NotLP: Confessions, Lust Characters: Geltie and Rylee Looping Conversation

Prompt: Fashion, Lust Characters: Geltie, the SI (though unnamed) and Rylee Turn to the Left

*** It had been a few weeks since his meeting with Jadus and his near death at Cerrill’s hands. Jadus had not called upon him since and Cerrill… Cerrill continued her attempts as she was programmed to do. Jaesa was wholly unaware of this and he hoped to keep it that way. He was afraid that, for all her power, Cerrill would easily overwhelm her in battle. Cerrill was trained, merciless, brutal, and the personal assassin to Darth Jadus. There was no one he feared more for that Jaesa, not even himself. When the dreams switched their focus it scared him. He had to protect her, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell her why. No matter what, he would shield her from Jadus, from Cerrill, from the coldness that permeated the Destroyer. “Talk to me, Malavai,” Jaesa said quietly. They were in his small room, he under the covers of the bed, she sitting on the edge pestering him. She could tell something was different. His sleep patterns were different, his quiet, frenzied muttering in his sleep was different, even the screams were different. Of all the changes, the screams bothered her the most. They weren’t his normal pained cries, but cries of battle. It was as if he was fighting a war in his sleep some nights. His refusal to talk about his dreams frustrated her to no end. “I have told you before they are just dreams,” he replied quietly. She made a frustrated noise in the back of her throat and exhaled through her nose. “They’re different. I can tell. Your reactions are different. You’re more… fighting something than you are being beaten to near death repeatedly.” “Jaesa-” “Do you trust me?” she asked, interrupting whatever thought he had. He sat up, but remained silent. “I have issues recalling the specifics of the dreams and I would rather not explore them at this point. It has nothing to do with trust,” he said stiffly. He did trust her. He trusted her with more than he was comfortable with and he wasn’t sure why he bothered. “You’re not alone anymore, Malavai. If you ever want to explore the dreams, I’m here. We can do a guided meditation together. Anything to help, just tell me.” “In the dreams,” he started quietly. She looked at him intently and he looked away, opting to stare at the grey sheets instead. “In the dreams there is an attack. Someone close to me dies and my son is kidnapped by slavers. He dies in the slave pens and I fall so far from grace I become another man entirely.” “That’s terrible, Malavai,” Jaesa said quietly. She reached for him and gently cupped his cheek in her hand. He dragged his eyes from the grey of the covers to the soft brown of her eyes. She smiled. “It’s alright. It was a dream and not all dreams need to come true.” He closed his eyes and leaned his head into her hand. The gesture was more affectionate than Jaesa was expecting. He had been so reserved lately, so cautious, as if he were scared that any speck of emotion fluttering from him would be his end. Even in private he was quiet and thinking. Always thinking. Maybe he was finally coming around, finally reacting to her small, but affectionate gestures. Maybe he finally realized she was his ally. Maybe, she dared to hope, he was starting to return her affections. “Stay,” he said, his voice shaky and low. “Malavai, I haven’t slept in –” “Lie down with me and sleep.” He opened his eyes halfway and focused on her. “Just sleep, nothing more.” “And you trust me not to take advantage of you?” she asked lightly. “Yes,” he breathed, his voice dangerously low, “yes, I trust you.” That sentence, that declaration of trust sent a jolt speeding down her spine and straight to places she didn’t want to admit had any part in this discussion. She stood from the bed and moved around to the other side, removing her clothing as she went. She couldn’t stop the shaking in her hands nor her racing thoughts, but she was satisfied with the knowledge that, if anything happened, it would be with him. He quietly watched her through half-lidded eyes as she slowly removed her outer robes. He wasn’t sure what the right path was, but the lead up to the end of his dream showed him something wonderful. He wanted that something wonderful. He wanted her. When she climbed into bed and faced him instead of turning her back to him to be held, he knew there was a chance. Slowly, he slid down to the bed and turned on his side to face her. He balanced himself on his elbow and waited. He wanted to give her time to turn away or verbally reject him. When she smiled that small knowing, but shy smile he moved closer to her. Their bodies were close enough to feel the heat from the other, but not close enough to touch. He wanted to ask her if this was what she wanted, but, before he could, the impatient woman grabbed his free shoulder and launched her face at his. There a bit of uncomfortable fumbling and quite a few feminine giggles before they settled into a comfortable pattern of kissing and exploring. It wasn’t long before they intertwined their bodies, becoming one for a moment that was all too brief, but wholly satisfying. When their all too brief joining came to an end, he held her close to his chest and twined their fingers together. It wasn’t the same, but this holding of hands was far more intimate than any other he had experienced prior. It both thrilled and frightened him. Notes:

