A Second Opinion

[Hazel Zanteres]

Hazel's eyes widened slightly, light blue shining equal parts of hope and worry at Irajah's words. One, that it seemed the woman had been quick to, but the other that she was being cautious with her words.

There was part of the Hapan that wished that finding the answers wouldn't take long, but the rational part of her brain pushed that aside.

"That's fine, I certainly wasn't expecting results in a flash." She gave Irajah a small smile. "And of course, thank you for doing this. Especially taking the time to, as I'm sure you're busy."

Because if Hazel were honest with herself, she didn't know Irajah and vice versa. They were nothing more than strangers, hell Hazel had literally turned up at her doorstep as a no one.

She could've just of easily been turned away. But she was glad she hadn't been.

As Irajah made herself busy looking through the data, Hazel watched her. Trying to see something in the doctor's reaction as she read.

For whatever reason she felt a sense of apprehension stirring in the put of her stomach.

"Yeah, that's alright with me." She said, referring to the uploading of the files. "I'd certainly be remiss if I said no."

With small nod, Hazel was left to her thoughts as Irajah went about sorting out the data. Eventually though, she decided to move her coats from her lap and draped them over the back of the chair. And as she sat, a realization occured to the Hapan.

"Oh, I'd also suggest to take another blood sample while my healing is lessened."

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Samson"]​

 

[Kuzo]

The tests were simple. A blood draw and a cheek swab. With what she suspected, she didn't think she needed a test with her healing ability dropped, but she did it anyway, just to be thorough. The scars and marks that rose on the other woman's arm then did not even garner a raised eyebrow.

Irajah knew all too well what it cost her to reveal that to her. Other than meeting Hazel's eyes for a moment when she revealed them, she didn't say a word, just offered a small, understanding nod.

Really, it was all she *could* do.

Sliding the tubes and swabs into a sample container she labeled simply H.Z., Irajah looked up at the other woman thoughtfully.

"I'm going to get these down to the lab, but I don't expect results until the morning...... I'll be back in a moment-"

She paused, hesitating and then in a rush-

"Waiting for results can be stressful, I know. Let me take you somewhere to relax- if not take your mind off of it, at least not spend the night stewing in an empty room."

It's what she would have wanted, were the situation reversed.

[member="Hazel Zanteres"] [member="Samson"]

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

The pain hadn't been too bad, at least in comparison to when she had healed Mishel. But this had been the first time since everything had happened, that she willingly lowered her healing. She had done it countless times before, ever since she had learned how to heal, it had been necessary to do so each time she had taken a blood test. It was a precaution, believing that it was needed to see if the illness had evolved, if it acted differently after moving through her body.

This time was different though, it had begun to move through her blood the very second she began to lessen the healing, as if it had been waiting. And it moved a lot faster, at least that's was Hazel's assumption as the pain hit her a lot quicker than before. She gritted her teeth, once it was lowered enough and had to forcefully hold it as the illness seemed to actively try and push past it.

She felt like she was on a tipping point, wobbling back and forth over a large drop, with something trying to shove her off.

As this happened, various areas of her arms began to shift. Healthy skin colour gave way to numerous scars of different sizes. Slowly but surely as the healing was lowered, their number increased and became more prominent. Hazel's eyes flickered over to Irajah, the look that she had on her eyes as she too witnessed their reveal. The Hapan gulped, a temptation to reach for her throat rising to the surface. She knew that was starting to appear, the rough marks, the scars where a collar had once been tightly wrapped around her neck.

The moment Irajah had finished taking the blood, Hazel pushed the healing back up immediately. She let out a sigh of relief, until she looked back down at her arms.

The scars didn't dissappear.

"What..." It was a whisper, loud enough to carry across the room. Hazel's entire complexion paled as she started looking at her body. She even reached down, pulling up the bottom of her tunic to see that the scars were still there, painting an ugly scrawl across her stomach. Hazel's eyes widened and brushed a hand across her throat, feeling the slighest marks that trailed all around it. The only real saving grace in Hazel's mind, was that the more serious ones weren't as prominent - like her neck.

