Private Holo the Fun Be With You

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

HOLOGRAM FUN WORLD
Interacting with: Aris Noble

Zaiya practically skipped through the grand entrance of Hologram Fun World, her skin glowing with vibrant hues of coral pink, soft teals, and the briefest flickers of silvery greys -- colors she couldn't quite hide even if she tried. The swirling patterns betrayed her excitement and just a touch of nervousness. She clutched her hot pink satchel a little tighter, the tiered earrings brushing against her cheeks as she looked around at the holographic displays shimmering overhead. This place was huge.

A Twi'lek child zipped past, chasing a holo Porg that squawked and flitted through the air, and Zaiya smiled. It was hard to believe that just a little while ago, she'd been in the thick of battle on Iridonia, fighting for her life alongside Master Iris Arani and Aadihr Lidos . Aris had promised her before they split that they would go to an amusement part after that, so now? Now, she was here, waiting to meet him on what was technically her first date ever.

The thought made her stomach flip flop in a way that was equal parts thrilling and terrifying. She reached up to pat her half up hairstyle, checking to make sure it hadn't gone lopsided during her trek. Perfect.

She tugged at the hem of her iridescent white top, the shimmering fabric catching the light of the holo-projections overhead. The outfit felt casual but cute -- exactly what she was going for. Not too Jedi or too casual, but still very Zaiya in allowing her to expose her arms and as much skin for her color shifting as well as being extra colorful to show she put effort into it.

This time around, she didn't bring Domxite with her. Something about the thought of it being her first date with Aris and making sure it was just them. Domxite didn't seem to mind -- actually, they seemed more amused, and the Lovalla wondered if the droid was going to chat it up with Master Iris regarding the rather silly amount of time it took to pick her outfit today.

As it was, the studious Lovalla had done plenty of research on her own on Hologram Fun World and what one did on a date. On one hand, she had a good list of places to see, eat, and have fun in. On the other hand, the advice in those Holo magazines and such made dating seem a bit weird- like there was a whole article on how to bat your eyes cutely to the guy you liked. Why would one need to bat one's eyes cutely?

Did that do anything at all? Maybe she'll ask Aris to double check.

 

[Aris Noble]

Iridonia hadn't been a good experience, for anyone. The Assassins and their blades cut right through Aris's skin. He'd never thought about it before. Lightsabers couldn't cut through him because he could heat himself up to match them. Vibroblades didn't seem to be sharp enough. But their weapons did, without issue. Sith Swords, as he figured out after. Alchemized weaponry to be unnaturally sharp. They cut almost like a Lightsaber through other metals. Not because they burned through them, but just by how unnaturally sharp they were.

Aris could be cut. Seszil could actually cut him. It was good he'd learned not to just grab the floating sword by the blade, less he'd have figured that out much, much sooner. The ritual he saw was just as burned into his mind as well. He couldn't shake it, those thoughts, those memories. All those bodies, the ritual that was being played out. He didn't like the Sith, didn't trust them. But seeing just how far they could go sickened and worried him greatly.

He couldn't stop his mind from wandering, even as he dressed up. It wasn't the brazen outfits many considered his culture's fashion to be. Yes, he heard the comments all over about him being shirtless. It was normal back home. Not here at the amusement park, though. He'd been reading, studying more like, on everything here at Holoworld. The rides, the average wait times throughout the days, the rules. Any and everything he could up until Iridonia.

No matter how much he didn't want to be thinking about it, he was. It didn't help he could actually think of multiple things at the same time. A normal mind wasn't supposed to be able to. His? He could. Right now he wasn't a fan, especially as he stepped up to the gates of the theme park.

Or so he thought.

In fact, thinking stopped as he saw Zaiya there waiting for him. Here he was in the most simple clothing he imagined teenage boys his age wore across the galaxy to try and not be extravagant or break any rules about not having a shirt, and she looked fantastic. He was certain then that there was nothing she could dress up in that he wouldn't like. That's what this feeling was, right? This feeling like his heart skipped a beat?

