#jaycen devane-riggs

Oodles of nexus? How I could I resist? ^,^

(also worked in another prompt ❝Holy shit, you’re burning up.❞, two prompts for the price of one ;D)

“Don’t think they’ll mind that I’m here, do ya?”

Essa glanced over at Jayce who was tugging at his collar nervously and laughed. “They’re jus’ my folks. You grew up with ‘em same as me.”

“Yeah, but that was before I… you… we…” Red suffused his cheeks under his tan and she laughed again.

“Great stars, you’re burning up.”

“ESS!” he hissed and started fanning himself, “It ain’t funny! Who knows what the Majors will do if they know…”

“That your boots have been stayin’ under my bunk?”

His cheeks flushed crimson and he covered his face with his hand, muttering, “I’m dead.”

“No you’re not,” she chuckled.Taking his hand she patted it, then reached up and stroked the tattoo on his cheek. “My folks like you, and don’t suspect a thing ‘bout us. So cool down, it’ll be fine.”

“Sure, sure.” He took a deep breath, rocking back on his heels, then squeezed her hand. “’Kay, I’m ready.”

Essa bumped him with her elbow then punched in the keycode to her parents’ home. “Mom! Papa! Anyone ‘round?”

Jayce let out a low whistle as he surveyed the airy cabin, “Nice.”

“That’s right, you ain’t seen the new digs.”

“Not since Ma ‘arranged’ for them to become neighbors,” he chuckled.

“Yeah, funny how fast the place came up for sale once Mom expressed interest in it,” Essa muttered before calling out again, “Mom? Papa?”

“Essa!” A delighted rumble came from the kitchen followed closely by a large orange Cathar. In a blink Essa was swept up in crushing hug, one she returned with a happy purr. 

“Hey Papa,” she murmured into the thick fur of his shoulder. 

He let her down gently then looked past her to her guest. “Jayce, how are you?”

“Jus’ fine Sir.” Jayce looked ready to salute and Aric laughed.

“Appreciated but unnecessary. No ranks here.” His eyes darted from Jayce to Essa and back. “Just you two?”

“Uhhhh,” Jayce stammered, his cheeks turning pink again.

“Ran into Jayce at the spaceport on his way to visit his folks,” Essa butted in. “He offered to give me a ride since it close by.”

Her Papa’s eyes went back to her and she swore they gleamed with humor, “Awful nice of him.”

“Is that Ess?” Nya’s voice rang out along with the skittering of claws across tile floor and before they knew it a herd of nexu cubs came running at them. 

Tails lashed in excitement as her boots were sniffed and pawed at, and her mom laughed hard as she nudged the cubs aside with her foot. “Back off you reprobates! Lemmie hug my kid!” 

Slim arms enfolded her in a hug no less fierce than her father’s and Essa sighed happily before pulling back to look at her mom. “So, where did all these cubs come from?”

“No place good,” Nya growled, anger sparking in eyes then blinking out. “But they’re safe here. Right?” The cubs let out happy snarls, making Nya laugh again. “Okay you guys, head out back.”

As if trained by a professional the cubs scampered obediently back into the kitchen, while Nya sailed over to Aric and slid her arm around his waist. “Sooo, what brings you kids by?”

“Hadn’t stopped by in awhile, and uh…” If she didn’t know better she’d say her mom had that same knowing look in her eyes as her papa, but wasn’t sure what was going on. “Jus’ wanted to visit.”

“Uh huh.” Nya smiled smugly up at Aric who chuckled quietly. “Alright, let’s visit. Why don’t you come out back? I’ll introduce you to the rest of the pride.”

“There’s more?” asked Jayce.

“Oh yes,” groaned Aric. “Feel free to take a couple with… OOF!” He rubbed his side where Nya had elbowed him.

“Don’t try giving away our babies. Just for that I should let Spike have your new boots.” 

With a mischievous giggle Nya ran off with Aric right on her heels, shouting, “Damn it Hotshot, I just bought those!”

Essa and Jayce started laughing as they watched the departing couple then he walked over to her. “You sure they don’t know we’re together? The way they looked at us…”

“They shouldn’t.” Jayce’s words echoed her thoughts but she shook her head, “Nah, can’t be. They woulda said somethin’. But we better catch up, otherwise they might get suspicious.”

*blows dust off of a pairing* Been a minute but kinda feeling Essa and Jaycen for this ^,^

A low snicker from across the room had Essa glaring at the doorway. “You c’n quit it Lani,” she snapped, prompting more laughter.

“But you’re so cute! Gettin’ all dolled up fer Jayce.”

“I ain’t getting ‘dolled up’,” huffed Essa. “He needed to go to this fancy schmancy ball or whatever and I just…” She finger-combed her short auburn mane again nervously. “I just don’t wanna embarrass him in front of those officers.”

Stepping back and looking at herself in the mirror, she rolled her eyes and made a face. “Can’t wear a blaster, no boots. Might as well be naked.”

“He wouldn’t mind.”

Quick as a wink Essa grabbed a pillow from her bed and whipped it at her which only made her laugh harder. Essa was ready to lunge after partner in crime but a chiming from their ship’s entrance stalled her.

“Saved by the bell,” she grumbled, running her hands down her dress to smooth it.

“Should I answer it?” asked Lani as she winked. “Ya know, let you make an entrance?”

“Not necessary,” she stated, rolling her eyes again. 

She walked to the entrance carefully, still adapting to the high-heeled shoes she wore then opened it revealing a grinning Republic officer with tied-back dreadlocks. 

“Heya Ess! Ready to hit…” His eyes glanced at her gown and he froze, his smile disappearing. “Essa, what are you wearin’?”

She’d just found the dress at a resale shop on Coruscant and thought it’d be perfect. The russet-red fabric almost matched her mane and flowed like water from thin straps over her creamy shoulders. Sure it draped kinda low and was more clingy than what she usually wore, but she figured that’s what gals wore to these sorta things.

Jayce was lookin’ rather fine himself, poured into his dress uniform. It made his shoulders look even broader and his trousers were doing some clinging of their own. All in all he appeared to be the picture of a formal Republic Officer, if one ignored the stunned look on his face.

“So, you don’t like it?” She fought to keep from sounding disappointed, then smiled bravely. “Well, I’m sure I c’n find somethin’ else. Jus’ lemmie…”

Still looking stunned Jaycen moved forward, slipping his hands around her waist and giving her a warm, welcoming kiss. She murmured happily into it, her fingers catching the fourragere draped over his shoulder. Long and sweet it was only halted by a snicker coming from behind Essa. Jayce groaned and looked over her head to glare at his sister.

“Do ya mind?”

“Sure do! Like I wanna see my brother snoggin’ my best friend.” 

Jayce’s face turned bright red as Lani’s laughter trailed back down the hall and he looked back down at Essa. But his brown eyes simmered as he looked her over again appreciatively. “You look gorgeous Ess, even more than usual.”

“So you do like it.” she teased.

—————————–

‘It’s not fair, she can’t go,’ Essa thought sullenly as she ran into the barn and startled a flock of peepers into flight. Artie -  her akk dog pup - followed closely at her heels, even as she dove into a pile of straw. He snuffled at her and she hugged him tightly, nestling deeper into the heap. “Sorry Artie,” she apologized to her pup. “I know you were havin’ fun, but I just couldn’t stand around smilin’ when stars know when we’ll see Tilly again.”

The Cathar kit still remembered the look on her Mama’s face when Tilly started showing off her abilities, lifting toys and spinning them playfully. Mama’d pat Tilly’s head, saying how proud she was, how special such skills are. There was pride in their Mama’s eyes - that was for sure - but sadness too, like she was losing something. Essa didn’t recognize it at first, not until it hit her that her twin sister would be going away to hone skills she had no hope of understanding.

The last straw was at the farewell party, watching Auntie Shawnni and Papa try to cheer up Mama. “First Kirrin, now our daughter?” she’d said, sounding close to tears.

Papa had instantly wrapped his arms around her. “It’s okay Hotshot. She’s in good hands. Kirrin will take care of her.”

Essa had never seen her mother look so sad, even Auntie Shawnni couldn’t coax a smile from her.  It was too much and Essa had to go find someplace quiet. The barn on the Devane-Riggs homestead seemed perfect.

The pile of straw was scratchy but the smell comforted Essa. She could hear the shuffling of a nerf in the nearby stall and watched dust motes twist in the beam of sunlight peeking through a window. Closing her eyes, her mind drifted until it felt like she’d left her body and was floating above herself. She could see a pale green nimbus around the slowly moving nerf, and brighter orange around Artie that snapped with frenetic energy.

