Private Price for Happiness

[Aiden Porte]

Alina Grayson​

Morning light rolled gently across the plains of Naboo, turning the tall grasses around the homestead into a soft sea of gold and green. The air carried the quiet comfort of home. Warm earth, distant birdsong, and the faint sweetness of baked goods still cooling on the counter inside. It was the kind of morning Aiden Porte cherished, the kind that asked nothing of him beyond being present.

"Do you think Alina will like them?" Lira asked, looking up at him with a grin so wide it seemed to brighten the room on its own. She giggled as she spoke, flour smudged on her cheek and fingers dusted with cookie mix.

Aiden glanced down at her, his expression already softened before he answered. He nodded with certainty. "Of course she will. Especially since you are making them. You are the certified baker." His voice carried a light warmth as he reached down and gently dotted her nose with a playful pinch of the mix.

"Hey," Lira protested, though her laughter immediately betrayed her. She gave him a small, playful shove before wrapping her arms around his leg, clinging there without a hint of embarrassment. Happiness radiated from her in a way Aiden felt as clearly as any current in the Force.

After a moment, her voice shifted into something thoughtful but still bright. "You know, we should go visit Grandpa and Grandma soon."

Aiden nodded, resting a hand briefly atop her head. "Yes, we really should. That is a very good idea. I spoke to them a few days ago, and they are missing you." He paused, smiling as the thought settled. "I figured I could take you there, and you could spend a few days with them."

Her eyes widened instantly. "Oh yes," she said, barely containing herself. "We always take a day to go through the market in the city on Ukatis, and sometime we take a walk on the edge of the forest."

"Then it is settled," Aiden replied easily. "We can have a picnic today. Tomorrow I will take you to Ukatis, and you can stay with them for a few days. You should go pack."

Lira did not need to be told twice. She spun away and ran toward her room, her excitement echoing down the hall. "Yay. I will be right back."

Aiden watched her go, the sound of her footsteps fading into the familiar rhythm of the homestead. He let out a quiet breath, content and grateful, as the plains of Naboo stretched endlessly beyond the windows, peaceful for now.

 

[Alina Grayson]

Alina slowed as she reached the edge of the porch, boots quiet against the worn stone. Morning had settled fully now, light spilling across the plains in long, gentle bands, and the homestead seemed to breathe with it windows open, curtains shifting faintly, the subtle signs of life carried on the air. Warm bread. Sugar. Something sweet cooling somewhere inside.

This was not a place she entered lightly. It wasn't a stronghold or a residence assigned by title. It was his shaped by routine, by care, by a child's laughter echoing down the halls. Alina adjusted the fall of her cloak and smoothed her hands once at her sides, grounding herself before stepping closer.

She lifted her hand and knocked soft, deliberate, the kind meant to announce rather than interrupt. he would most likely laugh at her for knocking but for her it was respect., it was his home not hers.

"Aiden?" she called after a beat, voice carrying just enough to reach inside. Calm, polite. Familiar without presumption. "It's Alina."

Her gaze drifted while she waited, taking in the details she hadn't allowed herself to linger on before: the way the porch rail had been repaired more than once, the faint scuff marks near the door, the open view toward the fields where the grass moved like water under the breeze. It felt lived-in. Earned.

Alina shifted her weight slightly, fingers brushing together as if resisting the instinct to step back. A small, thoughtful smile touched her lips softened by the scent of baking and the quiet sense that she'd arrived in the middle of something good.

She remained there, patient and composed, ready to be welcomed or to wait content to let the moment unfold on his terms.

TAG: Aiden Porte

 

[Aiden Porte]

Alina Grayson​

Inside, Aiden had just turned from the counter when the knock reached him. It was soft and measured, careful in a way that made him smile before he even recognized the presence through the Force. There was no urgency in it, just presence

He wiped his hands on a cloth and looked toward the doorway as her voice followed, calm and familiar.

"Alina."

The name settled easily in the space, carried on the same air that held sugar and warmth and the quiet hum of a morning well spent. He felt her there before he saw her. There she was, seemingly pefection if he would dare to call it that. He moved to the door, the light from the plains framed her for a brief moment. Expression seemingly composed, perhaps softened by something gentler than formaility.

