Lost Causes

[Breanna Volsh]

She smiled at him, "You do realize that by calling me partner, and not client that all rules are now forgotten" She had wanted to say that earlier but something told her to keep quiet until this moment. She did change her tone a little though I hope you are right Orick she wasn't going to think about it right now though none of it.

Bree looked out at the boardwalk, so many shops? and the smell of food...ohhh it made her mouth water and her tummy rumble. There were many from different worlds here looking, testing, experiencing. Bree could feel the positive emotions they touched her and made her forget the morning. Mouth open in wonder, she had thought home was the only place you could find such wonderful things but now here on Naboo it seemed they too knew the meaning of have a good time.

She gasped slightly watching everyone their eyes showed life, their step showed leisure. oh oh she thought to herself. Oh they were getting out EXCELLENT! She was antsy looking.

She laughed as Orick bowed, Oooo indulge, a word with a few connotations to it. I would like to indulge, but first the boardwalk, some food? please She took his offered hand and stepped out, no one looked. She giggled this time. when he said my lady the terrible romantic side of her blushed. The taxi drove off and Bree stood there looking around. She just started drifting now looking over to make sure Orick was with her, in that instant she knew she could not lose him now, she reached back and grabbed his hand her emotions filtered to him. Happiness. Wonder. Love. Positive life affirming emotions that she craved.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

He smiled as she mentioned how his rules were broken, the returning smile to her face was a welcome sight, " I know what I said. I am just hoping that you will still respect that point for me." He said, hoping that she would honor the rule regardless. He needed to focus on getting the last part of their agreement completed, and he was worried that if he grew attached he would do something stupid.

" You always seem to find a way to make everything you say seem to tease me," He joked with her. "Food it is, there should be some wonderful stuff to eat along the sea, some of it was probably caught today."

Her hand was once again in his and he could feel the positive flow of her emotions, he was beginning to get the hang of being around her, it was still a struggle to keep himself in check, but it was getting easier to handle her sensual nature. She was a creature that lived to for the joys of life and it seemed that she would do anything to keep those moments intact.

The boardwalk was wide and it was made of natural wood, there were several stand alone restaurants along both sides of it. there was also a few small carts with street food being sold, most in small wrappings, that could be eaten while one walked. One such vendor professed to sell the most delicious frozen desert on the planet. Orick chuckled as he guided her over to the cart and motioned for the vendor, a bothan, to give him two. Once payment was given he handed one to [member="Breanna Volsh"] and smiled, " How can we resist the best frozen treat on the planet?"

 

[Breanna Volsh]

[member="Orick T'ane"]

The boardwalk a cascade of colors and variation of smells that could lead anyone astray, she looked at Orick, "I will do my best not to make anything hard" she paused smiled, "for you" She bobbed one direction and then the next trying to take everything in.

Tease you Orick T'ane she stopped and then got close to him I think you know quite well how I would tease you her voice was low and soft. She did it on purpose to make it impossible for him to hear her without learning closer her hand left his a single finger touched his chest that sensation of warm bath water flowed between them then she stepped away smiling.

There are so many good smells, and spices. She took a deep breath oooooo she purred.

She followed him quite easily as her hand slipped back into his the best frozen dessert on the planet, had someone ate every one of them and decided this was the best! What a job to have she thought. When Orick handed her the treat she looked it over seeing what all was on it, things of bright red, dark brown toasted nuts of a kind, all wrapped within something light white and creamy. Bree took a lick, mmmmmm it is very good! Have you tried yet?

Blue eyes watched waiting to see his response.

hmmmm

wellll......

*tapping her foot*

*biting her lip watching*

 

[Orick T'ane]

He was at a loss for words as to how she was able to do that to him so easily. one minute he was fine and there was nothing wrong, the next he was melting from her touch and she knew she could do it. He watched her as she licked the treat, even that simple action became a moment worth taking in.

He shook his head, laughing at her mock impatience at him, " No I haven't tried it yet, or before, but it looks great." He took a lick and then bit into it, taking a large chuck of it at one time. He was hungry and she was making it very hot so the refreshingly cold item was a relief to him. I'm not sure how I am going to survive the day. She's going to torture me all day with this. He did enjoy the flavors of the treat though, he wasn't sure it was worth the title of best on the planet, but it was very good.

Between bites he would look up at her and smile, wondering what was going on inside her head. " Do you want to pick a restaurant or would you like to just keep walking?"

