Chapter 2: The Captain and the Soldier
The air was thick with the stench of blaster fire and ion cannon ammunitions as Corso showed Iz'phal around the trooper's quarters and training facilities. Taken aback by the size of the operation the Republic was planning here she decided to ask a few questions, Corso always being completely truthful with her about the military activities on Balmorra as being his best friend she was trust worthy about the mission in hand. It was always Iz'phal's fear that her closest friend would return to the soldier's life, and whilst she honoured him for protecting the people of the Republic and doing his duty a small part of her was forever worried that something would happen to him. She always tried to bury those thoughts away, knowing the strength that he carried and she knew he was too intelligent to fall to the shots of mere snipers. Corso had been trained specifically by the Shooting Corps Division, or the SCD, making his reactions lightning fast and his awareness in the field to sniper shots supreme to the average Imperial soldier.
By the evening Iz'phal was taking a small power nap in her quarters inside the troops training facility. Although the space was only big enough for two people it was comfortable and the Captain was ready to get some shut eye after the vast amounts of space travel she was employed to exercise for the senate. Corso had allowed her to get some rest while he attended to his various training exercises with his troops, promising Iz'phal they would have a proper catch up and spend time together in the evening. The bunk was so spongy that Iz'phal had virtually fallen asleep from the moment her head snuggled against the pillow, beforehand having called Risha on the holofrequency to let her know she was not coming back to her quarters tonight. Risha knew that the best of friends had a lot of catching up to do and so did not protest and told her to enjoy herself. Iz'phal opened her eyes a fraction at the sudden rattle that sounded and she drifted off again when it was only a Republic trooper getting some cooking equipment for the evening meal. On a first quick glance at him she opened her eyes again as she recognized him immediately. The young solider was one of Corso's best friends, a battle hardened sharpshooter who had defected from the Imperial army years before the battle of Ruusan. Perhaps Corso would introduce her to all of his friends in due time as she remembered her other close friend she had met through Corso. A twi'lek slicer and machine expert named Merith who she formed a strong bond with after their work and adventures across the galaxy. The two friends had grown so close over the last few years that Merith had plucked up the courage to take their friendship further. Iz'phal admitted to herself she was attracted to him but just wanted to stay as close friends and wanted to wait for the right person to come into her life. Thankfully Merith understood everything and the two still remained friends to this day. She hoped one day she would run into him again but from the holofrequencies he'd sent to her he was having the time of his life, pursuing crime cartels and spice traders across the galaxy, travelling with a band of twi'lek rogues called the Bandit Band. Glad that she could have some down time she drifted off for another few moments, pulling the covers over her before a familiar voice woke her, a deep colour coming to face. A faint smile widened across her face as he ran a hand over her forehead beaming down at her.
"Wakey, wakey sleepy head" Corso chuckled seeing her rub her eyes as he quirked an eyebrow down at her. Just getting over the effects of sleep she sat up, yawned and combed her long blue lekku back from her face. "You've been gone for hours Iz. Didn't know whether to wake you but when did you eat last?" Gauging by the expression on her face not a lot, as at the mention of food her stomach growled, stretching the taut muscles of her shapely arms and legs.
"I haven't had a decent meal in days that's for sure" Iz'phal replied, hearing another gunshot around the camp and remembering that she was in a warzone, but knew some of the best Republic troops in the galaxy were protecting the base so she felt safe. "What were you thinking of?" Iz'phal smiled happily knowing that she was in the best of care here and that her adventures across the galaxy, no much how much Risha would protest could wait for a while. Corso's brown eyes sparkled.
"I was just thinking of…Well maybe some of that Alderannian stew I know you love. I've also got some special Corellian vintage if you're interested" He smiled, looking forward to spending time with her like in the old days and she raised an eye brow suspiciously, smirking in a friendly gesture.
"You're splashing out a bit aren't ya?" Iz'phal spoke in her usual relaxed tone, the usual rosy colour returning to her cheeks, another sign in a twi'lek that she was happy. "Hw'd you know that's my fave meal anyway?" She asked curiously, Corso merely shrugging his shoulders, his big brown eyes fixed on her.
"Out of all the years we've been across the galaxy together and you think I wouldn't know. C'mon Iz, I'd be some sort of friend if I didn't remember" He laughed, seeing her chuckle at the remark as she replied, slipping on her leggings and a loose fitting tank top as she got out of bed.
