Gratitude and Southern Comfort (Jonash and Unna)

[Unna Hi Chaanu]

Unna is a bit taller than Cox, but his head reaches her shoulder at least! Her body is stiff and awkward, but she is just relieved that his head didn't dig into her chest. She pats his back and says "there, there," in a soft tone.

[Jonash Solo]

Cox's sobs gradually lessen to a whimper. He takes his head off her shoulder and attempts to place it near her neck with his face pointing away. He finds purchase on an unfamiliar texture and immediately moves his head further away and onto her shoulder.

Cox releases the hug, but stays within Unna's personal space. "I appreciate the second bed, but I was hoping to spend the night next to you." He looks down, seemingly disgusted by his own selfishness.

"I just want to feel like someone still loves me, even if its only for a night. I asked you because we seemed to connect and I thought you might be able to do it without letting it affect our professional relationship. I feel like I'm way out of line now." He takes a seat on the extra bed. "I'll sleep in the extra bed tonight. I would love for you to join me or vice-versa, but I'm happy to spend the night in a room with you rather than all alone."

[Unna Hi Chaanu]

Unna took a seat on her own bed across from Cox. Her head sunk with guilt. Her own personal issues prevented her from doing for Cox what he felt he needed. The hug that he had just released her from was at the limits of her affection threshold, especially in matters dealing with the opposite sex. Unna thought hard about this. Given her own sexual preferences, it seemed more appropriate to share a bed with a man than it did to share a bed with a woman.

"I will let you sleep in my bed with me, but before you make your final decision, there is something I wish to tell you. I don't sense that you are pursuing me in a sexual manner, but I figured I should tell you this anyway." Unna took a deep breath. "I am not interested in men. I am not interested in sex at all. That is the reason why I am okay to share a bed with a friend in need. I feel our connection as well. It is a connection I feel is built on a foundation of trust. However, I am not sure that using me, or anyone, as an emotional crutch will help you in the long run. I'm also not the right person to help you to feel loved in that way. I have felt so numb for so long that I almost forget how it feels to love, aside from the occasional reminder of what I have lost."

Unna's mind drifted to her Lady Baku. It was such a confusing relationship for Unna. Her Lady was in ways like an older sister or a mentor, but Unna felt more for her than that. Something about this woman captivated Unna like no being ever had before.

Unna's head began to hang in sorrow as the familiar sound of rain began to pitter patter between her feet. Her Lady relied heavily on Unna in the initial days after they met. Unna had saved her life and guided her through the Jungle after their speeder was attacked. Unna stood watch over her bed as she slept to make sure no harm came to her, then mercilessly defended her life against the attackers. The connection was special to Unna. It was the first time she felt needed since the little brother she had raised matured enough to claim his independence.

Unna sobbed as the man before her was in need. Her feelings might not turn to romantic love, for she had never felt in such a way about a man before, but her heart began to ache for him. She needed to save him. She sobbed as she stood up and took his hands and pulled him into her bed. "If you need me, I am here for you."

[Jonash Solo]

Cox took Unna's hand and joined her in bed. He offered to console her in whatever way she felt most comfortable.

"You're a better crutch than whiskey because you'll tell me when it's time to walk on my own again. And I think you needed me as much as I needed you. I think my Celestia's desire to heal the universe may have rubbed off on me."

"I've never seen you this emotional before. Would you like to share anything about it with me?"

[Unna Hi Chaanu]

"But I am here for you..." Unna cried. "I lost someone too. It is what I meant by saying I have been punished for my attachment. I was just remembering what I had lost. I usually feel so numb and the lack of emotion protects me from feeling so tormented."

Unna pulled the man close to her in an embrace. "We need each other." It is what she had wanted to do every night to her Lady Baku as she stood watch each night.

[Ashla Marr]

Ashla was staring up at her ceiling unable to sleep. Giving up on getting any sleep she sat up. She wondered if Unna was awake. As she got out of the bed deciding to find out. Maybe talking to someone about what's been troubling her would help. She walked out of her room and headed to Unna's knocking on the door as she approched. " Unna are you awake? "

[Unna Hi Chaanu]

Unna jolted up when she heard a tapping at her door. "Shhh," she placed her finger on Cox's lips as she climbed out of bed, covering him with blankets. She turned the light off then opened her door. "Ashla, hi..." she said with surprise as she stepped out of her room. Her eyes were red and puffy, as if she was trying not to cry. "Listen, I have a situation I am dealing with. I will tell you what I can another timer, but I'm helping someone who is upset. Can we talk later?"

[Ashla Marr]

Ashla noticed Unna's puff eyes as she listened. Raising her brow wondering who Unna was helping. She wasn't about to pester Unna though. She decided to respect her wishes. " ofcourse, just com me when your free. " softly spoke as she turned and headed back to her room.

[Unna Hi Chaanu]

"I will," Unna said, returning to her room and locking the door. She crawled back into bed with Cox and stroked his hair. "I am sorry," she said as she snuggled back up next to him.

[Jonash Solo]

Cox wiggled happily as Unna stroked his hair. "I've always loved when people touch my hair. Please do it some more, if you would like."