Chapter Text
A dark haired man tried to avoid the asteroid debris that suddenly appeared in front of him. He swerved quickly but still was hit. His shuttle began spinning out of control. He glimpsed a planet approaching and tried to pull out of the spin, but his systems were unresponsive. The shuttle filled with heat as it entered the planet’s atmosphere and tumbled toward the ground. The last thing the man remembered was a loud noise and then darkness.
Another man appeared, frowning as he saw the wreckage. Just his luck there didn’t seem to be any salvageable parts. He sighed and was about to turn away when he saw a body twitch slightly. With a small grimace, the man dragged the body free, turning it over. He paused when he saw the face, noting the human appearance, then hefted it onto his back and trudged toward the nearby ship.
The first man groaned, slowly opening his eyes, only half seeing what was around him. His mind felt foggy and he struggled to focus on any one point.
“You know your name?” A voice asked.
He tried to look at the voice, “R..Roman..”
“You don’t look like a member of the city..” The voice mused to itself. “Maybe you’re an escapee from one of the neighboring planets?”
“Home is.. Earth.”
“Earth? Sorry, not familiar with it. At least I can’t get in trouble for having you aboard. Get some rest. We can talk later.”
Roman tried to say something but his head ended up slumping as he lost consciousness again.
The other man shrugged and left the room.
Roman woke again a while later, trying to remember what happened. For a moment, he thought he was back home then it all came rushing back to him. He opened his eyes and tried to stand. His legs shook as he moved slowly.
“Hey!” The other man returned, wrapping strong arms around Roman’s waist. “You’re nowhere near ready for this yet.”
“Need.. to… go.” he paused. “Unless I’m being.. held captive..?”
A look of disgust crossed the other’s face before he shook his head. “Not a slaver. But you were hurt pretty bad. Amazed you survived the impact honestly. You should keep resting.”
Roman nodded slowly. “Guess I should..” he tried to move but his legs gave out.
The man rolled his eyes, hefting him back onto the biobed. “Just rest. Once you’ve recovered, we’ll talk.”
“Do you.. have a name..?”
“Targen. Jon Targen. Now rest.”
Roman nodded slowly and closed his eyes. He slept for a long time before starting to wake again.
He could hear cursing outside the door, punctuated by metal being hit repeatedly.
He frowned as he opened his eyes. He stood slowly, a bit stronger this time, but still a bit shaky.
There was a final curse, the sound of something being thrown, then stomping footsteps disappearing from hearing.
Roman looked around the room before opening the door and looking around.
A warren of metal walkways and ladders met his eyes. A wrench lay near his feet, a set of smoking pipes a few feet away.
Roman looked at it closely. He picked up the wrench and looked around for a few moments before grabbing something else he saw nearby, then got to work. A few minutes later, the smoking stopped.
A few minutes later, footsteps sounded behind Roman. “What are you doing?”
“Looked like you needed some help…” Roman said quietly. “Sorry..”
“Are you feeling better? This isn’t something you should be worrying about. It’s my problem.”
“Sorry..” Roman repeated.
“Stop apologizing. Thanks for the help.” Jon fidgeted restlessly. “Is there somewhere you want me to drop you? I’m not familiar with the name Earth, but I figure someone else might be able to get you back..”
“I.. I can’t go back.” He shook his head. “Ever heard of Ivinus?”
Jon frowned. “You were headed there?”
“I don’t know if I belong there, but I want to find some answers and that’s my only real clue.”
Jon shrugged. “It’s only a few hours from our present location. I could drop you there for free.”
“Thanks. Not sure what’ll happen if I can’t find answers.. but I guess whatever happens will be better than where I came from.”
“Don’t count on it.” Jon turned and headed down the hall towards an open doorway.
“What do you know of Ivinus?” He followed.
“Friendly, most of the time. Lately, there’s been some dissension so they’ve closed the planet to everyone but a select few. Luckily, I’m one of them.”
“Do people leave the planet often?”
“Only the royals for vacation. I asked once why and everyone said the planet was perfect, so why leave? I couldn’t argue too much. It is one of the nicer planets.”
