-Chapter 74: A Night Out-
Location: Daimar
"All work and no recreation makes for hastened stagnation."
Entering the command hub on his level of the Dominance, a clean and paint-free Wraith was greeted by Scipio, Sereva and a holographic Count Dooku.
"My apologies for being behind, had to make sure my armor was truly free of paint." He excused, striding up alongside his cohorts. "What's the word?" He asked, crossing his arms.
"Tell us, soldier, what do you know of the planet Daimar?" Dooku asked. Wraith shrugged.
"It's located in what is Rodian space, somewhere between Ragna and Radnor on a mainline trade route. The Rodians of the sector aren't too happy about the local humans 'stealing from them', being that Daimar is a trade hotspot." He answered. Dooku nodded.
"Correct. I have been recently engaged in talks with Daimar's monarch, King Mitar. He is seeking someone to not only protect his world and his people from further suffering in the ongoing 'Trade Conflicts' but to also aide Daimar as the war continues." Beneath his helmet, Wraith's eyes widened. He saw the immediate significance of this all, combing together everything he knew about the current political landscape.
"If we own Daimar, we'll cut the Republic off from a major trade route." He surmised.
"Precisely. The King has invited myself and some Republic representatives to a party tonight at the royal palace. I want you and Admiral Shak to join me in attendance." Dooku instructed. "The sole stipulation is for there to be no confrontations or weapons on site."
"We'll be there as soon as we can, my lord." Sereva readily agreed. But Wraith had reservations.
"Sir, not to be rude, but have you forgotten about the fact that my true face is to be kept from the Republic? I'm pretty sure this helmet counts as a weapon." It wasn't really a functional weapon, but more of a symbolic one. But the built-in scanners, sensors and optical HUD might count...
"I have not, Wraith. I've been speaking with your Doctor about the matter and he assures me he has the means to properly disguise you." Dooku answered.
"Here's hoping..." Wraith mused, casting a glance in Scipio's direction.
"I will send further instructions in due time." Dooku said, signing off. His render disappeared as Wraith turned to Scipio.
"Alright, Doc, what's your brilliant plan?" He asked.
"It's quite simple, my boy. We'll barely have to change a thing." Scipio replied, holding up a small silver case. "I'll apply this synthflesh to hide your scars and you'll put on some contact lenses to adjust the shape and color of your eyes." He explained.
"That won't be permanent, will it?" Wraith queried.
"Hardly! They will simply make your eyes appear to look different without actually changing them." The Pau'an responded. "I've already got a party-going outfit ready for you. We just need to get you looking party-ready."
"If this works, you'll be a genius." Wraith mused.
"My boy, very few people in the entire galaxy have ever seen your true face. Those who have are Separatists." Except Ahsoka. Wraith thought. "I'm certain it will work." The super-soldier made to leave as Scipio gathered up his materials. But as soon as Wraith was out of earshot, Scipio beckoned Sereva over. "Admiral, perhaps this might be another opportunity to spend some time with Wraith." He suggested.
"I don't know, Doctor." The Twi'lek sighed. "After what happened on Aliston Nor, I'm loathe to try anything. I know when I'm not wanted and I could care less. I don't need a man." She stated.
"But you do like him, don't you?" Scipio asked.
"In a... physical way, kind of, yes." Sereva slowly replied.
"Then maybe you should work from that perspective." The Pau'an suggested. "Do not be so open or flaunting about your desires this time. Be subtle, be inconspicuous."
"Fair enough. I sure as hell won't act like a slut to get his attention. I have standards you know." Sereva answered. Scipio nodded, understanding the Admiral was not like any other Twi'lek. "I won't make any promises." She quietly added.
"I didn't ask for one." Scipio replied with a grin.
Elsewhere, on Daimar...
Just as Count Dooku was on Daimar, so was Senator Padme Amidala, as well as her Jedi protectors. The Nabooian senator was often flanked by differing guardians when on otherworldly assignments, but this time they took the form of her secret husband, Anakin Skywalker, and his apprentice, Ahsoka Tano. They were in a joint communication with Chancellor Palpatine, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu.
