If Only, If Only (Open)

[Charlie Sharper]

If only, if only, the woodpecker sighs,
The bark on the tree was as soft as the skies.
The wolf waits below, hungry and lonely,
And cries to the moon,
if only, if only.

Morwynn sat outside the cafe, quietly reading her datapad. The sun was setting on the street and brilliant hues filled the sky, reflected down through the windows of the shops. It was a quiet day for Zeltros, or at least it was in the art district today. She had seen people walk by continuously but they paid her little mind, a comfort here, as she had spent the last few weeks in the outer rim on Podunk worlds and seedy cantinas where her kind weren't exactly common enough for her to go unnoticed, nor was her figure or her kind's reputation exactly blending specific. Most saw a Zeltron and they thought 'The party just arrived', but here she was one among thousands. If she wished to be alone, she could easily accomplish that feat here among thousands of her kind. That didn't mean she didn't get the occasional male come and ask her how she was doing, but a bit of the cold shoulder and they where on to the next thing that caught their fancy. It was at a time like this that she could just sit and think about things. Right now she was happily engrossed in her holonovel about a Maralukian woman getting swept off her feet by a particularly attractive human man. She ignored that the attractiveness of the human, which was almost constantly described and focused on, was of little matter to the heroine of the story, as she was blind to everything but the force, but she read it anyway. It was a suggestion of the barista behind the counter, who seemed like a typical zeltron, obsessed with pleasure, but had an uncharacteristicly romantic streak.

Morwynn stopped reading for a moment and looked around, there was a couple in the corner. Two zeltrons that sat staring into each other's eyes. Content to have nothing but the other there. She thought about how different that would be. She looked around and saw other couples. One was kissing, they were young and in love with each other. Morwynn wondered how life would have been if she had been born on Zeltros, how she would have grown up in a world devoted to love and happiness. How nothing seemed to cost anything except money, and how little the latter meant to anyone on the planet. How love could heal any wounds. -If only, if only...- She thought for a moment. But it was all for not. Nothing that could change anything, it couldn't remove the scars of the needle, nothing truly could remove those scars. That was probably why she kept them, they both could be removed, the scars could be removed, but they would never really go away. The darkness of those days would never disappear fully. She went back to reading then, the path she was walking down was too dark to ruin the beauty of the world around her.

Morwynn had arrived to the climax of the story where the Human, who just happened to be Corellian royalty choose the Miralukian commoner over the Corellian Princess. Morwynn resisted the urge to vomit in her mouth as she read the purple prose of the story, and how the prince and the miralukan commoner shared a passionate kiss as the fireworks burst in the sky. Morwynn lowered the pad as she felt eyes on her. A human man was looking at her from another table, she raised the datapad again, directly in the view of the human tourist. She heard as he walked over and sat down at her table. "Hello there. Couldn't help but notice you seem pretty wrapped up in your story there." he said, she thought about how, if one thought about it, were true, he would be best leaving her to it. Though he obviously wasn't on the higher side of the intelligence spectrum. There was a moment of silence and Morwynn could see that he hoped that would have elicited a response. It didn't, and as the wheels turned in his head, he spoke up. "What are you reading there?" he asked. Morwynn looked at him with the corner of her eye, he was a fit specimen of his race, perhaps hoping to take in more then just the sights on Zeltros. Morwynn decided to respond finally. "The Vision of Love." She said in a flat tone, thinking of how dumb the name really sounded. "Do you like romance novels?" He asked as he sat down. "No." She continued the flat tone. "Me either. I prefer war stories." He said with a smile. Morwynn continued to look at the datapad. He waved over one of the waitresses that was walking around. "Could I get a cup of Jawa Juice?" he asked. "Alright, and for you Miss?" Morwynn finally looked up at the man, he was smiling at her, a failed attempt at charm. He was attractive, that Morwynn couldn't deny, but she knew that it was only skin deep. Morwynn thought of how, in a different life, she wouldn't care. She would have a night of passion with the man. Then she'd leave to find another adventure. It would be a life she would never know -If only, if only...- she thought again, but it did little to hope, she had learned as much long ago. "I was just leaving, actually." Morwynn said to them both. She grabbed her bag and stood up, handing the datapad to the man. "They get together in the end." She said, she almost wished they hadn't, but as they say, "So it goes..." She said to herself.

[Rugs]

Asyr was lounging on the other side of the little courtyard outside the cafe. He'd been there for a little while, actually, taking a break from the daily grind to enjoy a meal and some fresh air. Of course, the break had started in a different location further out on the edge of the district, and had gone on for several hours longer than he intended, but details, details.

Besides, he was his own employer, in a way. He worked for Lordura, of course, but within his area of operation on the Bohemian's crew--meeting with contacts and setting up jobs--he worked as he pleased. All of the meetings he'd scheduled for the day were done, and the few that he knew he could just walk into could be held off until tomorrow, he'd decided.

So here he was now, comfortably leaning back in his chair, with his feet propped lazily up on another one as he picked at the last bit of food sitting on his plate.

Really, he was just enjoying the evening for the moment. The sun was setting, throwing a beautiful assortment of reds and oranges over the area. The air had a slight chill to it, but still hung in that comfortable range of neither too hot nor cold. A breeze blew through, sighing through the streets and alleys and roughing his hair and the collar of his jacket.

"Not a bad day," he muttered to himself. In fact, all of the days he'd been on Zeltros during the Bohemian's current stop had been good. Especially two nights ago, when he'd gone to that bar with the pair of Twi'leks in it.

Asyr chuckled under his breath as he plopped the last bit of food into his mouth and pushed his plate away. Zeltros was always good to him. Maybe he'd retire on the world sometime, since he couldn't exactly go back to Eshan. Legally, anyway.

While he polished off the last of his drink, he watched an interaction a little ways away from him. There was a woman, a Zeltron, reading something on a datapad, while some man came and tried to talk to her. Asyr was far enough away to be out of earshot, but he could read body language well enough. The woman didn't want to be bothered by the man, and he couldn't take a hint. Can't blame him, he mulled as he watched, looking at the Zeltron woman. She was pretty. But it was apparent the man would be getting none of her, and she soon stood and left him behind with a stunned look on his face as he looked between her and the datapad she'd left him.

"Poor fellow," Asyr muttered as he watched the woman leave. Oh well. Not everyone could be lucky all the time. Not even him.

