Private Take Me Home Tonight

[Katarine Ryiah]

I feel a hunger, it's a hunger​

Tags: Dean Walker

The closet opening felt like a rush of cool air against her skin and worked to clear her head. She stepped out of the closet and into the larger office room, noticing that Dean was avoiding looking at her. This was surprising and she wondered if maybe he was battling some mixed emotions as well. There was no denying an attraction between the pair of them but was it something deeper? Katarine flinched at that thought. What was she getting herself into? She dug her nails into her palms and counted to three in her head, as a deep craving for the blissful clouded emotions being near the darkside would bring her. Oh what a joy it would be just to turn her mind off and not think. But she couldn't let herself think that way or the addiction would win and she refused to let that happen. She was not going to let herself fall head over heals and get left again. She just couldn't. Could she?

She took a deep breath and glanced around the office. The comm unit was bugged, the computer was bugged, they had listening devices set up so they could hear, and from the room across the street they could see. It looked like all systems was go on this end and that meant retreating back for the long waiting game that every spook hated on a mission like this. Though she had to admit this assignment wasn't as boring as most of these types were, and that had everything to do with her partner.

"I think our work here is done. Now we play the waiting game. We watch and we listen. If he contacts the Doctor we should know about it."

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean slipped out of the closet right after Katarine, the cool air a welcome relief against his flushed skin. He ran a hand through his hair, letting the silence linger for a moment as he avoided looking directly at her. Not because he didn't want to — Force, he did — but because he needed to keep himself in check. This was work. They were partners. And yet, there was something about the way she moved, the way she held herself, even now, that stirred feelings he hadn't expected.

Feelings he wasn't sure he was ready for.

At her comment about playing the waiting game, he gave a small nod and glanced around the office to double-check that everything was set. The bugs were in place, the devices were active, and they were ready to monitor. All systems were go, which meant they'd be leaving soon. Together.

"Yeah," Dean said, clearing his throat as he straightened. "I think you're right. We've done all we can here. Now it's just a matter of waiting for something to happen." He paused, letting his words hang in the air for a beat too long before continuing. "We should probably head back to the hotel. Set up there, get comfortable while we monitor everything."

As soon as the words left his mouth, heat crept into his neck and cheeks. He resisted the urge to rub the back of his neck — a tell that would've given away how much the suggestion affected him. Instead, he kept his tone steady, his posture composed. Professional.

Dean forced his gray eyes to meet hers, and despite his best efforts to keep things neutral, there was a flicker of something softer in his gaze. After a moment, he took a breath and let his smirk return, leaning lightly against the desk, "Ready to head out?" he asked, tilting his head toward the door, his expression calm but the faintest hint of warmth lingering in his eyes.

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

That tries to keep a man awake at night​

Tags: Dean Walker

Katarine was watching him with her deep green eyes as he ran his hand through his hair and cleared his throat. He was doing his best to show a composed steady facade, but beneath it she could feel his emotions swirling. This was the annoying thing about Jedi, they were difficult to fool, but she'd learned her lesson from interfering in other peoples thoughts and demeanor. She'd accidentally done that to Connel Vanagor and the man had blown up on her. It had taken her months to work him back into a rocky friendship, and even then she wasn't sure how close they really were to friends. Katarine tried to act as if she didn't notice Dean's emotions, but it wasn't easy, especially because she was feeling a flutter herself.

She smiled at him, trying not to show how nervous she was and be sarcastic and charming instead. "Off we go then Mr. Smith." Together they padded through the office as easily as they had gotten in, taking care of security along the way. They were two ghosts, moving silently through the night. Eventually the reached the streets of Zeltros where the nightlife was in full swing. Pheromones, partying, and the smell of an abundance of liquor reached their senses as they walked.

"We've got some time... do you want to head back or should we explore the city?" She eyed him sideways, trying to break the tension between them. The office wouldn't be full until the morning so technically the night was theirs... to do as they pleased.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean stepped out into the cool night air, drawing in a deep breath to steady himself. The scent of Zeltros nightlife hit him all at once — an intoxicating blend of pheromones, exotic spices, and the unmistakable tang of alcohol. It was chaos, but it was the kind of chaos that could sweep you up if you let it. Exactly the kind he probably shouldn't let himself get caught in.

