He had gotten decent over the years at hiding his emotions, stamping down that fear, that anger, the hurt and pain. But one look and they knew. No one could fool Reklam, the former agent was a master at hiding emotions, at hiding pain and hurt. He was a master at spotting it in others as well, and Stiv was not as good at it as he believed himself to be.
So as Kaz had left their ship, and the Chiss had done nothing but pace his room and withdraw within himself, Reklam knew... He knew something was wrong, something was bothering the young man that had become much like a son in a few ways.
âDamn it, Stiv, if you pace anymore youâre going to wear a hole within the ground... And there is only so much damage to this ship I will tolerate,â Reklam grunted as he leaned against the door frame.
For his reward, he received a grunt before the former slave was dropping down upon his bed, a hand coming up to his face. The ginger could see the shake within the body that was now visible as he had stopped movement, and the hunched shoulders lead him to realize Stiv was hiding something that was painful.
âAlright... out with it already,â the former agent sighed, moving within the room and sitting down in a chair across from Stiv. âWhat is bothering you? You are pacing much like a caged nexu, and your body language tells me something pains you...â
âI hate your eyes,â Stiv snarled out, the sound gravely and broken.
âAnd he speaks!â Reklam smirked ever so slightly, leaning back within the chair and sighing. âIt is good to hear your voice once more... You rarely use it unless that Zabrak is around...â
At the mention of Kaz, Stiv winced and looked away, his shaking hands gripping the side of the bed almost to a point of pain. Reklam watched as the Chissâs face distorted into something of pain, tears shining within his eyes before they closed.
âHe has forgiven her...â
The vocals were full of so much pain, and the former agent neednât ask who he was speaking of because of that reaction.
âThat is his prerogative,â Reklam replied, shrugging. âIt is his life, his feelings...â
âHe slept with her intimately...â
These words were almost choked out, and Reklam stopped his next words to watch Stiv closely, worried that maybe that information had been too much of a blow to the Chiss. But Stiv still seemed himself.
At least he wasnât withdrawing from the pain this time.
âHow do you... forgive someone?â
The question caught him off guard, and he was stuck sitting there, mouth agape as he watched the young man that had become very much a part of their family.
âI... beg your pardon?â
âHow... do you... forgive someone?â Stiv asked the question once more, looking into Reklamâs eyes.
He couldnât quite believe it. This man... This one full of so much hurt and pain... so much anger and agony... this man that they had to literally train to be not feral anymore, not an animal... And he wanted to forgive?
âYou are a stronger man than I could ever be,â Reklam shook his head, placing a hand to his face and sighing. âWhen you figure it out, tell me, yes? Even after all of these years I cannot forgive the Empire for what they have done to me...â
He then was lowering his hand and standing, âThe first step... is to speak with them... Until you decide to do that... there can be no forgiveness...â
With that, he was walking towards the door, a resolve within his step, âBut Stiv?â As the Chiss looked up, he continued, even though he had not turned around, âWe do not leave family... I will not let you go through this alone...â
And with those words he was gone, leaving Stiv sitting there. It was a few minutes later that he had his holo within his grip, the line ringing. Upon the other end picking up, he wasted no time.
âBrother... I need your help... set up a meeting...â
âThere are... things I... need to discuss... with Naya.â