A Night Like No Other (Yuroic/Jairdain)

[WelshPsych]

Yuroic had gotten Asaraa to babysit Marcus for the night, promising not to hassle her to train with him and letting Caedyn off the hook a bit as her boyfriend. It was a big deal that Jairdain and him had this night to themselves for once in a good while. It was also a time where the duties of being a Master within the Silver Jedi Order felt more underhand for Yuroic. He wasn't quite sure that he was Master material but he was part of the Silver Assembly now and a fully fledged Master so there was little doubt in others of his ranking. Yuroic planned a nice quiet night between him and Jairdain in their apartment and prepared a meal for them to eat. Something small and intimate, Yuroic wasn't one for big meals out and that sort of thing, a stroll around the gardens after the meal would also be something he had planned if Jairdain was willing.

Setting the table, Yuroic checked his outfit out, he was wearing a white shirt, first few buttons undo and wearing a suit jacket and trousers, no tie as that felt too formal. This felt more natural and meant that he had at least put in an effort tonight to look his best, instead of wearing his usual lounge wear. His beard was trimmed and hair styled neatly. It was important to have this date night a good one. They had been together for awhile now but he wasn't sure that they had actually had many nights to themselves like this and it would be good to enjoy their time together. Checking he had everything sorted, Yuroic inhaled deeply and closed the box before pocketing it in his inner jacket pocket.

Grabbing the starters, he placed the plates on the table, looking around to see where Jairdain was. "Hey love, starters are ready." He called with a warm smile on his face.

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

When Yuroic had told her he arranged for them to have an evening for just the two of them, she was surprised. Lately Jairdain had taken on a more settled lifestyle. She had taught two classes and been on Kashyyyk the whole time. There hadn't been anything to draw her away from the Silvers. Maybe it was a good thing that Commenor had fallen and came under the cloud of them. This change certainly allowed her to remain close to Yuroic and she didn't waste that this time.

This night was unexpected, but she was ready to enjoy it. He had insisted she take it easy and sat on one of the chairs while he arranged everything to his liking. The smell of the food filled their home and she smiled in anticipation of the upcoming meal.

Standing up when he said the starters were ready, she returned his smile and headed to where he was waiting and the table was set for them. Standing up on her toe, she lightly planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you, Yuroic. This is a surprise and I'm looking forward to having this time with you."

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Watching Jairdain take a seat, Yuroic kissed the top of her head, rubbing her shoulders. He revealed the meal to be bantha steak tartar, with a small side salad with a light dressing. It was something slightly ambitious of Yuroic but he was glad at well it seemed to have turned out. Settling down opposite Jairdain. "It's bantha steak tartar, meant to be quite nice and high cuisine on some planets. At least the cookbook, I read it from stated that not sure if it is true or not but seemed like an interesting concept." Yuroic explained as he took a mouthful of the salad, chewing quietly for a bit. Finishing the salad, Yuroic took a glance at Jairdain.

"You look beautiful tonight by the way. I was thinking after we finish our meal that we could take a walk out in the gardens?" Yuroic suggested as he took a bite of steak tartar. He had gotten better at preventing others from sensing his feelings, so his nerves about the night were deep inside and would take a proper attempt to read his mind, to explore his feelings to figure out that he was feeling nervous about the night. He was aiming for his plans for the night to be a surprise.

Finishing his starter, he placed it in the kitchen. "Are you ready for the main course?" He asked pouring them both a glass of red Corellian wine.

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

The kiss on the top of her head landed and she tilted her head slightly to brush against one of his arms as he massaged her shoulders. Listening to what he said about the food, she smiled and nodded. It was going to be an experimental dinner and she looked forward to these nights.

"I am sure it tastes as good as it smells. Might have to put this into our routine dinners. It can only get better from here. Look at how I've improved on my own cooking. They might still be on the simple side of things, but each time they get better."

He still did most of the cooking and that was fine with her. Tonight was a treat and they had all evening together without Marcus.

"This is really good and I expected nothing less."

