boxofmisfits | Reunion

Entry tags:

Reunion

With the children rescued and the grysks defeated for now, it was just a matter of sending the little ones back to their families. Thrawn had spoken to them, assured them that they were safe and would be going home, which did a lot to ease them. Darth vader was still regarding Thrawn with suspicion, but at least for now he was giving the Grand Admiral the benefit of the doubt.

Thrawn had contacted Admiral Ar'alani and filled her in, mainly just telling her that there were some sky-walkers who needed to go home. There was only so much he could tell her on this channel. He would have liked to ask how Eli was doing, but she didn't leave him room to ask before saying that they were on their way.

When the Steadfast came out of hyperspace, Thrawn told Lord Vader that he would personally take the children over. Vader had tried insisting that he come along, still not really trusting Thrawn, but Thrawn had pointed out that only he could speak Cheunh, and that the Chiss would trust one of their own more than the Sith. Vader had seen his point, even if he wasn't very pleased about it.

Thus, Thrawn escorted the girls onto a shuttle and flew them towards the Steadfast. Once on board, he remained with them still, walking down the exit ramp.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

There was a flurry of movement as Eli came running toward Thrawn. He had a huge smile on his face and his expression was one of happiness and excitement. He had just learned that Thrawn was visiting the ship to escort the girls he had rescued back to the Steadfast. He wasn't sure how long Thrawn would be staying and didn't want to miss him. Before he could be stopped, Eli had left his work station to go greet him.

As soon as the Chiss stepped off the exit ramp, Eli threw himself around him in an embrace. He didn't care if others were watching or the curious stares/annoyed that were going on. Thrawn was here and that's all that mattered.

Thrawn didn't even get a chance to greet Eli before the human's arms were suddenly around him, slightly startling Thrawn. Swiftly recovering, Thrawn wrapped his arms around Eli in return. A few Chiss warriors were looking at them, as were the girls Thrawn had rescued.

"It is good to see you, Eli Vanto," Thrawn whispered.

Eli rested his head against Thrawn's forehead.

"I missed you. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to catch you in time. I'm probably going to get reprimanded for leaving my work station to see you...." He whispered back.

He could feel his own cheeks heating up from showing such an open display in front of everyone. "How much time will you have to be here?"

Thrawn gently pressed his forehead into the contact. Were they not surrounded by various red eyes, Thrawn would have done much more than this. He could see Eli's face light up in embarrassment. A few of the children stifled giggles.

"No more than an hour, or perhaps an hour and a half, at the most. Lord Vader will be expecting me to return, and may not be pleased if I am gone for too long."

"Alright, I'll let you go make your report. Find me afterward?" Eli replied as he reluctantly let Thrawn out of his embrace.

He was going to hear about this later, especially from the navigators. He could see them all looking at him with curious gazes. For now he stepped aside to let Thrawn go. He didn't need them both in trouble.

"Of course," Thrawn let Eli out of his arms, even as he wanted nothing more than to keep holding onto him. It had been so long since they'd seen each other in person, after spending ten years together. Thrawn could wait a little longer.

Thrawn guided the children out of the hanger and towards the Admiral's office. He could tell that some of them were still curious about that interaction between him and Eli. It wasn't hard to find Ar'alani, and explain the situation to her, giving her a briefing. She would ensure that the girls were returned to their families. She also figured that he'd want some time with Lieutenant Vanto before he had to return.

Making his way to Eli's quarters, Thrawn pressed the door chime.

"I was given the rest of the shift off!" Eli greeted as he threw his arms around Thrawn once more. "I thought I was going to get into trouble, but they seemed to understand...."

He had a feeling that Thrawn never told his people that were were more then just friends. It was never his thing to do, but he believed that the others were just as quick to figure it out. Even the ones who felt he was a loose canon.

"Although...I think I saw people passing each other credits around when they thought I wasn't looking."

Thrawn was taken aback by the hug, but quickly recovered and returned it, gently guiding Eli back into his quarters, the door shutting behind them.

"Perhaps I did not do as good a job concealing my true feelings for you as I imagined," Thrawn chuckled. It wasn't a matter of shame, but rather than he didn't want to give the impression that he only sent Eli here because of favoritism.

Now that they were alone, Thrawn put his hands on Eli's shoulders and touched foreheads again. "I have missed you."

Edited 2020-02-03 20:11 (UTC)

"Well there was a lot of speculation upon my arrival and my reaction to you visiting certainly helped fuel those rumors." Eli teased. He happily rested his forehead against Thrawn's.

Eli used this moment to steal a kiss from Thrawn, unsure of how the other would fully react.

