank above her - even if it meant sacrificing precious time with her boys.

But when she did find the time…she took every advantage that she could, savored each moment and cherished them deeply.

And today was one such moment: quality time with her boyfriend, Naamino. Time away from their duties, where they could focus solely upon one another.

A shadow passed overhead, drawing Leshanna from her reverie, and she glanced up to see a great draconic form circling overhead. Her faint smile widened further as her heart began to race with excitement and joy. She put her device away and practically jumped to her feet as the stunningly beautiful Zafira landed nearby - and the maturing figure of Naamino stepped down from his war mount to approach Leshanna.

As he drew nearer, sapphire blue eyes glimmered with appreciation as she looked him over, taking in every detail of the Zabrak man that he was growing up to be. He had filled out, his body now heavily toned and muscled - the physique of a Sith warrior, one who had already been battle tested and proven.

And he was hers.

Blue eyes smoldered as she looked over the fur lined, traditional Iridonian robes he had worn for the occasion; it was rather fine, something meant for a special occasion, and her heart thumped faster in her chest. What…is he planning? She wondered internally as her eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of him. He was dressed far more finely than she was, for she had chosen an outfit for comfort and ease of movement over being fancy. She wore her more typical gothic attire; form fitting, partially torn black jeans that revealed hints of creamy skin underneath, and her shirt - blood red with a black splatter pattern - was snug against her upper body - revealing that she herself had grown and matured, not just as a woman but as a warrior herself. Around her neck was a velvet choker, and draped around her neck to her chest was a pendant in the shape of the sigil of the Sith Order. Her eyes were lined with black eyeliner, her nails neatly painted black, her lips smudged with kohl to give a smokey appearance.

A happy smile curled at her lips as she continued to watch him approach, and her eyes gleamed with joy when he greeted her in his native language, something she was still learning but knew enough to understand what he had said to her. The deepness of his voice rumbled through her chest and brought forth a shiver that raced through her.

“Well hello there, handsome.” Lesh greeted in response, her voice a touch low and filled with admiration as she stepped up towards him, almost looking him directly in the eyes as she rested a hand against his chest before leaning in to give him a gentle kiss. He would catch the scent of one of his more favorite perfumes she had in her collection, the smell of it faint but tantalizing, caught on the breeze that drifted through the courtyard before being carried away when she broke apart from him.

“Oh it is so good to see you again, Naami.” Lesh said softly, quietly. “I am glad we get to have some time together.”

Her eyes drifted to the black-blue scaled form of Zafira, and her smile widened once more. “I see you brought your beautiful Zafira. Are we…going out on a flight together?” Lesh asked Naami as she glanced back at him, her eyes bright with hope at the prospect of joining him on the back of his fearsome and stunning war mount.

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Leshanna's appreciative gaze bolstered and emboldened the sturdy zabrak. These days he had no shortage of confidence, but his girlfriend had a way of charging him up like nothing and no one else could.

Their busy schedules had of course dominated their time, and though Naami worked to maintain as much of a healthy social life as he could given the circumstances, it had been far too long since their last stint of shared personal time. Three weeks at least, no— had it been four?

The days were beginning to blur together for the zabrak, between his duties as Kor'ethyr lieutenant and reporting directly to his master Elmindra, the young man had been busy indeed.

Not too busy however to plan a surprise for his gorgeous, smart, hard working girlfriend.

Responding easily to the way she stepped into his space, Naami pulled her in and gave himself over happily to Leshanna's much needed affection.

"I have missed you terribly," he murmured darkly— as if hungry in her absence.

Naami reluctantly allowed her to slip away from their initial embrace, but soon pulled her close again as he rumbled a thoughtful hum at her question. He ran one hand gently up her neck, behind her ear to comb through her hair as he pressed his face close to kiss her cheek and enjoy the scent of her perfume.

He was distracted for a moment by the bright smell of fresh rain on spring flowers and the faint bite of spice like cloves. Naami inhaled and it seemed he might stand there indefinitely, caught in her spell, were it not for the wolf-whistle that rang from across the courtyard where a gaggle fellow upperclassmen were walking.

Eyes narrowing as Naami took in the perpetrators before flipping them a rude hand gesture. Ordinarily that kind of teasing from others would've made him shy away from public affection with Lesh but in the moment all that mattered was that they finally had time to be together. His eyes softened as they found hers again, their height difference almost nonexistent since she'd undergone her own significant growth spurt.

