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stargoosie · 4 months

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New Beginnings ~ Kalluzeb

Chapter 3

The aftermath of Zeb taking Kallus to Lira San.

AO3

------------------

Their morning had been the slowest part of their day. Their schedule was packed for the rest of it, which Kallus glad for with a couple reasons in mind. It meant Zeb may forget his peculiar behavior from earlier and he was also getting a further tour of the planet. Zeb had insisted, and it wasn’t just him. There were many others eager to welcome him. It was almost alarming, but not in a bad way. He was not used to such kindness unwarranted. He was a stranger, after all. However, he was quickly made aware that Zeb had talked about him quite a bit. He seemed rather shy when one of his fellow lasat had brought it up. It was very curious to him. They had barely been here for a full rotation. When had he found the time…? Then again, Kallus had no ways of knowing just how long Zeb had been planning this surprise for him. It was all very flattering. The idea of being talked about did make him a little nervous, though. His past was a dark spot he could never erase, even with all the good he had done to make up for his awful deeds. He constantly reminded himself that he was no longer that man and Zeb did as well, which was still surprising. Zeb’s capacity for forgiveness was something that would never cease to amaze him. Did he even deserve him…? His face twisted. Zeb would slap him for even thinking such a thing but he could not help it.

Zeb was so….perfect. He was smart and kind and funny. He was strong with a great sense of honor and his heart went out to others. His drive was strong and he was…honestly a bit crazy at times. Kallus could spend the entire day counting out each one of his redeeming qualities. Each little quirk that made Zeb, Zeb… He loved each one. He sometimes got lost in his adoration and would have to pretend he hadn’t been eying him with such an affectionate gaze. The idea that he still got so flustered about him was maddening. It wasn’t as if it was some big secret between them. Sure, it wasn’t something they’d ever talked about in great detail but it was understood. Now he was wondering if perhaps they should…It had been something he pondered ever since the war ended. The thoughts became louder when Zeb whisked him away on this journey, just the two of them…

He wanted to…

“Kallus?”

He was suddenly pulled out of his trance by a rough yet gentle voice. He wondered how long he had been spacing out. Zeb wasn’t giving him a strange look, so he figured he was in the clear. However, he was offering out his hand. Kallus blinked a few times before deciding it would be rude to turn down such a sweet gesture. He may or may not be ignoring the fact that he might just really want to hold Zeb’s hand. He placed his palm in his, only realizing at the last moment that the lasat might have only been urging him to follow. At least that was the impression he got when Zeb’s expression turned a bit surprised. Kallus was certain he could hear a clear, whooshing breeze through the silence and was blushing so hard that he almost withdrew his hand. Zeb closed his grip around it before he could and was soon leading him forward. Kallus almost tripped once or twice, forcing him to latch onto Zeb’s arm to keep himself steady. He exhaled, trying to calm himself. He was behaving like some sort of teenager with their first crush, which was rather idiotic.. He was just kissing him this morning, and not for the first time, either. How was it possible, years after he’d come to terms with and exchanged his feelings for the lasat , that he still turned him into a giddy mess whenever he was close…? Or was it merely the fact that he now had all the time in the world to be with him, that distractions from such things were far and few between..? Probably the latter. He never pictured what it might be like having him all to himself. Back then, there had hardly been time to spend with one another and they very rarely would find each other out on the same missions. He’d gotten so used to that. This was new.

He liked this. As ridiculous as he felt, he liked what Zeb stirred inside him. It was a good feeling. He instinctively squeezed the other’s hand, giving the other a subtle grin as he allowed himself to be pulled along. After a few moments, he decided to fill the silence with some conversation. Well, more of a remark..

“You know, it would serve better if you actually told me where we were headed on this tour…”

Zeb laughed at him. “And where’s the sense of fun in that…? Besides, if I told you all the surprises before we got there, I’d never get to see that face.” He gave Kallus a side glance and a smirk.

Kallus cocked a brow. His mouth twisted into a smile of intrigue and his voice had a hint of humor. “What face..?”

