[For a moment, it seemed as though the noises were traveling deeper within the cave, but eventually all movement came to a stop, and the only clue that another being was trying to hide were those same quiet sniffles.
The sudden light was startling, though, and a small shriek echoed throughout. But there was really nowhere else for her to go, and if Ben neared, he would find a tiny girl, maybe three or four years old, her face dirty and streaked with tears, clearly very frightened to have been found.]
[Ben's heart broke at the sight of the little girl. He swallowed and then walked over to her. He knelt down and used the Force to send the light above them.]
Hi. I'm Ben.
[She was a Force sensitive. Why was she here and not being trained? Did she just discover her abilities? Was she scared of herself?]
[She was wary, watching Ben approach through dark, cautious eyes. And although she was a bit slow to react, once he took to one knee and the light was shining down on the both of them, she slowly reached out toward him, her expression still cautious, but ... trusting, as well.
Like she could somehow tell that he meant her no harm. Still, it was another long moment before, in her small, scared voice, she offered - ]
Anger burned in him at the thought of a parent just leaving their child abandoned. But he smothered it down. This little girl needed kindness and love. Not anger.]
Are you hungry? My husband and I have some delicious soup at home.
[Carefully, she curled her little fingers around Ben's - and after another short moment, tightened her grip, like she knew that she was safe with him.
Still, she sniffled intermittently, her eyes damp with tears. He mentioned food, though, and while she might have been scared, there were just some offers she wasn't going to refuse - and the thought of soup was more than enough to convince her that she could trust Ben.
Stomach rumbling, echoing throughout the cave, she nodded gently.]
[Ben gathered her into his arms and then stood up.
Carefully he left the cave, the light extinguishing when they stepped out. He had to protect her, he knew that deep down. He had to help her with her abilities.
He wasn't worried about what Cassian would think. He came up on the small house and then opened the door, stepping inside.]
Darling... Is the soup still warm? We have a guest who is hungry.
[This time, Iskra showed no hesitation as she wrapped her arms around Ben's neck and pressed her face against his shoulder, holding on tight.
She didn't speak again as he retraced his steps back through the woods and toward the house.
Cassian might have raised an eyebrow when Ben stepped through the door with a child in tow, but he knew better than to ask. He simply nodded and took a step toward the kitchen to fix the soup for their new guest.]
I'll warm it up. Why don't you help her wash her face and hands?
[Cassian returned the kiss, and after Ben continued on toward the 'fresher, entered the kitchen and began preparing a small bowl of soup (and the sweet roll, Force only knew how long the little girl had been by her lonesome).
Iskra perked up a little as Ben cleaned her face, a small smile lifting her lips very very slightly at the mention of Amal.]
[Iskra dutifully followed Ben from 'fresher to kitchen, a little cleaner, a little more curious and comfortable, ostensibly looking to catch a glimpse of Amal before being settled at the kitchen table where soup and roll awaited her.
She looked to Cassian as though she was looking for permission to eat, and he nodded softly, his expression open and pleasant, like Ben, wanting her to see him as someone that could be trusted.]
You can play after you're done eating, yes? I'm sure Amal will love to meet you properly.
[Iskra tried to show some restraint and eat slowly, but eventually instinct took over and she began stuffing her face. The only real worry Cassian had was if she overfilled her stomach - but then, it was a little better than the alternative, and from his point of view, it seemed as though she had been on her own for some time.
His heart ached for the little girl. But he wanted to put up a united front for her, and so, any issues that he and Ben were currently having were put on the back burner for the moment. He accepted the touch, and returned the squeeze, and hoped that even if he didn't say it out loud, Ben truly knew that they would eventually work things out.
Iskra looked up at the question, a particular sort of pain clear in her dark eyes to think about her papa and the circumstances that had led to her abandonment.]
He was scared. I could feel and do things and he was scared ... of me.
[Ben kept his expression calm even as he flicked his fingers and the sweet roll on her plate began to float. It then floated around her head before settling down on the plate once again.]
Can you do things like that?
[He rubbed his thumb against Cassian's hand. He knew. They were here together. They would talk and things would be okay. While they were having their ups and downs... It would be okay. They would talk and make up.]
[Iskra giggled softly as she watched Ben manipulate the sweet roll into levitating around her and back, nodding as she slowly released her grip on the spoon and caused it to do a little dance. Only when her concentration waned did the spoon fall back to the table, flinging droplets of soup as it clattered next to the half-empty bowl.
She was Force-sensitive. And her father had left her to the elements - and Cassian burned with the desire to find the man and tell him exactly what he thought of his cowardly and cruel action.
Perhaps the Force worked in mysterious ways, though, and there was a reason that the little girl had crossed Ben's path. That, too, was something to talk about when they had time and opportunity.]
