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[Karys]

Karys sat at an oversized desk on his ship. He was reviewing the countless files, contracts, and manifests that Vossari had downloaded from Param’s tea shop before flooding it. As he skimmed the document he had open, he’d wince. The syringe of a floating medical droid compressed, Karys felt the icy cold rush of bacta pump into the raw flesh of his hand. He hissed and fought the urge to jerk his hand away as previously deadened nerve ending flared to life once more.

It had only been four days since his duel with Param and her apprentice. Karys had defeated them both, and took his revenge against the Echani woman and her idiot of a disciple. Karys had rewarded Vossari with a star fighter and lessons deepening his knowledge of the dark side. Then, he’d sent his Wrean apprentice to Skye on an errand for him. Normally this would have been the time Karys meditated in his victory, did light administrative work, took inventory of the resources available on Trokein, and suggested a new Overseer for the world.

But the rush of victory was short lived.

Karys’ light administrative work uncovered a series of serious problems. He had found that Param had been purchasing Zygerrian slaves, freeing them, and then paying them to do jobs they otherwise would have done for free. While certainly an issue and inefficient, there were plenty of Sith who opposed slavery. However, the biggest issue was the deal she had struck with the Hutts. She’d sold seventy percent of the spice mines in exchange for a meager fleet and Hutt protections.

Karys couldn’t help but feel sick at his own misfortune of finding this problem. Unsure what to do, he reached out to the only being he felt he could truly trust for guidance on this issue. His former master, his beloved, Azar of the Kressh.

Karys knew his lover would arrive soon and ordered the medical droid to wrap his hand in kolto soaked gauze. He intended on wearing the black glove that matched his robes to hide the disgusting wound from the man he loved. He couldn’t afford to look weak, not after his discovery and his request.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

It was a testament to Karys’ importance that Azar actually showed up when he said he would. It was standard for the Pureblood to show up an hour late minimum to things that weren’t official business by penalty of death.

The Pureblood arrived with a massive amount of luggage despite intending to spend a day or so before he had to leave for Korriban. His thoughts had been on the plans he would execute, though this Troiken business caught him off guard. Azar was dressed in simple civilian clothes, the pants were absurdly tight as always. His wrist had a series of bracelets and he had a single, dangly earring.

“Babe!” Azar called out, concern in his voice as he rushed over to Karys, “What happened? Are you hurt?!” He asked, his eyes going wide as he checked over his partner. He leaned in to give Karys a tight hug, affectionately kissing his cheek before he spoke.

“I um..” Azar drew out a tin container, his face blushing slightly, “Wanted to make you something to cheer you up..but..” He opened the tin, revealing an honest attempt at heart-shaped cookies. The man had never cooked a day in his life outside of instant food. Clearly his potion-making didn’t translate to actual baking or cooking. The cookies were only slightly heart shaped, but mostly misshapen blobs. A few were clearly burned, “I tried making them from scratch and uh.. Tried a few times..” He gave a sheepish smile.

Azar’s gaze lingered fondly on Karys for a moment before he looked at the gloves Karys was wearing. A brow rose. Karys was color coordinating his outfit? Azar crossed his arms over his chest, “Take the gloves off,” He demanded suddenly.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys felt a wave of relief wash over him when he heard Azar’s voice. He was so tired. He was so conflicted. And so when Azar rushed to him, Karys simply turned in his chair and slumped his head into his lover’s chest the moment Azar reached him. His gloved hands wrapped around Azar’s waist and he let out a slow, uneasy breath.

Karys had missed him.

As Azar questioned him, Karys fought to hold back tears. Despite his best attempt to hide his pain, Karys found himself nodding slowly into his lovers chest. But he didn’t explain why yet, he didn’t want to ruin this moment, a moment that had grown rarer with each passing day.