My writer's block is lifting. As for Sith!Quinn, he gets a sort of spin-off. I have plans. Thanks for reading everyone!

NotLP: Dreams and NIghtmares, Allies, Uninvited Guests Characters: Vette and Malavai Quinn Alt-U: NSP, continued from this bit Soothing

A Gift of Silk and Oddity Malavai wasn’t happy. They were back at the little tea place and Ald was listening to the woman quite intently. She was nervous, as she should be, but still breathing, as she shouldn’t be. At least in his humble opinion. He stood behind Ald in his usual parade rest stance and watched the woman with his best neutral face. She shied away from his look and he could only hope that it was the look in his eyes that turned her gaze elsewhere. He did often practice the blazing eyed neutral face. He would never admit that openly, of course, but he did. When the woman started in on Ald’s father, Ald dismissed him. Yes, Ald was Sith, and, yes, he was powerful, but this woman had the power to tear him down and rip out his very foundation for being and not even realize it. He didn’t want to leave Ald alone with her, not for one damned moment, but he was dismissed. He left, as was his duty as an officer, but he hated it, as was his role as Ald’s partner. It was an interesting balance between the two. So interesting and engrossing it was nerve-racking and draining. It was fulfilling, of course, that couldn’t be denied. He decided to wander the shops in the market. Such frivolity wasn’t normally in his nature, but being dismissed, wishing to remain close, and feeling oddly frisky had him walking and looking, looking and walking. He happened upon a small shop that specialized in Killik wares and stepped inside. The woman behind the counter shot up as soon as the bell near the door dinged and ran over to him. “Yes, yes, hello!” she said excitedly, wringing her hands in front of her and grinning. “Welcome, welcome to my shop. I have many Killik things. Items. Membrosia, silk, carapaces if it pleases. Many things!” Malavai smiled at her and he swore she swooned. She was a bit fidgety, small, and pale, but she seemed reliable if not a little off-kilter. Whatever she had done to acquire such a variety of goods must have had an effect on her mind. Partial exposure to Killik pheromones perhaps. “You mentioned silk,” he said, eyeing the store and its goods. Killik weapons of various size and shape, carapaces from the very small, which were housed in cases, to the very large, which were eerie to stare at for too long. Small pods of various size lined one shelf labeled “Membrosia” while another shelf housed a variety of silks. “Only the finest here!” she said exuberantly. “Hand woven shirts for the most fancy of parties, night clothes for men and women, a few delightful piece of undergarment for more intimate affairs, sheets, pillow cases, wonderful little eye covers for sleeping in the dark. Everything, everything to be made by hand and of silk I have, yes.” “What would you recommend for a Sith Lord who isn’t very fashion conscious, but enjoys the coolness silk can offer?” “Male or female?” “Male.” She grinned from ear to ear, turned, and signaled for him to follow. He was very careful not to bump any racks or any frightfully tall and creepy carapaces as he followed her through the cramped shop. She did seem to have a bit of everything, everywhere. The woman knew her shop and her customers well. She lead him right to a table stacked with silks and, rather than let him pick a set for himself, she picked one for him. It was neatly folded and a deep Merlot in color. He was surprised and even more so surprised when she giggled. “You like it, yes?” she asked, still grinning that grin of hers. “It’s quite nice,” he replied. “Take them,” she said, thrusting the silk into his chest. He grabbed it quickly and nodded. “How much?” “Take, take,” she insisted. “I know when I have a customer for life.” He arched a brow. “Do you do this for all of your customers?” “Only the special ones. Now, go. You partner will enjoy the sheets.” She paused and grinned impossibly wider at his curious expression. “No one buys sheets for a Sith unless they share a bed.” He nearly turned as red as the sheets he clutched against