"Mhm, I've got something I'd like to show you," he stole one more kiss to her cheek as he turned— one large hand sliding to take hers as he guided them back to his war mount.

We have something to show you, Zafira corrected haughtily in their minds.

Though beautiful and majestic, Zafira was still young and growing into her full regal stature. Her adolescence hardly showed these days but when Leshanna began walking toward her, the Sithspawn began to knead the stone flooring beneath her feet which cracked and crumbled under her sharp claws.

Naami winced at the property destruction but decided against trying to chide Zafira, besides the fact that he was enjoying the interaction between her and his girlfriend. As they stepped nearer, the zabrak unhooked one of the satchels on the large saddle and pulled forth a cloak that matched his robes in all but cut.

Leshanna could see that it was made for cold weather and crafted from the finest materials. He offered it to her with a grin, dimples were accentuated by the lines of his tattoos.

"Something to keep you comfortable in the wind and high altitude," he explained, "Do you like it?"

Naami offered to help her shrug the item on over her decidedly more gothic clothes. He was clearly admiring both her choice of outfit and makeup for the day, while also assessing the cut of the new garment. The zabrak was well pleased with the work his tailor had done, a tailor recommended to him by Elmindra of course— who expected Naami to always be well dressed.

For her part, Zafira nudged Lesh with her snout and lowered her long body closer to the ground to make it easier to hop onto the saddle. She made no such accommodations for the zabrak but she clearly harbored a soft spot for the Sith woman. Naami chuckled at his dracconic companion's show of favoritism then clambered up behind, to seat himself so Lesh was in front of him and had the better views but he could still handle the reigns and hold her tight as they flew.

"Ready?"

 

[Leshanna Dromar]

Naamino Zuukamano
​

Leshanna was drawn back in towards Naami, as he made it clear he wasn’t finished showering her with affection; she hummed in contentment as a hand traced along her neck and slipped through her black hair and he pressed a kiss to her cheek, a coy and happy smile crossing over her face. His murmured words, that he had missed her terribly, sent a shiver up and down her spine. The two of them remained close, leaned against one another and simply enjoying each other’s presence - until other students nearby wolf-whistled in their direction, breaking the quiet of the moment.

She chuckled when Naami gave them the finger, her smirk wide and playful. Normally he was rather shy with public affection, but that had steadily changed over time, especially with how few and far between their moments of personal interaction had become.

Lesh watched the group of upperclassmen drift away before she returned her attention to Naami, noticing how his icy blue eyes softened. Once upon a time, Naami had been taller than her - but she had gone through several growth spurts and was now basically eye level with him. At least she didn’t have to stand on her tippy toes to kiss him now.

"Mhm, I've got something I'd like to show you,” Naami stated as he gave her one more kiss on her cheek before turning away, finding her hand with his. A heartbeat later, they both heard a second voice, this one in their minds however. Zafira had a connection with them both, and Lesh couldn’t help but smirk at the haughty correction the black scaled Adar gave her rider.

“Well, I eagerly look forward to seeing what it is you both have to show me.” Leshanna responded back, watching as the Adar began to knead the ground beneath her clawed feet as they made their approach. She smiled at the reaction the black scaled beauty had, and she hoped her adoration of the Sithspawn could be felt. She adored Zafira, always had from the very first moment Naami had introduced them together.

Stepping up to the Adar’s side, Naami reached into a satchel and unhooked it from the saddle; Leshanna lifted a hand to settle upon Zafira’s black scales, a touch of recognition and deep care, as she watched Naami pull forth what appeared to be a cloak that matched his except in cut. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped open upon seeing it; it was beautiful, exquisite, made from the finest material she’d ever seen - and it looked warm. Her eyes brightened when he handed it out to her and Leshanna eagerly took the cloak from him, letting it unravel a bit further so she could see it better.

"Something to keep you comfortable in the wind and high altitude. Do you like it?"

“Like it?! Naami I love it!” Lesh exclaimed, her excitement and happiness with the gift clear upon her face. Naami helped her drape it over her more gothic attire, noticing how his eyes roamed over her. It brought a blush to her cheeks - not in shyness, but in awareness and attraction. She loved it when Naami truly looked at her; she felt seen, adored, loved. Wanted.

