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Chapter Text

Luthen strode into the back of the shop carrying a rectangular wooden box. He placed it in front of Kleya, who was sitting, polishing a small earring while listening to the comms. She switched them off and looked up at him expectantly.

“Here,” he said, opening the box. “Pick out a ring.”

“What?”

“The Runa Antik operation has been compromised. She was killed outright; he lived but had no recourse. He couldn’t access the warehouse without her and through probate the Empire impounded the lot. Names, codes, equipment, everything needlessly lost. We’ve built up too much here, I won’t compromise it.”

Kleya said nothing, just stared up at him. Out of all the reactions he thought he might get, silence was not one of them.

“What, you’re not going to argue? Because you know I’m right and we’d just be wasting time.” He hated how rough that sounded, how much this cause had taken everything out of him. But there was something else that bothered him more, those feelings he’d slowly developed for her despite every effort to bury them. Worse, it was too much to hope that she might feel it too.

Kleya silently studied the box. Then she nodded. This did little to reassure him.

“This situation isn’t ideal for either of us. But neither of us has heirs.” Luthen reached into his pocket and pulled out the necklace bearing the blue Kyber crystal, the Kuati signet, one of his most prized possessions. “Do you really want The Empire to have access to what we’ve built up?”

“Yes,” Kleya said. “Yes. I’ll do it.” She picked up a simple copper band from the box and handed it to him. Their expertise in fine jewelry told them both it would fit.

“Good. I’ve already booked an appointment at the registry for this afternoon between clients.” He put the necklace back in his pocket.

Kleya said nothing and went back to polishing the earring.

“Well, then.” Luthen turned and walked out to the storefront. He didn’t understand why she was so quiet, but then she was always the more practical one.

The rebellion must come first. They had work to do.

*

Luthen held Kleya’s hand, now adorned with the copper band, on the way back from the registry. His face was all smiles for anyone to see. She smiled in kind, though it did not reach her eyes.

He led her to the back room, pulling her behind him, then abruptly dropped her hand and turned round.

“Why didn’t you say anything? Back there, at the registry,” he said harshly.

“I couldn’t think of anything to say”, she said, spreading her hands in front of her.

“We do this every day, hiding in plain sight. We make what we do here look convincing. You couldn’t pretend this was the most romantic day of your life?” He realised how loud his voice had grown, then paused at the quizzical look on her face.

He lied every day. So did she. But perhaps this was the worst lie of all. To hear her make promises that she didn’t mean. Vows that would mean more to him than he could ever dare to imagine. That he’d have to live the rest of his life with her knowing she’d sacrificed her own chance at any happiness to be stuck with him. He’s always been good at pretending, but at least with her he could be his true self, and now he’d lose that last little bit of humanity he let her see. The human he himself nearly forgets he is.

She can’t ever know how he feels, he knows this now. At best she’d laugh at him, at worst she’d be disgusted, feel betrayed, look at him and see a twisted, desperate man. Out of all the things he’s had to live with, he’s not sure he can endure this. He’ll have to pretend to be unmoved through it all, and for years, a lifetime perhaps.

Kleya was still staring at him, wordlessly. He looked down, his anger replaced by fear and sadness.

“Or is the idea of being with me more repellant than The Empire?” At that Luthen stalked off, feeling more embarrassed than anything else. Why would he ever think that she, an intelligent, confident, and beautiful woman, would ever be interested in him? Small wonder she could not pretend more than the basic necessity. He pushed those thoughts out of his mind. He was wasting time. They still had work to do.

*

Luthen accompanied Kleya to the fountain and a few other drop points more often than not these evenings, holding her hand as they walked through the busy streets. He couldn’t tell if she was reluctant about holding his. He did note, as she did, the increasing number of troopers, keeping everyone moving in an orderly fashion.

Further out, where there was less Imperial activity, was a small shop that sold expensive liquors. The neon lights were on and blinking, thus their asset did not have anything useful for them tonight.

“Might be wise though, to have some of this product on hand for some of our clients,” Luthen said.

”Or their bodyguards,” Kleya said.

Luthen smiled. They entered the shop and he let go of her hand to pick up the nearest bottle while Kleya headed to the back, presumably to pick up something a bit more exotic. Then he heard the shots. He instinctively ducked down, saw the shopkeeper dive behind the counter, as three masked men armed with blasters opened fire.

Kleya screamed and crumpled to the ground, holding her side. Luthen fired at the men while running towards her; he hit two of them, as the third, her assailant, fled out of the shop.

Luthen dropped to her side and looked at where she’d been hit, though it was difficult to ascertain how bad the damage was. He met her eyes, then watched as they closed.

”Kleya. Kleya!” he cried out, but she had lost consciousness

Chapter Text

Luthen awoke with a start, then quickly was relieved to see Kleya stirring on the rack aboard The Fondor.

“Easy now,” he said. “You need to rest. We’re en route to Alderaan. We’ll be safe there, temporarily, until you heal. I don’t want anyone asking questions on Coruscant.”

She reached down and tenderly touched the bandage he’d applied to her side. He wasn’t an expert, but he’d patched them both up before.

“You’ll get a proper doctor once we’re there,” he said, with a soft smile. It was meant to assure her, but she merely nodded.

“How did you get me on board?” She asked.

”It wasn’t easy, but I was quite…persuasive with the asset. His speeder was the most valuable thing he’s gotten for us so far,” Luthen said, with a weary smile. “I’ve done some checking too. I don’t believe in coincidence, but our asset confirms they were merely robbing that shop when we had the misfortune of interrupting them. He’s disposed of the two I killed and they won’t be found. Our asset won’t talk about us being there. Still, I don’t want us to end up witnesses. In a day or two, your assailant will have gone to ground and it won’t present a problem for us.”

Kleya nodded again and chewed her lower lip.

“You’ve gone silent a lot lately,” Luthen said. “Ever since I brought up this marriage,” he added. This arrangement wasn’t going to work if she wouldn’t talk to him.

“You’re right,” Kleya said. “I do need to rest.” She closed her eyes. He sighed and left.

*

“I should have knocked,” he said, setting the case down at the edge of the rack. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Kleya said, noting how quickly she looked away from him.

“I met with Bail Organa. He’s arranged for some small accommodation for us and will be sending up a doctor, although that patch up job seems to be doing the trick. Then, operating under the assumption that you’re well enough, we’re attending a gathering tomorrow evening outside the palace.”

Kleya didn’t respond. The silence was unnerving, but in this moment nothing was more important to him than her welfare.

“That,” he gestured to the garment bag, “is for you.” He stood up and looked down at her. “No need to attract attention on the way,” he said nonchalantly whilst leaving.

*

Their “small” quarters on Alderaan were quite spacious, creamy white and bright in total contrast with the Fondor and the shop. Luthen went out again, leaving her to rest. The doctor would be up shortly and he wanted to give her some privacy.

When he returned, she was sitting up in bed wearing a light rust orange robe that contrasted the blue silk sheets. A half eaten tray of food was placed on the table next to her.

”The doctor said you’d done most of the work already,” she said, “and I do feel better. How was your meeting?” She inquired.

”There’s not much that Bail knows that Mon doesn’t. Still it’s good to see the network up. He’s got some good people working for him.”

”You’re being extra careful with this.” It wasn’t a question. She’d had to remind him often enough after his distress over taking Cassian on the Fondor. It was a gamble that paid off, but she knew it still haunted him.

”When am I not?” He replied, and his mouth twisted. He stood up. “You still need to rest. I’ll go sleep on The Fondor.”

“That will arouse suspicion,” she said, a little too quickly. “But also— “ She paused, looked down, then looked back at him. “If we’re going to pretend that this is a real relationship, we ought to at least act accordingly.”

He smiled, glad at least she was finally addressing their situation

As the heat started rising in her cheeks, she patted the spot beside her, then rolled over facing away from him. He removed his outer robe and climbed in next to her, falling asleep just after she did.

*
Kleya awoke, her back curled up against his chest. His right arm was outstretched and she’d inadvertently been using it as a pillow. She must have sensed he was awake, as she quickly scampered away from him and off of the bed. He was grateful, at least, that she seemed no longer in pain.

“Sorry,” he said.

“Don’t be,” she replied, not turning around. “It grew cold in the night.”

