"I'm sorry."

Occlus sighs.

"As am I."

She... Very much wants to be able to offer Occlus comfort right now. Ani tends to need touch when upset, but...

" - Death can't ever be made okay, but... Whatever you need from me, to help - I'm here."

"It was some time ago, truly. Even before my sleep."

She nods.

"It is... Also a more somber topic than I'd wanted to start tonight with."

"What did you have in mind?"

"I ended up talking to your holocron about - the goals I have, especially around you and our relationship. It suggested talking like adults." She pauses.

"How perspicacious of it. Unsurprising, really."

"Exactly on brand for you."

"So what aspect of our relationship do you wish to discuss?"

She pauses for a few moments, regathering her thoughts, then - "I want to be yours."

That startles a laugh out of her.

"I did not expect that."

She laughs, too. "I have to have some hidden depths."

"Intriguing depths."

Smile.

"I - can't be yours unreservedly. Which does mean I need to set any boundaries. If - having me is something you want."

"You are undoubtedly the most interesting person I have thus far encountered. Strong, beautiful, witty- to have you is something I would like very much."

"Good. You're - smart and beautiful and powerful and intense..."

She laughs a bit.

"My main reservation is - my loyalty to my children will always come first, though that's hardly a relationship where - possession - should factor in. But... I haven't seen yet any conflicts between your goals and theirs - both Luke and Leia ultimately just want a stable, prosperous society, even if they currently have specific ideals about how to get that."

"Indeed, my focus is almost entirely orthogonal. So long as I am left in freedom, I do not much care about the particulars of the society I inhabit."

"I don't think they'll try to restrict your freedom. And I can mediate, if something does come up."

"At least you'll be biased in both directions."

Smile. "Might help."

"As for my part- I am not your Elesse. I am not going to become her. You will belong to me, for who I am."

"I know. I - don't think I'd want to belong to her, not anymore. I'm yours, as Occlus."

She smiles.

"Come here, then." She pats her lap.

She steps up, and swings so she's straddling Occlus's lap, hands braced on her shoulders.