Private Of Physics & Chemistry

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //:
//: Lothal //:
//: Near Sienar Advanced Projects Laboratory //:

Kito knelt down near the small campfire she had made as the cover of night was coming. She had made her dinner, eaten it, and cleaned up most of the mess. As much as she was happy to be off of Malachor V, there was an odd sense of longing for the planet's acrid air and acid pools. It was familiar at this point, having been her makeshift home as she studied and investigated the mysterious group that had suddenly made Malachor their home.

Rolling back her shoulders, she stood and waved her hand close to the flame. Almost instantly, it was extinguished, its power drawn into the Shaper as she turned her back on the smouldering ash. This wasn't a vacation or even a personal affair; she had followed someone from Malachor V.

Kito paused as she thought about it — maybe this was more personal than business. Her nose wrinkled as her heart fluttered with hope, but she tried not to let it guide her.

Moving through the small camp, she entered her shelter and began to gather her things. She reached for the odachi and paused. It was every time, the blade was meant to help her fulfill the penance so she could return home, so she could be back with the makeshift family that had accepted her.

Then, she was promptly exiled for a mistake.

Yet, when Valentine was involved, she never took the blade. It always remained in the shelter as she chased down the acolyte. The risk of it being used weighed on the Shaper as she played this back and forth with the Sangnir.

It had been some time since she had all three of her blades with her; at times, she would reach for one, realizing that the girl had taken it. Despite the frustration she felt, there was a semblance of joy that burned in her chest. Knowing that something she had crafted and cared for was with Valentine made her smile.

Kito cleared her throat as she grabbed the scabbard of the wakizashi saber. Looking at the shortblade and sighing at the multitude of times she's had to use it as a main weapon. Luckily, she was smart enough when crafting it to build a way for the blade to extend.

At least then, she was able to defend herself from longer blades and weapons. While her odachi was great, it didn't move as quickly as a saber.

Kito moved towards the ruins of the old project lab. She had seen Valentine snooping around a few times, but had held herself back from attacking. It was the same song and dance between them. Every few days, Valentine would take her shift for patrol. Kito would find her, they'd fight or something else, and then spend the evening together. It had become routine.

Yet, every time a different saber was taken. So the routine would start again. While Kito should have been annoyed, she found herself looking forward to it. The nights that she knew Valentine would be taking patrol, she had made sure her camp was clean and everything was set up perfectly.

Crouching lower, Kito hid behind some of the rubble of the lab. Footsteps echoed down the cracked hallway. She could tell already it was Valentine by the shuffle of her feet. There was no urgency from what she could tell, and she wondered if the Sangnir already knew that Kito was there.

Or she was clueless, which only made Kito sigh.

As she drew closer, the sound of the blade being drawn from its sheath echoed.

"Long way from Malachor V, aren't we?" Kito smirked, the blade illuminating the room along with the full moon and stars that hung over the abandoned facility.

Kito was visible, out in the open as she spoke. It was a curious place to be for the two of them.

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

Valaine had come to the abandoned lab in search of knowledge and technology that could be of use to her teacher. This was something of a more personal outing as a result, less so on the time of the Dark Court. Often did she find herself exploring new planets for this reason, and so when she had entered the lab itself she was entirely at ease. She wasn't expecting anyone to be present at all, but regardless of that she still held the katana-like saber in her hand at the ready.

Naturally it didn't belong to her, it was Kito's, but she'd stolen it enough times at this point that she had become relatively used to wielding it. Glancing down at the weapon in her hand she rubbed her thumb against the hilt, it held some meaning to her; this weapon. How often had Kito held it firmly in her own grasp? And now here she was, holding it too. An indirect hand-hold with the Shaper, if you will.

Her tired eyes turned forward as she turned into a corridor which was battered and weathered by the elements at this point, piles of rubble here and there. She heard her own steps practically echoing as she shuffled along. Valaine hadn't taken note of anything of interest just yet, she assumed they'd be deeper in.

When Kito suddenly appeared Valaine gave a shriek of surprise. She had thought herself entirely alone and was caught entirely off guard by the greeting. At the response to the light of the saber she ignited the one in her own hands as two blades mirrored each other in orange hue. It was only after she took a second to listen to the voice and look more carefully that she noted who it was.

"K-... Kito?" she stammered. This was the last place she expected her and she honestly thought she'd just stay on Malachor V. But to think the Shaper was willing to chase her off-world too? She couldn't get distracted though, she'd had a few bouts with her at this point and so she had to keep her cool and compose herself accordingly; with arrogance and confidence.

A deep sigh was breathed as Valaine steadied herself and then promptly adopted the form of Makashi. She held her right hand behind her back, and the left had Kito's saber as it was held low and pointed towards her. A light cough came from the Sangnir. "Ahem-... Kito." she repeated without the stammer this time. "Interesting finding you here. Got tired of Malachor already?" she asked as she kept the saber aimed towards her.

This song and dance of theirs was always a good way to sharpen her skills after all.

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //:

It was hard for the Shaper to hide her smile. Harder still to ignore what she already knew about the acolyte in front of her. For their fights, she forced herself to try. Fire-shaping wasn't on the table. She remembered the look on Valentine's face that first time flames circled them — no one had ever feared fire like that. An element that destroyed… but also gave warmth. And Valentine had shared that warmth with her.

Kito wrinkled her nose and forced the thought away. It would do her no good here. Maybe, except…

"Here I thought you liked it when I showed up where you least expected." Her grin flashed, toothy, knowing — she was usually the one doing the ambushing.

