Puzzle Pieces

[Anara Valnor]

Once she'd almost hated when he called her sexy, but now it brought a light smile to her lips. Gazing up at him Anara considered just walking away, letting her past go. Why did she even need it? She couldn't change it and it only seemed to weigh her down.

"I don't know," she admitted with a sigh, the idea of letting her past go slipping away. She had some demons she needed to put to rest before she let it all go. Maybe once that was done she could focus more on the future...if such a thing was possible for her.

"More walking I guess," she finally decided, slipping one of her arms through his. The pace she set was slow and again she let her feet decide where they went. "Ever been here before? To Onderon I mean," she asked after a long stretch of silence, amber orbs flitting from one thing to the next.

"I don't think I visited very often after I joined the Jedi..."

 

[James Justice]

Just walking. Walking. It was a thing that James hadn't done with a woman since--he stopped himself. That didn't need to go any further. For all his time with women there were so many romantic things that he had forgotten he missed. This was one of them. There was just a simplicity in not having to be somewhere and do something except take in the view, enjoy the smells and sounds, if Onderon had any that could be enjoyed, that is.

James let himself bask in the presence of Anara. A typical male, he didn't have to say a word to be happy in his time with her, it was a trance-like enjoyable state that helped remove his self-loathing for a time. But what were they at this point, the spacer wondered. Friends? Friends with benefits? Boyfriend/girlfriend? Dating? What would constitute as a date? Would this be one? He partially wanted to ask her what they were in a relationship. However, most of the spacer knew that such a defining question could more than shatter her memory walking. Or shatter any chance he had of being her's and her's alone. It was best not to take things to quickly, after all. But, well, how slow was it when you had sex in the shower? Her question pulled him from his ruminating.

He nodded and answered vaguely, "Aye, been here a few times."

His eyes took a look around, gathering his own thoughts before giving a more definitive and detailed answer. The type she deserved.

"Did a deal with Merr-Sonn here, I move their weapons on a regular to buyers. Now any ship with the word 'Justice' on it gets through without a second thought," he began, "when I were a kid, me pa and I did a hand over in one of the jungles, nasty business. I killed me first there. I were eight. First time I handled a blaster by meself. It were a," he scratched the back of his head thinking, "DL-44, me thinks. I loved that thing. Too bad it were destroyed on me first run to Kessel. Dad were dead then," James paused for a moment thinking. "This planet ain't what I'd call me favorite in the galaxy. No offense, sexy, just," he shrugged, "bad memories."

 

[Anara Valnor]

"Anara," she teased softly, nudging him lightly as they continued their walk. She didn't really expect him to use her name or even desire it, but she found teasing him a rather agreeable distraction.

With an arm still looped through his, she nodded lightly at his explanation, her gaze shifting up to meet his. "Onderon isn't as wild as she used to be...but she's still dangerous. Not exactly an ideal planet to vacation on," she shrugged, clearly taking no offense to his words. As they walked they neared the wall that encircled the city, protecting it from the savagery that lay beyond.

Buildings crowded against the edges of the wall and Anara paused suddenly, her eyes shifting to a particular building. It looked exactly as she remember it, for the most part, but that wasn't what she was really looking at. Without a word her arm slipped from James' and she moved toward the building, steps quick as she disappeared between the building and the wall. It was a tight squeeze, but she managed, and with a soft gasp she found what she'd been searching for in the gloom between the two structures.

A crack, barely big enough for a grown man, but large enough for a child.

Grinning like a fool she traced the outside of the crack with her hands, eyes dancing in delight. "I used to sneak out of the city through here with my brothers...Kaz always used to track me down out there..." she murmured, her happiness slowly becoming sadness as she remembered that her brothers had been dead for a long long time. Licking her lips Anara let her hands fall away from the crack as she sagged back against the building, her eyes becoming unfocused as her mind wandered.

"I had three brothers...all older than me," she murmured, her head tipping backward as she gazed up at the sliver of sky visible between the building and the wall. After a long moment she moved back out into the open with James, offering him a sad smile as she ran a hand through her hair. She needed a distraction, desperately, and so she again looped her arm through his, moving to lead him away from the wall and memories of a lost childhood. "We aren't going to pretend the shower never happened right?" she asked suddenly, her focus moving away from herself as she shoved her depressing thoughts aside.

She'd worry about them later. In that moment she wanted something a bit more happy to focus on; or at least enjoyable.

"I don't want too..." she added softly, sneaking a look at James reaction.

[member="James Justice"]

 

[James Justice]

James watched Anara and listened. He felt a pang of agony at her hurt, both from compassion and from literally feeling her hurt. He resisted the urge to take her in his arms--partially because he couldn't get to the small hole she was in and partially because he knew she didn't want him to baby her. As much as he wanted to, he knew she was strong and wanted him to let her stand on her own two feet.

