Take Off The Mask

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Vineta, the city that he and Danger had built here on Borleias had always had a rather mystical quality to it.

At least for him.

There was somethinig about the twin lakes, the cliffs, the bright glow of the city nestled between it all. It all seemed like an odd sort of dream that had simply been plucked into reality. Of course that had been the point of the whole thing in the first place. It was supposed to be the perfect spot, the perfect destination. It was why Alric had wanted it in the first place. There was something...not better, but transfixing about Vineta. He glanced out the side of the viewport, then gently nudged Danger.

"There." He pointed to the singular landing pad attached to the building. "That's our floor."

The one below it too, but hey he wasn't here to brag.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Alric always had a way with bringing concepts he created in his imagination to life. He proved so in the ice manor he had built for her on Hoth, in the rolling expanse and attention to detail at the farm, and for Vineta, it was no different. No expense was spared. No idea out of reach. No, he had made Vineta into a world free of stress and full of wonder.

Exactly what the doctor had ordered for the Queen of Trade and her beloved.

To an extent, Vineta reminded Danger of a mix between Naboo, Zeltros, Aldaraan, and Corellia before the attack. Luxury and extravagance certainly was visible, but there were clean lines and purpose to it. It made Danger proud.

"The entire floor?" an auburn brow rose. "Perhaps a bit too much space for us?" she would tease him, leaning close to press a kiss against his bearded cheek.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric pulled Danger closer as the ship bucked slightly, heading directly towards the landing pad. "Not at all."

The entire floor of course was actually normally reserved for them anyway. The Penthouse of Vineta Tower belonged to Alric and Danger, always had, they had just never visited it before. The floor below was the one with the pool, and usually it was rented out in four separate suites, each with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. Yet for this little trip Alric had made sure that they were all empty.

"I'm very rich." He teased as the ship slowed. "So I can get as much room as I want."

With a sudden tug Alric pulled Danger into his lap. "I can get anything I want in fact."

His arms slipped around her, holding her in place as the ship came in for a landing. The vessel shook for a moment as it came down onto its landing struts.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

A chuckle would bubble forth as Alric held her close to him. It was no surprise that his wandering hands went traveling over her as he made emphasis on having whatever he wanted. A small kiss then pressed itself on his temple, her arms wrapping around in a loose loop over his shoulders holding herself tight and close while the shuttle gave a shutter. Thankfully it didn't last long.

"That you can," she agreed, a small sigh as she held him close to her bosom. The shuttle gave a small whine as it settled down on the landing pad and it wasn't long before the protocol droid once again came waddling through the door.

"Masters, we are here!" He would cry, oblivious to the entanglement of the Titan and his wife. That prompted Danger's small chuckle of wry humor.

"Thank you Cee three... you can leave now."

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric smiled.

There were half a dozen things that they still had to do before they could actually get to relax. They would have to unload their stuff, make sure the bedding was fine, then maybe see if they wanted to get something to eat. Their day was still somewhat busy, but it was for them.

That was what mattered. ”Alright Miss.”

His fingers gently laced around her.

”Lets get going.” His hand came to gently smack down on her rump. ”Im hungry.”

He grinned at her as she slowly slid from his lap and to her feet.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Oh you!" Danger gave Alric a light smack on his hand for his small love tap. Nonetheless she still had. Small lingering smile upon her face. Alright, they were here to relax and enjoy having some quality time with each other. In short order, the pair left the shuttle and made their way towards the reception area.

Thie entire two floors were for their sole use, which allowed a measure of privacy as well as ease of comfort, Alric would have seen to it that their suite would have everything that they would need or require; from food, to services, and whatever the mind could conjour.

For now, however, Danger's focus would be on fulfilling one particular desire of her husband. "Hungry?" A small half smile, her arm snaking to wrap around his waist and hold him close. "Well then, what are you in the mood for? We could order in or go out?'

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Going out would of course create a stir.

They technically, the two of them together, owned this entire city. It wasn't something that they advertised, but by rights all of Vineta belonged to them and everyone else simply rented their little space. That was how they had worked it out with the Government of Borleias. Of course for this they paid a massive amount of taxes and were susceptible to regulations, but that didn't really get in the way. Both Alric and Danger were more than willing to pay taxes, unlike some major corporate entities.

"Order in." He answered as he plopped himself down on the plush sofa within the middle of the suite.

For a moment the Tetan peered around, looking at the different decorations. This suite had of course been put together for them, it was the penthouse and had originally been designed for his and Danger's comforts. Everything inside reflected that.