She said this with a smile after finishing off her first few bites. The rest of it quickly disappeared and his compliment made her feel really good. He was trying to hide his feelings and it was working. Not that Jairdain was trying to read him or anything and the conversation kept her from focusing too much on what he was keeping from her.

"Yes and that sounds like a wonderful idea. Being out in nature is always something I enjoy. We might not be able to go camping again like we did before, but a walk is good."

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Jairdain seemed to like the dish which was something to feel proud of. He had taught her a few basic things in the kitchen but his love of cooking meant that she didn't get a chance to often practicing what he showed her. Finishing the meal, Yuroic took the plates back into the kitchen and grabbed the main courses for them.

"I thought a fish course for the main meal, something different to refresh the palate for dessert." Yuroic explained his thinking, he didn't think going from one red meat dish to another was particularly exciting and tonight was about being exciting. He placed the plates down and it was perfectly cooked fillet of fish with diced lobster in a white cheese sauce. There was a sprinkle of herbs on top as well. On the side was a small bowl of vegetables, steamed.

"I remember the camping we did, that was fun. Maybe one day in the future we can go again. The walk should be nice, there's a spot that I think be perfect with the stars out and the weather being pleasant as it is." Yuroic commented as he took a mouthful of his meal.

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

He had yet to make something bad for them and this meal was a special treat. Listening to what it was, she nodded and smiled. For some reason, she kept remembering that time camping.

"You know I still have all those carvings you made for me."

She wondered if he planned to give her another such carving. That would be something to expect from him. Just the type of person he was.

"I think Marcus is at an age where he might enjoy camping too. Might have to put a leash on him."

Saying this with a smile, she started eating the main course. A bite of each, a bit of small talk and that food quickly disappeared. Patting her stomach, there was a small amount of room left for that desert.

"Let me guess, the walk is to make sure all of the calories from dinner are burned off."

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Taking the main course back, he set the plates aside to be washed later. It was something that wasn't much effort since he had cleaned the cooking equipment earlier that day. Grabbing the dessert, Yuroic looked at it. The cheesecake he made was orange with a ginger biscuit base. It was something simple yet effective in appearance and flavour. The cracks on the cheesecake were a minimal and the top had crystallised orange slices, just to add some flare to the cheesecake. Cutting two slices, Yuroic placed them on a plate with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. He was tempted to make his own ice cream but thought against it. Especially since he only wanted to use vanilla ice cream.

When Jairdain mentioned the carvings that he use to make for her, of the night sky, Yuroic smirked to himself. "Well, I haven't really travelled to many planets since we came to Kashyyyk from Voss. However, I think there are a few that I have hidden away in case you ever wanted more." Yuroic had a special one made for tonight for her but that would come later. Walking over, Yuroic placed the plates down and smiled warmly as Jairdain mentioned walking off the calories. "Oh? Well, if I was going to have us burn off energy I would get you on the sparring sands." He chuckled, "walk is just a walk dear."

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

The sight of the dinner meant very little to Jairdain, but the smell was so much more. She could tell the desert was citrus as Yuroic carried it into the room and set it on the table in front of her.

"You really went all out on this tonight. Is it special day that I am unaware of?"

Taking her first bite of the desert, she savoured the flavor and ate it very slowly.

"You have done great. Thank you."

He mentioned he hadn't left Kashyyyk since the Silver's had moved from Voss and she shook her head. Pointing the desert fork at him, she gave a small smile as she thought of something.

"Perhaps you need a vacation or a place to escape to now and then. You never did visit the place I have on Iridonia. If you wanted, we could go there."

Shaking her head when he mentioned the sparring sands, she finished off the desert and pushed the plate away.

"You know I'm no good at physical fighting. That walk sounds great though and not exercising."

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Shrugging dismissively, "is it special? I figured since this is the first night alone together we've had in a long time to do something special." Yuroic mentioned, answering Jairdain's query on the dinner. "Also, gives me a chance to be all fancy chef and you know I love being fancy chef." Smirking as he cut into his cheesecake and took a bite. He shrugged, it was good but he was thinking if there was a way for it to be better. Planning for the next time.

