rivulet027 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rivulet027) wrote2021-08-09 03:32 am
rivulet027) wrote2021-08-09 03:32 am
Entry tags:
Fic: Into Substance and Hue Chapter 2 (Star Wars, Fox/Quinlan)
Title: Into Substance and Hue
Fandom: Star Wars
Pairings: Quinlan/Fox, Stone/Feemor, Dormé/Thire
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Star Wars. It's not my toy box and I'm merely playing.
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Quinlan Vos is tasked with finding the Sith that's hiding in the Senate. Fox agrees to pretend to date him to get Quinlan access to the Senate building.
A/N: Thanks tothesecondbatgirl and MapleOwl18 for all the encourage. Also thank you to MapleOwl18 for the beta.
A/N2: Dormé and Padmé are pregnant in this fic, but their pregnancies will not be the focus. The topic will get brought up and discussed, but there will be no pregnancy drama unless you count Thire suing the Republic for paternity leave.
Chapter 2:
Quinlan lets himself be led to the lift as he tries to decide how best to get them caught dating. Most people he’d push against the wall and kiss as soon as the lift doors close so there will be holo footage and maybe someone will catch them when the doors opened, but Fox flinched the day before when Quinlan tried to touch him unexpectedly and Quinlan isn’t about to have this go poorly. He doesn’t want anything suspicious on holo and he’s relatively sure he knows just how much of the Senate building is under surveillance. So he waits until Fox pauses in front of the doors to ask, “Let me have a taste of your caf?”
“It’s mine,” Fox reminds, then frowns as he takes in the way Quinlan is looking at him from under his lashes. Fox wets his lips and comments. “You’re taller than me, you shouldn’t be able to manage to do that with your face.”
“I have many talents, which you now get the pleasure of witnessing,” Quinlan flirts.
“That still doesn’t explain why you want to steal my caf,” Fox complains.
Quinlan wants to point out that he’s the one who bought the caf, but it was a gift so that wouldn’t be playing fair. He leans in slowly, instead, and lets his voice go low and wanting as he explains, “So I won’t taste like tea when I kiss you.”
Fox’s tongue darts out to lick his lips and Quinlan lets his eyes focus on the movement. Then Fox reaches up and cups the back of Quinlan’s head before dragging him into a kiss that’s hard and full of heat. Quinlan groans and presses closer, going willingly as Fox drags them into the lift. Fox pushes him back long enough to indicate which floor they want, then groans as Quinlan’s lips find his jaw. Quinlan brushes several quick kisses along Fox’s jaw as Fox walks them to the back of the lift. Their lips meet again as Fox’s back hits the wall and Quinlan presses against him, one hand gripping Fox’s belt and the other presses against the wall near Fox’s head, keeping the bag of scones there. Quinlan is suddenly very grateful that he finished his tea earlier and threw the cup away. One of Fox’s hands is holding his caf, while the other is cupping the back of Quinlan’s head, gloved thumb rubbing slightly at Quinlan’s jaw. Quinlan groans into the kiss. Fox then slides that hand deliberately down Quinlan’s side and the pleasure he feels as he enjoys Quinlan’s muscles before reaching around to grip Quinlan’s ass makes Quinlan want more of Fox’s touch. Quinlan sucks on Fox’s tongue as he makes a noise of frustration. Quinlan wants more, he wants to press closer. Fox wants more of Quinlan’s weight against him and it’s making Quinlan want that too. Usually he can play and tease and yeah he sometimes ends up in bed with the people he does this act with, but the lift doors open and Quinlan knows he needs to pull away, knows he should act embarrassed, but instead he kisses Fox more incessantly and keeps kissing him until the lift doors close and this suddenly feels less like the act it should be. Fox’s hand slides from Quinlan’s ass to his chest and then pushes at him. Quinlan lets himself be guided slightly back because he needs to get his mind back into a place where he’s thinking about the mission even if a part of him really wants to know what it’d be like to kiss Fox without the armor between them.
For one brief moment Fox looks as dazed as Quinlan feels, but then his features slide back into indifference as he asks, “Is that enough of my caf for you?"
Quinlan smirks, lets his gaze slide down deliberately to Fox’s lips, as he declares, “You’re fun."
Fox goes still at those words, something in him wrenching in pain, grief. Quinlan lets the bag of scones drop so he can cup Fox’s face and hide them from view of any holorecorder. He leans in slowly, pressing his forehead against Fox’s.
“Lose someone?” Quinlan asks gently.
Fox’s dark eyes meet his. "That doesn't matter."
"I don't want to hurt you," Quinlan whispers. "You don't have to do this."
"I already am," Fox grits out. He doesn't clarify what he means: that he's hurting or that he's a part of this mission too. Quinlan suspects it's both.
"You going to tell me about them?" Quinlan asks.
Fox makes a noise of frustration. He is hurting, but he’s still lax in Quinlan’s arms. Their foreheads are still pressed close and he’s letting Quinlan cup his face. Quinlan wants to kiss him again, wants to take him somewhere private and quiet. He wants Fox to talk about this hurt. It's grief, but not the sharp grief of a recent loss. No, this is a dull steady ache, one that's tinged with time. Quinlan wants Fox to understand that his grief is respected and to make sure that Fox is still comfortable with the ruse he agreed to the day before.
“No, they’re my memories,” Fox says. Then Fox lets indignation blot out his grief, before challenging in a whispered tone. “If this is just a way to get into my codpiece…”
Quinlan presses a quick kiss, more of a brush than a kiss, against Fox’s lips. He lets his lips quirk up, then waggles his eyebrows. “Maybe it’s Cody’s grand scheme to make you get some sleep.”
Fox snorts. He almost smiles. Quinlan grins in response. They’ll become more comfortable with each other. He’ll get Fox to laugh eventually.
The lift doors open. Fox’s hand doesn’t move from where he’s gripping Quinlan’s side so Quinlan doesn’t move either.
“You alright there Commander?”
“Yes, Senator Organa,” Fox answers, shifting so he can glance over Quinlan’s shoulder. “How’s the adoption coming along?”
“Well, I think,” Organa answers. “We’ve decided we want a little girl and finished the paperwork. I’m hoping to head home soon so I can be there during the inspections.”
