Private Into the Past

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery stood before the mirror, fingers delicately gliding up the zipper of her brand-new jumpsuit until it reached the top. She paused, smoothing out the sleek material with a hint of a smile as she turned to check the fit. The suit hugged her athletic frame perfectly, its glossy fabric catching the light in just the right places to accentuate her form. Satisfied, she stepped out of the bedroom and sauntered confidently into the living room where Kahlil was waiting.

"Alright, love, what do you think?" Valery's voice held a playful edge as she positioned herself directly in front of him. Her fiery gaze never wavered as she held his eyes with a mischievous smirk. Without breaking their locked gaze, she slowly spun on her heel, giving him a view of the jumpsuit from every angle. The material shifted seamlessly, reflecting her movements with an almost mesmerizing fluidity.

Pausing mid-turn, Valery glanced over her shoulder at him and arched an eyebrow, a teasing grin forming on her lips. "Is it a little too distracting?" she asked, letting her voice drop into a lower, more provocative tone. She shifted her weight to one leg, her hip jutting out ever so slightly to emphasize the fit of the suit, "You'll focus on the mission still, right?" she teased.

This was an important part of her mission prep — poking fun at her beloved husband.

"Well?" she asked, eyes twinkling with anticipation. "I want your honest opinion," she said somewhat more seriously, "I liked my old jumpsuit, but this one is a bit more... me?" She smiled at him and seemed eager to hear his response. Not just that, but going out on a mission to delve deeper into his past was also exciting. A little terrifying — knowing the things he had created — but it was always a thrill to explore with him.

In all of her excitement, however, Valery did not notice Eryx slowly making his approach, as he crawled down the hallway adjacent to the living room.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"What do I think?"

Kahlil watched Valery. Very much just watched and listened. A half smirk formed after a moment, though, not because he was going to give her an answer. Not yet, anyway. Instead, he reached down to pick Eryx up, having felt the boys approach. Much to his disdain it seemed, as he was as ever a mama's boy. "I think mama look's pretty cool, don't you? The coolest mom in the galaxy."

Who will learn what I think soon enough.

He sent the thought through the bond as he nuzzled Eryx's cheek, then finally held the boy to his mother to give in to his protests.

"It does seem more you now, though. But I'm biased as can be, as you know." He winked. "You could be wearing anything and always be beautiful to me."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery's smirk softened as she watched Kahlil lift their son, the sight warming her heart. Even with the teasing words lingering between them, the moment felt complete with Eryx's presence. She leaned in close, brushing her lips gently against Kahlil's cheek before shifting her gaze to Eryx.

"Did you hear that, Eryx? Daddy thinks I'm the coolest mom in the galaxy," she cooed softly, reaching out to tickle the boy under his chin until a giggle escaped his lips. Her eyes then flicked back to Kahlil's, a spark of unspoken emotions crossing through their bond.

Yeah, she was in trouble, but later.

"I think you might be a little biased. The new top is a bit more modest," Valery teased, though her voice had a hint of deeper appreciation. "But thank you, love. I'm glad you also like it." She paused, her fingers grazing his hand as she shifted closer, brushing her hip against his leg. With a smile, she turned her attention back to Eryx, who was beginning to squirm in Kahlil's arms. "Now, let's show this little adventurer how much I love him~" she said as she hugged him close.

But with a mission coming up, Valery knew they had to get ready and gently sat him back down between his parents. Her eyes drifted back to her husband, and she hummed in thought.

"Do you need to prepare anything before we go?" She asked, unaware that in his frustration of no longer being held by his Mom, Eryx had gotten up to his feet and walked his first steps to lean against her leg.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Whatever it was that Kahlil thought they might need was gone from his mind as he glanced down to Eryx and blinked. He stood. Walked. There were few things to cause Kahlil's expression to change as much as it did now. A bright, so incredibly happy smile had taken over as he crouched down to hold a hand for Eryx. "Look at him, all eager and ready to come with us. Not yet, little Eryx. Mom and dad have to do this ourselves. But soon, I promise."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery's eyes widened in a mix of surprise and pure joy, her breath catching in her throat as she watched Eryx take his first few, unsteady steps. "He's walking… he's actually walking!" she gasped softly, tears welling up in her eyes. She quickly blinked them away, not wanting to miss a single moment.

"Look at you, Eryx! You're doing so well!" Valery's voice brimmed with pride and emotion, her smile lighting up the room as Eryx waddled over to Kahlil with tiny, determined steps. Every few seconds, he turned his wide, sparkling eyes to Valery, a happy squeal escaping him as if to say, Look at me, Mom! I'm doing it!

Valery crouched down, reaching her arms out to him, "I see you, my cute little Prince!" she encouraged, her tone gentle and filled with adoration.

Before Eryx could reach out to her, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hall, followed by an excited chorus of voices. "What's happening?!" "Is Eryx walking?" "We want to see!"

The triplets rushed into the room, nearly colliding with each other in their excitement. They skidded to a stop, wide-eyed and beaming as they watched their little brother take his first steps. Valery laughed softly, her heart swelling even more at the sight of her children gathered together, sharing this precious moment.

