Private There's no place like Naboo

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Shan

Lily nodded her head, "unfortunately that is not always possible. Some experiences are just too niche or biologically tied." Lily gave a small smile to Shan, she did appreciate the attempts at empathy. Sometimes you needed empathy more than sympathy, especially since the latter can come across as patronizing.

She scoffed at the idea that having Shan did not improve her life. Did not help her in any manner. "That's the Echani in me. People see us as stoic and reserved at times. But that isn't always true. And being strong doesn't mean I don't need people in my life, I am only as strong as I am because of people like you supporting me." Lily stated earnestly, she was never going to let someone take all the credit for her achievements but she was never under the delusion that she had done it all. Lily could only get this far because there had been others supporting her, guiding her to the goals.

"The people who come across as strong, they are sometimes the people in the greatest need of help." Lily admitted honestly, "putting on a strong face when everything is crumbling around you is brave but it doesn't remove the pain, the hurt. Especially tough when people expect you to be strong all the time and depend on you to be the strong one in the face of dire odds." Being reliant and dependable was tough and it was a level of pressure that either burned out people like Lily or made them crumble.

She couldn't handle the idea of either of those things. But she felt them on the horizon.

When her nudge sent Shan further than expected, Lily shook her head, "seems you need to bulk up more at the gym if little me can push you around." Lily teased with a poke of her tongue.

Seeing Shan stumble over his words was cute and Lily giggled, not worried too much since she knew that he cared and had cared about her for a good amount of time. It was just amusing to see to how nervous he was getting about how he came across to her. "Well, good to know that you did care about me and still do, had me worried there for a moment." The smirk dancing on her lips suggested otherwise.

Hearing Shan mention that Colette hated Coruscant made Lily laugh, "oh, yeah. She hated that world from the first day of joining the Jedi." Lily had been there and she had hung out with Colette a fair amount in the early days of their training. Seeing her friend hating every part of Coruscant since it was all so unnatural to her. "Give her a planet like Dagobah or something that is naturally disgusting and she would be more in her element. It was never an issue of beauty with Colette, she just hates the constructed, metallic element of Coruscant." It was a world that was not her vibe, which Lily accepted long ago, she just also didn't think Colette needed to be so negative on it.

For some, Coruscant was much nicer than a world that Colette would love. Neither view was wrong in Lily's mind, it was just personal beliefs.

"Well, what shall we do next?"

 

[Shan]

Tags: Lily Decoria

"That's true. But sometimes I feel like some people are too quick to chalk things up to being too "different" to empathise with others. There are plenty of biological and niche differences between people, but at the same time, we're all alive. We're all living people...Well, most people are. Those who count. At least"

It was a small joke at the expense of some of the Sith Shan knew were probably expanding their lives in some way. The undead or the unnatural. Either way, Shan was always someone who tried to feel sympathy or empathy for other people. His heart was large and always open. Of course that had the unfortunate effect that more often than not he would get hurt by someone down the line, but Shan was good with pain. He wasn't strong physically but he had strength emotionally and mentally.

"The Echani have always confused me. At first, it was because I came from a place of arrogance. The idea of fighting being seen as something beautiful or as a way to communicate. Now...it's how you can keep your emotions so well hidden. Yet it's no longer confusion from arrogance. It's more...admiration. Of course, you're the only Echani I can use as reference for it. I'm not overly close to any other. There is a part of me as well that is jealous that you are so...in tune with your culture. I barely know anything about my own."

Urgh. It was feeling like he was talking for ages. Shan was used to going on lectures or monologues, but it was different when he was with someone he cared for. He wanted to hear more of Lily's voice, not his own. Yet as Lily spoke about how hard it was to be the kind of person people expected to rely on, Shan reached his hand out to rest it against her shoulder. He wanted to be there in any way he could after all.

"Well. Just know you don't need to put a strong face on for me Lily. I admire you and your strength, that's true. But I'd also want you to lean on me sometimes. Whenever you need me, I'll come running. You're one of the people in my life I can actively say I love. And I'd hate for you to feel like you have to hide anything."

