The Two Sparks, Don't Draw Your Gun

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth fiddled her thumbs as she sat on the patio chair, which looked over the beautiful desert city of Sundari. The sun was setting, slowly dipping behind the horizon as she stared. The Clans had taken over Velmor, where [member="Cleru"] and Beth had participated in a relatively sad performance of medic.

She had snuck away from her family, and Cleru for a moment of privacy. Not really because she wanted to be alone but because she just needed a moment. She took a breath as she thought about how she ended up at this point. The memories from the horrible time spent on that rock infested hell. haunted her still. Really, the only respite was when Cleru visited. She placed her hand on her stomach, a common theme of Beth's life now.

There was no doubt that Cleru and [member="Yasha Cadera"], and those close to her probably had noticed something was seriously off with her. Not just the PTSD from watching a kid get ripped apart from a mutated mother monster thing, but in general.

The light purple dress fit well along Beth's frame, her wavy hair flowing in the light breeze. She had such a set plan - graduate, be a doctor, at least work in the combat as a medic for the next several years. It was crazy how something a month ago could completely alter her life, completely, at least most likely, have to burn all her plans.

Beth bit her nail as she thought about what to do. How to tell her secret to those she loved. How to just... Figure it all out.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

Needless to say Cleru had no idea what was going on. He had, after the 'tournament' where he acted as Nurse to [member="Beth Cadera"] . It was.. An odd day. He couldn't ignore how distant and preoccupation she had been through the day, forgetting simple things and generally leaning on him for what was her expertise. So when she wanted to head out and think on her own? The Chiss let her.

But as the sun set Cleru set out for the Mandalorian. When he did finally find her he took a seat in a nearby chair, his red eyes on the sunset. "We seem to find the best sunsets and night skies, don't we?" He smiled widely, turning his gaze to her. "You feelin okay?"

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth had literally no poker face. Her facial expressions gave her thoughts away. Her ears gave it away. There was no hiding whatever she felt, even in the best of circumstances. So, it was nice to finally get away from everyone for just a little bit. Beth hadn't realized how long it had been, though. Her mind was so caught up in what had happened.

What would happen. How could she do this? What would [member="Cleru"] think? Her mom and, even her dad, [member="Kaine Australis"]? How could be live up to the standards that were expected when this happened? Beth rubbed her eyes as she thought, a wave of nausea briefly overcoming her as she leaned forward, her head inbetween her legs.

Beth nearly flew off the seat when Cleru spoke. He had scared the crap out of her. Her eyes were wide, which transitioned into a weak smile with a sigh of relief once she realized it was him. Beth gave a nervous chuckle, clearly avoiding looking him in the eyes as she stared towards the sunset. No, she couldn't look at him right now.

"Yeah, I'm great... Just, um, here, and stuff," she mumbled after several seconds of thinking over a best way to reply. Clearly, a lie. And even she winced at how bad of a lie it was.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth had literally no poker face. Her facial expressions gave her thoughts away. Her ears gave it away. There was no hiding whatever she felt, even in the best of circumstances. So, it was nice to finally get away from everyone for just a little bit. Beth hadn't realized how long it had been, though. Her mind was so caught up in what had happened.

What would happen. How could she do this? What would [member="Cleru"] think? Her mom and, even her dad, [member="Kaine Australis"]? How could be live up to the standards that were expected when this happened? Beth rubbed her eyes as she thought, a wave of nausea briefly overcoming her as she leaned forward, her head inbetween her legs.

Beth nearly flew off the seat when Cleru spoke. He had scared the crap out of her. Her eyes were wide, which transitioned into a weak smile with a sigh of relief once she realized it was him. Beth gave a nervous chuckle, clearly avoiding looking him in the eyes as she stared towards the sunset. No, she couldn't look at him right now.

"Yeah, I'm great... Just, um, here, and stuff," she mumbled after several seconds of thinking over a best way to reply. Clearly, a lie. And even she winced at how bad of a lie it was.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

Cleru gave [member="Beth Cadera"] a patient smile. She really wasn't the best when it came to lying. But, what ever was going on she would tell him. When she was ready to. The Chiss reached out to take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as his gaze too turned to the sunset. He was silent for a moment, just taking in that they were still okay after that planet.

"What ever's going on, just know I'm here for you. You don't have to tell me, but if you need help I will always be there."

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth gave Cleru the first, most real smile she had given in what felt like weeks. She squeezed his hand in return tightly. How was she so lucky? Even though it was pretty clear, he was calm, collected, and sweet. He deserved to know... Even though she wasn't quite sure how to say it. And when she said it... It would be even more real.

Beth took a moment to stare at @Cleru. Her emerald eyes gazed on his face as she took her hand back and rubbed her eyes. "Cleru," she said quietly as she inhaled. Why was this so hard? She didn't believe he'd leave her for it. At least, she didn't think she did. It was just... All of her plans. And thoughts. Everything would change. For the better? Who knew.

