#leikael/corso

[shabre-legacy]

Corso hears the sounds of an upset captain as soon as the whiring of the door gears on the Siren went quiet. Boots crashing into the wall and the soft thud of what was almost certainly her jacket being thrown in the vague direction of her quarters.

He’d tried to stay with her, wanting to offer his support. He’d understood her when she’d talked about the pain of losing her family. And now finding out that her siblings were still alive had been throwing her off. Meeting her brother again was something she’d been nervous about the whole way back to Nar Shaddaa.

It’d been bad enough the first time with her sister, now months later, just as he and his captain were starting to tiptoe towards something good together, he wanted to help even more, but there was little he could do.

Just as he stands to go and check on her, Leikael pads softly into the room, dropping her whole belt on his workbench and looking to where he stood by the couches. The look of exhaustion on her face so clear that his heart aches. He steps forward covering the distance in a few long strides. He opens his arms and feels a warmth twist through him as Leikael steps into the hug. He tightens his arms around her, carefully staying clear of her neck and smiles a bit as she slowly relaxes until she’s all but collapsing into him. He loves that she trusts him enough to rely on him in these moments. He presses a soft kiss to the top of her head as he presses his nose into her hair, making soft comforting sounds and slowing rocking. He’ll hold her just like this until she feels better, then he’ll make sure she eats and put her to bed. She doesn’t get cared for enough, fiercely independent and hiding her weakness from even herself sometimes, taking care of her crew and everyone else she can. just tonight, he can do take over and care for her.

[swtor-writers-guild]

Soft Corso Riggs/Female Smuggler from @shabre-legacy​. It’s so sweet my teeth hurt! 

“Soft sentence starter prompt ‘I don’t mind sharing the blankets with you’ Corso and Leikael share a quiet moment between jobs. Movie night can be two people and a cat.”

[shabre-legacy]

For the kiss prompts: 46 for Tyrenic/Jemsyn and/or 23 for Leikael/Corso

So I borrowed Jemsyn to write this for the prompt. I'll do a post for the Leikael and Corso one after I finish it. For now, enjoy Tyrenic/Jemsyn. If I wrote him ooc please let me know and I'll fix

Tyrenic leans on the arm of his target, a tall Weequay currently ordering another round in the dark club. It wasn’t a high end place, but the kind of fancy that still allowed the sleazy and criminal customers among their clientele. Various dancers were scattered around the room, in lifted cages, on platforms and scattered across the floor.

Tyrenic himself is a lightly dressed as any of them. A pink fishnet crop top that’s almost too small and a tiny pair of leather minishorts that clung to the curve of his ass and finished off with a pair of pink and black stilleto heels, tall under the toe as well as the heel. It made him just a couple inches shorter than the seven foot tall at least Weequay.

He had his eyes made up with glitter shadow, mascara, and heavy eyeliner giving him a perpetually hooded eye expression and a gloss that made his lips look plumper and more kissable then usual. He looked cheap, blowjobs for a pat on the head and a puff of a deathstick cheap; which was exactly what he’d wanted when he walked into the club. It hadn’t taken long for him to convince everyone that he was a new dancer, and even less time when he located his target to convince the man to ‘buy’ him for the night. He feels exposed like this, like everyone is staring at him and not for the usual reasons. It’s exciting, but also makes him nervous. He’s glad he brought Shelerik in as backup. Knowing the other Jedi is in the crowd, playing at being just another patron, but keeping an eye on him is reliving. Nothing that bad can happen, at least not anything he doesn’t have to go along with to maintain his cover. This was important enough to withstand some uncomfortable moments, or a lot of them, with this guy.

He carefully keeps any trace of discomfort off his face as his ‘date’ downs another shot and yanks him in, one hand dropping down to grope Tyrenic’s ass, the other holding his neck possessively as he kisses him, it’s sloppy, with too much tongue and a bit gross, but he goes along with it. Placing a hand on the Weequay’s chest and arching into him, he’s being paid for this after all. It takes a few minutes before the man decides he’s had enough for now and hands their drinks to Tyrenic and starts to guide him towards the dark back corners by the hips. As they make their way through the crowd, some of the other customers jostle them, the target shoved away a moment as a tall Mirialan is shoved into Tyrenic’s shoulder, almost knocking him off his heels. The man catches him around the waist and pulls him upright again, using the moment to drop his head and whisper “Your soldier’s here. Alcove down the hall past the bathrooms.”

Tyrenic just drops his head back letting a simpering smile fall over his face as the target moves back to him. “I appreciate the catch handsome, but unfortunately, I’m all booked for tonight. I’ll be around tomorrow if you’re still interested. I promise it’s a good time.” He half turns to look at the Weequay with hooded eyes. “So which one’s our table again?” He waits until they get there and he sets the drinks down and his target sits before bending over to whisper in his ear. “I’ll be right back and we can start this private party.” The man glares, but Tyrenic dispels it with a nudge from the Force and a wink. “Fresher.”

He makes sure to swing his hips more than necessary as he struts through the crowd, slipping into the hall and making his way to the alcove. He hadn’t had time to let Jemsyn know he was on planet, or going undercover, let alone what type of undercover work he was doing.

The Mirialan Mandalorian is pacing across the small alcove as Tyrenic quietly steps inside. He turns quickly and steps close, grabbing onto Tyrenic’s forearms and looking in his eyes. “Are you alright? Did he hurt you?”

Tyrenic looks down at him, the heels emphasizing the height difference, a flirty grin on his lips. “No baby, I’m fine. It’s all fine.”

Jemsyn relaxes a bit, only for the concern to be replaced with a restrained anger. “Ok good. Tell me what the kriff that was? I come in for a night out and I find my boyfriend, making out with some random guy who’s got his hands all over you!” He steps back, folding his arms and staring Tyrenic down.

Tyrenic takes advantage of the height difference to lean over Jemsyn, resting his arm on the wall. “Don’t worry love.” He drops his head till he can whisper into Jemsyn’s ear. “I’m undercover, that man is part of a network grabbing alien refugees from Coruscant and other core worlds and selling them to the empire. We got the info on our way back and didn’t have time to contact you or anyone else before we had to jump into action. He’s got specific tastes and I fit the bill best.”

Jemsyn didn’t look convinced. “And that involves making out with him how? Couldn’t you go in as a buyer or potential business contact?”

Tyrenic sighs. “Wish we could love. But he never meets with contacts he doesn’t know without an introduction and we don’t have time to get one. But he pays a dancer almost every time he comes to a club and the drinks make him chatty. I let him kiss and grope a little, keep him talking, as soon as I get what I need, I signal Shelerik, he steps in and makes the arrest and we use the information to shut down the network.”

Jemsyn nods slowly as he absorbs what was said. “I still don’t like it, but I understand. Try to give me some warning next time you have to do something like this.”