“I’m sure it’ll go well sir,” Fox says.
“Thank you, Commander.”
“You’re welcome.”
“It’s almost sunrise. If you head to the top senator’s lounge you and your friend might be able to see it,” Organa suggests.
“That’s a good suggestion sir.”
“Would you like me to press the button for you?”
“Please,” Fox answers.
Quinlan is relatively sure he likely should’ve said something, anything, at this point, but he’s not sure what to say. Isn’t Bail Organa one of Obi-Wan’s friends? Or Mace’s friends? Maybe Yoda’s friend? Quinlan isn’t sure. So he just stays pressed close to Fox with a bag of scones at their feet.
The lift stops. The door opens. Organa starts to step off, then he turns. “Have a nice day Commander Fox, Master Vos.”
Fox thanks Organa again. The doors close. Quinlan wants to laugh.
“I thought Jedi were supposed to be polite,” Fox prods.
Quinlan snorts. “I’m still not used to being a Jedi when I’m on Coruscant.”
“Do I even want to know what you mean by that?” Fox groans.
“Not in the slightest,” Quinlan teases, before pressing another brief kiss to Fox’s lips. He considers kissing Fox’s jawline again, but gets a push from Fox. He takes the hint and steps back enough that Fox can reach down and grab the bag of scones. With the bag and his caf in one hand, Fox steps close, and threads their fingers together as they wait for the floor Organa suggested.
“Was this part of your tour?” Quinlan asks.
“It’s one of the top floors,” Fox answers. “I’d planned to start from the ground up with the tour, keep you coming back for more, but we can take a top down approach.”
“It’s good to know you’re adaptable,” Quinlan comments.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re incorrigible?” Fox asks. His lips are starting to quirk upwards and the question is edging towards humor.
“Only if they’re trying to get into my pants.” Quinlan lets his grin be all teeth. He grins widens when Fox rolls his eyes. He’s starting to like Fox and Quinlan is sure he can find ways to let Fox know that without hurting him. Maybe they’ll even be able to work themselves towards friendship once their mission is over.
The lounge isn’t accessible to the public. It’s a long room with floor to ceiling windows along one side. The back wall is dominated by desks that have barriers between them to make them semi-private. There’s even a bookshelf at the top of each and individualized lighting. There’s a small kitchenette at the far end. Quinlan suspects it's well stocked with snacks. There are a few tables with chairs near the kitchenette, but most of the room is an array of plush seating that would be comfortable to a variety of species. Near the door are adjustable tables that would fit across the seats to turn them into work areas. Quinlan is sure this room is a treasure trove of hidden moments, but he can’t guarantee that he’ll see the moment that will show them who the Sith Dooku is working with is. He’ll need to pace himself. He doesn’t want to wear himself out or get them caught.
Fox slides an arm around his waist and leans in. He presses a kiss below Quinlan’s ear and then whispers all the holorecorder locations at him. Quinlan closes his eyes and bites his lip, trusting that Fox can make it look like he’s seducing Quinlan. Fox shifts. Quinlan wants to kiss him again, but they’re at Fox’s work and so there’s a limit to how shameless he should let himself get. He opens his eyes and lets himself look out the window. He wraps an arm around Fox’s shoulder slowly. Fox tenses, briefly, but doesn’t pull away, just keeps his arm around Quinlan’s waist and lets himself be led over to the floor to ceiling windows that show the sun rising over the Coruscant skyline. The appreciation coming from Fox makes Quinlan tilt his head to take in the way the shifting colors play across Fox’s face.
“You haven’t seen this before?” Quinlan asks.
Fox shakes his head. “I don’t usually take the time. Senator Organa suggests little things like this that would help us appreciate the city, but there’s always so much to do, and protect.”
“You don’t take time for yourself?”
Fox’s gaze turns from the window towards him. He’s contemplative and not sure how to answer. Quinlan presses close and squeezes his shoulder. Fox shrugs as he goes back to appreciating the sunrise. “Cody and Wolffe try to make me slow down when they’re here on leave.”
Quinlan makes a considering noise. “Think you can slow down for me?”
“Do you do anything slow?” Fox teases.
Quinlan smirks at the opening Fox just gave him. “You’d be surprised and appreciative.”
“Somehow I’m not convinced.”
Quinlan laughs. “Want to help me figure out which chair is the most comfortable before you have to head back to work?”
Fox checks his chrono. “I think I’d rather watch you figure it out while I finish my caf and have another scone.”
Quinlan nods, before leaning in to give Fox a quick kiss. Then he drops into the nearest chair and runs his hands along the sides. It’s comfortable and also apparently a recliner. He’s getting an impression of several of the more humanoid senators using it to nap in. He moves to the next chair as he watches Fox walk over to the nearest table to set the bag and caf down. He turns a chair so he can face Quinlan, before picking up his caf again. The chair he’s in lets Quinlan see a conversation between Senator Organa and the new Illodia senator, Doman. Doman is encouraging Organa to adopt and clearly trying to be a supportive friend. Deciding this is a private moment that doesn’t have anything untoward in it he moves onto the next chair. It’s clearly not made for a humanoid senator, but is strangely comfortable when he lays in it. Fox makes a comment, but Quinlan doesn’t catch it as he slides into seeing Senator Amidala sleeping in the chair. She wakes up when one of her handmaidens, Dormé, covers her with a blanket. Amidala reaches up and grips Dormé’s hand. She wants to tell Dormé a secret, but can’t seem to bring herself to. She needs to confide in someone and knows she can trust Dormé, but this is a secret she’s holding onto tightly. Quinlan watches for a moment more, but Amidala just thanks Dormé, asks to be woken up at a certain time, and goes back to her nap. Quinlan sits up and runs a hand over his face, suddenly tired. He wants to turn to Fox, wants to ask about Amidala, but stops himself. He should wait until they can have a private conversation. He tries the next seat again and almost sighs when he sees Amidala using one of the tray pieces to try and get some work done, except Knight Skywalker is pacing in front of her. Quinlan winces at the frustration coming off Skywalker. He always seems to forget how mentally loud Obi-Wan’s former padawan is. She’s insisting on both of them taking a break from their relationship and he’s trying to convince her that they shouldn’t break up right before he ships out for several months. Quinlan pushes at the vision to send it away. He brings his hands back into his lap. Skywalker’s relationship isn’t any of his business, not if he isn't letting it interfere with his Jedi assignments.
