Refugee
by Kathy P.
Part 10
Marin was in heaven as he skipped down the long corridor ahead of his fathers. When he got too far ahead of them he would stop and wait for the two men to catch up before bolting off again.
He was so excited about going to the party tonight. Clapping his hands together in glee he congratulated himself on talking his daddy into letting him come. Megwyn had stayed behind with his grandpa and grandma because she was only a baby, but he was five-years old! Certainly old enough to go to a dance!
Turning around in the hall again he waited for his parents to catch up. He could tell that his daddy was just as excited about going out tonight. He had unbraided his hair and let the soft mass fall in waves down his back. His hair was pulled up on both sides and secured in the back with a feather hair-clip that Marin had given him. The soft white and brown feathers stood out against the shiny black hair. His daddy had even forgone his usual black and silver clothing and wore a bright blue shirt that matched his eyes. He still wore his black pants but exchanged the thigh-high boots with black ankle boots.
Looking at his other father he admired the brown shirt he wore. It was one of Marin's favorites because the fabric was so soft. He liked to stroke his father's arm whenever he wore it. The older man seldom wore any jewelry, but tonight he sported some thin gold bracelets that Larin had gifted him on both wrists.
To his eyes his fathers looked perfect together. He watched as they walked down the hall toward him, hand in hand, talking together softly.
As he waited Marin's quick mind started to plot on ways to talk them into having another baby. He loved sister Megwyn and all, but he really wanted a baby brother to run around and play with. He knew that his daddy wanted more kids but his father wanted him to wait a while between pregnancies, afraid that they might wear him out. Marin snorted at that idea. As if anything could tire his daddy!
When they reached him Marin turned to run off again but was stopped by his father's voice.
"Marin, come over here please," Marrett said.
Marin stopped and glanced behind him. "Why? I want to go ahead." He turned to look down the corridor, anxious to explore all the new places.
"Where almost at the promenade Marin and I want you close to us," Marrett replied firmly. He let go of Larin's hand and held it out to his son, beckoning him to come to them.
With a sigh for the worries of grown ups he went to stand between his parents.
When they reached the promenade he was holding onto both his fathers' hands. He swung their arms as they walked and looked around with interest.
There were so many different people, he thought as they made their way to Quark's. He peeked out from between his fathers and gazed around. He could see people looking at them. Some had smiles on their faces while others had neutral expressions.
He smiled tentatively at a group of people in Star Fleet uniforms. He was pleased when they returned his smile and nodded toward him. He saw one tall lady with spots running down the side of her face poke a big man in the arm and motion toward him.
Taking his hand out of his daddy's grip he gave her a little wave. The woman smiled and waved back at him, her blue eyes looking very friendly. Looking at the man Marin's eyes grew wide as he recognized him as a Klingon. He gulped and grabbed onto his daddy's hand again, earning a laugh out of the tall woman.
When they finally reached Quark's Marin was fairly quivering with excitement. He took in all the activities going on around him with big eyes. He watched as a Ferengi waiter came over to him and his parents to escort them to the reserved room.
Stepping into the room he saw five of his friends from the Daerle there. Marin began to squirm in his parents' grasp, wanting to go over to see them.
With a laugh, his parents let him go at the same time, watching as he raced over to his group of friends.
Putting their heads together, the five children started to plan their fun for the evening
***********
Larin watched as his son tore off into the room, heading straight for a group of children in the corner. He watched him for a second and when he saw that he was engrossed in plotting with his friends he gazed around the room to see who was there.
He spotted Nieret and Elie talking to Kali and headed over to them.
Kali spotted them first and waved a greeting to the two men. They grinned at them as they came closer.
"This is a great idea Kali," Larin said to the half Bajoran, half Cardassian woman.
Larin noticed that she no longer favored her injured leg and she looked well rested from yesterday. She wore a dark brown outfit that matched her hair perfectly. Her shirt hugged her curves softly and the flowing sleeves had a black embroidered patterns down the side. Her pants were tucked in to brown ankle boots. Around her slender neck was a brown choker with a solid piece of amber placed in the middle.
Leaning forward Larin gave her a kiss on the cheek. "You look wonderful," he told her.
Kali twirled around to give him a better look. "Thanks Larin," she said then gave him a leer. "You don't look to bad yourself!"
Larin laughed and imitated Kali's twirl. "I have to keep my public happy, " he teased.
The group chuckled at that.
Larin looked at the young Betazoid man Elie. "I don't know Kali," he said as he placed a finger on his chin. "I think Elie had us all beat. I mean...just look at those curls! How cute is that!"
Elie was a slender and pale young man with a wealth of dark mahogany curls that fell just below his shoulders. His black eyes shone in his face and where accentuated by his high cheek bones.
The Betazoid was around Larin's age and had been captured by the Dominion around a year ago. He had undergone some severe torture at the hands of his Cardassian guards and had been deeply traumatized. His empathic shielding had been totally destroyed under the onslaught of his torture.
His beautiful looks had captured the attention of one of the Cardassian officers. Fortunately for him, the Cardassian had sent him to his personal his estate, which boarded on Hebitia. The Betazoid had managed to escape one night, before his new owner was to arrive to claim him, and had wandered onto Hebitian territory.
Like everyone else, he didn't know the difference between the two societies, and when he was found by a Hebitian man he was thrown into a state of absolute panic.
To his surprise the man gently calmed his down telling him over and over that he was safe, promising not to harm him.
Elie's empathic abilities confirmed the truth the man's statement and he let himself be taken away to a large city. There he started his healing process, eventually falling in love with the kind and gentle man who had found him. They had married four months ago and Elie could never remember being happier.
