Control The Uncontrollable // The Acolyte

104. The gifts

"Noam, Serae—come over here," you called gently, a smile already tugging at your mouth as you straightened from the hearth, hands settling at your hips. "Daddy's finished the food."

They had grown so big. Two whole years old now—confident, fearless, utterly convinced the island belonged to them. They had their father's eyes: dark and deep, always shimmering with curiosity. Qimir insisted they had your smile, though you suspected it leaned closer to his—wide and quick to appear. Either way, they were breathtaking. Soft, full cheeks kissed by the sun, little feet that ran without hesitation, laughter always shared between them as if the world was one long secret meant only for two.

At the moment, however, they weren't listening at all.

"They're not listening, are they?" Qimir murmured beside you, straightening as well. He pressed a light kiss to the top of your head, amusement softening his voice.

You leaned into him briefly, eyes still tracking the twins. "No," you said with a quiet chuckle. "Serae is very busy staring at that flower, and the Force knows what Noam is running toward."

Qimir smiled knowingly. They absolutely had his playful streak. "I'll get them," he offered, already taking a step forward, sensing your lingering tiredness from the night before.

You caught his chest gently, stopping him with a fond look. "I've got it," you said softly.

He nodded, watching you go.

Serae sat firmly planted in the grass, both hands wrapped around a small flower as if it were the most important discovery in the galaxy. Noam dropped down beside him with a soft thump, giggling, the two of them leaning close together like they were sharing something sacred. You crouched to their level and followed Serae's gaze.

"The flower is beautiful," you said, smiling at him.

Before Serae could respond, Noam beamed up at you. "Mom is beautiful."

You laughed softly, heart full. Gods, they really did have their father's charm.

"Well," you said warmly, brushing a hand over their curls, "what do we do when we find something beautiful in nature?"

Serae finally let go of the flower and looked up at you, thoughtful for a beat. "Peace," he said, smiling.

Your laugh came easy this time. "Yes," you said gently. "We let it be in peace."

You pressed a kiss to each of their heads, then lifted them both into your arms—one on each hip—rising with a contented breath as their laughter filled the air.

And behind you, by the fire, Qimir watched it all like it was the greatest thing he had ever known.

You carried them with an ease that still stole his breath—strength without strain, patience without effort. The moment you lifted them, both boys buried their faces into your neck, arms wrapping tight, as if instinctively returning to the place that felt most like home. They always did that with you. They clung to you not out of need, but out of belonging, as though you were an extension of their own hearts. In so many ways, you were.

You brought them back toward the hearth, settling down onto the furs with a soft exhale as Qimir moved to join you, passing bowls and plates around the low fire. Noam immediately reached for something that was not his, while Serae leaned carefully over his own food like it was a serious responsibility.

"Hey," Qimir said lightly, tapping Noam's wrist with mock sternness. "That's not yours."

Noam looked up at him, completely unbothered. "Sharing," he declared.

Qimir blinked, then laughed. "Ah. Of course. Sharing." He glanced at you. "Did you teach him that?"

You smiled innocently, handing Serae a small piece of bread. "Only when it benefits us."

Serae nodded solemnly, as if this were the highest truth.

Noam giggled, crumbs already dotting his chin, and leaned across you to offer his brother a bite. Half of it missed entirely and landed squarely in your lap instead.

Qimir let out a dramatic groan. "I just cleaned your mummy's robe."

You laughed softly and slid an arm around his neck, tilting your head toward Noam. "While Daddy is being a big grumpy baby," you said sweetly, kissing Qimir's cheek with a grin, "Mummy loves this stain." Then you leaned over and pressed a kiss into Noam's curls.

Both boys lit up immediately.

"Daddy is a big grumpy baby," they chimed in unison, voices bright with delight.

Qimir buried his face in his hands, trying—and failing—to hide his laughter. The more they repeated it, the harder it became for him to keep a straight face, until all three of you were laughing together.

"Alright," he said at last, shaking his head with a smile. "That's it. Big boys, bedtime."

Before either of them could escape, he scooped them up—one tucked under each arm—while they squealed with laughter, kicking their feet as he carried them toward the cave.

You watched them go, a soft smile lingering on your lips. They were all so beautiful. So kind. And in moments like this—so ordinary, so full—you felt the weight of time press quietly at your chest. The path ahead was dark. You had always known that. Destiny did not bend simply because love had made a home in you. In some small, selfish part of your heart, you wished it could have been different. That the end wouldn't come at the hands of someone you loved so deeply.

But you had never been one to turn away from what the Force required.

"Hey," Qimir's voice pulled you back gently. "You okay?"

You blinked, realizing how long you'd been staring. "Yeah—yeah, of course." Lying had become harder these days.

He frowned slightly and stepped closer, brushing his thumb beneath your eye. "You're tearing up," he murmured.

You laughed softly, a little embarrassed, turning your face away. "You're all just... so beautiful," you whispered.

He didn't doubt that for a second.

Qimir slipped his arms around you, holding you close—steady, careful, full of love. "Come on," he said quietly, smiling. "Let me get you to bed. I'll take care of the fire."

Before you could protest, he lifted you into his arms and carried you away, to your loving home.