Karys didn’t answer Azar’s questions at first, instead he just gripped his lover even tighter around his waist. It wasn’t until Azar sheepishly told him that he’d made him something to cheer him up that Karys pulled his head from Azar’s chest to look. When Azar revealed the vaguely heart shaped blobs, it elicited a teary chuckle from Karys. <Baaabe.> He responded as he tried his hardest not to fucking cry.

It was as Karys moved to take the tin that Azar noticed his gloves. Karys froze. He suddenly felt nothing but shame for thinking he had to hide anything from Azar. His gaze flickered back up to his lover, he winced as he slowly began to pull his glove from his injured hand.

<I’m okay baby, I promise. I’ve missed you so much!> Karys whispered between winces as he gently tugged at the fingers of his glove. <Do you remember Param? And what she tried to do on Nar Shadda?> Karys asked after a few seconds of gazing into Azar’s beautiful eyes. <The way she tried to humiliate us?> He continued as the glove made it half way up his palm. <I broke her. I made her into an example my love.> He whispered tenderly as the glove slid free of his bandaged hand.

Blood hand already started to leak onto the bandages from being thrust into the glove. He slowly unwrapped it to show Azar the extent of the damage. It was obvious what this was, damage from an inexperienced user of Force Lightning. The rebounding arcs had disintegrated the skin from his hand a ways past the wrist, cooked the flesh of his hand and had left sinew exposed in areas. Despite the clear agony the wound caused him, Karys still smiled faintly.

<I summoned Lightning Azar…> He whispered proudly. <…this was just the price of that power.> He continued. <I wish you could have seen me…I beat both her and her apprentice at once.>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar grimaced as he looked at the extent of the damage. However, he didn’t flinch nor shy away from it. At the end of the day, they were Sith, and this was unfortunately common. Azar gently hovered his hand over the injuries, channeling the Force to allow his hand to cool from an icy chill. It was not a heal, but temporary comfort, and a sensation Karys normally desired. Azar didn’t respond immediately to his words, staring at the hand.

“This won’t happen when you do it again,” He said calmly, glancing up at Karys. As terrible as this was, it was a test of limits and manipulation of the Force. He would learn just as young acolytes had learned the hard way.

“Do you carry guilt in your heart? For what you did?” Azar asked as he worked to re-bandage the wound and do it properly this time. Karys’ one handed patch job was crude and terrible. He was proud of his man, but that pang of concern still dug at his chest. Loving another Sith was always going to be bittersweet.

“Love, I don’t think this is the last time you have to do something like this,” Azar said before he took a seat across from Karys. He really wanted to be snuggled in on his lap, but the man looked like he was barely held up together.

“Who else knows you on a deeper level that can use it against you?” Azar asked, “Because they will,” He stated flatly, “You can wait for them to fuck you over or you can put your guard up now,” He said sternly. They had become lovers, but it was difficult for Azar to completely set aside the part of him that wanted to guide and teach Karys. His love meant ensuring Karys’ survival was a top priority. No matter the cost.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys shuddered as he felt the chill of ice run over his hand. He let out an unsteady sigh of relief as the newly reformed nerve endings were numbed and the pain dulled. <Thank you babe.> He said before leaning into Azar again.

Karys didn’t care about much else, he just wanted a few minutes to himself. He just needed to rest and feel comfortable and safe for a little while. He gave a short tired chuckle at Azar’s reassurance. <I really hope it doesn’t, it kinda sucked.> He quipped with a smirk.

Karys would nuzzle into his man’s chest. He just craved this touch and sense of home. It brought him indescribable feelings of comfort and safety despite everything he’d uncovered. When Azar questioned how what he’d done made him feel, Karys paused before replying.

<Before Nar Shadda I’d believed we would find a way to repair our friendship.> He replied honestly. <But after what she tried to do and my promotion, I knew there was no repairing anything.> He continued. <She tried to shame me in front of the Order, she tried to drive a wedge between us.> He explained. <I had to react and I don’t regret doing it. Param had to be made an example of.> He said harshly. <I only wish I had done it sooner.>

The callousness in Karys’ voice was alien, even to him. But it was also the truth, Param had chosen her bed and now she’d lay in it. Karys inhaled deeply and steadied himself, his mind tried to think back about his experience. He refused it and remained in the moment instead, Param wasn’t worth thinking about. Only her mistakes were.