All his other thoughts just faded as he offered her a bright, warm smile. And his hand. ".. So don't call me a nerd or anything but I've got all the best times to go to the rides memorized. Turns out there's a pretty predictable wave of wait times throughout the day. We can get on a few real quick if we play it smart."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

It really didn't take long for Zaiya to notice him. Her attention snapped toward the park's main entrance when she felt it -- Aris's presence brushing against hers through the Force. Warm. Steady. Her own Force aura gave a tiny fireworky ripple in response, like an excited wave of hello.

And then she saw him, weaving through the crowd with his usual calm stride, though his green eyes softened when they landed on her. He was dressed simply, nothing flashy, with his hair a little air recycler blown, but he'd clearly made an effort. Zaiya thought he looked... perfect.

"Aris!!" There was no ignoring how the Lovalla teenager shimmered in joy and excitement to see Aris Noble . From the way she bounded upon tippy toe to give an excited wave of her hand over her head, bracelets jingling, and the way she practically glowed in a splash of vibrant colors at his proximity. Nowhere else would it be evident just how much like a holo-billboard the Lovalla could be with her bioluminescence effects.

"Hey," she added a bit more breathlessly, trying to ignore the way her colors swirled into a soft blush of rose and teal, reaching out to take the hand he offered. As soon as they touched, she had to remember again to balance her mental shields, so for the briefest of moments, the skip beat and tingly joy at seeing him resonated in a heady swirl of emotions before they were dampened just enough to barely discern.

However, there was little time to focus on that because as soon as Aris spoke, Zaiya also began to blurt out what she'd researched, "So, umm, I did some research! There's this holo-coaster that goes ---" only to pause halfway and laugh at the silly ridiculousness of it all that they both had looked things up. She shouldn't 'be surprised, not with how they planned their burger buddy excursions.

It took her a few seconds before Zaiya shook her head, and she replied with a half giggle, "Okay, I won't call you a nerd if you don't call me one too!"

Then, another pause, and she looked up at him, watching him look at her for a second before she blurted out, "You look cute."

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris blinked before a brighter smile formed. So Zaiya was just as prepared for this as he was? It was certainly cute. "So neither of us are nerds, then. Just very prepared." It was good, for the both of them really. They were on the same page. That alone made him smile more, right up until she called him cute at least. There was a moment of pause in his walk as he looked at her, blinking slowly.

"Cute? I'm not- cute. Handsome, maybe, but cute? That's you, for certain. Downright adorable I'd say."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Interacting with: Aris Noble

"Totally prepared!" Zaiya quipped back, nodding with notable amused exaggeration, cyan brushing over her mottled spots in mischievous devilry.

Granted, seeing him pause and turn to say that he wasn't cute but handsome was rather amusing as well -- well, until Aris said she was downright adorable. A flush of luminescent pink and deepening corals tinted her cheeks as warmth full of the pleasure of the compliment made her giddy, her heart fluttering with joy.

"Well... you can be cute and handsome too!" she shot back, her tone a playful tease. With her free hand, she fidgeted with a stray lock of her hair by her cheek before adding a small tug of the hand interlocked with his.

"Come on, do you want snacks first or to try a ride or a game?"

 

[Aris Noble]

Cute and handsome. He could accept that. He did, even. Aris smiled warm, squeezing her hand in his before he looked out. Food, games, or rides. He had a pretty specific plan for at least one of the rides, so.. Maybe something else first. "I think I'd be cheating at most of the games here just by existing, so- A ride. Let's try the rollercoaster? I hear my dad was terrified of it, so I'm curious to see why y'know? Maybe after we can get some snacks." Then probably other rides. There was a lot they could do, and honestly he was excited to figure it all out.

"You can pick the next one. Sound fair?"

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Aris Noble

Zaiya practically skipped alongside Aris, her hand swinging his with a playful, exaggerated motion. She couldn't help the grin spreading across her face as she teased him, her voice light with laughter. "Who knows, we might find one you can't use your supersenses on!"

Her bioluminescent patterns shimmered with excitement, a vibrant swirl of gold and teal dancing across her skin. The mention of a rollercoaster had her opal blue eyes shimmering in excitement. It was different than the time they all went to the holo arcade. Of course, that memory brought an unbidden blush to her cheeks, specifically the part where she'd casually taken a bite out of Aris's churro without thinking.