“Oop, think I spotted her.”

And just like that her peace was shattered by Lani’s boisterous voice and she sank back into her body. She briefly wondered if she could burrow further into the bedding but it was too late. Lani’s face popped in her line of sight, her smile only slightly tempered by the gleam of concern in her eyes.

“Now whatcha doin’ hidin’ in here?” The dark-tanned girl plopped in the straw next to her, making Artie scramble to Essa’s other side. “Don'tcha wanna see Tilly off?”

“No,” said Essa flatly and she hugged Artie again. “Don’t see why you throw a party when someone’s leaving. Almos’ like you’re happy they’re going away.”

“Ain’t like that at all.”

Jayce’s soothing voice only preceded him by a few seconds before he flopped on her other side. His hand found hers right away and out of habit she leaned into him with Artie snuggling into the groove between their bodies.

“It’s for the best Ess. This way she can learn control.” Lani sounded downright practical, but that wasn’t too surprising. The older girl was the self-proclaimed ringleader when they all got together, but her normally bossy nature was currently subdued as she gently stroked back Essa’s short auburn mane.

“And she’ll be with your uncle,” Jayce reminded her, leaning his head against her shoulder.

“It’s the only way Mama would let her go,” Essa chuckled bitterly. “Don’t mean she’s happy ‘bout it.”

At least Mama had lectured Uncle Kirrin thoroughly, using threats that Essa didn’t quite understand, but made her giggle nonetheless. But thinking about her Uncle and Mama just reminded her of why she was hiding in the first place.

A sob clogged her throat and she tried smothering it, but her observant friends still heard and a flurry of arms surrounded her. They hugged in the near-silence of the barn and she stopped trying to hide the soft sounds of her crying. She didn’t how long they stayed there, just that eventually she started feeling less miserable. Lani backed off a little but Jayce remained close, his arms even tightening a bit.

“We’ll all miss Tilly, but you still got us,” stated Lani as she reached over and patted Artie. “We’re almos’ like sibs.”

“Pretty darn close,” admitted Essa and she giggled weakly, thinking about some of the adventures - or trouble as her Papa had called it - she’d gotten into with Lani and Jayce.

“So buck up! There’s a table of goodies out there, waitin’ to be demolished.”

At the word ‘goodie’ Artie jumped from the pile of straw and scampered in excited circles. Lani joined him, hopping up and egging on the green and yellow reptomammal. Jayce stood more slowly, as if reluctant to get up, then reached out a hand to help her.

“It’ll be okay Ess.” He smiled as he plucked pieces of straw from her mane. “Jus’ remember we’re here for ya.”

“Better believe that,” exclaimed Lani. “Now lets get some grub before Kit eats it all. Heard Mama say we might go swimmin’ later.”

“That sounds great,” said Essa. “Brought my new suit.”

“Bet Jayce can’t wait to see that, right Jayce?” teased Lani, and under his dark tan Essa could see the boy’s cheeks turning red.

“Who me? Dunno what you mean,” he said, then raised his head. “Oh! Think I hear Mama callin’.”

He strode off quickly with Artie trotting behind him, and Lani threw her arm over Essa’s shoulders to lead her back. “You really doin’ better then?” she asked and Essa gave her a small nod. “Good. Like Jayce said, we’re here for ya, always.”

For Essa and Jayce and hidden talents ^,^

“What is that?!” wailed Essa.

She couldn’t stop staring at the painting on the side of Jayce’s ship. Despite her question there was no doubt what she was looking at… it was her, down to her favorite coat and blaster. Sure her eyes looked bigger and brighter, and there was almost a glow around her, but it was unmistakably her. 

“Well, it’s, uh, kind of a tradition. Suppose’ta bring you luck,” Jayce murmured sheepishly and she finally turned to look at him. His tanned cheeks flared bright red as he tugged on his dreads, and he shuffled his boots before looking up at her. “Couldn’t think of anything luckier.”

“Oh no you don’t.You ain’t smooth talkin’ your way outta this,” she scolded, planting her fists on her hips, then a sudden revelation hit her. “Is THIS why your squad started smirking when I showed up?”

The shuffling grew louder and his eyes darted back to the ground, confirming her suspicion. “Fine!” she huffed, “Jus’ tell me who did it so I c’n string ‘em up.”