"Best friend…!" She reminded him, placing her piloting head gear over her lekku as she let them fall down her back. Expecting him to reply she was slightly unnerved at his silence as her colourful face expressed concern as she turned to engage him in eye contact, confusion evident in her eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked timidly knowing that as his closest friend she would try to help him in any way she could.
"Iz…" Corso tried to speak the words but they got stuck in his throat, knowing exactly what he wanted to say but didn't want to make her feel nervous or uncomfortable. He had admitted to himself that he was developing strong feelings for her, knew that there was an unbreakable bond of friendship between them and he never wanted to lose that. Maybe that was precisely why he was careful about how he was approaching expressing his feelings towards her. For two long years Corso had fought with his conscience to ask her or not but in the end he would have to confess how he felt for her, or concealing his feelings could lead him down a different path. He exhaled deeply before continuing, not knowing how she would react, but at the end of it all wanted them to remain the closest of friends. "Iz, I got something to ask you" Corso said, trying to keep his tone level headed and it seemed to work as she stared at him in apprehension not wanting to be kept in suspense.
"What is it? C'mon Corso you can tell me or ask me anything, you know that" Iz'phal reassured him knowing that by the tension that hung between them he was struggling to say what he wanted to. In the end he took a deep breath, plucked up the courage and asked her.
"Iz, I was wondering if you wanted to, well you know if you wanted to…" Just before Corso could finish his sentence an authoritive voice sounded across the camp and he knew he had to report to his superior at just the wrong time.
"Sergeant Riggs, all troops to assemble in the training facility for a debriefing immediately!" The voice of Juna sounded over an annunciating system that reached all the troops present around the base as he scowled at the timing of the announcement sighing in an annoyed gesture and gazed at her with a longing expression. The orders of his superior sadly came before his beloved companion and he didn't want it to be like that, especially not for the foreseeable future.
"Sorry Izzy, big man's orders. I gotta go but won't be long. We'll spend the whole evening together, promise" Corso apologised, sighing in regret that he was choosing his duty over her but in these troubled times of galactic civil war it sometimes had to be that way. Instead of being angry or shocked Iz'phal merely just cracked a wide grin and flung her arms around his neck, never feeling happier than she was at this precise moment for she was proud of him, proud of his service to the Republic army, protecting the galaxy and protecting her. There was nothing more honourable he could be achieving and she admired him deeply. He reciprocated the embrace, seeing his fellow troops making their way to the session but knew when all this was done the evening would be theirs. "Hey, Iz it's okay. I'll be back as soon as I can, promise" he said again, wanting the promise to hit home as being a noble man of conscience and morals he dare not abandon or disregard his friends and knew when all this warring was at an end he had multiple friends across the galaxy to visit, but none were like her…She was different.
"I understand Corso, it's fine. Your duty is sure important to ya and you have to do what's right. I'm so proud of you" Iz'phal beamed up at him from the dark warmth of his chest as he nodded down at her before drawing a kiss from her forehead. The softness of his touch nearly made her slightly giddy but she regained her composure and looked deep into his eyes, but their expression was different, a longing that hadn't been there before or maybe it had been and she hadn't recognised it.