“Find anything comfortable?” Fox asks.
“Maybe the first one,” Quinlan decides. The impression of all those senators napping would make it cozy to rest in. “Which scone did you leave me?”
“The raspberry almond,” Fox says. “I like lemon. There’s half left if you’d prefer the lemon blueberry.”
“Two for you and two for me,” Quinlan informs him as he leans in towards Fox. Fox meets him part way and shares a kiss with him. Grinning, Quinlan steps around the table and drops into the seat opposite of Fox. He doesn’t mean to go searching for a memory, but slides quickly into a vision.
“Isn’t this room under surveillance?” Ayo Morota challenges.
There’s someone in a hooded robe near the door. Quinlan can’t make out their face. Their voice when they speak is masculine and somehow familiar, though Quinlan can’t place it. “I’ve taken care of that. Now why don’t I leave you and Senator Viento to make all the necessary arrangements?”
Senator Viento is sitting across the table from Ayo, right where Fox is currently sitting. Ayo looks past Viento to the person obviously orchestrating this whole visit if the fear radiating off of her is anything to go by.
“Why not just meet in one of your offices?” Ayo asks.
“You’re not paid to ask questions my dear, you’re paid to carry out very specific jobs. Succeed and the reward will be great, fail and you’ll wish you died in your failure,” the person says before turning and leaving.
Ayo watches the door close before she turns her attention to Senator Viento. “Does he always like to intimidate assassins he’s hiring?”
“You think that was just intimidation?” Viento asks, his tone indicating he thinks Ayo’s question is foolish.
“No, I think that was a promise, but if he’s in charge I’d rather deal directly.”
“One rung at a time,” Viento advises.
“I prefer to cut out the middleman. Do you have a job for me or not?” Ayo glares.
Viento gives her a one-sided smirk. “Very well, we’ll move on to business.”
“This is too public,” Ayo protests. “Anyone could walk in.”
“It’s quite late,” Viento attempts to reassure. “Also there are guards in the hallway. I can assure you they’ll follow their orders.”
“Was my last job unsatisfactory?” Ayo challenges.
“No.”
“Then give me the data. Payment the same as last time. Next time I deal with him or you can try to find another gang that works half as well as mine,” Ayo informs him as she stands.
Viento pulls a datacard out of his robe and hands it to her. “Do you think I don’t know how to arrange assassinations without your little gang?”
“Then it’s lucky for us that there are so many senators,” she says as she snatches up the datacard and heads towards the door.
Quinlan gets up to follow her to see if he recognizes any of the people guarding the room, but as he nears the door the vision evaporates and he’s suddenly cold with an aching head. Quinlan winces, then tries to take stock of his surroundings to reorient himself. He’s still sitting in the chair. Fox is picking up the scone he must have placed in front of Quinlan back into the bag.
“I have to start my shift soon,” Fox is saying. “And I’m sorry, but I can’t just leave you in here. There are public areas if you’d prefer to eat there.”
Fox’s been keeping up a running commentary while he’s been lost in the vision Quinlan realizes. He reaches out and squeezes Fox’s hand. He wonders briefly what Fox’s hands would feel like without the gloves.
“You’re so handsome,” Quinlan says. “I think I might have gotten distracted admiring you. Maybe you’ll let me walk you back to your office?”
Fox snorts. Then he picks up his mug and the bag before holding out a hand for Quinlan.
Fox’s office turns out to also be the Coruscant guards' breakroom. It’s not a large room, but it’s got Fox’s desk on one end, with two comfortable chairs across from it. There’s a couch along one wall, with a sturdy looking coffee table. There’s a round table for them to eat at with four chairs near the opposite wall. There’s a potted plant with long thin leaves both green and white in the middle of the table. Along the wall near the table are two cabinets and below the cabinets are two counters with several drawers each. There’s caf in the carafe, but that seems to be the only appliance they have.
“It’s all donated from different senators,” Fox explains. “Organa and Amidala found out we had an empty room and found things to donate and other senators willing to donate. I think Chuchi donated the spider plant."
“You don’t have any windows, how are you keeping it alive?” Quinlan asks, trying to keep his voice low so he doesn’t wake up the guard member who is napping on the couch.
“Mothma took one look at the plant and has kept us stocked in lights since. She said it’s a thoughtful gift, apparently they help purify the air,” Fox explains as he shrugs his shoulders. He indicates the sleeping guardsman. “That’s Stone.”
“The one you want me to talk to,” Quinlan nods, studying the helmet that’s sitting on the coffee table. For a moment Quinlan thinks Fox wants to say something more, but he doesn’t, just heads towards his desk instead. Quinlan starts to follow him, but pauses when he catches sight of what Stone is holding in one of his gloved hands. “I used to love those.”
“Love what?” Fox asks, turning back around.
“The lollipop. Most initiates love them. We give them puzzle boxes with the lollipop inside. You have to use the Force to work the inner mechanisms that’ll open the puzzle, then you get a prize that’s sweet,” Quinlan explains.
“Our childhoods were very different,” Fox comments.
“I suspect you didn’t get much of one,” Quinlan acknowledges.
Fox shrugs. “Did you...would you like to get together later?”
“Would you be willing to come to the temple after your shift? We can get something to eat, I can show you around a bit, and maybe I’ll convince you to spend the night.”
“Are you telling me to bring comfortable clothes to sleep in?” Fox asks, raising his eyebrows.
“If you want to sleep in the nude I won’t object,” Quinlan smirks. He wants to ask Fox to walk him back to the temple. His head is starting to ache in earnest and he finds himself dwelling on Ayo flinging herself to her death in front of him. He’d infiltrated her gang, the Red Hand, the last time he’d spent time on Coruscant. They’d been assassinating senators and now he knows she was working with Senator Viento and another person. He’s not sure who to talk to first. He wants to talk to Tholme, but he knows Tholme isn’t at the temple. He probably should seek out a council member, but he’s not sure how comfortable he is talking through this with a headache. He can’t ask Fox for help, his shift just started.