Zeb looked at him for a moment and tilted his head. “Ah, you know the one..” He took away his hand for a demonstration. He placed palms on either side of his face and pretended to gasp as he feigned surprise.

Kallus looked insulted, his mouth dropping and he showed his displeasure by shoving Zeb’s face with the whole of his hand. “I don’t look anything like that!” It was auite the exaggeration on his part. The slight blush did say there was some truth to it, even if he wouldn’t admit it. Perhaps he did get a little awestruck taking in all the sights. It was a beautiful planet. But he did not look like that. Zeb ducked his head into his shoulder to escape Kallus’s wrath and he was a giggling mess. It might have been cute if he weren’t laughing at him. While he was slightly hunkered over, Kallus attempted to get him in a headlock but that seemed to encourage the amusing.

“Don’t make me take you down, Lasat."Kallus threatened, just barely getting his arms around him. Zeb made a sharp turn and as a result, he slid from behind him to directly in front of him. A headlock was far less efficient this way. It actually appeared more intimate than he previously intended. However, he wasn’t going to let his heart palpatations let Zeb off the hook so easily. He maintained his disapproving glare and heavy frown, which may have looked more like a pout to the other. Eager to wipe that smirk away, he shoved at his stupid face again and Zeb retaliated by making a similar move. Kallus grunted and rolled his head to escape that massive hand before yanking him down halfway in yet another headlock. One thing that certainly hadn’t changed between them was their eagerness to outdo the other, even if it was just a little rough housing.

Their playful ‘fight’ was brought to an abrupt halt when they figured out they were being watched. They were in the middle of a common area. It was bound to happen. Kallus straightened immediately from the unexpected surprise. Zeb stilled as well, but his arms seemed to be frozen around Kallus. Kallus made no move to bring this up. He was too busy glancing down at three curious little lifeforms.

"Children.” Kallus stated. He blinked a few times. He had seen a few younglings the other day, in the distance, of course. He hadn’t made any interactions, however, so he was a bit at a loss for what he should do. Three pairs of large green eyes were just staring up at him. Zeb hadn’t made any moves to take control of the situation, either. It left him feeling a bit awkward. He was not very used to being around other Lasat yet. He supposed that would be a lingering feeling for a while. He had been forgiven. His redemption had not been insignificant. In the eyes of those who mattered, he was redeemed and worthy of acceptance. But still, that wouldn’t kill all the nerves straight away. Kallus was not regularly social, even on a good day. Blame the workaholic in him for stealing any of those skills. It was only Zeb’s encouragement and example that made him engage in conversations outside of work at all.

Kallus wondered if all Lasat spoke basic or if that was something learned later on. Not that it sould be an issue, mind you. Kallus had been speaking Lasat for many years now. He’d took it up in an effort to impress Zeb. He remembered the exact expression when he had spoken his first words. He’d been nervous but undeniably confident. Kallus always had been a quick study. It had made having secret conversations in public a lot easier. He remembered it garnering a bit of attention at first. Kallus had never divulged his motives, though. As if he’d admit knowing Zeb’s language made him feel closer to him… It was a bit…sentimental.

Kallus tapped on one of Zeb’s forearms and once he was able to move, he lowered himself to the other’s height and greeted them as properly as possible with a gesture the other had taught him. The small ones seemed to light up and Kallus’s expression softened. This was nice. They seemed so small and innocent. It was nice to see a new generation of Zeb’s people, something he never thought he’d see.

His brows shot up soon after when they began to bombard him with questions. They had so many that his brain could barely keep up with translating. He was not surprised. They had likely never seen another human before. From what Zeb had told him, Lira San was not exactly easy to find. There were no other beings other than their own kind here, not that he had seen anyway. They asked him everything between his name and where he had come from and the seemed to take a particular interest in his feet. He chuckled to himself. He supposed he could not be further than Lasat if he tried. To be honest, it made him a little anxious being so put on the spot. These were impressionable children, sfter all. He could barely even talk to the Lasst closer to his age, save for Zeb. It was gonna take some time to get settled before he felt comfortable heavily interacting.

Kallus tried to answer their questions one at a time, but they were so excited! At one point, one of them had seen fit to climb him, which nearly knocked him over. After some laughter, Zeb stepped in and grabbed the tiny youngling by the scruff.

“Alright. That’s enough. You best be running along. People aren’t for climbing..” Zeb had said, giving the small female a disapproving look but Kallus could tell he was still amused. He had merely just chosen to take pity on him. His pleading eyes had probably been acknowledged. Kallus appreciated it, as adorable as they were. He was sure he’d see them around again. He did not mind that others wanted to get to know him. It had been like that when he first joined the rebellion. Of course, they weren’t Lasat. Somehow, that made a difference for him. It really shouldn’t….but he still had trouble processing these people wanted to like him.

He watched as they began to take off with a slow disappointment, but their short attention spans began to kick in and they started chasing one another in another direction. In his peripherals, he could see Zeb shaking his head with a grin.

“You handled them well..” Kallus commented suddenly. “Experience..?”

Zeb bumped his shoulder. “Well, I did used to be in charge of the peace… Not a far stretch. Come on, you..” He gestured with his head to follow and Kallus did so without word. He wondered about what Zeb had been like before. His life on Lasan. However, he felt the subject would always be to tender to ever try to approach. There were some subjects that would need to remain silent between them. It was unfortunate. Kallus wanted to know everything about him.

– The tour ended with the two of them atop a tall tower that reminded him a bit of Bridger’s on Lothal. It had gotten a bit warm, so Kallus had his jacket draped over the railing he was leaning against. He enjoyed the light breeze that blew over him. It was cool but not enough to put his jacket back on. He sighed loud enough for the other to hear but it was a more pleasant sound. Zeb came up beside him and leaned on the railing along with him, staring out to view the landscape. It was all so beautiful. The planet had such tranquility to it. It was quiet and calm and everyone was so happy. It was safe. A world untouched by war. It was amazing to him.

“Zeb.” Kallus called out, smiling. “Lira San is so beautiful. Your people. Your culture. I feel so honored that you’ve considered me worthy enough to bring here..” He tilted his head to the side when Zeb’s large hand began ruffling his hair. Kallus tried to avoid it because he was constantly messing up his style. The weather had done that enough by itself. He was running his fingers through it when Zeb began speaking again.

“ That’s enough of that…” Zeb warned, probably knowing Kallus was feeling the guilt again. He wasn’t wrong. Zeb had this uncanny ability to make it disappear. Perhaps one day, he might make it to a point where he wouldn’t need to constantly redirect his thoughts.

Kallus leaned into him slightly once his hand had gone. He had a breathy, apologetic laugh through his nose. “Sorry. Sorry…I’m serious, though. I’m thrilled you showed this to me.” He turned his head just in time to see Zeb get a little shy.

His gaze left him to further lean over the railing and give his attention to the landscape before them. “I figured it was about time…” Zeb replied after a while. “I’ve been wanting to take you here. It was just about finding the right moment. I knew I couldn’t just tell you this place existed. I wanted you to see it for yourself. You deserved that much… ” He picked and brushed away some dirt on his dark green bracers. He was being sincere.

Kallus could have cried when Zeb told him that he was deserving. It took him by surprise because he wasn’t expecting it, even if he had told him similar things in the past. It amplified the thoughts and feelings he’d been having since they landed. Hearing Zeb say things likes that always tugged at his emotions, even the times he was able to conceal it. He wondered if Zeb knew just how powerful his words were. He blinked away the moisture they brought and had a laugh to cover how touched he was.

"…You really go out of your way when you care for someone, don’t you…?“ He asked rhetorically, "It’s what I’ve always admired about you…You have heart. I’m so unused to such things, after all these years… But it comes so easily to you.. You say what you’re thinking, what you’re feeling…and it’s never for personal gain. You always aim for the other person to benefit…Its that side of you that brought me here. You…wanted me to forgive myself…"

These tears were certainly persistent. He had been denying them for a while. He and Zeb never did often talk about Lasan, not since their time on Bahryn. Being here on Lira San, he was finally realizing that Zeb had truly forgiven him. No matter how much Kallus believed he could never make up for his sins, in Zeb’s mind he already had. It was too much to handle. Zeb pulled him in after that and Kallus did not fight him nor the tears that finally won. He wrapped his arms around him, letting out everything he’d worked so hard to keep hidden.

Zeb stroked his hair and whispered into it. "S'alright there, Kal…” His voice was warm and comforting, just like his embrace. Somehow, it made the tears stream faster. He hated himself for showing this much raw emotion but he couldn’t help it when it was Zeb. His walls crumbled around him. “I brought you here because I wanted you here….I know that burden you carry with you. That time has past. But right now? Well, that’s what we make it… And the Kallus, the real Kallus, I got to know, fought side by side with….that’s who I want to share this peace with, for as long as it lasts…"

Kallus slowly separated from him to look at his face. With a large knuckle, he dried the wetness on his cheeks. His lips parted and his eyes stayed on his, searching them as if they would tell him what he was going to say next. His heart began racing, already predicting the words but still waiting anxiously.

”…And that’s 'cause, I love you, Kallus. Sorry it’s taken so long to say…I thought by bringing you here it might show you just how much…I want these to be your people, too. I want you to be surrounded every day, knowing you are forgiven and loved…What do ya say…?“ His face looked so hopeful as he set his hands on Kallus’s waist. "Will you stay?”

“Oh, Garazeb..” Zeb was nearly knocked over when Kallus knocked into him with a powerful hug. This felt like a dream to him. He hoped never to wake up. This was everything he’d ever wanted. He wanted to share his life with him, no matter the circumstances. “You large idiot, of course I will…”

“Oi, name calling…” Zeb complained, earning a few laughs from him. He expected that was better than the sound of his cries.

Kallus ignore his comment and repetitively confirmed his answer for him. “Yes. Yes. Yes.” He nodded, pulling away with the widest smile he was capable of. He had to look awful with his red, puffy eyes but he couldn’t care about that right now. Without hesitation, he grabbed Zeb’s face and pulled him into a kiss that lasted far longer than necessary. He was chuckling as their lips found some room.

#kalluzeb #star wars rebels #SWR #my fic #Kallus #Zeb

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stargoosie · 4 months

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New Beginnings ~ Kalluzeb

Chapter 2

The aftermath of Zeb taking Kallus to Lira San.

AO3

------------------

Waking up the following morning and gazing upon the chrono, seeing it was most definitely late morning was nearly enough to give the strict routined Alexsandr Kallus a heart attack. He seized upward in bed with a start before taking in his surroundings and remembering where he was. Lira San. Lira San. He mouthed the planet’s name a few times before relaxing. He slowly laid back down, wiping the embarrassing panic from his brow. Honestly.. He shook his head at himself, closing his eyes. He opened them a moment later to peer over at where he expected to find Zeb. Green eyes were staring back and he frowned. Great. His little episode had woken him up. He felt him shift closer and place a hand on his arm. Such concern, he mused. He didn’t question why. The lasat had helped him through quite a few rough nights in the past. It was second nature by now. Kallus found it rather sweet, Zeb’s care for others.

“I’m alright..” He assured him, turning over on his side to give the other a sleepy but sincere smile. He placed a hand over his and went on to explain,raising his brows briefly. “The time. I lost track and forgot that was alright now.” Zeb chuckled and Kallus joined him, bringing up a knee and hooking his leg around one of Zeb’s. He enjoyed the tenderness of this. These moments were no longer something brief, needing to be set to the side for their higher priorities. Even with how set in his ways he was, this was something he could very quickly get used to. He grinned with a slow sigh.“But I suppose I’m awake now. Might as well start the morning..” He started to prop himself up on an elbow, but Zeb wasn’t having any of that.

