Faction [GA | Allies | Neutral] Hapes Charity Event

[Judah Lesan]

Wearing: xxx
Tag: Palm-Imer

Judah smiled as Palm introduced herself and took the champagne glass in her hand. It seemed his charm and swagger were not lost on the woman. At least he could tell himself he still had it if he wanted to. Katara would have been encouraging him if she could actually tell him what to do. She would have wanted him to move on, but the Master Jedi married his work instead.

Her people were new to the galactic stage. It was an interesting time to be out and about. With war on the horizon there would be many looking to her world for alliances and trade agreements. It was likely her reason for being on Hapes. Was she here for the Galactic Alliance or was she there to meet with the queen herself? Even at a social event Judah could not shut off his investigative brain.

She spoke as though she had been about the galaxy for some time. Bold for an isolationist people. Judah would have to ask her another time about how that came to be. It sounded as though there was a story he needed to know.

For now, he smiled.

“I am enjoying the evening as best I can, I suppose. Formal events like this are not often my scene.”

He motioned around the room. His eyes landed on a familiar pair of faces. Malcoma Hesse and her bodyguard, companion, partner, whatever Damrys was to her, dancing. Judah tried not to be jealous considering the fact they had an understanding, but they had not seen each other since before the attack on Coruscant. Judah had been concerned, but his attempts to reach her had failed due to comm relays being down.

Judah had been thrown into investigations, humanitarian work, and other duties, which had kept him away from Coruscant. They were not traditional in any sense of the word, but Judah just missed her. His emotion was not supposed to rule him, but on occasion he was just as human as every other non-force user out there.

The shadow was fallible.

His eyes settled on Palm’s once more as he offered a hand.

“Do your people dance,” he asked with a small bow. “Shall we?”

 

[Jysell Brumen]

( Danger Arceneau Holly Starstorm Tarw Rhyfelwr )
~ Fit ~

​

Jysell outstretched her elbow allowing herself to escort Danger over to the bar, it's shelves lined with libations of a million worlds, with colours and bottles in shapes and sizes one could seldom imagine. Upon arriving Jysell rested an arm on the beautiful glossy white counter top of the bar as she patiently waited for Danger to chose a beverage to her liking. As she waited she looked up and down the man the two of them stood next ( Tarw Rhyfelwr ) he wore in a turquoise and white blouse that Jysell could see herself wearing, he appeared to be chatting up the mixologist. When Jysell glanced over at the bartenders face she had to do a double take realizing she the bartender was her co-worker Holly Starstorm she scrambled to get her attention.

"You're the last person I though I'd see working here, you should of told me you were coming!" She gave Holly a quaint smile, Jysell knew she'd been going through some financial setbacks recently so she really only said the first part to not sound too stuck up.

"Find me when you get a chance Holly, I'd love a dance."

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris blinked as Zaiya took his hand. For a moment, he had almost a grin on his face. He knew somewhat how she was feeling, but like always he'd be able to directly feel how she felt through touch. Only, that never happened. There was a pause as he was pulled along. Was this something she was doing now? His expression softened. In a way, this was what he asked for. Doesn't mean it didn't feel.. Off to him.

His gaze shifted to follow hers as they traveled around. It didn't seem to bother her, the distant feeling, it seemed. Maybe that was for the best.

"Yeah, beautiful."

He settled his gaze on her again before his smile widened and he nodded. There was no reason to stress more about it, not while they were here to have fun. They could, as friends, certainly.

"I'd love to. What sort of dances have you learned?"

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Alicio Organa]

Make a Wish
Palace Fountain, Hapes
- Shan Pavond - Open -​

"Mmm. I think a younger me might've agreed with a younger you." He'd once thought that every conflict had the perfect answer, that resorting to violence meant that all other options had been expended... that everybody had good in them, that all they needed was a chance to show it... "But... as you said, with experience comes perspective."

Personal peace. Now that was a thought. "Maybe you're right. I wouldn't mind a little personal peace." A steady hand adjusted the clasp of his cape, smoothening the cloth around his mantle as he looked up. It would be midnight soon, he surmised.

"In that case, I have a trade deal for you, Master Jedi." He smirked. "I'm a politician, after all. Don't know if you heard, but we tend to like those."

"If you wish for peace for my family, I'll wish for peace for yours. Deal?"