Fox’s forehead creases slightly as he asks, “Are you alright?”
“Headache,” Quinlan explains as he lets himself lean in and enjoy one more brief kiss.
“Did you want something for it?” Fox frowns. His fingers stray close to Quinlan’s face, but then he closes his hands and drops them back to his sides.
“I’ll take something at the temple, thank you.”
“I’ll walk you back,” Stone yawns.
Quinlan tries not to grimace. He’s not sure he’s up to one of Fox’s guardsmen getting protective about Fox and threatening him. He turns to protest, but all he can feel from Stone is concern. He can’t tell if Stone’s concern is for him or Fox, but Quinlan tries for a smile. Maybe Stone just wants to take an opportunity to see the temple guard he likes since his shift is over. Stone levers himself up, storing his lollipop in a pouch on his belt.
Stone doesn’t talk to him much, just keeps pace with him all the way to the temple. Quinlan knows Fox wants him to talk to Stone, but his head is throbbing and all he really wants is to lay down in his bed. Quinlan decides to forgo the steps today and heads in through a side entrance. Kit is coming out the door as they near. He stops short when he sees them.
“Everything going well Commander Stone?” Kit asks.
“Seeing Master Vos back to the temple,” Stone explains. “He said he had a headache, but he seems sensitive to light as well.”
“Thank you Stone,” Kit smiles. “I’ve got him from here.”
“You’re going out,” Quinlan protests. “I’m going to bed.”
Kit stops in front of him and slowly brings his hands up. Quinlan starts to lean in towards him and sighs as Kit’s cool hands cup his face. He closes his eyes, but reaches up to guide one of Kit’s hands to his forehead.
“Migraine or vision headache?” Kit asks.
Quinlan wants to protest that it’s been years since he had a reaction like this to a vision, but Kit’s concern brings his focus back to how he’s feeling.
“Vision brought up some bad memories,” Quinlan answers.
Quinlan is dimly aware of Stone saying his goodbyes, but then Kit is wrapping an arm around him and leading him to his room. He sinks down on his bed grateful as Kit closes his blackout curtains.
“Did you want to take anything?” Kit offers.
“No,” Quinlan protests as he leans over to take off his boots. He grimaces as his headache goes sharp. For a moment he thinks he’s going to topple in an ungraceful heap off the bed. “I’m fine.”
“You're not,” Kit contradicts as he places a hand on Quinlan’s shoulder and guides him back. “I’ll take care of your boots and you concentrate on staying upright.”
“I want Tholme or Aayla, but I can’t because they’re both on missions and I can’t bother Cal with this.”
“Cal left with Master Tapal and the 13th Battalion yesterday,” Kix informs him as helps Quinlan out of his boots.
“Right,” Quinlan agrees. “Jaro asked me so many questions about him and how our psychomentary works. He asked Cal too, but he had me there so that we could both explain and I can’t have Obi-Wan because he’s off fighting.”
“With Anakin,” Kit agrees.
“Not him,” Quinlan grimaces. “He’s loud. He’d make the pain worse. Luminara is taking care of Barriss so she’s not here. Do you think Agen would cuddle me? He did last time, but it’s been years.”
Kit lays his hand against Quinlan’s forehead again and Quinlan sighs. Then Kit tells him, “I’m afraid he’s not here either.”
“Eeth left,” Quinlan complains.
“Yes, to get married,” Kit agrees as he sits near Quinlan and starts taking his own boots off. “He recently sent word that his wife is pregnant.”
“Good for him, that doesn’t help me.”
“I’m helping you,” Kit points out as he stands and moves their boots near the door.
“You were leaving,” Quinlan protests as he gets under his covers.
“I’m not,” Kit reassures as he joins Quinlan under the covers.
Quinlan sighs and rolls over so he can press his forehead against Kit’s shoulder. Kit’s cool fingers brush his cheek and his neck. Quinlan sighs.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Kit asks.
Quinlan knows he can say he’d rather sleep and Kit would let him, but he needs to talk about Ayo. "I'm going to fall for him."
"Him?" Kit asks.
"Fox," Quinlan elaborates.
"You don't usually," Kit reassures.
"I'm going to this time. I can tell."
"Do you need to not do this?"
"It won't interfere with my duties," Quinlan insists, even though he worries he's letting his interest in Fox do just that. He hadn't pulled away when the lift doors opened and he'd watched Fox's reaction to the sunrise instead of looking around the room. Of course both those things can be part of his duty to convince both the public and the Sith that he's infatuated with Fox.
"I don't believe this is the part of your past the vision brought up."
Quinlan almost protests that he feels guilty when the person he's pretending to love starts having those feelings and he can't reciprocate, but Kit is right. "Do you remember the Red Hand gang?"
"Yes, their leader killed herself in front of you."
"Only after I'd slaughtered everyone else."
"Quinlan, they were trying to kill you. Yoda said you came back exhausted, wounded, and covered in sewer grime."
"I still killed them," Quinlan says mulishly.
"You infiltrated them because they were assassinating senators," Kit points out gently.
Quinlan sighs. He knows Kit is right. "Their leader, Ayo, killed herself in front of me so we wouldn't question her about who she was working for. She was so scared of them she killed herself. I saw Senator Viento hiring her in my vision, but he was a middleman. They were both working for another man, and I couldn't see him. He was hooded and in shadow."
"You've uncovered all this on your first day," Kit encourages.
Quinlan shifts closer. Kit’s positivity helps ease some of his tension.
"I'm concerned it's affected you this strongly," Kit continues.
"I got shoved out of the vision, that didn't help," Quinlan says.
"Shoved out?" Kit asks.
"I don't think I'm up for analyzing that yet. Telling you about Viento and Ayo’s boss was the important part," Quinlan answers.
"You getting the support you need is the important part," Kit contradicts. "You're not alone in this, remember that Quin."
"I'm meeting Fox later so we can go over our observations and I can tell him what I saw, but I'll make an appointment with a mind healer when I wake up."
