Chapter 8: True Love Scars

Iz'phal didn't know at first how to put her feelings into words, how she felt the evening after the call but it was first anger and she thought her heart was being torn in two. It was difficult for her to accept him not wanting to be in her life, to just reject her like that completely but she never thought her greatest friend, the man she'd fallen in love with all those years ago could be so heartless and show no empathy as to how she felt. She just had to close the book on this chapter in her life otherwise she would always be miserable, would never be able to move on and that was something she just had to do. It had been years since Quinn had left her that morning and was fed up of waiting for him to apologise or to come back to her. It dug a hole in her heart to think she was losing someone close in her life but she had no choice. Hopefully in the future he would recognise his wrong doings but she had to accept the here and now and just wanted to get this over with. Before she could tell him how she felt, his voice containing a note of menace about it reached her ears and even though it wasn't friendly she was relieved to hear it.

"You must have short term memory Iz'phal or you didn't remember what I last said…I don't want to talk to you…" Quinn shot viciously at her as the thread of anger snapped immediately as she just got down to the point, saw no reason with trying to cover anything up. Perhaps if she fully expressed how she felt he would realise what he'd done, would all be alright again.

"I just want you to tell me the truth!" she retaliated fiercely, hot tears stinging the backs of her eyes. "What have I done wrong? Why did you lie to me? I thought you still wanted to be my friend…I thought that you loved me…" Iz'phal's voice trailed off into silence as she didn't want him to hear how upset she was but he'd had enough, all of his years training in the Imperial military allowing him to make the empathetic side of him almost non-existent. "So you're saying when I was just sixteen that was all a lie…How could you Quinn? After all you mean to me…You played me the whole time…" Unknown to her Corso was at the door, hearing the wavering in her voice, knowing she was crying and it was all going wrong. He wanted nothing more than to grab the comm from her and scream at the man on the other end for how he was treating her but knowing this was personal to her just pushed his anger aside a listened, heart bleeding for his closest friend and what she was going through. Corso knew how it felt to be in love with someone and not have it reciprocated. It was one of the most difficult feelings in the world to live with and even if things didn't work out between her and him he just wanted to be there for her, still continue to be friends before expressing how he felt for her.

"It is difficult for me to explain Iz'phal and I wish I could say it clearer but when I say it was a mistake I meant it. We were never meant to be together Iz and that's the end of the matter" Quinn finished coldly as Iz'phal's heart lightened from a fraction as he called her Iz but knew by the harsh, quipped sound of his voice he meant every word.

"You said you loved me! You told me I was your everything! I can't believe after what we've been through, after how close we've been you could just throw me away like this! Well I tell you what Malavai I'm tired of trying to talk to you. I don't know you anymore…I can't even call you my friend after what you've done to me…It's over…" Iz'phal started strongly then when the final words came out she was so crestfallen as before he had the chance to respond she shut off the link and just sunk down onto the bed, head in her hands, sobbing bitterly as before she had any more time to drown in her sorrows on her own she was wrapped in a warm and caring embrace as her best friend was at her side. She hoped that there was sense of regret in the man that she'd loved when she'd ended the call but the chances of him feeling anything now for her were few a far between. He had his life and she had hers but she would never be able to forgive him, not after what he'd put her through. The thought of not seeing him again pulled at her heart strings and made her sad.

"Izzy, my Izzy please don't cry. I'm here now, I'm here…" his voice was soothing, hypnotic as it hummed against her head as she was cradled against his chest, burying her face against his neck just continuing to cry. My Izzy…She thought realising the feelings he still had for her burned bright and that he did mean every word, wasn't like him but after what she'd been through, what had just happened she was just wanted to be on her own and not in a relationship for a while as his silence and understanding suggested to her he knew because he hadn't asked her. He hadn't even thought about it. Just wanted to be with her to make sure she was alright.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this…I loved him but after what he's done to me…" Iz'phal almost choked on her own words; tears still pouring down her cheeks before feeling his soft palm stroking up and down her neck and that lifted some of the pain a little, but not much. He just spoke his mind refusing to see her put through this.

