Chapter Fifteen
Ella shifted nervously, looking around at the many important faces.
I wish Padme were here.
There were a lot of people she didn't know - senators with important jobs. Important lives.
She was just a girl from Veritas whose dream was to nurse and comfort wounded soldiers who fought tirelessly for the freedom of the galaxy. Who was she compared to them?
The Twi'lek representative, Orn Free Taa, leaned forward to address her. "Miss Starrow, am I right to believe that you work closely with Skywalker?"
Ella was a little surprised by the attention, but nodded. "That's one way of putting it. I'm no jedi, so it's a little hard to keep up with him."
The senators laughed at this.
"Who do you work with more often?" Kin Robb queried.
"The medics mostly. That's what I signed up for, at least," she answered. "Vutyc, Wander, Kix, and I work together on and off the battlefield."
"You? On the field of battle?" Tal Merrik scoffed.
Ella swallowed, looking at her hands clasped in her lap. "I grant you that it's hard to imagine me on the battlefield, especially in these clothes," she said, shrugging. "But I can't just stay on the ship when I'm needed below."
"Do you fight?" Satine Kryze, the Duchess of Mandalore, asked. The young woman felt as if she were peering straight through her soul as she lifted her eyes to meet hers. The ruler was seated on a raised platform of sorts with a cushiony surface.
Ella shook her head, "Not unless I must. I'm mainly the first aid. I do carry a blaster on the field; it would be suicide not to. I haven't had to use it often, but I know that I and everyone else wouldn't feel even relatively safe if I didn't."
"Why is that?" Onaconda Farr asked. "Since you don't fight, why would they be uncomfortable with you having no weapon?"
Boy these senators really ask a lot of questions.
"Because it eliminates my ability to defend myself, and distracts them from the battle. Knowing I'm at least armed gives them more freedom to focus. It's not to say I haven't needed help. I'll put it this way; if you crashed in the middle of the ocean, would you feel more or less safe if the fellow passengers didn't know how to swim?"
Satine nodded, "If I had to worry about keeping someone afloat, I couldn't save my strength for myself."
"In helping myself in this instance, I help others. It's the loving thing to do."
A bout of silence resulted. Then,
"I suppose they treat you well?" Satine asked.
Ella nodded, "Yes. Definitely."
"You feel like you belong with them," the duchess mused.
Ella found herself agreeing before she even thought about the question, "Yes. They're like my family to me."
"It must be very difficult then when they die," Kin guessed.
"Very," Ella replied. "I'm fortunate so far; I haven't lost anyone I knew well. But even if I only meet them as they're dying, it leaves a hole."
"Who do you know well?" Orn asked.
"Captain Rex," Ella started. "Jesse, Hardcase, Kix, Wander, Votyc, Charge, Rogue, Denal, Fives, and Echo are a few."
"Few!" he chuckled. "If that's a few then you have a good memory!"
Ella blushed, "I try. It means a lot to them to remember."
Satine sighed, "Have you any idea where our brave jedi are?"
Interesting redirection, Ella noted.
"I think they're briefing the men," she said.
"Please," the lady addressed two of her guards. "Would one of you send for them?"
One nodded and stepped into the hall.
"That's a lovely dress you're wearing, Ella," Satine said, leaning back on one hand. There was a girlish gleam in her eyes.
Ella glanced down at herself. Her off-white dress left her shoulders bare, saving two delicate silk straps. The chiffon sleeves were long and loose, veiling her arms in a wisp of cloud before gathering back at her wrist where a bright pattern of flowers formed a bracelet around each.
The only other color to be found on the dress was across her chest, where the same flowers ran across her collarbone and narrowed as they fell in vines to her waist.
It was all held together at the back by a long row of buttons. She'd managed the bottom seven but couldn't reach the ones at the middle and top of her back. For those she'd called for help.
Echo didn't mind at all and carefully pushed each delicate button through the loop. When he finished the last, he brushed her long hair to the side, and pressed a kiss to the back of her neck.
She smiled as she remembered his adoring expression when she arranged her hair, letting it stay down but pulling the front sides back from her face into a twist and braiding down her back, securing it with a comb of golden leaves and pearl buds.
'Almost,' he'd murmured. He picked up some tiny golden flower studs, and gently helped her out the earrings on. Then he stepped back and gave her a thrice-over, then smiled, kissing her lips. 'You, my love, look so stunning, all those senators will wonder if you came from heaven to bless them.'
