The Art of Discovery

[Zeke Tune]

Zeke had been paid millions for his art, he had gotten countless awards, been knighted on three planets, had the praise of countless beings, was given priceless artifacts, and so much more. However, never in his life had he ever gotten something so precious, so sweet, so addictive as her kiss for it. If [member="Loreena Arenais"] kissed him every time he drew something for her, he would never want to stop. If he wasn't art obsessed already, if she kept this up, he would be. Fingers reached up, and ran through her hair, as she talked about treasuring it forever. Frankly, he wanted to blurt out about how would treasure her forever too.

But he warred with himself. Instead, he compromised. “And I hope I can treasure you, and this moment we are having, forever. I....Ahhh, I'm such a fool. But you have this effect on me I guess. I can't explain it. But when you kissed me just then, all I wanted was to make art for you endlessly. When you touch me, I want it never to end. I just....I know this is new, but it feels so right to me. You are so precious. You are worth more than anything. Maybe I'm foolish, falling head over heels for a girl I met at a club. I can't explain it.”

His arms held her so close again, and he just cuddled her into. “But I can't seem to get close enough to you. I just fail to be able to.” The man then proceeded to rest his head against hers. His eyes close, and he let off a happy sigh. Frankly if she was using him, let her. This feeling he had in him right now, he didn't want it to end. If that meant he was used, so be it. But he honestly didn't think she was. She seemed to genuine, so real.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori didn't resist at all when [member="Zeke Tune"] held her close. She just melted into his touch. Not only did she feel special and admired, but she felt protected as well. Is this how her Mom felt when her and Dad were just getting together? He was her bodyguard. No doubt she favoured his protection.

But Zeke was an artist. How much did he know about self defence? His muscles indicated that he didn't exactly lay around all day and let everyone do things for him. So surely he knew of some stuff at least. And if he didn't? Well, she could teach him. That could end up being really fun!

She closed her eyes as their heads rested against one another's, feeling...content. "I'm foolish too. I haven't even had anyone want to kiss me, except for you. And it just feels...almost as though I was waiting for you, waiting for our first meeting. It sounds silly like a fairy tale, but I sort of like fairy tales. Don't you?"

 

[Zeke Tune]

As [member="Loreena Arenais"] melted into his arms, his desire to protect this woman, to give her everything he was increased. Was this love at first sight? Maybe. What she didn't know, was that when she was in his arms, she was indeed safer than any moment she had been outside of them. He was an assassin, one who specialized destroying other assassins, terrorists, criminals, and the like. And for the first time in years, he felt there was a reason for all of it, beyond his art. Clearly, she was some noble lady, she would have people after her. They wouldn't harm even one hair on her beautiful head. Her smile, and kisses were his.

He rubbed nose to hers. “Trust me, I didn't know I could want to kiss a person this much. Your lips are pure addiction for me, apparently.” Speaking of which, he took another kiss from them. “And I love fairy tails. Growing up, my parents told me them all. And I admit, when I built the orphanage, I had fairy tails in mind. Of giving the kids the chance to go from slave to whatever it was they wanted to be. This does feel like a fairy tale. Like I've been waiting my entire life for this moment. For this purpose. It's so cheesy, but I love it.”

With her there in his lap, he just laid back on the starship lounge couch. He pulled her down on top of him. He leaned up and kissed her lips a good dozen more times. “I'm here for you....I want to hire you. Let's have adventures together. Let's see the galaxy side by side. Let's see what happens for us. I want you here, next to me. I want to paint for you, and get kissed when I make a good one. I want to wake up, and see your face. Maybe its all the alcohol talking, but I want this. I've been roaming, without aim or purpose, and in you walk into my life. My muse is roaring, I'm excited, I want to go see new things. It's weird.”

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori didn't think that she could ever be addicting to someone. Annoying maybe, but addicting? Nah! But there's a first time for everything, isn't there? And this was certainly a first for the both of them.

She scrunched up her nose a bit as he rubbed his with hers, all the while grinning as she knew that he was going to kiss her again. Seconds later, he did! Not that she minded. They were gentle and sweet, and not at all forced upon her in a predatory manner.

And then there were more kisses, short and sweet little pecks of loveliness before [member="Zeke Tune"] made his proposal of hiring her. She studied his eyes then, looking deep into them. "Do you really? I would love that. My crew would enjoy the work too. That is, if they are allowed to come with us sometimes?"
She didn't want to rid herself of them. They were good people. Even Force training couldn't make her abandon them.