"Any guy who treats a girl like that deserves nothing Iz…He doesn't deserve you. You deserve to be treated like a princess Iz and this may sound stupid but he's not worth it…If you continue to follow after him what then Iz. He'll just turn his back on you again and just continue to hurt you. You can rebuild your life without him Iz, you don't need to be with someone to do that…" Corso said kindly, his voice containing as much sympathy as he could, continuing to hold her, just wanting to be with her until she at least smiled but this was difficult. It was just heart rendering to let him go, not only as the love of her life but her closest friend. Not being with anyone wasn't a problem it was just him and not having him in her life that she didn't want to face.

"I understand but just not having him there…I loved him so much…" she confessed how she truly felt as she just pressed herself against him, having to accept herself that he was gone and wasn't coming back. It was going to be difficult to piece her life back together but with him by her side, with kind, strong Corso to help her she would get back on her feet.

"I know how you feel Iz…When love isn't reciprocated it's the worst thing but trust me Iz you have a heart of gold and a soul of steel and if anyone can stand strong it's you…You have all of us, your old friends and me…" a small sigh escaped him as he lowered his lips to the crown of her head as she just closed her eyes and just thought how blessed she was to have a friend like him, someone who was always there and who always was truthful with her. "You have me Izzy and no matter what the galaxy throws our way I'll always be here for you…"

"Always?" Questioned Iz'phal as she knew the answer in her heart of hearts but just wanted to show her playful side. He quirked an eyebrow at her, a wide smile flashing across his handsome face.

"Course Iz…We've been through a lot together and there's a long road ahead. I just want you with me" he breathed softly as she could tell he was being truthful like he always was as he held her close, his heartbeat warm against her ear. After she didn't respond he just wanted to get her to take her mind off all the negativity that had been surrounding her, just wanted her to have fun like they used to before the war had begun. "Hey Iz, how bout we go out tonight. There's a fun place just outside of Coruscant main drag I think you'll love. Just for a few hours. Just us if you like…" Corso suggested as suddenly her mood changed, swiping a hand across her eyes, a grin playing on her lips as she immediately accepted the invitation. Her voice still wavered a fraction but she wanted to just be happy, to forget about what had just happened and going out with her best friend was the best way to forget about it. Just to focus on the positives she had in her life.

"Aww Corso that's so sweet. I'd love to and Coruscant sounds fun! That's a great idea!" Iz'phal harped, suddenly excited as just to have an evening out with her best friend was just what she needed.

"Good stuff Iz. You want to go get ready. Say we'll leave in half an hour" he grinned at her as she hugged him tightly around the waist, causing him to flash slightly pink in the cheeks. Looking forward to the night ahead and a new found vigour growing inside her she began to powder her face while he went to tidy himself up. It was about time she went out to have some and fun and knew Corso was right. If any man treated her the way Quinn had done they didn't deserve her and that was the truth. The time ticked by as she continued to change quickly and make herself look like she was going out.

It had been a wonderful evening so far, Iz'phal feeling the happiest she could possibly be as the best of friends simply conversed the night away until there was nothing else to talk about. They were on their fourth round of drinks in a well-established bar just on the outskirts of Coruscant and judging by the clientele here no ordinary riff raff was just allowed entrance. The people here had some sort of dress code and were well mannered Iz'phal just glad that some people had sophistication and carried themselves with respect. They did look like a couple it was true, with his arm around her shoulders as different beings of various species said they looked cute together but she merely laughed it away and was just glad to have some time away from all that had been making her miserable. A small part of him just wanted to say it then and now, wanted to ask her to be his girl but the sensible, rational part saw now was not the time. She'd just lost the man of her heart and it would take a while for her to get over that. He was just glad they were close friends but maybe in the future he would ask her…One day. Iz'phal had not done much to improve her appearance for the evening but he had told her she looked gorgeous and there was no denying it. She'd received a few lingering glances for the best part of the night, even recognizing some of her old clients from…Back then…Her blue face was beautifully made up, cheeks tinged with a rosy colour, lips full, black eye toner heightening the expression of her eyes as she wore tight black leggings and a corset like top. Her lekku were tied behind her head with the customary brown leather band. Corso had smarted himself up a little knowing they had to be dressed reasonably to get into this place, with a black and red jacket flaring at the collar while short brown boots had the ends of his long brown trousers tucked into them. His eyes settled on the empty glass by her elbow as she nodded instantly, seeing him gesture to the cathar behind the counter to get the next round of drinks in. While Iz'phal was making her choice from the extravagant and expensive cocktail menu she couldn't help but feel she was being watched as she took a glance over her shoulder and wished she hadn't, immediately keeping her head down. A group of four well-dressed Imperial officers entered the room, Iz'phal telling instantly who they worked for by their smart uniforms and that symbol, the symbol she'd come to hate over the years on their shoulders. Hoping none of them made eye contact with her, he felt her tensing underneath his hold and knew something wasn't right, judging by her silence.

