Ask Away From It All

[Emryc Thorne]

Music​

He had set Jaikus up in the outskirts of the village where he had stayed for a year. The village wasn’t so welcoming to outsiders so he had informed Jaikus not to venture in without him. The Axillian, however, would be able to take in sight of the stunning mountains, rivers and valleys that surrounded him on all sides. Being around cities all the time, it would be a shock to his system. Even the air was crisp and different around here.

The last time Emryc had been here, he had the raggedy appearance of a lost and blind fisherman. Today he stepped off the ramp of his ship with neatly cropped hair, the purposeful shadow of his stubble and piercing silver eyes that could see everything in front of him. Even now, the planet felt both unfamiliar and like home. He already spotted the trees he had spent sitting by as he carved a boat. He glanced over at the river where he and Hannibal had coasted before their grand hike.

The half Sephi paused for a long moment to inhale deeply, drinking the sweet scent of the flowers and fruits from the trees and plants. He took a moment to listen to the birds and woodland creatures - a familiar sound that got him through those months of being blind.

After taking his time, Emryc finally made his way towards the cottage where he knew Jaikus would be.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

It had only been a few weeks since Jaikus arrived at the rural cottage, even as the days seemed to stretch on longer than they usually did. Despite his initial protests to the contrary, the Axxilan knew that there would be no arguing with his fiancée - and had agreed to go into hiding while the worst of the Kilik onslaught raged across the Galaxy. With no access to technology or outside communication, he remained entirely in the dark about what had occurred across the state - and had instead spent his time settling into the new environment.

It went without saying that Jaikus was completely taken aback by the stunning landscape all around him. The snow-capped mountains sloped and towered above the modest cottage, while alpine streams cut through the terrain and were audible as they rushed into the valleys below. Even the air was fresh like nothing he’d experienced before - filled with the scent of fruiting trees outside his window and flowers that bloomed nearby. It was picturesque like something out of a HoloMovie, and was entirely foreign to a man who’d spent the overwhelming majority of his life in cities and urban environments.

All the same, Jaikus’ mind had never wandered far from his fiancée. Countless stars stood between them, and even their connection through the Force gave the Axxilan little indication of what was occurring across that distance. It was impossible to know if the war had been a disaster or success, or if his own fiancée had been taken by the Insectoids. It was a thought that lingered at the forefront of his thoughts, gnawing and eating away at him all the while, no matter how he filled his time exploring the scenery.

By the time Emryc arrived near the cottage, the sun was in the middle of the sky - casting down its spring warmth upon the verdant valleys below. Jaikus was seated on the front porch of the cottage, listening to the birds and other wildlife that contributed to the chorus of sound all around him. A weathered violin was propped on his shoulder with the bow in his other hand, an item left by a previous tenant and that the Axxilan had picked up in his spare time.

He was dressed in a pair of simple jeans and a tight v-neck shirt, with only the engagement ring on his finger as an accessory. Albeit a touch longer than normal, the Axxilan’s dark hair was neatly combed into place and the faintest hints of a shadow graced his features.

Minutes passed, and Jaikus didn’t move from where he was sitting - soaking up the afternoon sun. His emerald gaze was closed to the world around him, head tilted back ever-so-slightly. He was oblivious to his surroundings in that moment, and instead focuses on the gentle movements of the violin bow across the stringed instrument - filling the air with its gentle melody. The song was unpracticed and far from perfect, but it was one that he had played countless times since arriving at the cottage. Even from a distance, Emryc would be able to hear it.

All the while, Jaikus was completely oblivious to his surroundings and who was beginning to approach.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

He had spent a year on this planet, and it was still new to him. Most of his time here had been without his sight where he saw the world in shapes. He still wasn’t used to the vivid greens and the skies that stretched out for miles. Emryc made a point to avoid the village he has stayed at and he refused to admit to himself why. He always wondered whatever happened to the little girl that loved to ride around on his shoulders and kick the shins of anyone she didn’t like. To this day, the memory of her brought a smile to his face.

He could sense Jaikus and he made his way over. Without a word, he quietly walked over and sat down next to the other man. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and simply stared out at the view Jaikus was enjoying, easing back in his seat that protested a bit under his massive frame. Emryc exhaled softly.

“I think I like you better without the scruff,” He said quietly. He finally turned to look at Jaikus, icy gaze studying him.

“Told you I’d come back.”

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

For just a moment or two, Jaikus continues to play - his song uninterrupted as it rolled over the hills around the cottage. It was one that clearly came from his homeworld and that he hadn’t played for years, and it was only now that it resurfaced within his mind. The bow of the violin gently glided across the strings, and it wasn’t until Jaikus felt a familiar presence - one more intimate and dear to him than any other - that the instrument halted in place, his emerald eyes opening. His gaze fixated right onto Emryc, seated just beside him on that porch.

Weeks of waiting. Weeks of not knowing whether the half-Sephi was dead or worse. And he was right there.