Looking up, pulling himself back from his distracted thought, Yuroic shrugged at the mention of a holiday. "I have Padawans to teach and being a Master and part of the Silver Assembly, I have duties here. Don't get a lot of time to vacation. Thinking of maybe visiting old Jedi worlds, like Tython?" Yuroic mentioned, he knew that Tython held importance to Arisa just as much as it did to the Jedi, which was another reason to visit.

Finishing his dessert, Yuroic smirked. "Keep saying, you only get better with practice. Plenty of blind Force Users who can fight well." Pointing it out, but he wasn't forcing the matter. "A walk does sound nicer tonight those." Standing, he took Jairdain's hand and walked to the gardens with her. "Been great being with you the last two years, you know, always grounded me Jairdain."

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

She listened to his answer and it seemed almost dismissive, but it was accurate. Chuckling a little as Yuroic gave another reason why he did the dinner tonight.

"Did you know I actually got training while on Commenor?"

He might have been thinking about what he planned for dinner next, but her vacation statement brought him back to the present. Shaking her head, she accepted his hand when he finished his desert.

"Time can be made for vacation. Your students can learn from other masters or knights for a lesson or two and your duties will still be there when we come back. I always made time for vacation or outings when I was on Commenor. Getting somebody to care for Marcus wouldn't be an issue here either."

When she had been on Commenor, Marcus had stayed with his grandparents. On Kashyyyk, there were others he could stay with. Asaraa was just one of those people and the first one Jairdain thought of.

"It seems whenever I take lessons, the teaching goes in one ear and out the other. Nothing sticks. At least, I know some basics with my saber, but that's why I hang around you."

One of the many reasons and a lesser one at that. Hopefully Yuroic would pick up on her humor and not take that comment seriously. Walking outside with their hands intertwined felt natural and Jairdain felt at peace. Something she could honestly say she hadn't felt for quite some time.

His words reinforced her feeling and as they walked, she rested her head on his arm and leaned against him slightly.

"The years have just flown by and I'm glad we have been together. How do I keep you grounded though?"

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Nodding his head, Yuroic smiled to Jairdain. "Every time I cook you mentioned you had training in how to cook on Commenor." Yuroic replied, looking at her, wondering if she missed that part of her. Shaking his head, there was little either of them could do to get her that life back, Commenor had changed and so had its people. Part of the Silver Jedi Order, with the royalty dismantled. It was a curious turn of events but one Yuroic somewhat understood.

Holding his hand, Jairdain's tone was firm on the idea of a vacation, it was something that Yuroic wasn't sure he needed at the moment. He was enjoying his time as a mentor, being a master, it was busy work but he needed that. "Take my training of my students seriously, I don't like handing them off, hated doing that to Asaraa. Even for one lesson, doesn't seem right." Yuroic commented, "like I said, maybe one day visit historic Jedi worlds be a nice trip, for now, just coming home to you is all the vacation I need." Yuroic squeezed her hand to reassure her.

Laughing, he shrugged. "And I thought it was all based on my rugged good looks." Chuckling as he strokes her hair gently. As they walked through the gardens, he kissed the top of her head, holding her hand tight. "Because without you, I would be off doing crazy things, fighting on front lines in battles where I likely die thinking I was invincible but I'm not, and wanting to come home with you and Marcus. That makes sure that I stand in the here and now, that I don't lose sight of what is truly important."

Lowering to one knee, Yuroic pulls a ring from his pocket and holds it up. "Jairdain will you marry me?"

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

Maybe Jairdain did miss that part of her life and mentioned it because of that. There was still some unfinished business there, but until Brad was found, it would remain that way. Kay had seen to the other business by disbanding the royal family and what came with that claim. It wasn't what Jairdain actually wanted with her life though.

"I don't mention it EVERYTIME, that would get rather old. Only when you go out of your way like tonight. If my cooking was all that bad, I don't think Marcus would have lived past being a baby."

This was said with that same humor she used when she gave him her reason for being with him. As for the pushing for vacation, that isn't what she was after. She knew he took his duties seriously and did not prevent him from carrying them out.

