Scarlet Shadows
© Kaz, 2003-2004
Chapter Seven – Toye
Unfortunately, Jacen Solo had never fought for the sake of someone he had taken quite a fancy on --- and in that case, he was distracted big-time --- so in his heroic attempt to save the blonde-haired damsel in distress he earned a good, hard blow in the face that rendered him a black eye some time afterwards. That one punch, despite the damage it caused, didn't stop him from his girl-saving spree, however; in fact, it only made him more determined than ever. Closing his deep brown eyes, he concentrated on nothing else but the men who dared to cross the pretty waitress' path. If there was a technique in the fighting arts he excelled in, it was the blind-with-both-hands-tied-behind-one's-back style, the art of calm fighting. He was the only one who could pull it off nice and easy.
The street thugs, who never thought of the possibility that the older Solo was trained in more than just the bureaucratic ways, charged as soon as they felt like doing so, acting on impulse and reflex. Being big and brawny members of the presumed stronger sex, their initial assault done in unison caused the nearby tables and chairs to topple down, and sent the people panicking a short moment after. The males immediately bolted away from the battle point, their safety being their number one priority, while the few females in the premises, including the dancers and the other courtesans, started screaming and shrieking at the brawl that was taking place.
Jacen was oblivious to all the noise and chaos, however, for he was focused on his enemies alone. He dodged one attack after the other with much grace and charm, ducking and somersaulting whenever he felt the need to, landing on top of a table once in a while without losing his balance or causing the furniture to topple over. He punched and kicked, leapt and rolled, knocking down the ill-willed ruffians one by one until the only one left standing was the beefiest member of the bunch. And still, his eyes remained closed, which added to the good impression he was already making on the emerald-eyed Danni Quee.
The surviving gang member let out a howl before he tore his upper garment off, revealing his muscles in all their thuggish glory. The gesture was useless, however, as his adversary was not keeping an eye on him at all. On the other hand, Jacen was at the verge of attacking the hooligan when the younger Solo, the blue-eyed Anakin, rested a hand on his shoulder calmly and offered without the slightest hint of hesitation, "Let me help you, brother."
There was something in the seventeen-year-old's voice that made the older of the two stop; it was then when he grew aware of the steely determination in his little brother, and so he gave in to his request, which was put out rather cockily, to say the least. He soon dropped his guard, slipped out of his fighting stance, and finally opened his eyes once more, sweeping his gaze around the area for a brief moment to check the damage he had caused and would have to pay for. That finished, he then stepped aside and allowed the other Solo to move forward, as their foe had already been waiting for their battle to come to a close.
It didn't take long for him to find out, however, the reason why his brother was back into showing off how good he was at kicking other people's butt. Just behind the bright red curtains of the stage stood a young woman, blonde like the one who had caught his eye --- but not as attractive, to his point of view --- and she had her eyes fixed on Anakin, watching him with much interest and a sense of admiration, if he was not mistaken. To confirm if his suspicions were correct, Jacen averted his gaze to his brother, and found him standing in front of the fallen street fighter, beaming at the courtesan with one foot pressed on the other's chest in victory. An unspoken attraction, definitely, and he was just as sure she was the reason Anakin insisted on going to the Feu de Joie.
"I'm very sorry for the trouble these goons caused, Mr. Solo. Once again they've lost their manners," a firm yet welcoming voice exploded from the far end of the room, and Jacen turned around to come face-to-face with a well-built woman with fiery red hair and gleaming emerald green eyes. She was straightening herself and fixing her hair with one hand, a gesture the young politician had seen so often every time someone would walk up to him and address him. Before he could say anything in reply, however, she extended her hand. "I'm Arica Jade. I own this place."
"We should be the one to apologize for the mess we caused," he told her as he shook her hand, motioning towards the disarranged tables and chairs as well as the broken pieces of glass and liquor bottles. He then forced a smile, his bureaucratic front back into place. "How much do we have to pay for all this, Miss---"
"Madam. I'm married," the redhead quickly corrected with a soft smile, pulling the young man aside as some of her subordinates came in to drag the ruffians out. Noticing that the older Solo was slightly injured, she quickly turned to the blonde-haired waitress who stood nearby, gesturing that she come to her, and then, she looked back at Jacen and finished, "And it's no bother, Mr. Solo. We get these brawls and gang fights all the time. You don't have to pay for anything at all, except perhaps for the drinks you and your brother ordered. But before that we have to get yourself fixed up. Danni, please."
Jacen was about to protest, as his injury was nothing more than a bruise that would disappear in a few days' time, but as soon as he realized Arica was referring to the waitress, he immediately changed his mind.
"Ow!" Jacen winced loudly as Danni went on to tend the bruises on his handsome face, unable to hold on to the pain he was feeling any longer. He knew he blew his chances of impressing the young woman by his apparent lack of manliness, so instead of focusing on that, he sent a prayer to the one in charge in the heavens in request that her type be knightly boys who aren't too fond of pain. Seeing her embarrassment at having exerted too much pressure on her application of the medicine --- out of nervousness, perhaps? --- and therefore causing more pain than comfort, he quickly told her that he just wasn't man enough to stifle his cry of pain. Her abashed expression was reduced rapidly into a relieved one, but it was as clear as day that she was blushing.
And it didn't take long for the young diplomat to realize that so was he.