He glanced over at Katarine, his gray eyes catching hers under the neon glow of the city. She was calm, collected, with that small smile that almost made him feel like she was a step ahead of him. He told himself to focus, to keep it professional, to suggest heading straight back to the hotel. After all, they had work to do.

But as he looked into her deep green eyes, that carefully constructed composure began to crumble.

Dean hesitated, the conflict clear in his gaze, and then he smirked, a hint of something softer behind the expression. "You know," he began, his voice lower, "heading back to the hotel would probably be the smart choice." He paused for a beat, his eyes searching hers as though he was weighing something important.

Then, with a slightly lopsided grin, he added, "But a bit of fun can't hurt, right?" His tone was playful, but there was a warmth to it, an invitation he couldn't quite bring himself to fully explain.

Dean gestured toward the vibrant streets ahead of them, packed with music, laughter, and life. "Let's explore the city," he said, his smirk widening just a little. "I mean, we're on Zeltros. It'd be a shame not to see what it has to offer, right?"

Even as he said it, Dean knew he wasn't just talking about the city. There was something about Katarine, something that made him want to break the rules just a little. Just enough to see where this night might take them.

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Are you the answer? I shouldn't wonder​

Tags: Dean Walker

"But a bit of fun can't hurt, right?"

Katarine smiled at him, a playful look in her own green eyes that matched his grey ones. They started to walk down the busy street, passing vendors selling merchandise, food, and drink, as well as street performers and people passing out invitations to strip clubs and parties. Katarine had spent a lot of time on Zeltros before being frozen and though centuries had passed she had to admit the planet had a way of staying exactly the same. Sure the technology and the faces had changed but the hedonism was raw and untouched.

As they walked Kat couldn't help but notice the wandering eyes being drawn to her new partner. She couldn't entirely blame the lookers. Dean was a good looking man who just had a certain way about him that made him seem like a dominant force to be reckoned with. Despite understanding the motives behind it though she felt a twinge of jealousy that she couldn't really explain. She slipped her slender hand into his larger one as they walked, and smirked as she saw one of the Zeltronian women scowl at the realization that the two were a pair.

Their stroll lead them towards the pier that overlooked the beach. It was all lit up and beautiful against the night sky. Inside were carnival games, restaurants, the actual beach and other attractions.

"Have you ever been to Zeltros before?"

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean felt the warmth of her hand slipping into his, and for a moment, his usual composure faltered. A faint blush crept up his neck and cheeks, betraying his otherwise cool demeanor. He wasn't oblivious — he caught the slight shift in her expression and the way she glanced at the Zeltron woman. Was she... jealous? The thought sent a ripple of amusement through him, but also something warmer, something he didn't quite want to name yet.

He smirked to himself, choosing to keep his eyes fixed on the path ahead rather than risk meeting her gaze just yet. The pier stretched out before them, illuminated by vibrant lights that danced across the water's surface. The scent of salt mixed with the sweetness of carnival treats, and the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore filled the air. It was beautiful, in a way that made him forget for a moment why they were even here.

At her question, he finally turned his head, catching her green eyes in the glow of the night. "No," he said, his smirk softening. "Never been to Zeltros before." He let out a faint chuckle, his free hand gesturing toward the bustling pier and the beach beyond. "It's… different. Vibrant. A little chaotic, maybe. But it's nice."

His gaze lingered on her for a beat longer than he intended, and then he added, his voice low but warm, "Especially being here with you."

Dean's smirk returned, a little more teasing now. "You've been a pleasant surprise, Mrs. Smith." He gave her hand a slight squeeze, the playful edge in his tone tempered by something genuine. This wasn't just another mission. Not anymore. Not with her.

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

When I can feel you whet my appetite​

Tags: Dean Walker

The pair walked the pier hand in hand, looking around at all the lights and entertainment. Katairine kept glancing sideways at her new partner, probably more often than was necessary but grinning each time. When his words washed over her she felt her cheeks burn and found it suddenly hard to look at him, almost like staring into a sun. He radiated a certain energy that just connected with her.

"You've been a pleasant surprise as well Mr. Smith." She felt his hand squeeze hers and felt her heart thump faster. A momentary panic took over her as she wondered what she was doing here, but she quashed those feelings with reckless abandon. She could try to fight this all she wanted but Katarine was worried she was already in the middle of it. There was no denying the chemistry between them.