"I'm the one who should be honoured Izzy to have a friend like you. I'll be back soon as I can" Corso smiled seeing Iz'phal understand completely as released her reluctantly then gestured to the stash of presents that he'd slipped onto her bed as he began to walk towards the training facility calling out to her. "Just some stuff I thought you might like, but don't open the bottom one till I'm back Iz. I want to see your face when you open that one!" Corso hollered in a friendly tone seeing Iz'phal beamed from ear to ear as she sighed, knowing he didn't have to buy luxury gifts for her but Corso would give anything to the one girl in his life. He would pluck up the courage again tonight and ask her and this time without interruptions or complications. As Iz'phal waved him goodbye she perched on the end of the bed and grabbed the package nearest her, feeling like a young girl on her birthday. Corso may have thought them small trinkets but to her they were wonderful. She had received three bars of Corellian honey crunch, her favourite sweet snack, a set of leather piloting gloves, a brand new deck of Pazack cards and a small satchel of boiled sweets. Even knowing she would be wolfing down her favourite meal in all the world later she opened one of the honey bars and took a big chunk of the end. She revelled in the flavour and sweetness of the food as she admitted throughout all her years of space travel she had missed these things. Smiling contentedly the slipped all the treats into a wooden box by her bed and tried on the new gloves. They fitted her hand with such delicate accuracy it was as if they were almost tailored. She couldn't help be feel contended as she examined her hands, stretching and feeling the leather of the material that he had feelings for her. She admitted to herself there were times when she had that same physical attraction and feeling for him. However she wasn't sure whether she was ready to settle down with anyone just yet. It had struck her close to the bone when the incident…had played itself through in her mind…The moment when she was just a child…She stopped thinking of the memory she had vowed never to let haunt her again as it would just dredge despair and not allow her to move forward with her life. She had, had many men proposition her to take her across the galaxy, that she was beautiful and wanted to be with her but they had no promise, no strength to their words at all…They were just words…Corso was different, very different from all the men she'd ever become close with over the years, Merith being one of them. When they had slept together Iz'phal had assumed Merith had feelings for her, before merely packing up his belongings and leaving her crew, apologising and saying she must never see him again. She still wanted answers from that night. It broke her heart to just think about it, to think that one of her most trusted friends had used her but she sensed Corso was different. He had too much honour for those around him, too much respect for women and their society to let anything happen to those close to him, but still so many bad things had happened and she refused to be put through that again. There was however another dark twist in her past, something she had vowed never to remember ever again and no one not even her girl buddy Risha knew about it. She refused to tell anyone, but perhaps she could tell Corso after all he always listened to her, but the thought of retelling what had happened all those years ago turned her stomach. She was only a young girl…the prettiest girl in the twi'lek tribe sixteen years of age and…She shook her head to clear the memory away, eyes screwed up tight. She vowed herself to that day she would burn every Imperial banner to the ground, put blaster fire through the hearts of every single one of them. The Imperials who tortured her ravaged her and her mother while they killed her family in front of her. Corso had his reasons for hating the Empire but he never knew Iz'phal's real motivation for her passionate loathing of them. Perhaps one day she would be truthful with him about her past and her family but it was just too strong a burden to relay the memory to anyone just yet, even her closest friend, but perhaps with time she would…
A cold evening swept over the Republic camp but it could not have been warmer for the two best of friends as they sat by a roaring campfire opposite each other with big bowls of the heartiest Alderannian stew, laughing the minutes away. It was just what Iz'phal had been hoping for: A good meal, a clear night and the best of company. Her cheeks were distinctly more rosy than usual as she finished the last mouthful of stew, slouching back on the ground feeling as full as a satisfied wookie after the feast. She forgot how hungry she'd been, considering Corso wasn't a quarter of the way through his bowl as she apologised but he merely laughed at her, smiling broadly. This was the time where they could fully catch up, spend time with each other and thoroughly enjoy each other's company.
"When you said you were hungry Izzy, you weren't kidding were you?" Corso gestured to the empty bowl by her legs as she took a sip from her wine, the expensive vintage warming her throat and her body to her core.
"Eating's been the last thing on my mind Corso you know that. Got all those packages to deliver, contacts to meet, places to be ya know. Working for the Republic sure ain't easy but it's a living" Iz'phal sighed, taking another swig from her glass before handing the bottle to her closest friend as he totally agreed with her but an urgent request from the Republic military had him return to the army as Iz'phal wholeheartedly agreed with his decision. "Oh and thank you for all the lovely presents. You didn't need to that you silly billy!" Iz'phal giggled seeing him return the smile, pulling his brown leather coat further around him as the chilled evening breeze wrapped around them. Shivering herself she slipped on her sleek, yet well-padded jacket, flared at the collar.
"Just some little things to keep you going. I know how much you love those honey bars" he quirked a knowing look at her before she nodded, smiling showing her teeth.
"Aww they were so sweet Corso thank you. I shall always keep these gifts close to me, they mean a lot" Iz'phal replied as she spied him shuffling closer to her until she rolled her eyes and patted the grassy ground beside her. "You don't need to sneak up on me, but you're more than welcome to anyway" She laughed contentedly but he asked her permission anyway and she nodded immediately laying her head on his chest, one of his strong arms draping around her shoulders. After half an hour of the two best of friends talking about the war effort, her travels with Risha and Bowdaar and his dealings with the Mandolorian merchs Corso fell into silence, after a while Iz'phal questioning him if something was wrong.