his chest. The shopkeeper only giggled and waved him toward the door. “Come back and tell Glinda how they worked, yes?” “I – of course.” She continued grinning at him until he turned around and, even then, he was sure she was still grinning that strange grin of hers. When he was outside the door she stopped him, thrust a bag in his face, then disappeared back behind her counter to wait for the next customer or for his return, whichever came first. He was grateful for the bag as it would have looked mighty strange to walk around with a set of silk linens. He made his way back to the table he had left Ald and found him alone and staring into nothing. He carefully approached the table. “My Lord?” Ald gave a start and blinked rapidly a few times. Malavai sat down in the chair next to Ald, carefully avoiding the chair the woman had previously occupied. He set his package on the table and waited. “What’s that?” Ald asked, pointing at the bag on the table. “Something I found in a shop. How did your conversation go after my dismissal?” There was no accusation in his tone, but Ald shifted his gaze to him and frowned. “You were making her nervous. I wanted her to speak freely.” “I meant nothing by my question, my Lord.” “As you say.” Ald paused and considered his words carefully. “I… have a brother,” Ald said quietly. “They had another kid after me with very similar results except he – except he was blind. To the Force, that is.” “They dared to think they were capable of having another child?” Malavai asked hotly. “I asked her something similar. She didn’t have a good answer, only that she was desperate to have another child, another chance.” “Where in the Empire did they live? How did no one notice a Force gifted child disappear from a Force-blind family?” “I don’t know. Every bit of information I tried to uncover had either vanished or never existed. I was an unregistered Force-sensitive at the very least.” “I am utterly astounded at the gall, my Lord. They sire a child who is Force gifted, never register him, delete his records, and dump him in the jungle when he’s too difficult to handle. Not only that, but they go on to have more children.” “She was regretful, at least. That’s… enough for now. I have her frequency should I feel the urge to speak with her further, but, for now, I am rather tired.” He frowned a little harder. “Apologies.” Malavai shook his head. “You’ve done nothing wrong. As it is, I do have a rather nice gift for you for such an occasion. Tiredness, that is, not finding a family member who abandoned you.” Ald sputtered a laugh and Malavai offered a very small half smile. “Come, we will retire to the suite and I will show you what I have.” Malavai stood from the table and waited. Ald was slow to stand, his legs a bit numb from sitting for so long. “I didn’t take you for one who shopped,” Ald said lightly. “Call it a fit of whimsy. Which reminds me, the owner of the shop sent me on my way with this at no charge, but she is rather sure she has a customer for life. I must admit I am eager to return to her after giving you the gift to validate her instincts.” “She sounds strange.” “She was.” Ald laughed at Malavai bluntness as he led the way back to their suite. He was tired now and it was barely past the noon hour. He would have Malavai inform Vector of their shift in plans. He was sure the Joiner wouldn’t mind the extra time at home, but leaving a Host without his guests was rude and Ald was anything but.

He is so very jealous. He, of course, uses his best blank face, but I know. I know. I looooove Talos. I'm tempted to spin those two into their own thread, but I have so many stories going at the same time... I'd be crazy to start up another, lol. Thanks for reading everyone!!

Drive-by commenting: Tatile, <3 everything Rochester and/or Broan. Bright, Quinn/Wyn for the win. Snark, snark, and tramps. Whee! Ad, nice to see you back! Everyone else: I swear I read the things here... [drives into the sunset]

It's been a while since I've had an AU idea that would let me write it out. Here we go! NotLP: Allies Characters: Syla, Quinn, and Vette Universe: Ninety Seven Percent Funny Sort of Day Notes:

Please use spoiler tags to conserve space.