"Good Day Alina." he said with a good, sweet genuine tone. He extended his hand out towards hers. He would mean to pull her into a hug. He lightly whisphered in her ear. "You know you don't have to knock right?"

He gestured inward, "Come in. You are right on time."

Behind him, the homestead breathed quietly. Somewhere down the hall came the faint sound of hurried movement and muffled excitement as Lira packed far more than she needed. Aiden glanced in that direction for half a heartbeat, affection unmistakable, before his attention returned to Alina.

"We were just finishing up," he added. "And I think someone is very eager for your opinion. She's packing her stuff, she's gonna stay with her grandparents for a few days. She's missing them, and vice versa." Aiden chuckled lightly, he was happy that he wasn't the only one here for her. Maybe, part of him wondered if he was doing a good job at this.

"There are sweets, and fresh bread, along with other things. Lira's taking all the credit." Aiden leaned in briefly. "So if its bad, you can blame her." He spoke in a teasing manner.

"Hey! I heard that!" Lira said poking her head out of her bedroom. She came running down the hall, wrapping her arms around Alina. "Alina! I'm so glad you are here! You are coming to the picnic too right?! Aiden was talking about you a lot last night, he is almost as excited as I am!"

Aiden had smiled and turned around, as he began to slowly put things together. That was when he caught the last part of Lira's talk. he glanced down briefly, chuckling lightly. turning a small shade of red.

Child....you are going to be the death of me....

 

[Alina Grayson]

Alina accepted the offered hand without hesitation, the quiet warmth of his intent clear even before he drew her in. The hug was gentle and familiar, brief enough to respect the space yet warm enough to feel like welcome rather than formality. When he whispered in her ear, her lips curved in a small, knowing smile.

"I know," she spoke softly. "But this is your home and I respect that"

She stepped inside at his invitation, pausing just long enough to take in the homestead again the light, the warmth, the sense of life moving easily through the space. It always felt grounded here. Her gaze flicked down the hall at the sound of hurried movement, amusement softening her expression.

"That sounds like a very serious packing operation," she said lightly. "I hope her grandparents are prepared."

At the mention of sweets and bread, she tilted her head, feigning thoughtfulness. "Then I'll be sure to praise her generously,"

She barely had time to finish the sentence before Lira appeared like a small whirlwind, arms wrapping around her with sudden enthusiasm. Alina laughed quietly, instinctively returning the embrace, one hand settling at the girl's back in an easy, protective gesture.

"Hello to you too, I've missed you as well." she said warmly. "And yes of course I'll come to the picnic, assuming your father mad enough for me too."

Then Lira's words caught up with her.

Alina lifted her gaze just enough to see Aiden's reaction, the faint color rising in his cheeks, and something affectionate stirred behind her composed smile. She didn't tease him outright didn't need to. Instead, she met his eyes with gentle amusement, a silent is that so? passing between them.

"Well," she said calmly, smoothing Lira's hair, "I'm honored to be included in such important planning." Her tone stayed light, but there was warmth beneath it, genuine and unforced. "It sounds like it will be a good day all around."

She straightened slightly then, still keeping a hand on Lira's shoulder, and looked back to Aiden. "If you need help with anything just say the word."

TAG: Aiden Porte

 

[Aiden Porte]

Alina Grayson​

At Alina's offer, he shook his head once, gentle but decisive. "No help needed," he said. "At least not yet. Everything is handled." His gaze flicked to the counter where the treats waited, then back to her. "Your job today is simply to enjoy yourself and give an honest review when the time comes."

Lira shifted her weight, clearly bursting with things yet to do. "I have to finish packing," she announced, already backing toward the hall. "I will be fast. I promise." She turned and bolted off again, words trailing behind her.

Aiden waited until the sound of her footsteps faded before his attention returned fully to Alina. The faint color still lingered at his cheeks, but his expression was open and calm. Noting the look on her face and in her eyes, his heart may have skipped a beat. "Picnic will be out by waterfalls," he said. "Nothing complicated. Just a quiet day."

Was there something eating at him, sure. Was he trying to soften the blow by being incredibly sweet and cute, perhaps. "I uh...." Aiden started as he finished putting this together. He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss against her cheek. "I'm glad you are here."