Her gaze sharpened as she saw it: her blade, her faithful second saber, turned against her. The first she ever built still sat in her hand. Valentine had stolen them more than once, but never bled them. A ritual left unfinished.

She was grateful for that. The vibrant orange crystals were precious. Maybe Valentine valued them, too.

"So, why Lothal?" Kito stepped forward, her wakizashi hissing as it extended with a twist into the length of a katana.

"You seem to like that one," she nodded toward the blade in Valentine's hands. "I built it when I was sixteen." She gave her own saber a flick, the hum rising. "This one's older. My first. Built it at twelve. Didn't even know how to make a switch, so I rigged a latch in the scabbard instead."

A quiet laugh escaped before her tone hardened again. "So why do you keep taking my sabers?" For a moment, her mind wandered — dreaming it was because Valentine missed her, the same way she missed Valentine.

Leaning forward, she exhaled. The air bent at her call, gathering and rushing toward the Sangnir in a sudden gust. Not enough to harm. Just a warning.

"I learned a new trick."

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

"Here I thought you liked it when I showed up where you least expected."

"Aha, well... You know, just seems a little far." commented Valaine in response as she kept her, or rather, their saber trained towards Kito. She offered a light smirk in response as she took a cautious step forward, just a singular one, to display her confidence. Truthfully it was a good surprise for Kito to have appeared here, she did very much enjoy her company after all, even if sometimes it really was just getting into a fight...

When she saw the Shaper's gaze shift towards the stolen saber in her hand she gave it a light taunting wiggle as it hummed with the movement. It was true that Valaine never even considered bleeding the woman's sabers when she got them though, she had a feeling they meant a lot to Kito, and at the end of the day the Sangnir was something of a softy.

"So, why Lothal?"

"Confidential~." chimed the Sangnir in response with a wagging finger and a cocky smirk as she watched the saber that Kito held extend to a length more suited for dealing with the one she held in her own hand.

The comment regarding the katana-saber however elicited a light hum in response from Valaine. "I do like it, fits nicely in my hand, and the grip is angled just enough to be good with Makashi. Using regular sabers for that form feels awful..." she answered, and then gave a tilt of her head and a huff of amusement. "Sixteen huh? That's when I got turned into..." she loosely gestured to herself, her being, "You know. This."

It was then that Valaine took another step forward as she strategically centered herself in the very middle of the hall as she faced Kito, to take up the space with her saber if needed.

"So why do you keep taking my sabers?"

"You've very chatty today Kito, you must've really missed me huh? Gettng a little lonely?" she teased. "But, you know, from what I understand it's an old tradition; to steal the lightsabers of others. And..." she paused, she knew that if she took her sabers Kito would come looking for her, it was evident that it was perhaps the main reason she kept doing it... "...I just think the color suits me." she added, though it was perhaps clear she was likely about to have said something else and stopped herself.

At the display of the Shapers new gained power Valaine paused as her hair and robes were billowed back in the powerful gust and she glanced behind herself briefly. She turned and looked Kito squarely in the eyes and just said; "... There's a real draft in here huh..? So what's your new trick?". She had completely missed the display and assumed it was just a particularly strong gust of natural wind funneled through the hall...

Despite their casual back and forth though, the young Sangnir was very much prepared for another fight...

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //:

Kito listened, letting the girl talk. She chuckled, hearing that she was the one being chatty. Maybe Valentine was right. She wasn't one to talk much — it was far easier to go through life without saying a word. It allowed her to fly unnoticed. Which, as more and more Sith are killed, means she won't be hunted.

Still, talking to Valentine was nice. She liked saying the girl's name; she enjoyed hearing it and just the sound of her voice. Something the little hunter would never admit. Before, she would have tried to keep Valentine talking, hoping that she would reveal more of her organization. But right now she couldn't care less about the group.

Her head tilted, hearing about being turned into what she was. Interesting concept, she understood what Valentine was, but it didn't register that she was created. The thought made Kito's heart ache, as she wondered if it was a choice. Though from what she could see, what she could understand, her paramour wasn't distressed from this change.

Her little smile widened, hearing that the color suited her. Kito mainly agreed because she liked the idea of them both sharing the color. It was meaningful to her; maybe one day it would have some meaning to Valentine.

"I do." Kito blurted out. She was caught in her own whimsical dreams that the comment about missing Valentine received an honest answer. The Shaper stepped back, a hand covering the lower half of her face. She kept the blade leveled towards the Sangnir as this was their fight.

"I mean—" Kit tried to think quickly, try and recover from actually sharing some rooted emotion. Nearly going cross-eyed, she gave up.
"I do miss you." She didn't dare ask if the girl missed her as well; that was a bit too much. To try and save herself, she tried something else.

"I wanted to uh—" again, nothing came, "What if you got hungry?"

…​

Another step back as Kito struggled to focus herself, then she remembered the lack of awe in her new abilities. This refocused the Shaper as she let her face relax — deadpan in disbelief.

"I made the wind," she spoke flatly, then inhaled deeply and blew again. The wind kicked up a bit more forcefully towards the Sangnir — hoping this would distract from her too honest a comment.

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

"I do."

The response caused Valaine to blink in some surprise. Did she hear that right? By the look of Kito's response, she believed that she did, and it was only confirmed seconds later. "Oh..." offered the Sangnir in response. She couldn't deny it herself either; she did miss Kito whenever she wasn't around for a more extended period. She enjoyed their bouts, their encounters, their conversations. But such a direct admittance seemed to lightly fluster the pale woman as she turned her head aside with a swish of dark hair and a huff. "Yeah, well... It was getting a little boring without you here to bother me anyway." she replied, it was the best Kito was going to get for now.