"King Mitar seems to have an open mind, willing to hear out every facet of an issue before making a decision. We've been invited to a sort of ball tonight at the royal palace." Padme was reporting.
"The fate of Daimar will have an impact the Republic. This situation must be handled with care and caution." Mace surmised.
"I suspect the King has invited you to this ball for a reason. Be on guard, your impressions may impact his decision." Obi-Wan warned.
"I was thinking the same thing." Anakin agreed. "I plan and sticking close to the King's side in case the Separatists try anything. But I'm curious about his intentions as well."
"Perhaps it would be wise to split up. Someone should mingle with the crowds to get a feel for how the citizens of Daimar feel about the Republic. Their opinions would grant us information and an insight into how to outsmart the Separatists." Palpatine suggested.
"Permission to do so, Master?" Ahsoka wondered with a slight smile. Anakin could tell she was excited about the prospect of going to a ball and maybe even engaging in some more ladylike activities that he knew Padme had been telling her about.
"We'll see, Snips." Anakin replied, offering his own slight smile as if to say 'yes'. "Securing the King's allegiance is our biggest priority."
"Dooku is a man with a serpent's tongue. It will not be easy to sway King Mitar." Padme grimly added. "But Senator Alet Komain will be there, he's a staunch supporter of the Republic. He can voice his support alongside us."
"Which is good news. But be on your guard, my dear. I'm certain Count Dooku would be most willing to employ some nefarious means to undermine your efforts." Palpatine cautioned.
"We will, Chancellor." Anakin agreed. The communication came to an end and the trio made to discuss. "Alright Ahsoka, think you can handle a little undercover mission in plain sight?"
"Just so long as I look the part, Master." Ahsoka replied. "You know it's impossible to sell a role unless you dress for the occasion."
"Have you been taking acting lessons?" Anakin wondered. "Or has Senator Amidala been teaching you some of the senatorial arts?"
"I can assure you Anakin that I only tell her what she wants to know." Padme responded with a smile. "But I'm starting to think my wardrobe might also need something of an update. Care to join us on a little... shopping free?" She asked.
"Thank the Force for senate allowances." Anakin mused. "I suppose so, if only to carry everything."
"Don't worry, we won't force you to carry everything." Padme assured him. "Come on, Ahsoka. Let's go find you a ball gown." She suggested to the Togruta. Ahsoka gave an excited squeal and quickly followed the Senator out. Anakin smiled and crossed his arms as he watched them go for a brief second, struck by a sudden thought.
If she were anyone else's Padawan, this wouldn't be happening.
Later that day...
The Sheathipede shuttle exited hyperspace, bringing the lush green world of Daimar into view. Seated at the very front were the ball-ready Wraith and Sereva. The Twi'lek admiral was wearing a low-cut purple dress, glittering in the light thanks to the shimmersilk material. It showed the smooth, unblemished skin of her back as well as dipping ever so low enough to offer a slight view of her cleavage while also maintaining her modesty. The purple straps wrapping around her shoulders stood out in stark contrast to her bright red skin, broken up only by her vibrant green eyes, green eyeshadow, the even darker red of her lipstick and the silver tiara-like headpiece she wore in front of her lekku.
The Wraith was wearing a silvery-gray dress suit, something akin to an officer's uniform but custom made. His high-collared jacket snugly fit his frame, allowing for optimum movement without the fear of his clothes ripping. He looked mighty distinguished in his new outfit, even if he preferred his armor to anything else.
"There it is." Sereva commented.
"Daimar. Seems like a nice world. Here's hoping it is." Wraith stated.
"Their King has yet to make an official statement about which side Daimar is on, despite having a representative in the senate." Sereva told him.
"Hopefully, we can swing him to the right side of things." Wraith mused as he started their approach, gripping the controls a little tighter.
