AU - Delta Base with friends

[imthepilot]

The first month after Endor is the busiest Bodhi has seen things for the Alliance since the evacuation of Hoth. Despite Mothma promoting him to Delta Base’s commander, he’s been off base more often than not. Rogue Strike were busy too.

With Galen cleared to know about his mission, Bodhi always leaves messages when he has to leave in a hurry. But mostly he finds Galen and talks to him before he leaves. It’s getting harder and harder for Bodhi to go as things get more comfortable between them.

The sex hasn’t been the same though. Since that first time, Bodhi has been careful. Very careful. Giving and loving but controlled. As if he’s afraid to hurt Galen again.

To manage the base in Bodhi’s absence, Mothma appoints him a pair of adjuncts – young Nika who turns out to be quite a resourceful young man, especially when it comes to finding scientific equipment for Galen. The other is a stern Twi'lek woman named Dana. Her blue skin shaded to purple around a network of heavy scars, the tip of one lekku permanently twisted by a deep cut. Harshly fair but dispassionate, Dana keeps things on track and organised in Bodhi’s absences but doesn’t mix with the others on base much.

Bodhi sends a message to Galen via Dana, letting him know he’ll be back soon. And that some friends are coming to Delta to see him. And to meet Galen.

Comments

[galen_erso]

"I heard there used to be competitions about who could grow the hottest chilies," Galen supplies.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi raises an eyebrow. "The hottest one I know is black fire chilli. And you need a very hot, wet climate to grow it."

Luke chuckles. "I just feel sorry for whoever has to test it." He passes on the spice. "I grew up on simple foods. I'm not very good with chilli."

[galen_erso]

"We could grow them here," Galen muses. "But I might not be able to eat them, either."

[imthepilot]

"They'd grow here. But now to their same heat. I'm not sure it's hot enough here for that." Bodhi muses. "Besides, that would take up space better used by more practical crops."

[galen_erso]

"If we build..." Galen begins. You can practically see him think.

[imthepilot]

"Yes?" Bodhi encourages him to go on. To voice those thoughts. Even if he isn't good at it himself.

[galen_erso]

"If we build greenhouses here to bring our various proofs of concept together, there is sure to be a corner we can dedicate to the growing of really hot peppers. Cynical as that may sound, that is something which will make people on the core worlds notice our work," Galen says.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi pauses, spoon half way to his mouth. "Yes. I can see that value in that. The eastern side of the base might be best, easiest to clear." And away from the temple.

Luke watches them, laughing aloud. "You two! You're so much alike!"

[galen_erso]

Galen looks at him. "We're not. We just like to contribute."

[imthepilot]

Luke smiles and shake his head. "I can practically hear your cogs turning in sync." He finishes off his strew and wine, taking his things to the sink. "I'm going to go meditate. I'll leave you two to plan."

He squeezes Bodhi's shoulder. "Find me in the morning. There are things to talk about." He turns to Galen. "I'm glad to have met you. I hope we get to speak again soon."

Bodhi lays his metal hand over Luke's nodding.

[galen_erso]

"I'm sure we will," Galen says. "You'll be here a few more days?"

[imthepilot]

"I hope so. But if not, I'll be back as soon as you set a date." Luke answers with a shrug. "All is as the Force wills."

He gives them one last nod and heads out, leaving them alone. Bodhi gets up without a word and starts cleaning up, his own plate only half finished.

[galen_erso]

"Don't you want your stew?" Galen asks.

[imthepilot]

"Pardon? Oh. No, you're right. I should finish that." He sits down again, distracted. "You and Luke seem to get on?" It's not a great attempt at small talk but it's a start.

[galen_erso]

"Yes, he is a very sensible young man, despite the mysterious aura of being a Jedi," Galen says.

[imthepilot]

"Mysterious aura." Bodhi snorts. "That's something he's picked up. And worked on. He was just another small world run-away when we met." Okay, he might have been a little more than that but...

[galen_erso]

"There's still a lot left of that, and I like it," Galen says.

[imthepilot]

"He's a good man. And a good friend." Bodhi finishes off his stew, trying to hide the sadness that comes with the memory. "Without he and Wedge and Leia-" It doesn't bear thinking about.

[galen_erso]

Galen reaches out to hug him.

Despite all the strength and action Bodhi has become accustomed to, there is still that lovable core of vulnerability that makes Galen want to stand up to the entire galaxy for this man.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi folds himself into Galen's arms, hugging him close and tight. He's not shaking but only out of a supreme act of will. Seeing Wedge so badly hurt has shaken him more than he wants to admit.

[galen_erso]

Galen holds him, stroking Bodhi's shoulders, saying nothing for a moment.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi leans into him. "I've missed you." He breathes, cheek pressed against Galen's.

[galen_erso]

"I'm here for you now," Galen murmurs back. "Always. As long as the Force will let us."

[imthepilot]

Bodhi doesn't quite nod but he does tighten his arms around Galen a little. His flesh arm anyway. He's still careful of how he touches Galen with the cold metal.

[galen_erso]

"Which is, incidentally, what I plan to formally promise to you," Galen adds, lwa inf into the embrace.