“Oh, no you don’t…” He said with a gravelly tone conveying just how groggy he still was. But apparently he still had enough energy the keep Kallus from making any sudden movements. Kallus was cursing that brute strength of his, though you couldn’t tell by the way he seemed to melt into it.

He chuckled, turning his head first into his neck and then pulled away so he could look at his face. His eyes were closed now, obviously trying to reclaim sleep and hopeful that Kallus would succumb as well. He would not deny it was tempting. “Zeb…” He reasoned, watching his brow ridges narrow a bit more. Kallus bit his lip. There was something so childish about him that was incredibly adorable. “We can’t just lay around…Come now…” Unfortunately, Zeb was the hard headed, stubborn sort. Kallus was sure he would be perfectly okay without budging from his spot for half the daylight.

“I’m comfortable.”

“I noticed..” He gave him a sleepy smirk, later glancing around to find some way to escape the other’s vice grip. Truth be told, he wasn’t sure he’d be at ease being awake and walking around all by himself on a strange planet, let alone a planet with a strong resemblance to Lasan. However, he was far too awake now to consider getting more rest, even if Zeb and his radiating body heat were inviting. Honestly, if he were that easily swayed, they might just spent the next few years never leaving this room. So, he did his best to disentangle himself from the other, however he wasn’t prepared for the amount of resistance he’d receive.

“Zeb. Can you—

I’m try—

UggggGh…"

Okay. It was less adorable now…

He shoved and pulled and this lasat was really taking this serious, wasn’t he? He could not be that tired if he was using this much power in the first place. Kallus was two seconds from admitting defeat and pledging to kill him later but he got his arms free and gained new resolve. He huffed out a sigh. This should not be such an ordeal. Zeb could go back to sleep if he wanted once Kallus had moved. He was being ridiculous. The way Kallus attempted to free himself was a bit more so. Zeb was strong. He pressed forcefully on his shoulders and at one point shoved the side of his face. Kallus became a bit more irritated than merely playfully amused.

”Garazeb Orrelios. You will let me go this instant…!“

And he did.

The momentum had Kallus falling out of the bed backwards with a loud thud. It took him a second to figure out what had just happened. When the stars left his eyes, he was gazing up at a very smug lasat, laying on his side with his head propped up on a hand. Kallus stared at him hard, wearing a look of disbelief. He was thoroughly pleased with himself. "I’m sorry, did you want to get up…?” The teasing tone was enough to earn him a glare. He did love to mess with him. “What? You said let go..” He chewed on a claw.

Kallus was so very tempted to pull the aggravating lasat out of bed and make him kiss the floor. His mouth tightened. “…I’ve decided your death will be slow.” Zeb began laughing and Kallus found the sound was making him blush. He was determined not to let it turn the tide, because he was supposed to be upset with him. He should be! Not only did he knock him out of bed. He was laughing at him. The nerve! “You are insufferable. I want new lodgings..” He got up and dusted himself off, making a mental note of them needing to clean this place. He observed their surroundings, having been too tired yesterday to really take it in. His gaze shifted when he heard the creak of the mattress. He felt a rough hand ruffle his already messy hair.

“Sure. I’ll get right on that..” Zeb promised with transparency. He could likely tell Kallus wasn’t serious. He’d always been pretty good at reading him…and getting him flustered. That seemed to be his specialty.

Kallus did not hold onto his bitter mood for long, not for more than a few scoffs and indignant looks, perhaps a half hearted punch or two. Zeb was very difficult to stay mad at. He was so….so….Kallus didn’t even have a word for it. Was it possible to feel so much for someone who could drive you mad on a constant basis..? Sometimes he still felt like he didn’t understand what this was between them. He supposed there was never enough time to focus on your feelings when most of your life was dedicated to a job. A purpose.

