Jerking awake, Mistoffelees nearly fell out of bed, scrabbling to get the covers off and he was up and moving before he even registered it, heading up toward the veranda. Coricopat startled awake at that. He was on his feet quickly and a moment later, having caught his bearings, followed Mistoffelees onto the veranda.

Mistoffelees turned his head at the sound of the other approaching, from where he was leaning against one of the pillars, looking out into the night and shivering slightly, having forgotten the thick robe he usually wore.

Coricopat moved over, almost silently, and gently took the other in his arms, as much to lend heat as anything. "What happened?"

The smaller man leaned hard against the other. "I don't, I don't know. A nightmare."

The Jedi kissed the top of his lover's head, "What was it?"

Mistoffelees tilted his head back and took a deep breath. "I... it was... I'm not sure," he hedged, shaking again.

"Mistoffelees...?"

He shook his head again slightly. "It was... you. And Macavity. And I don't know what happened but it... he... you were fighting. And... I think he killed you."

Coricopat paled at that, "Th-that's not possible."

Mistoffelees swallowed hard. "No, no, you're right there..." he shook his head. "It was probably just a nightmare n-not a vision."

The taller man nodded very slightly, holding the senator close. "Probably."

The smaller man tried to get his heartbeat to calm back down, matching it to Coricopat's as they stood there. "God, I just hate..."

"Hm?"

"I hate dreams like that," he murmured. "Dreams or visions, over and over sometimes I see you hurt and I..."

"And I always come out alright," he reminded quietly.

"I know that now," he murmured, pressing harder against him. "But... in the middle of the night when you aren't here and I don't know if it was a vision or just a nightmare..."

Coricopat held him tight, "I know..."

"Everlasting force I hope that was just a nightmare..."

"It has to be," Cori replied.

He nodded, and shivered slightly again. "Should... should... return to bed."

"Are you going to be able to sleep?"

"I don't know," he replied. "But honestly, just laying there holding you will be alright at this point..."

"Alright." He led the smaller man back inside.

Macavity looked around the Jedi Temple, settling his robes a bit more firmly around his shoulders. Coricopat approached him quietly, it felt almost strange to be back there again, "Macavity."

"Hey, Cor," he said, turning his head slightly. "How you doing?"

"My back's starting to feel a bit better. You?"

He shrugged. "As well enough as can be expected. How's your Senator doing?"

"He's been having visions again. And nightmares when he's not having visions."

Mac's eyebrows rose slightly. "Sounds like some restful evenings then."

"It's not every night, just with an alarming frequency," Coricopat replied, not sounding too happy.

"Well," Mac shifted. "Are his visions bringing up anything interesting at least? Should we be worried about something?"

"I'm not sure. It's hard to tell sometimes whether it's a nightmare or a vision."

Macavity nodded at that. "I guess that makes some certain levels of sense after all."

"Would be nice to know sometimes though..." Coricopat sighed, shaking his head slightly.

"Hard to see, the future is," Mac replied, mimicking Yoda. "Sure would be useful though, to know what to watch out for."

His partner glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, his grey gaze scoping over him, "It really would."

His brows rose at that. "Something on your mind, Cor?"

The other Jedi shook his head, "No. It's nothing."

"If you're sure, which you don't sound," Mac replied.

"I'm not certain."

"Feeling cryptic today?" Mac asked, teasing.

Cor managed a smile, but it quickly faded, "What do you think of the Chancellor?"

"The Chancellor?" Macavity blinked in surprise at that. "What about him? That's a sorta off question."

"Not really. The Senate's been giving him an awful lot of executive powers. They're voting on more today."

"Well, it's a time of war, isn't it? He needs to have that power."

"And when we're no longer at war?"

"Well, one would assume he'd give up that power, right?" the auburn haired man shrugged.

"Do you honestly believe he will?" Coricopat's skepticism was blatantly evident in his voice.

"You sound like you don't," Macavity replied, giving his partner a long look.

"I think he's enjoying the power too much. I think he's been given far too much power already."

Macavity scowled at his fellow Jedi. "He's our leader in a time of war. What else do you expect?"

"I would expect us not to sign away all of our freedom!"

Rocking back on his heels slightly, the auburn haired man considered him for a long moment. "What's gotten you into such a twist. He's a strong leader, which we need in times like these."

"He's gotten almost all of the Senate's power consolidated, and he doesn't seem the sort to return it."

"You're just paranoid," Macavity rejoined. "What's brought all this on? Seriously?"