"Thank you, my lady," Ella responded demurely.
The duchess was then asked questions about her intentions with this neutrality talk. Ella tried her best to listen, but was a little lost. It was hard to think of not doing anything to help when she'd given herself to the 501st and seen firsthand what the Separatists were capable of.
"Excuse me, Your Grace," Merrik asked. "Are you suggesting we oppose the war on humanitarian grounds?"
"I'm going to oppose it as an affront to life itself. As the designated regent of fifteen hundred systems, I speak for thousands of worlds that have urged me to allow them to stay neutral in this war," she answered.
"And yet some might argue that the strongest defense is a swift and decisive offense," a familiar voice countered.
The room turned to view the newest speaker as Obi Wan approached the duchess.
"You are quite the general now, aren't you Master Kenobi?" Satine observed icily.
"Forgive me for interrupting, Your Highness," he responded in kind. "I meant no disrespect."
"Really?" she doubted. "Senators, I'm sure you're acquainted with the collection of half-truths and hyperboles known as Obi Wan Kenobi."
Well ouch, Ella thought sympathetically.
But the Jedi Master only gave a tiny nod, "Your Highness is too kind."
"You're right. I am," Satine murmured softly.
"Allow me to introduce my fellow jedi, Anakin Skywalker," Obi Wan tactfully steered.
"Your servant, My Lady," Anakin said, bowing courteously.
Padme would be proud. She taught him well.
"I remember a time when jedi were not generals, but peacekeepers," the duchess stated, somewhat loftily.
"We are protectors, Your Highness; yours at the moment," Anakin replied, taking the snub in stride.
Please apply ice to the area of burn, Ella cheered amusedly.
"We fight for peace."
Satine laughed lightly, "What an amusing contradiction."
"What Master Skywalker means is that we are acting at the behest of Your Highness to protect you from the Death Watch and the Separatists who don't share your neutral point of view," Obi Wan mended.
"I asked for no such thing!" Satine countered.
"That may be so," the jedi defended, "but the majority of your court did."
An awkward silence ensued.
"I do not remember you as one to hide behind excuses," the duchess hissed scathingly. Ella imagined her as a cat, baring her fangs.
"I do not remember you as one to shrink from responsibilities," Obi Wan retorted.
Orn Free Taa saw this as ample time to intervene before the tension thickened. It was already so dense that you could cut it with a lightsaber.
"I am certain we all agree. Duchess Satine and General Kenobi have proven there are two sides to every dilemma."
"Indeed," Merrik agreed.
"Now, in regard to the Senate work," the Twi'lek continued, "we think—"
"I think a multitude makes discord, not good counsel," Satine interrupted sharply.
"Right again, My Lady," he conceded.
"There may be two sides to every dilemma, but the duchess only favors hers," Obi Wan hissed to Anakin.
Ella sighed. Are things always so heated? No wonder so many politicians carry fans on them.
•~§~•
Satine stormed from the room, surprisingly with poise and grace. Ella stood by Anakin, her fists clenched in the mesmerizing material of her dress. She was nervous; he could tell. She could handle a battlefield pretty well, but the stress from politicians? It seemed it was putting her more on edge.
And no wonder, Echo thought to himself. If it's always this salty, it's no wonder most of these guys have a few loose cannons.
"Please excuse me, senators," she said in her sweet voice. "It was a pleasure to meet you all. I'm going for a short walk and should be back around supper time."
They bid her a pleasant walk before she left.
"Echo," she murmured, "please accompany me."
General Skywalker nodded to him, giving his assent.
Once they were further away, Ella slipped her hand into his, squeezing desperately.
"I know that was difficult for you," Echo tried. "You were splendid all the same; I think everyone is pleasantly surprised by you."
She smiled and leaned on his shoulder, "You always know what to say. Ugh… I can't stand much more tonight. All this talk about neutrality versus the war is giving me a headache. I think I've bitten permanent indentations into my tongue."
"Oh dear," Echo drawled. "Can't have that now can we?" He stopped them in front of a lift and pressed the call button.
She playfully slapped his bicep and giggled, hiding her blushing face behind her hand. "Echo, if no one has told you what an absolute flirt you are, I'll happily claim the first admission."
He chuckled, following her onto the lift. "Ah, but you love me for it."
"Of course."
When the doors closed, he removed his helmet and kissed her, pushing her against the wall. There was a slight hint of the favored gloss, but it was mainly overwhelmed by the fine white wine she'd tasted. Even still, he couldn't be deterred and continued his affections.
"Echo," she said between kisses, "We have to— be careful."
She's right, his reasonable side agreed.
Kriff.
He nodded and tore himself away, slipping himself back into the helmet and standing respectively by her side.
"I didn't…" she worried, trying to fix her slightly crumpled appearance. "I didn't want to hurt you if I did, Echo."
Echo turned back to her and helped her right the fragile band that had slipped from her shoulder in their passionate frenzy. "No. You didn't. You're right. I don't know, lately I've been feeling like I can't get enough of you. It's driving me mad; Fives is usually the hot-blooded one, not me."
Ella flushed and brushed out the wrinkles in her dress. "I think that's normal."
Echo panted out a laugh, "I won't lie to you; ever since I saw you tonight, I've wanted to kiss you senseless."
Ella leaned her head on his shoulder. "I think you just did."
"No," he shook his head. "I mean I don't want you to remember your own name after I'm finished. That you forget where we are, what is around us. Everything."
Echo smirked as he watched her face pink exquisitely. Her blushes gave him the highest form of satisfaction.
Score!
"I don't know if you know this," she whispered, "but that's the way you always effect me."
And the world screeched to a halt and ceased to exist. It was too much. He couldn't help but smile goofily.
This is the most important moment I've ever had in my life. I have achieved the highest form of success. Anything else is secondary.
Her giggles cut through his triumphant celebration.
"Huh?"
She giggled again, "You puffed your chest out when I told you that. It was kinda funny."
Heat rose in his own cheeks and he scratched the back of his neck. "Uhh… erm, I mean… sorry?"
She shook her head, "It's okay. I think it's a knee-jerk reaction for guys. When they feel kinda proud of themselves because of something they did or someone else complimenting them, it just happens."
"Really?" he asked sheepishly.
She nodded. "Yeah. Just like how a lot of girls will blush and duck their heads when they're complimented, or sometimes act nervous."
Echo could only think to nod at this new information.
The lift doors opened and they stepped out, looking out a beautiful long window. Hyperspace was like a bioluminescent river, all shimmering and rippling as they passed through. Echo wondered what planets they were speeding by, what lives they were going past. Were there couples just as in love on those planets too? Were his brothers fighting for their lives on thousands of battle fronts, bombs and flares twinkling as they were swept away in the current?
He wrapped his arm around Ella's waist and smiled at the familiar weight of her head on his shoulder. He leaned his cheek against her hair.
"I love you so much, Echo," she murmured.
He hummed, shifting slightly to press a kiss into her forehead. "I love you too, Ella."
She turned to face him as he did the same. The trooper tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear and drew her lips to his. This kiss was much more gentle than the one they shared in the elevator. When that one held the heat and intensity of the passion they held for one another, this one was stronger. It bespoke the deeper, softer, and more delicate devotion locked away in their hearts, storing up to strengthen the other in times of need, and patience to remember they loved each other more than whatever tiff they were in. This was the core of their love. The lifeblood. What fueled the fire and kept the flames leaping high. This is what would keep them together despite all odds.
Even when cut short.
"Echo, are you there?"
Echo sighed, groaning as he pulled away. "Yes sir. I read you."
"We have a problem. Have Ella sent back to the dining room and get down here, ner'vod'ika."
•~§~•
Ella leapt back as the assassin droid leapt towards her. She tripped and fell, the long skirt of her dress proving to be her Achilles heel.
This is why you wear pants in hostile situations, she thought morbidly as the large arachnid-like mechanism dropped, its massive talons bared.
Right before it could strike her, it was thrown back onto the table, and a blue shaft of energy was thrust through it, effectively putting down the threat to duchess and companions.
Obi Wan sheathed his saber and helped Ella to her feet. "Are you alright, Ella?"
She nodded, brushing herself off. "Yes. Thank you, Obi Wan."
He bowed slightly, "My pleasure. You should probably find something that would aid you in an active battle now, since we've established there's a threat aboard."
Ella agreed, "I will look into that at the next opportunity."
