Stories and art work associated with the possible futures of Gerain and Kyr. This is not IC nor canon, just fun twiddles and squee filled musings on what might be.
It was cool on that bright morning, and Gerain smiled faintly to himself as he noted the rustling in the tent before him. He left off buckling up his boots and patted the parcel beside him in a burst of unusual worry. After all, he wanted to be sure it was still there despite all the evidence indicating it was.
"Hey." The gravelly rasp was thick with sleep, but the blue Chiss' eyes were alert as he erupted into the light. Gerain felt the emotion prompting his smile grow within him, warm as it tightened his chest and drove him to his feet to meet his mate, the package casually scooped up as he stepped across the intervening distance.
"Hey yourself."
Morning kisses aren't the most hygienic, especially when one hasn't had the opportunity to brush one's teeth yet, but the first touch of the day was a pleasure neither wanted to forgo.
As they lingered, taking in the up close view of one another, the smile spread to the other.
"Still the best way to start the day." he rumbled, and Gerain couldn't help but agree, leaning his forehead against the other's. "So what have you been up to while I was snoring the day away?"
"You don't snore. Not on a job, anyway." With a brush of his fingertips across Kyr's chest and down his arm, he chuckled. "Though it's funny you should ask..."
The parcel was small; perhaps slightly larger than a datapad, and wrapped in a holographic film. Anticipation gripped the grey Chiss as he noted the hunter's eyes brighten, and the slight shake as the blue hands took it from him.
"I was wondering what that was." Kyr beamed, curiosity and joy crossing his open features.
"I can't get anything past you." Gerain stepped back as Kyr tore at the wrapping, revealing the plasteel box beneath.
"Oh, Ger..." Kyr gasped as he opened the box, the pair of stone hilted blasters glimmering in the light.
"They're carbuncles - one from Csilla, one from Csaus." Gerain murmured as Kyr, marveling, hoisted one of the weapons. "It's been two years. I wanted you to have something to mark the occasion."
An intimate moment, just one of many, between the loving couple.
Inspiration was a brief email exchange about voices and varying levels of husky sexiness or threatening intent. Or both.
Kyr turned around in the small galley, reaching past Ger to place the leftovers into the cooling unit. As he closed the door and straightened up, he slid an arm around Ger's waist, his palm resting flat against the man's stomach. Ger's hands stilled briefly, then he carefully set the plates on the counter. Kyr smiled when he felt Ger's body tense then just as quickly relax. He pulled the grey Chiss against himself and placed his chin on his shoulder, wrapping his other arm around Ger's chest, fingers lightly touching the skin of his neck, just above his shirt collar. Ger's abdomen rose and fell with his breath, his heart rate only slightly elevated but evident against Kyr's hands. Kyr exhaled slowly, turning his head so that his lips barely brushed Ger's ear and...did nothing. He closed his eyes, breathed deeply, and just held him. For a quiet moment, the two stood together with only the distant whirs, clanks, and beeps of machinery as the ship flew through space. Finally, Ger shifted, leaning back against Kyr and brought a hand down to rest on the hunter's thigh, fingers lightly teasing taut muscles beneath the thin fabric.
Kyr opened his eyes and let out a stifled groan, moving suggestively against Ger.
"I'll meet you in our quarters in 20," he growled, nipping gently at Ger's ear.
"Is that a threat?" A soft retort.
Kyr traced kisses down Ger's neck, placing a final kiss on his shoulder.
I wrote this in January but never finished it. Just rediscovered it tonight and added the last 9 sentences. Now it's done!
What if an older Kyr and Gerain took a vacation?
No one seemed to pay any attention to the two Chiss standing at the railing overlooking the plaza. The bright, flashing lights and deep shadows of the gambler's paradise washed over blue and grey skin, hues unremarkable in this place. Glowing red eyes were the only notable features separating them from the throng.
The deep blue man was beginning to show a hint of a paunch (a side effect of his cooking hobby), his grey hair unruly in contrast to the neatly combed blue of the other's. They stood together with backs straight and shoulders squared, surveying the crowd as they conversed.
"I never cared for this place," a quiet murmur in Cheunh as the grey-skinned Chiss turned to speak into the ear of the other. "It's even worse than it used to be."
"Still useful, though. No one gives us a second glance," the blue Chiss responded in their native tongue and turned to smile at Gerain, studying the face of the man he'd loved for decades, would love for eternity. He watched the play of colors, yellow and pink and green, flicker across that serene countenance, reaching up to trace fingers over Gerain's jawline. The years were beginning to show on them both, wrinkles where there had been none, muscles beginning to droop. Kyr drew a thumb across the man's lips, thinner now, although his laugh lines described a happier time spent making up for the solitary life before they met. He tapped Gerain's nose, then leaned forward until their foreheads touched. White teeth flashed in his dark face.
"Remember the dead drop here? I confess I visited it often, hoping to find something left by you, something to show that you were thinking about me," Kyr's hand sought the comfort of Gerain's, their fingers lacing tightly together.
