Private Girl Time

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Casual | Wedding Ring

The warm hum of Coruscant's cityscape filtered through the large windows of Valery's apartment, its glow casting a soft light across the room. Valery leaned back into the plush couch, her legs tucked comfortably beneath her, a glass of wine in hand. She was relaxed, her hair loosely framing her face as she turned to Ala, one of her closest friends since her recovery from stasis.

"So," Valery teased, a playful smirk curling her lips as she swirled the wine in her glass. "Met any cute guys or girls lately?" Her tone was light, but the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her genuine interest in Ala's life. They'd been catching up for hours, falling into the easy rhythm of friendship as if no time had passed since their last meeting.

The couch was a familiar space, worn in by countless conversations and quiet moments. Tonight, it felt alive again, a testament to their enduring bond. Valery set her glass down on the low table and leaned in slightly, her elbow resting on the couch's arm.

"Come on," she added with a mock-serious tone, her grin widening. "You know I'm living vicariously through you."

Ala Quin ​

 

[Ala Quin]

How many hours had passed since the 'quick hello' had begun? How many glasses of wine had they had? Ala was sure she had lost count on both. It was getting late, but it finally didn't matter. Ala had relaxed. Right up until Val pressed her on the relationship angle.

She stood up from her part of the couch, leaving Val behind as she went to fill her glass up with water this time. The action was as much about getting something non-alcoholic as it was getting away from Val as she leaned in, prying.

"And I live vicariously through your marriage and family!" Ala blurted out, louder than intended.

She smoothed down her skirt nervously. And sipped the newly dispensed water. It was a disappointment given the sweetness of the intoxicating beverage of which they had been partaking. Too much of in Ala's case. She usually did not drink, at all.

As she walked back to the couch, she found herself reminiscing about the day she had found Val in her cryo-pod. That was a good day for the galaxy.

"Nothing to report..." She finally said as she folded her legs under herself and sat down on the couch again, "I am...hopeless...when it comes to romance. Haven't had any...luck..."

Her eyes wandered to the window and the city-planet beyond.

"...Zakk died over 900 years ago...sometime after I got frozen...Ayla...she has been missing for so long. And we barely knew each other...neither got to be super serious...I mean...Zakk and I...we were just kids...really."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Casual | Wedding Ring

Valery laughed softly as Ala's outburst filled the room, her amber eyes gleaming with a playful mischief. She leaned back further into the couch, stretching her arms out along the top, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Ah, come on, Ala," Valery teased, her voice light and lilting, the wine clearly loosening her usual sharp edge. "You can't live through me forever! Besides, you’re a catch — smart, beautiful, a Jedi Master. Someone out there is just waiting to be charmed."

She leaned forward, propping her chin in her hand, a sly smile creeping across her face. "Maybe you just need to let me be your wingwoman. Imagine it: the Grandmaster setting you up on dates." Valery giggled at the thought, clearly tipsy, then lowered her voice conspiratorially. "I’m a great matchmaker, I promise. We’ll find someone who’s worthy of you."

Her gaze softened as Ala's tone shifted to something more wistful. "But seriously," Valery said, reaching out to rest a hand gently on Ala's arm. "It's okay to take your time. Love isn’t about rushing — it’s about finding someone who fits, no matter how long it takes." She squeezed Ala’s arm lightly, then added with a smirk, "But if you ever do meet someone, I expect all the details."

Ala Quin ​

 

[Ala Quin]

"Take my time...it's been over 900 years," Ala said, the sparkle in her eyes dimming just a little. She tried not to dwell on these things. Strong. Independent. All that stuff. But still. She thrilled in sharing with others, and to find someone to share so intimately with...it seemed like a new frontier, one yet to be crossed.

Her head felt light, her eye lids even more so.

"Seriously. It may take someone with your sway just to get me a second date with someone," Ala said, wincing. Her finger circled the top of her glass. She laughed at the ringing tone it made, and instantly felt a bit silly for being so easily entertained.

"I even signed up for Zinder..."

She sipped her water quickly and looked away from Val to avoid her friend's open judgment.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Casual | Wedding Ring

Valery's eyes widened in exaggerated delight when Ala mentioned Zinder, and her playful grin grew even wider. She gasped, dramatically clutching the fabric over her chest as if her heart could barely handle the revelation. "Zinder?" she drawled, her voice a mix of scandal and amusement. "Ala, you’ve been holding out on me!"

Without hesitation, Valery shuffled closer, her movements a touch clumsy from the wine but still elegant enough to seem intentional. She crawled across the couch, sinking into the cushions beside Ala, and draped her arm firmly around her shoulders, pulling her close.

“Alright, listen up,” Valery said, her voice soft but brimming with determination. She gave Ala a reassuring squeeze, her amber eyes sparkling with warmth. “You are not waiting another 900 years for a decent date, got it? I’m on the case now, and trust me, when I'm involved, matchmaking becomes an art form.”

She leaned her head against Ala’s briefly, letting the weight of their bond fill the space between them. “We’ll find someone who sees how incredible you are. And until then…” She raised her glass, still filled with a hint of wine, and clinked it gently against Ala’s water glass. “We’ll just enjoy girl time~" Herr tone softened and her lips spread into a grin.

Ala Quin
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[Ala Quin]

Her head tipped back, leaning on Val's arm. She closed her idea and groaned. "Don't set me up with any weirdo's and I am perfectly fine if they aren't a Jedi...even someone from the Corps...just...no rich people please...I mean...not those kind of rich people...you know...the one's that know nothing but the easy life?"

Ala found herself leaning into Valery a little, folding her arms across her chest as she leant on her friend in more ways the one. She opened her eyes, and looked at her friend. It had been a long time since they had been able to spend time together. It felt good.