Cloak on, Leshanna stepped back and turned around to give him a full view, and Naami seemed pleased by what he saw. The young Sith woman was beaming from ear to ear, her blue eyes bright with joy and excitement. She felt a nudge on her back and she turned to see Zafira lowering her great serpentine body closer to the ground, to make it easier for Leshanna to climb aboard her back and settle down in the saddle. Naami climbed aboard and seated himself directly behind her, arms on either side as his large hands gripped reins.

“Ready?” the Zabrak inquired of her, and Lesh nodded eagerly.

“Yes! Lets go!”

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Settling in behind Lesh, emboldened by her enthusiasm, the zabrak nuzzled his face into the back of her hair to huff happily before he focused in and gave the mental nod to Zafira that they were ready. Strong arms stiffened around Leshanna as the big Sithspawn leapt into the air, she left behind a trail of broken stone and whirling debris, but none of that mattered to the two lovebirds on her back.

The three spent a considerable amount of time in the sky together, and it seemed wherever they were headed was deep in the wilds of Korriban. Naamino relished that time, several hours of beautiful windswept landscapes and irreplaceable experience shared with his girlfriend. By the end of their journey, Horuset hung low on the horizon and the desert sands had been left behind, to be replaced by rolling foothills and snowcapped mountains in the approaching distance.

Zafira soon banked hard to the left and began her descent, the Sithspawn's glee was palpable through their bond and she began to rumble happily, purring almost like a lothcat but much more formidable. Her descent angled them towards the back end of the foothills, right at the place they began to climb into true mountains and the air was frigid indeed.

"Just a few more minutes," Naami called over the wind, hugging her a bit more tightly in anticipation of the slight jostling that would inevitably come from altitude change and landing.

Banking low into the setting sun, Zafira navigated with surprising grace through a few crags of sharp jutting stone and brought them in to land amid a long forgotten stone structure. Despite its apparent age, the ruins had held up well and there were clear signs that earth and loose rock had been cleared away from a previously collapsed entrance.

Naami ran a hand up Lesh's spine, a warm gesture to non-verbally check in as Zafira rustled her wings and settled in to allow them to dismount. The big zabrak eased out of the saddle and used one of the sturdier of its straps to swing himself down, awaiting his girlfriend at the ground level.

"You can see why I wanted you to have something warm," he rumbled up at her with a smile, keeping the mystery of where they were a little longer.

After Leshanna Dromar dismounted, Zafira turned her head— snaking that long neck of hers to bring her face up beside the young woman. It was more of less her way of giving a hug to her small, wingless and two legged pack mates. Huffing out a warm breath, the Adar rumbled one more long purr as she butted her big head into Lesh's arms before regarding her sidelong with one huge electric blue eye.

Your surprise awaits and I must hunt, but I will be happy to hear of your nesting tomorrow! Be well, Flower-warrior.

With that, she pulled away and spread her leathery black wings wide to take off. Rising higher into the mountains where she'd find ample game to feed herself. Naami had pulled Lesh close as the Sithspawn said her farewell and he tipped his he'd back to watch the spectacle, but soon looked sidelong to regard his girlfriend.

The young man, though often quiet, seemed particularly short on words at the moment. Lesh could probably tell from the set of his jaw and the hint of a sparkle in his eye, that he was thrilled indeed for this moment. He released his hug and slid one large hand onto hers, gently seeking to intertwine their fingers as he guided them closer to the entryway of what appeared to be a temple carved into the stone of the mountain.

"As best I can tell, this place is even older than a lot of the ruins we've studied at Kor'ethyr, in the surrounding desert" he began by way of explanation.

"When I went on my sojourn with Zafira, when she was still growing and as we were working to strengthen our bond by testing our survival skills together— We came upon this place."

His low voice seemed to vibrate through the very stone as they passed through the entrance into the dark of the what was presumably a foyer. The zabrak drew forth a small plasma torch as he continued, keeping their pace casual so she could take in the sights.

"She fell through the cieling of this place actually, and it took us a while to realize where the actual entrance was since it was collapsed. We've spent a fair amount of time out here now, cleaning it up a bit and testing for any other areas of structural failure."

The stone walls looked to be carved out of the mountain itself, with veins of white marble streaking through black basalt. Naami's torch illuminated some very worn engravings that were difficult to make out but might be some kind of prayer scrawled in Kittât. Though not striking in the same way a nexus might feel, the Force was powerful here indeed. It was as if they walked on the frozen surface of a river that was still flowing steady beneath. Naami watched her as they moved deeper into the ancient place, gauging her reactions with clear enjoyment.