This, of course, was complete rubbish as the temperature on Alderaan was perfect. And he knew damn well she liked her room on the colder side in the gallery. But he didn’t respond, just merely stood up and started changing. She sat back on the bed, still not looking at him.

“I’m going back out,” he said eventually. He’d comically almost run out of errands now, yet he couldn’t take one more minute of the awkwardness between them. He’d rather stand by the pond by himself, perhaps glimpse some sunlight, touch some grass. Anything would be better than this foolishness. “I’ll have them send up something to eat. In the meantime, get rest.”

*

To his surprise, Kleya had not only finished the tray he’d sent up to her earlier, but had managed to fall asleep again for most of the day. The food and rest had rejuvenated her and she appeared more relaxed by the time Luthen came to change and collect her for this evening’s festivities.

Luthen watched her regard the selection of gowns in the closet. She pulled out the simplest one and held it, although simple could hardly describe the plum velvet and copper silk threading. She paused, clutching the garment close to her. They’d changed costumes in front of each other hundreds of times but it was different now, somehow. Still, he looked away as he always had and changed into one of his loudest outfits yet.

“I put out some jewelry for you, if you like,” Luthen said, noting from her expression that she recognised all of them from items she had gravitated towards in the shop. The copper necklace and small, sapphire earrings complemented her very well. She seemed surprised he had noticed what she liked.

“Are you sure you are ready to do this?” Luthen asked while she was putting on the jewelry.

“Yes, I’m fine,” she said. She pushed a stray strand of hair back into her updo and looked up at him expectantly, then remembered to smile.

Luthen held out his arm for her and she wrapped her arm through his. A small laugh escaped her lips and her cheeks slightly reddened. He chuckled at this and led her out of their quarters.

*

They arrived with the gathering in full swing, with many guests in attendance. Musicians played upbeat music that filled the room without drowning out conversation. Plates of delicacies from Chandrila to Coruscant to native Alderaan were served alongside cocktails. Luthen introduced Kleya as his wife to everyone they met and he was delighted that her smile reached her eyes.

Luthen placed a hand at the small of her back and gestured with the other towards a man in Chandrillan robes. He’d recognised the man from a holo Mon had sent him, though Luthen had previously warned her of the dangers of bringing in outsiders. Still in an effort to deflect suspicion, Luthen walked across the room to meet him while Kleya made small talk with the other guests. It wasn’t something she liked to do, but she played her part well.

Luthen and the banker chatted for a while and at one point, Luthen’s eyes met hers. They stared at each other for a long moment and his breath caught in his chest.

This was foolish and couldn’t be real. They couldn’t afford it to be real. It was unacceptable. But living this lie?

Which was the more acceptable madness?

*

“I’m feeling a lot better now; the wound has healed nicely,” Kleya said. “It’s time to leave. We’ve neglected the gallery long enough.” They were back in their quarters. Kleya walked over to the bedroom closet to change but Luthen stayed behind in the living area, staring out the window into the darkened sky peppered with stars.

”No,” Luthen said loudly so she could hear, “I’ve had it temporarily closed and Bix is remotely monitoring the comms from the lower levels. We have a little more time.”

What was he doing?!!! His brain screamed at him as his hands removed the wig, the symbol of hiding that meant so many things.

“For what? What does all this mean to you?” she asked, walking back into his line of sight, waving her hand around their room.

”Mean to me?”

“You’re slipping again,” she said.

“I’m not slipping.”

“I’ve never seen you like this,” she said.

And suddenly in that moment, it seemed so easy. He chose the unacceptable madness. “If I am, it’s because of you.”

“What are you on about?”

Luthen grabbed her arm and fixed his eyes onto hers. She met his gaze and refused to look away.

“You wanted to know what all this means to me? But that’s not the question you should be asking.”

“And?”

“What you mean to me. You’ve been my equal. You’ve been by my side, kept me in check, kept me grounded. There’s no one I trust more than you. No one. You mean—” he paused.

“Everything.”

Chapter Text

Luthen regarded Kleya’s face, her mouth gaping. He instantly regretted what he had said, as she looked stunned. But not more surprised than he must have looked, as she stood up on her toes, took his face in her hands, and lightly kissed him.

”Well, you weren’t going to do it,” she said, and smiled impishly.

