Ask A Whole New World

[Ezra Thorne]

His hoodie was off and he made a mental note to set the temperature to be a bit warmer here. He smirked at Dash’s defiance, “Who knows.. Maybe you’ll spark some creative inspiration,” He said before Dash closed the distance to kiss him. Ezra found it exhilarating every time, and he eased into the kiss, one hand curling into his man’s hair while the other lazily slid along his smooth, muscled back.

The part Sephi stared into those vibrant blue eyes as Dash reminded them that they had a lot to do. Ezra’s eyes glinted with hints of mischief before he spun them around so the Rhinnalian was suddenly on his back, the Thorne positioning himself between his legs.

“So much to do,” He repeated quietly as he started to kiss down Dash's neck and towards his collarbone, “Have to unpack…” His lips tenderly pressed against his warm skin, as tenuous and yet as significant as summer rain against the blistering heat. His breath tickled against the surface of his body as he softly murmured words, traveling down towards his boyfriend’s defined chest, “Have to figure who will use which closet,” He said as his lips dragged down that perfect stomach, along a hip bone, shortly before the shorts were tugged down and pulled away. It was always the damn shorts from that very first time.

Ezra’s icy gaze fell on Dash’s eyes from where he was, an almost cool authority displayed in them that was an infamous Thorne trait, “Please, tell me everything about what all we have to do,” He said before his mouth and hands became entirely too preoccupied to carry on the conversation any further. Two years in, he knew just how to tease his man, and he would play Dash to whatever tune he pleased, all while tormenting him to talk about the most boring topic ever.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash was not quite sure why he tried to do the list. But he did. "Well, half the furniture still needs to come out..." he breathed, Ezra's machinations throwing him off. "There's the dining table to..." he panted "...to set, and we have to register for...for things...". Every second was a losing battle to regain his composure. "There must be neighbours too, we should maybe go say HI!" his voice broke into a squeal as Ez dove particularly deep.

Force of habit stirred Dash to move, but he realised he didn't need to, even if he could have fought the waves of pleasure taking his breath. "I give up" he whispered, surrendering. They had nowhere to be, no one to care about except each other, in this place that was theirs. The Rhinnalian lay there for a good long moment, writhing on the silken sheets and making little noises with less and less restraint. Did this mean they could be, you know, real loud?

Eventually Dash managed to haul himself up, catching Ezra while he took a breather and pushing him back across the room with purpose. "No one has tried out this chair yet you know". His blue eyes flashed as he playfully pushed Ez down into the plush reclining chair by the window, flicking some tunes on with a gesture. The easy soul beats playing at the time of day were perfect and Dash snatched up the silk runner from the end of the bed and promptly began to give his boyfriend a lapdance.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra hadn’t expected to enjoy this kind of torment quite as much as he actually did. Dash always had to be quiet, and here he could make all sorts of noises as he pleased. Nevertheless, he had to admire his boyfriend for attempting to rattle off a to-do list while he played Dash like a fiddle. By now, Ezra knew exactly what to do and what got his man writhing and aching for more.

He drew back afterwards, giving Dash a smirk as he took sight of his flushed face. He wiped his mouth off and was about to make another move when the Rhinnalian abruptly pushed him back into a chair. Ezra didn’t protest, seated there shirtless with just his pants on - pants that were already uncomfortable.

He stared in silence for a moment as Dash switched on the music. The song choice drew out a few blinks before he started to chuckle. The level of cheese was out of control, but it was so Dash it was perfect. His amusement quickly faded away as he watched his boyfriend start to move and sway. His theater years made him far more graceful than Ezra could ever imitate. Within seconds, Dash had the Thorne under his spell, his silver gaze drinking in every curve, every bit of muscle and whatever he was doing with the runner.

He decided to behave, staying put in that chair and letting Dash do whatever he wanted. His blood ran hot and desire almost overwhelmed him. How his boyfriend managed to reduce Ezra to a puddle even years on was a shock to him, “Baby..” He managed weakly, his tone letting slip a bit more pleading than he wanted right then.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash danced suggestively to the beats, working the silk runner around his body like it was a snake dancing in unison. He had not planned it, but the Rhinnalian had a theatrical gene that fired up in scenarios like these and he challenged himself to keep moving while never showing Ezra more than a glimpse of the bits he really wanted to see. He knew it would frustrate his boyfriend no end.

