Thank you guys for the reviews :)
And, sorry! I've been terrible with this story. I had this chapter outlined but didn't get the chance to fill it out and write it over the holidays. Ah! I'll try to be better about that. I've got a few more chapters outlined for Surge (romantic), Ravi(action and humor), and Turns (sad), but I've got to flesh them out and write them still. Let me know if you have a preference of who I do first. ;)
Update: I didn't realize the last portion of this chapter got cut off. Fixed it!
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Aiya settled her bag's strap across her shoulder and followed the others as they walked out the main doors of the lobby and into the night. She stepped onto the permacrete path and immediately felt the warmth envelop her, the chorus of the city at night a familiar comfort. The sounds and scents and neons were a welcome transition from the pristine and quiet confinement of the tower where she worked and she paused for a second to enjoy it.
The crowd buffeted around her, parting and working its way past, leaving a small space where she stood, a tiny island in a sea of people. A pebble of solace still amid the tide. Exhaling slowly, Aiya then joined the current.
She stopped at the mouth of the alley that marked her path home and turned to glance at the building across the street. Raising an arm, she waved at several of the familiar figures who stood out among the crowd, her eyes latching onto their armor, faintly glowing beneath the streetlamps. Her greeting was returned immediately and with an exuberance that made her smile.
One of the figures probed further, sending her a questioning gesture, rotating his hand to alternate between a thumbs-up and down. Aiya laughed. That was Ravi, she was certain, although his armor was identical to his companion's. She shot him an exaggerated thumbs up and he gave her two in return before he received a smack on the back from his companion.
There was another trooper at the crossroads who appeared to be giving someone directions, but his gaze was on her when she looked at him and he gave her a quick salute before returning to what he was doing. Aiya thought that he might be Turns, but wasn't sure, and she smiled softly as she mused over this ritual which and become the norm over the last few months and began making her way down the alley.
When the end came into view a few mintues later, a tall, dark figure was reclining against the wall of the opening. Beneath the faint light of the overhead streetlamp, he could've been anyone. Any republic soldier, at least. But the way he pushed off the wall and immediately held out a hand to take her bag told her who he was.
Fox.
Aiya found herself beaming up at him as she wordlessly placed the strap across his outstretched palm and he slung it over his own shoulder with a practiced ease. They began their familar walk in silence. Once they left the shadows of the alley, the paint on Fox's helmet shone vividly and distinguishable.
In the darkness it had been hard to tell if was him or Thorn who waited for her that night. Ever since that first night of her rescue (as she dubbed it within her mind), there had been someone waiting to escort her home. Although sometimes it was a regular trooper, more often than not it was Fox or Thorn there in the half darkness. And they both wore such similar ornaments to their armor, it was hard to tell them apart in the half-light. They shared not only the same height and build, but many of the same mannerisms. Even the way they waited for her was the same, resting against the wall in the same fashion, and tilting their heads at her approach.
But Thorn was quicker to press off, and at her approach he always reached out to her with both hands. Automatically taking both her bag and her smaller lunch sack from her with an eager friendliness.
Fox was slower, more deliberate with his movements. Standing upright, regarding her thoughtfully in the dim light as though checking her over for injuries or anything amiss. And he always only offered his hand for her table, waiting until she gave it freely. He knew that she preferred to carry her lunch bag so as not to be left empty-handed on the walk home. She'd told him once, and he'd remembered.
That had been on a walk home like this one, months ago. In the beginning. Back when she'd valued the company for safety as much as the companionship. Now she found the worry of safety so fleeting, it was laughable. A lightness in her chest she knew she took for granted but couldn't bring herself to fault herself for. She chose to treasure the feeling instead.
How funny that a dark figure in the night now brought such comfort to her. That couldn't be healthy. Aiya laughed out loud.
Fox looked down at her and smiled behind his helmet but said nothing. He had grown accustomed to her random bursts of happiness and though he still found it puzzling, it was also endearing. He similarly enjoyed the ease with which silence settled between them as they walked.
For as long as he could remember, silence had been the bearer of bad things. Of danger and discord, a fleeting reprieve before death came to you or those beside you.
But this silence was sweet and still, warm and soft and blanketing like the night. Like her.
The bell above the door chimed as they stepped inside the shop.