"Hey Izzy you okay?" he asked, worry about her a fraction before she just snapped out of her trance, the excitement back in her eyes, shaking the presences from her mind.

"Aww don't worry about me Corso I'm fine. Now I'm gonna have this one!" Iz'phal grinned playfully pointing to the most expensive drink on the menu as he gave her a mischievous stare, remembering he had said she could have anything she wanted before the evening had started.

"Oh okay Izzy, then in that case I'm getting this one! Need to keep up with you don't I. Man I forgot you're not a light weight!" Corso laughed, feeling her nuzzle her head under his chin sniggering with a radiant smile.

"You've only just remembered. Now hurry up and get the next one. I was empty hours ago!" Iz'phal giggled as he rolled his eyes at her before their order showed up and they chinked glasses both taking large sips from their drinks. As the conversation began to flow again about the first time Corso had joined the Republic army she couldn't help but feel insecure again, especially with an Imperial presence around. Even if one of them tried to treat her right she wouldn't care. They were all the same to her and would never be seen dead on the arm of any of them. Wanting to play along a little, a spark from her childhood resurfaced as she glanced over Corso's shoulder seeing one of the soldiers glance up at her from under his cap. She showed her teeth, put on her full expressive butterfly like eyes and smiled flirtatiously at him before he nudged his companion next to him in the ribs gesturing in her direction. The soldier who had saw her first threw a cat call her way, the response she usually got and the flow of wolf whistles before she turned away from them rolling her eyes in disgust, the mask of playfulness gone. She could fool a lot of men if she wanted to, like Quinn had done to her but she couldn't bear to break their hearts or play with their emotions. Wondering what all the fuss was about his voice was concerned but now she never wished she'd attracted the attention of the group.

"They come anywhere near you Iz, they'll know Torchy first. Don't even give them the satisfaction…" he comforted her, running a soft hand down her arm to snake his arm around her waist as the soldier's disposition soured. He was still fixated by her but was bitter she was with another man who was obviously her partner. Eventually he was distracted when the Junior Lieutenant on the other side of him snapped him out of it, telling him there was more where she came from.

"I'll give you two hundred credits if you bring her our way…" The Lieutenant spoke up, suddenly changing his mind as the soldier who had originally caught her attention seemed to have a bit of morality, dismissing the want to get in the way.

"She's obviously with someone else Jacksel that just doesn't make sense. You aren't paying me enough to do that anyway!" he retorted fiercely, kicking back against his seat, crossing a leg over the other knee.

"Bet you I could!" shot the third soldier in their group, a bold, young Ensign wanting to prove himself to his comrades but the sensible soldier of the group knew women were not just objects, one of the first Imperials to actually do so.

"Bold words, big shot! Care to back those up?" Jacksel and the rest of the soldiers laughing at his expense before the one with sense cut in, placing his arms behind his head.

"Leave off her will you!" he snapped seeing all eyes of the group now on him "She's too good for all of you anyway…She had lovely eyes though…" Drifting off into a slight trance as the Ensign nudged him hard in the chest, snorting with laughter as if he thought his friend generally cared the girl.

"You like her don't you!" Jacksel sneered rather unpleasantly as before he could protest all the soldiers in the group began to make fun and joke at his expense.

