Alternate Start (ARCHIVE)

Chapter Fifty Three: Guard

How he found himself dragged off duty by Misu, one of Kalee's representatives, to lunch, Thorn hadn't the slightest clue. She had a purple veil over her lower face, having finally been asked by Senator Sellei to take over negotiations for the sanction release, leaving Sellei to take over Misu's original duties of putting Kalee's support behind certain bills and building support for the sanction release.

So, to celebrate, Misu decided to drag him out to get lunch. Thorn smiled softly as she rambled about something or other, sneaking up closer and slipping a rose behind her ear. Misu stopped mid sentence, face flushing bright red. Thorn looked around a moment, then kissed her cheek just above the gold rim of her veil, curling his fingers around hers and pressing his lips to the back of her hand.

Her laughter was entwined with a flustered purr. She tucked a wavy lock of white hair behind her ear, giggling softly, "Goodness Thorn, I'm already your wife, you don't have to woo me anymore."

"I think, as Senator Sellei phrased it, we're a perpetual honeymoon phase couple." He pulled up the veil a bit, giving her a little kiss on the lips, then wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Besides, I feel the need to make a point that you are the most mesh'la woman in the universe, ner cin verde."

He heard a shrieked curse of surprise, looking across the street at Thire, who was slack jawed in amazement, while Stone had a shit eating grin on his face. A pair of expressions that Thorn easily recognized as Thire losing a bet to Stone.

Thorn rolled his eyes at the antics of his vode, ushering Misu into Dex's.

"There's the happy couple!" The Besalisk said the moment he saw them. Thorn took a seat next to Misu, who smiled.

"Yep! Tolna finally asked me to work my magic so we can get a move on with the big sanctions finally, so we're out to celebrate."

"Is that the Negotiator I see?"

They both looked over at the purr, a Melanistic Kaleesh sitting there resting her hand under her chin. Misu's face lit up as the Kaleesh moved one seat over to sit next to her. "Ryviniris, you snake! How've you been?"

Thorn spaced out from the conversation, rubbing the deep scar where Misu's second thumb should have been. He didn't know how anyone could hurt someone so brave and strong. Someone so gorgeous and sweet. Usually, he would sneak back to the barracks in the early hours of the morning, only to see her again in the senate building and repeat the cycle for however long it took for this force forsaken war to end.

He opened his comm. Might as well see what his brothers are raving about this time.

—CG COMMAND CHAT—

Thired: Well would you look at that, I'm 50 credits poorer

Rock&Roll: Well would you look at that, I'm 50 credits richer

FoxBoxVox: What was the bet?

Thired: remember how I told Thorn he couldn't stick with a girl for more than a couple months?
Thired: That became a bet with Stone.
Thired: And we just saw Thorn with that Kalee representative on his arm, a ring around his neck, and her clan marking on his neck.

Rosebush: lmao idiot

Thired: HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW YOU'D TAKE IT SERIOUSLY THORN

Rosebush: because I'm competitive???
Rosebush: And it just so happens that Misu is a lovely woman thanks

FoxBoxVox: Like, Misu kev Negociador? That representative?

Rosebush: Yeah

FoxBoxVox: Well you should probably tell those shinies who were making passes at her to buzz off then

Rosebush: shinies were what

Rock&Roll: OH MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T LOOK IN THAT ONE GUY'S SKETCHBOOK ITS NOT LIKE, ADULT ADULT BUT HE MADE A SKETCH OF YOUR WIFE

Rosebush: OH THOSE BOYS BETTER WATCH OUT

—

"Misu, sweetheart, I have some business to attend to at the barracks, I'll be right back." Thorn said, getting up.

"Oh, okay! You can just meet me back at the apartment then, I can bring the food back."

"Sounds like a plan, love you riduur!"

Thorn raced out to set some men straight.

—
-
—

Misu curled in tighter as Thorn stroked her hair. She let out a soft purr as his hand drifted down to just above her tail, a sigh of contentment escaping her. He was always so warm. Like laying on a darkly colored rock set in the sun.

He took deep breaths, laying exhausted next to her. His armor sat in the corner of the room, laid to rest for the night. She gazed up, staring lovingly at Thorn, and the way the silver moonlight filtered through her window, a soft glow blanketing the room.

It wasn't quite like rose colored lenses, but it was close. She felt like she had just fallen in love all over again. Misu curled her tail around Thorn's leg, knowing their cycle would have to continue for just a while longer.

But for now, she was tangled up with him under the warm sheets of her bed, and that was enough for her. Her devoted guard was here with her, and she would see him again in the morning.

That was enough.

She closed her eyes, safe in the knowledge that she would have this again tomorrow night.

•—END OF CHAPTER—•

Short and sweet