"I..." She paused once more, looking at him. "I'm pregnant. With twins," she muttered the twins part as her nerves got the best of her. Ears fully down, Beth quickly looked back to the sunset. It was safer to look there than at Cleru.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

"Yo- W- I-" The reality settled in pretty quick for the Chiss once [member="Beth Cadera"] told him. He just stared in disbelief, his mind trying to wrap around it. Not that he didn't believe Beth. Just the reality that he was going to be a dad. A huge grin took over his features as he squeezed her hand. "I'm going to be a dad?" He whispered the question, his red eyes scanning over her features. He was filled with joy.

But, she wasn't. Cleru got out his chair, kneeling down in front of her to take both of her hands in his. "Beth, we're going to be parents. Together."

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth held her breath as she sheepishly looked at [member="Cleru"]. He stuttered, shocked. Beth sighed as her hands rubbed inside each other, her eyes returning to look out at the beautiful sunset. She didn't know what it meant. But all her worry seemed for naught because she felt his hand in hers and... A huge grin?

Beth blinked, clearly shocked. Did he really just whisper that? Maybe it was just her hormones going off the chain but Beth completely couldn't believe he was happy about it. The next thing she knew Cleru was kneeled in front of her, holding both of her hands.

'We're going to be parents. Together.'

Beth stared at his red eyes as her eyes began to tear up. "My life plan binder is in the trashcan," she muttered as she tried to hold back the unfolding waterworks. She wasn't sure why she was crying - because he only confirmed his love for her this way? That he was excited about the kids? Beth wasn't sure, honestly, she just... A sigh of relief. She hadn't really doubted him he'd leave but it was still good to know he was happy.

She squeezed his hands in return. "This wasn't how it was supposed to happen," she said quietly after a few seconds, trying to force a smile.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

Cleru let go of [member="Beth Cadera"] 's hand, reaching up to cup her cheek. He gently brushed her tears away with his thumb, giving her an encouraging smile. No, this threw any plans he had into the gutter, and for sure it must of ruined Beth's plans to be a doctor. "It's a change, for sure. But your life's not over. You can still be a doctor. I'm here, with you. I'll leave the agency, take care of them so you can study. Together, so long as we're together, we can do anything."

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth gave a more genuine smile as she felt [member="Cleru"]'s hand rest upon her cheek. His thumb brushed the small river of tears away. He somehow made her feel better - despite it all. She had been horrified, and while she still was... At least she knew he was with her. At least he was happy for what came next, no matter how unhappy she was about it.

She took a deep breath, sniffling some. "Cleru, you can't change your plans, either," she said softly as her teary, red eyes looked into his red ones. "I... I'll go to Chiss space. Maybe... Maybe I can transfer there. Or find some medical job. I don't know," she muttered quietly as she tried to control her breathing from the tears.

It was so cliche but Beth found herself doing the one thing she almost never asked someone to do. "Promise?" She said quietly, nervously as she looked towards her lap. She couldn't keep her eye contact with him, not with how intense she felt.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

duplicate, ugh

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

"No plans I have are more important then you, and them." He smiled warmly, setting a hand hesitantly on her stomach. There was no way for him to feel them, was there? No, not yet. Cleru brought his gaze back up to [member="Beth Cadera"] 's , shaking his head. "But, no. You can keep training in Mandolorian space. I'll just come to you. It's really not an issue." Though he had a feeling Beth would insist, he wanted to make it clear he'd follow her, no, them, anywhere they needed or wanted to go. This was his chance at a family.

"Promise."

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth smiled as she listened to [member="Cleru"]. She took a breath as she felt his hand touch her stomach, hesitantly. Beth sighed, frowning, tears welling into her eyes again. Could she just stop crying for more than 5 minutes? She really hated the constant waterworks that this pregnancy was bringing her. Not only one baby but two. A mixture of 3 different species. It was going to be rough. "I'll just come to you," she whispered, with a small smile.

"No, I don't want to risk the Ascendancy hunting you, or us, or. It's okay," she whispered. She took a deep breath, wiping the tears away from her cheeks. "I want... I can visit, plenty. I just want to be with you," the last part came out somewhat roughly as she tried to keep her breathing normal. She put her hands on his shoulders as she pulled him into a hug, resting her head between his neck and shoulder.

He promised. And whatever happened next... Well, they'd figure it out.

 

[Mandalorian Prophet]

"I.." It was true. The Ascendancy would only end up putting a hit on Cleru if he left, and as much as he was willing to risk that for [member="Beth Cadera"] 's happiness, if they targeted her, or worse still, the unborn twins.. He could only nod and smile, unable to counter any longer. "I'll get out soon. And when I do, we can live anywhere, together." It didn't matter what happened, so long as they were together. The Chiss ran his hand through her hair as soothingly as he could once they were hugging, the smile fading for a moment.

He needed to change his life now.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth held her breath for a moment, waiting for him to try to rational it. It was sweet - but Beth didn't want to live on the run. Nor did she want the twins to have to live a life like that. And... Well, at least the Ascendancy and Clans provided some protection from the darker parts of the galaxy. For now, anyway. Despite how the light was losing...

Beth gave a weak smile as she held [member="Cleru"] in a close, tight hug. She inhaled, as she tried to hold back her tears as she nestled her head in his shoulder. He was so happy for this... She would be there, eventually. She hoped, at least. Right now... It just threw a wrench in so much. "So long as you're safe," she whispered back. She wasn't willing to risk their lives, his, hers, or the twins.

"I love you, Cleru."