Ask Go The Distance

[Ezra Thorne]

Thorne Manor was one of the most over the top personal dwellings around. It even rivaled many royal palaces, but it was a testament to the legacy of Thorne and just how powerful the name was. It took a tremendous amount of clearance to be allowed anywhere near the property and hundreds, if not thousands, of people were employed for maintenance and upkeep. It was also a strict no-fly zone, military fortifications set up to shoot down any aircrafts and alert systems for the space right above it. The mansion was built adjacent to a mountain where work was done to carve out a waterfall and waterways around the buildings.

The surrounding fields and courtyards were all entirely private, accessible to family or close friends. They also served to host foreign delegations and military powers. Emryc Thorne was a minimalist, but Jaikus Thorne was quite the opposite. Though the half Sephi had little care for manors and luxuries, the rest of his family grew up in extravagance.

Ezra was waiting in the courtyard of the manor, where he knew Dash would arrive across one of the bridges by privately escorted transport. The part Sephi was still apprehensive about this, and he wasn’t sure why Dash insisted on meeting away from Ithor. Ezra was still reeling from the party, miserable about the choice his boyfriend- was Dash still his boyfriend? The thought caused a lump in his throat, but he brushed it aside. The text mentioned facing the problem together and Dash likely didn’t want to come all the way out here just to break up, right? Then again, the Rhinnalian could be rather dramatic…

Instead of his usual suits or dress shirts, he was adorned in a form fitting t-shirt, jeans and expensive sneakers. His hair was styled and he had his usual chrono on the wrist. To kill the nerves, Ezra was focused intently on his NalPhone, catching up on sports updates. He looked laughably small in front of the grand pillar and walls behind him. The courtyard was full of flowers, exotic birds perched across the roof. There were several droid workers milling about tending to the gardens.

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash had not cried in a while, but for a while now it had been hard not to.

He had been so lost in his thoughts these past few days that it seemed no time at all since the party in the Ithor hangar. After leaving Hera, he had gone back to his room and sat by the window moping for a while. At first it had seemed like the Jedi were trying to enforce a silly rule, but the more he had brooded over it the more serious it became. It made him question what he was even doing, who he was and what he wanted. But also who the Jedi were and whether they were really for him.

He quickly realised it was not something he wanted to wrestle with there, in the heart of a Jedi temple. The Order was the problem right now and it was suffocating. Dash also knew how quickly it could move against its own when it chose to. He had witnessed Hera herself cart Faen Akatosh away for merely possessing a dangerous artefact. Reliving that memory had made up his mind.

He had packed his things and headed for the first transport out, bringing the Winter Casket - his very own dangerous artefact - with him. He needed time to think and he needed Ezra. Together, he knew they could figure out what to do.

Dash had sent his boyfriend a text, with a coded suggestion for a meet up that would mean little to anyone else. He was probably being paranoid, worrying about being tracked down, but he felt under scrutiny now and he could not be too careful.

Travelling to Thyferra via inconspicuous means, he felt a huge sense of relief as he entered the grounds of Thorne Manor. Its fortifications would keep out any prying eyes or listening ears and the fact he had made it through the gate told him Ezra had understood his cryptic clue.

He jumped out of the transport in a simple tee and skinny jeans, the heavy hoodie he had been using as a disguise on the way there now too much for the warm climate. His hair was a bit messy and he was sick of carrying his bag, but he was otherwise ok. For now at least.

Walking through the landscaped grounds, he forgot his cares for a moment as he tried to take in the sheer size and scale of the manor. It was absolutely huge and every bit of it beautiful. Emryc and Jaikus had made something amazing, that somehow seemed to have a bit of them both. He hoped he and Ezra could make such an impact on the galaxy one day.

He spied the other teen easy enough, standing like a model among the flowers and the birds. Except he was on that fracking phone again, too engrossed to even see Dash enter the frame.

"Oi porter" he shouted, already laughing at his own joke "I'm here to check in, grab my bag will you". He thrust his bag down at Ezra's feet, overjoyed to have finally arrived. "Put that damn thing down and come here you".

