There's No Way.

[Nate Phantoms]

​

Coruscant​

​

Burning eyes opened slowly to faint light filtering through the shades. Once again, not a very sound sleep. Vivid dreams tended to keep him up lately, all beckoning a dark and sorrowful future.

Except, something was off on that certain morning. For the past two months, he had slept alone, or so far as he knew. Today however, there was another presence in his bed, one slightly unknown. Turning to look over his shoulder, his eyes came to rest on brunette, a rather pretty one at that. "Oh great..."

Placing his hand on her shoulder and pushing slightly, he got no response. Turning back to look at the clock he sighed. At this rate, she wouldn't awake for the next hour or so. Deciding that there was not much he could do about it, he rose, making his way to the bathroom, a towel over his shoulder.

Passing the kitchen, he stopped, backtracking to find a data pad on the island, the screen illuminated. "This day just keeps getting better and better."

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

A hand on her shoulder, the movement of someone leaving the bed beside her, and soft footsteps all roused the woman from a fairly sound slumber. Soft light filtered in as she blinked, vision blurry in the low-light of early morning. Everything around the room was difficult to make-out, her Hapan heritage apparent in more than just her looks. What she could identify was utterly foreign, including the smell of the man who’d shared her bed.

A low groan escaped as she closed her eyes against the backlash that thought brought. It was not unusual for Ara to share a bed with a stranger, at least it hadn’t been until a few months before. What was unusual for the Ren could be summed up in two simple observations.

The first, that she rarely woke up with those same men the next morning.

The second, that she was fully clothed.

Sitting upright, she pushed the covers off, scowling at the tank top and light pants she was wearing. A quick perusal around the room revealed her cloak, belt, lightsaber hilt, vest, and boots neatly stacked against one corner of the room.

With a thought, the belt and her saber flew to her hand, the Knight roughly buckling the leather around her waist, eyes darting to the hallway and the sounds of running water coming from deeper into the apartment. Moving quietly on padded feet, she made her way out of the bedroom and into the small kitchenette, hand protectively on her saber hilt.

A datapad rested on the counter, it’s screen dark for the moment, her eyes narrowing suspiciously at the technology. The sounds of speeders echoing through tunnels of metal could be heard from the outside, the familiar sounds drawing her to the nearest window. A peak through the slatted blinds revealed the familiar landscape of towers of metal and glass twisting into the sky, outlined by riotous neon. She was home. Or at least what used to be home.

”What the Kark happened last night?”

Maybe she’d been drugged or had a bit too much to drink. As it was, her mind was still foggy with the last threads of sleep and her memory of the how’s and why’s alluded her. The background noise of water cut off, accompanied by a door opening.

Before the shadowy figure had time to clear the doorway, her saber was ignited in her hand, her eyes a sickly shade of yellow and amber as she pulled power from around her.

"Care to explain?” She purred darkly.

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

The shower had taken longer than expected, as he sat there, letting the water wash away the previous day's stress and retributions. Like usual, he was fully clothed, somewhat as he came out steam billowing around him. Hair still damp, he tousled his hair with the towel in hand, only to come out face-to-face with the same girl he had woke up next to.

Internally, he was flipping out;
1.) she was there, with a saber, In his house.
2.) He was shirtless, and she sure seemed to be enjoying the view for the most part as she held out her saber.
3.) How did this even happen?

Reaching out, seemingly care free, he called out on the Force, using his ever growing knowledge of his powers. Hand connected with her blade, pushing the crimson blade back against the emitter. "Whoa, easy there sunshine." Stepping around her, he gave her a grim smile, his flaming eyes probably making the gesture seem much worse.

Stopping in front of the island, he turned, opening the refrigerator, instantly regretting having his back completely visible to the woman. Per the usual, new comers always asked or worse, touched the tattooed skin, the multiple scars breaking up the black color.

"Want anything to drink?"

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Her blade lowered just a hair as he moved around her, offering no antagonistic movements short of pushing her saber away. She raised one eyebrow, her lips curling up into a smile at his nickname and own attempt at a disarming grin. Amber eyes met her own and she relaxed the smallest amount, content in the idea that they were both users of the Dark Side if nothing else.

