Take Off The Mask

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]



The slow suction of her breath would lance between them as a fine tremble went racing like wildfire along her nerves, heightening anticipation and the elation he elicited from her. Her body went soft, pliant. A mash of her soft against his hardness, contrasting sensations widening her eyes before her eyelids grew heavy and fell shut. No more neon blue posters and women presenting themselves across classic airspeeders. The ambiance as fitting as the carefree manner that the Old Tetan was determined to coax Danger's mind from troubling thoughts.

When it came to men, for the longest Danger strictly adhered to the law of catch and release. As soon as she could get them out of her bed, she threw them back in the stream. Now, she couldn't stop thinking about Alric. The way he smelled. The way his hair curled under his ear. Danger found herself thinking about the old Tetan even when she didn't want to think about him. And like an ember with the ash blown away, something inside her sparked.

Her head fell back, and Alric instinctively followed the tilt of her body, his large hand sliding up along her spine. His fingers tangled upon locks of her hair, drawing her closer as growing satisfaction cut his lips, the glass of whiskey lightly rocking with a flex of his wrist.

Amber liquid would slosh in a small whirlpool, followed by her sigh. This man. What this man does to me. Toes couldn't help but curl, and Danger tightened her grasp around him. It was funny how things came to pointed clarity whenever she was with Alric. The heat of his skin. The rustle of a shirt and its subsequent fall. The whimper at the back of her throat as she twisted her neck and lifted her face to catch the rakish curve of his lips.

As their embrace grew in passion, the simple joy of having him in her arms permeated throughout Danger's being. It was right. Felt so right. Her nails dug into the brawn of his shoulders amidst every stimulation.

The rake!

If anything, his years on this 'verse taught Alric Kuhn well how to get his due and exploit the resources available.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

There was a fine line, and Alric decided that he always needed to walk that line over the last few months. To him it never mattered much, never really bothered him. he was happy with Danger, happy to have her in his own little way. There was no push, no urge, only calm and patience. He had become a patient man in his old age, and many people would have believed he had the self control of a god.

To him, however, it was simple.

He loved her.

Waiting was not difficult in the face of that, it was without a doubt one of the easiest things he had ever done. Now, as he pulled her close and held her in his arms, teeth sinking into her neck and hand pressing at her back, that easy task seemed so daunting. His eyes closed for half a second, a measure of balance regained as he slowly drew himself up against her. His broad chest would raise slightly, and slowly he would pull her slightly closer so her back would stiffen, a soft mammquita rolling over her chest.

"Now." His words were a whisper in her ear as his lips passed. "Why don't you give me a taste?"

​

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Dawn broke.

The rays of the sun would peek through the curtains, drifting along the ground towards the bed where the two lay entangled in each others arms. Silver streaked auburn hair would fan along a pillow, while [member="Alric Kuhn"]'s cheek would rest against the soft beating heart of the woman in his arms. Soft breathing would remain steady, even.

Her arms were snaked under his, one leg between his own. The call of a Tetan songbird would sing in the distance, and with every second that would tick pass, the sun would rise on the morn that would see them both meet with Lily and Rose.

Awareness would come slowly, but Danger wasn't quite awake yet. Instead she would shift within the embrace of the old Tetan's arms, a soft sigh of content falling from her lips.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric was already awake, he always woke up first.

A small groan escaped him as he stretched beneath Danger, a yawn pulling his mouth open. His eyes were still closed, not yet willing to open up just yet. There was faded light that poured in through the open door, no windows actually decorating the Master Bedroom. He smiled for a moment, simply feeling Danger's warmth beside him. This had always been his favorite time of day, when they simply woke up together and stayed in bed together.

It didn't happen often, both of them being rather busy, but as of late it occurred more and more.

He cherished it.

The Tetan's eyes slowly folded open, his head turning to the side and his loose arm reaching out to grab the clock that sat on the nightstand. He read the time, then realized that they still had some hours before they had to meet Lily and Rose. A small smile pulled at his lips again, and slowly he wrapped himself around Danger. Maybe a little bit more rest and sleep would be okay.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Arms would wrap tighter around Danger, and slumber would wane as she stretched within the confines of his embrace. A faint, sleepy smile would grace her lips, feeling a rather deep satisfied heaviness in her limbs as she snuggled closer.

Lips would brush against his temple, followed by a small nuzzle of her cheek. They lay there like a pair of content Bha’lairs in the midst of a nap, languidly enjoying each others company with no rush to change that. Drawing him closer, the tips of Danger’s fingers would start to skim small idle strokes along his back. She felt the ridges of his ribs, the flex of muscle, the slow steady thump of his heart.

I like this.

She was content. Completely satisfied in this moment here in his arms. She gave a small ‘Mmm’ from the back of her throat, sliding her right leg over his in blissful content.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric smiled at her. "Morning."

He wondered if this was what the rest of his life would be like. If it would just be family. He'd like that. No concerns of the business world, no troubles with governments, organizations, planets, nothing. He would simply be alive and doing what he wanted. There was a bliss in that, a pure and simple joy that he could not describe or even begin to talk about. The idea seemed like a dream right now, with Danger still holding ATC and him still operating Vanir Technologies, but maybe soon.

It was worth thinking about.

Worth pondering.

"Hungry?" They had exerted themselves quite a bit last night, his stomach grumbling loudly just as he made the mention of food. "I think I am."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Mmm... good mornin'" her drawl grew thicker than Alderaanian honey whenever she just awoke. Like a lazy Nexu, she gave a slow stretch, back arching for a moment before she settled into place. With luscious propertarity, she would give a half roll to lay just a bit on top of him.

An affectionate kiss would grace the line of his jaw. A rather salacious smile grew at the mention of food, and the enjoyment they both had relished to work up said appetite.

"Will it be illusive pizza?" she sang in a light tease, giving a slight mammaquatia in her chuckle. " Or did you stock up on anythin' else 'sides that?"

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Pizza?

Well he had eaten it for breakfast nearly every day of university, breakfast, lunch, and dinner in fact, but not this morning. The meal would be a tad difficult to make, and if he was honest with himself Alric was feeling far too lazy for the amount of effort that it would require to make that.

He shifted slightly. "How about omelettes?"

That was much simpler, and wouldn't require the oven to heat up first.

Alric wasn't a good cook, actually he wasn't even a decent one, but he knew how to make an omelette at least. There would be eggs in the kitchen and probably some other ingredients as well, though he couldn't imagine that he would make anything fancy. Then again, he doubted that Danger expected the world.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Mmm..." another stretch, another lazy arch. Slowly she was coming to.

"Omelettes sound good." she confessed, a rumble in her belly that said food was most certainly the best course of action. They hadn't had any dinner last night, save for a few snacks in the wee hours. However, that wasn't enough sustenance.

"A three Nuna egg one." she elaborated, thinking of what she wanted. That really did sound delicious. Her hand would come down to run along his flank, caressing him. "We should probably take a shower."

That last bit was said with a knowing smile, another rub of his hip and three guesses where it slipped to next, and the first two don't count.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He stretched slightly again, looking at Danger slightly before raising his eyebrows at her touch.

A smirk touched his lips. "I suppose we should."

The musing crossed the Tetan's lips, though it was obvious that the consideration hadn't yet entered his mind.

They had a few hours yet before they had to go to meet the girls, despite their vigorous activity from the night before they had awoken surprisingly early. Perhaps the excitement of the night along with the thrill of what was to come today had simply pushed them into waking up. Either way, Alric felt like a new man. He felt reborn, like he had finally seized another portion of life. The Old man was ready to run a dozen marathons in a row and then swim across a lake.

Well...maybe not quite so much, but Alric felt good, better than he had in a long while.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

None the less, Danger would grace Alric with a lingering kiss.

"Omelette or 'fresher, whichever you prefer first." she told him, coaxing him to decide. It was surreal as much as a joy to see, Danger as expressing freely her desires as much as her affection. It would be the culmination of what Alric had desired all along. It was there in the warmth of her gaze, unguarded and simply enjoying being with the old Tetan.

It was their own little version of Cloud Nine. Perhaps just the beginning.

With a tempting grin, Danger drew back, shifting to sit up on the bed. The blanket would slip, and cool air would brush skin. One leg went sliding over the edge of the bed, her bare foot coming down to sink in the orange shag carpet.

"Where are we meeting Lily and Rose at?"

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Food first." Alric said to himself, a small smile pulling at his lips as she watched him.

The Tetan stretched slightly.

There was a lot to do before they went to meet his daughters. They had to shower, get dressed, eat, then make their way towards the cafe. He felt it fitting that they didn't go to the estate, knowing the memories there. Instead they would meet Rose and Lily in a more neutral location. Out of the four of them, only Alric had ever been to where they were going, though he had very nearly taken Lily and Rose there when they had been children.

"The botanical gardens." He answered her. "They're in the southern Hemisphere, a bit of a trip but they have a nice restaurant there too."

It was perfect really, or so he thought anyway.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

A flash of of long auburn hair, the sway of a saunter. Had to take it easy for a bit there. "The botanical gardens?" she would repeat, calling out from the back of her shoulder on her way over to the refresher.

Motion detectors would illuminate the ornate adjoining refresher suite. "Think the weather would hold?" Empress Teta was known for it's windy days, but overall was pleasant. The suite in itself held more of a classic decor than the rest of the apartment. The majority of the original remained, to include the polished marble counters, a large window, and the full Jacuzzi bath with adjoining water shower.

As she turned on the faucet, a thought came to her then. They were really doing this.

It just felt so surreal.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"If it doesn't, the restaurant and gardens are both located inside, well partially." The place was neat, really. Huge and all contained within a massive building that seemed to stretch for miles. The Gardens were in a green house, and the restaurant was attached to it's side. Of course the patio was better than the inside, but since Alric had rented out the entire place for the day it would hardly matter where they ended up. That was the benefit of being rich. "Lots to see, lots to talk about."

No awkward pauses today.

The Tetan had planned ahead, knowing full well what might happen.

Of course his daughters were fairly outgoing, and both were likely to not shy away from conversation, having been briefed full well by him on what he and Danger actually were to one another now. It would be an interesting day, Alric had no doubts about it. "It'll be fun."

He said the words with a smile, giving no indication of moving from the bed.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

There was always a rather toe curling sensation when stepping into a warm bath. Granted, the temperature would change depending on which planet one was at. Ain’t no way she ran hers hot on Tatooine, but here? Once the spray hit her face and ran down sore muscles she couldn’t help but give a sigh of contentment.

“Alright.” her voice would sail over the sound of running water.

In the back of her mind, she was still a bit worried about the girls. Finally letting go didn’t mean all of her concerns were tossed to the wind. Things could very well go in directions that Danger had no control of. She was fumbling into ecstasy and all she could do was hold on tight for the ride.

The only assured thing being that Alric this time will be there with her every step of the way.

She liked that.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He wanted to get out of the bed, but he had forgotten just how comfortable it was.

The mattress had cost far too much money back in the day, and was in fact the most expensive thing in the entire apartment. Alric wanted to snuggle himself into the blankets and never leave. He pondered this for a moment, thinking just how he could manage to spend the rest of his life within the confines of the mattress. Eventually, he decided that such was not a way to go through the rest of the time he had left, and with a loud groan he managed to push himself out of bed.

His feet landed on the ground, eyes shifting slightly towards the shower.

A yawn passed from his lips, his eyes closing as he half stretched. Slowly the Old Man got up from the bed, wandering towards the door and catching a small glimpse of skin in the bathroom mirror. A smirk pulled at his lips, and slowly he made his way towards the kitchen. "Now let's see."

Alric mused to himself as he began to search cabinets.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

While Alric went about making breakfast, Danger would let herself settle under the spray of the water. A little bit more wasteful than she’d normally be, but the warmth and the pelting sensation that came with it was relaxing. She could feel her mind wander, but she had to remind herself to just take it easy.

One step at a time.

For now, she tipped her face up to the stream, slicking her hair back with her hands. Half way through a smirk played over her lips.

Maybe the hover bed wasn’t so bad after all….

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric explored the kitchen thoroughly, looking for pots and pans that he could use. Eventually he managed to stumble upon an old cast iron pan, one that he had used when he was in college. Nostalgia came to him for a moment, though he quickly disregarded it and placed the pan on one of the stoves.

"Now where..." He began to speak to himself as he searched, finding eggs in the fridge and locating everything else he would need.

There really was something to be said about the quality of service within this building, they had stocked the apartment with everything from butter to bantha steaks. It was impressive, and he would have to make sure to maintain this apartment just for the sake of having service like that on hand. He mused for a moment, then pulled some other ingredients out from the fridge before throwing some of the butter in the already heated pan. The aroma began to seep through the apartment.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Time would drift another half hour. Danger would step out of the refresher, drying herself off before slipping into a vine-silk robe. Her hands would tie a loose knot at the waist, taking the towel to gently dry her hair. Dark, damp auburn locks would lightly curl, flanking her tanned heart shaped face.

A good whiff and her stomach would give a rumble. Even down the corridor, she couldn’t help but perk up at the aroma of omelets being fried encapsulating her.

Turning the corner, she caught sight of Alric over the stove. A nerf lick would have a tuff of peppered hair up by his temple, giving him a rather boyish charm. With a chuckle, she went over and stepped behind him. Her hands went snaking around his ribcage, bringing him into an embrace.

“Smells amazing.” she told him, pressing a kiss by his shoulder.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

The omelette was coming along surprisingly nicely.

When father hood had hit him he found that his cooking skills had been next to nothing, Silara had to do most of that. It was surprising to them both, but in the end they had worked out a rather neat system. She had mostly done dinner, he had mostly done breakfast. Omelettes, pancakes, waffles, that was his domain, and pizza of course. Those were really the only things in his wheelhouse, the things that he could do without messing them up half a dozen times.

"Yes." He said as he flipped the omelette. "Yes it does."

Confidence was key in all things, even cooking breakfast.