Tyrenic nods before dropping his head to kiss and nip at Jemsyn’s neck. “I promise I’ll make it up to you later. How does a private dance in one of those lounges sound?”

Jem looks up at him with a familiar heat in his eyes. “That sounds wonderful cyare.” He deliberately looks Tyrenic up and down slowly. “I have to say, I like this look.”

Renic preens at the praise. “Glad you approve. I haven’t worn some of this since I was like 16.”

“You are very pretty and I love the way these shorts just cling. Stars you are pretty, all dolled up slutty like this.”

Tyrenic drops his head and his voice, husky and sensual, dripping in promises. “Give me another hour or so to finish up and I’ll be your personal slut for the rest of the night.”

Jemsyn seems conflicted, excited by the idea but not happy about Tyrenic going back to that Weequay. “I’ll hold you to that, but first…” He grabs Tyrenic and twists quickly, slamming the taller Jedi against the wall and stepping between his legs. He leans up at the same time he pulls Tyrenic down and kisses him. It’s desperate and devouring and perfect, Jemsyn pours all of his jealously into the kiss, making sure Tyrenic remembers exactly who he belongs to.

Tyrenic moans wantonly into the kiss, dropping his arms around Jemsyn’s neck and kissing back just as fiercely. His tongue tangles with his lovers as time stops around them. Eventually they are forced to break the kiss to breathe, only for Jemsyn to immediately attach himself to Tyrenic’s neck seemingly intent on leaving hickey’s for Tyrenic to walk out with. Tyrenic uses the last bit of his mental fortitude and will to drag himself up and out of reach. “Later love, after I’m done, you can leave all the marks you like.” He leans down and captures Jemsyn’s lips in another deep kiss before he pushes against the wall and slips out of Jemsyn’s arms. He turns and winks as he waltzes away, his hip swaying in his heels. He couldn’t wait to get this done and finally be able to put on a real show for the person who actually mattered.

[shabre-legacy]

The Bones are Good

We're in the home stretch of the high times We took a hard left, but we're alright

Corso sighs as he drags himself back to the apartment that he was staying at on Nar Shaddaa. It’d been nearly two days since he’d been here and almost three since he last saw Leikael. He was praying that she’d come back and was still angry. That would be better then her not being anywhere. They’d had their first big fight. It wasn’t the first time they’d argued, but it was the first one like that. First one over something so serious, the risks they took, the jobs they took, the way men hit on her and she flirted for work, his protective nature clashing with her trauma and free spirit. The way he’d fussed over some girls they’d met from back on Ord.

Yeah, life sure can try to put love through it, but We built this right, so nothing's ever gonna move it

They’d both been tired, they’d hit each other’s weak points, there’d been yelling and Leikael had stormed out, without even taking her blasters. He’d chased after her, but lost her in the crowd and after a bit of looking, returned to wait impatiently and then worriedly as she didn’t return. After a day passed and no word if she was safe, he’d gone looking again. She didn’t have her blasters, she could have gotten into real trouble on the smuggler’s moon. Now he was back, just to resupply and rearm and maybe check if she was here.

When the bones are good, the rest don't matter Yeah, the paint could peel, the glass could shatter Let it break, 'cause you and I remain the same

It was quiet at first but as he moved past the main area to Leikael’s side of this apartment, he could hear the music. He rushes towards it, the lyrics registering but not slowing him, only fueling him to move faster until he burst into the room the music was playing from. There she was, in front of a window, staring out at the city below, safe and unharmed.

When there ain't a crack in the foundation Baby, I know any storm we're facing will Blow right over while we stay put The house don't fall when the bones are good

He should be angry, furious that she’d made him worry, that he’d had to spend hours scared for her and searching the worst parts of Nar Shaddaa to find her. But he’s just glad she’s safe. He crosses the room in a few long strides. His steps making her turn, facing him and smiling that small smile that only he ever got to see. She catches him as he approaches, pulling him into her arms and burying her face in his chest.

Call it dumb luck, but, baby, you and I Can't even mess it up although we both try No, it don't always go the way we planned it, but the Wolves came and went and we're still standing

They rock together silently for a time, wrapped in each others arms and letting the pain and fear and anger dissipate into the air and get carried away in the simple peace of being together. “You’re safe darling. I was so worried.” Corso whispers almost afraid to breathe, to break the moment and send her out into the streets of the smugglers moon again.

When the bones are good, the rest don't matter Yeah, the paint could peel, the glass could shatter Let it break, 'cause you and I remain the same

“I’m sorry.” Leikael whispers.

Corso immediately starts to quiet her. “No, no. It’s ok, I shouldn’t have tried to control what we do.” He leans back just enough to take her face in his hands. “I just get so scared when I think of the people we’re… you… are making enemies of. I worry that I won’t be able to have your back, that I will lose you too.”

When there ain't a crack in the foundation Baby, I know any storm we're facing will Blow right over while we stay put The house don't fall when the bones are good

Leikael wraps her smaller, green, such a beautiful green, hands over his. “We’re galactic criminals dealing with the galactic underworld and trying to carve out our own space in it. I can’t promise we’ll be safe, that I’ll be safe. But I’ll always do everything I can to come back to you and the siren. I’m sorry I got so upset over those girls. I… They’re Ord girls, they grew up there. They’re more what you’re used to. They’re more… settled.”

When the bones are good, the rest don't matter Yeah, the paint could peel, the glass could shatter Let it break, 'cause you and I remain the same

Corso has to chuckle at her. Of course he was placed with the same value as the ship. He’d long ago come to terms sharing his girlfriend with her starship. It was weird, but he wouldn’t have her any other way. “If I wanted settled, if I wanted a woman like the ones back home, I’d go back home. I want you, exactly the way you are, blasters, temper, hardheaded stubbornness, nose for trouble, all of it. Please don’t run out like that again. Please. Let’s just talk things out. I was so scared, you ran out without your blasters, without backup.” He shakes his head and leans down to place a kiss on her forehead. “I was so worried about you in the streets with no way to protect yourself.”

When there ain't a crack in the foundation Baby, I know any storm we're facing will Blow right over while we stay put The house don't fall when the bones are good

Leikael leans back from him, her usual grin back in place. “Haven’t you learned by now farm boy.” He always knew she was teasing when she pulled out that nickname. She reaches behind her and pulls out of somewhere he couldn’t figure out, a small holdout blaster. “I always have a blaster.” He laughs and picks her up as he spins them. Her arms come up around his neck as they kiss and the cold durasteel against his neck feels like a promise that they’ll be ok.