As they walked a Twi'lek came up and offered them free samples of a saltwater toffee, making extra sure to hand Dean his with a flirty glance. Kat felt like hissing at her but instead she ate the toffee, amused at these new jealous feelings. Where the heck were they coming from? A Jedi Master should know better.

"We could get dinner here if you want unless you've got an appetite for room service?" She took another bite of the candy and was surprised that it tasted like marshmallow, despite being yellow. She had not been expecting that.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean walked beside Katarine, their hands still joined, fingers intertwined with an ease that felt almost natural — too natural. It should have felt strange, or at the very least, rushed. He had known her for barely a day, and yet the pull he felt toward her was undeniable.

It wasn't just attraction. He'd been around enough to know the difference between something fleeting and something real. But this? This was deeper, stronger. Like gravity itself had shifted and was keeping him locked in orbit around her.

It didn't make sense.

And yet, he didn't want to fight it.

He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, catching the way she kept sneaking glances at him and then grinning like she couldn't help herself. That damn smile — he was starting to think he'd do just about anything to keep it there.

His thoughts were interrupted when a Twi'lek approached them, offering free samples of saltwater toffee. Dean took the offered piece with a small nod of thanks, his expression unreadable as she flashed him a flirtatious glance. He didn't react, didn't entertain it. But what he did notice was the subtle shift in Katarine's expression — the quick flicker of something sharp in her eyes, the way her posture stiffened just a little before she popped the candy into her mouth.

Huh.

That was… interesting.

Dean smirked to himself, the realization settling in with a pleasant warmth. She was jealous.

Instead of acknowledging the Twi'lek's flirtation, he turned his attention fully back to Kat, his grip on her hand tightening ever so slightly as he lifted the piece of toffee to his mouth. He bit into it, eyebrows raising slightly at the unexpected flavor.

"Marshmallow," he mused, glancing at her. "Didn't see that coming."

He watched her for a beat, then, feeling bold, he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to be intimate but still teasing. "Not sure what's sweeter, though — the candy or you getting all territorial just now, Mrs Smith."

His smirk widened, his gray eyes flashing with amusement. He wasn't about to let that moment slip by unnoticed.

When she asked about dinner, he hummed in thought, glancing around at the vibrant array of restaurants and food stalls lining the pier. The scent of grilled meats, fresh seafood, and an array of exotic dishes filled the air. "Nah, let's eat out here," he said, his voice relaxed. "Might as well soak up the atmosphere while we can."

Then, after a small pause, he turned back to her, his smirk turning just a little more devilish. "We can save dessert for the room, though."

His thumb brushed lightly over the back of her hand as he started leading them toward one of the more promising-looking restaurants. Whatever was happening between them, it was real.

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

With all the power you're releasing​

Tags: Dean Walker

"Not sure what's sweeter, though — the candy or you getting all territorial just now, Mrs Smith."

She felt herself blush but met his eyes with a humorous smile. "Well you ARE my husband. Of course I'm territorial." She shook her head, still blushing as they walked towards the restaurant and he mentioned dessert.

Once they were inside they could still smell the sea air but the noise from the pier was blocked out slightly. A droid hostess whirled over and showed them to their seats where menus lit up showing a variety of drinks and meals. Katarine skipped right to the seafood section, since that was her favorite type of food, and started looking at what was offered.

As her deep green eyes focused on her menu she couldn't help but let her thoughts wander towards her feelings for her new assigned partner. It seemed rather fast but she couldn't deny there was something brewing between them. She felt nervous, tongue tied, and excited, almost like this was a first date. She also couldn't stop smiling like a fool. What was wrong with her?

"Everything looks great." She spoke, still glancing at her menu, but found she suddenly didn't know what to say.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean let out a quiet chuckle at her playful claim of ownership, shaking his head slightly but not bothering to argue. He liked the sound of it more than he cared to admit.

Once inside, the ambiance shifted. The noise from the pier dulled to a low hum, the scent of the ocean still lingering in the air but now mixed with the inviting aroma of sizzling food and warm spices. The restaurant had a cozy yet refined feel, the lighting low and intimate. A perfect place for a meal with his wife.

That thought sent a strange thrill through him.