Oh stars, had that bothered him? she thought, the blush spreading faintly across her cheeks and flickering onto her neck in soft coral hues.

Focus, Zaiya! she scolded herself, pushing the memory aside and tuning back into what Aris was saying. The mention of Master Kahlil being scared of a rollercoaster caught her attention, sparking a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

"Alright, deal," Zaiya replied, only to follow up with, "But wait, hold up," she said, her giddy energy giving way to a flicker of perplexition.

"Master Kahlil? Scared of a rollercoaster?" Her face scrunched slightly in amused confusion as her mottled spots shifted to pale grey streaked with light blue.

"But he doesn't seem like the type to be scared of anything!"

 

[Aris Noble]

"Yeah, mom sent me a picture they got from it." Aris reached into his pocket to pull out a holopad to start scrolling through. Sure enough, he'd have the image of Kahlil with Valery, Amani, and Alicio. The later three were certainly having fun, but Kahlil just had the calm smile of someone who had accepted their death. Aris chuckled softly as he looked it over. "He gets the same way when mom really starts flying. He gets all kinds of freaked out when ships go too fast and too wild. It's pretty silly."

He'd hold out the picture, grinning after a moment.

"Which just means you can be scared too, don't worry. I won't judge."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Aris Noble

It was weird to think that even Master Kahlil Noble could be scared of something, much less rollercoasters. It made Zaiya chuckle and shake her head.

"I guess everyone is scared of something," she replied, thinking about it after looking at the holographic picture. However, she was quick to reply, "Oh, I'm not scared of rollercoasters!" It was a bold boast, but she enjoyed technology.

"Watch you be the one who is scared!" she quipped back at him, a teasing, mischievous grin dancing over her lips as her mottled spots twinkled in cyan hues.

"Alright, let's go." She let go of his hand, but only to curl her arm around his so he could be a little closer as they bumped shoulders. They passed and weaved through the crowd, the various lights of the holographic signs and vendors painting them in cones of blues, yellows, and magentas. It almost made Ari's hair seemed as it if was dyed as well!

"How about you, scared of anything?"

 

[Aris Noble]

"I'm scared of nothing here."

He taunted right back, smirking. It wasn't the truth, of course, but what his fears were he kept pretty close to his chest. Even with them hand in hand he didn't let that leak through. Not now, at least. Aris was just all grins, near pulling her now once he caught sight of the line. Time wise, they shouldn't have to wait long if they got there now, so.

He ran. Not too fast of course, they weren't here being Jedi so restraint was important. But still, teenager excited for the ride? He absolutely was running with her hand in his.

"Come on! We should be able to avoid the coming crowd!"

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Aris Noble

Zaiya's laughter bubbled up as Aris took charge and began to run. Good thing she wore comfortable shoes this time around! No icky, yucky, sticky tar to hold her in place.

The jolt ended up musing her colorful hair as it streamed about her face and shoulders in shiny, vibrant, colorful waves. A few people gave them odd looks while others ignored them, some were about the same age or older, enjoying the sights and activies Hologram Fun World had to provide.

By the time they reached the line, Aris of course, was not out of breath, but Zaiya's heart had picked up speed and she was too busy giggling at his antics.

She loved seeing him like this.

"This place is open all the time... does it really get crowded that badly?" She asked, the pair finally slowing down as they settled into their position within the queue. Two Rodian girls and a Zeltron male teenager were ahead of them, wearing some really fantastic clothing, chatting about a local concert they went to.

A thought came to mind.

"Ever been to a concert, Aris? Do you have any bands or music groups you like?" She wondered if he listened to a particular genre of music. It wasn't something that came up, and the aurel dampeners she made for him allowed him to play whatever music he wanted directly into his ears without bothering anyone else.

 

[Aris Noble]

"Yeah. People like chilling with the crowd, turns out. They see a group, decide to follow. Or something like that." That's what he read, anyway. That was enough for him to at least try and figure out the groupings and best path. There was a place he was planning to go, no matter what, when the time came. He tilted his head though, glancing to Zaiya. Concert?