Shan had expected it to be hard for him to say that...but it was much easier than he had expected. There were plenty of people he loved in his life, and it was important for him to make sure he let them know that. To let the people important to him know that they were vital to him. For now however, he turned his focus to the discussion of Colette, and he shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know. I think Dagobah has its own natural beauty as well. Though...I might be the wrong person to be saying that. I try to see the beauty in anything at first."

Either way, Shan was also of the mind that everything came down to personal beliefs as he turned his attention over towards LIly, tilting his head at hte idea of what they could do next.

"Well...I need some better clothes still, right?"

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Shan

"Maybe but I think sometimes people can try too hard to empathise that they forget that sympathising can be just as powerful and necessary for someone. But don't give up trying to empathise, that is who you are and I wouldn't change who you are Shan. Just don't be too hard on yourself when you can't." Lily smiled warmly, trying to make sure that Shan wasn't too harsh on himself.

Shaking her head, "it isn't a choice really for us to appear stoic. When you look all very similar as a race, physical looks and expressions tend to mean less. Hence the importance that we place on fighting, it is how will express our individualism in the face of familiarity." Lily stated, she wasn't the expert on Echani ways but she knew a decent amount about her people's ways and the history of the traditions, culture and race as a whole. "Well, I always find going to the home world, immersing yourself fully in the culture can help you know where you fit as someone from your species."

Lily knew it was likely going to be very different experience for Shan since he would be someone entering that life at a later point in life over herself who had been born and heavily raised in the culture of her people. She was trained as a fighter from infancy. "As long as that is something you want to explore at least. It doesn't have to be and you don't need to chase those traditions if they aren't something that bother you. I mean, it is mostly important to me because I was born and raised in the culture, so I don't know any other ways to live."

She breathed in deeply when he said that she didn't need to put a strong face on, knowing that was exactly what she was doing right now to protect Shan. Lily also heard him state he loved her but she did not jump to any ideas behind the meaning of that, they were merely friends and she had long felt a platonic love between them. "I appreciate the kind words and I love you too Shan, you are my close friend. One of first I made within the Order." Lily affirmed, not wanting Shan to think she did not feel the same.

"Clothes, yes!" Lily clapped her hands rapidly in excitement as she thought about the idea of clothes shopping. "I know just where to start, come on!" Lily was darting to the speeder to get to the shop as fast as possible.

 

[Shan]

Tags: Lily Decoria

"Easier said than done not to be too hard on myself. I want to push myself as much as I can help to people. I'm not the best fighter. I'm not the strongest. Or the fastest. But I try to be there for people. Show them that they aren't alone. It's...something about me that people can take advantage of. People have done it in the past. But I won't change that part about myself."

He listened carefully to Lily's explanation of the Echani people. He did have a fondness for the species now. Well, he had the fondness for a while now. There had been plenty of times Shan had wanted to ask be taught the martial arts. To learn how to communicate through fighting but there was also a part of him that also wondered if he was cut for it. He wasn't a fighter...but that didn't necessarily mean he wasn't cut out for the martial arts.

"It's...harder than I care to admit. The idea of going to Mirial. My father hated our people. Our culture. I never understood why. He also hated the way I cared for people...That reminds me. I've given up my last name. I don't want any connection to that man anymore. I'm just...Shan now...Hey. Lily. Would you ever want to visit Mirial?"

It was something that interested Shan immensely. He wanted to learn more about his people. But there was a part of him that was afraid of going alone. It's why he asked Lily if she wanted to go. There was just that small part of him that was afraid he was...broken as a Mirialan. That something about him wouldn't match up to how he should be. Of course, he knew he was more than likely being paranoid but still...

"I think you were the first friend I've ever made. Sure, I kinda had some on Nar Shaddaa...but I never stayed in contact with them."

