“Yeah, the Osiris is going to give you a shot that I think has nanites in it or something that will give you some of the powers I have,” Jace said, frowning down at the cut.
“That is… it can do that?” Khoth asked, staring down at Jace’s paler pink hand against his blue skin.
“Yeah, and a lot of things, but I want to make sure it's kosher before it sticks anything into you,” Jace said.
“Kosher? Is that not a term--”
“It means more than one thing.” Jace grinned, but that grin faded. “I won’t let the Osiris hurt you… or anyone. I mean… except the Khul and any other enemies, but I mean I would never let you be hurt.”
“I know,” Khoth said softly. He did know. Jace had all this power and yet he would use it to keep Khoth safe, even though Khoth should have been doing that for Jace. But instead his mother was one of Jace’s enemies. Their enemies.
Jace stared down at their linked hands. The blood had already ceased. It was already turning into a thin scab. Jace gently moved his thumb over Khoth’s palm. The touch was tender and arousing. Khoth held himself very still.
“Your blood is blue. Your skin is blue.” Jace was smiling again. “You’re an alien being. A warrior who flies spaceships and wields a sword and a laser rifle with ease.”
“You do the same. But your skin is pink and your blood is red,” Khoth stated.
Jace let out a laugh that sounded almost like a sneeze. “I wasn’t… I wasn’t just stating facts. I was just listing out some of the things that makes you incredibly cool.”
“Not in temperature.”
“No.” Another grin. “You’re so amazing and I feel like all I’ve done is brought you trouble.”
Khoth frowned. “I do not see how you are responsible for anything other than the positive aspects of my position.”
“You’re losing your family,” Jace said quietly.
His forehead scrunched and the pressure of his grip on Khoth’s hand increased for a moment, the thumb stuttering over his palm in its formerly smooth movement.
“Again, that is not your responsibility. You have not caused this,” Khoth assured him.
“I set your mom up,” Jace said with a faint grimace.
“You allowed her to show her true colors? I believe that is the phrase,” Khoth stated.
“But it’s destroying your family. Your honor or whatever. What you value,” Jace said. “No matter what, you need your parents.”
Khoth took both of Jace’s hands. “Even if this is all true, Jace, you are not responsible for what has happened between my parents and myself. I chose to do what I did because it was the logical thing to do. Not because...”
“Not because?” Jace prodded.
“Not because of our… our intimate desires.” Khoth blued.
“Oh, well… so your intimate desire for me is not worth exile? I guess I should be relieved about that.” Jace smiled again.
Khoth blued more deeply and cleared his throat. “That is unclear. But it played no role in this case. I hope that relieves any guilt you feel but that you are not disappointed in what value I place in you.”
Jace nodded, his eyes still down as if he couldn’t quite meet Khoth’s eyes, but he could see the flash of a smile. “Thank you for that. But there’s no need for assurance..”
“You need me to accompany you to meet my… to meet High Councillor Voor. I have delayed too long,” Khoth stated and this time he went to grab the dagger without hesitation and without cutting himself. He kept one hand on Jace’s.
“No!” Jace cried. “You didn’t take too long. I realized that I shouldn’t have let you go do this alone.”
Khoth lifted his eyebrows. “I am uncertain--”
“I thought I was doing the right thing by giving you privacy, but then I realized that I was wrong!” Jace’s jaw clenched and a look of deep unhappiness flowed over his face.
Khoth put two fingers under Jace’s chin. He made Jace meet his eyes. “What is distressing you so?”