"What if you got hungry?"

Again the young Sangnir was blindsided by such words. She turned her head back towards Kito and offered a simpering smile, "What are you, my mother?" she asked teasingly. It seemed strange to her that anyone would willingly let her fangs sink into them, it typically wasn't the most pleasurable experience after all, not for them at least... But maybe Kito had grown something of a taste for it, maybe she was just a little masochistic?

She tilted her chin up in thought and consideration, "How about this; we have our little duel and if you win you get to take your saber back. But if I win...?" she spoke as tired grey eyes looked upon the Shaper with a sense of longing and hunger, "Then I'll feed on you as much as I want. Sound fair?"

"I made the wind,"

"Huh...?" came Valaine's confusion in response. Then at the second demonstration she saw clearly that yes, Kito had very much created the gust of wind. It was enough to make the Sangnir take a step back in a lightly staggered motion as the gust pushed against her and again her robes and hair billowed in the wind.

"Oh." with a light tilt of her head in response she had appraised the ability, and she wanted to teasingly mock it as she was so often fond of doing... But she didn't know how long Kito had spent trying to perfect such a technique and she herself knew the pain of the struggle to be able to accomplish and learn things like that. With that in mind she offered a soft smile, "That's pretty cool." she praised, letting her words be accepted by the Shaper for just a moment before she'd finally give her pointed saber another little wiggle in reminder. "Don't spoil all your tricks before the fight, though. I might get the upper-hand." she cautioned with a smirk.

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //:

Valentine's answer was enough for Kito. The warmth in her chest blazed hotter, fueled by words that carried more weight than they should have. Even the smallest praise — praise she knew was just meant to tease — still brought her joy, still made her proud.

But Valentine was right. They had both come here for a reason. Kito's was to fight her, Valentine's to pursue whatever shadowed business she had. Yet if she was still willing to toy with the Shaper, then perhaps that business wasn't as pressing as she claimed.

Sound fair?

Kito chuckled softly. The deal Valentine proposed was enticing on both ends. Even in defeat, she'd have her time with the Sangnir. And though the promise was tantalizing, it was the veiled danger laced in Valentine's words that drew Kito in deeper.

"Works for me." She let the words roll, her grin widening. Either way, she won — something she couldn't help but wonder if Valentine had already calculated.

Like always, Kito kept her saber dimmed, its full edge reined in. Their fights could look brutal, but she never wanted to truly harm Valentine. Somehow, the Sangnir had carved her way into Kito's heart, filling a void she thought long buried. She should hate her. Instead, she only wanted.

Still, Kito didn't like to lose.

Her weight shifted forward. The Force surged. She cut through the space between them in an instant, her speed a comet's streak. She stopped just short, close enough to breathe her rival's air, close enough to whisper against the curve of her ear.

"You'll only get the upper hand if I let you."

Valentine would feel the smile in the words just before the orange ion blade came flashing down from above.

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

Valaine was prepared for Kito this time.

In a blink her foe darted forward at a speed she never knew she was capable of, stopping right in front of her face as the Sangnir couldn't help but be startled by her approach, tired eyes widening as she leaned back suddenly to try and move away.

Valaine was not prepared for Kito this time.

She lifted her saber, which likewise was dimmed, to meet the strike from Kito. She had been taken off balance by her approach, certainly, but she had an unnatural sense of speed herself granted by her nature. The sabers collided for just a moment, enough for Valaine to use her innate strength to deflect the blade as she quickly started to pace backwards.

It seemed the young Sangnir's intent was clear, she was using Makashi and she needed a little distance to be able to use it to its fullest potential; this meant making some distance from Kito who had come so close. If she made that distance she'd start warding her approach away with repeat shallow thrusts and short swift swipes of the tip aimed to test and caution.

After their no doubt multiple duels at this point Kito would've perhaps noticed that Valaine was actually improving steadily. Her Makashi was steadier than before, less wasted movement and more calculated strikes and thrusts, but she always had that glaring weakness of practically never using the Force in any extent.

"H- Hey back up-...!" warned Valaine, still lightly shaken by the approach as she aimed to keep Kito at a relatively safe distance from herself. Naturally she was going to try to use the hallway to her advantage too, she'd try to block Kito if she tried to move past her, she wanted to keep the Shaper directly in front of her where her thrusting fencing style could most easily keep the advantage.

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //:

Kito grinned as she watched her opponent move back. The makashi style favored distance and deflection rather than overpowering the target. It was a fitting style for the girl — one that Kito wanted to see more of as they fought. Each swipe of the ion blade, Kito matched with her own. With every swing, sparks flew, and Kito continued to move forward as Valentine pressed back.

Their styles were different; Kito already knew that. Even with the defensive style, Valentine had gotten some good strikes against her. It only meant she was getting better. Their fights, talks, and everything were passively teaching the acolyte, guiding her with experience.

It meant she would be safe, even when Kito couldn't protect her.

As Valentine moved, Kito quickly understood her plan. It was smart; she was using her surroundings to force the Shaper to decide her course of action. Kito felt her grin widen. This was what she was hoping for.