After a moment, the man started following the Zeltron woman. Asyr lifted one of his pure white brows and watched him. Body language said several things, and this man's was saying that he wasn't pleased with being snubbed. Or maybe it was the way he'd been snubbed. Whatever it was, Asyr knew the set of his shoulders and the clenching of his jaw meant that he was bound to try something stupid.

On a whim, the Echani swept his legs from their perch and stood up. He stretched his arms out with a lazy yawn, then set after the man, who was in turn, following the woman. His posture and stride were relaxed, but he moved quickly, and in short order he'd caught up to the fellow.

"Hey there," he said, clasping a hand to the man's shoulder. That got his attention, stopped him right in his tracks. He turned around and looked at Asyr. "Look, let's not do anything stupid, hm?" Asyr went on. "Just leave her alone."

The fellow stared at Asyr, dumbfounded, for a few stretched out seconds. Was he surprised that Asyr had figured out what he was up to? It was easy to see, though maybe that was just because of his skill with reading people. Whatever he decided, he came to the conclusion that the Echani that towered over him and was noticeably more muscular was probably someone that shouldn't be trifled with.

"Fine," he said curtly, shoving the datapad into Asyr's hands. Then he shouldered past Asyr, walking off in the opposite direction and in a noticeably foul mood.

"Jeez," Asyr said, looking after the fellow with his eyebrows raised. "Some people..." And he'd been thinking about giving the guy a credit chit to go get himself a drink. "Whatever," he muttered, and went on, continuing after the Zeltron woman.

As he walked, he took a brief glance at the datapad. It was a book, or had a book on it. The Vision of Love, it was called. He'd heard of it, but never read it. Romance books weren't his thing. And he'd had a taste of love already. Never turns out like it does in the books.

Like with the man, it didn't take him long to catch up with the woman. "'Scuse me," he called after her as he caught up. "Your suitor from back there nearly decided to do something stupid. Then he decided he didn't want this." He chuckled softly and smiled a little, the evening light catching softly in his powdery eyes. "I'm not really a fan of romance novels, m'self, and I saw you hand't finished it just yet... that or he'd been messing with your page."

He extended his hand slightly, offering the datapad back to her, but unsure if she wanted to take it. "Name's Asyr, by the way," he added.

[Charlie Sharper]

Morwynn walked with purpose, even though she didn't know where she was going, at first. She wouldn't go back to the Tease, there was no need for that, they wouldn't be loaded up for almost a day still. She didn't want to back to the hotel either, yes, she had splurged and rented a room. It was a simple luxury and one she couldn't indulge often, but revealed in when she could. As Morwynn thought about it she thought it best to head to a club, they dotted the city and she was bound to find something interesting in one of them. She was confident she could get in, though it would mean putting up with the local male populace. She weighed her options though, she couldn't do much else on the credits she had left on her.

It was about this time that a man called out to her up with her. "'Scuse me," He said as made pace with her, taking up the space beside her. "Your suitor from back there nearly decided to do something stupid. Then he decided he didn't want this." The tall man chuckled softly and smiled a little. And was he ever tall, a good head taller then the Zeltron. She saw the the evening light capture and reflect in his eyes. "I'm not really a fan of romance novels, m'self, and I saw you hand't finished it just yet... that or he'd been messing with your page." She stopped and looked up at him as he handed her the data pad that he was holding. The mystery man seemed best in his intentions. She took the datapad and looked down at it, seeing the story she had been reading. "Ummm...Thanks," She wasn't sure of what exactly he meant about the other guy. But she supposed it deserved a honest 'Thank you'. "Name's Asyr, by the way," The man added "And I hadn't finished. But I didn't need to to know that it's a sappy romance novel." She said in a bored tone. She could tell he was muscular as well as tall, Echani by the looks of him. "It was a recommendation from the girl behind the desk." She said flatly. "And it certainly did disappoint." She added.

She looked the Echani up and down for a moment. He was a good looking sort for sure. Morwynn was sure that a lesser girl might have been giggling and flirting in seconds, but for Morwynn, life had always been a little too complex for that sort of behavior. "Morwynn...Morwynn Skye...I was heading toward the Red Dragon." She said, she wasn't sure what to do next. She smiled a little, a nervous smile. She decided to turn and continue toward the club. She then stopped and without looking back, called out, "Your welcome to tag along if you want." She then continued to walk down the street toward the Red Dragon.

[Rugs]

Asyr tsked and shook his head slightly as the woman, who went on to introduce herself as Morywyn, took the datapad back. "Disappointing books are always such a shame. But romance novels usually are, from what I've read." For a moment he gave her a subtle little smile and chuckled as he stuck his hands into his coat pockets. "Seems like they never quite get love right."

What he meant, of course, was that they didn't show the pain. It was always the same; some charming man swept some young, pretty girl off her feet and they fell in love and lived happily ever after. None of the fear of the unknown. None of the pain of not knowing if the one you'd loved and lost was even still alive...

Come on now, none of that, he told himself, and pushed the thoughts away. Maybe one day he'd find love again, but for now he occupied himself with the more shallow, and physical, pleasures that life had to offer.

As Morwyn introduced herself, Asyr observed her much as she observed him. She was short, though most women were. Obviously Zeltron, with that crimson skin and blue hair. Her figure was tantalizing, but it was the eyes that caught his attention. They were green, providing a sharp contrast to the red and blue and pink and purple he'd grown used to seeing from the other Zeltrons he'd interacted with, in and out of bed. He liked them.

Asyr decided, quite promptly, that she was quite attractive and would make quite the catch. If he could catch her; if what he'd seen earlier was anything to go by, she wasn't going to make herself easy. Just meant he'd have to take things one step at a time.

All part of the fun.

" I was heading toward the Red Dragon."

Asyr nodded. He was familiar with the place by name. A club, and one that was rather well known, though he'd never been there. Supposedly, they had one of the best selections of drinks in the district, among other things.

She started to walk, and he stayed where he was, waiting to see if she'd say anything more, and maybe eyeing her backside.

"You're welcome to tag along if you want."

A little grin touched his face. "Sure, I'd love to," he said, and started after her. He walked quickly to catch up with her, then slowed down and walked in stride alongside her.

"I've heard good things about the place," he said after a moment, "but I've never had a chance to visit. Haven't been able to spend much time in this area on some of my previous stops here.