"Hey, you okay?" Iz'phal asked feeling his hand clench her shoulder in a gesture of affection as she sighed in happiness, snuggling against his chest waiting for his response.
"Huh who me?" he replied, seeing her gaze up at him in sarcasm.
"No Bowdaar. Yes of course you. Who else did you think I meant?" she asked, feeling safe and protected in his arms, huddled against him.
"Just wanted to make sure it was just us Izzy. Been waiting a long time to see you again and didn't want big shot commander over there thinking it was okay to interrupt us" Corso scowled, flicking his eyes behind him to see Juna wondering across from the field where they were sitting to get to his bunk for the night.
"Oh leave him be Corso, besides you can make your own decisions, don't need him to order you around" Iz'phal explained feeling him draw her closer to him with the arm around her shoulders. She obliged immediately, never showing any sign of shyness. She knew whatever would happen he would always respect her, always protect her and would always be there for her. His silence again unnerved her so she pressed another question to him, not personal but one that had been pressing on her mind for some time, as the fire crackled around them lighting her face in a warm glow. "Corso?" She asked as he made an affirmative sound to let her know she was listening, his hand clasping fondly onto her shoulder. "It must be terrible for you to have to join the military again. Thought you wanted to leave that life behind" Iz'phal inquired her deep brown eyes full of concern and a desire for all to be well again. He sighed as he knew she was worried about him, but that was what he loved about her, she was strong, would never let anyone get her down or anything.
"Soon Izzy I'll be off this backwater world and will never have anything to do with the Republic army again. My one soul ambition is to travel again Iz, like we used to in the old days. To work together to make the galaxy a better place, whatcha say?" Corso asked seeing her face light up in happiness at the mention of him returning to her crew as she flung her arms around his waist, her eyes wide with apprehension at the prospect of them both travelling the stars together like they used to before all this murderous war started.
"That would mean everything to me Corso. You know there's a spare bunk on my ship anytime" Iz'phal offered as his next question sent the one memory to the surface that she didn't want him to know about, one she wanted to bury away.
"I know I have my reasons for hating the Empire, hell a lot of people do Iz but surely you have yours…" It drew a reaction out of her he didn't expect as she clamped her hands over her ears and began to whimper like a frightened pup, eyes closing on the impulse to cry as immediately he set about soothing her distress, rocking her backwards and forwards in his arms, whispering against the crown of her head in a gentle voice consumed with worry.
"No…not him, can't go back, won't go back…Imperials took everything…I hate them, I hate them!" Iz'phal hissed coldly as her voice went from being a frightened croak to a venomous shout.
"Izzy it's alright you hear, everything's going to be alright" Corso soothed in her ear as the protection of his hold and the comfort in his voice worked slightly as she drew in a relieving breath, lowering her hands, still trembling however in his hold.
"I'm sorry Corso, I've kept this from you and I've kept it from everyone. I didn't want anyone to know truly why I hate them. It was the worst moment of my life and I refuse to be reminded of it again" Iz'phal said feebly, feeling so helpless looking back on it now that she didn't stand up for herself but Corso was having nothing of her talking herself down. She was the strongest star Captain and best spacer in the galaxy, as strong as they came and he knew she kept that strength in reserve for when she needed it most. She wanted to tell him, wanted to tell him the truth as she knew it would be painful but getting it out in the open would be the best way of relieving herself of the pain forever and she would fully start over, not have to go back to those thoughts again.
"What happened Izzy?" he questioned gently, careful not to snap any fragile emotions the memory might bring to the surface but in the end she knew she had to open up to her best friend, the one person in all the world who could take all her worries and pains and cure them in an instant. He could tell by the pained expression on her face that beginning to recall the memory to mind was a discomfort in itself, as if her heart was being syphoned with a scalpel but in the end she spilled her emotions onto him, crying in his comforting embrace.
"It all happened on a night when I was just sixteen. I was the youngest of three siblings, my brother Sie'kki, my sister Sia'ri and my mother and father. We were just a normal, happy family…Until they came along…They took everything from us, from me and I will never forgive them for what they did. I would kill every one of them myself if I could" Iz'phal growled in hatred, a tone of voice which Corso had never heard from her, but this hatred was real, born of a need for revenge he had never known about.