 

[Leshanna Dromar]

Naamino Zuukamano ​

Joy and barely contained excitement flooded through Leshanna as Naamino’s arm wrapped around her snuggly as she felt Zafira’s body grow taut with coiling tension, before the Sithspawn launched herself into the air, flapping her great obsidian hued wings to gain air and altitude. Flying was an immense joy for Lesh, especially when on the back of Zafira. Nothing quite equaled the feeling of freedom she felt when she was able to experience moments like this. And the fact that she could share it with her boyfriend was even better.

Time passed by, but Leshanna hardly noticed it. She was so happy and so excited that she felt as if she couldn’t get enough of it and the time spent with Naamino at her back and Zafira surging through the chilly Korriban air as they soared over the desert, foothills and plains, and finally snowcapped mountain peaks that glimmered white and bloody in the setting light of Horuset. Lesh held on tight as Zafira banked hard, her wings billowed from catching currents of air as she meandered her way through the icy peaks, far from the spires of Vardin. Naami told her that it was just ‘a few more minutes’, and she was thankful for that as she was finally starting to feel the cold on her face, and nipping at her ears. She was so thankful for the elegant cloak he’d given her, for it kept her core very warm indeed. It was the perfect clothing item for the chilling mountain air and terrain.

Eventually, the trio reached their destination - a long abandoned stone structure built into the mountain itself, a sort of temple that had seen ages pass by it. Leshanna felt as Naami ran a hand over her spine and she partially closed her eyes and purred with the touch as it brought her a deep measure of comfort. The great Sithspawn landed with elegance and grace for a creature her size and settled herself so her riders could dismount. The Zabrak warrior was the first to step down, and Lesh followed suit only a moment later, happy to set her feet on solid ground.

"You can see why I wanted you to have something warm," Naamino murmured to her with a smile on his face, and Lesh smiled back and nodded.

“Indeed! It’s quite cold up here…but this is perfect for keeping me warm.” A glimmer of playful flirtiness shined in her blue eyes as her smile turned into a smirk. “Well, and I also have you to help keep me warm too.”

Zafira turned her head and snaked her muscled neck around to bring her draconic head level with Leshanna, an Adar gesture of acceptance, and the young woman brought her hand up to lovingly rest it against Zafira’s scaled hide. “Thank you for the ride, beautiful Zafira.” she said to the Adar, her voice full of the love and connection she shared with the Sithspawn.

Into her mind came the draconic being’s voice, Your surprise awaits and I must hunt, but I will be happy to hear of your nesting tomorrow! Be well, Flower-warrior - and Leshanna couldn’t help but tilt her head in curiosity.

…Nesting? What could she possibly mean by that??

She was too befuddled by the statement to truly react, and by the time she pulled her thoughts back together, Zafira had already launched herself into the air once more, leaving Lesh and Naami alone together. The Zabrak wrapped his arms around Leshanna, reminding her that she was there with him.

Alone.

And far away from the eyes of the Academy.

The young woman turned and caught her boyfriend eyeing her from the side and she offered him a quizzical smile. He hadn’t reacted to what Zafira had said, and she wondered if the Sithspawn had meant those words just for her. She noticed the gleam in his blue eyes and truly began to wonder what all he had in store for her, for them. He released his hug and slid his hand into hers, interlocking their fingers together as he guided her towards the entryway of the ancient structure. As they went along, he shared a little bit of its history and his history with the location, and she couldn’t help but cast her gaze around the area, a look of awe upon her face.

The further they went in, the darker it became - that was until Naami produced a plasma torch to help illuminate their way, unveiling more and more of the structure as he continued his story.

“Wait…she fell through the ceiling?!” Lesh gasped in surprise. Clearly, Zafira was alright, but the thought of her falling through as a small Adar hatchling made her cringe inside. “I am so happy she came out of that alright.”

Naami continued, saying how they had since returned to the place and spent time cleaning it up and repairing it as best they could, making sure it was safe.

“Wow…it's beautiful here Naami.” Leshanna breathed as she looked around at the white marble and black basalt stonework, noticing ancient writings that appeared to be some form or style of ur-Kittat, though it was nothing she could really read. “This place must have been absolutely majestic in its prime…”

The young woman turned her attention to her boyfriend, a happy and elated smile filling her face and shining in her eyes. “Thank you for bringing me to this place…it’s amazing! I am so happy I get to share in this experience. Are…are we going to be here for a little bit? I imagine so…it’s quite a long flight for a simple show and tell.”