As Azar explained that he believed that Karys would do that again, he’d be met with a soft smile. Karys’ golden gaze was soft and loving as Azar taught him just like he’d done when Karys was his apprentice. A small happy smile grew on Karys’ lips, he still loved listening to Azar teach.

<I know babe…> Karys replied. <And if another close to me betrays me, they’ll know what to expect.> He explained. <No one but you is safe from my wrath or my retribution.> He said tenderly.

Karys meant it. It didn’t matter who they were, if they thought of betraying or crossing Karys or Azar, he’d break them and kill them. He’d take everything they loved from them before leaving them for dead. He’d make them suffer.

Then his mind returned to why he’d asked Azar to come.

<But all of this is besides the point my love.> Karys began. <I asked for your help because of a discovery my Apprentice, Vossari made.> Karys explained as he brought up a trio of digital documents.

The first were several bills of sale from Zygerria. Param had purchased so many slaves and yet the discerning eye would recognize that there were no slaves on Trokein. That was because of the next document which freed all slaves on the world and gave them worker protections with pay. Not only was this irresponsible use of credits but spat in the Zygerrians face.

<There are thousands of slaves she freed here. She bought them, she freed them, and she paid them for work they should have done for free.> Karys explained in a tired voice. <But this isn’t the worst of her idiocy.>

Karys would then bring up her agreement with the Hutts where she sold seventy percent of the spice mines to them in exchange for ships.

<The amount of credits we’ve already lost for patrol crafts and star fighters…> He pointed out in a stressed and exhausted voice. <…I have to report this don’t I? This is a problem I have to solve now, isn’t it?> He asked, his voice etched with exhaustion.

<I still haven’t celebrated my victory over her Azar. This made everything feel shallow and the vengeance feel empty.> Karys said with a sigh. <I need your help, we have no spiced tea to ship and their due date is coming soon. Hutt debt collectors are the last thing we need.>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar got up to start organizing everything while Karys spoke. He picked up littered clothing, shoes, random bowls of food and other items to clean up the space. He knew the clutter was killing Karys, so the fact that there was any at all meant the man was completely broken. As Karys spoke further, Azar bristled, his jaw tightening. This was a colossal failure on multiple accounts. Azar looked over at Karys for a moment, “You have not kept a pulse on Zygerria? How was such a gross oversight permitted?” He asked. He had entrusted Karys to oversee the slave council operations and restructuring and, as his apprentice, he had been tasked with overseeing operations. In some ways, Param managed to do this under their watch.

Unlike Karys’ distraught and dismayed outlook, Azar kept calm and cool just as he had back on Zygerria. He pondered for a moment, thinking back to what he knew about Hutts, “The slave workers do not know the intricacies of what happened. They will simply see a flooding and a fire,” He said calmly, “They will arrive at work and be told there is an employee assistance program to compensate for the lost wages. Transport them to a new location to report in for this program…only they will be transferred directly to the Hutts as slaves to compensate for damages,” The plan was brutal and cruel, but Azar was Azar. He breezily continued, “Since Zygerria may have taken a revenue hit, we will work the slaves there even harder to bridge the productivity gap.”

That took care of two of the problems, the third was the mines. He couldn’t fathom the logic of giving away that much stake in the mines for some ships to…protect said mines? Azar blinked, “We will tell the Hutts Param struck a deal on product she never owned in the first place. The Pykes are reclaiming their property - Hutts won't drag themselves all the way to Troiken to validate this. We give them the slaves as a token and put a bounty on Param and make it clear she and any of her assets is open season for the Hutts.”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

<With countless slaves moving throughout our territories, these thousands she took were a drop in the bucket.> Karys responded in a tired but neutral voice. <However, I will look into the labor distribution specialist I suggested for the Zygerrian Council. This should have been caught earlier by her.> Karys explained. <None of this will fall back on either of us.> He assured.