She wasn't sure if it was the wine...no...it was definitely the wine. She found herself searching her friend's eyes.

"Just find me someone like you...but single..."

Her cheeks went deep read and her eyes opened wide.

"Aaaaaaah..."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Casual | Wedding Ring

Valery's eyebrows shot up, and her lips curved into a slow, mischievous grin. "Like me, huh?" she teased, her voice lilting with playful charm. She gently nudged Ala with her shoulder, her warmth infectious. "Well, I don’t know, Ala. You sure you can handle someone this fiery?"

She leaned in even closer, her amber eyes glinting with mischief, their faces just inches apart. Valery's fingers lightly traced patterns on Ala's arm, her touch light and teasing. "But hey, I’m flattered," she continued, her voice a soft purr. "Maybe I should find you someone with my... qualities. Someone who can keep up with you and handle all that spark."

Valery's grin softened, and she gave Ala a little squeeze, "Don’t worry, no weirdos or pampered nobles. Just someone who can make you happy." She raised her glass for another toast, her eyes twinkling with affection and playfulness. "I'm sure we'll manage."

Valery let out a soft laugh, her breath warm against Ala's skin. She held her gaze for a moment longer, letting the weight of her words and the closeness of the moment sink in. "Until then, we have our girl time. That’s pretty perfect too, right?"

Ala Quin ​

 

[Ala Quin]

Her skin felt on fire beneath Valery's touch. The alcohol was having a greater affect on her than she had admitted. Her head spun slightly, despite her body being rigid and stiff. She didn't move or speak for fear of incriminating herself further. She let Valery do the talking...

Ala's eyes darted too and fro.

She should leave. Her mind was not where it ought to be.

Ala's lips parroted Valery's words, even as she struggled with the reality that Valery had not withdrawn and put distance between them, but had in fact drawn closer.

She did not full process her next action. In fact, she did not comprehend it until afterwards. After what? After she had leaned her head forward and quickly pressed her lips against those of Valery, cutting off her words. It lingered for a moment too long, before she pulled away, and winced with dawning understanding.

"Ah...crap."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Casual | Wedding Ring

Valery’s playful demeanor shifted in an instant as Ala’s lips met hers. Her amber eyes widened briefly in surprise, but she didn’t pull away, frozen by the sudden move. When Ala broke the kiss and muttered, Ah… crap, Valery blinked, her mind catching up with what had just happened.

“Ala…” she began, her voice tender, the teasing edge now replaced with sincerity to hopefully keep her death friend at ease. “It’s okay. Let’s just… take a breath.”

Valery leaned back slightly but didn’t let go, maintaining their closeness. “You’ve been through a lot and I know how much you want the right one. Emotions get tangled sometimes,” she said with a soft smile. “We've...also had quite a few drinks." She chuckled and let her words hang in the air, giving Ala a moment to process while her own heart raced quietly beneath her calm exterior.

Wow.

Ala Quin
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[Ala Quin]

Despite Valery's reassurances, Ala pushed away and stood up. She felt a little light on her feet. No. She was an idiot. A drunk idiot.

"You are too kind, even now, Valery," Ala said, her cheeks a deep shade of red.

Her hand took the back of the couch, as she steadied herself to make an exit. "I shouldn't have done that...it was wrong...I am sorry."

Her glass was placed back on the bench, too quickly, and it accidentally tipped, smashed and spilt all over the counter.

The pang of loneliness hit her deeper than ever before. Had it been what drove her in a drunken stupor to kiss one of her closest married friends. The sparkle of life was gone from her eyes as she made her way to the door.

"I will be leaving Coruscant for a while...I think..."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Casual | Wedding Ring

Valery's expression softened as she watched Ala retreat, her movements heavy with guilt and self-doubt. Without hesitation, Valery crossed the room, stepping carefully over the broken glass, and gently placed a hand on Ala's arm. Her touch was grounding, a steady presence amid the swirling storm of emotions.

"Ala," Valery began, her voice low and soothing, "It's okay. You're feeling vulnerable, and that's alright. We've both had a little too much to drink and we're talking about feelings, but this doesn't change what we mean to each other." Ala was one of her closest friends — the woman who pulled her from that stasis pod and made it possible for her to live this happy life.

She paused, her amber eyes meeting Ala's with quiet conviction. "You've been my anchor more times than I can count. Let me be that for you now. You don't have to push yourself away or leave. Not like this."

Glancing down at the shattered glass, Valery offered a faint smile. "Stay, even just for tonight. We'll clean this up together — everything, not just the glass. Please, don't go."

Ala Quin
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[Ala Quin]

Within moments, Ala was across the room and burying her face in Valery's shoulder. Gentle tears that had been building flowed freely. She held her friend close, crying softly.

She was forty years old now. A Jedi Master. Accomplished and loved by many. She had faced down the Bryn'adul, defeated one of their Draelvasier, been broken by their leader and rebuilt herself and her spirit. She was more than her desperate longing for companionship...and yet...she still longed.

"I am so...very...lonely...Val..."

She reposition her arms, wrapping them around Valery a little tighter.

"...I am so tired." She meant it in every way she could.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Casual | Wedding Ring

Valery's arms wrapped tightly around Ala, her hand gently rubbing her back as her friend's tears soaked into her shoulder. She held her without hesitation, offering the comfort and stability that only a close friend could provide.

"You don't have to go through this alone," Valery whispered softly. She pulled back just enough to meet Ala's gaze, her amber eyes warm with compassion. "If you need to stay with me for a while, my home is yours. And we'll get out there," she added with a faint smile. "I'll introduce you to some good people. We'll find those connections you're longing for, together."

Her embrace tightened briefly before she leaned back. "I don't want you to be lonely, so please, let me help."

Ala Quin
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