"If I recall, you left a few questionable holos of yourself at this one." Gerain chuckled, tipping his head back to gaze at Kyr. His mouth quirked at the edges and he sighed, squeezing Kyr's hand gently. "I had to destroy them, of course."
"I know, but I had to remind you what you were missing," Kyr shrugged, smiling. "Maybe it worked?"
Gerain chuckled and subtly brushed Kyr's thigh with his own although his attention seemed to be on the bustling people below.
"It might have." His glowing eyes intensified before they dimmed again. He turned slightly towards Kyr. "Remember our first trip here together?" A lifetime of belonging encapsulated in the emphasized word.
Kyr laughed, the sound sudden and joyful and he threw his head back, light illuminating freckles, even now giving the man a boyish look.
"Well, I might not remember much outside of the suite we booked, but I remember it well." He moved closer, lips almost brushing Gerain's cheek to affirm, "I loved you so much then." Kyr smiled, moving away. "I love you so much now, cyare."
"I love you, Nikyri." Gerain smiled, again squeezing Kyr's hand. "Husband."
As expected, a look of delight lit up Kyr's face and traces of purple flushed over his cheeks.
"After all this time, you still blush," Gerain observed affectionately, his unclaimed hand touching a blue cheek, fingertips lightly tracing constellations using freckles as stars.
"After all this time, you still make my heart leap," Kyr countered, capturing Gerain's fingers and kissing them. He glanced around. "Let's head to the lower Promenade. We don't want to be late for the holos."
Gerain nodded, his eyes glowing softly as he let Kyr pull him away from the railing.
"It's too bad we won't have the place to ourselves, like we did on Tatooine."
Kyr laughed again, tugging at Gerain's hand to pull him closer.
"That was fun, wasn't it?" The mischievous look on his face made Gerain chuckle.
"We were just trying to stay out of the heat!"
"You were. I just wanted an excuse to kiss you." Kyr grinned.
"You certainly did." Gerain bumped a hip playfully into Kyr. "For hours."
"I always longed to kiss you back then." Kyr nodded solemnly, placing a hand on his chest.
"And now?"
"I always long to kiss you."
Gerain smiled, then pulled Kyr against him for a passionate kiss, hand relinquishing hold to wrap arms around the man's waist.
"That's more like it," he murmured, chuckling at the look of surprise from Kyr as he stepped back. Gerain shrugged.
"Even now, my training wants to assert itself, play it careful and safe. I won't have that. I just want us to be an old, married couple enjoying our vacation, reminiscing about the old days." He started down the stairs while Kyr followed, a goofy smile drifting across his face.
"We do have a lot of memories, have visited extraordinary places. We've had adventures!" Kyr again took Gerain's hand as they reached the lower level. "More than we ever would have back in the Ascendancy."
"Not all of the memories are good," Gerain noted without regret, "but through it all, you were steadfast. I may never be able to explain how much that meant to me."
"You don't have to, cyare. I know. I could say the same of you."
Gerain stopped and turned to study Kyr. He nodded faintly then tugged insistently at Kyr's hand.
"Come," the serious grey face shifted into a larger smile than usual. "I want to find the perfect seats."
"I thought you weren't that interested in this holo," Kyr's forehead creased as he scurried to keep up with Gerain.
"I'm not," Gerain smirked, opening the door to the holo venue. The recycled air, heavy with the scent of people and pungent food, rushed over them. "But if we find the right seats, I don't think you'll be as interested either."
Gerain gently nudged the grinning blue Chiss through the entrance and let the door close behind them with a soft hiss.
It's been a long time since I wrote something. I've had a really lackluster year in the creativity department, mostly due to having so much to do at work. I can barely visit Tumblr nowadays. When I get home, I don't want to think. Consequently, writing has gone out the window.
Then this morning, I woke up with severe OTP Blue Grey feels. This is the result. It's rough, but not too bad, I think.
Warnings: Sappiness.
Kyr awoke. Awareness came slowly, almost luxuriously, and he burrowed a little deeper under the covers, the deep thrum of the engines lulling him back into half-sleep. He enjoyed these quiet moments before his day started, before the rush of the hunt or the needs of the ship and crew. Sometimes, in the quiet, he liked to picture himself with a normal Ascendancy life before laughing at himself. While he could be happier without the dangers inherent in his profession, he enjoyed his life.
Especially right now. Right now, everything was perfect. Kyr inhaled deeply. The scent of chemical cleaners was present on the freshly laid sheets, but his heartbeat quickened at the heady scent of skin and sweat mixed with a hint of wood and leatheris, and the warm, if slightly sour, breath of his lover. An intense wave of feeling he dared not articulate moved him and he opened his glowing eyes.
Ger lay next to him, eyes closed, breath even and measured through his slightly parted lips. Kyr's own lips curled into a gentle smile as he studied the face of the man he loved. Rarely was he at liberty to marvel at the serious, grey face -- relaxed now -- with such leisure. When they were together, Ger was usually awake by the time Kyr rolled out of bed, playfully teasing the groggy hunter for sleeping so soundly, but not this morning. The agent had arrived later than planned, anxiety gnawing through both of them during the unexpected delay until, with relief, they were together again. Logic would have had them wait until the exhausted agent had rested before reaffirming their desires, but logic could not win over lovers separated by nearly half a year.