To serve as a diversion, primarily for himself, he grabbed the ice bag that lay unnoticed on the table and pressed it firmly against his swollen eye. The iciness of the frozen water cubes trapped in the bag's interior did little to make the warmth that had spread on his face disappear. He further shifted into another angle to prevent him from seeing her, not that he didn't want to, of course. He had been told that women were one of his weaknesses, but he never expected it to be actually proven. At least his brother was not around to disturb him with his teasing.
"Jacen? I-I mean, Mr. Solo," the waitress quickly corrected herself after her initial call, green eyes flickering from his attractively calm features to the dull wooden floor. As much as she was aware of his true identity, she couldn't seem to aim her hatred for his family at his direction, not after he stood up for her. True, she would've been able to handle those goons --- kill them, even --- but the way he spoke in her defense meant much more than his showy fighting. It was then when she realized that despite the majority's actions against her kind, there were still those who actually cared. If Jacen had stuck to talking about how women shouldn't be treated badly she would've whisked away the consideration that he was a woman-sympathizer, but he went as far as showing the bad boys what the consequences of abusing women were. And that she truly appreciated. "Thank you… I guess."
He couldn't resist. He turned around and found her smiling warmly at him. Don't blush, he ordered his inner self sternly, sending the command fiercely through his system so as to affect his hormones as well, before returning the favor and letting out a smile himself. "It was no problem at all." When she looked back down on the floor, which he, too, found very unattractive, in apparent embarrassment, he immediately added, "Really. It was nothing, Danni. Well… is it alright if I call you that?"
She nodded. "Sure. After you saved me," she made it sound as if she was truly in debt to him, "how could I say no? Right here and now I'd practically do anything you'd ask me to. With the appropriate boundaries established, of course."
I sure would like to ask if I could kiss you, Jacen thought, amused.
Danni then extended her hand, getting on with the formalities. After all, they hadn't been properly introduced; she knew him because he was popular, he knew her because Arica told him about her. "Pleasure to meet you… Jacen." She sounded uncertain at calling him by his first name --- she was just a waitress in some night club, after all, while he was the son of bureaucrats, and a budding one at his own right, with a bright future within his grasp --- to the extent that her comment seemed like a question.
But he didn't seem to notice. "So… how long have you been working here?" he asked as he pulled his hand away from her grip. And do you intend to stay here your whole life? Because if you do, I'd happily volunteer to be your bodyguard, and make sure that nobody would treat you the way those goons did ever again, he thought, wanting to say those words but simply unable to. It was too early. And besides, he didn't even know if she felt the same way towards him, or if his attraction towards her was simply a juvenile crush that would disappear into oblivion at their parting.
"All my life," she lied in reply. She wasn't going to let a stranger pry into her private affairs.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Two years," she admitted, only realizing a moment later how he had seen through her façade and figured out that she was lying. She didn't know what to think, or even feel, at that. "Before that, I…" She couldn't continue, and the impulse to stop and say nothing that would expose herself any further came automatically. How could she tell him that she once worked in one of their laboratories as a man, then was brutally kicked out when she was unfortunately discovered? How could she tell him that it was his family that cursed her? After all, if she hadn't been kicked out, she wouldn't have ended up working for the notorious drug lord Aalto, she wouldn't have made those deadly drugs that stole so many people's lives, she wouldn't have become the lethal assassin she was now.
But the assassin part happened for a good reason, too. I guess not all bad things are actually bad, she said to herself. Just as not all Solos are bad. Then she was snapped out of reverie as she noticed that his calm gaze was still upon her. He had been waiting for her to continue as she had trailed off at mid-sentence, or he had been plainly staring at her for no particular reason at all. She tried not to squirm and flush under his intent stare, despite the fact that she had begun to feel very uncomfortable. "I worked in a factory," she broke the silence, as well as the staring spell that had taken over the young man. "So, what's new in your side of the world?"
She feared that the change of topic had been too abrupt to arise his suspicion that she was, once again, hiding something from him. But, just as it had always been ever since their conversation commenced, Jacen didn't seem to notice.
"So, how was he?" Nadine asked with a lopsided grin, her brown-capped head popping out of the doorway of Danni's private chambers. The youngest member of the assassin trio Moirae, Tahiri, appeared shortly after she did, still wearing the gown she had been asked to put on in their little mission to entertain the Solos, but this time, she wore no shoes. The brothers had gone home and so she was liberated from the painstaking requirement, at long last, and so she was back to acting like the ever-curious little sister of the bunch.
"Honestly?"
"You betcha!" Tahiri replied in excitement, practically hopping into the room and bouncing on the older woman's bed before finally settling down. The brown-haired lass followed her, but despite her prim-and-proper behavior, it was evident in her pretty features that she, too, was more than thrilled to hear what Danni had to say about her patient. While the waitress fixed up the injured older Solo, she and Tahiri had been entertaining Anakin --- more of prying for information, actually, but in an almost seductive fashion --- who, they seemed to agree in silence, was definitely a hottie. They wondered if the older brother was just as lovable as he was.
A tinge of pink immediately appeared on Danni's cheeks. What did she have to say about Jacen Solo? That if they would one day go against his family, she would definitely spare his life even if it meant defying their superior's orders in return for his valiant effort to defend her? That she liked him not because of the way he looked, but because of his gentlemanly ways? That she had told him that in return for defending her she would do whatever he would ask her to do, and that if he had asked her to kiss him, she would've done so? She definitely had a lot to say about the dashing young politician, but she knew it was best to keep the details to herself until she was sure that she wasn't just crushing on some little boy. After all, he was five years younger than her. "Cute," she answered, feeling herself turn even redder than she already was.