The bright lights of the city twinkled beyond the window, visible between the sheer curtains. They had been assured no one could actually see anything this high up, but even the thought of public exhibition gave Dash a surprising thrill. He remembered on some level that he had been sincere about getting things done and here he was with his pants down dancing in the window. But Ez tended to have that effect on him.

He pushed things as long as he suspected they could both take, before leaping onto Ezra's lap, looping the runner over his head and pulling his boyfriend close. "What's a matter baby? Is it not comfy?". He gave Ez his lips again, while his hands started undoing the Thorne's own pants. If the plush chair began to rock on its fittings, neither of them had much chance to notice.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Dash knew all the ways to torment Ezra and he had no qualms with demonstrating just that. The normally icy and rigid Thorne was reduced to putty, hooked on every sway of the hip, every way the runner teased and slid along his skin, and of course the teasing way Dash looked at him. To his credit, he remained put until Dash finally closed the distance. He smirked against his man’s lips, “I’m going to make you pay for that..” He muttered quietly as his hands traveled down Dash’s body to give his rear a firm squeeze.

He discovered very quickly that they could get away with making all sorts of noises, and it was the most liberating lovemaking he had experienced with Dash since their trip on Mon Cala. He certainly got Dash back for all his teasing. Ezra had all sorts of ideas in his head on trying new things in the bedroom now that they could experiment and take their time. It was their bedroom, not some shared space, no roommate coming in any second, no parents anywhere in sight. It was just them. The reality was still not fully processed yet.

Ezra was left panting and sweaty by the end of it, the chair utilized in various different ways. They both had a wonderful view of one another and also the backdrop of the Nubian skyline. Afterwards, he managed to stay awake to take Dash into the very fancy shower that resembled a spa more than anything.

This was all a new and the experience of this being home began to slowly settle in. Ezra was standing in front of a half foggy mirror, just a towel wrapped around his hips. He was working on trimming his jawline to get that perfect five o’clock shadow. He didn’t care if it made him look more like Pops, he loved that bit of stubble.

“I have two weeks before classes start,” He said as he paused to slant his head to look at his boyfriend who was probably doing some elaborate skincare routine, “Is there anything you want to do? Go somewhere?"

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Ezra knew just how to get Dash back for his teasing and he did, including in one or two new ways the Rhinnalian was quite unprepared for. It was weird not being under time pressure or prying eyes and the two of them disappeared into one another, losing all track of time. It was heaven and knowing it was going to happen a lot more often only enthused Dash more.

It was a long while before they were done and Dash slowly peeled himself off the innocuous plush reading chair. The thing had every chance of becoming a loveseat at this rate, but it turned out it would have competition from the shower for steamy spot of the day. Huge and designed to perfection, the bathroom was almost a bathhouse in itself, with no taccy curtains or glass screens, but carefully angled walls and pitched floors so the water only went where intended. Even now, Dash spent most of the time looking at Ezra, but their palatial surroundings were the icing on the cake.

The Rhinnalian dried off and slipped into a stylish robe, messing with his hair in front of his own mirror. "Lots of things..." he replied, organising his various tubs and vials into cute little lines while he stalled. He could really do with Ezra's help with something before his boyfriend started term, but Dash was not sure how he would feel about it.

"I wouldn't say want to do" he began, glancing at Ez but then hurriedly going back to his moisturiser. "But there is something I should do, and I could use your help". He clapped his cheeks, gently rubbing the lotion in. "Before we...came looking for you, I was searching for something back on Kro Var. I think there might be something there - a force nexus maybe - something we could use to make it a safe place for Jedi. I need to go back and see if I'm right".

He finally looked back over at Ezra, a hopeful look on his face. "I mean, it might be an adventure?". He tried his hardest to stop his face creasing into a grin at the thought of how much Ez had enjoyed the last.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra paused what he was doing when he caught his boyfriend suddenly spending extra time arranging his products and the general coy demeanor. He knew his man by now - the guy was loud and overt in every aspect. This little behavior shift meant Ezra was about to regret asking his question. He remained silent as he finished up his trimming, beginning his own facial routine.

His jaw tightened and he bristled at the mention of Kro Var. However, he still said nothing, finishing up on his face and grabbing some gel to style his hair. Ezra ran his fingers through the black strands, catching his own grumpy expression in the mirror, “You were back on Kro Var?” He asked quietly after a long moment. He didn’t even move to the topic of them going there, he was stuck on the fact that Dash had gone back at all. None of their friends talked about it, “Alone?” He queried, finally turning to look at his boyfriend. The planet was completely unforgiving and the two had almost lost their lives. Jadis had a strong presence there back then. It wasn't a place Ezra expected Dash to go without him.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

"Yeah" Dash answered, looking away again, back at the mirror as if his reflection might give him some pointers.