As Azar spoke of how to smooth the missing shipments with the Hutts, Karys nodded. <The human capital here will purchase us a few months of time in order to get things back in working order.> He replied in agreement before Azar offered a solution to the issue of the Hutts. <And if they are interested in coming here?> Karys questioned rhetorically. <Instead of keeping this Hutt neutral, we could forge a new powerful ally.> Karys suggested. <I can renegotiate Param’s contract as a representative of the Zygerrian Crown.> He continued. <I have Vossari recovering the majority shares of a company on Skye I am invested in. It is a piece of my own powerbase that I’m comfortable spending.> He offered. <Between it, perhaps a small cut of these mines with no involvement, the bounty, and continued shipments of the tea at an adjusted rate, I think we could make a potent ally in Hutt space.> He replied with a smile.

<What use are resources if they aren’t spent wisely, after all?> He questioned rhetorically.

It would be then that Karys noticed the bags Azar at left near the entrance to his ship. He quirked an eyebrow at his lover as Azar cleaned and tidied. <Can you just come here and hold me for a moment longer?> He asked. <I haven’t slept in two days and just seeing you brings me peace of mind.> He admitted. <Thank you for your help babe.>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar listened silently as Karys spoke about his own investments and budding powerbase. Clearly the Champion had been busy, a look of pride appearing on Azar’s face. Lovers or not, Karys would always be someone he guided into Champion, and his victories made Azar proud. Nevertheless, he spoke only after Karys finished outlining his plan.

“Having resources also means being conservative with when to use them,” He reminded Karys, “This Hutt is not going to cut all the way around or through Imperial space to arrive on Troiken to concern himself with mines that were a surprise benefit in the first place,” Azar explained, “Hutts are smart enough to realize it costs them more resources to hold the mines than the profits they gain from it. Think about how much of a financial drain it is simply getting the spice from here to Hutt space after going through multiple checkpoints – and that’s if it’s being shipped legally. Smuggling and it takes even more effort,” Azar explained, “No, we are better served taking complete control of the mines and distributing it exclusively into the space around us and the adjacent Imperial space to gain a foothold within the territories of our enemies.”

It was then that Azar realized he had been wandering around picking things up and not exactly standing near Karys, “Sorry…I fidget when I worry,” He said with a sheepish smile. He closed the distance between them, grasping Karys by his other hand, “Let’s take a nap, Kare-bear,” He said, genuine excitement in his tone at such a simple activity.

Azar stripped down to just his undies and snuggled up against Karys in the bed, curling up against his chest, “Do you want me to talk through my chemical formulas to put you to sleep?” He whispered softly with a giggle before kissing Karys on the cheek.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys saw the pride written on Azar’s face, he saw it burning in his lover’s eyes, and felt it through their connection. His tired smile intensified slightly at the approval. Over the last few weeks, Karys had doubted if he was truly ready to be Sith, if he was ready to train an Apprentice, if he was ready for any of it. Azar’s approval banished those thoughts.

Karys listened to Azar’s lesson. Even though he was no longer the Apprentice, Karys knew that Azar still had many things he could teach him. His logic made sense even to Karys’ exhausted mind. He nodded along slowly as Azar spoke.

Karys wouldn’t speak again until Azar had led him from the mostly completed office/bedroom combo and to their bed. Karys steadily undressed himself, he only paused to get help from Azar with removing his only remaining glove. Karys felt a happy smile tug at the edges of his lips as Azar cuddled into his chest. He pulled his beloved closer to him, ran his fingers gently through Azar’s hair, and felt himself relax. He barely heard Azar speaking, he was just so tired.

