maskormenacelogs | closed; vacation time

One of the things that Obi-Wan had decided to bring with him was a book that he borrowed from Nonah's library. He's sitting there reading it when Rogue arrives, his eyes lifting from the pages just before he snaps it shut.

"Not too long," he admits. About half an hour really.

He then stands and picks up Ashla's carrier.

"So, where exactly is our beach retreat?"

At least he'd been prepared. Rogue had a few books of her own in her bag, and she'd already scouted out the bookstores near their hotel for when she finished those. She had plans for many long hours spent doing nothing more than relaxing in the sun and enjoying herself.

"It's not far," she answered with a smile, bending down a bit to peer inside the carrier at their vacation companion. "I've rented a car for us, it should be waiting outside."

Obi-Wan was always prepared. He will probably want to check out this bookstores too though. They are of like mind in enjoying long hours just reading and relaxing. When Rogue peered down at the carrier though, a white fluffy kitten with big blue eyes and brown spots on her ears peered back.

"Oh, well let us go then."

The Jedi then held his arm out to her before heading for the exit.

It felt natural to take that offered arm, the times they've spent walking like this already making it almost instinctual; if he hadn't offered, she likely would have taken his arm anyway. It's just what they did now.

As they exited the building, a man stepped away from a waiting vehicle, a tablet and set of keys in hand. Extricating herself from Obi-Wan, she signed the tablet, exchanged a few pleasantries with the man, and then took possession of the keys. Easy. After popping the trunk, she set her bag inside and asked her companions, "So what's kitty cat's name? We should be properly introduced, since we're gonna be spending the next few days together."

Obi-Wan watched the exchange and greeted the man pleasantly as well. Once it was done with, he placed a bag in the trunk as well. Very little of what was in it was for him. It held a couple disposable litter pans, a small package of lightweight litter, a bag of food, and bowls. All for the cat of course.

It also held a few clothes, and a couple books for Obi-Wan's own use.

"Her name is Ashla," he said easily as he opened one of the rear doors and carefully placed the carrier inside. The kitten mewling in complain, clearly tired of being in her carrier already. "It's an ancient name for the light side of the Force."

He then looked between her and the car.

"I hope you don't mind driving. I haven't learned to operate these vehicles."

Ashla. It wasn't like any usual cat name and that suited them both perfectly. They weren't a normal duo, after all, so why should she have a normal boring name?

"I don't mind at all," she assured him with a shake of her head before heading to the driver's side. She slid inside and began adjusting the seat and mirrors, continuing once he'd joined her. "I enjoy driving, it's the closest I can get to flying these days and I miss that something fierce."

Once Ashla's carrier was secured, he closed the door and then opened the front passenger's door and took his seat. Putting on the safety belt, because safety first, he glanced at Rogue.

"I personally don't miss flying at all."

"Well, I imagine it's a whole heck of a lot different in space," she pointed out, securing her own seat belt and starting up the car, getting them on their way. Honestly, she envied him that. A lot. Just the idea of all that freedom, even with all the added danger, was enough to make her heart ache with longing for something she'd never experience.

"I never dreamed of being a pilot or anything. It just kinda happened when I joined my team; I needed something to do when my powers weren't needed on a mission." As they so often weren't, requiring close proximity or a teammate lending her their own abilities. "It helped me feel useful, you know?"

"... In some ways. Such as the threat of getting sucked into a vacuum rather than plummeting to your demise."

Obi-Wan is clearly not a fan, though he can't fault Rogue for her desire and wonder of flying. Anakin was that way, and at one time, Obi-Wan had been as well.

"You became a pilot because you felt you were not useful?"

He is a bit baffled by that. It's a sad thought really. True her powers present unique challenge, but that didn't seem entirely fair.

Edited 2019-07-10 20:34 (UTC)

Ah, right, they'd hadn't talked about this yet. Of everything she'd spoken of at the support group meetings, her feelings of inadequacy hadn't yet come up in conversation. None of it was intrinsically linked to her combat or wartime experiences though, so it was just simply another of her many issues.

"I spent most of my life feeling like I had to prove my worth," she explained with a glance his way. "I was in foster care when I was really little, moving from one family to the next every couple of months, and I wasn't adopted until I was seven. It's one of those things that just kinda sticks with you, that constant wondering of what else you could do to be good enough."

“I see,” Obi-Wan says solemnly, his tone portraying understanding.

Most everyone went through a phase like that, especially when younger, himself included. Though as she said it stuck with some others. Anakin was one such example, though Obi-Wan didn’t always recognize it for what it was.