[shabre-legacy]

9 People you'd like to know better

Thanks for the tag @kartaylirsden

◇3 ships

I've got so many oc ships I can't even decide between them but also I'm going to spotlight Leikael/Corso, Tisna/Torian, Kyiari/Drift and Tyrenic/Jemsyn

Cousland/Alistair (dragon age)

Iden Versio/Del Meeko (precious, so sweet, I can't even)

◇first ship

The first one that I can remember is Eragon and Nasuada from the inheritance series. The first one I remember attempting to do anything with is Amy Cahill and Ian Kabra from the 39 clues series. (Yes the unfinished fic still exists, I cringe)

◇last song

Circus by Brittany Spears (had Mirage on the brain)

◇currently reading

I just finished A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross

◇last film

A New Hope

◇currently craving

Chocolate and like some kind of salty snack

Tagging: @grandninjamasterren, @justadreaminghufflepuff, @sullustangin, @starknstarwars, @actualanxiousswampwitch, @nekorinnie, @darthvronton, @commander-krios, @commander-ralyle

[shabre-legacy]

Corso makes his way back into the main room of Port Nowhere where there is a meeting of underworld bosses. Pisses off some random gangster. Gangster tries to hit him. Corso simply responds with a grin. “I wouldn’t do that if you value life.” Gangster gets angrier “what are you going to shoot me or something.” Corso laughs “I could, easily. But I’ve learned something over the years I don’t have to. You so much as jostle my hair. I won’t shoot you. She will.” Gangster tries for a snappy comeback only to find a blaster in his face held by a furious Leikael. Corso smirks as he stands next to her with an arm around her waist and a hand on her hip. He used to be more easy going, used to be more protective. But watching Kael go off on everything that made her mad and never being able to talk her out of it means that now he just backs her up and revels in being her man while enjoying the view when she goes off.

[shabre-legacy]

Corso makes his way back into the main room of Port Nowhere where there is a meeting of underworld bosses. Pisses off some random gangster. Gangster tries to hit him. Corso simply responds with a grin. “I wouldn’t do that if you value life.” Gangster gets angrier “what are you going to shoot me or something.” Corso laughs “I could, easily. But I’ve learned something over the years I don’t have to. You so much as jostle my hair, I won’t need to shoot you. She will!” Gangster tries for a snappy comeback only to find a blaster in his face held by a furious Leikael. Corso smirks as he stands next to her with an arm around her waist and a hand on her hip.

He used to be more easy going, used to be more protective. But watching Kael go off on everything that made her mad and never being able to talk her out of it means that now he just backs her up and revels in being her man while enjoying the view.

[shabre-legacy]

Statistics meme

tagged by @sullustangin like months ago. Took ages to get this done.

Rules: give us the links to your fic with the most hits, second most kudos, third most comments, fourth most bookmarks, fifth most words, and finally the fic with the least words.

tagging: @grandninjamasterren @nekorinnie, @rainofaugustsith, @certified-anakinfucker, @magicallulu7, @jedi-consular

Most hits: Darkness Drowning: This little story featuring Darth Jadus, my imperial agent Izutsa and intentional misuse of the Force has 1,078 hits

Second most kudos: The second most kudos goes to I Can't Do This Without You This short hurt/comfort Izutsa/Vector one-shot has 22 kudos.

Third most comments: This one goes to Are You Jealous? This is a cute little Leikael/Corso one-shot with 2 comments.

Fourth most bookmarks: A Pirate Wife for Me This Tama/Corso arranged marriage AU has 3 bookmarks

Fifth most words: Darkness Drowning Already talked about this one so I'll just say it has 3,326 words

Fic with the fewest words: Still Flying This short one-shot has 135 words.

And this isn't in the rules but I thought I'd add.

Fic that is the only one in it's ship tag: The Times We Fall in Love. This is (as of 2/10/24) the only fic in the Aric Jorgan/Corso Riggs tag.

[shabre-legacy]

Stolen Home Chapter Ten

Leikael

The next day started far too early for Leikael’s taste. It wasn’t as bad as back on Ord where the cannons and shit had been loud or the starship where she was sharing a bed with that farmboy who was too kriffing perky in the mornings. All loud greetings and bright eyes and asking her if she slept well, even though he knew the answer because he’d been right kriffing next to her and… She was stopping that line of memory right there and not thinking about it. It was still too early and she could hear Corso doing something in the next room. 

It wasn’t going to be easy, they’d be diving back into the depths of the Coruscant underworld, going deeper then they already were and they were already deep. Normally, she’d say it was fun. But she couldn’t seem to think anything was all that fun right now. There’d been no comforting weight of a Manka Lynx on her feet as she slept, no peaceful hum of a starship engine reminding her she was home and safe and free. The only thing she had was a mercenary she was paying to help her out until he got his own revenge. 

Not particularly fun, but she’d find her mischief here. She always did.

She drags herself out of bed and all too soon, the two of them got word that Darmas had arrived and they headed down to his room for an update on what he’d learned and where to go next to hunt down that scumsucker and her precious ship.

It should have surprised her to see Darmas with a drink in his hands at this early of an hour. But it didn’t. He was a broker covering as a professional card player. He had to keep up appearances and get to work early when work was to be done. She’s been around enough to tell though, that the drink he had as the remains of breakfast were cleared away, wasn’t alcoholic. It was mostly for show. He invites them both in as a droid pours out a few mugs of caff. She takes one, sighing in relief at the heat as she sips the drink and feels it hit her system, helping to shake off the drowsiness that her troubled sleep had left,

“Well, my dear, I hope you slept well. My contacts were hard at work through the night, so I’m sure you’ll have plenty to stay busy with today.”

She smiles, full of false charm. “I’m glad to hear it. I’m not made for the ground and the sooner I get my ship back and a blaster through the thief, the better.” “Oh I can tell. A woman beautiful as you belongs with the other wonders of the galaxy.” His smooth tone, sounding just as sincere as the day before, yet there was something… He was just too smooth.

“So what have these mysterious contacts of yours dug up?”

“My sources reveal Skavak is doing business with the Black Sun Gang. A dangerous friendships for all sorts of reasons. Black Sun is notorious for keeping holorecordings of all their meetings. No doubt they’ve preserved the highlights of Skavak’s visit.”

Leikael tilts her head as she leans against the large projector near Darmas’s couch. “I doubt Black Sun lets just anyone peek at their holos. Bad business.”

“Black Sun fragments its recordings over several computers to prevent unauthorized viewing. You’ll have to assemble the relevant footage by accessing each computer.” Leikael groans internally, of course Skavak couldn’t have normal, boring friends who’d make things fast and easy. The sooner she got to shoot him, the better.

She spends another few minutes trading banter with Darmas before she heads out, Corso on her heels. “Stop for Caff on the way?”

“Please. The room doesn’t have a caff machine and we’re going to need it down there.”