There was a scraping noise as the spider droid's body fell off the table. Ella gasped as tiny spiderlings leapt out of holes in the top. Orn Free Taa screamed and ran to the opposite end of the room.
Ella had had it. She lifted her skirt and unholstered a small pistol she'd strapped to her thigh, then began shooting at the little creatures.
She heard noises from behind her and looked to see Satine and Obi Wan standing back to back. The duchess was holding a defensive device in her hands.
"Do you always carry a deactivator?" he asked amusedly.
"Just because I'm a pacifist doesn't mean I won't defend myself!" she shot back.
"Now you sound like a jedi," came the playful reply.
Ella turned her attention back to the creepy crawly little things trying to kill them.
And to think that my mother always told me that most spiders won't kill me. Well, Mama, if you could only see me now. Shooting a blaster at a bajillion spiders trying to kill me.
Finally there were no more. Ella rehid the blaster and smoothed out her dress.
"Just like that swarm of venomites on Draboon, remember?" Obi Wan asked as the duchess floated by.
"How could I forget," she returned. "I still have the scar."
"Begging your pardon Duchess; I distinctly remember carrying you to safety," Obi Wan protested.
"I meant the scar I got after you fell, and dropped me," she teased.
"Oh yes… of course," he murmured.
Ella couldn't believe it. Do all jedi have secret loves? Because this one sure does whether they've actually done anything about it or not.
Shaking her head, Ella began to pick up the scattered tableware and right the chairs.
"Here, my lady," came a voice from behind her.
Ella turned to see Tal Merrik lifting some of the chairs.
"Thank you, Senator," she said.
"Anything for such a ravishing woman, and you do look quite so. The dress compliments your form very well," he said.
Ella felt uncomfortable. It wasn't that no one had hit on her before, even if hadn't been many, due to her father's careful protection.
'So long as I can help it, Ellie girl, I will keep you from having to endure the obscene attention of the coarser members of my gender. I can't keep you sheltered from it forever, but I can try to give you an innocent childhood that will hopefully continue into a pure hearted adulthood.'
Ella was never more grateful for his cares than now when she was enduring one of the most blatant catcalls. It didn't help that he used fancy words. The meaning still rang the same.
The senator stepped closer, "I don't think anyone has made enough notice of you; you obviously dressed up nice tonight." He leaned in and whispered, "I can give you all the attention you want." His eyes raked up and down her body, and she felt like they were leaving slimy entrails wherever they slid.
How she wished she could go run into Echo's arms. He'd never made her feel dirty, or like she'd been advertising herself. He'd complimented her beauty without stooping so low, and made her feel stunning with his sweet attentions. The most raunchy thing he'd ever dared tell her was what he'd said tonight. Yes, it had made her blush, but she knew he only held the highest respect for her and loved her more than anything, and would never let anyone hurt her, including himself.
She couldn't say the same of this man, who was standing so indecently close to her, especially for such a refined environment. And what he said… fear zinged up her spine. He was really doing this in public where anyone could see.
She glanced around. Orn Free Taa was standing with his escort. She'd watched them throughout the evening. Even he had treated the girl with respect, barely laid a hand on her except now when he was comforting her.
"Ella!"
She flinched and turned to see who'd called her name. Anakin stood by the door with Echo. No one could see but Ella how the clone was bristling, his fists white-knuckled as he watched the mandalorian senator with his beloved.
"Ella, we need your help with the injured. Would you mind?" Anakin asked.
She nodded, walking around the man who'd been trying to seduce her. As she did, she felt his hand ghost over her lower back. Her breath hitched as she walked faster, tears filling her eyes. Her gaze held fast to Echo and she made a beeline for the one person she knew would never hurt her no matter what.
•~§~•
How dare you.
Echo was seething silently. On the way up here he'd worried about her; if the droids had hurt her. He'd never guessed he'd have to be concerned about an esteemed guest.
It was obvious what Merrik had been doing and saying to her. Ella's beautiful face had drained of color and her eyes were wide and scared.
Does he not care that he was causing her such fear? Does he not see or does he enjoy what he saw in her gorgeous eyes?
It had taken everything in him not to charge into the room and deck the lowlife. He hadn't wanted to embarrass Ella, and the effects of his actions wouldn't help.