"Love, should we get the camera?"

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

As if Kahlil didn't already have a video camera out. The moment Eryx started to walk more on his own, the moment the Triplets came into the picture, Kahlil was crouched down and recording every moment. The mission, the goal, that all could wait. Right now, he just wanted to be here. His smile on grew as he glanced to Valery, knowing she felt the exact same.

"They'll always care for each other. As they should."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery's eyes sparkled as she watched Kahlil capture the moment, her heart swelling with pride and love for their little family. She crouched down to the kids' level and opened her arms wide, instantly drawing their attention.

"Come here, my little warriors!" she encouraged with a warm smile. Eryx squealed with joy and waddled over as quickly as his tiny legs could carry him, while the triplets, full of energy and excitement, dashed forward to join him. Valery wrapped them all up in a tight embrace, holding them close as they giggled and squirmed happily.

"You're all doing so well!" she praised softly, brushing her fingers through their hair. "Eryx, you're walking so strongly! And look at you three, helping your little brother," she added, her smile growing wider as the triplets gently held Eryx's hands, steadying him with their own tiny grips.

After a few more moments of this heartwarming scene, Valery leaned in closer and lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know what I think we should do next?" She glanced at Kahlil, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I think you should all go tackle Daddy! What do you say?"

The kids' eyes lit up with excitement, and before Valery could even finish speaking, they broke free from her hold and turned to face Kahlil. Giggling and squealing, they launched themselves at him in a burst of energy, their little arms outstretched as they shouted, "Get Daddy!"

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil burst out into a laugh as he caught all of them, letting the camera settle on the table as he hugged each of them to his chest as tight as he could without hurting them. Gently he'd set them down, patting each of their heads as he smiled ever so faintly. There was nothing more important than his family. He couldn't say otherwise, wouldn't, even. This was who he was.

"Be good, you four, while me and mom are away. We won't be gone long a tall, so think about what you might want for dinner, yes? I'll make it for you when we get back."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery's smile softened as she watched the kids swarm Kahlil. The warmth in his voice whenever he talked about their family or the mission ahead made her heart swell with affection and pride. It wasn't easy for either of them to balance Jedi duties with being parents, but moments like these were worth every challenge.

"Pancakes!" the kids chirped in unison, their voices filled with excitement.

Before Valery could respond, a blur of motion suddenly appeared behind Kahlil. Fuzzy, Vera's Racyon, launched himself at Kahlil's back, tackling him playfully. The kids giggled and took the opportunity to rush in for another tight hug, wrapping their little arms around him with all the strength they could muster.

"Good luck, Mommy and Daddy!" they all chimed together, their small voices brimming with love and hope. The very thing that made everything worth it, to Valery.

"Love?" Valery asked, overwhelmed with affection for her kids, "Can we get to the Bastion?" She wanted to talk a little before they took off together.

"You guys listen to Vera and Aris, and be nice to each other, okay?"

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil snickered softly as he reached back to pick up Fuzzy up to idly scratch the trash panda's stomach before setting them aside to pat the heads of his children. They weren't going to stay here too much longer, but he couldn't resist affection. Pancakes it was going to be for dinner. He glanced to Valery, snickering as he did. "How else would we get there?"

With that final little pat he stepped away from his kids to head with Valery to the ship. They'd behave, as they always did. He couldn't be happier to have this family.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery’s gaze lingered on Kahlil for a moment longer, her heart swelling with warmth as she watched him interact with the kids and Fuzzy. The way he balanced being a father with the weight of his responsibilities always amazed her. For just a brief second, she felt a surge of gratitude for the life they had built together, despite all the challenges.

When he mentioned getting there, a small, playful smirk tugged at her lips. “Oh, of course. It has to be The Bastion,” she rolled her eyes, teasingly. “It’s not like we could have taken my shuttle.” She glanced back at the kids, gave them one last wave, and then turned to lead the way toward the light-freighter.

The Bastion was much better than her shuttle, but she had to make a point, of course.

As they walked side by side, Valery glanced up at Kahlil, her expression softening again. “Are you ready to step back into your past with this mission? You don't usually seem to mind, but it can be hard, right?" she asked, her voice gentler now.

"To me, uh, it's exciting to be out and about together. No matter the challenges."

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Were I younger, yeah, it'd likely be hard. But now? Not so much at all. Sides, this isn't even one of my old labs. More like, one of the places I'd wanted to visit when I was still Sith." Still, he agreed. It was good to be out and about again. He reached over, taking her hand in his as they went up the ramp of the Bastion. It'd felt like it really was much too long.

"So, lets get on with our adventure, mm?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery’s smile widened as she squeezed his hand gently, taking comfort in the warmth of his touch as they moved up the ramp together. “I know you’ve gotten over much of your past,” she replied softly, her gaze lingering on him as they entered the familiar confines of the Bastion. “But I just wanted to make sure."

She knew he could handle whatever came their way, and having her by his side would only strengthen that resolve.

As they approached the cockpit, she let go of his hand and moved ahead, a sudden burst of energy fueling her steps. She turned around in front of the pilot’s seat, blocking his path with a teasing smirk. “Actually, love… why don’t I fly us this time?” she suggested, folding her arms as if daring him to argue.

