boxofmisfits | 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.

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"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.

Reunion

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