It was for her. He was agreeing for her. She’s seen that he didn’t need caff in the mornings. He preferred it, but didn’t need it if it would slow them down. Stupid farm boy and his up early in the morning ass. She still stops at one of the small carts on the way into the sector. She spends the extra credits to get herself a fancy caff that made her feel a bit better about the whole situation as she made her way along the roads into trash-strewn streets of the black sun controlled territory. This place had been abandoned by the republic. There seemed to be no efforts to police the streets, to clean anything, to take care of the people here. It was just another abandoned sector of Coruscant.

The streets of Coruscant are full of people desperate for something, anything to get through the day. Some food, some spice and some searching for sick forms of entertainment. The announcement that the gang was playing games of chance with bombs and lives was frustrating and filled her with anger and pity. She agrees when the security officer asks her to help.

Corso smiles slightly as she agrees. Why was he smiling? This is not ok, she isn’t ok with him showing any positive feelings that isn’t work related. That will just make it harder to kick him off when he stops being useful. And she will be kicking him off her ship when she gets it back, regardless of what Nuri thought about it. She doesn’t do things like her friend suggests anymore.

Disarming bombs though, that was great. It was a thrill and she got something useful out of it. Sure, carrying bombs was a delicate task, but she was sure they’d find a use for them eventually, There was always a use for explosives in their line of work.

Piecing together the recordings was rage inducing. The two fought for every meter and every scrap of recording.

Corso

Corso frowns as the recording plays. It still stung to see the traitor’s face. He’d never been close to Skavak, but they’d talked and he wouldn’t have thought him capable of stabbing them in the back the way that he had. Stealing his blaster was lower than low and he couldn’t wait to deck him in the face for it. And after all that, he’s negotiating hits on lawmen. The man was looking to get killed, how he wasn’t already serving multiple life sentences didn’t make any sense. “Might be this lawman knows how to find Skavak, Captain. Best go bust up that party at the spaceport.”

The whirlwind that things had become since he’d left with the captain for the volcano seemed to not be slowing down anytime soon. It was making his head spin and he wasn’t struggling to keep up, but he was finding the mental toll of the whiplash from Ord Mantell to Coruscant to be more tiring then he’d like. The Captain sure made up for it though. Shoot-outs in the streets, a bit of dancing and gambling, listening to her hum through her morning. It was turning into a fun trip. If they could just get the breaks to go a bit longer between fights or he could get a good blaster with some punch to it, then they’d be having a lot of fun. His cheap one still needed work, it wasn’t holding up to this level of action as well as he’d like and his antiques aren’t really something he wants to risk in this environment unless he ends up needing to.

The trip back to the spaceport near the Senate is a rush. Their feet pounding across the durasteel and concrete as they try to get back to beat the Black Sun. By the time they get there, the tall Cathar gangster already had his men in the hanger and the Sullustan lawman at gunpoint. Leikael had a ready quip already, like she always did. Corso was sure it was some kind of gift from the galaxy. “You see those ears? Sullustans have excellent hearing.”

The Cathar, Urbax, growls to his men. “I thought I told you idiots to watch that door?” Do I have to do everything myself?” His growl turns to Leikael and Corso hefts his blaster. “You don’t belong here little girlie. Better leave before you break a nail.” Corso couldn’t help but laugh. Sure, the captain ran around in that crop top jacket and little bra that left her waist exposed and those tight pants that left nothing to the imagination and was far too tempting all of the time, but that didn’t mean she cared about petty things like her nails. This guy was too stupid to see the pit he was digging; but Corso could, he could see the small shift in tension, the way her fingers flexed and he wondered when he’d become familiar enough to notice that?

The Sullustan interrupted before Leikael snapped back, requesting that they assist him and deputizing Leikael. Admittedly, the captain being a law obeying person of any kind was another funny thought. She puts a hand of her hip as she shifts her weight. “Do I look like a deputy to you?”

The continued reference to her as an upstanding citizen has the smuggler and her mercenary chuckling, “You heard the man, lawbreakers. Surrender now, or else.” He liked this side of Leikael, the side that wasn’t trying to pick a fight, but was willing to join one to help someone out. If this kind of thing was what he’d be in for long-term on her crew, he could easily live with this.

Leikael

“You really are as dumb as you look, aren’t you? Kill them both.”

He would have been dead anyways for that. Leikael was pissed, if there’s one thing she cannot stand about the criminal underworld, it’s the comments and the dismissal of her just because she’s a woman. They never did this to any of the men she’d traveled with and it got under her skin. But she got to kill these ones and that did make her feel a bit better.

The Sullustan lawman was something else though. Miel Muwn, tracking Skavak for jewel theif, seemed like a nice enough guy, except that he couldn’t seem to get the hint that she wasn’t an ‘upstanding citizen’ and calling her that would tank her rep here. Then again, maybe he was intentionally ignoring it so there wouldn’t be any legal complications with helping her. If that was the case, well, all the more reason to help out. The fact that he was willing to not mention her to republic security, leaned towards the later.

Just as she’s about to suggest they leave, she hears Corso from off to her right. “Let’s not be here when local security shows up. We don’t have time to answer questions. Maybe we should go see if Darmas has anything new about Skavak?” It seems as good an idea as any other so she swiftly agrees and they sweep out of the hanger, leaving Miel to handle cleanup.

The republic security are too busy rushing past to notice them as they enter the main areas of the spaceport and start to make their way to the exit, but she notices the tension, the way Corso glances around and keeps his hands close to his holsters. “Expecting someone?”

“Skavak's proven to like his dirty tricks. An ambush set up elsewhere, just in case, seems like his style. This is the most likely place to accidentally run into any other bounty hunters sent by Rogun. A starship captain is expected to stay close to spaceports when they can. It’s pretty common.”

Leikael shrugs. “You’re not wrong. But relax, this is Coruscant. Everyone here has to maintain at least the appearance of civility when in public on these upper levels. We’ll be fine until we get back down to the lower levels.”

Corso nods, but doesn’t seem all that convinced. “We should still be careful.”

Leikael nods with a smile, “Of course we’ll be careful. I’m always careful.”

Corso rolls his eyes with an answering smile. “I’m not convinced you and careful are acquainted.”

That makes her laugh outright as they make their way back to the speeders and start back towards the cantina. “I guess that’s why I get the good jobs.”

They continue their light banter through the streets and into the cantina, both agreeing it would be best to check in before they stopped to eat, just in case they’d need to run again. The little hall they passed through to get to Darmas’s room was rarely empty, but this time it seemed to have something different then the usual assortment. Instead three kids, barely twenty if that, were hanging around. The girl was the one to notice them and speak first.

“See, what did I tell you? It’s the captain from Rogun the Butcher’s bounty posting. Are we lucky or what?”