And they broke into unified laughter, the younger two guessing just as much. It took quite a while for their giggles to die down, and when it finally did, a serious expression took over Tahiri's face. "You do realize, however," she interrupted at the peak of the silence's song, shifting to a cross-legged position which she was a lot more comfortable with, "that he is aSolo, right?"
"Well, if we manage to prove that he's an innocent Solo, we wouldn't have to harm him, right? After all, he is cute," Nadine agreed, an amused expression on her face. She then spared a meaningful glance at the younger blonde, grinning once again in a teasing manner. "Just like Anakin."
They laughed again.
"Seriously, Danni. He's got to be more than cute." The brown-haired courtesan's teasing smile was by then directed to the lovestruck waitress. She even shifted her angle so as to render it to her in full force, hoping for the best results. She attempted to look straight into Danni's eyes, but found the other desperately trying to stare at anything else but her eyes. It was an amusing sight, a sign that there was truly something brewing within her with regards to the young man she had so kindly treated. And who she had a long, nice chat with, too. "After all, cute can very well mean 'adorable and huggable' or 'ugly but acceptable' in layman's terms. And many others that we really wouldn't want to get into right now. Unless you're in the mood to play dictionary writer?"
The older blonde looked bewildered for a moment, then she shook her head, standing up to leave. "Get a life."
He knew he was out of his mind, but he couldn't ignore the order his heart was giving his mind and the rest of his body. He had to see her, to see her again. The talk they had earlier wasn't enough to send him away; in fact, it even made him yearn to get to know her better. After all, she was a very interesting person --- and well, downright moody. But he liked that in a woman, even if it made her even more unpredictable than she already was.
Their first encounter was definitely a cliché. Two people not watching where they were going, bumping into each other, him landing on top of her in the middle of the marketplace. Sure. He had seen that stunt being pulled off in stories and folklore, but he never expected it to happen to him. And then came the love at first sight part. Theoretically, it was a sweet sensation in which the two destined lovers would stare into each other's eyes, lost in their depths, realizing how radiant and good-looking the other was, and practically unable to look or pull away until something would break the spell. That was precisely what happened back there. Did he, then, fall in love with her at first sight?
That was what he wanted to find out. And hopefully, he would also discover if the feeling was mutual.
He swallowed, realizing how he was doing it the hard way. He had chosen to run off while he and his brother were on their way home, sneaking through the nightclub's walls to get to the damsel's room. He didn't even know where her room was; he just hoped that luck would bring him there. It was already doing him a favor even at such an early time, for the part of the establishment that he had chosen to climb was at the opposite end of the street, facing a desolate clump of who knew what, and thus, away from prying eyes. He wouldn't get accused of breaking in someone's home, and that was a relief.
Suddenly, he felt himself slip, his grasp failing him. To his dismay, he began to slide back down towards the lower floors --- he was already near the top, where he presumed the fair maiden was kept because that was where pretty girls were always hidden in --- and he had already fallen back three floors when he managed to get a hold on a window pane. His survival being his first priority at that moment, he pulled himself up with as much energy as he could muster and stumbled into the room through the open window.
The room was small, but nicely furnished. There was an elegant-looking divan draped with light pink bed sheets and pillows of the same shade, as if it belonged to a princess. Beside it, against the wall, was a petite side table, a dresser which remained open to reveal the owner's collection of make-up and other cosmetics, and a large clothes cabinet, which, too, was open. On the opposite end was a large, body size mirror, and the princess who lived in the said room during her free time was, then and there, standing in front of it, at the verge of removing the gown she had been wearing.
She sensed his presence. As soon as he fell into the wooden floor, she paused, midway through taking off her clothes, and turned to look at the intruder. Her verdant eyes immediately flew wide open in recognition that the stranger was a man and that he had snuck in through the window, and eventually, in recognition at who the outsider was. Unable to control herself, she shrieked in reflex, holding her gown as close to her as she could so as to conceal her body from his prying eyes. "What are you doing here?! Turn around! Turn around!"
"What?" he asked, taken aback at the sudden turn of events. Whoever thought that fate would be so kind to have him slide off the wall and right into the room of the young woman who he had sought out to see and talk to?
"TURN AROUND!"
It was only then when her command clicked into his brain, and at that, he turned around abruptly, his gaze resting on the rooftops of all the other buildings in the neighborhood. He obediently remained in that position for a few heartbeats, but he soon found himself overruled by his curiosity, and perhaps, his inborn naughtiness. And so he peeked, hoping to catch a glimpse of his fair maiden even for just a moment while she was doing what she was doing. He underestimated her, however, not knowing that she was a lot tougher --- and faster --- than she appeared to be. He had barely seen her angelic face, which was framed by her radiant golden strands, when a pillow came flying towards his face and hit him right on the spot.
"Do that again, pervert," she threatened, glaring daggers at him, "and it will be my fist hitting your face!"
---
Author's Notes:
WARNING – EXTRA LONG!