That's nothing to be scared of.
[Cassian quietly responded, Iskra's shy, uncertain smile slowly widening as her trust in them grew just a little deeper.]
[Ben laughed at Iskra's little display. His smile grew and he reached out with his other hand to touch hers]
I can teach you to control it.
[He then pulled his hand away and then let out a breath. He squeezed Cassian's hand again. They would have to set up the spare bedroom for her. But he wanted to talk to Cassian about it when she was playing with Amal.
He leaned over and kissed his husband softly, smiling at him. He then pulled back and looked back at Iskra.]
[Iskra nodded her agreement as she accepted Ben's gentle touch, and then turned her attention back to her meal. Cassian couldn't blame her for that, obviously the little girl was hungry and needed to fill her belly. Hopefully, she could sense that she was safe with them, that all they wanted to do was help.
There was no possible way Cassian would be comfortable handing the little girl over to authorities who would have no idea what to do with her or how to help her learn what her power was all about.
And the thought of handing her directly into the hands of a man who had already abandoned her … no, that was not going to happen, either.
Ben wouldn't even have to ask, Cassian was already making silent plans to fix up the spare bedroom so she had a safe place to stay. The universe had spoken, and directed Iskra to exactly where she belonged.
Apparently, she was thinking along the same lines, because after another few bites, she looked to Ben and then Cassian, her little brow pulled together in a soft, worried frown.]
[Ben looked at Cassian and then back to the little girl. He smiled at her and then got up to get himself and his husband something to eat. And a sweet roll for himself.
It was rare he had cravings for sweets, but when he did, it was usually these sweet rolls he went for. Mostly from Anna.
He sat down with his own bowl of soup and slid one over for Cassian.]
[Cassian didn't have much of an appetite, but he quietly thanked Ben as he placed a bowl of soup and a roll in front of him, taking a few bites here and there as he thought about what would need to be done in order to child-proof their home.
Weapons were not an issue - those were safely locked away already.
Iskra would need more than just a bedroom. She had clearly gone through a traumatic experience and would need quite a bit in order to feel safe and secure. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he hoped he'd run across the man that had called herself his father, make him regret any pain he had ever caused the innocent little child.
Iskra's soft, satisfied sigh pulled him out of his thoughts, and Cassian smiled softly as he stood and approached, slowly pulling out her chair.]
[Ben finished his small amount of soup, like Cassian he didn't have much of an appetite, but he knew they both would need their energy. He gathered the dishess and went to clean it all up.
Like his husband, he was already thinking of all the things that Iskra would need.
He wanted this little girl to be safe, and happy.
And is if on cue, Amal came into the kitchen, meowing softly at their new visitor]
[Cassian's smile widened as he bent down to scoop Amal up from the floor and tuck her into the crook of a elbow before leading Iskra to the comfortable main room, helping her settle on the couch before sitting next to her and very carefully introducing kitten to child.
He obviously had no real reason to worry - Amal immediately launched into a loud, happy purring as she licked at Iskra's outstretched fingertips, launching the little girl into giggles as well.]
See? [He asked, setting cat into lap] She likes you. Ben and I are going to be cleaning up the kitchen, okay? So if you need anything, that's where we'll be.
[Iskra mumbled her understanding, but clearly, most of her attention was focused purely on the kitten in her lap. Cassian got up and spared one more glance before heading back into the kitchen, where Ben was.]
[Ben looked at Cassian. He moved over to the man and then cupped his face in his hands. He leaned in to kiss him, softly. He then pulled back and let out a soft breath.]
I'm sorry for everything. I just get so worried about you.
[He put his head on Cassian's shoulder and took a deep breath. He wanted them to be okay, he really did. He knew there had to be give and take with them. They were both so stubborn and wanted the other to be safe. And they often butted heads over it.
[Cassian welcomed Ben into his personal space, and leaned into the gentle touch, returning his husband's soft kiss with no hesitation whatsoever. It wasn't the first time they had argued, and it most likely wouldn't be the last.
They were both incredibly stubborn people who were more concerned with each other's safety rather than their own. Butting heads was bound to happen. As long as they found a way to talk through their issues, Cassian wanted to believe that they would come through stronger than before.]
You don't need to apologize, Ben - [He replied, his voice so soft and cautious, his heart so heavy for unintentionally or otherwise making Ben feel as though he was not entitled to feeling the way he felt.] But I am sorry that I've ... hurt you ... by being so rigid in my wanting to keep you safe.
[Ben rested against Cassian's shoulder and Cassian curled an arm around his waist in return, sighing quietly. This was a more difficult issue than others, but he couldn't just leave things as they were without trying one more time.] I am sorry that we've had to keep things so secretive. I know you know that it's for the best, but I can't continue to ask you to keep our location from your parents if it's just going to hurt you in the end. Please, give them our coordinates. I want them to have them, just in case something happens. Do that, for me?
