This Is Who We Will Be

[Lief]

Ar'ekk's Apartment​

Nar Shaddaa​

​

The apartment was a welcome reprieve.

Quiet, warm, with a panoramic view of the city skyline, she closed her eyes once they were back inside, after climbing countless levels in a turbolift, and sighed.

Fatigue tore at each of her limbs, her head swam in pain, and as the little monkey chattered in her ear she blindly ventured to the sofa and slumped down without much thought. Their new companion was quick to explore, looking and touching but doing no damage to [member='Ar'ekk']'s belongings.

For her part she finally opened one eye and watched Ar'ekk from the corner of her eye, he likely wasn't as exhausted as she was so there was that at least. It would pass for her soon, once her body caught up with her mind and realized that everything was okay.

It was all she could do to avoid the tendrils of flames which wanted to drag along her skin.

"I'm sorry" she whispered, "I didn't mean to ruin our morning."

Leaning her head back against the sofa she watched the fat monkey come to terms with his new surroundings.

"He needs a name" she mumbled, already on her way to sleepy town.

 

[Arekk]

NAR SHADDAA​

Ar'ekk's Apartment​

Being back home was the perfect part of the day. He never liked being around too much people, made him feel overwhelmed.

Staying in his own comfort zone away from the loud noises and obnoxious patrons was something he appreciated the most.

"Ruin my morning? What are you saying, Jyn? Just having you in my presence makes everything perfect, don't ever say that."

Sure, he wasn't as fatigated as her yet his feet felt a little sore after their walk to the bazaar which forced him to go around the house barefoot. The floor wasn't that cold and it would alleviate the slight pain that he felt on his soles.

Turning his head towards the little monkey, who apparently had taken interest in some of the ornaments that decorated Ar'ekk's living room and with a wide smile he replied back.

"He does. Looks like he's a little messy and playful. Have you thought of something yet?"

Walking over to her, his hand laid upon her head and softly caressed her hair as she slowly drifted into a sleeping state.

[member="Jyn Sol"]

 

[Lief]

She didn't even really here his retort to her apology.

Her eyes had closed, and her head slumped down to the arm of the chair without warning. The colour finally began to return to her skin, the hue it should be as opposed to the somewhat ashen state it had been in since seeing the cages. Through rest she had found peace, though she wasn't entirely out of it yet.

Mumbling to herself, she shook her head to his question. No idea, not yet, but then again she wasn't exactly of sound mind.

She could feel his hand caressing through her hair, and softly nuzzled against his palm, with a tiny smile.

"Kipo" she finally breathed, tugging [member='Ar'ekk'] toward the sofa she had unceremoniously fallen into, though she gave no further explanation on what she meant by that.

The little monkey was now sat dumbfounded before the floor-to-ceiling high windows, clearly in awe of the view and distracted by all of the lights.

Happy, though.

That much was obvious.

 

[Arekk]

"Kipo, I like that."

His gaze focused on the little monkey that hung from the ceiling and was getting acquainted with the sorroundings, making sure he didn't make a mess out of the apartment. The small animal was well behaved and seemed to understand some sort of respect for strangers' things if that even made sense at all, carefully juggling back and forth from chandelier to whatever came next.

Jyn was too exhausted to really open her eyes, laying on the comfortable sofa with her head resting against a pillow that he had put the night before when trying to sleep. Ar'ekk was eventually tugged towards her direction and sat on the edge of the couch, leaning towards her face and pressing his lips softly against her temple. He was happy to be in her presence, one that brought him peace, tranquility and irradiated him with love and joy.

Matter of fact, he felt a tiny bit tired too.

[member="Jyn Sol"]

 

[Lief]

"Rest" she whispered, when he finally settled down beside her on the sofa.

Their sleep the night before had been rather broken, and while she had been more than happy to leave their... his... bed when the sun rose, and the apartment for that matter, she had no doubt they could both benefit from a tiny nap.

A nap, and then back to the Bazaar. Hopefully to find something other than caged, exotic animals.

His lips settled to her temple, and she lifted her head just enough to lean against him instead of the arm of the sofa. Sensing that it was time to sleep, no doubt due to the minor connection Jyn had already established with him, the newly dubbed Kipo hurried to snuggle up on the back of the sofa, his tail hanging down by her face and his little beady eyes lingering on [member='Ar'ekk'] somewhat fondly.