She hoped that they would be staying the night in the place; time away from Vardin, from responsibilities, from others. Time for each other, to themselves. To get lost for a few precious hours in one another’s laughter and love, before duty inevitably pulled them apart again.

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Awe filled the young man as he watched Leshanna experience his discovery for the first time. The way that emotion and curiosity animated her brought such joy to his hearts, Naami was filled with a warmth that brought the faintest color to the tips of his tapered ears.

The young woman turned her attention to her boyfriend, a happy and elated smile filling her face and shining in her eyes. “Thank you for bringing me to this place…it’s amazing! I am so happy I get to share in this experience. Are…are we going to be here for a little bit? I imagine so…it’s quite a long flight for a simple show and tell.”

"Oh yes, we'll stay," Naami cupped her face with large hands, pausing to watch her rather dreamily for a long moment.

He felt as if he couldn't help himself, as if he was magnetized to her. Every instinct told him to kiss her, but the full surprise had yet to be revealed and Naami could feel excitement building within him like electricity. The zabrak was also certain that if he started kissing her now, he might get carried away.

"This part is cool, and we'll have time to explore it more later, but I've got something even more astral to show you."

He grinned at her, bright blue eyes soft with adoration as his hands dropped away from her face before he laced his fingers with her once more to pull her toward a set of carved stairs that spiraled upward. There was a touch sensor Naami had placed there sometime before, he activated it and a little string of twinkling lights sprang to life. The string ran up the wall and rose out of sight to illuminate their ascent.

Walking ahead of her, arm held behind his own back so he needn't let go of her hand, Naami took her to the next level of the well preserved ruins. Together, they stepped out into a hall where a second sensor turned on a new string of lights that illuminated the hallway which soon opened out into a larger room. All of it was carved into the very stone, which no doubt was the reason for its longevity despite its clear age.

Stepping into the larger room, which was still dim, Naami turned to look at her with a shy excited smile before activating the third string of battery powered lights. The room was suddenly aglow with twinkling, dancing lights like so many little stars. There were two long thin skylight windows in the high ceiling filled with ornate stained glass, but the art was impossible to discern since the sun had set outside.

To one side of the room there was a low slab of carved rock, which Naami had since made meticulously into a proper bed with a thick sleeping roll, pillows, blankets, and even a plush fur. Across from that there was a stone carved table, now fitted with two sleek collapsible chairs, beside which were two full big satchels that Lesh would recognize as bags that normally attached to Zafira's saddle when Naami set out on longer treks with her.

On the far wall there was a stone archway that appeared to lead to a different room, but it was clear this was perhaps the reveal Naami was proudest of. The floors and walls of this place had recently been swept and cleaned, the dust and grime of being lost to time for who knew how long was wiped away by the zabrak's diligence and hard work. It seemed that maybe he'd even visited the place a few times in preparation for showing it to his girlfriend.

"Surprise," he murmured, awaiting her full reaction with a shy eagerness.

 

[Leshanna Dromar]

Naamino Zuukamano ​

Leshanna couldn’t help the giddy smile that spread across her face when Naami confirmed that yes, they would be staying for a bit. He cupped her face in his large hands so tenderly, and all she could do was stare up into his face and dreamy blue eyes, getting lost within their depths for a moment. She knew that “peace” was not something the Sith pursued after, in fact their Code basically forbade it, but in this moment - all she felt was peace. And she loved it, immensely. She could have stayed in that moment forever, just basking in the warmth of his presence.

After a moment, Naami told her that there was something else he wanted to show her, something astral - and that they could explore later. Her sapphire hued eyes glimmered with deepened curiosity, eager to see what all her boyfriend had in store for her and these surprises he had in wait. His hands dropped from her face and one slipped into her hand, interlocking their fingers together as he led her towards a set of stairs that spiraled upward. Eagerness and excitement made her heart race faster in her chest, the blood pumping through her veins keeping her warm in addition to the beautiful cloak he’d given her. She watched as he activated a sensor, before her eyes lit up with wonder as little strings of twinkling lights illuminated to light their way forward.