I'm alive. I survived the attack of the Yuuzhan Vong, which came rather unexpected and drained me of a lot of resources, and I'm now recuperating in a bacta tank, trying to relax and get my life back in order. Hopefully I can go head to the Unknown Regions and look for Zonama Sekot soon. Seriously, I would like to apologize for not having updated this fic for so long. It's not that I've forgotten about it or anything, I just suffered an extremely severe case of Writer's Block and lack of inspiration, co-existing with college life that came as a surprise to me. I didn't know I'd live such a hectic life at its commencement. *shakes head*
But now I'm back, reinspired after reading Remnant (yes, I'm only that far, and missing quite a lot in between *groans*), and I'm hoping to pick up the right momentum and get more chapters out to make up for my annoyingly long absence. Again, I would like apologize for that, from the bottom of my heart. I'm really really sorry, and I hope you'll all forgive me.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my readers and reviewers, and my friends at the TFN boards --- EBrooklynW, JainaJag00, JediMasterKobe, Neobi_Kenobi, Arina_Jaylin, JainaDurron, Jedi_Knight_Satine, starwbabe, JainaPadmeJade, Star-Lead, The_Jedi_Ambyr-Rose, Sword_Of_The_Jedi, Jaina_and_Jag, Elfsheen, JediMasterChie, Vorquellyn, Master_Vicky, Danni_Quee_Solo, SpikeLeadJF, Lorax, Jaina_Rocks160, -Trickster-, Audrey32189, duckedtapedemon, Flaming_Sword (anyone I missed? *VERY nervous look, ready to blame it on the incorrectly saved web pages*) --- who had given me the encouragement, the support and inspiration to go on. Above all, thank you for understanding. Your support means so much to me. Thanks again!
Anyway, for this chapter's title, we have the Middle English term for flirtation, which is toye. Pretty obvious why the title's that, ne? As for the Jaina ordeal, I have to say I admire the Jaina/Jag fans' perseverance at making such long posts (at the TFN boards) to declare their support for that couple. I still haven't figured out how to end her side of the story, but I know that with your help I'll be able to. I'm easy to influence, after all. *hint* *hint*
Also, I would like to clarify a bit the structure of the nightclub. It's some sort of one building, with the club itself at the bottommost floor, and the rooms of the courtesans and the other workers on the next floors. Some sort of apartment. I made it that way so that it would be convenient for the three girls to go to 'work' and back home, where they could do their preparations for their real job without worrying about their enemies eavesdropping on them or something. After all, Mara owns the place.
Valentia – Thank you! I can't promise it to be a Jaina/Jag, but it seems that it's in the lead.
Kitten – Sorry to make you wait, but here's the continuation. I'll do my best to get the next chapter out soon, though I won't promise because I fear it might be broken. Thanks, I'm glad you like it.
Sibyl's Scion – Thanks! There was the 'more' you asked for – and I, too, hope to write more soon! And I'm glad you like my portrayal of the characters. I'm doing what I can to make them stay in character, but having read the books at such long intervals sometimes makes me lose my perception of their traits. If something's not right, please let me know.
Ameri – Thanks for pointing out the age gaps, and for the nice comment. Don't worry, Zekk will be in the fic. That I can assure you. A few chapters or so from now, I suppose… but he will be. So don't be sad now.
duckedtapedemon – I'm sorry to make you wait, too. I hope you'll still be reading even though I've been dead for quite a long time. Again, I apologize. Thank you for your nice words!
socal-schitzophrenic – I actually got this idea from an anime called Weiss Kreuz. Then I threw it random stuff here and there, and I'm glad you like how it's turning out so far. Luke/Mara romance? I'll see what I can do. And the guy in jail is Han. As for why it's like that, you'll find out in the later chapters. Hm, what else… oh yeah, Moirae basically means "the Three Fates" of Greek (was it?) mythology, accordingly named Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos. One of them spun the thread of life, the other determined how long it would be, and the last would cut it and thus end a person's life. I don't know if I got them in the right order, though. And as for what happened before, I have yet to write down for you to read. *sheepish grin*
Vorquellyn – I'm planning to touch Jaina's life in the next few chapters, so you'll know by then. I just hope I'll get around to writing those. And thanks, I'm glad you liked how Jacen came out. Though I'm not sure if I can keep him like that all the way… *nervous look* Thanks again!
Me aka Clay rocks! – You can count on it. I like Anakin and Tahiri, too. Thanks!
Charmed luver222 – Here's the update! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Alianne Sedai – I'm sorry there wasn't much Anakin/Tahiri in this chapter, but as you can tell at where I left off, there will be in the next. Oh, and Tahiri's a courtesan, though of course I didn't make her or Jaina the kind who'd sleep with the guys and stuff. Technically we could call them the performers or something close to that, though I stick to the term 'courtesan' so as to make it look as if they're so lowly and everything. Anyway, thanks!
Gwendolyn Rogan – Your wish is my command. I gave Jacen a black eye! And hurt him a little more than I originally intended to. I'm not sadistic but I do have the fangirl thing of torturing my favorite characters. In this case, Jacen and Danni. Whoo. Did I give away my plans? *whistles* Well, thanks for reading and reviewing this far! And again, I apologize for the absence. *bows*
Shai – Hey! I haven't been able to address you in these A/Ns of mine, I'm sorry. But I'm back, and I think I can go around writing more chapters this time around. I hope for reviews because they bring inspiration. Anyway, thanks for the nice words. You always have them, and when I take them to you, you shy (shai? :p) away, being the humble guy you are. Thanks again.