Thrawn hadn't let anyone in the Empire know that he had feelings for Eli, for it may have been used as fuel to destroy them both. Certainly, the Emperor himself might have used Eli and Thrawn's feelings to his advantage, seeing Eli as Thrawn's weakness. But, it seemed neither of them could hide anything from observant humans and Chiss alike when they were together.

When Eli kissed him, Thrawn paused for a second, before he leaned into it and kissed back. Eli's lips were soft against his, and pleasantly warm.

Eli could hear his own heart pounding and had been pleasantly surprised when Thrawn returned the kiss. He had been worried for that brief second that it wouldn't have gone well.

"I know that....we can't have this relationship, but I just wanted this moment to remember later." Eli whispered when he reluctantly pulled away from Thrawn.

"I know," Here they were, two men in love, and there was nothing the two of them could do about it. Thrawn had to return to the Empire, and Eli would stay on the Steadfast to return to Chiss space. Thrawn couldn't abandon the Chimaera, and it would be selfish to ask Eli to come back with him.

But, one day, when the time was right, Thrawn would return to his people. It was his true goal, to shape the Empire into a true force to fight greater evils within the galaxy. Perhaps then, he and Eli would be free to be with each other.

"You have me all to yourself for the next hour. Let us not waste time."

Eli didn't have to be told twice. He wasn't sure when they would have such an opportunity for this again, and wanted to make the most of it.

He hungrily kissed Thrawn in response while his hands made quick work at trying to undo the uniform. Why did it have to be so cumbersome? And made a frustrated noise as he tried to get a stubborn clasp free.

Thrawn returned the kiss with equal vigor. His hands went to Eli's uniform, undoing the clasp at his shoulder. When he felt Eli stumble over a clasp at his own uniform, Thrawn broke the kiss to murmur, "Allow me."

Deft hands undid the clasp, followed by unworking the sealing strip of the white Grand Admiral's uniform, pulling it back just slightly, revealing a hint of the black undershirt Thrawn wore underneath.

He blushed slightly for not having be able to undo the tunic as easily as he would have liked. He had always admired seeing Thrawn in his black undershirt. Especially when they had worked out.

He shrugged the rest of his tunic off as his lips found Thrawn's once more and with his hands he had fun exploring his chest.

Thrawn made a soft noise into the kiss as he felt Eli's hands on him. Following Eli's example, he slipped off his tunic, exposing his arms now. His own hands ran along Eli's back, feeling the lean muscles. Eli really did have a nice body on him.

Breaking the kiss again, Thrawn led Eli to the bedroom. Having served on Chiss ships, he knew where the bedroom would be in a typical lieutenant's quarters. Perhaps one day, Eli would rise high enough within the CDF that he got nicer quarters.

Gently pushing Eli onto the bed, Thrawn pulled off his undershirt before climbing on top of the human, and kissing him again.

Easily enough, Eli allowed Thrawn to direct things how they went. He was simply enjoying the sensations that ran through him with their explorations. It had been many a nights he had dreamed of this and now this was finally happening. He only let out a soft whine of annoyance when Thrawn stopped briefly to pull his undershirt off.

He intertwined his legs around Thrawn's, silently telling him he wasn't allowed to leave his side.

The times when Thrawn let his mind wander, it would often go to thoughts of Eli and himself in this position. Sometimes, Thrawn felt the ache of loneliness, wanting Eli at his side again, within easy reach. Both of them had made sacrifices, but right now, it was just the two of them, and they could indulge in those fantasies.

Thrawn kissed him sensually, his hands exploring the other man's body, tracing his lean muscles. He was going to show Eli how much he meant to him. By the time Thrawn had to leave again, both of them would depart with no doubts as to how Thrawn felt about the human he'd allowed himself to become so close to.

Eli deserved nothing less.

Eli rested in Thrawn's arms not wanting to get up or let Thrawn leave. He listened to Thrawn's heart beat as his own began to slow back down. He knew that they didn't have much of their little time left. Even when Thrawn left he knew he wouldn't get anything accomplished the rest of the day. At the most he would see him off, but after that he would be more then likely moping.

"Do you think we could find time to spend with each other? I know you can't exactly go home yet...but at least having some time would make up for it." he softly commented. "Plus, I can't help but worry about you when you're gone."

Thrawn idly stroked Eli's arm, savoring the feeling of having him in his embrace. Eli looked beautiful like this, in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Thrawn wanted the moment to last longer, just to enjoy Eli's presence, knowing that it would be a long time before they could see each other again.