"Good, rest my friend. I'll stay with you."
Grateful Quinlan closes his eyes.
Chapters: [1] [2][3][4]
Fandom: Star Wars
Pairings: Quinlan/Fox, Stone/Feemor, Dormé/Thire
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Star Wars. It's not my toy box and I'm merely playing.
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Quinlan Vos is tasked with finding the Sith that's hiding in the Senate. Fox agrees to pretend to date him to get Quinlan access to the Senate building.
A/N: Thanks to
thesecondbatgirl and MapleOwl18 for all the encourage. Also thank you to MapleOwl18 for the beta.A/N2: Dormé and Padmé are pregnant in this fic, but their pregnancies will not be the focus. The topic will get brought up and discussed, but there will be no pregnancy drama unless you count Thire suing the Republic for paternity leave.
Chapter 2:
Quinlan lets himself be led to the lift as he tries to decide how best to get them caught dating. Most people he’d push against the wall and kiss as soon as the lift doors close so there will be holo footage and maybe someone will catch them when the doors opened, but Fox flinched the day before when Quinlan tried to touch him unexpectedly and Quinlan isn’t about to have this go poorly. He doesn’t want anything suspicious on holo and he’s relatively sure he knows just how much of the Senate building is under surveillance. So he waits until Fox pauses in front of the doors to ask, “Let me have a taste of your caf?”
“It’s mine,” Fox reminds, then frowns as he takes in the way Quinlan is looking at him from under his lashes. Fox wets his lips and comments. “You’re taller than me, you shouldn’t be able to manage to do that with your face.”
“I have many talents, which you now get the pleasure of witnessing,” Quinlan flirts.
“That still doesn’t explain why you want to steal my caf,” Fox complains.
Quinlan wants to point out that he’s the one who bought the caf, but it was a gift so that wouldn’t be playing fair. He leans in slowly, instead, and lets his voice go low and wanting as he explains, “So I won’t taste like tea when I kiss you.”
Fox’s tongue darts out to lick his lips and Quinlan lets his eyes focus on the movement. Then Fox reaches up and cups the back of Quinlan’s head before dragging him into a kiss that’s hard and full of heat. Quinlan groans and presses closer, going willingly as Fox drags them into the lift. Fox pushes him back long enough to indicate which floor they want, then groans as Quinlan’s lips find his jaw. Quinlan brushes several quick kisses along Fox’s jaw as Fox walks them to the back of the lift. Their lips meet again as Fox’s back hits the wall and Quinlan presses against him, one hand gripping Fox’s belt and the other presses against the wall near Fox’s head, keeping the bag of scones there. Quinlan is suddenly very grateful that he finished his tea earlier and threw the cup away. One of Fox’s hands is holding his caf, while the other is cupping the back of Quinlan’s head, gloved thumb rubbing slightly at Quinlan’s jaw. Quinlan groans into the kiss. Fox then slides that hand deliberately down Quinlan’s side and the pleasure he feels as he enjoys Quinlan’s muscles before reaching around to grip Quinlan’s ass makes Quinlan want more of Fox’s touch. Quinlan sucks on Fox’s tongue as he makes a noise of frustration. Quinlan wants more, he wants to press closer. Fox wants more of Quinlan’s weight against him and it’s making Quinlan want that too. Usually he can play and tease and yeah he sometimes ends up in bed with the people he does this act with, but the lift doors open and Quinlan knows he needs to pull away, knows he should act embarrassed, but instead he kisses Fox more incessantly and keeps kissing him until the lift doors close and this suddenly feels less like the act it should be. Fox’s hand slides from Quinlan’s ass to his chest and then pushes at him. Quinlan lets himself be guided slightly back because he needs to get his mind back into a place where he’s thinking about the mission even if a part of him really wants to know what it’d be like to kiss Fox without the armor between them.
For one brief moment Fox looks as dazed as Quinlan feels, but then his features slide back into indifference as he asks, “Is that enough of my caf for you?"
Quinlan smirks, lets his gaze slide down deliberately to Fox’s lips, as he declares, “You’re fun."
Fox goes still at those words, something in him wrenching in pain, grief. Quinlan lets the bag of scones drop so he can cup Fox’s face and hide them from view of any holorecorder. He leans in slowly, pressing his forehead against Fox’s.
“Lose someone?” Quinlan asks gently.
Fox’s dark eyes meet his. "That doesn't matter."
"I don't want to hurt you," Quinlan whispers. "You don't have to do this."
"I already am," Fox grits out. He doesn't clarify what he means: that he's hurting or that he's a part of this mission too. Quinlan suspects it's both.
"You going to tell me about them?" Quinlan asks.
Fox makes a noise of frustration. He is hurting, but he’s still lax in Quinlan’s arms. Their foreheads are still pressed close and he’s letting Quinlan cup his face. Quinlan wants to kiss him again, wants to take him somewhere private and quiet. He wants Fox to talk about this hurt. It's grief, but not the sharp grief of a recent loss. No, this is a dull steady ache, one that's tinged with time. Quinlan wants Fox to understand that his grief is respected and to make sure that Fox is still comfortable with the ruse he agreed to the day before.
“No, they’re my memories,” Fox says. Then Fox lets indignation blot out his grief, before challenging in a whispered tone. “If this is just a way to get into my codpiece…”
Quinlan presses a quick kiss, more of a brush than a kiss, against Fox’s lips. He lets his lips quirk up, then waggles his eyebrows. “Maybe it’s Cody’s grand scheme to make you get some sleep.”
Fox snorts. He almost smiles. Quinlan grins in response. They’ll become more comfortable with each other. He’ll get Fox to laugh eventually.
The lift doors open. Fox’s hand doesn’t move from where he’s gripping Quinlan’s side so Quinlan doesn’t move either.
“You alright there Commander?”
“Yes, Senator Organa,” Fox answers, shifting so he can glance over Quinlan’s shoulder. “How’s the adoption coming along?”
“Well, I think,” Organa answers. “We’ve decided we want a little girl and finished the paperwork. I’m hoping to head home soon so I can be there during the inspections.”
“I’m sure it’ll go well sir,” Fox says.