Kyr frowned at the dark shadows under Ger's eyes, worrying for the agent's safety, wishing that he could protect his love from the Empire, and even fantasizing that they had met before they'd both left the Ascendancy and made a life for themselves together. He had no doubt that he wanted a life -- the rest of his life -- with this man, and hoped Ger wanted that, too. With determined effort, he swept his worries aside -- they'd plague him enough when they were apart again -- and concentrated on the very present, very real man in his bed.
Tenderness again bloomed in his chest as he held his hands still, fingers longing to trace those expressive eyebrows, those delicate lashes, the straight angles of his nose -- that perfect nose. He exhaled, a quiet huff of air, smiling as he recalled Ger's reaction the first time he listed the man's nose as a positive feature. That the same carefully controlled face in public, could be so expressive in private never failed to thrill him. Desire stirred inside him as his gaze took in the man's lips; lips that harbored both delicate and passionate kisses, sighs and moans, lips that touched his most intimate places. How he ached for this face, this body, for never-ending conversations and tender, quiet contemplations with this man!
"I am awake, you realize," the quiet burr of Ger's voice cut through his thoughts and Kyr raised his eyes, his smile intensifying as their eyes met.
"I didn't mean to wake you," He shook his head with regret, raising a hand to brush fingers over Ger's cheek, trailing them into the man's deep blue hair, then tracing lightly over an ear. "I was trying to be so quiet. You had a long journey."
"You were quiet." Ger smiled, his eyes closing to slits, sighing at Kyr's touch. "Habits are hard to break, though."
Kyr nodded, concern and joy reflected equally.
"You're here," his deep voice was quiet, almost reverent.
"I am," Ger acknowledged, his smile reflecting Kyr's, and it was his turn to run fingers over his lover's blue face, his lips. "With you."
"I missed you," Kyr slid closer, unable to tolerate the small separation between them any longer, and wrapped his arm around Ger's back. "And as long as you're awake..." Kyr let the threat hang in the air as he leaned forward to press his lips against Ger's. Ger's response was unspoken but unmistakably clear.
They lay, tangled in the aftermath, hands lazily caressing flushed skin. Kyr nestled his head in the crook of Ger's neck, occasionally pressing small kisses against his throat.
"I don't want to let you go again." Kyr inhaled as if to say more, but didn't continue.
"I don't want you to," Ger's voice was barely a whisper.
"Cyare," Kyr tilted his head up and whispered in Ger's ear.
Ger smiled, pulling Kyr tightly against him.
"Call me that again," he breathed. "I miss hearing you say that."
"Cyare," Kyr whispered again. "I'll call you that fore -- for as long as you wish." The slight adjustment in his words went by unremarked.
Ger changed his angle so he could see Kyr's face.
"I'll never tire of it." He nodded seriously, tenderness radiating from him. "I promise."
A response to this story by Aileuromania. She wondered what Kyr's reaction would have been if he'd received a similar holo with Gerain as the one in distress.
There was no time for tears. Not while he was still out there.
Kyr placed the blasters down on the cloth, methodically removing and cleaning each part, checking for wear. The sensors had been acting up lately, the barrel overheating and locking the mechanisms too often. He couldn't have that happen. Not now. Not when it meant his life or death, real or metaphorical.
Jeskarr had only looked at him quizzically when he'd directed the Mandalorian to navigate to a different system than they'd charted. He knew Jes had talked to Mako because she'd appeared in the doorway, all sleepy in her fuzzy slippers, her expression turning to concern when she saw what he was doing.
"Boss. What's happening?"
There was no room for sorrow, only seething anger as he pictured the holo, the body wracked at an unnatural angle.
Yet a preliminary wave of grief washed over him and he paused, his hands gripping the metal composite so tightly that blue skin stretched almost white. He flushed with emotion and the look he gave Mako caused her to recoil slightly.
"Boss?"
"Someone has Ger, Mako. Someone's hurt him." I can't feel my legs. "They will pay." His growl was so low, only her cybernetics could pick up the sound.
Shock changed the concern to horror, and she dashed into the room, hands fluttering towards him. He dropped the blaster parts and raised his hands up to warn her away.
Mako pulled up short, nodding, her eyes already partially unfocused as she tapped in.
"How did you find out?" He could almost hear the clicks as the equipment in her head sent out feelers.
I can't feel my legs.
Kyr shook his head, his lips pressed thin.
"His back is broken, Mako."
Her hands flew to her mouth, the cry of disbelief and tears mirrored his own emotions. He turned his gaze back to the blaster in front of him, body rigid with the effort of trying to function while drowning.
"Did you receive a message?" It was little more than a whisper.
Kyr set his 'com down on the table and played the message, unable to look away from the man, still so composed despite obvious pain. His hands again clenched tight, fingers that knew the other's body so well -- scars and angles and voice so intimately detailed -- ached to comfort, to hold. Yet there was nothing to do but watch this small loop over and over, possibly the last that he'd see of Ger.