 

[Arekk]

Reaching over towards Kipo, his hand touched the little monkey's chin to pet him which apparently seemed to like very much. Truth be told, snuggling with Jyn on the sofa would mean they would fall asleep right away due to the lack of sleep the night before. His mask had gotten in the way and he set it aside near a small table without minding that their new companion would mess around with it.

Comfortably adjusting themselves and covering up with a blanket that laid nearby, Ar'ekk tucked both under its comfy and soft warmth. His breathing was relaxed and felt a great serenity, hugging her in the loving way possible but without being obnoxious or suffocating.

The Bazaar would continue to operate for the night that was to fall upon Nar Shaddaa and its activity would increase surprisingly.

For now, it was time to rest...

[member="Jyn Sol"]

 

[Lief]

She slept for what felt like an eternity.

Hibernating like a bear who was trying to stave off the cold of winter, it wasn't an easy feat to carry out, there were always so many distractions, so much to pull you from the throws of the dreamscape, and yet here, with [member='Ar'ekk'] at her side, and the most comfortable heat of the apartment, it was easy.

How long she actually slept for she could not say.

Her rest was free from dreams and nightmares and thoughts. She slept straight through, and then finally her eyes began to flicker.

A shift had come over the windows, darker than before yet still with flashing lights from the cityscape below. She could feel a weight against her, holding her tight, and then she yawned and opened her eyes, seeing him by her side, seeing the monkey resting behind them.

Contentment washed over her.

Shuffling closer to him she pressed her lips into the side of his head and murmured softly, waiting to see if he was awake or not.

 

[Arekk]

All the time lost by not being able to sleep was recovered in under two days.

The exhaustion of being in charge of so many things such as businesses, logistics and people had drained all his energy thus not being able to sleep well for a few weeks now. She had the most impact in his life, being his savior and becoming the person he loved the most in life. Positiveness and motivation was pumped back into his heart and mind in a matter of seconds.

However, he wasn't known to be a heavy sleeper so with the gentle touch of her lips against his temple was good enough to slowly make him open his eyes in the sleepiest of ways possible. An ear-to-ear smile formed on his face and his hand seeked out to find hers.

And as expected, the entire morning just dissipated and Nar Shaddaa's night life had finally arrived. Things tended to become much more interesting once the sun settled down on the Smuggler's Moon.

[member="Jyn Sol"]

 

[Lief]

"Good morning sleepy head" she said, with a cheeky grin - knowing full well she was the one who had brought about their restful state.

Sitting upright, she turned so that her legs were off the sofa and blinked, just as sleepy as he was, her hand stroking his cheek as he came to. Kipo crawled down from the back of the sofa and nestled against her shoulder, "oo"ing quietly. It was probably best for him to have something to eat, before he found something himself. Likely something not suitable.

Rising up to stand she rolled her shoulders and heard several cracks in the process. A few steps brought her over to the kitchen, and she opened the cupboards in search of something. Nuts... Ah, there. Though there was little in the pantry there proved to be some sort of nut packet, and so she brought it down and opened it to hand a few to the monkey.

He seemed appreciative, nibbling them down and chittering away happily.

"Are..." she yawned before continuing her train of thought, "Are you wanting to head back out, Querido?"

[member='Ar'ekk']

 

[Arekk]

"Hello there, beautiful." he said back with the same sly smirk he always had. Certainly, Ar'ekk enjoyed the nap they both had for a few hours and felt completely rested for the coming night.

His eyes wandered around the room that was lacking some light yet it was bright enough to see within, setting up the mood perfectly. While Jyn headed for the kitchen for some nuts to feed Kipo, he sat on the sofa with a sleepy face on and finding it hard to just get up at all. There was no rush to get out of the comfort of their... yes... apartment just yet.

"We can go out whenever you want. It's not like Nar Shaddaa's nightlife will come to an abrupt end, right?"

Yawning too and stretching out, Ar'ekk grabbed the mask that laid on a nearby table and held it in his palms as he watched Jyn feed the fat monkey who had become their little friend. Watching him nibble the nuts was the cutest thing to witness.

[member="Jyn Sol"]

 

[Lief]

Walking over toward the living room once the little monkey seemed satisfied, she smiled over at [member='Ar'ekk'].

"Please..." she whispered, seeing how he had reached for the mask, "There is no need for that, not here, not with me." She hated that he had to wear it at all, though she knew there was little she could do to truly persuade him against it elsewhere. But here? In his home? That was entirely different.