 

[Zeke Tune]

He stared into those lovely eyes, oh how he knew he could get lost in them if allowed. He reached up, ran his fingers through [member="Loreena Arenais"] 's hair, and down her face once more. He then leaned in for one more kiss. Each kiss, he watched her, made sure she wanted it before he did so. If she even looked remotely hesitant, he wouldn't. He didn't want this to be a bad experience for her. “I really mean it, Lori. I want to hire you. And honestly, I would never try to make it so they didn't come. While I would love to travel alone with you through the stars, I would never want to leave your crew out of it. I want...I want this to be above board. Does that make sense? I want to court you properly, not have a single night of passion. And I know the dangers. If your crew is around, it would keep us more well behaved. At least me.”

The tone of voice showed he was serious. He wanted to treat this young woman correctly, to make this something enjoyable, that slowly built up a deep connection and bond, rather than ran on moments of passion. As such, having her crew around could make it easier to not give into temptation before hand.

He just rested their heads together again, and smiled. “Does that sound agreeable? However, if there are things we want to do alone, or go see alone, we should be allowed to do that too. But, it would be good to have them. And good to hire them as well. I have enough to hire a ship and an entire crew without issue. So, I will!” He nodded, and that was that. She was so cuddly, he just wanted to keep her there, atop him, as he held her close.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Ohhh, [member="Zeke Tune"] moved his fingers through her hair again. That easily made Lori become puddy in his hands. And the kiss just caused her to melt even more. His lips were so soft. Was there ever a time when they weren't? No, probably not. He looked after himself too much.

She listened as he laid out his suggestions, laughing a little at the thought of them having to behave themselves around the crew. Oh what games they could have! Passing out secret messages, stealing quick kisses when no one was looking, and the pranks! Oh yes he wasn't going to be avoiding any of those!

The idea of being courted properly was perfect for her as well. She didn't want to be taken advantage of in any way, shape or form. There will come a time when they might have their first night of true passion, but it won't be for quite some time. Especially if her Dad and brother had anything to say about it! And her Mom too!

"Oh that sounds very agreeable. Perfect even. We'll have some journeys alone as well, I promise. The question now though is...where shall we go first? For the moment, it'll be just the two of us."

 

[Zeke Tune]

Zeke took impeccable care of himself. Shampoo and conditioner, facial care, skin care, nail care, daily showers, chap stick and so much more. He watched her reactions, and how she enjoyed her hair played with. So of course, his hand returned to her hair, to stroke, and caress through it. In his own mind, he thought similar things as her. Stolen kisses in brief moments alone, sneaking into her room, to spend the night talking to her, teasing her, and just...slowly enjoying the moments together. It sounded perfect to him.

Now, he would be lying if he ever said he cared about her family and what they thought about it. Frankly, it was more about how he wanted to slowly enjoy her. Right now, he just wanted small kisses, to hold her hand, to hug and cuddle her. There would be a day they would make the kisses deeper, and a day in the future they may make out, and much more in the future, when the time was right, when it felt like it was the natural thing, they would share passion. But why rush? This was more than enough.

Fingers kept caressing her hair, and he spoke. “Tonight, we stay here. We keep each other company, talking until we pass out. Tomorrow, we will probably wake up right here, and be blushing our heads off, because a lot of our relaxation right now will be the alcohol. We will have breakfast, then probably set off for Corellia. And I am looking forward to learning more about you. Holding you, kissing you, growing ever more infatuated with you. If I can, I would like to bring my art supplies and the like with me. And...I would love to paint you on the trip there.”

[member="Loreena Arenais"]

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Oh [member="Zeke Tune"] could play with her hair for all eternity and she'd die happy. There was just something so calming about it. And his voice only enhanced the soothing atmosphere. He spoke softly, yet there was some strength in there as well. It felt as though he'd always have her back. A big part of her hoped that that would always be true.

"Well, if we're going to plan on passing out through talking too much and such, wouldn't there be more room on my bed? I mean--" Oh gosh! She wasn't inviting him to undress or anything! Just to sleep beside her. Not with her! Lori's cheeks turned a bright shade of red all the same. "Here is okay too."

She cleared her throat a bit as she switched topics a little. "We can fetch your art supplies before we get to Corellia. Painting a picture of me would be quite the treat. I just don't know how long I could hold still without laughing. Are you opening another gallery over there?"