Roman paled and swallowed hard. He backed up and shook his head, “Maybe I shouldn’t go there..”
Jon swung himself into a pilot’s seat, then looked at Roman. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t do this..” he shook his head, “I should have just…”
Jon narrowed his eyes. “Just what?”
“Just drop me wherever you want. Nearest planet.. I’ll figure something out.”
Jon raised an eyebrow. “Drop you with no supplies? Sorry, but I’m not a killer. Nearest planet would kill you in days.” He surveyed Roman, his lips tight. “Make that hours.”
Roman stayed quiet for a moment before closing his eyes, “Doesn’t matter.”
“I beg to differ. I dislike people I’ve saved committing suicide right after.” Jon punched some buttons. “Offer still stands. I’ll drop you on Ivinus or at the Kolion spaceport.”
“Ivinus might not be terrible if I just hide out a bit.. but I don’t want to cause any issues to anyone.. Could find a job somewhere.. Maybe Kolion is a better choice..?” He mumbled as he looked out a small window.
“Why don’t you think about it? Still have a few hours before we reach orbit. Of course if this tin can falls apart enroute, you won’t have to worry about it.” Jon shot him a tight grin. “Strap in.”
Roman sat down quietly before moving slightly and holding his head in his hands.
Jon sighed and hit the engines.
The ship shakily lifted off, tilting slightly for a moment before straightening out. When they were flying steady, Jon hit a button and swung himself down in front of Roman. “You need more rest. There are rooms right behind us. You can take the one on the left. I’ll let you know when we get close and you can decide then.”
Roman quickly wiped his eyes before looking at Jon. He took a deep breath and nodded.
“Need help?”
“I can move okay.. I think..” he paused before checking his pockets and sighing, “You didn’t grab anything else from my shuttle, did you?”
Jon looked thoughtful. “There was a box near you. Only thing salvageable. I put it in medbay’s quarantine shield. It should be decontaminated by now.”
“Did you open it at all?”
“Nope. More concerned with keeping you breathing.”
“Is medbay where I was when I woke?”
“Yeah. One of the few things that still work.”
“Thanks.” He slowly stood and went to retrieve the box.
Jon watched him go with an unreadable expression.
After taking the box to the room and doing what he needed with the contents, he laid down and stared at the ceiling numbly. After a while, he fell into a restless sleep.
Jon stared out the viewscreen, but didn’t see it. He was arguing with himself. He needed a second pair of hands to keep flying, and the gods knew his bed had been lonely since Karl.. He quickly shut the thoughts down. It was better not to involve anyone else in his problems and Roman sure didn’t need him making romantic overtures. He’d drop him off, either on Ivinus or at Kolion and be done with it. Better to be alone than put a lost Earthling in the middle of things.
He was pulled from his thoughts when crying could be heard from Roman’s room. Sighing, he swung out of his seat and knocked on the door. “You okay?”
After a minute, the door cracked open. “Sorry if I bothered you.. Was just a nightmare. Thanks for waking me.”
Jon grimaced at the answer. “Do you want a sedative?”
“I have some different meds with me.. tried one for anxiety, but it just knocked me out.. should have helped with the nightmares too, but guess I’m in a bit of shock right now so it isn’t doing it’s job right..” he shook his head. “Sorry, yeah, sedative might help.”
“I’ll go get one.” Jon nodded quickly, heading for medbay. He took a deep breath before searching through his small supply. He was halfway back when the hallway exploded. He was thrown into the wall and everything went black.
Roman heard a loud noise and felt a shaking in the ship. He rushed out and noticed flames and smoke filling the hall. He tried to look past it, rushing toward medbay to check on Jon. He froze when he finally spotted him. He picked him up quickly and took him to medbay before going to try to contain the fire. He coughed violently, unable to avoid the smoke. He got everything extinguished and started to try to fix what he could. He continued coughing, his mind growing a bit foggy. He finally pushed himself back to medbay and began treating Jon’s wounds before collapsing into a chair. His breathing was harsh as he tried to keep his eyes open.
“Are we crashing?” The question was barely audible. “Save yourself..”
“Seems like whatever exploded stopped us mid-space. Not sure where we are… but there’s a couple planets in sight.”