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"I'm too old for this." Oma rose from her chair and stretched huffily. "I'm no young thing anymore, and I've got breakfast to make in the morning." She wrapped a shawl around her stout shoulders and shot the two people sitting across from her on the sofa a dirty look, but there was a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.
"You're not old, Oma. You don't get old. You swore when I was a wee thing, remember?" Aiya returned.
"No. I'm old. I can't remember anything."
"Not allowed."
"What? I can't hear you either."Oma cupped a hand to her ear and made an exagerated straining expression. She looked so hilarious Fox chuckled before he could stop himself and the older woman threw a small cushion at him. He didn't block it and it hit him square in the face. Aiya snorted before giving into a fit of chuckles. She hid her face against his arm, shaking silently in mirth.
"Getting a bit slow yourself, young man." Oma regarded Fox sternly, refolding the shawl around herself like a bat tucking its wings. Fox blinked at her so innocently, his face a perfect mask of utter suprise that she finally laughed out loud. She shook her head at them both. "Alright kiddies, I'm off to bed with the little lady."
Aiya lifted her face to smile warmly at the mother-figure she loved so dearly. "Goodnight Oma."
Oma paused at the doorway to one of the bedrooms to give them both a mischievous look over her shoulder. "Don't stay up too late, you lot." And then she closed the door softly behind her and they were left alone.
Aiya pulled the blanket closer around her shoulders and leaned fully against Fox's arm, watching the flickering shadows of the lantern on the table before them dancing across the boardgame they had been playing. The candle within had all but disappeared, but the flame of the wick lingered defiantly in the oil.
She wrapped her arms around his middle, and Fox folded his arms around her shoulders, pulling her with him as he leaned back against the armrest. He rested his chin on the top of her head and she placed her cheek to his chest, an ear to his heartbeat.
They lay that way for long moments.
It had become their unspoken ritual in the last few weeks, this simple and quiet companionship on the nights he could stay. His way of telling her he'd stay if he was welcome, her answer of please do.
And although they never did more than that in the silence and darkness, wrapped in the pool of a blanket on the sofa, sometimes at Aiya's home, and sometimes there in the shop's living quarters, it was enough.
Aiya ran her hand along the fabric of Fox's sleeve, tracing the lined pattern of his bodysuit and rolling it between her fingers. It had an odd feeling to it. Soft but also not, stretchy yet form fitting, breathable yet somehow air tight. Fox had told her that when completed with his armor and helmet, it had the capabilities for climate control, vitals monitoring, able to withstand even the freezing vacuum of space for a short time. She paused her touch. She didn't even want to think about that.
Fox watched as she felt the contours of his sleeve, worrying the fabric between slim, deft fingers. He could feel her heartbeat against his side and smell the light, sweet scent of her hair which was soft beneath his chin. The warmth of her other arm tucked around the small of his back. She paused suddenly, releasing his sleeve, her hand hovering as though a sudden thought had struck her. He stared down at her curiously.
But then she lowered it again and slid her hand up to his shoulder to give it an affectionate squeeze. She tilted her chin up to give him a smile, which he returned.
And once more her hand was gliding down his arm, her touch as smooth and soothing as any balm. When she reached his hand and laced her fingers with his he relished the feel of her palm against his, the delicate nature of her hand intertwined with his much larger one. Like the times before, her touch was cool and light and the silence was warm and sweet, and he savored it until he fell asleep.
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Fox woke to the sound of pots and pans clanging and had to blink a few times to orientate himself. Aiya was still sleeping, a warm weight against his chest, arms folded beneath her face which was strewn with her hair. Fox shifted a little, not wanting to wake her but trying to revive the hand beneath her which had fallen asleep at some point. A weight upon his feet puzzled him, and he looked down to see Fayna sprawled across his and Aiya's legs, snoring softly. She lay over them on her back, her own legs resting against the back of the sofa, and a thumb half in her mouth. Sound asleep.
Fox chuckled and Aiya woke.
"Whass...?" She rubbed her eyes and tried to sit up, only to find her legs trapped. She blinked at them in a confused manner for a few seconds before laughing herself.
"Funny little thing," she mumbled affectionately and she eased herself to a sitting position, her back against Fox. She pulled the sleeping girl into her arms and retucked the blanket around them all. Fox shook out his hand then wrapped his arms around them for a minute.