Soon, they came to the next level of the old ruins, the stairs leading them into a hallway which was also illuminated with lights, and the hallway guided them into a larger chamber, all carved from the same stone. Gently, Naami guided Lesh further into the chamber, turning around to face her so he could watch her reaction, a shy and excited smile on his face. Suddenly, the room lit up dozens of twinkling little lights, making it appear as if tiny stars had burst into existence within the very room they both occupied. An audible gasp escaped Leshanna as she took in the dazzling lights and let her eyes drift over the chamber, noticing the cozy made up bed on a slab of stone and across from that was a stone table that held what appeared to be a couple of satchel bags and a couple of collapsible chairs. She idly and curiously wondered what all was in the saddle bags when her gaze settled upon an archway that led into what she assumed was another room, but for now it seemed like this chamber and its cozy and admittedly romantic set up was part of the big reveal.

Awe filled Leshanna’s face and eyes as she was so dazzled by the sight and scene around her.

“Surprise.” Naami said, and she finally turned her bedazzled gaze upon him, a wide and happy grin spreading across her face before she practically threw herself into his arms in a tight hug, pressing close to him.

“Oh my Force Naami, this is beautiful! And perfect! And…and - oh!” she seemed to be at a loss for words for a moment, before she pulled back ever so slightly to look him in the face, her smile turning more playful as her eyes trailed to the comfy looking bed then back to him.

“...and now I see why Zafira made her little ‘nesting’ comment to me.”

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Watching Leshanna light up, hearing her gasp and seeing how she slowly turned to take in the scene was everything Naami could have wanted. In fact, her response flooded him with a new wave of thrilling emotions. As she threw herself at him into a hug, Naami wrapped her tightly, a rumbling chuckle rolling through him as the pure joy of the moment.

His gaze followed hers as she pulled back slightly to look at the bed, then him again. Her comment caught him off-guard and the surprise was easy to read in the way his eyes widened, tips of his ears turning pink.

"Her… what?"

Naami's hands tightened a bit in fits of nervous energy, flexing and unflexing as he attempted to recover quickly from the surprise and embarrassment of his own damn Sithspawn outing his intentions to the girl in his arms.

"She— uh, well y'know Zafira. She sees things in her own adar way."

He tried to deliver the line casually, thought maybe he could dismiss whatever Zafira might have alluded to. Wanting desperately to make sure that Lesh knew this wasn't just a ploy to spend the night with her, and was in fact a grand gesture to show her how special she was to him.

"Anyway," he continued on, his voice lowering to a more mellow rumble as her presence in his arms calmed him.

"I've packed us a dinner, and I've brought a fair few supplies for more cooking later…"

The young man moved her gently in his arms, turning her around to hug her from behind before guiding them toward the table with the packed bags resting beside it. Pointing to one, then indicating the other, Naami explained further.

"That one is full of our food and treats, but the other one has a few more gifts for you."

Looking over her shoulder as he spoke, the zabrak couldn't help but nuzzle his face into the side of her head— much like he'd done on the flight over, as if he needed huff the lovely floral scent of her before finishing his thoughts.

"So do you wanna open those first, or see the last room up here?"

The tone of his voice gave no indication what prospect he was more excited about, but it was clear that his temporary nerves had bloomed again into total excitement and more than a little affection.

 

[Leshanna Dromar]

Naamino Zuukamano ​

A rather devious smirk lit up Leshanna’s face upon seeing Naami’s eyes widen when he heard her comment about what Zafira had said. His response made her giggle and grin, and she nodded along with his comment about how Zafira did things her own way. Her smile remained on her face as she kept her arms wrapped around him, watching the young man try to brush off the comment made by his Adar.

“Hmm, yes she does have her own unique way of saying and doing things doesn’t she?” Lesh murmured, still looking into his slightly pink face. He was embarrassed, if mildly so, and she found the blush and the pink tapered ears to be rather cute. He was quite to move on, however, not wishing to dwell on that topic - not at the moment anyway. He clearly had other things to show her, and she was eager to see it all. She was just happy to be here with him at the moment, just the two of them in private seclusion.

"I've packed us a dinner, and I've brought a fair few supplies for more cooking later…" He stated as he moved her gently, turning her around so as to hold her from behind, guiding them both towards the table with the packed satchel bags.

“Oohh dinner and supplies to cook another one later?” she murmured, warmth and mischievousness laced within her voice. She had never had the chance to cook with Naamino, and for some reason she suddenly really wanted to, but she could be patient and wait.

"That one is full of our food and treats, but the other one has a few more gifts for you." He explained further, indicating to the two separate bags and the young woman’s eyes lit up.