Dean slid into his seat and picked up the menu, his eyes scanning over the selection. He wasn't picky, but he had his favorites. And right now, he was leaning toward something hearty. Something solid. Something to keep him grounded, because Katarine was doing the exact opposite of that.

He glanced up just in time to catch her staring at the menu, deep in thought, her lips slightly parted, her green eyes reflecting the soft glow of the screen. There was something about the way she furrowed her brow slightly, the way her fingers idly traced the edges of the menu, the way she — kriff.

His stomach tightened.

He swallowed once, forcing himself to breathe before clearing his throat. "Think I'm going for the Bantha steak," he said, his voice smooth despite the sudden tightness in his chest. "Medium rare." His smirk returned as he leaned back slightly in his seat, watching her. "How about we share a bottle of Alderaanian red? Unless you've got a better idea."

She hadn't looked up yet, still focused on the menu, still lost in thought. But Dean wasn't looking at his menu anymore. He wasn't looking at anything but her.

And that was the problem.

Because he couldn't look away.

She was just — kriff. Too beautiful. Too effortless. It was messing with him. He'd been around plenty of attractive people before, plenty of women who knew how to turn heads, but this was different. He wasn't just drawn to her — he was caught. And that was dangerous.

But for once, he didn't feel like fighting it.

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

It isn't safe to walk the city streets alone​

Tags: Dean Walker

The droid waiter beeped as Dean declared he was going to have a steak. "Very good Sir. and for you Miss?"

"I'll have the shrimp salad and yes to the wine."

She smiled at Dean as the droid beeped again. "Excellent choices. They will be out momentarily."

"If I didn't know better I'd worry you were trying to get me drunk Mr. Smith."

The droid buzzed off to fulfill the menu requests leaving the pair alone once more. Katarine was smiling playfully at Dean after her comment about the alcohol. She couldn't help but notice that in this lighting his sharp features were more intense, and how they made her pulse race. His demeanor was strong, stoic, and acted like a magnet to the woman. It was ridiculous that she'd only known him less than a day and already being in his presence was so powerful. She felt like she was getting swept up in something and no mater what she did the winds would keep blowing.

She sat her glass down and smiled shyly at him. She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by a Zeltronian male bringing out a steak. Wow that was fast service. They had just ordered.

"Your steak sir." He sat the steak down in front of Dean but it was certainly not medium rare. This steak was extra rare and looked as if it had extra blood poured all over it. The smell was nauseating and several people at nearby tables were turning to look at the source of the foul odor. The droid server was also buzzing back over to the table, waving its arms.

"No.. no that isn't for that table it is... hey!"

The droid was knocked back slightly as Katarine stood up, her deep green eyes suddenly alert and on edge as she pulled the Zeltronian male toward her.

"Who ordered this?"

"Miss.. please... I... I.."

"WHO ORDERED THIS STEAK???!!"

"A man.. he.. "

"Is he in this restaurant?"

"Miss please! You are causing a scene! I am so sorry for the mix up. This is not your order." The droid picked up the plate and started to roll back towards the kitchen with it. Katarine gave Dean one fleeting look, as if she was silently wishing he didn't think she was crazy, but then she bolted after the droid. The moment she pushed her way into the kitchen the staff started to cry out that customers were not allowed back there, but the Jedi ignored them.

"Droid! Who ordered this steak?"

"Miss please! This is highly irregular behavior!"

"Which table did you send that steak to?"

"It was a delivery order! It just left. Please return to your table!"

Katarine pushed out the back door in time to see a swoop bike zooming off with a delivery man aboard. "Sithspit!" She kicked the ground in frustration.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean's smirk widened at Katarine's playful accusation, his gray eyes glinting with amusement. "Me? Trying to get you drunk?" He scoffed, feigning innocence as he leaned in slightly. "Now, Mrs. Smith, what kind of man do you take me for?" The playful teasing, the dim lighting, the way her green eyes practically glowed in the warm ambiance — it was a perfect moment. He felt good sitting across from her, like the universe had conspired to give them this one sliver of peace amidst all the chaos.

And then the chaos returned.

Dean barely had time to register the horrid stench before his instincts kicked in. The sight of the Zeltronian waiter setting down a slab of nearly raw meat, practically dripping with blood, sent every warning bell ringing in his head. His stomach twisted — not from the sight, but from the implications.