Leikael rolls her eyes internally as she came to a stop, Corso standing next to her. The young man that the girl had spoken to was clearly besotted over her and it wouldn’t have surprised Leikael if bounty hunting was her idea and he went with it to stay close. The one who was more focused on the job was the blond who stepped into their path. The hair covering his face had to be one of the worst cuts she’d ever seen. “You two make me sick. Hold it right there, captain.”

She openly rolls her eyes at that. They were really going to try this? With that hair? “Is that a hairstyle or did a womp rat die on your head?”

Corso laughs next to her as the blond kid stutters. “Come on, you two. Let’s cremate this fool and get rich!”

Oh the naivety, these three hadn’t learned the most vital skill of bounty hunting according to Nat, how to evaluate your opponent and know their strength vs your own before you fought. “You kids run home to your mommas before I spank you.” They were too young and stupid for this line of work.

She seemed to touch a nerve with the kid with stupid hair. “All right, that’s it. Let’s roast this stupid nerfherder.”

The darkhaired one seemed to have more sense, studying the way Leikael stood, the way she stared them down, almost bored. “Hold it Scorch. There’s something about this captain. She might be more trouble than she’s worth.”

Scorch was too arrogant, lanuching into a spiel towards the girl, it was enough to make both the criminals facing them roll their eyes. Well, if they were only after credits, she could use that to make them go away and make Skavak’s day a bit worse. “If you want credits, I know a better way to earn them. This is a fight you can’t win, save your blasters for a better target.”

At this point, most of what the blond says isn’t even sinking in, it’s all boast and bluster after all.

“Ever heard of a Starship thief named Skavak?” That seemed to catch their attention. “I just saw Skavak in the Black Sun hideout.” They argued for a moment before leaving. “Don’t forget. Shoot to kill.” Corso joins her in chuckling at them as soon as they’re out of sight. They end up leaning on each other.

“What ya think, 2 hours till they get knocked out?” Corso laughs.

“If that, they’re not cut out for this line of work. Black Sun should knock some sense into them.” They eventually straighten and catch their breath

Corso

Corso isn’t sure how it happens, but by the time they enter Darmas’s room, he already knew what had happened. As soon as Leikael approaches, he starts speaking. “Trouble with bounty hunters, Captain?”

Leikael flops gracefully onto a nearby couch, kicking her feet up and folding her arms behind her head as Corso leans against the couch next to her. “I can’t help it if I’m popular with all the wrong people.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, my dear. All the right people find you charming too.” Corso grumbles under his breath at the flirting. At this point, it seemed like Darmas couldn’t get out a complete sentence without a flirt towards the captain. He knew at least part of his frustration was due to his attraction to her, but a large part was how it seemed to delay them finding Skavak and playing catch up. He hates playing catch-up. It makes him feel stupid, and he gets that enough from the people around him when they decide to talk fancy and make a lot of noise about their fancy educations.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem as though the flirting would be ending any time soon as Darmas continues. “I hear Black Sun is on an emergency recruitment drive and you had an altercation at the spaceport. I take it my lead was worthwhile.”

His captain smirks in response, before her expression turns nasty and vengeful. Corso knows he should NOT find that as attractive as he does. His mother would be ashamed. She’s his employer, and maybe his friend and that was all. He was supposed to be helping her, not falling for her. “Skavak will be writhing on the floor before this is over.”

Despite having dealt with her two days now, Darmas still looks a bit nervous at that. “That’s quite the vicious streak. It seems he brings out the worst in people.” Darmas leans forward, a small smile cutting the lines of his face. “While we wait for Skavak to make his next move, perhaps we could play a little Sabbac.”

Now, Corso has learned to read faces. He may not be good at cards, but he’s good at faces, it’s part of his job. He knows Darmas is messing with his captain, testing her, it’s a open proposition, she can take him up on the blatant inuendo or on the cards where Darmas expects to win. But what Darmas doesn’t know is just how good the captain is. Corso though, he got to watch her a handful of games. He knows how good she is. Wouldn’t do to let Darmas know too soon, he can have some fun with this. He drops his head into one hand as he shakes it. “Should have seen that one coming.”

“Corso, don’t be such a spoilsport. What do you say, captain?” The way he purrs that title sets Corso on edge, but he has no place interfering here. “First game’s on me.” Oh, he knew Darmas would regret that one when Leikael took everything he put on the table.

The devilish smirk on the captain’s lips confirmed it. Darmas was in for it now. “What’s the harm in a friendly game of cards.”

‘What’s so friendly? She’s gonna eat you alive Darmas.’ He chuckles to himself. ‘Hope you’re ready to lose all your credits’ He plays along with her little scheme though. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you captain.” He can’t keep the laugh out of his voice, Darmas cutting his eyes over to him like the professional card player he is.

“Get us a round of drinks, won’t you Corso? There’s a good man. Let’s deal some cards.” Darmas stands and gestures to the large sabbac table. Corso waits until his back is to them before he grins and places their drink orders as the crowd of admirers and contacts around Darmas gathered around the table along with various individuals who caught sight of the game as they passed. He has the serving droid take Darmas and Leikael’s drinks to them, holding his own as he slips in among the crowd. This would be a good chance to make some fast credits. He makes his way close to the front to where he can see and takes note of the captain’s face. He could be wrong, but if he had to guess how she’d play this, lose one hand to bait him in and then win the rest. Darmas likely wouldn’t be able to resist a few more rounds after that, and he’d build up the pot, and get thrashed.

“Twenty credits Darmas wins this one.” He mutters to a group of watchers, a few taking him up on it.

It played out just as he thought, with Leikael just narrowly losing and baiting Darmas into another hand. He places another bet on Darmas, smaller this time, enough to comfortably lose as Leikael scrapes a win and Darmas offers ‘just a few more rounds while they wait.” Another two rounds pass with narrow wins before Leikael leans forward, crossing a leg and resting her chin on her fist. “200 credits the spacer wipes the floor with him.” He smirks at the crowd that had formed around the table, eagerly betting on the outcome, a known bookiee in the crowd starting to keep track of the bets.

The game was about as intense as a round of Sabbac could get, both Darmas and Leikael studying the other and looking for the smallest tells, but as Leikael tosses down her winning hand, she drops her ‘rookie’ sabbac face and smirks and Darmas slouches back in his chair, sounding mildly distressed.

“You win again Leikael.” He doesn’t like how familiar that sounds in Darmas’s drawl, but between the two they made quite the profit and he can’t be mad about that. “That was… Very impressive.”

Corso chuckles as he collects his winnings and steps to his captain’s side, handing her a fresh drink. “Impressive? The captain just cleaned your chrono, Darmas.”

