Ask Can You Feel The Love Tonight

[Ezra Thorne]

It was a big night on Mon Cala, the entire planet buzzing with the annual premier of one of the most exclusive performances in the galaxy. It had been around since the Clone Wars and has entertained the likes of Chancellors, Emperors and all forms of royalty around the galaxy. Tickets were usually sold out for years at a time, but being a part of the Thorne legacy carried a lot of perks. His name alone allowed him to score not only tickets, but also VIP seating.

Squid Lake was infamous for centuries and known to be absolutely dazzling in terms of performance arts. He knew Pops took Dad there before and Dad was practically in tears. Ezra hoped his boyfriend would be ecstatic about this and he had gotten this as a gift for his Knighting ceremony. Selfishly, this gift allowed him to also get away and have Dash to himself.

He was dressed in a crisp, tailored suit that accented his body perfectly. His hair was neatly styled and he clearly put a lot of time into his appearance, and he wore the chrono Dash gave him. Ezra shouldn’t have been nervous, but he silently hoped Dash wouldn’t find this all dull. This was all far more the Rhinnalian’s scene than Ezra’s.

He had asked Dash to meet him in Dac City, and he was waiting at a cafe. He already had a speeder ready to take them to the Opera House. The two were seeing each other slightly less already because of Dash’s promotion, and he hoped this would allow them some time before it was back to the grind.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash got out of the taxi a little way up the street from the cafe. He wanted a minute or two to ready himself.

He had not seen Ez in an age. Well it felt like an age anyway. Gone were their days of whiling away time together without a thought for their responsibilities. Dash was a Knight now, with more on his plate from the Order than he had ever known. Ezra too was advancing fast, as was his nature. Assignments and obligations increasingly took them to opposite ends of the galaxy.

Which was why it was so nice that his boyfriend had organised tonight. Dash knew Ezra cared, he knew how to read the signs and he had even got the Thorne to say it aloud. But the fact he had done something special for Dash's knighting, and something so not his thing, meant even more.

The Rhinnalian strode down the street, straightening his crisp three piece as he drew level with the cafe windows. They were going to the opera after all and he had dressed to impress. But in truth, he did not care one jot what other people thought. He just wanted to look hot for his man. He fluffed his styled hair and laughed at himself. Why was he feeling a tiny bit nervous?!

He spied Ezra straight away, looking too good for the place as usual. "Hey baby". Dash went in for a smooch and would probably have to be prized off. It had been too long.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was scrolling through Limmie scores as Dash would expect. However, he could sense his boyfriend quite easily now. He glanced up when he arrived, his eyes visibly widening at spotting the Rhinnalian decked out in a suit. It fit perfectly around his body, and he carried himself with refined grace. Suddenly Ezra wanted nothing more than to cancel the entire show and disappear into a room somewhere with Dash.

He rose from where was sitting, leaning in to kiss his boyfriend, “You look incredible, babe,” Ezra said, genuinely, as he looked over Dash. He had missed him more than he would admit just then, and he was reminded of it as soon as their lips met. Dash wasn’t even in the same dorm area anymore, Knights residing in separate areas of the temple. While Dash was allowed his own room now, it was still not an area padawans could frequent.

Ezra walked towards the speeder, holding the door open for him before entering it himself, “Where are they sending you these days? Or can you not tell me?” He asked during the ride, his fingers entwined with Dash’s.

The sights were dazzling, and it was clear citizens from all around the galaxy were visiting the planet this time of year. They drove past shops and entertainment set up outside, countless people milling about the sidewalks or visiting the beach during the evening.

Within moments, they arrived at the opera house, and Ezra once again walked around to open the door for his boyfriend. The part Sephi had to stare at the building in wonder, the structure looming tall over everything else around it. Security measures were high and the lines were outrageous. Ezra wasn’t here as a Jedi, so they were escorted by ISC -ssued bodyguard droids. Already Dash would notice tons of people glancing their way or whispering, some openly pointing. This was an ISC planet, and this was the President’s son after all.

Already paparazzi were on the scene, snapping photos from afar before being shoved away by other support droids. The two teens were led through an entrance entirely separate from the general public and out towards a grand lobby meant only for some of the most elite names in the galaxy. Dash would likely recognize some Holomovie celebrities or politicians milling about.