"She must've snuck in when Oma got up."
"Probably." Aiya rubbed an arm across her eyes, trying to wake up further. "Oof. Feels like we just fell asleep."
Fox glanced at the holo-clock across the room. Five hours.
"Coffee is necessary." Aiya wiggled her arms free and stretched before replacing them around her daughter. She shot Fox a glance over her shoulder. "You coming, or staying with the little bit?"
Fayna shifted a little at the sound of her mother's voice, then let out a loud snore as her head flopped back in Aina's arms. Fox ran a hand over his face to hide the grin. "I'll take some coffee too."
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The market district was bustling that morning as they made their way between the vendors. The path was cluttered with shoppers buying food and wares and the calls and cries of buyer and seller alike rang out among the stalls which were like ribbons sprawling upon the permacrete. Fox followed Aiya as she ducked among them, looking on as she tossed various things into the basket she carried, occasionally adding items to the one tucked under his arm as well. He watched Fayna out of the corner of his eye. She danced before and around them, slipping in and out of his vision like a wisp of colored smoke.
Aiya was just paying for some fruit when the little girl gave out a shrill shriek and took off running. Her mother spun around in surprise but only saw the back of Fox's armor as he chased after her.
She was nimble and weaved through the crowd effortlessly ducking beneath obstacles and dodging people Fox could only hop over or squeeze past. Fox called after her but he doubted he could be heard over the noise of the market. A few bemused onlookers jumped out of his way and watched the scene curiously.
He'd almost caught up with her when she careened into something.
Or rather, someone.
Thorn looked down at the small figure wrapped around his leg and reholstered the side blaster he'd drawn upon impact immediately. When he'd felt something slam into his leg, that wasn't what he'd expected. He stood there puzzled for a second before reaching down to pat her back.
"Hey, half-rations." He glanced around for Aiya before looking down at her again.
She gave him a toothy grin just as Fox came bursting through the crowd. The other commander came to an abrupt halt before them, nearly stumbling in his haste and dropping the basket of food. Several pieces rolled across the ground. Fayna regarded him curiously from behind Thorn's leg.
Fox just looked at her for a minute, his arms wavering a bit as though he was caught between crossing his arms or shaking a finger at the girl. But then he just let out a long breath and began to pick up the basket and its contents.
Thorn's laughter spilled from his helmet's filters and he ran a hand over the little girl's head just as Aiya came running through the crowd. She caught sight of them and an extremely relieved albeit exasperated look came over her face. She shook her head and bent over, her hands on her knees and chest heaving. Her basket was gone.
"Who is this?"
A hooded figure stepped out of the merchant tent they all stood in front of and kneeled in front of Fayna. Thorn looked down at the little girl who ducked shyly behind his legs.
Padme laughed and stood. She gave Thorn a smile, and then Fox and Aiya as well. Fox straightened and saluted.
"Senator."
Aiya brought her palms together and inclined her head to the other woman also.
"Ma'am." She took in the beautiful woman in front of her. So this was the Senator Fox and Thorn spoke so reverently of. The woman Thorn often escorted and came back speaking of with such stars in his eyes and affection in his voice.
Aiya glanced at Thorn, but his attention was on Fayna who clung tightly to his hand with one of her own, her other arm still wrapped around his thigh. She stared up at the senator with obvious curiosity and adoration. Padme bent and ran a finger down Fayna's cheek, then stood again and smiled at them all once more.
Aiya was honored to meet her. She knelt and beckoned Fayna with her arms. The girl lingered for a moment, still looking up at Padme, before running back to her mother.
The senator inclined her head once more and turned to go. Thorn gave a nod to Aiya, then Fox and a small wave to Fayna before following her.
Aiya picked up Fayna and grinned at Fox, raising an eyebrow.
"Up for a basket hunt? Ten points if we can find it without losing anything else. Twenty points if we meet someone else cool, though." She and Fayna watched the retreating backs of the commander and senator.
Fox just snorted.
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"What do you think?"
Thorn speared a piece of grilled protein with his fork and cut it neatly with the knife in his other hand. He sat in the mess hall beside Commander Fox, eating a quick meal at the close of their shift that night. There weren't too many other troopers eating at that hour so they had the table to themselves, although Thorn's voice was still intentionally soft.