And just then, Jaikus could say nothing at all. The violin lowered from his hands, and all the Axxilan could do was stare back at his fiancée - as all the emotions seemed to surface within him. The waves of relief and happiness that arose at once, and the sense of comfort that the half-Sephi’s presence brought. It was the feeling of home.. And that everything that matters was right there in front of him. And for all of his silence, Emryc would see it all play out so clearly on Jaikus’ face. The glimmer in his emerald gaze, and the way his lips began to twitch and tug up into one of those goofy, ridiculous smiles. The way his entire body seemed to relax - as if an unseen weight had suddenly vanished from within him.

Without a word of response, Jaikus sprang up where he was sitting - crossing the short distance between himself and Emryc. He didn’t hesitate to reach forth, grasping a fistful of the half-Sephi’s shirt to pull him close, capturing the man’s lips after what seemed like an eternity. He had wanted and craved nothing else every moment they were apart, and the Axxilan took nothing for granted in that moment. His free hand rose to cup the side of Emryc’s face, his fingers brushing the stubble along the half-Sephi’s cheeks. And Jaikus couldn’t help but sink deep into that embrace - into the familiar taste of his lips and the sense of belonging. It was reflected in the way he kissed his fiancee - passionate and fierce, fingers curling ever tighter to hold him close.

He didn’t know how long he held that embrace, and Jaikus didn’t hate. Nothing else mattered. Only then. Only that moment.

When Jaikus finally broke from the kiss, he lingered close to his fiancée - his lips barely an inch from Emryc’s, emerald eyes staring back with all the love and affection that had been forged over the years. For a moment, he said nothing at all. When he finally did, he couldn’t hide the amusement behind his eyes. “Well,” He whispered softly, his hand sliding from Emryc’s cheek to caress the back of his neck, “Perhaps you should’ve left me with a better razor,” He quipped with a grin, finally responding to the comment about his scruff.

The comment was followed by an quick kiss to his lips, his forehead pressing against the half-Sephi’s in that familiar gesture of affection. And there he stayed, content not to move a muscle. “I missed you, Emy.”

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc wasn’t the least bit surprised by his fiance’s reaction, but even after years it still managed to give him a rush. Though his Sephi features remained largely stoic, his eyes betrayed hints of joy at seeing his partner. As Jaikus moved in to kiss him, Emryc returned it with just as much passion. Thoughts of the war with the Killik, the Consortium and everything else melted away. He had yearned for this touch and this warmth for all the days he had been away, and he knew it was agonizing for Jaikus when he was entirely in the dark.

The half Sephi closed his eyes as he held Jaikus, the slimmer man easily fitting against his larger frame. Emryc drew back slightly to gaze into those vivid emerald eyes he had grown to cherish so much, “And I missed you,” He said quietly, uttering a phrase he only said to his partner, “I'm surprised and pleased you actually bothered to listen,” Emryc added as he drew back the slightest bit. He knew Jaikus to be one of the most stubborn people in the galaxy, and for him to have stayed put while a galactic crisis was going on was testament to his loyalty.

“Never heard you play that before,” He jutted his chin towards the violin, “I would’ve expected your playing to sound like a dying Lothcat, but surprisingly it was acceptable to my ears,” Emryc stated flatly. No doubt Jaikus was used to the half Sephi’s bluntness by now, a fact that would never change for as long as he lived.

Emryc gazed out ahead of himself, his arm still wrapped around Jaikus, “What do you think of this place?”

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

For the first time in weeks, Jaikus felt completely at ease. Wrapped within his fiancé’s arms, lingering against the familiar embrace of the half-Sephi’s lips, everything else seemed so distant and unimportant. All the stress, anxiety and uncertainty - the feelings that had agonized and kept the Axxilan up at night - vanished from the corners of his mind. In that moment.. Everything that could be, was right.

Jaikus didn’t hesitate to swing a leg over Emryc, plopping down onto the half-Sephi’s lap - his smaller frame fitting against his partner like a puzzle piece always meant his be. His hands wrapped around his partner’s shoulders, the fingers of his neck kneading and caressing the back of his scalp. The simple admission that Emryc had missed him just as well - even if he knew it to be true without a word - brought a wide, stupid smile to Jaikus’ lips. “Only for you, Gundark,” He said with a grin, though the half-Sephi would know the words to be entirely genuine. Jaikus was stubborn and unyielding in most aspects of his life, and the decision to remain in hiding during the crisis was testament to his love for Emryc.

Were it any other person, it was unlikely he would’ve seen the commitment through.

“Oh?” Jaikus tilted his head a bit, amusement dancing in his eyes as Emryc jutted in his chin towards the violin. He was entirely used to his partner's bluntness and could detect the compliment woven within. “Then maybe I’ll have to play it for you more often from here on out. I’m a bit rusty, but if you can survive my snoring then I should think you’ll be fine.” As he spoke, Jaikus rested his head right on Emryc’s shoulder - closing his eyes for just a moment. “I haven’t played it in years,” He finally added. It was an instrument that he’d trained with extensively growing up, and had fallen out of practice in recent years. It was only now he’d picked it up.

“Like nowhere else I’ve been before,” Jaikus muttered quietly in response, his face resting against Emryc for a moment or two longer, before gazing out ahead. “The scenery, even the air is crisp and different. Axxila, Kaas, even Thyferra have a buzz to them, no matter where you go. It’s beautiful here,” For almost the entirety of his life, Jaikus had lived amongst bustling cities and urban sprawl. His stay at the cottage was a complete culture shock, though far from negative. “How you feel seeing it again, after so long?”