Kito put her hands up as she stopped her charge with a chuckle. "Okay, okay," She gave Valentine a moment to get into position so she could use her stance. She did make a note that the girl never used any force powers when they were fighting. Kito often used basic force techniques, mainly enhancing her strength to match the Sangnir's, but never her fire shaping.

Usually in fights, her saber would be ignited, and she would be pressing, constantly rushing down the enemy with kicks and overhead strikes fueled by fire and the Force.

Waiting a moment, Kito once more pursed her lips and blew as hard as she could, forcing the wind to bellow towards Valentine again. She still held back its power, only wanting to make a point.

"Why aren't you using any force powers?" Kito tilted her head as she started to step forward, hardened strikes deflecting against the thrusting attacks towards her.

As she set a pattern and drew close enough to Valentine. On her next swing, the ion blade shut off, leaving her thrust to stab only air. Kito stepped one foot over the other, side-stepping the thrust and moving beyond the blade's length.

Her own saber was prepared to intercept if Valentine read the move, even if the blades were powered down — they still had a slight sting to them.

As Kito stepped towards Valentine. Then, with a subtle flex of her will, the wind changed — not to drive Valentine back, but to push her into Kito instead. Kito didn't make an offensive strike; she was curious to see what her Little Moon would do next.

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

Valaine found Kito's style of combat to be rather overwhelming, able to pressure her own more defensive one and constantly keep her on the back foot as it were. It spoke greatly of Kito's own training, how much more experienced she was in actual combat. When the Shaper finally relented and gave the Sangnir a moment to compose herself she did so with a light huff of frustration, though it was frustration born out of a lack of her own ability.

She was certain if she brought out her claws, perhaps even the Ashblade, she'd be able to give Kito a real challenge. But those tools were dangerous, not just to the Shaper but to herself as well, and this was never about hurting either of them.

As Valaine prepared for the next exchange she watched as Kito took a breath and suddenly blew forward. She braced against the gust that pushed against her, but it was entirely her own self doing so without any assistance from the Force or otherwise. She staggered back a single step and then the question was asked of her.

"Why aren't you using any force powers?"

There was a brief pause but as ever the Sangnir answered honestly; "I don't know any. This is all I can do." she spoke before she'd demonstrate. Her right hand balled into a fist and then after a second or so of seemingly deep concentration she thrust that hand forward and opened it, palm facing the Shaper as she tried to will the Force to push her back. The result was only powerful enough to buffer the dust on the floor, to brush back Kito's hair and clothes, it was weaker than even the deliberately weakened gusts Kito had been using on her. That was the extent of power Valaine possessed.

It was a fact that seemed to annoy her most of the time; that she was so incapable with it. She felt it made her a liability against other Force users and there was no doubt in her mind that if one realized this in a real fight; she was dead.

But with the brief demonstration set aside the young Sangnir gladly returned to the exchange of sabers. As Kito had continued to deflect against her light thrusts she waited for her opening, her chance to impress. She saw it on the Shaper's next swing, she'd aim to have her blade slide off against her own while she'd thrust towards her shoulder, it would surely land...

Valaine's eyes widened in surprise as she extended forward to meet the strike, only to watch as Kito's saber turned off and passed by her intercepting thrust. The Sangnir was expecting to brace against a certain amount of pressure but when it didn't arrive her balance was thrown off completely. She tried to pull back as fast as she could, to correct herself and prepare for a defense from a strike that was surely going to take advantage of her position, but again she was deceived in her scramble to recover.

The Sangnir was entirely unprepared for the push of air against her back as she was forced suddenly towards the Shaper, and in that moment she panicked. Not because it was unexpected, but because her saber was still pointing towards Kito and the sudden push forward had her believe it was going to skewer her, even if it was dimmed.

In this moment of shock Valaine turned off her own saber before she collided against the Shaper, being pushed up against her unintentionally. There was a pause as she stayed against her for a moment... But as nice as the closeness to her was, she really couldn't afford to get distracted.

With her saber still turned off she sought to take advantage of her inherent strength and agility, wrapping her arms around the Shaper's back before she hooked her leg behind hers and aimed to throw them both to the ground as one, aiming to try and pin Kito down in a grapple.

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //:

The Force brushed past her in a weak gust of wind. It was nothing but a breeze, and Kito understood. She wasn't as strong as others in controlling the will of the Force; it was something the Shaper had seen before. But, she knew it wasn't a lost cause — perhaps Valentine just needed to bend the Force differently.

In the back of her mind, she questioned the methods of this Mistress that Valentine served under. Why wouldn't a teacher teach their student? The relationship between them could be beyond what Kito could comprehend.

She didn't say anything, just nodded at the display, not wanting to push it — seeing the frustration on Valentine's face.

What came next surprised the Shaper. She had assumed the Sangnir would take advantage of the blade's positioning. It would have given her a free strike, one that would have stunned Kito's arm at least. Instead, the wind pushed, and as Valentine's blade shut off, Kito dropped her own — catching the falling girl.

A momentary lapse as a sense of familiarity washed over the Shaper. Their first fight, Valentine had tripped, causing Kito to catch her. And now, nearly the same thing was happening. Kito caught her and, for a brief moment, held her.

Valentine seized the moment, her unnatural strength pulling Kito down. Kito, pushing against it for a moment, suddenly felt the true strength of what Valentine was.

As she hit the hard floor, Kito winced slightly. She was lucky to not smack her head too hard, but she lay for a moment and then looked up.

"That was good!" It was hard not to praise the girl, knowing that in most cases, Kito was typically the aggressor.