The second part was harder to answer. "No, not alone" he explained "I took a mercenary for protection, I didn't want to make it a Jedi thing at the time". Dash met his man's steely silver eyes. "Michael Harda". His face fell in spite of himself. The Rhinnalian was not proud of all the decisions he had made back then, when there had been friction between them. He had been angry and frustrated. He knew now his choice of companion had been as poor as it was problematic; Ezra was oblivious to some things, but he followed the tabloids as well as anyone.

"We barely got off the ship before I felt you - before I knew had to come back". It was the truth and Dash told himself it was no biggie anyway. Michael's thing for him was one-sided, everyone knew that. But part of him knew he should never have used it to conscript the man to his cause. Furthermore, as much as he believed he'd had limited options, was there really nothing at all in reaching for another guy who was into him straight after a spat?

Dash fidgeted with the tassel of his robe, realising he was descending silently into one of his chaotic self-evaluations. He ran the cold tap and splashed his face as if hot, ignoring the fact he was washing off all his hard work.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

As Dash spoke, it was more his body language than actual words that Ezra observed. His boyfriend was terrible at lying, but even moreso when it was around Ezra. The Rhinnalian would feel the silver eyes practically drilling through him. The name didn’t flag any recognition, but the way Dash behaved was incredibly suspicious. It took a few moments for the memory of a tabloid to register, but he didn’t jump there yet.

“Who is Michael Harda?” He asked calmly, staring at Dash. Unlike Dash’s fidgeting, he stood still as a statue, his face its usual impassive. He was briefly reminded of Darth Raze in the realm of the Mortis speaking about Dash being unfaithful. Still, he didn’t jump there either, keeping an icy cool as he studied his boyfriend.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Ezra’s curious question actually stilled Dash. He cocked his head uncertainly. Did Ez really not know, or was he testing him? Playing with him?

“He’s a pirate, originally anyway”. Dash replayed the events of he and Master Hera’s meeting at the shipyards in his mind. “He heads up the Chardaan Shipyards. Sympathetic to the Order, Hera and I brought him on side…”. He was doing quite well reeling off the facts, but Ezra’s face remained as impassive as a stone sculpture. Perhaps he knew, or sensed, that the Rhinnalian was leaving out the tricky part.

”He, he might have a thing for me…” Dash added, rolling his eyes at the thought. “A tabloid or two have latched on to it. It’s silly, he‘s an old man, but hey”. He grinned uncertainly in Ezra‘s direction. “Baby, it’s not Michael Harda that’s important. It’s Kro Var and what’s there, yeah?”.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

So it was that nonsense from the tabloids. It was that man. Ezra knew to ignore tabloids, but that combined with what Raze implied left him with doubts. Why did Dash invite that man of all people? The Jedi Order was filled with people that could have helped Dash. And it was while they hadn’t been talking. Did Dash consider them broken up during that period of time? Did he cozy up with this Harda man in a ship the entire journey over to Kro Var? Is that what Dash had been doing while Ezra's world was collapsing? Is that what Dash was doing until Ezra inconvenienced him through their bond? His fingers curled to fists and the tiniest fracture appeared on the edge of the mirror. Ezra quickly reeled himself in, though his face remained expressionless.

With the way Ezra’s eyes drilled into Dash, the Rhinnalian would know a million thoughts were going through his mind. He would know Ezra could tell he was being too fidgety, too dodgy, too suspicious. And it bothered the Thorne greatly. However, nothing was said as a second or two ticked by.

“Yeah,” Ezra responded finally with an icy calm, not bothering with another word. He instead stepped right past Dash, his shoulder shoving into the Rhinnalian’s as he walked out of the bathroom. He methodically got dressed in the bedroom, preparing to leave the penthouse for a walk. He was far too furious to communicate properly.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Ezra didn't say anything immediately, which sometimes meant nothing at all. But Dash could tell it was one of the other times right now. Something was going on behind those two silver pools, a thousand thoughts the Rhinnalian wished he could read.

He was still working on another way to convey how this was really something about nothing when Ez seemed to make a decision. His boyfriend shouldered past him with a coldness more frosty than anything Dash himself had ever conjured up.