"Maybe something Neimoidian." He mused. "Or exotic like Felucian."

He waggled his eyebrows.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

A snort and a small bop at his direction from Danger followed the waggle of his eyebrows, "The last time you had Felucian didn't turn out so well for you." it was something mild of course, but none the less something to tease the Tetan about.

While the droids would tend to delivering their luggage, Danger took a deep breath and took a slow walk over towards the wide windows that overlooked Vineta city.

"It is beautiful." came her soft murmur, appreciating the sparkling lights and the way that the sun would reflect across the large lake at the center of the city. The landscape had been taken into consideration with the initial designs and had resulted in truly something spectacular.

"Sunset will be gorgeous -- no Twin Suns," she added with a wry murmur, "But lovely enough."

Turning towards him her smile, a true smile that had been a rare sight indeed, shone upon Alric.

"We could do Felacatian."

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

His face contorted. "I always find hair in Felacatian."

That wasn't necessarily true, but the dishes were...well they weren't all that tasty for him. Empress Teta tended towards more hearty meals filled with meats and other heavier foods. Felecatians were light and their diet rather reflected that, using thin cuts of meat and the like.

He frowned for a moment in consideration, then eventually pointed to her, and then to his knee.

Danger smiled slightly for a moment, then slowly began to wander over towards him. He glanced passed her for just a few moments, looking out at Vineta and appreciating the comments she had made about the city before slowly turning his attention back to his wife. By the time Alric looked up she had already sauntered close enough for him to grab her, and slowly his hand wound around her wrist. He tugged her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her.

"We could do something more...sensual." He kissed her cheek. "A bit of Zeltron cooking."

That was always...interesting.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

That brought another chuckle to the woman, the Tetan's arms flowing around her and tugging her into his embrace. He always did that now, more so than ever before. It was just Alric's way of making up for lost time, ensuring that she always felt loved and secure.

"You mean dine on oysters, chocolate, strawberries, and whatever sort of pheromone drenched foods they like to slip into the mix?" that amused her, clucking her tongue.

"How about we just.... relax, maybe walk around a bit. " turning within his embrace, Danger slid her body to face Alric. Uplifting her face, she kept that smile.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

That was an idea at the very least.

"Sure." He said, holding her for a moment. HE was pretty hungry, but that didn't matter so much. He doubted that anyone in the street would recognize the two of them right away. Perhaps once he would have worried about it, but now?

Well he and Danger had spent the last few months as recluses, living with Myra on The Farm. Danger still worked on ATC of course, but neither of them had made any public appearances in quite some time. It was doubtful that people would know who they actually were, at least at first glance, and in the crowds they would blend in well enough no matter what.

"Let me put on something..." He glanced down at his suit. "More normal."

The less he stood out the better.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Danger grinned. Her hands went sweeping over the folds of his jacket, smoothing down the fabric and feeling the warmth radiating from his body.

"I reckon you all dolled up will make you stand out a bit." she'd say in a tease, leaning forward a bit to rest her weight against him. "Slip on something more comfortable. None of them fine threads you've a liken to wear."

Looking down at herself, Danger realized that the advice could very well be directed to her. If anything, the Queen of Trade's face and form was one of the most highly identified in the 'verse. She'd also have to be careful on her choice of attire.

"Might even do the same for myself."

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

It didn't take very long for Alric to actually change, mostly because such a thing was easy for him.

Despite his current attire Alric didn't actually like to dress up anymore, not usually anyway. Myra was generally far too active to actually make that realistic, and every time he would wear something nice it would inevitably get clay or crayon or something else on it to make it dirty.

Better to wear just a t-shirt. "There."

Alric said as he pulled out a simple t-shirt and shorts.

"For tonight I'm not Alric Kuhn." He told Danger as she wandered behind him. "I'm Neal Gerard, made a small fortune in Whisky."

He glanced at his wife. "Nothing to boast about, but it keeps the missus happy."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Does it now?" Danger would reply, lips curved upward as she gave the Tetan her full appraisal. Green eyes swept from the tops of his shoes, up the shorts, over the broad expanse of his torso, and finally met the bright blue of his eyes. Rose had those exact same eyes. A soft smile and the woman came over to inspect him.

She too had changed, deciding on a small summer dress made out of a light, printed material. She also had a woven wide brimmed hat. It would serve a dual purpose in keeping the sun away from her face as well as keeping it in the shadows for a low key affair. Sunglasses would complete the look along with strappy heels, but for now, she simply let the lenses hang from the front of her blouse.