Darmas stands and gestures back to his lounges as the crowd disperses, sensing the show was over. “Hmm, I’d say you’ve played this game before.” He settles back into his couch as Leikael sits in hers.

She grins over at him, almost as predatory as her earlier smirk had been, but with additional smugness. “I never said I was a beginner.”

Darmas acknowledges that with a soft incline of his head. “Then I am a victim of my assumptions. Well played, my friend.” He leans back. “Some lunch? We should be hearing from my network any moment now.”

Leikael shrugs and tilts her head for Corso to join her on the couch. “I’d like that Darmas.” They’d be on the road again soon enough.

[shabre-legacy]

Corso hears the sounds of an upset captain as soon as the whiring of the door gears on the Siren went quiet. Boots crashing into the wall and the soft thud of what was almost certainly her jacket being thrown in the vague direction of her quarters.

He’d tried to stay with her, wanting to offer his support. He’d understood her when she’d talked about the pain of losing her family. And now finding out that her siblings were still alive had been throwing her off. Meeting her brother again was something she’d been nervous about the whole way back to Nar Shaddaa. But she’d told him this was a family thing, that she’d introduce him later, but needed to handle this one herself.

It’d been bad enough the first time with her sister, now months later, just as he and his captain were starting to tiptoe towards something good together, he wanted to help even more, but there was little he could do.

Just as he stands to go and check on her, Leikael pads softly into the room, dropping her whole belt on his workbench and looking to where he stood by the couches. The look of exhaustion on her face so clear that his heart aches. He steps forward covering the distance in a few long strides. He opens his arms and feels a warmth twist through him as Leikael steps into the hug. He tightens his arms around her, carefully staying clear of her neck and smiles a bit as she slowly relaxes until she’s all but collapsing into him. He loves that she trusts him enough to rely on him in these moments. He presses a soft kiss to the top of her head as he presses his nose into her hair, making soft comforting sounds and slowing rocking. He’ll hold her just like this until she feels better, then he’ll make sure she eats and put her to bed. She doesn’t get cared for enough, fiercely independent and hiding her weakness from even herself sometimes, taking care of her crew and everyone else she can. just tonight, he can do take over and care for her.

[shabre-legacy]

When Leikael and Corso get married, they get married first there on the bridge of the Siren under Leikael's authority as the Captain of a ship.

But Leikael loves all her family and Corso has Jettison and a few friends so they decide to have a 'second wedding' mostly a big fancy party with traditions from both their people to allow their friends and family to celebrate with them.

[shabre-legacy]

27. Who brings home an illegal pet?

28. Who takes the longest getting ready to leave?

29. Who said I Love You, first?

30. When did they realize they loved each other?

Ok I’m going to do Leikael and corso for this one, if you want someone else just let me know

27. Leikael, absolutely. She already has a manka cat, what’s adding a vorn tiger or something else she shouldn’t have to the mix.

28. Depends on the event and dress code. If it’s fancy Leikael. But for just a daily, normal thing, Corso. Leikael loves being pampered and spoiled and taking her time, but she can be quick if she’s not trying to impress. Corso though, he fusses over making sure his dreads didn’t get tangled during the night and even more so over making sure his blasters are perfect before he starts his day.

29. Corso. Leikael was too scared

30. For Leikael it was after Nar Shaddaa when he saved her again and asked no thank you, just content to be around her.

For corso it was love at first sight

[shabre-legacy]

Leikael and Corso

[shabre-legacy]

Sometimes it can be hard for Corso to tell when Leikael is really bothered. But when she yanks out a vibroblade at the same time she’s pulling at her boots as soon as they get some downtime, he learns quickly that she’s in a bad place. If the necessity to get whatever is around her ankles (aka her pants) off her ankles is overriding the practical side of her and their job, well he learns that he has to intervene or she’ll be running around in frayed pants or having a total breakdown within hours.

[shabre-legacy]

Fluffy prompts one-shot

@jbnonsense, I’m so sorry this one took so long, I wrote most of it, then lost the notebook. But it’s finally done. I hope you like it. As requested Fluffy prompts #2 “Are you jealous?” “No…maybe.” for Leikael and Corso

     Leikael sighed as she entered the cantina. Usually she loved places like this, but usually they were a bit more beat-up and smoke-filled, with Sabbac tables and occasional gunfire and plenty of shady deals. Places like this where fancy cocktails were served in fancy glasses, suits and dresses were a must and no weapons were allowed; these types of places were strange to her. She could barely tell Bowdarr was still a step behind her due to the crowd around the lower bar. The long skirt swished around her ankles as she made her way across the floor to the more exclusive, less crowded and unfortunately even fancier part of the cantina where live music was playing and the night’s job was taking place. 

     Bowdarr stayed right behind her as they made their way over to the bar and ordered a round of drinks; playing his role as her bodyguard perfectly. They both knew she didn’t actually need one. The thigh holster and the vibroblade along her back made sure of that, but tonight they had to maintain their covers. Hers was a wealthy socialite, living off daddy’s money, therefore she’d obviously have a bodyguard for a night out in lower Coruscant.   

     She took a sip of her cocktail, too sweet, too weak, too fancy for her tastes; and scanned the room for her crew.  Akaavi was right where she expected her to be, sitting at a table off to the side, nursing a drink of something dark (and strong if Leikael knew her tastes.) The unmistakable gleam of her Mandalorian armor keeping the area immediately around her clear.

     Risha was out on the dance floor nearby, twirling around in her soft, shimmery silvery gown. She looked far more at ease in a dress then Leikael felt. Akaavi caught her eye, tipping her glass slightly in Kael’s direction before returning her gaze to Risha. A silent signal that she was still in her role and was keeping an eye on her. They both watched the other woman twirl around with her partner, stepping smoothly in her 4 inch heels. Honestly, Leikael wasn’t sure how she did it. Risha was a spacer, a freighter bum, a ship rat, just like her. They both preferred blasters on their belts, sturdy boots on their feet and engine grease on their hands to this fancy shit. Risha understood how it worked though, and usually made sure they looked right for these sorts of jobs, and she somehow managed to move smoothly and handle the dress and the makeup and make it all look effortless; while Leikael ended up looking more like a bumbling Bantha.

     She quickly scanned the rest of the upper level for the last member of her crew. Corso was also following their plan and was right where he was supposed to be; in the middle of the dance floor. Tonight’s target, the pretty blonde currently twirling around and giggling in his arms. 

     It had taken a lot of effort to persuade Corso to be the frontman on this one. They’d had a buyer lined up for some valuable and expensive merchandise. The kind that wasn’t illegal, but was highly taxed, a pain to get legally and the Exchange wanted a monopoly on the black market. Unfortunately, the pressure from the Exchange and Black Sun had sent the seller underground and the only one who knew where was his daughter; the girl Corso was dancing with. 