One more thing, guys… I fear plot holes. So if you sense one around the corner, or if you have a question that doesn't seem to have an answer, please do let me know so I can work on it before it develops into a plot hole. I don't want to cause you any more trouble than you're already experiencing with my absence. Thanks again, Kazie out. ^_^
© Kaz, 2003-2004
Chapter Seven – Toye
Unfortunately, Jacen Solo had never fought for the sake of someone he had taken quite a fancy on --- and in that case, he was distracted big-time --- so in his heroic attempt to save the blonde-haired damsel in distress he earned a good, hard blow in the face that rendered him a black eye some time afterwards. That one punch, despite the damage it caused, didn't stop him from his girl-saving spree, however; in fact, it only made him more determined than ever. Closing his deep brown eyes, he concentrated on nothing else but the men who dared to cross the pretty waitress' path. If there was a technique in the fighting arts he excelled in, it was the blind-with-both-hands-tied-behind-one's-back style, the art of calm fighting. He was the only one who could pull it off nice and easy.
The street thugs, who never thought of the possibility that the older Solo was trained in more than just the bureaucratic ways, charged as soon as they felt like doing so, acting on impulse and reflex. Being big and brawny members of the presumed stronger sex, their initial assault done in unison caused the nearby tables and chairs to topple down, and sent the people panicking a short moment after. The males immediately bolted away from the battle point, their safety being their number one priority, while the few females in the premises, including the dancers and the other courtesans, started screaming and shrieking at the brawl that was taking place.
Jacen was oblivious to all the noise and chaos, however, for he was focused on his enemies alone. He dodged one attack after the other with much grace and charm, ducking and somersaulting whenever he felt the need to, landing on top of a table once in a while without losing his balance or causing the furniture to topple over. He punched and kicked, leapt and rolled, knocking down the ill-willed ruffians one by one until the only one left standing was the beefiest member of the bunch. And still, his eyes remained closed, which added to the good impression he was already making on the emerald-eyed Danni Quee.
The surviving gang member let out a howl before he tore his upper garment off, revealing his muscles in all their thuggish glory. The gesture was useless, however, as his adversary was not keeping an eye on him at all. On the other hand, Jacen was at the verge of attacking the hooligan when the younger Solo, the blue-eyed Anakin, rested a hand on his shoulder calmly and offered without the slightest hint of hesitation, "Let me help you, brother."
There was something in the seventeen-year-old's voice that made the older of the two stop; it was then when he grew aware of the steely determination in his little brother, and so he gave in to his request, which was put out rather cockily, to say the least. He soon dropped his guard, slipped out of his fighting stance, and finally opened his eyes once more, sweeping his gaze around the area for a brief moment to check the damage he had caused and would have to pay for. That finished, he then stepped aside and allowed the other Solo to move forward, as their foe had already been waiting for their battle to come to a close.
It didn't take long for him to find out, however, the reason why his brother was back into showing off how good he was at kicking other people's butt. Just behind the bright red curtains of the stage stood a young woman, blonde like the one who had caught his eye --- but not as attractive, to his point of view --- and she had her eyes fixed on Anakin, watching him with much interest and a sense of admiration, if he was not mistaken. To confirm if his suspicions were correct, Jacen averted his gaze to his brother, and found him standing in front of the fallen street fighter, beaming at the courtesan with one foot pressed on the other's chest in victory. An unspoken attraction, definitely, and he was just as sure she was the reason Anakin insisted on going to the Feu de Joie.
"I'm very sorry for the trouble these goons caused, Mr. Solo. Once again they've lost their manners," a firm yet welcoming voice exploded from the far end of the room, and Jacen turned around to come face-to-face with a well-built woman with fiery red hair and gleaming emerald green eyes. She was straightening herself and fixing her hair with one hand, a gesture the young politician had seen so often every time someone would walk up to him and address him. Before he could say anything in reply, however, she extended her hand. "I'm Arica Jade. I own this place."
"We should be the one to apologize for the mess we caused," he told her as he shook her hand, motioning towards the disarranged tables and chairs as well as the broken pieces of glass and liquor bottles. He then forced a smile, his bureaucratic front back into place. "How much do we have to pay for all this, Miss---"
"Madam. I'm married," the redhead quickly corrected with a soft smile, pulling the young man aside as some of her subordinates came in to drag the ruffians out. Noticing that the older Solo was slightly injured, she quickly turned to the blonde-haired waitress who stood nearby, gesturing that she come to her, and then, she looked back at Jacen and finished, "And it's no bother, Mr. Solo. We get these brawls and gang fights all the time. You don't have to pay for anything at all, except perhaps for the drinks you and your brother ordered. But before that we have to get yourself fixed up. Danni, please."
Jacen was about to protest, as his injury was nothing more than a bruise that would disappear in a few days' time, but as soon as he realized Arica was referring to the waitress, he immediately changed his mind.
"Ow!" Jacen winced loudly as Danni went on to tend the bruises on his handsome face, unable to hold on to the pain he was feeling any longer. He knew he blew his chances of impressing the young woman by his apparent lack of manliness, so instead of focusing on that, he sent a prayer to the one in charge in the heavens in request that her type be knightly boys who aren't too fond of pain. Seeing her embarrassment at having exerted too much pressure on her application of the medicine --- out of nervousness, perhaps? --- and therefore causing more pain than comfort, he quickly told her that he just wasn't man enough to stifle his cry of pain. Her abashed expression was reduced rapidly into a relieved one, but it was as clear as day that she was blushing.
And it didn't take long for the young diplomat to realize that so was he.