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to Iz, even I can't comprehend what you went through. If it feels better for you to talk about it I'm here for you. I will never let them hurt you again" He vowed to himself as he gripped her shoulder tighter in a protective sense as she looked up into his handsome face, her big brown eyes leaking tears as she couldn't hold back her emotions.
"My mother always told me I was the prettiest girl of the tribe and I always wondered why so many men were attracted to me, so many kind men in the clan I could take my fancy from. That was until they took that all away from me…" She paused, tears trickling over her cheeks as he cradled her in his arms, her words a jumbled mess of emotion as she wept into his neck. Even the calming stroking of his soft hand up and down her back was not enough to soothe her distress. "An Imperial battalion came to our village, expanding their territory so they called it. They killed many of my people; including four of my friends…A whole squadron of officers came to our home…then they…" Again the images brought back from reciting the memory were becoming vivid and she could do nothing more than shut down her mind and try to get the words out but it proving to be a struggle. Crestfallen and horrified at her tale, never realising that his best friend had been through this torment Corso was also having trouble listening to the events she was relaying, staring down at her with evident concern etched onto his face. It was unforgiveable to say the least and yet all these years she had buried it deep inside her, managed to push it deep down into her gut where she could ignore it but she knew getting it all out would be better than leaving it to fester rotting in the dark. "They took the women of the family, me and my mother and threw insults at us, belittled my species then the commander separated me from my mother while another solider tortured her and then…" She paused, the tears flowing over her cheeks like rivers as she raised her tear sodden face, ever beautiful, ever alive from his neck. "He treated me with a brutality I had never seen from anyone, tortured me and abused me. They let me live so I could see them kill my family in front of me. I hate them…Hate them all. The Empire wounded me for life, killed my family and took everything from me that I ever held close, that I ever loved. That's why I hate them…" Iz'phal took a few shallow breaths, worried about Corso's silence never actually thinking the impact the truth of her feelings would have on him. "I tried to forget about it. Tried to banish it all away but the memories come back to haunt me every so often. It is hard to get over something like that but I hope in time people will see me as brave." Corso also gawped at her as the words left her mouth. She was the bravest, most courageous being he had ever met and for her to go through what she did and stand tall with a smile on her face made his heart grow another three inches in size.
"Trust me Iz, you have been through more than anyone I know. You are the bravest and most courageous girl I know and don't let no one tell you different" Corso comforted, seeing that a weight had been lifted off her shoulders by not only telling him the truth but by getting the vicious circle of events that had plagued her childhood out in the open and she felt like she had expelled all the things that were keeping her down. His words of kindness seemed to bring some solace to her heart that ached every time she recounted the memory but due to the silence that occurred again she felt as if he had something else to say. She sniffed slightly and wiped the back of her hand across her eyes, the tears gone for now as she still shook slightly in his hold but nevertheless felt safe, felt protected. Deciding to change the subject and knowing now was the appropriate moment the he cleared his throat, gazing longingly down at her, an expression she had never seen in his eyes before and she knew instantly what he was going to ask her. Her heart started hammering against her ribs, her lekku twitching with anticipation as she waited for him to speak as she felt him slip one of his hands in hers, his touch so gentle it almost sent her drifting away. "We've known each other a long time Izzy, longer than I can remember in fact, back to Ord Mantell…" Corso began as she nodded instantly, beautiful brown eyes glimmering in the sparks of the fire that still blazed cheerfully, encasing them in a blanket of warmth.
"And we've been through a hell lot too and had some close encounters but due to your brains we got out of most of them alive. Just being here, spending time with you, being with my best friend is all I could ask for. I am quite happy" Iz'phal beamed as she felt him clench her hand in little tighter before he sighed in all seriousness of the situation gathering his thoughts before speaking his mind, his own heartbeat also picking up speed as he was in a closeness with her that was beyond their simple world of close friends and it was time to be truthful with her. She giggled at the affectionate gesture before gazing up at him. "If I didn't know any better I'd say you had feelings for me" she laughed nochantly as he gave her a serious stare, perhaps slightly offended by her short statement because it was true. He did have feelings for her and she was beginning to realise the way in which he felt. For months she had developed similar feelings for him but knew at times he built barriers around him, displayed a strong side during battle and with his comrades that made him tough, made him a warrior, let him survive. She had always wanted to express how she felt but somehow this tough side of him had driven her away. She wondered if he would ever lower his armour to let her get close to him but she never realised how much he had changed, how much he treasured her, not only as a close friend but the only girl he wanted to share the rest of his life with. It was time to tell her, it was the only time as he may never get the chance again.