Fox chewed thoughtfully in silence for a while, gazing across the other tables at the wall on the far side of the large room. He swallowed and lifted an eyebrow.
"There are worse Senators to have a thing for."
He went back to eating, and Thorn shot him a tired look.
"That's all you have to say?"
Fox looked at him out of the corner of his eye.
"Not good enough?"
"No. I just thought...you'd have something to say about it. Helpful or against or...otherwise." Thorn sighed and laid down his utensils to plop his elbows on the table. He rubbed a hand over his fist looking at the floor between their table and the next absent-mindedly.
Fox snorted, but stopped eating. He stared hard at his plate.
"I think you're human, Thorn. And she's a very beautiful woman. In many ways. Although I don't share your feelings, I can understand why they're there." He sent Thorn another sideways glance.
"I also think you're capable of handling the situation, and trust your judgment."
Thorn nodded and gave him a small smile of gratitude. Fox went back to eating.
"I don't have any advice other than reminding you to keep it professional...or at least to not share the details if you don't." Fox chuckled as he said the last part and Thorn punched his shoulder.
"There's nothing between us. She has...someone else."
Fox didn't reply and they both went back to eating in silence. Thorn was fairly certain the other commander was also aware of the Senator's forbidden relationship with the Jedi general, although he himself hadn't (and would never) let the information pass his lips. And Fox wasn't one to partake in gossip or to interfere in the private matters of others, so he had no fear if his friend did.
"Any missions coming up?"
"In another week or so," Thorn answered. "Another banquet, I think."
"I heard about that one. With Senator Organa, correct?"
Thorn nodded, eating his last bite. "And generals Kenobi and Skywalker."
"He likes you." Fox drank the last dregs from his mug and stood up to clear his tray as Thorn did the same.
"What? Who?"
"General Skywalker," Fox stated matter-of-factly, turning to look at Thorn directly, who froze mid-step. He blinked at Fox for a few moments, caught off-guard and confused.
"I don't know wh..."
"He trusts you. With the Senator," Fox continued and Thorn stared back at him curiously. So he did know... "He requested specifically that you accompany her several times, that I've overheard." They turned in their trays and headed back to the barracks. Fox didn't say anything else as they walked and Thorn pondered his words.
He trusts you...Thorn considered the way Fox had said it as they walked. His voice had possessed an odd mixture of pride and sadness. Why?
And then Thorn realized something he hadn't before. Something that was plain as day but he had been too distracted trying to figure things out on his level to notice.
Fox had been her bodygaurd first. He'd been part of the original squad assigned to Senator Amidala from the get go. He'd even rescued her from Ziro the hutt once.
They had reached their shared quarters and Thorn began removing his armor, eyes on Fox's back as he did the same. He stacked the plates and guards in the drawer beneath the bed and sat down on it, still watching his brother.
Fox pulled off his gloves and shirt and flopped down on his bed, face in the matress. It had been a long day after a short night's sleep and he was eager to catch up.
"Do you miss it?"
Fox lifted his face from the bed to regard Thorn in confusion.
"...Miss what?"
Thorn looked at him evenly, a tinge of guilt on his face.
"Protecting the Senator."
Fox was caught completely off guard. Is that what Thorn had thought he meant? He sat up slowly and let out a long sigh before running a hand through his hair. He leaned forward to rest his chin on his fists, elbows on his knees. He shot Thorn a thoughtful look.
"There was never anything between the Senator and me."
A brief look of surprise passed over Thorns face before he covered it quickly with a blank expression, although his eyebrows knitted together.
"That's not what I meant."
"You sure?" Fox joked, then chuckled as Thorn's expression turned exasperated. He flopped back down on the bed.
"I'm not...jealous," he shot Thorn a grin "I do miss the action sometimes, though. I envy you a little, I suppose."
Thorn let out a relieved sigh, then lay down himself. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked at the ceiling for a few moments. After a bit he began laughing quietly.
"This morning seemed pretty exciting."
Fox threw an arm over his face and chuckled.
They were both quiet for a little while before Thorn spoke again.
"There isn't anything between the Senator and me either. Nothing reciprocated, anyway. Not like...," he paused for a moment before continuing, "...you and Miss Aiya." He turned his head to fix Fox with a small smile as he turned off the light. "I guess we're even?"
Fox considered that as he lay in the darkness.