Chapter Text
Over a week since the events of the gala, Thrawn received another invitation. This time to a quote “night out” with various officers in his… friend circle? If you could even call it that. It was being organized by Commander Eli Vanto. And so the guest list was limited to, Captain Samuel, head mechanic Felix, and Major Nova. Most likely because it would be seen as “inappropriate behavior for imperial personnel.” But who gives two flying kriffs about professionalism?
Soon, the night was upon them.
And Thrawn found himself in his old academy clubbing wear. AKA mesh top, cargo jeans, musty shoes and chain decor. Although he wasn’t necessarily jumping with joy about the whole getup, he wasn’t one to bow out on a close friend’s outing. Especially when said someone had been planning it for a handful of months.
After increasingly awkward directions and weaving through various hallways as to not be spotted, he arrived at the hanger bay with his fellow officers. All of which clothed in less than appropriate clothing. Perfect for the outerim scughole they would be spending the night.
With the ship’s passengers on board, Major Nova began their departure.
And once they landed at the desired destination, their night out could officially begin.
Vanto had a loose plan for the evening. Walk to the city slums, get some questionable food, and conclude the night with a gladiatorial match and drinks until they regret nothing.
Truly a flawless plan.
The group made their way to the outskirts. Finding the nearest place that had the least horrible food and shoved in down their throats, presumably because of the desire to rech the match on time. Only then did Vanto show us the two fighters scheduled in the match. Some, local ‘star gladiator’ and a…
Surprise guest? Hm, interesting.
As the officers made their way to the arena, Thrawn couldn’t help but feel a nagging suspicion about the match. Perhaps it’s an attack? No, that’s just him being paranoid. Perhaps the food? Not the least likely culprit. But he could speculate all he wanted.
Finally, the group made it into the arena. Presenting their tickets to the bouncer and beginning to descend the staircase to their seats. The cheep back ones obviously. Don’t want to stand out more than needed.
The gang sat down. Nova on the far left, Flex on the right with Samuel next, and Eli next to Thrawn. They were early to the fight. And Thrawn couldn’t shake the feeling that it was intentional. “Sooooo… Admiral, how’s the new guard? They all their cracked up to be?” Ah. Just as Thrawn feared, small talk. Nova was clearly trying to dig something out of him. But he could quite tell what.
“They are sufficient. I don’t recall any near death experiences with them. So, I believe they are conducting their duty correctly.” Thrawn stated plainly.
“Hm, great.” Nova clearly wasn’t looking for that information in particular. They were most definitely searching for something deeper concealed. I suppose I’m the one that tells them to dig for truth. I should have expected this. Thrawn through.
The conversation drifted elsewhere from that point. Wondering from work to the controversy of a holodrama. That was until the stands started to get more packed, and a voice on the loudspeaker echoed through the underground arena.
Welcome! You’re in for a wild night!
From there it was just information about the local champion and only minor details about the ‘new guest’. How underwhelming. And that’s when the champion emerged from the durasteel door, and their entrance was made known by the crowd’s hollering cheers. They were a tank. Large, broad body, mostly shirtless, and welding a ball and chain accompanied by a battle axe.
And now for our surprise visitor!
Finally- oh.
Oh kriffing hells.
The door opened.
Revealing his personal guard.
Venous.
But their uniform was much more… informal. They were wearing a leather harness, as well as a spiked collar with a tanked leather jacket. And for pants they had short shorts with dual studded belts. Their boots were also different, they had steel toes and chain.
But that’s only half of Thrawn’s distraction. He could clearly see nearly all of their tattoos now. With the exception of smaller ones hidden partially under the fabric of their pants and one that lead down rather undignified from just below where their rib cage ends all the way down underneath the hem of their garments. He might not survive this.
Their entrance was also escalated by the roaring crowd. They raised their arms, turning to face the crowd on all sides. From there they tore their jacket off, balling it up and tossing it mindlessly into the screaming crowd. Coincidentally, it was Nova that ended up catching it. They smirked, “Hey Admiral!” They chucked the jacket straight at Thrawn’s face.
Thrawn was caught off guard. He yanked the jacket off his face, and just… stared at it… until he was brought back to reality by Eli voice. “Just as I thought, he’s gone.” Eli’s laughter was picked up by the others in the group. Joining him in teasing their superior officer.
Thrawn payed no mind to them, his eye were now transfixed on the arena. He was enchanted by Venous’s persona. It was almost nothing remotely similar to the one they portrayed working under him. It was cocky, arrogant, proud… he could go on. It was definitely a stark contrast to the cold, calm, quiet and reserved personality Venous had become known for.
His gaze followed the outline of Venous’s form. As if he were attempting to commit every detail of their body to memory. Because this’ll almost certainly be the last time he’d witness it. Almost. His head found itself wondering into that possibility. Maybe if they had met less formally. Maybe if they weren’t bound by duty. Maybe in that reality he’d get a chance-
His thoughts begin to drift into uncharted territory. In the dim light of his office… As his mind helpfully supplied self indulgent fantasies, his features darkened with a deep violet fluster. Cease this nonsense!- You’re the Grand Admiral for maker’s sake! His trance broke with those words to himself.
He continued to watch the match in silence, occasionally glancing down at the worn leather jacket clutched in his palm. The midpoint of the match had passed, it seemed like hours since the fight had begun. But now it was nearing its conclusion. Venous and the other gladiator were bruised and bloody, but Venous had been saving a move for the final blow. And when the brute threw another punch, Venous weaved, delivering a devastating uppercut to the other’s jaw. They fell backward onto the arena floor, the ref counting down before raising his hands.
“OUT!”
The ref yelled, the crowd erupting in chaos. Everyone was clapping and hollering cheers. The ref raised Venous’s hand. “AND WE HAVE OUR WINNER!” Venous Strutted around the center of the ring, raising their fists and hyping the crowd. Soon after, they exited the arena. Not before giving a final bow to the screaming crowd.
The match had concluded, the audience began to filter out, talking amongst themselves about the turnout of the game. It all blurred together to Thrawn, his mind was still fresh with the image of Venous in the fight. All bruised but still radiating this charm he had never seen from them. I could get used to that- NO! What am I thinking?!
Thrawn’s thoughts continued to swirl. Eli seems to have noticed, deciding it was the perfect time to tease his friend. “Oh, I see. The Grand Admiral has unprofessional thoughts about his bodyguard! How scandalous.” He smirked. “Well, you better keep that between you and that photo you keep of them on your mirror.” Untrue! He doesn’t have any pictures of them. At least none that anyone knows about…
“Let’s drag ourselves out those doors and get to the damn bar! You said free drinks Vanto!” Felix piped up, breaking his streak of minimal speech.
“Yeah, you owe us a few rounds!” Samual added.
“Fine, fine, I’ll buy drinks for all you!” Eli raised his hands in surrender.
“The night’s still young, now let’s get waisted!” Nova barked as the crew exited the dingy underground stadium. I’ll have time to regret my decision to accept this invitation tomorrow.