 

[Wedge Draav]

​

Clarity hit me like a freight train.

Tags: Open

Wedge leaned over the balcony of the fancy place, in his fancy clothes. Dressed in the Alliance Starfighter Corps dress uniform, it was hard to mistake Wedge Draav as anything other than... Wedge Draav.

He held a drink in his hand, something straight, with ice in it. Brown and coarse to drink. Something that a more distinguished man would've drank. He turned his head, watching all the pretty people dance. All the pretty flowers, the lights, the drinks in hand. The laughter, the people talking amongst themselves.

And he couldn't help but look down at his hand, empty besides a glass, and smirk. He pictured hers in his for a moment.

He really did love her, after all.

Because even representing the elite of elite of Starfighter pilots and a no-shit War Hero himself, Wedge's mind wasn't occupied with drinking, dancing, or rubbing elbows with the who's-who of the Alliance Elite. No, the man had one thing on his mind, and one thing alone.

That she wasn't here, and he was. And he wanted the latter to match the former.

And he knew in that moment, turning to face the rest of the dance, that he really did want more out of his life. He wanted that girl here, he wanted to be with her now. He couldn't help but laugh to himself, leaning on the balcony at the edge of the party, looking out to the sanguine night, taking a swig of his drink.

"Girls got ahold o' you Wedge. And you don't mind a bit."

And in a way, despite his longing for that woman, he was smiling ear to ear.

 

[Ran Serys]

Hapes Charity Event: Obj. I - Hapan Ball​

Tags: Vince & Corhaa Iredunn

The Prince was a man of his word. An amazing quality for anyone to have. Ran regarded him. Ran accepted the Prince's glass of water in the cheers and apologized for her ignorance. The celebration between their glasses had been cut short though as the Lady Corhaa jumped to Ran's defense against the critical eye of the worst parts of the Hapan nobility. It was a display of nobility using their haughty attitudes and self-important stations for good. Ran appreciated Lady Corhaa's words and actions thoroughly. In the end, Glasses were raised, two Snivvian Salt Burns and a Water with Lemon, and Ran declared once again "To Royalty, Religion, and an Extragalactic Community." She then gulped her drink and set it down on the bar.

"Thank you for indulging me, Prince and Lady. It was a pleasure to meet you both, but I think I hear the dancefloor calling my name." Ran announced as it was. She could feel her toe ready to tap in rhythm with the music that played at the dancefloor below. "I will be going, that is, unless you'd like to join me?" She asked both the Prince and the Lady. Ran's body was loose and excited. There was an electricity in her energy as she was never much of a dancer in her previous life and she'd make up for that at the ball and forevermore.

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Objective I - Hapan Ball
Outfit: x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x
Interacting with: Aris Noble

Zaiya's focus was entirely on the dance floor, soaking in the joyful ambiance. Because of that, she completely missed the softening of Aris's gaze or the subtle nuances of his realization at her decision to block off their resonance. If she had noticed, maybe the tangled miscommunication between them would've finally started to clear. Zaiya never wanted to shut Aris out; she just thought she'd be a burden after he'd expressed concern about her getting physically harmed because of him. But without being able to sense him clearly, she mistook his distance for indifference, leaving her more confused than ever.

Luckily, the lively dance and sparkling lights did a great job of distracting her. Zaiya's smile grew wider, her skin shifting into radiant tones that mirrored her joy. That's when she spotted Valery Noble and Kahlil Noble dancing together -- Aris's parents, and they looked every bit the loving couple, moving with graceful ease in their elegant, shiny attire. Zaiya's eyes lit up as she watched them, captivated by the way they moved in perfect sync, their affection evident in every look and touch.

"Your parents really love each other, don't they?" she remarked with a touch of awe. The warmth between them was palpable, even without her color-changing abilities. Zaiya could read it in their body language and the way they looked at one another, a deep connection that reminded her of how her own parents had been.

She turned back to Aris, catching his question just as her expression softened, her colors shifting into warm shades of admiration, happiness, and -- if she was honest -- a tiny hint of envy. Wait, what did he mean by 'learned'?

"Wait, dances I've learned? There are different types?" Alarm flickered across her face, briefly breaking her calm exterior. Her bright colors flickered in surprise as the music came to a stop. "Oh… umm, the… regular ones?"