“Who were you trying to prove yourself to?”

She adjusted her grip on the wheel, the question unexpected though it shouldn't have been. Of course, he would ask something like that. Most people would.

"Everyone," she answered after a few moments, keeping her eyes on the road. "Family, friends, my team... And proving myself to them might have proven myself to me. Maybe then I'd be able to understand why no one ever seemed to want me."

Obi-Wan fell quiet, feeling a surge of compassion for Rogue. He can’t quite relate to such a feeling. He had never been rejected by society at large, at least not until recently.

“I can’t possibly fathom anyone not wanting you.”

His words were sincere, and spoken from the heart. It didn’t matter to him what she was, where she cane from, Obi-Wan could only see the beautiful soul of the woman that Rogue was. Who was becoming a light in his life here as a cherished friend.

Those words were a balm to her soul even as they brought up pain that was only just starting to fade. The friends she'd made in this world meant more to her than she could ever fully articulate — they'd accepted her, supported her, cared about her, as she had them. She would do anything for them, especially Hux, Knock Out, and now Obi-Wan.

"...thank you." It was all she could manage, the soft syllables conveying a well of emotion that she couldn't face yet. Not only because she wasn't ready for such a feat, but also because they were arriving at their destination.

The beach was ahead of them, stretching out as the sun began to set. And silhouetted against the beautiful array of colors was a visibly up-scale resort settled right at the edge of the sand.

A small smile came to Obi-Wan's face at her words. He meant what he said, and it seemed she knew it. It was obvious to him that Rogue had been through more than anyone should ever have to be. If he could make any sort of positive difference in her life, he would strive to do so. Deciding to leave their conversation at that though, Obi-Wan looked out at the view of the resort that they were pulling into.

He had been to many beautiful and opulent locations throughout his galaxy, but that didn't belittle the appreciation he had for the sight before him.

"Is this where we're staying? It's quite lovely."

Edited 2019-07-11 17:03 (UTC)

She knew he meant it, alright. After almost two decades of having other people crammed in her head, she'd gotten pretty good at reading folks; sincerity was something she could pick up on with her eyes closed. And there was no way for her to properly explain what that meant to her.

"This is it," she confirmed, pulling up to the front of the building where a valet was ready and waiting to help with their bags and park the car. "Since it's vacation season, a lot of places were full, especially ones that would allow little Ashla. This place normally wouldn't but they're making an exemption on account of us being imPorts."

Look, she wasn't above using their status for a bit of benefit. They'd gotten the space they needed and she fully intended to tip generously throughout their stay.

Stepping out of the car, Obi-Wan watched as the valet took their bags and Rogue handed over the keys. The car then being driven off to be parked. Not something he hasn’t seen before, though it was usually with speeders.

Taking his bag and Ashla’s carrier in hand, Obi-Wan’s brows raised slightly at Rogue’s explanation.

“Really? Then I will do my best to make sure Ashla behaves herself so as not to betray their generosity.”

Being an Import certainly didn’t have perks, in the right place.

"I'm sure she'll be an absolute angel." The little meow from the carrier didn't seem to commit to any particular promises of behavior, good or bad.

Chuckling quietly, Rogue led the way into the hotel. Just a few minutes later, they were checked in and heading to their suite on the third floor.

"Wow, the photos didn't do this place justice," she commented as they stepped inside, the last pinks and oranges of the sunset visible through the tall windows as the sky began to fade to dark blue. "Thank you so much for coming with me, sugar. I never would have done this on my own."

As they stepped into the room, Obi-Wan took a moment to look around and take it all in. The view of the sunset over the ocean was nothing short of breathtaking. That along with the pristine, yet comfortable looking suit was impressive.

"It's very nice," Obi-Wan agree as he set down Ashla's carrier and his bag.

"I'm the one who should be thanking you," he told Rogue as he did a sweep of the area. Making sure there's nothing a certain little kitten couldn't break or hurt herself on. He did move a decorative vase to a safer location. Just in case. "You're the one who had the idea, and paid for it."

He paused though as he peeked into the adjoining bedroom.

"There's one bedroom with two beds. Are you all right with that?"

Rogue just smiled at the thanks he offered in return, giving a shake of her head at the reminder that she'd brought them here. That part didn't matter to her. The timing had been perfect to give Hux the time and space he needed, and now she'd have the opportunity to spend time with someone who was becoming one of her favorite people.