“What?” He raised his face again and she pinned him with her amber glare.

“Who… did… it?”

“Uh,” his cheeks grew even more red, something she didn’t think possible before he muttered quietly, “Me.”

“You?” 

Her jaw fell and she looked back at the painting. It was quality work, she’d figured he’d shown someone a holo and paid them. It definitely appeared professional. Walking closer she could see the attention paid to her delicately shaded stripes, and how the painting’s smile had that same cocky lilt her papa had always noted in hers.

In the wake of her silence Jayce strolled to his ship, a shy smile emerging as he placed a hand on it. “Most times I jus’ sketch. First time I ever tried something this big.” Pride shone in his eyes as he traced the highlights in her mane. “Couldn’t think of a better canvas… or subject.”

He looked back at her hopefully, “You like it?”

She did like it. In fact she loved it, even more now that she knew he was the artist, but she folded her arms and sniffed. “She’s too pretty. That’s not what I look like.”

“Yes it is.” His smile widened and he stepped over to her, “And you must like it if you ain’t gonna admit it.”

She sniffed again, “If you think I’m gonna melt ‘cause you made some pretty painting, you’re crazy.”

“How about a hug, hm?” His broad hands slid gently over her folded arms, tugging them loose as his smile turned playful, “Please? Jus’ a lil’ one?”

Her arms fell free but he didn’t move closer, didn’t push any further, just kept giving her that sweet, expectant smile. Essa blew a breath upwards but started smiling back and stepped into his arms.

“Fine,” she conceded as she leaned against him. 

His warm scent filled her nose and she relaxed into his chest, feeling it rise and fall as he let out a contented sigh. She sighed too, snuggling into him tighter when his hands began rubbing up and down her back.

“’Kay, so you might be a lil’ right,” he said.

“’Bout what?”

Essa: What are you lookin’ at Jayce?

Jaycen: Jus’ watchin’ out for you.

Essa: Pfft! I can watch out for myself ya know

Jayce: I know, but you can’t blame me for wantin’ to stay close...

Essa: Jayce?

Essa: JAYCE!

Essa: Alright this is gettin’ ridiculous.

Jaycen: Well, Da said stay close to the ones you lo... uh, who are important to you.

Essa: He did, huh? Let’s ask him.

While Essa and @shimmer-like-agirl‘s Jaycen were out doing bounties...

Essa: What in star’s name are you doin’?

Jayce: Oh blast! You weren’t supposed’ta, it’s.... okay, it’s a new stealth speeder bein’ developed. Jus’ don’t tell no one ‘bout it.

Shawnni, Jaycen and Essa get this one

Essahad never seen her Aunt Shawnni looking so angry. Sure, she’d beenirritated before with herand Lani’s escapades, but this time the bright blue eyes that usuallyheld an indulgent glow were fierce and snapping.

“Youtwo coulda been seriously hurt,” she lectured. “What were youthinkin’?”

“Wasn’tEss’s fault,” Jayce spoke up and moved closer to her, protectively. “It was myidea to take out the speeder.”

“Jayce,don’t!” she hissed and Shawnni’s gaze swiveled between the pair.

“Don’twhat,” she asked and Essa let out a sigh.

“Hedon’t have to lie for me. I wanted to take the speeder out,Jayce tried to stop me.”

“Hedid, huh?”

Shawnnilooked over at her son who was fidgeting under the intense stare,then folded her arms and looked at Essa. “Young lady, you realizeI’m responsible for you while your folks….” The dark-haired womangrimaced, putting her hands on her hips and shaking her head. “Dagblast it! Now you got me soundin’ like an adult. Stars I hate that.”

Shelet out another sigh and stepped closer to the younglings, hereyebrows raising when Jayce moved even closer to Essa and took theCathar’s hand. “You tried to stop her Jayce?” she asked and hestarted blushing.

“YesMa'am.”

“Sowhy didn’t you come get me?”

“'Cause….”His eyes fell to his toes and he mumbled something.

“Sayagain?”

“'CauseI hoped…” he started again. “'Cause I wanted to make sure…”

“Youwere makin’ sure she wouldn’t get hurt,” Shawnni finished for himand his eyes darted to Essa. She squeezed his hand and his brown eyesflickered into her amber ones.

“YesMa'am.”

