Private Like Old Times

[Aldric Laurent]

Two agents undercover at a Hutt-owned casino opening. Gamblings, drinks… dancing. His thoughts were the same as her own. A way to maybe test the waters under the guise of the mission. It was hard not to be excited by the prospect.

Aldric nodded along, catching sight of the look she was giving. He had maintained his composure for the most part, but watching Valery bite at her lip activated something more primal. The agent exhaled quietly, and straightened himself back up, "...Of course. All part of the job," He assured, but there was a playfulness to his tone that indicated he found it appealing for more than that reason alone.

"No big deal," Aldric repeated, taking his final bite and pressing a napkin to his lips, "I've missed this," He smirked, the luster of his emeralds shining bright with anticipation, "You ready?"

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Outfit | Weapon | Appearance

Outfit | XoXo
Location | Coruscant
Tag | Aldric Laurent

Yes... part of the job.

It was the perfect disguise, and judging by his playful tone, there was... something more. She could feel it in the Force as well, and it made her actually excited for this kind of work. Usually, she just went through assignments because it was what she signed up for — duties and nothing more. This time was different.

"I've missed this, too," she said, both referring to working with him, and feeling the way she did. Slowly but surely, she was allowing herself to live again. To really feel happiness, and acknowledge what she wanted or needed beyond just taking care of people around her. Vera, her Padawans, the NJO — they were important, but maybe her life wasn't just about taking comfort in the protective shadow she cast for them.

Maybe it could be more?

Valery finished up her sandwich and neatly cleaned up her lips with the napkin as well, before smiling at him with newfound confidence. This is what she wanted, and she wasn't going to let anything hold her back anymore. "I'm ready, but I do have to make some preparations before we leave. I uh, will get us a hotel on Nar Shaddaa, and make sure we can get inside. You might want to get an apartment here on Coruscant unless you plan to go back to Azbrian each time?" Valery asked.

"If there's anything else you need to take care of, you'll have time before we leave. And if you need help..." she reached into her pocket and grabbed her comms device so she could give her codes. "Just let me know."

​

 

[Aldric Laurent]

His heart warmed to hear she was of a similar mind. More and more he was feeling that connection as this day went on. It was hard not to find a bit of magic in it all. After years alone, this woman descended from the sky to offer him a new opportunity. Not just for work, but maybe, just maybe… something else. It was a kind of excitement he hadn't quite felt since he was a younger man. It was invigorating.

But for now, business. Aldric nodded, "I'll look around at some places here. Probably pick up some extra things from Azbrian, tidy up, and make the move official." He smirked, and raised his comm in response to her own, "Gladly." With that, Aldric stood up from the table, "I should probably get a head start then on taking care of things, then. Don't wanna be late for our first mission. See you when I see you… Valery." His eyes glimmered, and he walked for the door. He quietly left behind enough credits to pay for both meals, escaping before she had a chance to deny.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Outfit | Weapon | Appearance

Outfit | XoXo
Location | Coruscant
Tag | Aldric Laurent

"Good idea, get settled in properly and all," Valery nodded. This, to her, meant it really was happening — his move away from the farmer life was official, and they were going to work together again. Even if she wasn't a Jedi Shadow anymore or SIA, she'd make time to work with him.

But deep down, she hoped they would get a chance to explore it being more than that.

"See you when I see you… Valery."

"Yeah... see you soon," she said, so completely lost in his emerald eyes that she didn't even notice him dropping the credits to pay for both of their meals. She was always stubborn about splitting bills or covering for others, but when she looked down at what he placed on the table, she felt herself just melt completely. For a few minutes more, she just sat there alone, thinking about what had happened, what could happen, and how it finally felt her life was on an upswing again.

"Anything else we can help with, Ma'am?" the waitress asked, which snapped Valery out of her trance.

"Hmm? Oh, no, not really. Thank you."

With a smile of pure joy, Valery left the restaurant behind and rushed over to the nearest clothing shop. It was time to get a new dress.

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