They were escorted to a landing pad just outside the royal palace by a pair of Daimar fighters, angular craft with four wings that moved swiftly and made Wraith wonder if they could be incorporated into the Separatist Navy. The setting sun framed the beautifully natural environment of the world, bathing the sky in golden colours as evening set in. The royal palace itself looked like a more archaic piece of architecture, despite Wraith knowing that it was made with very modern methods and materials. It certainly was a grand and impressive structure, with white walls and golden adornments, every aspect of the design screaming regality and class. The landing pad itself was equally fancy, made of polished durasteel and lined with golden buttresses around its edge. The Sheathipede touched down with practiced ease before a waiting Count Dooku and the two Separatists met their leader at the foot of the boarding ramp.
"Admiral. Soldier. Welcome to Daimar." The Count greeted them.
"We'd like to thank you in advance for this invitation, my lord." Sereva politely replied. "It's not often the likes of us get to go out. Even if it is still in the name of the cause."
"All I ask, Admiral, is that you represent the cause well and do your best to make an impression on King Mitar. Our actions tonight will certainly play a role in his decision." Dooku replied.
"Then by all means, let's go make a reputable name for ourselves." Wraith suggested. The Count nodded in agreement and they all made to enter the palace, looking like very resplendent officials. They passed by a few royal guards, tall men in blue uniforms clad in silver chest and shoulder armor, sporting sloped, peaked helmets, with a virbostaff in one hand and a blaster pistol holstered by their side. "Tell me, sir, who is to be our competitors this evening?" Wraith inquired.
"I have seen only the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker along with Senator Amidala." Dooku answered. "Whether there are more members of the Republic here remains to be seen." Wraith took the information and filed it away, making a mental note to keep alert and watch for any sort of recognizable characters. His studying had granted him a look at most of the major players in the Clone Wars and his photographic memory would ensure he could pick one out even in the thickest of crowds.
A pair of royal Daimarian guards opened a set of double doors for them, revealing a small balcony overseeing the large ballroom. There were dozens of people of many different species milling about, each one of them wearing fairly fancy attire. There was a dedicated dance floor where a band comprised entirely of Biths were playing, multiple couples swaying in time to the smooth and mellow music. A double set of red-clothed refreshment tables had been set off to the side, sporting drinks of varying kinds.
"Well now, isn't this quite the party." Sereva mused.
"I do indeed believe this is the 'royal' version of Trader's Day." Wraith mused, recalling the local holiday set aside to commemorate the facet of life that had given the Daimarians so much wealth. Their lives truly did revolve around trade... something the Separatists and the Trade Federation had in abundance. "We're certainly in the right season for it."
"An astute observation, soldier. Tell me, who do your roving eyes see down below?" Dooku inquired.
"I won't linger long, sir. Standing up here like this is bound to draw unwanted attention." Wraith mused, hastening his sweep across the room. Over in one corner, he quickly spied a few individuals he knew all too well. The telltale navy blue dress, ornate (bordering on ridiculous) hairstyle and presence of a stoic black-clad Jedi were obvious giveaways. "I see Senator Amidala... and Skywalker right beside her, like an ever-faithful dog." He wondered for a moment if it was just the two of them here, his eyes scanning the throng looking for another member of the Jedi or the Republic. He then noted Senator Alet Komain conversing with his fellow Senator and started looking for more of the Republic. His gaze went from the windowed side of the room to the closed, tabled side of the room...
And then he saw her... and Wraith's jaw nearly dropped.
Her green evening dress reached down to her ankles, revealing a pair of matching-green heels. it parted around her naval, the darker green splitting aside to reveal a middle made of a much lighter green. It flowed with a sense of grace and elegance, lined with a few extra layers of semi-transparent shimmersilk around the back, giving it a multi-toned look. Silken gloves lined her arms, reaching up to her elbows where bare orange skin was fully on display, save for the ruffled straps wrapping around that broke up the orange of her collar and shoulders.
Suffice to say, Ahsoka looked positively beautiful.
"I don't see anyone else..." He quickly said, hoping his pause would not be too obvious.
"In that case, we should go down there." Sereva suggested.
"Indeed. I'll keep tabs on the locals, my lord, you can worry about ingratiating yourself with the monarchy." Wraith responded. Dooku offered a nod of thanks and the Separatists stepped down into the crowd, splitting up upon arrival.