“I wouldn’t mind exploring more of it with you. Maybe head into the village.” He said after a moment, a bit of playfulness dancing in the Axxilan’s eyes. “But I ain’t in any to get movin’ just yet.”

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc didn’t protest as his partner casually climbed into his lap, his own larger frame more than accommodating to serve as a seat. His own arms loosely wrapped around Jaikus’ waist, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips as his icy gaze met the Axxilan’s. A low, satisfied groan rumbled within his chest as Jaikus’ fingers grazed along the back of his scalp. Emryc despised being touched, but Jaikus was the only exception. The half Sephi eased into that familiar comfort and found his sanctuary within it and he didn’t need anything else.

“Mixed,” He said after a moment, his gaze drifting off to look past Jaikus, “It reminds me of a time of failure for me. But also a time of perseverance,” Emryc thought back to how he had manipulated the Jedi Councilor Hannibal into returning his sight. He pulled Jaikus closer against himself and rested chin over the other man’s shoulder, “Let me take you on a boat ride.”

Emryc didn’t explain much more about the village. That would come in due time, but he wanted to explore the parts that he liked the most. He leaned in to steal a quick kiss from Jaikus before easing the man off himself. The half Sephi rose to stand, glancing back at his partner, “Grab some snacks and extra clothing,” He eyed him for a moment, “Minimal things. I’m not taking a suitcase on a fishing boat,” Emryc stated flatly.

With that, he grabbed his pre-packed bag and began walking towards where a simple village boat had been moored. Jaikus may have thought it to be a random boat, but it was in fact one that had belonged to the half Sephi while he stayed on the planet. If he looked closer, he would see the word ‘BOAT’ painted on it as if a child had done it.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

As they sat there, Jaikus couldn’t help the small, satisfied hum that rolled up his throat - feeling as Emryc came to rest against his shoulder. It was an embrace that for every second they’d been apart, the Axxilan had missed. He craved it, and anguished through all those uncertain nights - serving as a staunch reminder against taking his fiancee for granted. But those thoughts were far removed from his mind by now - and Jaikus was content to exist purely in the present moment. It was all-too-easy to slip into that familiar comfort and warmth, melting into the half-Sephi’s arms without a second thought in the world.

He listened as Emryc spoke, his fingers continuing to stroke and caress the half-Sephi’s dark hair and scalp. He knew what had occurred that brought his fiancée to the planet originally, even if it was some time before they met. The Axxilan offered a small smile, bringing his hand to brush the side of the half-Sephi’s face. “Perhaps this place can to a reminder of happy times, before we depart.”

“I’d love to,” He whispered softly to his fiancée, lingering there for a while longer. He savored that final, quick kiss and rose when Emryc eased him off - running a hand across the fabric of his shirt. He nodded towards Emryc, tilting his head a bit. “I’d offer to bring you a scarf in the event it gets cold, if I didn’t think you’d be ecstatic by that turn of events.” He said with a sly grin. He knew his partner well enough to know the half-Sephi absolutely enjoyed the frigid temperatures. Of course, that wouldn’t stop the Axxilan packing it just in case and never saying a word. Of course, what Emryc said next causes him to do a doubletake.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Jaikus said with a dramatic roll of his eyes. “I’ve never brought a suitcase and that is a fact. I pack what we might need,” He wasn’t lying, technically. But it didn’t mean the Axxilan didn’t have a tendency to overpack for any outdoorsy excursion the two went out on - including his ridiculously large pack when they originally met Mr. Goat.

Jaikus held the half-Sephi’s gaze for a moment, his lips pulling upwards and towards a grin. “Besides,” He began in that sultry tone, his own Axxilan accent coming out the faintest bit on his speech, “I seem to recall you enjoy me being prepared when we’re out in the middle of nowhere.” He quipped without missing a beat, before turning on a heel to gather what they needed. A few extra clothes and blanket, miscellaneous items and snacks. He’d learned long ago what qualified as an ‘Emryc snack’, a ‘Jaikus snack’ and had nailed where they met in the middle.

As they made their way to the watersedge, Jaikus couldn’t help but marvel upon the pristine, crystal waters. It was easily clear enough to see the smooth stones where it was shallow, and was testament to untouched nature of the planet. His gaze promptly flicked to the boat that Emryc approached, and Jaikus couldn’t help but smile at the bright name that had been scrawled onto the side of the hull and the craftmanship. “Looks like you and the painter had naming conventions in common,” He said playfully towards his partner, unaware that it was the very boat Emryc had built.

Just as the boat was eased into the water, Jaikus lowered his own things into it before cautiously bringing a foot inside the hull. It was abaundantly clear it was the Axxilan’s first boat experience and he knew precisely none of what he was doing - though that never stopped him from forging ahead anyway. After a moment or two of looking like he might fall in, Jaikus eased into the vessel and extended a hand for his partner. “Shall we?” He grinned.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc briefly recalled when he had peeked into Jaikus’ bag back in that underwater temple. That time felt like forever ago now. He had been a different man in many ways, but the connection he had with Jaikus remained unchanged. Emryc cast a glance over at the boat and stared at it for a moment. There was a softening in his expression that Jaikus would know to be rather rare. However, Emryc said nothing about it, patiently waiting for Jaikus to place his things in the boat.