Was that even an answer? Zaiya glanced back toward the dance floor, suddenly hyper-aware that Aris was probably trained in all sorts of fancy dances that came with being a prince. Her gaze darted back to his parents as the music came to a stop, her curiosity piqued. What kind of dance were they doing, anyway? Whatever it was, it didn't look that complicated...

 

[Vince]

Hapes Charity Event

Speaking to Ran Serys and Corhaa Iredunn ​

With his own raised glass left hanging in the air, Vince watched as Corhaa turned to walk towards those whom they had heard gossip previously. Slowly, he lowered it to hover by his core as he watched the woman give the Hapan nobles a stern talking to. He did not follow in her footsteps. Instead, he lingered by the Jedi. He did spot the Sovereign, Palm-Imer , as she entered and offered her a mouthed 'hello' along with a bow of the head as she passed by.

When Corhaa returned, Vince offered a nod in recognition of her deed before once more raising his glass to Ran's toast.

"Of course, it has been a pleasure." he spoke, offering another sharp - but not full - bow of the head as she was about to depart. His brows shot up as she spoke of dancing. A bit of interest could be seen in his eyes but they soon turned to Corhaa instead. "The two of you should enjoy yourselves. We shall linger here for the time being. Attend to our duties." the last sentence was spoken with a hint of reluctance but he continued "Hopefully, we shall meet again, Knight Serys, either on Coruscant or on the field of battle. Lady Iredunn, should you ever wish to visit Onderon in an official capacity, please let us know, and we shall ensure that you receive a warm welcome."

With that, he offered a final bow of the head before stepping away to socialize with the next person or persons.

 

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Objective: 1
Outfit: This
Tag: Holly Starstorm

"When I was last there, I didn't see a disco rave but perhaps they might have added one since then." Tarw chuckled. He smirked as he noted the glint of adventure was still in her eyes. It was good to see that she was still excited by work and wasn't jaded by her career.

Nodding his head when she mentioned he had a good gig, it was good. He wasn't living a life of luxury working as a soldier, there would be daily dangers when shifted to fighting on the front lines but he refused to give the job up. "Tarw Rhyfelwr."

Looking around and seeing several people dancing and enjoying the music, he looked back over to Holly, "I am guessing I couldn't convince you to go on a dance with me?"

 

[Corhaa Iredunn]

TAG: Ran Serys
Objectives: 1
Outfit: Golden Yellow Dress with cape, Bejeweled Horns

Corhaa would drink her alcoholic beverage after Ran had finished speaking. Corhaa winced as the sensation burned her throat a bit, but she continued to drink til it was all gone. She gently placed her glass on the table, wishing that she had some water as well. That drink certainly was the strongest she had this night. Corhaa cleared her throat a bit as she resumed her posture, still giving a smile. She did not wish to ruin the mood of the other two with her. However it seemed that the Vince would be leaving the pair for the night. Corhaa did raise a slight eyebrow a bit, wondering why the Prince would turn down an offer to idly dance on the ballroom floor. Regardless, she did give a bow to Vince. "I may take you up on that offer, Prince of Onderon. Do please enjoy your night. I hope that you return from the field of battle unharmed."

Though the thought of a Prince having to go fight in this war, it was a bit unsettling for Corhaa. Would she be asked to make the same sacrifice if her world joins the Allliance? Corhaa was no fighter. This thought would then plague Corhaa's mind for a moment but then she looked at Ran, giving a smile. "I will take you up on that offer Ran. It would be rude of me to approach you to meet new people only to abandon you minutes later." Corhaa gave a smile as she walked to the ballroom floor, tapping her hooves gently on the floor. She listened to the music, idly swaying back of forth as she gestured for Ran to come out to her.

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Spoiler: Attire

TAGS: Hester Shedo | Open

Amelia permitted the sly smirk that tugged at the edge of her mouth to take command, a soft, yet alluring smile developing as her fangs were revealed in full for a brief moment before her lips settled once more and pursed together. The dance, their dance, as it seemed, a near-perfect choreographed duel of wits and testing of boundaries would make this evening all the more pleasant; at least the woman thought it would. With a hand extended towards her, Amelia slowly brought her own up, gently grasping Hester's hand as she offered a delicately sharp bow in which her pursed lips came to rest against the back of the woman's hand.