Settling onto the sofa at his side, she gave little Kipo a soft fussing behind the ear and leaned in to kiss Ar'ekk on the cheek. There was no rush, she knew, to leave and go to the Bazaars, in fact they likely got better in the evening with all the flickering lights.

"What else is there to do here in Nar Shaddaa? Things that most tourists don't get to see?"

 

[Arekk]

"I know. You're right." he said, with a small smirk - knowing well that the mask wasn't needed in the comfort of their own home.

Leaning back against the sofa with his arms widespread and patting Kipo's little head, Ar'ekk looked at Jyn once again and seemed to ponder heavily on her question. In fact, Nar Shaddaa had many things to offer yet they weren't as exciting as people would make them to be. There were options, of course, but most of them were discouraged for the "regular" population.

"There's a bunch of things we can do, such as visiting the Upper Promenade which the richest Hutts made their own and completely reformed the area. Lots of new stores and businesses that offer everything one could need. Then there's the "gamblers" corner where you can find all the high stakes casinos including The Hawk's Den, which you already know personally. Beyond that? The Red Light Sector is comprised of obvious nightclubs and stripclubs. You want to dance? You go there."

[member="Jyn Sol"]

 

[Lief]

If she was being honest, little of what he suggested interested her.

Gambling, bars, places to dance or watch dancers? Those were all things she actively sought to avoid, she did not see the appeal. Perhaps she was missing something, who knew. All Jyn knew was that compared to that, the Bazaars sounded like the best idea in the world.

No more animals, this time. She hoped there were none to see, that she could enjoy their time without feeling the suffering of poor caged creatures. Her gaze shifted to Kipo, the little fat monkey seemed happy with them and that was all she could ask for.

Hopefully she could make the other creatures happy too, once they hit Aurum.

Rising up from the sofa, she turned to glance at the window and let out a small sigh. She missed the jungle world, this place was far too fast paced, bright, noisy... But it had [member='Ar'ekk']. Sometimes compromises had to be made.

"Come on, then, let's head back down. Maybe we can find something to eat along the way..."

Giving him time to get ready if he had to, after all he'd only just awoken, once both were ready to leave they headed to the turbolift which would take them to the right level, and out into the night which was forming outside.

One last night, before their journey.

 

[Arekk]

Walking up towards the bathroom and cleaning his face with some water, his eyes gazed into the bathroom's mirror to see himself. Contemplating on the things he had done and thinking in the person that he had become and apparently losing track of time, Ar'ekk returned to the "real" world in just a few seconds and stepped out; ready to go.

Nar Shaddaa had little to offer for its visitors besides the obvious gambling venues and other places that included skimpy Twi'leks and the filthiest of scum mingling in the back of a grimey cantina filled with spice smoke and obnoxious tunes played by one of the local bands.

His suggestions weren't the greatest but in no way he would take Jyn to these places, so the idea of heading for the Bazaars remained as the best choice possible.

"I'm sure we can find a place to eat over there. Lots of things to enjoy."

The turbolift took forever to get them down to the lobby, a brief silence taking over. He enjoyed these little moments together, something to cherish for the future.

Soon, they would be gone for Aurum...

[member="Jyn Sol"]

 

[Lief]

When they stepped out into the bright night of Shaddaa, Jyn lifted a hand to fuss the little monkey who lingered on her shoulder. She could sense his discomfort at all the sights and sounds, his motions becoming somewhat more skittish than they had been in the apartment. Soothing him was relatively easy thanks to the connection she had brokered with him, and soon his little head settled against her cheek.

Her hand reached for [member='Ar'ekk']'s.

Together with the both of them she ventured back through the streets toward the bazaar. Thankfully her memory wasn't so bad, and she was able to lead the way with relative ease, until the smell of street food lingered on the air, and her stomach grumbled hungrily.

"It is beautiful, in it's own way" she muttered, speaking of the sights and sounds which lingered all around, the bright lights, the pulsing music, it was so bright out here that the night sky was completely eclipsed, not a single star broke through. That was... Odd.

She was, of course, saved from the worst of it. The noises on her left were significantly more muffled, as though she had her head under water, and it was times like these that the near deafness of her left ear was a blessing moreso than a curse.

Inhaling through her nose, she steadied her mind as they stepped into the bazaar, hoping to find no other great injustice to stomp out.

 

[Arekk]

Every night spent on the Smuggler's Moon had brought Ar'ekk closer to its people and most certainly the shopkeepers by the Bazaar. He was well known around these places and always had individuals giving him gifts as a thank you for the assistance provided when they mostly needed it. The Hawk's Circle was more than a criminal empire but an organization focused on helping the weak and protecting the poor from the true evil that sorrounded Nar Shaddaa, something that the half masked man lived during his childhood on Coruscant.