The half Sephi casually took his shirt off, leaving his torso bare before he sat in the boat across from Jaikus. He glanced at Jaikus and shrugged, “I enjoy the sun on my back,” He stated simply as he grabbed the oars. It didn’t take long for them to push off and start moving. Emryc began to row, his muscled arms moving the oars powerfully to propel them forward. The sun was high in clear skies, bathing both men in warmth.

“What did you think about the entire time you were here?” Emryc asked as he gazed at his partner. The fact that he asked the question at all was a testament to how much he adored the other man. The half Sephi was notorious about not giving the slightest fuck about anyone’s thoughts or their origin stories. In fact, he generally preferred when people kept their mouths shut.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

.

Even as Jaikus climbed into the boat - cautious, as to avoid capsizing or otherwise ending up overboard - he didn’t miss the shift and softening of Emryc’s expression. The Axxilan knew his fiance better than anyone else in the Galaxy, and had long-since learned the significance behind those nonverbal reactions and fond looks. It was a rare thing, and Jaikus couldn’t help the way his own emerald gaze flicked back to the hull of the boat, staring down at the name while his fingers drew across the boards.

Just as he began to settle in, the Axxilan watched as Emryc casually took off his shirt - revealing the muscular physique underneath, highlighted by the sun that shone down upon them both. “No complaints from me, love.” He smiled softly, leaning back ever-so-slightly against his edge of the boat. His gaze lingered as Emryc began to row them from the shore, plunging past the shallow water and towards the light blue, pristine depths.

“Gods you’re sexy,” He muttered softly, his head tilted ever-so-slightly. The Axxilan had no qualms with openly checking out his fiance, or saying exactly what was on his mind at that moment. There was nothing more profound or deep to say in that moment.

Jaikus allowed his gaze to momentarily wander to the lake. He caught sight of fish that swam just beneath the surface, and watched the way the sunlight rippled off the surface of the water, bringing with it the comfortable warmth that bathed his bronze skin. Before long, the Axxilan unbuttoned the front of his shirt to open completely. He allowed the fabric to fall off his shoulders and down his arms, revealing his slender torso to the light.

His gaze lingered for a long moment before he glanced down to the boat, his smile widening a bit. “The boat,” He began, “It’s yours, isn’t it?” He recalled the fond expression on his fiancé’s eyes, and the fact it had been conveniently left exactly where the man knew to find it.

When Emryc asked his question, Jaikus’ emerald gaze - glittering bright in the sun - settled back on his fiance. The question itself spoke to the deep affection between them, and the Axxilan knew full-well the half-Sephi wasn’t likely to ask it of anyone else. His fingers drew across his bag of belongings, gently plucking a string on the violin tucked there. “I thought about you. Tried to imagine what might be going on elsewhere in the Galaxy, or how bad the crisis was. I thought about the worst case scenarios, if someone happened to you. How long I would stay here without knowing, or what I would do if I found out.” Emryc would immediately understand how Jaikus had agonized over the thought. The Axxilan had known loss, and all of it had been beyond his control. The wounds had healed, but he’s never forgotten the feeling.

He smiled after a moment, reaching into his back to toss a bag of baby carrots towards his fiance. “Thought about wondering into the village a few times, if I didn’t think I’d get chased out by the natives.” He grinned. “And I thought about the moment you would come back, just like you said. The moment I would have you alone and to myself. Thought about being back by your side, and a time when this is all over. Perhaps a family of our own, one day, and all the happy years we’ll have together regardless.” The Axxilan grinned.

“I thought about what matters.” He said simply.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc only gave Jaikus a half grin at the compliment. He was used to the entire galaxy putting him on a pedestal, and yet compliments from his fiance always hit differently. He continued to row, his gaze drawn to Jaikus as he casually unbuttoned his shirt. As more and more of that bronze skin was revealed, Emryc recalled how long he had been away. He grumbled to himself and looked away, the other man sitting there as temptation to distract him from his rowing.

“The boat is mine,” He confirmed after a moment of silence, “I didn’t paint it, but I built it while I was blind,” The half Sephi said as he glanced around himself, “All of these were nothing but shapes to me the entire time.”

Emryc finally looked back at Jaikus, “A family?” He asked with a brow raised, “You see me as a family man?” The amusement was clear in his eyes.

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

If only for a moment, Jaikus didn’t miss the way that Emryc looked at him - and it immediately caused the Axxilan’s lips to pull upwards and towards a wide smile. For all the ways that the Axxilan seemed to exude confidence at all times, his fiancee had an uncanny ability to cut right down to Jaikus’ core. He didn’t miss the way that the half-Sephi’s gaze lingered nor the way that he deliberately looked away to focus on rowing, and it somehow made him feel all the more wanted and desired. And increased the urge to be all the more distracting in turn.