I can't feel my legs.
Emotion threatened to unhinge him.
Kyr gritted his teeth and slid the blaster parts back together, glancing occasionally at Mako as she sifted through the data. He wiped his hands clean of weapon oil, the tang reminding him so much of Ger. Breath hissed between his teeth as he closed his eyes and struggled to keep composed.
"Boss. It's not real."
His eyes snapped open and he turned to face the woman.
"Explain." Gravel ground over stone.
"The voice, it's modulated, not true, but it would fool most systems. The image is damn good, too. I can't find any indication that it's been modified, which seems too good. Too perfect. Whoever did this has skill. Or credits. Or...power." Mako's mouth twisted in disgust and she raised a hand to wipe her cheeks dry as the tears spilled over. Her voice was shaky but optimistic. "It's not him."
"Are you sure, Mako?" He hated the hint of hope evident in his voice. "Are you positive?"
Mako gave him a smile that looked more like a grimace, her face serious.
"It doesn't mean he isn't in trouble, but that," she jabbed her finger at the holo, "that isn't him."
Kyr stood and holstered his blasters, feeling the familiar weight of each settle against his thighs.
"So it's a trap, and one set by someone who knows about us."
Mako nodded.
"I'm parsing through it, looking for any clues, but it's really professional, boss." The woman's voice was soft, apologetic. "I can't tell where it originated." Mako reached to grab Kyr's arm, pleading with the Chiss. "You shouldn't go."
Kyr smiled at Mako, all pain and anguish reflected on his face.
"You know I have to."
Mako nodded again.
Kyr turned and left the room, shoulders tense with purpose, with determination.
What would Kyr do if Gerain is killed by intelligence?
This story doesn't fit into the overall Blue Grey arc. I wrote it back in February but it made me too sad to post back then.
This is something that could happen if Imperial Intelligence had Gerain assassinated after he tried to defect, or for any reason (including trying to protect Kyr and crew from Intelligence).
Kyr cannot imagine life without Gerain. Gerain would be extremely opposed to him doing something stupid like this.
Kyr’s hand hesitated over the datapad. He exhaled then sent the confirmation. Looking up at the perpetually overcast skies over Kaas City, he felt a small twist in his gut as he looked and imagined the stars and galaxy beyond. Thoughts of the galaxy soothed him as he reminisced on times he and his husband had lain underneath the open sky.
What’s that one called? He’d ask, pointing here, then there, randomly all over as they gazed at the sky, not waiting for the calm voice to answer. And that one? How far away is that? How do you know? He’d keep this up until a grey hand was forced to reach for his and hold tightly.
You just want me to hold your hand. Amusement.
Of course. I love it when you do. I love you. A gentle squeeze.
He sighed and checked the data, removing the encrypted safeguards before he stood and dusted himself off. The combined weight of the beskar'gam, devices, and incendiaries was a grim reminder of his intentions, but he felt strangely lighter than he had since the death of his husband. He placed the datapad on the bench he’d been sitting on and walked away.
I have to do this. They caused this. They are responsible. Mako and Jeskarr will understand. He’d sent them an untraceable message just after transferring ownership of the Iskatel to them. She's yours now. Take care of each other. Raise warriors!
With a determined expression, unseen beneath the helm, the Chiss hunter stepped into the entrance of Intelligence Headquarters, his deep voice booming. Everyone out! Scanners screamed alerts, having detected the ordnance, and he smiled humorlessly at the hiss of door bolts sliding into place. Boots rang hollow as security personnel breathlessly arrived.
If you want to live, get out now. His voice was calm, metallic through the headpiece, blasters aimed at the wary officers. He knew he only had seconds before a sniper took him down, but he wanted, needed, to give people the chance to survive.
His heart beat strong and fast as sirens howled. The Chiss closed his eyes and whispered a name as he detonated the bombs.
In tonight's news, we have learned that the explosion that shook Kaas City today was centered on Intelligence Headquarters. 23 dead, including the suicide bomber. Several dozen more are injured. However, all indications are that this was intended as a message for Intelligence and not, in fact, aimed to kill a large number of people.
A datapad found near the scene is expected to have belonged to the bomber. He is identified as bounty hunter Tyen’ikyr’iskatel. No official documents have been found, but all indications are that he and a recently deceased employee of Imperial Intelligence were married. The unnamed husband of the bounty hunter was identified as [redacted]. The mysterious circumstances behind the death of the agent seems to have led to the hunter’s attack on Intelligence.
This crew has received information from an unknown, unauthorized source who claims that the message left on the datapad is as follows:
I love you, Gerain. You are my Red Flame and I must follow you. I want everyone to know Intelligence had you assassinated because you could no longer ignore your conscience. Because you knew they were wrong. But more than exposing the shady, murderous ways of Intelligence, I want the galaxy to know that I cannot live without you.
This is a response to Aileuromania's Trees and Chocolate.
I wrote this in December 2012, however, I waited on the actual RP to progress so that this could be canon and not a what if. It's still in that grey territory, but it's close enough.
