#atton rand

The sound of the door sliding open alerts him to his companion's entrance.  “Good morning, oh great Jedi Master Nasan,” he quips as Kartaelin enters the room, stopping for a moment to salute him.

“Good morning, love,” he answers back as he ascends the stairs to join him.  After meditation sessions, the Sephi typically exudes calm just as he does today.  His calming energy brings a bit of that inner peace back to Atton as he approaches.  Kartaelin slides his hand lovingly across his back and kisses him as he comes to stand beside him.  He can taste the bittersweet notes of caf on his lips and smiles into it.

Atton reciprocates, leaning toward him and basking in his warmth.  The moment is gone in an instant and Kartaelin moves toward the window to look out to the sunrise, fingers trailing down Atton's arm to squeeze his hand and hold it loosely in invitation to join him.  As Atton's hand falls from his grip, he takes one more drink of caf and gives his arm a quick scratch before joining him.  Kartaelin glances at him from the corner of his eye, hands held together behind him and a radiant smile on his face.  Atton places his elbow on his shoulder and leans on him, “So, what's on the agenda today, besides the obvious?”

Kartaelin's eyes scan the increasingly bustling thoroughfares of the city before focusing on the beauty of the sunrise on the horizon.  “You mean other than the meeting?  I’d like to spend some time in the archives, but you already knew that,” he turns his head to look at his partner, a knowing smile on his face as he reaches for him through their bond.  “Perhaps a walk in the entertainment district later for a bite to eat, if you're up for it?”

“The entertainment district, huh?  Gambling, drinking, debauchery.  Who are you and what have you done with Kartaelin?” he jokes.

Kartaelin chuckles, “You know full well I'm not suggesting all of that.  I won't begrudge you a game of Pazaak or a drink, but don't forget, moderation.  I was merely suggesting a night out and a good meal before we depart again.”

“I think I’d prefer to play strip Pazaak right here,” Atton smirks, hand on his hip and leaning closer.  But the itch is starting to overwhelm him and he interrupts his flirting to scratch it again.

“Are you going to let me win this time?”

“You know what’ll happen by the end whether you win or not," he grins. "It's just fun to see if you can take me before all your clothes are on the floor.”  

Kartaelin shakes his head, the smile wide on his face now.

Having helped the TSF and Major Riiken’s men with rooting out the last of the Sith troopers from this area of the station, the pair head back toward the shuttle to find Mandalore waiting for them.

“My men are holding the shuttle to the Ravager. We will join you in the assault. Allow us to lead the charge and bring us to victory.”

Kartaelin claps a hand to his shoulder, and nods, “I’m counting on it.”

“You shall not face this alone,” comes a voice from behind on the opposite ramp. Kartaelin turns to see Visas striding toward them. “I will go with you and be by your side.”

A sad smile crosses his face, “Are you certain you wish to do this, Visas? It will undoubtedly mean facing your former master. It may be safer to stay back and help Grenn and Riiken with the evacuations.”

“I cannot. I have sworn my protection to you. My life is yours to do with what you see fit, but please do not ask me to stay behind.”

— The Fool and The Gladiator

another Atton x Kerani artwork!! This time done by @taku.romiii in ig! do check them out!!