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was looking through his player and team statistics. He was just about to text Ferrin to gloat about his team’s win over the Athletics when he heard someone call out. Ezra glanced up, staring at Dash as he walked out lugging his oversized bag with him. The teen always looked incredible and it was no different even with his hair disheveled. Ezra felt a pang in his chest, the incident on Ithor still weighing on his mind. However, Dash seemed in good spirits and even made jokes, which only confused the part Sephi. Ezra finally stashed his NalPhone away.

A few of the workers gasped in surprise and looked over when Dash addressed Ezra as porter. With the way they nervously looked around, the blond would gather real quick that no one got away with making quips like that with a Thorne. However, Ezra remained unfazed, watching his boyfriend approach and dump his bag on the ground. He snapped his fingers and all the workers left the immediate vicinity after one of the droids walked over to grab Dash's things and take them inside.

Ezra eyed the belongings for a moment before walking towards Dash. He hooked a finger around one of Dash’s beltloops, tugging him close, “I thought you were here to break things off,” Ezra said quietly, turning his head to look at his bag, “But it looks like you’ve packed for a week at least..” He noted, a faint smirk gracing his lips. Ezra looked back at Dash, putting his hands on his hips as he looked into those blue eyes he always got lost in.

He exhaled and pressed his forehead against Dash’s, closing his eyes, “What’re we going to do, baby?” He asked quietly, “I don’t want to mess up Knighthood for you…..as much as I want to rip off Hera’s arm and beat her over the head with it,” Ezra added quietly, his tone dry enough to where it wasn’t clear whether it was a joke or not. He had, after all, taken a Sith Master’s arm clear off.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash managed to relax again for a moment, basking in the sweet sight and smell of his boyfriend after too long apart. He let Ezra pull their hips together, hooking his arms around that athletic body and breathing in that familiar cologne. That scent meant Ezra to him now and it set Dash off in so many ways, even if he was pretty sure Ez merely stole it from his Pops.

Their faces touched and Dash nuzzled noses affectionately, glad they were alone in the quiet of the garden. On any other day, he would have had Ezra in those flowerbeds in no time.

"You are so lame sometimes" he said softly, bringing a hand round to lift up Ez's chin and look deep in his eyes. "I would never break things off with you. Never". He kissed his silly boyfriend's lips to make sure he understood, involuntarily pressing his groin against Ezra's before he stopped himself.

The Rhinnalian stood there, holding the other teen for a long moment, struggling to answer the question he had been wrestling with for days. "Well we are not breaking up" he replied, letting his hands fall to rest on Ezra's own "it's not you messing anything up, it's the Order. I won't lose you for them".

Becoming a Jedi Knight was important to Dash and his next logical step, but it was not the chance to be a Knight that brought colour to his life. It was the chance to live it with the brilliant guy in front of him. He would not give Ezra up and he did not see that he had to. He had options, all of them dire. He could wait, he could lie, or he could leave.

"I could just wait" he said, entwining fingers and squeezing Ezra's as he thought. "You're a natural at all this, it won't be long before you're ready too". Dash wanted to believe it would only be a short time, a pause rather than a setback, and that it would not do him any harm. Surely his learning and reputation could survive and he would just have accept others leapfrogging past. He could weather all of that for Ezra, any day of the week. He was sure.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra’s face scrunched up a bit when Dash called him lame, “I’ve met the celebrities you salivate over and I think it’s safe to conclude you are incredibly lame,” He said dryly. Internally he was beyond chuffed that Dash had no intentions of breaking things off. He felt a pang of guilt at leaving the party - he should have known better. He should have had more faith in Dash and their relationship, but all of this was new to him. Ezra was distracted when they kissed, and he held his boyfriend tightly. When Dash absentmindedly rubbed himself against Ezra, the part Sephi couldn’t suppress the soft gasp against Dash’s lips, his mind temporarily turning into mush.