“Ivinus’...moons. Take the pod and get safe..” Jon’s head dropped to the side.
Roman checked him, then went and tried to fix more of what he could. He worked for a while before a particularly bad coughing spell made him almost pass out.
“Unknown vessel, this is Invinus Prime. Are you friend or foe?” A staticy voice said from the viewscreen.
“Friend. The ship had some malfunctions on our way to you.”
“Do you require assistance? We can tractor you in.”
“That would be appreciated.”
“As you wish.” A bright blue beam enveloped the ship, pulling it toward the nearest planet.
Roman tried to take deep breaths before going to Jon’s side to check on him again.
“What’s happening? Karl? Karl, answer me!” Jon’s voice was frantic as he tossed his head back and forth. The biobed readings were elevated dangerously as the man tried to rise.
“Shh. Everything is okay. We’re going to Ivinus.” Roman said softly.
After a moment, Jon calmed. The biobed beeped as his heart slowed.
Roman watched quietly, still trying to breathe normally.
The ship vibrated as it landed, settling on the ground securely.
Roman slowly moved to a door and opened it to look around.
The planet was bright, a sun shining and lots of plants. A few of the inhabitants stood there, looking almost like humans but with gold shimmering skin and large wings. Each had different colored wings, some even having multiple shades in them.
“H..Hello.” Roman said nervously.
“You are welcome here. Are you in need of more assistance?” The voice on the ship matched a tall blue winged Ivinian.
“I tried to treat his wounds.. but I..” he began coughing again.
The Invinian quickly ordered another in a strange language, the other flying quickly away. It turned back to Roman. “We will help. Where is your captain?”
“In the.. medbay..” he finally began catching his breath.
The alien turned as the second returned with a cup. Taking it, the first alien approached Roman. “Drink. It will aid your breathing.”
Roman nodded and drank it slowly.
“I will try to aid your captain. Lead me to him.”
Roman led him there quickly.
The Invinian growled when he saw Jon. “He was told to get a new ship..” He touched the biobed, examining the readings with a grim expression. “He is badly injured. He may not survive. I will do all I can.” The alien quickly administered several injections, then set up a glowing shield. “It will heal the damage..I hope.”
“Thank you.”
“He is a friend. No thanks are necessary. I am Tailan.”
“I am Roman.”
“You..feel familiar. Are you one of us?”
“I..” he sighed. “I was born on Earth.. my mother was of Earth, but I later found my father was not. I was told he was or is Ivinian.”
“Was?”
“I know nothing of who he is or if he’s alive.”
Tailan narrowed his eyes for a moment, then his jaw dropped open. “You..Prince Idron had offspring?”
Roman shrugged, “Is he my father? I came for answers to who I am.. but I know little of this planet or it’s people.”
“The Prince left many years ago. We assumed he’d been killed.” Tailan regained his composure. “You should see our Queen.”
Roman nodded before looking back at Jon.
“He will be safe here.” Tailan motioned for Roman to follow him out.
He followed off the ship and down a path. A small creature approached, reminding him of a kitten, but it had green fur and three tails. It rubbed against his leg and he paused to pet it.
Tailan chuckled. “It likes you.”
“Are they all this friendly?”
The Ivinian nodded. “It is a xik. They are often pets.”
Roman smiled and stood to continue following. The xik soon followed as well, keeping close to Roman.
Tailan led him to an open courtyard, speaking rapidly to another Ivinian. He turned to Roman. “The Queen will be out to see you shortly.”
Roman nodded and picked up the xik and petted it as he waited.
A horn blew and a regally dressed Ivinian appeared.
Roman quickly set down the xik and bowed.
Tailan spoke. “I present Queen Hyria.”
Roman slowly looked back up at her, noting her silver wings sparkling.
“You are Idron’s offspring?”
“I know I am part Ivinian. Tailan said I was Idron’s.”
“Approach and place your palm against mine.” Hyria extended one hand.
Roman nodded and did as instructed.
A green glow surrounded him briefly, then disappeared. Hyria took a deep breath and spoke. “We accept you, Roman of Earth. You are indeed Idron’s son and that means you are entitled to the same status. You are the Prince of the kingdom.”