"Baby! Come on..." Dash strode after Ezra massaging his shoulder. He knew his man and whilst he said yeah, he was absolutely not ok and there was no reason for him not to be. "What's the matter? Where you going?". Ezra was busily getting dressed with almost military efficiency. Something about his rapid movements made Dash wary to intervene, but he was not about to let him just walk. This was all silly.

"Tell me what you're thinking" he said, as softly as he could. "If you're annoyed we should talk about it".

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Normally Ezra would just withdraw and continue leaving, and he intended to do just that. Normally Dash was sometimes just as bad, getting huffy and walking in the opposite direction. This time, however, his boyfriend followed him out and actually kept his cool. Ezra slowed down, staring at nothing for a moment. He always considered himself above silly emotions like jealousy. Ezra stood perfectly still, gazing out the floor to ceiling window at the Nubian skyline.

“Did anything happen between you?” He asked curtly after a long moment of silence. He despised even asking this. His ego was screaming at him. The thought of Dash being all over some other man in a ship made him physically ill. He had a billion questions - why did Dash invite that guy along? Why did he go to Kro Var alone? Why did he time it like that? Why hadn’t he reached out first? At the end of the day, there was only one that he genuinely cared about knowing the answer.

He didn’t bother looking at Dash, the air so tense it was almost tangible.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash opened his mouth to scoff at the mere thought of getting intimate with Harda but, with a great effort, stopped himself. He could not go off on one, he would not. This was too important.

Instead, he let out a long sigh. "No". It was the absolute truth and he said it with sincerity. He took a couple of steps toward Ezra's back, reaching out to touch his man's shoulder. "Nothing, Ez. Nothing". Ezra's gaze was fixed on the skyline beyond the window. Dash wanted to know they could squash this, that it would be ok. His feelings swelled and it was a small thing to focus on the window pane, frosting the surface so their eyes met again in the reflection.

"I paid the guy to fly me there and watch my back. It was a boring ass journey and we were there all of ten minutes. I should never have gone then and I won't go back now without you". He squeezed Ez's shoulder, giving him an earnest look in the glass.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra looked at Dash’s reflection when he spoke, the creative trick with the frost admirable. There was sincerity in his tone, and he knew Dash was terrible at lying. Questions swirled in his head, and while he may have stewed on everything in the past, the two had been through enough together where he knew to trust his man. The Thorne finally turned to face him. While the silence was likely unsettling for most, Dash would have been used to it by now - it was an entire Thorne family trait shared by everyone except for Jaikus who was bubbly enough to make up for all of them.

“All right,” He said finally, his tone lacking the edge from earlier, “Not planning to wear that for the trip, are you?” Ezra asked with a slightly quirked brow at his spa robe. He wasn’t going to dwell on the topic and let it eat at him. He would trust Dash.

“I’ll get a ship prepped,” He checked his chrono, “Don’t take forever,” Ezra warned Dash before leaving to go to the ship landing bay that was attached to the luxury complex. It was one of the perks of not living in a dorm where personal aircrafts weren’t even allowed.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

To Dash’s relief, Ezra seemed to hear him. He was pleased when his man finally turned around so he could give him a reassuring smile to his face. “No, as much as you might like that” he smirked, wafting one of the tassels in front of Ezra’s nose. He would have gone over it how ever much his boyfriend needed, but he was equally glad to just put it behind them.

”It’s you that packs half the world, not me!”. Dash scurried off to get ready. He packed his armor, but remembering how damn hot it was on Kro Var he reprised the lighter flightsuit from Eiram for now, since stylised a little. He slung the Winter Casket and a few essentials in a pack on his shoulder.

He had not expected Ezra would be up for going straight away and his heart beat a little faster at the excitement of a sudden adventure. It would be good to do something together, however challenging, and if there was any truth in Jadis’ words back on Mortis they may be able to secure something really important for the Jedi.

Dash practically danced up the boarding ramp, finding Ez messing with something technical and giving him an excitable peck on the cheek.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

While Ezra wouldn’t be caught dead wearing traditional Jedi robes, he did tend to dress a bit more practical than suits these days. He was adorned in a shirt with a vest and pants, along with holds for any gadgets and medical kits he wanted to carry. He glanced over when Dash practically skipped up the ramp, shaking his head. How the man could be so excited for a trip to one of the most unforgiving planets in the galaxy was beyond him, but then again Dash was usually cheery by nature. It was one of the reasons Ezra was drawn to him - he very well couldn’t date someone as moody as himself.