“Thank you, Commander.”
“You’re welcome.”
“It’s almost sunrise. If you head to the top senator’s lounge you and your friend might be able to see it,” Organa suggests.
“That’s a good suggestion sir.”
“Would you like me to press the button for you?”
“Please,” Fox answers.
Quinlan is relatively sure he likely should’ve said something, anything, at this point, but he’s not sure what to say. Isn’t Bail Organa one of Obi-Wan’s friends? Or Mace’s friends? Maybe Yoda’s friend? Quinlan isn’t sure. So he just stays pressed close to Fox with a bag of scones at their feet.
The lift stops. The door opens. Organa starts to step off, then he turns. “Have a nice day Commander Fox, Master Vos.”
Fox thanks Organa again. The doors close. Quinlan wants to laugh.
“I thought Jedi were supposed to be polite,” Fox prods.
Quinlan snorts. “I’m still not used to being a Jedi when I’m on Coruscant.”
“Do I even want to know what you mean by that?” Fox groans.
“Not in the slightest,” Quinlan teases, before pressing another brief kiss to Fox’s lips. He considers kissing Fox’s jawline again, but gets a push from Fox. He takes the hint and steps back enough that Fox can reach down and grab the bag of scones. With the bag and his caf in one hand, Fox steps close, and threads their fingers together as they wait for the floor Organa suggested.
“Was this part of your tour?” Quinlan asks.
“It’s one of the top floors,” Fox answers. “I’d planned to start from the ground up with the tour, keep you coming back for more, but we can take a top down approach.”
“It’s good to know you’re adaptable,” Quinlan comments.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re incorrigible?” Fox asks. His lips are starting to quirk upwards and the question is edging towards humor.
“Only if they’re trying to get into my pants.” Quinlan lets his grin be all teeth. He grins widens when Fox rolls his eyes. He’s starting to like Fox and Quinlan is sure he can find ways to let Fox know that without hurting him. Maybe they’ll even be able to work themselves towards friendship once their mission is over.
The lounge isn’t accessible to the public. It’s a long room with floor to ceiling windows along one side. The back wall is dominated by desks that have barriers between them to make them semi-private. There’s even a bookshelf at the top of each and individualized lighting. There’s a small kitchenette at the far end. Quinlan suspects it's well stocked with snacks. There are a few tables with chairs near the kitchenette, but most of the room is an array of plush seating that would be comfortable to a variety of species. Near the door are adjustable tables that would fit across the seats to turn them into work areas. Quinlan is sure this room is a treasure trove of hidden moments, but he can’t guarantee that he’ll see the moment that will show them who the Sith Dooku is working with is. He’ll need to pace himself. He doesn’t want to wear himself out or get them caught.
Fox slides an arm around his waist and leans in. He presses a kiss below Quinlan’s ear and then whispers all the holorecorder locations at him. Quinlan closes his eyes and bites his lip, trusting that Fox can make it look like he’s seducing Quinlan. Fox shifts. Quinlan wants to kiss him again, but they’re at Fox’s work and so there’s a limit to how shameless he should let himself get. He opens his eyes and lets himself look out the window. He wraps an arm around Fox’s shoulder slowly. Fox tenses, briefly, but doesn’t pull away, just keeps his arm around Quinlan’s waist and lets himself be led over to the floor to ceiling windows that show the sun rising over the Coruscant skyline. The appreciation coming from Fox makes Quinlan tilt his head to take in the way the shifting colors play across Fox’s face.
“You haven’t seen this before?” Quinlan asks.
Fox shakes his head. “I don’t usually take the time. Senator Organa suggests little things like this that would help us appreciate the city, but there’s always so much to do, and protect.”
“You don’t take time for yourself?”
Fox’s gaze turns from the window towards him. He’s contemplative and not sure how to answer. Quinlan presses close and squeezes his shoulder. Fox shrugs as he goes back to appreciating the sunrise. “Cody and Wolffe try to make me slow down when they’re here on leave.”
Quinlan makes a considering noise. “Think you can slow down for me?”
“Do you do anything slow?” Fox teases.
Quinlan smirks at the opening Fox just gave him. “You’d be surprised and appreciative.”
“Somehow I’m not convinced.”
Quinlan laughs. “Want to help me figure out which chair is the most comfortable before you have to head back to work?”
Fox checks his chrono. “I think I’d rather watch you figure it out while I finish my caf and have another scone.”
Quinlan nods, before leaning in to give Fox a quick kiss. Then he drops into the nearest chair and runs his hands along the sides. It’s comfortable and also apparently a recliner. He’s getting an impression of several of the more humanoid senators using it to nap in. He moves to the next chair as he watches Fox walk over to the nearest table to set the bag and caf down. He turns a chair so he can face Quinlan, before picking up his caf again. The chair he’s in lets Quinlan see a conversation between Senator Organa and the new Illodia senator, Doman. Doman is encouraging Organa to adopt and clearly trying to be a supportive friend. Deciding this is a private moment that doesn’t have anything untoward in it he moves onto the next chair. It’s clearly not made for a humanoid senator, but is strangely comfortable when he lays in it. Fox makes a comment, but Quinlan doesn’t catch it as he slides into seeing Senator Amidala sleeping in the chair. She wakes up when one of her handmaidens, Dormé, covers her with a blanket. Amidala reaches up and grips Dormé’s hand. She wants to tell Dormé a secret, but can’t seem to bring herself to. She needs to confide in someone and knows she can trust Dormé, but this is a secret she’s holding onto tightly. Quinlan watches for a moment more, but Amidala just thanks Dormé, asks to be woken up at a certain time, and goes back to her nap. Quinlan sits up and runs a hand over his face, suddenly tired. He wants to turn to Fox, wants to ask about Amidala, but stops himself. He should wait until they can have a private conversation. He tries the next seat again and almost sighs when he sees Amidala using one of the tray pieces to try and get some work done, except Knight Skywalker is pacing in front of her. Quinlan winces at the frustration coming off Skywalker. He always seems to forget how mentally loud Obi-Wan’s former padawan is. She’s insisting on both of them taking a break from their relationship and he’s trying to convince her that they shouldn’t break up right before he ships out for several months. Quinlan pushes at the vision to send it away. He brings his hands back into his lap. Skywalker’s relationship isn’t any of his business, not if he isn't letting it interfere with his Jedi assignments.