"Oh! No, I haven't been to one, no. I like rock, but there's not like a band I really listen to. Do you have a favorite?"

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Aris Noble

"I haven't been to one either... I was too busy with school and really didn't have anyone to go with, so it never came up," That was the issue with being raised at the University with Professors as guardians and not many people Zaiya had been able to get close with. The natural gravitas of her Lovalla nature and not wanting to make others uncomfortable had been a struggle to balance that Zaiya had done her best to try and not make anyone uncomfortable. But that also meant she didn't push opportunities unless invited to try and become friends until she met Aris.

Rock... aren't there different types of rock too? Zaiay mused, was it the more heavy metal type or the one with more cool beats? "Oh, I like anything that I can dance to." She admitted, giving a slight excitable bounce at the thought.

"So, not really a genre as much as anything that makes me feel like swaying or singing along with it." she added with animated gestures, as if already recalling a particular song that made her sway to the beat.

"But then again, your ears might not like how loud a concert might get, I guess?" he was super sensitive to noises and sights and probably would feel the rumble of the music vibrations right through him!

 

[Aris Noble]

"It's not that loud. Sonic things mess with me lots more than they would for others, but I can handle loud noises like a consort, probably." He could handle the screams of joy and the sounds of the rollercoaster they were beside, at least. Aris snickered at her bouncing though, his smile soft. She really did like to dance. Explained why she was so keen on getting better that night at the ball.

"Maybe we should go to a concert next, you and me. That sounds like it could be a lot of fun."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Aris Noble

Zaiya caught Aris's snicker, the corner of his mouth quirking up in that way that told her he wasn't even trying to hide it. It was so not fair how every time he did that it made her heart give a little giddy flip.

So, not fair!

"Oi! What's so funny?" she shot back, nudging his ribs with her elbow. The playful jab wasn't much, more teasing than anything; the ripple of mischievous cyan that lit up her iridescent stripes made it clear she was enjoying herself. But then he mentioned going to a concert, and everything shifted.

"Wait, really, really?!" Zaiya's voice pitched higher, a delighted squeak slipping out as teal bioluminescence shimmered across her skin. The excitement was instant, practically electric, and she couldn't keep herself from bouncing on her toes, her colorful hair swaying with the motion.

"That would be so cool!" she said, practically vibrating with energy now. Her mind raced with possibilities.

Which concert? What kind of music? Could they really make this happen?

She paused just long enough to throw a sly grin his way, the cyan on her skin now streaked with playful shimmers of teal.

"Don't worry... if I do end up dancing, I won't step on your toes this time," she teased, reminding him of the Jedi Gala and the bet he'd won at her expense. It was impossible not to laugh a little at the memory. Well, mostly at herself.

 

[Aris Noble]

Seeing her bouncing around on her toes, the excitement on her face and in her colors, Aris couldn't help but grin in turn, wider still now that he knew how much she agreed it'd be fun. All he really wanted was to have fun with her. After everything they'd gone through, after all the dark places they had to face, why wouldn't he? And yet, it was the sly grin as she mentioned she wouldn't step on his toes that had his mind blank for a moment.

A very short moment before his grin shot right back as he leaned over. "Sounds like my knight is trying to hit me with another dare, huh? And she hasn't even made good on the last one she lost." He was speaking to speak, at this point. His hand squeezed hers again, just a little, as he tried to keep his mind from racing. There was no hiding the blush on his cheeks, the burning sensation brought with the fluttery feeling that grin of hers made him feel.

The nervousness that bloomed for his whole plan for the evening.

Thankfully, a throat was cleared beside them as they were next in line to get in the car of the rollercoaster, and before he let that fluttery feeling show any more than the red of his ears and the red on the back of his neck. He let go of her hand to get in his own seat, still grinning with excitement. This one was supposed to be the fastest, right?

"Remember to smile for the picture when it comes around, yeah? If you forget we'll just see your scared expression." He flashed a teasing grin as he plopped down, looking right up at her.

