Work Text:
A soft buzz from the nightstand stirred Eli’s senses to the surface of his light sleep. He felt the soft press of an arm draped across his chest and the warmth of Thrawn snug against his side. The steady hum of the ship combined with the comforting weight of his partner was almost enough to pull Eli fully back into the haze of sleep.
buzz buzz.
Almost.
Eli let out a long breathe before peeking at the chrono across the room. He released another low sigh at the early time and blinked the remaining sleep from his eyes. Slowly, as to not wake Thrawn, Eli maneuvered himself out of bed before grabbing his datapad and hurrying to the fresher.
A quick scroll through the notifications showed nothing of concern. There were the mission reports from Nirauan Thrawn had requested, as well as the shipping manifest and personnel files for the new members aboard the Chimaera. Overall, nothing urgent that needed immediate attention, and definitely nothing that needed Eli’s attention this kriffing early in the morning. Silencing all non-urgent alerts, Eli made his way back into their bedroom, cutting the fresher lights as he left.
Taking in the scene before him, Eli gave an amused huff and relaxed back against the fresher door. In his absence, Thrawn had managed to twist in his sleep and sprawl across both sides of the bed. The sheets were tangled with his legs and had slid down to reveal strong, relaxed shoulders and the dip of his back. His face was now smooshed into the pillow, pressing a cheek up and into what Eli thought was a very silly face. The arm Thrawn held him with minutes earlier was still outstretched, seeking Eli even in sleep.
These were the moments Eli treasured more than anything in the galaxy. These vulnerable pieces of himself Thrawn willingly shared—bits of quiet love Eli held close to his chest.
People knew of the mighty Chiss warrior turned Imperial. Those in command knew of a remarkable tactician able to observe and pinpoint enemy weaknesses, who commanded respect with his presence alone and inspired duty and loyalty in his crew. Eli, like everyone else, knew Thrawn was extraordinary.
Eli, though, could watch as Thrawn dressed each morning, mentally composing himself as he physically prepared for the day. The soft smiles given at a timely quip, or the radiance he held as he raved about an artist or their work were for Eli’s eyes alone. He understood the gift he had been given, and he cherished it.
As if feeling the weight of his thoughts, Thrawn breathed a grunt before peeking an eye open to glance at Eli across the room.
“Ch’eo,” Thrawn mumbled. “What are you doing out of bed?”
“Was just checking on some reports, nothing urgent,” Eli explained. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“Indeed.” Thrawn turned on the bed and put his full gaze on Eli, an amused smirk already playing on his face. “I could feel you staring.”
Eli grinned at being caught and cast another appreciative glance at the softly rumpled Chiss. His hair askew, crease lines from the pillow pressed along his face, red eyes still foggy with sleep, looking for all the galaxy the picture of cozy contentment.
“Eli,” Thrawn smiled under his tender attention. “Come back to bed.”
As if he could possible say no to that.
Pushing off the fresher door with a quiet, “yes, darlin’,” Eli made his way back over to the bed where he was immediately enveloped in Thrawn’s embrace. He laid a kiss to Eli’s chest before nuzzling up into his neck.
Eli considered all of the twists and turns his life had taken, how Fate had delivered him to where he was now, and how given the choice, he would pick Thrawn every time. He lightly stroked the arm draped across his chest as he considered the future and all the possibilities it presented with a smile.
“Ch’ah ch’acah vah,” Eli whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of his love’s head.
Eli felt Thrawn smile against his neck and snuggle a little closer, “Ch’ah ch’acah vah, Ch’eo.”