Hazel's attention snapped over at Irajah when the woman he spoken. The Hapan's eyes widened in fear, immediately not wanting to even amuse the idea of going out in public like this. Then Hazel saw a flash of herself, a much younger version of her who had been terrified about the same thing, back before she could hide them.

She heard Irajah's words, knowing well enough it was going to take until morning for the results. Her head was lowered, hanging down just starting at the floor. It was only when Irajah had continued, offering to help get her mind off things, only then did she look back at her.

"Y-yeah, I think I'll take you up on that..."

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Samson"]​

 

[Kuzo]

Irajah watched [member="Hazel Zanteres"] silently for a moment. A hundred things passed behind those hazel eyes, none of them readable in the fine print, but all broad strokes of empathy.

"[member="Samson"]? Would you please show Doctor Zanteres to my office? I keep several changes of clothes there, and while I only have a few things that I think might fit you, they all have long sleeves and collars. If you would like. Otherwise there is caf, if you drink it."

There was a reason Irajah only wore things with those features. And there was no mistaking the look in her eyes as she made the offer.

"Now if you'll excuse me......"

They would have a chance to talk, if Hazel wished, once arrangements were made. Irajah intended to change herself before bringing the other woman to a bar she happened to prefer- The Black Feather. As her heels tak takked down the hallway, she tucked the sample case under one arm and drew a small communicator from her pocket. Keying in a certain sequence, she brought it to her mouth, unable to keep the small tug of a smile off of her lips.

"[member="Carach"]? Raj. Are you.... busy this evening?"

The smile drew full across her face. "I have someone who could use just your type of distraction. Mhmm. I think you'll enjoy it as well. Black Feather? Wonderful. See you there."

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Hazel wasn't sure she could ever show how grateful she was to [member="Irajah Ven"]. From the fact she welcomed her with open arms, ready and able to take her on even though she was a stranger to her. Even something as simple as providing a change of clothing. The Hapan hadn't missed that look of understanding either, when Irajah had made the offer. Hazel didn't know what the doctor's story was, just that there was one and that they both shared a liking for the same kind of clothing.

After Irajah had departed from the lab, [member="Samson"] had done as instructed and led the way to her office. He pointed out where Irajah kept her spare clothing, and the caf machine, then left to gave her some privacy. Hazel did manage to successfully find a shirt that fit her, long sleeves and a high enough collar to cover her neck. Although, after a bit of reflection the markings around it were barely noticable, only really being so if someone were to get up that close. And Hazel doubted very much that was going to happen tonight.

With that, she informed Samson she was done as she went about folding up her shirt and bundled it with her coats. Then it was a matter of waiting, Hazel took the moment to have some caf; at one point asking Samson if he'd like some only for him to politely decline. Eventually, Irajah returned to her office and the two departed from the lab itself and towards wherever their destination was.

When they left the facility proper, and set foot outside the planet's effect didn't have much sway over Hazel anymore. Whether it was because she had gotten use to it, or if it had just been a one off thing when she had first arrived. Nonetheless, it didn't stop the Hapan from talking with Irajah, exchanging small talk about random subjects as they walked. Then a the topic gradually shifted to current events.

"So, this friend of yours..." It was an open question, as Hazel had many on her mind and she didn't want to just throw them all at Irajah. Who are they? What are they like? Why did you call them?

[member="Carach"]​

 

[Kuzo]

Irajah and [member="Hazel Zanteres"] moved through New City at a clipped pace. It was clear that the petite doctor was perfectly comfortable here, from the ease with which she navigated the streets to her relaxed stance. Whether it was her familiarity with the streets, or the trailing [member="Samson"] behind them wasn't clear however.

She'd already made it clear to him that, no, he would not be coming into the bar with them, but if it would make him feel better he could escort them there. [member="Carach"] knew of his existence, but if she was going to relax, having him hovering was not high on her list of ways to spend this evening. Of course, his reply had been the particular kind of frustrating that talking to Samson usually was.

"Hmm? Oh. Carach. He's meeting us there. He's a good person to....." she paused, trying to decide how to put it. "Help get your mind off things."