Those golden-yellow hues gazed up at Hester before Amelia slowly rose from the bow, already pushing the boundaries as she was wont to do. When it came to the question that was posed first, the answer was clear, a simple and resounding No. Amelia was not one to believe in coincidences, nor was she one that was willing to allow fate to be prewritten and preordained; if that had been the case, then she would have died centuries ago without the chance of happening upon such a brilliant and equally ambitious woman as Hester.

"We Shall..."

Amelia's voice danced softly upon the still air, her gaze fixated upon her companion as she permitted the background to slowly fade away as though nothing else in the room, for the moment, mattered beyond that verbal dance between the two that was to come. The anticipation was palpable, the woman already waiting for the first strike and the parry that was to follow. Amelia found herself musing on the simple fact that she was rather pleased that she had chosen to come to the gathering despite her original intention to remain in her office on Coruscant planning the next step of the Alliance's war plan.

"What has the indomitable Hester Shedo been up to since our previous meeting? Perhaps orchestrating the take-over of some forgotten planet or the conquering of a soon-to-be-erased unknown individual?"

Amelia stepped closer, closing the distance between the two as she kept a firm though gentle grasp of Hester's hand; though not so much as to prevent the woman from easily slipping away from her grasp if she so felt the need. It seemed that the two were locked in a collision course with the other, and the loser was likely to be the one who would blink first.
​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Hapes
Objective: Chill out
Tag: Lily Decoria / Colette
Attire: xx

Out of all the people to be here, Silas had chosen one of Colette's good friends.

Casually sipping away as she saw through his lies, Silas didn't look too bothered that he had been found out. There were way meaner things he could have said, but the knight thought about keeping it tame compared to some of the others that were getting spread about "Well done, you saw through my scheme..." Silas admitted before downing the rest of his drink and placing it back on the bar "It's only all in good fun, I wouldn't dare say anything with purpose."

They had both been quite hostile to each other ever since Colette joined him on their first assignment together. Even so, he still wouldn't go out of his way to properly embarrass her in front of her friends. There was also the fact she was officially a Noble, a family who he deeply respected for helping him through the roughest parts of his life. One day they'd see eye to eye, it was just going to take time for the both of them to fix what was broken.

"However, I sense that this interaction has gotten beyond the borderline of awkward so I'll be more than willing to try again some other time" he explained with a sigh "I'll be happy to introduce myself properly then, but for now by all means head straight over to Colette and say what I've just said. That's what you were going to do anyway right?" Silas said with a little bit of sarcasm at the end, knowing full well how much the girls like to chatter.

Giving Lily a respectful bow, he started to turn around and head in the direction of the fountain.

"See you around, Lily."
​

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Sipping her bubbly non-alcoholic drink, Persephone shook her head as she continued to watch Mister Shirtless ( Aris Noble ) and Colorful Girl ( Zaiya Ceti ). The Colorful Girl had hold of Mister Shirtless' hand, clinging on to him like she was clinging to a rock in the ocean tides. Persephone rolled her eyes, it appeared Mister Shirtless finally took notice of those big ol' doe eyes and smiled at her.

"Whys you clinging to him? Ain't no one want him in here but you. 'Fraid he'd run off with one of these Jedi floozies?"

Eyes looked around again and found two people dancing ballroom style ( Valery Noble and Kahlil Noble ). Having just started dance lessons herself, she was impressed. It was quite a bit of work to get the feet and body positioning just so, especially when one had a hard-ass for a teacher like she did. Persephone subtly tipped her glass in salute to the pair, perhaps she'd get there one day.

Glass drained, azure eyes searched for a waiter for another one. Not seeing anything circling the edges of the dancing, Persephone started off on her own. On her own until she wasn't paying attention, had to quickly move out of the way of an elderly matron, only to stumble in those expensive SIN Maw pumps.

Thankfully, only the elderly matron seemed to notice her stumble and she just gave a nod of her head. Her new problem is when she tried to walk normally pain shot through her ankle. Wincing, Persie tried again. Nope, she had done something to it. Tip-toeing near the wall, she slowly made her way to her brother.

Time to go home. She couldn't be seen limping about like a fool! Good thing they were staying on Gallinore...