Standing by the refreshment table, Ahsoka took a sip from the crystal flute she'd just retrieved. There was a slightly fruity taste to the probably alcoholic beverage that made the whole thing taste pretty good. She was under the assumption she was alone here, but when her senses suddenly picked up a familiar warmth, she realized she was being approached.
"Is that Lashaa silk, I wonder?" A familiar manly voice inquired. Ahsoka froze in place as all the pieces came together. "Between that outfit and your natural beauty, surely you, my dear, are the most beautiful woman in the entire galaxy." Turning around, Ahsoka found herself staring at... Wraith?
His hair was neatly combed and draped over the side of his head, likely to hide the telltale tattoo there. The scars lining his left side had been covered up... or... removed? She wasn't sure. His eyes were the biggest change, though; soft, chocolate browns with rounded pupils instead the amber, reptilian ones she was so used to. Suffice to say, he seemed to have undergone quite the makeover. That and his dress suit made him look like a very striking individual. He took her hand and kissed the back of it.
"Wraith?" She quietly wondered. He lightly chuckled.
"In the flesh, my dear." He answered. Ahsoka smiled broadly.
"Oh wow!" She exclaimed, setting her drink aside. "I didn't think you'd be here. What are you doing here anyway?"
"Count Dooku wished for me and Admiral Sereva to accompany him tonight." Wraith explained. "But I'm trying to be more incognito." He added.
"Huh. That Twi'lek again?" Ahsoka wondered.
"Trust me, my dear," Wraith replied with a smile, "she looks nowhere near as amazing as you do tonight." Ahsoka's cheeks turned a shade darker and she bashfully traced the edge of her head tails.
"You look... pretty... wow!" She quickly said with a little laugh, slightly lost for words while gesturing to his suited and, admittedly, gorgeous appearance. This was the first time she'd seen him wear something so formal.
And he made for a good-looking man in uniform.
"Why thank you. You look pretty 'wow' as well. My eyes nearly bugged out of my head when I first saw you." He complimented in return. "I must say, green really is your colour. And not just because of your Akul teeth." Ahsoka sheepishly blushed, warmed by his words.
"It's not all that often I get to do something like this." She revealed. "But Senator Amidala was able to help me put this together."
"You really should let the Jedi send you to all the parties. Especially if you're going to look this stunning." Wraith suggested. Ahsoka giggled at his words, even as he leaned closer and whispered, "Smart idea with the gloves. But I can't wait for the day when you don't have to wear them."
"Thanks." She replied. "You... really think that day will come?"
"If I have any say in it, yes." Wraith genuinely answered. As they conversed, the band's current number came to an end and the dancers applauded. A trio of Zeltron males took to the stage alongside the Bith band and warmed up for another dancing number. It was then that Wraith had an idea. He'd been thinking about how to best undermine the Republic through minimal efforts and now had an idea. If Anakin were to recognize him, especially in such close proximity to Ahsoka, he'd probably throw a fit and get thrown out, tarnishing the Jedi and the Republic. But now he had an opportunity to really set Anakin off...
Who said he couldn't mix business with pleasure?
"Would you like to dance?" He asked. Ahsoka seemed taken aback at first, before appearing a tad nervous.
"I-I've never really danced before."
"It's simple. Here, I'll show you." Wraith replied, offering his hand.
"But my Master's here... and... all these people..." She objected, worried about doing something so public with Wraith.
"My dear, we're practically unknowns. Nobody truly recognizes us and Skywalker is too busy trying to sway the monarchy to notice you partaking in one dance." He assured her. But Ahsoka was still uncertain. "Try using the Force," he then suggested, "dull your surroundings, tune everybody out. Focus on me. This way you won't feel so nervous."
"You think that will really work?"
"I think you're being slightly paranoid. The folks here don't know you or me all that well, so no one's bound to say anything. It's your fear that's holding you back." Wrath responded, knowing that last bit would register with her. Ahsoka took his words to heart, she should learn to overcome her fears. Practicing with something as simple as dancing would be good for her and give her the knowledge for how to put it into effect another time. Closing her eyes, Ahsoka steadied her breathing and summoned an aura to surround her. She focused on Wraith's warming presence, making that her sole sensory intake. Opening her eyes, all the excess noise had faded into a monotonous buzz, leaving only the music and Wraith with his hand still extended.
"Okay." She said, taking his hand. "How do you dance?"
"It's simple," Wraith began, leading her onto the floor, "first, we position ourselves like this," taking her right hand in his left, Wraith drew Ahsoka close and let his right hand rest on the small of her back as her left settled on his arm, "and then... we move." Starting to gently sway, Wraith mirrored the movements of the couples around them, Ahsoka looking down at the motions of his feet to quickly understand and memorize the pattern.
"Okay... I can do this... I can do this..." The Togruta quietly said to herself.
"Just relax." Wraith calmly and gently told her. "Feel the flow of the movements.. and then go with them." Ahsoka soon settled into the rhythm as the Zeltron trio struck up a slow, crooning number. The song progressed as Wraith and Ahsoka continued to dance, the young Togruta enjoying the feel of his body in the slowness of the moment. She could feel the warming, comforting heat radiating from his body, both through the Force and his unique signature and from his physical form. It was like a calm fire, one burning for the sole purpose of relaxation and reassurance. With her senses dulled by the Force, Ahsoka simply basked in this closeness to Wraith, swaying in time to the mellow song, their eyes meeting periodically to share a smile. Seeing him with normal-looking eyes, Ahsoka couldn't help but wonder if this is what a life with a redeemed Wraith might look like. Suffice to say, if this was but a taste, she kind of wanted a helping.
This was perfect.
From his position alongside his wife and Senator Komain, Anakin couldn't help but notice Ahsoka dancing with a man unknown to him. Nudging Padme, Anakin glanced towards the dance floor and her eyes followed.
"Oh my..." She noted with a quiet gasp, observing the slow dance, "do you think she's...?" Padme made a heart with her hands.
"Not sure. But I'll talk to her after." Anakin answered.
On the far side of the room, speaking with the King and Queen, Count Dooku and Sereva were seeking out their super-soldier, only for Sereva to observe,
"Oh kriff me. He's on the dance floor... with a Togruta." She muttered. But then, narrowing her eyes, she made another revelation. "No, wait... that's-"
"Not an ordinary Togruta." Dooku finished. Observing Wraith dancing with Ahsoka, Dooku made a note to speak privately with him afterwards.
The song only lasted for so long and the dance came to an end not long after it did. As the other participants applauded the talent, Wraith and Ahsoka came apart.
"Well, that was... actually pretty fun." Ahsoka announced.
"Enjoyed it?" Wraith asked.
"I did." She affirmed with a nod.
"Then I'll have to dance with you more often." Wraith remarked with a smile. Ahsoka returned it. "Tell you what, let's grab some drinks and get some air for a moment." He suggested. Ahsoka knew she had an assignment to do, in mingling with the citizens, but figured a few moments wouldn't hurt.
"Alright." She agreed. Together, they left the floor and collected a drink each before leaving the main hall for a rear balcony and brought them into the crisp night air. The darkened skies above were backlit by the small pinpoints of yellow light glowing in the town below.
"This is nice." Wraith mused with a deep sigh and a quick sip from the crystal flute. The fresh air was a welcome change from the stuffy ballroom. "A very pristine world."
"Isn't it, though?" Ahsoka agreed, sipping her drink as well. "Oh! I've been meaning to tell you, thank you for the Life Day gift."
"You're welcome!" Wraith excitedly replied. "Do you like it?" He asked, referring to the pendant.
"I do. It's really pretty and I like it a lot."
"I hoped you would."
"I've been meaning to ask... how did you get it into my room?" Ahsoka wondered.
"See, it's actually quite straightforward." He started, setting his glass down on the flat railing. "One of those portal-things opened up just as you were leaving your room. It stayed open after the door shut behind you and I took advantage of the moment to leave it on your bed." He explained.
"Huh. interesting." Ahsoka mused, taking another sip.
"Yes. I'm starting to appreciate how we can interact across space-time." Wraith agreed. They fell into a moment of silence and Ahsoka's thoughts started to wander. She thought about something that might just make this the most perfect moment; if Wraith gave her a kiss. She didn't want to ask him, but in the spur of the moment, her mind prompted her to speak what was on her mind,
"I'll never tell anyone this... hell, I have a hard time convincing myself sometimes... but you're... nice to kiss." She admitted.
"Am I now...?" Wraith mused, leaving his drink to slip one arm around Ahsoka's waist. She turned back to him, hands resting against his clothed chest. "Shall I... indulge you again?" He quietly wondered. Wraith saw Ahsoka's eyes light up for a brief second, before they were clouded by a sudden worry. "It's just the two of us, my dear." He assured her.
"Jedi... really aren't supposed to indulge in anything..." The Togruta hesitantly answered. "But... maybe... just one wouldn't hurt..." She slowly decided.
"One it shall be." Wraith agreed, gently holding her chin in his hands as he bent down and kissed her. Ahsoka pressed back against him, her lips moving to meet his. She really did enjoy moments like this. Derenath seemed to have been the moment where she accepted the fact she liked kissing Wraith. The super-soldier, his feelings for Ahsoka well and truly known, simply let himself enjoy everything about this moment and every moment they got to share.
He loved her so very, very much.
They parted after a moment, the soft sensation of each other's mouths lingering in their senses. Ahsoka swallowed nervously as her gaze met the deep brown hue of Wraith's faux eyes. Sweet Force did he ever look lovely tonight...
"Maybe... one more...?" She asked with a sheepish grin. Wraith chuckled and obliged her.
Later that night...
After the invited guests had left for the night, Dooku, Sereva and Wraith remained behind upon request from King Mitar. With the Twi'lek admiral already waiting near the throne room, Dooku and Wraith had seen to it the Republic affiliates had left before making their way over. As they did, walking through the ornate halls of the palace, Dooku posed a question to Wraith.
"I noticed you were dancing with the apprentice of Skywalker." He stated. Testing Wraith through the Force, his emotions belied neither fear or surprise, but expectancy. "Would you care to explain your actions?" The Count asked.
"Certainly. I observed her chatting with the locals and deduced she was attempting to gather intel for the Republic. I attempted to waylay her mission by posing as a local and inviting her to dance." Wraith simply replied.
"And were you successful?" Dooku inquired. Recalling his original plan to make Anakin freak out and therefore embarrass the Republic, and how that didn't happen, Wraith answered,
"For the most part." Expecting some sort of retort from the old man, Wraith got a simple nod instead.
"Very well." He seemed content with his answer, but Wraith had a feeling Dooku still wasn't pleased with his decision to 'deviate' from course to get a moment with Ahsoka.
Perhaps this would come back to bite him...
His thoughts fled his mind, though, as they arrived at the throne room entrance where Sereva was waiting. The Lethan Twi'lek still looked as stunning as ever, the long evening having done nothing to her natural beauty.
"He's ready for us." She said as they drew closer. With an accepting nod, Count Dooku moved forward, parting the double doors with Wraith and Sereva right behind him.
King Mitar sat on his throne, flanked by multiple Daimarian guards. The bearded man, despite his rather simple robes, beheld an elegant and regal stature that was rather befitting of a king. He wore no gaudy crown and very few elegant jewels, clearly a man who did not consider status something to be embraced and would prefer to be a man of his people.
"Count Dooku and associates, I bid you greetings." He offered in a gentle yet strong voice.
"Your Highness. We would like to thank you for your generous hospitality this evening. The ball was most enjoyable." Dooku responded with a courteous bow, Wraith and Sereva echoing his action. "Permit me to introduce my associates for this evening. Admiral Sereva Shak of the Confederate Navy," Sereva bowed as she was introduced, "and a personal bodyguard and associate of mine." Dooku continued, opting to keep Wraith's identity safe. The super-soldier bowed as well.