"Iz…" he took a deep breath before catching her shapely chin in her other hand. Her heart beat quickened in anticipation as she looked up into his fair face. "I need to ask you something…I just" he paused just long enough to gather his thoughts before saying what he had been meaning to say for this past year but had never found the courage to let her know, until now. "Haven't had the will to tell you how I felt and I don't want to lose you" He brushed his lips against the crown of her head as she just closed her eyes, lost in the tone of his voice and the gentleness of his embrace, the glow of the fire heightening the rosiness of her cheeks. "We've known each other a long time Izzy and we'll always stay best friends but it would honour me if you would stay at my side, let me be there for you always. I know this sounds crazy Iz but I've been travelling this blasted galaxy and never found the one thing I always wanted: The right girl to settle down with and spend the rest of my life with. I'm no good at this speech thing Iz and I haven't got a way with words like you but from the moment I met you things were different, when I realised I was in love with you. Will you be my girl?" For a moment Iz'phal was so raptured by his words she couldn't find the words to respond until she drew herself even closer to him, her right hand snaking gently up his chest to rest next to his heart as she wondered after all those years had he changed, finally allowed his ruthless side to drop. His words were so full of meaning that she knew he meant everything and he would never bring it in his heart to lie to her, not after everything they'd been through. She wanted to reply immediately but was so lost in the moment, drifting away with how much he cared for her that it took a while for her mind to process what he had just asked her. She crooned a response, her perfect lips rising into a tender smile.
"You're not going to let me in are you?" Iz'phal whispered in disappointment "You have your armour back and I won't be able to break through it." What she didn't know was how much he had changed how much he had missed her and how much he wanted to be with her. She wanted to feel the same for him, wanted him to let her past that military guise he had kept for so long but she just wanted to be sure. "I want to be with you Corso, of course I do…" she smiled warmly as she felt his embrace becoming more intimate. "It depends whether you want to let me in or not" Iz'phal replied, her voice barely above a whisper as the answer to her question was confirmed when he tightened his arms gently around her, adoration dancing in the depths of his soft brown eyes as he entwined his hands in her lekku, her hands locked around his neck feeling his warm breath brush across her collarbone, delicate as a summers breeze.
"I lost that armour long ago Iz, you stripped it from me. I have no armour left. All that I am, all that I will ever be I am yours" A relief swept over his heart as finally he had got out what had been trapped inside him for many months and it lifted a weight off everything around him. Gazing at him with a longing expression and overjoyed at his words as with her audacious nature she made the first move, nuzzling her nose against his trying to steady her breathing as her heart hammered against her ribs in excitement. Realising she was going to speak and wanting to truly express to her how she felt he picked up her lips in a tender kiss and this time no one was going to cause any interruptions. She closed her eyes at the softness of his touch on her face and the delicate way in which he was holding her. Breaking away from her temporarily wanting to ask how she was feeling with the situation but she merely silenced him by kissing him passionately before moving her lips up the bridge of his nose and forehead. Knowing she was perfectly comfortable he put her gently on her back, placing the palms of his hands either side of her head, burying his kiss in her neck. Squirming in pleasure at his delicate touch she knew he had opened up her, confessed how he had truly felt and it made her heart somersault in her chest, knowing that he was the one to make her happy, make everything better and have the one girl in his life that meant everything to him. She was honoured and almost speechless it was her. If there was one thing Corso was especially particular about it was how to treat his girl and to make sure she was safe. He knew Iz'phal was a strong woman and she wouldn't break, so he could afford to be a little lenient and playful with her. Quickly shrugging off his thick overcoat she wrapped her arms around his neck again gesturing to the clasps holding her tunic in place.
"I love you Corso, I'll be yours always…" crooned Iz'phal into his neck as she planted several kisses under his chin as his reply confirmed he truly loved her and he wasn't just saying it. She felt his hands brush over her hips, a deep longing burning inside his eyes.