"Oh, right," she said, stepping over to stand beside him and peek in as well. "Sorry, I forgot to mention. The only suite they had available was this one. I don't mind sharing, but if you do, I can take the couch and you and Ashla can have the bedroom."

Obi-Wan seemed almost appalled by that suggestion, being the gentleman that he was.

“Oh no, that won’t do. If anyone is taking the couch, it will be me.”

Not only because she was a lady, but because again she paid for all of this. It wouldn’t be right.

“But I don’t think that will be necessary anyway.”

They would have had an argument on their hands if he'd protested her decision. A strong, loud argument. So it was a good thing they didn't need to get into it because he really wouldn't enjoy that side of her southern charm.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it, sugar." Walking into the room, she gestured to the bed farthest from the door. "You mind if I take this one?" It was closest to the most windows.

He had a feeling that might be the case, which is why he’s willing to compromise and deal with sharing the same room. It’s not as if they’re sharing a bed, so it should be fine.

“Not at all.”

He’s more than happy to let her choose her spot. In the mean time he starts scoping out an ideal and somewhat discreet location for the litter box. Which he finds in a corner of the main room. He sets up Ashla with everything she needs. Making her bed in the carrier which is left open for her if she wants it. But the kitten is more content to lounge on the couch, watching Obi-Wan as he places her food and water in the kitchenette.

It’s not till after that, that he unpacks his own meager items with only the very basic essentials. By that time, it’s gotten dark outside, and Ashla is perched in a window.

“I admit this is my first time properly visiting an earth beach,” he said as he finally put everything in its place.

While Obi-Wan got the kitten settled (which Rogue spied on from the bedroom), she unpacked her clothes and toiletries, putting everything away in the provided spaces because they'll be here long enough to make the effort worth it. The small stack of books she'd brought was placed on the side table and then she stepped out onto the bedroom balcony, only returning to the room when Obi-Wan came to get his own things sorted.

"It's been a while for me," she admitted, sitting on the edge of her bed. "Spending time in the heat with all the layers I used to have to wear was pretty uncomfortable."

Spying those books on the table, Obi-Wan couldn't help but look curiously at them.

"Oh I imagine. I'm sure you've noticed that I wear layers as well, and that doesn't change even when in the hottest of deserts."

Somehow Jedi managed not to overheat despite all the clothing they wore. They were just used to it. He leaned over though, and motioned towards the books.

"May I?"

She eyed his clothes as he commented on them, remembering all the other times they'd been together and he'd worn such things. Perhaps the only time she'd seen him in anything else was at the gala.

"Of course," she agreed with a smile, the stack of novels nothing to hide. "They're mysteries. One of the things that's the same about my Earth and this one — Agatha Christie is still one of the most popular and widely published authors."

“I can’t say I’ve heard of her,” Obi-Wan commented as he picked up the book on top of the stack, looking it over.

“It must be comforting to have so many familiar things.”

He didn’t have that luxury really, but it wasn’t exactly better on Tatooine. He traded in some hardships for others here. He wouldn’t complain though. Some of them he was glad to leave behind.

"It is and it isn't," she admitted truthfully, folding her hands in her lap and looking down at them. It was as if a veil settled over her, obscuring the contentment and happiness that had been with her since they'd started on this adventure.

"I watched my Earth destroy itself through war. Sometimes I look out a window and all I see is rubble and bodies piled in the street. Sometimes I'm reminded of something lost because it's suddenly just there again and it hurts so much I can hardly breathe. Sometimes I wish I was somewhere else so I wouldn't have to see all the people around me and wonder how many of them would let it happen again."

The words flowed out of her unhindered by second thoughts, and by the end of it she couldn't bring herself to look up at her friend. She shouldn't have put all of that out there; it was too heavy a burden for anyone here to bear.

Listening to what she had to say, Obi-Wan fell silent as the topic suddenly and unexpectedly spiraled into a dark place. This wasn’t what he intended to do and was surprised by Rogue’s words. What he said must have triggered it.

“War is a terrible thing,” he said quietly.

While he looks solemn, Obi-Wan isn’t bothered by that burden. Perhaps because he already carries a heavy one, so what’s adding a little more?

“I suppose your experiences would make it a double edged sword. Forgive me for the reminder.”

In a way it was the same with seeing Anakin every day for him. Glad for the return of his friend and yet a constant reminder of what happened.

It's the request for forgiveness that got to her. Straightening up, she shook her head and waved a hand as if to physically ward off that apology. "There's nothing to forgive, sugar. I shouldn't have said anything. If I let things like that get to me, I'd never have any peace."