"I would wish for nothing more than to find the time to spend with you. Perhaps, if we time things correctly, that may be possible," Thrawn worried about Eli too. He was facing very dangerous foes out in the Unknown Region, and Thrawn couldn't yet return to help with them.

"You need not worry about me, Eli."

"You know telling me not to worry about it is fruitless," Eli stated as he turned to kiss the Chiss on his forehead.

"Before I got to see you I did manage to formulate a system to where we can privately talk and reach each other. I hate this lack of communication and relying on the Ascendancy to tell me if you're okay."

Thrawn smiled. "My clever Eli," He leaned in to return the kiss, pecking Eli on his lips. Eli was so smart, so kind, it was no wonder Thrawn had developed feelings for him. Much as Thrawn wanted nothing than to have Eli with him always, sending him out here was for his own good.

"One day, Eli, I will return, and bring a force that the grysks will not be able to withstand." It was a promise, a vow, and Thrawn didn't break his promises, or make idle vows.

"I'll hold you to that promise. I want to be by your side then. No more of this waiting for you nonsense." Eli stated.

Reluctantly he sat up knowing that their time was rapidly running out. "You better go get dressed. Don't need Lord Vader wanting to know where you are."

"When I return, I intend to never leave you again," Another promise, and one that Thrawn fully intended to see fulfilled.

He kept his hand on Eli as he sat up, fingers trailing down his back. Eli had kept himself in nice shape, which wasn't surprising since the CDF did like their warriors to be in fighting shape. "Of course."

Much as he hated leaving Eli's bed, he did have a point. Darth Vader didn't like to be kept waiting. Sliding out of bed, Thrawn gathered his clothes and began to get dressed. "I want you to see me off."

That earned another kiss to the lips before Eli got up and reluctantly dressed.

"I planned on it," he softly said. Glancing in the mirror once more he made sure he was presentable and did another glace or two with Thrawn to make sure he was ready. Granted he kept finding imaginary wrinkles to smooth out. He hated being such a sap, but couldn't help but feel the impending heart ache of having to send him off.

Thrawn did his best to smooth his hair out, allowing Eli to fuss a little. It would be the last time they could have their hands on each other. At least they could pretend, just for a little while, that they had the life they wanted.

Stroking Eli's cheek one more time, Thrawn secured his rank plaque to his chest once more. Once he got back on that shuttle and returned to the Chimaera, they wouldn't be Eli and Mitth'raw'nuruodo, but Grand Admiral Thrawn and Lieutenant Vanto.

"Shall we?" Composing himself, Thrawn made sure Eli was right behind him before leaving his quarters.

Reluctantly Eli gave a nod and composing himself he followed Thrawn out he door. He did his best to keep his expression neutral and his emotions calm. Knowing that the Navigators could have easily picked up his distress.

He refrained from reaching out to hold the other's hand. But he knew it would be considered unprofessional. Thrawn had enough on his plate. He made sure he was currently a step behind him as he always had been.

It was almost like old times, walking through a ship with Eli close by. It made Thrawn feel nostalgic. But, the closer they got to the hanger bay, the more Thrawn felt that ache. Each step was one more step closer to not being able to see and hold Eli again for quite a long time. But, Thrawn had to go back to the Empire, and Eli had to stay with the CDF.

When they were right outside Thrawn's shuttle, he turned back to Eli, his post and face still professional, but anyone who could read Thrawn's expressions could see that touch of longing.

"I wish you luck, Eli Vanto. Until we may meet again."

As much as Eli struggled to remain professional, hearing the farewell from Thrawn broke the damn. Tears started to slide down his face as he pulled Thrawn in one last embrace and kissed him. The lothcat was out of the bag now.

"You better come back home to me," Eli softly replied after he ended the kiss.

Thrawn was momentarily taken aback by the kiss, before he allowed himself to melt into it and return it, putting his hands on Eli's waist. The other Chiss were looking at them, watching their display of affection. If anyone had any doubt as to how they felt about each other, that doubt was long gone.

"I will. You have my word."

He pressed their foreheads together for a moment, before he slowly pulled out of Eli's embrace. Cutting it too close would earn Darth Vader's ire. Thrawn gave Eli one last look as the shuttle door closed behind him.

Eli stood where he was watching the ship depart. He used the time to collect himself and to wipe away the tears that had fallen. Thankfully those he managed to stop before it got ugly.

Reluctantly he pulled himself away from the spot he had been standing and headed back toward his work station. He kept his head low refusing to make eye contact. Not that he really cared what they thought. They already were aware that humans were emotional. He at least was going to attempt to work even if he didn't manage to accomplish anything. At the most it would at least distract him.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Reunion

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject