(Sabine POV)
"A what?"
I can't be hearing this right.
"A ball Sabine. On Alderaan. The Organa's are hosting. They seemed very eager to congratulate us on our recent success . . . well Ezras success. Anyway, do you realize how valuable that information was?"
Well that's an easy answer. Very, very important. It may be the biggest breakthrough the Rebellion has had . . . well ever. This is the first time inside Imperial intelligence has been leaked in a long, long time. Since the conception of the Rebellion itself.
Hera's eyes narrowed in my direction, clearly trying to make out what I was thinking.
"I don't know Hera." I start and plop on the leather couch in the common room of the Ghost. "That's not really our thing, I mean . . . I haven't been to a ball since my academy days, I . . ."
"Sabine, it's ok." Hera sits next to me, her green eyes boring into mine. "What's gotten into you lately? This is no big deal." She waves her hand through the air, as if she's swatting something away carelessly. "Well be in and out. Also don't think you're getting out of this one." She stands and points an incredulous finger at me.
"Hera." I sigh and drop my hands into my lap.
"Don't even think about it!" she says loudly walking towards the back of the ship, presumably to tell the others of the good news. "And find something nice to wear!" She calls, voice echoing through the hall.
Great.
. . . . .
(Ezra POV)
Heras news was surprising, but not too surprising.
From what I've heard from the talk Hera and Kanan have had, funding for the Rebellion as a whole has been less than ideal.
Hundreds of the Rebellion's most trusted leaders, and not to mention the pristine Senators and delegates that would be in attendance, would clearly make for a large credit draw.
And all confined to the pristine halls of the Alderaanian Palace.
Sounds like a perfect target for the Empire. No shot this thing doesn't reach the ears of a loyal Imperial.
Not the time to be a cynic Ezra, focus.
"What do ya think Zeb?" I inquire, turning in his direction.
Zeb flopped on his bunk, laying his head against his crossed arms. "Heh, doesn't suit you I think." He cracks a smirk. "Where's the orange?" He laughs out loud, throwing his head back.
"Very funny Zeb" I shake my head as I turn to the mirror and shoot him a dirty glare in the reflection.
"Extremely."
I smooth the all black tuxedo out with the palms of my hands, and straighten the platinum cufflinks at my wrists.
'Where's the orange?' I frown to myself. I thought the black looked good.
Changing the subject, I shoot a glance at Zeb. "What are you wearing fur ball?"
"Oh, me?" he asks with a smirk, closing his eyes and laying his head back, he lets out a small chuckle. "Hera said me and chop could stay aboard the Ghost. I convinced her I wasn't suitable for . . . these types of occasions."
I roll my eyes and adjust my bow tie in the mirror again.
Great.
. . . . .
(Sabine POV)
Wow.
The place was huge. And that was an understatement.
Ugh. And this kriffing dress.
Not a huge fan of formal wear, but Hera insisted I wear a dress.
This is by far the most formal attire I have ever worn.
Despite missing my bodysuit and armor, I can't help but feel good in this dress. It was a brilliant blue that contrasted the darker tone of my skin, but my hair was too out of place in regards to color.
So I dyed it. I don't mind sporting the original color of my hair from time to time.
Now where is she?
Hera insisted we arrive separately from Kanan and Ezra. But the minute we stepped foot from the air-cab, Hera took off in an unseen direction.
Stepping foot into the hall, the long skirt flowed around my legs from a slight breeze. There were many women in attendance, all dressed in much finer attire than my own, clad in sparkling jewelry and silky dresses.
Hera recommended pearls . . . bad choice maybe?
"There you are." Hera beams as I turn to her.
She's stunning. Absolutely stunning.
Hera wore a tight-fitting ivory dress that strategically showed off her fit belly and strong back. Her lekku were decorated with sparkly diamonds, and matching earrings that dangled along the base of her neck.
Kanan's going to die when he sees her.
"What's wrong?" Hera frowns in genuine confusion.
"You . . . you just look great."
"So do you Sabine."
Hera leads me through the elegant crowd, and into the interior of the corridor. Before us scratches a vast corridor that seems to go on forever. Massive columns line the hall and great chandeliers hang from above.
This is incredible.
The air smelled of perfume, but the room was comforted by a soft breeze softly floating the strong smells throughout. Shiny droids with trays full of drinks and small finger foods rolled past and I can't help but eye Hera.
"Oh, go ahead." Hera waves me towards the nearest astromech situated with drinks in tall glasses.
Don't mind if I do.
I take a small sip, savoring the bitter taste of the dark liquid. Turning back towards Hera, I catch a glimpse of Kanan's lean figure amongst the crowd.
Both boys sport black tuxedos, Kanan's shirt white and Ezra's black.
Jedi. Always such minimalists.
Kanans expression visibly brightens as he smooths out his hair, pulled back in a tight braid rather than his normal ponytail, and makes his way over.
"Hera." Kanan lifts her hand and kisses it gently, a familiar gleam in his eye. Hera smiles then looks over his shoulder.
"Look! The Organa's, oh! And Princess Leia too, come on Kanan, let's say hi." She exclaims hurriedly before tugging his hand in the direction of the dancefloor.
Turning slowly to Ezra, I catch the uncomfortable look on his face.
He looks . . . older.
The thought confuses me, but something about the way his deep blue eyes seem to glow while clad in black was a sight to behold.
Ezra caught my gaze, and he tilted his head in the direction of where Hera and Kanan were slowly dancing while simultaneously talking to the Organa's.
Oh boy.
I've danced before, but nothing quite like this. Ezra stood across from me, not quite meeting my eyes. Grabbing my hands, he places one on his shoulder and holds the other gently. Placing his right hand on my waist, he leans into my ear. "Figured we dance first."
"Guess so." I nod, and turn my head to look around. "Some aren't so lucky though." I smile and nod in the direction of some lonely attendees circling the dancefloor, eyes searching for someone to partner up with.
"You have a point." He replies roughly.
Now he was off.
I don't blame Ezra for being uncomfortable. Hell, I feel practically naked out of my armor. But he can at least open up a little.
Right?
I glance up at him, and notice that he's looking everywhere except at me. Suddenly, the song stopped, and was replaced by one that was familiar to the majority of the room, and everyone took their places.
Ezra's eyes finally meet mine, as he gives a small smile and his broad hand tightens the grip on my waist.
"I would have never dreamed of you taking a liking to dancing." He gives a smirk with soft eyes.
"Maybe you missed judged me Ezra Bridger." I give him a stare as he smiles once again.
"You seem sure of that statement."
"I am"
This was the kind of conversation that we never seem to have.
Maybe this dress, this setting, is throwing him off his game.
"You should be." he finally says.
We finished the song without another word, and when it was time to switch partners, Ezra's gaze met mine as he turned slowly and stepped away.
. . .
For the next hour, I danced with the likes of many of the Rebellion's finest leaders.
And I don't remember a single one of their names.
I bounced from partner to partner, sporting an artificial smile. These men didn't have a clue who I was, or who any of these women were for that matter.
Just old men in a position of power, looking for an attractive mistress for the night.
As soon as the final song played out, I dart to the nearest concession droid and grab a glass of water, gulping it down.
"There you are." Ezras smile was warm and genuine.
Maybe he lightened up a bit.
Setting the glass down, I look up at him. "Here I am."
"Look, we should have talked about . . . what happened on Coruscant a long time ago. I know this may be poor timing but . . ."
"Don't tell me you're apologizing Ezra." I cut him off with a frown.
Confusion crosses his face. "Apologizing? Why would I . . ."
"And don't tell me you regret it either. You . . ."
Suddenly Kanan comes stumbling between us, clearly drunk. "Why do you guys alway have to argue?"
"Excuse me? Kanan we don't . . ."
"Yes you do." He cuts me off firmly. "And I'm tired of hearing it. Now go, go and enjoy yourselves." He gives us a big goofy grin then hustles off, presumably looking for Hera.
Well that was something. Kanan drinking? That's new.
. . . . .
(Ezra POV)
Im . . . going to have to talk to him later about self control when consuming alcohol.
Turning back to Sabine, I can't help but notice that she's clearly contemplating something. Biting her lip with her eyes glued to the floor, she avoids my gaze. "Sabine . . ."
Sabine shakes her head quickly, clearly not wanting to continue our discussion any further. Turning away from me, she ambles back into the crowd.
Does she really think I regret what happened? I . . . I'm going to have to wait until we have a moment alone to explain myself.
. . . . .
The ball didn't end for another few hours, but when it did, I made sure I was out the door as quick I could. Peeking over the heads of the crowd funneling out the hall, I catch a glimpse of vibrant green.
"Hera!" I call out, trying to get her attention. She turns in my direction and smiles.
"Hi! Did you have fun? Where's Sabine?" She spills out quickly.
"I was going to ask you the same." I look at her, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, well in that case, when you do find her, let her know we don't have anything going on tomorrow. You both are free from any rebellious activity for the rest of the weekend." She beams a smile of white "Have fun!" She calls out as she drifts off with her Senator friends. Kanan gives me a quick mock salute and a grin before he follows.
Frowning I turn and look around for the blue of Sabine's dress.
There you are.
"Sabine, we need to talk." Sabine lets out a soft sigh and nods.
Looking up, confusion is drawn on Sabine's face. "Where's Kanan and Hera?"
Letting out a chuckle I lean into her ear. "Going clubbing with some Senators."
Sabine pulls her head back clearly shocked. "Really? Wow, they must have been so much fun in their prime." I smile at Sabine's comment, then quickly move to take my jacket off and slip it over her shoulders.
"Thanks." She perks up and looks at me. "Look Ezra, I'm sorry about earlier, I . . ."
"No, you don't get to do that." I frown at her.
"What?" She looks up at me.
"Take the blame like that. This isnt on you Sabine. I-Ive handled this very poorly." Rubbing my hand over my face, I draw in a deep breath. "I should've been upfront with you once I came back on the Ghost. I deserved to have my integrity questioned." I catch her gaze and she nods, leaning forward to hug me.
. . .
Holding her embrace I look down at the top of her head. "I like your hair by the way. It looks so . . . you."
"Thanks." She says quietly in my chest.
"Want to find somewhere to sit?" She nods into my chest, as I amble us towards some benches not too far away.
Sitting next to each other, I gaze out amongst the towering skyscrapers all around us.
"Guess what?" I break the silence.
"What's that?" Sabine's eyes are locked onto the vibrant sunset into the distance, clearly absorbing as much of the color as she could.
"I got the chance to dance with the Princess."
"Princess Leia? Seriously?" Sabine's surprise is evident. "What's she like?"
"Short." I smile as Sabine giggles.
"No kidding."
"Truthfully, I don't know." I shake my head. "She wasn't paying any attention to me really. She seemed distracted." I look over to Sabine.
"Well a prodigal senator such as herself must have a lot on her plate." Sabine presumes.
"I can only imagine."
Sabine leans over and nestles her head against my shoulder.
The silence lasted for hours, and by then Sabine had lost her heels and had commandeered a couple of more glasses of wine from the server droids as they rolled past.
I finish off my final glass as Sabine lets out a yawn.
I'm exhausted. She must be too.
"We should catch a transport back to the Ghost." I turn to Sabine who looks tiredly back at me. She nods and grabs hold of my arm, stepping back into her heels.
"You know?" She starts quietly. "I wasn't looking forward to this thing, but I'm glad I came."
Her smile is genuine as I look down at her. "Yeah me too." pausing at the end of the terrace overlooking the vast skyline of Alderaan.
Framing her face with my hands I lower my lips to hers slowly.
. . . . .
That's it! Hoped y'all liked it. Definitely one of the longer chapters by far!