Chapter Text
As the pulsating rhythm of the heavy bass coursed through the club's foundation, the dim room was intermittently illuminated by the intense play of lights. They cast ethereal shadows as bodies, almost inseparable in their fervor, danced passionately. Every movement seemed accentuated by the droplets of sweat that glistened and then descended due to the club's charged atmosphere and the song's hypnotic grip on its patrons.
In the midst of this electric ambiance was Sabine Wren, a fierce commander in the outside world but tonight, just another soul seeking solace in Coruscant's vibrant nightlife. The weight of leadership, the constant concerns for Ezra and Ahsoka, and the ever-looming responsibilities that beckoned from Lothal seemed distant—almost a memory. Tonight, she yearned for nothing more than the simple pleasures of youth: the freedom to dance, to laugh, to momentarily forget the shadows that often clouded her world. A brief respite, a chance to live in the moment and let go of the burdens that came with her title.
The intoxicating beat filled the room as Sabine swayed and grooved, letting the rhythm take command of her every move. Her hands moved gracefully, at times tousling her long hair that cascaded down in a mesmerizing blend of hues, each strand telling a story of its own. The sleek black dress she wore seemed like a second skin, accentuating her every curve and move. It clung to her, slick with sweat, making her body glisten under the club lights, a radiant embodiment of joy as she laughed heartily, sharing spirited moments with her friends on the dance floor.
As the night progressed, numerous admirers—captivated by her energy and allure—stepped forward, hoping for a chance to dance with her, perhaps even dreaming of a deeper connection. But Sabine, immersed in her own world of music and friends, wasn’t seeking such attentions. At one point, with a polite yet firm gesture, she raised her hands, signaling her disinterest. The hopeful young man before her, reading her unspoken message, felt a sting of disappointment. His shoulders drooped, the weight of rejection evident, as he retreated, leaving behind the dance floor's vibrant mosaic of motion and emotion.
When the DJ transitioned to a beloved track, a collective euphoria washed over the club. Cheers erupted, blending seamlessly with the song's beat, creating an atmosphere of shared elation. Sabine, lost in the music's embrace, felt rivulets of sweat trace down her skin. She tried wiping them away, but the club's temperature seemed to only intensify, a reflection perhaps of the heightened emotions and dance fervor around. Amidst the sea of gyrating bodies, she found herself wedged between familiar faces—friends who matched her enthusiasm step for step. The constant movement, coupled with the room's sweltering heat, began to take its toll. She contemplated retreating to a quieter corner, craving a brief respite.
However, just as she was about to extract herself from the dance floor's pulsating center, something—or rather someone—caught her attention. From the opposite end, a pair of luminous blue eyes seemed to focus intently on her, their intensity almost palpable even amidst the surrounding chaos.
Drawing her brows together in intrigue, Sabine momentarily muted her dance moves, trying to navigate her gaze through the frenzied crowd, aiming to get a clearer view of the mysterious onlooker. Her heart skipped a beat when, in a fleeting moment of clarity, she caught sight of shimmering platinum blond locks and a smirk that spoke of quiet confidence, momentarily unveiled with the sporadic dance of lights.
While many had tried to capture her attention that evening with lingering stares and overt approaches, this enigmatic woman—rooted in place amidst a whirlwind of dancers—piqued Sabine's interest the most. The flashing lights and the insistent throb of music formed a backdrop as Sabine's focus remained unwavering, trying to decipher the allure of the stranger whose gaze never wavered from her.
"That girl hasn't taken her eyes off you for the longest time," observed a friend.
Sabine responded with a thoughtful nod, dabbing her forehead gently. "I've noticed. And it doesn't bother me," she admitted.
"Why not invite her to dance?" the friend prodded with a teasing smile.
With a playful grin, Sabine attempted to tidy her tousled, moussed hair. She then turned towards where she last saw the woman with those captivating blue eyes. A flutter of disappointment gripped her when she realized the woman had vanished.
Just as Sabine turned to rejoin her group, she unexpectedly collided with a slender yet sturdy figure. Momentarily taken aback, her gaze traveled up, taking in a sharply tailored plunging neckline grey suit, a sharp chin, and shimmering platinum locks. When her eyes met the familiar striking blue ones, they were filled with concern.
"Are you okay?" inquired a voice, smooth as velvet.
Feeling a touch embarrassed, Sabine managed a bashful grin. "I'm so sorry," she said, extending her hand as a gesture of goodwill. "I'm Sabine."
The woman nodded and shook Sabine's hand just once. "Shin."
A sudden self-awareness washed over Sabine, making her conscious of her flushed and perspiring state. She didn't want to let go of Shin's hand but did so anyway. As she looked into Shin's eyes, seeing the depths of intensity masked by a layer of gentleness, she felt an undeniable pull. The hint of a smirk playing on Shin's lips, along with the subtle imperfections on her smooth skin, only deepened Sabine's fascination.
