Chapter Text
“You haven’t put up any decorations?” Harkun asked while taking off his winter coat. It was covered in snow, and Inibri frowned at the flakes that dropped to the floor, seeping into the carpet. “I don’t see the need,” he said, making sure that Harkun would stay right where he was so nothing else would get wet.
“The parties that I attended to had more than enough decorations. I don’t need them at home, especially when they would be here for such a short time,” Inibri said. After the end of his words, Harkun had managed to take off all his outerwear.
It was somewhat strange seeing him in casual clothing. However, Inibri would be lying to himself if he said that Harkun didn’t look attractive. He was wearing one of his nicer sweatshirts, and had apparently bought the pants he was wearing recently, as Inibri didn’t recognize them.
“That’s a fair point,” Harkun admitted after a few moments of silence, eyeing Inibri who had already moved further into the apartment to let the man in. He watched how Harkun picked up his duffel bag and followed along. He had been here a couple of times before but never stayed longer than a few days. Having the man over for a week and a half was going to be enjoyable and nerve-wrecking at the same time.
“I have set up a guestroom for you-” “You have?” Harkun asked amused, making Inibri come to a halt. “Yes,” he said, looking at the man with a plain expression, “It’s your place, and I will respect it if you need some time alone.”
Harkun nodded awkwardly. “Is your bedroom of limits for me, or…” “No, but my meditation room is, and I expect you to respect that,” Inibri said sternly, stopping at the guestroom’s door. He gestured towards it. “Leave your things here. I have a dinner prepared.“
A couple of hours later, Harkun had settled in quite nicely. They had eaten, and he had managed to convince Inibri to change into more casual clothing. Or, at least to a little bit more comfortable outfit from his golden armor. The black dress pants were fitting as was the long sleeved, V-necked shirt. It showed off the Twi’lek neck and collarbones, making the man want to press all the kisses on them.
“You look good,” Harkun said smiling, rubbing Inibri’s shoulder. His arm was over the Twi’lek shoulders who was leaning fully against his side. It made Harkun’s heart swell as it always did when seeing him so relaxed. He made a mental note to organize more evenings like this, where they would just be laying on the couch while watching a movie.
As if sensing his stare, Inibri turned to look at him, observing the man intensely enough that Harkun straightened his back. “Thank you,” the Twi’lek said, his voice having the tiniest bit of softness in it that usually didn’t show. “You are enjoyable to look at too. But you don’t need to go shopping for me,” he said, pointing towards Harkun’s pants which made the man freeze.
“I.. It’s not because of you. I just felt like buying them,” Harkun said, hoping his hardest that Inibri wouldn’t remember his last time being here. The Twi’lek had pointed out how worn down his pants had been even though they had been his best pair.
Inibri raised his brow. “You don’t need to do anything to impress me,” the Twi’lek said, sitting a bit straighter. “I know that,” Harkun answered, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks, “But you were right. Besides, I should look as good for you as you always look for me.” Inibri looked at the him as if trying to search for something. He placed his hand over Harkun’s and stared into his eyes with that piercing gaze of his. Harkun swallowed instinctively.
“You shouldn’t change yourself for me. I will… care about you just the way you are.”
Inibri looked so serious, and Harkun tried not to think about why he was saying those words. Because he’s a former slave, a small voice whispered in his mind. How many times do you think he has had to smile and entertain worthless scumbags in order to stay alive?
“I like you too, Inibri,” Harkun said and smiled, meaning the words with all his heart. Inibri answered to the smile and leaned back against him. However, Harkun’s soft expression suddenly shifted and he jumped up, making Inibri nearly fall off the couch.
“Where are you-” “Wait here! I just remembered something!” Harkun yelled while making his way hastily towards the guestroom. Inibri stared behind him confused, pushing himself up to sit properly on the couch.
A few minutes later, Harkun appeared in the living room again, holding his hands behind his back. He came to the couch where Inibri sat expectantly.
“I know that we didn’t agree on anything like this,” Harkun started, his hands fidgeting with something behind his back. “And that we haven’t been together, really together, for long but I still wanted to get you something.”
Inibri turned his head curiously to his side when Harkun gave him a small package wrapped in colorful paper. “You got me a present?” Inibri asked, weighing it in his hand. It fit in well and was very light. “Yeah, I… Yeah,” Harkun said, rubbing his neck. When the man seemed to be unable to produce anymore words, Inibri slowly unwrapped the gift.
It revealed two necklaces that fit together perfectly. They had simple and clear crystals in them, and they hummed quietly with the Force. Inibri raised his gaze to Harkun who looked at him nervous. The man took one of crystals in his hand, squeezing it in his fist. “Both of them should glow when you squeeze one of them and focus on the other,” Harkun said, sounding highly uncertain but the one still in Inibri’s hands started emitting a low, red light.
“They… They have a rather short range but I still wanted to give them to you,” Harkun said, and the light disappeared. “If you don’t like them, it’s fine.”
“It took you a long time to do this,” Inibri said in deep thought, not looking at Harkun who frowned a little. Instead, he took the other crystal with his thumb and forefinger. It was smooth and warm, and the Force that had been weaved into it was somewhat shaky and unclear.
“I mean it took a while-” “At least a month or so,” Inibri interrupted, looking at Harkun who hid his embarrassment rather poorly. It made the Twi’lek smile and hum in amusement. He squeezed Harkun’s hand who answered to it.
“I’m not saying this to mock you,” Inibri clarified. “I just wanted to point it out. Because, why would I not like something you have clearly spend a long time on?” he asked, watching how the flush on Harkun’s cheeks deepened. “It’s not as good as it could be,” the man said. “You could do better.”
“I can,” Inibri said firmly. His expression softened when Harkun’s frown deepened. He gently rolled the crystal between his slender fingers. It and the one in Harkun’s hand began burning brightly, emitting deep red lights.
“If you want, we can figure out together how to make it even better?” Inibri asked. Harkun watched the questioning, uncertain look on his love’s face and his frown turned into a starting smile. He intertwined his fingers with Inibri’s. “I would like that.”