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

When he finally did bite into it she watched him he enjoyed it which kept her happy. They walked a bit further down the way she could see there were games to play, and more food to eat. This truly was becoming more and more like home this tiny bit of a place among all the tall imposing buildings of elegance and propriety this place was indulgent of the senses. She loved it.

She probably would torture him throughout the day teasing him in the little ways she could. Watching how his eyes would laugh even if his face did not. She was trying to honor his rules. Trying.

How could she explain it to Orick how much this helped her she had to try This is almost like Zeltros people happy, doing things that give them pleasure. Look there that couple they are just holding hands and yet they radiate happiness. Then there's the children there they are filled with the wonder of something new. The man there he doesn't feel lonely here. These things are pleasure for them, do you see that pleasure can be more than the physical needs and wants of the body.

She was almost breathless taking it all in and when the final bit of her treat was gone Orick was mentioning food, "I'd love to walk more, being confined for so I just want to feel the sun, and take in everyone. I'm sure we can find more world's greatest somethings to eat as we go. Then she had a thought, unless because of all the rations you eat you want to eat in a restaurant that serves something you can't carry in your hand you carry many rations so I think you eat a lot of them. She tilted her head, this was not just about here this was his time to be off the ship to feel earthbound even if just for a bit.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

He watched her as she watched everything around her. He could feel the happiness flowing off of her like the tide flowing only a few meters from them. This was just what she needed, it was the perfect environment for her to let herself be free of the worries of what other people thought and just enjoy the moment. He couldn't help but feel good while he watched her, his eyes tracking towards whatever it was she was looking at. Her close proximity was enough for him to feel better. He wondered how long she could stay like this. Was she a battery of emotional moments? Would this hold her over for a long time or did she need the constant flow to maintain this happy moment.

"I am more than happy to walk as long as you want to walk. I promised you a day out, and it's your day to be out. Besides the food on the ship isn't anywhere near as good as this food, add in your company and it's almost a perfect day. Oh and speaking of which, " He still had the small box of credits in his pocket, which he took out and opened, " You're share of the profits. " He smiled as he took exactly half of the credit chips that were in the box and handed them to her. " That's roughly thirty thousand credits, it's not a fortune but it will surely help you once we have finished with our trip to Zeltros."

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

She looked at the box he was giving her half. 30,000 credits for what ? Trying to seduce him. Playing cards. Being his company. He was a man of his word she looked at the credits.

"Will you hold onto it for me? I tend to spend credits like water. Though since I'm now independently wealthy I will buy you dinner" She put her hand over his closing it so that he would hold onto it. She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You make it very hard to honour your rules" she closed her eyes and did nothing except kiss his cheek.

"So food. I smell something yummy and spicy this way" she wandered now following the smell to another vendor what was she to do. She was growing quite fond of him in such a short time. She did not let anything take her joy. She looked back smiling, " it's some kind of meat wrapped in a flat bread. However it does not claim to be the best only tasty." There were vegetables to be added. "Ooo what's that? And that? Oh and that?" The vendor laughed and explained with patience. "I would like a little of it all Orick what about you?"

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

He nodded as he put her half of the money back in the box. Her kiss was sweet and soft on his cheek and he could feel her genuine care for him through it. She had no ulterior motives for the kiss, just an honest way to say thank you through it.

He watched her from a distance for a second as she and the vendor had an animated conversation about the many foods that he sold. Orick could only chuckle to himself as he took a couple of cred chips out of the box before putting it back in his pocket. He smiled as she began to ask for a bit of everything, " I believe that we will both be having the sampler platter." he wasn't even sure that the vendor normally sold a sample platter, but he would today.He held up the cred chips to the vendor, who's eyes went wide as he got to work. Orick hadn't shown him a lot of credits but it was enough for the vendor to know that his day was going to be one of the better ones he has all year long. " I am not sure I can eat everything Bree, but I'm willing to try it all."

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

"I can eat lots and never gain any weight, and because I have two livers I can drink a lot" She was watching the vendor make the platter. Bree seemed to dance with anticipation looking over at Orick when it was ready "there's a table over by the beach can we go there?"

She knew he wouldn't say no. He was making sure this day was her idea of perfect. "I'm also naturally athletic." She picked up both platters, "water" She headed toward a table.

Some stopped and looked thinking that she was eating all of it, and if Orick couldn't she would. The heat of the day was nearing Bree looked longingly at the water, that was next. But. Everyone else wore very little to get wet. She had not expected that, she looked around oh they sold things. Of course. Why wouldn't they.

