Private Slow Hand

[Katarine Ryiah]

You want somebody who will spend some time ​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

She shrugged and nodded at him, hiding a sly smile. “I may as well. You went to my family reunion after all. Hopefully yours is more fun.” She grinned at him.

She was surprised how easy it was to just hang out with Connel. He was easily someone whose friendship could last a lifetime in a bond that would stand the test of time. In a way that was like having a family, even if it wasn’t by blood. That thought cheered her up a bit. If she could find a few more close people to welcome to the inner circle maybe that would fill the void. Was that what the Force wanted from her?

Probably too soon to tell.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

Baby Steps
ENTERPRISE
STATION SHIP

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

Buster was busy running around chasing a few other pups and having a ball, they may be simulations, but they were still fun.

When she answered, Connel just shot up an eyebrow. Well gee, thanks. Sorry I put you out. Obviously he was kidding, though it was still a little surprising, maybe she was reluctant to be in his life. Then again, if that was the case, why was she there watching him sleep? Why did she suggest spending the day in bed?

Why couldn’t there be a combat situation? Those are so much easier.

Sorry… was just a little surprised to hear that.

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Not come and go in a heated rush ​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Sorry… was just a little surprised to hear that.

Katarine studied him with a faint crease between her brows. Everything about Connel felt off-axis, as if their connection existed at a skewed angle to the rest of her life. It was unlike any relationship she'd ever known. At times it felt as though they were opposing poles of a magnet, repelled by instinct, yet forced together by some unseen pressure that defied logic and comfort alike. They were rarely in sync, and around him she seldom felt entirely like herself.

And yet… that, too, was part of the draw.

She had been herself before, fully, easily. She'd known lovers who fit without effort, relationships built on immediate chemistry and effortless passion. Lust had come easily. So had endings. Those smooth, intoxicating roads had never carried her anywhere worth staying. Maybe friction meant something. Maybe something that required work was, in fact, worth the cost of working for.

She closed the distance between them, her posture softening. Lifting her hand, she brushed her fingers along his cheek, lingering there. The coolness of his skin startled her, a quiet reminder of just how convincing the simulation was, and how thoroughly it blurred the line between real and unreal.

"Connel…" Her voice was gentle now, stripped of its usual edge. "You have to know by now that I care about you. Even when I tease you." A small, sincere smile touched her lips. "And I am truly always happy to be your plus one."

 

[Connel Vanagor]

Baby Steps
ENTERPRISE
STATION SHIP

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

Great… He saw the expression on her face. It was bothersome.

It’s not like he really knew what he was doing in the world of a social life. His entire life was “work” up to this point, and it intense work. He had little to no idea how to navigate the complexities of personal relationships, unless they were confidential informants. The concept of small talk, social cues, and emotional connections sometimes felt foreign and even a little overwhelming. Yet, he knew he had to try, even if it meant stepping out of his comfort zone.

When she closed the distance and lifted her hand, he half expected a slap, not like he wouldn’t have deserved it, but when she touched him… there was something else.

Now he felt like a heel.

Sorry… just all of the loss… I fear my mother is going to lose it… I feel like … no… this is all excuses... Connel just sighed and closed his eyes for a moment as if hiding something. Thanks. Could we talk about something else? He didn't want to dodge anything, but stress for him was only acceptable when the mask was on.

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Baby, believe me I understand
​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

“Hey..”

She pulled him to her softly, intending to hold him gently, though with her small frame it always seemed more like he was holding her. Still, her arms wrapped around his waist and she squeezed him gently, the pressure meant to be soothing and supportive.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

She wouldn’t pressure him to talk, but she wanted him to at least know she was there for him.

Bark

“..and so does Buster.”

 

[Connel Vanagor]

Baby Steps
ENTERPRISE
STATION SHIP

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

When she pulled him into an embrace, he wanted to just open the proverbial floodgates, but that could not happen. He did not want to appear like a bit of a basketcase or something that would push her away, but even the most dedicated of individuals crashed out once in a while.

It was good to know that she wasn’t leaving either.