Of course, Shan had mostly meant the love comment in a platonic way. But there was more to that. It was...difficult for Shan to approach. Whilst he did care for Lily as more than a friend, there was that part of him that was afraid of admitting that. He didn't want a repeat of his first relationship. Lily and Shan clearly had different plans on the future. And he wasn't sure if he was willing to compromise on his dreams for the future. That didn't mean he couldn't enjoy his time with Lily now however as he nudged her with his hip...At least he tried to, but by the time he went to do it, Lily was already heading back to the speeder.

"Wow. Someone's excited about clothes shopping. No need to run. I'll be staying here as long as I need to Lily. We have all the time we need."

With that being said, Shan did a little jog back to the speeder, throwing himself up onto the passenger side and get as comfortable as he could.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Shan

Lily knew all about the pressures placed on a person to be the best. She was expected to be the best fighter, to be the best version of her family and to be the very best she could be as a Jedi. It was hard feeling herself tugged in the different directions and expected to be the extremes of them. Didn't help that all the pressures to be perfect were from her family and not even from her Master or friends. People much more understanding of a person's limitations and the time it took to grow in skills.

"I get pursuing greatness or perfection, but have to remind yourself that doing your best is all anyone expects. It is all I expect from you." Lily gave a sweet smile and nodded her head to him. A reminder that she would always have his back as long as she knew he was doing good and continuing to help others.

Hearing that Shan dropped his last name and wanted Lily to join him on a trip to Mirial, Lily was stunned for a short moment at the news. Taking it in and then nodded her head, "of course Shan. I would be more than happy to learn more about Mirial and the way things are there. Who knows, maybe you will find out that your people like to fight more than you thought." Lily poked her tongue out, teasing Shan that he might end up having come from a warrior/fighting culture like she did. It was unlikely but it would be amusing given how much he protested the idea of such things when they first met.

"And you call yourself whatever makes you happy and comfortable. Never feel like you have to keep a name because of traditions." Lily mentioned, saddened to hear that Shan had such a rough time with his father.

Smiling once again, "well, it can be hard to keep in touch when you move away so young and join a lifestyle so very different. But you kept in contact with me so you definitely improved over time which is something!" Lily smirked as she friendly teased Shan. It was his decision whether they stuck as friends or explore something more, she had kissed him before on Coruscant and told him her desires. However, he chose to stick with friends and Lily could not change that mind, all she could do was respect and honour.

And maybe hope it would change.

Jumping into the speeder, Lily bounced eagerly in her seat, "the sooner we get there, the more we can dooooo!" Lily called back out to Shan, "we can only lose time, we can't regain it! So hurry!" Lily laughed, perhaps she was far from a little eager to get shopping. It was one of her favourite things to do and there were so many good clothing stores on Naboo.

 

[Shan]

Tags: Lily Decoria

"Well. I don't need to pursue greatness that much. I have that right next to me."

Flirting. It wasn't something Shan was good at. He was mostly good with his words, and he thought he was good at teaching but when it came to flirting? Shan felt as if he just got his tongue twisted. Yet he couldn't help but break out into a wide grin at the fact that Lily was willing to come with him to visit Mirial. That was a relief and a weight off his shoulders that was quite visible as he let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair.

"I'm sure...my people somewhat like to fight. I don't think my pacifism is genetic. Maybe from my mother but...I can barely remember her anymore. My father was more...aggressive than I care to admit as well. I think he's where I can get my bouts of...anger from. Though you've never seen it. Cora taught me how to deal with it. Rage rooms and all that."

There was also the spur of rage that Shan had felt when his father had tried to kill him. When Shan had almost done it back to his father. Of course he had managed to hold himself back, but it was a reminder to Shan that no matter how peaceful and non-violent he tried to be, there was an anger inside of him. It didn't come out often, and he had enough self control to keep it in check...but he had to always focus on keeping it in check.

"I mean. I think you're a special case compared to most people I met when I first started. Not...many people have kissed me after all. I still...think about that sometimes. There's...a lot I've wanted to talk about...and I don't want to dance around as if it didn't happen...but I don't think right now is the best time to talk about it."