At last she was back from the sliver between the wall and the building. He wrapped an arm around her waist, letting the small framed redhead closer, close enough to touch her with ease and feel her presence wash over him strongly.

The arm she had wrapped around James brought to her face, giving her cheek a sweet caress. His dark eyes looked deep into her golden ones. She was corrupt, she was sith, but she was also the woman he could see himself spending the rest of his life with. And she wasn't evil. She was just bad. Bad enough for him.

The spacer planted a kiss on her nose, both sweet and very playful.

"We dun't have to if ye dun't want to," he whispered. He ran his fingers through her hair. "I feel good around ye. Better than I have in--well a long time, Anara. I dun't want ye to leave. And I dun't--"

Want you to go away, he finished in his mind. He paused, taking her eyes in. Her presence. Her everything. How could he let her go? Or do without her.

"I dun't want this to end," he said at last in a low, gravelly voice, heavy with emotion.

 

[Anara Valnor]

The kiss to her nose earned him a light laugh along with a playful look as she rubbed her nose as though his germs weren't wanted. Allowing her arms to slide around him, bringing her a bit closer to him, she nodded, her eyes searching his. Happiness, pure happiness, swelled within her and she blushed, eyes shining as she held his gaze. James brought about such a strange mix of emotions for her, emotions she hadn't honestly thought she was capable of.

With some of her memories back she recalled feeling as she did now, but that had been a long time ago, long before she'd let the Darkness corrupt her soul. James proved her wrong time and again; maybe he was right after all. She wasn't a monster. Licking her lips she held his gaze for a long time, not saying a word as she searched herself.

She knew what she wanted, it was something she'd always wanted, and for the first time in years she actually believed it was possible. All thanks to the man staring down at her.

"Then we won't let it," she replied after a long moment, leaning up to kiss him softly. The kiss was tender and almost chaste, but it was full of passion and promise. Pulling away she smiled up at him, brushing her bangs from her face before letting her fingers toy with his hair; she loved how it always looked like he'd just woken up.

"I knew you were trouble the moment I found you," she teased, pushing him away lightly as she moved to walk away from him, taunting him to chase her.

 

[James Justice]

Anara, damn it.

She drove him insane, and he was pretty sure she knew it. He felt like a teenager again, falling for someone, like his years of endless and brutal slaughter didn't matter. He couldn't awe her with his charm, seduce her with his money, or win her over with his endless touching and words. Damn it drove him insane. She had most of the cards in this relationship. That in itself was a new experience for a man who was known for being the alpha in every situation and pursuing without equal.

Her kiss was a blissful, and the way she played with her hair was erotic to say the least. James could feel himself melting as she touched his hair, despite his best efforts to the contrary. Anara, damn it, he thought in the back of his mind. And then she stopped touching him and he could hear every cell of his body crying out for more, like he was an addict and she was his drug.

When did he become so soft? He didn't care. What he cared about was her touching him more. As she moved away, he watched her, letting his eyes take in every bit of her curves, every move of her body and hips as he undressed her in his mind. Due to the PG-13 nature of this board, James' though process shall go censored. However, suffice it to say--it was enough to arouse certain rejoins of his personhood.

Coiling like a spring, he chased after her, his hands stretched out as he sprinted to the petite redhead. When he caught her, his arms wrapped around her from behind and he swung her off her feet in a spin before setting her down again and peppering the side of her neck and face with a barrage of kisses.

[member="Anara Valnor"]

 

[Anara Valnor]

She squealed as he caught her and spun her around, laughing at his onslaught of kisses. "James!" Squirming in his arms she tried to escape him, only because it would make the game that much better. Giggling, actually giggling, Anara turned her head in an effort to catch some of his kisses.

"You daft pirate," she murmured, trying to shift in his grasp so that she could face him.

His desire for her and the sheer joy he felt with her in his arms was overwhelming. Anara didn't know how she could feel his emotions so strongly, as though they were her own. It was exhilarating and frightening all at once.

"James," she sighed in happiness, relaxing in his grasp even as she nuzzled against him. Again and again she murmured his name, simply enjoying saying it.

 

[James Justice]

James enjoyed her touch, savoring it like and fulfilling his addiction. He knew he could feel himself growing more attached by the second to this petite cutie. He knew it was dangerous but, feth the worlds he didn't care. As she giggled, it felt like music to his ears. Partially because her voice was naturally beautiful, but equally so because of his boyish crush on her. It caused a wide, goofy grin on his face, revealing his rows and rows of pearly white teeth.

The way she said his name sent a shiver down his spine. Damn it, Anara, damn it. You make me go to pieces, damn you. He closed his eyes and ran his fingers through her hair, just hearing her say his voice. He inhaled deeply just taking in the smell of her hair, her scent, her everything. There wasn't a thing about her he didn't like, it was impossible for him to imagine yelling at her the other day before.

After he had held her there for what felt like an eternity, probably longer, he gave her forehead a kiss before moving to walk once more, this time to the ship. He was getting hungry and he could imagine she was too. It wasn't that far, thank goodness to the spaceport and from there the Forgotten King. The spacer led her, arm around her waist to the living quarters. Thank goodness the housekeeping had been through as they were gone, restocking the food goods, alcohol, refueling, and resupplying life-support. The ship had been cleaned, James' general mess of clothing everywhere abated for the time being. He moved to the kitchenette, pulling her with him.

"What are ye in the mood for?" he asked, "I can cook ye--well omelet, steaks, potatoes, fish, sandwiches, or--I could surprise ye."

[member="Anara Valnor"]

 

[Anara Valnor]

Gods be damned, she was falling for him, fast and hard. It was foolish to allow herself to become so attached and while he kept the Darkness within her calm, would it last? Was she capable of being the woman he deserved? He needed?

Anara doubted herself and the voices within her latched onto that, using it to their advantage. They whispered that she would fail, that she would hurt him.

Were they right?

Feth.

Anara didn't want to think about it, she just wanted to live and be happy, was that to much to ask? Happiness was not something unachievable for a woman like her, she told herself firmly. She had every right to be happy, voices and Darkness be damned.

Smiling as they returned to his ship Anara pulled away from him to take a seat upon the freshly cleaned counter. She thought for a moment before giving him an impish look; she couldn't be bothered to behave with him, not now that it was clear they wanted the same thing.

"Surprise me," she declared, head tilted slightly to the side as she crossed her legs at her ankles.

 

[James Justice]

"Hot and steamy sandwiches it is," James declared. He swung the fridge open and gave Anara a devillishly impish look, "Only suiting considering who I am cooking for."

He gave her a wink and began assessing what he had; cheese, three different kinds, bacon, some sort of assorted vegetables that he knew he diced but couldn't remember what exactly they were before. There was also a set of sauces, one creamy and white, the other red and tangy.

Grabbing these all with a loaf of bread into his arms, James set the contents beside Anara, closing the door behind him with a kick. Humming, he set the food out, and sliced the bread in half, then open as the stove began to warm up. Spinning on his heel, he grabbed a pan from the draw and set it on the stove--er perhaps a little harder than he should have. Setting the bread up to crisp, he splayed their contents on the sandwiches; bacon, cheeses, and vegetables.

"Open," he said playfully putting one of the cheeses into Anara's mouth. He booped her nose and smiled. "Ye like? Ages for four years, some of the most expensive cheese in the galaxy, that what ye just ate alone is worth 100 credits."

He smiled and finished the sandwiches, setting them on plates, each with a swirl of two sauces. Why? he has craftsmanship, that's why, and its freakin' gourmet food.

[member="Anara Valnor"]

 

[Anara Valnor]

She laughed, a smile curling her lips as she swallowed the bit of cheese he'd given her. "A hundred credits? You're starting to make me think I'm not high class enough for you," she teased, watching him work with an adoring look in her eyes.

How in the name of the Gods had she gotten to this point? When had James become such a huge part of her heart?

For a moment she tried to puzzle those questions out, but quickly gave up. What was happening between them was magical, something she had no had in a very long time and she was loathe to let any of it go to waste. James was incredible and she could only thank the Force that he'd been put in her path.

Taking the first bite of her sandwich she groaned in appreciation, eyes fluttering shut as she savored the flavor. He knew his way around a kitchen far better than she did. "This is incredible," she murmured between bites. Swinging her legs happily she ate her sandwich in companionable silence with James and for a brief moment Anara felt like she was her former self again.

It felt as though she were a Jedi Knight once more, barely into her twenties, and in her own time. It brought tears to her eyes and before she could wipe her eyes they rolled down her cheeks, but still she smiled, her chest aching as she hurriedly dried her cheeks before James noticed. She could never reclaim what she'd once had, who she had once been, but for the first time since waking in James' galaxy Anara realized that she didn't want her past; only her future mattered...a future that she hoped had James in it.

[member="James Justice"]

 

[James Justice]

Her compliments brought an undeniable and wide smile across his face. He was happier than anything that she liked it. She was his--his everything. He knew he should have been scared at that idea, if for nothing else than the truth that she could leave or be lost and he would be plunged into utter darkness like never before. He ate and more than that enjoyed watching her savor his cooking. That was even better than his cooking itself.