He kept his hold on Dash as his boyfriend spoke, doubling down on his decision. Ezra wasn’t sure how he felt about it, his gaze lingering where their fingers entwined. He managed a half smile, “No pressure, eh?” He asked as he looked at Dash again. He knew he was more powerful in the Force than most, if not all, padawans in the current cohort. However, he doubted that would greatly expedite his advancement to Knight - in fact, perhaps it could take him longer because he needed to work harder to temper his strength, “It could be a while..Leon and Ferrin would get ahead,” None of this sounded right.

“Why were you so suspicious about meeting up? Do you think Hera is tailing you?” Ezra asked as he began to walk towards the manor, holding hands with Dash. They made it up the steps where an elderly man in an expensive, tailored suit was waiting. The man bowed formally, “Mister Thorne, Mister Pavan,” He addressed them, looking at Dash, “Welcome to the Thorne Estate. Would you care for some refreshments? Your quarters have been prepared, but should you need anything at all, please dial 1 on the comms system provided in your chambers.”

Ezra stared blankly, internally scoffing at the idea of Dash staying anywhere but his own room, “Thanks, Berns,” He said monotonously as he walked right past the man.

“It’s Bernard, young Master, as I have been reminding you for years,” The Butler grumbled quietly as he closed the front doors behind them.

The foyer was absolutely enormous, spiraling staircases going up in multiple directions. The opposite was floor to ceiling glass and doorways opening to a massive balcony that overlooked waterfalls. Ezra was largely uninterested by all this, his NalPhone already out as he checked some sports stats. There were several family portraits on the walls, of course Emryc Thorne painted in all his glory. Pops thought it was entirely stupid but the interior designer insisted it would do wonders for diplomatic visits.

“It’s not much,” Ezra said with a shrug, glancing around at the obnoxiously luxurious dwelling, “But we get privacy. Even the Grandmaster can’t teleport over here.”

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Ez defended his greatness with his usual quips but he had Dash on shaky ground. He had seen the way the Rhinnalian still coveted some of his signed cards and trinkets from his spell in hospital, and some of the celebrity ones were particularly indefensible.

Modesty did not come naturally to his boyfriend, but Ezra himself still seemed a bit sceptical about making it to Knight anytime soon. The idea of Leon getting ahead didn't bother Dash, it even brought a smile, but the idea of Knight Ferrin was a little harder to swallow. But none of it mattered at all in the end.

They walked towards the manor, Dash resisting the urge to look over his shoulder. "I...wouldn't put it past her" he replied "she means well, in her mind, but I can't forget she's a Master at the end of the day. This is one place she and the Council can't follow". He still fell slightly traitorous, talking about the Order in such a way after years of loyalty to its teachings. But recent events had forced him to see a separation between them and the Jedi.

An actual man, not a droid, met them as they entered the manor, offering help and hospitality. Dash could not sleep another night away from Ezra, but he smiled at the butler nonetheless.

The inside of the manor was as breath-taking as the outside, once again taking Dash outside himself. He had liked Ezra intensely before he even knew who he was, never lusting after any of the things that came with him. But standing there, in the heart of the Thornes' world, it occurred to him again that he could leave the Jedi behind and still be safe, here with Ezra.

"Not much...." Dash repeated disbelievingly "it's literally one of a kind, but yeah....". He was at least glad it was a place the Jedi could not penetrate. He needed that space right now.

"There is another option other than waiting" he said, trying not to stare at the rather brazen portrait of Emryc hanging over a hallway fireplace. "We could just, lie...".

With places like this to hang out, they could probably meet up without prying eyes easily enough.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

The thought of Hera tracking them was unsettling, but he had full confidence that they were untouchable here. On top of the security measures, the Jedi risked having ISC as an enemy if they trespassed on the President’s property. Ezra put his phone away, looking over right in time to catch Dash staring at a painting of his father and quickly looking away.

“Seriously? You too?” Ezra said in exasperation, giving a moody huff as he scowled at his boyfriend. That painting always gave people pause and made them all flustered. He would never understand the galaxy’s obsession with Pops.

Ezra led the way towards the opposite side of the foyer which opened up to a massive and open balcony that overlooked the mountains and waterfalls. The sounds of rushing water always soothed him, and he often came out here to study or simply lounge on one of the seats.

He let Dash walk ahead, letting the other teen take in the scenery. Ezra stood behind him as they both admired the view. His hands were loosely back on Dash’s hips and he stepped a bit closer to press himself against the Rhinnalian. Ezra leaned in close, tracing feathery soft kisses along Dash’s jawline and down the side of his neck, “You want me to lie?” He whispered as he continued kissing down towards the crook of his neck from behind, “Walk all around the temple, go to the socials, go on life-threatening missions and act like you’re not mine?” His grip on Dash’s hips tightened, pulling his boyfriend's rear back against his groin almost possessively, “I’m not going to lie about us,” Ezra declared with finality, passion weaving into his voice.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

"I get it, he's your Pops" Dash said, laughing as they walked away from the portrait "but you do look a bit like him you know, you're going to have to square with that one day". He reached out and traced a suggestive finger along Ez's jaw as he stepped around him. Yepp, the angle was practically identical.

Dash ended up being drawn out a huge door onto a wide balcony that overlooked paradise. There were mountains in the mid distance, with beautiful waterfalls flowing down into the clear lake below. All of it was framed with greenery and bright flowers, beneath the beating Thyferran sun in the sky. Ezra was not quite an angel, but he pretty much lived in heaven.

The Rhinnalian found himself just standing at the balustrade just taking it in. This place was not somewhere you could just pass through without stopping. Dash felt it would take him weeks to get used to beauty like this being there every day. Then Ezra's hands were on his hips and he was kissing Dash's neck. Actually, maybe he could used to it pretty quick.

"I am yours" Dash said over his shoulder, leaning back into his boyfriend's grip. "I still would be, but we would just tell them all that we-". It was hard to keep his train of thought though. Ezra was pulling him in rather possessively and Dash liked it more than he knew. It would be tough to deceive an entire Order for months or more, but as he pushed himself back into Ezra's hold he also realised it was hopeless. Stolen moments would never be enough. Dash would crack himself, even if his boyfriend had been onboard.

He twisted around, facing Ezra and pinned between his body and the stone balcony. His hands found the waistband of Ezra's jeans and reached just a fraction inside, pulling him closer still by his trousers. "Then I have to leave" he said, passion overtaking reason "easier for me then for you. I can pack the Order in and come here and we can be together a lot more". He reached to undo the top button of the jeans. "I'm sure I could still find plenty to occupy me" looking down and smiling with a shark-like hunger.

Leave the Jedi, but keep Ezra. When the only alternative was to fight, it was a no brainer. Even for a teenage Rhinnalian thinking mostly with his pants. They could not win against an entire Order.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was finding it difficult to focus on their Jedi dilemma when he had Dash here like this. His own home brought a sense of security where he felt entirely comfortable. He wasn’t worried about who was looking or any tabloids reporting on anything. The burden of being Ezra Thorne that he carried virtually at all times was lifted when he was here.

He looked at Dash when he turned around, those vibrant eyes gleaming against the backdrop of the blue skies behind him. There was nothing but the two of them and the sounds of rushing water and distant birds. Ezra didn’t take his hands off Dash’s hips just yet, feeling himself tugged forward. Desire began to build as Dash unbuttoned his jeans, and also dropped a bomb on him at the same time. Ezra looked up in surprise, shocked Dash would even suggest such a thing. Ezra didn’t have the same kind of attachment to being a Jedi that others did, but this would be a heavy and drastic decision.

But his brain was half fuzzy with what Dash was doing and his own desires burning. Ezra gave him a grin, his own hands sliding over to unbutton his boyfriend’s jeans, “Yeah? And what’ll you do instead?” He slowly slid the zipper down, “And if I also leave, are you going to train me?” Ezra’s hand slipped inside, finding exactly what he sought while his gaze remained fixed on Dash’s, “Be my Master?” He couldn’t help but snicker at that, the word suddenly carrying all kinds of suggestive connotations.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

"I can think of a few things, one in particular" Dash replied "a new mission to mount, one I can really get my teeth into". He felt Ezra going for his own zipper, sliding in and gripping Dash where he definitely had his attention. It was impossible to talk about the world outside now, when they were tumbling completely into their own.