"As will I Izzy sweetheart, now no more talking…" he whispered warmly as the low, gentle tone of his voice sent her drifting again.
That night passed quickly but to her she wanted it to last forever. She did not expect him to want to express fully how he felt for her in just one night, on the first time of him saying it but it meant he was true to her and the right person for her. She had never been as happy as she had been that night, but even with his protection she wanted to banish to the back of her mind that the Imperial army would come back for her. She pushed the thought away, the warmth and tenderness of his kiss taking that all away. Iz'phal Trua knew she was most fortunate. To have loving friends and a man who cared more than anything for her. She had given herself to a few men thinking they were right for her but this was what it felt like when the right person truly loved her. Every gesture of affection he showed towards her he meant it, meant it more than any of them ever would.
They made love and fell into each other's arms.
Morning dawned a smouldering husk of smoke and preparation for battle but Iz'phal ignored all the animosity around her. What was different about the morning after the night was he was still there with her, cradling her with closeness in his arms, not upping her and leaving her like the other men in her life had. He wanted that commitment, he wanted to be with her and she loved him more dearly than ever because of that. She sighed in contentment, the usual colour in her face as he drew his coat around them to keep out the cold, Iz'phal not even worrying about her other friends. She just wanted to be with him. Corso knew his superior wouldn't accept his resignation from the army lightly but at the end of the day it was his decision and it was what was best, for him and for her. He had given his heart to her and wanted to be with her until the ends of the galaxy reached them. He slipped a warm hand under her perfectly aligned jaw as he pecked her on the forehead, a strong arm still draped around her shoulders. Her heartbeat had slowed considerably from the excitement of the night before as she knew it was time to leave this place, time to begin their travels across the galaxy again and to begin a new chapter in their lives. She thought about covering herself up a little then thought not as she was just so happy cuddled in his arms that moving was not an option. She was warm enough anyway, as he had wrapped his thick trench coat around her, the embers of the dying fire slightly visible through the morning mist. Her thoughts drifted to Risha, Bowdaar, the other members of her crew and knew they would accept her and Corso being together. After all Risha had sensed a bond growing between the two since the Captain first won back her ship from the hands of Skavak on Coruscant. That cruel mercenary had tried to woo Iz'phal to his side with promises of money and a roof over her head but she wasn't buying it. Corso had sworn a grisly revenge if he ever caught him propositioning his girl again but Iz'phal had been brave enough to shrug him away. They would tear him down together if they had to but for now the immediate future was at hand.
"Last night was…Well…You know what I mean darling" Corso cleared his throat before speaking, Iz'phal gazing up at him showing her teeth in a daring smile. She snuggled her head against the upper part of his torso, her breathing slow and relaxed as if nothing in the entire world could take this euphoria away from her.
"You were doing most of the work, not me" Iz'phal chuckled sweetly, seeing him quirk an eyebrow down at her before losing a small laugh lacing the fingers of his right hand through hers.
"I can't take all the credit Iz, you weren't too bad yourself. Trust me…I know…" He sniggered as she punched him light-heartedly in the chest, flashing a smirk at him, glassy brown eyes shimmering with expression.
"Oh shut up!" Iz'phal snorted, pushing him playfully in the ribs before he got her back running his fingers over her chest and she retracted slightly giggling. "No not there Corso, I'm ticklish as hell!" She laughed then stopped as she saw the playful glint in his eyes and regretted letting that information go instantly.
"Well let's put that to the test shall we?!" Corso smirked in a friendly gesture as he grabbed her and pinned her to the floor but still with gentleness about his actions. Iz'phal tried to struggle initially before she gave in and the two lay in each other's arms, her eyes baring into his soul, almost possessing him with their beauty. "You are damn beautiful you know that right Iz. I'm the luckiest guy alive" he murmured into her neck, her lekku running over her chest as she placed her arms around his shoulders.
"Meh, all the others didn't think so…" Iz'phal sighed feeling him press his forehead close to hers, touching his lips to her nose.
"They don't know what they're missing…" he replied warmly in a low growl that sent a pleasant shiver up her spine. He dragged his hands gently over her hips, placing his lips on hers. She was going to return the kiss when an authoritive voice made her jump and immediately Corso whipped around, his girl in his arms to see Commander Juna standing behind them, hands on his hips as if waiting for an explanation, a scowl etched onto his stern face as quickly they both got to their feet, Iz'phal brushing the dirt of her sleek overalls and arms and Corso reaching for his jacket.