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Aris Noble

Wait, was he blushing? Why was he blushing?! Zaiya didn't have time to dwell on it as they were ushered forward to move forward and take their seats. She sat right beside them, the security chest piece brought down to secure with a soft click. A rush of exhilaration and anticipation flowed through her, giving her tummy a fluttery, giddy feeling.

"I am always up for a wager; It's a way to test out my skills and show you I can land on top!" She shot back with noticeable mirth, a pulsing giddy wave resonating over her mottle spots in an ombre of mischievous cyan, playful teals, and amused light blues.

"However, I am a woman of my word! You just haven't told me what it was that I had to make good on the last bet yet! " She reminded him, giving the security clasp a little wiggle, then added when she turned to peer over at him.

"So, what is it then?" Zaiya quipped back, not about to back down, as the attendants began checking to see if everyone was strapped in securely.

 

[Aris Noble]

Ah, crap. He fell into that trap. Bringing it up only made her curious what it was. He knew what he'd ask now, but he couldn't just tell her yet. At the same measure, he didn't want to lie either. His brow furrowed some in thought, in confliction even as he leaned back in his seat to make sure the straps were on properly. "I can't tell you yet." Aris wouldn't lie to her, not to Zaiya. Not about their bets.

So, he grinned, looking right to her just as the coaster started it's rise up. The type of grin that was more just a happy, bright smile.

"But I'm asking for it today. So just be patient for me a little longer, okay?" Then he looked ahead, just as they reached the top. Just before the first drop. "For now, smile! We're starting!"

He barked out a laugh as they crested the top, and the first drop was hit. Aris was all laughs as they rushed through the ride, through the flips and twists. It was fun. Maybe a little slow for him, but he could feel just how much force was put in each turn. It was just that.

Fun.

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Aris Noble

Zaiya narrowed her eyes, watching Aris with playful suspicion. He was definitely plotting something. She could see it in the furrow of his brow and the way his lips quirked as if holding back a laugh. Whatever it was, she was sure he was clearly excited about it, and Zaiya trusted him enough to know that whatever he was cooking up was probably silly, maybe even hilarious.

Still, she couldn't help but tease him. "You've got that face again," she said, her voice light as she rolled her eyes. She let her legs swing freely as they sat, her feet kicking against the air beneath the ride's platform as they neared the crest.

"Alright, fine... but I'm telling you, you are going to -- GAH!" Her words dissolved into a startled scream as the ride suddenly launched forward, the momentum yanking her out of her teasing and straight into an adrenaline packed whirlwind.

The first drop hit her like a shockwave, and she couldn't stop the loud, delighted yell that escaped her lungs. Her colorful hair whipped wildly in every direction, the loops, twists, and turns flinging her back and forth in her seat. That freefall sensation in her stomach made her heart leap, and before she knew it, fear melted away into pure, unbridled thrill.

Her colorshifting patterns came alive in response, bright ripples of teal, pale blue, and vibrant yellow flashing across her skin like a living light show. The energy of the ride coursed through her, invigorating every nerve and washing away anything but the pure rush of the moment.

Then came the flash of a holocam.

By the time the ride slowed to a stop, Zaiya was still catching her breath, her cheeks flushed, and her skin still glowing faintly with lingering excitement. But as they exited, the holopicture display appeared, and her jaw dropped.

There it was: her face, frozen midscream, hair flying in every direction, her mottled cheeks bright and chaotic with misfiring colors, her eyes squinted shut, and her mouth wide open in pure, undignified terror.

She groaned, slapping a hand over her mouth as a laugh bubbled up beside her.

"Oh stars, no! Don't look!" she groaned dramatically, moving forward as if to hide the picture from Aris's eyes. She had yet to see his portrait, but she was being silly for now.

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris's expression was pure thrill in the picture, a wide, almost crazy smile with how much he enjoyed the twists and turns and drops and.. All of it. He smirked though, glancing to Zaiya as he did very much look. Seems he was right that she would be a little scared. Seeing it as a still picture though when he knew her skin would've been rippling with colors just made it a little funnier to him.

To the point he snerked out a laugh before he caught himself.

"You look good as always. Even scared." He teased, grinning wide down towards her.

"Why don't you pick the next thing we do? So you don't get scared again, mm?"

Zaiya Ceti