Reunion

[admiralchiss]

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.

Comments

[admiralchiss]

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."

[thrawnsaide]

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.

[admiralchiss]

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.

[thrawnsaide]

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.