"I reckon I could train you up real good" the Rhinnalian said, embracing the warm hand between his legs. Then Ezra invited him to be the master and he knew exactly how to accept. "Oh you would like that would you, a bit of discipline for this unruly brat?".

Dash never took his eyes off Ezra, but let go of his jeans and reversed his hands, gently gripping his boyfriend's wrists. Ice blossomed from his fingers, racing to form a set of handcuffs around Ezra's hands. His invasion of Dash's pants would be stopped in its tracks.

The Rhinnalian took hold of Ezra by the cuffs and gently pushed him across the balcony, making him walk backwards under a degree of duress. Dash's unzippered jeans starting riding down his rear a little as he walked, but he hardly cared. He pushed Ezra down onto a cushioned sofa, forcing his cuffed hands above his head and joining them to the furniture with a another wave of his hand. His passion for Ezra only seemed to fuel his talents and he felt strong enough to do anything right about now.

He half pulled, half tore his boyfriend's shirt off, not caring or asking for permission as he leapt atop Ezra's hips, pinning him bare-chested to the sofa. A pair of ice cubes were his final flurry, forming and cracking together in his palm as he looked down at the captive teen.

"Which is feeling most sensitive today Mr Thorne? Left or right?"

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra grinned at Dash’s question, “Well, technically I am breaking some rules,” He said with a sultry tone. He began to lean in to steal a kiss, but Dash had other ideas. He gasped as he felt the frosty burn of icy handcuffs forming around his wrists. Ezra glanced down in surprise, the ice frigid against his skin. However, he was distracted with Dash pushing him backwards. He went along with it, both surprised and excited at the sudden shift in his boyfriend. There was a confidence in Dash that was irresistible, and it only made Ezra crave him more.

When he toppled back into the sofa, he knew he was not in any kind of control. It was a strange feeling, but it exhilarated him because it was Dash who held the reins for now. Ezra’s eyes widened as his boyfriend practically tore off his shirt, “Babe this is a Marzini..” He quietly trailed off, very attached to his designer brands. He forgot about it almost immediately when Dash climbed atop him, his own hands stuck atop his head. It was all an effortless display of the other teen's power with the Force. Clearly Dash had been practicing…

There was an involuntary groan that escaped Ezra with Dash straddling him, his own hips rubbing up. Dash would be very aware of Ezra’s desire pressing against him, “I…” He eyed the ice forming in Dash’s hand, watching with slight apprehension, “..What’re you about to do?” He asked, entirely too surprised by the turn of events to answer the question. He could only recall the surprise ice on his chest when he and Dash had slept together the first time. There was the slightest hint of fear, but it was mixed in with exhilaration. They hadn’t played like this and he was surprised by his own urges to keep at it.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash had Ezra right where he wanted him. It was fun having his dynamo of a boyfriend completely in his power for once. That and the sensation of Ez pushing against his rear from below had him steaming. The Rhinnalian rocked back and forth gently, knowing it would send Ezra to the same place.

"Don't worry" he said, as if reassuring a little kitten "there will be no accidental ice burns today. Every one of them will be planned". In truth, he had no intention of leaving lasting damage on his boyfriend this time and he was pretty sure he now had the control to avoid it. Still, he was going to leave a lasting impact.

Leaning down, Dash kissed Ezra deep, their lips touching at precisely the same moment he set a cold hard ice cube on each of the other teen's nipples. The freezing touch would be a shock against the warm Thyferran air. Dash did not know if these were sensitive spots for Ez, but they were about to find out. He gently moved the freezing cubes in small circles, never breaking the kiss and muffling his boyfriend's moans with his tongue.

