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

The heart's dilemma

We're FINALLY done with the Memories chapters and got back to present times, this one takes place some month after .

You're applying your favorite lipstick with caution, you have to be presentable after all. Thrawn may be an old friend with whom you recently reconciled, but he's still your superior and a proper behavior and apparel is expected. This meant dignified makeup and outfit. You thank the Maker you don't need makeup during work days on the Relentless, Admiral Konstantine considering it a selfish and useless display of individuality when the Navy needs obedience and unity. You don't disagree with him, albeit you're less vehement than him. But tonight you're invited over at a party in Thrawn's quarters on the Chimaera, an informal party so less suffocating than those Imperial gatherings but you're still nervous nonetheless. You want to appear at your best and most confident so you did opt for a bit of makeup.

You pick up your favorite perfume and apply it lightly on your neck and behind your ears, after a good shower those fragrances of fruits and honey will give you a fresh scent. You comb your hair and arrange it in a proper hairstyle. You open your jewelry box and rummage through it. Most of them have been offered by Arzel and they're not especially... neutral. You pout and search for some simple pearls or earrings. You only find a platinum ring with Arzel's initials, it's the least tacky of all your jewels. You pass it on and walk to your grand mirror to inspect yourself one last time. You chose a claret-red dress that hugged your form and modestly cuts at your knees, the collar is evasive with off-shoulder sleeves that spread through your whole arms to a ring of fabric on your middle fingers that hold the sleeves in place without folds. Spiced up by some heels, the overall look is a bit bold but he will surely cut you some slack, you hope he's not a man to worry too much about that behind closed doors.

You're spinning on yourself to check your attire at every angle when your comlink rings. It's Arzel, he's wondering what you're up to this evening. You consider his message, wondering how to respond... Should you be honest and tell him you go see Thrawn? He said he has a newfound respect for him but you feel you're still walking on eggshells with this subject. You opt for a reasonable "I'm going out with friends." and grab your purse and jacket.

The evening is still warm enough and the sun is only starting to set, illuminating Coruscant in pink and tangerine shades, you don't resist and take a picture with your imager. You secretly hope Thrawn will let you snap a pic of the two of you, in the good old days' name, a symbol of your friendship freshly renewed. You just have the time to pass the doors, you notice a limo parked in front of your building. You slowly approach unsure. The driver straightens as you walk closer.

"Lieutenant commander (y/n) (y/l/n)?" He asks.

"Yes."

"I have been tasked to drive you to the Grand Admiral Thrawn." He politely opens the car door "Please, take your seat."

You sit down in the luxurious car, smelling the odor of new leather. The limo is spacious, with a mini bar and tinted windows, inside it already resonates with an album of one of your favorite bands.

"The Grand Admiral, especially requested for your favorite drinks and snacks to be at your disposal." He explains, taking place behind the wheel.

"That is very thoughtful of him." You thank him.

You're a bit intimidated, usually when you're in those types of cars Arzel is with you, so you don't mind what's around you too much. But today you're alone in this incredibly pricey car and you feel a bit out of place. Your dress and perfume suddenly seem really cheap. You squirm on your seat, trying to take as little place as possible, like you were bothering someone.

You shake your head.

No.

You're simply coming to see an old friend, he can display his new fortune as much as he wants, you're beyond that. You're coming to see him, not his wealth. You make the conscious effort to spread yourself in the car to feign confidence, like you owned the place.