Kyr begins to realize his friendship with the agent on his crew might be taking a different turn than he previously anticipated.
Life Day had been low key and pleasant on the Iskatel. After Ger’s surprise celebration, they had gone back to their duties or to sleep, although the festive and friendly atmosphere lingered for the rest of the day. It made Kyr especially happy to see Mako so joyful as she wandered around with a huge grin, occasionally exclaiming how much she liked Ger’s gift. Their lives lately had not been easy, and it was nice to feel, for a while, that they had no worries.
After he turned the bridge over to Mako, Kyr went over the leads on their next target and checked in with the guild before wandering into the galley. He had intended to grab an ale before heading to his quarters to watch a holovid, but he ran into Ger and his plans were replaced by a shared meal and conversation over reheated chocolate and later, a drink.
As they cleared the dishes and straightened the galley, Kyr turned around from the cleaning unit to listen to the grey Chiss. Ger was busy placing containers away, recounting the latest science news. The hunter couldn't help but smile as he watched, noting the way the man's face lit up as he talked, how his quiet voice grew animated. Ger even chuckled when he made a reference that Kyr didn't fully understand.
He reflected on the few months since Ger had joined their crew. The man took his job seriously but in the short time they'd worked together, Kyr had determined that their newest crew member brought a much-needed dynamic to the team. There was less stress, more laughter, and the atmosphere aboard ship was calm, balanced in a way it never had been.
That morning, Kyr realized how thankful he was when they gathered to celebrate over Ger's Hoth Chocolate. Balmorra had been a difficult job but they'd gotten it done without major injury, and during that time they had become a cohesive unit. Mako was happier, he was not as tired, and Ger had evolved from the guarded and polite stranger to this seemingly relaxed man with the quietly earnest manner. Kyr grinned. These people weren't just his crew, they were his friends.
As he watched Ger move around the galley, Kyr allowed himself to admire his features; his lean form, arched eyebrows, strong jawline, and the nose, slightly too large for his face but somehow made him all the more handsome. When he and Mako had met up with the Chiss, disheveled and covered in dust, Kyr had noted his good looks, but that had been tempered with a strong mistrust of the man's true motives. Time and circumstance -- the pirate attack, the orbital station, the hunt on Balmorra -- had dissipated most of that mistrust. It had also brought friendship. So it was with an uneasy tension in his stomach that Kyr acknowledged to himself that he found Ger attractive.
His pulse raced and he shook his head, turning back towards the cleaning unit. He took a deep breath before concentrating on the forgotten dishes in his hands, cursing quietly as he felt the flush of warmth spreading across his face. There was no rationale for sentimentality, not when the man worked for Imperial Intelligence and was a hired crew member. This could only be a professional arrangement.
In fact, Kyr was still conflicted about letting their friendship develop. His plan had been to maintain the customary business relationship but they had too much in common, worked too closely together to keep their interactions formal. The cautious distance had almost disappeared and Kyr felt comfortable -- too comfortable -- with Ger.
He couldn't deny that he sought out the man's company more often than was necessary. Their conversations often flowed in the easy and exciting way he remembered from the academy. It helped that Ger understood the cultural nuances, the subtle meanings behind certain phrases or reactions, and there was a profound relief in sharing a background with someone, even someone working for Intelligence. Ger made him feel far less alone in the Empire.
Yet Kyr often wondered how much of Ger's friendship was an act designed to put Mako and him at ease; if any of it was genuine. It seemed genuine, but agents were good at subterfuge. Kyr turned back to watch Ger. The man was smiling to himself and Kyr started to smile in appreciation before stopping himself. He frowned instead, considering the odd jumble of hope and worry that gripped him and huffed in frustration at letting his emotions get the better of him.
Ger looked up at that moment, meeting his gaze with an openness that warmed Kyr and he quickly turned his attention back to the dishes. He chided himself for being ridiculous, pushed the thoughts out of his mind and finished loading the dishes into the unit. Bidding Ger goodnight, he made his his way to his quarters.
With a sigh, Kyr closed the door panel behind him and sat down to watch a holovid. Unable to concentrate, he turned it off and readied himself for sleep. He placed his shirt and trousers within reach (a habit since the pirate attack) and sat down at the edge of the bed. Hands clasped and shoulders slumped, Kyr fixed his gaze on the shelving unit in front of him.
He had no right to be developing feelings for a crew member, much less a Chiss in Intelligence. It was foolish to think the man didn't have an agenda, wouldn't use them. There were enough distractions, enough complications being friends with Ger without adding his own loneliness and yearning for friendship to the mix. It was unacceptable and distressingly sentimental, even for a Chiss who had fallen so far from the Red Flame.
Yet Kyr reached for the pebble nestled among the other rocks on the shelf and held it cradled in his palm, admiring the beauty of a planet he'd never seen. It was a simple gift from a friend who understood what that rock would mean to Kyr, and at this moment, it didn't matter how hidden that friend's intentions.
