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It’s all different now, somehow
It had been a while, the training to become a Force wielder taking its time and certainly a lot of effort. Them becoming quite Jedi, but no longer soldiers either.
Waxer and Boil had been deep in the training among the other clones selected to this specific group. Trained in the Jedi Temple. It had been the wish of the trainers though, for those clones in relationships to abstain from any and all relations. At least for the duration of the training. Naturally, bonded couples or other types of relationships would not be broken up. The wish of Kenobi himself, knowing first hand the troopers usually bonded for life. Being in a relationship with a certain trooper himself. But the rigours of training demanded for them to keep all personal feelings and emotions in check until the chosen troopers were fully trained in the arts of the Force.
It had been months since the loving couple had had any other interactions except friendly words, a stolen touch and encouraging glance here and there. Even having their separate sleeping quarters. Not that it had hindered anything before, back in the old days. But, the clones had taken their vows to the higher purpose of the Force, agreeing to set all other aside while training. And so, they had done so. Only one discretion known to having happened and certainly not Waxer and Boil. No, the two were taking this very seriously.
But now, the part of the basic training was over. The embargo finally lifted in a manner of speaking. The troopers celebrating their new life beginning as part of the Jedi Order, not full Force wielders just yet, but slowly and surely getting there. Their training to be continued on a new level after the brief break was over.
Their position of the clones in the Jedi Order something to be figured out as this was rather new even for the Council to consider. So many Force sensitive clones joining in. Sort of a special ops force for the Jedi as someone had nicknamed their group for the time being. A first group of clones to be trained in the art of the Force with more to follow.
Waxer and Boil were sitting at the table, solemnly sipping on their brew.
Their friends were causing a slight ruckus, a celebratory one only. Certainly nothing new from their past shenanigans, but somehow, the level of noise was more subdued from those parties while back on Kamino. The lot of them having found their calm through the new training, now spending time among their varied partners.
As the party was winding down, the troopers disappearing around Waxer and Boil, finally leaving the two as the last of the group still sitting at the table. Sipping on the remnants of their drinks, while picking on the snacks, pretending to be consumed by the offerings.
As there certainly seemed to be some awkwardness between the two loving partners where there should have been none. After all, the two had been together since forever and they had agreed the training would not make any difference to their relationship.
Yet, they had not made a move towards the other all night, rather wistfully glancing as the other clones had connected with their significant others. Some old relations, others newly formed during their time in the Temple and finally getting off the ground.
Waxer felt a pang deep in his core, not daring to probe Boil’s thoughts. Something he had done in the beginning of all this, but they had been trained to never use the option without consent. And so, only trying to read from the behaviour and expressions of the other man how he was feeling right now. Had something gone wrong between the two since this Force thing had started? Wasn’t Boil interested in continuing a relationship any more?
Waxer was worried now for sure, as the training had been both physical and mental and perhaps, the love had been trained out of Boil somehow? Did the Force work that way even? But there had been glances, the soft touches every now and again, so what had changed?
Waxer had been singled out by their trainer on many occasion, him being the most powerful of the lot of the clones. And so, guess because of it, getting the extra attention. It wasn’t something to be envied as the trainer had told the others, but it might be frightening for Boil just the same. His partner changing perhaps? Waxer certainly felt it being true for himself, having found this powerful thing deep within. Being able to do things he never even dared dreaming of.
Waxer wanted to know, and so, the only option available, part from forcing his thoughts on Boil was to good old plain ask him. Out loud, with words. To actually speak up!
“Boil…”
Waxer’s eyes were on his partner now, trying to get his attention.
Boil seemed to have been deep in his own thoughts, but as soon as his name was called out, he was roused and back in the real world. His eyes finding Waxer’s like always.
Waxer let a smile slip on his lips, seeing as he finally had Boil’s attention. Something eluding him most of the night. Or so it had seemed.
As it was, Boil had been pretty much consumed by similar doubts in his own mind. The preference of Waxer becoming a solitary Force wielder the one thing worrying Boil more than anything else. Having seen the knack Waxer really had for the Force, knowing he could become so much more. Boil not really wanting to stand in his partner’s way either.
“Yes?”
“Do you want to spend the night with me?”
It was a simple enough question. A straight forward one at that.
But they were beyond coy. True, they had shared most things in life. Sure, they had had their difficulties with the communication with each other. But, neither of them wanted to lose the other either. Force sensitivity or not.
Boil blinked, once, twice. The softness in Waxer’s eyes speaking volumes.
Was this only for the one night? One last romp before a goodbye?
At this point, Boil did not care. He had missed Waxer. Deeply so. And so, getting up without a word, Boil offered his hand to Waxer, guiding the man up from his seat, drawing him in for a tender kiss.
“Guess I got my answer.”
Waxer could not help the bubbling chuckle, the two of them heading out from the common room, towards their private quarters. The Force, the Jedi, the others, all of it soon forgotten for now.
The night existing only for the two of them.