     Corso had been reluctant to be the face of a con that required seducing the sellers daughter, so that she’d hand over the location she’d so far been unwilling to share. Even when both Kael and Risha explained that all he’d be doing is spending a few hours drinking and dancing with a pretty girl, he still didn’t like it. Felt wrong to mess with a lady’s heart like that, he’d said. Also he was courting Leikael, that was serious to him, didn’t matter that Kael knew and was ok with it, such behavior, for any reason, felt wrong. Akaavi seemed to agree with him. Risha had found that odd, but Kael wasn’t surprised. Mandalorians took things like courting and relationships real serious. Though a large part of that was probably due to their focus on raising kids. What had Cradu called it again? ‘The Mandalorian parent instinct?’ whatever it was, it was probably the most downright adorable thing about them. 

     It had taken half an hour of discussion, failed bribes and more than one promise from her that if he was really that uncomfortable with the plan, they’d try and find another way of finding their seller, before Corso agreed. Risha had immediately dragged him out to get suited up for his cover. 

      From what they could tell, their target liked rich, handsome and dumb men that she could manipulate. They could make Corso look rich, that was easy. He already looked so damn good that sometimes Kael just had to stare for a few minutes. And he could play dumb. He was smart, very smart and he learned quick, but he didn’t have much of a formal education. While he was ok with that, he knew how others sometimes looked at him. So he was often content to play the part of the dumb farmboy and let others underestimate him until he was ready to change that perception. And he could be so charming when he wanted to be. He could handle this job. 

      He could handle it, but Leikael suddenly wasn’t sure if she could. A strong desire to go out and grab their target by her hair and throw her across the room had jumped into her mind. 

      As she stood at the bar, false smile plastered on, sipping at yet another weak cocktail (she really needed to get something stronger), yet another one of the men wandering around the room made his way over and asked her to dance. 

      Even the effort to form a polite, in-character rejection felt irritating. She loved dancing, adored it. It had been the part of this job she’d been looking forward to most. She may have to wear a stupid dress with a useless skirt and pretend to be just another vapid waste of a socialite and wear these awful, awful heels and only one vibroblade and a single holdout blaster, but at least she’d get to dance. Now though, watching Corso just owning the dance floor with that insipid blonde viper, she wasn’t in any mood to dance. 

      ‘It’s just a job’, she muttered silently to herself, turning back to the bar and getting herself a shot of whiskey, needing something stronger with some bite. “It’s just a job, no need to be making it personal.’ The woman didn’t know Corso had someone else in his life. Siths hells, she didn’t even know his real name. As far as she was concerned, Corso was the son of some fancypants Kriffar merchant on Coruscant to strike some deals with some senators. She didn’t know who he really was. It was a role, a job, something she’d asked him to do, so there wasn’t a reason for her to be getting this upset. 

      But she still couldn’t help the stab in her heart as she watched him dance. She’d never had the chance to see him like this. Risha had told her he was good, but usually when they were at a cantina with room to dance, they were working, or it was a dangerous area, both scenarios meaning Corso was wearing that heavy armor he always worse, or they were exhausted, in which case they didn’t move from their table. She’d missed out. She simply watched as he confidently led the girl across the floor in a complex series of steps. His muscles flexed as he spun her around, his whole body moving in time with the music, hips swaying with the beat. He looked almost at home out there. She’d always admired, not only how strong he was, but how well he knew how to use his strength, usually in combat, but also just around the ship. 

       She wanted to slam him up against a wall, show him how much she liked the sight of his dancing, she wanted the target away from him, she… She wanted to be the one he was dancing with. To have him hold her, and spin her around, she wanted to be the one feeling all those hard-earned muscles flex under her hands as he dipped her or pulled her in close. She wanted all his attention focused on her. 

       As she silently watched as casually as she could, the song came to an end and the band started up with a faster one. Corso leaned down and said something to the girl before placing his hand on her back and walking together over to the bar. They stood there, drinks in hand, talking for a few minutes. Then she saw Corso lean over and say something as he signaled that he got what they needed. Akaavi pushed a button on her gauntlet and just as planned and programmed, the target pulled out her commpad and looked at it for a moment before leaning in to flirt with Corso for another moment. Leikael couldn’t stand watching another moment. She turned and ordered another drink. The job was done, she could now get drunk and forget the whole night. The bartender looked at her like she was crazy when she ordered a Starshine Surprise, but didn’t argue. They probably weren’t common here, but she needed the punch.  

      She didn’t see the woman walk out of the club, or Corso walk over to her. She didn’t notice until Corso leaned on the bar next to her and placed his hand on hers as she grabbed for her drink. 

       “I think that went well, got what we needed, and faster then planned too.” 

       She didn’t even look at him. “Yep.” 

       He squeezed her hand as she used the other to take a swig of her drink. “Is everything ok? You’re usually happy when a job goes right. Did something happen?” 

      She sighed, how like him to be concerned when she was in a mood. “Nope. Everything is just fine.”

      Kael stared at the cup in her hand, wondering if she could make it catch fire if she stared hard enough, until Corso gently reached over and turned her face to his. He studied her for a minute before he almost smiled. “Are you.. Are you actually jealous?” He asked just a hint of laughter in his tone. 

       “No. Of course not.” She snapped back as she yanked her head away and returned her stare to her cup. Corso just leaned on the bar more and watched her for a moment. Finally, she sighed and forced out a grumbled “Maybe” just loud enough for him to hear. That made Corso start laughing, that stupid grin across his face. It only lasted a moment, but it made the heat in her cheeks rise. Jealousy wasn’t a familiar emotion to her. She didn’t know why she’d gotten so jealous over Corso working a job, and she didn’t like it at all. And she also didn’t like the fact that Corso somehow found it funny. 

      The band had gotten through several more songs by this point, and were striking up another good dancing song as Corso’s laughter eased off and he looked at Kael for a moment before holding out a hand where she would see it. “Dance with me?”

      She glanced up, “what?” 

      “Dance with me. I know for a fact I haven’t had the chance to take you dancin’ yet, and we’re already here” He smiled that stupid grin with those soft eyes that always made her melt.

       She sighed, downed the rest of her drink and took his hand. He led her out to the floor and pulled her close to him, keeping the steps simple and sweet. After a few moments, he leaned down enough to speak almost directly in her ear, making sure she could hear him. “You know I’ve only got eyes for you, darlin’. Doesn’t matter what we gotta do for work. You’re the one I’m courting. Nobody else could ever get my attention. I’m yours, long as you’ll have me.” She looked at him and smiled softly, she understood, she finally got how he must feel every time she flirted with someone to make the job easier. They’d do what they needed to, but she had his heart, and he had hers. They were ok. 