At the sudden raised voices in the corner of the room Iz'phal knew the Imperials were getting rowdy, probably reacting to her little stunt earlier but shut them out completely. She was so fixated with Corso's story and was slightly intoxicated with the effects of the liquor running in her system that she could've drifted away very easily. After a moment he paused, seeing her eyes were drooping slightly as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Izzy's tired, aren't you?" Corso asked sweetly, tightening his arm around her waist, just wanting to protect her with all these Imperials lurking around. She nodded slightly but didn't want to go home yet. She was having fun and just wanted the night to go on.

"Yeah kind of but not quite…" she paused, glancing over his shoulder at the Imperials again and saw the same soldier looking at her, thinking he was taking a serious interest in her as his eyes wore a genuine expression and he seemed a serious, down to earth person. Iz'phal however didn't care. If he did feel for her she wanted to make him jealous, wind him up, treat him badly, just like the Imperials had done to her and her family. "Hey…" Iz'phal coaxed in his ear, the amount of alcohol she'd had effecting her actions but she didn't care. "Let's make those Imperial's real jealous hmm…" Iz'phal purred against his cheek as for a moment he was pulled in by her lulling tone when he raised an eyebrow at her knowing what she meant.

"Aww Izzy that's a great idea but maybe not right now…" Corso smirked playfully at her as knowing most of the eyes of the group were on her she grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into a passionate kiss, his eyes springing open wide in surprise at first before he just went with it, sinking deeper into her touch as he just wrapped his arms around her neck and returned the gesture. It had the exact effect she hoped for as the soldier who had taken a genuine fancy to her felt bitter as he turned his eyes away from the couple before him, disappointed not to get the outcome he wanted from the evening as the rest of the group just cheered and whistled around him, encouraging the spectacle. With a heavy heart he still continued to watch her as the evening wore on Corso asking her to dance as Iz'phal grinned, nodding, one of her favourite tunes coming on in the background, the music getting louder as the night got later. She sensed she was still being watched as she and him just acted like they were together and it was drawing the exact reaction she wanted.

A few hours later the ex-soldier, holding the beautiful twi'lek girl, his best friend both stumbled together onto the sidewalk outside the bar laughing in each other's arms, Iz'phal almost crying with glee as they tried to stagger home, both more than tipsy. Their laughter filled the night as she had never felt so happy as she had in that moment.

"Did you…did you…that guy's face!" Iz'phal snorted crying with laughter, as Corso flashed a satisfied smile at her, eyes slightly glazed over as he slung an arm over her shoulder, trying to escort her home the best he could but was having difficulty walking himself.

"That was a good idea Iz! Those Imperial's will have to go looking for their fun elsewhere. That's why you're my best friend Izzy, you're hilarious!" he grinned down at her as she blushed shyly, hiding her face in his chest before trying to control her breathing through her laughing, their breath a mist before them in the chilled night air.

"You started it!" Iz'phal pushed him playfully in the ribs as he just clung to her, the pair walking down the street, getting some odd looks from the stray passer-by but at this time of night the streets of outer Coruscant were usually deserted. A few minutes later on the other side of town they reached the door of Corso's place that he had kept hidden away if he ever were to return to Coruscant. It was just a small flat with only really enough room for one to live comfortably but to Iz'phal it was wonderful and it had a sense of home about it. "Didn't know you had a place on Coruscant…Knew you were loaded!" Iz'phal joked as he supported her in his hold while feeling for the keys in his pocket to open the door.

"It's not much Iz but just a place to lay my head down for a while" Corso said kindly as he opened the door and stepped through with her in his arms, Iz'phal unsure if it was okay for her to stay. She had nowhere else to go but she asked anyway.

"Corso, you sure it's okay if I stay…I mean I can go and find a room somewhere else if there isn't enough space and see you in the morning" Iz'phal suggested as he merely stared at her as if she was braindead then shook his head, throwing their coats over the couch as he turned the lights on.