His hand held tight to [member="Jyn Sol"]'s.

The blasting music and flashing lights sort of blinded him and made his temple ache for a moment, dazzled by the sudden change of atmosphere as they found themselves in peace just minutes ago at the apartment. His eyes dawdled on Kipo who seemed to be holding Jyn's cheek densely. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to bring him back to the place he spent ages locked up inside of a cage.

"It's incredible how a place like this with a cunning reputation could offer so many wonders to its visitors. But still, this is the pretty side of town."

True to its night life, the bazaar was swarmed with people going back and forth in the search of their most desired wares and shopkeepers trying to drag you into buying their stuff. Some things never changed.

 

[Lief]

The little creature on her shoulder continued to cling on tight, drawing comfort not only from her touch but also Jyn's presence in the Force, which gently washed over him in calming waves. Soon enough he had settled down, sitting in place and watching with alert eyes.

It was the three of them against the world.

Once they stepped into the bazaar itself, Jyn immediately began looking to the various stalls in search of food. It wasn't until this moment that she realized just how many options there truly were, so much street food in all directions that it was almost dizzying to look upon. Did they go for the spiced meat she could smell, or what seemed to be a deeply flavourful rice dish that was being cooked before their very eyes?

She did not cease in her walk through it all, eyes darting left and right, the scents drifting to her and making her stomach once again begin to grumble.

"There's so much to choose from" she whispered, before looking to [member='Ar'ekk'] for some sort of input.

Too much for just one person to decide upon.

 

[Arekk]

Pointing at one of the stores, Ar'ekk suggested for Jyn to look at the delicious food they had to offer for their clientele. The half masked man knew the owner personally and tasted their meals personally for a considerate amount of time. If he wasn't spending time at The Hawk's Den it would be here, at Talath's little diner.

Talath also owned another restaurant in the Red Light Sector nearing The Hawk's Circle headquarters but spent most of his time around the much more small restaurant he owned.

"Ar'ekk, so good to see you. You've brought a companion, hmm? Please, sit. What are you having?"

The Rodian beckoned the two of them, paying no mind to the little monkey resting on Jyn's shoulder. His little diner offered a plethora of plates and beverages, making it a hard thing to pick something out of the menu.

"Greetings, my old friend. It's so good to see you again, as always. We're in need of something for a long trip."

His eyes looked for hers, waiting for a reply. If they needed food, it'd be better if Jyn picked for the three of them.

"Ahhh.... I see. We're talking about food, right? Because the locals also want a trip but I don't offer that, just meals. Echoota."

[member="Jyn Sol"]

 

[Lief]

It didn't take too long for [member='Ar'ekk'] to make his suggestion on where they ought to eat.

There seemed to be a lot to offer on the menu, so much so that Jyn stood dumbfounded for a few moments, her hand still tight within his, as she glanced over the signs. It wasn't until a voice broke through her focus that she realized that they were being spoken to, and with a timid smile she walked alongside Ar'ekk toward the owner of the establishment.

Led to a seat, Jyn finally removed her hand from his and fussed the little Kipo behind one ear, eyes drifting first to the Rodian and then to the menu which was now infront of her in a more manageable state.

"Food, yes," she replied somewhat hastily when the mention of a different kind of trip was brought to the table, offering a small smile, "What would you recommend?" she asked, after all Jyn mostly ordered the same thing whenever she went out to eat, panna cakes... And, well, they'd already had that once today!

 

[Arekk]

"Well, the house's speciality are Besh-Leth-Trill sandwiches with Corellian ale of course. I'd say it's the more popular dish here at the diner. "

In reality, the food was just too good to only have one plate for the night. Ar'ekk already had a defined order every time he came around Talath's diner and his food was brought right away warm enough to enjoy it in a single bite. What was he having? A delicious Gartro egg omelet with jerba cheese, an exquisite taste that would make anyone fall in love with the establishment as soon as you ate a piece of this.

"I can bring you that if you wish. "

The Rodian stood there with a small notepad in hand and a pen, ready to note down Jyn's order so he can send it back to the kitchen. In front of her sat Ar'ekk smiling, not wanting to touch his food until hers arrived to their table fast enough out of politeness, of course.

"You can order anything, Jyn. It's on me, so feel free."

[member="Jyn Sol"]