The Dark Academy on Korriban

"I'll have to think that over as well. Take it in steps. But the first step is to kiss you," he says as he turns to face her.

She looks up at him. "Oh really? That's a bold move, you know."

"I know. And you're worth the risk." He runs a hand through her hair.

"Go ahead then," she says, leaving the ball in his court if he wanted to take that gamble.

He does so, lowering his lips to hers, with a warmth and gentleness that spoke of a calmer nature than he had shown before. Not a kiss that suggested a lust or desire for the flesh, but one that conveyed an appreciation for the spirit of the woman and the moment. It was not forceful or aggressive in a way that sought to take. But all the same it was in an intense demonstration of his wish to share his passion with her.

Likewise, her kiss is a gentle, almost fragile, thing. As if she is kissing someone for the first time out of affection, rather than lust or desire for pleasures of the flesh. Her fingers twirl some of his hair around them in an affectionate gesture, but apart from her soft breathing, she is quiet. Solemn, even.

When he finally separates he looks at her with a soft smile. "Definitely worth the risk. I've enjoyed our other intimate moments, but that was my favorite by far."

"It was... pleasurable," she says quietly. "If only the circumstances had been better, but if not for it, it would probably not have happened."

"We'll have to repeat it some other time under more pleasant circumstances then. But my next step, I think, is resting. Making a clearing large enough for a small freighter to land in takes a lot out of you. I may just take a small nap out here, before heading off to another engagement." It would be impossible for him to be truly content after the emotional turmoil he had been through, but he was just about as close as he could come for now. And while the kiss had cleared his mind for a moment, thoughts of Jun-Tsu and her child and Remmington flooded back in. Now in a much clearer light.

She nods. "Take it easy, alright? No need to push yourself to the max already. Tomorrow is another day, with new opportunities."

"Promises and comrades," he responds simply. "You gonna nap with me too? I do have a thermal blanket in my pack."

"I thank you, but... no, I have things I need to do," she smiles warmly. "Some other time."

She didn't want to admit that she didn't sleep well with others too close.

"Some other time then," he says with a nod. He gently let her down from his lap, though held her hand for a moment. "Thank you again."

She leans forward and kisses his forehead.

"You take care, alright? And watch out for the bedbugs. Literally. I've seen the size of the wildlife out here, it's crazy."

"I think I scared most of it off for a while," he says with a shrug.

She lets out a small but restrained laugh. "Yeah, maybe you have. Still, be careful. This area is just as deadly as Korriban. Only greener."

"I'm aware," he says. Not my first time on Yavin," he replies. "Take care of yourself heading back."

"I will be. Doubt the Massassi will see me coming if I cross their paths," she gives a reassuring smile.

"I'll catch you tomorrow, ok?"

"Of course. Until then," he says pulling his datapad out to set an alarm.

Blowing him a kiss, Shaisha then disappears into the jungle, quiet as a predatory cat. After a few moments, it was as if she was never there.

/exit

Zeno then pulls out his blanket to take a nap... but he never falls asleep. He has too many thoughts in his head and he can't eject them. The alarm goes off and he heads out to his meeting with Syl and Kristal.

/scene