To serve as a diversion, primarily for himself, he grabbed the ice bag that lay unnoticed on the table and pressed it firmly against his swollen eye. The iciness of the frozen water cubes trapped in the bag's interior did little to make the warmth that had spread on his face disappear. He further shifted into another angle to prevent him from seeing her, not that he didn't want to, of course. He had been told that women were one of his weaknesses, but he never expected it to be actually proven. At least his brother was not around to disturb him with his teasing.
"Jacen? I-I mean, Mr. Solo," the waitress quickly corrected herself after her initial call, green eyes flickering from his attractively calm features to the dull wooden floor. As much as she was aware of his true identity, she couldn't seem to aim her hatred for his family at his direction, not after he stood up for her. True, she would've been able to handle those goons --- kill them, even --- but the way he spoke in her defense meant much more than his showy fighting. It was then when she realized that despite the majority's actions against her kind, there were still those who actually cared. If Jacen had stuck to talking about how women shouldn't be treated badly she would've whisked away the consideration that he was a woman-sympathizer, but he went as far as showing the bad boys what the consequences of abusing women were. And that she truly appreciated. "Thank you… I guess."
He couldn't resist. He turned around and found her smiling warmly at him. Don't blush, he ordered his inner self sternly, sending the command fiercely through his system so as to affect his hormones as well, before returning the favor and letting out a smile himself. "It was no problem at all." When she looked back down on the floor, which he, too, found very unattractive, in apparent embarrassment, he immediately added, "Really. It was nothing, Danni. Well… is it alright if I call you that?"
She nodded. "Sure. After you saved me," she made it sound as if she was truly in debt to him, "how could I say no? Right here and now I'd practically do anything you'd ask me to. With the appropriate boundaries established, of course."
I sure would like to ask if I could kiss you, Jacen thought, amused.
Danni then extended her hand, getting on with the formalities. After all, they hadn't been properly introduced; she knew him because he was popular, he knew her because Arica told him about her. "Pleasure to meet you… Jacen." She sounded uncertain at calling him by his first name --- she was just a waitress in some night club, after all, while he was the son of bureaucrats, and a budding one at his own right, with a bright future within his grasp --- to the extent that her comment seemed like a question.
But he didn't seem to notice. "So… how long have you been working here?" he asked as he pulled his hand away from her grip. And do you intend to stay here your whole life? Because if you do, I'd happily volunteer to be your bodyguard, and make sure that nobody would treat you the way those goons did ever again, he thought, wanting to say those words but simply unable to. It was too early. And besides, he didn't even know if she felt the same way towards him, or if his attraction towards her was simply a juvenile crush that would disappear into oblivion at their parting.
"All my life," she lied in reply. She wasn't going to let a stranger pry into her private affairs.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Two years," she admitted, only realizing a moment later how he had seen through her façade and figured out that she was lying. She didn't know what to think, or even feel, at that. "Before that, I…" She couldn't continue, and the impulse to stop and say nothing that would expose herself any further came automatically. How could she tell him that she once worked in one of their laboratories as a man, then was brutally kicked out when she was unfortunately discovered? How could she tell him that it was his family that cursed her? After all, if she hadn't been kicked out, she wouldn't have ended up working for the notorious drug lord Aalto, she wouldn't have made those deadly drugs that stole so many people's lives, she wouldn't have become the lethal assassin she was now.
But the assassin part happened for a good reason, too. I guess not all bad things are actually bad, she said to herself. Just as not all Solos are bad. Then she was snapped out of reverie as she noticed that his calm gaze was still upon her. He had been waiting for her to continue as she had trailed off at mid-sentence, or he had been plainly staring at her for no particular reason at all. She tried not to squirm and flush under his intent stare, despite the fact that she had begun to feel very uncomfortable. "I worked in a factory," she broke the silence, as well as the staring spell that had taken over the young man. "So, what's new in your side of the world?"
She feared that the change of topic had been too abrupt to arise his suspicion that she was, once again, hiding something from him. But, just as it had always been ever since their conversation commenced, Jacen didn't seem to notice.
"So, how was he?" Nadine asked with a lopsided grin, her brown-capped head popping out of the doorway of Danni's private chambers. The youngest member of the assassin trio Moirae, Tahiri, appeared shortly after she did, still wearing the gown she had been asked to put on in their little mission to entertain the Solos, but this time, she wore no shoes. The brothers had gone home and so she was liberated from the painstaking requirement, at long last, and so she was back to acting like the ever-curious little sister of the bunch.
"Honestly?"
"You betcha!" Tahiri replied in excitement, practically hopping into the room and bouncing on the older woman's bed before finally settling down. The brown-haired lass followed her, but despite her prim-and-proper behavior, it was evident in her pretty features that she, too, was more than thrilled to hear what Danni had to say about her patient. While the waitress fixed up the injured older Solo, she and Tahiri had been entertaining Anakin --- more of prying for information, actually, but in an almost seductive fashion --- who, they seemed to agree in silence, was definitely a hottie. They wondered if the older brother was just as lovable as he was.
A tinge of pink immediately appeared on Danni's cheeks. What did she have to say about Jacen Solo? That if they would one day go against his family, she would definitely spare his life even if it meant defying their superior's orders in return for his valiant effort to defend her? That she liked him not because of the way he looked, but because of his gentlemanly ways? That she had told him that in return for defending her she would do whatever he would ask her to do, and that if he had asked her to kiss him, she would've done so? She definitely had a lot to say about the dashing young politician, but she knew it was best to keep the details to herself until she was sure that she wasn't just crushing on some little boy. After all, he was five years younger than her. "Cute," she answered, feeling herself turn even redder than she already was.