He bowed again, “Thank you. I never expected any of this.. I just hoped to find family.”
Hyria smiled. “That you have, child. I am your grandmother. Tailan is a cousin.”
“It is nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. May I ask how you came to us? I was unaware Earth was so advanced.”
“Once I found out, and.. I needed to escape a group who was after me, I stole a shuttle. We are not as advanced as many planets, but advanced enough. I ran into some asteroids, and crashed somewhere. Jon found me and helped me get here.”
Hyria looked at Tailan sharply. “Targen is here?”
Tailan nodded slowly. “He is being treated for severe injuries. I will bring him if he survives.”
Hyria nodded. “Help Roman get settled. I will call for you later.”
“Yes, your Highness.”
Hyria turned and disappeared down a hall as Tailan exhaled softly.
“I like her wings..” Roman said quietly before chuckling, “Wish I could have wings.”
“You may simply need them unlocked, my Prince.”
“Does she not like Jon?”
“He is a treasured friend. We have not seen him in many months and were becoming worried.”
He nodded then paused, “Also, I know I’d get used to it, but you don’t have to call me Prince all the time. Seems weird right now. Roman is fine.”
Tailan laughed softly. “As you wish, Roman.” An urgent beeping came from a bracelet the Ivinian wore and his laugh cut off abruptly.
“Is it Jon..?”
“Yes.” Tailan bowed his head sadly. “It does not appear he will survive.”
“I want to see him.”
“Return to the ship. I will await your instructions..for after.”
Roman took a deep breath and headed to the ship. He didn’t notice the xik followed until he was inside and it tried to get to Jon.
The pilot was struggling to breathe, his face pale. His eyes were blinking sluggishly, one hand shaking as it reached into the air.
Roman went to his side as the xik jumped on Jon. A green light soon surrounded him.
The biobed began to beep rapidly as Jon whispered “Karl? Is that you?”
“I’m sorry, just me, Roman.” He said softly.
“You..found your people?” Jon’s eyes were going in and out of focus as his breathing grew more labored.
“It all feels so weird, but yeah. Thank you.”
“I did one thing right..” Jon’s voice faded as his breathing stopped. His eyes started to drift to the side.
The xik didn’t move, light still surrounding Jon. Roman closed his eyes and tried to take a deep breath to not cry.
Suddenly Jon jerked, his chest rising as the biobed gave a steady heartbeat reading. The pilot blinked before slipping into unconsciousness.
Roman stared in shock and wiped at his eyes. He sat down and watched Jon’s chest continue to rise and fall.
Tailan approached the ship slowly. It had been several hours since Roman had gone to Jon’s side and the Ivinian had grown worried. He knocked on the closed hatch. “Roman, are you alright?”
“Yeah.. Come in.” Roman yelled.
The Ivinian entered, his face somber. “Have you decided what to do with Targen’s body?”
“He’s alive,” Roman said quietly.
Tailan’s eyes went wide. “How?”
“Not entirely sure.. but the xik kept laying on him and light came off it.”
Tailan stared at him in disbelief.
“Look, I don’t know what they normally do, but this one saved him.” He pet the cat-like creature gently.
Tailan shook his head. “I have never heard of that. But I am relieved. The Queen wishes you and him to join us for a feast, if you’re willing.”
“Alright. Once he wakes, of course. What does one wear to a feast with a Queen? Though, I already met her in this,” he motioned to his casual and slightly dirty clothes. “I don’t think most of my clothes made it. Might have one good thing to wear in my box.”
“Permit me to lend you clothes?”
“Alright. I’ll make it up to you somehow. Maybe I could find a job?” He looked back at Jon’s sleeping form.
“You are family. No need to do anything.” Tailan smiled as he watched Jon’s eyes flutter open. “Welcome back, you scoundrel.”
Jon raised his eyebrows and laughed softly. “Hi to you too, you overgrown butterfly.”
Roman stayed quiet, petting the xik who was now on his lap.
Jon turned his attention to Roman. “Surprised to see you here. Was sure you’d be checking out your new home.”