At that he gently grabbed the back of her neck, bent down his head, and kissed her deeply. She moaned softly and he knew then he couldn’t turn back.

He took her hand and pulled her back into the bed chambers. He wasted no time in taking off her gown, revealing a delightful rusty orange silk nightgown underneath. It suited her well, hinting at what was underneath. He stepped back for a moment, drinking her in.

“What?” Kleya said, twisting her mouth. “It was the only thing they had.”

”As exquisite as you look in it, I wonder what you look like without it.”

”You’ve seen me before,” she replied, her face flushing.

”I always looked away, even though I didn’t want to,” he said awkwardly. But she didn’t seem to mind. Instead, she walked up to him and put her hands on his chest.

“Then these come off. Now.”

He didn’t need any more persuasion and did as she commanded, then pulled her nightgown’s straps off of her shoulders and down her arms until the garment fell to the floor. She pressed herself against him and flung her arms around him, kissing him. He undid her hair and let it fall around her shoulders. He threaded his fingers through it, marveling at how soft it was.

He dropped one hand to hers and took it, leading her to the bed. Still kissing, they tumbled into the bed and her elbow accidentally jabbed him in his side. He let out a little yelp which startled her, but he just laughed.

“It doesn’t hurt,” he said. “But your side—“

”Is fine,” she finished for him. They were lying face to face now, but not touching. It occurred to him he ought to do something but he was still surprised that they had come this far. He reached out and caressed her shoulder, then leaned in and nuzzled her neck, breathing in her scent, combined with the faintest hint of vanilla and honey. He touched her cheek with his finger. “Are you absolutely sure? We don’t have to do this just because—“

She pulled on the back of his neck and put her mouth on his in a very pleasant interruption.

”You know, this is the first time I like seeing you nervous,” she said, chuckling and cupping his cheek with her hand.

”Oh,” he laughed, tracing the spot just below her ear he thought she’d like. “It’s just I never imagined that this could happen.”

”Never imagined it? Kleya said, smiling slyly at him and then gasping when his finger traced the skin from her ear to her neck.

”Well I thought about it,” he said.

She lifted her head up and looked down on him. “Thought about it? When?”

”Constantly.”

”I don’t believe you.”

”Well the thought was always there, somewhere, in the back of my mind. We work so closely together. There’s no one I trust more than you.”

”So romantic,” she said, but without bite.

”You know exactly what I mean. With all of the plates spinning in the air and how did you put it? Knives on the floor? When would we ever have any time? But,” he hesitated. He might as well tell her the truth. ”I wasn’t so sure that you’d ever feel the same. You’re tough Kleya, possibly the strongest person I’ve ever known.”

”Tough people get lonely too,” she replied.

He kissed her again and stroked her arm.

”You’re stalling,” she said.

”And you’re shaking,” he said.

He kissed her again and squeezed her arm reassuringly, then ran a finger down her chest until he reached her breast. He gently cupped it and ran his thumb lightly over her nipple, teasing her. It pebbled immediately and she rolled onto her back and gasped. He kissed her behind her ear, her neck, her chest, and then took her other nipple in his mouth, circling it with his tongue.

She cried out, her back arching. He ran his hand from the underside of her breast down her navel and reached her curls. He carefully touched between her legs, moving his fingers slowly, noting when her breathing increased and when it did not. It wasn’t long before he learned what she liked, but he was even more delighted when she took his hand and placed his palm over her mound and began rubbing in a circle. He needed no encouragement to continue on his own and it wasn’t long before she cried out again, much louder this time. She lay panting and took his hand in hers.

”I—“ she said, “need a minute.”

They lay there for a time, her holding his hand in both of hers. In some ways this aroused him more than anything had, the pure intimacy of it. Her excitement, her vulnerability, her warmth. After a while, she leaned over and kissed him. She reached out a hand towards his cock, but he had other ideas.

He inched his way down the bed, kissing her body along the way, until his head was between her legs. He kissed the inside of her thigh and massaged the other one with his hand, teasing her again. He ran his tongue lightly in between her slick folds, then slowly circled the area that his hand had been on earlier. When she whimpered, he lingered on that spot, circling it again and again. He propped himself up with one arm, leaving the other hand free to mirror his tongue’s actions on her nipple. She moaned, her back arching, her legs nearly crushing him as she convulsed on the bed. She cried out even louder this time and fell limp. He knew she was sensitive and moved quickly to her side, putting one arm gently on hers.

However, she turned to face him and placed her hand on his cheek, then traveled down and took a hold of his cock. “I want to feel you inside me now,” she said and kissed him, rolling over on her back once more. He climbed on top of her and before he could do anything else she wrapped one leg around his, reached under his other thigh, and grabbed his cock. She placed it against her unbelievably wet curls, teasing him.

“Now,” she said, whimpering, “please.”

She pulled her hand away and wrapped both arms around his neck, then urged him forward with her leg. He slid into her gently and she clenched around him, sending electric jolts throughout his entire body. He looked into her brown eyes, the widest he’d ever seen them.

”Faster,” she said, lowering her hands and plunging him deeper inside her. He didn’t have to be told twice.

”I want to see you come,” she said, breathing heavily and that sealed it. He collapsed on top of her, and the part of his brain that still worked hoped he hadn’t hurt her. She stroked his hair and kissed his neck, softly saying his name over and over.

*

Luthen awoke to her kissing his shoulder, then his lips. A little light had come into the bed chambers from the living area. He shouldn’t have been surprised it was morning, given they had spent most of the night in various forms of intimacy.

Kleya had donned her silk nightgown again; he wasn’t sure why. Suddenly emboldened, she threw one leg over his and straddled him. She placed both hands on either side of his head, pulling him in for a deeper kiss. She grinded in a circular motion over him and he ran his hands over her breasts through the fabric. He wanted to take it off, but reasoned she must want it on. He’d indulge whatever she wanted, of course.

She moved lower down his body, until her sex found its way on top of his cock. She grinded harder at this, not that he needed any encouragement. She then inched her way down his body, kissing his chest and stomach, until she was in between his legs. She flicked her tongue over the tip of his cock, then swirled around it, before taking as much of him into her mouth as she could. The rest of his length was firmly in her hand, stroking him hard.

”Where in the hell did you learn to do this?” He growled, desperate not to come too quickly. He tried to think of anything else but just gaped at her. How was this possible that Kleya Marki had her mouth around his cock?

Later, as they lay face to face, he smiled and laughed, mostly marveling that he lasted as long as he did.

”It just seemed natural and I thought you’d be pleased by it,” she said, answering his earlier question.

“I quite like seeing you in this,” he said, cupping her breast through the silk, “but I love feeling your skin even more.”

”Then you’ll have to take this off me,” she said, and she rolled over and then turned back to face him, just out of reach. She laughed playfully. They both knew he could just rip it off of her, but he had something else in mind.

He crawled over to her and there was nowhere left for her to go as she’d nearly reached the side of the bed. He knelt next to her and easily cupped her lower back with his left hand, pulling her up on her knees. He pressed his body up against hers, and whispered her name in her ear, while slowly inching the strap off of her shoulder and down her arm.

A clatter in the distance shook them both; they turned towards the noise and still holding her, he reached with his right hand towards a weapon that wasn’t there. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see that she’d mirrored him.

But they needn’t have worried. A flushed faced servant backed away from them slowly and bent over, trying to clean up the breakfast tray that he’d dropped.

”Leave it,” Luthen said sharply, but not unkindly. The servant straightened, then bowed awkwardly and left the room.

Luthen and Kleya looked at each other and laughed.

”This is good,” Luthen said.

”How can being caught out in bed possibly be good?”

”Servants talk. And they talk to their employers. Any doubts that this isn’t real will be gone before we leave this place.”

At that, her face fell. She sat back on her heels. He reached out the arm that had been holding her and touched her cheek. “What is it?

”Is this real?” She asked in such an uncharacteristically small voice.

”Of course it’s real,” Luthen said, sitting back on his heels as well.

Kleya thought for a moment. “I didn’t think it possible. We both know this won’t always be so,” she gestured around the room, lingering on the messy, tangled sheets, “but I want us to enjoy the time we do have.”

She leaned forward and kissed him. This time, he wasn’t the one that removed the silk nightgown.

