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A few weeks ago, Arcann had overheard Ress talking to Risha, gushing about her favourite book series. Wanting to know a little more about his girlfriend's reading preferences, he had looked into it. It was a series of romance books but more importantly, a new installment was going to come out soon. Ress hadn’t mentioned it to Risha, so Arcann took a guess that she did not know.
He decided that he wanted to surprise her with the book, once it came out. A bit of money lent from his mother and a pre-order later, he was holding the physical copy in his hands. Arcann could have just gotten the data file of the book, it would have been a lot cheaper, but he wanted to spoil his girlfriend a little. He rarely got the opportunity to do so.
When he finally found her alone later that day, watching a swoop race sitting on their bed, he pulled out the book from its hiding place and put it behind his back. “I have a gift for you.”
Ress looked up intrigued, smiling at him. “A gift? For me?” She got up from the bed, joining him where he stood. “What’s the occasion? I hope I did not forget about some anniversary?”
Arcann gave a low chuckle “No, you did not. I simply thought you might like this.” He pulled the book from behind his back and presented it to her, watching her expression closely.
He was shocked when the smile she had worn until now started to falter, as she took the book into her hands. Panic began to rise in him. Had he misheard what she thought of this book series? Did she already have it?
Carefully he asked “Is something wrong?”
“Arcann…I can’t read.” she confessed, looking a little uncomfortable.
His fear turned into confusion. “Is the Aurebesh the problem? Should I have gotten it in a different letter system?”
“No. I can’t read. In general.”
Arcann was quiet. He considered asking her why, but felt it would likely sound a little bit like reading was a skill she was wrong for not having.
Thankfully, Ress answered on her own. “My mother really wanted me to be a Jedi back when I was little. All she really ever taught me was meditation and the Jedi Code. The woman does not know the first thing about raising a child, so I guess teaching me to read escaped her. And after I left I just never bothered to learn. Written contracts aren’t really a thing amongst smugglers, so it’s not like I need to read. But if I do, I still got Risha to do it for me.”
He stood there, feeling stupid. “I am sorry, I did not know.” he finally managed to stutter, after what felt like an eternity of silence.
“It’s okay, Baby. You couldn't have known…I haven’t told you.” She put the book on the bed and pulled him into a hug, kissing the scarred side of his face. “But don’t think I don’t appreciate you gifting me something.” Ress pulled her face away a little, so they could look at each other, giving him a wide smile. “Come on, don’t torture me here. What book did you get me?”
Slightly reassured that he had not completely fucked this up, he answered her with a steady voice. “It is the newest book from the Hyperspace-Love series. I overheard you talking to Risha about it recently.”
His girlfriend's face turned to pure excitement. “There’s a new one?! I almost thought the author gave up on it.” She hugged him tightly. “Thank you, Arcann. This is a great gift.”
When Ress wanted to get out of their hug to look at the book again, he pulled her back “Wait. If you can not read, then how do you have a favourite book series?”
She barely contained a laugh “Audiobooks exist, buddy.” One quick peck on the cheek later, she pulled out of the hug and picked up the book again. “It does look pretty…I think I’ll get myself the rest of the books too. That way they can serve as decoration.”
An idea formed in Arcann’s mind. “What if I would read the book to you? That way the gift would still have purpose besides decoration.”
“My own personal audiobook?” Ress pretended to think it over. “Mhmmm…You do have a sexy voice. Could work.” She grinned like an idiot as she sauntered back into his arms. “Alright. You convinced me. I’ll give you a chance as a narrator.” It looked like she was leaning in for a kiss, but she put a finger pointing at him in between them at the last second. “But I’m warning you. I expect top tier narration. I want you to act those voice lines like there's no tomorrow.”
“For you, everything.” he said before pulling her into a kiss, that ended up being more of a failed attempt since Ress wouldn’t stop grinning and giggling.
He already regretted his offer but at least she was grateful for the gift.