(no subject)

[imthepilot]

Bodhi can't help but get up and fiddle. He's slept so much since the accident, he finds it hard to stay still for too long. Even if holding Galen in the afterglow is magnificent.

Instead he investigates Galen's little kitchenette, seeing what he might have to work with. He's starving!

Comments

[galen_erso]

"They are your brothers, and they are alive," Galen says. "I call that a direct line, even peppered with resentment. Even factoring in the connection through your cargo and its source, the odds are ridiculously low."

[imthepilot]

"Pebbles in the stream." Bodhi nods, trying to keep a note of sadness out of his voice. Just a means to an end.

[galen_erso]

Galen still see!s to pick up on it.

"Being meant," Galen says, "being paired by the Force like dolls smashed together by a child, that is not necessarily a romantic or pleasant notion. It makes me feel humble and small. But I trust that it will be right; and in addition, we get each other and these wonderful hu!an and personal feelings. Not even realising how small a relay in the whole machine we are can take that away."

[imthepilot]

Bodhi touches Galen's cheek softly before stepping away. He needs a moment. Just a moment to catch his breath. To clear his head. He wants to believe. Wants to believe that he and Galen love each other, are right for each other.

The thought that all of this was because the Force wanted it makes him doubt himself. Perhaps he doesn't deserve love, he's just a pebble the river needed to move.

[galen_erso]

"To know this beyond a shadow of doubt is not nice at all," Galen says, softly, behind him.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi shakes his head, still silent.

He takes a deep breath and turns around to face Galen. His eyes are sad, dark, and heavy as he cups Galen's cheek. "It's not you I doubt, Galen."

[galen_erso]

"Yourself?" Galen says, softly.

[imthepilot]

He lowers his eyes, unable to deny it.

[galen_erso]

Galen quietly holds out both his hands for Bodhi's.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi hesitates a moment before taking Galen's hands, his eyes still low.

[galen_erso]

Galen strokes the back of Bodhi's hands with his thumbs and bends his head to touch his nose to Bodhi's.

"I love you, so much," he says. "But love can't push away the rest of the universe."

[imthepilot]

Bodhi takes a long moment to answer, his eyes closed as he leans into Galen. "Then I guess we wait, and see what the universe wants of me." He doesn't mean to sound bitter but-

He swallows and lifts his eyes, kissing Galen's cheek softly. "I love you. I'm sorry. I'm just-" Tired of feeling like someone else's pawn.

[galen_erso]

Galen leans into him, stroking his wrists, giving him the silence he needs.

[imthepilot]

"I love you, Galen. I really do. You're the first person whose ever made me feel-" He cuts himself off again, his voice thick.

[galen_erso]

Galen tilts up his chin to softly, slowly kiss him.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi accepts the kiss, taking a moment before he returns it equally. "I'm sorry." He runs a hand over Galen's cheek. "I just... I need to go. I need to clear my head." He squeezes Galen's hand. "I'll be back. I just need-"

Time, space. Something.

[galen_erso]

Galen nods.

"Of course. I'll be here, and if not, comm me."

[imthepilot]

"I'm sorry." He hates this. Hates himself for this.

He kisses Galen's cheek, lingering for a moment. "I'll come find you later."

He pulls the robe a little tighter and heads for his own room across the hall.