And they broke into unified laughter, the younger two guessing just as much. It took quite a while for their giggles to die down, and when it finally did, a serious expression took over Tahiri's face. "You do realize, however," she interrupted at the peak of the silence's song, shifting to a cross-legged position which she was a lot more comfortable with, "that he is aSolo, right?"
"Well, if we manage to prove that he's an innocent Solo, we wouldn't have to harm him, right? After all, he is cute," Nadine agreed, an amused expression on her face. She then spared a meaningful glance at the younger blonde, grinning once again in a teasing manner. "Just like Anakin."
They laughed again.
"Seriously, Danni. He's got to be more than cute." The brown-haired courtesan's teasing smile was by then directed to the lovestruck waitress. She even shifted her angle so as to render it to her in full force, hoping for the best results. She attempted to look straight into Danni's eyes, but found the other desperately trying to stare at anything else but her eyes. It was an amusing sight, a sign that there was truly something brewing within her with regards to the young man she had so kindly treated. And who she had a long, nice chat with, too. "After all, cute can very well mean 'adorable and huggable' or 'ugly but acceptable' in layman's terms. And many others that we really wouldn't want to get into right now. Unless you're in the mood to play dictionary writer?"
The older blonde looked bewildered for a moment, then she shook her head, standing up to leave. "Get a life."
He knew he was out of his mind, but he couldn't ignore the order his heart was giving his mind and the rest of his body. He had to see her, to see her again. The talk they had earlier wasn't enough to send him away; in fact, it even made him yearn to get to know her better. After all, she was a very interesting person --- and well, downright moody. But he liked that in a woman, even if it made her even more unpredictable than she already was.
Their first encounter was definitely a cliché. Two people not watching where they were going, bumping into each other, him landing on top of her in the middle of the marketplace. Sure. He had seen that stunt being pulled off in stories and folklore, but he never expected it to happen to him. And then came the love at first sight part. Theoretically, it was a sweet sensation in which the two destined lovers would stare into each other's eyes, lost in their depths, realizing how radiant and good-looking the other was, and practically unable to look or pull away until something would break the spell. That was precisely what happened back there. Did he, then, fall in love with her at first sight?
That was what he wanted to find out. And hopefully, he would also discover if the feeling was mutual.
He swallowed, realizing how he was doing it the hard way. He had chosen to run off while he and his brother were on their way home, sneaking through the nightclub's walls to get to the damsel's room. He didn't even know where her room was; he just hoped that luck would bring him there. It was already doing him a favor even at such an early time, for the part of the establishment that he had chosen to climb was at the opposite end of the street, facing a desolate clump of who knew what, and thus, away from prying eyes. He wouldn't get accused of breaking in someone's home, and that was a relief.
Suddenly, he felt himself slip, his grasp failing him. To his dismay, he began to slide back down towards the lower floors --- he was already near the top, where he presumed the fair maiden was kept because that was where pretty girls were always hidden in --- and he had already fallen back three floors when he managed to get a hold on a window pane. His survival being his first priority at that moment, he pulled himself up with as much energy as he could muster and stumbled into the room through the open window.
The room was small, but nicely furnished. There was an elegant-looking divan draped with light pink bed sheets and pillows of the same shade, as if it belonged to a princess. Beside it, against the wall, was a petite side table, a dresser which remained open to reveal the owner's collection of make-up and other cosmetics, and a large clothes cabinet, which, too, was open. On the opposite end was a large, body size mirror, and the princess who lived in the said room during her free time was, then and there, standing in front of it, at the verge of removing the gown she had been wearing.
She sensed his presence. As soon as he fell into the wooden floor, she paused, midway through taking off her clothes, and turned to look at the intruder. Her verdant eyes immediately flew wide open in recognition that the stranger was a man and that he had snuck in through the window, and eventually, in recognition at who the outsider was. Unable to control herself, she shrieked in reflex, holding her gown as close to her as she could so as to conceal her body from his prying eyes. "What are you doing here?! Turn around! Turn around!"
"What?" he asked, taken aback at the sudden turn of events. Whoever thought that fate would be so kind to have him slide off the wall and right into the room of the young woman who he had sought out to see and talk to?
"TURN AROUND!"
It was only then when her command clicked into his brain, and at that, he turned around abruptly, his gaze resting on the rooftops of all the other buildings in the neighborhood. He obediently remained in that position for a few heartbeats, but he soon found himself overruled by his curiosity, and perhaps, his inborn naughtiness. And so he peeked, hoping to catch a glimpse of his fair maiden even for just a moment while she was doing what she was doing. He underestimated her, however, not knowing that she was a lot tougher --- and faster --- than she appeared to be. He had barely seen her angelic face, which was framed by her radiant golden strands, when a pillow came flying towards his face and hit him right on the spot.
"Do that again, pervert," she threatened, glaring daggers at him, "and it will be my fist hitting your face!"
---
Author's Notes:
WARNING – EXTRA LONG!