      She stretched up and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek as the band changed songs again. This one was faster, heavier, a bit more sensuous. She only had a moment as Corso grinned down at her and pulled her even closer as they fell into the dance. The rest of the crew slipped out of the cantina, leaving the two of them out on the floor, sorting everything out and enjoying the rest of the night.

[shabre-legacy]

snuggling in a blanket fort for Leikael Sorcha Shabre

Sorry this took so long, and also sorry it’s a little rough, my brain has been difficult but it’s done!

The song at the beginning is “Would Anyone Care” by Citizen Soldier

“Would anyone care? Would anyone cry, if I finally stepped off of this ledge tonight? Would anything change? Would you all be just fine? Cause I need a reason to not throw the fight. It just might save my life.” 

Corso sighed as he heard the strains of the song come from under the door to his and Leikael’s room. Well technically, it was only Leikael’s since she had partial ownership of this Nar Shaddaa apartment. Though he had moved into her quarters on the ship a few weeks back and she’d made it clear that the arrangement included the apartment. They’d arrived the day before and while the rest of the crew wanted to hit the cantina’s and markets, Kael had locked herself in her room and hadn’t left. It had been a terrible coincidence, running into what was left of the crew that had grabbed her on Tatooine, and a crew that had turned on her on Mek-Sha (he hadn’t known who they were then or they wouldn’t still be breathing) at the same time. Then getting some tragic news about some of the Solar Flare crews they’d been working with recently as soon as they got back to the ship. He wasn’t surprised that the usually tough as nails captain was falling apart. But he couldn’t stand seeing her like this. He’d sat with her all night. He was the only one she wanted to talk about what had happened with. He’d only stepped out to get some food for them since the apartment only had really old ration bars that were probably just dust by now. It seemed like she’d gotten worse in just the few minutes that he’d been gone. 

As he placed the food on the counter and started pulling out a few plates. His girl really needed to eat, it had been what, two days now, since he’d last seen her eat anything that wasn’t soaked in alcohol. He listened for any other sounds. It didn’t seem like there was anyone else in the apartment. 

What could he do though? He’d spent the night holding her, comforting her, trying to help, but it hadn’t seemed to have any effect. The experiences just dragging up old memories and old pain from earlier times in her life. By the Force, thinking about her past hurt him! And he hadn’t even been the one to live it! She’d lived through so much, endured so much, had her childhood shattered and erased far too young and her suffering just seemed to continue. He couldn’t seem to stop it from haunting her, no matter how much he wanted to. Her childhood, it had ended far too early, but it was the last time she felt life was safe. That gave him an idea. It possibly wasn’t the best he’d ever had, but it was something he hadn’t tried yet. 

If he remembered correctly, and he was certain he did, she hadn’t had anything resembling a childhood since she was six, so maybe a piece of that would help her. He needed supplies though. He tucked the food in the reheater to stay warm and slipped into the room where Leikael lay curled under a single blanket, staring blankly ahead, her eyes still red and drying tear tracks on her cheeks. Another one of those painfully sad songs started. His heart nearly broke at the sight of the woman he loved more than anything in the galaxy looking so sad and scared and alone. He sat next to her and brushed the hair from her face, leaning down to place a gentle kiss to her forehead. She instantly curled around him, hiding her face and trapping him where he was. She was a tactile woman, touch was something that meant so much to her and while she was careful with it, he’d found she seemed to never get enough. 

“I thought of something that might help you feel a little better darling. Do you think you could try and eat?”

Leikael watched as Corso filled his arms with all the blankets from their room and most of the pillows and walked out of the room. He’d sat with her for a few minutes before pulling out his datapad and telling her he was getting rooms at one of the Cantina’s for the crew and letting them know. He’d told her he’d only be another minute, slipped out of her arms and started grabbing the soft things in the room. She heard what sounded like furniture being moved in the other room, the one with a big terminal for holovids from the sounds of things. It was an investment that she’d been happy about when she and Nat had finally had enough credits to buy anything after getting this place. If she had any energy left, she’d be curious about what he was up to, but she was just so tired, tired and useless and pathetic and everything hurt. It’d be so easy to just walk out of the apartment, but even the room seemed so big, and she was so tired. She let the music play on and lost herself in the melodies. The lyrics filled with as much pain as she felt. 

She wasn’t sure how long she’d zoned out for when she felt a hand gently touch her lower arm. She blinked back to awareness and as she did, Corso smiled down at her before sliding his arms underneath her and picking her up along with her blanket. He carried her across the apartment to the holovid room as she’d taken to calling it. 

There, in the middle of the room where there was usually a variety of furniture was a strange structure made of the back of a couch, many blankets and what appeared to be the chairs from around the table in the kitchen. “What is that?”

Corso blinked down at her for a moment before gently setting her on her feet and helping to hold her up as he guided her towards the thing in the room. “It’s a blanket fort. Didn’t you build these with your sisters when you were a kid?”

“They weren’t this big. It was usually a blanket over a table” She stared in confusion. How had he managed to get the blankets to stay up?

“Well, that wouldn’t fit us, now would it.” He smiled at her, and crouched down crawling through a small entrance that he’d somehow fit into the design. As she got to the interior, she looked around. The space was small and contained, but cozy and not constricting. The floor was covered in pillows and blankets except for a small table on which sat two plates, some bottles of water and a pile of various snacks. Corso had settled himself in the middle of the fort leaning back completely relaxed, an arms reach away from the food and the remote for the terminal, which had been moved onto the ground and into the blanket fort. He opened his arms and her heart hurt. She’d been a mess for almost two days straight, she was tired and hurt and nothing like herself. She’d dealt with panic attacks and pushed him away, and all he did was open up more, give more to try and help her. She silently thanked the Force for sending him into her life as she dragged herself over to him and collapsed into his arms. He held her quietly for a few moments, before helping her sit up against him and handing her the plate with the smaller portion and pushing a button on the remote. “Way I see it, you haven’t had a chance to relax with a good old blanket fort and movie night in years. This is one me and my sister would watch all the time as kids. Mama would help us build the Fort and sometimes, we were able to persuade her to sit and watch movies with us.” She stared at the food, not wanting to eat, but as the colorful movie with it’s soft and sweet soundtrack began playing and Corso wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to rest against his chest, tucked under blankets and surrounded by the warmth and the soft lights. The hurt felt a little further away and she was able to take a few bites. 

Corso tucked his chin over her head and gently squeezed, his beautiful, deep voice softly singing along with the opening song of the movie that held so much meaning for him, she felt herself drifting off softly. He lifted the plate and returned it to the table as she curled tighter against him and his arms wrapped around her again. The movie played as they held each other, the comfort blocking out all the pain that the galaxy had heaped upon them, at least for a few hours. They had each other, and cuddles and blanket forts, and for tonight, that was just enough.