"I've just come from speaking with the council. He wishes to see you."

"And what, you thought you'd give me a lecture about him first? Why?"

"Because I don't trust him. He wouldn't say what he wants, and it's making me nervous."

"He's a great leader. I'm sure history will be kind to him, even if you're not," Macavity snapped in reply.

"History will be kind to him because it's the ones who win who write it. But mark my words Macavity, if what's been seen by those who see him more than you or I is true that victory will not be for the republic," Coricopat kept his voice level.

"Who sees him? Not your—" he bit off the rest of the statement considering where they were. "What, the Senator doesn't like him or something?"

"I didn't say that."

"Then who the hell you talking about?"

"He doesn't trust him. I agree with him," Cori responded.

"So it was him. You think you might be a little clouded when it comes to him?"

Cori gaped at him, "I do have my own thoughts and opinions, Macavity. And when I see something to counter his concerns I'll reevaluate them. The Council is concerned as well."

"The council prefers dogma to reality," Macavity replied. "You know that as well as I do."

"I'm just saying be careful, Mac."

Macavity paused and nodded. "Right, sorry. Little on edge I guess."

"We all are. Is something extra bothering you, Mac?"

The other Jedi paused. "Why would there be?"

"I don't know, just checking."

"Yeah, sure. So, the Chancellor wants to see me then?"

"Yes, he does," a note of wariness entered Coricopat's voice.

"Any idea when or what about?" Macavity asked, glancing away and then back.

"He wouldn't say."

"Well that's useful," Macavity shrugged. "Suppose I should at least start heading out that way. You're alright though?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Coricopat met his partner's eyes.

Macavity shrugged. "Hell if I know. Good luck with the council then."

"Thank you. Good luck with the Chancellor. And please, be careful."

"I'm always careful," he huffed, glancing at his arm. "You too."

Cori sighed, watching him go and heading down one of the other corridors.

Coricopat slipped into the Senator's apartment, hanging his cloak up as he glanced around, listening, "Mistoffelees?"

The Senator poked his head out of the bedroom, where he'd been curled up on the bed going through reports. "Cori!"

The Jedi offered him a gentle smile, "Good evening. How are you doing?"

Mistoffelees moved forward to wrap his arms around the other's waist, standing a bit back. "Well enough. Nursing a headache but that's the least of anyone's worries really. Are you alright?"

Cori's arms looped around the smaller man's waist, "I...Yes."

"Because force knows I'm always happy to see you, but when you come in with that expression, something's usually up."

"I'm, honestly a bit worried," Coricopat finally admitted.

"Always are," Mistoffelees hummed, smiling faintly. "What is it, love?"

"It's Mac. The Chancellor wished to speak with him today. Something's got him snappish, and it's more than the usual stresses we're under." He sighed, resting his forehead against Mistoffelees'.

Mistoffelees ran a gentle hand up and down his back. "Any thoughts on what's going on?"

"I don't know. That's what worries me. I asked him if anything was bothering him and he wouldn't say. He avoided the question. Admittedly it was after our...discussion regarding the Chancellor."

"Do I even want to ask how that conversation went?" Mistoffelees asked, tilting his head slightly as he asked the question.

"Not well. He seems to think there's nothing wrong with what's going on."

"Nothing?" the Senator asked. "Is he willfully ignoring or delusional?"

"I don't know. I...I was wondering if you would be willing to do something for me?"

"The answer will almost indubitably be yes," Mistoffelees replied softly. "What is it?"

"I need you to ask Victoria if there's something going on that would be a cause for Mac to be so...on edge I suppose."

The Senator blinked and then nodded. "You're really worried."

Cori nodded, "I am. Mac and I haven't seen eye-to-eye on everything, but he usually listens at least somewhat to what I have to say when I express a concern."

The smaller man shifted slightly, trying to ignore the dreams he'd been having. "I'll ask her next time I see her, alright?"

"Thank you, love."

Mistoffelees hummed again, finally nuzzling closer to the other. Coricopat tightened his embrace, kissing the other's temple, "I love you."

"Good," the smaller said softly. "Cause I love you too."

The Jedi drew back enough to brush a lock of hair back from Misto's face, "You amaze me, you know that?"

"Me?" he asked with a faint grin. "What did I do?"

"You're you. That's really all you have to do."

He laughed softly, pressing up to kiss Coricopat lightly. "I'm really not all that."

"You are to me." He leaned down to kiss the other briefly again.