 

[Alina Grayson]

Alina had just begun to answer him something light about waterfalls and quiet days when he leaned in. The kiss was soft. Brief. Warm against her cheek. And It caught her completely off guard.

For a heartbeat she simply blinked, breath stalling as her thoughts scrambled to catch up. Her hand, which had been resting loosely at her side, curled faintly in reflex. A delicate flush rose to her cheeks, unhidden and entirely sincere.

Then she exhaled.

Slowly, deliberately, she stepped closer instead of away. Azure eyes lifted to meet his, searching his expression without any doubt only clarity. Her right hand rose and settled gently against his cheek, thumb brushing lightly along the edge of his jaw. She felt the warmth there, saw the faint color still lingering on his own face.

A small, knowing smile curved her lips. "I was wondering how long you would wait" she spoke softly.

Down the hall, she could still hear Lira moving about, humming to herself as she packed, blissfully unaware of the quiet shift happening in the kitchen. The world felt suspended for just a moment.

Alina's gaze softened.

"I suppose we have something to talk about later" she added, voice low but steady.

Before hesitation could reclaim the space between them, she closed it. Rising slightly onto her toes, she brushed her lips to his gently, intentional. The kiss was brief, but not uncertain. It carried warmth, affection, and a quiet acknowledgment of something that had been building long before this morning.

When she pulled back, she didn't retreat. She remained close, eyes still on his, the smallest smile lingering as if to say the conversation had only just begun. He would be saved by Lira re-entering the Kitchen clearly done with her packing.

TAG: Aiden Porte

 

[Aiden Porte]

Alina Grayson​

When she stepped closer instead of away, something steady shifted inside him. He did not move at first. Her hand against his cheek was warm, grounding and real.

Her words drew a soft breath from him, almost a quiet laugh, though it never quite formed. "I wasn't.....waiting....." he murmured gently. "I was....being careful. Lira, what's after her. Me and my...."

There was no shame in the admission. Only truth.

When she rose to meet him and kissed him in return, brief yet certain, Aiden felt the world narrow to the warmth between them. It was not urgency. It was not impulse. It was something far steadier than either. The kind of feeling that grew in the quiet spaces between shared mornings and laughter down hallways.

"I suppose we have something to talk about late,"

He did not chase the kiss when she pulled back. He remained where he was, close enough to feel her breath, his forehead nearly brushing hers. His hand lifted almost instinctively, settling at her waist, respectful but unmistakably present.

"Yes," he said softly, meeting her gaze without retreat. "We do."

There were a thousand things he could have said then. About timing. About Lira. About what this meant for a life already carefully balanced between duty and home. But none of them felt urgent in this moment. Not when she was standing here by choice.

"I am ready!" she declared.

He looked at the bag, then at her, brows lifting in exaggerated evaluation. "That," he said solemnly, "Is either very efficient packing…or you are planning to relocate permanently."

Lira giggled, showing a big bright smile.

Aiden stepped forward and knelt slightly to adjust one of the straps so it sat more comfortably on her shoulders. His movements were carrying a teasing tone. "You will only be gone a few days," he reminded her gently. "You planning on leaving me?" Aiden asked with a smile and bigger tease in his voice.

"Dad!" She lightly let the backpack fall from her shoulders. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm only gonna be gone for a few days!" Aiden chuckled as he kissed her cheek. "I know, I'm just teasing you, put your backpack by the door, so you don't forget it." Lira moved quickly, placing her backpack next to the door and spinning on her heels. "Okay! Come on guys! The waterfalls are waiting!"

Aiden rose again, glancing briefly toward Alina. The look he gave her was warm and certain. The conversation between them was not finished. Reaching for the picnic basket, and looking towards Alina. "Shall we."

 

[Alina Grayson]

Alina turned, the warmth still lingering in her chest as she watched Aiden kneel to adjust straps and endure dramatic accusations of abandonment. The affection between them was effortless. Real. It softened her expression in a way she did not bother to hide.

When Lira darted toward the door and declared the waterfalls were waiting, Alina laughed quietly under her breath.

"Very true, mustn't keep the waterfalls waiting.," she murmured with fond amusement.

She stepped closer as Aiden rose, her fingers brushing lightly against his forearm as he reached for the picnic basket. The touch was brief, intentional. Not possessive. Not uncertain.