"You live here?" he went on, looking down at her with one of his snowy brows slightly arced. "Or you a traveler stopping through like me?"

As they rounded a corner, he heard--and felt--the sudden thump thump thump of bass. He looked up, scanning the buildings around him, and there it was, a few buildings down. Lots of people milling around, plenty of red lights.

The Red Dragon, the giant, italicized letters at the top of the building read.

"Ah, there it is. I'll follow your lead..."

[Charlie Sharper]

"Sure, I'd love to," he said. Morwynn could hear the longer strides he was taking to catch up to her, falling into stride with her. "I've heard good things about the place, but I've never had a chance to visit. Haven't been able to spend much time in this area on some of my previous stops here." He was obviously not a local, not with those white locks and pale skin. Only reaffirming the Echani conclusion in her mind.

"You live here? Or you a traveler stopping through like me?" Morwynn thought about her answer for a second, her first impulse was to lie, to tell him she was a local and had been her whole life. That she was just another happy-go-lucky party girl. But she knew that she couldn't pull off that lie, she could never play that part. She would never be that kind of girl, no matter how much she wished. She wasn't even sure why she even wanted to lie to the man, habit perhaps, she had been in deflect mode for a long time after all. Maybe it was for hope it would be true if she just said it, she could put on a face and be someone else. Someone undamaged... -If only, if only...- popped into her head again. "I'm just passing through. Here one day, gone another." She said in sincere tone. It was true, she wouldn't be here another forty-eight hours. She be off to find another adventure among the stars. She fought a sigh.

She walked with purpose as they continued down the street. As they rounded a corner, they the sound of thumping of bass could be heard, nay, felt by them both. The red lights danced on the people's faces as the last of the sunlight faded from the horizon. It wasn't exactly the prime club hours most places in the galaxy, just after sunset, but then again, most places in the galaxy weren't Zeltros. Morwynn could feel more then the thundering of the bass from the club. It was a torrent of pheromones and elated emotion. Another reminder that she was on Zeltros, it was harder to keep the emotions from her own mind.

The Red Dragon, Morwynn looked at the large building. -Why am I even here?- She thought, perhaps more wishful thinking was in her future. She was about to find out. "Ah, there it is. I'll follow your lead..." Asyr said as he stood next to her. The line was long, it was to be expected though, it was one of the more famous clubs in the area, but she had a plan in mind. She walked right up to the bouncer at the head of the line and he looked back at her. He was Falleen and rather nasty looking, but she continued with her plan. "Hello? You on the list?" Morwynn put on a pout and looked up to the six foot falleen directly into his eyes. "Well, I'm not from around here, but my friend told me that I should go to the Red Dragon. He said I'd get right in." She said with a more bubbly tone. The Falleen looked her up and down. She turned back and forth in place, hands behind her back. "Alright, go on in." He said finally and opened the door for her. She waved to Aysr to follow. "You don't mind if I bring my friend in do you?" She asked in an innocent voice. He looked Aysr up and down, much the same way he did for Morwynn. "Yeah, he can go." He said, waving Aysr in as well. As Morwynn walked in without looking back, she heard the human men in line behind her yelling about the two who had just been let in. "Hey! I've been here an for twenty minutes!" As she entered the club she could hear the falleen's simple reply. "So?"

[Rugs]

It was all Asyr could do to keep from chuckling once they reached the front of the line. The bouncer was big and intimidating, though still a touch shorter than Asyr. Asyr had no doubts that he could take the Falleen in a fight, but really, if things went that far, they weren't getting into the club anyway. But still, Asyr was an Echani, through and through.

Morwyn, though, put on a puppy face for him and spun a little tale. It helped that she seemed to know she was pretty, turning back and forth in place slightly. Or maybe she was just shifting around. It caught Asyr's eye, though. She really was nice looking from behind. Not to say she didn't look good from the front--she did. Especially those eyes...

Before he knew it they'd both been admitted and Morwyn was leading the way in. As the door closed behind them, Asyr could hear cries of protest from some of the other patrons outside who'd been waiting in line for much longer.

"Ah, it's good to have friends who know what they're doin', eh?" He remarked to her with a chuckle as they stepped inside. "That was very smooth. I'm impressed."

After taking a few steps into the main area, he paused and looked around. The club was nice. The lighting was comfortable, even if it was very red, and had a way of casting shadows on the serving girls he saw walking around that accentuated their looks. One woman passing by with a drink in her hand gave him a quick glance up and down and a little seductive smile. He gave her a tempting little grin of his own and made a mental note of her, but let her go on. He'd be sticking with Morwyn.

Directly ahead, on the far side of the building was a dance floor. Closer to them was the bar, and a lounge area with more comfortable and personal seating around it.

"How 'bout we find a place to sit for a bit?" he asked, looking over to her. The red lights inside had his snowy hair looking crimson, and had added a reddish tint to his pale skin. "Talk a bit. Maybe get some drinks? I can buy."

It was a gentle pass at her, sure. But he didn't mind paying for her drinks; she could have as much as she wanted even. He had plenty of money, and it since it'd come at the expense of other people, didn't have any qualms about spending it.

"Course," he added, giving her a playful grin that he hoped would help loosen her up a bit, "you're the leader, so just point on and I'll follow."

[Charlie Sharper]

"Ah, it's good to have friends who know what they're doin', eh? That was very smooth. I'm impressed." Remarked the Echani as they entered the establishment. Morwynn was never against using charms to get what she wanted, it was something she learned long ago. If life gives you an advantage, use it, and why not? It was only fair. -Ha- Morwynn thought, what was and wasn't fair rarely played a part in this universe. Take what you can get and thank fate for that, that's what's fair.

The club was expansive and filled with people of different species and origins, but they all blended together in the mass of people on the dance floor. The dance floor was the focal point of the club, it was most of the club, and around it was tables packed in to barely give enough seating for the patrons, which Morwynn doubted was enough for everyone in the club at that particular time. "How 'bout we find a place to sit for a bit?" Asyr called over the thumping beat of the music. She headed for the lounge without looking back. "Talk a bit. Maybe get some drinks? I can buy." She smiled to herself. "Sure thing." She called over the music. She could recognize the pass, it wasn't unexpected. The music changed from one song to the next without lowering in volume, from one driving beat to the next. Seamlessly blending several songs into one. The disk jockey spoke into the microphone over the music. "Welcome to the Red Dragon, where the party never stops!" The dance floor was crowded, the energy of the night was still high as it was just the beginning of the night. The disk jockey continued to call out to the massive crowd on the dance floor. Morwynn counted how many times he referred to the club goers as 'Us' or 'We', but decided to forget about it and find somewhere to sit. She did hear him mention something about having a special guest tonight, the crowd seemed to go insane when two, what looked like droids, came into the booth and began control the music selections.

