#light of my tomorrow II Cairis

[gato-the-galra-blog]

88

Kaylax’s night sky was stunning with little artificial light to disturb it; basically none. The stars were clearly visible in glittering clusters and the whisper of the leaves mingled with the water’s murmur as Cairis and Gato sat on the sand in the little bay.

“It’s kinda reassuring to see that some things remain unchanged,” she noted, looking up at the sky. “After all this crazy stuff.”

“Thank the Ancestors for small miracles,” Gato agreed softly. The past three years were indeed crazy.

“So… any plans?” Cairis inquired.

“I definitely want to go back to Amien,” Gato stated. “I want to see my family, make sure they’re okay. Then… We’ll see. I might take a look at that ‘Earth’ of yours. See where the Empire’s headed, if anywhere. As long as the Taberas are there, I’ll always have a home. And a stable income. Which is a relief.”

“And you’re gonna bring Razok along? He’s- He’s pretty much your groom now, isn’t he.”

“If he wants to come, he’ll be welcome,” Gato nodded. “Though he’s a little on the stubborn side and he’s a commander after all; he might have other plans. And I want to marry you first.”

Cairis’ jaw dropped. “W-what??”

Gato huffed indignantly. “What were you thinking, that I’m going to go back on my word and just take the dagger back? So such luck, babe! You agreed to tie your life to mine, you’re mine now. I mean, unless you would like to call the engagement off-”

“WHAT? NO! But I’ve seen you with him and it’s been long and so many things happened and-”

“Love.” Gato sat up and gently cupped her face. “Remember: I have enough affection for more than one person. I want to marry Razok, because he’s a great person and we get along well, and he’s good in bed, but he needs more time, and he probably has a few things to do. I’m going to marry you first. You’ll always be my priority. You’ll be the mother of my kits.” He leaned closer and kissed her, tender but deep.

Cairis hiccuped. “I thought you’ll just-”

“Babe, stop insulting me. And I’m sorry, but you’ll have to get used to the idea of being someone’s significant other. You’ll come home with me, we’ll tell my parents and let them throw the wedding. Mother will be ecstatic. And a while later, I’m going to propose Razok, too, because weddings are so much fun and my mother’s best cooking has to be enjoyed at every opportunity.”

Cairis wiped her tears off and laughed. “Thanks for keeping me.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

[gato-the-galra-blog]

❀

Central Hub was, naturally, a very safe place for a Galra, but sometimes even the safest places are invaded by assholes. Sometimes even dangerous assholes.

Cairis noticed that she was being followed and she tried every which way to lose the creeper; took unexpected turns, got on the train, hid for a while, and the tactics seemed to be working. A lot more relaxed, she headed back to Voice HQ, paying a lot more mind to her next assignment than the shady intermezzo.

It proved to be a mistake. She was walking down the deserted corridor leading toward her destination when someone simply wrenched her into the shadows, into a little alcove framing a service tunnel door and pinned her against the wall.

“Why, hello there, little loudmouth journalist,” the creep purred into her ear. “How lovely you are, just walking with a spring in your step, without a care in the world. Just writing your little lies that get honest men into trouble.”

“What are you even talking about?” Cairis hissed, trying to squirm free. The guy was a good head taller and broader though. “If I have written something nasty about you, you deserved it. As it is proven by the present situation...”

“Watch your mouth unless you want something shoved into it,” the guy sneered and grabbed Cairis by the chin. “Look at my you gossiping bitch. You have tried to ruin me and I think it’s fair that I should extend you the same courtesy. See how you like your tight snatch crammed full of my cock. Then again, who knows? You might even enjoy it...”

“Fuck off!” Cairis spat and using what she learned back in training, she punched him in the guts.

Apparently training wasn’t that long ago. The guy made a wheezing sound and collapsed, gasping for air.

“T-torvull…”

“STARS!” Cairis squeaked and fell on her knelt beside her attacker. “Come on?? I didn’t hit that hard?? Say something!”

The guy choked out a laugh, pulling his hood back, revealing a rather handsome face. “I… normally wear armor when you hit me, or I’m more ready for it… Damn girl, you can pack a punch when threatened!”

“Gato, for the love of- do I need to call assistance? Medics? A priest or something?”

“I’m fine,” he insisted. “Just give me a moment.” He rubbed his stomach and gave her a sheepish grin. “I suppose… the game is over now?”

“Pretty much,” Cairis grinned back. “We’ll do it again later. If you want to, I’m ready to make up with something you’d like to do…”

“Oh, hey, I’m feeling a lot better already!” Gato perked up. “I can think of a few things.”

[gato-the-galra-blog]

👻👻

He woke up at the middle of the night for no reason at all. Except for the very faintly glowing apparition by the foot of the wide bed.

Gato sat up abruptly, then curled up, pressing his hands against his face.

“No- I’m not ready. I can’t deal with this.”

“Listen,” ghost-Cairis said softly. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“We were supposed to be together!” Gato snapped, tears rolling down his face. “We were going to get married! And now you’re- And I’m like this, and I could kill Valoren with my own hands!”

Cairis rolled her eyes. “Like she knew what was going on. Like you could predict terrorists. It all started five vargas after my shuttle landed and in three more, the entire Davia Cluster went up in flames. She would’ve never sent me there if she had known something was up.”

Gato’s  shoulders sagged. “I know… It’s just so easy to turn the pain into anger. Lots of pain… Lots of anger.”

“I know,” Cairis sighed. “I’m so sorry love. I was looking forward to it- but that’s not why I’m here.”

Gato wiped his face and looked at her, knowing well how these things went.

“I had to tell you that you were the best thing that happened to me.” Cairis smiled. “You made my life so much better You gave me more than anybody have before - Val included. I know I could have had more… But I have no regrets. Having known you is enough.”

His breath hitched and fresh tears trickled down his face, but he kept listening.

“I know it sounds stupid and useless,” she continued, “but I want you to get over it. Not now, not for a while, it doesn’t work like that, but you have many others, and you won’t be able to not love them anyway - that’s why people fall for you. Let them love you, it’ll help. Once you’re ready, I want you to marry someone else and proceed to have all those seven kits with them.”

Gato laughed; it was a wet, choking sound, but laughter nonetheless. “Eventually.”

“Plant a tree on my grave,” Cairis said, drifting away slowly. “By the time it bears fruit, your heart will mend. And I’ll be keeping an eye on you.” She blew him a kiss and disappeared.

Gato kept crying until he fell asleep; but the next morning, he went to get a marker tree, and he chose a fruit tree sapling. Those weren’t the most popular option, but there was no need to make it harder on either of them.

[gato-the-galra-blog]

▙ a secret thought they’ve had about your muse (literally all I see is a blank square; sorry!)

Back when they met, Gato immediately thought that Cairis would make a great mother - if for no other reason, then because she looked like one. He did imagine what it’d be like for them to have a kit - and he quite liked the idea. ^^ 

[gato-the-galra-blog]

Drabble + Fantasy Genre

Privately clarified that it should be the Magical Girl subgenre. =3

“You’re a traitor,” Cairis said, her Sword of Struggle pointed at Gato. “I shouldn’t let you go.”

“I know.” Gato walked closer, all bright and radiating warmth. “But I also know something else.”

The sword wavered in her hand. “And what would that be?”

“I’m not a traitor,” Gato replied. “Traitors turn against their own; I did not. I don’t want to destroy the Empire; I want to save it. I want to save you. I wasn’t corrupted by the Light, they didn’t have to  use the Glitterray or the Love Canon on me - I realized that the Light had been in me from the start. And it is inside you, too.” He glanced at the blade the tip now hovering in front of his throat.

“Swords of Struggle, Sword of Suffering… More like Sword of Servitude. Sword of Silence. They keep us in the dark, literally and figuratively. Have you never wanted to be free? Advance, become more than what they told you you should be? There is an entire world outside our designated Levels. Come with me and I’ll show you. Together, we could do so much!” He gently forced the blade down.

