We stayed in his ship most of the night. He seemed distant when he spoke and I felt his anger throughout the hours I spent with him. When I tried discussing his sister he blocked the questions, either not answering at all or changing the subject in a heartbeat.

"Why are you fighting with Asya?" I asked while nipping at a glass of red wine he'd poured for the both of us. I was surprised to see that he had a small cooling unit packed with everything I could have hoped for – even ice cream which I tried not to devour on sight, afraid that I'd lose my lady like face in front of Devon.

We sat facing each other in a small recreation area aboard his ship. It was a comfortable little place, with plush green furniture nailed to the metal boards.

Devon cleared his throat and dragged a hand through his spiky, blond hair, "How's your sister doing?"

I bit down on my tongue and hoped my face didn't betray the annoyance I was feeling at that moment. I tried telling myself that it was none of my business but something told me this was far greater than a simple sibling squabbling. And I wanted to help in any way possible. Plus, I hate secrets.

"Devon." I leaned back and sighed, "I don't want to invade your privacy but I'm worried about you. What's going on?"

He shook his head and clamped his jaw shut. I could almost see his mind working fervently and when he spoke I was surprised at the softness of his voice, "I don't want you involved."

That's all he said and he ignored any further questions concerning the topic. But it had me even more curious. Knowing I wouldn't be able to get a word out of him I thought about maybe speaking to Asya instead. I was certain Devon would be angry if he found out but maybe he wouldn't find out and at least my curiosity would be sated.

"Ti'ana's doing alright, concerning the circumstances." I said, using the spoon I was holding to mesh around in the already melted ice cream. As a little girl I'd wait until the ice cream was fully melted and then I'd gulp it down as if drinking water. I loved to do that as a child and I honestly thought about drinking it up at that moment but I held back, again wondering what Devon would think of me.

"I'm glad to hear that."

The rest of the night went on exactly like this. I asked questions I hoped he would answer and when he did, he made sure I knew not to prod further. It was getting increasingly aggravating and sometime around four in the morning, I got up and gathered up my coat, "I think I should go." I said slowly, watching as he turned towards me; there was a flicker of emotions within his eyes I couldn't recognize and I was oddly disappointed when he nodded and led me to the ramp.

Outside in the hangar I let a deep frown surface on my forehead and was about to keep walking towards the exit when he grabbed my elbow and spun me around.

"Listen. I…" His voice faltered and he averted his gaze for a moment, seeming to take deep breaths to get himself back under control. And I wanted to know why and I was angry at him for not letting me in on his worries.



"I don't want to mess things up." He said, reaching up to cup my face in his hands, "You're precious to me, Marrim. And that's why I can't have you involved in what's going on."

My eyes darkened and I stepped away, "Alright." I bit out and turned again, surprised to see Devon run up into my way. He held his palms out as if wanting to stop me, "Dammit, Marrim, please don't make this any more difficult than it already is."

"I'm not. I was only leaving."

He narrowed his eyes at me, "I wish you would just accept this –"

"Oh I am accepting this, Devon. I'm accepting that you want to solve your problems on your own and I do understand. I'm also accepting the fact that by doing so, you're pushing me away. I want to help you and you don't want my help. I understand this as well. So please don't be surprised when I leave because then it won't hurt me so to see you worried and declining my help."

I moved passed him and stalked away, my boots clicking on the ground of the hangar bay.

When I arrived home a while later Devon had already left a message. I took my time changing my clothes before I decided to sit before the comm unit and listen to what Devon had to say. I was honestly quite nervous – I didn't want to fight over this but I felt left out. I wanted to be a part of his life and it seemed to me he had the same feelings so why wouldn't he give me the chance to prove to him that I was trustworthy?

That's what stung the most. I really did think he didn't trust me.

It was an audio message only and I sat down on the floor, leaning against the cold wall as I listened to him speak.

"Marrim…Gods…why are you doing this?" there was a slight pause and I imaged him dragging his hand through his hair again. He did that a lot when he got agitated, I noticed.

"Depending on the next few days this could get dangerous. Asya's involved with the wrong people. I don't want you near her or them. Please understand, Marrim. I…" He paused again and I closed my eyes, wondering what would come next.

"I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you." His voice was a mere whisper and I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words, "I don't want you to be angry with me but if it'll keep you away from this – if your anger will keep you safe – then that's what it's going to take." I heard him heave a sigh before he continued, "Take care of yourself, Marrim."

The message ended with me shaking my head and feeling shocked at Devon's words. It sounded like Asya was in real trouble. So why didn't Devon want to help her? Why didn't he want to help his sister?

Instead of sating my curiosity his message only fueled it more.