<I’ve missed this.> Karys whispered lazily. <I miss the tiny little bed at the Academy.> He confessed after a deep yawn. <I miss watching you work on new formulas.> He continued his voice slowly trailing off. <I mis-> Karys never finished the sentence. He never heard Azar’s formulas.

Instead he simply drifted off to sleep.

——————————

Karys would wake up a few hours later. His fingers still tangled in Azar’s hair. He felt groggy but definitely more alert and aware of his surroundings. He wouldn’t rush to wake Azar. Instead, he just laid there watching the most perfect man he’d ever known sleep so peacefully. Karys felt his heart skip a beat.

Is this what my forever feels like?

The thought both excited and terrified him. This man loved him so unconditionally, so perfectly. Azar was his greatest strength. But also his greatest weakness. He’d burnout stars, decimate systems, annihilate entire cultures if it meant keeping Azar close to him. At the same time, the thought of losing him evoked such a sense of loss and despair that it threatened to break him.

After a few more minutes of just watching Azar sleep, Karys would gently kiss his man awake.

<Good morning sleepy head.> He whispered teasingly.

Karys would give Azar a few minutes to fully wake up before speaking about anything serious. Even then, he wouldn’t let his lover leave their position, tangled up together in bed. Karys craved this closeness and intimacy even as they talked business.

<What you said earlier darling, should we cut the Hutt in by a small percent? Just to avoid debt collectors or Apex being sent after us?> He asked as he scooted in closer to Azar.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar overslept in general, but it was especially so when he was in the safety and comfort of Karys’ arms. The Pureblood was fast asleep for hours even though it was only supposed to be a short nap. Before long, it was morning and the night had brushed right past them. Azar nuzzled against Karys when he spoke, his eyes still closed as he squeezed his boyfriend tight, “Just a bit longer..” He murmured softly, burying his face against Karys’ warmth and the familiar scent of him. He could melt against this man forever and watch the galaxy go by around them.

Eventually he stirred awake, stifling a yawn. He almost moved to get up, but he felt Karys’ arm tighten around him. Giving an amused giggle, he curled right back up against him. Azar was still half asleep when Karys asked his question, but his mind rapidly processed things.

“I think we give the Hutts nothing from the mines beyond a peace offering with the slaves and the ships returned,” Azar said calmly, “The mines are a consistent source of funding. It makes no sense whatsoever to let the Hutts cut into that if we don't have to. We will terminate the contract and tell them Param did not have authority to cut deals about the spice anyways because upon Thel’s death, the mines came under the possession of Tempest. Param erroneously assumed the transfer of assets to herself,” Azar rattled off the plan, “Just blame the entire fuck up on Param and have her take the brunt of it all.”

He yawned again, snuggling against Karys before he spoke again, “I’m proud of you, baby,” He said at last, gazing at his man, “You’ve come a long way from walking up that hill confused and with a broken nose,” Azar smiled lovingly as he kissed Karys on that very nose.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys smiled softly as Azar snuggled into his chest. His sleepy request warmed Karys’ heart. His fingers idly ran through his boyfriend’s hair as his lips gently pressed against his forehead. It was a tenderness that they could never publicly express. They could never show in front of anyone without risk of endangering one another. It was the tenderness that Karys always craved.

Eventually, the pair would have to be roused, the topic would have to be resumed with fresh eyes and rested minds. All of Param’s failures had unfortunately been inherited by Karys. He’d have to either answer for them or solve them. He wasn’t about to be answering for any of them.

<I’m beginning to wonder if Vossari and I shouldn’t just assassinate this Hutt and call it a day.> Karys replied, his head slumping back into the pillow. It was only partially a joke, the grin on his face told that much. <I agree with your logic. The expense the Hutts take to gain the spice and protect it is barely worth the profits they make from it.> Karys finally agreed. <And if this Hutt disagrees, there is always a bigger slug to parlay with.> Karys suggested, his head shifting to look over at Azar. <Regardless, Param will take the fall for this.> Karys stated with finality.