“This could be the Sword of Solace. The Sword of Strength.” He looked into her eyes. “Or the Blade of Bravery. I know the Darkness won’t have power over you once you decide to stand up to it.”

The weapon cluttered to the ground and Cairis buried her face into her hands. Gato immediately embraced her, nuzzling her hair.

“Of course I want to get out, who wants to live like this?” Cairis hiccuped, tears rolling down her cheeks once she looked up. “Without light, without love, drowning in this endless sadness, constantly hurting others- I just-” She shivered. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

“Of course you are?” Gato soothed. “You’ve always been strong. And I’ll help.” He kissed the tears off and then her lips.

Cairis’ eyes fluttered shut and as she leaned just a little closer, her dark Empire uniform began to fade, turning pink and white  with a longer skirt, frills and bows blooming on the vivid fabric, a small crown curling over her hair that also lengthened, like she always wanted to.

When she sensed that something was off, she broke the kiss, stumbling back and looking all over herself. Her gaze, however, held no fear, only awe and curiosity as he looked at Gato.

“What just happened…?”

“You woke up from the nightmare,” Gato smiled. “Now it’s time to dream.”

[gato-the-galra-blog]

"Film"

She felt oddly self-conscious as she sat on the bed - which was ridiculous, it’s not that she had never been naked before him and she wasn’t even naked… by Taberani standards. She had no clothes on, save for a sort of harness hugging her chest and keeping her breasts rather perky, but she was draped in jewelry, supplied by his eager admirer.

“Gato, if you ever show this to anyone, I’m going to bite you.”

“Kinky! I like it,” Gato grinned at her shamelessly, fine-tuning the small handheld device, that - among other functions - had a camera.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to show it off - it’s too good to share. You look absolutely ravishing. I could drown in that cleavage.” He let out a dreamy sigh, then winked at Cairis. “Okay, I think I’ve set it right… please get on with the show. I’ll be gone for half a phoeb and we’re going real far this time… We won’t be able to talk but I want to look at something pretty in the meantime. So be pretty for me. I mean, prettier that usual. Let me watch you, babe.”

Cairis rolled her eyes. “The things I do for you, really.” But, she spread her thighs and obediently slipped a hand between them.

[gato-the-galra-blog]

“Cairis to Gato: 'Stay with me tonight?'”

The party Kortho’s parents threw was a smashing success.

Cairis was almost comfortable in her dress, dancing with Gato, sipping expensive alcohol and keeping her ears open - so she heard when some posh lady commented on her scarred back. Things rapidly escalated from there, because - true to his word - Gato walked up to the lady and loudly asked if she’d like to fight herself in a duel or would she like to appoint a champion.

The tension was diffused by no other but Quartermaster Janka himself. He politely asked what the fuss was about and Gato readily told everyone that the scars were received during a mission for the Eepire and that it concerned the soldier’s wellbeing.

Cairis got a half-hearted apology from the lady, but it was a small triumph still; however, she never expected the Quartermaster to thank her as well. ‘After all’, he said, ‘the soldiers’ health is my personal concern, so anyone who helped to uncover the source of the trouble deserves my thanks’.

He even asked for a dance and after that, Cairis quickly found herself in the center of attention, commanders and lieutenants inquiring about the details; a more open-minded troupe of women were curious about the ways of journalism - one of them turned out to be a fan - and by the time the alcohol’s buzz and the ache in her feet became enough to prompt her to retire, Cairis has made a lot of connections from all walks of the Galra elite.

“Her face!” Gato snickered, not fully sober but still carrying himself straight. “I’m still not over it! Served her right, trying to pick a fight with my best lady-friend!”

“Janka’s a horrible dancer though,” Cairis mentioned, trying to find her keycard in her purse. “I might just have to throw these shoes out.”