Present.

Her azure eyes met his for a fraction of a second steady, unflinching this time.

"Yes," she said gently. "Let's."

And when she turned toward the door, she did not hesitate.

TAG: Aiden Porte

 

[Aiden Porte]

Alina Grayson​

His gaze shifted to her briefly, eyes gentle, open, filled with an unguarded goodness that he did not bother to hide. There was sweetness there, yes, but also something steadier beneath it. Gratitude. Care. A calm certainty that this moment mattered.

He did not stop walking. He simply adjusted his hold on the picnic basket and let his arm remain where it was, close enough that her hand could find it again if she wished. For a heartbeat, he allowed himself to breathe it in. The Naboo breeze. Lira's distant laughter. The quiet alignment of two people choosing the same direction.

The Waterfalls​

Aiden slowed as they reached the crest of the hill, the world opening up before them in a sweep of color and sound that made him pause without meaning to.

The falls stretched wide across the valley, ribbons of crystal water spilling over emerald cliffs in long, graceful curtains. Sunlight caught the mist rising from below, turning it into soft halos of brightness that drifted on the breeze. The river wound through the green like living glass, its surface flashing blue and silver where the light touched it. Tall grass rippled around his boots, moving in gentle waves, and the air carried the clean scent of water and warm earth.

The wind brushed across his face, steady and kind, tugging at Lira's hair as she rushed ahead with an excited laugh. The sky was impossibly clear, pale blue with towering white clouds that felt close enough to touch.

Aiden took it in quietly, this was Naboo at its best. It was open, peaceful and so very much alive.

Lira began to spin in a small circle, arms outstretched then ran forward a bit. "This is perrrrrrfect!" declaring that this was officially the perfect spot.

For a moment, he forgot the sith, darkness. Forgot about distant conflicts and looming responsibilities. Here there was only sunlight on water, wind through grass, a child's laughter echoing against stone, and Alina standing beside him.

Aiden exhaled slowly, a soft smile touching his lips. Was there anything better in the galaxy right now?

"This," he said gently, mostly to himself, though they could both hear him, "is exactly what we needed."

Aiden moved with easy familiarity as he set the basket down and unfolded the blankets they had brought from home. The fabric caught the breeze for a moment before settling into the grass, weighted by smooth stones he placed at the corners. He knelt to arrange the food, laying out the treats with quiet care, the scent of bread and sweets mingling with the clean air from the falls.

Containers came out next. Fresh bread still warm at the center. Wrapped sweets and Lira's carefully arranged cookies. A small flask of tea for them, and neatly packed fruit sliced that morning in their kitchen. He arranged everything with quiet attention, creating a small island of comfort in the wide open plains.

Only then did he look up.

Lira was already drifting toward the flowers near the riverbank, crouching to inspect something bright and fluttering near the water's edge, her curiosity pulling her in half a dozen directions at once. Aiden straightened slightly and called out, voice warm but carrying just enough authority to cut through the rush of the falls.

"Lira, come settle in first, please. Food before exploring."

She glanced back over her shoulder, eyes shining. "But look at them," she protested, gesturing vaguely toward everything. The flowers the water and the entire world.

Aiden smiled, shaking his head softly. "They are pretty aren't they. You can pick some for Grandpa and Grandma, but first come eat."

She hesitated, clearly negotiating with herself then finally her smile got bigger. "Okay!" She then finally trotted back toward the blankets with exaggerated patience, plopping down near the edge and folding her legs beneath her.

Aiden looked over to Alina with a small smile, Lira was already starting to dig into her food. Clearly the flowers and water was her top priority.

"Thanks for coming with us, it means a lot."

 

[Alina Grayson]

Alina had slowed with him at the crest, though she hadn't realized she was doing it until she felt the wind catch in her hair and the sound of the falls filled her chest. For a moment, she said nothing.

The valley stretched before them like something painted by a kinder galaxy water flashing in sunlight, mist rising like breath, the air so clean it almost felt sacred. She watched Lira spin and run ahead, laughter ringing clear and unburdened, and something inside her eased in a way that had nothing to do with duty.

Her gaze shifted to Aiden when he spoke.

"This is lovely Aiden."