He placed the pebble on the bedside table and turned off the lights. In the dark, a small smile formed on his lips. He would banish these feelings, shut down his ridiculously emotional reactions, but -- for tonight, at least -- he would choose to believe that the gift was given in friendship, with no ulterior motives.
What if Kyr was able to start re-establishing bonds with his family in the Ascendancy? How would they react to the person he has become? How would they react to Gerain?
The light hit the child's hair just right, turning unruly, light grey waves golden. Beyond her, the valley shimmered in the late afternoon air, mist already creeping along the shadowed ground. Kyr poured another cup of spiced juice, placed the cup close to the youngster, then returned to sit next to Nissaki.
The young girl paid them no heed and continued to scan the distance through the macrobinoculars, small hands gripped tightly around the device.
"She has our father's hair," he smiled at Nissaki, relaxing into less formal Cheunh, "A little wild, like mine."
"She has her father's coloring, though," Nissaki nodded, smiling at her daughter's back, "the light blue of the Caref family. But the mind is pure Inrokini. There is a definite affinity for technology in that one."
"Even you have that, my nearly-Aristocra sister," Kyr laughed, "although your talent lay in other areas." His expression sobered and he placed his hand on Nissaki's arm in a familiar manner. "I am proud of you, you know, for challenging the way things are, for doing so much for our people. I am sorry that I wasn't around."
Nissaki smiled at Kyr, placing her hand over his.
"I knew you would have supported me, but it would not have been easy for you, brother. Even now, it is not easy," she shook her head slightly, squeezing his hand. "You had to follow your own path, even though it took you far away. I wish things were different, though," she sighed, "I hope someday that we can visit without this secrecy. You know if it were up to me, there would be no need to hide." Nissaki's mouth tugged to the side, the lopsided smile now mirroring her brother's.
"I know," Kyr nodded.
"I am happy that you're happy, that you've made a good living for yourself," Nissaki's eyes glowed warmly and she squeezed Kyr's hand again. "I am so glad you were able to meet us here. Perhaps when you next visit, mother and father will be able to join us."
"I would like that. I'd like them to meet Gerain," Kyr sighed. "Do you think they would..." he cleared his throat, "be accepting of that?"
Nissaki laughed, raising her hand to touch her brother's arm again, fingertips worrying at the seam of his jacket.
"Dear brother, they have not told me in so many words, but they will welcome him as family," she nodded at Kyr's surprised look. "We were both young and foolish. We didn't give our parents credit, you know," Nissaki shook her head. "They may be traditional, but they are reasonable. Did you know they weren't an arranged marriage?"
"They weren't?" Kyr looked confused as Nissaki laughed again.
"No, they met each other at a lecture. I learned of this only when I told them I would marry Faralus," she shrugged, still giggling. "They never mentioned it because it seemed so untraditional for their families. There was opposition, but they stood firm and were allowed to marry."
"I think I have much more to learn about them. How are they doing?" Kyr leaned forward, his eagerness to hear what his sister had to say evident on his face. "Are they in good health?"
"They are," Nissaki smiled. "I have messages from them to forward to your personal datapad later. They miss you." She grabbed Kyr's hand tightly. "Frazil, Nikyri, I have missed you so much these long years!" her voice broke and she waved at him with her free hand, "I can hardly believe you are here, all battle scarred and rugged." Nissaki laughed on the last words. "Nothing like the awkward academic you used to be."
"I've had my share of fights," Kyr mumbled. "It's part of the job."
Nissaki studied her brother's face solemnly. "Someday, when there is more time, you will tell me about your adventures. For now, though..." she looked around them, "I want to enjoy this day with my elder brother and our families."
"I never thought I'd see this day," Kyr's voice wavered and he paused to compose himself. "I thought I'd never see our family again, especially when I heard about the civil unrest on Csaus."
"I didn't think I'd see you again," Nissaki shook her head. "None of us did."
"How was it...you know, when I left?" Kyr hunched his shoulders, afraid of the answer.
"It wasn't easy, at first, but we managed," Nissaki shrugged and looked away briefly. She turned back and touched Kyr lightly on his hand, "And now we are together again!
"When Arys found out that she had an uncle she had never met, she demanded to meet you," Nissaki deftly changed the subject. "When I explained that you and Gerain were together, like her father and I, she asked it you two had had children." She laughed, "To her, family is everything."
"Our family is our foundation," Kyr smiled wryly as he repeated one of the Ascendancy mottoes.
"Speaking of family," Kyr turned towards the house behind them, "I must thank your husband, because without his family, we wouldn't have this place to meet outside of the core planets," he reached forward to pour himself a glass of juice. "More?" Kyr lifted the container in question. "I already know I'll need to take some of this with us, although I wonder what else Catlia has to offer for provisions."
"I still have half a glass," Nisaa shook her head. "They say the local river grains make a good spenik, especially when it is cooked with amberfruit. Arys likes it, as does Faralus."
"But you won't try it," Kyr laughed.
"You know I won't," Nissaki emphatically shook her head and made a face. "Some things, you never forget."
"No, some things can't be forgotten," Kyr's smile faded as he looked out at the valley and took a sip from his glass.