“More gifts, for me? Oh Naami! You are far too sweet…” she started to say before she felt his face nuzzle into the side of her head, inhaling her scent. The gesture made her smile wider and lean back into him just a little more, seeking his warmth and embrace.

"So do you wanna open those first, or see the last room up here?"

“Hmm. Good question.” She murmured, clearly a bit distracted by his rather close proximity to her. It took her a few moments to very reluctantly push aside the warm fog that was beginning to drape itself over her mind and body. She tipped her head back slightly to rest it against his shoulders and glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Their faces were oh so close like this, and she couldn’t help how her eyes roamed over the handsome planes of his face, lingering a bit longer on his lips before returning to meet his gaze.

“...How about we do the surprises and then we can go look at this last room?”

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Even as she regarded him thoughtfully, eyes dropping to his lips, Naamino was doing the very same. Her words pulled forth a smile and finally he allowed himself to kiss her again, turning her a bit in his arms to do so. Full lips more insistently seeking hers as his eyes fluttered closed. Nothing else existed except for Leshanna Dromar in that moment. Strong arms squeezing a bit more tightly about her, the young man rocked from foot to foot briefly as if to a slow song only he could hear.

Breathlessly he pulled back, murmuring to acknowledge her as much as to remind to himself.

”Right… Gifts,” Naami gently pulled away to grab three wrapped packages from the larger saddlebag.

Naami’s face was faintly flushed and his gaze had gone a bit hazy after the kiss. It was becoming clear to him that he was fast approaching the time when he wouldn’t be able to focus on anything save for the embrace of his beautiful girlfriend. It was a wonderful predicament, to be sure, but Naami really did want to show off every little part of the surprise before getting lost in the moment with her.

Inside each wrapped bundle she would find new clothes. The first contained two sets of fashionable but practical pants, good for field work or training alike, as well as two similar type shirts. The next bundle Naami looked decidedly more shy about her opening, but he clearly felt proud of his pick. It was a gorgeous knee length night-robe, made of silk and dyed deep blue. Her boyfriend urged her to feel the softness, rubbing it between his fingertips alongside her. Then his eyes fell to the last package and his already somewhat flushed cheeks turned a deeper pink.

”Uhm… It… it‘s really ok if you— uh, if that last one isn’t… I just thought they’d be pretty on you…”

When Lesh opened the last gift, it became very clear why her ordinarily stoic partner was suddenly a stuttering mess. The last gift was a beautiful black set of lingerie that were just as finely crafted as the robe. The zabrak practically held his breath, shy eyes searching her face in the hopes they’d be well received.

 

[Leshanna Dromar]

Naamino Zuukamano ​

Leshanna practically melted into the kiss that Naamino gently pressed against her lips, happily getting closer as he drew her flush against him. His strong embrace filled her warmth and the sense that she was truly loved and desired, and she in turn responded in kind. But there was something else she noticed, something more sensed as he withdrew from their shared and slightly heated kiss - and that was the crumbling walls of his inhibitions. The flushed look in his cheeks and the almost dazed look in his eyes spoke volumes, and Leshanna couldn’t help the knowing and playful smirk that crossed her face. She gave him a wink, as if to say, soon.

She too was reaching the end of her restraints.

But for the moment, she would focus on the giving of gifts that he was intent to shower her with. She felt so spoiled, so loved and wanted, and her giddiness overflowed through her as he presented the first gift that had been inside the saddlebag.

The first gift were two sets of finely crafted clothes, practical as well as fashionable. The young woman’s eyes lit up as she looked at each set, feeling the cloth and holding them up against her to see how they would look. “Ohhh these are wonderful, Naami! Truly perfect for what I need. Thank you!” Lesh exclaimed, truly happy that she had some good clothes that could be used for both casual wear as well as for training. After examining them for a few moments, she set the clothes aside and accepted the second package, noting that Naami looked decidedly more shy about handing her the soft bundle.

It immediately roused her curiosity.

She kept her sapphire blue eyes on him for a moment longer as she opened the pack, before lowering her eyes to see just what about it he was so shy about.

Inside was an exquisitely soft and utterly gorgeous night-robe, colored a deep blue that very nearly matched her eyes. A smile slowly spread across her face as she pulled the silken robe from its packaging, letting it unfold so she could better view it. After a moment, her eyes flicked back to Naami’s face, and there was certainly a new gleam within her eyes.