He leaned back against the frame of the boat - feeling the sun that gently baked down on his bronze skin. The Axxilan allowed his left arm to swing over the edge - tips of his fingers just barely grazing the top of the water, casting a trail of ripples in their wake. It was surprisingly refreshingly - crisp and cool, in contrast to the warmth from above.

“I suppose the view has certainly improved since then,” He quipped playfully, nudging his fiancee a bit with his foot. Despite his playful tone, the Axxilan’s expression softened into something a bit more genuine and warm a split-moment afterwards - emerald eyes lingering on Emryc, while his other hand ran across the wooden interior of the boat. “It’s amazing,” He said quietly. Despite his high-class upbringing, the Axxilan could genuinely appreciate the effort and skill that went into the construction, “I take it the locals picked the color?” He said with a small grin.

“What parts of it to you want to see the most, now?” He arched a brow towards Emryc. The half-Sephi had spent months on the planet without seeing any of it - but now? The Axxilan couldn’t help but wonder what he wished to view now that he could experience it all in full.

Jaikus scooted a bit closer in the boat - emerald eyes locking onto Emryc with equal levels of playfulness. “Maybe I do,” The Axxilan tilted his head a bit, “I’m sure you’ll be coaching Junior Huttball and attending PTA meetings in no time.” He said with a nudge, shaking his head a bit.

All the same, the fond smile remained on his lips. “Perhaps a boy or girl of our own.” He said with a bit more sincerity, his gaze shifting out across the water. "Some little terror to keep us both on our toes, or demand you put them up on your shoulders." He said with a small smile. It wasn’t the first time the Axxilan had considered the possibility - especially not given his own upbringing, surrounded by a multitude of siblings. “You and me - and a family to call our own. With no one but ourselves to place demands or expectations upon it. Just us.”

He shrugged a bit, his gaze flicking back to Emryc. “I think you'd make a good father. I think we both would.”

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc didn’t answer Jaikus’ question about where he wanted to see the most. This was partly because he was rowing to one of those spots now. The half Sephi listened to Jaikus speak about a life that sounded surreal and both appealing and terrifying at once. Each word was a brushstroke on a canvas and it was beautiful picture. It was a picture Jaikus could paint so effortlessly and yet it was something that was so foreign to Emryc. It was foreign for him to even love another being, let alone pursue the concept of family.

Jaikus would sense something was off in Emryc when he looked away. The half Sephi kept rowing, but his thoughts were far away for a long time. His jaw tightened slightly before he spoke quietly, “I already have a child,” He said, perhaps the first time he had ever acknowledged that out loud, “And you are already more of a father to her than I ever will be,” His gaze flicked up to meet Jaikus’. Jaikus had helped deliver Arla and Emryc knew his fiance had an attachment to her. Emryc could go a lifetime without ever pursuing her or finding out more. It was a concept unthinkable to Jaikus, but it was simply how the stoic and largely apathetic half Sephi operated.

“I doubt I would be any different here,” He grumbled quietly as they began to arrive at his destination, “But if it is what you wish, I will not deny you the experience of being a father,” Emryc shrugged vaguely, clearly not having much of an opinion one way or another. He was never the warm and nurturing type, not in the traditional ways anyway. He didn’t get sudden paternal urges with Arla and he doubt he would have that with other children.

The boat came to a stop as he docked near a small island. There was a large, magnificent tree there with purple flowers blooming all over it. The breeze sent the petals flying in all directions.

“I spent many hours under that tree,” Emryc explained as he stepped out of the boat, extending a hand for Jaikus, “It smells…pleasant and I find the sounds soothing. Sitting there tempered me when my mind was in chaos.”

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus wasn’t ashamed to paint the picture of a family with Emryc - each word flowing smoothly, effortlessly and without a hint of hesitation. It was something the Axxilan had given quite a bit of thought to over the years, since the loss of his own family and as the relationship with his fiancee deepened. It was a picture that was all-too-easy to paint within his mind - beautiful and exhilarating all at once. Emryc would see it in the fond way that he smiled and from his very tone of voice.

All the same, the Axxilan didn’t fail to notice the subtle shifts in expression from Emryc. He knew his fiancee exceptionally well, and could easily pick up when there was something wrong with the man. Emerald eyes lingered, waiting for a moment until the half-Sephi broke the silence between them. He couldn’t help the way that his eyes widened a bit when Emryc mentioned Arla for the first time - finally acknowledging the child as his own. Over the years, Jaikus has been involved in the girl’s life from a distance - making infrequent visits to Dathomir, sending gifts and other tokens to stay involved. Whether Emryc cared to reach out or not, the Axxilan knew Arla as the child of the man he loved - and his own involvement in her delivery had forged a bond between the two of them.

Jaikus didn’t respond immediately, pondering the words for a moment or two. Over the years, the Axxilan had come to understand how foreign it was for the half-Sephi to truly love anyone - and with Emryc’s own words, Jaikus knew that he was perhaps the only person Emryc had the capacity for.

“I don’t know what our future holds,” Jaikus said after a moment, shifting a bit closer to his fiancee, “Only that I know you will be a part of it, for the rest of my days.” His hand shifted down to brush across Emryc’s own. “You are my family, Emy. And I would love to add our child to it someday. And I think there is more than one way to be a father,” He knew that his fiancee wasn’t the warm or nurturing type by conventional means - though his earlier statement about Emryc making a good father wasn’t said lightly, either.