Nissaki watched Kyr's face.
"Are you--" she started to ask, halting at the sound of her daughter's voice.
"Uncle Nikyri?" Caref'arys'sabosen watched Kyr with the undisguised curiosity of a child.
"Yes, Arys?" Kyr leaned forward to give the girl his attention.
"Why don't you visit?"
Kyr glanced at his sister when heard Nissaki's quiet intake of breath and chuckled. Nissaki struggled to hide her amusement with the proper Chiss response, but the sides of her mouth twitched.
"Arys, what have I told you about being polite? That is not a polite question."
"I'm sorry---" she began.
"Practice your formal Cheunh, please," Nissaki corrected her daughter.
"I apologize, mother," Arys blushed, her cheeks turning lavender as she stood straighter, "but we travel often and we have not visited Uncle Nikyri before. He hasn't visited us at home, so he must live far away from us." She shifted her feet and swallowed nervously.
"We don't live on a planet, Arys," Kyr smiled as he explained. "We live on our ship. Our work keeps us busy far away from here."
"You and your friend live on a space ship?"
"We do," Kyr nodded, "I can show you around it, if your mother agrees," he glanced at Nissaki, who smiled.
Arys shrugged, tipping her head to study her uncle.
"I have ridden in many space ships before. Is your ship big?"
"It's not very big," Kyr held his palms up in apology, "but it's big enough for us."
"Can I fly it?" Arys asked, eyes brightly lit in her small face.
"I told you, she's undoubtedly Inrokini, but I should have said Helon." Nissaki laughed.
"Maybe when you're older," Kyr chuckled, looking up at the sound of footsteps approaching the terrace, "your Uncle Gerain will teach you."
"What will I teach?" Gerain stepped onto the terrace, followed by Faralus, who continued on to the small table, placing a small bowl on the surface. Faralus took a second bowl from Gerain's hands and placed that one on the table as well.
"Uncle Nikyri said you might teach me to fly your space ship when I am old enough," Arys bowed her head in greeting as she addressed Gerain.
"He said that, did he?" Gerain chuckled, glancing at Kyr, who grinned back at him. "You will learn that your Uncle Nikyri likes to tease, but I would be honored to teach you, young Caref'arys'sabosen," Gerain bowed his head at Arys, "as long as your parents give their consent."
Faralus looked questioningly over Arys' head at Nissaki, who shrugged.
"Good. Do I get to use these?" Arys held up the macrobinoculars.
"You will have to use all sorts of equipment. There will be a lot to learn," Faralus smoothed down his daughter's hair. "You will need to get high marks at the academy."
"I can do it," Arys pronounced, looking up at her father.
Gerain chuckled again and walked across the terrace to sit next to Kyr. Arys picked up her cup and followed him to sit next to her mother. She unconsciously chewed on her lower lip, hands occupied with juice and macrobinoculars as she studied the two men.
"Do you like living on your ship?"
Kyr glanced at Gerain, his fingers gently touched the man's forearm before turning to answer.
"We do."
"Where do you go?"
"We are usually on the other side of the galaxy," Kyr pulled out his datapad and pulled up an image. "See, we are here now, and here's where you live," he pointed to the planets. "And here is where we work," he zoomed out to show the vast distance.
Arys placed her cup down and reached out to tap a section of the map.
"You do live far away," she looked up at Kyr. "Why did you go so far from our family?"
"Arys," Nissaki shook her daughter gently, "that's enough for now."
"Yes, mother," Arys sighed, pulling away slightly as Nissaki reached to touch the girl's cheek. "May I ask one more question?" Bright eyes glowed as she turned to look between her mother and Kyr and Gerain.
Kyr nodded at Nissaki.
"One more, dear child," Nissaki nudged Arys. The girl stood and walked past her mother to solemnly hand the macrobinoculars to Kyr.
"How long are you staying?"
Kyr turned to look at Faralus, then Nissaki, and finally at Arys.
"We are only here for a few days this time." He slipped his hand into Gerain's, "but we would like to visit when our work allows."
"You promise?" Arys questioned.
"Yes," Kyr smiled and felt Gerain's hand tighten around his in agreement.
"Good," Arys nodded decisively and placed her hands on top of theirs. "Family should be together."
This what if story was originally meant to be part of a longer piece (still in progress) but it took on a life of its own and became something else. It shows -- I hope -- how much Kyr and Gerain care for and love each other, even when events aren't at their happiest.
While the two are now a couple, this time frame is still in their postulated future and therefore not a reality.
----
Kyr pressed the sedative patch against his arm and tossed the wrapper into the refuse container. He never saw the creature that gave him the newest scars on his back although he knew how he earned them. He couldn't see most of the scars without a mirror, couldn't even touch the majority of them although he sometimes felt a twinge in his hip where he was bitten. Like now.
Kyr made an appreciative sound and leaned back into Gerain, enjoying this intimacy without the antiseptic scent of kolto, the constant hum of machinery, and well-meaning but ever-present techs. Kyr felt Gerain trace his scars lightly with his fingers (his touch so light, Kyr's skin prickled) as they lazed together. He didn't need to see his partner's face to know that he still felt responsible.