It didn't necessarily have to be now. Shan just wanted to get that out there. There was a part of him that suspected Lily was struggling with something. He wasn't prying with it. But he also didn't want to talk about something like that until she was in a good place for it all. Anyway, it would get in the way of their shopping and Shan was actually interested in getting a better outfit.

"...I will say though, with the amount of running you make me do? You're going to run me all ragged...I think that's the right phrase to use."

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Shan

Lily snorted and shook her head, "don't put that on me." She teased with a giggle, poking her tongue out at Shan.

"I don't doubt some enjoy to fight but there will be plenty who are more like you as well. It shall do you good to see the differences, similarities and learn of the various traditions and customs that you might end up wishing to adopt." Lily mentioned, knowing that sometimes it can be eye opening to see how important some things become even when they were not initially known to you. "Maybe you will find that the things your father were not happy with you about is because you were unknowingly reflecting the ways of people he did not like." It was terrible that Shan suffered such an abusive father but it was good to know the man was no longer in Shan's life.

The damage done was something Lily wished she could take again. Bottle it and ensure he did not struggle with the bouts of anger. "We all suffer with emotional outbursts, it is what makes us sentient I believe. Even droids, left long enough, can have emotional outbursts or moments of rage." She did not want Shan to feel like he was alone in all this.

A mention of the kiss had Lily blushing again, she turned away and could feel the embarrassment of her actions burning inside her. "Well...well...it is there loss then..." Lily stated, not elaborating on that, though the mention of wanting to discuss it further clawed at her mind. What did that mean? Was he upset over it? He didn't look upset, or frame his body in a manner that seemed upset... Was he happy? Why didn't he just say so? It was all too confusing to just be left hanging over her head. Lily paused the excitement of shopping and looked over to Shan.

"Let's talk about it now then. We have the time as you pointed out and hanging that over my head is not going to help me. It will just leave me more confused and anxious." Lily stated bluntly but truthfully, she could not cope with something like that hanging over her.

She did drive the speeder to the shop, knowing there would be plenty of time between now and then, but she couldn't just let the thoughts go on what he would want to discuss. It had been a kiss, he did not hold the same feelings, otherwise surely they would already be dating. What was needed to be discussed?

 

[Shan]

Tags: Lily Decoria

"Too late. All of the greatness is on you already."

Shan stuck his tongue out at Lily, teasing her in kind. This was what he enjoyed. Just being able to mess around. It let him not focus on the stuff like his dad or not knowing his people. It was things he had accepted but just because you had accepted things didn't mean it made it hurt any less. Either way, he settled in the speeder, and debated what words to use as Lily said it wasn't a good idea to leave it hanging over her head. That was...true. He hadn't thought about it that way.

"I...You've got a point. It's just...me trying to figure out the words to say. Y'know? Because...I care for you Lily. A lot. And...I've thought about that kiss. A lot."

He couldn't bringing himself to look at Lily. There were far too many nerves bubbling up inside of him as he turned his attention to their surroundings as they drove past all of it. How was he meant to figure out what he wanted to say?

"First off, I liked it. A lot. It was nice. I wanted more. I still want more. But...I'm scared Lily. That we wouldn't work...well together dating. We both want different things in life. I don't...entirely plan on being a Jedi all my life. I know there's probably going to come a day where I push myself too hard. Where I get hurt and can't be a Jedi anymore."

It was something he could visualise in his mind. Some kind of injury or wound that causes him to have to retire from being a Jedi. It wasn't like Shan didn't want to be a Jedi. He just couldn't dedicate himself to the Order. In the past, he might have been able to...but Shan was getting more selfish as he grew up. He wanted to live his own life. Not to dedicate it to the Galaxy.

"I'd...love for us to date Lily. I just don't want it to ruin what we have. I know arguments are a part of a relationship...but I don't want us to argue about the future. There's things I don't want to compromise on. And I'm sure there's things you don't want to compromise on."