“We’re supposed to hang out here for a bit before the show starts,” Ezra explained, “Want to get a drink?” He asked, looking around at the options. Droids were walking around with drinks or snacks. Ezra couldn’t legally drink here, but Dash certainly could.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Ez was on his phone of course. Dash just knew he was checking that blasted Limmie thing. Why did even that make him feel warm and fuzzy tonight?

They shared a long kiss, but they eventually had to get in the speeder. "Well that makes two of us" Dash replied, sitting down. Ezra's suit looked perfect of course and Dash loved a guy in smart dress. He had not missed that Ez held the door open for him either, feeling well and truly spoiled tonight.

"Oh a few places" he answered, half concerned about classified intel and half not arsed about the detail tonight. "I just wish there were more assignments in your dorm room". He squeezed Ez's hand, flashing him a mischievous grin. He felt like he could gobble the Thorne up then and there.

When they stepped out of the speeder, Dash had to consciously stop his jaw hitting the floor. He had never seen architecture like the opera house, the scale and detail beyond his capacity to take it in. The milling crowds and flashing cameras did not help, though he was gradually getting used to the attention that being in Ezra's life brought. He even gave a few brief words to a couple of journos he knew. Dash was learning that they wrote about you anyway; best to get across your side of the story.

He reached across and affectionately straightened Ezra's tie as they briefly waited to get in. Once in the lobby, Dash's blue eyes were jumping out of his head. Garik Vandron was there, Zac Oofrain and Tom Hulland too. It was way too much and he found himself standing and staring silently at celebrities who had been posters on his walls for years.

"Yes!" he said to Ezra, embracing a drink enthusiastically to settle him down. He grabbed two off the droid's tray, sure that no one would dare tell Ez he could not drink it. Besides, Dash chuckled, he was with an adult.

"Thanks for bringing me here" Dash said, still in awe and looking into Ezra's eyes "I know it's not your thing, but its fucking fantastic".

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Seeing Dash excited and cheerful made all of this worth it even before they made it to the show. Of course, very little of this appeared on his face. He wasn’t the type to smile or laugh easily, and he carried a largely stoic bearing. But Dash knew his positive mood manifested in the slight twitch of his ears or the way his eyes weren’t as piercing and judgmental as usual. This was especially pronounced when Dash fixed up his tie, the gesture so subtle and yet a reminder of what they meant to one another.

While Dash was marveling at the actors, Ezra was entirely unfazed, clearly used to being in these circles. He took the drink, clicking his glass against Dash’s before taking a sip, “Finally, not cheap and fake Jedi bullshit,” Ezra muttered. When Dash looked at him and thanked him, Ezra didn’t know what to say, his ears doing their trademark twitch, “Yeah well… nudge me if I fall asleep,” He said with the hint of a smile.

“Ezra Thorne!” Garik Vandron himself called out, recognizing him from meeting with Emryc some time back. He excused himself from the social group he was in and walked over to the boys, much to Ezra’s irritation.

“Oh, what a delight to see you again,” He said before he looked over at Dash, “And are you the reason Mr. Thorne here insisted so much I signed a card?" He flashed Ezra a wink, which was met with an icy glare. Vandron didn’t seem to notice, reaching his hand out for Dash to shake, “Garik Vandron! You may be on the big screen more than I am these days,” He flashed the Rhinnalian a charming smile.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

"You CANNOT fall asleep during Squid Lake! You are supposed to have taste Ez!" Dash prodded his boyfriend playfully. If he actually fell asleep during the performance he would get another one a lot less playful.

Dash took another sip, basking in it all. Ez would see, watching the ballet was not a head thing, it stirred the heart. Dash was one of the few who knew his boyfriend definitely had one, so he would surely feel something.

The Rhinnalian certainly felt something when Garik Vandron - actual Garik Vandron - started walking over to them. In no time, Dash was shaking the hand of the handsome actor, a man he'd had posters of on his bedroom wall for years.

"Dash..." he managed to reply in introduction "thank you so much for the card". He left out that it had pride of place in his room and would likely gather dust for some years to come. "Really well done on Star Way Five too, it's just amazing". Vandron's latest production was indeed legendary, though it was nothing compared to speaking to the guy in the flesh.