I'm alive. I survived the attack of the Yuuzhan Vong, which came rather unexpected and drained me of a lot of resources, and I'm now recuperating in a bacta tank, trying to relax and get my life back in order. Hopefully I can go head to the Unknown Regions and look for Zonama Sekot soon. Seriously, I would like to apologize for not having updated this fic for so long. It's not that I've forgotten about it or anything, I just suffered an extremely severe case of Writer's Block and lack of inspiration, co-existing with college life that came as a surprise to me. I didn't know I'd live such a hectic life at its commencement. *shakes head*
But now I'm back, reinspired after reading Remnant (yes, I'm only that far, and missing quite a lot in between *groans*), and I'm hoping to pick up the right momentum and get more chapters out to make up for my annoyingly long absence. Again, I would like apologize for that, from the bottom of my heart. I'm really really sorry, and I hope you'll all forgive me.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my readers and reviewers, and my friends at the TFN boards --- EBrooklynW, JainaJag00, JediMasterKobe, Neobi_Kenobi, Arina_Jaylin, JainaDurron, Jedi_Knight_Satine, starwbabe, JainaPadmeJade, Star-Lead, The_Jedi_Ambyr-Rose, Sword_Of_The_Jedi, Jaina_and_Jag, Elfsheen, JediMasterChie, Vorquellyn, Master_Vicky, Danni_Quee_Solo, SpikeLeadJF, Lorax, Jaina_Rocks160, -Trickster-, Audrey32189, duckedtapedemon, Flaming_Sword (anyone I missed? *VERY nervous look, ready to blame it on the incorrectly saved web pages*) --- who had given me the encouragement, the support and inspiration to go on. Above all, thank you for understanding. Your support means so much to me. Thanks again!
Anyway, for this chapter's title, we have the Middle English term for flirtation, which is toye. Pretty obvious why the title's that, ne? As for the Jaina ordeal, I have to say I admire the Jaina/Jag fans' perseverance at making such long posts (at the TFN boards) to declare their support for that couple. I still haven't figured out how to end her side of the story, but I know that with your help I'll be able to. I'm easy to influence, after all. *hint* *hint*
Also, I would like to clarify a bit the structure of the nightclub. It's some sort of one building, with the club itself at the bottommost floor, and the rooms of the courtesans and the other workers on the next floors. Some sort of apartment. I made it that way so that it would be convenient for the three girls to go to 'work' and back home, where they could do their preparations for their real job without worrying about their enemies eavesdropping on them or something. After all, Mara owns the place.
Valentia – Thank you! I can't promise it to be a Jaina/Jag, but it seems that it's in the lead.
Kitten – Sorry to make you wait, but here's the continuation. I'll do my best to get the next chapter out soon, though I won't promise because I fear it might be broken. Thanks, I'm glad you like it.
Sibyl's Scion – Thanks! There was the 'more' you asked for – and I, too, hope to write more soon! And I'm glad you like my portrayal of the characters. I'm doing what I can to make them stay in character, but having read the books at such long intervals sometimes makes me lose my perception of their traits. If something's not right, please let me know.
Ameri – Thanks for pointing out the age gaps, and for the nice comment. Don't worry, Zekk will be in the fic. That I can assure you. A few chapters or so from now, I suppose… but he will be. So don't be sad now.
duckedtapedemon – I'm sorry to make you wait, too. I hope you'll still be reading even though I've been dead for quite a long time. Again, I apologize. Thank you for your nice words!
socal-schitzophrenic – I actually got this idea from an anime called Weiss Kreuz. Then I threw it random stuff here and there, and I'm glad you like how it's turning out so far. Luke/Mara romance? I'll see what I can do. And the guy in jail is Han. As for why it's like that, you'll find out in the later chapters. Hm, what else… oh yeah, Moirae basically means "the Three Fates" of Greek (was it?) mythology, accordingly named Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos. One of them spun the thread of life, the other determined how long it would be, and the last would cut it and thus end a person's life. I don't know if I got them in the right order, though. And as for what happened before, I have yet to write down for you to read. *sheepish grin*
Vorquellyn – I'm planning to touch Jaina's life in the next few chapters, so you'll know by then. I just hope I'll get around to writing those. And thanks, I'm glad you liked how Jacen came out. Though I'm not sure if I can keep him like that all the way… *nervous look* Thanks again!
Me aka Clay rocks! – You can count on it. I like Anakin and Tahiri, too. Thanks!
Charmed luver222 – Here's the update! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Alianne Sedai – I'm sorry there wasn't much Anakin/Tahiri in this chapter, but as you can tell at where I left off, there will be in the next. Oh, and Tahiri's a courtesan, though of course I didn't make her or Jaina the kind who'd sleep with the guys and stuff. Technically we could call them the performers or something close to that, though I stick to the term 'courtesan' so as to make it look as if they're so lowly and everything. Anyway, thanks!
Gwendolyn Rogan – Your wish is my command. I gave Jacen a black eye! And hurt him a little more than I originally intended to. I'm not sadistic but I do have the fangirl thing of torturing my favorite characters. In this case, Jacen and Danni. Whoo. Did I give away my plans? *whistles* Well, thanks for reading and reviewing this far! And again, I apologize for the absence. *bows*
Shai – Hey! I haven't been able to address you in these A/Ns of mine, I'm sorry. But I'm back, and I think I can go around writing more chapters this time around. I hope for reviews because they bring inspiration. Anyway, thanks for the nice words. You always have them, and when I take them to you, you shy (shai? :p) away, being the humble guy you are. Thanks again.
One more thing, guys… I fear plot holes. So if you sense one around the corner, or if you have a question that doesn't seem to have an answer, please do let me know so I can work on it before it develops into a plot hole. I don't want to cause you any more trouble than you're already experiencing with my absence. Thanks again, Kazie out. ^_^