Simple Gifts

[Riamah]

Her word was true and she had given Josh a vow that no harm would come to Jason. She gave him the time he needed to reach out to his son and waited on what he had to say, if anything to her question.

When he did answer, she smiled and nodded.

"I gave you my word he won't be harmed here."

Shaking her head and shrugging slightly, she took a seat on the floor near him.
​
"I should have expected it."

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He knew she did, but she couldn't blame him for taking literally every precaution possible. This was his son they were talking about. His only son. No precaution was too much to ensure the little guy's safety, especially when he couldn't exactly defend himself right now. He nodded his head and took a deep breath as he would turn and look toward her.

"Ouch, should have expected it? What kind of person do you take me for?" The Jedi would tease softly with a cheeky smile.

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Riamah]

"I might not have a child, but I'm not blind to family. It might have been something that skipped me growing up, but it pays to be observant."

To answer his question though, she fell silent, rested back on the heels of her hands and looked at him. Blinking just slightly, Ra kept the eye contact with Josh. She also had a smile, but it was friendly and honest.

"A father that wants what is best for his child. Who at this point needs help. Even though he is safe here, you still don't trust I don't think."

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Might want to repeat that in Basic" He commented, not entirely getting the gist of what she said. The Jedi would take a deep breath, looking back at her then. "But no, I don't trust anyone entirely around Jason. If his own mother was willing to abandon him, then nobody gets complete trust" He pointed out bluntly. He made it clear then and there that it was no fault of hers. It was no fault of being a former Sith... He just never trusted a soul entirely with Jason. Never again.

"I hope I didn't offend of course. It's just my duty as a father."

 

[Riamah]

"I understand an inability to trust."
​
She had asked before what happened to the mother of Jason and he had been reluctant to speak on the matter. Now he dropped a small hint. A person less observant or remembering, might not have paid much attention to it. However, it was something she wanted to know about and understood if he wanted her to know, he would tell on his own terms. There was no prompting done by Ra in this and it wouldn't happen by her hand.

Giving him a half a smile when he said he didn't mean to offend her, she shook her head.

"None taken."

She leaned to lay back on her hands and stretched her legs out in front of her. After making herself comfortable again, she was silent for a moment or two.

"As you may have gathered about me, I live alone. Or as alone one can. Trust isn't something that is given easily. I just hope in time it can be earned."

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Thanks. You're sweet. Sorry if I've been a little rude with this whole mistrust and Jason thing. He's my son, I gotta be a bit strict in protecting him" He would admit, shooting her a bright smile. "You'll understand one day if you have kids. Though hopefully you'll have someone to raise them with you, unlike I am. I gotta raise him alone, and so I gotta protect him alone. So I get a little paranoid."

The Jedi let out a sigh at that. It was brutal but honest. He knew he was probably doing a bit too much, but... Nothing was "too much" to him when it came to Jason.

"You've been a fine host, don't take it too hard" He spoke as he would lie back, letting out a yawn as he would relax back a bit with his arms behind his head. "I don't trust people much anyway. Even Jedi can stab you in the back."

 

[Riamah]

Lifting an eyebrow at Josh when he said she was sweet, she let out a small sigh of a laugh and almost shook her head.

"Sweet is never something I expected to be called."

Shrugging her shoulders slightly, she raised a fisted hand. Not threating in movement or manner, something to be used in conversation.
​
"There have been four people in my life I have trust fully. My master growing up because I didn't know any better. The captain that picked up a young girl from the streets and gave her purpose. Lastly, Stardust Raxis...though her name is changed now. Two of those four have been taken from me. If somebody does the same with Star, nothing will stop me from getting vengeance on whoever causes it. I feel the same for Vincent. He is an old man and doesn't have much time left. However if he is killed, I would do the same for him as for Star."

Maybe it a sign of her still clinging a little to the dark, but it might also be something more similar to how Josh felt about his son. ​The sense of wanting to protect a family member. As each name was said, a finger was raised. When she was done, there were four fingers up.

"It takes a lot to offend or bother me, Josh. There is nothing you have said or done that has. I wouldn't think a Jedi could stab a fellow member in the back. What happened?"

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Well, you -are- sweet, so you'd best be getting used to it" The Jedi would tease in turn, shooting her another cheeky grin. "The spankings, too, with how you're going. Lucky you?"

The teasings would likely continue at this rate, so long as she didn't seem to mind. It was all in good fun, really, and so long as Ra was having fun with it, he would keep doing it. "Stardust, I know her. Small world" He commented as he listened to her talk about the people that she trusted. Stardust wasn't the sharpest tool he'd met, but he wouldn't tell her that...