The droid's frantic beeping confirmed it, but before Dean could say a word, Katarine was moving. Her entire demeanor shifted in an instant, and suddenly, she wasn't just the woman he'd been playfully flirting with over dinner — she was something else. Someone else. A Jedi. She was sharp, demanding, her voice cutting through the restaurant as she grabbed the waiter. Dean's gaze flickered to the surrounding patrons, noting the growing unease, but his focus remained on her.

And then she bolted.

Dean swore under his breath before throwing a few credits on the table and pushing to his feet. "Sorry, folks, my wife's got a thing for bad steak," he muttered dryly, then followed her into the kitchen.

By the time he got there, she was already bursting out the back door.

"Kat—!"

He saw the swoop bike speeding away, the delivery man nothing more than a blur against the neon-lit night. Katarine cursed, frustration evident in every line of her body, and Dean didn't hesitate. He reached for her hand, fingers wrapping firmly around hers, and pulled her further outside. "Come on," he said, his voice laced with urgency.

His sharp gaze scanned the alley, and then— there. Parked a few feet away, a civilian's swoop bike sat unattended, likely belonging to some poor idiot who thought he'd have a quiet night out. Dean didn't even blink. With practiced ease, he strode over, knelt beside the ignition panel, and pulled a small tool from his jacket. A few expert twists, a spark of power—

The bike roared to life.

Dean swung himself into the driver's seat, gripping the handlebars before glancing back at Katarine, a devilish grin spreading across his face. "Don't ask me how I know how to do that," he quipped, eyes gleaming with mischief. Then he reached out a hand, inviting her onto the bike. "Now get on, sweetheart. We've got a delivery to track."

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Anticipation is running through me​

Tags: Dean Walker

Dean was on her heals in no time and he seemed to know why she wanted to track the delivery. He hot wired a waiting speeder and she grinned when he called her sweetheart. She liked the sound of that. She swung her leg over the bike and they were off. The streets of Zeltros became a blur as they moved at such speeds, weaving in between any traffic they saw. She could see the taillights of the delivery vehicle getting closer and had to admit Dean was a good driver, which was lucky because Kat probably would have crashed by now. Eventually the delivery driver slowed at a broken down apartment complex and carried the takeout container up a flight of rusty stairs. He knocked on the door and handed the package to a greasy faced young human male who paid the creds and then shut the door.

When they had parked Kat got off the bike and frowned. "We have to be careful. If the Doctor is in there and he gets as much as a whiff of my perfume he will go to ground we won't see him again for a long time."

---

Meanwhile Inside the apartment building a young man named Fion lived alone and idolized the serial killer known as "The Butcher of Lambs." He was a copycat serial killer in the making, having studied all of the Doctors victims and crimes. Fion was sitting down to a raw steak dinner, trying to psych himself up to slaughter the woman he'd taken hostage and was holding captive inside his apartment.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean pulled the swoop bike into a sharp drift, the rear kicking up a faint cloud of dust as he came to a smooth halt just around the corner from the apartment complex. The taillights of the delivery vehicle dimmed in the distance, and as he killed the engine, the low hum of the city took over again — neon buzzing, distant laughter, the murmur of night traffic.

His smirk remained as he looked at Katarine. "Gotta admit, I might be having a little too much fun with this," he quipped before swinging a leg over the bike. With a gentlemanly ease, he reached out and helped her off, his fingers brushing briefly against hers before he straightened.

His expression sobered at her warning. "Right. No perfume, no grand entrances. We go quiet."

His sharp gaze swept over the rundown complex, noting the flickering lights, the rusted stairwell, and the general sense of decay. The kind of place where people could disappear, where no one would bother asking questions. It set his instincts on edge.

Dean exhaled through his nose and moved to the apartment's control panel, drawing a small device from his pocket. "No sense in kicking the door in and making a scene," he murmured, already working on slicing into the lock. His fingers moved with practiced ease, bypassing security protocols, rerouting power. A few sparks, a faint beep — then the lock hissed open.

The door slid ajar by just an inch.

Dean tucked away his tool and looked at Katarine, a glint of mischief still lingering in his storm-gray eyes. "After you, Mrs. Smith." His voice was low, teasing, but beneath it was a steady, silent readiness. Whatever was on the other side of that door, they were going in together.

Katarine Ryiah
​