He shrugged, “Found this cute thing and have been hanging out with it,” he motioned to the xik.
“Figures you’d find one of those.” Jon smiled wryly as he sat up and looked at Tailan. “So how long am I allowed to stay?”
Tailan grinned. “Tempted to tie you down and demolish this deathtrap. Hyria wants to see you privately, then there’s a feast. And you don’t have a chance in azuel of getting out of either one.”
Jon scowled for a moment, then wagged a finger at the Ivinian. “You leave my ship out of this.”
Roman looked down at the xik, trying to figure out what he was feeling. He took a deep breath and pushed his thoughts away, just trying to focus on the cute xik.
Jon touched his shoulder. “You okay?”
Roman looked up and nodded, “Just.. overwhelmed a bit by everything.”
Tailan and Jon exchanged looks, then the Ivinian bowed and excused himself.
Jon petted the xik quietly for a moment, then spoke again. “Sorry about all this. I’m still willing to take you to Kolion if you want.”
“I finally found some family.. I should be happy. Not saying I’m not, just.. it’s a lot to take in. And I’ve been on the run so long on Earth, I guess the thought of staying in one place is.. I don’t know.. just odd I guess.” He shook his head, “Doesn’t matter, I’ll figure it out.”
“Remind me never to visit Earth. And just let me know if you want to leave when I do.” Jon stood shakily. “I’ve got to reassure an angry Queen. Though since she'll have you to spoil, maybe I’ll keep my backside intact. You should probably go get prettied up.” Jon turned red and fled out of the room.
Roman took a deep breath and stood, heading out of the ship.
Tailan was waiting and led him to a large building. “Your quarters are on level four. I will send a change of clothes over after you refresh yourself.”
Roman nodded and headed up a set of stairs. Once on level four, he looked around, finding a large set of doors. He opened it and looked inside, a massive room with a small kitchenette could be seen. He slowly entered, looking around further. The xik jumped onto the bed and laid down. The room was decorated in green, matching the xik, and there was a portrait of a man on the wall. He looked at it closely before determining it to be his father. He stared up at it for a few minutes, then headed to another door. A large tub was behind it and he started the water. Undressing, he climbed in and let his thoughts drift, wondering how long Jon had known the Queen and then wondered how their meeting was going. After a minute, he internally cursed himself when he realized he was focused on Jon again. He didn’t know what it was about the other man, but he felt drawn to him somehow. But it didn’t matter, Jon had his own life to live doing whatever he did in that ship, while Roman had to figure out how to be a Prince and learn more about his people. He had duties, right? He couldn’t just leave.. and like Jon said, he’d just take him to Kolion. Where would he go from there? At least here he had people.. but do they really care? He’s not entirely Ivinian.. His mind went on for a while until he was pulled out of it by the running water turning cold. He cleaned himself up and then wrapped up in a large towel before going back out to the bedroom. A set of clothes lay there, a dark green shirt with intricate gold designs along with a tan pair of pants. He got dressed, petted the xik, and headed back down the stairs.
Jon stood at the door, dressed in a clean shirt and pants. He was staring at the floor, his eyes hooded.
Roman nervously greeted him with a small, “Hey.”
“Hey yourself. Are you prepared for this?”
“Not really,” Roman admitted. “Not sure what to be expecting. Not really sure what’s even expected of me.”
“Hyria will probably spend most of the time spoiling you. Idron was her favorite from what Tai told me once. After that, I have no idea. Pretty sure it won’t include being shot at or running for your life though.”
“I do miss my home, but I don’t miss all the running. I had a peaceful life until that group found out about me..”
“Sorry to bring up bad memories. Why don’t we go have some fun?”
“Don’t worry about it. I did only leave Earth a few weeks ago, so it’s not like it’s far in the past. But I was running for a few years across the planet.. saw a lot and made some friends.. Lost some too..” He trailed off before shaking his head, “Yeah, fun sounds good.”
Jon extended his arm. “Let’s go then.”
Roman nodded, “Lead the way.”
Jon took him to a canvas topped outside area, grinning at Tailan as they approached.
The Ivinian handed both of them large cups of a blue liquid that smelled slightly of alcohol.