Shawnnishook her head again, covering her face with one hand and Essathought her shoulders were quivering with laughter. When sheuncovered her face her expression was still stern, but her blue eyes danced with humor. “Now I don’t wanna hear ‘bout you doin’something like this again,” she said, then muttered, “But Iprobably will.”

Stridingto the pair she surprised them both by pulling them into a hug andruffling their hair. “Jus’ try to keep my worrying to a minimum,deal?”

Thanks for the prompt! Pulling out a new couple for this one… @shimmer-like-agirl and I have been match-making with Nya and Aric’s daughter Essa and Shawnni and Corso’s boy Jaycen ~,^

Her jaw going slack in shock, Essa could only stare at Jaycen as he dropped his bombshell during their walk around his family’s homestead. 

“You’re a kriffin’ idiot!” she snapped when her power of speech returned, and she shoved his chest. 

She wasn’t surprised that her old friend didn’t budge, but at least he looked sheepish, his cheeks darkening as he ran his hand over his newly-trimmed dreadlocks. “Damn Ess, didn’t know you’d act like this.”

“How am I supposed to act?” She shoved him again, then stomped her foot, sniffing as she crossed her arms. “I didn’t think you were really gonna join up.”

“I’v been thinkin’ ‘bout it a long time,” he rubbed his hand over his head again. “Jus’… please don’t be mad. Bad enough Ma’s not takin’ it good.”

“I bet she’s not,” Essa huffed, raking her claws through her own short auburn mane. She couldn’t picture Jaycen’s free-wheeling smuggler mom liking the idea of him joining the Republic Army. In fact she was willing to bet there’d been a helluva row at the Devane-Riggs homestead when Jaycen told her. “So why you goin’?”

“Jus’ something I gotta do. Gotta learn ta make my way in the world,” he chuckled, “Didn’t think I’d be stickin’ around forever, didja?”

“Well, nooo,” she knew she was pouting but couldn’t help it. “But we, I mean, you, me and Lani, we’re a team.”

He laughed lightly and took her pale fuzzy hand in his darker tanned one. “You and Lani are a team, I jus’ show up when y’all get in too deep.”

“Exactly! Who’s gonna be there for us?”

“You c’n take care of yourselves.” His dark eyes sparkled as his fingers stroked hers. “Keep actin’ all huffy and I’m gonna think you care or somethin’.”

“’Course I care, we’ve only known each other our whole lives. If you’re not around…” That was a thought she wasn’t prepared for, Jaycen not being around. The idea had her stomach twisting in knots and she stepped in closer, sliding her arms around his waist. “Dammit, I’ll miss you.”

“Aww, I’ll miss you too Ess.” His arms wrapped around her tightly and they rocked together quietly. She snuggled her cheek into his chest and heard his breath catch, but neither of them spoke for awhile.

“So when ya leaving?” she finally mumbled and his chest rose as he sighed.

“’Nother month or so. Da’s gonna have a going-away party, jus’ figured you should know before then.”

“’Preciate that,” she muttered.

His fingers moved up under her jaw, raising it so he could smile into her amber eyes. “You really a gonna miss me?”

“Well yeah, I…” Unsure of what else she should say she rose to her tiptoes, pressing her mouth to his. 

His breath hitched again and he stiffened, but then he started pressing back, his mouth going soft and warm against hers. Her arms loosened from his waist, drifting up to drape around his neck as their mouths opened, deepening the kiss. His broad sure hands smoothed up and down her back, catching the hem of her shirt and stroking the silky fur just above the waistband of her pants.

Blunt fingernails dug into the base of her spine, tracing small circles and tilting her hips to his, making her gasp softly at the unexpected heat surging through her. She pulled back from the kiss, looking up into the gleaming brown eyes.

“Wow,” he chuckled breathlessly, “Didn’t know ya felt like that.”

“Don’t think I did either ‘til just now,” she chuckled back, then rose up again and gave him a peck on the lips. “’Bout you?”

“Oh Essa,” he tugged her back to his chest, resting against his heartbeat. “Been feeling warm and fuzzy for you for awhile. Jus’…” He let her lean back and swept his fingers down her cheek. “Jus’ didn’t want to assume you felt the same.”

“Great kriffin’ timing.” She screwed up her face at him and he chuckled again.

“Hey, ‘least we got some time to figure things out ‘fore I go.”