J.C. An unlikely love story (Thrawnxf!reader)

Take a day to relax

You sigh of contentment, eyes closed, letting the sun warm your skin and the wind brush your hair. What a beautiful day, you can't wait to see Nather in his swimsuit. You let your head fall back, exposing your throat to sun rays as he shakes his head with a deplored look on his face, fanning himself with his favorite fan.

"You would be so much better in a suit, rather than... this."

You pout.

"And in what way would I be much better ?"

"You would be way more dignified and respectable. You would look more adult."

"Are you implying that I'm not wearing age appropriate clothes?"

"Sometimes? Yes ! We are not 20 anymore and we are respectable members of the Empire, we must set an example."

It's your turn to shake your head.

"Well, those are my favorite clothes, you better get used to them."

He shrugs with a resigned expression. You love him but sometimes he gets on your nerves so easily, and it is one of those times. Which is a shame because you're here to celebrate something and you don't want the day to be spoiled by some childish bickering.

"I will see for how long the line goes." He says, already walking away.

You look down at your outfit. Are you really wearing childish clothes? You wear them cause they're trendy, but maybe he's right. Maybe they look bad next to the uniform that you're supposed to represent. You sigh and observe the crowd in line before the stylised metal doors, young and old are present, rich and slave, single and families, alien and human. It's pretty heterogeneous. You can see some merchants of ointments, of oils and perfumes, of everything useful for a bath. You take a deep breath in, smelling the different fragrances wooded and soapy.

A hand seizes your shoulder, snatching you from your thoughts.

"I knew it was you, (y/n)!"

"Eli !" You throw yourself in his arms. "When was the last time we saw each other?" You display a joyful grin, hugging your friend. "What are you doing here ?"

"Like you, we're here to enjoy the complex!"

"We? Who's with you?"

"Me."

The voice is placid, polite, almost soft but the effect it has on you is similar to a striking lightning. It resonates deep down your bowels, freezing you in place. Your heart coos at this sound. You gulp.

No.

Not him!

Not now!

Mustering your courage, you turn your head until you cross your eyes with two burning orbs, glowing with intelligence.

"Good day junior lieutenant (y/l/n). It is a pleasure to see you again." salutes Thrawn.

"In fact it is lieutenant commander (y/l/n), now" You manage to say with a regular voice.

"My congratulations, lieutenant commander." He bows his head slightly.

"It should quickly be our turn" Warns Nather, coming back from the top of the line. He stops and stares at them suspiciously. "What are you two doing here ?"

Eli extends his hand with a polite smile.

"Hello Governor, you might not remember us but you supervised our exam at the Imperial Academy. I am Lieutenant commander Eli Vanto and this is Commodore Thrawn." He gestures to the chiss.