“His talents lie elsewhere,” Gato said diplomatically. “Kortho had fun too, the poor thing. He hates these parties.”

“That’s why he invited you I suppose. You know how to liven up things,” she grinned, finally grabbing the card and swiping it down the lock. The door slid aside with a soft hiss.

“So,” Gato smoothed out his dress uniform. “See you later?”

“I have a better idea.” Cairis wound her arms around his shoulders. “Why don’t you stay the night? It’s such a long walk back…”

“Hmm.” Gato placed his hands on her waist. “You mean I should rub your feet?”

“Heckin’ yes.”

“Okay,” Gato shrugged then he leaned closer with a conspiratorial grin. “I give amazing foot rubs.”

[gato-the-galra-blog]

Thunder

Drabble requests - open // an angry moment

“Oh, I see you’re preparing for the gala.” Cairis had several dresses laid out on the bed. Gato pointed out the red one. “This one looks real nice.”

“Yeah, that is - was - my favorite,” Cairis nodded wishfully. “Too bad I can’t wear it anymore…”

“Why not?”

“It’s backless and you might remember that I can’t show off that part of me anymore-”

“The quiznak you can’t.” Gato pouted. “This is the military. Everyone has scars. I have two. Repard has them. Your Sendak’s missing an arm and an eye and no one cares.”

“I’m not in the military!” Cairis snapped. “Don’t be daft, I did not get these in some glorious battle, I was tortured!”

“And that is the fault of that pile of poodoo, not yours!” Gato snapped back. “You got the scars on a successful mission for the Emperor! And it’s not that they make you any less beautiful!”

That shut her up. Gato grabbed the opportunity to take both of her hands into his.

“If you let him destroy your confidence, then he won, and we can’t have that, now can we?” he said softly and pulled her closer. “Wear the dress for me. We’ll meet before the opening, and I’ll have a little something for you to put your mind at ease.” He grinned, that irresistible sly grin of his. “And if anyone makes remarks, I’ll challenge them to a duel.”

Cairis sighed. Why was it so hard to tell him no…? “Okay, fine,” she rolled her eyes. “I’m looking forward to see you fight with half the patrons.”

Gato took a step back and bowed low. “For your honor, milady, I’d fight the Black Serpent himself.”

[gato-the-galra-blog]

✉

I do regret to leave your side but duty awaits and I must go. Hope I can see you tomorrow, tell you how much I loved to love you, dear, how I delighted in your moans so sincere. How I saw in your wide open eyes true pleasure and a million shining stars. If you wake and miss me, just remember how the bed rocked as if shaken by thunder, how our bodies joined and lips collided, what intense joy our coupling provided. I hope you’ll be up for another ride?

[gato-the-galra-blog]

Adventure

They sat on the side and watched as the beast was carefully prepared for the ride. Both of them were caked in mud and some blood and to be honest, other bodily fluids as well. Still, the ache in their muscles was a pleasant one; the hunt was successful, after all.

Cairis stretched her legs and leaned back on her hands with a smile. “So!” she spoke up, tone bright. “I’d say, that definitely was an adventure!”

Gato rested his elbows on his knees and nodded with a matching smile. “It definitely was. Once again though, sorry for the unexpected trouble.”

“You had no idea what was going on,” Cairis shook her head. “It’s fine! I haven’t had this much fun in a while, so no apologies needed!”

Gato licked his lower lip. He already asked if she had regrets, she said no, and she seemed to me fine - asking again would’ve implied he didn’t trust her judgement. But he couldn’t just let it go and besides…

“You know,” he said straightening in his seat and looking directly at her, “I don’t think I’d mind more adventures with you. If you’re willing to risk it, that is.”

Cairs stared back at him, eyes wide. “Are you kidding? I’d love to repeat this!” She did seem to hesitate for a moment, but then she went on. “We should definitely keep in touch.”

Gato nodded. It didn’t matter which part she meant - the hunt, the fight or their rather unexpected private affair - it was going to be nice to meet her again. Adventures, like war, forged friendships fast.

[gato-the-galra-blog]

@cairis-in-the-field

His armor blended Gato well into the crowd - after all, soldiers were a rather common sight everywhere, even on the Hub’s Tertiary Ring. People probably weren’t even aware he was there; they tuned him out like a landmark they passed every day, something not worth noticing.

Not that he really benefited from this; it just made him a little more relaxed. There was something liberating about not being under constant surveillance. Towards the end of his trek, it was doubly true - the hallways leading toward Voice HQ’s own residential area from the closest maglev stop was mostly deserted; very few people lingered there aside with a specific purpose.

Gato had been there a couple of times. Cairis had taken him to the HQ before and the last time, Gato left with a pad containing some select literature that came with Cairis’ recommendation. Even Valoren added a few titles to the list and the novels and poetry served Gato well on his latest excursion with the fleet. They’ve returned two quintants ago, and Gato was eager to see Cairis again.

She was on an assignment as well, but last time they managed to talk, she promised to be back today, about this time. Gato wanted to give her a tight hug, most probably a slow kiss, return the pad and if she wasn’t too tired, invite her out to eat something, or even cook for her… He had plans, definitely.

It was a little surprising to see the building just standing tall and quiet; one would’ve expected a bustle around the Empire’s propaganda machine, but everything was rather quiet, almost no vehicles parked nearby and no one really tried to stop Gato. He didn’t even want to enter just yet; he was content with waiting for a little while.

Just outside the building, there was a small cultivated area that could be called a park. Carefully designed with the concept of aesthetics in mind, it had subtly glowing walkways lined with an occasional bench, crystal structures and holosculptures. The plants were species that thrived in artificial or low light. Gato settled down on a bench under a tree and busied himself with admiring the bioluminescent dots adorning the leaves.

[gato-the-galra-blog]

Break your muse: “Your friend – Cairis? She’s defected from the Empire. What do you know about that?”

Gato raised a brow. “Not much - nothing, actually. ‘Friend’ is a bit of a stretch, we were more like- bedmates? So she didn’t confide in me all that much. Probably knew I’d wring her neck if I got wind of it. I will certainly try to remember anything that can help. Traitors are a danger to our Empire.”

It was a bold bluff - if they got the info from Kortho, then it wouldn’t work, but given his friendly nature, the way he behaved with Cairis might slide, in any other case... 

He tried to listen, which actually took an effort, because his mind was already occupied with plans on how to find her. He had to find her and fast. She must have had a reason if it was true. Maybe she learned something. Maybe ‘defected’ meant ‘pissed someone off and they want her dead’. 

She must have had a reason. And he needed to hear it.

[gato-the-galra-blog]

"Can I kiss you?"

“You know that you don’t even have to ask.” Gato’s smile was genuine as he wrapped his arms around Cairis’ waist. “I’m yours to content with, all of my handsome self. You won’t hear me complaining.”

[gato-the-galra-blog]

Association Meme: 4, 5, 6, and 7, please?

day or night - Dusk, when things soften and settle downseason - early autumn with warm sunlight and brisk mornings, and rewards to reapflower - calendula; one might call it humble in appearance, but its good qualities cannot be denied!gemstone - heliotrope/bloodstone, the rich color of the forest with flecks of red like blood and fire, a spark of life

[gato-the-galra-blog]

📱 (five plus one texts)

[msg ~ Cairis] Hey, I’m just making sure if you really haven’t regretted that thing on the hunt [deleted]

[msg ~ Cairis] Stop freaking out about your ass, it’s gorgeous [deleted]

[msg ~ Cairis] I’m a little drunk, and I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, if I had been there [deleted]

[msg ~ Cairis] I’m in a freakin’ deep mess right now and I want you to be safe. I love you, I really do, please be safe. [error: not authorized to use universal channels]

[msg ~ Cairis] If you get this, come to these coordinates. I’m here, it’s currently a safe place. Bring whoever needs shelter. I missed you do much. [sent]