She watched as he moved around to the refrigerator, his back turned to her and bare. Her eyebrows winged up in a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Either he knew more about their situation than she did, considering his foolhardy move to let her have his back, or he was overconfident in his ability to handle any threat she might pose. The black swirling tattoos drew her attention for a moment, their designs cut through with the pucker of healed wounds.

One thing was made clear, he was a warrior who had seen his own fair share of battles and had not come out unscathed.

Unlike most, she wouldn’t ask, not right this moment anyways. She was more interested in how she’d arrived in such a position and why. At his offer of a drink, she extinguished the blade of her weapon with a thought, clipping the hilt back onto her belt. He was obviously trying to be civil and hospitable despite the glaring Knight threatening him, she might as well do her best to accommodate.

”Is it too early for a glass of Brandy?”

The comment was offered with a low chuckle, her eyes still tracking his every move. Tilting her head to the side, long hair falling over one shoulder, she stepped forward, leaning on the edge of the island, expression slightly amused.

”Either you are used to waking up with strange women in your bed or you know more about the why and how than I am. Care to share your knowledge, gorgeous?”

That dark purr was still there, tinged with a bit of humor. The power she’d pulled still swirled around her as she waited, content to listen unless he attempted something along the lines of what she just had. One corner of her mouth quirked up in a grin, it truly was the first time she’d ever threatened to eviscerate someone she’d woken up next to.

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

Scoffing at her request, he straightened, a glass from the cabinet shooting into his outstretched hand as he looked her over once again. Nothing special, not too predatory, maybe even flirtatious. It depended on how she precevied things. Mentally, he went over the many ways to respond in case she struck out at him. He was there when his partner killed a man with a glass of water; he learned pretty quickly.

Sliding the glass across the countertop, he folded his arms, still giving her that same look. Raising an eyebrow at her statement, especially the "gorgeous", he responded, a light blush making an appearance. All things considered, a compliment from a pretty brunette wasn't that bad.

"Oh no, probably the latter." A light tone of humor was evident, the broadening smile more reassurance. "Well, someone has assigned us a task; like a hit and run scenario if you will. Only thing that is even remotely close to bothering me is that fact that we have to be seen and known as a couple. "We" have been invited to a little bit of a vacation, and a dance."

Burning irises stayed trained on her as he spoke, looking for any give aways. "The better we play our parts the lower the chance of suspicion. You seem fine with the idea of waking up next to me, so, it shouldn't be that hard." Grinning and giving her a wink, he moved around the island, pulling the data pad with him. "We've got a full day to plan, so any questions?"

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

His blush had her lips curling up in a smile. He wasn’t immune to her flirting or compliments; it was a step in the right direction. Catching the glass that was slid across the counter in her direction, she frowned at the clear liquid it was filled with, mildly disappointed that it wasn’t something stronger.

With a roll of her wrist, she swirled the liquid in the glass, the edge of the bottom tracing a circle on the counter as he spoke. Raising one eyebrow, she took a sip, eyes trained on him over the edge of the glass.

”A couple. A vacation and a dance…”

She laughed, the sound lightly amused tinged with incredulity. Silently, she studied the man in front of her, mind working on dredging up the memories of how and why she’d arrived here in the first place. It took only a moment and memory clicked with the current knowledge.

There was a bar, the Rocket something or other, a bar brawl over a game of sabacc, a few drinks, Samka handing her an infochip and ushering her onto a transport. Ara sighed heavily, shaking her head and sending her hair flying around her face. Trust the young Knight to take advantage of someone half-inebriated to get what she wanted.

Matching his grin and wink with a smile of her own and tilt of the head, she tracked his movement around the island, power still coiled and ready should he make any threatening moves.

Eyeing his figure up and down appraisingly, she tipped her glass in his direction, a silent salute. ”I have certainly woken up next to worse prospects.” Her eyes crinkled with mirth as he stopped next to her.

Glancing at the datapad in his hand, she dropped the flirting undertones, turning her thoughts to the business ahead. ”Posing as a couple should be simple. Who or what are we targeting and for what reason? Where is our destination for this so called vacation we have been invited to take?”