Yet at the end of the day...If Shan really thought about it, you didn't know unless you tried. But Shan was afraid of trying. Afraid of getting hurt. Afraid of hurting Lily in some way.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Shan

She rolled her eyes at Shan but couldn't help but giggle, it was sweet and silly. "Uh huh, a lot of talk for someone who needs to be matching my greatness if he wants to stand side by side with me."

Then Shan agreed to chat about the kiss, Lily switched the speeder over to autopilot, setting the destination as the shop. She withdrew a little, Lily wasn't a very shy person but this was a level intimacy being discussed that she did not think that Shan would want to discuss. The conversation from Shan's view was not one that Lily didn't think about. Sure, they were different people but wasn't that a good thing in her mind? Why date someone exactly the same as her? If they agreed on everything, then what would there be to talk about?

It was why she enjoyed fiery, teasing banter with people.

"So, Shan... let me understand. You are afraid that two different people, with different life goals would be too different to date. Even though, we're both attracted to one another and we already know we like each other's company..." Lily looked over to Shan, raising an eyebrow. It did not seem to make sense to her, "unless you plan on dating a clone of yourself, you are always going to find someone who is different and with different goals in life. They might be more similar in some ways than I am, but they might be drastically different in others."

The future was such an unknown in Lily's mind, she wasn't even in her twenties or a Jedi Knight yet. There was so much that could happen, that would happen that forever goals just felt impossible, dreams. "Shan, I don't know what I want. I am learning the person I want to be still, so long term goals... They aren't concrete in my mind. Sure, I have dreams but right now anything could come crashing down on us and completely change that." Lily sighed deeply, "so, tell me what are the goals and dreams that you have that would not negotiable? What makes you think we couldn't last long term?"

If she was going to be denied a relationship, then Lily wished to know more of the reasoning behind it. Especially if, like she suspected, Shan might not be accurate in her desires and dreams for the long term future.

 

[Shan]

Tags: Lily Decoria

"It's...like with me and Colette. On the surface, we were similar. Not overly violent. We loved nature. But when we went deeper than just surface level...We had disagreements that made it so we wouldn't work. I wanted a family. I wanted a home to settle down in...but Colette thought there wasn't much of a point in having belongings. That having a house meant you had something to lose..."

Shan mumbled to himself as he still couldn't bring himself to look at Lily. He knew it sounded stupid out loud. He knew it was an irrational fear of his. He was afraid of making things awkward for the pair of them. He loved Lily's company. She helped him feel...comfortable. Like he had someone who cared for him. OF course he felt like that with other people, but Lily was the one who he was here with right now. Talking to.

"I...want a family. That's something non-negotiable. It doesn't have to...be my actual kids. Adoption is fine with me...I just...I don't want to be like my father. I'm just...I don't want that to get in the way of your drive to be a Jedi. In the future, what if you have to make a choice between one or the other? I wouldn't want you to have to do that."

The Mirialan Jedi leaned back in the swoop bike seat for a moment, staring up at the sky as he watched the clouds move by. It was almost as if he was trying to visualise the future he dreamed for.

"...I want a nice house. Out in the country. Not in a big city. I don't have things...against cities...but I wouldn't want to raise someone in one. I want them to be raised differently to me..."

He drummed his fingers along the side of the speeder as they moved, letting silence fill the air for a moment as he took his time to figure out what he wanted to say next.

"...I originally planned on building an orphanage so I could do this myself. I felt like it was something I'd never be able to do with someone else...I was going to make it on Onderon...with Jenn Kryze's protection. But she's left now. And the Galaxy is in a worse place. I'm not sure if it'd be safe for me to make that orphanage anymore...Wait. I'm...getting off track. Sorry."

He finally managed to bring himself to look at Lily, giving her a shy smile, even whilst he felt a bundle of nerves just wanting to explode inside of him.