As a deep, sultry beat began to pulse through the club, Sabine posed the question, "Would you like to dance?"
Shin hesitated for a moment, her fingers brushing through her shoulder-length tresses. "Dancing isn't exactly my forte," she confessed. The ambient lights played tricks, casting a luminous glow on Sabine's dewy skin. Finding herself momentarily distracted, Shin moistened her lips, her gaze diverting.
Capturing Shin's evasiveness, Sabine responded with a gentle smile. "Don't worry about it," she reassured. "We can take it slow."
Acknowledging Sabine's invitation, Shin gave a slight nod and gradually bridged the gap between them. A hint of apprehension marked her posture when she felt the warmth of Sabine's hands as they glided up her arms, coming to rest gently around her neck. This dance, this connection, seemed out of place given the nature of the music enveloping the club, but Shin found herself unable to pull away. Surrounding them, the dance floor was a whirlwind of passionate gyrations and fervent movement, yet Shin, caught in this intimate dance with Sabine, was doing her utmost to maintain a composed demeanor, especially in the presence of such a captivating partner.
Sabine, her tension dissipating, looked up at Shin with a contented smile, their movements syncing in slow, deliberate circles amidst the contrasting chaos of the dance floor. On other nights, this moment might've led to a fleeting connection, often culminating in a brief encounter at some distant hotel. However, tonight, in Shin's presence, there was a distinct difference. Sabine felt an urge to truly connect, to delve deeper into understanding this enigmatic woman. The sensations stirring within her, those electrifying shivers, were a novelty of this experience.
The soft strands of Sabine's hair brushed against Shin, prompting a gentle clearing of her throat that interrupted Shin's thoughts. "Everyone else is so..."
"Raw?" Sabine ventured, her eyes playful. "Sexy? Feverish?"
Shin nodded, "Exactly."
With a thoughtful look, Sabine's gaze swept across the fervent dancers surrounding them. "Maybe dancing isn’t the way you show those things," she mused.
A hint of amusement danced in Shin's eyes as she arched an eyebrow. "It's not."
Sabine took a deep breath, enveloped by the earthy and floral notes that were distinctly Shin. Her fingers delicately traced the soft skin at the base of Shin's neck. "Show me," she whispered, her voice thick with anticipation. She was acutely aware that this night was a fleeting moment; such encounters rarely went beyond the horizon of dawn.
Shin's arms wrapped firmly around Sabine, her lips lightly brushing Sabine's flushed cheek in a teasing manner. "Are you sure?" she murmured, her voice a tender challenge.
With a confident hum, Sabine met her gaze. "As long as you’re good to me."
With a soft smile and looking deeply into Sabine's intense brown eyes, Shin promised, "I'll be nothing but.
Sabine bit her bottom lip and smiled at Shin who was searching for further confirmation. “How long were you watching me?” she asked.
Shin smirked and tilted her head. “A long time,” she answered. “I like the way you move.”
A surge of white heat shot up Sabine’s back and she grabbed Shin’s silky hand. “Let’s go.”
**********
A smile threatened to tug at the corners of Sabine's lips as she took in the panorama before her: rows upon rows of ships. She had half-expected to be led to a swanky hotel, perhaps an airspeeder, or even a cozy apartment nestled within the heart of the city. But ships? That was a curveball. Despite the initial surprise, a self-deprecating chuckle bubbled within her. How naive of her to think that someone as enigmatic as Shin would follow the conventions she had grown accustomed to in previous dalliances. There was an inimitable charm about Shin that both perplexed and delighted Sabine.
The two of them ambled through the lower tiers of the Galactic City. The towering skyscrapers loomed overhead, their lights casting kaleidoscopic reflections on the structures below. The district had its rough edges, but it was nothing Sabine hadn't encountered or handled before. Howeber, as they navigated the labyrinthine walkways of the landing platform, she grew acutely aware of the inappropriateness of her attire. The sleek, form-fitting dress she wore was more suited for a chic cocktail party rather than this bustling shipyard. With every step, she felt the weight of curious glances and heard the soft murmurs of onlookers, making her wonder if following Shin here had been a touch too impulsive.
"Shin!" Sabine's voice cut through the cacophony of the bustling crowd.
Before she could respond, Shin's hand extended back, finding Sabine's with an effortless grace. Without a word, their fingers intertwined, and Sabine was being skillfully navigated through the thickening throng of nighttime revelers.
The touch served as both an anchor and a compass for Sabine. Yet, there was an underlying intensity to it. A mere handhold sent a jolt of electricity through her, making her swallow hard.
"Just a little further," Shin assured, her voice imbued with a promise of sanctuary.
The familiar hiss of a spacecraft's loading ramp interrupted the ambient noise, and Sabine found herself ushered into the tranquil environment of Shin’s ship. As the entrance sealed shut, Sabine took a moment to look around. The design bore an uncanny resemblance to Ahsoka’s vessel, though it was a tad more intimate in scale.
What truly ensnared Sabine's attention was the array of training equipment displayed prominently on the wall, with lightsabers casting a subtle glow in the subdued lighting.
A sudden intake of breath, and Sabine found herself instinctively folding her arms, her gaze unwavering from the intriguing arsenal before her. While she rarely pried into the private belongings of those she became intimate with, this discovery was undeniably startling.
"You're a Jedi?" Sabine's voice held a note of disbelief as she subtly adjusted her dress.
Caught off guard, Shin's posture tensed. Her eyes darted to the unveiled weapons. Realizing her oversight, she quickly engaged a button, concealing the gear. "No," was her curt response.
With a dismissive huff, Sabine watched as the equipment vanished behind robust panels. "I'm not here for trouble," she stated, her hands instinctively lifting in a gesture of surrender as she edged back towards the ship's entrance.
Shin, pressing her lips together in a thin line, swiftly moved across the room, revealing another doorway. "I've got a rather pleasant refresher," she offered gently. "I can lend you something comfortable to wear. And we don’t have to do anything if you don’t want."
With her hands poised defiantly on her hips, Sabine took a moment to assess the room. She caught a glimpse of Shin already working on the fastenings of her outfit. A rush of sensation surged through Sabine, and she found herself locked onto Shin's anticipatory gaze.
"Let's share the shower, then," Sabine suggested with a playful yet deliberate tone, sauntering nonchalantly into the refresher. The residue of perspiration on her skin was beginning to be a tad uncomfortable and, in truth, she was a tad curious to see Shin in a more vulnerable state. She took a moment to peruse the meticulously clean and elegantly appointed space before activating the steamer, observing as the room gradually became enveloped in a thick, enveloping mist.
"Okay," Shin responded, albeit with a hint of hesitation. She trailed behind Sabine into the burgeoning steam. The dense vapor obscured her view, allowing only fleeting glimpses of Sabine's form as she gracefully stepped into the cascade of the rainfall shower. Eager, yet trying to maintain a semblance of composure, Shin shed the remainder of her attire in a swift, almost frantic manner, her blazer and pants discarded without a second thought.
Amidst the gentle roar of the water and the enveloping curtain of steam, Sabine and Shin stood intently facing each other. Their gazes locked, each diving deep into the depths of the other's eyes. The atmosphere was thick with tension and unsaid words, amplified by the consistent droplets falling on the refresher's floor. The surrounding mist heightened their awareness of each other, making every breath and heartbeat more pronounced. In this shared moment, their connection transcended the need for words.
Sabine fought the urge to let her gaze wander over Shin's form. Maintaining eye contact was a challenge she set for herself; she wasn't about to blink first. She remained anchored beneath the warm cascade, riveted by Shin's deep blue eyes that shimmered with intensity. Blinking away water droplets that threatened to obscure her vision, Sabine's attention was drawn to a previously unnoticed braid in Shin's hair, now slick and prominent in the downpour.
Shin wiped at her face, her gaze lingering on the water cascading over Sabine. "I don't typically find myself standing for extended periods in the refresher," she admitted with a hint of amusement.
A chuckle escaped Sabine. Under normal circumstances, she'd already be lost in a passionate embrace with a new companion. But tonight, she found herself beneath the shower stream, captivated by the woman before her.
"Do you often bring women to your ship?" Sabine inquired, squeezing the excess water from her hair.
Shin fine-tuned the water temperature and gave a single shake of her head. "No," she said simply.
Sabine's gaze briefly swept over Shin's lean, athletic figure. The well-defined muscles, elongated legs, and taut breasts stood out. A surge of warmth spread through Sabine, intensifying the humidity of their environment.
"I must be special then," Sabine remarked with a teasing tone.
A sly smile tugged at Shin's lips as she stepped closer to Sabine. "Perhaps," she responded. "Would you like to rest here? Or I could take you home or to your friends."
The gesture warmed Sabine's heart. Their shared shower, while somewhat awkward, had been unexpectedly charming. The fact that Shin had invited her into such a personal space without the immediate expectation of intimacy was refreshingly innocent, despite the flirtations that had preceded it.
Sabine touched her lips, her gaze lifting to meet Shin's expectant eyes. "I want to kiss you now," she admitted.
A fleeting smile danced on Shin's lips. She edged closer, the intensity of their eye contact unbroken. "Alright," she murmured. "But first, sit on that ledge."
Sabine's gaze followed Shin's gesture to the steam-wreathed seating within the shower. "Why?" she queried, considering she had no intentions of shaving or applying any product.
“Because you won’t be able to stand for long with the way I want to kiss you,” Shin responded.
Sabine laughed, raising an eyebrow in amused disbelief. "Really now?"
“And I’m too lazy to hold you up,” Shin confessed, her sly grin returning.
Sabine, chuckling, felt the edge of the ledge bump her calves. She eased herself onto it, arching an eyebrow and gazing up at Shin. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Shin smirked, "You will."