She didn't answer immediately. She simply watched him as he set the blankets, anchoring corners with stones, arranging food with a quiet attentiveness that said this mattered to him. Not because it was grand. Because it was theirs.

Only when Lira finally relented and plopped down on the blanket did Alina step forward to kneel opposite her, smoothing the fabric beneath her hands.

"It's beautiful," she said softly, glancing once more toward the falls. "You chose well."

When Aiden thanked her, she looked up at him properly "You don't have to thank me," she replied gently. "I wanted to be here."

Her eyes drifted briefly to Lira, who was already halfway into her food with heroic determination.

"And I'm fairly certain I would have been summoned anyway," she added lightly, the faintest smile touching her lips.

The wind shifted again, lifting the edge of the blanket, carrying mist and sunlight across them in equal measure. Alina reached for a piece of fruit but didn't take a bite yet. Instead, she leaned back slightly on one hand, letting the warmth of the sun settle across her shoulders.

TAG: Aiden Porte

 

[Aiden Porte]

Alina Grayson​

Aiden watched them both for a long moment, the sight settling deep within him in a way that felt steady and full. Lira's energy, Alina's quiet composure, the sunlight threading through it all. It stirred something unmistakably warm in his chest.

He smiled openly, affection clear in his expression. "Yes, she definitely has that effect on people," he said with a soft chuckle, glancing toward Lira as she fidgeted on the blanket, eyes drifting again and again toward the flowers by the river.

He reached for a piece of fruit and took a small bite, shaking his head with amused understanding as Lira practically vibrated in place.

"All right," he relented, laughter in his voice. "You can go. Just stay close."

Lira gasped as though she had been granted a great honor, threw her arms around both of them in quick succession, and then darted off toward the flowers, giggling as the wind caught her hair.

Aiden watched her go, his smile lingering.

"She is going to be a handful when she gets older," he murmured, half to himself, half to Alina. There was no worry in it, only pride.

He drew in a slow breath, the air cool with mist from the falls, and reached for another piece of fruit. His gaze shifted back to Alina, steady and attentive.

"What is on your mind, Alina?" he asked gently.

There was no pressure in the question. Only openness as he leaned slightly toward her, present and ready to listen, the distant sound of Lira's laughter carried softly on the breeze.

 

[Alina Grayson]

Alina didn't answer right away.

She watched Lira race through the tall grass, the sunlight catching in her hair as the mist from the falls drifted in soft halos around her. The world felt wide and open here water, wind, laughter. Simple things. Honest things.

When Aiden asked what was on her mind, she turned her head toward him and for a fleeting second, something unguarded crossed her expression. The memory of his kiss lingered there, warm and close, still recent enough that she could almost feel it again.

She looked away only slightly, toward the river below.

"Nothing really," she said softly.

Her hand rested against the blanket between them, fingertips tracing idle patterns in the fabric. A faint breath left her not quite a laugh, but close.

"I was just thinking..." She paused, searching for the right way to say it without turning it into something larger than it needed to be. "That this feels… good."

Her eyes shifted back to him then, steady and clear.

"Being her with you and Lira," she added gently. "Not having to spend every waking moment worrying about the fate of the galaxy.."

The breeze moved a loose strand of hair across her cheek. She didn't brush it away immediately. She just held his gaze.

"You" she said after a beat, a small curve forming at her lips, "have very good timing."

Her eyes flickered briefly just for a heartbeat to his mouth before returning to his eyes. A soft flush touched her cheeks, but she didn't look embarrassed. Only aware.

"And I'm glad I came," she finished, quieter now.

TAG: Aiden Porte

 

[Aiden Porte]

Alina Grayson​

Aiden's smile deepened, softer now, touched with something reflective.

"I'm glad," he said gently. "I should have asked you here a long time ago."

The admission carried no heaviness, only honesty. For so long it had been missions, responsibilities, distant crises demanding his attention. Always moving and always trying to help the next person. And somewhere in all of that, perhaps he had overlooked what had been steady and good right in front of him.

He saw the shift in her eyes when they flickered briefly downward and back again. The awareness and the shared understanding. It sent a faint warmth rising to his cheeks before he could stop it.

Aiden finished the piece of fruit in his hand and let out a quiet, contented sigh. His gaze drifted toward Lira, who was now kneeling carefully among the flowers, selecting them with exaggerated seriousness before breaking into a small run and spinning once in delight.