"I just...I'm paranoid Lily. I'm afraid. You...know me. I've never been...willing to take risks that much...But...if you think my dreams won't stop us..."

Shan moved forward carefully, reaching out to try and rest his hand atop of Lily's. He was terrified to say the least but he was still willing to try.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Shan

"I'm not stubborn like that. I am not fixed on my ways and I rather find compromises and positions where we are both happy." Lily stated, she believed that relationships worked when people were both willing to give and take in things. When it was mentioned that Shan wanted kids, whether adopted or his own. That was something that people couldn't really compromise on since it was either you wanted kids or you didn't in the end. Delaying it was just unfairly stringing a person along.

That was something Lily had to sympathise with and consider seriously.

"Kids... I don't want them yet. I don't even think I want a serious relationship right now... but I want to date, have fun with people, with you Shan. And having children, a family, that isn't off the table for me. It just is something that would be later down the line, years down the line." She didn't want Shan thinking she was going to be ready any time soon for children, but the idea was never something she hated. It was just complicated, it was going to be something to discuss more on when the decision on having a family came around again. "It would be easier for me to accept having a family, and be comfortable staying a Jedi if my partner was a stay at home father, especially if they are going to be the softer parent than I am going to be."

Lily smirked, hinting that she would support Shan stepping away from the Jedi to be a stay at home father, if they eventually ended up having a family. It was a big ask from Lily's side of things but she hoped it would be more in line with Shan's desires.

"As for a house away from the city. Urmmmmm... So... I have a family manor with a large piece of land on Eshan, out in the country..." Lily confessed, "so, that would be my home to raise a family." Family wealth kind of secured any plans of where a family could be raised and it was somewhere that Lily needed to go soon to relax. To take a step back from the Jedi for a bit while she dealt with the demons currently looming over her.

She took Shan's hand and gave it a squeeze, "I am not rushing my life forward any time soon, but I want you there and I would like to be more than friends and see if there is more between us." Lily confessed, "but from what you have said, nothing truly stands in the way, and I am willing to take the risk but I need to know you are willing to. That you are brave enough to boldly take that step forward."

 

[Shan]

Tags: Lily Decoria

"Heh...I'm not used to the idea of someone trying to compromise for me. I've just always focused on making other people happy...but I'm trying to put my foot down and try make sure that I'm happy."

It was just trying to be selfish didn't come naturally to Shan. Trying to put his own happiness in front was...well...He didn't know how to do it that well. Yet when Lily went to speak, Shan kept his full focus on her, nodding ever so often to make sure he was taking it in. If they were going to have a relationship, communication and listening was going to be a key part of it.

"I get that. I don't mean...now. I just try to look to the future. I'm sure we can get to plenty of fun together. Going out on little trips like this. Visiting Mirial. Me learning how to fight. Going through serious stuff but also things that are just...a bit silly. I just...I don't want you to think I'm pushing for any of this stuff now, now, now. I'm not. There's a lot of stuff in the future that I want, that I'm not ready for now. I want to become a Master eventually, but I'm nowhere near that now."

Whilst Lily smirked at her little hint she was giving Shan, Shan broke out into a wide grin himself. That was one of the best things Lily could have told him if he was honest. It worked for what both of them wanted. And it was perhaps a reason why it was better for him to discuss these kind of things instead of letting the fear prevent him from going ahead with it all.

Yet he was taken aback by Lily stating that she had a family manor, with land. That was something Shan always forgot about people who did have a family. Some families are large, or had large amounts of money, or large amounts of land. Shan had came from nothing, and so he always expected that to be the same for others. Another way that he still needed to learn and grow.

"I'd love to visit the manor sometimes...See your family. If that's...okay with you I mean. I've seen Kat. I used to think she didn't like me because I was too...arrogant with my healing. I want to apologise to her for that."

That wasn't his way of saying she was right. But he still deemed it necessary for him to say sorry. He then listened to Lily's confession, just running his finger along her hand gently.

"...I am willing to take that risk Lily. This is a venture I am willing to go on with you."