When Azar complimented him, Karys’ crimson cheeks deepened in color. He still wasn’t used to receiving compliments from anyone, much less Azar. He smiled sheepishly at his beloved. <I am different than I was back then aren’t I?> He asked nervously. <We both are.> He continued before nuzzling Azar’s cheek.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar smiled at his question, “Yes, but thankfully not too different,” He said as he stole a kiss from his man. He couldn’t imagine a Karys that didn’t cook for others. There were many ways Karys was vastly different from him, and he cherished all of it. Azar eventually rolled out of bed and stretched, deciding to use the Force to bring all his luggage into the room. He began to unpack his things, knowing he would leave some of it intact since he had to leave soon.

As he kept going through his things, he spotted the coat Trodai had given him at the party. He didn’t even remember keeping the thing. Azar started to chuckle at the sight, shaking his head. However, he paused for a moment, remembering the rest of the party. He and Karys hadn’t exactly had time together since and, though they patched things at the party, there were a few nagging items at the back of his mind. The coat, and the fact that Trodai had kindly given it to him without prompting ,made it difficult not to compare.

Azar chewed the inside of his lip for a moment, knowing it was a terrible time to bring things up while Karys was injured and stressed with the Param nonsense. However, he knew it would eat at him while he was gone for Korriban. He stood up and gazed at Karys for a moment.

“Babe..” He began quietly, “Why don’t you..treat me as you do other women? The chivalry, the compliments, the playing hero or sweeping them off their feet. The sappy stuff from holomovies,” Azar realized he was sounding silly, but this was important to him, “Do I not deserve any of that just because I am a man?” He asked, “Are you just… waiting around for the right woman to come along while toying with me in the meantime?”

There was no denying that Azar was slightly envious of Karys' attachment to women. There was always something different about it and it felt as if the women always had him enchanted. He couldn't imagine a man ever having that kind of seductive hold over him. Clearly having put himself in a bad mood, Azar huffed and started repacking the items he took out. He hated this feeling. This insecurity. Was he not Sith'ari? Was he not destined to rule multiple planets?

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys felt Azar roll from his arms and out of the bed. He propped himself up on his forearms to watch as Azar stretched and pulled his luggage into the room. He’d almost forgotten how much lover had packed it wasn’t unusual for him to over pack, but this much? Was he planning a trip to someplace after this? Karys was about to ask when Azar looked at him. Karys immediately recognized the expression on his lover’s face. The way he bit his lip, the look in his eyes. He knew them because he’d tasted the venom of fear and insecurity as well.

Karys didn’t even have time to ask Azar what was wrong before his lover began to speak. Karys’ golden eyes went wide with shock as Azar spoke how he felt. Karys felt his gut twist into knots, he felt the ice cold grip of regret and fear roll through him as he thought about every encounter publicly. How he’d treated Ayomi, how he’d complimented Cyu, and what had he given Azar on Nar Shadda?

Potionsmaster. Fucking Potionsmaster. How stupid was he?

Karys wordlessly slid from the bed after Azar finished and had begun frantically repacking his things. Karys would gently slide his hands down Azar’s forearms and give them a light squeeze. He wouldn’t defend himself, he wouldn’t make excuses as he gently turned Azar to face him. The gentle gaze Karys regarded his lover with was tinted with regret for the pain he’d caused.

<Baby…> Karys whispered. <There is no one else I want in this Galaxy other than you.> He began. <I never meant to make you feel any other way than that.>He continued. <And I am so sorry that I hurt you.> Karys tenderly apologized.

Even as he spoke, Karys’ mind ran back to his time before the Sith. He’d noticed other men, he’d even lusted after them but he never pursued them. He couldn’t. Any pairings that weren’t arranged were punished with death by his father. He’d been paired with and courted many Pureblood women throughout his teenage years but he never cared for them, he never loved them. Why hadn’t he done the same for the man he loved? Why hadn’t he noticed him the same as he had women?