"Izzy girl don't be so silly! Course you can stay with me! That's why you came back here with me. You can have my bed Iz, I'll sleep out here" he offered as she slunk down on the sofa, groaning slightly from the amount of liquor she'd drank as she accepted the small glass of Corellian brandy he'd poured for her. She loved a good nightcap before bed after a night out every once in a while.

"Aww that's so sweet of you Corso you don't have to do that. I'm quite happy out here…This is proper comfy" Iz'phal purred as he put some more light on the subject, tidying up the place a bit, realising it was in a bit of a mess before they'd got in.

"Iz seriously it's fine. I sleep out here all the time and you are my guest" he smiled at her as with more lights on she gazed around the endearing little space, decorated with pieces of fun artwork and tokens from his visits to various worlds with just a small space for which to sit and eat and a bedroom. She knew it wasn't much but to him it was home, his home while it was here and it was a snug space. She felt safe and cosy here as she just sunk deeper into the cushions where she was sitting, looking for Corso as he was fetching bits and pieces for her, getting her room ready. She offered to help but he merely told her to help herself to another drink and put her feet up. She felt like a princess being pampered but it was just her best friend having genuine curtesy and showed he really did care a lot for her. He knew how to show a woman a good time but also how to care for them too and that made Iz'phal realise she was so lucky to have him as a close friend.

"You sure you don't want any help?" Iz'phal asked, wanting to have another drink but deciding she was over the limit already, staggered over to the bedroom door where he was sorting out the pillows.

"Nah Iz don't worry I got it sorted. Sure you'll be real comfortable in here…Thanks for coming out with me Iz, I had a great night…" he beamed at her then paused to look at the luminous clock on the bedside table and rolled his eyes sharing a knowing look with her, the look the best friends had when they'd been up to their usual partying antics on a Saturday night. "Man it's late…" he groaned as Iz'phal put her glass down suddenly feeling light-headed before she suddenly collapsed against him, as his strong arms caught her against his chest, breaking her fall realising they were both at their worst but she was more so.

"You okay Iz?" he asked concerned, slightly winded from where he'd had to catch her as she immediately opened her eyes and flashed a daring smile at him, trying not to laugh as she'd caught him out. "Hey Iz come on! That's not fair!" he coaxed warmly as he helped her to her feet but stayed still with his arms around her, Iz'phal wandering what was going to happen next and just wanting to go with it, knowing that when all was said and done they would always remain the best of friends but now Quinn was out of the way in the future maybe something more. Feeling happier than she'd ever been in her life, just in the arms of her best friend, that longing glint in his deep brown eyes and comfort of his embrace took over her slightly. Reading the intentions from the expression in her eyes he tried to say something through the haze of liquor swimming around his brain but when she made the first advance, slotting her arms around his neck as she placed her lips to his. Slightly stunned he tried to convince her that this wasn't right before her softness of her touch made him in that moment not want to fight it. It was true…He did love her, had been falling in love with her ever since they'd met but this seemed a bit too soon to be expressing how they felt. Temporarily breaking away from him she just laid in his arms, gazing into his hypnotic eyes, biting her bottom lips as if to apologise.

"Corso I'm sorry…That was really dumb of me…" Iz'phal murmured as he merely muttered a reply against the crown of her head, sending a warm shiver drifting down her spine. He just collected her in his arms and placed her on the bed, placing several affectionate kisses on her face as she felt him tracing his hands down her arms and hips. "Awww you're so sweet. Why have a guy like Quinn when I can have you…You've been so kind to me…" Iz'phal purred against his neck, her warm breath fluttering across his collar bone as he gave her a curious look at the mention of her words but before he could reply she pulled him close against her and swallowed his lips with hers. In the moment he just let it go, just didn't bother fighting it. True he was in love with her but he sensed this was to do with the amount they had drunk. Still her eyes were so colourful, her skin so soft, her heart so kind, her face so beautiful…It was a combination he couldn't resist as he helped her pull his shirt over his head as they had a bit of a kiss and a cuddle before the next thing happened and Iz'phal just went with it and even though a slight sense of doubt settled into her mind it was a night she would remember forever because he always wanted to be with her…Never wanted to leave her.