Chapter 5: A Night to Remember
Even though he'd told her not to dress fancy, after all he'd done for her she wanted him to walk into any bar on Alderann holding a stunning girl on his arm. She had a thrill about making other women jealous, not just for how fortunate she was to have such a sweetheart at her side but also to bring out the best of her looks. She had always been told she was the most beautiful twi'lek through Ryloth and especially in her clan but she always thought it meaningless when the comments came from the mouths of lying, seductive men, most of them who were either intoxicated at the time or just wanted her for one night. She had sometimes fallen victim to this when she had no money and nothing left but when she had found Ord Mantell, became close friends with Corso and started her own business it was the best decision she ever made: Now she was rolling in credits, had such lovely friends and the most doting man at her side. She looked at the holounit on her dressing table which displayed 7:45 meaning she had fifteen minutes left to get ready. It would only take her ten minutes to do her make up as she had already slipped on a new, sleek looking number for the evening. She wore a black tank top and sleek leather leggings which pulled all her muscles taut, showing off her gorgeous figure. Her height was increased slightly as she wore suede wedges on her feet, while a thigh length sleeveless jacket flowed over the tank top. A beautiful headpiece, silver woven into the shape of her clan symbol rested over her forehead, while she had slipped some silver and black studs into her ears. Satisfied with how she looked she began to add primer to her face and accentuate the height of her cheekbones with bronzer and matte. Her eyes increased in colour and volume as she blended a base of gold and blue eyeshadow with black liquid liner bringing out the brightness. Satisfied with the look of her face, stunned at her reflection by her own beauty for a brief moment she plumped her perfect lips up with a dark magenta lip gloss. Surely a few men on the town would be staring at her direction, but no matter how many of them propositioned her she would always have her Corso and he was all she ever needed.
As long as it had taken Iz'phal to get ready for a simple night on the town Corso had also been taking his time. He wore a flared red and black leather jacket with a simple black top underneath it while his grey trousers were tucked into his boots. He slicked a handful of styling gel into his hair before checking the time on his wrist watch. Knowing he couldn't do much better with his appearance he grabbed a stash of credits from their secret place as he made his way to the ship's holoroom to wait for her. Risha came out of the engine room, looking him up and down before nodding with approval, glad the Captain was going to let off some steam.
"Like the jacket Corso, where's that from?" Risha asked as Corso shrugged the jacket more onto his shoulders before leaning against the door to the ship's bridge, crossing his arms in a relaxed stance.
"Why thank you Risha, just a place on Nar Shaadaa that does cheap stuff. One of my personal favourites. Where's Iz?" he asked seeing Risha threw a glance at the Captain's room.
"You should know how long it's takes us girls to get ready. She'll be done soon" Risha said Corso's expression become serial as he didn't want her to get all dressed fancy for him. It would be a great evening no matter what she looked like. Just as he was thinking about knock on her door it opened Iz'phal slinging a small bag containing credits and her holocommunicator onto her shoulder, face filled with colour catching Corso's eye as he just gazed at her.
"Right ready to go?!" Iz'phal questioned like a happy girl on her eighteenth birthday as he just stepped up to her and continued to gaze at with that look of adoration in his eyes. "What's up?" she asked, not sure why he was this silence as she pulled gently on the collar of his jacket pulling him close to her. Corso cleared his throat trying to get the words out but he was stunned by how beautiful she was. When Risha had left the room he wrapped both arms round her waist beaming down at her with his deep brown eyes. She giggled shyly, lowering her head to his chest but he guided her face gently upwards with his thumb.
"Wow Iz…erm you're so…" He struggled to get the words out but in the end said what he truly felt "You were beautiful before Iz but now…You look so damn gorgeous…" His warm voice crooned in her ear, a smile flickering across her made up face. She rested her arms over his shoulders, kissing him on the forehead.
"Well I want people to be jealous of you when I'm on your arm, wanted to make an effort after all you are taking me out" She winked sweetly feeling him nuzzle his face to hers, holding her in a coaxing yet caring embrace, almost entranced by her.
"As long as we have a damn good time I don't care what others think Iz. Just aren't I the lucky one to have someone like you" Corso whispered kindly as he nudged her playfully in the ribs.
"Obviously I can say the same" she cooed softly, feeling him lace his fingers through hers.
"Right then. Let's go rip up Alderann Izzy. And Risha…!" Corso called leading his girl by the waist to the exit of the ship, Risha immediately showing her head from behind the engine room door the moment her name was mentioned. "Don't wait up for us. With this one god knows when we'll be back. Trust me I've been out with this party animal before. It's not pretty!" Corso laughed seeing Iz'phal flash a friendly glare his way, clinging onto his waist.
"Yeah only coz you're a lightweight!" Iz'phal snorted, Corso wanting to shake of the remark, straightening out the folds of his jacket.
"I'll prove you otherwise Iz girl you wait!" Corso shot back in a friendly tone as Risha bid them goodbye for the evening.
"I'll be that judge of that when I see it Riggsy. Now let's go have us some fun!" Iz'phal smiled, heart fluttering at the fact he was taking her out on his own time, wanting to dote on her every chance he could.
"You know some top places Izzy but I'll show you how lively Alderann can really be" Corso jested proudly as she beamed lovingly up at him, the couple disembarking the ship knowing the good times were ahead.
They walked through the deserted looking streets of Alderann's main market place, discussing their plans for the future, Iz'phal glad to be taking her mind off work for a while. After a while she raised her head from his shoulders to take in their surroundings as a chilled breeze swept down from the mountainous valley around them. She was beginning to wonder if they had come out on the wrong night; the streets were deserted and not even a wondering citizen in sight. The town centre was dimly lit with all stalls having pulled drapes over them to show they were out of business for the evening. She voiced her concerns but Corso being a man of his word knew what he was doing and where he was going.
"This place is deserted Riggsy. I don't see much liveliness about this place!" Iz'phal moaned in a playful tone, snuggling against his chest as he pulled his jacket around her to keep out the cold.
"Trust me Iz, this place will blow your mind" Corso said, tightening his arm around her shoulders hoping that would be the case. He wanted he and his girl to have the best time and providing only the best for her was not an option. Clenching his hand in hers they walked through the backstreets of the marketplace for another ten minutes, the darkness closing in around them. Just as Iz'phal was getting worried and was about to ask him again about where they were going they came into what looked like the centre town square, buzzing with clubs open for business, bright lights flickering around the different entrances to places making the centre a mirage of colour. Iz'phal almost squealed in delight as she had never found this place before. Like an overexcited child she nearly went straight to the nearest Sabacc table to lay down a bet on somebody's hand. The Captain was a mean Sabacc player, even Ryloth national champion at one time but last time she had played Corso had seen through her bluff every single time. It was worth giving the game ago as the night wore on. The myriad of different sounds of music from the clubs was enough to make her want to dance already and several areas were buzzing with galactic beings of all species, being served exotic drinks and just having a good time. She was careful to be aware in a place where you could get so intoxicated by everything so she just kept her guard up but wanted to let it down for a while, especially with him beside her.
"Well what you think. Told ya my girl only goes to the best places!" Corso smiled, knowing that she had been doubting him but Iz'phal just threw her arms around his waist not wanting to wait to get the evening started.
"This is incredible Riggsy, why didn't you show me this before?" Iz'phal asked a few lone passers-by, all male, no doubt a ring of galactic spacers walked past the couple, two of them sharing lingers looks at her. She shrugged it away for no matter who tried to entice her she always would have his heart and that was all she ever needed.
"Because Izzy it was supposed to be surprise for tonight that's why" Corso laughed, tightening his grip on her hand with affection seeing her point to the colourful entrance to a club on her left, attracted by the amount of people queuing outside and by the heavy bass music playing inside. Iz'phal was open to all kinds of music but every now and again she liked the classic electronic dance anthems.
"This one looks kinda cool, Riggsy can we go here?" Iz'phal almost pleaded as Corso without replying took his girl in his arms to another queue lane with no people. "What are we doing?" She hissed suddenly, seeing people in the opposite queue throw rough stares their way. "We're kinda pushing in."
"Just so happened this is the club I booked us into anyway. Irothiean is one of my favourites and we're on the guest list so they'll just have to wait" Corso said, glad to see his girl so happy as he drew a couple of VIP passes from the inside pocket of his jacket. Iz'phal went bright red in the face as she lowered her head, giggling like an excited child.
"You got us into VIP. Why didn't you tell me?!" Iz'phal crooned warmly in his ear as he handed the security guard on the door the passes and they walked straight through the front door, more bouncers on the secondary door to the main club checking IDs.
"Surprises Iz, you should know by now I know how to treat my girl and I've been meaning to have a night out with you like this for ages it's just been so hectic you know" Corso tried to explain but Iz'phal merely smiled at him, just so content with where she was in her life and everything she had in it. As they had their IDs scanned the bouncer looked at Iz'phal suspiciously, heart in her mouth for a moment before he nodded and both of them were allowed access. Iz'phal's heart nearly missed a beat as they walked into the main room, bright strobe lighting of different colours was pulsing around a huge dance floor in the centre of club while a bar spanned the length of the room. There were a various array of places to sit and drink, the attractive décor of the place catching her eye as small booths with buckets of ice and their own mini bars looked enticing. It took a while for her to take it all in as they went to the cloakroom to deposit their coats and jackets for the evening.
"This place is awesome. All I need now is a drink, but where's VIP?" Iz'phal asked, seeing Corso's eyes light up when she mentioned it.
"We'll go there now and Iz…" said Corso as she looked up at him questioningly, her beautiful eyes again pulling him in. "It's all on me and like I said it's VIP girl so we don't pay for nothing." Almost taken away with the lively, buzzing vibe of the place he led her by the hand into one of the private booths towards the side of the room. It took a moment for Iz'phal to realise these booths were only for VIP patrons only but she wondered why they looked so fancy.
"Ohhh this is what these are for. Son of a Kath Hound this is amazing, you get all this booze free and a mixer. Right I'm starting on this, WKD raspberry flavour I think" Iz'phal beamed as she grabbed a bottle of electric blue liquid from the mini bar fridge and slumped down on the plush couch next to him as a song she knew quite well came on and she started to tap her feet.
"You like that stuff Iz. I always thought it looked toxic myself. I'll try the Shaadaa sours though. Start on the strong stuff" Corso laughed, Iz'phal taking a sip from her bottle as Corso opened a fancy green looking bottle, pouring the thick liquid into a tall glass. "Try some Iz it's awesome!" he suggested wrapping an arm around her shoulder as intrigued by the green liquid in the glass she reached for it and took a small sip before screwing up her face in disgust.
"Son of a Wompa that's strong. I'll stick to my WKD thanks very much Riggsy" she sighed leaning back on the sofa snuggling close to him as men mainly with twi'lek escorts headed to the dancefloor. It sickened her to think her people were being used like this but she knew the man beside her would always take care of her, always be there for her.
"Long as you're happy Iz it don't matter to me. May get some shots in later but depends how you feel" he said flicking his eyes to the shot glasses on the side of the table by the ice bucket as she crossed one leg over the other knee, never feeling so happy in all her life. At least here she felt safe and that no one was going to interrupt the time they shared together.
"Long as it's not that disgusting Sambuca stuff I'm fine. That stuff is vile!" Iz'phal whined playfully as Corso just laughed, taking a swig of the sours from his glass.
"You're too funny Iz! Now hurry up and drink that up. We got this whole mini bar to get through girl!" Corso sniggered as throwing a challenging glance his way she downed her WKD before reaching for another bottle, this time a VK Orange in the ice bucket. Corso just stared at her, wanting to gawp at her but knew now his girl was no light weight. "Bloody hell Iz. When I meant drink up I didn't mean down it you nut case!" The alcohol slightly going to her head, she snorted with laughter, her eyes batting flirtatiously at him.
"Well I thought that would be the quickest way to drink it all. Come on Riggsy keep up!" Iz'phal snapped in a friendly tone giggling from the effects of the booze to her head as without a second thought Corso downed his glass of sours, wincing slightly as the taste of a whole glass of sours wasn't nice all in one go. She punched him playfully in the ribs knowing that was not the nicest of experiences.
"Haha Riggsy you are hilarious. Come on get the next round in" she said through a slightly tipsy smile, gesturing to the stash of drinks before them. "I'm all set" she raised the bottle of VK in her hand.
"If it's all good Iz I'm going to head to the bar and get some special drinks in. Want to come with?" Corso asked, wanting more for her protection for her to stay at his side.