"I am pleased to meet you all. You were very gracious guests." King Mitar replied, eyeing each one in turn. "I have come to a decision about the fate of my world and my people... and I have chosen to ally with the Republic." He revealed. The Separatists shared looks of dull surprise. This was not the outcome they had been hoping for.
"I see." Dooku slowly answered. "That is most unfortunate to hear, your Highness." He mused. "I would ask that you take a moment to reconsider."
"The Republic has been good to Daimar all these years and I see no reason to leave it now." Mitar responded.
"Then, seeing as your mind is made up, we shall disturb you no further." Dooku stated, turning on heel and making to leave. Sereva immediately followed suite, but Wraith lingered for a moment. Catching the king's eye, he took a breath and approached him.
"Your Highness... I understand and accept your decision. But should you change your mind, know that our door is always open." He quietly told him. Mitar nodded.
"Thank you, young man."
Later, back onboard the Dominance...
Wraith entered his quarters with a sigh, sealing the door behind him. He was glad to be getting out of this dress suit, undoing the jacket and breathing deeply. Removing it completely, he draped it across his bed and stretched, flexing his muscles as he craned his body in multiple directions. Tonight might've had unfortunate results, but it had been a good night overall.
At least he got to dance with the girl of his dreams...
Walking over to the desk where his helmet and folded armor lay, Wraith slipped on his helm and powered it on, using the large dials hidden in plain sight on either side to cycle through its built-in systems.
"Boo!" A playful voice suddenly cried out. Wraith turned to his right and saw a grinning Ahsoka sitting on a bed. She was still wearing her evening gown, though the gloves had been cast removed.
"Why hello there." He calmly greeted. Ahsoka's expression fell.
"Aw! I was hoping I'd scare you this time." She grumbled. Wraith chuckled.
"Try again next time, my dear." Having found what he needed, Wraith slipped off his helmet but left the optics on as he set it on the bed. "How are you doing?" He wondered.
"We're staying another night on Daimar to secure the planet." She told him. "So my schedule for the next day or so is pretty packed. What about you?"
"We just got back to base. I'm not sure what my next assignment is to be." He answered. "Even still, I will spend my downtime reflecting on fond memories like tonight. It was perfectly wonderful to dance with you tonight." Ahsoka smiled at him.
"Thanks. I know I wouldn't mind dancing again if I ever get the chance." She replied. "But I'm not sure if any other partner would be as... smooth as you." She admitted, averting his gaze.
"If that's what you think, maybe I'd better be your only partner." He mused with a smirk. Rising from his bed, Wraith tapped a panel on the side of his helmet and some soft, ballroom dance music filled the air shortly after. Ahsoka watched with a raised eyebrow marking as Wraith straightened himself out before approaching her and offering his hand.
"May I have this dance?" He politely asked. Ahsoka giggled at the notion before taking his hand, used to touching him through space-time by now.
"Yes you may." Rising from her seat, Ahsoka found herself drawn into Wraith's hold as they took up the same posture. Their arms around one another, hands held, they began another slow dance, gaze locked on each other. Wraith had removed his contacts, his amber eyes back on display. His hair seemed a little less pristine as well, back to draping around his head and reaching for his neck.
It might not be the most groomed look, but it was a homely look. It made him appear more like... himself.
Feeling the heat radiating from his body, as well as the solid muscle beneath, Ahsoka didn't say a word, but found herself loving the close sensation. Drawing close to Wraith, the Togruta laid her head on his chest, carried away by the slow and soothing motions of the dance. Her montrals uncovered the semi-familiar rhythm of his beating heart and Ahsoka closed her eyes, continuing to sway as the calming sensations filled her mind. Wraith tilted his head down, his chin against his chest as he nuzzled her montrals affectionately. Ahsoka smiled and hummed, neither of them breaking the pattern or their step in time with the music. Time started to blur as both Wraith and Ahsoka were caught up in the dance. The slow, gentle music, the soothing movements of their bodies, it all of it combined to create an experience unlike any other.
Neither of them said it aloud, but both would've willingly danced the night away...