Taking a moment to assess the situation, Kito realized her saber had been dropped, Valentine had her pinned to the floor, but their positioning was in the Shaper's favor.

Valentine wasn't the only one who could take advantage of a situation. Kito's fingers tightened around the acolyte's cloak, pulling the woman forward. Closing her eyes, she pressed her lips hard against the Sangnir's, while she did, her knee slowly rose and pressed between Valentine's.

It should have been a distraction, a way to loosen Valentine's guard. But the truth was simpler, rawer — Kito had missed her, and denying herself this closeness had become impossible.

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

With the fall the Sangnir now found herself atop her would-be foe, and not only that, but she had seemingly been disarmed. This put Valaine at a strong advantage, she now just had to bring her own saber up in a threatening position that'd, theoretically at least, end the fight. She had no intention of actually putting a blade to the Shaper's throat though.

When she saw Kito wince, Valaine practically did the same. Had she pushed her down too hard? She shook the thoughts out of her head, Kito was stronger than she was, she was a fighter, a little bump was nothing to her.

"That was good!"

Valaine blinked for a moment at the praise and then huffed with a pout down at the Shaper. "Hey, you're still meant to be taking this seriously..." she answered. Despite her words the praise caused a fluttering of emotions deep within her chest, but no matter how much she wanted this to seem like an actual fight, her bouts with Kito just seemed to... Have a way of ending up like this.

But... It was time to score a point for the Sangnir now. Time to put an end to this particular match. She readied herself to bring the unlit saber to Kito's neck, but before she could the Shaper had reached up and gripped her cloak. What could she possibly do from the position she was in with such an action? The only thing Valaine could think of was a potential headbutt-.

Their lips connected firmly as the young Sangnir's tired surprised eyes stared at Kito. She felt her knee pushing up against her again, just like that one time but now the roles were reversed... For a moment she couldn't help but melt atop her foe, her tense form loosening and instead she simply closed her eyes and returned the kiss. A soft quiet hum of delight came from Valaine, and in that moment of comfort and affection she was entirely distracted by the Shaper beneath her as a hand came up to stroke through her hair.

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //:

The fight faded the more their lips touched. Their back and forth melted into softness, and the Sangnir's gentle hum vibrated against Kito's lips along with her touch. Kito let it linger — just enough — before instinct snapped back.

Her body fueled, but the Force fought against the Sangnir's strength. She sat up, hands falling from the woman's cloak, and pushed herself upwards. Kito refused to break the kiss, only wanting to keep going, keep the feeling and tension that she felt. As she sat up, her hands pulled the girl into her lap, so that Valentine was still on top of her, but now in her lap.

Their mouths broke only long enough for Kito's ember eyes to stare into the beautiful storm grey of her lover. Her hands caught the woman's wrists and held them as she tried to shake loose the saber she held. Releasing her hands, Kito reached and held Valentine's face gently and ran her thumbs against her perfect porcelain skin.

A smile spread across her lips, hungry, feral, but when she spoke, her voice cracked with something else.

"You forget…" Kito reasped, her tone betraying her with a want she couldn't hide. She leaned in closer until her lips brushed Valentine's ear intimately with her warmth. "I don't lose so easily, marama iti…"

The endearment in the girl's native tongue slipped freely, unguarded. It carried the heat and tenderness the Shaper's voice trembled with. Kito felt the confession as if she was baring a piece of her heart, something she couldn't take back — even if she wanted to.

Leaning back, she let her hands slide down the back of her lover, resting gently at her hips. "But you did disarm me first and get me on my back." The Shaper mused as she sat up straight.

"So I think you won this time around." Grinning at the outcome, she began to loosen her tunic. The bet had been made, and she figured since biting and feeding had been put up, Valentine must have actually been hungry. With her tunic loosened, exposing more of her neck, her hands returned to the Sangnir.

Kito leaned into her paramour, her lips finding Valentine's cheek, her throat, and the delicate spot just below her ear. Each kiss trailed a gentle heat like embers catching. She paused only to whisper again, softer this time with reverence.

"My beautiful moon." Kito hummed gently as she held the woman for a moment longer. She seemingly lost herself in the brief moment of happiness. The small fight had proven that the girl was getting better with their constant interactions…

And being close to her again just made Kito happy.

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

Something about the way that Kito kissed her, and the way the Sangnir returned it, felt so very... Forbidden. This was her natural enemy, and she was hers in turn. By all means they should be at each other throats, so why did she find herself here in her embrace instead? Lips pressed in an affectionate heated exchange? By what slim chance of fate was it that two people destined to hurt one another could instead find mutual comfort and adoration? Everything about it was wrong, but it was a type of wrong that the Sangnir found herself enjoying, savoring, and anticipating.

How many mistakes was she making in that moment? How many people was she disappointing with her actions? Was it the same for Kito? Surely just about everyone would be against the mingling of perceived light and dark that took place between them, but was she truly dark? Was the Shaper truly light? Or were they both just distorted shades of grey lost in their purpose and aimlessly spiraling in unison to the whims of their hearts?

Valaine felt herself being pushed as Kito sat herself into a seated position. The Sangnir made herself comfortable upon her lap as she released the saber that was in her grasp, instead moving to hold both those arms around the woman before her instead. Her eyes opened during the extended kiss as grey storm met ochre embers, staring into eyes that should've been glaring at her in heated fury and rage. But they didn't. They only showed her affection, longing, and excitement. The Sangnir's own gaze mirrored such feelings as finally their lips parted with a hot breath.

With hands gently cupping her face Valaine offered a soft smile in return as her own hands stroked gently across the Shaper's back. How long could this mutual affection between them exist for? Was it damned from its very inception? Such thoughts plagued her mind, but were chased away for a desire of the present, of what was in front of her in the moment.

"I don't lose so easily, marama iti…"

A gentle chuckle of amusement came from Valaine's own lips as she felt those whispers close against her pointed ear. "... I dunno... Seem like you went down pretty fast this time..." she spoke in response as her claws traced along the back of her neck. As Kito conceded her defeat however, her tired grey eyes turned to the loosening of the Shaper's tunic, to the baring of her soft neck. The thought of drinking Kito's blood always filled her with a sense of eagerness for she very much enjoy the taste of it. It was more heated than expected which only mirrored the Shaper's nature as a whole, and it was often comforting, like a hot beverage on a chilly day.

She gave out a soft hum of delight as Kito leaned forward to start peppering her with light brushes of her lips, doting upon the Sangnir so tenderly. Valaine was more than happy to let her do so as she tilted her head aside for just a moment to allow for such attention. A soft huff of amusement escaped her lips once again before one hand steadily moved up to push pale slender fingers through Kito's dark hair as she took a gentle hold.

"You'd think that you actually enjoyed this..." teased the young Sangnir knowing full well she did before she leaned towards the neck she had become so familiar with. She at first planted a soft doting kiss of her own upon it before one hand moved to clasp Kito's, fingers entwining together as if in brief apology for the pain she would once more experience.

She bit down and as always those short stubby fangs caused a pain that pushed down with pressure as they squeezed and then broke skin. It was the part of the feeding that Valaine herself enjoyed most, that shudder of pain, the break of skin parting around her fangs, the press upon soft flesh, then the flow of crimson. She drank lightly from Kito, her tongue licking against bared skin as she gave another hum of appreciation.

Just as soon as she had bitten her she released, and as Kito expected, a second bite placed shortly after just below the first. It was something she'd be used to at this point; Valaine's preferred method of feeding.

"My beautiful moon."

The Shaper's words struck a chord in Valaine's chest, feeling the warmth spreading throughout her body once more. She was giving her nicknames now?

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //:

The teasing jab hung between them. Kito couldn't help the smirk that curled at her lips. Usually, that sort of remark would have had the Shaper firing back, fighting till one of them broke. But here? With the woman in her lap, claws grazing her skin instead of her throat, fangs threatening instead of a saber? Kito found herself uncharacteristically still.

Kito smiled softly as she felt Valentine's fingers lace with hers. It was as if they were supposed to always be there. She knew the reason behind it; there was always pain. But the tenderness that followed always made up for it.

It came, sharp, immediate, like every other time. Her jaw clenched, her breath hissed between her teeth. Yet, Kito didn't shove her away. She never did. Instead, her hand squeezed together around Valentine's own, anchoring her there. The sting that bled into warmth, her blood rushed, and her skin flushed with a fire that had nothing to do with her shaping.

She hated how this felt right.

It had become a ritual. Every time she let Valentine bite her… Every time she whispered names meant for lovers instead of enemies… Kito felt her chest burn with something more than flame.

Her thoughts betrayed her, thinking of her clan, of the Master waiting for her return. She wondered what they'd say if they saw her like this — letting a dark sider feed on her, holding her, whispering wants and desires. They'd spit on her. Weak. Traitor. Maybe they'd be right.…

But when she looked at Valentine, when her ash-grey eyes softened under the Shaper's touch, none of that mattered. Kito didn't see a Sith. She didn't see a Sangnir. She only saw her. And maybe that was the real betrayal.

They were gone. Valentine was here.

Kito exhaled slowly, the tremor in her throat betraying her. She tilted her head further, offering more of her neck. "You always say that like you don't know…" Her voice cracked low, but her ember eyes glowed with something unguarded.

"I do enjoy this…"

Too much.

Her free hand slipped along Valentine's back, splayed wide, trying to claim every inch of her through touch alone. Each bite left her trembling, but she only pulled the Sangnir closer, holding her against her chest. A soft laugh escaped the Shaper's throat, part-broken, part desperate.

Kito felt her thoughts starting to spiral.

This is wrong. I should stop. She'll destroy me… I'll ruin her… ​

She brushed her lips against the crown of Valentine's dark hair. It was gentle despite the ache in her neck. Her chest tightened with the fire that burned. It was dangerous and tender all at once.

And for once, Kito didn't fight it.

But… if this is a mistake, let me make it again and again. ​

Her eyes flickered towards Valentine as she mused. "So what are you doing on Lothal, particularly in the lab?"

Kito knew she needed to change the subject somehow; if she didn't, she wouldn't be able to fight it anymore.

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

The Sangnir felt the Shaper's fingers between her own, clenching together, holding firmly as she felt her response to the pain of the bite. She continued to bite her neck in different places as she continued to feed off of her, but Valaine knew her limits. She didn't want to weaken Kito, and she certainly didn't want to drain her, and so those bites and feedings would stop before she had entirely sated herself.

But that didn't mean it wasn't a delicious meal. As she pulled back to gaze into Kito's eyes she brought a hand to softly brush against her pale cheek. A drop of blood dripped down the corner of the Sangnir's lips as her tongue came out to catch it, very briefly displaying its unnatural length to the woman before her once more.

