Conversations with dead people

[imthepilot]

The bar is too busy tonight. There's too much going on. Too much noise, too many people messing about. And those doll things - Bodhi shudders.

Instead he takes Galen's hand draws him towards the outside door. It's a clear night and cool without being cold. A light jacket and Galen's hand in his is enough to keep him warm.

"I never knew moonlight on water could be so... beautiful."

Comments

[galen_erso]

"Yes, it does," Galen says. "But I was glad I came out when I left; I heard later that people had taken a short walk sometimes and returned weeks later. We can risk it now because we're together."

[imthepilot]

"Stars! I don't know what I'd do if you vanished for weeks!"

Find a ship, mount a search. Burn the damn forest down if that's what it took. Because he would.

[galen_erso]

"Teja would feed the cats if we vanished together," Galen says. "So we can risk it."

Holding Bodhi's hand, he cheerfully strides forward. "And that is why I was so glad. I do t want to worry you again."

[imthepilot]

"It wasn't your fault." Bodhi stresses, having to step a bit faster to keep up with Galen. "Not so quick. I still ache from training with Baze."

[galen_erso]

"Oh dear," Galen says. "What did he put you through this time?"

Hearing about his future husband's martial arts training has become an entertainment of its own.

[imthepilot]

"Stretches that involve handstands. For no reason I can tell." Bodhi grumbles, "Other than he seems to think being upside down is fun. It's Chirrut's fault, I'm sure."

He may have made peace with Baze but things are still strained with Chirrut.

The path turns a corner and Bodhi follows it. But glances over his shoulder. The back of his neck is itching.

[galen_erso]

"Everything is probably Chirrut's fault," Galen says without rancour. He has forgiven the man for the painful welcome, but the blind guardian is definitely quirky.

[imthepilot]

"You're right there." Bodhi looks over his shoulder again, sounding distracted. "I think someone is following us."

[galen_erso]

"Hullo?!" Galen calls out, turning around.

He isn't physically brave, but if anything threatens Bodhi, it's quite another story.

[imthepilot]

There's no answer, just the ring of Galen's voice in the trees. Like an ever so slight echo.

Bodhi blinks and shakes his head. "Maybe I was imagining it." And yet the back of his neck still itched. "Show me this pool you were talking about?"

[galen_erso]

"Or whoever it is doesn't want to show themselves," Galen says, not entirely reassuring.

He turns towards a small path between the trees.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi isn't either and walks a little faster, looking for a clear place to look back from.

[galen_erso]

Something rustles in the undergrowth beside them.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi moves to put Galen protectively behind him. "Maybe we should go back."

[galen_erso]

"It's just the wood," Galen says. "Free animals live here."

[imthepilot]

"I guess." Bodhi doesn't seem soothes by the idea. He takes Galen's arms and keeps walking. "I guess I'm not use to that either."

[galen_erso]

"Like the black and red ones that spit fire?" Galen asks, walking along.

[imthepilot]

"Demon bunnies. Yeah, I've heard of them."

They come out into another turn in the path. "Is that the clearing Teja was talking about?"

[galen_erso]

"I think it must be," Galen says. "Look, that is the pond!"

[imthepilot]

The view of the pond does makes him smile. Large pink flowers float on the surface, reflecting the moonlight. There's a flat rock to one side of the pool, the perfect as a bench to sit. "Teja was right. It's beautiful here."

[galen_erso]

"So lovely, and calm," Galen says. "That's the great advantage of forests. They're good for the soul."

[imthepilot]

"I'd imagine it would be ever better in daylight." Bodhi mutters, still unsure that there isn't anything following them.

He tries to put it out if his mind by sitting down on the rock with Galen. He wraps an arm around Galen, holding him close. "This might be a nice place, to have the wedding?"

[galen_erso]

Galen pulls him close.

"I'd like that. Making my vows to you here."

There is a rustle in the trees nearby.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi tense and tightens his arm around Galen. "Who's there?"

[galen_erso]

There seems to be a figure moving between the trees, a pale human, with flashes of red.