Eventually, he let go of the lips and started moving down Ez's neck and into the crook of his shoulder, planting tender kisses and breathing in every inch of his man. Still, he worked those cubes, round and round but never melting in the hands of their creator.

When he finally sat up astride Ezra again, juggling the two cubes mischievously, he saw those nips were now hard and more than likely screaming with delight.

"Your jeans are coming off next Mr Thorne, so you better tell me now if they are anything special".

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

---​

Ezra’s jeans never made it back on since their time at the balcony, and the two certainly explored several different locations within the expansive manor. The workers gave them a wide berth, dispersing entirely with only a few droids left on patrol. A few days had passed in pure bliss and Dash was introduced to a glimpse of Ezra’s insane lifestyle. Each day brought a new experience- new cuisine brought in from all over the galaxy, people waiting on them hand and foot no matter where they went, and of course time with one another without needing to kick out a roommate. The Thorne influence had expanded to virtually all corners of Thyferra by now and it was clear this planet was deeply rooted within ISC principles and Emryc personally. The Thornes lived better than most royalty and the sheer gravity of it was almost overwhelming to anyone that didn’t grow up with it.

It was still early morning and Ezra was not a morning person. He had loved having Dash in his bed, sharing in the luxury sheets with his boyfriend. Dash would learn that Ezra’s bathroom rugs were, in fact, made of imported Rhinnalian refined wool as Ezra claimed on Kashyyyk. The part Sephi was still fast asleep, his arm tightly wrapped around Dash with the other teen’s back pressed against his chest. The two were clad in nothing but underwear, Ezra getting entirely used to Dash’s slightly cool skin against his when he fell asleep.

Both their comms began to go off, Ezra’s NalPhone lighting up and buzzing. The Sephi remained entirely oblivious, holding Dash affectionately to himself. He was even quietly snoring, dead to the world as was normal when he slept. While Dash would have little luck breaking out of his grasp, if he brought his comlink over to look, he would see it was a message from Hera. It would be one detailing an account of her and Zathria meeting and her recanting her stance. There was a plea for the boys to go back to their Jedi home.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

The events on the balcony proved just the beginning. In the days that followed, Dash fell full square down the rabbit hole into the very heart of Ezraland. Thorne Manor was huge and sprawling and it could take a lifetime to learn its every twist and turn. His boyfriend showed him most of them and they enjoyed unbroken days of passion and bliss that they had never know before. Dash had wanted to get away, but he could never have dreamed how complete his escape would be.

Dash also felt he was learning more about Ezra from being at the heart of his world. There was so much material wealth - including some infamous Rhinnalian refined wool - but at times not of a spiritual or emotional kind. The other Thornes were off out in the galaxy and the few staff and droids presumably made for poor company. Together, the two them wanted for nothing, but Dash had to wonder at Ez's life before and thank his stars yet again that he had persuaded the guy to share it.

He was sleeping soundly one morning, cuddled up to Ezra and snoring ever so gently, when all the comms in the world seemed to start going off. Dash came round groggily, rubbing sleep from his eye with a finger. His boyfriend was so still he might have been dead, if not for the heavy snoring, and the Rhinnalian knew better than to try and prize himself out of his stiff, deadweight arms. He reached out for his comlink instead, drawing it to him with the Force.

It was a message from Master Hera - his old Master he supposed now - though not the short, sharp words of concern she had been sending last week. It was long and detailed and he scrunched his blue eyes as he read through the contents.

"Ez!" he hissed, before he realised he would never raise him that way. He touched a finger to his boyfriend's exposed nipple and gave him the tiniest shot of the frost. "It's Hera. She's been talking to Zath - apparently she's changed her mind - they both don't think we need to break up after all!". He was still processing it, excitement beginning to stir in his chest. Hera had been so clear, so absolute, he had thought it was hopeless. Was there actually a way to be a Jedi and Ezra Thorne's boyfriend?!