Bree got them under an umbrella and made a place for them to eat.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

Orick laughed as she seemed to almost dance to towards one of the many tables on the boardwalk, her smile was infectious and he could see other people looking towards her and smiling. He nodded ad he came up to the table, setting down two bottles of fruit juice. " Yes, I remember you have said that you can eat a ton and not gain any weight." He sat down and began to slowly pick at the many items on the plate, everything was rich and savory, the flavors exploding in his mouth with each bite. "Have you done much swimming in your time?"

He hadn't stopped to think that she owned any swimwear and he realized he didn't either, but he knew that was easily remedied, shops of all kinds lined the boardwalk, one of them sold something he could wear. " Is this what you were hoping for, Bree? A lovely day out at the water?"

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

Was this what she had in mind? "Yes it is lots of people, good food, and good company what else could you ask for?" She took another bite of the food, the spices pressed against the roof of her mouth giving her the full impact.

It was so good, she closed her eyes for a moment. Bree did not think she had spent this kind of time since leaving home. "When people would come to Zeltros they come in from the ships excited, and soon they are overwhelmed. Orick can you imagine coming to a world full of pheromones and people just wanting you to have a good time. If I were to lock you and me in a closet for two days you might get just a tiny bit of an idea of what that is like"

Bree looked over at the water, "So for me coming to a world where I am in the minority where my coloring doesn't stand out as much as a Chiss. This is a great day Orick. I don't know that I want it to end, but I have to remember my promise."

Her parents would like Naboo of that she was quite certain. "I think we will need to swim soon Orick. Can you swim?" Had she asked, she couldn't remember.

**********************************************

Back across the city in the warehouse of Orto Fond he was looking up all information he could on the zeltron Breanna Volsh, and what he found well he was sure she didn't want Orick to know and it might just provide the leverage he needed to convince her to stay and work for him. There were many ways in which to make a Zeltron female work, and salesperson for antiquities was no longer on the table.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

Her smile was hard to ignore. This moment was by far the happinest he had seen her since they had met in that cantina in tatooine. He was happy she was having a good time. It was the much needed distraction that would help with the stress of dealing with Fond again. He watched her eating and even that simple act was a pleasurable experience. He was left wondering again at how she could find that much enjoyment from something that was a necessary action.

" I'm not sure locking us in a closet is a good idea, well maybe to you it is, but it's bound to be too cramped for anything more than a pulled muscle" he smiled hoping that she would get that he was finally reading her back a bit. It was hard not to share in the enjoyment of a day at the beach when he spent so much of his time on the ship.

He nodded to her and replied," Don't worry, you're promise will be fulfilled. I won't let anything stop it from happening. Just enjoy the day and let that be the problem for later." He knew she was still worried, some part of her was always worried about something of that he was sure, she just managed to hide it well." Yes I can swim, pretty well too. It was kind of a requirement."

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

She laughed as she took a drink, "Oh no Orick, I would just sit on you, everything would fit fine I'm sure" She said it without hesitation. Oh he was learning to handle her wasn't he. She knew he would eventually flirt back with her.

Flirting was harmless fun, it could hint at what was to come, it could make someone feel warm and welcome, it could make them feel sexy and vulnerable, given time Orick would be able to say exactly what she needed to stay positive without having to indulge her into a day of revelry on a planet. That is unless Orick wanted to have a day of revelry to be able to enjoy what each world offered.

She had to stop herself, she kept talking like they would be together always on other trips. Truth was, once they were done going to Zeltros their journey was over. What then?

"I will not worry about the promise Orick" She was finishing off the last of her food licking her fingers making little popping sounds as each one left her lips. She took a deep breath and leaned back for a moment.

It was time for the last thing to do on their list for Naboo, "Can we swim?" She asked making sure that there was still time.

She looked over to one shop there were two that she saw that might fit quite nicely. She remembered he said he could swim, there was a dock far out her goal was to get to it once they were in the water. There were lockers right there on the beach, it seemed they had thought of everything.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

He gave her a deadpan stare as she replied to his joke. " You're going to sit on me, huh. Well if you keep eating all of this food, I'm liable to get hurt." He smiled at her as he finished his plate. There was a small trash bin not far away and he gathered both of their plates and threw them away. e was glad that she was just enjoying the day for what it was, a day at the beach. Her promise and their next adventure were things to worry about later.

