He managed to steal moments with Liri over the next few days, but mostly Pella became even more invasive, something he hadn't thought possible. When Liri's friends were finally set to arrive, he made sure to be there with her when they arrived. Pella was bouncing up and down in excitement.
A shuttle touched down in the hangar and Liri squeezed his hand.
Down the ramp came Twi'leks. At least twelve of them. Andronikos had a sudden surge of hoping he'd never seen any of women before. Nar Shaddaa was a big place, but there was always a chance he'd fucked one of them when he was away from Liri. About six humans followed them down.
The nine women, six Twi'lek and three human, squealed in unison when they caught sight of Liri. He winced and saw her do the same, but a big grin split her face and she ran over to them. pella moved among the men, introducing herself and making notes on her datapad.
Fuck, I'll never remember all their names. A blue head popped into view as the woman pulled Liri in for a hug and Andronikos froze. I have definitely seen that face before. He almost turned and left, but then a giant male green Twi'lek had swept Liri into a hug and kissed her soundly on the mouth. Andronikos raised an eyebrow.
Liri grabbed the arm of the blue Twi'lek and pulled her over towards Andronikos. He steeled himself and smiled weakly at Liri as she approached.
"Rev, this is Ber'ellia."
"We've met, but nice to see you again," he managed to get out.
Liri smirked at him, "I know. I didn't think you knew her name."
"Call me Bere, please." She looked at Liri, "You didn't tell him."
"I thought he'd figure it out."
Andronikos scowled, "She was spying on me?"
"Well, yes," said Liri.
"I owe L'ree something fierce. She saved me from more than one creep, so when she asked me to keep an eye on you, how could I refuse?" She smirked at him, her eyes flickering downward. "Wasn't exactly a chore."
He clenched his jaw and then caught Liri's hand in his. "Glad you enjoyed yourself," he said, then turned to Liri. "And, before I forget, 'L'ree'?"
"My birth name."
"It's beautiful," he murmured, kissing her hand. Bere moved off to talk to Pella.
"Here I thought you'd be all mad," Liri pouted.
"Oh, I'll get you back later. In private."
"Can't wait."
He paused and then smirked, "So, L'ree Revel, huh?"
She stared up at him wide-eyed. "You want me to take your last name?"
"We never really talked about it, have we? I figure this is the most awkward place I can bring it up."
She scowled at him then and he shrugged, grinning.
"I'm going to get everyone settled and then we'll start setting up for tomorrow" Pella announced to the two of them. Andronikos blinked, remembering suddenly that there was a roomful of people around them. How does she make everything else disappear like that?
Pella went on, "Lir, you'll be able to rehearse tonight. Jorif is taking Nikos somewhere."
"Rehearse?" he asked. "And taking me where?"
"You wanted me to dance for you, right?" Liri smirked and put an arm around his waist. "I thought you would have remembered."
"I thought it was going to be in private."
"More fun this way."
"More fun for you, Lir."
"That's true! Glad I thought of it." He wrapped his arms around her, starting to draw her into him.
"You and Jorif are taking Fury," Pella broke in.
Andronikos raised an eyebrow at her and scowled fiercely, his patience with her beyond the breaking point. Pella actually took a step back from him. Liri slapped him lightly on the arm. He got his expression under control with some effort.
"A full month out of my sight," he growled at her.
She nodded wordlessly and turned, leaving the two of them alone.
"I should get that pissed off more often," he muttered. Liri planted a kiss on him and he smiled at her. "What does L'ree mean?"
She snorted, "Savage one."
"Appropriate."
"It was my parents' way of making me strong."
"You get in touch with them?"
"They're dead, Rev. Ravage had them killed while we were apart."
He pulled her to him and just held her, their foreheads touching.
"I liked them," he said quietly. "I'm sorry."
"They liked you too." She sighed. "They were so happy we got married. I never told them we split for awhile."
"I'm sorry they can't be here to see it for real." He ran his hand over her lekku.
Just then a collective "Awww" came from beside them and Andronikos looked over at the dancers. They were all grinning at the two of them. Liri giggled and bit her lip.
"We should probably go be productive," she whispered.
"Productive? Is that what we call it now?"
She shoved him. "I'll see you later." He watched her leave with the group of dancers, chattering away. Catching up no doubt. He was still watching her when Pella approached him.
"I know you hate me, but you need to go get ready," she said quietly.
"I don't hate you, but you've been way too involved in my hourly life lately."
"You don't really like people much, do you?" she mused.
"In short bursts."
"She's different."
"She always has been. Only been one other woman in the world who came close and she vanished into the stars almost two years ago."
"Really?"
"Where am I going with Juran?"
"Sabacc game."
He scowled at her, "Seriously? I'm not a gambler. I like my credits where they are and if I want more, I steal them."
"Well, it'll probably end up just being you, Jorif and Decimus getting drunk."
In spite of himself, Andronikos grinned, "I'd love to see Decimus drunk."
Pella made a hungry noise, "Me too."
"You two are going through our kolto supply quicker than we arranged for. Make sure we've got extra supplies on board."
"Oh, good thinking. I also need to talk to you about the colony."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, just wanted to let you know we've moved some of the fleet there for protection during the wedding."
Andronikos nodded slowly. "Good idea. Make sure it's the a good mix of armed and quick ships."
"I always do. There's a reason you hired me."
"Well, that wasn't the whole reason."
Pella grinned. "I'm going to pretend you mean something different."
Andronikos frowned at her. "I meant-"
"I'm pretending!" she called over her shoulder as she walked away from him.