Roman took a small sip, unsure what to expect.
Jon laughed before taking a large drink. “It won’t bite. Much. Loosen up.”
Roman took a deep breath and nodded before taking another drink.
Jon laughed again, quickly draining his cup before moving away with Tailan toward a table overflowing with alien food.
Roman followed, looking at the table. Different colored foods were arranged neatly. After looking it over for a minute, he began looking around, noticing the few decorations on the canvas. He took another drink, hoping it would calm his anxiety.
Jon looked over, frowning slightly before excusing himself and moving to Roman’s side. “You okay?”
“Yeah, don’t worry about me. Just have some fun.” Roman said softly.
“This is your party. How can I have fun if you aren’t?”
Roman shrugged slightly. “Everything is so different here. Not that that’s a bad thing, but just a lot to get used to. But I’m sure every planet has all kinds of different things. After twenty-eight years on one planet, it’s just a culture shock thing to be away from it.”
Jon nodded quietly. “I get it. Believe me, I know culture shock. Hyria should have waited a few days. But she wanted to show you off, I think. Just smile and wave when she presents you, then you can hide in your quarters.”
“I don’t think I’m much to show off. Not even full Ivinian..” Roman said quietly.
“Hyria doesn’t care. Don’t think anyone else does either.” Jon nudged him with an elbow. “You’re lucky.”
Roman nodded, “I know..”
“Take a deep breath. Hyria wants you.” Jon looked over at the Queen, who was waiting patiently.
Roman nodded and did as told, then went over to her.
Hyria smiled, then loudly announced to the crowd. “This is Roman. He is Idron’s son. You shall treat him as you treated my son. Long may he live and may he find happiness among us!”
The crowd shouted in joy, some throwing odd colored flowers at Roman’s feet.
Roman smiled and waved to the crowd, then glanced over at Jon for a moment. He soon turned back to Hyria. “Thank you.”
“You are quite welcome. Please enjoy yourself.” Hyria gently smiled before moving away.
Roman headed back toward the food table, picking up what appeared to be some sort of fruit.
Jon approached, drinking a pale pink liquid. “Zysas fruit. It’s one of my favorites.”
Roman slowly bit into it, nodding appreciatively. “It is pretty good.”
The pilot smiled, finishing his drink. “You feeling better?”
“A bit, thanks.”
“Good. Hate the idea of leaving while you were feeling unwelcome.”
Roman nodded slowly before quietly asking, “You planning on leaving soon?”
“As soon as my ship is fully fixed. Too long on planet and I get itchy. Plus gotta make money to keep flying.”
Roman nodded silently.
“Not like I have anyone. I’m alone in the universe.” Jon sighed. “Tai told me what happened. I appreciate you staying with me.”
“You’re not alone. Hyria and Tailan seem to care a lot about you. And I care too.” Roman said after taking a drink.
“Hyria and Tai are just thankful because I saved Ivinus from a plague a few years ago.” Jon paused, his eyes questioning. “Why would you care though? I mean other than saving and bringing you here.”
Roman looked down for a moment, “I..” He suddenly moved, lips touching Jon’s for a few seconds before he disappeared past the crowd.
Jon touched his lips softly in shock, standing still as the party raged around him. Finally, he followed Roman, his thoughts swirling rapidly.
Roman was sitting on a bench near a small pond, lost in thought as he stared at the fish-like creatures.
“Roman?”
“Sorry.. I don’t know why I.. You’re just so.. but I’m just an Earthling..” he mumbled, not looking up.
“Noone’s ever kissed me..” Jon seated himself beside the other man. “You’ve been in my thoughts too..”
Roman took a deep breath, “I think I’m expected to stay here. And you.. you’re going to leave..” he shook his head. “You deserve better..”
Jon snorted. “That should be my line honestly. I don’t have anything to offer aside from a tin can spaceship that is always on the verge of falling apart. I don’t have a people or a planet. And I doubt Hyria will force you to stay if you don’t want to.” The pilot sighed heavily. “You don’t know anything about me.”
“You don’t know much about me either,” Roman answered. “I don’t have a ton to offer either. I guess now I have some family and a new planet.. but I’m still just me. Riddled with anxiety and other issues.”