"You know, you don't have to ask me if we can do things. If you want to do something, then do it. i'm not going to say no to anything within reason. You're here to have fun and enjoy your day. So lets get to enjoying it" he smiled and gestured towards the shops that sold the swimwear. " Lets go get dressed like we came to swim."

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

"Nooo you won't I will be gentle" She smiled again. He was not quite understanding so she gave him a look think Orick on your lap. She shook her head.

"Yes let's go get changed!" Bree got up and headed toward the store she looked back at Orick, "what to wear what to wear" she crossed the boardwAlk into the first store there were many differ kinds colours. She held up one then the other, then she disappeared into a dressing room. It didn't take long for her to strip out of her clothes and shimmy into a suit. Wow. It was pink almost the shade of her skin. The strings went over her hips attached to pieces of cloth which covered the correct areas. The top not much different strapless went around and covered what needed covering. She felt well naked. But it wasn't any different than the others.

She came out and did a turn in front of a mirror. She picked up a white robe and towel. Then stood waiting for [member="Orick T'ane"]. She didn't notice the looks.

 

[Orick T'ane]

He laughed at her reply, He knew exactly what she was hinting at, but he was trying to tease her, apparently she hadn't gotten the joke. "I have yet to see you do anything but be gentle, Bree" He laughed as she ran off towards one of the stores. He grabbed a pair of shorts and #was heading to one of the rooms when she stepped out. It was all he could do to not drop the shorts. She must not have realized that with the color of the outfit she close it almost looked like she wasn't wearing anything at all. He wasn't the only person to notice, it seemed every one inside the store was staring at her.

He shook his head and smiled, She's always going to be the center of attention, even if she doesn't realize it. He stepped into the booth and changed into the simple shorts he picked out. He grabbed his clothed, making sure to hide the pistol he always carried, and stepped out into the store again. He had a small scar on the left side of his ribs and a Republic marine tattoo on his right shoulder with the word "MOONRUNNERS" Tattooed around it. He looked at her and smiled, " Ready to go?"

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

She looked over at Orick "ohh so that's what is hiding under all those clothes" She wAlked over oblivious to any looks she got she was looking at his scar and the tattoo. "Yes. What's a moonrunner?" She reached over and touched it. She was walking, "did it hurt?"

They were outside headed to warm sand and Sun. She stayed close by towel in hand looking at the water. She could see the sparkle of sunlight on the water she stopped peeled away the cover dropped it all and ran into the water. In a movement she dove under the water. She came up looking around for Orick.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

He laughed at her as she approached, she had no idea the effect she was having on the other people in the store. "Yes it's what I have been hiding under my shirt. I swear yo wanted to go swimming just so you could get me to take my shirt off." He watched as she touched his tattoo. " It was the name of my unit when i was a Republic marine. Yes it hurt quite a bit. that's part of the process, it's painful at the time, but it's like a rite of passage. The pain is part of the acceptance."

The sun and sand felt wonderful, it was a perfect day to be out and about, and an even better day to have nothing to do but enjoy it. " Don't just stand there, the water isn't going to come to you." He said as he dropped his towel on the sand and headed towards the water.

[member="Breanna Volsh"]

 

[Breanna Volsh]

She was in the water and looking for him, where he was...the water was cold and yet warm. It felt invigorating and she did not care about anyone but Orick knowing where she was and what she was doing.

She finally saw him and headed towards him, "You are slow, but for somethings that will be very..." She put a finger to her upper lip as she thought of the word, all while her eyes remained on him, "stimulating"

Contradiction many would think how something slow could be stimulating, to which one could remark, think about it.

She motioned with a single finger for him to come further out, "Come get wet like me" Her hair was flattened by the water, clinging to the sides of her face, framing the long neckline, and showing the shape of her face.

She watched him what would he do next?

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

He laughed and jogged into the water, it was warm and it felt great. He slowly made it into the water until he was almost chest deep and then he plunged under the water and out of her sight. She was well aware of what she was saying to him, and he knew it. The teasing and the taunting were aimed at wearing him down to the point that she could give him what she wanted to give him. He knew what she was doing and while he very much wanted to just say yes, he wouldn't though. he had very few rules he lived by, but those were important to him.

He was under the water and swimming towards where he had seen her, she was easy to spot through the blurry water, her body standing out like a beacon through the blue water. He moved his body to take a long wide arc to get to her, as he got close he rushed up out of the water at her, grabbing her by the waist and hoisting her out of the water.

[member="Breanna Volsh"]