Still, even through all of that, they had come to a mutual understanding of their importance to one another, as well as their interest… But they had never quite elaborated on just what that meant. War had their lives so hectic and how awkward they both were with emotions certainly hadn’t offered any favors. He had no idea why he was suddenly thinking about this… Maybe it was because everything felt so real. It was so fresh. Absorbing that the war was over has a hard one. Even though he had always hoped to see it, he honestly never thought he’d live long enough. And now, here he was; free. And he was with Zeb whom, of his own accord, invited him to the world he now called home. A place he wanted Kallus to call home. It did not feel real to him. That was what had kept him awake last night. He was so certain all of this would burn away and he’d wake up with a start, alone. It was stupid. He knew that.

He watched Zeb work through his morning routine, knowing he could reach out and touch him if he wanted to. He felt the warmth of the boyish grins he tossed his way. His chest felt light and he felt almost floating, which was a ridiculous feeling for such a serious man to have. But it was real. He knew it was. He needed to stop living inside of his fears. They held him back. They always had. Zeb had taught him that the only way to find peace and have a sense of fulfillment was by taking risks. It was what had brought them together, wasn’t it…? Preparing for the worst case scenario would always leave a part of him closed off. He did not want to be that way. Not with Zeb. He wanted to give all of himself, as scary as that was.

Suddenly his arms were locked around Zeb’s neck and his lips were brushing his and Kallus had barely been aware he’d crossed the room. His body had moved all on its own. Reality was slow to come back to him. This was slow and satisfying but not bearly long enough. He pulled back to give him some distance, not because he seemed unwilling in the least but because he was feeling a little embarrassed for acting so impulsively.

Especially when the first words from Zeb’s mouth were. “…What was that for…?” Kallus wanted to hide his red face but there weren’t many places he wouldn’t be able to tell when they were this close. Zeb raised his head but Kallus could still feel his eyes on him. “Barely ten minutes ago, didn’t you say you were going to kill me…?” He snickered, “Unless that is what you’re doing..”

“You know, I should kill you…. You ever pull something like that again and I just might..” Kallus said firmly but he was far too distracted by the view of the other’s lips to be taken very seriously. Zeb also knew better. The very apparent blush on his cheeks helped with that. He was still so shy.

“Ooh, you really got me shaking over here…You know, your threats have gotten increasingly weaker over the years..” Zeb gave him a smile that made him weak. It was also a bit contagious.

“Don’t tell me you’re dissatisfied with that fact…?” Kallus tilted his head with a raised brow, reaching up to stroke the back of one of Zeb’s ears. His bangs slid slightly over his eyes. He almost moved to swipe them out of the way but Zeb got there before he had the chance. His eyes widened at that but softened quickly after. He received Zeb’s silent answer loud and clear. He lowered his head, hiding the wide grin. He felt Zeb’s hands find his waist and he paused for a moment before glancing upward.

There were far too many thoughts he wanted to convey. To even try right now would come out a bit of a ramble, especially considering he’d not even had his morning caf. There was no oncoming battle to prepare for. They would have all the time in the galaxy…

“Finish getting ready…” He mumbled into his cheek, stroking his thick sideburn and ruffling the purple strands. He gave him one last look before disappearing into the refresher. Hopefully when he inevitably asked him questions later, he’d have answers..

#kalluzeb #star wars rebels #SWR #my fic #Kallus #Zeb

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stargoosie · 4 months

Text

New Beginnings ~ Kalluzeb

Chapter 1

The aftermath of Zeb taking Kallus to Lira San.

AO3

--------------------

The first night on Lira San was quiet. It had been a different story when they had first landed. Kallus had been greeted by so many Lasat. He admittedly had a bit of anxiety over it, considering he didn’t have much time to prepare. He was not upset with Zeb for the surprise, however. It had been deniably sweet of him. No. Actually, it was more than that. It was…fulfilling. There had been an ache in his heart, even after joining the rebellion, making moves to set all the the wrongs he’d committed right. However, there was no changing the past. What was done was done. That ache made itself known ever since leaving that moon, discovering just how wrong he had been all these years.