"Sounds great. Let's do that now then" Iz'phal agreed as she took her bottle with her, Corso holding her other hand as he led her from their private area towards the bar teeming with people wanting to get their drinks in for the evening. "What you fancy then?" she asked, a twi'lek of the Iridoian species, handsome in build and in the face gave her a lingering look as she passed by but seeing she was on the arm of another man thought better of staring at her for two long. Iz'phal got those lingering gazes a lot but she knew the majority of men wanted to use her for their on pleasures, for one night just to satisfy her and then to dump her by the wayside at the end of it. She took the fact they found her attractive as a compliment but she had a loving guy by her side now and knew he would always be true to her.
"One of those Shaadaa Spritzers. Best drink you will ever have Iz. Doesn't take more than one to send you slightly over the edge though" Corso quirked a friendly eyebrow at her as she knew she could take any alcohol the galaxy could throw at her. Besides it would help her to loosen up on the dance floor later.
"Never had one before, can't wait to try it" Iz'phal beamed, lacing her fingers through his as he reciprocated the affectionate gesture by squeezing her hand tightly. "Love you Riggsy" Iz'phal whispered in a warm, slightly husky tone as snuggled against his neck, her lekku running over his shoulder.
"Love you too Izzy, I could tell you how much but we'd be here for ages" At his compliment she blushed red, the colour in her cheeks highlighting the beauty in her face as she nuzzled the crown of her head under his chin.
"Aww Corso you're so sweet. Now let me chip in for this" Iz'phal protested, taking her bank card from her pocket as he shook his head, determined to treat his girl like he said he would. As he said he wouldn't care if he spent all his savings on her, just to take care of her and to show her a good time.
"Absolutely not Iz. This one's on me. What's a man to do if he can't show his girl a good time right" he offered as they reached the front of the bar, Iz'phal leaning her elbows on the counter, trying to get the attention of one of the several barmen pouring various coloured liquids and shots into glasses of all shapes and sizes.
"Oh alright" Iz'phal relented, pecking him on the cheek, snaking an arm around his waist. "But I get the next one!" she almost ordered, determined to spend money on her man as well. He rolled his eyes, gazing sweetly at her.
"Alright Iz but I'm getting these ones in first" Corso smiled, ruffling the top of her lekku a sign of affection between a twi'lek and their partner.
"It's gonna be awesome. If we get served that is" Iz'phal complained, pulling off her usual trick to get attention as she flattered her eyes at the nearest barman and immediately he strode to them, Corso giving the order as he began to make their drinks.
"Hw'd you do that Iz? You certainly have a way with people" Corso sniggered Iz'phal merely shrugging, watching in fascination at the amount of different liquids going into their drinks.
"It's the face, people just can't resist it" Iz'phal bragged in jest as Corso caught in chin with his other hand gazing deep into her glassy brown eyes.
"I know Iz, tell me. That's the face that captivated me when I first met you" he crooned against her forehead, a welcome warmth running down her spine as his gentle embrace made her feel safe, ever thankful to have a strong arm to lean on.
"Oh shut up, Mr mushy!" Iz'phal laughed, Corso knowing she was good with her humorous quips as two tall glasses, shimmering with colour under the lights of the bar and flashing strobe lights around them were placed on the bar top. Iz'phal didn't dare to think how much just two drinks in this place cost as he handed a glass to her and they clinked them quickly, Iz'phal immediately wanting to find out what it tasted like. Corso took his first sip and felt a vitality shoot through his body, like he'd been struck by lightning, Iz'phal feeling the same gazing at the glass in her hand in wonderment.
"Good right Iz?! Told ya" Corso grinned at her, waiting for her reaction as she took another long draught of the cocktail through her straw, eyes sparkling with delight.
"Wow! That stuff is damn good. I have to learn to make this!" Iz'phal voiced her excitement as the slight amount of alcohol was heightening her cheerful mood. "This is so fun!" she squealed, almost dancing on her tip toes as he still held her hand in a firm, protective sense.
"You wait till I show you the other places Iz, we'll have a few more here then head to the club over the square. If you're up for a bit of a dance they do the best anthems in there" Corso said, telling her the other plans for the evening as her face once again showed excitement, taking another sip from her drink.
"Ohhh sounds amazing Riggsy and you never told me there'd be dancing" Iz'phal whispered, admitting to herself she'd like to see his moves. Iz'phal had remembered dancing with her betrothed in her tribe, before the Imperial's had shown up and took him away from her. Up to that day she had been the best dancer in the tribe, with a natural movement in her shapely figure but since the day her family were killed she had never danced, as she pushed the memory away. She had a new life, the most trusting and loving man at her side and she knew things would be different, because it was all changed, because she had him. Even without the slight effects of the alcohol making him a bit light headed he still wanted to have his girl in his arms, see how she moved. He heard twi'leks were the most accomplished dancers but it disgusted him to see most twi'lek women end up as escorts or entertainers for clubs and men. He would make sure that never happened to her, that she was always given the best in life and have all the happiness she deserved. "We have VIP here though Riggsy, unless you…" Iz'phal questioned, Corso pulling her closer to him an arm slung over her shoulder, nibbling her ear gently.
"We have VIP for both places Iz, I told you my girl receives only the best" he crooned warmly against the side of her head, as she snuggled her head against his chest, feeling like she was being spoilt rotten.
"Awww that's gonna be awesome. Got to finish this one first though" Iz'phal grinned, raising her glass to take another swig. The couple went back to their exclusive area before finishing their drinks, getting a final round in before heading to the next place.
Iz'phal had never felt so happy they walked hand in hand across the brightly lit, lively square, the colours of the various lights around them heightening the shades of rose on her cheeks. She felt protected and loved being on the arm of a man who cared so deeply for her. She always wanted space to herself but also that physical intimacy between them which would mature and develop the longer they were together. Being a woman of strength and gut determination she would never let the memories of her past come to the surface again but she couldn't help but get an unpleasant shiver down her spine when she saw the odd Imperial soldier out of the corner of her eye. Corso felt her tensing underneath his hold and immediately comforted her, running a hand up and down her ribs and hip. Iz'phal had been in a controlling relationship when she was travelling across the galaxy. Like so many of the men who wanted to be in her life they promised her everything and gave her nothing. She was told what to wear and couldn't go out and see her friends. When she knew she was being controlled Iz'phal got as far away from her ex-partner as she could and knew that with Corso in her life nothing like that would ever happen to her. She had, had a lot of bad luck in her life but over the past few years, ever since her income in credits and when Corso expressed his feelings for her it had all become a different world all together. Her keen hunting senses made her aware of a significant Imperial presence around the area, the soldiers also keen to let off steam and have a good night out on the town…
No doubt to take advantage of my people and the countless amounts of women who will do anything to get a handsome man on their arm, even with an Imperial insignia on their shoulder…Shaking the thought out of her head, knowing she was safe as she could be with Corso holding her she predicted he was aware of the Imperial's around them and refused to let Iz'phal be touched by one of those unfeeling animals ever again. Iz'phal's blood nearly boiled over in anger as she spied a young twi'lek girl, obviously not old enough to know what she was doing accepting the attention she was being offered, a well-groomed looking Lieutenant fixing an arm around her shoulders. Had it been Iz'phal on her own she would've blasted all those Imperials to hell and free the naïve girl. Unfortunately it was yet another one of her people that had offered herself as an escort to wealthier men and sadly she knew Corso wouldn't let her near them even if she protested. Her eyes lingered on the girl for a moment as they walked on by, one of the soldiers in the group obviously eyeing her for her good looks as they passed. He knew she was slightly nervous by her silence so he ran a hand over hip in a soothing gesture, the boldest looking Imperial giving up his chances of advancing her when he saw she already had a guy with her and didn't want to get on Corso's bad side as he looked like a guy that could put a blaster to his head.
"Don't they have other places to go to" Iz'phal growled, Corso guessing she was still riled by the Imperial presence around these parts of Alderann but as long as he was at her side he had promised her none of them would come near her again. The Empire was a regime which they both despised in equal measure but she hated them for a deeper, more personal reason. The Empire had taken everything away from her, her family, her dignity and her home. No matter how innocent some of the soldiers seemed they were all the same to her, bloodthirsty, materialistic, murderers with nothing better to do than serve a dictatorship. No Imperial to her had a clean record and she would sooner shoot one in the head than shake his hand.
"Izzy sweetheart just ignore them. Any of them try to get close to you they'll know my blaster first. Besides you got me right?" Corso questioned warmly, feeling her tighten her hand in his, flashing a smile. "Hey come on Iz, cheer up. This is where the real party begins" he coaxed lovingly in her ear as she realised he was right. She needed to enjoy herself and stop dwelling on the past. Besides the new part of her life was just beginning and she had a handsome, kind hearted ex-soldier to take care of her.
"You're right Riggsy. Sorry for being mopey. I keep thinking how lucky I am to have someone like you. I am a lucky girl…" Iz'phal purred as his hand traced her hip line again.
"Oh Iz stop, now that's getting mushy. Come on let's get out of this cold and have us some fun" Corso grinned as Iz'phal seconded that the couple stepping through the guest list entrance to the Lexus club. Having dumped their coats and unnecessary items into the dispensable lockers they stepped through the door to the main lounge, Iz'phal's heart already swelling with excitement. The only thing that put her off slightly was the waft of spice coming from one particular corner of the room, Corso immediately leading her to the more lively section of the room, where a massive dancefloor spanned from one edge of the room to another, members of all species and sexes buzzing about them. Three bars lined the walls, while spacious tables and chairs gave people the chance to sit down, catch up and take the weight of their feet. Heart pounding, anticipating the rest of the night ahead she gazed longingly up at him, smoothing a stray lock of his brown hair behind his ears. That was the other thing. She found all Imperials the same in appearance, always tight lipped and slicked back hair and groomed facial features whereas Corso was still incredibly good looking to any sane woman but didn't let his appearance be restricted by a military regime and she loved him like that, loved him for being so different. An arm wrapped gently around her neck they started for the bar when Iz'phal saw a familiar face out of the corner of her eye. The friendly face, a pale green and lekku entwined with spiralling black patterns looked familiar before she instantly recognised her. Without alerting Corso, startling him slightly she broke from his hold and rushed up to her opening her arms as if to offer her an embrace.
"Juil'et what are you doing here girl?!" Iz'phal gasped, seeing the older twi'lek's expression light up at her sudden appearance, the happy pair flinging their arms around each other in a tight, friendly hug.
"Izzy fancy running into you! I haven't seen you in ages girlfriend how ya been?" The twi'lek named Juil'et cried, a wide grin lighting up her pretty face, amazed at how fast the young girl she knew all those years ago had grown up. "Wow Izzy look at you, you look incredible. I'm surprised you haven't got a man to tell you how beautiful you are" Juil'et giggled as at that Iz'phal ruffled her lekku and waved a hand at Corso beckoning him to join them.
"Actually I do now Jul. This is Riggs…I mean Corso" she said quickly seeing Corso eye her playfully for using her nickname for him in front of someone he didn't know. "We've been best friends for years but now we've been together for a few months back" Iz'phal explained, Juil'et immediately getting her meaning when he latched onto her neck again and pulled her close.
"Aww you sure look cute together. He's a stunner that one and I trust he takes good care of you. Nice to be meeting ya" Juil'et smiled sweetly shaking Corso's hand, immediately he reciprocated the gesture when he finally realised she was one of her closest friends.
"You too Juil'et, or mind if I call you Jul. That's what I heard Izzy say" Corso asked seeing Juil'et nod, her lengthy lekku swishing down by her exposed waist.
"Oh sure of course. That's what most people call me. Anyways I won't disturb you, I'm sure you two will have a lovely evening. Iz we'll catch up later okay" Juil'et beamed seeing Iz'phal whisper something to Corso but he nodded, wanting Iz'phal to have as much time with her friends as she could and she deeply appreciated that.
"For sure Jul. I'll buy us a drink at say 12pm. Have a well-deserved catch up" Iz'phal offered, Juil'et's heart leaping with excitement at the chance to talk to her close friend after all these years.
"That would mean the world Iz. Will meet back here in a few hours. See ya then" Juil'et harped warmly, waving cheerfully at them before heading to the other side of the bar to join the gang she was with for the evening. Iz'phal felt his fingers tracing her waist again and knew that with even a few Imperials around he was extremely protective of her.
"She seems nice, how long you know her for Iz?" Corso asked, Iz'phal gesturing that they were next in the queue to get the drinks in.
"Met her on Ryloth all those years ago. She was nearly a part of my crew then decided to opt out to be with her family. It means a lot to see her…" She sighed, knowing everything in her life at this moment was just where she wanted it to be. "And thanks for letting me spend time with her. Means the world" Iz'phal smiled, Corso just satisfied to see his girl looking so radiant and so happy. Her eyes wondered again as he replied but they fell upon another familiar face. What was going on? Why did she keep seeing people she knew? Or at least she thought she recognised him. Noticing her silence he tried to coax her out of her almost trance like state as she examined his face more closely, recognizing his attractive looks anywhere, his short black hair quipped behind his ears and those bright blue eyes. What confused her was the people he was talking with and the familiar uniform he was wearing. Could it be that he…She paused her train of thought then shook her head refusing to believe what she had seen and pushed it to the bottom of her stomach.
"Hey Iz you okay?" Corso asked concerned as she nodded, squeezing his hand putting on a brave face trying to banish the image of what she thought was her friend's face away.
"Course Riggsy, just thought I saw someone I knew" Iz'phal said, wanting to tell the truth but still not getting over why he was dressed the way he was and the people he was consorting with. She didn't want to make her way to him in case she had made a mistake but she was pretty sure it was him. Corso mumbled his words to the crown of her head and his intimate hold on her relieved some of the uneasiness she had begun to feel.
"I didn't know my Iz was so popular. It must be nice to see old friends again" Corso smiled down at her as she immediately agreed but something about this look alike of her friend didn't sit right with her. She managed to forget about it for the majority of the evening as Juil'et joined them for a few drinks before they hit the dancefloor. The MC for the night was a famous musical technician, giving the club its well-known reputation for the most popular tunes in the galaxy. Iz'phal had never told Corso or Juil'et, or any of her friends for that matter that she had worked in a cantina as a dancer so she just shrugged it off when all members of different species began to watch them. Corso had never felt more proud and more confident to have a woman on his arm that could dance like she did. It made them almost the centre of attention, what with Juil'et having the time of her life strutting her moves alongside them, her and Iz'phal singing to each song terribly on purpose. Juil'et could tell that Iz'phal had found the right man for her and Juil'et knew that in the way he cared for her, the way he looked at her, always being doting but attentive towards her. That was all she had ever wanted for her friend, was for her to be happy in her life and having the perfect partner to settle down with was the right place to start. The couple and Juil'et danced until their feet ached before the excitement of the music began to die down as Juil'et sat her tired frame down on one of the comfy sofa seats next to a table in the corner, Corso also collapsing with Iz'phal in his arms, nuzzling her cheek against his chest. Sensibly Juil'et got up and got a few glasses of water to stem the flow of steady liquor they had been drinking all night, needless to say the playful banter between the couple was entertaining for her to watch.
"Why didn't you tell me you could dance Iz? Most of the people in here couldn't keep their eyes off us. I know I keep saying this Iz but I'm one lucky guy" He crooned in her ear as she clenched his hand, heart still pounding from the excitement of the dancing.
"Yeah needless to say you two were getting damn intimate" sniggered Juil'et downing her water in one and pushing the other two glasses across the table.
"Hey!" Corso snapped in an almost whining voice, pulling on Iz'phal's shoulder. "What you expect. She is my girl after all, isn't that right Izzy" he coaxed, causing her to blush bright pink, pulling her knees up close to her, trailing her hand up his chest.
"I've had the best time in my life and seeing you again Jul. It's been perfect. Love you Riggsy" Iz'phal whispered sweetly as he cupped her chin with his other hand, Juil'et rolling her eyes at the mushy scene before her.
"Oh come on Iz, thought you'd get a room for that kind of thing" Juil'et laughed seeing Iz'phal draw a kiss from his lips.
"You need to lighten up Jul!" Iz'phal chuckled as she snuggled against his neck, letting herself fully relax against him as Corso began to ask her about her life in general. Knowing they would have a proper catch up soon she turned her head slightly over his shoulder to see the man with the familiar face she had spotted earlier. The crowd he was with looked incredibly important but she was nervous of approaching them. If she didn't find out now she may miss the chance of ever seeing him again. She instantly shied her curious gaze away from the group as he seemed to flick his gaze towards her and immediately she lowered her head to his chest, Corso realising from the way she was bunching herself up that something was not right.
"Hey Izzy what's up?" he asked, concern evident in his voice as he pulled her closer to him, running a comforting hand over her cheek. She decided to let it out, there was no point in lying and she couldn't bring herself to lie to him.
"Something's not right here…You know the guy I said I thought I knew earlier. Well I think it's him but I don't want to believe it…He's changed" Iz'phal said almost frightened as Corso continued to soothe her, Juil'et trying also to comfort her friend. The next encounter would bring it all back, come back to haunt her but she would always be protected…Always be loved.