LAST POST

 

[Palm-Imer]

B A L L​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Judah Lesan

Palm followed Judah's gaze across the room, noting the subtle shift in his expression as he glanced at a pair on the dance floor. For a moment, a flicker of something—perhaps longing or an unspoken sentiment—crossed his features. She recognized that look; it was the kind she often caught in her own reflection every now and then. His face softened again when his eyes returned to her, the ephemeral hint of vulnerability masked once more by a confident smile.

When he extended his hand and offered a bow, Palm couldn't help but smile. There was an undeniable charm to him, something both genuine and easygoing. His question about her people was laced with curiosity and a hint of challenge, which she found amusing.

"We do dance," she replied, her smile widening slightly as she placed her hand in his. "I personally haven't had the pleasure in a long time, but it seems a good a night as any to change that."

She allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor, the soft fabric of her gown flowing like water with each step. The music swirled around them, a gentle melody that seemed to pull them into its rhythm. Palm moved with a natural elegance, her steps in time with Judah's as they began to dance.

"Tell me, Master Lesan," she said, her tone playful, "is this also part of your Jedi training? Or did you pick it up somewhere else?" Her eyes twinkled with amusement as she glanced up at him, enjoying the easy flow of their conversation.

Palm was aware that every interaction tonight could hold significance. But for now, she was content to simply enjoy the dance, to let the music and the moment carry them. The galaxy might be on the brink of chaos, but here, under the soft glow of chandeliers and surrounded by laughter and conversation, they had this brief respite—there was no reason not to enjoy it.

​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Objective: 2 and 1
Outfit: Dress
Tag: Silas Westgard | Colette

She studied Silas closely, curious about the person who attempted to spread the rumour. He seemed to not wish any true ill will against Colette and it was clear there was some animosity between the two but she knew how stubborn Colette could be. While she enjoyed that trait in her friend, it was easy to see how others might not be as accepting of it. "Don't worry, I wasn't going to run off and tell her, unless you attempted to continue to lie to me." Lily mentioned, she was genuinely willing to start anew in that moment.

However, Silas decided that he rather depart for now. "Oh... if you must." Lily was disappointed, she was curious to see how he would approach a fresh start. She was also interested in getting to know new people, Lily had been training for a while on Jakku so she hadn't really gotten out much to interact with others and enjoy the time to hang out. She continued to sip her wine, "hopefully we can have a better first impression next time." Lily stated, still trying to show she was not holding his rumour attempts over him.

Especially if this was something that he and Colette did often. She did not have siblings but she knew there were people who had sibling energy, not related by blood but connected in a way where you hated the person but would defend them with your life if anyone else attempted to harm them. It was an interesting concept but perhaps that was the connection that Silas and Colette had.

"Think Colette is too busy performing for me to interrupt that. However, if you wish to return and introduce yourself to me later, please do." She gave a polite smile and finished her wine. Leaning against the bar, she ordered herself another glass of wine. Curious to see if there would be anyone else around she could interact with, perhaps someone she could dance with if there was the right song.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Tags: Zane Cameron


Katarine could feel his eyes on her as she watched the crowd. They held an intensity that she wasn't ready to meet, so she sipped her drink softly and tried to think of anything at all to direct the conversation out of these dangerous waters. His soft touch interrupted this quest and surprised her so much that her deep green eyes drifted to his own unwillingly.

"But, if I'm honest,.... All I've noticed tonight is you."

She felt her voice tighten in her throat, and though she wanted to tease him and say she suspected he said that to all the girls, she couldn't get the words out. The Nobles made this type of thing look so easy, but in reality it wasn't. Look at Connel, he barely wanted to look at Kat and that had just been a small crush. She took a deep breath and pushed that thought away. This didn't have to be serious. She was here as a representative of the New Jedi Order and socializing was on the agenda. Just because she happened to have confusing feelings for Lieutenant Cameron, that did not mean she could neglect her duties.

"Why don't we leave the drinks and go dance, eh? Make this Gala worth remembering."

"Sure." She wanted to down the rest of the alcohol to help her nerves, but figured that would be unladylike so she sat the glass down gently and accepted his hand. She let him lead her onto the dance floor where a soft waltz was playing. She placed her hand gently on one of his shoulders and resisted the urge to throw Valery another dirty look as they started to move in time with the music.

"So Lieutenant, tell me about yourself. Where did you learn to dance?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Two can play, but I'm the one who'll win you know."