“Find anything comfortable?” Fox asks.
“Maybe the first one,” Quinlan decides. The impression of all those senators napping would make it cozy to rest in. “Which scone did you leave me?”
“The raspberry almond,” Fox says. “I like lemon. There’s half left if you’d prefer the lemon blueberry.”
“Two for you and two for me,” Quinlan informs him as he leans in towards Fox. Fox meets him part way and shares a kiss with him. Grinning, Quinlan steps around the table and drops into the seat opposite of Fox. He doesn’t mean to go searching for a memory, but slides quickly into a vision.
“Isn’t this room under surveillance?” Ayo Morota challenges.
There’s someone in a hooded robe near the door. Quinlan can’t make out their face. Their voice when they speak is masculine and somehow familiar, though Quinlan can’t place it. “I’ve taken care of that. Now why don’t I leave you and Senator Viento to make all the necessary arrangements?”
Senator Viento is sitting across the table from Ayo, right where Fox is currently sitting. Ayo looks past Viento to the person obviously orchestrating this whole visit if the fear radiating off of her is anything to go by.
“Why not just meet in one of your offices?” Ayo asks.
“You’re not paid to ask questions my dear, you’re paid to carry out very specific jobs. Succeed and the reward will be great, fail and you’ll wish you died in your failure,” the person says before turning and leaving.
Ayo watches the door close before she turns her attention to Senator Viento. “Does he always like to intimidate assassins he’s hiring?”
“You think that was just intimidation?” Viento asks, his tone indicating he thinks Ayo’s question is foolish.
“No, I think that was a promise, but if he’s in charge I’d rather deal directly.”
“One rung at a time,” Viento advises.
“I prefer to cut out the middleman. Do you have a job for me or not?” Ayo glares.
Viento gives her a one-sided smirk. “Very well, we’ll move on to business.”
“This is too public,” Ayo protests. “Anyone could walk in.”
“It’s quite late,” Viento attempts to reassure. “Also there are guards in the hallway. I can assure you they’ll follow their orders.”
“Was my last job unsatisfactory?” Ayo challenges.
“No.”
“Then give me the data. Payment the same as last time. Next time I deal with him or you can try to find another gang that works half as well as mine,” Ayo informs him as she stands.
Viento pulls a datacard out of his robe and hands it to her. “Do you think I don’t know how to arrange assassinations without your little gang?”
“Then it’s lucky for us that there are so many senators,” she says as she snatches up the datacard and heads towards the door.
Quinlan gets up to follow her to see if he recognizes any of the people guarding the room, but as he nears the door the vision evaporates and he’s suddenly cold with an aching head. Quinlan winces, then tries to take stock of his surroundings to reorient himself. He’s still sitting in the chair. Fox is picking up the scone he must have placed in front of Quinlan back into the bag.
“I have to start my shift soon,” Fox is saying. “And I’m sorry, but I can’t just leave you in here. There are public areas if you’d prefer to eat there.”
Fox’s been keeping up a running commentary while he’s been lost in the vision Quinlan realizes. He reaches out and squeezes Fox’s hand. He wonders briefly what Fox’s hands would feel like without the gloves.
“You’re so handsome,” Quinlan says. “I think I might have gotten distracted admiring you. Maybe you’ll let me walk you back to your office?”
Fox snorts. Then he picks up his mug and the bag before holding out a hand for Quinlan.
Fox’s office turns out to also be the Coruscant guards' breakroom. It’s not a large room, but it’s got Fox’s desk on one end, with two comfortable chairs across from it. There’s a couch along one wall, with a sturdy looking coffee table. There’s a round table for them to eat at with four chairs near the opposite wall. There’s a potted plant with long thin leaves both green and white in the middle of the table. Along the wall near the table are two cabinets and below the cabinets are two counters with several drawers each. There’s caf in the carafe, but that seems to be the only appliance they have.
“It’s all donated from different senators,” Fox explains. “Organa and Amidala found out we had an empty room and found things to donate and other senators willing to donate. I think Chuchi donated the spider plant."
“You don’t have any windows, how are you keeping it alive?” Quinlan asks, trying to keep his voice low so he doesn’t wake up the guard member who is napping on the couch.
“Mothma took one look at the plant and has kept us stocked in lights since. She said it’s a thoughtful gift, apparently they help purify the air,” Fox explains as he shrugs his shoulders. He indicates the sleeping guardsman. “That’s Stone.”
“The one you want me to talk to,” Quinlan nods, studying the helmet that’s sitting on the coffee table. For a moment Quinlan thinks Fox wants to say something more, but he doesn’t, just heads towards his desk instead. Quinlan starts to follow him, but pauses when he catches sight of what Stone is holding in one of his gloved hands. “I used to love those.”
“Love what?” Fox asks, turning back around.
“The lollipop. Most initiates love them. We give them puzzle boxes with the lollipop inside. You have to use the Force to work the inner mechanisms that’ll open the puzzle, then you get a prize that’s sweet,” Quinlan explains.
“Our childhoods were very different,” Fox comments.
“I suspect you didn’t get much of one,” Quinlan acknowledges.
Fox shrugs. “Did you...would you like to get together later?”
“Would you be willing to come to the temple after your shift? We can get something to eat, I can show you around a bit, and maybe I’ll convince you to spend the night.”
“Are you telling me to bring comfortable clothes to sleep in?” Fox asks, raising his eyebrows.
“If you want to sleep in the nude I won’t object,” Quinlan smirks. He wants to ask Fox to walk him back to the temple. His head is starting to ache in earnest and he finds himself dwelling on Ayo flinging herself to her death in front of him. He’d infiltrated her gang, the Red Hand, the last time he’d spent time on Coruscant. They’d been assassinating senators and now he knows she was working with Senator Viento and another person. He’s not sure who to talk to first. He wants to talk to Tholme, but he knows Tholme isn’t at the temple. He probably should seek out a council member, but he’s not sure how comfortable he is talking through this with a headache. He can’t ask Fox for help, his shift just started.