And with that, the Mirialan leaned forward to give Lily a small peck on the cheek. To others, it might not have been anything massively important or amazing, but for Shan? It was important. It was his way of showing his willing to take a risk.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Shan

Lily nodded her head, "well, I expect nothing from you that I wouldn't do myself." She was never a person to demand something from someone that she was not willing to sacrifice herself. Lily also understood the need to focus on yourself after spending so long giving parts of yourself to others with no expectations of a return.

A smirk danced on her lips, "I promise to make the dates and trips together the most fun," a wink and teasing smile on her lips promising Shan more than she was daring to speak into existence. Seeing the grin etched on his face after her suggestion was a clear sign that Lily's offer was definitely more in line with what Shan wanted for the future. It was good to see, it made her a lot more comfortable thinking upon having a family and settling down, knowing that she not going to be expected to be the full time parent.

While she would always love any child she had, Lily wasn't sure she could give up the work she did without there being a feeling of resentment.

"Of course! My mother and grandmother, they can be a bit much and a bit judgemental of those not Echani, but who I date and be with is my choice and they know they have to either accept that or lose the comforts my skills as the head of house offer." Lily stated, she was the best fighter in her family and in a culture of warriors, that was a powerful role to have. "As for Kat... my aunt... she is going down a different path, one that means she is not around anymore. But, I hope one day that she will return and then you can definitely meet and talk." Lily knew that there had been a disagreement once, long ago, but Lily did not pry too much since it was something between them and did not concern Lily.

A smile spread across her lips when Shan promised to take the risk, however when he moved to kiss her cheek, Lily shook her head. "You need to learn to be bolder, Shan." Holding his face, Lily pulled him into a full, passionate kiss. Something more intimate and sharing the desire she had for him.

 

[Shan]

Tags: Lily Decoria

It was nice to hear what Lily expected. It was a lot of weight off Shan's shoulders as he let out a content sigh, letting himself relax in the speeder, before he glanced over towards Lily, spotting the little smirk as she promised to make the dates and trips together the most fun. A blush coming to his cheeks as he could figure out what the teasing smile meant. There was a part of him that wanted to look away out of nerves, but instead he kept his gaze on Lily, returning her teasing smile with a grin of his own.

"I'm used to people being judgemental anyway Lily...Though I didn't know you were the head of your house. That's amazing to hear."

Shan knew Lily was capable, but to be that capable amongst her family? It was genuinely impressive. Yet his smile faded when she said that Kat had went down a different path. It wasn't something he had wanted to hear himself and he could only imagine how Lily must have felt about it, as he made sure to squeeze her hand, trying his hardest to be comforting for her.

"Bolder? What do yo-"

He was caught off guard completely by Lily holding his face and pulling him into a full kiss. It wasn't something he had been expecting. Boldness hadn't been something that was easy for Shan to do but it was clearly easy for Lily. Not that Shan was complaining. This was something special for the both of them and so Shan wasn't going to pull away from it. The Mirialan leaned into the kiss, reciprocating every one of Lily's own feelings right back at her.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Shan

Lily shrugged her shoulders, "it just means I can do more of what I wish to do and my family can't stop me because they know if I leave it makes them look a lot weaker and they can't risk that. Means that they also try arranging marriages for me and nudging me into settling down so that the family can continue to grow and get stronger." It was a double edged sword since while she could delay the pressures of being married, Lily knew someday her mother would win her over eventually, to keep her family safe. All she could do to fight it was finding someone she wanted to be with and end the attempts to find some other rich Echani noble.

The comforting squeeze from Shan about Kat was reassuring and Lily appreciated it. It meant a lot to have someone she could speak to on it that wouldn't be so harsh or rude about her struggling aunt.

When Lily demonstrated the bold kiss that she had wanted from him, it was good to feel the shared passion and desires. After several moments, Lily broke the kiss and looked into Shan's eyes. "We can head back to my apartment... if you rather check that out over the shops..." The offer was deeply suggestive in tone but she left it to Shan and what he would be comfortable in doing.

 

[Shan]

Tags: Lily Decoria

"Sounds like it must be tough. I know I'd have been the kind of person who couldn't say no to family in that kind of situation...I'm...glad you're standing up for yourself though."

Shan felt like he was lucky in that way. His mother would never have tried to push for some kind of marriage whereas his dad wouldn't have cared either way. He let out a small sigh, trying not to think about that however. It wasn't part of his life anymore. They weren't a part of his life. Instead he just tried to keep himself focused on Lily, giving her a wide grin.

As soon as the kiss was broken, Shan took a moment to catch his breath, letting out deep puffs of air before he heard Lily's offer...and it took a moment for him to click onto what she was suggesting. There was a part of him that did actually want to get some form of new clothes...but he had to be more bold after all. So Shan just leaned back in the speeder once more, giving a short nod.

"Sounds like a plan...Like I said. I'll be here for a while. We can go shopping another day."

He broke out into a little smirk at that. It helped that from what Shan knew, Zaiya visited Naboo as well. SO it wasn't as if he was going to be staying away from his Padawan if he decided to stay here for a while.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Shan

Lily grinned as she pulled back from Shan and set the destination for her apartment. It wasn't too far from where they were heading to anyways, but it was exciting to spend time alone with Shan after connecting in this moment together. When they arrived at the apartment, Lily grabbed Shan's hand and pulled him into the building. The apartment was fairly large, with a stylish interior, a mix of Naboo fashions with Echani colours and culture plastered around the place. There was also a training room, one where Lily had stored various styles of wooden weapons for training as well as places to exercise and train.

"It isn't anything that grand but I like it and it's close to the shopping areas as well as the temple." Lily explained, feeling herself giggling and excited. It had been something she thought about for a long time but did not think would happen.

From where they were, they could both see the bedroom which was just as ornate as the main room. Lily placed her hands behind her so Shan didn't notice she was fiddling with her fingers in nerves. She had spent the night with plenty of people, but this, this felt different. And she was eager to make sure that it went well. Which also brought the nerves of it not going especially well.

 

[Shan]

Tags: Lily Decoria

As soon as they arrived, Shan glanced around the apartment with an approving look on his face. Nodding a few times as he took in the interior. It was quite fancy to Shan as he hadn't quite stayed in a place like this before. An eyebrow raised as Lily said that it wasn't anything grand, but for Shan? This was better than any place he had in his life. It was better than his home back on Nar Shaddaa, his room at the Jedi Temple. He strethed his arms out for a moment, turning his attention over towards Lily who was visibily excited. It made his grin grow for a moment. He wasn't exactly someone who showed how excited he could get himself, but the grin wasn't exactly leaving his face just yet.

"Well. I suppose it won't be a long trip for us both to head out shopping tomorrow then. Of course, we're going to be...too busy for the rest of the day to head out today."

That was...being bold right? At least Shan thought he was being bold by saying that. He wasn't leaving it as something that could be mistaken or misunderstood, at least in Shan's eyes. What he meant was obvious! To him. Because today, Shan was planning on spending the rest of the evening with Lily. Finally spending an evening with someone else instead of being alone. It wasn't what he had expected waking up today, but he was definitely going to enjoy the results.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Shan

"Not at all, might need to get some food and liquids beforehand though." Lily teased with a smirk on her lips. She started tugging her hair out of the ponytail that she traditionally had it in, smiling to Shan. "Plenty of time to find in order to do some other things but I think that we need to make up for the lost time we had."

It was nice for Lily to think about something other than the horrors that had been plaguing her mind. She moved into the bedroom and sat on her bed. Looking over to Shan, "show me how bold you can be then, mister." Lily giggled with a teasing wink over to Shan. Daring him to take charge with how they spent their evening together.

Lily wanted to enjoy the feeling of happiness and contentment. Let that sit with her for as long as possible before the horrors returned since they always seemed to return as of late.