Honestly, she just knew that Hazel needed to relax. Spend a night, if possible, not worrying more than necessary. Perhaps she was getting ahead of herself, inviting Carach. But, she really didn't think he'd mind either.

*****

​

The proprietors of The Black Feather liked to claim that the interior had been recreated from a lost evening club, buried for centuries in the depths of the Coruscant Underworld. An Empire from ages past, a period of wealthy sybarites, it was a safe, carefully cultivated form of 'slumming' it for the elite. Outside the darkness creeped, but within, high quality alcohol flowed freely. ​

"Mind you, I don't think the owners have ever even been to the Coruscant Underworld," she said with a chuckle as the pair stepped through the doors. "But that's not why I like it."

One of the bartenders offered her a small nod and she raised a hand as they threaded through the light, early evening crowd.

"First round's on me," she said with a grin at the taller woman. "If Carach gets here soon, he can take advantage of it, too. What's your poison?"

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

It hadn't gone unnoticed to her, that [member="Irajah Ven"] had no issues as she walked the streets, no jitters or worry. The complete opposite to Hazel who for the longest duration of the walk felt uncomfortable, the only moment of calm being whenever the two conversed. But as she thought on it, it was clear this planet, or maybe this city itself had become a home to the woman, evident in how she was easily able to navigating the winding streets.

Then again, it was also the first time Hazel had ever set foot on a planet that had made her feel like this. Sure, she could mostly brush it off as just nerves over being in a new place. But something really didn't settle well with her, even as the discomfort gradually shifted to the back of her mind, her thoughts becoming more occupied with what tonight might bring.

Hazel let out a small 'Ah' when Irajah mentioned [member="Carach"]'s name. Which to her, that's all it was; a name. It wasn't one familiar to her so she'd have to take her word for it. Though, if her thoughts weren't already rather muddled, she'd probably have picked up on Irajah's need to give pause inbetween.

Before they had entered the establishment, Hazel said goodbye to [member="Samson"], even though she was likely to see him again in the lab the next day. And another thank you for being the one to bring her here. With that, she followed Irajah into The Black Feather.

Her eyes were immediately wide, out of surprise and in awe of the place. "W-well I was certainly not expecting this." Again though, that could be said for everything she had seen since arriving. As they continued walking through the crowd, Hazel became subconscious of herself all of a sudden. In part because she still feared the scars were showing, even though the shirt Irajah had allowed her to borrow covered them up. And the other, was more of an amusing thought, wondering what a sight it must be to see given how opposite they were standing side to side.

She quirked and eyebrow towards Irajah when she mentioned buying the first round. Hazel gave her a apprective smile, before her eyes lingered towards the visible selection the had in view. "Hmm, I'm not entirely sure...I'd have to have a look at what they have. Though, hard liquor is usually my easy go-to."

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Hazel Zanteres"] | [member="Irajah Ven"]​

​

It was sheer coincidence that made Carach be on Maena on the same day as the two ladies searching for distraction this night.

Even now the Sith Lord was carefully building a base of power on the world for himself. In truth it was less a base and more an abode, a place where Carach could be himself and simply study without having to worry about outside politics. A pleasant pleasure after so many years of work grinding him down to the bone with its requirements. But when Ven contacted him with a proposal the Sith could only smirk and respond in the affirmative.

It would be good to let go a little bit again.

So it was that about ten minutes after the two women settled down at the bar a tall figure entered the establishment himself. His attire was similarly cut as the Black Feather itself - tasteful black and decorated with a roguish style of decorum. Nobility with a dash of adventure to it?

"Irajah~" His voice rumbled across the room and settled itself down neatly between the two ladies. Already a grin was tugging at the corner of his mouth, eyes a smooth amber of fire.

"A fine choice for a drink here."

The tall man was already walking towards them.

 

[Kuzo]

Up on a small, corner stage, a dusky skinned woman crooned into a microphone. Though the evening was still young, it was obvious that this place was a popular location for the upper class of Maena. Despite her title, Irajah still didn't really consider herself part of that slice. She was neither dismissive or casual about the scenery- while she was accustomed, to a point with this bar at least, the fact that these were the circles she moved in now never ceased to amuse her.

As they reached the bar, Irajah wrinkled her nose at [member="Hazel Zanteres"].

"Really? Well, I'm sure they can recommend something. Calais, something hard and top shelf for my friend here?"

​The bartender inclined his head, pencil moustache twitching slightly into a smile.

"Of course. The usual for you, Doc?"

"Well, Matsu isn't here, so can't expect to get surprises from half the bar. So yes, thank you."

When she and [member="Matsu Xiangu"] came here, a night where they didn't get half a dozen or more drinks sent over to them was a slow one. But Irajah had no illusions that the drinks were being sent over to them for anything other than Matsu's presence.

​She turned back to the questioning look on Hazel's face and chuckled.

"Sorry- the 'usual' is 'surprise me'- but he knows I like something in a ridiculous colour and maybe with an umbrella," she grinned at the other woman. Irajah was utterly unabashed by her choice of beverage.

A glass of amber liquid, almost the same colour as the eyes of the man advancing on them, was placed before Hazel not long after, while a virulently purple concoction (with two umbrellas and a cherry) was slid before Raja. She was about to lean in for a taste when the presence of [member="Carach"] rolled over her like warm velvet. A smile curved over her lips, glancing at the blonde woman before turning on the stool she was sitting on.

"It's good to see you, Carach," she said, genuine warmth in her voice. "I hadn't realized you hadn't been here yet, I would have invited you sooner. Hazel, this is my friend I was telling you about. Hazel, Carach. What are you drinking? First round is on me."

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Hazel soaked in the warm atmosphere the seemed to flow about the establishment. It was something the Hapan was sorely in need of, and as such took it in spades. Once they were seated, Hazel took a moment to just listen to the music, a perfect companion to the mood that was being set. She even swayed her head in time with it briefly, a sure sign that the Hapan had already begun to be enraptured by it all.

It was after not somewhere Hazel would ever frequent, well not often anyway. There had been a couple times over the years, when she had caught someone's eye and had been invited to a fancy place. But the more general occurance had been during her medic days, slumming it with the squad at whatever local bar they couild find.

But she forced those thoughts to the furthest part of her mind and focused solely on the now.

Hazel looked over at [member="Irajah Ven"] with a curious look, in part wondering who this 'Matsu' was, and these so called 'surprises'. Though the answer to the latter was quickly supplied when the shorter woman turned to her.

"I see." She let out a small laugh in response.

With a quick thank you to the bartender, Hazel picked up her glass, swirling the liquid a bit before taking a sip. She let out a content hum as she placed it back down. It was good choice of liquor, which given how upper class the place was.

Hazel glanced over at Irajah's drink and quirked a slight eyebrow at finally seeing the surprise concoction she had mentioned. She had went to say something, when a smooth voice seemed to stretch across an impossible distance and settle between them. An odd sensation settled, like a chill down her spine - unfamiliar to having a presence wash over her.

Seeing Irajah's smile, Hazel followed suit and turned on her stool to face this [member="Carach"]. The look of surprise was unmistakable on the Hapan's face. She certainly hadn't expected him to look...

"A pleasure to meet you, Carach." She stretched out a hand to shake.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]

It didn't take long to traverse the empty space between them.

A few steps and already he reached in to plant a soft kiss on Irajah's cheek, before following up with a second one on the other. The brush of black scrapping neatly past her skin and leaving it tingling in the moment. Before they could reminisce he had already pulled himself back and sized up the other lady, a large hand carefully enveloping itself around the extended one.

For a moment it looked like Carach was about to kiss that surface of skin as well.

But that was so garish when you hardly knew a person... even if the Sith Lord was already getting an idea what he was playing with from the surface thoughts pushing themselves out into the room. Instead hot breath washed over her hand, lips not touching and keeping the exchange close but not uncomfortably so. Already the hand was released and the Sith looked up, humor of self-deprecation lingering at the edge of his mouth.

"Had I realized you surrounded yourself with lovely friends, I might have invited myself, Raj." Carach finally retorted, before finally taking up a spot next to Hazel and leaving Raj to figuratively close the cage around the doctor.

"The pleasure is mine," He offered.

Then they were forgotten as smooth ambers studied the menu, picking off one item after another, before settling on a drink that seemed to fit the atmosphere, the occasion and the intent. A mild absinthe that would hit him as hard as a freighter parking itself straight between his eyes. Yet, he decided to postpone that until at least some form of conversation was exchanged.

"A scotch neat will do for now, I think." Attention returned in full intensity like the subsided roaring of a river finding away around a dam. "How did the two of you meet then? A... doctors convention?"

Another spinning smile.

 

[Kuzo]

Irajah's hands touched lightly on his forearms as he leaned in, smiling at both the twin kisses and the feeling of his face brushing against hers. The rest of her greeting mirrored his- obviously close but not over the top before she drew back. But she always warmed slightly when he was near, and there was clear affection on her face.

​After all, she wasn't very hard to read.

"All my friends are lovely, Carach," she said with a laugh as the other two greeted each other. Of course, the two likely meant lovely in two different ways.

She signaled to the bartender, but the man was good and he was already pouring the requested drink and setting it in front of [member="Carach"] .

Irajah leaned over the bar, watching he and [member="Hazel Zanteres"] out of the corner of her eye as she took a sip from the too full drink. Well, as expected, he was behaving as expected (which wasn't saying much, since as a general thing, she mostly knew to expect him to be unexpected in the most delightful of ways). But she still wasn't sure if Hazel would take the bait, or if she had different preferences. She smiled to herself around the straw, looking Hazel up and down when she was facing Carach and couldn't see.

It wouldn't be a bad grenade to jump on.

"Well, you know, some people actually come to visit me without needing a reason," she said with a smirk, clearly teasing him, before switching gears to make fun of herself. "Of course, this was a matter of some professional advice, between doctors, so I suppose I'll still just have to keep hoping."

It was clear to Hazel in that moment that the bonds of doctor-patient privilege extended here. Raj hadn't even implied that Hazel was now her patient, and despite the connection she had to Carach, she had no intentions of talking about the other woman's private struggles.

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Prior to holding her hand out, Hazel had watched with unabashed intention, as the pair greeted one another. The close proximity, the kisses to the cheek from both parties. And the obvious affection clearly on display, at least on [member="Irajah Ven"]'s part anyway. Though she was sure it was there in [member="Carach"] too, but his was more subtle and smooth. The little spark of curiosity in the back of Hazel's mind was wondering just how deep the affection went between the two.

When Carach took her hand, there was a slight 'rumble' within her Force presence. Clearly situated within the light, but there was a blemish. A darkened spot that latched itself near her heart, hidden from view - even to Hazel herself.

An eyebrow raised slightly when Carach lifted her hand, looking as though he was about to kiss it. She had expected a simple handshake, certainly not that. More so when he switched it up again, and instead let his breath caress her hand, sending pleasant goosebumps up her arm. Hazel felt her body flush ever so slightly in response.

But it was the his eyes that caught her attention. An amber colour, that at first glance seemed unnatural, but the longer she stared, the more it seemed to fit him perfectly. And then it clicked, she realized just who or rather what Carach was. A Sith.

Despite all the years in the middle of conflicts, she had never interacted directly with one. Sure, she was once part of the Republic back when they were at war with the One Sith. But she had been a battle medic, never on the front lines fighting. All she ever saw was the aftermath of the Sith. What they were capable of, the destruction. Sure, there had been a few occasions when she had glanced one of them in the distance moving across a field, red blade at their side. But the majority of her knowledge came from whatever tales the soldiers shared.

So it was...strange to be before Carach, a Sith. Hazel had long since become neutral, but couldn't help but dredge up those old memories. Which were quickly vanquished as quick as the exchange was over and Carach had taken a seat beside her. Of which, it didn't pass Hazel's attention that he had intentionally placed himself on the other side of her.

Hazel looked between the two, an amused look in her eye as the two conversed. She let out a small chuckle at Carach's question.

"Irajah's name popped up when I was in need of some advice, so I sought her out." Hazel added in the wake of the Irajah's answer. She gave her a glance and a small smile, showing her appeciation for the discretion. While she might trust Carach, Hazel didn't.

"So, how about I flip it." The question, that was. "How did you two meet, become friends?" She gave both an inquisitive look as she took another sip of her drink.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Hazel Zanteres"] | [member="Irajah Ven"]​

​

As their hands touched and warm air hushed out another piece of stimuli passed itself over to the Sith Lord.

It was over within the span of a single breath and Carach did not show any outward sign of surprise, but that did not mean it wasn't there regardless. There was a shimmer of shadow within her and it confused the Sith to a smaller degree. It was something he filled to the back of his head to examine at a later stage.... today was not the day of plots and schemes. No, today was a day to relax and enjoy himself in the moment.

The half-lie spread itself among them, but Carach let that lie as well.

Clearly something played itself between those two and that was fine. He did not need to know every single little secret that Raj kept, besides this one seemed to be a shared one. Perhaps she simply didn't believe she had the right to disclose it and with Hazel diverting, that was only reinforced.

"Oh." He casually took another slip of the burning fiery liquid and shot Raj the raise of a corner lip. "Once upon a time we did a dance.... and it was a fine one indeed."

The words were spoken to Hazel, but the intensity of his attention shifted firmly to his friend.

A light tap of the connection shared between the two of them. Just a shimmer to wake up the memories just waiting to spring themselves on her, of bodies stretched to the point of breaking, of breathing hitched and teeth grinding, of a hand curled around and gripping tight.

But it was gone as soon within the span of a second and Carach shifted his attention back to Hazel.

"Do you dance, Hazel?"

 

[Kuzo]

Irajah was sipping her drink, letting [member="Carach"] field that one, when he reached out, pulling certain memories ever so briefly to the surface. In truth, they weren't far- after all, she had set this up with the hopes that something similar would take Hazel's mind off of things for an evening. Maw knew the other woman needed it.

She coughed, sputtering for a heartbeat. It could have been as simple as a bit of alcohol going down the wrong pipe. He, of course, would know better. The look she shot him over the rim of her glass was mixed but not displeased.

"Carach is a very good dancer," she said with a small smile that might have meant a million things. "Don't mind me, long day in the lab so I want to rest my feet a little anyway."

She didn't actually wink at him, but as far as he was concerned she might as well have. Irajah's poker face needed work yes, but beyond that, he knew her far too well. Fortunately, [member="Hazel Zanteres"] didn't have such in depth knowledge.

If it was possible, her smile got even wider, crinkling the edges of her eyes as the opening strains of a new piece floated over the early evening crowd. Hopefully, they'd go, and end up on the dance floor *before* the singer started in on the words.

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Dance.

A small smile creeped its way into Hazel's features as she listen to their answers. Her mind had gradually settled itself into a comfortable place since setting foot into The Black Feather. That fear and worry that had occupied it previously, had been pushed aside. The discomfort experienced from the planet itself was now a distant memory. It left the Hapan to simply enjoy the evening, following a course ever familiar to her.

She let out an internal chuckle.

Dancing indeed...

Hazel looked over at [member="Irajah Ven"], pondering how truthful her statement was. Something told the Hapan that long day in the lab or not, the other doctor would be dancing if she wanted.

Returning to her drink, Hazel took a sip before turning to face [member="Carach"] and keeping her back to Irajah.

"I must say I'm surprised, Carach. You don't strike me as the type to dance." There was no subtle notions behind the words. Sounding very much naive to the underlying hints that were being thrown about moments ago. At least to Irajah it would probably seem so, but to Carach, Hazel had a grin on her face.

"Well then," she began as she slid out of her seat. Just as the last song was reaching its conclusion "Let's see what you can do."

The Hapan moved, heading towards the dance floor with a subconscious, yet intentional sway of her hips.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]​

​

The Sith Lord studied that sway as she slipped out of the seat and sauntered onto the dance floor with no hesitation.

He shared the look with Irajah - hunger mixed with amusement and the cardinal sin of delight - before finishing off his drink and gliding off his seat himself. The music drifted slowly on the currents of air and reached them just in time for his glide to turn into a saunter tapping gently to the rhythm of the song's entendre.

"There are many things I can do." The belated response came as Carach joined her on the floor in truth. Chemistry was a tough thing, it wasn't something you could create out of thin air and in truth you couldn't force it either.

It was simply there.... in the air... or it wasn't.

As he swung himself softly to the tune his eyes closed and he let himself drift. There were no need for further words, there was simply the presence spreading out from him. It was the lazy creeping sensation of energy, it slowed things down, sped them up, turned them inside and out.

Eyes opened themselves and Hazel was in his arms already, while they gently moved across the floor.

She was light in his hands, but the difference in height was less obvious than it would have been with Irajah. Then the song started in truth and the words reached his ears - Carach's brows rose ever so slightly, before he smirked.

"I think the song is trying to inspire us." The Sith mumbled in a conspiratorial fashion. "Do you feel inspired yet?"

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

The moment she set foot on the dance floor, Hazel felt that freedom - that lightness of being unshackled from everything that had weight.

Even before [member="Carach"] had reached her, Hazel was moving, her body instinctively flowing to the ebbing closure of the previous song. She turned, facing the Sith as he approached, his movements swiftly falling in sync as the next song began.

"Oh, is that so?" She said, her voice a teasing whisper loud enough for the man to hear.

Hazel had followed suit, her eyes drifting shut as she let herself be absorbed into the music. It was rare for the Hapan to ever get a chance to enjoy the type of music that was playing. A far cry from night clubs like those on Zeltros, where the blood would race and the songs were loud. This was far more subtle, and pleasing.

She felt that presence again, the one her dance partner seemed to naturally exude on a whim. It was as intoxicating as the atmosphere around them. Hazel felt the lull and pull that inevitably sent her into the Sith's arms. The two immediately falling in tune with one another, shifting bodies and gliding footwork. Amongst it all, with the physical connection, that mental bridge fell into place again. Evident that she was an open book to an actual mentalist, no Force defence against it. The only tangible thing, was walls built upon by years of war.

And as the words began to flow, Hazel let out a small chuckle, looking up at Carach. She let out a thoughtful hum before she spoke.

"Perhaps. Though I will say it's certainly setting the mood." Her voice was light, an angelic intonation added at the end.

The more she stared into his eyes, the more she felt this was very much the 'calm before the storm'.

[member="Irajah Ven"]​

 

[Kuzo]

Raja cast an appreciative eye over both of their retreating forms.

I hate to see you leave, but I love to watch you go.

Had he said that to her? It seemed likely. A slow, self satisfied smirk curled over her lips as she leaned back against the bar. It was clear to anyone with eyes that there was chemistry there. While she didn't know [member="Hazel Zanteres"] as well as she knew [member="Carach"], she didn't have to. It was there in the sway of her hips, the way she leaned in, the glint in her eyes.

And as for Carach? She knew him well enough to not need any of those things.

Smug was the only way to describe the look on her face as she motioned for a top up on the pair's drinks and a new 'surprise me' for herself. It was a deed well done, she thought to herself. He needed no help of course, there was no denying that man pleasure once he decided upon it. But the doctor clearly needed to unwind, and just as clearly, Irajah's gambit was working.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Hazel Zanteres"] | [member="Irajah Ven"]​

​

The tune of the song rose in intensity and the atmosphere thickened with the bustle of bodies dancing to the rhythm. Somewhere at the back of his head he could almost feel the spinning purrr of Irajah's smug satisfaction at the progression of her gamble, it would amuse him, if he wasn't deeply immersed in the dance himself.

It was automatic, the way his hands moved to pull her closer or allow her more freedom of movement - his mind brushing past hers ever so slightly to feel out the cues that most people missed.

Then it happened.

The music reached its height, their eyes met and her head cocked just slightly. His brow was raised and then the Sith simply pulled her in completely and with no hesitation. The close proximity was alluring, the heavy breathing brushing past their skin and heating up the friction more.

"Excuse me, but the inspiration can't wait no more." He whispered against her lips, before his locked with hers and the burning eyes closed.