Hunt Log: Side Notes and Journals
Sighting: Darvannis
I didn't tell Torian that I was flying the mission to Darvannis for two reasons. One: because he'd have told me not to. It took Vizla five damn months to accept the Outlander's treaty, even with Torian vouching for the woman. Something about her being a Jedi and history between them. All I know is I'm going to punch her for taking so long. Two: Because I can't wait to see the shock on his stupid face when my fat ass waltzes down that ramp.
The Medallion settled on the outskirts of the Mandalorian camp ahead of schedule. Sadio hadn't expected a welcoming committee, but someone would have been nice. Of course, it didn't take long for the shouts to begin around the border, then work their way in. Within fifteen minutes, a pack of speeders were heading in their direction.
The Barsen'thor placed her hand on her husband's shoulder. Felix Iresso relaxed his grip on the blaster with a nod, but he didn't look pleased about their mission. Sadio hadn't spoken with the man about anything outside of pleasantries and her baby. He had a nice smile, they both did, actually, and had taken her in as one of their own. Sadio was surprised to find that her allegiances had shifted and that if the Mandalorians caused problems, she'd be on the wrong side of it.
Those thoughts scattered, however, when a single speeder accelerated ahead of the pack. Sadio's heartbeat thumped louder when she recognized the hunch of those shoulders. She stepped forward before reminding herself that running towards a speeding air bike, especially in her condition, was the mother of all stupidity.
After what seemed like an eternity, Torian's bike came to a stop, and he vaulted off. Tossing his helmet into the sand, he hit the ramp at a run and scooped Sadio into his arms. The moment hung, her fingers fisted in the cloth cowl around his neck. She didn't care that the corners of his armored plates were digging into her skin, or that his embrace was too tight. Until the baby kicked, at least. A solid thump against her bladder made Sadio grunt for more space.
When Torian released Sadio, it was to cup her face between his gloved hands and pull her into a kiss that would have had Felix covering his children's eyes. She heard the man chuckle behind her and promised to smack him later. At last, the Barsen'thor cleared her throat. "You must be Torian Cadera."
Breaking the kiss, Torian held Sadio's gaze for half a beat more, then looked over her head at the commander of the Alliance. "I am." He pulled Sadio around, tucking her against his side with a firmness that made it clear they wouldn't be parted again. "You have my thanks for taking care of her in my absence."
The Barsen'thor's smile was nothing less than angelic when she bowed in response. "It's been our pleasure. Sadio is a valued member of the Alliance, and we would happily extend that invitation to you and your clan, should you decide to join."
"Commander." Sadio turned towards the voice she recognized, but hadn't seen in nearly a year. Corridan Ordo winked from where he stood at the bottom of the ramp. With a smirk, he gestured at the air bike Torian had abandoned. "We seem to have a spare if you and your man would like to use it."
The message was clear, they planned to leave Torian at the ship, and the Barsen'thor accepted without hesitation. Sadio couldn't hide her excitement at the prospect of having Torian alone for the first time since he'd left to answer the Mand'alor's call. They'd shared plenty of holocalls, more than a few of those not suitable for mixed company, but to actually touch him…
Bidding them farewell, the Barsen'thor dismounted the loading ramp and settled onto the back of Torian's discarded air bike. Felix paused next to Sadio, leaning forward to impart conspiratorial advice. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Sadio shoved the man away. "How many kids do you have?" Felix winked and joined his wife, taking the forward position with her hands wrapped around his waist.
Without wasting a moment, Sadio turned and snagged the front of Torian's chest plate to yank him into another bruising kiss. She didn't care that it hurt her teeth or that they were still exposed on a hostile planet. She needed to feel his lips on hers, to prove that it was real.
One step at a time, Torian guided them up the ramp, then slammed his fist against the airlock shut panel. He growled when Sadio grabbed his lip with her teeth, and a jolt of longing shot through her. It had been too long since she'd heard him come apart. The pitiful grunts and sighs over the holo while he hid behind a crate in the middle of the night didn't count. She wanted him on her bed, writhing beneath her, and swearing as loud as he could.
"Anyone else on the ship?" Torian husked when Sadio fumbled at the latches on his armor.
"Just us." Sadio yelped when Torian yanked the hem of her shirt higher, nearly clearing her head before it got caught in the tangle of their arms. She laughed and wiggled free of the fabric, blushing slightly when Torian's hands rested on her stomach.
On the holo, Sadio had always positioned the camera to hide everything but the fun parts. Now, she was exposed. Her stomach had begun to round, and while it had never been flat, the stretch marks were still red and blatant. Sadio suppressed the desire to step back when Torian knelt in front of her, his palms fitting perfectly around the swell of their child. When he glanced up, strange emotions danced in those bright, blue eyes. "Beautiful."
Sadio's heart clenched, but she drowned her sentiment in sarcasm. "Why don't you prove it to me."
Before she could register that he'd moved, Torian had Sadio pinned against the cold wall. She hissed and arched away from the metal, earning a satisfied smirk from her lover. "You've gotta earn that smugness, blondie."
Taking her hand, Torian started for their room. His armor melted away, piece by piece, leaving a path through the ship. By the time they made it to the main room, Sadio was topless with one boot on, and he was down to his kute. While she rid herself of the other shoe, Torian unfastened the tool belt that she refused to quit wearing, then yanked her against him.
The feel of Torian's warmth made Sadio tremble. Only a few, thin scraps of material lingered between them, none of which could hide how much he'd looked forward to this reunion. Torian's kisses grew softer, a lingering promise. Sadio's fingers tangled into his hair, holding him close until Torian swore and danced away.
Sadio blinked, hurt mixing with confusion while Torian rubbed the back of his calf. Then, the unmistakable shrill of a droid pulled her attention to the table they'd been next to. An unapologetic Phil gestured with his electric probe.
"You kept the skanah droid?" Torian groused, hands on hips while he glared at Sadio's knee high guardian.
Laughter burst out of Sadio, so violently that she had to place her hands on her thighs to keep upright. Phil had always harassed Torian, but he'd been amicable with everyone else on her ship, so she'd forgotten about their little rivalry.
Composing herself, or at least making an effort, Sadio shooed the droid away. Torian walked towards her, keeping a wary eye in the direction that Phil had gone, and slipped an arm around her waist. "That thing's a menace."
"Only to you." Finally, Sadio heaved a deep breath and brought her laughter to heel. There were tears in her eyes, but she couldn't blame it all on Phil. It was good to be reminded of old times, even if it involved minor electrocution of the man she loved. Giving Torian a shove, Sadio chuckled. "Come on, I'll lock you in the room where it's safe."