"Hey," Kyr turned slightly and reached behind him to grasp Gerain's hand, pulling his arm around to press the man's palm flat against his chest, "it wasn't your fault. I shouldn't have removed my armor until we reached the camp. It was my mistake."
He felt Gerain's sigh, breath warm between his shoulderblades as he nestled himself against Kyr's back, lips brushing blue skin.
"If I hadn't insisted on stopping to gather samples, we would have been away from there before it scented us." Gerain's fingers worried against Kyr's chest. "I could have lost you," he mumbled into Kyr's back.
"You didn't," Kyr's voice was firm, his fingers curling between Gerain's, "I'm here because of you." He bent his head to kiss his husband's fingers.
"Only because we weren't as remotely located as you'd planned," Gerain made an attempt at a light-hearted chuckle.
"Well, I am glad that our anniversary plans had to change and took us to a much more populated planet instead," Kyr squeezed Gerain's hand. "Although I did want a more secluded location to have my way with you," he teased, licking sensually at a grey finger, "I think it worked out in our favor. Especially mine."
"I don't want to lose you." Gerain's body tensed; his voice so quiet that Kyr almost had to hold his breath to hear him.
"Hey," Kyr untangled himself and turned around to face Gerain. He pulled his husband against him, their bodies entwining together in familiar angles. Brushing tousled blue hair back from Gerain's forehead, he studied the serious face, a tender smile on his own. "You aren't going to lose me and I'm not going to lose you. We made a promise to be together. Forever, remember?" Kyr murmured and wound his fingers into Gerain's hair kissing the tip of his nose before brushing his lips over Gerain's.
Gerain responded with a quick kiss. He tipped his head back to look at Kyr, his brow furrowed, but his hand grasped firmly at his lover's hip. He shook his head slightly.
"You didn't see the way it was twisted around you. When I turned..." Gerain's fingers pressed hard into Kyr's flesh, then abruptly loosened and softly caressed where they had dug in. "I couldn't get a clean shot. I didn't intend to hurt you," Gerain apologized.
"I know. It's healed now," Kyr shrugged, "and that shot saved my life. You saved my life. Thank you." Kyr held Gerain tightly, hands soothing over grey skin. "In fact, that scar will always remind me that I'm lucky to have you looking out for me. I'm only sorry that I passed out and wasn't there to help you."
"While I comm'd for a rescue team? I think I could handle that." Gerain laughed quietly.
"While you waited and worried," Kyr kissed Gerain softly and smiled as his lover was more responsive this time, "that I was the cause of your worry."
They eased into the quiet intimacy of lovers seeking reassurance from each other. Yet although his husband's gentle caresses tried to distract and the sedative spread through his veins, Gerain's unspoken worries made Kyr ache. Moisture pricked at the corners of his eyes as his thoughts returned to the attack. His recollection was disjointed at best, all impressions and exploding blossoms of pain. It still seemed unreal, a story recited, except... His body trembled and he ducked his head down, gritting teeth as memories surged: searing pain as razor-like teeth cut through fabric and skin, the creature's stench, his despairing cry as he futilely reached for his blasters and fell forward to taste dirt and blood, the toxin numbing his senses. He recalled the quiet hum of magnetized orbs followed by the stink of burned flesh, fading sight and desperation to hold on, to hear Gerain's voice, feel his touch. Silence.
Kyr tightened his arms around Gerain, inhaled deeply, and listened to the heartbeat of his husband, his cyare. He took comfort at the feel of Gerain's breath on his scalp, the strength of his arms, his scent, and pushed the memories away.
"You're not losing me. Not ever," Kyr growled, his voice reverberating in the space between them. He lifted his head and with a tired but determined grin proclaimed, "Don't you know, we can't be separated. We'll end up side by side among the stars and they'll sing songs about us."
"What will they sing?" Gerain asked, amused.
"Well," Kyr pretended to think deeply and stifled a yawn, "there should be at least one verse about how I was unable to resist your charms."
"I was charming?" Gerain deadpanned. "I don't think I'd suggest expounding on scientific phenomena as the way to roman--"
"Are charming," Kyr silenced Gerain's response with a firm kiss. "And you won my heart that way," another kiss followed. "Speaking of singing..." he murmured.
Gerain chuckled and shook his head.
"No exertion yet. Doctor's orders."
"Mmmhh," Kyr didn't stop his kisses, although his movements were growing languid, "but you aren't under any orders."
"Nice try. I am under orders not to let you overextend yourself."
"Who said anything about me getting overextended?" Kyr smiled wickedly as he reached down to cup Gerain, fingers slowly teasing the man through the thin pyjamas. "Although maybe I can just watch you..." Heavy-lidded eyes flashed bright red for a moment, tongue tracing grey lips.
"Not tonight. You need to sleep." Gerain chuckled a little breathlessly as he gently coaxed Kyr's arm around his back instead.
"Tomorrow?" Kyr pouted sleepily, his fingers gently stroking the small of Gerain's back.
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