 

[Zeke Tune]

Zeke blushed brightly as [member="Loreena Arenais"] mentioned sleeping in her bed. Oh he knew what she meant, and it sounded lovely. But, he had to admit, he had never done that before. But still. “It would be my honor to hold you, and sleep beside you all night, if you desire. I think I get what you mean.” He nuzzled into her a bit, and just enjoyed the feel of her there. “So, if you want, it would be comfortable, and we could just talk more, while cuddled together.”
As she talked about his art he laughed. “Haha. It would be my treat. And I don't need you to sit still. There are many ways to do this. Frankly, I just want to watch you work, to exist, and to paint what I see. Though, sitting staring into your eyes as I paint, that sounds like paradise, if you ask me.” Fingers continued to entwine with her hair, and he kissed the girl's nose. “So beautiful....so absolutely beautiful.”
His heart raced, the idea of being allowed to hold this woman all night, to talk to her, to draw her, his mind was just unable to know how to do this. So he reacted on instinct, when it came to her. “I want to explore this galaxy with you....ahhh! No, no not a gallery, but an art exhibition. My art will get shown off, i'll meet other artists, fans, and other important people, have interviews. Hold an auction for a few of my original art pieces.”

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori found it so cute that [member="Zeke Tune"] blushed as much as she did. It proved how genuine he was. And at least he understood what she had meant! Phew! She was far from the type to give herself away so quickly.

It was also a relief that when it came for her to model for him, she didn't have to stay still. Earlier she needed to, while he drew her while she had her ball of light there for him to see. But other types of artwork could be different.

"Maybe I could be your bodyguard? And keep all those girly fans from attacking you?" She grinned at the thought; having to beat back lots of screaming fans and keep them from grabbing hold of what was hers. It made her snicker.

With a kiss to his cheek, Lori climbed out of his lap and got to her feet, holding out her hand. "Come on, I'll show you a my quarters. Maybe after breakfast, I'll give you a tour of the ship." It wouldn't be a long tour by any stretch of the imagination. But he'd need to get familiar with it at least.

 

[Zeke Tune]

All thoughts of the art expos, opening new galleries, of running Melida/Daan, of any sort of plotting, or even of his hobby, left his mind. Every thought, and instinct was being trained to respond to her, and her whims. He reached out, and took her hand. [member="Loreena Arenais"] was so beautiful, so cute. He did not know how to resist the feeling that built up inside him. The idea of being allowed to sleep next to her, while he held her...it sounded a lot like paradise to him.

He walked with her, towards her room. A bodyguard? He had never needed one. If there had been a creature capable of out thinking and outfighting him, his guards would have died long before. However....The idea the he could have her close by, to chase off the annoying girls who chased after him...that he could see her, while at the various things he did, so he could focus on her alone? That he could show the world he was a taken man and belonged to this woman? Yes...that was fine! More than fine, it was perfect.

“Lori, I would love for you to be my bodyguard, to chase away anyone else that tried to touch, or take me. I want them all to understand I don't have room for more than one person in my life. And that spot has been taken.” Oh he was way infatuated. This was girlfriend. His significant other. He wasn't sure what to make of it. But he wanted more of it.

Soon they would enter her room, and he would just want to flop on the bed with her in his arms, in utter joy. Why did she make him feel so complete? Was he honestly waiting for this? It confused him. But she was his now, and he didn't want to let her go so long as he didn't have to. “A tour would be perfect. And breakfast...and waking up with you next to me, so that the first thing I see in the morning is your face”

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

"Consider it done!
The last thing that we need is for some crazed fan to try to kidnap you.
Don't you worry. I've had Mandalorian physical combat training. I can handle it." She grinned up at [member="Zeke Tune"] as she winked. Although she hadn't really fought a girl before, they'd be a lot easier to handle than men. Of course if she was his arm candy and became known for being his, that would also help to deter the crazed fans.

She led him into her quarters and closed the door. The room wasn't huge, but the bed was a fair size. And there were two sets of drawers, plus some items of clothing that seemed to belong to a girl of a smaller size than she was. "My crew have their own beds down below. I share my quarters with [member="Daiya"] and will do so until she gets older and more comfortable.
She's my best friend. I can't wait for you two to meet."

Lori climbed into the bed and patted the spot beside her, resting on her left side so that she could face him. She tucked her arm under her pillow after hitting the dim switch on the light to lower it to a level that they could still see eachother, but that it wasn't too bright to sleep. "Fair warning, sometimes I snore." It all depends on whether or not she's sleeping on her back. "And I hope that I don't wake up to find all of this a dream...don't you?"

 

[Zeke Tune]

Oh how he loved this. As he hopped into the bed next to her, he laughed. The man took out the pads, pencils and pens from his pockets, and placed them on a drawer. As the lights dimmed, he laid back on the bed. Fingers reached out and brushed her face. “You could snore like a bantha and I wouldn't honestly care. I'm told if you sleep next to a person who snores for long enough, it eventually becomes quite comforting, and you will later find it hard to sleep with out it. So I'm not worried.” He pulled her close, pulled the blankets over them, and pressed them together, as they faced one another. “I really, really hope I don't wake up....if this was simply a dream. It would be better to never awaken at all, than to lose this.” His voice was soft, and gentle, barely a whisper, but so honest.

