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]

"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."

[endsthegame]

Ender smoothed his thumb over each individual finger in turn, looking down along Ben's arm, picking out the smooth flow of the muscles, the small red hairs that stuck out every time an explosion of light went off outside, the occasional white line of a scar.

"These were a little rougher, once," he murmured.

[momslilassassin]

Ben's cheeks flushed. "I was working a lot harder then."

[endsthegame]

"It's not a critique," Ender murmured. "I like it."

[momslilassassin]

Ben's lips quirked up. "Oh. I worry."

Because of course he did.

[endsthegame]

"Of course you do," Ender murmured, "But you have no reason to."

[momslilassassin]

"I'm always going to think I'm not doing enough," Ben said, snuggling closer. "Blame my family of extreme overachievers."

[endsthegame]

"I know," Ender said, kissing his cheek. "But you're good enough for me. No matter what shape you're in."

[momslilassassin]

"Oh, I'm never good enough for you," Ben murmured, "but I try."

[endsthegame]

"I'd say the opposite is true," Ender said, "But that would get into a very silly argument."

[momslilassassin]

"True," Ben agreed, leaning in to kiss Ender on the jaw. "Let's just say we each appreciate what we have."