[He agreed. They had to do more give and take. And giving his parents their coordinates would be a good starting. He nuzzle Cassian's neck again, pressing kisses along it. There was no sexual overtones. Just comfort.
Just a connection.
Ben sighed and remained close to him, eyes closing for a moment]
I love you so much Cassian and I just want to keep you safe.
[Cassian repeated, sighing softly once more. And most likely Rey, too. And Jyn and Bodhi, because they were as close as family and he hated keeping something so important from them. Because, stars forbid, something could happen at any time, and he couldn't stand the thought that nobody would know how to find he or Ben, nobody could help.
And now, they had Iskra to think about.
He clutched at Ben's shirt as his husband nuzzled against his neck, pressed a quick, soft kiss there. No, this wasn't about distracting each other with sex, or even using it as an apology. It was all about being close and reassuring that they would end up okay.]
I know, my love. I know - and I love you, too. More than anything. I just want to make sure that you're safe.
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bakerstreet2020-08-01 01:28 am
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The sudden light was startling, though, and a small shriek echoed throughout. But there was really nowhere else for her to go, and if Ben neared, he would find a tiny girl, maybe three or four years old, her face dirty and streaked with tears, clearly very frightened to have been found.]
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Hi. I'm Ben.
[She was a Force sensitive. Why was she here and not being trained? Did she just discover her abilities? Was she scared of herself?]
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Like she could somehow tell that he meant her no harm. Still, it was another long moment before, in her small, scared voice, she offered - ]
Iskra. My papa left me here.
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[He smiled at her and offered her his hand.
Anger burned in him at the thought of a parent just leaving their child abandoned. But he smothered it down. This little girl needed kindness and love. Not anger.]
Are you hungry? My husband and I have some delicious soup at home.
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Still, she sniffled intermittently, her eyes damp with tears. He mentioned food, though, and while she might have been scared, there were just some offers she wasn't going to refuse - and the thought of soup was more than enough to convince her that she could trust Ben.
Stomach rumbling, echoing throughout the cave, she nodded gently.]
Can I have some, please?
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[Ben gathered her into his arms and then stood up.
Carefully he left the cave, the light extinguishing when they stepped out. He had to protect her, he knew that deep down. He had to help her with her abilities.
He wasn't worried about what Cassian would think. He came up on the small house and then opened the door, stepping inside.]
Darling... Is the soup still warm? We have a guest who is hungry.
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She didn't speak again as he retraced his steps back through the woods and toward the house.
Cassian might have raised an eyebrow when Ben stepped through the door with a child in tow, but he knew better than to ask. He simply nodded and took a step toward the kitchen to fix the soup for their new guest.]
I'll warm it up. Why don't you help her wash her face and hands?
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He took Iskra to the 'fresher and set her on the counter of the sink. He started the water and got a cloth to help clean her up.]
My husband's name is Cassian and we have a lothcat named Amal.
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Iskra perked up a little as Ben cleaned her face, a small smile lifting her lips very very slightly at the mention of Amal.]
A kitty? Can I play with her, too?
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Once she was a bit more clean, he led her to the kitchen.]
Of course you can play with Amal Iskra. She loves to play and cuddle.
[He then helped her to a seat and then went to get all of them something to drink.]
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She looked to Cassian as though she was looking for permission to eat, and he nodded softly, his expression open and pleasant, like Ben, wanting her to see him as someone that could be trusted.]
You can play after you're done eating, yes? I'm sure Amal will love to meet you properly.
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He was here. He was sorry.
He knew that they would have to talk. But at the moment had much more pressing issues to attend to. Namely making sure Iskra was okay.]
Iskra, why did your Papa leave you in that cave?
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His heart ached for the little girl. But he wanted to put up a united front for her, and so, any issues that he and Ben were currently having were put on the back burner for the moment. He accepted the touch, and returned the squeeze, and hoped that even if he didn't say it out loud, Ben truly knew that they would eventually work things out.
Iskra looked up at the question, a particular sort of pain clear in her dark eyes to think about her papa and the circumstances that had led to her abandonment.]
He was scared. I could feel and do things and he was scared ... of me.
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Can you do things like that?
[He rubbed his thumb against Cassian's hand. He knew. They were here together. They would talk and things would be okay. While they were having their ups and downs... It would be okay. They would talk and make up.]
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She was Force-sensitive. And her father had left her to the elements - and Cassian burned with the desire to find the man and tell him exactly what he thought of his cowardly and cruel action.