"I'm good with that," Mistoffelees murmured.

"Good," Coricopat kissed him again as he guided him backward toward the bedroom. Mistoffelees glanced back and laughed softly at that. "Oh. Alright."

o.o.o.

Shortly after his conversation with Cori, Macavity was escorted into the Chancellor's chambers nearby the Senate building. They were certainly plush chambers to say the least, the walls decorated with ancient carvings that he looked like the Chancellor had stolen from a museum, the chairs upholstered in red and the latest in furniture fashion.

Looking around once he was left on his own, Macavity crossed his arms over his chest, tugging his robes a bit closer around himself. This much opulence made him slightly uncomfortable, though he should have been used to it, having been around Victoria for long enough now. But there was a difference somehow between Victoria being queen—even though she was an elected queen—and an elected Chancellor during wartime.

Victoria at least was tasteful.

Macavity shook his head at his own thoughts, shifting again as he continued waiting. Mediating was one thing but he hated to be left along with his own thoughts.

Finally, Deuteronomy appeared, smiling warmly at the Jedi who hesitated before returning the smile, though it was a bit more cautious and less warm. "Jedi Macavity, I'm so glad you could make it here."

"Thank you Sir. Though I am somewhat confused as to why you called me here."

"Simply to talk," the Chancellor replied.

Macavity arched his brow, slipping his hands inside the sleeves of his robe. "That is a rather... vague reason."

"To thank you more specifically I should say as well," Deuteronomy continued.

"Thank me?" Macavity's brow arched a little bit higher.

"For your work against Count Genghis," the Chancellor said, lifting a decanter and offering Macavity some of the liquid. The Jedi blinked and shook his head. "After all, I probably owe you my life."

"It was just part of my job," Macavity said simply as the Chancellor took a sip from his own glass.

Setting it down, Deuteronomy looked him over again. "Your job that you do remarkably well."

"Thank you, sir."

Deuteronomy frowned slightly at the lack of reaction from the Jedi but smoothed his face out quickly. "It's a shame more people don't acknowledge what a good job you're doing."

"I find I have more than enough acknowledgment," Macavity replied. "After all, a Jedi does not want such things." Or, at least they weren't supposed to.

"But it's a shame, is it not, that you remain a simple Jedi. Isn't it more than enough time for you to become a Master? After all, you've done much to gain such a title."

Macavity bit the inside of his lip hard. "I trust the Jedi council and their wisdom," he managed, without making it as bitter as he might.

"But why do they hold you back? Your talent is amazing and you've done more than enough to deserve it. What's holding you back? Is it your partner? Surely he wouldn't do such a thing to you. Do you think he reports on the council on your movements?"

"I doubt it," Macavity replied, voice a bit shorter. "Coricopat and I have been partners since we were apprentices. I would trust him with my life, and impeccably."

The Chancellor considered that before nodding. "Yes, of course. Your bond is very strong. It's commendable, as is the rest of your work. I tried to discuss having you be my liaison with the Jedi council, but they refused."

Macavity's brows shot up.

"I had hoped to give you that good news when I called you here, but apparently the council does not feel they need to take orders from their Chancellor."

"The order has always worked best outside of direct control," Macavity murmured, glancing away.

"That's one way of thinking, but in times of war I wonder."

Macavity's mouth twisted, thinking about Coricopat telling him the Chancellor wanted too much power. Surely he only wanted what was best for the order. "It is an honor I would not have deserved," he said instead.

"That is my decision," Deuteronomy said, voice a little bit harsher.

"Of course, Sir," Macavity demurred. "You're choice must be wiser."

Deuteronomy nodded, mollified. "Are you sure you wouldn't like anything, Jedi Macavity?"

"Certain, thank you Sir."

The Chancellor nodded. "Then you may leave, with my thanks and gratitude for dealing with Count Genghis. Perhaps soon this war will finally be over."

"We can only hope," Macavity agreed softly.

o.o.o.

Coricopat entered the apartment again a few nights later, carefully taking off his cloak and going to seek Mistoffelees out. This time Mistoffelees was in the kitchen, humming softly to himself, his head tilted back at the sound of the door opening. Slipping through the apartment, Coricopat finally located the younger man and moved over, wrapping his arms around him from behind, "Hello, Mistoffelees."

The younger shifted his shoulders back, leaning against him. "Hey. Want any food?"

"I...certainly wouldn't say no to it. How are you?"

"Tired," he replied, tilting his head back to see Cori's face. "You?"

"...Well enough."