I got to my feet and began pacing up and down the living room. My thoughts whirled around Devon, around Asya. And I was astounded that I hadn't thought about Ti'ana being in the hospital through the entire ordeal with Devon. I didn't like that at all.

I jumped when I heard the chime at the front door, frowning as I glanced at the chrono. I hadn't slept all night and it was nearing sunrise soon. I had planned on visiting Ti'ana early that day and I sighed as I realized I'd at least need two or three hours of sleep before I'd be at least halfway functional.

Slowly I made my way to the front door, opening it only a crack to see who it was.

"Open the door."

I stepped back and let Devon enter without a word. I frowned at him, wondering why he'd followed me home after sending the message.

"I already heard what you had to say." I crossed my arms in front of my chest and gave him an arched look.

"I figured as much."

"And?"

"And nothing."

He was suddenly right in front of me, so close that I could feel his breath on my neck. "I don't want to argue about this any longer." He whispered making the hairs on my body stand on end. Of course he wouldn't argue about this – I was finally getting to see a different side of Devon I wasn't too fond of. Stubbornness. Major stubbornness.

"Then don't." I said defiantly, not backing down as he gave me a dark look, "I won't ask any further questions."

At least I wouldn't be asking him.

He leaned forward and captured my lips with his, kissing me fiercely. I was surprised at his fiery touches – his hands slid up my back, underneath my shirt and that's when I pushed him away.

"You're still angry." I said.

"I'm not."

I narrowed my eyes at him, "Don't lie."

He licked his lips with the tip of his tongue and I forced myself to look away, taking a large step backwards.

"What do you want from me, Marrim?"

I held back a smirk, "I want your trust. Is that too much to ask?"

"I trust you."



I snorted at his response and walked passed him towards the kitchen unit adjacent to the living area. I got down on my knees and opened the freezer, digging through until I finally found a packet of ice cream I'd kept hidden for exactly a time like this.

I slammed it down on the counter, opening a drawer to grab a large spoon. Devon's eyes were on me the entire time; I forced myself to look away as I headed towards the sofa, letting myself fall onto the old cushions while ripping open the ice cream pack.

Chocolate was a needed nourishment when having a bad day. Someone should declare an official holiday for all those needing chocolate the way I needed it at that moment.

"Was there anything else you wanted, Devon?"

He turned his hard gaze onto me and nodded, "Yeah, actually." There was a little tick near the corner of his mouth and he smiled this strange little smile I'd so far not seen on him. I rolled my eyes as I realized why he'd come and it got me even more fueled up.

"Are you kidding me?" I exclaimed jumping to my feet and planting my fists on my hips, "You thought you could come over here, try a lame excuse or an apology and then get me to bed?"
"No. That wasn't what I was thinking."

"It's written all over your face, Devon."

"Dammit, Marrim!" He exhaled a breath and pinned me with a glare, "It's not about that. I want to be with you and I won't deny it but tonight – tonight isn't about sex. It's about just being with you. I need to be with you."

I realized that whatever was going on with Asya was taking its toll on her brother. He was worried about her and I think he even feared for her.

I felt like an idiot right then and there and I sighed, "I'm sorry." I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him closer, laying my head on his chest. I listened to his steady heartbeat, to his steady breathing. Force, I felt stupid.

"I'm sorry for being an idiot."

"Hush."

He lifted my chin with his finger and I trembled under his fierce gaze. He leaned forward and kissed me gently, nipping at my lip which made my legs feel boneless beneath me.

"If you want, I'll leave." He whispered when he pulled back. He reached up and tucked a strand of wayward hair behind my ear as he smiled, "I don't want to crowd you."

"I won't mind if you stay. I'd enjoy the company."

I pulled him down to the sofa with me, grabbing my ice cream and shoveling a large amount of the chocolate flavor into my mouth.

"Want some?" I asked offering him the spoon.

He shook his head and held up a hand, "Thanks."



"Are you sure? It's chocolate. Chocolate heals the soul for a while and whisks the worries away." I said in an exaggerated sweet voice which made him laugh.

I love the sound of that man's laugh.

"Please?" I batted my lashes his way and he laughed even more, "Pretty please?"

"Well, if you insist."

I fed him the spoon of ice cream and felt my stomach explode in a million tiny knots. He arched a brow after swallowing and smirked at me, "Do you have more?"

I laughed at him then and leaned over to place a small kiss on his cheek, "Of course I have more. But eat this first."

We ended up sharing two packs of chocolate ice cream while watching a silly movie over the holo net. Eventually I fell asleep in his arms, lying halfway on top of him while trying to get a comfortable position on the sofa.

I listened to his heart and to his breathing, feeling his muscled body beneath me – I dreamt of him and I think I slept with a smile on my face.