It didn’t take him long to pilot the ship out of the bay, jumping into hyperspace a moment later. Ezra unbuckled and walked out of the cockpit, venturing into the lounge area. It was fitted with a nice sofa, cushions and, of course, a big screen.

“All right, what are we watching?” Ezra asked. He didn’t forget the last time they journeyed to Kro Var - he had watched nothing but Limmie and apparently had zoned out and ignored Dash the entire time. Even if that was before they officially dated, the question itself was a subtle hint that the Rhinnalian’s hurt words remained with him even two years later.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash leaned against the bulkhead, watching Ezra's nimble fingers dance across the controls. His man seemed to always know his way around anything technical in minutes and practically became one with anything he had used before.

Ezra tapped displays and pushed buttons like he could do it in his sleep, half a smile traversing his face as he manipulated the few levers and tactile interfaces. Dash had tried to ask why a modern ship needed so many old-looking bits and pieces, but Ez always droned on about putting the heart back in flying.

As they cut through the sky towards open space, it began to dawn on Dash what he was taking them into. Kro Var was a dangerous world, a landscape of hard rock, molten lava and mountains spewing fire. If they managed to dodge those hazards, they would have to face whatever lurked beneath the mountain. Their last visit had brought them face to face with an ancient frost golem, but Dash had a feeling even worse may be guarding the nexus, especially if Jadis had been involved.

The Rhinnalian decided they would cross that bridge when they came to it, heading through and planting himself down among the cushions next to Ezra. A glance around the interior suddenly reminded him of their last voyage to and from Kro Var. It had certainly had its peaks and troughs.

"Not that, please" Dash pleaded. Ezra knew what that was at this stage and fortunately Dash was able to bring increasing amounts of emotional pressure to bear to limit his man's Limmie time.

"What about a movie?" he suggested. He also had a few episodes of Brothers & Misters left to watch, but there was a wedding on the cards this season and that was a little close for comfort. "Action seems appropriate?" he said, flicking through the latest blockbusters. In truth, it was about the only genre they could agree on and only then if there was a hot male lead for Dash to get invested in.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra wasn’t surprised when Dash immediately shot down Limmie. He had yet to convince the Rhinnalian to go to a game. They had been to multiple musicals, why couldn’t they go to Limmie!! He was entirely too broody to ever push a topic, so he said nothing about it. On the topic of shows, however, he scoffed, “Fine, but I want to at least catch the tail end of Onderon vs Naboo,” He declared, “And we’re not watching Brothers and cousins or whatever that bogus show is..” He trailed off.

In truth, he was entirely up to date on the drama - pretending to play around on his EZPhone while he ate it all up when Dash watched it. It only reminded him how often his family had been approached to do a show - one producer even had an entire concept to pitch to Pops called Keeping Up With The Thornes. Emryc’s face was so priceless Ezra wished he could have framed it.

“Let’s watch Mound,” It sounded like an appropriate compromise. It was a movie about a man of prophecy with unnatural powers that had to travel to a desert planet in the future. When they first started dating, Ezra obliviously eased into his own corner of the sofa. However, he knew better by now- he scooted close to his man, wrapping an arm around him to tug him close.

Ezra’s brows furrowed a few minutes into the movie, “Why does this Aul Patreides character look kind of like Leon?” (@Zay)

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash let the critique of his current favourite show wash over him. When they had first met, he had fought Ez on every little thing, but it had quickly proved exhausting and nine times out of ten he had ended up being the one unable to calm down for hours. Ezra had standards and opinions, which Dash loved about him, but he also had a much higher tolerance for conflict.

The Rhinnalian busied himself rooting around for sweets in the sofa side cabinet. He nestled into his man's chest, chewing a squishy strawberry and reflecting not for the first time on the magic of a boyfriend who could do both missions and movie nights.

"He really does" Dash agreed, squinting at the title character. Could Leon have a secret acting sideline? (@Zay ) The Rhinnalian could definitely see it, his friend had that deft carefree attitude that probably lent itself real well to slipping into character. Dash had done a fair bit of acting himself, but he sometimes got way too drawn in.

"I'm definitely asking him about this. I could have been red carpet by now if they had told me I could carry on". He was joking of course, his life was a chaotic mess as it was.

The Leon-like character was fraternising with some pretty girl next, no doubt the thing that was going to trip him up on his quest or whatever. "So, we never got talking about it" Dash said suddenly, looking up eagerly before he put on his best therapist's face. "Leon and Jayna. How do you feel about that?".

@Sreeya