His modesty too was a surprise, seemingly real and not just for the interviews. "Hardly" Dash snorted "i'm really not very interesting" he glanced across to Ez and pulled him in close, noticing the glare on his face "it's my Ezra here that the galaxy can't get enough of". He was in awe of Vandron, but he was in love with Ezra. Even without that familiar cologne giving him butterflies, there was no contest.

"Nice to meet you really" he said, still processing his new life mixing with the elite. Vandron would probably be heading back to his friends, but the night was only just starting for them.

Dash noticed the staff busying around the theatre door. "Want to get another drink before we head in?" he asked Ezra "I once went to a little theatre on Coruscant that had double-width 'loveseats' for couples. Reckon they have those?". He knew they were in a prestigious opera house and was only being half-serious, but he could not help it. Being together had him on cloud nine.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was actually in the process of a discreet escape to go look for some snacks when Dash, quite literally, dragged him back into the conversation. Had Dash really figured him out that well? He simply gave a polite nod to go along with the conversation. He allowed some patience, knowing he would have gushed for hours if he came across his favorite Limmie players. He had met several of them before, but seldom in settings not painfully crowded.

Vandron walked away and Ezra finished up his drink, agreeing for them to gather another round before they were led in. He glanced at his boyfriend when he asked about seats, “Why? Planning to enjoy me more than the show?” He asked with a sly grin as he looked at Dash. As they were led to a balcony overlooking some of the best views in the entire theater, it was revealed the seats were big enough to share. In fact, the top of the balcony was emblazoned ‘Thorne Suite’.

There was an opening act that was a famous blue twi’lek singer. Ezra got comfortable in his seat, a few well dressed attendants coming by to ask if they needed anything. It was immediately clear they were privately hired just to be in service to Thornes. Ezra recognized two of them from shows on other planets.

The grand symphony began to play and a stunning twi’lek in a perfectly embroidered golden dress began to sing an aria. To Dash’s surprise, Ezra was actually invested in the performance. He hadn’t exactly had the chance to play the piano or delve into that side of his life with Dash, but this was a refreshing break from the grind. He kept their fingers entwined, sitting close to his boyfriend and savoring the moment.

A glance to the side highlighted just how much security there was around the place. These were subtle reminders that there was an active war going on. No ISC planet was entirely relaxed when the threat of the Sith loomed just beyond.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

"Never you mind about my plans" Dash shot back with a sultry smile, though if his blue eyes quickly went up and down his boyfriend's body he could hardly be blamed. It went deeper of course, after weeks of separation he did not want even an armrest between them for these precious few hours.

The Thorne Suite should not have been a surprise, but Dash was still adjusting to how far Ezra's gilded life reached. They settled into their spacious seat, waited on by smartly dressed helpers who said they could bring anything they wanted. Dash had a milkshake and some chocolate, like a big kid set free. He was not quite sure how he planned to juggle it all with the alcohol, but he would manage somehow. It was a night for going big.

Once the help withdrew, Dash leant into Ez a little, super comfy on his shoulder and enjoying the touch of his hand. The Rhinnalian steadily fed chocs into his mouth with the other, eyes fixed on the stage as the performance unfolded. The soprano tones washed over him like a wave, giving him goose bumps and sending a twinge down his spine. Dash had only a small appreciation for what it took to perform up there and he thought the Twi'lek star was amazing. It was a privilege to see.

A security man in dark clothes climbed soundless past them, up the aisle. Others moved around the edges of the hall. Dash paid them little mind, feeling totally safe in his happy place with Ezra. He looked up at his boyfriend, those all-too-perfect features framed in the dim light. Ez looked a bit like his Pops in the semi-darkness, but Dash knew better than to say so. He actually looked like he was interested in the show, no sign of sleep or his blasted Nalphone just yet.

Dash pecked him on the cheek. "Wanna try my milkshake?" he whispered, smile glinting in the shadows. Sitting with Ez and watching Squid Lake was like being a moth torn between two bright lights. But he found he could not quite sit in silence.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra had to grin at Dash’s choice of drink and snack. Following his cue, he ordered himself an ice cream sundae. He ordered a complicated latte for his drink, nibbling at the ice cream when he felt Dash peck his cheek. He glanced over, generally not in the habit of sharing his food. Ezra never had the desire or cause for sharing, but that began to change since he joined the Jedi Order and the relationships he built since.