Mistoffelees blinked and turned. "What is it?" he asked, voice going soft.

He looked away, "I'm being sent off-world."

For a long moment the Senator didn't respond. "You're... how long?"

"I don't know. I leave tomorrow."

The Senator let out a long breath, setting down the knife he'd been using when Coricopat came in. "But..."

"I'm sorry, love." He sighed, "I was given the orders just a short while ago."

"I..." Mistoffelees took a deep breath. "It's not your fault, I know that. But, I wish you didn't have to go."

"I do too. I'm here for now, though. And I'll be back. You'll see. It shouldn't take too long."

"Good," he said, "Do come back."

"I will. I have every reason to," Coricopat replied.

"H-how long?" he asked, turning to place a hand along Cori's face. "Where?"

"I don't know how long," he leaned into the touch, "I'm being sent to the Outer Rim."

Mistoffelees took another breath. "Right back into the fighting."

"...Something like that."

The smaller leaned against the Jedi's chest. "Damn it."

Coricopat held him close, one hand coming up to stroke his hair, "I'll be alright, Mistoffelees."

"You'd better be. Is Mac going with you?"

"No. He's to stay here."

"What? You're going alone?" Mistoffelees drew back slightly in surprise.

"I'll be taking two brigades with me."

"But no other Jedi? I mean, I know you guys are good but..."

"We're hoping to avoid the detection that sending more than one Jedi could cause," Coricopat explained.

"I'm terrified," Mistoffelees said softly, almost suddenly. "I haven't slept a night through in the last week. I think something is going to happen."

Coricopat pressed his lips to the top of Mistoffelees' head, "Anything specific, love?"

"I don't know. There's blurs, flashes, but they keep repeating themselves over and over."

"What are they, Mistoffelees?"

"The flashes? I just... I see burning. It looks like the temple. You, and Mac, and more burning. Orders. Lights going out. I can't make sense of most of it, I really can't."

"Oh, Mistoffelees... We'll finish this before that can happen."

"But..." Mistoffelees started and snapped his mouth shut.

"But?" the Jedi prompted.

"But how can you?" Mistoffelees asked softly.

"I...I'm not sure yet, but we'll find a way."

"I... I don't know if you can finish this before it happens," Mistoffelees said softly. "I think my dreams are about the end of the war."

Coricopat paled at that, "I-I..."

"That's why I'm so scared," he whispered. "You have to be careful."

"I will be, I promise I will." The Jedi murmured, "I'm going to come back, we're both going to make it through this."

"You'd better," Mistoffelees murmured, curling around his chest.

"I will. You won't lose me."

"Good," he said softly, not sounding like he believed it at all.

Coricopat sighed softly, "I love you."

"I wish I didn't care so much," the Senator said softly. "And that I could convince myself, let alone you, to run away somewhere."

"Why don't you? Just for a while." He knew that wasn't going to be his best suggestion, but he couldn't help the desire to keep the other safe.

Mistoffelees drew back enough to finally look at his face again. "Are you...? No. There's the vote for even more emergency powers in a few days and I can't just go. No matter what happens I'm not leaving. That being said? I almost wish I was the type that would."

Coricopat traced a hand down the side of the Senator's face, "You're right of course... you're needed here. I just...be careful, love."

Mistoffelees shifted into the touch. "If you are."

"Always."

Mistoffelees leaned up quickly to kiss him. Coricopat leaned down into the kiss, his arm tightening around Mistoffelees' waist, drawing him closer. Tilting his head, Mistoffelees pressed up further.

Tangling a hand in the senator's hair, Coricopat pulled the other man flush against him, deepening the kiss. Making a sound in the back of his throat, Mistoffelees' arms came up along the other's arms.

Coricopat drew back very slightly from the kiss, "I love you, so very much."

"Please don't ever stop," the shorter asked.

"I couldn't even if I wanted to, and I never want to."

"I repeat... good."

"It's getting late."

"So it is," Mistoffelees said softly, swallowing hard.

"I..." He hesitated for a long moment, "I may be able to stay tonight."

Another swallow. "Please..."

Coricopat kissed his lover's forehead, "Then I will."

"Thank you," he said. "Remind me to convince myself to let you go sometime tonight."

"That would mean that I want you to."

"I have to in the morning," Mistoffelees murmured.

"That's several hours away."

"Several hours then," Mistoffelees murmured. "I need a whole lifetime."

"We'll have that. I'm going to come back."

The Senator nodded. "Yeah."