The Hebitians had welcomed the Betazoid with open arms and he had decided to stay with them. His family had been killed by the Jem'Hadar during the battle when he had been captured and Betazed was now occupied by the Dominion so he had no where to go.
Elie blushed a beautiful pink color and reached out to swatted his friend. "Cute! I'm not cute. Maybe devastatingly attractive, but not cute. You make me sound like a little kid!"
Larin danced out of Elie's range, laughing, "Ok, ok. Not cute. Sheesh."
"That's better," he said with a sniff.
Kali eagerly told them about the plans for tonight's dance. It seemed that some of the passengers on the Daerle had brought their musical instruments along and were going to bring them to the dance tonight for a jam session. Everyone was expected to help with the entertainment.
A load whoop momentarily distracted them and they turned to watch the fast-moving blur of children head for some food that was being laid out.
"Marin," Larin shouted at his son. "Not to many sweets! You just ate!"
Marin waved a hand at his father to let him know that he heard him.
Marrett chuckled as Larin sighed. "I hope he doesn't make himself sick, " Larin said.
Kissing the top of Larin's head Marrett moved over to his drooling son. "I'll handle it," he told them.
The group watched as Marrett squatted down to talk to his son, and they laughed at the audible groan they heard coming from the young boy.
Elie grabbed Larin around the waist. "Lets go mingle," he said to his friend.
Marrett walked back over to the group and watched as his husband moved off.
"We're off to mingle love," Larin told him as he bounced off with Elie.
Moving around the room Larin greeted everyone in turn. He had a very close relationship with his people and loved to interact with them. His mother and father would never allow any child of theirs to think they were better than the average Hebitian so he held no inflated notions of his own worth.
Spotting Alieanne coming through the door with the priestess Jalli the two men moved over to greet them.
They exchanged hugs and moved further into the room. They chatted about how everyone was adjusting to life on the station.
A Ferengi waiter came over to the small group offering a tray full of different drinks. Inquiring about the selection they decided on a sweet wine. Taking a sip of the beverage they nodded their approval of the drink. The waiter flashed the Gul'en a greedy smile when he paid for the drinks and placed a tip on the tray.
Taking another sip of his wine Larin watched as a group of Hebitians entered the room, music instruments in tow, heading toward the stage to set up.
Another entry into the room distracted Larin. He grinned to himself when he saw Garak and Julian arrive.
"Garak, Julian!" Larin yelled to the two men, waving for them to come over.
Looking around to see who had called them the two men spotted Larin and made their way over to him.
Larin pointed toward the stage. "The musicians are just setting up now. You two have to dance with us."
Julian agreed, remembering how much fun he had the other night dancing with them.
Out of the corner of his eye Larin saw Elie draw back from the new arrivals. Moving over to him he said softly, "They're good people Elie. You can trust them. It's ok."
The young Betazoid took a deep breath and gave Larin a shaky smile. This was the first time in almost a year that he had been around people who did not automatically shield their emotions.
Elie had been startled when he discovered the Hebitians natural empathic ability. While no where near as powerfully as a Betazoid, the Hebitians had the ability to read emotions and block unwanted feelings.
Elie could feel his husband's eyes on him and turned to give him a reassuring look. He and Neiret had a deep emotional bond, letting his husband know when he got upset. The older man nodded at him, reassured that his husband was all right.
Garak and Julian didn't notice Larin's quick conversation with the nervous Betazoid. They were busy chatting with the two women, Julian asking how they found the station.
Just then everyone started to move to the tables and chairs that were set up around the dance floor. Marrett waved at Larin motioning that he had saved them some seats by the stage.
They moved over to the waiting man and took their seats.
Marin came tearing over, plopping himself into Larin's lap. "Can we dance together papa?" he asked cheerfully.
Larin gave his son a hug. "Of course Marin. You just come and get me when you want to dance."
Marin squirmed happily in his lap. He was so excited! He loved parties!
Marrett reached over and grabbed his wriggly son. "You didn't eat too many sweets I hope imp," he said tickling his son's ribs.
Giggling Marin told them that he only had one fruit pastry and could he please have another later.
"We'll see imp," Marrett said ruffling his hair then picked him up to place his son in his own chair.
Marin sat up in his chair, pushing his mussed hair back into order.
"Are you thirsty?" Larin asked him.
"Yes I am. Very thirsty," he said as he smacked his lips together to show his daddy how thirsty he was.
"Water or juice?"
Marin thought for a moment. "Water please."
Larin stood up to get his son a drink from the bar. "I'll be right back," he said when he could not spot any waiters near him.
Moving out into the main room he maneuvered over to the bar. Catching the attention of one of the waiters he ordered a glass of water for his son.
The Hebitian could see the interested looks being thrown toward him and the closed off room. Taking the glass of water from the Ferengi with a thanks he moved over to where a group of Star Fleet officers sat relaxing.
Stopping by their table he nodded politely to them. "Jadzia, Worf, Major, Constable, feel free to join us tonight. We have some musicians setting up and you are all more than welcome to come," he winked at the Trill women, evoking a small growl from the Klingon.
Jadzia smiled back at him. "Thank you Larin. We would love to come," the mischievous Trill turned to one of her table mates. "Wouldn't we Kira?" she said to the neutral looking Bajoran woman.
Kira forced a smile onto her face. "Yes, love to."
"Great!" Larin said delightedly. "I'll see you soon then."
He walked back to the room, chuckling as he heard Jadzia's fake cry of pain. She was defiantly not in Kira's good graces now!
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