"We can do that. Visit those important sights just the two of us."

Okay, maybe she was pushing for a getaway, but only if he agreed to it. Joining him in the laughter, she was truly happy to be with him. Listening to his answer grounded her back to reality and she gave his hand a squeeze.

"I'm glad that change happened with you, Yuroic. Life wouldn't be the same without you."

What he did next surprised her more than anything in her life. He got down in front of her on one knee and held out a ring with a question. With tears of happiness in her eyes, she accepted the ring, wrapped her arms around Yuroic and nodded before she could find her voice.

"I will. I love you so very much, Yuroic."

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Laughing, shrugging his shoulders as he heard Jairdain defending her cooking skills. "Never said that you couldn't cook, just I tend to enjoy cooking more than you do." Yuroic teased her. Stretching his body, Yuroic looked around the gardens, it was a cool but pleasant, perfect night for what he had planned for.

As he fell to one knee, it seemed like forever for Jairdain to answer and no time at all. He could feel the deep well of emotions that flooded from her as he spoke, and her reply. He was so happy that she accepted his proposal, standing Yuroic kissed Jairdain deeply. Holding her close to him, looking down at her, "glad you said yes, now I have something else for you. To remember this night." He knew she wouldn't need a reminder, but it was something that he wanted to gift her. Placing the ring on her finger, it was simple and the diamond was not the biggest but it was the best Yuroic could afford. With no family, he had no family ring that could be used or passed down. Perhaps this would start that tradition in their family.

From a nearby bush, Yuroic used the Force to pull his gift to them. Placing it in Jairdain's hands, letting her fingers touch the surface. "A perfect replica of the night sky on the night we got engaged." Yuroic informed her, he had spent the time before the meal making it and then placing it away as a second surprise. "I love you too Jairdain, with all my heart."

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

"That is true. You can keep cooking for us. Besides you do a much better job than I do and come up with many other types of food. I mostly stick to easy to make things."

Allowing him to stretch, it was just after that he asked his question. Their life together, through all the ups and downs was finally coming together. He rose and kissed her which she returned. Their arms around each other, she just breathed him in until he spoke again.

"Like I would ever forget this."

The ring size didn't matter to her. Money had no meaning, though at one point in her life it had. Being the advisor to the Crown Prince required her to purchase some items and maintain a good appearance. She still cared about herself, but not to the extent she had then.

She accepted his new gift and smiled again as she ran her fingers over the figure. Keeping it in one hand, she wrapped him into another hug and sighed. His words about loving her were true and Jairdain felt the same. Her love for him had never wavered, even when she was with Brad. That was when money meant something to her.

Now all she needed was Yuroic and Marcus.

"What is Asa going to say?"

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

The ring fitted perfectly on her finger, he had been able to tell her ring size from subtle tests he did weeks beforehand leading to this moment. Kissing her deeply as he hugged her back tightly, stroking her back slowly as he breathes in her alluring scent. "I am glad that you feel the same way, been hard trying to keep this a surprise from you for so long." Yuroic admitted as he broke from the hug just for a moment.

When she asked about Asa, Yuroic could only chuckle, his adoptive daughter been pining for him to get together with Jairdain years ago, then she was curious to them tying the knot. "I think she will be jumping off the walls happy, asking all the details and demanding that she be an important part of the wedding." Yuroic chuckled. "Also, she be very excited to have a mother." He mentioned as he kisses the top of her head.

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

"You must have been practicing keeping things hidden from me so well. Either that or I've grown blind to what you project. Though I hardly think that is the case. You've gotten stronger."

She had nothing but praise in her voice. Chuckling with him as he answered her question about Asa, she nodded as well.

"I never gave a thought to a wedding. That also means there will HAVE to be a honeymoon...so that vacation you are so trying to avoid will happen!"

Her humor carried into her tone, but Jairdain meant what she said. Just the two of them should have some time to themselves and make plans for the future in front of them.

"Yeah, I look forward to telling her and feeling how she feels. When do you think that can happen?"

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]