“But, it is only something I want if and when we are both ready and prepared for it.” Adding a child was a factor of the unknown - and for all of his paternal urges, Jaikus considered the ways it could change things in their lives. It wasn’t a step that Jaikus would even consider taking without the knowledge that it wouldn’t put strain upon their relationship.

The Axxilan’s gaze flicked ahead as the boat stuck land, arriving at the island in the middle of the lake. His emerald gaze immediately flicked across the verdant landscape, before fixating onto the flowering tree that crowned the entire piece of land. It was a native species - not one easily found elsewhere - and a beauty to behold. Jaikus accepted Emryc’s hand, leaving everything except for the violin back in the boat.

He listened as Emryc spoke, smiling softly at the words. “Then come sit with me,” Jaikus said, giving his fiancee’s hand a squeeze. With that, he tugged Emryc towards the flowering tree - across the glassy hill and towards spot where two roots bulged up from the earth, creating a small dip for them both to seat themselves. From there, the pair would be able to watch as the petals fell with every gust of wind - squirrels and birds chirping to add to the noises all around them.

“You are what keeps me grounded,” He said very quietly, leaning his head back against his fiancee for a moment.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

There was a lump in Emryc’s throat as Jaikus spoke about him being a part of the Axxilan’s life for the rest of his days. The half Sephi stayed silent because he knew he couldn’t say the same thing back. He knew unless he died an untimely death, Emryc would outlive Jaikus by a huge margin. It was something he refused to think about on principle, but the warm sentiment from his partner always had a sad truth to it. Emryc only managed a faint smile, his ears swiveling the slightest bit which was uncharacteristic for him.

Emryc walked with Jaikus as the other man tugged him along, taking in sight of the tree and the falling petals. It had been magnificent to behold through the Force, but it was even more breathtaking when he could use his eyes. Emryc sat next to Jaikus, staring at the flowers for a moment. His fingers were entwined with Jaikus’ as he watched the petals.

“Jai,” He said quietly as he finally turned to look at him again, “There was a time when I was in the battle while the Killik attacked on Thyferra. It was the first time I faced something that rivaled me. It was also the first time I feared for my life,” He explained quietly, the words sounding foreign to him, “Not for me but because of what it would do to you. Outside of how you would feel emotionally, I want to ensure you are taken care of for the rest of your life in the event of my death," Probably not the most romantic thing to say, but the half Sephi had always been painfully practical. Emryc ran his thumb across the top of Jaikus’ hand, “I don’t wish to keep putting things off like we have all the time in the world anymore,” He may have had longer, but he knew Jaikus didn’t. At the end of the day, it was a fact.

“I wish to have as many days as possible with you as my husband,” Emryc said as he began to stand, guiding Jaikus to do the same, “I know you likely would have wished for ceremony and pomp, and we can have that later. But this is important to me and I want this moment to be only between you and I,” He reached for his pocket and drew out two small boxes. Emryc looked at Jaikus and gave him a sheepish smile, shrugging a bit, “Probably not how you pictured yourself getting married, but..” He looked around them, thought about the remote location of the planet, “I despise people and I love you.”

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

.

For just a little while, Jaikus was completely silent - basking in the sense of peace and serenity all around them. Violet petals drifted around them and carried on the breeze, all while the Axxilan leaned his head against Emryc’s shoulder, comfortable and content as could be. All the chaos and anxiety drifted away - thoughts of the rest of the Galaxy, or the challenges they’d face ahead - none of it existed. All that remained was that precious moment, spent with the man who owned his very heart and soul.

Emerald eyes lingered on the slow falling of petals, breaking away only when Emryc began to speak once more. His gaze settled back on the half-Sephi, and he couldn’t help the way that those eyes widened ever-so-slightly at the words. It was the first time he’d heard his fiancee express the sentiment aloud, and the desire to see the Axxilan taken care of in the event of his death. It was a concept that Jaikus refused to think about - how to pick up the pieces if it ever happened. It was an expression of love in all the ways that Emryc knew how - practical and logical as was his style - and Jaikus felt himself get ever-so-slightly choked up at the words.

“Emryc..” He said softly, giving his fiancee’s hands a squeeze - thumb running across the top of his own. Without another word, Jaikus brought Emryc’s hand up to his own - planting a small kiss to the top of his knuckles. In the back of his mind, the Axxilan knew that he would pass long before his fiancee. It was a sad truth, and perhaps it bled into Jaikus’ reasonings for wanting a child - beyond his own desires for a family. He knew that the half-Sephi would outlive him by centuries.. But their child would remain.

Some piece of the Axxilan would remain, so that perhaps his fiancee wouldn’t be entirely alone in the aftermath.

His gaze lingered upon Emryc as the half-Sephi began to stand, promptly doing the same. It didn’t take him more than a moment to realize what was happening right then and there - and the Axxilan could already feel the sting and wetness that hinted in his eyes. The smile on his lips tugged wide, warmth blazing in his expression. “Then let's make every single one count, baby.” It was a promise etched into Jaikus’ very being - to love the half-Sephi and savor the fact of being his husband until his final moments.