She smirked faintly at Kito's confession of enjoying the pain of the bites she'd delivered to her, tilting her head at her ever so slightly in response. "I think there's a word for that... Masochistic?" she whispered in amusement as her hand stroked against the Shaper's face in a gentle caress. She felt Kito's hands along her back as it tugged her more tightly against the Shaper as one of her own arms remained around her, holding her close in response as she felt the beat of her heart in her chest, and no doubt the Shaper could feel the same.

Valaine leaned forward to plant soft, almost forgiving, kisses against Kito's neck in places she had bitten as she let out a soft hum against her skin. She was savoring the moment, the closeness, and the scent of the woman she had grown so seemingly attached to as she remained in her warm and comforting embrace.

"So what are you doing on Lothal, particularly in the lab?"

A soft murmur came from the Sangnir against Kito's neck as she planted another kiss and then pulled back just slightly to regard her with tired eyes and a smirk. "Mmm... Are you really trying to get it out of me...?" she asked, pondering if it was the Shaper's plan all along. In response she offered a low chuckle before she loosened her arms from around her and leaned back slightly, still seated in her lap as she moved to place her hands upon her shoulders so that she didn't fall backwards.

"It's something I do quite a lot, coming to places like this. You see, I'm not entirely sure what I am. I know what I'm called, Sangnir, but not much else besides needing to survive off of blood." she spoke as she peered slightly behind Kito towards the open hallway, then her gaze shifted back to her. "I never asked to become what I am, it was done to me without any thought or care. I woke up, I was alone, made to figure it out myself, and starving. The woman that did it to me? Never saw her again. But.. I come to places like this in the blind hope I'd find notes, documentation, files, or anything about Sangnir... It's not usually a successful hunt."

Despite her words it didn't seem that Valaine was too phased by what she had become, no doubt she'd dealt with that grief long before she met Kito.

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //:

Kito mused, listening to Valentine, hearing the gentle amusement in her voice. There was something in knowing that she brought that joy to the woman that made Kito's pride swell. The lazy grin on her face spread as she listened to the answer of her enjoying their small ritual. The word oddly felt right in its description — but it was something she only enjoyed with Valentine. If someone else tried, they wouldn't be able to get close enough.

"Mm… Well then," Kito chuckled softly to herself, "I guess I am then."

The kisses and the gentleness that came after Valentine's bites were what Kito looked forward to. The initial pain was there, but everything after was exhilarating. There was something more, something intimate about the encounter. While the Shaper knew she wasn't the only thing or person that Valentine could do this to — being able to give it willingly, to feel pulled in, made her feel wanted.

Kito gave herself wholly to someone she cared about more than almost anything. She leaned gently into Valentine's touch, enjoying the closeness.

Another soft laugh as Kito found herself caught, "It's mostly curiosity, and I like listening to you talk." Another confession, said honestly, Kito didn't know if it would be heard. She often wished she could be coy, mysterious like the woman in her lap. Instead, she was brazen and honest with whatever came to her mind or heart.

When Valentine leaned away, the sudden absence left her aching. She held on tighter, listening as the Sangnir spoke of her past—of waking up alone, confused, lost. Kito's grip on her robes tightened, her chest burning with a longing she couldn't name. She wanted to fix it, to give Valentine everything she had been denied, everything she desired. But she had nothing to offer except herself.

So she did.

Adjusting, Kito lowered her carefully onto the cold stone floor of the ruined laboratory. She hovered above her, ember eyes drinking in the sight of pale skin kissed by moonlight through a cracked window. She almost forgot to breathe.

"I—" her voice caught. "I understand. I came home once… and the men my father trusted betrayed him. They were Sith. They killed everyone. My whole clan. When I came back, there was nothing left."

Her hand rose, cupping Valentine's cheek with reverence. Her thumb brushed soft lips, lingering there, tracing her mouth as if memorizing it.

"You make me feel not alone," Kito whispered, leaning down, her breath mingling with hers. "To me… You don't need to be anything but Valentine. Because you let me feel happiness again."

The words ached as they left her, too honest, too raw. But they were hers. And Valentine was hers in that moment.

Kito's lips closed the distance in a kiss that was deep, aching, and full of longing. Each second it lingered, she knew she was falling further from the path she was meant to walk.

But… right now… it was worth it.

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

As Kito pressed forward Valaine felt herself being lowered towards the ground as the Shaper placed herself atop her. It was a position she was rather familiar with at this point, gazing up at that beautiful face with its ochre eyes and pale smooth skin, a face lightly framed with contrasting silky dark hair. She breathed in a shuddering sigh at the sight as a hand moved to the back of Kito's neck and pressed gently against it.

"I understand. I came home once… and the men my father trusted betrayed him. They were Sith. They killed everyone. My whole clan. When I came back, there was nothing left."

A light frown passed over delicate lips as she heard the story of Kito's past, a hand reaching up to stroke a thumb against her cheek in a comforting manner. "... I can't blame you for wanting to kill me the second you saw me. I'm sorry." she answered in response. She couldn't recall the loss of her own biological parents, it happened when she was young but she should've been old enough to remember their faces, their names, or how they died, but in truth a part of her had unwillingly sealed those memories away and hidden them from her. The only family she recalled was the old rugged man that found and raised her, the one that died the night she was turned into Sangnir... These thoughts she kept to herself however, she didn't want to share her own trauma alongside Kito's, she wanted to comfort her during her moment of vulnerability.

"You've been alone since then...?" she asked in return. It was something she couldn't really understand, as she herself was only ever alone for a measly two years compared to what might've been a lifetime. At least, a lifetime as far as these two young women were concerned.

