Welcome home.

[imthepilot]

With Galen finally being released from the Infantry today, Bodhi has pulled out all the stops to make sure their rooms are ready. The bar has been very helpful, providing him with everything he needs to make it work for them.

The rooms are large and airy, open planned living and dinning. Thick carpets and warm colours make it homely and comfortable.

The bar has made sure Bodhi's kitchen has all the appliances he's use to and a big pantry. All the lovely hardwood benches and lots of storage.

The bedroom faces out onto the balcony, just as the living room does, giving them a view of the lake and the gardens. There's an office and workshop for Galen too, ready to be set up the way he wants it.

And a bathroom with a water fresher big enough for two, and of all things - a spa bath.

The balcony has been lined with pots, one wall lined with climbing frames, ready for creeps, flowers and climbing legumes. The kitchen window is also lined with little pots of fresh herbs.

Bodhi opens the door for Galen, biting his lip and hoping Galen likes it.

Comments

[imthepilot]

"Then tomorrow I'll find a potato recipe to cook for you." Bodhi promises, finishing off the last of his soup.

[galen_erso]

Galen finishes his soup as well, wiping the bowl with a piece of bread to get the very last of the taste.

"But now," he says, "sleep."

[imthepilot]

"Bed, yes." He cleans up the kitchen first, putting the bowls away. "Did you want to use the fresher before we-?"

[galen_erso]

Galen starts taking off his shirt. "I think I had better," he says. "There is still medical goo on me."

[imthepilot]

"Do you-" He cuts himself off. He wants to ask if Galen wants company but... he doesn't want to rush anything. "Do you need help, with that?"

[galen_erso]

"Perhaps, yes," Galen says. "I still have some bruises."

And he really does.

[imthepilot]

"I can help with that." Bodhi nods, gesturing towards the bathroom.

It's bigger than a standard issue fresher room, with a nice big water bath and a duel sonic and water fresher. And thick towels.

[galen_erso]

"That thing is for filling with water?" Galen marvels, getting rid of his shoes.

[imthepilot]

"I think so. I think it's for soaking in." He marvels at the taps. "I still can't get over how readily water is available here." He shakes his head. "Every time I look at the lake."

[galen_erso]

"Lots of water, and still good warm weather," Galen says. "I don't think I have seen that often."

[imthepilot]

"I think it gets cold here. But... it seems like it's always warm inside. That the rooms are kept warm." He's looking forward to that.

He holds out his hands, offering to help Galen out of his clothes.

[galen_erso]

Galen is glad to let him have his shirt and turn, instead of worming out of it despite his bruises and still-healing ribs. Soon, he is naked.

[imthepilot]

"Oh, Galen." He's trying not to be furious at the yellowing bruises or the tender marks. Instead he touches the burn on Galen's side, the one that unites them. "I'm sorry."

Maybe if he hadn't been so desperate to have Galen here with him, Galen might have ended up somewhere else. Somewhere with Lyra and Jyn. Somewhere he didn't get beaten up.

[galen_erso]

"I don't mind," Galen says. "I'm here with you now, and apparently the place comes complete with Bantha Hair and Kyber Eyes."

He leans into Bodhi's touch.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi runs his hands very softly over Galen's back, rubbing his thumbs carefully over the muscles of his shoulders.

He kisses the curve of Galen's neck. "I should let you wash."

[galen_erso]

"Hm-mh," Galen agrees, regretfully. That touch was very good in a non-sexual way.

[imthepilot]

"When you're finished. We can... we can hold each other."

[galen_erso]

"I want that," Galen says, stepping into the shower.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi nods and steps outside, letting Galen shower. He changed into comfortable sleeping clothes, fidgeting a bit while waiting for Galen.

[galen_erso]

Galen comes back soon, wearing loose, comfortable grey pajama bottoms and nothing else.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi sits awkwardly on the edge of the bed, looking down at his hands.

But then Galen comes in and he looks up. And smiles. Not lust, not looking at Galen's bare chest. But his face. His eyes. There's nothing but love.

[galen_erso]

"Come here," Galen says, reaching for him as he approaches the bed.

Bodhi must have all the hugs until he feels safe again.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi strands and moves closer to Galen, arms open. He rests his head on Galen's shoulder, breathing in the scent of his warm, clean skin.

[galen_erso]

Galen holds him close and buries his face in Bodhi's hair.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi fights down a sob, clinging. He tries not to hug too hard and hurt Galen more.