Zeb had opened his eyes and showed him the right path, though he didn’t force him to take it. He felt like despite their many encounters, he was seeing him for the first time. Knowing him. Their conversations had made him feel. It was long before he discovered how deep those feelings had become, much more than mere guilt. To his delight and complete surprise, Zeb had shared such feelings (which he didn’t find out til much later). But his affections for Zeb made that past reminder even louder in his head. Sometimes, he felt it might consume him and his mind convinced him he did not deserve Zeb after the atrocities he had committed. Zeb always chased away such negative thoughts, usually with a few kind words and that toothy grin of his. There wasn’t a rotation that went by that he didn’t feel wholly loved. Zeb saw to that. Even still, a bit of that pain would gnaw at him. The idea that once Zeb was no longer of this world, the galaxy would soon forget all of the lasat and it would be his fault. Mostly the Empire’s, but he was at one point the Empire, wasn’t he..? So many years had passed since then. That was usually what Zeb would say to calm him.

He supposed he was a stubborn man, found it hard to forgive himself even after everything, but in an instant, those feelings changed. When Zeb took him to Lira San and he saw the wonders…and the people. Oh, the people. They were alive and well and thriving. He lost his words and Zeb’s assuring hand was enough to ground him so he knew he wasn’t dreaming. He and Zeb began to get closer. He was overcome with emotion, but could not cry. That came later. Kallus always did have delayed emotions. Call it a force of habit, Imperial programming or whatever you want. He still needed to remind himself it was okay to show feeling sometimes. Kallus felt such a weight lifted knowing that the Lasat lived on, that the Empire had failed in their ‘example’. He actually felt some of that guilt melt away. It felt like some sort of miracle. He would chuckle to himself, thinking that Zeb and the people he became close to seemed to experience quite a few of those. Kallus was one of those people, he reminded himself. It was a privilege to be so welcome by his side.

Kallus turned over in what was now his bed, in his new housing on Lira San. Their housing, he corrected. The sight he was greeted with was a happily snoring lasat, mere inches away from him. Kallus grinned at how serene and comfortable he looked, stripped of his armor, no longer needing to be prepared at a moments notice. It was a strange thing; peace. Kallus had never known it, even though he’d been working towards it for most of his life. On both sides. It was unusual to fall asleep knowing tomorrow was theirs. There was no command center beckoning them, no mission filled with the grave danger they’d been accustomed to. It would take some adjusting, especially for himself. Kallus did not know how to relax. That was probably why he was still awake. His head was buzzing with so many thoughts. It was almost overwhelming. Gazing at the lasat beside him, however, seemed to quiet them.

He reached over the short distance to caress his face with light fingertips, running them through his thick sideburns. Kallus’s breath formed a contented sigh. His smile broadened at the subtle twitch of his ears. His intentions hadn’t been to wake him. He tried keeping as still as possible, waiting to see if he stirred. He didn’t and Kallus exhaled again. In a bold yet careful move, he leaned in closer to press his lips to Zeb’s brow. What came unexpected was two strong arms wrapping around him. He felt himself blush in alarm, understanding he must not have been as discreet as he originally wanted. Kallus was pulled closer, face buried in Zeb’s bare shoulder. He quietly fought so he could raise his head to a more comfortable position but found for the most part he was trapped against him.

But, he didn’t mind.

No, Kallus did not mind in the slightest, once getting over the intial shock, of course. He was warm and comforting. Even partially asleep, Zeb knew exactly what he needed. Kallus could not resist indulging in this solace. He felt so safe when they were this close. Zeb made him feel at home here. He gave him the sense of belonging he desired…and he’d been doing it for years. Being here on Lira San did give him a case of nerves and some discomfort, despite his sense of relief…but if Zeb was here with him, he didn’t doubt he could soon call this place home. He took another breath, mirroring the lasat in closing his arms around him as well.

#kalluzeb #star wars rebels #SWR #my fic #Kallus #Zeb

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