Oh, but how he itched to do just that, regardless of the repercussions that would land on him. He'd suffer unspeakable things for Ella.
The generals wisely didn't stop her as she walked out, taking in her pale face and shaky demeanor, likely sensing the waves of horror rolling off her through the force.
Anakin escorted her out and shut the door, pulling her around a corner. He backed up at the same moment Echo stepped in and held her.
"It's okay. I won't let him hurt you, love. You're safe," he whispered.
Ella shook against him, and tears slipped down her cheeks without a sound as she raggedly whispered. "He… he- oh, Echo why?"
Pain lanced his heart at her terrified and confused words. Why were there people like that in the world who took pleasure in the fear of others? Why were there people who just didn't care?
"Because there are bad people, Ella. Bad people who don't care about anything but themselves. I'm so sorry you had to go through that, my love," he murmured.
"He touched me," she cried. "When I was passing him. He said things… things that probably weren't that bad in comparison to what other people have told me others had said to them. But… I feel so…" Her voice was terribly sad. "I feel dirty."
No.
Echo took her face in his hands and shook his head, "Ella, he is the dirty one, not you. You being beautiful isn't a dirty thing. Neither is it your fault that he behaved that way. I'm sorry I didn't step in and put a stop to it. I should've."
"No!" she exclaimed, "Echo, I can't lose you!"
Echo shook his head, "If I could defend your honor, and keep him from making you feel the way he made you feel, it'd be worth it."
She hugged him tighter, "Oh, Echo… you're such a good man. Thank you for loving me this way."
There goes the puffy chest thingy she was talking about earlier.
Echo removed his helmet and kissed her forehead, "It's the only way I know to love someone, Ella. I'm just glad you like this way."
"Who in their right mind wouldn't?"
Echo sighed. Some of the anger was draining. Ella has that effect. But he still wanted to go show Tal Merrik that he should never have messed with his girl.
"Can I please punch him? Just once?" he begged.
Ella giggled. "No. Not unless he does it again and then he's all yours."
"Okay. I think I can live with that."
Then Ella gasped. "The injured! They've been waiting this whole time!"
Echo nodded, "I think they were mostly minor injuries. You're not a terrible medic."
She huffed and grabbed his wrist, pulling him toward a lift, "Come on."
Echo laughed and clunked his helmet back on. Anakin followed close behind, chuckling and shaking his head.
They stepped on the lift and Echo instantly felt a bit… bothered. He glanced at Ella and saw her shifting nervously.
"You kissed in here earlier, didn't you?" the jedi between us observed.
No reply. Ella's face reddened.
He laughed, "It must be something about elevators. It's not just you two. Padme and I had the same thing happen to us, then the chime for the doors opening went off and we jumped away right before my master got on."
"You sure he didn't know what you two were doing?" Ella asked timidly.
"What?" he laughed. "Nah. There's been close calls but we can keep a secret."
"Right," she mumbled.
The doors opened and Ella immediately hiked up her skirt and ran to one of the men. Vaughn. Poor boy. It seemed he was destined to be put in frightening situations.
"Ella?" he murmured before she hugged him.
"What happened, Vaughn?" she asked in her 'nothing's gonna hurt you' voice.
He shuddered a sigh, "There were a lot of little spiders. They crawled all over me and got under my helmet. Burned my face." He took off his helmet for her to see.
Ella grimaced and kissed his cheek. "Those do look painful. Let me put some bacta on them and you should be good as new, though you might have some neat scars to impress the ladies." She winked.
Vaughn blushed and laughed. "Okay."
"Do scars really impress women?" Chopper asked gruffly.
Ella nodded, "Yes, I think so. Most of the women I've been friends with find it hot."
Chopper flushed. "Really?"
She nodded and went back to spreading the bacta on Vaughn's burns.
"How do you know?" Fives asked.
Ella giggled, "Oh, come on Fives. Girls talk about guys just as much if not more than guys talk about girls."
"You learn something new every day."
Fives elbowed Hardcase and rolled his eyes.
Anakin stood up then, "Guys, we have a problem."
The men leapt to their feet, some with difficulty.
"It's the Mandalorian Senator, Tal Merrik. He's a traitor. He's taken Duchess Satine as a hostage and is likely calling for backup. We have to be ready for the attack."
•~§~•
Ella was sick and tired of tripping on her dress. She was surprised it'd held up under all her running and dodging.