“I don't think I would recover well from that type of event, after knowing the paradise that is your kiss.” As one of her hands went under her pillow, one of his arms went under her, and the other went over her, so he could hold her all night long, even if his arm went to sleep. “My Lori. I can't wait to meet Daiya if she is so close to you. Though I have this feeling your crew is going to hate me for awhile at least. And I am resigned to that. I've stolen what is theirs. Someone so sweet, and amazing, I couldn't possibly be the only one to notice.” His lips tenderly kissed her face, then over her lips, as they cuddled up in bed.

The larger man shifted his weight, so the girl rested against him. So young. He honestly hoped he hadn't taken advantage of her. He wanted this to be equal in all things, so he was terrified that he had some how caught her in a weak mindset, or just drunk enough or whatever. Still, he didn't try anything funny with her, he just held her close, and kissed her. No making out, each kiss was soft, fairly innocent. Was it wrong....to wish he could sleep in this bed, and hold this woman every night? Was it wrong to make [member="Loreena Arenais"] his? To live his life next to this creature? Was it too soon? He didn't know.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Gosh [member="Zeke Tune"] had a bunch of art supplies in his pockets. It'd be quite comical if he pulled out canvases, stands, a whole wack of brushes and paints too. But this wasn't some holo-rom-com. This was real!

She smiled at his words. Every time she laid out some kind of flaw, he'd turn it around into something that he couldn't live without. It was so wonderful. He rose up to each challenge and never let them beat him down. It was admireable.

Lori closed her eyes as he gently gave her face little kisses, almost as though he was afraid that he'd frighten her away, as though she was some rare creature known to run away or disappear at any moment. But Zeke had no need to fear losing her so easily. She wouldn't allow that to happen.

She adjusted her position so that she'd be comfortable while wrapped in his arms. Being under the warm blanket made it all the more cozy. Yes, she was younger than him, but the age difference between her parents was greater. Surely that had to count for something? In ten years it wouldn't really matter, right?

"I don't think that they'll hate you. I think that they'll be cautious for a bit, just as they are for every new crew member. People tend to come and go a lot. It is only three of them that stay. I give them the option to join me for work first as they are my most loyal crew. They deserve to be favoured." Yet she wondered how much of her Force training would take up her time. Lori was still undecided on which path was the right one for her to follow. Maybe one day it'll all become clear.

 

[Zeke Tune]

[member="Loreena Arenais"] was in his arms, they were cuddled up real close in bed, it was warm, and cozy. How he wished he could have this every night, but her words did make sense to him. She mentioned a child she slept next to. So, instead, he just enjoyed the time he had. The man yawned, and rubbed their noses together for a bit. “Mmm, and they will be favored. I'm not going to ask for anything in their lives to change. I'm fine with a mat back near the engines if I need to, honestly. Take care of your crew first, and everything else will fall into place.”

He snuggled up close to her, and took in the scent of the young woman again. It was mesmerizing for him. Zeke could clearly smell the alcohol on them, but both had stopped long before they got drunk. Yet his mind was light, his thoughts fleeting, and it was hard to focus. Instead, he had become drunk on her. “I admit, I wish I could hold you like this every night. But at the same time, if it's something fleeting, that doesn't happen often, it will make the moments I can even more magical, won't it?”

Lips pressed to Lori's lips once more, and he held it. His lips caressed hers for a bit, but there was no hunger. Instead, this was literally him attempting to memorize the feel and shape of her lips, in the same way he had done to her face with his hands. “You are so beautiful. How is it even fair someone as beautiful as you exists in this galaxy? You will make me think of you every moment of every day. I know we will have our lives and we will be separated at times. I will have to think, and call you every day won't I? And travel with you every moment I can. You are going to be my addiction aren't you? Sheesh Lori. But, I love that fact. I'm happy I have you here. I don't ever want to let go.” The artist's eyes slowly grew droopy. It was the warmth of her being close, the alcohol in his system, and just how right she felt, so her presence relaxed him so much. But he wasn't asleep yet.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

[member="Zeke Tune"] would find that Lori smelled of flowers. She had put on a light perfume earlier in the evening that wasn't overpowering at all. Instead it was soft and pleasant.

With her free hand, she positioned it so that she could play with the hair behind his ear, twisting and twirling the strands between her fingers and theumb, all the while listening to Zeke as he described how he'd accomodate to her life on her ship. It was amazing to hear of someone bending over backwards like that. And for her of all people!

