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

[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.

[galen_erso]

Galen clings and hugs tightly enough as it is.

[imthepilot]

"I love you." It comes out as a slightly strangled sob.

[galen_erso]

"And I love you," Galen says, sitting on the bed and pulling Bodhi down with him.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi sits down with Galen, unable to take his arms from around him. He strokes Galen's back, just feeling the warmth of him, the solidness of him.

[galen_erso]

Once more, Galen holds him close and strokes his scarred back.

[imthepilot]

"Galen, I-" He hesitates, not sure how to say, what to say.

He wants to be close to Galen, to be near him, to feel him. But he isn't sure he's ready for anything... more. Yet.

[galen_erso]

"Yes?"

Galen leans in for a long, loving kiss.

[imthepilot]

He answers the kiss in kind, his lashes dewed with tears. He cups Galen's cheek, just holding him as they kiss.

[galen_erso]

"Perhaps," Galen murmurs into the kiss, "just snuggling and kissing and sleep tonight."

[imthepilot]

"It's that- it that okay? I'm not sure I'm-" He hugs Galen again. "I just want to hold you."

[galen_erso]

Galen lies back and holds open his arms for Bodhi.

[imthepilot]

The donna on the bed is thick and fluffy, the sort of warm, substantial thing that lets you know you're safe. Bodhi pulls it up around them, burying himself in Galen's arms.

[galen_erso]

Galen stretches, and sighs deeply, content.

[imthepilot]

"I missed this. Most of all." Bodhi whispers, so very softly. "Just holding you. And being held."

[galen_erso]

Galen turns and buries his face in Bodhi's hair.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi shares a few soft kisses and gentle nuzzles before sleep starts to claim him, wrung out by the emotions of the day.

[galen_erso]

Galen closes his eyes and drifts off, snuggling close to Bodhi and not letting go.