Martouf made his way back to Saffran's quarters. He came to a stop just short of the entrance and lent against the wall as he lost himself in his thoughts.
"It was helpful talking to Samantha today Martouf. You must talk to Saffran tonight, before any further damage is done. You have spent the last two hours talking to me regarding this situation and now you must convey your feelings to her. I am not going to talk for you." Lantash heard Martouf snort internally. "Martouf! You need to… what does Jacob say… get a grip! I know how you feel about her and I know how you feel about this baby. I will not allow you to throw this away as I have no desire to listen to your moaning for the next 100 years. You let Sam go… do not make the same mistake again."
Martouf sighed knowing Lantash was right. As he moved closer to the doorway he saw a faint light coming from the room.
"At least you won't have to wake her!"
Martouf walked into the room and found Saffran sitting at the table, a glass of water in her hand and her pen resting lightly on her chin. She looked deep in thought.
Martouf approached her slowly and saw an extensive amount of writing on the paper in front of her. "I am sorry I am so late in returning."
She looked up at him. "And I am sorry for being so short with you today."
Martouf crouched down so that he was on her level. "You have no need to apologise."
"Oh yes I do. I have taken my own frustration out on you." She gently stroked his cheek. "That is not acceptable."
Martouf smiled. "That is what I am here for."
"No it is not."
Martouf bit his lip softly. "I had a long talk with Samantha today."
Saffran closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Martouf – we need to talk. But first I need to talk to Lantash."
Martouf looked uncertain at this request but as Lantash reassured him that this would be alright, he relented and gave him control. "Saffran."
She smiled. "Lantash. I firstly want to thank you. You have been so kind to me in a difficult situation. I realise that we are both in the same position but the difference is that I knew what I was getting myself into when I made the decision to jump realities. You had no such forewarning. You have had to make decisions on a daily basis, often without much time to consider the consequences. And for that… I am eternally grateful."
"It is the least I could do."
"Secondly. I realise that Martouf is sometimes… unwilling to voice his options and concerns, and I know that you feel obligated to voice them for him, but at this moment in time…"
"… you need to talk host to host."
Saffran narrowed her eyes slightly. "No offence – but I know you two didn't come to that conclusion on your own."
Lantash chuckled. "You are correct. Samantha suggested that due to Jolinar's absence, you may feel lonely and in need of reassurance from Martouf – not me. I am quite content to allow Martouf more time to express his concerns – but I would of course request that this is not solely his relationship. I need to form a deeper relationship with you as well."
"I know. I just… I need him more at the moment Lantash. I am not asking you to disappear, I am just asking for some discretion, allow Martouf to find his own feet."
"I will do as you ask."
Saffran kissed him softly. "I love you – both of you. Please remember that."
"I will. Goodnight Saffran."
"Goodnight Lantash." She watched as Martouf's head dipped. "As for you – we need to have a little chat."
Martouf sighed. "May I suggest that first we unrobe and get settled in for the night?"
Saffran nodded. "Good idea."