Aiden's expression softened further.

Then he shifted, closing the small distance between himself and Alina until their shoulders brushed. He turned his head slightly toward her, amusement and tenderness mingling in his eyes.

"How is my timing now?" he asked, voice low and warm.

He did not wait for her to answer. Leaning in, slow and deliberate, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. It was unhurried, certain, and full of quiet affection. Not rushed, nor hidden, just right.

 

[Alina Grayson]

Alina had just drawn breath to answer him when their shoulders brushed. The contact was subtle, but intentional. She felt it. Her eyes lifted to his at the question, and the faintest hint of challenge flickered there. “Bold,” she murmured softly, as if assessing him.

Then he leaned in.

This time she was not caught off guard.

The kiss was slow and deliberate, and she met it just as steadily. There was no hesitation in her now only choice. Her hand rose instinctively, resting lightly against his chest, not to stop him, but to feel the solid warmth of him beneath her palm. The world did not disappear, but it quieted. The rush of the falls softened. The wind became background instead of motion.

When she pulled back, it was not far.

Her forehead hovered close to his, her breath still warm between them. A faint flush colored her cheeks again, but there was no uncertainty in her gaze.

“Your timing” she said quietly, “is improving.”

A small smile curved at the corner of her mouth softer than teasing, but not entirely free of it.

Her fingers lingered against his chest for another second before sliding down, though she did not shift away. She glanced briefly toward Lira still happily occupied and blissfully unaware then back to him.

“Just, remember where we are,” she added gently, though there was no real reprimand in it. Only awareness. Only care.

Her thumb brushed lightly against his collar as she leaned in just enough to whisper, “And don’t make me wait too long next time.”

Then she eased back a fraction, still close, still warm, sunlight catching in her hair as the falls roared softly behind them.

TAG: Aiden Porte

 

[Aiden Porte]

Alina Grayson​

Aiden let out a quiet breath, warmth still settling in his chest.

"I do try to improve in many things," he said with a faint smirk that grew into a broader smile. "Trust me, I haven't forgotten."

His gaze drifted to Lira, who was now proudly presenting a small, uneven bundle of flowers to absolutely no one in particular. The sight pulled a soft chuckle from him. The way she had come into his life and stolen his heart could only be described as criminal. But it was probably one of the greatest thigns to ever happen to him.

Then he looked back to Alina, expression gentle but steady.

"There is something I need to ask you," he said quietly. "I am not asking because of what just happened between us. I am asking as a friend."

There was no fear in his voice. No hesitation, just simply truth.

He showed a smile as he looked over to Lira. "If something happens to me… can you look after her?" he asked softly, before looking back to Alina. "Can I count on you to do that for me. Please."

The words were simple, but they carried the weight of everything he was and everything he protected. He held Alina's gaze, heart open, trusting her with what mattered most. It wasn't fair of him to ask her, it truly wasn't. But he didn't know how much time he had. Timing was everything right now, there was so much going on. Aiden wasn't scared, but he was worried for her.

"It's not fair for me to ask you that, and I'm sorry. But I have to know."

 

[Alina Grayson]

Alina had been smiling at him a moment before, sunlight caught in her hair and the mist from the falls softening everything around them. When he asked the question, the warmth in her expression did not vanish, but it changed. It deepened.

She did not let the words hang in the air between them.

Instead, she reached up and took his face in both hands, firmly enough that he could not look away, gently enough that it was unmistakably care and not alarm. Her thumbs rested along his jaw, her fingers curved at the edge of his neck, anchoring him there in front of her.

"Aiden" she said, her voice steady and clear, not raised, not shaken.

"Nothing is going to happen to you."

There was no false comfort in the statement. No naïve denial of danger. Only conviction. She held his gaze without blinking, azure eyes unwavering.

"You are not standing on borrowed time. You are not walking toward something inevitable. Whatever you are facing, whatever you think may be coming, you are not facing it alone."

Her thumbs moved slightly, brushing along his skin in a grounding gesture rather than a soothing one.

"And if anything ever tried to take you from her, or from me" she continued, her tone firm now, edged with something protective, "it would have to come through me first."