Fox’s forehead creases slightly as he asks, “Are you alright?”
“Headache,” Quinlan explains as he lets himself lean in and enjoy one more brief kiss.
“Did you want something for it?” Fox frowns. His fingers stray close to Quinlan’s face, but then he closes his hands and drops them back to his sides.
“I’ll take something at the temple, thank you.”
“I’ll walk you back,” Stone yawns.
Quinlan tries not to grimace. He’s not sure he’s up to one of Fox’s guardsmen getting protective about Fox and threatening him. He turns to protest, but all he can feel from Stone is concern. He can’t tell if Stone’s concern is for him or Fox, but Quinlan tries for a smile. Maybe Stone just wants to take an opportunity to see the temple guard he likes since his shift is over. Stone levers himself up, storing his lollipop in a pouch on his belt.
Stone doesn’t talk to him much, just keeps pace with him all the way to the temple. Quinlan knows Fox wants him to talk to Stone, but his head is throbbing and all he really wants is to lay down in his bed. Quinlan decides to forgo the steps today and heads in through a side entrance. Kit is coming out the door as they near. He stops short when he sees them.
“Everything going well Commander Stone?” Kit asks.
“Seeing Master Vos back to the temple,” Stone explains. “He said he had a headache, but he seems sensitive to light as well.”
“Thank you Stone,” Kit smiles. “I’ve got him from here.”
“You’re going out,” Quinlan protests. “I’m going to bed.”
Kit stops in front of him and slowly brings his hands up. Quinlan starts to lean in towards him and sighs as Kit’s cool hands cup his face. He closes his eyes, but reaches up to guide one of Kit’s hands to his forehead.
“Migraine or vision headache?” Kit asks.
Quinlan wants to protest that it’s been years since he had a reaction like this to a vision, but Kit’s concern brings his focus back to how he’s feeling.
“Vision brought up some bad memories,” Quinlan answers.
Quinlan is dimly aware of Stone saying his goodbyes, but then Kit is wrapping an arm around him and leading him to his room. He sinks down on his bed grateful as Kit closes his blackout curtains.
“Did you want to take anything?” Kit offers.
“No,” Quinlan protests as he leans over to take off his boots. He grimaces as his headache goes sharp. For a moment he thinks he’s going to topple in an ungraceful heap off the bed. “I’m fine.”
“You're not,” Kit contradicts as he places a hand on Quinlan’s shoulder and guides him back. “I’ll take care of your boots and you concentrate on staying upright.”
“I want Tholme or Aayla, but I can’t because they’re both on missions and I can’t bother Cal with this.”
“Cal left with Master Tapal and the 13th Battalion yesterday,” Kix informs him as helps Quinlan out of his boots.
“Right,” Quinlan agrees. “Jaro asked me so many questions about him and how our psychomentary works. He asked Cal too, but he had me there so that we could both explain and I can’t have Obi-Wan because he’s off fighting.”
“With Anakin,” Kit agrees.
“Not him,” Quinlan grimaces. “He’s loud. He’d make the pain worse. Luminara is taking care of Barriss so she’s not here. Do you think Agen would cuddle me? He did last time, but it’s been years.”
Kit lays his hand against Quinlan’s forehead again and Quinlan sighs. Then Kit tells him, “I’m afraid he’s not here either.”
“Eeth left,” Quinlan complains.
“Yes, to get married,” Kit agrees as he sits near Quinlan and starts taking his own boots off. “He recently sent word that his wife is pregnant.”
“Good for him, that doesn’t help me.”
“I’m helping you,” Kit points out as he stands and moves their boots near the door.
“You were leaving,” Quinlan protests as he gets under his covers.
“I’m not,” Kit reassures as he joins Quinlan under the covers.
Quinlan sighs and rolls over so he can press his forehead against Kit’s shoulder. Kit’s cool fingers brush his cheek and his neck. Quinlan sighs.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Kit asks.
Quinlan knows he can say he’d rather sleep and Kit would let him, but he needs to talk about Ayo. "I'm going to fall for him."
"Him?" Kit asks.
"Fox," Quinlan elaborates.
"You don't usually," Kit reassures.
"I'm going to this time. I can tell."
"Do you need to not do this?"
"It won't interfere with my duties," Quinlan insists, even though he worries he's letting his interest in Fox do just that. He hadn't pulled away when the lift doors opened and he'd watched Fox's reaction to the sunrise instead of looking around the room. Of course both those things can be part of his duty to convince both the public and the Sith that he's infatuated with Fox.
"I don't believe this is the part of your past the vision brought up."
Quinlan almost protests that he feels guilty when the person he's pretending to love starts having those feelings and he can't reciprocate, but Kit is right. "Do you remember the Red Hand gang?"
"Yes, their leader killed herself in front of you."
"Only after I'd slaughtered everyone else."
"Quinlan, they were trying to kill you. Yoda said you came back exhausted, wounded, and covered in sewer grime."
"I still killed them," Quinlan says mulishly.
"You infiltrated them because they were assassinating senators," Kit points out gently.
Quinlan sighs. He knows Kit is right. "Their leader, Ayo, killed herself in front of me so we wouldn't question her about who she was working for. She was so scared of them she killed herself. I saw Senator Viento hiring her in my vision, but he was a middleman. They were both working for another man, and I couldn't see him. He was hooded and in shadow."
"You've uncovered all this on your first day," Kit encourages.
Quinlan shifts closer. Kit’s positivity helps ease some of his tension.
"I'm concerned it's affected you this strongly," Kit continues.
"I got shoved out of the vision, that didn't help," Quinlan says.
"Shoved out?" Kit asks.
"I don't think I'm up for analyzing that yet. Telling you about Viento and Ayo’s boss was the important part," Quinlan answers.
"You getting the support you need is the important part," Kit contradicts. "You're not alone in this, remember that Quin."
"I'm meeting Fox later so we can go over our observations and I can tell him what I saw, but I'll make an appointment with a mind healer when I wake up."
"Good, rest my friend. I'll stay with you."
Grateful Quinlan closes his eyes.
Chapters: [1] [2][3][4]