Reaching up to tuck her striped hair behind her ears, she let out a quick, deep breath before standing with purpose. "I think I'm just tired. And hungry. What about you?"

It broke his heart to hear here say that. In moments like these he kept getting little glimpses of Rogue. I’m the way she felt deep down. The way she kept trying to hide. He started to say something, but as she got up and changed the subject, he let it be for now.

Setting the book back down he stood as well.

“I could use something to eat. Shall we see what they have around here?”

The second day would find a beautiful sunny summer day. It was time to hit the beach! Except...they needed beach appropriate clothes. Jedi robes are not exactly designed for swimming or lounging in the sun after all. So shopping first it is!

This is not something Obi-Wan has done very often, especially on earth. Thankfully he had Rogue to help him pick out a few things. So by the time they found everything they needed and returned to their room it was starting to get into the afternoon.

Changing out of his robes and into his beach attire, the Jedi stepped out in a Hawaiian shirt, complete with blue swimming shorts, a pair of sunglasses on his face, and sandals on his feet.

“Well? How does it look?”

Shopping for beachwear was something Rogue had realistically known they would need to do, but the actual process of it was... Well. Helping Obi-Wan had been the easy part. It seemed that the most popular designs for women consisted of showing as much skin as possible with very strategically placed bits of fabric, which she was not at all comfortable with. After some digging, she'd finally found a simple black one-piece and a sheer green cover-up to help conceal a bit more skin. It wasn't perfect — her tattoos were still exposed, which she usually tried to avoid with longer sleeves or sometimes even a bit of makeup, but she reminded herself repeatedly that she was with Obi-Wan. She trusted him before, she could trust him now.

Even when he looked like that.

"You look like every other vacationer out there," she informed him with a grin, slipping a pair of sunglasses on top of her head and reaching back to make sure her loose braid was still in place. "Have you put on any sunblock, though? I left a bottle on the kitchen counter. We might have these nanites hanging out inside us, but I don't personally fancy seeing how long it takes for them to handle a sunburn."

“I admit it is a bit loud.”

It wasn’t his usually style but pretty much the entire selection wasn’t his style. So he was just going along with it.

At the mention of sunblock though he looked towards the kitchen.

“Ah good point. Earth is no Tatooine but I’ve noticed your sun can be harsh as well.”

He would then go to retrieve the bottle and slather some of the stuff on his arms and legs. He didn’t have any tattoos to speak of but she might get a glimpse of a scar here and there. Though his clothing concealed most of it.

A bit loud. The understatement just made her smile grow even large so that her cheeks began to ache, but it felt so good. And he didn't look bad, not by any means, he just... didn't look quite like this usual self. But it was nice to broaden one's horizons when it came to experiences such as these.

She didn't pay overly close attention to Obi-Wan's actions, distracted by the ball of fluff that had decided to wander over for a bit of attention for her own. Reaching down to scoop up the kitten, Rogue held her carefully and gave her a few scratches along her cheeks. "Sorry, sugar, you'll have to stay in here today. But there's plenty of sunshine here for you to lay in."

He certainly did not look like his usual self, and Obi-Wan was trying not to be obvious in how odd he felt in these clothes. When someone wears practically the same thing all their life, changes like this could be a bit jarring. He took it in stride though.

Ashla just mewled back at Rogue and purred loudly at the attention she was receiving.

"There, that should do it," Obi-Wan announced as he finished with the sun lotion. Never mind that he had a white smudge on his face where hadn't quite gotten it all rubbed in.

So far, the kitten had been a welcome addition to their little party. Hopefully, she would continue to be well-behaved while they were out for the day. With all the sun streaming through the windows and birds regularly perching on the balcony railing, there should be plenty to keep her occupied.

Setting Ashla down, Rogue glanced over at Obi-Wan and couldn't help with the smile that grew at the sight of him. "C'mere, sugar, you missed a spot." There was a world of affection in her voice as she moved closer, lifting a hand when she was in reach to smooth out that last bit of lotion.

He too hoped that Ashla would have enough to do and not get too crazy by herself in the room. This was her first time traveling somewhere, so Obi-Wan didn't know what to expect. The kitten bounded off when Rogue put her down, and pounced on one of her toys. Rolling over to kick and bite at it as she paid the humans no mind.

The Jedi though raised his brows when he's told he missed a spot.

"Oh?"

He then blinked once when Rogue smoothed out the lotion, his face taking on a slight reddish tint.

"Ah... thank you." Pause. "Shall we go?"

Not at all awkward.

closed; vacation time

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