“I know, I know,” she continued quickly, holding up a finger to stop potential protest. “I got the paint scratched just a little that one time. But you know what? I can handle it just fine.” Her expression softened slightly, but there was still a touch of mischief in her voice.

Valery stepped closer, leaning up slightly to brush a kiss against his cheek before sliding into the pilot’s seat herself. She looked up at him with a playful grin and raised an eyebrow. “Unless, of course, you’re scared I’ll show you up?”

Her fingers hovered over the controls, waiting for his approval, eager to see if he’d give in — and to prove herself all over again.

She was playing a dangerous game.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

It wasn't often he thought about the fact she'd scratched the Bastion. It was an easy repair, and one he did basically immediately once he'd found out. Jedi were supposed to be above owning things and keeping them treasured and the like, but there was no chance he wouldn't. It was his first ship, his first real home. Where he'd brought his wife, his children, everywhere they needed to go.

The Bastion represented everything to him that he cared for.

So, his brow twitched. It was a subtle thing, but the smile he showed his wife was far from the usual, calm one he had. "You've already scratched it once. Vera is already a much better pilot than you with the Bastion."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery’s smile faltered ever so slightly, the playful glint in her eyes dimming as his words settled in. She glanced away, her fingers still lingering on the controls. It wasn’t the comment itself that stung — she knew he loved teasing her — but the insinuation behind it. She had flown the Bastion hundreds, if not thousands, of times without a scratch, and yet… all it seemed to come back to was that one mistake.

“Really?” she murmured softly, a hint of genuine hurt breaking through. She looked up at him again, a small frown forming as she tried to keep her voice steady. “That’s what you think? I’ve been pilot alongside you for years. I’ve handled this ship in storms, asteroid fields… You name it. But one mistake and you don't trust me anymore?"

Valery turned her gaze back to the viewport, exhaling softly to keep the emotions in check. “I know I scratched it once, but… I’ve done a lot more than that. You know I love this ship, too. It was also my home when we just got Vera, and I took care of it when I thought you were dead because it meant so much fo you, and thus to me.”

Her grip on the yoke tightened, but then she slowly released it, leaning back into the seat. “But I know how much more the Bastion means to you, so it's your decision.” She trailed off, trying to offer him a more playful smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"A fighter and a freighter are two very different ships, you know. I don't think there's a better fighter pilot in the Order than you, and very few who come close." He chuckled lightly as he reached over to ruffle her hair. Grinned, even, as he did. "For the one who brought this up though you seem all hurt and bothered by it. All I said was Vera's a better pilot with this freighter. You feel really bad about the scratch, don't you? You really don't have to, you know, right?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery blinked, a wave of realization washing over her as she absorbed his words. He was right — she had brought up the scratch, and she was overreacting to his playful jab. She sighed softly and shifted her gaze to him, a small, apologetic smile tugging at her lips.

“I… guess I am being a bit sensitive,” she admitted quietly, leaning into his touch as he ruffled her hair. “I just love this ship as much as you do, and I never want to damage it again. But I know you didn’t mean it that way. I’m sorry.”

Valery reached over, resting her hand gently on his. “Maybe I’m just a little too competitive for my own good sometimes,” she chuckled, finally easing back into the lighter mood. “So, how about you take the pilot’s seat and show me how it’s done?”

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"No matter how competitive you get you do always prefer it when I'm the one showing you how it's done, mm?" Kahlil just smiled, a soft, knowing smile no less at what he said. He took a seat beside her though, motioning to the controls. She wanted to fly, he wasn't about to stop her. This was as much her home as it was his, after all. And, well. If she messed up at all taht meant more teasing from him.

He couldn't resist the urge to tease his wife, after all.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery's lips curled up into a playful grin at his comment, her fiery eyes sparkling with mischief. "Keep teasing me like that, and I might just have to punch you," she said, her voice low and taunting, though there was no real threat behind it. She reached over and gave him a light nudge, laughing softly.

"I love you, silly."

With a practiced hand and a smile that couldn't fade, she took control of the Bastion's controls and felt the subtle vibration of the engines beneath her fingertips as the ship lifted off. Valery's concentration was evident as she guided them smoothly out of the planet's atmosphere, a focused expression settling over her face. It wasn't long before they were drifting up into the dark expanse of space, stars twinkling like tiny pinpricks of light all around them.

"Never seen a jump to Hyperspace this smooth~" Valery smugly stated before she spun in her seat and faced her beloved husband. A husband still in punching range.

"Alright, love," she finally asked. "Where are we heading this time? A specific planet or are we following our senses?"

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Oh you'll try, but you haven't really won a spar yet have you?"

Oh yes, he was teasing again. He didn't even hide it this time, just flashing a cheeky grin her way even as she took the controls to get them out of atmosphere and into the stary sky. He smiled faintly, his gaze drifting off just for a moment to watch it. The stars as they traveled by. He glanced again to his wife, again smirking even before he leaned back in his seat.

"Following our senses is always good, you know. I've a vague feeling on were to go."

Valery Noble