"I trusted the Jedi Order. I regretted that" He spoke, with a shrug. "I trusted Circe, I regretted that. I trusted the Jedi Council, I regretted that when I found a knife in my back. I trusted Aleidis... Regretted that. I trusted Jak... Regretted that. Trusted Kiskla... Regretted that when she tried to hunt me down. I trusted my wife... Regretted that" He named off. "I trust Jason. That is all. And the day that Jason betrays my trust, my trust will be the hardest thing in the world to earn."

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Riamah]

Now Ra really did let a laugh out at what he said.

"I think I can handle a few spankings now and then. Not sure what makes a person like me sweet though."

Shrugging slightly, she ​considered what he might mean when he said at the rate she was going.

"Being a merchant has lead me to meet many people across the galaxy. I met Star heck back when my mind was still clouded from my past and didn't know I could even use the Force. She opened that door for me and well we have ended up becoming very close over the years."

There was only one name Ra knew from the ones he mentioned.

"I know Circe as Vanessa, but she's not to be trusted. The others I don't know and based off what you said, I don't want to either. Now I don't trust many myself, as I just listed off who they were. A form of trust has been extended to you. But it's not fully trust, so I understand completely what you mean."

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Be careful what you wish for" Josh would tease, shooting her a wry little grin. "You just might get it" He would warn as he would stretch out. He meant what he said with the rate she was going... The spankings would likely continue, and get even more frequent. He listened as she would recall her meeting of Star. He didn't recount his own meeting with her... It might not be a story that Ra wanted to hear.

Though he would fake a gag when she mentioned Vanessa, Circe... Whatever. "I hope she's dead" He commented flatly, with a shrug of his shoulders.

Semi-Trust... He nodded his head at that, indicating that was basically what he had for her. And most others that he worked with, if even.

 

[Riamah]

Deciding it was best to let the conversation of the past rest, Ra would not replay to the statement Josh made on hoping Vanessa was dead. The last time they had chatted it had been in this castle. That woman knew where she lived, but it had been made clear between them they wouldn't be working together at all. They had parted ways and that was the last Ra had heard of Vanessa. Somehow she knew she wasn't dead though.

Lifting a finger at him and waggling it a little, she had a bit of glint in her eyes and her face was totally friendly.

"I didn't say I wished for them, but only I feel I can handle the spankings now and then. Afterall, how else is one's ego going to be kept down."

She looked at him lay​ing on the floor and had a thought on something. It went hand in hand with that semi-trust and then shook her head. That part of her she usually listened to, the one that told her to remain distant from people spoke up. Everybody she had gotten close to really except Star and Vincent had been taken violently from her. It wasn't something she wanted to go through again.

However, she already partially trusted Josh. On Kashyyyk he hadn't revealed what she was and had come here when she invited him. Maybe she should stop listening to that part of her and let things be natural. At least right now. What harm could come? Nothing could come to Vjun without her knowing, that wasn't her fear though. That was the future. No harm could come right now, but what if they grew close and he was taken or he left her? That was her fear.

As these came across her mind, Ra did not attempt to hide them from Josh. He may not be psychic, but she felt he could be trusted enough to be allowed to know some of her concerns that she kept buried almost all the time.

"Can you think of a better way?"

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Suppose you do need to keep your ego in check, just a little. Happy to oblige" The Jedi would tease, shooting her a wide, mischievous grin in turn. But Circe... Circe he wanted dead. Circe had taken his brother away, when he finally found him, made him one of them. It took years to set him free, and that measure included time where Circe had taunted him to bring his anger out... Told him all about what she'd done to his brother, to Jak, to others... It brought out anger in him, the anger he needed to harness the dark side. Of course, she hadn't been able to make a weapon out of him. Instead, all she got was a punch in the face. Over and over again, he had used his newfound anger to strike the witch over and over again without mercy. He had considered killing her, he did. But his real personality had come back and he'd winded down in time to decide to spare her.

So he hoped someone else had done the job. And permanently this time. She was a monster that even now he knew he should have killed.

When Ra would ask him about a better way though, he peered at her with a curious eye.

"Better way to what?"

 

[Riamah]

Deciding to answer his question first, Ra winked because it went totally together with the ego comment.

"Think of a better way to keep one's ego in check. Besides a once in the while spanking. I certainly can't."

She hadn't been through the same trials as Josh had with Vanessa. However, Ra wanted to destroy the Sith Empire. Vanessa was part of that and in their last conversation, it had been made clear she would stay with them. As that was her choice when Ra made that move to destroy the sith as they had destroyed the Coalition, Vanessa would fall with it.

"Do you ever need your ego checked?"

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

It didn't matter what name Circe took. If she was still alive, he'd kill her eventually. Not just to get justice for the people she'd hurt, but because it wouldn't be a safe galaxy to raise Jason in with Circe around. She was a kidnapper, he knew it, and she'd done some horrible things to people she'd taken. She did not deserve to live in this world... And he could not in good conscience let her around Jason. She'd die for what she'd done, if she ever showed her face again.