The breeze shifted, carrying the sound of Lira laughing somewhere near the flowers, bright and untouched. Alina did not look away from him.

"As for Lira" she said more softly, though the steadiness did not fade, "we will take care of her."

She emphasized the word without breaking eye contact.

"If the unthinkable ever happened, yes, I would protect her. I would raise her. I would make sure she knows exactly who her father was and how fiercely he loved her. She would never doubt that. Not for a single day."

Her forehead rested lightly against his for a moment, not in fragility, but in closeness.

"But you do not get to speak as if you are already gone" she added quietly. "And you do not get to carry that weight by yourself."

One of her hands slid down from his cheek to rest over his heart, feeling the steady rhythm there beneath her palm.

she said, her voice gentler now but no less certain. "You, me, her. That means the future is ours to protect together. Not something you prepare me for in secret."

She eased back just enough to look at him fully again, her hand still over his chest.

"Yes" she finished softly. "You can count on me. For her. And for you."

Her expression softened at last, but the resolve in her eyes did not.

"But nothing is going to happen to you."

TAG: Aiden Porte

 

[Aiden Porte]

Alina Grayson​

Aiden held her gaze as her hands framed his face, letting himself be still beneath her touch. He listened to every word she spoke, not with the guarded focus of a Jedi Knight, but with the open heart of a father and a man who had been carrying too much for too long.

Her certainty reached him. Her promise steadied him.

He drew in a slow, happy breath, shoulders easing as something heavy finally loosened inside his chest. That was what he had needed to hear. Not reassurance born of hope alone, but resolve. And what she said about Lira, about him, about all three of them together, settled deep within him like a quiet sunrise.

Hope, light, and he felt stronger for it.

Then Lira's triumphant laughter cut through the moment.

"I found the perfect flower!"

Aiden could not help the way his smile widened instantly. He glanced toward his daughter, then back to Alina. He lifted her hand gently and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles.

"Thank you, Alina," he said quietly. "For helping me see."

Before anything more could be said, Lira came racing toward them, arms full of colorful blossoms, hair flying wildly in the wind.

"Dad. Look. I found them all."

Aiden gave Alina a quick wink before sitting up fully, his attention shifting to Lira as she skidded to a stop in front of them.

He leaned forward to admire her collection. "What do you think?" she asked eagerly.

"That is beautiful," he said warmly. "They are going to love them."

Lira giggled and wrapped her arms around him in a fierce hug. Aiden returned it without hesitation, holding her close for a moment before she turned toward Alina, holding out one carefully chosen flower.

"Look, Alina. And I got one for you."

Aiden watched the exchange with quiet affection, love steady in his heart, grateful beyond words for this moment, for this place, and for the two people beside him.

 

[Alina Grayson]

Alina did not pull her hands away immediately when he thanked her.

She felt the shift in him, the way his shoulders eased, the way something unspoken settled. It mattered to her more than she let show. When he lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles, the gesture was simple, almost old-fashioned, and it drew a softer expression from her than anything he had said.

"You don't have to thank me" she replied quietly. "You just have to believe me."

Then Lira's voice broke through the moment in a burst of triumph.

Alina turned just as the girl came racing toward them, arms full of color and wild delight. The sight made her laugh under her breath. She watched Aiden kneel and take in the collection with that open pride that never failed to undo her a little.

When Lira turned toward her and held out a single flower, carefully chosen, Alina's expression changed completely.

She accepted it as though it were something priceless.

"Is this really for me?" she asked gently, lowering herself so she was closer to Lira's height. She turned the flower between her fingers with deliberate care, admiring it as if it were rare.

"It's perfect," she said warmly. "You chose well."

She tucked the stem carefully into her hair near her ear, securing it so it would not fall, then looked up at Aiden with a faint smile that carried more than the moment required.

There was no tension in her gaze now. Just quiet affection as she looked between father and daughter.

Then she shifted slightly closer again, not touching him this time, but near enough that the warmth between them remained.

"You were right" she added, glancing toward the waterfall and then back at him. "This was exactly what we needed."

Her fingers brushed lightly over the petals once more, the bright color vivid against the sunlight, and she let herself simply be there with them, the sound of water and laughter wrapping around the three of them like something steady and lasting.

TAG: Aiden Porte