"Once they get used to you, it won't be so bad. We'll be able to man the cockpit together at least. And one of these days, Daiya might grow tired of sharing a room with me. Then we'll be able to share." She couldn't help herself; already planning a future together for the two of them.

At his comments on her beauty, Lori couldn't help but blush. Of course she had returned his kiss moments earlier and let herself get lost in the moment. But she wasn't lost enough in order to prevent her cheeks from going red. As Zeke's eyes drooped, Lori closed her own. And as she spoke her voice was soft and just above a whisper. "Then don't let go. And yes, we will call eachother and send lots of messages.
I think that I'd get worried otherwise. And I'd miss you dearly."

 

[Zeke Tune]

Zeke smiled and listened at this beautiful, innocent creature spouted her plans for the future with the two of them. It was proof of her innocence, and her heart. While some may have been turned off by this, Zeke was not. Instead, all of these plans for the future, they sounded lovely. He wanted something to count on, someone to be next to. This girl wanted the same. The man buried his face into her, and took in that faint scent of perfume, and her natural scent. As he did with everything, he began to memorize it.

“I love the sound of all of that, Lori. I admit, I love the sound of one day sleeping at your side each night. It sounds addictive.” His free hand reached out, and brushed through her hair. “You are so beautiful. I can't believe you could possibly exist. I think I would get nervous without hearing your voice too. I'm going to do what I can to manipulate my schedule as much as I can to spend as much time as I can with you. But, if we have to be parted, so be it. You have a busy life, I will find something to do with the time, I am sure.”

His eyes were heavy, her presence caused far too much relaxation for him. So he closed his eyes and just rested there. The man was not asleep yet, and whispered. “Is it bad to wish this could go on forever, Lori? Is it wrong to express how happy I am right now?” In utter bliss, he held and cuddled with [member="Loreena Arenais"] .

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori smiled, half closing her eyes as [member="Zeke Tune"] began playing with her hair again. If ever there was a more perfect moment, she was sure that she was in it right now.

"I'll work my schedule too, and try to sync it with yours whenever possible. Though you might be busier than me though, as you've got a lot of shows to do and art to create. I'll try to be with you for some of them." Yet as he said, she was a busy girl. Training, working on paying off her ship and crew. It was going to be busy for a while, until she was free of her debts.

She smiled again as he whispered to her, expressing the perfection that this moment was for him. Lori let out a sigh of contentment as the weight and warmth of his body next to hers made her feel completely cozy and safe. "It's not bad or wrong. At least not to me. And we've got our whole lives ahead of us.
So there's lots of times for us to be together." Hopefully her family approved. She wasn't sure of what she'd do if they didn't.

 

[Zeke Tune]

He held his girl close as they cuddled together. His fingers trailed down her back, and he smiled happily. “My sweetie. Ah, I'm exhausted. And happy. Happier than I think I've ever been. I'm here for you. We will make this work, no matter what.” However, his eyes began to close now. Zeke's face buried itself into [member="Loreena Arenais"] 's neck, and he gave it such sweet kisses. “I never thought I could feel this way at all. I'm glad I was wrong. I can't wait for the morning. To prove that this is all real, to get a tour of the ship, and to begin living my life with you in it. Lori, I want this to be forever if we can. I'm not looking for some fling. I want a life, you know?”


However, then, his body relaxes completely next to hers. The man's breathing was rhythmic, and calm. He was cuddled up close to Lori, and he held her, like she was the most important thing in the galaxy to him. As the man slept, dreams of her ran through his mind all night. There was so much to do, so much to see, so much life to experience. He desperately hoped he never broke her heart. Zeke would have to be careful from now on. No more of his risks, no more of those late night stunts. No more art being made in the way he normally did....could he do that? He would have to.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori wasn't sure if she wanted to go to sleep. What if she woke up and [member="Zeke Tune"] was gone? He did seem to assure her though that he was looking for more than a fling. Hopefully he wasn't just telling her what she had wanted to hear. Although she had never had a fling or even a date until tonight, she wasn't daft. She knew what it was.

Her own body relaxed against his, falling into a gentle sleep in tune with his own rhythmic breathing. It was almost as though they were one person. At times she woke up, not with a start, but it was only for a moment for adjusting her position before she'd fall back asleep. It was so warm and safe in his arms.

Morning came and nearly went. Given that they were on a station, there was no sunlight to wake them. Only hunger got Lori out of her sleep. She opened her eyes and smiled at seeing Zeke was still there. Maybe she'd just let him sleep a little while longer. It was just far too comfortable to move. There was no rush anyways.

But then her tummy grumbled loudly, echoing in the small quarters that housed them...