Though he would smirk when she would make her comments. She wanted to flirt, did she? He could step up if need be, he knew as he would get to his feet. "It doesn't have to be just once in awhile" He teased, noting the wink. Though when she asked if his ego needed checking, he would take her arm and pull her in again, leaning in to whisper against her lips.

"I won't need an ego with you on my face" He flirted brazenly, a wicked grin crossing his face as he would place a playful peck on the corner of her mouth.

 

[Riamah]

Even though Jason was not her child, he was still their future and Ra would go almost as far as Josh would to keep him safe. Not just from Vanessa, but from any harm. As long as it was something she could prevent, she would. Doing a bit of a mental shrug, she watched as Josh got to his feet.

So far since he had come to Bast, Ra had been able to pretty much be herself. No harsh words had been said and while he may not be as relaxed as he could be, she felt he was coming to accept things like they were.

When he stood up and pulled her close, she was actually quite surprised. His words brought out something feisty from within her. A woman that was in control of her words and actions actually let loose a little of that choke hold she kept.

"Sounds like maybe you have something to prove."​

Those gold eyes glittered at him and her tongue flicked to the corner of her mouth he had just pecked. If he was still close enough, she would take her tongue and lick his lips again. Much slower this time.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He would learn to trust, eventually. But things like that took time. Considering he was still going through the loss of his last marriage, the one person he had trusted completely had turned their back on him. So trusting someone else completely was going to be even more difficult. Not that one could blame him for it. Considering his history, it was difficult for him to trust to begin with, but now? It would be a surprise if he trusted anyone fully anytime soon. But perhaps in time.

"I wouldn't say I would. How about you?" He would tease, a bit surprised when her tongue would flick out and lick his lips, much slower this time. Not to be outdone, he would tap her tongue with his own, that wicked grin returning as he would then lean over and whisper something [Info in DM, usual fare] into her ear, slowly, teasingly, with all intents to fluster her...

 

[Riamah]

Trust or none, Ra would still do her best to protect Jason when he was near to her. Outside of Bast, Vjun or any other place they might be together, that child's safety and security would be up to his father. There was no doubt in her mind, he would do a far better job than her.

"Actually it seems like you do."

Any action R​a had done, Josh seemed to top it. More than once now he had caught her off guard, made her blush and she was starting to anticipate this. When he leaned over to whisper what he did, she apparently considered answering it.

"I think I can imagine."

If he was attempting to ​make her blush, it failed on this count.

"Though shower first, remember?"

Lifting an eyebrow, she wondered if Josh would take that offer.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The playful smack on her rump that followed would give her every answer to the first question she had. His grin only widened at that, as he would continue to work to top Ra at every turn, seeming to enjoy the game. But it was Ra's next answer that told him that he still had a way to go before this game was over.

When she offered for a shower, he pondered it for a moment as he would look from her, over to the databad. He chuckled lightly then as he would pick up the datapad. "I don't see why not" He would tease in turn. He could still place the datapad in the room, it had sound... He may not be able to see Jason, but the sound remained on, he would be able to hear him. And sense him, as well. While it still showed what was almost a paranoia... It was a step down compared to before, at least.

 

[Riamah]

Him trying to stay one up on her failed again as Josh playfully smacked her rear end. His grin was infectious and Ra smiled back at him. What she said gave him some thought even though she had said the same thing earlier. For some reason, he maybe hadn't taken her seriously then, but it seemed like he did now.

The protective nature of him shined through and it was something she liked about him. Walking over he picked up that datapad with the image of his sleeping son and answered her offer.

Now he had answered her, she nodded and tipped her head back in the direction of the living area.

"The shower is by the rooms. Even without that, you would be able to hear him."

In a more serious manner, but still playful, Ra held an arm out to walk together if he wanted to.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He looked from the datapad, to her, then back to it and back to her, seeming to debate on if he could trust her about that. He'd not seen where the showers were earlier, or just forgotten their location in the heat of everything, so he needed a moment. After a few though, he took a deep breath and nodded his head. "Alright" He spoke then, deciding to trust her and take her word for it. "I think I'll double check, get an idea for, you know, the distance since I know how loud or how quiet he can cry. Sorry for being trouble of course... Just want to ensure that I'm there for him if he starts panicking again" He explained.

"He's always been like this, but it got worse after... You know. Sometimes not even the Temple staff can control him and they have to get in touch with me."

With that, he would start to follow her to where the showers were. He'd be checking this out in fair detail, he knew. He'd probably relax, eventually. But this was a strange, new place, with a host that was legitimately a Sith just a few months ago if even. While she was nice, there was a difference between someone being nice and knowing straight off if their home was safe to be able to take one's eyes off Jason for even a moment.

@Ra'a'mah