Perhaps the Force worked in mysterious ways, though, and there was a reason that the little girl had crossed Ben's path. That, too, was something to talk about when they had time and opportunity.]
That's nothing to be scared of.
[Cassian quietly responded, Iskra's shy, uncertain smile slowly widening as her trust in them grew just a little deeper.]
See? We're not scared.
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I can teach you to control it.
[He then pulled his hand away and then let out a breath. He squeezed Cassian's hand again. They would have to set up the spare bedroom for her. But he wanted to talk to Cassian about it when she was playing with Amal.
He leaned over and kissed his husband softly, smiling at him. He then pulled back and looked back at Iskra.]
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There was no possible way Cassian would be comfortable handing the little girl over to authorities who would have no idea what to do with her or how to help her learn what her power was all about.
And the thought of handing her directly into the hands of a man who had already abandoned her … no, that was not going to happen, either.
Ben wouldn't even have to ask, Cassian was already making silent plans to fix up the spare bedroom so she had a safe place to stay. The universe had spoken, and directed Iskra to exactly where she belonged.
Apparently, she was thinking along the same lines, because after another few bites, she looked to Ben and then Cassian, her little brow pulled together in a soft, worried frown.]
Can I stay here?
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[Ben looked at Cassian and then back to the little girl. He smiled at her and then got up to get himself and his husband something to eat. And a sweet roll for himself.
It was rare he had cravings for sweets, but when he did, it was usually these sweet rolls he went for. Mostly from Anna.
He sat down with his own bowl of soup and slid one over for Cassian.]
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Weapons were not an issue - those were safely locked away already.
Iskra would need more than just a bedroom. She had clearly gone through a traumatic experience and would need quite a bit in order to feel safe and secure. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he hoped he'd run across the man that had called herself his father, make him regret any pain he had ever caused the innocent little child.
Iskra's soft, satisfied sigh pulled him out of his thoughts, and Cassian smiled softly as he stood and approached, slowly pulling out her chair.]
Want to go meet Amal properly now?
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Like his husband, he was already thinking of all the things that Iskra would need.
He wanted this little girl to be safe, and happy.
And is if on cue, Amal came into the kitchen, meowing softly at their new visitor]
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He obviously had no real reason to worry - Amal immediately launched into a loud, happy purring as she licked at Iskra's outstretched fingertips, launching the little girl into giggles as well.]
See? [He asked, setting cat into lap] She likes you. Ben and I are going to be cleaning up the kitchen, okay? So if you need anything, that's where we'll be.
[Iskra mumbled her understanding, but clearly, most of her attention was focused purely on the kitten in her lap. Cassian got up and spared one more glance before heading back into the kitchen, where Ben was.]
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I'm sorry for everything. I just get so worried about you.
[He put his head on Cassian's shoulder and took a deep breath. He wanted them to be okay, he really did. He knew there had to be give and take with them. They were both so stubborn and wanted the other to be safe. And they often butted heads over it.
Like earlier.]
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They were both incredibly stubborn people who were more concerned with each other's safety rather than their own. Butting heads was bound to happen. As long as they found a way to talk through their issues, Cassian wanted to believe that they would come through stronger than before.]
You don't need to apologize, Ben - [He replied, his voice so soft and cautious, his heart so heavy for unintentionally or otherwise making Ben feel as though he was not entitled to feeling the way he felt.] But I am sorry that I've ... hurt you ... by being so rigid in my wanting to keep you safe.
[Ben rested against Cassian's shoulder and Cassian curled an arm around his waist in return, sighing quietly. This was a more difficult issue than others, but he couldn't just leave things as they were without trying one more time.] I am sorry that we've had to keep things so secretive. I know you know that it's for the best, but I can't continue to ask you to keep our location from your parents if it's just going to hurt you in the end. Please, give them our coordinates. I want them to have them, just in case something happens. Do that, for me?
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[He agreed. They had to do more give and take. And giving his parents their coordinates would be a good starting. He nuzzle Cassian's neck again, pressing kisses along it. There was no sexual overtones. Just comfort.
Just a connection.
Ben sighed and remained close to him, eyes closing for a moment]
I love you so much Cassian and I just want to keep you safe.
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[Cassian repeated, sighing softly once more. And most likely Rey, too. And Jyn and Bodhi, because they were as close as family and he hated keeping something so important from them. Because, stars forbid, something could happen at any time, and he couldn't stand the thought that nobody would know how to find he or Ben, nobody could help.
And now, they had Iskra to think about.
He clutched at Ben's shirt as his husband nuzzled against his neck, pressed a quick, soft kiss there. No, this wasn't about distracting each other with sex, or even using it as an apology. It was all about being close and reassuring that they would end up okay.]
I know, my love. I know - and I love you, too. More than anything. I just want to make sure that you're safe.
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