“You’re...perfect to me.” Jon’s voice was soft as he stared at his hands.
Roman turned Jon’s head gently and kissed him hard.
Jon kissed back, his hands wrapping through Roman’s hair as he pressed close.
Roman deepened the kiss, not wanting to part.
Jon began pushing him down, then stopped and hurriedly drew back. “Sorry.. I shouldn’t..” He stood and fled.
Roman got up and tried to follow.
Jon raced for the ship, stumbling as he tried to climb in. His head whirled as he tried to breathe calmly. What had he been thinking? Roman was vulnerable, out of place and what did he do? Try to seduce him.. What a piece of work you are, Targen his conscience said drily. Take advantage of the poor guy. Such a loser you are.
“Jon?” Roman knocked on the door to the ship. “I’m sorry..”
“Why are you sorry? You didn’t do anything..it’s my fault.”
“I kissed you in the first place,” Roman reminded. “Plus, I’m sorry I’m not good enough..” he trailed off before sighing and turning away from the ship.
“It’s not you! I’m the one not good enough! I don’t want to get you killed..”
Roman paused, “I don’t care what you think of yourself, but I can sense you’re a good person and you are good enough. I know you won’t get me killed. I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I know this can be different.. but.. I understand if you don’t want me.”
Jon opened the hatch, his eyes haunted. “I want you more than I wanted..” The sentence cut off rapidly, the pilot’s face paling slightly before he shook his head. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t.”
“Kar-” Jon’s voice breaks for a moment, then he resumes. “Karl said the same thing. And he was wrong.”
“One, I’m not him. Two, if I was on Earth, I’d probably be a science experiment by now. Anything that happens now seems like extra time I’m gaining.. If something bad happens, at least I finally had some fun..”
“A feast in your honor not fun enough?” Jon tried to smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
Roman sighed, “I don’t know what happened with Karl. And I’m sorry you went through whatever you went through. I get it if you aren’t ready for anything like this, I just.. wanted to let you know how I felt.”
Jon surged forward, grabbing Roman’s neck and kissing desperately. Like a drowning man needing oxygen, Jon plundered Roman’s lips with a needy sound.
Roman kissed back, wrapping his hands in Jon’s hair.
Jon continued for several more minutes, then pulled away and tried to catch his breath. “I’m--”
Roman caught his breath and smiled slightly.
Jon looked dazed, finally speaking again after a few minutes. “I’m sorry..I don’t know what came over me..Are you mad?”
“Not at all, don’t worry.”
“Has anyone ever told you how amazing you are?”
“I may have been told once or twice.”
“Smart people. What happens now?”
“Rejoin the party? Then maybe talk to Hyria and see if it’s okay if I travel with you? Or you could stay?”
“Stay on Ivinus? I don’t think I could stand that, no offense. It’s beautiful here, but being planet bound? No thanks. Though I doubt Hyria will let you fly in this tin can after what happened earlier.”
“Maybe you can get a new ship?”
“Where?” Jon’s eyebrows lifted in interest.
“Not sure.. but I’ll help you find one? Let’s go back to the party for now though. We’ll focus on the ship later.” He held his hand out.
Jon’s eyes were drawn to one finger, a metal band glinting in the light sent by the two moons above. He swallowed hard before taking the hand.
“You okay?” Roman asked softly.
“I didn’t realize..” Jon tapped the ring.
Roman took a deep breath, “On Earth, when I was on the run, I met someone who helped me.. He was sick, so we didn’t have much time together before..” he looked down.
“I’m sorry.” Jon embraced him gently.
Roman shook his head, “It’s okay. It’s in the past, let’s just focus on now.”
Jon was quiet as they walked back to the party.
Roman tried to stay calm, hearing the music growing louder. “Are you sure you want me? I don’t want to force anything on you..”
“I want you more than I want a new ship.” Jon whispered in his ear with a cocky smile.
Roman smiled slightly and led Jon into the tent.
Tailan looked up and chuckled, but didn’t approach.
Jon turned pink and tried to avoid Hyria’s gaze. “I have a feeling I’m going to be in trouble.”