"How do I look?' This inquiry was followed by a small slow spin, the woman ending up facing her husband as she awaited his response.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

His hands immediately slid onto her hips.

"Beautiful." There was really no other way for him to answer. To Alric Danger was the most beautiful woman in the galaxy. There was no question to that, there was no different interpretation. He loved her. Who was he to say anything else. He smiled for a moment, his gaze lingering upon her for just a few moments before he pulled her into an embrace.

His lips pressed against hers for just a moment.

"Alright." He said as his stomach quietly growled. "Let's go find some street food at least."

He really was Hungry, and before Danger could argue he had looped his way out of her arms and grabbed onto her hand. His fingers interlaced with hers, and like a high school kid who was taking his girlfriend to a carnival Alric ran off with Danger in tow.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"] always had that affinity of acting much like a mischievous little boy when he was so inclined. The Tetan was infamous for that in his youth as much as he was now. Oh he had a well of anger in him then; one that had manifested itself in several underground pugilist competitions.

"Haha, hold on." Danger called out to him, but Alric wouldn't listen. No he was like a child set out to have a good time. His eyes were bright, his smile wide, and the warmth of his hand and fingers interlaced with hers comforting.

They managed to make it towards the lift, the quiet slid of the turbo lift door opening to let them inside. A small chuckle followed and like the smooth man that he was, Alric managed to drag her closer into his embrace just as the doors went sliding shut.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He kissed her nose.

Alric was intent on making this into a fun vacation. He knew that Danger would be tempted to worry about Myra every second of every day, but he wouldn't be allowing that. The Tetan shifted slightly and pulled Danger into one of the corners of the Turbo-lift, tugging her out of the way of a man who stepped onto the lift just two floors beneath him.

The man glanced at them for a second, then simply turned away shaking his head.

The sight of two lovers was not at all uncommon here on Vineta, though usually they were dressed in slightly more formal clothing. The Tetan smiled for a second, his arms squeezing Danger as the lift continued to descend down towards the lobby of the building. A few moments later they shook slightly, and then the doors opened up. "To the left."

He told her.

"We'll go down the market." Where one could buy pretty much anything, including a good meal.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"The market?" now that was a novel idea. Normally, Danger would be the one playing hostess in the market; well the Southern Systems Business Bazaar to be exact. The next one was just around the corner. Should she take the lead on it again or leave it to Saffron?

As much as Alric didn't want her to worry about their daughter, Danger couldn't help but think of her. It is just what a parent did that's all. In her mind, Danger would mull over just how much would Myra enjoy going to the Bazaar? There was a carnival there at the station. Makai had enjoyed going whenever Danger would escort him. They did have a very good time eating candied apples last time --

"Oh!" that same man in the lift accidently bumped into Danger, diverting her from her daydream.

"Excuse me," they both managed to reply at the same time, Danger giving an incline of her head.

"It's alright." the woman replied, feeling the tug of her husband carry her off before the man would per at them any closer.

"Maybe my balance is leaving me as the years pack on." Danger mentioned wryly as a joke, turning her sunglasses over towards the Tetan.

"Although I doubt this market is anything like the Bazaar... a bit more high class, correct?"

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

”Yeah.” Alric replied quietly, trying to weave his way out of the lobby of the hotel without attracting too much attention from either the guests or the staff. Once they were clear he let out a breath, mostly because he'd been worried some manager or something would try to approach him and give them away.


”Its more geared towards people with a bit more money than usual.” He told her as they began to wander towards the left of the open streets. ”Most things are expensive.”

He shrugged. ”Probably more than they need to be.”

That wasn't really unusual though. It was sort of a fact of life that rich people were more likely to buy things if they were more expensive than the alternative. In their minds quality equaled cost. Alric knew this wasn't necessarily true, but it was how people thought.

”But no worries. My small fortune will be more than enough to get you whatever you want.” He teased with a smile, gently squeezing her side.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"You sure it ain't my small fortune," Danger sent a tease right back at her husband, hooking her arm around his as they ambled along.

"You play your sabaac cards right, and I just might buy you something pretty." of course Alric had his own money. They both had very successful companies that were very profitable. Danger herself had over a handful, and that wasn't even including the joint projects she and Alric had worked on together. So her making that offer was more of a tease than anything serious.

Turning round the corner, they ambled along the streets. These were clean and not crowded. Vanir had pulled out all the stops to make Vineta a luxurious and wonderful experience. Zeltros could have it's wild clubs and venues, but here there was a little bit of class.

Not to say that there weren't places to enjoy an outing and have fun.