As ever, no matter what they were doing it was a competition. This dance included. He set the tempo, the dips, the twirls. They lasted as long as he wanted them to, regardless of her desires or wants. As he promised, tonight was the night where she didn't have to make any choices. Not that she didn't make it alluring on her own regardless.

Valery knew just how to be that irresistible to him.

He smirked, though, as the music faded. He didn't need to be told. He leaned over, stealing a heavy kiss. It didn't matter how many people were here, there was only Valery. She was the only thing that mattered to him in this moment. Kahlil leaned up shortly after, still holding her close as he smirked ever still. Playful and happy. "Every time you say it, it feels like the first. There's nothing that makes me happier than to know you love me. Almost as much as I love you."

Valery Noble

 

[Holly Starstorm]

Tags: Jysell Brumen | Tarw Rhyfelwr | Danger Arceneau


“It’s a pleasure to meet you Tarw.”

Holly was collecting glasses when he asked about a dance. She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to leave the bar area. Just then however her coworker showed up. Holly groaned. She didn’t want anybody from work to see her like this!

“Oh hi Jysell. Fancy running into you here.”

The woman mentioned a dance and Holly blushed. Was Jysell trying to intimidate her?

“Can I get you and your lovely companion a drink? Tarw do you need a refill?”

She felt mortified and was certain it was showing. Ugh why did she have to run into colleagues today???

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Objective III - Gossip
Interacting with: Jysell Brumen Holly Starstorm Rulonom Laborr
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger inclined her head towards @Rulonum Laboor as he bid farewell and departed.

"I am sure a message will be sent soon regardin' that summit," Danger told the Viceroy, giving him a small smile. “Have a wonderful evening, Viceroy Laboor."

It would be interesting to see what the other companies think. So much was going on in the galaxy, with trade agreements being renegotiated, alliances shifting, and plans had to be considered in relation to these dynamic changes.

Turning towards Jysell, Danger took her offered arm, and they both ambled their way to drinks. It was then that they met a very familiar face: Holly Starstorm . Danger knew her well. The gala was a buzz by the attendance of reporters, each conversation adding to the social tapestry of the event. This was going to be interesting.

"A pleasure to see you again, Miz Starstrom. I do hope you've been well," Danger also provided a greeting, adding, "I expect both of you ladies have been busy... tongues certainly seem to be waggin' with interest based on observation alone." The Queen of Trade added in a quiet, amused tone, seeking to promote camaraderie with the pair, nodding towards the buzzing murmurs of the guests around them

"Any curious tidbits yet?"

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Red Dress~ | Wedding Ring

Valery's breath caught as Kahlil leaned in, his lips claiming hers in a kiss that sent a shiver down her spine. The world around them melted away — the crowd, the music, even the war looming on the horizon. There was only him, only this moment, and the warmth that radiated between them. She felt herself melt into his embrace, her hands sliding up to cradle his face as if trying to hold onto this perfect moment for just a little longer.

When he finally pulled back, she found herself smiling, her heart pounding with the same intensity as the first time he'd ever kissed her. It was always like this with him — no matter how often they shared a moment like this, it never lost its magic.

"Well," she whispered, her voice teasing but filled with genuine affection, "If it's a competition, then I suppose I don't mind losing to you." Her eyes sparkled with playful defiance as she leaned in closer, resting her forehead against his, her smile never dimming even a little, "But as you know, I'm never one to give up."

She paused, letting the sincerity of her words sink in, her fingers tracing gentle patterns along the back of his neck. "So, maybe you'll win this dance, and maybe you'll win the next," she added with a sly smile, her fingers continuing to tease every part of his skin that they could reach.

"But you should know that I have no intention of letting you win everything tonight." She leaned back slightly, just enough to give him a mischievous look, her eyes gleaming with the playful determination he knew so well. After a quick waggle of her eyebrows and a wink to challenge him, Valery leaned back in and shifted her hands to cup his cheeks.

"I'll always love you."

With that, she leaned in to steal a kiss of her own, this one soft and lingering perhaps a little bit longer — a silent promise of all the love she felt for him, and all the love she had yet to give. The night was theirs, and in this moment, nothing else mattered. When the kiss finally broke, she looked him in the eyes, tempted to steal another, but she held herself back.

For now.

"I uh, also wanted to go to the fountains tonight. Make a wish together..." she gave him that pleading look that was so hard to resist.

Kahlil Noble <3​