"To me… You don't need to be anything but Valentine. Because you let me feel happiness again."

A soft smile appeared on the Sangnir's lips as Kito stroked against her face, her soft velvety lips parting just slightly as the thumb brushed over; revealing a single short fang beneath for a moment. "... Valaine." she stated in a whisper, "... Valaine Valentine..." she confirmed again as she gave her full name to the Shaper. If she was going to bare her heart to her in such a fashion she didn't want her to live with only half-truths about the Sangnir, she deserved to know more. At the very least her real name.

"I'm... Sorry Kito. Sorry that we met on opposing sides like we did... But I'm not sorry for these moments we share... If they're a mistake, then they're one I don't mind making..." spoke Valaine as she exhaled a soft sigh, it felt good to speak these words to her. When she saw Kito lean down to grant her a delicate kiss she returned it as her hand squeezed lightly at the back of the Shaper's neck. Their lips pressed together and Valaine closed her eyes gently as she lost herself in the blissful contact of affection and adoration.

This wasn't so bad, was it...? All things considered...

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //:

Valaine…

Valaine… Valentine…

The woman's name repeated itself in her voice again and again. Kito wondered if she should be upset that she had only known part of her name. It made sense, though, and she didn't lie. It didn't matter, Kito knew now. The woman was still the same.

She smiled through the kiss as she broke it.

For a long moment, Kito just stayed there, holding herself above her lover. She could still feel the tingle from the kiss. Her lips parted, the tip of her tongue running gently against her lips. She could taste her as she spoke her name, "Valaine…" It rolled in her chest like a stone dropped into water, sinking, leaving ripples.

Kito should have pulled away. She should have stiffened and reminded herself of what they were - enemies, predator and prey. The Shaper should have thought about her clan, her master, Ashla's light — she should have done a thousand things that weren't this.

"...Valaine," Kito repeated softly, almost reverently, as if tasting the name, branding it to memory. "That's… beautiful." Her eyes softened, flickering with something she hated to admit — hope. "It's fitting…"

Kito thought quietly about the apology; it sank deeper than her fangs ever could.

Sorry that we met on opposing sides like we did

She swallowed; her throat was suddenly tight. The Shaper thought she'd hardened herself past caring about that truth, but hearing Valaine put it into words broke something loose.

"There's nothing to be sorry about," Kito murmured, her voice trembling against the weight of everything she wanted to say but couldn't. She leaned down further, foreheads brushing, breath mingling in the small space between them.

"If this is wrong… then let it be wrong. I don't care." Her nose wrinkled faintly as her lips quirked into the smallest crooked smile.

"How could something that feels so right be called a mistake?" It didn't make sense to the Jedi, but she could see how others — the people that were around them could see this.

"If they call this a mistake, then let me keep making it. Again. And again. And again…"

The words fell unguarded, and she didn't take them back. She sealed them with another kiss — harder, needier, as though she might lose everything if she let go. Her free hand slid down Valentine's side, pulling her closer against her trembling frame.

When the kiss finally broke, Kito drew in a ragged breath. Valentine had bared her name, her truth. It only felt fair that Kito return something in kind. Her gaze faltered, then returned to the woman beneath her.

"My parents…" she hesitated, voice catching. "They called me Kitu-Kito."

The name felt foreign on her tongue — it had been nearly ten years since she'd heard it spoken. Her chest ached as she gave it away, as if unlocking something buried.

"You can call me that… it means firefly in basic..." She paused, weighing her thoughts. "I would like it. I haven't heard that name in ten years."

The admission revealed more than she meant to — how long she had been alone, how long since her name had been spoken by someone she cared about.

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

Valaine couldn't help but smile at hearing her true name spoken by Kito's soft lips as if with care and caution, tasting the name upon her tongue to see if it fit. She smiled when the Shaper spoke it again and called it beautiful. In truth Valaine wasn't entirely sure if it was her birth-given name, or just what the old man called her, but whatever it was it felt just right coming from Kito.

As their foreheads pressed together she felt Kito's hot breath against her lips, her tongue flicking out lightly in response to brush over velvety soft tiers that spoke her name so reverently.

"If they call this a mistake, then let me keep making it. Again. And again. And again…"

A light smirk appeared on Valaine's face as she continued Kito's words, "... And again... And again..." she spoke as she planted a gentle and chaste kiss against the Shaper once more. Her body squirmed lightly to the touch of the hand at her side, feeling as Kito pressed down more firmly against her. She craved that touch as her arms wrapped firm around her back, to share their warmth against one another. Her doting lips pecked at Kito's jaw and neck as she listened to her speak of the name she was given. It sounded beautiful to her, a hidden part of her name that hadn't been revealed to her until this moonlit night.

She sought to test it on her own tongue as she nipped at the Shaper's neck lightly, "Kitu-Kito...?" a soft hum of amusement. "It's cute..." she spoke as she gave another squeeze of her arms. "Firefly is pretty fitting, mm? Your parents must have loved you dearly to give you such a name..." she added as her trailing kisses lifted back up to the woman's jaw, and then a couple planted upon her lips delicately.

"Mm... So... Kitu-Kito..." she spoke again, stormy grey eyes gazing upon Kito adoringly. "How long were we planning to stay on the floor tonight...?" she asked with a grin, "Not that I mind, of course...", and she meant it. She could spend as long as she wanted just cuddling the Shaper on the ground, a leg slowly moving to wrap and curl around her waist as she brushed her lips against hers.