He leaned over to try the milkshake before offering Dash some of his ice cream. It was all cheesy, but he enjoyed it far more than he would admit. At some point, he found an excuse to rest his arm on the spine of their seat, which then gradually turned to wrapping around Dash’s body to tug him close. He was still not as keen on public affection as his boyfriend, but he was tolerating more than usual with the darkness and distracting performance.

There was thunderous applause after the woman finished and the stage opened up where massive orbs of suspended water floated up into the air.

The performance was mesmerizing - the Mon Calamari moving with unmatched grace through the water and surfacing above. The music resounded throughout the theater, the performers moving in perfect harmony. Every sway, spin and twirl was accented with emotion and powerful passion. A melancholy story was told with grace, a bittersweet tale shown through dance and movement.

Ezra was completely hooked, Dash in his grip and the remnants of his ice cream melting into a soup. His silver gaze was completely fixed on the performance, betraying how much he actually enjoyed the arts. The performance went on for a while with an intermission in between.

By the end of it, everyone was standing and clapping. The cameras were floating by and were especially focused on the Thorne pod, so Ezra stood up as well. It was a big deal for the President’s son to be in attendance for this and the entire hall and the performers were ecstatic. Dash got roped into it all, his face splashed across multiple social media feeds or tabloids to come.

“Come on, let’s go,” Ezra said, gesturing for Dash to walk with him. He had little desire to run into anyone on the way out and he wanted to keep their date going, “I hope you can appreciate seafood because I booked us dinner on the beach," He wanted to hear what Dash thought about the show, but he was practically dragging his boyfriend out to avoid crowds.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

They shared snacks, though Ezra's were a little more upmarket of course. The ice cream was nice, but tasted funny to Dash after his milkshake. It felt weirdly intimate sharing food, which made no sense at all given everything else they had done. Dash cuddled up to his boyfriend, getting totally lost in the performance as it moved into its second and third acts.

His eyes went wide trying to take in the huge orbs of water, wondering how they were created and suspended, and his mind threw up a hundred questions about the Mon Calamari. All of them faded as he became engrossed in the performance, letting out little gasps and twitching his fingers in Ezra's whenever there was a particularly sudden leap or spin.

When it was over, Dash almost felt sad. Theatre took you somewhere else and he did not want the spell to break. He joined in with the applause, rising to his feet with Ezra and clapping and whooping for the bowing cast.

Cameras flashed in his face and he suddenly remembered the world outside. The Rhinnalian was learning a particularly good fake smile that he could wheel on such occasions, but tonight he did not need it. He was genuinely grinning from ear to ear.

They hurried out, Dash following Ez and glad to be in a suit for once. It felt like armour in a way, shielding any remaining insecurities he had from the cameras.

"The beach!" Dash exclaimed as they strode out the doors and hit the street. The promenade was only a short distance away. "Well at least this one is an actual date" he chuckled, nudging Ezra at the memory of Thyferra. "We used to have grilled fireheads back home, but beyond that seafood is new one for me". He reached out, grabbing his boyfriend's hand, even if he only put up with it briefly "but I bet you know like all of it, so you can be my guide baby".

He pulled Ez along, taking in the bright lights along the coastal boardwalk, their glow reflecting on the waves quietly lapping the shore. Most of the boats in the bay were moored, but one or two were sailing past further out. "Hey, when's that race you mentioned, the - what was it - Mon Cala Cup?".

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

“You remember?” Ezra paused and asked, his expression softening considerably from the default ice. He had only mentioned the Mon Cala Cup race in passing all the way back on Thyferra when they had gone sailing. That day felt like ages ago, and yet Dash recalled such a simple detail. He almost couldn’t help the smile that graced his face, “It happens every year, but I don’t think I’m good enough. I might be two years from now maybe,” Ezra said, excitement bleeding into his tone. Sailing was a major passion of his, and he trained extensively for the grueling races.

A speeder ultimately took them over towards the exclusive resort he had reserved for them. It included a penthouse suite overlooking the ocean with a private infinity pool. Of course, that was all for later. For now, they were guided down a path towards a beach. The path was illuminated by lanterns and rose petals. If Dash looked at Ezra, the part Sephi would simply shrug. He knew how to turn on the cheese when the situation called for it, and he certainly wanted to spoil his boyfriend.

As they arrived at their table, Ezra pulled out Dash’s chair for him, walking over to take a seat across from him. He unbuttoned his suit jacket and loosened the tie just a bit. There was nothing but the sounds of the waves around them. Dash would soon realize that practically this entire side of the resort was closed off to the public.

Their cuisine was rather eclectic, ranging from burra fish caviar to yobshrimp salads to a decadent meal of lobster bisselian. All of this was paired with wine for Dash, though Ezra kept to the laws and didn’t drink.

“So, did you like the show?” He asked finally as they dug into their meals, the soft breeze from the seas and open air brushing along their hair and skin.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

"Course I do" Dash replied "sailing with you was a pretty memorable day. Well if it's two years, or one, or whatever, I wanna be there to see you win".

They soon sped towards the private resort and Dash realised Ezra had put even more thought into the evening that he realised. They left the boardwalk crowds behind, through exclusive gates and down the lantern lit path to a table for two, surrounded by rose petals and with an unbroken view of the sea.

"Rose petals?" Dash looked at Ezra in disbelief, eyebrows raised in a who are you look.

His boyfriend was clearly pleased with how his arrangements had come off, Dash could tell from the way those little ears sat proud. He was overawed for a while, his jaw still on the floor as Ezra pulled out his chair and he managed to take his seat. Dash slid his jacket off, rolling his sleeves up to keep the cuffs out the caviar and still looking fine in his waistcoat.

It turned out seafood was not something you could explore in full in a single night, but Ezra made sure that Dash had a pretty good go. There were several courses and an armada of cute little tasters and satellite plates. The Rhinnalian would be lying if he said he remembered all the names, but he definitely found some new favourites. The wine too was among the best he'd had, though he tried to take it steady, conscious his boyfriend had not drunk since the show.

"It. Was. Awesome, Ez" he said, his review bursting out of him. "Did you see that bit?! With the jumping out - when they jumped out the top of the orb - I thought they were going to lose it but then they were straight back in, so seemless! How is that even possible!" He swallowed, short on air all of a sudden. "What did you think? I didn't see you sleeping!" He gave his boyfriend a knowing look, suspecting Ez had been pleasantly surprised.

The light caught Dash's eye and he noticed it was catching on the chrono he had bought his boyfriend. It was good of him to wear it, even though he had to have better ones. It seemed a small thing, when Ezra could rustle up everything around them, but Dash had just about learned to handle that. All that mattered was being together.

"I think I might get my own place soon" he blurted out "like a base, somewhere to hang, when I'm not on assignments". The temple was great and often a necessity, but he had been wanting somewhere more personal to retreat to on occasion. Now he was a Knight, it seemed a reasonable venture. "I was thinking it could be our place, both of us, obviously only when you're free..."

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra’s ears twitched as Dash mentioned being there to see him win at the Mon Cala Cup. That day on Thyferra had been significant for both. He didn’t even know what prompted him to suddenly take Dash sailing instead of sitting at the restaurant and drinking lemonades. Speaking of which, there was lemonade available for him to drink since Ezra, to this day, still thought it was Dash’s absolute favorite drink and the teen hadn’t bothered to correct him otherwise. And to this day, Ezra still didn’t give a shit about lemonade so he politely kept his distance.

He quietly nibbled at his meal when Dash talked about the show. The way his boyfriend completely lit up made it all worth it, and Ezra couldn’t help the faint smile graced his lips. He was perfectly calm and composed in stark contrast to Dash’s very lively and excited reactions. When the question was spun around on him, he set his fork and knife down briefly in the v shape as per etiquettes. He practiced formal table manners without even realizing at this point, “It was…something else,” Ezra said after a brief pause, “One of Tavosky’s best works. I think I’d want to see a rendition of his Symphony no 4 in B minor. Or perhaps the Joleo and Romiette overture. I bet you’re a fan of that sob story,” Ezra grinned at Dash before he resumed eating again.

Ezra paused again when Dash blurted out about getting a place of his own. He eyed his boyfriend in surprise, “You won’t live at the temple anymore?” He already saw Dash very little these days, wouldn’t that dwindle even more if he lived elsewhere? When he remarked on them staying somewhere together Ezra considered the idea.

“Hm you’ll have to talk to my admin to figure out when I’m free,” Ezra remarked with a grin, “Where are you thinking? If it’s an ice planet, thanks but no thanks,” Dash was all about ice and cold things, but hopefully by now Dash knew how much Ezra detested the cold. It may not have manifested on his face, but the thought of being able to have a spot for just the two of them sounded exhilarating. It was entirely different than using his parent's house or any of the other properties they owned.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash was over the moon that Ezra had enjoyed Squid Lake as much as him. Well, nearly as much. The last thing he wanted was for his boyfriend to have hated every minute, or for him to find Dash's interests a bore. If they could enjoy a show together, then they were definitely going back to the opera house soon.

He did not rise to the quip about Joleo and Romiette, which even Ez knew was not a sob story but a legendary tale that had a perpetual run on the galactic stage. Dash feigned a glare over his wine glass before blowing Ez a kiss. The Thorne understood romance, even if he pretended he did not; tonight was proof of that.

"I'll still have to stay at the temple sometimes" Dash explained, chewing his last and wiping his fingers on the lavish napkin. There were sometimes only brief layovers between assignments, or a few days break and the temple would still be the best for those. "But when we get time away we've nowhere of our own to go". It was not entirely true of course, they had Thorne Manor and the Pavan holdings on Rhinnal, but they were not theirs. Dash wanted somewhere to call their own, where they could put their stamp on the place.

"Well if we're crossing off anywhere with even a chilly breeze then that narrows it down" Dash replied, rolling his eyes. Ezra could still be a stubborn ox at times. "But I don't mind warm, I just might have to borrow more of your clothes". He sniggered at the memory of rooting through Ezra's shorts below deck on Thyferra. "Do you think they sell plots of scenic land on Kashyyyk, free of hostile critters?". It appealed to him to get a place somewhere that meant something to them, though he was probably being too soppy.

As he sat there, leaning over the table looking into those silver eyes, another wave of euphoric contentment rolled over the Rhinnalian. His was having dinner with his boyfriend, talking about living together. It was so perfect, he still pinched himself now and then. A picture of their future formed in his mind and the seed of another dream began to grow.

He reached across the table, gently stroking Ez's wrist. "You look so hot in a suit you know".

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra looked outright disgusted at the thought of staying on Kashyyyk. He wasn’t an overly sentimental man by nature, and the thought of being around the Wookiee smell was almost enough to make his stomach turn. Dash would learn real quick that picking somewhere that Ezra approved would be a process. The Thorne was picky, stubborn and incredibly snooty, and love didn’t change any of that.

For a moment Dash silently stared at him and Ezra blinked in response. He was about to ask if he had something on his face when his boyfriend finally spoke, brushing a hand along his wrist. Ezra smiled at that, his ears turning their familiar pink. He finished his drink and dabbed with his napkin, “And you look hot both in and out of one,” He responded with a wink, rising from the table. He extended a hand for Dash to hold as he led him back to show off their suite.

Naturally he had booked them the best accommodations, and there was a massive private infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The room itself was over the top as one would expect from a Thorne - floor to ceiling windows, extensive space, lavish carpets, fireplaces and several service droids to tend to their every need.

All of Dash’s belongings from when he landed on the planet had been brought up already. Ezra barely paid attention to the room, glancing through the glass doors towards the pool, “Come on, let’s go!” He called out to Dash with a sense of urgency. Ezra loved the water and he couldn’t wait for a night time dip in their private pool under the stars.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Ezra did not like the Kashyyyk idea, not that it had been terribly serious. Dash would have more than a few qualms about sleeping on that world ever again himself, even if it was behind plate glass and security doors. There had to be better options.

But they were flirting again now and all thoughts of the future faded in Dash's mind, shunted aside by the present. He took Ez's hand, the almost electric jolt of his touch as strong as ever as they hurried up to their suite.

Ezra had spoiled them here too, though the room's grand scale and flawless lines were becoming standard fare for Dash. His boyfriend was slowly absorbing him into his world, lifting his expectations with everything they did. It was all still a bonus for the Rhinnalian - as long as he had Ezra he would settle for a canvass tent if needed - but the trimmings were definitely a nice to have. They gave them every opportunity and added even more to the magic.

He was immediately drawn to the glowing infinity pool beyond the glass, blown away by the view and picture perfect scene. He occasionally still felt an imposter in places like this, despite having once thought own his family well off. Then he remembered the social media comments and the tabloid headlines - The Presidents Son and the Dashing Jedi, Rhinnal Runt Gets the King of Cool, Frostbirds: Dash and Ezra still going strong. The galaxy thought he was on the inside now, maybe he should just start acting like it.

"Alright then" Dash replied, needing little encouragement to get in that pool. "I'll race you".

He pulled his pack towards him with the Force, throwing off his jacket and waistcoat and unbuttoning his shirt as fast as he could.

He tried to be careful, but paid no mind to how the fine clothes piled up awkwardly on the floor as he stripped. Dash knew Ezra would find it impossible to mistreat his own outfit, which would hopefully slow him down.

He considered cheating and shooting blast of ice at his boyfriend's shoe, freezing it to the floor just long enough to get ahead. He had some little cherry swimwear in his pack and once in them could slide the glass door open and leap in the pool before Ez could catch up.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

"Hmm, wait."

Ezra was not going to race to the pool. But he decided he would make an entire show of undressing. It was just the two of them, if he couldn’t let loose with his boyfriend, then where else? He pulled out his Nalphone and switched on some music. It was supposed to be some sexy jazz, but instead some retro number began to play. He didn't even know he had this song..

Music​

The part Sephi looked briefly perplexed, but he decided to just roll with it. He began by swaying slowly from side to side, dancing as he eased off his suit jacket. When the song began to talk about ‘me and you’, he mouthed the words, pointed to Dash and then back to himself.

He spun expertly in his expensive shoes, skidding over to a nearby chair to neatly set the jacket down. He turned to face Dash again, popping his collar dramatically as his shoulders bobbed and he moved to the beat, his fingers fumbling with his tie before it came off and was casually tossed aside.

Perhaps the most comical part of this was that he had a serious, focused look on his face the entire time. He knew Dash would absolutely lose it, but Ezra was having a great time. His legs moved to the rhythm, hips rocking and his movements following older groovy dance moves that existed from probably before both their parents were born, the era of this song.

There was rhythmic unbuttoning of the dress shirt as Ezra continued the striptease to an unlikely song. The shirt was placed on a different surface, all part of his little routine and not discarded on the floor. His hips moved as he undid his belt to the beat, tossing that over his shoulder without care.

Ezra danced his way over to Dash, placing a hand on his shoulder as he continued to move to the music. He released him and spun around, pressing back against the Rhinnalian to grind dance against him. In a show of remarkable flexibility, he shimmied down against Dash to the music, his tall and broad 6’3 frame effortlessly dropping it low. Thankfully Ezra didn’t wear skin tight pants and the feat was more than manageable and he danced his way back up to fully stand, still moving. By now, his undershirt was also off and tossed over another chair, leaving just the pants.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

In the end, Dash did not get very far with his undressing. He had just slid his jacket and waistcoat off and was unbuttoning his shirt when Ez hit the music.

Dash looked up, wondering if his boyfriend was just putting something on for atmosphere on the terrace. Then he heard the unexpected retro tunes and saw the momentary look of confusion on Ezra's face. Then, without warning, his man began to dance.

Ezra swayed this way and that, dancing out of his clothes with rhythm and dramatic gestures fit for the stage. The spectacle froze Dash to the spot more completely than even his ice could. He had seen Ez dance once, in the warehouse on Zeltros, and that had been a long time ago under an alcohol-infused haze. But a one on one undressing bordering on a striptease, no. Ezra Thorne did not do this sort of thing.

Except he was doing it now. Dash watched transfixed, hands on his tie but too stunned to undo it. His boyfriend's jacket came off, then his tie, then his shirt. Everything even went in its proper place, but Ezra danced and grooved his way from drawer to wardrobe as if he knew no other way to walk. He could really move when he wanted to, the Rhinnalian realised, even if some of the moves had to be older than either of them. Nonetheless, the sight of his boyfriend's athletic frame rolling and rippling out of its clothes got Dash's pulse racing.

Then Ez came over and started grinding on him, all topless 6'3 of him shimmying and shaking up and down. His boyfriend managed a flawless 'slut drop' right in front of him, in a move that had Dash make an involuntary noise.

The Rhinnalian quickly pulled off his own tie, looping it over Ez's head and gently pulling him back and down by the neck. Dash leaned up on his tiptoes and traced his tongue along the quarter-Sephi's ear, nibbling affectionately. He knew the little cuties were one of Ez's sweet spots.

"So someone fancies a different kind of competition eh?". He stepped around Ez, changing the track on the Nalphone to something equally appropriate as he resumed unbuttoning his shirt, rolling his body and shoulders to give Ez a show of his own.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra thought for sure Dash would burst out laughing, but his boyfriend was entirely transfixed. For some reason, he found this even more amusing and had to fight to keep his very intense face on. Ezra having complete control of the situation went outside the window when Dash looped his tie around his neck and tugged him close. The brush of his tongue against one of Ezra’s fluted ears was enough to make him gasp, his body sending all sorts of signals from the simple and powerful gesture. Dash knew exactly what he was doing to him.

He quickly came out of his daze as his boyfriend walked past him to change the music. Ezra forgot all about the pool for now as Dash started to move and do his own striptease. Between the two of them, Dash was the performer and Ezra wasn’t going to miss this. The Thorne stepped back and pulled up a chair, planting himself on it and challenging Dash to put on a show. It wasn’t like they had to rush off to a mission or do Jedi things. It was just the two of them here.

Ezra leaned back into his chair, a grin on his face as he watched Dash. He used the Force to call his tie to himself before tossing it at Dash to put on. They didn’t have a hat, but they could improvise. Dash’s tie was still loosely around his own neck, draped down his bare chest. He didn’t undress beyond where he was, far more interested in what Dash would do.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Ez kept surprising him tonight. After his unexpected dance routine, Dash had half expected his boyfriend to lose his patience for their foreplay, but Ezra did not step closer but further away. He planted himself on a chair, throwing Dash his own tie and grinning in a way the Rhinnalian could only interpret as a challenge.

Dash caught the tie and looped it around his neck, tying a full Windsor knot with practised hands. Even compared with the mighty Ezra Thorne, he was not a total savage. The track was picking up now and the Rhinnalian was in no doubt that the tie would be his hat on this occasion. It might stay on, as for the rest....

He worked down the buttons of his shirt, popping one after the other in slow, sultry movements, slowly revealing inch after inch of his athletic torso. Dash kept his eyes square on Ezra, raising his eyebrows now and then as if to say "you like?". He was pretty adept at reading his boyfriend by now and he knew the answer. Ezra LIKED.

But as with so many things, Ez had no idea. Unlike many of their times together, this date had been planned. For once, Dash had been given a little time to prepare and he had taken full advantage, investing in the perfect outfit that went beyond the suit. As he stripped off his shirt, lassoing it around his head and tossing it in Ezra's direction, his boyfriend would notice the skimpy red number peeking out as his trousers rode low.

Dash stalked over to Ez, one leg in front of the other as he drew on every ounce of dramatic flair, striding across an invisible catwalk to the beat. He grabbed his boyfriend's shoulders, straddling his lap and grinding just above his crotch. He rolled his hips back and forth, testing just how far he could arch his body without slipping a disc. At one point he reached out and lifted Ezra's chin, noticing how those silver eyes were getting all distracted down there.

He twirled around, reaching down, undoing his belt and throwing it off as he ground backwards, pressing the curve of his behind into Ezra's lap. He unfastened his trousers next and slowly dropped the zipper, letting the fabric shimmy down his body. The sexy red V of his date night undies was slowly revealed, separating two perfect Rhinnalian buns of steel.

The track was building to its crescendo and Dash stood up, walking away from Ezra slowly, his back to his boyfriend and his slight figure silhouetted against the light from the terrace. He gripped the tie was one hand, one of only two pieces of fabric still on his person. With a victorious glance over his shoulder, he reached down with the other and pulled the undies clean off as the music blared, baring all for his final act.

He had kept the tie on, but he was otherwise stark naked. Now, it was Ez's turn.

@Sreeya