@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Dash was right - simply calling Ezra by name while he was asleep was utterly useless. The man could sleep through a planet glassing. He was blissfully unaware until Dash did an extremely cruel and mean gesture that felt like an electric shock to the nips, “Ow what the hell!” Ezra woke with a start, calling the Force to himself to unleash on his attacker when he realized what was happening, “Why can’t you wake me up all sexy like in the Holo movies..” He grumbled quietly. He was half asleep, only partially hearing Dash. He had a stern glare on his face before he yawned and rubbed his eyes.

“What are you talking about?” He asked groggily, initially confused and slow on the uptake. There was some mention about comlinks, messages, their masters. Ezra simply groaned and rolled over, taking Dash with him. The blond would be forced to flop on his belly, face pressed into a pillow. Ezra reached over him to get his NalPhone, unceremoniously laying across Dash’s back like dead weight, pinning the Rhinnalian. He idly began to scroll through his phone like that.

He saw a message from Zathria, but first he noticed his group chats buzzing about Limmie, “Ugh, I missed the Yag’Dhul and Kinyen match!” He exclaimed unhappily, “Farz is definitely taking Kinyen to the finals,” He was rapidly texting on his Nalphone, “Can’t wait to tell Ty to eat shit,” He snickered to himself. He was almost done composing said text when muffled Dash complaints anchored him back to the present.

Ezra finally moved off him, lying down on his back next to his boyfriend as he looked through his NalPhone, “Well, what do you want to do? I guess they want us back on Ithor,” He looked over at Dash, “Do you believe Hera?” Ezra knew he trusted his own Master and also that Zathria likely didn’t care about them dating, but he wasn’t privy to Dash and Hera’s relationship. As Dash was the Knight, this would be heavier on his shoulders than on Ezra’s.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

As usual, Ezra took an age to come round, as if waking from a several hundred year slumber. Dash did worry what would happen if they ever needed to move fast in a crisis.

What he did not expect was for his lumbering boyfriend to roll over the top of him, crushing Dash against the bed and driving the wind from him. Ez's gibberish about sports was almost as painful. Dash would never have dreamed his partner would strike up a bond with his loutish brother, but they were already pretty inseparable when it came to this Limmie business, chuntering in a language the Rhinnalian did not even understand.

With Ez laying like a deadweight across him, Dash could barely find the air to complain, eventually managing to communicate his discomfort though muffled grunts and shoves. "I....I don't know" he said, still thinking about it as they lay back down side by side. Hera had been very clear and he had never known her to waver from her principles before. "But, if Zathria has messaged you too then she would have to be in on any trickery. I don't think they could both do something like that...".

It was not an easy choice. When Dash had left Ithor, he had worked himself into a state where he no longer knew who to trust. When he and Ezra agreed they could not wait, or lie, he had no thought he would be going back. Besides, Thorne Manor was a paradise he was in no rush to leave.

But the realist in him knew he could not hide from the galaxy forever. They had to go back and find out the official position eventually, even if it was the one they feared. Hera was just the beginning. There was the Council and Grandmaster to factor in too and Ezra's future was on the line as much as his own.

"We should go back" Dash said finally "see what they have to say". He turned to look at his boyfriend, cupping that perfect jaw tenderly "but we go back together. They are not breaking us up, whatever happens. Deal?"

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was still sleepy, already scrolling through his game feeds. He was far more relaxed than Dash on this topic, because he never let anyone else decide how he lived his personal life to begin with. He looked over when Dash cupped his face. His words drew out a faint grin, “They were never going to be able to do that for me,” He said, “Only you can make that call,” Ezra stated, his demeanor calm and cool in clear contrast to his worrywart boyfriend. He would have given Zathria the proverbial middle finger if she tried to dictate who he could or couldn’t date. For him, there wouldn’t be any internal debate about it. He didn’t have the same levels of attachments to the Jedi as an Order.

He leaned in to kiss his boyfriend. He set his NalPhone on silent and tugged Dash back to himself, “Now shut up, I want to sleep,” He said, closing his eyes again. He wanted to fully maximize the time he had to sleep in while he was here without Jedi classes to worry about.

/end

@Alhon