"Again, Rogue?" she sighed. "It's the third time this month!"
He chuckled then groaned as she doctored his wound, "Scars make the ladies swoon, right?"
"Yeah, well they'll swoon from terror if they're bleeding heavily. Now stay still or I'll stick your shebs with a sedative."
He shuddered, "Yes ma'am."
She sprayed a clotting agent on the wound, apologizing when it stung fiercely, then covered it with a bacta patch.
"Ella," Rogue whispered, "when you get married, can I come?"
She nodded, "Absolutely, Rogue. You'll be there."
"Mmm… can I… no it's okay."
"What Rogue? Ask me?"
He sighed, "Can I take pictures for you? A few battles ago, a civvie gave me a camera when I rescued their son. Told me I could learn to use it and save my own family in my memory forever. I did. I started taking pictures wherever we went in between battles. I can show you if you want."
Ella nodded, "I would love for you to be the one to take pictures for me Rogue. I'm sure Echo will agree as well."
Rogue smiled, then whimpered. "You know… I don't think the sedative is such a scary threat anymore."
Ella reached into her satchel and filled one, gently administering it. Rogue's eyes drifted shut, and he squeezed her hand in thanks.
"We got em!" someone yelled.
"Nice push, General!" Hardcase cheered.
"Ella."
She turned and immediately was engulfed in those same arms that shielded her and protected her from harm. She sniffed and wrinkled her nose.
"You need a bath, Echo."
He chuckled, "Battle smells aren't hot?"
She giggled, "Not particularly, but you could probably pull them off."
"I'm not doing a good job of it right now," he pointed out.
"True. Maybe it's just one of those things that's not really something you should try to pull off?"
"Ah, yes."
"Good job men, and lady," Anakin said, winking at Ella. "I want one squad on watch for now. Whoever is the least exhausted. Not you, Rex. You are going to bed. Hardcase you can take first watch - we all envy your energy."
"Just so long as I'm walking, sir," he begged.
"Absolutely," Anakin granted, understanding his need for constant movement. "Echo, Chopper, Rogue— where is Rogue?"
"Rogue is unconscious sir," Echo informed.
"Oh… okay, Charge. You join them and escort Ella back to her room. Guard her door; Merrik is not a gentleman. I want Fives, Jesse, and Denal to guard Kin Robb's room. Choose one of you to patrol around. I want you to contact your group as soon as you turn corners. If something happens, I want to be able to find you right away. Any questions?"
Vaughn raised his hand, "The rest of us sir?"
"In four hours, you'll switch. You can pick three people to go with you. As for now, get some rest. Help get the injured to their bunks and those not on patrol help the medics care for them."
They thanked him then began picking up the wounded.
Ella was very tired. Today had been rough and very stressful. She didn't envy Padme for her role in the Senate anymore if there was any covetousness before.
"You ready for bed, vheh a'oatr?" Echo murmured.
"Hmmm…"
He chuckled and scooped her up into his arms. "Alright. I get it. Come on boys. We have an adorably cute and sleepy nurse on our hands."
"I think you mean in yours," Charge joked.
"Very funny," Echo said. "Let's get her to her room."
They stepped onto a lift.
"You know her floor, right Echo?" Chopper asked.
"Third floor fifth room on the right," he answered easily.
Ella shifted against his chest, not minding the hard armor or battlefield smell anymore. It was Echo. She was safe.
"Here we are," Charge said, stepping out as the elevator dinged.
Echo punched in the code for her room and carried her inside, setting her on the bed. "I'll be right out."
They nodded and closed the door.
Echo gently unbuttoned her dress enough for her to step out of it but not too much, always making sure his hands didn't stray from his task. Ella wasn't concerned. He wouldn't ever hurt her or make her feel uncomfortable.
When he was finished with that, he took off her earrings and gently unfastened the hair clip and brushed her hair out with his fingers. Then he kissed her cheek. "I'll be outside if you need me. Just call."
She smiled and hugged him, then let him go.
Pulling her hair up into a loose bun, she got a quick shower. The warm water felt soothing and all-encompassing. Like a familiar embrace.
After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she slipped into a nightgown and called Echo. He was inside in seconds.
"Something wrong?" he asked, looking around concernedly.
She shook her head, "I just wanted a goodnight kiss."