"Ye know what would make this?" he asked brightly, "white Lum," he rose and began rummaging in the wet bar as Anara wiped her tears away. "The stuff be both sweet, and tangy at the same time. It has quite a lovely bite at the end, but dun't worry, it will contrast with the fatty flavor of the cheese quite nicely."

He turned around producing the bottle with a flourish. In it was a milky white liquor of extreme potency. James didn't joke around when it came to alcohol. The spacer unscrewed the cap and tossed it away. They wouldn't need it in a few minutes. He looked at the bottle first, and his mostly eaten sandwich. This was a good meal. The sort of thing he wished he would have had more often. He wished he wouldn't have spent so much time chasing endless skirts, looking for the next cute girl, and trying to forget how much of a failure he felt most of the time. He wished he would have been a better man.

But none of that mattered now. The ache in his chest that he was so used to--was gone. The longing he had for so long tried to ignore and forget was satisfied at last. With her. It felt so good. So warm, welcome, and pleasing, it was wonderful.

His head popped up as he offered her the alcohol. James didn't even realize his next requet until it came from his lips, but he didn't regret it. And he had a feeling she wouldn't say no. "Get drunk with me. Dun't make me be drunk alone this time."

[member="Anara Valnor"]

 

[Anara Valnor]

Swallowing the bite of sandwich she'd been worrying away she smiled, taking the offered bottle without a word. Putting the bottle to her lips she took a large swallow, the familiar burn of alcohol bringing back old memories that she didn't mind to forget. Bad memories or not, she was going to drink with her man. Before when she'd been drinking it was to hide from some emotional pain, but now...she didn't need to do that. Now she could have fun with her pirate.

Sighing as the burning liquid made its way down her throat she offered the bottle back, but not before stealing a kiss and nipping at his bottom lip. "Never again, so long as you want me around," she promised, rubbing her nose against his.

He made her feel so alive and carefree; things she'd forgotten she could feel. It was amazing and as she took another bite of her sandwich she vowed to never let anything come between them.

 

[James Justice]

She had moxie, that was for sure. He felt a flutter of enjoyment as he saw her down a shot of the highly alcohol beverage. For some reason, he found that incredibly alluring. James felt her lips against his and her loving bites. He let out a low growl of enjoyment as he ran his fingers through her beautiful, scarlet hair. He didn't know how she somehow did this to him. How had he been able to even think of resisting her before?

"I always want ye around," he breathed into her lips, his fingers finding their way from her hair to the back of her neck in a gentle caress, "Always."

He pulled his head away just enough to take his turn on the bottle. The sickeningly sweet and familiar burn went through is mouth and throat as he took two gulps. Setting the bottle on her side of the table, James wiped his mouth on the back of his forearm. His eyes locked on hers. She was entrancing, so dark, so beautiful, so much his. He stared into her eyes, and what felt like her soul as well, getting lost entirely. An unconscious smile curled at his lips.

"Thank ye for being in my life," was all he say.

[member="Anara Valnor"]

 

[Anara Valnor]

"Then I'll always be with you," she murmured, a hand moving to rest over his heart. Molten orbs stared deeply into his dark eyes, a smile to mirror his own finding its way to her lips. "Don't thank me...I owe you thanks...I didn't think I could feel this way...I didn't think anyone could feel as you do toward me...Not without a soul as torn and black as my own."

Taking the bottle she took another healthy drink from it, her eyes watering slightly at the heavy burn it left in her throat. "You've saved me," she breathed, hurriedly pressing her lips to his. Blindly she set the bottle aside and her hand slipped into his hair as she pulled him closer.

 

[James Justice]

Torn souls. That was who they were, a pair of torn, tainted, black souls. It all made sense now. He knew his heart was ragged an aching, and hers felt the same. He didn't blame her when she lost her temper; he had one himself. He wrapped his hand around hers resting on his chest.

"Ye have a beautiful soul," he said softly as she took her turn on the bottle. "I ain't scared of ye."

Her lips pressed against his again and James could feel himself slipping into her charm. As a rule he never let himself be had by someone, he never let another woman have this level of control over his life. But Anara was different. He wrapped an arm around the back of her shoulders as he returned the kiss, with equal levels of passion and tenderness. He held her small body close to his for what felt like an eternity of bliss before hooking his leg around her waist and leaning back on the couch they were eating on. His weight pulled her on top of him. James coiled his arms and legs around her body as he kissed and nuzzled her. The stubble on his face caressed her tender skin softly. His arms ran along her back in warm caresses and once again, James was lost in Anara's touch.

[member="Anara Valnor"]