“Try not to worry. They like you, remember?”
“Hyria just found out you existed. Now you want to go off with a never do well pilot. How would you react? Just because I saved your people once doesn’t mean I get a free pass.” Jon muttered.
“Well, maybe we can come visit often? Make her happy and less mad at you? I still have a lot to learn about Ivinus..”
Jon snorted softly.
Roman sighed and went to get them drinks.
Tailan appeared, held a whispered conversation with Jon and just as quickly disappeared. Jon stared after him in disbelief.
“You okay?” Roman reapproached.
“Apparently I’m getting a new ship..” Jon took a gulp of his drink.
“Oh, that’s good. Are you excited?”
“Uh..I should be, right? Just feel like Hyria’s trying to get rid of me..”
“Maybe she’s just thankful?”
Jon looked thoughtful. “Maybe..but I’m not gonna ask.”
“No matter what she thinks, it’s going to be okay.”
Jon chuckled around his glass.
Roman took a deep drink and stared at his glass.
“Are you mad at me?”
“Why would I be?” Roman asked softly.
“You seem really uncomfortable.”
“It’s not you, I swear. I think it’s just my anxiety.” He finished his drink and grabbed another.
Jon laughed softly. “I’m relieved. You should relax with the drinking though.”
Roman gave a small smile, “I need to not drink so much.. don’t want any issues.”
“I get the anxiety though. After the plague, Hyria insisted on one of these for me too. I got completely hammered and then threw up on her..” Jon turned pink at the memory. “I was so sure she was either going to kill me or throw me off planet forever..”
“A long time ago I used to have medicine for anxiety. Then when they started chasing me, I couldn’t exactly go to a doctor easily. Ended up drinking quite a bit..” he sighed. “Don’t want to go back to drinking that much.”
“Sounds bad..”
“At least I met Cam who helped me get sober. Now I’ll drink occasionally, but it’s pretty rare.”
“Truthfully, I don’t drink much either.” Jon sighed. “In fact, I’m beat.”
“You have a room here? Or staying on the ship? I have a whole huge quarters, if you want to come with..”
“You don’t mind?”
“Not at all. If you don’t mind that the xik took over the bed.” He smirked.
“ Seriously ? I hope he doesn’t hog the covers.” Jon joked.
“It needs a name. Any suggestions?”
“Not a one. Sorry.” Jon yawned and laid his head in his hand.
“Come on, let’s get some sleep. Maybe a name will come to me in a dream.”
Jon chuckled, stumbling slightly as he came closer. “I’m still surprised I’m alive. Little worried that it will turn out to be a dream and I’ll wake up dying..”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be there no matter what happens. But you are alive.”
“Thanks. But only if you’re sure about this. I can easily go sleep on the ship. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or cause any issues.”
“You’re fine,” Roman kissed Jon’s cheek.
The pilot turned pink and shyly dropped his gaze.
Roman led him to his quarters, opening the door. The xik got up and made a trill before going up and greeting them.
Jon smiled, scratching it behind the ears. “They are pretty damn cute, aren’t they?”
“Do you think it wants to go flying with us? Or stay here and get pampered?”
“Good question. I’ve never seen them anywhere but here.”
“We have things called cats. They have brown, black, orange or white fur and only one tail. But I’m not sure cats want to fly..” he sighed.
“I have to say your Earth sounds quite intriguing..” Jon said softly as he pulled off his boots.
“Maybe we can visit there someday. Maybe they’ll have called off the search for me.”
“I won’t put you in danger.” Jon said solemnly before climbing into one side of the bed.
“If it didn’t get raided, we did make a decent shelter.. but I kept getting attacked every time I’d go out for supplies.” He shook his head. “I’m glad I’m here and found family and met you, but life was much easier when I was younger.”
“Isn’t that the truth..” Jon closed his eyes wearily. “You spend so much time wishing to grow up, only to find out it’s a nightmare and then you just wish you could go back.”
“Yeah,” Roman nodded before laying down.
Jon sleepily snuggled close, already drifting off.
Roman wrapped an arm around Jon and focused on the other’s breathing. After a short while, he was deep asleep.