"Sergeant Riggs, that's another reprimand I'll have to give you. Not turning up to rollcall last night. The boys and I wondered what you'd gotten yourself into!" Juna huffed coldly, Iz'phal realising he carried a heavy Republic artillery gun behind his back so now was not the best time to anger him. She stepped forward and spoke in an apologetic voice, almost pleasing with her beautiful eyes.
"Commander Sir, it ain't Corso. It's my fault. We had so much to catch up on and we lost track of time" Iz'phal said which was of course true but Juna knew what was going on between the pair of them, knew one of his best soldiers had fallen for the girl of his life and it was going to be hard to let him go, if he wanted to at all.
"Izzy sweet let me handle this" Corso interjected kindly as he still held Iz'phal's hand with affection almost as if to explain the situation to him from mere gesture alone. "Commander there's something I need to tell you…Me and Iz are…" Before he could complete his sentence Juna cut in, his gruff tone quipped and short.
"Don't treat me like a fool Riggs. I know perfectly well what is going on between you and that twi'lek girl of yours. You told me there was nothing between you. You lied to all of us. I wouldn't mind if you just told me the truth!" Juna scoffed Corso feeling Iz'phal tense in anger beneath his hold and tried to calm her and made his voice heard before she got herself on the wrong side of the fiery officer.
"It has been hard for me to tell her how I feel for her. It's taken me a quarter of my life and I'll be damned if I'll lose her now because of military ties. I want to tender my resignation and leave the field Sir. It's best for everyone. Iz needs me…" Corso explained, Juna glowering at him then realising that fresh talent could be recruited and that he was moving on with his life and knew that he truly loved her. He would never stop them being apart, even if it meant him losing the best solider in the whole battalion. If it made him happy it was for the best.
"I understand Corso my boy. You've made a good choice there" Juna laughed raising his eyebrows at Iz'phal as Corso was a little angered by him making suggestive jibes towards his woman.
"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Iz'phal asked timidly as he cupped her cheeks in his hands and kissed her forehead.
"Course Iz, never been surer in my life. As long as you want me with you" Corso spoke softly seeing her nod immediately, clenching his hand with affection. She snuggled against his neck knowing that she approved of him journeying with her. Besides they were together now. It would just be like the times of old.
Juna sighed, eyes reflecting disappointment at the realisation of losing his best soldier to the prospect of galactic adventure but he wanted to move on, had found a woman and in the end had given a great service to the Republic army. It was only in the best interests of honour and stability of the Republic to let him go, to aid the Republic in a different way, to still be of service but not under his command.
"Very well Riggs I understand and your intentions. As soon as you are ready to depart the base inform me and the departures droid so we can vacate your post. I'll see you shortly" Juna instructed as Corso gave a nod of respect to his superior as he turned swiftly on his heel and made his way towards the registry facility.
"I got to get my stuff together Iz. Meet you back at the ship okay?" Corso suggested as Iz'phal gazed warmly up at him, cheeks tinged with their usual rosy hue as she clung gently to his neck, as she felt him wrap his arms around her waist holding her in an intimate embrace.
"Sounds good, I'll make my way there now. I also got a surprise for you Riggsy, think you're gonna love it" Iz'phal purred against his chest, as he cupped her chin in his right hand and eyes lit up with anticipation, placing his hands on her hips.
"Aww you didn't need to do anything for me Iz, that's sweet…" he looked longingly down at her before drawing a kiss from her lips, releasing her as he pulled back to gaze into her eyes. "See ya later Iz. Love you" Corso smiled, Iz'phal pulling him into a tight hug before skipping away, her heart buzzing in her chest from the events of the last few hours as she made her way to her ship, knowing she would need to tell Risha and Bowdaar about her relationship with Corso. She knew Bowdaar would have no problems with the binding between the two but Risha in terms of business might see it as unprofessional. She was prepared to explain the situation but she was confident her friend of many years would understand.
It was time to prepare for take-off, to start the next stage of her life. There would be happy times ahead as well as the dangerous but she would be prepared for everything and if it meant getting a shot at some Imperials in the process she would welcome the challenge. After all her trigger finger and lightning reflexes were in need of some practice.
It was time to leave Balmorra.