Hijra [A few weeks later]

[momslilassassin]

Ben was catching up on emails from home--news about the Sith, the latest gossip from Jag and Jaina's corner of the galaxy and whatever Allana had gotten herself up to while being unsupervised (there was a lot of "it'd seemed like a good idea!!!" in her correspondence)--and then poking around scientific journals about advancements in reproductive technology.

You know. For no real reason. Cough.

He drank tea and really missed having those yummy red fruits around. He'd need to ask when they came back the next time he went to the market.

Comments

[momslilassassin]

"And if that stopped everyone, there'd never be another generation," Ben replied.

[endsthegame]

"Exactly," Ender said. "Hundreds of billions of people have preceded us in this, and many more will follow us."

[momslilassassin]

Ben kissed him softly on the mouth. "Maybe not exactly on our same path, but still..."

[endsthegame]

"The physical part is not generally the most important," Ender said, sliding an arm around Ben's waist. He pressed another kiss to Ben's mouth. "It's worth it to be a family, I think."

[momslilassassin]

"I agree," Ben murmured, "but as far as I'm concerned, we're a family already."

[endsthegame]

Ender smiled wryly at him. "We are," he said, "But you know what I mean full well."

[momslilassassin]

"I do," Ben said smiling back. "We'd be sharing a house for the rest of our lives."

[endsthegame]

"Multiple houses," Ender said. "Building that ship is something you'll have to get started on, too."

But somehow he could picture Ben teaching future cops during the week and working on a ship in the weekends very well.

[momslilassassin]

"I have the plans ready," Ben said, kissing Ender's neck. "I just need the parts."

[endsthegame]

"We'll have to find a scrapyard at some point, then," Ender said, tilting his head to give Ben more room.

[momslilassassin]

"I could ask Alai," Ben suggested. "I get the feeling he'd like to be helpful to you."

[endsthegame]

"I think he would," Ender said. "Of course, we'll have to drag all that along if we go somewhere else."

[momslilassassin]

"Or stay in one place long enough for me to build a ship," Ben said. "Or I could stow parts at the junkyard in Fandom as things finish?"

[endsthegame]

Ender looked thoughtful. "Couldn't you stow them on Naboo?"

[momslilassassin]

Ben's whole face lit up. "Or I could do that."

[endsthegame]

"It'll be a good excuse to visit there more often," Ender said, "Since your universe seems to be ticking away at normal speeds."

[momslilassassin]

"I'd love an excuse to visit there," Ben said with a soft smile.

[endsthegame]

"Me too," Ender said, kissing his temple. "But I have to admit right here has its charms as well."

It had gotten dark, the music was still playing, and the fireworks continued to be spectacular.

[momslilassassin]

"Oh, I'm not saying we get up," Ben laughed, nuzzling Ender's neck. "I'm in for the night. A portal would involve shoes."

[endsthegame]

Ender smiled. "Want to do me a favor and get rid of the shirts while we're at it?"

Not necessarily for dirty purposes.

[momslilassassin]

"Sure," Ben said, kissing him softly before pulling his shirt off, then reaching for Ender's.

[endsthegame]

Ender let him, then snuggled in close again, enjoying the ready warmth of Ben's skin. "Better."

[momslilassassin]

"Good," Ben said, kissing him again. "I want you to be comfortable."

[endsthegame]

"I'm very comfortable," Ender assured him, running his thumb over the back of Ben's hand.

[momslilassassin]

Ben's eyes closed and he let out a soft, contented sound. "Good. Me too."