<You deserve more than what they are given by me and I am sorry for not giving that to you my love. You deserve every ounce of my attentions.> Karys whispered, his face twisted with pain.

Karys ran his finger across the underside of Azar’s jawline to gently bring it up to face him.

<On Malachor, when our minds became one…> Karys began. <…I saw the woman from your youth.> Karys explained softly. <I felt how you cared for her.> He continued. <I never had that Azar…you are my first…everything.> His voice wavered. <I’ve never been with another man before.> Karys quietly admitted. <I’ve never been with anyone of my choosing.> He continued. <I’ve never had the freedom to choose until now.> Karys told Azar. <And I know I’m not perfect Azar, I know that I make mistakes. But I want to do better for you…>

<…Because tomorrow means nothing to me without you by my side.>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar initially didn’t react when Karys spoke. He had heard the words of love and commitment before, and that hadn’t been his point. He sighed and began to say something when Karys said his next piece. That made his head snap up to attention, his yellow gaze wide. First it was the shock at the revelation that Karys had perhaps been given more intel about him through that bond than he intended. Karys knew about Azar’s love and passions, knowing he felt love before. Even though he had been younger, it was unquestionably love.

The second thing, however, was what hit him like a thunderous blow to the gut: Karys had never been with another man? Karys had never been in love before?

He couldn’t fathom it. Karys had always been one of the most charming individuals Azar knew. How was it possible that he never fell that deep or had ever been with a man? The Pureblood stared in stunned silence, studying his man’s face. He didn’t need the Force to tell Karys wasn’t speaking a word of lie. It was Azar that constantly kept overestimating Karys' prevalence for attachments.

Azar simply sat on the floor, his mind reeling and his chest thundering. He needed to trust Karys. It was the only way to make this work. They exchanged lots of words, but he needed to demonstrate it. This was entirely uncharted territory for Karys, and in many ways the same held true for Azar. He had loved before, but it was nothing compared to the pull he felt now, or the commitment he was willing to make.

Trust.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Azar looked into Karys’ eyes, “I..didn’t know I was your first,” He said quietly, a deep understanding reflected on his face. In many worlds, loving the same gender was prohibited entirely.

Trust.

Azar paused for a long moment before he spoke again, “I’m going to Korriban, Karys,” He said, his voice slightly firmer, “I will be gone for…months..” He had his eye on conquest, “I had returned to it a few weeks ago. Cyutadakyr had approached me about learning the ways of forging, and in exchange I asked to return to Korriban as a guest.”

He ran his fingers through his hair, “I know what you’ll say…I want to be the one to take you there, baby,” Azar said, “I can’t do that until I restore my name. Do you understand?”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

When Azar began to sink to the floor, Karys’ grip slid to the underside of his arms. He gently followed his lover to the ground, supporting his weight to ensure the descent wasn’t too quick. Once Azar was seated, Karys would drop to a single knee. His facial expression shifted from one of embarrassment and nervousness to concern. His golden eyes searched Azar’s own the worry in them written as plain as day.

Karys smiled gently at Azar’s stunned reply.

<And only baby, you stole my heart.> Karys replied with a hushed tone.

He’d gently kiss Azar then, wanting to ensure his lover knew he was there for him. Karys would stay knelt in front of Azar until his man regained his footing. His hand would slide from the undersides of his arm to gently fix Azar’s hair or cup the side of his face. When Azar spoke of Korriban, Karys paused for a moment. There was clear confusion on his face.

Karys wondered why Azar had chosen to tell him this. He was envious of Azar’s opportunity to clear his name, while Karys’ had to destroy his. For an instant Karys felt like arguing, he felt like demanding to be taken alongside Azar.

But he didn’t.

Instead, Karys simply offered Azar a gently smile. He nodded his head in understanding. If this was truly so important to Azar, then it was important to him as well.

