Chapter Text
The ball was in full swing.
High standing politicians and socialites mixed and mingled with officers and officials of the military; exquisite ball gowns and robes of the senators, gilt and bejewelled and glistening a spectrum of colours wrought in silk and velvet under the soft chandelier light, contrasting with the stark and straight cut uniforms of the officers of the GAR, medal bars buffed and polished until they were shining like new, badges of honour gleaming as bright as the star systems they defended.
It was as if a cross section had been cut through the Republic and laid out for inspection, the high and mighty, resplendent and bright, down through the common folks to the invisible staff.
But tonight, there was something different.
Tonight, there were new faces mixed into the crowd. Or rather: different stylings of the same face. The usual practised stiffness and grandiosity was also missing, an air of relief and joy shining in the very real smiles and echoing in the voices of all.
The Freedom Ball, they called it.
And how apt the name was.
It felt like a great shadow had been lifted.
For the first time in almost 3 long years, it felt like the Galaxy could breathe again. It felt like something dark had relinquished its death grip allowing the Galaxy to take a long needed gasp of sweet air, filling its lungs and sighing in a collective breath of relief.
And it was really all thanks to the tenacity and dedication (not to mention downright stubbornness) of one man.
One man who was so different from his brothers. Who sought the truth and fought for justice at every opportunity, no matter the adversity he faced. One man who, until very recently, hadn't even been seen as a part of the very Republic he fought for. That they all fought for.
One man…who was nowhere to be seen.
Just where was he, anyway? One would have thought that he'd be in the centre of the throng, telling his tale and flashing that charming grin of his to any and all who got close enough and promising a private celebration later.
I chuckled quietly and shook my head. It wouldn't be at all surprising if that's where he was, "celebrating" with some lucky merry maker.
I scanned the crowd and found Rex, looking dapper in his new tailor-made suit. He must have felt eyes on him, because he looked over at me a moment later.
“Where is he?” I mouthed. He shrugged, shaking his head, though the long suffering smile and roll of his eyes made it clear that he had some idea. I couldn’t help the snort. Great minds, I thought, and went back to people watching. I couldn’t help the grin as some poor Trooper was cut out of a waltz with a lovely lady by none other than Commander Wolffe…looking elegant and poised in his white and grey tuxedo, the Wolfpack emblem shining brightly against his black shirt.
Oh those suits though…It was no secret that Senators Chuchi, Organa and Amidala were behind them. Only those three had such exquisite taste , not to mention money and love for the men that had fought and sacrificed everything for what had been an ungrateful Republic.
Rex caught my eye again, an amused twinkle in his eye that was oh so familiar, yet so different, almost as if he knew where my mind had been going, that my thoughts were beginning to rage against the injustice of it all.
I suddenly felt the need to cool my head, preferably away from the throng of well dressed bodies that began rhythmically swaying to the changing tempo of the band. Something sensual, that soon had me hot under the collar for different reasons.
I excused myself, and headed for the door with as much dignity as I could muster.
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The corridor was blissfully quiet and empty, the laughter and murmur of voices and the soft undertone of the music muffled behind the large door. Enough to be almost….dreamlike.
I allowed myself to wander, drifting further and further away from the allocated ballroom and towards the main door that opened into the Senate Building itself.
It was so quiet that I could still hear the music and, in a moment of fancy, I opened my arms and turned in a slow circle, waltzing with some unseen partner, feeling ethereal and fantastic as I swayed and circled and laughed at the giddiness I'm allowing myself to feel.
I ended my dance with a bow to the imaginary stranger, sighing lightly and turning to the doors.
Only to be met by a familiar mischievous smirk, and eyes that glinted with matching playfulness.
The light reflected off the ornate award attached to the crisp white tailored jacket, a proud reminder of the heart that was beating underneath it. A heart that beat in each of the Troopers.
Same heart, same blood.
I’m certain that my cheeks match the colours of the Corrie Guard, caught red handed in my fancy.
“How long have you been standing there?” His grin widened and good natured laughter rolls in his voice.
"Long enough. Shouldn’t you be enjoying the party with the other folks, dancing with some handsome and beautiful stranger?" I cleared my throat and smiled, warm and friendly, well versed in this particular dance.
"I could say the same for you, Fives. Unless you were off dancing in a private party ?"
"Not much of a dance without my best partner." His wink is playful, but there's an undercurrent there hidden in the depths, a twinkling shimmer that lit his eyes a molten gold.
This is a familiar game we’d played for the past 2 years, dancing around each other in a Waltz of our own making.
"I'm afraid Amidala is currently…occupied elsewhere. Important matters of state and all that."
"Funny….” He stepped forward, hand brushing down my arm, fingers soft. My breath caught in my chest, a feeling that things had kicked up a notch…and I was happy to go along with the flow. His voice was low and soft when he spoke next, sultry to my ears.
“…I wasn't talking about the GAR's sweetheart…"
I swallowed and my knees felt weak as he flashed that grin my way. His hand was warm through the white glove, gentle as it encompassed mine and raised it to his lips. His eyes smouldered into mine, his kiss was soft on my fingertips, that damned beard tickled my skin in a very pleasant way. I swallowed, heart pounding in my chest.
I felt myself being pulled under the current, helpless against his charm.
And as he slowly pulled me into his arms, head ducking to meet mine, lips meeting and twinning in a dance of their own, it finally hit me.
We were free….