For just a moment, Jaikus glanced around their surroundings - a hint of amusement tugging at his lips. It was remote and isolated, with only the fallen petals and distant birds as their audience. It was far from the traditional, and yet the Axxilan couldn’t help but remark how perfect it seemed. Whatever came their way, they were the only two people in the Galaxy that had ever mattered. And just then - in that moment, intimate and sacred - the Axxilan only cared to see the man standing before him.

A hand lifted to cup the side of Emryc’s face - fingers curling to brush across his stubble and rest against his jawline. “You have always been the only thing I needed, Emryc Thorne.” He said softly, letting his hand lingered there for a moment before sliding down to intertwin once again - held close beneath the falling of petals. For months, the Axxilan had dreamed of what he would say when their wedding day came. A million different words that swarmed within his head - all of them warm sentiments and expressions of love he’d wished his husband to hear.

THEME​

In that moment, he had nothing written down or memorized - and yet somehow, Jaikus only now knew precisely what he wanted to say.

“This life is unpredictable, and the best things to occur are often the ones we never expect. Never in a million years could I have imagined you entering into my life, Emryc. Never could I have imagined what we started with that dance on Serenno, or how the decision to follow you to Keldooine would’ve ended up being the greatest thing I have ever - and will ever - do.” He said warmly, eyes never falling away from the man he loved. Emryc would clearly see the wetness against his eyelids, and yet his voice didn’t waver.

“I have loved you more than life itself, Emryc. And from Telos to Tattooine, that love has only grown. You have supported and stood by me throughout all these years, despite our differences and the moment we don’t agree. You have been by my side when I needed it most - as my friend, my partner, my fiancée and now my husband. You have been my sun and stars, in a Galaxy that has seemed so bleak. You have been my family and sanctuary.”

His fingers traced across the top of Emryc’s hand. “I am a better man having you in my life, my love. You have made me so. And you have made me the happiest being in the Galaxy by being my husband.”

“Words will never do justice what you mean to me - but I will spend every day forth, as your husband, proving it to you.” He tilted his chin upwards, his smile tugging wide and lovingly. “Now and forever, I vow to cherish you and every moment that we have in this life. With every homecooked meal and puffer pig snort. With every awful joke and stubborn argument. I vow to never allow myself to forget just how lucky I am to call you mine - and to make every day count like it is our last.”

“I vow that you will never spend another day alone. I will stand by you whatever might come against us, and no matter how the Galaxy rips itself apart. I vow to be the man you come home to every night - to bear your burdens and provide you sanctuary when you need it the most. To cherish the best of times, and sit beside you through the worst of them.”

“To weather every storm and challenge, knowing that you will be standing right alongside me.”

“I vow to love you, with every piece of my being. To be wholly and completely yours, body and soul. Now and forever, in this life and long after we are reunited in the Force.” Jaikus’ free hand rose to grip the back of Emryc’s neck, pressing his forehead against the half-Sephi’s own in their signature mark of affection. “I vow to be your other half in this world - and to never let you forget, for even a moment, what you mean to me.”

The tears stained his eyes, even as he held his husband close. “I am yours, Emy. I love you - and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my days by your side.”

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc stood in silence as he heard his fiance speak, his gaze fixed on those emeralds. With each phrase, he was transported to those memories and points in time. He thought of how he had vastly underestimated who Jaikus would become to him. He thought of that day on Tatooine, during a simple festival with simple dancing, how he realized that the man before him had permanently etched a place for himself in Emryc’s heart. The half Sephi thought of all the times he had tried to push Jaikus away, and how for the first time he had felt as if a part of him was missing when he did. He thought about how Jaikus had been the only one to see Emryc lose control and see Raze and still stay with him. For all the horrors and the good they both experienced, Jaikus had stuck by him through it all. He had left behind his own ambitions among the Sith to stand by Emryc as he rose through the ranks.

Emryc exhaled softly as he smiled, catching Jaikus wiping the tears away. The half Sephi wasn’t one for displaying emotions, but he certainly felt them whirling inside. Emryc grasped the Axxilan’s hand, “I vow to be honest, to be true to you with all parts of my being,” He would know the implications of the emphasis. It meant Raze was permanently being put on a leash, “I vow to be the man you fell in love with every day. I vow to respect and honor you in every way I can. I vow to, within reason, let you tell me what to do,” Emryc couldn’t help but smile at that, knowing it was an offer he wouldn’t make to anyone else in the galaxy. The half Sephi always played by his own rules and had little regard for what anyone had to say, “I won’t vow to be perfect, because I am a broken man. But you have shaped me back together not with pieces of myself, but pieces you’ve since added. And I am a better man than I ever was before because of that.”

The half Sephi gently slipped the ring onto Jaikus’ finger to join the engagement band already there, “I vow to love you for as long as I am capable of experiencing this emotion,” Love would always be a strange concept to him and one he would never fully understand.

Emryc took a deep breath, looking down as he slowly exhaled, “And I vow to leave the Empire behind for you.”