He smiled and quickly walked to her, lifting her up in his arms and tucking her in bed. Ella ripped his helmet from his head and dropped the offending object to the bed. Echo brushed her hair away from her face and kissed her, like sugar and wind. His lips were a little rough; likely he'd been biting them beneath his helmet during the battle and while watching her with Merrik. But they were still gentle and wrote his love into her lips over and over, as if he was afraid she'd forget if she weren't reminded.
When he pulled away, hesitantly, she held him for a few seconds. Neither wanted to be apart.
"I'll watch over you," he promised. "I'll keep you safe tonight."
She nuzzled his nose with hers, "I know you will. You're my safe place."
He gave her his sweetest smile, then pecked her lips one more time, and tore himself away, sighing as he replaced his helmet and hid his face from her. He paused at the door and looked back at her. She could feel his eyes cradling her through the dark visor, shattering the distance between them that would only grow.
Echo sighed, "I love you, Ella. Sweet dreams."
Then he turned and slipped outside.
Ella turned off the lights and shut her eyes. Knowing that he was there, guarding her and protecting her sleep, was the most peaceful thing she could feel, even though she was alone in the bed.
In just a few minutes, she drifted into dreamland.
•~§~•
Echo finished clearing the ship and skidded down the ramp. His brothers were all gathered around, the wounded lying against storage boxes.
Ella was talking to Rogue. The boy smiled shyly as she told him that he had the photography job, then smiled at him as he came to rest behind her.
Echo wrapped his arms around Ella and twirled her around. She squealed and clutched at him.
He set her back on her feet, admiring the creamy ivory dress she'd chosen for today. This one was all one color, off the shoulder and a little lower in the front. The sleeves hung from her arms in a drapelike manner, tightening about the wrists where subtle pinky-white flowers peeked. The dress was once again long, and gathered at her waist where it met the elegant corset-like bodice.
Across her collarbone hung a single dogwood flower crafted of silver and pearl, and two mimics hung from each of her ears. Her hair was arranged in an intricate braided bun. Alluring ringlets fell from it in halo, leading up to a delicate vine of tiny pearls spreading across her hair like drops of dew on a spiderweb.
Wow.
"What?" she asked as he drank in the heavenly sight.
Echo shook his head, shrugging. "And just when I think you can't get anymore beautiful, you prove me wrong."
She beamed and blushed pink.
"See? You just did it again."
"You… you make me feel beautiful Echo," she breathed. "The way you look at me, speak to me. You treat me like a treasure."
He pulled her closer. "That's because you are."
He offered her his arm and led her onto the troop transport.
"You know what though?" she asked as the doors closed and they lifted off.
"What?"
She sighed, "I can't wait to get out of these heels! They're backbreaking! I think the spikes have gone up my legs and are permanently attached to my bones now."
Echo laughed. "I thought you looked a little taller today."
She snorted, "I feel a lot taller. But not in a good way. I feel like I'm being paraded around on pikes."
He shook his head. "How about I hold them for you and you can stand on my feet until we get there?"
She gasped, "Really?"
Echo nodded. "Absolutely."
Ella took her shoes off and Echo took them from her. He grimaced when he looked at them. They did look mean. Golden stilettos with just a tiny strap around her ankle and a band across her toes.
No wonder her feet are sore.
"Are you sure you don't mind?" Ella asked.
Echo just nodded and helped her balance on his boot tops. There was only a slight pressure, anyway. His boots were made to be thick.
Good thing I keep 'em clean, he thought.
Even if he'd been barefoot himself, the look of relief that his beloved wore and her blissful sigh would've made it worth it.
Ella leaned back against his chest, pillowing her head over his heart. Echo hooked the straps of her high heels to his gun belt and held the handlebar with one hand, wrapping the other around her waist to keep her steady. She looked up at him and smiled.
And everything was perfect.
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Mando'a Translations
Ner'vod'ika - 'ner' means 'my' so it's 'my little brother.'
Shebs - junk in ya trunks.
Vheh A'oatr - earth angel.
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If I forgot any translations, sorry. Lemme know And I'll try to remember them for the next chapter. Sorry for the long pause in updates. Hopefully the length of the chapter makes up for it. Thank you so very much for your amazing reviews. You don't know how it brightens my day! Bless y'all!
Love, Peace, and
LittleBitOfGrace
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