Thank you... Nothing else to be said as he just wrapped his arms around her and under hers.

Buster was of course hopping and leaning onto their legs. One hand went to his chin, and then patted the side of his leg which was Buster’s cue to jump.

You too, buddy. Connel cough him and it was a “three way hug” now.

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

When it comes to love, you want a slow hand​

Tags: Connel Vanagor


"If you ever want to, you can talk to me about anything." She spoke, her voice soft and slightly muffled as her shorter frame pressed against his chest. She held him for a few moments longer, just enjoying the warmth and the connection, and then pulled away slightly with an impish smile on her face.

"Well, since we are here and it's snowing, we may as well build a snowman."

 

[Connel Vanagor]

Baby Steps
ENTERPRISE
STATION SHIP

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

She offered to build a snowman. He was curious about that as he had never built one. Not because of a lack of being around snow though. First though, he had to address her offer to be an ear, it was clearly appreciated, and endearing.

I’m getting there. Nothing else to be said again. He did not want to really dwell on anything, this was meant to be fun and he did not like seeing Buster so worried about him.

Snowman, eh? Never made one. He shrugged. Always sledding or a snowball fight.

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Moon shadowed ground with no one around​

Tags: Connel Vanagor


"Really? I will have to teach you then!" She smiled at him and bent down to start collecting snow. Her face was suddenly alight and bright, her laugh twinkling like wind chimes. "Daxium is the one who taught me. His always turn out better than mine." The happy memory with her brother was clearly a good one.

She bundled up the snow into a small ball on the ground. "Once we get a ball we roll it around until it gets big enough to be the base."

She motioned to the small pile she had, but then suddenly Buster came flying over and FLOP! The ball was now powder that he was rolling in. Katarine burst out laughing. "Buster!"

 

[Connel Vanagor]

Baby Steps
ENTERPRISE
STATION SHIP

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

While he was glad that she had a good memory of her brother that she could share, it only proved more to him that she was holding onto something he was not anymore. There was a nobility to that, which he admired, but she needed to know when enough was enough. Hopefully either she will get through to him, or understand when that point is reached before it is too late.

What she saw was the lower ball she was making, to which he was following her directions. What she did not see was Connel catching Buster’s eye and repeatedly shifting glances between him and Kat. The pup knew.

No wonder his was better. You keep getting little buddies to wreck yours. The smirk on his face was telling.

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

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

And a blanket of stars in our eyes​

Tags: Connel Vanagor

Katarine caught the smirk the instant it crossed his face, subtle, satisfied, entirely too pleased with itself, and she let her own expression collapse into exaggerated, theatrical shock. Her brows shot up, her mouth fell open, and she pointed an accusing finger at him as if she'd just uncovered a galactic conspiracy.

"Did you put him up to that?"

She didn't wait for an answer. She never did when she already knew it.

With a laugh bubbling out of her chest, Katarine lunged forward and tackled him into the snow, more playful than forceful, all mischief and momentum. They went down together, boots skidding, shoulders tipping, until gravity won and they disappeared into a cloud of soft white powder. The cold rushed up around them, stealing her breath for half a second before laughter took over entirely, bright, unguarded, the kind she rarely let loose.

Snow dusted her hair, clung to her coat, melted against warm skin as she tried to pin him there. Buster, loyal as ever and thrilled by the chaos, bounded forward with a joyful bark. He launched himself into the fray, paws landing squarely on Connel's chest, tail wagging so hard it sent snow flying in every direction.

"Get him, Buster!" Katarine laughed, breathless now, wiping snow from her lashes as the dog enthusiastically joined the attack.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

Baby Steps
ENTERPRISE
STATION SHIP

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

Well... The smirk on his face was more than telling. Then… [COLOR=DARKORANGE}Uh-ohOOF[/COLOR] She clearly didn’t mean to, but knocked the wind out of him as she tackled him and they fell to the ground, slid, and rolled in the snow. Then on top of that, Buster joining in and jumping into his chest… UGH!

He fully let it all go in stride and in the moment, but he was hurting and glad they were just there on the ground doing nothing for the moment.

I needed a breath! Heh

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