That bit right there broke the damn dam. Dammit. [sniffle, sniffle, sooooob]

Oh, they've been on Makeb. I have some neat shots of an error where Quinn did not run when Ald got too close. They are, in effect, hugging and very nearly kissing. I have them posted and I can message you a link if you'd like. I will say that the site is notorious for tumbling things and Aldrdinar is very silly and Quinn is very stiff. And it's about Ald's life. ^__^

Prompt: Membership Characters: Talos and Aldria Break in the Stream

Hnnnnng. Vectooooor. I can't even words right now.

I like this Holiday much, much better than the one in-game. I can has?

I had an issue with a patch deleting nearly everything in my cargo hold. I reported it to CS, but they wouldn't help unless I knew the exact name of every item I lost. I didn't get any of my items back. :/

NotLP: Changes/New Paths, Mirror Mirror Character: Ucles the Masked Recognition

Early access was an added bonus to pre-ordering very early. They did not pay any more than someone who ordered on Jan 8th.

NotLP: Parenthood, Sacrifices Character: Ucles, pre-Hunter days Love

Evil double post. NotLP: Disguises Characters: Ucles Identity NotLP: First Day on the Job Characters: Ucles, Lister Scro Hatred Notes:

NotLP: Loyalty and Betrayal Characters: unnamed male and HK Loss Notes:

I'm glad it made you chuckle. Thank you. This is always my biggest worry when I write about characters I don't write about often. I've always pictured Andronikos as a friendly sort of guy as long as you weren't trying to shoot him in the face or steal his guns. And he definitely tells it like it is, lol. Thank you. I think it's fair to say he's probably screwed up enough relationships to know how to save one that's just barely starting out. Plus, they're messing up the atmosphere on the ship, lol. I hope I didn't forget anyone... after forgetting I had responses. [sigh] I swear, my brain is all over the place. As always, thanks for reading my brain babble.

The spoiler tag is

Prompt: April Fools Character: unnamed male and an HK-51 unit Trigger warning: There is blood. Nothing overt or obscene and no sharp objects involved. Joke's On You Notes:

*** He wasn’t one to lie. That was a lie. He was one to lie. To protect himself. To protect Jaesa. She was his… friend. He was fond of her, perhaps too fond, but the thought of her getting into a situation she couldn’t handle disturbed something inside him. Something primal. She was strong on her own, of course, he didn’t think her weak and in need of protection because he was male and she was female. No, she needed protection from Cerrill and, especially, Jadus. Jaesa was always around, lingering within eyesight. He was certain she placed herself just so. He ignored her, for the most part, going about his day as if she weren’t there. He was certainly aware of her presence. All too aware. He found himself thinking of her at the most inappropriate times; the shower being the most common. He knew what was happening, of course. She helped him when he needed it most and continued to be there for him despite his stiff nature. He had noticed before boarding The Dominator, but he was content to ignore it. Now, however, the stakes were higher. Such a pure feeling would certainly be tainted or squashed entirely. If he wished to nurture the small, budding connection between them, he had to do so quickly and covertly. He had to keep it out of Jadus’ notice and, certainly, Cerrill’s. Cerrill. They had a connection so many years ago; both of them products of the experiments involving perfecting the SLV serum. She was involved in the first round of new testing. And she was an utter failure. She should have been the perfect killing machine, one that honed in on a single target and destroyed them before being destroyed. If successful, a new target would be presented and the cycle started over. But Cerrill could never be reprogrammed. She was given her target and told to eliminate them. Even when the kill was confirmed, she never switched targets. He often wondered if, on some level, she knew he wasn’t truly dead. They had been close and he was rather valuable to the research team. Still, her programming persisted to this day. He needed to exercise caution in dealing with her. More than just his life was at stake should he slip up. With that morbid thought echoing in his head, he set down his teacup and saucer and left the seating area to prepare for bed. He wondered, however briefly, if he would dream of those mysterious women again. Notes: