Ask Into the Unknown

[Dash Pavan]

CHA LAKE RESORT BEACHFRONT CAFE, XUCPHRA CITY, THYFERRA
1.00pm local time​

Cha Lake was stunning. A vast expanse of clear blue water in an old volcanic crater, its sweeping white beaches and idyllic scenery had attracted the crème de la crème of Thyferra's Human population a long time ago. The exclusive resort and hotels that now dotted its steep perimeter offered a perfect retreat for the rich and powerful, bathed in the tropical sun.

It was a world away from the icy majesty of Dash Pavan's home, but it was not the scenery that made him nervous as hell.

The young Padawan sat at a corner table at the beachfront cafe, drumming his fingers on the polished marble. He wore an all-white classic with a striped belt and smart shoes, his blue eyes hidden behind stylish sunglasses. He may even have spent a few minutes in a tanning booth and had his highlights redone. His mother had said he looked angelic when he sent her a photo, not really the look he was going for.

On any other day, he'd have worn a vest or nothing at all in such baking heat, but this was not any other day. Today was the day he saw Ezra again.

Dash wanted to see Ezra for a few reasons and he was over the moon when the guy agreed to meet. But in the time since, he had done a bit of reading up. That's when he learned Ezra was in fact Ezra Thorne, the son of a one-time Sith and Emryc Thorne; an actual frickin titan of a man and President of the Independent Systems Consortium. Ezra's dad might just be the richest, most powerful man in the galaxy, and that was before you counted the other dad.

There was a lot of information out there and the young Jedi didn't even know what to make of half of it. He'd done what he could to adapt; dressed up and had his parents buy him a day pass to Cha Lake so he could meet Ezra on his home turf. But what was he getting into here? He liked Ezra and that hadn't changed, but should he even be hanging out with a Thorne at all? Was it too dangerous? And if it was, who else could he trust to help him with the little book in his bag?

He leaned back and sipped his lemonade, trying not to overthink it all. Surely nothing bad could happen in a beautiful place like this.


@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

This wasn’t a date. Right? Was it a date?!

He wasn’t even sure why he agreed so readily. This time he wasn’t using any covers. He wasn’t going to be Jabba or Reed or any other name he pulled out on the fly. Today he was Ezra Thorne, and it felt strange. Normally he stuck to his usual social circles - rich children of politicians and corporate moguls. This was going as far outside of it as possible, but he found himself saying yes before he could overthink otherwise.

Ezra frequented this cafe often, and he was surprised to find this as the location choice. He was adorned in casual, yet slightly preppy beachwear with some sandals. He had an expensive chrono on his left wrist. Ezra’s droid bodyguards were left at the entrance of the cafe and he stepped through. He greeted the workers he knew there, some of them surprised to see the icy Thorne in a positive mood.

He spotted Dash after a moment, and he fixed up his hair a bit before approaching. Of course, he couldn’t make it obvious that he was ecstatic to see him again. And it didn’t help that Dash looked incredible, “I’m surprised you could afford a pass here,” Ezra quipped as he pulled back his chair and sat down.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Ezra actually turned up, striding in like he owned the place. Dash wondered if he actually did, but then pushed the thought out of his mind. He was making this all too big a thing.

The rich guy wore his clean cut beachwear casually, but Dash saw the kitemark and the designer chrono as he sat down. Ezra was wearing a lot of credits, but he did it so well, like he'd been born in them. He just looked flawless.

"What can I say" Dash replied, restraining his smile "Mom and dad don't have your family's deep pockets, but we Pavans do pretty well as Rhinnalian Clans go. There's big money in medicine and my folks are the best in their field". It occurred to him Ezra probably had the resources to have his whole family profiled if he chose. "Besides, I didn't think you'd fancy meeting out in the sticks again - it didn't go so well the first time".

It was the understatement of the year of course where Kashyyyk was concerned, but they had both made it out without any lasting damage. It was getting easier to joke about by the day.

"I thought it would be cool to...hang out" Dash continued, suddenly feeling a little nervous again. Even with his shades on, there was something imposing about Ezra's silent gaze and they way he was able to look both exotic and deadly at the same time. "But I looked you up in the meantime. I guess, with all the trouble we had with your name, we had no chance of getting round to you being the son of a President? Like, the President?!"


@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra left his own shades on his shirt, his silvers catching the sun just right. It was a trait both he and his twin sister inherited, and probably their most striking feature. If Dash looked around, much to Ezra’s embarrassment, there were several people drinking Emryc Energy or mixed drinks with it. Ezra listened quietly as Dash reflected on his life back home.

“How come you went Jedi then?” He asked curiously. He never understood why people gave up riches, wealth and titles to become a Jedi. However, the recent aggression from the Sith against ISC certainly made Ezra question a lot of things.

As Dash mentioned looking him up, Ezra’s ears began to turn red. He shifted uncomfortably, looking away for a moment, “Yeah…a lot of people try to get to know my sis and I to get to the President. He has a fan club and everything,” He rolled his eyes. It was obvious Ezra grew tired of living under his father's shadow. It also didn't help that he had such a close resemblance to him.

Ezra looked out towards the lake, which appeared more like an ocean. It was massive and even had waves, “I used to come here a lot as a kid. We own a lot of the properties around here so I can get us some perks,” He looked back over at Dash, “Have you gone sailing before?”

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

"Oh..." Dash had never really considered the downsides of having such an important dad. "Well they know more than me - I hadn't a clue who you were, or that you had a sister - anyway it was you who ran into me". He had to smile at the memory. Those damn trando boots.

It seemed like Ezra wasn't necessarily glad to be Emryc's son. Far from flaunting it, Dash could see now it was probably an uncomfortable burden for him at times. Maybe they could be separated after all then, maybe Dash only had to get on with Ezra himself and not worry about the rest.

Ezra's question reminded him he had baggage of his own. "Well I never expected to be a Jedi" he said "but I didn't want the life my folks were lining up for me. Then when the Force came, I didn't handle that great either" he stopped there, not sure how much he wanted to share. "If I'd not gone to the Jedi, I don't know where I'd have ended up" he said finally, looking away.

He took his shades off, rubbing an eye and watching activity on the beach and in the cafe. It struck him that Ezra had seemed to be having his own introduction to the Force lately, but something told him that might be another sensitive subject. Then Dash noticed the branded drinks drinks on many of the tables and gave a little snort. The poor boy did have quite a bit to deal with.

"Sailing?" he'd only just taken in Ezra's words. "Not really, most lakes back home are frozen solid. It was more ice-skating and the like. Do you sail?"

What was he saying. Ezra Thorne would have his own yacht.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra’s lips curled towards an almost smile as Dash recalled how they met on Kashyyyk, “I’m just glad it’s too hot here for you to wear that stupid sweater,” He said. He liked that sweater, Dash looked adorable in it. Meanwhile, Ezra had since invested in more practical boots for any outdoor trekking.

Dash’s reasons for going Jedi stuck with him. Where was Ezra going? Wasn’t he also preparing to walk a path his parents lined up for him? He didn’t feel a wild compulsion to do something different, but wouldn’t he always live under the Emryc Thorne shadow otherwise? The Force was another matter entirely. During Kashyyyk, it was brought up several times that Ezra may have been Force sensitive. He was still in denial, even though he carried that little crystal shard with him everywhere. It had an odd sense of life to it, and it fascinated him. However, being the son of Emryc Thorne and being Force sensitive would be the biggest scandal ever, and he aggressively tried to quell the possibility.

Ezra had gone ice skating as a child, but not anytime recently. Pops loved snowboarding and winter sports, always favoring the frigid weather. In fact, Emryc would likely be extremely cozy on Rhinnal.

“Come on,” He said simply, dropping a few Crowns to cover Dash’s drink. He led the way out, a few curious glances being thrown towards Dash. It was obvious Ezra was generally picky about spending one on one time with others.

He led Dash out towards the beach, the warm rays of the sun washing over them both. The water was crystal clear and plenty of people were sunbathing. Several of them looked over, pointing out Ezra.

“Etsyyyyyyy!” A girl in a tiny bikini called out, “Why didn’t you come out to my partyyyyy!” She lowered her sunglasses, looking at Dash, “Ooooh who’s your friend?”

Ezra ignored her entirely, keeping his gaze ahead. He was on a mission, ignoring several other call outs and attempts to get his attention. He arrived near rows of parked sailboats. He paused near a racing luxury yacht. It was easily several millions of crowns, but it was a drop in the hat for a Thorne. The name Zephyr was emblazoned on the side. He modified it entirely so he could captain it solo and participate in annual races.

He climbed on and extended a hand to help Dash up, unraveling the rope to ease out of the dock, “I hope you don’t get seasick,” Ezra said with a raised brow before he began to take the boat out, "But if you do, don't you dare hurl on my boat," There were several other boats and yachts out on the water. One of them had several teenagers partying, all of them waving at Ezra as he passed them.

“Etsyyyyy you promised me you’d take me saiiiling!” Another girl called out from a yacht, the daughter of an ISC Governor.

Ezra simply waved at her and continued taking the boat out, navigating it towards the bay that ultimately connected to the ocean.

“Sit anywhere you want,” He called out to Dash, putting his sunglasses on. A service droid came out from the cabin, offering an assortment of drinks both alcoholic or not. If Dash looked over at Ezra, he would see the man was entirely in his element. He walked around the entire boat, adjusting the masts, making tweaks and shifts accordingly. It was entirely different from the uneasy and out of place guy back on Kashyyyk.

​

The waters began to turn from the clear lake to a stunning turquoise. There were bigger boats out here and an even more exclusive beach. Ezra directed the yacht towards open water, the waves still gentle. The winds were picking up, the yacht gathering speed.

“EZ! YOU RACING TODAY?!” Another boy called out from his boat as he passed.

“Not today,” Ezra called back with a wave. The boy looked confused and then glanced over to spot Dash.

“YOU’RE TAKING SOMEONE SAILING?!” He called out, nudging his friend. Both came over to look, clearly shocked.

Ezra’s face turned red, and he conveniently redirected so the boat took a wider berth around the crowds.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Before Dash knew what was happening, he was following Ezra down the beach. He didn't mind the remark about the sweater - though it had sadly been retired after Kashyyyk - but he did slightly mind suddenly being in Ezra's hands. It was a strange feeling. As was having his drink bought for him - did that mean it was a, you know, a date?

More than a few people seemed to recognise Ezra as they headed down to the front and one or two had perturbed looks on their faces. Dash tried to act cool, like he wandered through the rich and powerful's playground all the time.

Naturally, it turned out Ezra did have a yacht. He led the young Jedi to the prow of the Zephyr and offered him a hand aboard. Dash paused for a second and then took it, a small spark of magic racing up his arm at their first touch. "I'll, I'll be fine" he mumbled, fairly sure he didn't get seasick but feeling a little out of it for other reasons. He ended up stood there a little dazed until Ezra reminded him he could sit down.

Dash sat down by the rail, transfixed by the way the suave Ezra worked the rope and the wheel to ease the yacht out into the water. He realised it was the first time he'd really seen him 'do' anything particular, but this was definitely something he knew his way around.

A droid buzzed up the deck and started nudging him with its drinks offer. He took a rum off the unit, barely able to look away from Captain Ezra. He was all over the deck, checking and adjusting, gliding around in a calm, measured way. Dash couldn't remember every seeing him so chilled. It felt quite special to see him like this and the shouts of jealousy from the passing boat only reinforced the sense of privilege.

Dash got to his feet as they headed out into open water, finding his balance and stepping in close to Ezra, looking over his shoulder at the controls. "You look pretty happy behind that wheel" he said into Ezra's ear over the spray "thanks for bringing me out here. It's stunning".

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra didn’t give much thought to what this meant or whatnot. He simply wanted to take his boat out and Dash just happened to come along. That’s all it was. Right? He quelled the thought, finally free from the call outs from his ‘friends’. It was just Zephyr picking up speed and veering towards open water where the waves were stronger. Ezra navigated them well, clearly having done this a million times.

The salty spray of the ocean breeze peppered them both, but it felt welcome against the hot sun. The yacht glided smoothly through the water, dolphins breaking the surface and diving back in the distance. He glanced over at Dash now and then, noticing the way the sun caught against the feathery blond and the shadows along his jawline. Ezra quickly looked away, focusing on the water. His destination was a private island in the distance, though it was still a while to get there.

He almost didn’t notice when Dash moved in closer to him. Dash would be able to smell that expensive, earthy cologne Ezra stole from his father. Ezra’s ears twitched the slightest bit when Dash spoke near it, a jolt running down his spine. Sometimes he cursed those sensitive Sephi ears. He didn't know how to react to the gratitude, so he focused on the first part of his speech.

“I enter the Thyferra regatta every year,” He explained, glancing over at Dash. He tried to ignore how close the other teen was to him, “Training to enter the Mon Cala Cup in a few years,” It was perhaps the most prestigious sailing race in the galaxy, “I’ll probably enter the Onderon Swoop Race next year too,” He said, favoring several hobbies that involved going fast.

They came across some shallows where the waters were crystal clear and turquoise. It was only waist length water, but he doubted Dash brought any swimwear. Ezra adjusted the sails so the boat simply floated in place for the time being. He walked over to the edge and sat down, legs dangling over. Dash was free to join him and Ezra took a simple beer from the droid, cracking it open and taking a sip.

“What do you like to do?” He asked after a moment, surprised by his question. Normally he didn’t give a rat’s ass about anyone’s hobby or choices of entertainment, “You are allowed to have hobbies, right? Or do you spend all your time helping people that don’t wanna be helped?” He scoffed as he took a sip. It was a constant theme with the Jedi to lay their lives on the line for people that would never wish to ally with them.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash grabbed a line to steady himself as the Zephyr shot forward, cutting through the bigger waves of the open water. Ezra seemed to know exactly when to turn, which way and someone looked relaxed doing it. He was feeling it, not thinking it, Dash realised. Most people scrunched up their face when they were thinking, but he was learning to read the tiny changes in those perfect features and Ezra was looking a little more serene than normal.

"That must be really hard" Dash remarked, knowing any serious sports training took grit. His brothers had always been at it. "Not sure I'd fancy swoop racing as much as sailing though". He felt a strange pang of concern about Ezra flying around tight corners pressed between other speeder bikes.

They slid calmly into the shallows and it was nice to have left everyone else so far behind. Dash couldn't stop smiling; the warm sun, sea breeze, drink and handsome friend made for a pretty awesome day. They could even have gone for a swim if he had more than his undies with him. He sat down on the edge of the boat beside Ezra, silently pinching himself.

"We're allowed hobbies" he answered, rolling his eyes "but granted there's not a lot of time for them. Back before I joined I used to do some acting and stuff, plays and musicals in the theatre" he looked down at the water, bracing himself for one of Ezra's typical retorts. "I mainly watch them now, when I can get to a world that doesn't want to skin Jedi".

He looked up, gently taking Ezra's beer and chilling it with a breath. "I do that too" he smiled, handing it back "what's your party trick?"


@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Music or theater definitely wasn’t a focus for his family. His sister (@Altaris) sounded like a cat being run over when she sang and he himself didn’t even bother trying. The last time he could recall being in theater was when he and his sister dressed up as fruit in some elementary school play. Dad (Jaikus), of course, happily recorded it on video to traumatize them forever. Funnily enough, for all the ways Pops (Emryc) was uninvolved in any of this, he did love attending operas and plays.

“So do you sing?” Ezra asked, curiously not offering a jab in turn. He looked over when Dash took his beer and chilled it, his eyes widening in surprise. It was definitely a lot more than just a party trick given what he’d seen Dash do back on Kashyyyk, “Damn, hope you don’t do that when you kiss someone,” He said with a scoff before he could stop himself. His ears immediately turned pink and he took a sip from the bottle to stop himself from blurting out anything else stupid.

“I don’t really have any tricks, I guess,” Ezra said with a shrug, gazing out at the water. There were stingrays and turtles swimming along, clearly visible through the waves. He could recall when he was angry and the door would slam shut abruptly. It never made any sense back then, but he was slowly beginning to wonder how long he could deny that he may be Force sensitive after all.

“So…how come you wanted to hang out?” He asked quietly after a moment of silence, glancing over at Dash.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

"Yes, I did sing now and then" Dash admitted, pleasantly surprised Ezra was at least feigning interest rather than making fun. There was also genuine surprise in those silver eyes when Dash chilled the beer. The young Padawan didn't doubt Ezra had hidden talents too, but the other teen was still guarded. He had to keep chiselling.

The mention of kissing though knocked him for six. Dash opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out and he ended up just laughing in embarrassment. The only consolation was Ezra seemed to regret saying it as soon as it left his lips.

Dash had thought about those lips - of course he had - but fleetingly and it didn't matter. It was crazy. Ezra had paid for his drink and taken him sailing yes, but it was their first date - if it was a date - he was not going to get ahead of himself. He wasn't!

Then Ezra asked why they were there. Dash wished the ocean would swallow him up. He could mention the book, still safe in his bag over on the deck, but that would be a lie. He hoped Ezra could help him with it, but that was not the reason he'd taken leave, bought a new outfit or made mom and dad buy him a pass.

"Well, basically because somewhere in the middle of the birds and the tribe people, the witch and the snake - all of that - I realised that I kinda like you". He gritted his teeth at the word but pressed on, looking mostly at the water below "like WAY more than I should given everything that happened - and your views on a jacket I had and loved for years". He finally managed to look Ezra in the face "You're such a puzzle, but I think you're great, in your own little way. So I just wanted to see you again and find out more..."

Dash trailed off, praying the day wasn't about to collapse and totally oblivious to the fact his own drink had now frozen solid in his hand.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra wasn’t sure what he expected as an answer from his question, but a jolt went through him when Dash spoke. His heart began to beat rapidly, thundering against his chest. His face mercifully didn’t betray anything just yet. He had inherited Pops’ poker face, and he was thanking the stars for that right about now. Ezra chewed on the inside of his lip nervously, feeling a rush course through him. He felt his entire body ignited, and it had nothing to do with the warm rays of the sun. He felt that fire even with Dash's ice next to him.

Ezra’s silvers met Dash’s sapphires, the latter’s eyes only more vibrant against the endless ocean backdrop. His heart was pounding so hard against his ribs that he was worried Dash could hear it. His nervous tick manifested in the way his hand ran through his hair again, “I mean.. I’m pretty awesome, what’s not to like?” Ezra said as he looked away, blushing furiously. He didn’t talk much to begin with, and this was especially uncharted territory for him. He had only known silly or superficial things - mainly from people trying to get closer to his family wealth. Ezra could tell it wasn’t the case with Dash.

He stared ahead at the ocean, the sun hovering over the horizon. Long shadows were cast, accenting both their features. Even that didn’t hide the flush of his face or the way the permanent moody look melted away. There was nothing but contentment, a peaceful resolve that was a marked change in his entire demeanor.

Without a word, his free hand slowly slid over to layer above and rest on Dash’s own. The entire time, Ezra didn’t take his eyes off the horizon, even as his fingers curled in between the other teen’s. They both had their language and ways of confessing, and this was his.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

For a moment, Ezra's casual reply nearly wounded Dash deep, cutting him to his core. Then, at the last second, he saw the other teen mess with his hair again, saw the look on his face, the colour rising in his cheeks. Wait, he felt something too, didn't he?

It was like a dream when Ezra laid his hand over his, wordlessly entwining his fingers. It was a small thing, but it was enough. Time seemed to slow and Dash felt at the very centre of the universe for the briefest of moments. Ezra did feel something, and he felt it for him. Ezra Thorne, the posh guy in the forest who could fall out with a rock, was falling in with him.

Dash put his drink down on the deck, the ice that had formed from his anxiety now melting from his relief. It was only the start, but today was so beautiful and tomorrow so bright that he felt like jumping for joy.

So he did. Holding Ezra's hand tight, he pulled him up and off the boat, aiming to spring down into the water together. Yes they were still dressed - Dash in nothing made for swimming - but he didn't care. They were young and free and deserved to have some fun. Besides, the shallows were only waist high.

Dash plunged into the water, refreshingly cool after a few hours of sun and bobbed back up, sweeping his fringe out of his eyes.

"So I guess it's a date after all then?"

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was nervous, but he felt an odd sense of ease in the way their fingers entwined. He was about to look back at Dash when the other teen abruptly tugged him off the edge of the boat. He only had time to let out a gasp of surprise as he splashed into the water, comically holding the beer above the surface of the water to keep it from getting saltwater inside. Ezra emerged from the depths, shaking his head as he looked over at Dash in surprise.

The shallows were waist high. For Ezra. Who was 6’3. They were definitely higher for Dash, and the Jedi would immediately realize that. Dash could stand in it just fine, but the water came up closer to his upper chest. Ezra scowled at Dash at first, shaking his head as he wiped strands of his previously carefully styled hair out of his eyes. Normally he would have freaked about having his designer outfit soaked, but he found himself brushing that aside.

“You’re ridiculous,” Ezra said, taking in the sight of Dash in his all white outfit completely soaked and clinging to his body. He may have had backup clothes, but he knew the Jedi for sure didn’t. When Dash spoke, that familiar flush returned to his face. However, he didn’t waver, standing tall and confident with their admissions out on the table.

“So what if it is a date?” He asked as he reached hand over, a finger hooking into one of Dash’s belt loops. He effortlessly dragged the shorter teen closer to himself, gazing down at him, “What all did you have planned for it besides ruining our clothes?” He spoke quietly, a low baritone that the President was famous for.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash realised within a few seconds that he'd jumped in the deep end in a number of ways.

Firstly, he'd misjudged the water; it was waist height, but for Ezra not him. For him, the shallows swirled up to his chest, just low enough that he could keep his footing on the sandy seabed. Second, the height difference between the two of them was now more noticeable than ever. Ezra almost seem to tower over Dash a little and he noticed how it seemed to restore some of the other teen's confidence.

"I'm ridiculous?" Dash said playfully "you're the one who needs to stop growing before you hit the sun".

But Ezra's hands were on the wheel now in a different way. He reached over and pulled Dash close by his belt loops until they were almost touching. "My plan?" Dash found himself going quieter, overawed by Ezra looking down at him "Well I would probably have still had us at the cafe, on our third lemonade by now. Do you like lemonade?"

It was a stupid question, but Dash was too lost in those silver eyes and the in the grip of that deep baritone voice.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra felt the heat between them, and he wanted to close that last bit of distance. He gazed into those piercing blues, just as Dash gazed into his eyes. He expected some flirty commentary in return, but he was instead thrown off by mentions of that cafe. Ezra paused for a moment, blinking a few times. Did that mean Dash hated going sailing? What did he mean about lemonade? Was that some sort of phrasing that was going right over his head? Why was he asking about lemonade right now?

An almost comically adorable look of confusion fell on Ezra’s normally broody face. He kept his grip on Dash’s belt loop, but didn’t move any closer. He was entirely thrown for a spin by Dash’s words.

“...I don’t give a shit about lemonade,” He stated bluntly, brows furrowing a bit as he stared at the other boy.

As if on an unfortunate cue, the sound of obnoxiously loud party music began to play. He recognized it right away as the party yacht packed full of people that knew him. His privacy may have been splashed all over Holonet and media, but he wouldn’t subject Dash to that, not when the Jedi likely had no idea how distressing it could be.

“Damn it, come on,” Ezra said abruptly, grabbing Dash’s hand to drag him back towards the boat. He waited for Dash to climb up before he scrambled up behind him. Dash may not have heard the music yet, but he would see the bright lights in the distance.

Both of them were soaking wet, but Ezra’s priority was getting them moving first. He pointed to the cabin, “You can change into some of my clothes if you want,” He said quickly before springing up to adjust the sails and taking the wheel while he was dripping wet.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

He was babbling. He was fracking babbling and Ezra didn't have a clue what he was on about. Who could blame him.

Dash was about to rally himself and just throw himself at Ezra, but the other teen seemed to hear something in the distance and was suddenly pulling them back to the boat. The young Padawan went without protest, still beating himself up a little. It only occurred to him half way up the side of the boat that his bright white clothes were soaked. He prayed they weren't see-through.

Reaching the deck, he thought he could see and hear another boat a little way off, bright lights flashing and the dull throb of bass music radiating across the waves. It was still only barely audible, but this was not the first time Ezra had heard something long before he did. Did he have magic ears?

The offer of clothes was welcome - Dash literally had no others with him - even if it did feel a bit abrupt disappearing into the cabin.

He tried not to be long, but found everything was perfectly arranged, placed and folded. He slipped off his wet clothes, dried off and tried to look through without leaving anything out of place. It took an age and everything he picked up was too long, or too tight in other places. He started wanting to look his best, but wound himself no end, both about what to wear and how long he had been in the cabin. What must Ezra be thinking.

In the end, he gave up on a full outfit and emerged just in a pair of rolled up trousers he'd made into shorts. It was boiling anyway and he was well and truly past it. He'd probably screwed the day up anyway.

"These were all I could find" he said, only half-looking at Ezra and sticking out a leg to demonstrate. "Did you want me to grab you something dry?" He set about hanging his whites on a nearby rail so they could dry in the sun.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

It didn’t take long to get the yacht moving again, and a sense of relief crossed over him. He remained crouched at the wheel, hardly noticing his soaked clothes and the winds that rushed against him. He had sailed through storms and tacked through waves enough to where he hardly noticed. Ezra focused the boat back on course, the winds picking up as he overcame the waves to make his way back towards the cafe. He figured Dash wasn’t a fan of sailing and didn’t want to go to that private island anyway. He would cut past that stupid party yacht, giving it too wide a birth to be noticed.

Ezra was in his element when Dash emerged from the cabin and spoke. He kept his gaze fixed ahead, glancing over for a moment. He immediately did a double take, his eyes widening slightly. He had never seen Dash shirtless before, and the defined, lean muscles and cut torso… damn he was hot. Ezra was briefly stunned to where he failed to navigate a particularly large wave.

The yacht abruptly lurched upward, violent enough to send Dash skidding backwards and off the edge.

“No!”

Except, Dash didn’t.

Ezra was staring right at him, his free hand outstretched. Dash was suddenly suspended in mid air at a perfectly 180 degree angle. Dash would catch a brief glimpse of the beautiful skies above, a perfect canvas of purples, oranges and blue blending into an abstract. He was then tilted right back on his feet by an unnatural force, as if Ezra had lassoed him and yanked him back onboard.

The quarter Sephi said nothing about it, the slight panic very visible in his demeanor. He was dead silent as he sailed them back towards where they started, not even bothering with new clothes for now. He didn't say a single word about what happened.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

The young Padawan had just hung his clothes and turned when the deck below him lurched upwards, throwing Dash off balance. He was caught totally off guard and couldn't get his footing, skittering backwards and stepping onto air. No!

Dash had the sickening feeling of falling through the open air, coupled with the realisation the boat would leave him behind in seconds.

Then something grabbed him; the unique but familiar pulse of the Force. It held him still for a moment, before pulling him back onto the boat, tilting him back onto his feet. He was left stunned and confused. Then he saw Ezra hunkering over the wheel in a wholly different way from earlier, looking every bit like a guy trying to shut things out.

Ezra had saved him, by using the Force.. He just knew it, and Ezra didnt even plan to mention it. Dash found himself and how he felt again in that moment, the burst of joy flaring back to life.

He bounded over and hugged Ezra from behind, not caring about the cold wet shirt against his skin. "That's pretty amazing what you just did there" he said, resting his chin on the other teen's shoulder. "I didn't know you had learnt to throw people around yet, but thanks" he went for it, giving Ezra the briefest peck on the cheek.

He suddenly noticed a familiar ridge of coastline whip by. "Woah, you're not taking us back yet?" