118 The Great Escape

(These types of chapters are my favorite ones to right. Ya know, I hate writing combat sequences but I love imagining them. Emotional stuff, however, I love both imagining and writing them. Occasionally when I write something so moving... so deep... I tear up and cry. I hope you enjoy.)

I closed my eyes and cleared my head as I had done so many times. This time, however, I wasn't looking to the force. Rather, I was letting the music guide my mind.

The grand chords struck me with an overwhelming intensity. The buzz from the whiskey provided a shakiness to everything that made the experience all the more euphoric.

Scenes formed in my mind. Swirling stars and clouds in the night sky made me feel small but hopeful at the infinite possibilities that were laid bare before my eyes.

Fate slowly materialized before me. She undressed without me saying a word. Her seductive curves guiding the stream of stars in the sky. Her soft and inviting lips begging me to come find her.

Then, the music halted before stepping into a deep and slow crescendo. The intensity was building even further.

I opened my eyes, amazed at what I had just experienced. I felt at peace. Unfortunately, peace was not the most comfortable feeling for me these days. I felt it only a matter of time before the next piece of shit would hit the fan. I was growing restless.

I turned to Violet and whispered in her ear. "I don't know about you, but I'm tryna get out of here."

She glanced at me and giggled before downing the rest of her champagne. She whispered back to me. "Shall we?"

I smiled and nodded. I then turned to Axillus who was sitting next to us. "We are going to have to excuse ourselves. Some urgent business matters have come up."

He smirked but nodded. "Very well. I look forward to the next time we meet. Do reach out when your guild might require our services."

I nodded. "Of course." I stood up and paused as my gaze was set upon the stage. The lights grew intense and colorful as the crescendo reached its peak. The lead singer hit a note so grand and emotional that I felt my strength waver.

For just a moment, I sucked it all in. It felt amazing, but it was time I go. I turned back to Axillus and smiled. "Enjoy the show."

I grabbed Violet's hand and pulled her with me as we cross through the row of seats. As we exited the row, I tapped a few buttons on my smart comm before putting it away. We then quickly left the theater.

By the time we reached the platform, our driver was already waiting for us. The door flipped open as we approached.

I stopped as we reached the speeder and gestured towards the open door with my right hand while slightly lowering my head. "Madame."

Violet rolled her eyes but stepped into the speeder. I followed her in and pressed a button to close the door. "Take us to the best nightclub, please."

The driver nodded in response before pressing a button. A pane of glass slid upwards, isolating the passenger cabin from the driver. Then, the speeder gently but quickly accelerated.

We sat in silence for several minutes. We watched as the bright lights of the Coruscant night passed by us.

After a while, I felt the air shaking slightly as a pulsing bass penetrated the speeder. I glanced outside and found a row of buildings with bright lights and countless people. A wide platform with a line of taxis at the edge bordered the buildings. Next to it was open air, leaving the Coruscant skyline exposed for all to see.

I turned to Violet and sighed. "Ya know, I've never been to a proper club."

She looked back at me with a surprised expression. "For real?"

I chuckled and nodded. "Yep. College bars don't really count, haha."

The speeder came to a stop before the door flipped open. I quickly stood up and grabbed her hand. "Come on!"

I pulled her out of the speeder and we rushed towards the entrance. The entire platform was illuminated by flashing lights and neon signs. All of the clubs in this row had fancy names and billboards advertising the DJs that were performing inside.

There were people everywhere. It was surprisingly crowded. People were shuffling past each other and others were sitting down on benches or against walls. The only thing that everyone had in common was that they were all intoxicated.

Expectedly, there were also CSF officers patrolling and observing the crowds. Things could turn violent all too quickly so it was good that there was a law enforcement presence.

The club we were heading into had the biggest line on the block. Despite the huge line, I pulled Violet right towards the front. I didn't want to wait.

A huge Trandoshan dressed in all black stepped in our way. "Back of the li…"

His words became frozen in his throat as I watched his eyes lock on my belt. "My apologiessss, Masssster Jedi. Thank you for your sssservice. You can head insssside." He gestured towards the closed doors.

I smiled and pulled some credits from my pocket, passing them to the bouncer. "Freedom is a beautiful thing. Have a nice night."

The bouncer carefully took the credits and placed them in his pocket. "Thank you, you assss well."

I stepped forward, Violet in hand. The doors slid open.

The instant they opened, as if the force had willed it, a euphoric mix of synthetic chords hit the air. I was nearly stunned but somehow kept moving. The music was evoking something in me that I had never felt.

It was a magic like no other. I felt more sensitive to the world around me. I saw colors and heard sounds that I had never felt before. The chaos, the euphoria, the emotions… It was heaven.

Every atom in my body buzzed in happiness. There were no worries in my mind, no regrets, no gripes. The only thing that remained was the softness of Violet's hand.

I slowed to a stop as the strobing lights and pounding bass shook me to my core. I was in a complete daze.

Suddenly, Violet pulled my hand, guiding me further inside. I turned my head towards her and froze. It felt as if I was seeing her for the first time.

Every color in the spectrum sparkled off her in ways I could never have imagined. The shadows danced over her gentle curves as the spotlights spun around the room. Her hazel eyes sparkled in the dimly lit ambiance.

Then, she smiled. Oh… that smile. I felt all of my inhibitions vanish into thin air. There was nothing but her.

Through that radiant smile, she spoke. Her voice tickled my ears. "Drinks?"

I nodded slowly as I let go of all control. At least for tonight, I was hers. I did nothing to resist as she pulled me along.

Everything flashed as I blinked. I found a shot glass with blue liquid in my hand. I looked up and saw her smile. She raised her glass and clinked it with mine.

I followed her every move as we both downed the shots. She coughed from the liquor. I laughed. I took her glass and placed it on the counter along with some credits.

I blinked once more. I was dancing. No, we were dancing. I glanced around, finding just inches between me and the other people in the club. My gaze locked forth, keeping Violet in my sight.

I stepped back and forth in sync with her. Our bodies twisted and pulsed. Our arms gently waved as they loosely followed our movements.

I stepped forwards and grabbed her left hand with my right. I pulled it up and spun her around before catching her lower back with my left arm. Then I pulled her close.

Our bodies locked together as the lights and sounds around us drowned in the sea of my emotions. Two pairs of eyes locked together, probing deep into our souls.

The strobe lights sparkled in her eyes as everything else faded. Her skin glowed as the spotlights bounced off her perspiring skin. Her lipstick held a slight luster on her delicate lips.

I opened my mouth to speak but found no words coming out. Instead, a soft and warm sensation invaded my body. She kissed me.

Love is one of those things that can't be described in words. It's just a feeling. The love of a parent is something I've felt. Lust? Well, I was in a fraternity, so I've experienced plenty of that. Romantic love, however, I've not had the pleasure. If I had to guess, that spark I felt when her lips touched mine, a spark I've felt from no other… That is what love is.