There was a sudden pulse through the Force that would be so powerful that even Jaikus would feel it. He would know Raze was angry, but Emryc didn’t budge. He looked at his husband. His eyes had streaks of yellow that began to almost glow prominently, a massive struggle going on internally. Emryc stood calm through it all, keeping his gaze on those emeralds, “I vow to leave the Empire behind for you,” He repeated.

The very earth beneath their feet began to rumble and tremble. There was a crack through the earth, a fissure that ran through the ground and even up the tree’s trunk. It streaked up and would leave a permanent mark there. The leaves began to scatter and swirl, a massive pulse in the Dark Side rippling before it began to disperse. And yet Emryc’s gaze never left Jaikus’, his face always as stoic as ever, "I vow to leave the Empire behind for you," He kept his focus on everything that was important, pushing back the tidal wave that threatened to break him. He knew Jaikus would guide him through it. And he did. The leaves all serenely began to fall, the ground became still, and the two were left standing in silence.

“I am yours, and you are mine,” Emryc smiled again as the yellow began to give way to the brilliant silver in his eyes, “Mr. Jaikus Thorne.”

@Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

[size=65%]In that moment, the planet around them seemed to melt away. Jaikus was less-and-less aware of their serene environment or the birds that chirped nearby - all of it blending into the background. Instead, those emerald eyes remained completely fixed onto Emryc - without the slightest desire to look anywhere else in the world.

Jaikus stood silently when Emryc finally began to speak - his characteristic baritone rumbling through the Axxilan’s ears. He knew his husband not to be one for lengthy proclamations of love - and yet every single word struck Jaikus deep into his core. They tore through any semblance of composure - and sent his mine spiraling back through their moments together. The Axxilan couldn’t help but think back to the playfight in the snows of Telos, and his encounter with Raze in the temple. To his reluctance to knock on Emryc’s door, and their moment in the lake. To the dance on Tatooine, and their first time together at the lake.

His mind wandered the moments where the Axxilan had feared his fiancée lost, and those reminders never to take it all for granted.

Jaikus couldn’t help the loving smile that etched onto his expression, and nothing could hold back the emotions that swirled within him. They manifested on his face and in a few tears that managed to roll down his cheeks - all as the gravity of Emryc’s words found purchase in his mind and heart. The proclamation to love with all parts of Emryc’s being - to put Raze on a leash - was not lost on him. It was something that Jaikus knew the half-Sephi would never even consider for anyone else in the Galaxy. It was a reminder - more than any words could express - of what the Axxilan meant to Emryc.

He squeezed Emryc’s hands tightly, exhaling a bit while he continued to listen. He felt the ring that was slipped onto his own ring, joining the engagement band already present. His emerald eyes flicked down only momentarily, staring down at the silvery band that glinted on his digit.

When his eyes rose, Jaikus couldn’t help the way that they widened - utterly taken aback by Emryc’s proclamation to leave the Empire. It was a prospect that the Axxilan hadn’t even given a possibility to, or expected from the half-Sephi. Jaikus had left the Sith and was ever content to stand by Emryc’s side, throughout the man’s rise through the ranks. The knowledge that Emryc was willing to leave it all behind for him… The impact of it was clear across Jaikus’ face, not a single word able to materialize from his lips.

And like a crank of thunder, Jaikus felt the surge of the Force all around him - the Dark Side in all of its terribly glory. The Axxilan knew that Raze was anger - and he could sense the internal struggle that was occurring. A battle of titans that went entirely unseen, masked behind the steely gaze of his husband. The half-Sephi didn’t budge through it all, testament to his own resolve and the desire to go through with the decision. It touched Jaikus down to his very core, in ways that Emryc perhaps would never know.

He felt the earth tremble and splinter. Felt the energies that crackled all around him. Jaikus knew better than anyone what Raze wanted to do in that moment - and was completely aware how the Monster would retaliate if it seized control. And yet Jaikus never budged an inch. Those emerald eyes never fell from Emryc’s own - all the love and affection burning behind them, as vivid and real as the moment he had fallen for the half-Sephi.

Jaikus brought one of his hands to rest across the back of Emryc’s neck, holding him close through the internal struggle. “I’m here,” He muttered quietly, the smile on his lips lingering the entire time. He would never step back from his husband, never wavering from where he’d always stood. He would be the anchor that Emryc needed in that moment - guiding him back and through the tidal waves that crashed against him.

However long it took, Jaikus would linger there - his hand resting against the half-Sephi’s neck. Only when the leaves began to settle, and the brilliant silver’s re-emerged, did the Axxilan allow his smile to tug wide in that ridiculous way, fingers of his other hand curling tightly around Emryc’s own. “You are my everything, Emryc Thorne.” As he spoke, Jaikus reached down to slip the wedding band onto Emryc’s finger, staring down at the matching ring for just a moment. “Now and forever.”

Without another word, Jaikus pulled Emryc close - capturing his lips for the first time as his husband. His fingers curled tightly around the half-Sephi’s neck, all while the breeze blew petals up all around them. He kissed his husband loving and passionate, sinking deep into that embrace without any desire to end it prematurely. He wanted that moment for everything that it was worth, and it make it last for as long as he could. He wanted to cherish his husband with every fiber of his being.

Now and forever.