As they walked, she could hear Asyr speak up, "Course," He said with a smile, "you're the leader, so just point on and I'll follow." She found a table toward the back of the club and sat down in the cushioned lounge chair. She looked up at Asyr. "Well? Going to join me?" she asked with a slight smirk. She then looked around for a waiter, she didn't see any but this establishment was far to clean, tables clear and wiped off and the like, for them to be absent. She then just waved her hand in the air and within seconds someone was next to her asking what she needed. Corellian Whiskey for me, and what will you be having Mister Asyr? Morwynn asked before adding, "Since you're paying..." She smirked again.

The song changed again and the lights began to flicker on and off, two spotlights began to circle the room as the two droids began to hype up the crowd with a song that they must have all known. Even Morwynn found it slightly familiar, but couldn't place from where. The song was upbeat and catchy, that much Morwynn was sure of.

[Rugs]

"Sure thing."

A small, silent smile touched Asyr's lips. It was a small step, and didn't guarantee him anything at the end of the night, but it was a first step. Certainly, he was already doing better than that lout at the cafe had been.

He followed after Morwyn as she led him on to a place to sit. They went to a table at the back of the club, away from some of the hustling of the sea of people that were close to the dance floor. She sat down on a cushioned seat and smirked up at him.

"Well? Going to join me?"

"Oh ho ho," Asyr laughed, grinning at the smile and tone of her voice. Maybe she was loosening up. Besides, it be a shame to come out to a club with company and not have a good time. "I think I will, m'dear."

However, before he could, Morywyn had waved and a waitress was over at their table in an impressively timely manner. Morwyn took Corellian whiskey, and Asyr?

"Prazhian Ale," he said. Not the finest, nor the most expensive drink, but it was good. Strong, full flavor with a touch of citrus in the aftertaste. He'd been skeptical of the stuff til he tried it. Made a good first drink.

As the waiter nodded and went away, Asyr slipped easily into his own cushioned seat across from Morwyn and threw his arm lazily over the back. The music boomed, quick and upbeat, and the feeling of the bass echoed again and again through his body.

"Well, since you told me a bit about yourself last, guess it's my turn to do the same for you," he said, giving her subtle little grin.

"I'm a lot like you, really. In as much as that I'm a traveler. One night in port, gone the next, to who only knows where. Good life, really. Or like it, anyway."

Before he could say more, the waiter returned with their drinks. Asyr took his with a muttered thanks and flicked the girl a credit chit for her speedy service.

"Wonderful service," he said, lifting his glass. "No wonder this place has such a good rep.

"How's about a toast," he went on, lifting his glass further. "To having a good time. Might as well have some fun since we're here, right?"

He meant it, really; he didn't see the point in going out and not having fun. But like before, it was another little pass, another little show of interest in her. Time could only tell how she'd react, but if he could keep making inroads, perhaps he'd be able to flirt a bit more openly without turning her away.

Maybe.

For the moment, he kept his glass up and smiled, eyes glinting boyishly as he looked at her. "So whadda ya say?"

[Charlie Sharper]

-Prazhian Ale- Morwynn thought, not overly pricey or strong, but not a weak drink either. It was an ale after all, which meant it could still bite. Asyr began to speak over the loud music and occasional screams of the crowd. "Well, since you told me a bit about yourself last, guess it's my turn to do the same for you, I'm a lot like you, really. In as much as that I'm a traveler. One night in port, gone the next, to who only knows where. Good life, really. Or like it, anyway." Morwynn nodded slightly. The waitress returned with their drinks only seconds after being sent. Morwynn would have tipped the girl, but that's if she was tipping, which she wasn't, the offer had been made after all, and she accepted it.

"Wonderful service," he said, lifting his glass. "No wonder this place has such a good rep." Morwynn agreed, she had heard that it was the best club in the area, which showed in the service and the atmosphere, well, as good an atmosphere that could be had all things considered, it was a club after all. Asyr tossd the waitress a credit or two. -Good man- Morwynn thought. "How's about a toast," He lifted his glass, "To having a good time. Might as well have some fun since we're here, right?" He grinned at her, it was the kind of grin that meant trouble. "So whadda ya say?" Morwynn raised her glass up above her head, then quickly pulled her hand down, drink and all, drinking the contents of the small glass down in mere seconds. She then slammed the glass down on the table. Smiling at Asyr as she did. To having fun..." she laughed, waving her hand in the air, the waitress appearing seconds later. "You may want to keep them coming slim." She suggested to Asyr with a wicked grin to match his own.

Song blended into song as the people on the dance floor danced, Morwynn looked at them for a brief moment, some knew the words to the song, some didn't, some danced seductively, others let the beat move them. As the refrain arrived many began jumping in place, waving their arms above their heads. It was mostly Zeltrons doing the jumping, many offworlders began to jump noticing the natives doings and soon the floor nearly rumbled as the all jumped.

As the second drink arrived, she looked at Asyr and a thought appeared in her head. She gulped down the second drink and stood up. "I think I know this one..." She said, leaning in and whispering into Asyr's ear. "Follow me." She said as she walked toward the dance floor.

[Rugs]

The toast was had and the drinks were downed. Asyr's glass was larger than Morwyn's, so it took him a moment longer to down it all, but he did it. Wasn't something he was unused to, being a pirate, after all. He slammed his glass down on the table a moment after she did hers and grinned.

To having fun..." Morywn said, and Asyr grinned.

"Aye, cheers to that," he answered as the waiter was waved back.

"You may want to keep them coming slim."

Asyr chuckled, at both her words and the sudden wickedness of her grin. Maybe he was getting her to come out of her shell. Maybe. "Don't worry about that, m'dear. I've got it covered."

He nodded to the waiter as she returned, and pointed to Morwyn's glass, then himself, indicating he wanted whiskey as well now. She nodded and headed off, and Asyr leaned back in his seat, throwing an arm over the back again.

His eyes came to rest on Morwyn for a few moments. Yes, she was quite pretty now. It was a different sort, now that she was smiling and seemingly happy. And maybe loosened up. Too bad for that fellow, he thought with a subtle amused grin and a chuckle. Doesn't know what he's missin' out on.

Some people just weren't lucky, he decided, leaning back further in his seat and turning to look around the club. The music changed, to a song that was apparently popular, if the jumping crowd was anything to go off of. Asyr chuckled to himself, watching them dance. It looked like everyone had come to have a good time. Maybe he'd get Morwyn out there on the dance floor after a bit...

The waiter arrived then, bringing their drinks. Asyr flicked her another credit chit and turned to his glass. Before he could down it, Morwyn had slammed hers down and was standing up. He looked up at her, wondering what she was standing for and looking with a very appreciative eye at the eye the light emphasized parts of her body.

"I think I know this one...", she said, and then leaned in to whisper into Asyr's ear. "Follow me."

"Oh la la," Asyr said playfully, grinning before he quickly downed his whiskey and stood up. "Lead on, beautiful," he said, and followed after her.

She lead him through the crowd, which got thicker the closer they got to the dance floor. Asyr got a few more looks from interested women as he moved. It wasn't something he was unused to in clubs, and he gave them all a little smile or wink in return, but as with earlier, he was with Morwyn now, and he kept up with her as she lead her, watching those hips of hers move as she walked...

Before long they were almost at the dance floor. The music raced, and the bass boomed powerfully. It was the kind of music that got the blood going. "Well," he called to Morwyn over the booming music, grinning as they stepped out onto it, curious to see what kind of moves she had. "Let's see what we've got."

[Charlie Sharper]

"Oh la la, lead on, beautiful," Morwynn smiled to herself, tonight was shaping up, maybe she could make it all go away. Just a little liquor and the right dance partner, maybe she could be that hopeless party girl from Zeltros after all.

Morwynn lead him through the crowed, which grew ever thicker as they walked. Morwynn saw out the corner of her eyes the heads turn as she walked. Most people just kept dancing but there were a few distinct stares or glaces at her form. She just continued to lead Asyr into the heart of the crowd, smiling a bit as she did.

They arrived in the center of the dance floor before they stopped. Asyr spoke over the music that was building and people were screaming. "Let's see what we've got." Morwynn smiled at him and began to move her hips to the music, letting the pulsing beat guide her actions. She closed her eyes and swayed her hips, her lips quirking into a smile as she felt the beat. The crowd was chanting the words to the song. Around the World, around the World... The collective mass yelled. Morwynn just continued to sway her hips, Asyr moved along to the music, but he wasn't feeling it like Morwynn was. At least he wasn't yet, Morwynn was going to change that.

She held out a hand and placed it on Asyr's shoulder, and began to dance around him, the hand keeping him from following her as she circled around him. She then closed the distance between them as she circled, her hips swaying back and forth to the music. She finally rounded back to his front and did a small pirouette to close the distance between them, her back almost meeting his front. She moved her left hand up to Asyr's neck, her right hand going to his right arm. She then began to move back and forth, urging him to follow with her hands. As they swayed to the tempo of the music. As the music changed slightly, flowing into a refrain that the whole crowd screamed for. Harder...Better...Faster...Stronger... They all repeated. Morwynn began to move Asyr's hand forward, looping her fingers with his to guide his hand, and just as the song at the coda, the beat lowered another song started, this one started out at slower pace, quieter and without a intensive driving bass, instead a groove. Morwynn brought Asyr's hand to her midsection and slowed her sway to match the beat, pushing back a bit into Asyr, encouraging him to follow her lead.

The song continued as they swayed together even as the beat picked up and the crowd grew even livelier. It was in the swaying that Morwynn began to forget everything, it was as if all of her was in the swaying of the music. And the only other one there was the person behind her. She had wanted to forget and be someone else, and it seemed that, for now at least, she was getting that wish.

[Rugs]

She was good.

Asyr had to admit, and gladly so, that Morwyn was a good dancer. She was into it all the moment they started to dance. He could see it in her, in the way she moved her hips, the way she smiled and spun and circled around him. He knew he was a good dancer himself, but she lead him and he gladly allowed her to.

As they rocked and swayed together, he smiled. This was what he'd been hoping to see. She was letting herself go, letting the music and the thrill of the night take over. It was a far cry from the cold, disinterested woman he'd seen outside the cafe, and he didn't mind a bit.

The music changed again and again, eventually moving to something a bit softer without the pounding bassline. Morwyn turned, putting him behind her, and even without her guidance he would've had a hand on her slender waist as they swayed together.

She continued to lead, swaying so that she pushed back into him, her hips into his, and he went along with it, moving as rhythm and dance partner urged.

He chuckled as the song finally came to an end, leaving her pressed lightly against his front and him with his hands on her hips. "You're good," he said softly, in the break between songs. His voice was warm. Affectionate even. "Real good."

"Alright, you all havin' a good time?" The DJ's voice suddenly boomed over the floor. The crowd answered with whistles and cheers. Asyr even joined in.

"Alright, alright. Great to know," he said. "Now..." he paused for a moment, for effect, "this next song is somethin' special. For all the couples out here, so give 'em some love, everybody." There was another round of cheers, and some of the patrons cleared off the floor, leaving more room for those couples. There were still a lot of people on the dance floor.

The song started, and it was different than the others had been. It was slow, soft. Pretty. Romantic. As the DJ encouraged the onlookers to cheer on those still on the dance floor, Asyr gently moved to turn Morwyn around. He took one of her hands in his, set her other one near his opposite shoulder, and put his free hand down on her side.

"What do you say," he asked her softly, starting to move a little with the music. The smile he gave her was subtle, but warm, caring. It said that he was interested in her, in sharing a special night with her. "Think we can be a couple for a little while?"

[Charlie Sharper]

"You're good, real good." Asyr said to Morwynn as the song ended. She made no effort to break the contact, the feeling of him against her felt far too good to stop it now. The droid-like DJ's left the booth as the original DJ stepped up to the mic and said something as the last song continued to die down. She could hear Asyr responding to the DJ's remark about having fun, but she paid it little mind. She distinctly heard the DJ say something about 'Couples' and a song for them, as a slow, melodic song started playing. Asyr's hands turned the Zeltron to face him. Asyr's hand took one of her's, setting it on his shoulder, taking the other in his. She felt his free hand run along her side.

"What do you say," he asked her in a soft tone. "Think we can be a couple for a little while?" He began to sway with the music and she followed suit. "Mmmm..." Was all Morwynn said as she lay her head on his chest, drawing her body close to his, taking in his scent.

As the song played she swayed to the song that played with Asyr, keeping him close and feeling his hand on her side. She smiled a little as they danced. She could see other couples dancing close as well. The dance floor was considerably less crowded then it had been for the earlier songs, but there were still a fairly large group on the dance floor, swaying to the peaceful song that the DJ was playing.

As the song came to an end, she stood there for a few moments with Asyr, not wanting to pull away. When she finally did she looked up into his eyes, she saw passion in them and the same was reflected in her own. She knew he could see it, and as the song came to an end and another, more upbeat song started, she reached up her hands to his neck, entangling her fingers together behind him. She quickly pulled him down and turned her head to the side and pushed herself up to meet him, drawing him into a kiss. It was a passionate, lust filled kiss. Some of the patrons that where near them may have clapped or wooed, but Morwynn paid little attention to anything other then his lips. They were smooth and sweet, and for now at least, they were all hers. She reveled in the knowledge. "Mmmm..." she mumbled into his mouth and after a few lusty seconds, she pulled away to look into his eyes.

[Rugs]

Her answer was soft, but it was all he needed. They stayed on the dance floor, keeping one another close and swaying gently with the music. Asyr thought to say something to her as they danced, to express how he was feeling toward her as the music went on and their dance with it. But there wasn't anything he could say. Rather, there wasn't anything he could put in words that they didn't already know. Nothing that the feeling of their bodies so close together, moving in unison with one another, didn't already say.

So he let the unspoken things between them say what he wanted, and let himself go in the moment that she was sharing with him.

Eventually, the song came to a quiet close. They stood there, still with one another. Asyr looked down into Morwyn's sharp green eyes as he felt her fingers entwine behind his neck. There was desire there, and passion that he knew was echoed in his own.

I want you, he thought, as she guided his lips to hers. In that moment, he knew with a fair amount of certainty that she wanted him too.

But even those thoughts were put on hold while they kissed. Her lips were full and soft. Good for kissing, and she kissed well. During their dance, the hand on her side had drifted lower, down to her hip. As they kiss, he lowered the other, and both hands met behind her back as he held her in an embrace that kept her body lightly against his.

Eventually, the kiss stopped. She broke away, and as awareness of the world returned to Asyr, he realized that some of the others were looking at her. He heard some whoops and claps and quiet cheers, and smiled warmly down at the woman in his arms.

His mind began to work, thinking ahead toward later in the night. There wasn't a need to leave, not until she was ready, but if things continued on the way they were going, they'd be getting intimate. Honestly, he could take her there, in the middle of the club, but that was hardly appropriate.

Other places could do; he'd had sex just about everywhere--including on a toilet, with Ervisa back on Cato Neimodia. But something about tonight had him in a romantic sort of mood. Maybe it was the dancing, or the music. Maybe it was Morwyn herself. Something a bit more special would have to do.

Raiding had been good lately. He had plenty of money to spare, and the Bohemian was still in port for another two days. Maybe I'll get us a hotel room somewhere nice. Take some time to be romantic, make the night something special for her.

It'd been a while since he'd gone through the effort of being truly romantic. Usually it was meet some girl, impress her with his words, body, or both, and then they'd have sex and go their separate ways. But tonight would be different. He'd give Morwyn a treat, as far as she allowed it.

The music was still paused, but he swayed gently with her a little more, keeping her lightly against his body. His eyes closed and he leaned in once again, kissing her for a few quiet, peaceful moments.

"Tell me," he said softly to her as he broke the kiss away, "once we're done here... Do you have any plans?" The smile he gave her was soft, and the passion in his eyes for her was still there. "I want to treat you to a special night, if I can." A night she wouldn't soon forget.

[Charlie Sharper]

As his hands fell lower, Morwynn could feel him pull her further into the kiss, resting on her hips. After the kiss ended, there they stayed. Morwynn cared little for the calls and cheers from the crowd, her eyes never left his, and the passionate fire that burned in them needing to be sated.

They swayed lightly as to music that was most likely just in their heads, Morwynn couldn't say. He leaned in for a peaceful kiss, one much more loving then the first. When he drew back he spoke again. "Tell me, once we're done here..." He said in a soft voice "Do you have any plans? I want to treat you to a special night, if I can." Morwynn's eyes only burned with passion. She smiled slightly as he spoke, her grin slightly wicked. She leaned in to kiss him as soon as he finished speaking, though if he had continued she just would have cut him off. Her hands traveled up his neck to his white locks, tangling in them. After a few seconds, she pulled away to catch her breath. "I have a hotel room, it's not far..." There was a certain urgency in her voice as she turned and pulled him by his hands towards the back door.

As they walked she didn't look back on him, she didn't need to, she knew what she wanted and knew that he wanted it too. They continued through the crowd and she nearly pushed through people, the need in her burning like wildfire. She pushed through the door and as she did she pulled him through the door way.

Once out side she turned and pushed herself up against the wall, pulling him into her to capture his lips again. This kiss was even more passionate then the first, the need evident in her enthusiasm. She pulled him into her, feeling his hard body against her was exhilarating. She was letting go for the first time in years, all the pent up feelings running rampant through her. All the hurt in her life seemed gone. Her pheromones were no doubt felt by Asyr, and she could feel the effect through the empathic abilities of her race.

She didn't want to wait to get to the hotel, but knew she had to, she reluctantly pushed him away. Morwynn took the Echani's hand and continued to lead him toward the hotel, though her mind was only on the room she had for the night. Her mind drunk with need as she pulled Asyr along, who wasn't exactly unwilling to follow.

[Rugs]

They kissed again. As soon as the words left Asyr's mouth, Morwyn pulled his lips back to hers and they kissed again. Her hands moved up, tangling themselves in his hair. His moved lower. If they weren't smack dab in the middle of public, he'd probably be working on getting her clothes off. But they were.

"I have a hotel room, it's not far..."

Well that was good. Saved the trouble of having to wait to go through the process of checking out a room.

"Good," he answered, his breath almost breathy with anticipation. He wasn't sure if she was starting to emit pheromones or if someone else in the club was doing it--someone likely was--but a thrill was beginning to rush in his blood. A hunger for her that was quickly growing stronger and stronger.

She led him away, out the back door. He followed quickly, and as soon as they were out the door they were entangled in another kiss. She pressed herself back against the wall, pulling him against her. Their bodies, contrasting though they were, touched. Hers was soft and smooth and wonderful, his as hard and solid and chiseled as something cut from stone.

Now he was certain that she was using her pheromones, as he gently rubbed her sides as their kiss went on. He could feel them, almost, intoxicating him with a stronger feeling of lust and passion and desire.

Even though he had control over himself, he could only go so far before he gave into the base instincts and wants of the body. If they went on much longer, there was a chance he'd take her right there, against the wall; there were less people here, and her pheromones were strong. But she broke away, pushing away from him and leading him on toward the hotel.

"I really hope you're right and the place is close," he said softly. "I don't know how much longer I can wait." Force, with the pheromones rushing through his blood, it was all he could do to keep from stopping her right there and pulling her into another kiss.

Then, suddenly, things changed.

Asyr saw the shadow looming in the alleyway before they passed, but when they entered it and turned, there was a quartet of men waiting for them. At the head was the man from earlier, the one who Morywn spurned at the cafe.

Asyr wasn't so drunk on sexual desire than he couldn't see trouble, nor did he need to see the man's expression to see that he wasn't happy.

"Look what we got here, fellas," the man said, speaking to the three men behind him. Even Asyr had to admit, they were large. One of them had a stun baton; the other two were wielding firearms.

"And here I thought you were just a cold little icicle," the leader went on, walking up toward Morwyn. He had a pistol at his side. When Asyr moved, putting himself between the two of them, the man stopped and looked at him, smirking ruefully.

"Ah yeah, I shoulda known. I really shoulda known what was goin' on when you stopped me back there in the alley. "

"Listen buddy," Asyr said, eyeing the fellow and his goons. "You just turn around and keep on goin'." He moved his coat back slightly, putting a hand on the heavy blaster at his hip. "I told you you don't wanan do anything stupid."

The man laughed. "I ain't gonna be the stupid one here, pal. If you hadn't noticed," he made a sweeping gesture at his lackeys, "you're outnumbered. You ain't gonna do a damn thing, buddy. So you can just run along."

Asyr snorted a laugh. Apparently the man was too stupid for his own good. Go on then. Think you're safe.

"And you," the rough fellow continued, looking past Asyr to Morwyn. You're about to wish you didn't turn me away when I was gave you a chance to get with me. You must not know the hell I am, but I'm gonna have you..." His grey eyes were hungry. Something distinctly disturbing was in his voice. "One way or another."

[Charlie Sharper]

"I really hope you're right and the place is close, I don't know how much longer I can wait." Morwynn heard over her shoulder, her pheromones probably weren't helping, but there was little she could do, she always found it hard to control while in the midst of desire.

She laughed a little and looked back at him. "It's just on the next block." She said. Whether her statement was for Asyr's benefit or her own, she wasn't completely sure. Her eyes stayed on Asyr for a moment, drinking in his form, and with her empathic ablities, feeling his own lust for her. "We'll be there in-" A voice cut her off. "Look what we got here, fellas," The voice sounded slightly familiar to Morwynn, but she couldn't place who it was.

She turned to see the man from the cafe, the one that she had spurn. "And here I thought you were just a cold little icicle," He had a wicked look on his face, one that said that he wanted something. As the man walked closer to Morwynn, Asyr stepped between the two, blocking his line of sight to Morwynn. "Ah yeah, I shoulda known. I really shoulda known what was goin' on when you stopped me back there in the alley. " Morwynn looked up at Asyr -What did the he mean?- Morwynn thought.

"Listen buddy, you just turn around and keep on goin'." Asyr pulled back his coat slightly and placed his hand on a blaster. Morwynn was slightly worried, her hand going instinctively to her Enforcer. "I told you you don't wanna do anything stupid."

"I ain't gonna be the stupid one here, pal. If you hadn't noticed, you're outnumbered. You ain't gonna do a damn thing, buddy. So you can just run along." The number of thugs was giving the man a feeling of security.

"And you," The looked past Asyr to Morwyn. "You're about to wish you didn't turn me away when I was gave you a chance to get with me. You must not know the hell I am, but I'm gonna have you..." Morwynn saw that the man's lackeys begin to move in on them. "One way....or another." The tone in his voice was something that Morwynn recognized all too well. She'd been in situations like this before, long ago when she was young. Another man looked at her with that wicked gleam in his eye. Morwynn pulled out her Enforcer then, leveling it on the man's forehead. "No, never again." She said as the man stopped, putting his hands in the air, but the look on his face didn't change.

"Be careful where you point that thing. Someone might get hurt..." She heard the steps behind her all too late, maybe Asyr had heard them, maybe not, her pheromones were pretty strong right now. The shock came quick as a stun baton was thrust into her back. The she began to quickly lose consciousness as the blaster fell from her hand. The last thing she saw before falling herself was the men, the three behind the man and the one behind her running for Asyr.

[Rugs]

"No, never again," he heard Morwyn say behind him. Asyr glanced slightly back, looking at her from the side of his eye. He heard a rustle of movement, the click of a safety as Morwyn leveled a pistol at the leader of the group.

This is getting out of hand. He briefly thanked whatever gods might have listened that he'd only had two drinks, and that no matter how badly he wanted the woman standing behind him, being drunk on physical desire wasn't the quite same as being well and truly inebriated.

Not that it didn't feel like it, sometimes.

And not that I've never fought drunk before...

Actually having his senses completely about him would be good, though. There was a chance that, even a bit tipsy, he could take the three of them, especially with Morwyn helping. But sober fights were always so much easier.

Asshole is still killing the mood, he silently griped. Now they'd have to get back into it.

Pity. Then again, just meant more fun for later.

Long as we get outta here safe, Asyr reminded himself.

"Be careful where you point that thing. Someone might get hurt..." Asyr scowled at the leader. He nearly spoke, but then he heard footsteps behind them.

He looked over his shoulder, forcing his mind over to fight mode in an effort to ignore the intoxicating pheromones. A tall, broad shouldered brute jammed a stun baton into Morwyn's back. Asyr screamed some wordless cry of protest, but it couldn't help her as the shock cracked through her and sent her crumpling to the ground.

Anger spiked through Asyr as Morwyn's pistol clattered to the ground. So it was gonna be that way huh?

Fine. Time to break some faces in.

Asyr took a step back, lifting his hands slightly from his sides. Time seemed to slow to his perception as he quickly glanced from the main group of lackeys and their idiotic leader to the big man rushing him alone. He looked at them quickly, saw what they would do. He read them.

Pistols coming up. Take the big guy first.

Not a moment later, the man was swinging at Asyr's side with the stun baton. Asyr caught his wrist and forced the strike wide, guiding the arm to hook into his other arm, which would be used both to trap and to act as a lever.

Trap made, arm caught. Asyr moved the gripping hand to the elbow and applied pressure. At the same instant, he used his other arm to put pressure on the arm in the opposite direction.

Snap!

The thug began to scream. The weapon began to fall to the ground. Asyr continued through his next step, whipping the body of the man around in front of him, like a big meat shield. He felt two impacts as the man jerked. Blaster shots hitting the mark, which had suddenly been changed to a friend instead of a seemingly-stupid Echani.

Well, now they'd shot their friend. The shooters stopped in their reckless advance, faces growing shocked. Asyr's foot hit the ground and the other came back to anchor himself.

His captive was suddenly released, and a hard push sent him stumbling into one of the lackeys with a gun. They fell to the ground in a heap of flailing limbs and yells. One of them would probably be back up, once they were free of each other. Time was of the essence.

Before they'd hit, he'd started to draw his pistol. As they fell to the ground, he fired a shot at the other goon with firearm. The shot grazed his side. Not enough to kill. Not even enough to incapacitate. But it was enough to send a message to him.

The pistol moved to point at the leader, and he drew his second blaster and leveled at the other idiot with the stun baton, who was still moving toward him.

The entirety of the exchange hadn't taken more than a scant few heartbeats.

"Now listen," Asyr said. His voice was hard, and the his eyes had changed. Gone was the warm, friendly flirt. In his place was the master of the Echani martial arts, the man who'd been trained to fight nearly since he could walk.

"I'm gonna give you one more chance to turn around and get outta here." He noticed one of the goons starting to pick himself up from the ground. The other--the one with the broken arm--stayed down moaning softly as he clutched at his elbow. Three on one. Nothing he couldn't handle, but he'd have to be careful.

"Get outta here, leave us alone, and you don't get hurt."

[Charlie Sharper]

The leader stood, frozen in place, his men had been dealt with as if they were nothing. Gone was the sly smile and the knowing look in his eyes, as what was his confidence. He did know that things had changed, he wasn't dumb, at least that's what he thought. He put his hands up and it was easy to see that he was scared. "Ok, ok...Don't shoot, we're cool" He blatherd on about how they were just trying to prove a point or something and they were just playing around. Silly ideas from a man that was prone to getting in over his head.

Morwynn began to stir, feeling the lights come back on. She couldn't move much at first, but then as the feeling returned to extremities, she pushed herself up and began to get back on her feet. "MammmmmBasterd got me from beeeehind" She said as she stood up shakily. She picked up the gun and leveled it out at the leader of the thugs. He saw her in the corner of his eye but when a blaster bolt flew past his ear, he nearly wet his pants. She walked up to him and looked him straight in the eye as she pushed the blaster into his forehead. "I should make you regret that" She could feel his fear for his life, she knew what that felt like, but unlike her, he deserved it.

He stood there and begged her not to kill him, pleaded for mercy. Instead she pushed that she was holding into his crotch. He doubled over in pain and she laughed a little. "Well, he did want some action..." She then put the gun back in her holster and looked at the other three. "Anyone else want to cause trouble?" They all shook there heads in unison, it made her laugh even more. "Then GO!" she yelled and they turned and ran. Eager to get away from the Echani fighter.

Morwynn turned back to Aysr. Kissing him passionately. It was probably the longest kiss of the night. She eventually pulled away and with a sincere voice, she thanked Asyr "Thanks for saving me....Umm, I know this might sound weird buuuuut, did you still want to see that room?" She asked, a tint of hope in her voice.

[Rugs]

A few moments passed, creeping by in silent tension. Asyr hoped, really hoped that the man, as stupid as he was, would get the hint.

He got the hint.

"Ok, ok...Don't shoot, we're cool."

Asyr relaxed a little. Barely. He could still feel that his muscles were tense with anticipation, but he lowered his pistols a bit. "Then get outta here. You show your face again, you'll regret it."

The sound of someone moving behind him had him glancing over his shoulder, expecting another attempt at an attack from behind. But there wasn't anyone charging, no man coming at him with a gun or stun baton raised. It was Morwyn, coming back to her senses after the hit from behind had sent her down.

Asyr gave the men in front of him a warning look, then moved back, reholstering one of his pistols and using his free hand to help her to her feet again.

"MammmmmBasterd got me from beeeehind"

"Yeah," Asyr muttered, looking at the man who was still sprawled out on the ground. He'd be surprised if he lived through the two shooting wounds he'd taken. "Bet he's sorry now."

He watched as Morwyn had her fun with the man. After the threat he'd made to her, Asyr couldn't blame her. Hell, he wouldn't blame her if she shot the guy right then and there. But she let him live--painfully--and he went scampering off after his three lackeys.

The wounded one got left behind. Maybe someone would find him and get him to a hospital or something. Asyr didn't really care.

Morwyn turned away from the retreating men as Asyr slid his pistol back into its place at his hip. Before he could say anything to her, she was on him, kissing him with more fire than he'd seen all night. It was a longer than any other so far as well, but she did finally pull away.

"Thanks for saving me....Umm, I know this might sound weird buuuuut, did you still want to see that room?"

Asyr smiled, and his expression softened, back to the friendly, easy-going man he'd been before the trouble began. "It was nothin', Morwyn," he said sincerely, smiling softly at her. "I wasn't gonna let a guy like that get you. Guess I got to put on a little show for you too. As for that room..." he chuckled softly, gently tucking a loose strand of blue hair back behind her ear with one of his fingers, "I do.

"But," he went on, lowering his hand to her shoulder to keep her from turning to lead on just then, "you're alright, right? I dunno how bad this guy," he nudged the fallen man with his foot, "got you, but I don't want you hurt."