<It’s fine babe. I trust you.> Karys replied. <I’ve got some work to do on Ziost anyways. I want it to be safe for us when I take you to see my home.> He explained. <I just wished you would have told me sooner.> Karys stated after a brief pause.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar savored that kiss, drawing back from it to give Karys a sheepish grin, “If I would have known it was your first time I would have made it more special than…” He couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory of planting himself right on Karys on the Zygerrian throne. His face flushed and he buried his smile against Karys’ chest.

They were standing again while Azar explained Korriban. He half expected Karys to protest or display irritation that he had gone at all. Instead, his man surprised him with understanding. Azar silently admired the man standing before him - in many ways Karys was far more level headed and grown up than Azar.

As Karys outlined returning to Ziost, Azar bristled slightly. He knew what lay in store for Karys - the choice he made. It would all become reality the moment he set foot on Ziost, and there was no coming back from that. There was no reclaiming a name. Azar wouldn’t do Karys an insult by trying to talk him out of it. His man had made his choice regardless of where the two went from here on out, and nothing would make him waver.

Azar walked towards one of his bags, unzipping it. He drew out a sheathed weapon, turning to Karys as he strode towards him. The entire ambiance in the room shifted with the presence of the weapon, an ancient strength humming from it to where it was tangible, “Then return to Ziost as a conqueror,” Azar stated as his gaze met Karys’, “For you will wield a blade crafted in the Great Forges in the heart of Korriban with the aid of the spirits of my ancestors. A blade forged of my flesh, blood, spirit and laced with the promise of vengeance. Let this speak of my love, my passion, my devotion and my commitment to you,” He brought the blade up in both hands, presenting it to Karys, “I give you Sadowbane.”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys softly smiled at Azar’s words. He would have made it more special, it couldn’t have been more special. When Azar buried his face in Karys’ chest, the larger Pureblood simple wrapped his arms around the man he loved. He’d hold him for as long as Azar wanted to be held.

<It was perfect precisely the way it was Azar.> He whispered.

Karys remembered his stride towards the throne. He remembered each plate as it cascaded from his body and onto the marble floor. He remembered each sensation of Azar’s rise and fall. He remembered it all as clearly as if it had just happened. He wouldn’t have changed a thing about that perfect day.

Eventually their embrace had to break and Azar’s explanation of his trip flowed forth. Karys embraced it as it was, there would be time apart, time he couldn’t sleep next to Azar or hold him. But it wouldn’t last forever. However, when Karys mentioned his own task, Azar bristled, his back straightened. Karys knew his lover hated the very idea of what he was destined to do, but this was his fate.

He’d fallen in love with a Kressh, either they would die or his lineage had to be wiped clean. There was no other way

However what Azar did next, he didn’t expect. Turning from him, Azar produced a weapon of the finest quality. A sword he’d forged for Karys in the depths of Korriban. A sword he’s poured his very essence into.

Karys felt hot tears rise in his eyes, unbidden that fell down his cheeks. He wept. Not just at the sword but at Azar’s words. This sword, Sadowbane, represented the depths of Azar’s emotions. It represented his willingness to sacrifice for Karys. It represented their bond and the union between. The realization of that only made Karys’ tears cascade harder. He placed one hand on the sword’s blade, the other tangled itself in Azar’s hair as he kissed the man he loved as deeply as he could. A hot, wet, tear soaked kiss that only broke when Karys needed to breathe.

<For us, I will do more than just break my house. For us, I will do more than reave them. For us, I will leave a legacy worthy of our names.> He whispered into his man’s lips.

His hand fell from Azar’s hair and onto the hilt of a great and terrible weapon. He gently lifted it from Azar’s grasp and held it, examining the weapon, testing its weight and balance for only a moment. It was magnificent, almost as perfect as Azar.

<I will carve a dynasty in our name.> He promised, his golden eyes softening as they returned to Azar.

@Sreeya