𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘿𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙇'𝙎 𝘼𝘿𝙑𝙊𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙀 • 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙫𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

TWENTY-EIGHT*

  
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CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Another Man
 
  
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It was an appreciated privilege that my assistants knew not to ask any questions or give any looks when I made odd requests. They didn't flinch when I informed them that General Damri would be joining me on my trip, they didn't frown when I told them I didn't know when we'd be returning, and they didn't bat a single eyelid when I asked them to make sure the kitchen on the ship was stocked with ingredients for biscuits.

"I've trained them well," I explained when Kyda asked about their discretion, with one hand on the wheel and another wrapped around the energy bar I was eating. "They've seen what happens to their colleagues that ask questions."

She nodded with understanding, looking out to the starry sky. I knew it had been a while since she had seen it, and it was healthy for her to get off the Death Star after the many emotionally overwhelming events she had recently experienced. It wasn't my plan to bring her along, but I couldn't refuse her. The memory of our last kiss burned against my lips, rendering me almost incapable of thinking about anything else. Bringing her along with me might have alleviated some of the pain that our distance had struck me with.

I extended out my arm towards her, silently offering her the half-eaten energy bar with a raised brow.

"No, thanks; Sev made me eat a hearty breakfast before I left," She told me with a soft laugh, which was good to hear.

Giving her a smile, I returned the bar back to my own lips and took a bite. She sat back while I chewed and swallowed, turning her body towards me in her seat and watching me fly. "He cares about you a lot," I commented, stealing a quick look at her. "I can tell from the way he speaks of you when I fix him up. He's a good droid. I like him."

"He is," She agreed, her sweet voice growing even more melodious as she spoke of him. "Sev is what keeps me grounded. With everything that life could possibly throw at me, he remains as the only constant. And consistency is the most comforting thing in this unpredictable life."

I was glad to hear it, but there was a floating thought in my head that perhaps I should have been the one to give her consistency. To comfort her.

Ignoring the thought, I finished off my bar, munching on it and making her snort.

"Trying to have a heartfelt conversation here, sweetheart," She teased, hugging her knees.

The nickname sent a little jolt to my head, but I did well to hide my reaction. Though I wanted nothing more than to indulge in her hypnotic presence, I knew I couldn't. Not unless I was prepared to see her pay for it. And that was something I would never be prepared for.

"Sorry," I replied lightly with a shrug. "Hungry."

I could tell that my aloofness wasn't appreciated by her, but she wasn't fragile. Having already hurt her in the past, I knew that she was too strong to be deeply affected by my distance. It showed in her ability to keep our relationship platonic, no matter how badly both of us wanted so much more. Kyda had a great sense of self-control, which was something I myself could have done with some more of.

"So, where are we going?" She asked me, tapping her thighs. "Off to threaten someone? Kill some Rebels? Destroy a planet?"

I smirked at her excited tone before shaking my head. "You'd do well to lower your expectations, Ky."

"Oh?" She mumbled. "Where, then?"

Having heard her predictions, I was admittedly a little embarrassed to reveal the truth. "Every now and then, I like to get away from it all. Take a break. That's all this is."