“Oh it’s so soft…” she murmured, hugging the robe to her chest as she continued to feel its silkiness. Oh she couldn’t wait to try it on and feel it against her skin. It was quite possibly the nicest article of night clothing she owned. “Oh I love it Naami! I can’t wait to try it on!” She said as he turned his attention to the last package, his already pink cheeks flushing a deeper hue.

”Uhm… It… it‘s really ok if you— uh, if that last one isn’t… I just thought they’d be pretty on you…”

Curiously, Leshanna opened the last package and peered within the wrappings, and her jaw dropped open in surprised shock, before her attention snapped to Naami once more, that gleam in her eyes now turning into a roaring fire. It was lingerie.

“Ohh you naughty…” she said in a lower tone of voice, a husky edge to her words. She had never had lingerie before, and these looked like they were expensive. The finest material credits could buy. Truly, her boyfriend had really spoiled her. “Oh I love these so much…”

And now she knew that their outing was going to be rather special. And Zafira’s comment about nesting certainly made more sense now.

Leshanna gently set the robe in the same package as the lingerie and folded it up, before taking it into her hands and holding it against her chest - as if she was going to take it somewhere with her. And indeed she was.

“Face the wall and close your eyes!” she suddenly urged, her eyes gleaming ever brighter as a playfully devious expression filled her face. She would wait for him to do so, before she slipped away and down the stairs just enough to hide her from view. When she was certain Naamino wouldn’t be able to see her, she set the packaging down then began the process of removing her other garments, the cold Korribani air nipping at her exposed skin. Heat flushed her cheeks as she slipped into the lingerie pieces, her heart racing ever faster in her chest as she did so. Once upon a time, she might have been so incredibly shy about all of this…but now she was just excited.

Once she was in the two piece set, she picked up the beautiful dark blue night gown and wrapped it around her body, tying it off loosely at the waist. Taking a deep breath, she bent down to pick up the packaging that contained her other clothes and the cloak he’d given to her earlier, and stepped back up the stairs silently. She set the package down with a soft rustle, then turned around to look at Naamino who still had his back to her.

She wondered what he might think when he saw her.

Leshanna swallowed back the lump that was forming in her throat, now feeling equal parts nervousness as she did excitement.

“O-okay! You-you can look now…”

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Her reactions soon assuaged his nerves and joy soon filled him at seeing just how happy Leshanna was with the first two gifts. The way she hugged the robe to her chest made Naamino want to scoop her up and press her to his own chest. Something about her soft sweetness paired with the knowing, mischievous looks she was capable of levying at him had a way of making his stomach flutter and his hearts race.

”So glad you like, ’cause you deserve all the nice things.”

When she opened the final package and Naami was practically holding his breath, her obviously pleased tone made him split into a wide, still somewhat shy grin. Those cool blue eyes grew wide as she suddenly instructed him to turn around. He did so without question, looking every inch the soldier as he dutifully closed his eyes and stood with impeccable posture. He wouldn’t dream of peeking but he couldn’t help but let his mind race.

Clearly she was happy with the gifts, and Leshanna seemed impressed with this secret getaway he’d set up for them. There was something left to share with her though and Naami could feel a lump forming in his throat at the thought of how he’d say it. Was this all too much? Would she think he was being dramatic or too intense? She’d never been anything but loving when he poured his soul out before her, but still the vulnerability he felt in doing so always made him question himself.

The rustling noise of things being set down made his ears pin back slightly, yet still he waited for her to release him from facing the wall. As he turned at her bidding, the man went wide eyed and slack jawed, freezing in place for a few long moments. Naami was well and truly at a loss for words gazing upon his beautiful girlfriend whose shapely form was hugged so deliciously by deep blue silk. Finally he seemed to find his words as he moved toward her.

”Wow…” he huffed in disbelief.

Raising his hands upon approach, Naami closed the distance between them but his hands hovered over shoulder and hip. It was as if she were a work of art or a holy figure he dare not tarnish with rough hands.

“Lesh…” his eyes rose to meet hers and finally he gently pulled her into his embrace.

”You… gods above and below, you’re beyond beautiful. I mean, always— you always are, but wow… you are stunning.”

Emotion swelled in him as he gazed slightly down at her, suddenly overwhelmed by the culmination of their relationship and feeling inspired to simply say what had been burning like an ember in his chest for many weeks now.

”Lesh?”

He brushed a strand of hair over her ear, voice lowering to a soft rumble.

”I’m so in love with you.”