Chapter Text

Off all of the things Luthen expected when they returned to the gallery, this was the least likely. He stared at the summons in his hand, scarcely believing it. When Kleya had shown it to him he was shocked. Just a short while ago he would still have been apprehensive about her mission, but he would have eagerly embraced the opportunity. He didn’t know how to feel about it now.

Kleya came into the back, smiling radiantly, with a small holdall. “We did it. I made the cut. Just think of the information we’ll obtain.”

”In four years minimum, to five years time,” he said, annoyed that she seemed happy about this, as though nothing had changed between them. “And all that we just went through to secure the shop.”

”All that we went through? We signed a registry. We impressed a few people at a party. And a servant,” she said, though she smiled slightly at the last mention. Then her face returned to its impassive mask. “This is what we’ve been aiming for. They’ve recruited me. I’ll slowly work my way up, it won’t be easy. But once I have the proper clearance I’ll be able to pass on information directly. Information we can’t get otherwise. There won’t be another opportunity.”

”I won’t be able to communicate with you for all those years. And that it’s we’re lucky, We don’t build on luck. It’s too much Kleya.”

”Lonni got into contact after a year. It’s possible I could get a message to you through him.”

”You know that’s not happening. You, who lectures others about the dangers of sending and receiving messages. Besides, Lonni can’t help you. He’s too far up ISB. You’ll be on the ground there, alone. And he only came to me because he wanted out. I know you won’t do that.”

”Lonni’s still valuable, he just doesn’t have the direct access that I will—”

“Yes, but I’m not in love with Lonni am I?” he blurted out, then realised he’d said too much,

The look on her face made that clear. “You wanted this to happen. You wanted someone on the inside at Scarif. From what little we know they’re building something terrifying, something far beyond anything we’ve seen. I am in the best position to ascertain this. We took a vow.”

We took more than one vow, he thought and pushed that aside. He’d compartmentailse it and deal with it on another day.

“I don’t like it,” he said.

“You don’t like anything,” she replied. She took his hands in hers, raised up on her toes, and kissed him. “We always knew something like this might happen. What happened between us—“ she paused, looked down, then looked straight at him, “What happened was something we both wanted. I wish I’d expressed it earlier. I wish that I had more time and don’t—“ She put a finger up to his lips.

”I know you Luthen, I know you’re going to say the same. I’ve said it for us. Now, I’m going. You know I have to. The paperwork for my ailing relative I’ve gone to ‘care’ for is in the safe, should any inspectors come. My new identity is waiting for me en route, thanks to Cassian. I wish you didn’t know it in case—“

He interrupted her by kissing her, then wordlessly led her to her quarters, where he could be as intimate with her as he could, one last time before her mission.

*

“Luthen,” Kleya called. She was holding a small holdall and was sorting credits on the table. “I’ve got to go, my flight for Scarif is boarding soon.”

“I’ll walk with you,” he offered, but she shook her head.

“We have—” she paused and looked up wistfully. “You have clients arriving.”

Luthen nodded. He wasn’t planning to replace her, as if he could. There was no one he trusted more than her, which made her perfect for this mission. He’d sort out someone to help with the shop and handle the comms from the small pool of people he mostly trusted, but it would never be the same.

But there was one last thing he could do. He placed a small box in front of her.

“What’s this?” She asked, her face lighting up in surprise.

“Open it,” he said.

Kleya did so and gasped as she pulled out a similar copper band to the one she wore, only this one was inlaid with blue Kyber crystal.

“Luthen I—”

He picked up her hand and removed the simple band adorning it. He took the ring he’d made for her from his sky stone and slid it on her finger, then placed her hand in his and held it up to his chest.

“Know that you mean more to me than this ever will,” he said, looking into her eyes. He bent down and kissed her forehead, trying not to see the tears welling in her eyes that no doubt matched his own.

They regarded each other for a long moment, until the front door chime alerted them. He squeezed her hand gently and let it go. She nodded, took off the ring, and wordlessly pocketed it. They both knew she couldn’t wear it at the Imperial academy for fear of drawing attention to herself, just as he had done the same all these years.

She headed towards the back exit. He knew he should answer the front door, but waited until she reached the back. She paused, looked over her shoulder, and gave him a small smile before leaving. He smiled, then turned and sighed, before heading to the front.

The rebellion must come first. They had work to do.