Standard questions to fill in the blanks of the information he’d already given her. The reasons behind their task were still foggy, but it had the stamp of the Ren all over it and Ara would go along with it unless the man beside her proved a risk.

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

The small salute made the fire in his eyes dim a bit, that predatory look filling the void briefly before the flames reignited. "Well thanks, you're rather..." Smiling, he searched for the right word, as two could play such a game. "provocative yourself. And not in a bad way either."

Following her gaze, he flipped the pad around so she could read the glowing text, figuring she would have a better idea if she read it too. Glancing down, he realized he was still shirtless, not that it bothered her clearly, but more so the man himself.

"Local leader rising to power poses a threat to whomever actually gave us this job. Serenno, hear it's gorgeous this time of year." Stepping back, he walked back into his room, unsure whether or not she followed as he pulled a black shirt from his drawer, stepping back out the doorway as he pulled it over his head.

Now across the hall way and in the guest room that also served as a make shift armory, he rummaged through his assortment of equipment. Finally, he found what he was looking for. A pair of all black military fatigues, the ones he had labeled "Ol' Reliable".

He didn't know exactly what this mission called for, other than the fact that'd it be quite long, and not knowing what to expect was all the motivation he needed to gather a wide array of things.

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Noting the change in his expression at her small movement and compliment, she chuckled at his return. Any attempt at a rebuttal and continuation of their flirty exchange was cut off by her attention being drawn to the datapad and the information it contained.

A mumbled “Mmm hmm” met his information, her eyes scanning the details of their mission as he wandered back towards the bedroom. Unfamiliar with their destination, she taped the screen with a finger, easily accessing the expanded entry for Serenno. It seemed the pair was headed for the Outer Rim, to a planet of varying landscapes and long standing traditions. The planet itself was home to quite a few noble houses, including the Counts of Serenno.

Out of her peripheral vision, Ara watched as the now dressed man moved from the bedroom she’d woken up in, to another room across the hall. One eyebrow raised in curiosity, the Ren left the pad on the island and moved down the hallway, stopping at the open doorway.

The room was equipped with all kinds of weaponry and armor, her eyebrows winging up in admiration at the scope of his personal armory.

”Very nice.”

Besides the shirts, pants, boots, jacket, and saber, she had little else with her. Watching as he retrieved what appeared to be military garb, she stepped into the room, running her hands along the varying armors.

”I assume we will need more clothing than what I have with me. Unless you have a stockpile of women’s clothing lying around, I believe I will need to go shopping. And if there is to be a dance, I highly doubt armor will be part of the dress code.”

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

Her presence didn't go unnoticed, as he continued packing his 'camies' into a duffel bag, tossing a bit of ammunition in as well.Looking up at her, he grinned at her comment. "Oh, do you expect a man like me to go out shopping with you and buy at least a month's worth of clothing?" Standing, he brushed past her, whistling as he dropped the bag onto the couch, a set of key flying into his hands at a mere thought.

"If you'd like a dress or just clothes in general I'd suggest you tag along." Calling back he slid into a pair of black gym shoes, completing the all black look he used often. Stepping out into the garage, he flipped on the lights, a prized possession from his father now visible,the silver surface and dark windows reflecting the blue light.

Opening the passenger door, he waved a hand and bowed with a smile. "Ladies first."

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

”Man like you?” A chuckle accompanied a raised brow as she moved around the room, inspecting the contents. As he finished stuffing gear into his bag and moved back into the apartment, she followed, stopping by the bedroom to grab her boots and jacket.

The knee-high leather boots boasted a chunky heel, enough to make running easy, but still attractive. They slid on easily as he called back, inviting her to accompany the mystery man wherever he was choosing to go for supplies.

”I suppose I need to know your name if we are going to be masquerading as anything more than strangers who woke up next to each other.” Chuckling as she joined him in the garage, the lights illuminating a speeder that looked impressively expensive.

”Compensating for something?”

Sliding into the speeder via the door he held open, she flashed him a sly wink. Jumping into a speeder with a relative stranger might be a bad idea to most, but the Ren had her saber clipped to her belt and her own Force abilities should the need arise. He had yet to make a move that was anything short of polite, since they had been assigned to work together, she might as well give him to benefit of the doubt for now.

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

Keeping the door open, he leaned down, looking at the woman with a peaceful smile. "You can walk if you'd like." Closing the door, he moved back around the car, sliding into the drivers seat. Immediately the car responded to his touch, engine roaring to life satisfyingly. There was beautiful women and scenery, and then there was anything with a motor that went fast. No offense to the female population of course, but they just couldn't compete with horse power.

Keeping the yoke level, they sped off into the darkening sky, the seemingly deserted road whipping past as his reflexes kicked in, weaving in and out of the thickening traffic, the lights streaks in the windows. Gradually, they slowed down as a string or decent establishments came into view.

"Take your pick sunshine,"

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

His quip was met with an amused laugh, her head shaking slightly with each movement. If she'd known where in Coruscant she was, she might have done just that out of spite, but as it was, she would probably end up woefully lost. And so she let him shut the door and move to the driver's side without additional comment. The engine purred to life, the sound kicking up the spark of anxiety that a spacecraft engine always did.

Her hand wrapped around the door handle as he whipped in and out of traffic, her nerves tingling with a mixture of adrenaline and fear. Turning to but her back at an angle to the door, she eyed him with an amused grin. His nickname for her was the complete opposite of the woman, the juxtaposition amusing her to no end.

"You can call me Ara, save the 'sunshine's for our vacation."

As they slowed, the district turning into one for consumers and buyers, she vaguely recognized their location. Waving a hand at the scenery in front of them, she pointed towards a shop in the distance that showcased upper-middle class fashion without being gaudy.

"That store looks pleasant enough."

Mentally she reminded herself to leave Samka a thank you gift for sending her out without time to prepare.

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

Feeling her gaze bore into him, he turned, the stare off now in full flight. Green eyes would meet two miniature infernos as he managed to speed down into the parking space allotted for the store she picked out, scoffing as he opened his won door.

"Whatever you say sunshine." Letting the door fall back into place on it's own, he moved towards the store, nearly getting hit by a drunk flier, his large middle finger saying hello to his newly acquainted and extremely intoxicated friend. Turning back to the task at hand he moved for the door, slipping inside, making sure to at least hold the door open for the woman that was taking her sweet time. Or perhaps he walked really fast, he had no clue.

But he did know that he may very well end up being at the store for a while, it depended on how much she had to get. Alas, there wasn't much he could do about it, he was the one to offer to take her.

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Chuckling quietly, she mentally made a note to come up with a suitable deplorable nickname for him, just to return the favor. They pulled into a spot close to the store, the man getting out and wandering towards the entrance on his own, the disciple amused as he left her to her own devices. Opening and shutting the car door easily, she raised an eyebrow as he was almost mowed down by an intoxicated motorist who paid little attention to his surroundings. Raising an eyebrow, she grinned, sauntering past the door he held open for her and into the well-lit and well-stock store.

As she passed him, she wondered at his reluctance to give her a name. A side-long look in his direction afforded her a better view of his features, her lips curling into an easy smile. At least she’d enjoy the view while they worked.

Surprisingly, shopping never took Ara much time. A few glances from the sales associates, a handful of outfits and few minutes in the fitting room later, and she had a small wardrobe at her disposal. A mix of pants, blouses, skirts, and even a bathing suit had all been chosen, as well as one cocktail dress that was zipped into a bag and kept sealed from the prying eyes of her new partner, at least for this particular mission.

Every purchase was charged to the Order, a small victory in her mind, a way to repay them for leaving her more than slightly inebriated, in a stranger’s apartment. One arm filled with traditional shopping bags, the other carrying the opaque dress bag, she approached her new acquaintance with an easy smile.

”Shall we?”

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

He was wrong. Probably not the last time, but he tended to keep such things on a need-to-know basis. As per the usual, he expected to pay for his newly found "friend", only to look up and see her pay for it all. He couldn't tell if she was mocking him, but asking didn't appeal to him.

Scoffing as she approached, his eyes jumped from the bags on her arm, then up to her eyes. "You got it Miss. Lift? Or would you like me to take a few?" Moving towards the door, he pulled it open small wave of his hand. "After you."

Walking across the lot back to the spot he took, he unlocked the trunk, looking up at the multicolored, vibrant buildings above. It all called his attention, interesting spectacles. Almost like he'd never been there before. Gaze returning to it's level position, he leaned on the car as she approached.

"Need anything else before heading home?"

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

His blasé comment made her chuckle as she exited the store, inclining her head in appreciation as he held the door. He was hard to read, the disciple unsure if he was surprised by the speed with which she acquired her new wardrobe or if it was merely another tedious errand for him. Regardless, she followed him to the vehicle and unloaded the bags into the proffered space, carefully folding the dress bag on top of the rest. It wouldn’t do to damage the beautiful gown before she had a chance to wear it.

”Your home perhaps, but hardly mine.”

The comment was accompanied by a sly wink, the clarification strictly a result of her obstinate personality.

”Unless we have need of more weapons and armor than your little armory contains, I do believe I am well off. You said we would be leaving for Serreno this evening, correct?”

Raising an eyebrow as he gazed at the buildings above, she resisted the urge to shudder. Once, such an interesting and eclectic collection of buildings would have wowed her, drawn her attention, and made her smile. Now, they only brought threads of fear and anger to the surface. She waited for him to attend to the task at hand, the beginning of their mission.

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

Scoffing, he rolled his eyes, waving his hands mockingly in the air. "Oh, I can drop you off it that's what'd you like." Closing the trunk to his vehicle, tapped the side lightly, the sensor chirping as the doors swung open,

Sitting, he let one leg dangle as much as it could out the door as he waited patiently, nodding slightly. They had a few hours left, more than enough time for him to check his bags and probably take a quick nap. That was the only downside to this mission; he couldn't sleep other than his normal scheduled bedtime.

"Yes ma'am, On the dot in about eight hours, it'll be a pretty late flight." Moving to close the door, he chuckled. "Or does someone have a bedtime?"

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Sliding into the passenger side of the vehicle, she raised an eyebrow in his direction, her expression again reading as unamused.

”You do not get off that easily, love.”

She settled into the seat and watched him from her peripheral vision as she considered. They been assigned the mission and as much as she’d like to return home and have a word with her superior, she highly doubted that command would appreciate the disciple returning without having complete her task. No, she’d see this vacation through until the end, her ire at the unconventional way she’d found herself in this predicament something she’d have to give in to at some other time.

His teasing comment about a bedtime had her lips curled up in a grin, eyes flashing.

”If you need more beauty rest, I would not dream of stopping you.” Purposefully misinterpreting his comment with a wink, she sat back and tried to tune out the speed with which he drove them back to the apartment. ”Some of us need more than others after all.”

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

A sidelong glance would convey his also renewed amusement. Truth was he rarely slept, more so staring at the ceiling trying to keep the nightmares at bay. Feth.... does that mean we'll be expected to share a bed?

Not bothering with replying, he smiled, shaking his head. Already, she proved to be more than a match at times for his witty remarks, her word play smacking him around a bit. Internally, he groaned some, knowing this was going to be a very long trip at this rate. It was of little matter however, as long as everything got done, he could go back to being alone.

Pulling back into the garage, he unlocked the doors, stepping out and behind the car. Reaching forward, he pulled all of her bags out, smacking her hands away lightly. "I've handled you all this time so far, I think I can handle some bags." Holding up his two index fingers to show they were now tied in their little game, he smiled. "But opening the door would be progress my dear."

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Watching with amusement as he played the gentleman, she allowed him to retrieve the bags from the car with little protest. Her eyes narrowed with a predatory grin as he indicated their continued partnership in this mission of theirs. If the conversations to this point were any indication, they would have no difficulties convincing anyone that they were indeed a couple, the playful bantering and snide remarks an easy cover.

”As you wish.”

Turning on one heel to get the door to the apartment, waited as he passed through before shutting it firmly behind herself. Following him into the depths of the flat, she swiped the datapad off the counter with a raised eyebrow.

”Since we have quite a bit of time to dispose of, I should like to do some research. Is there a space I can use for both that and a bit of exercise?”

This was the perfect chance to brush up on their location and target as well as to get a few hours of saber and Force practice in. And after the night she’d had, a bit of exercise was needed to dispel the after effects of a bit too much to drink.

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]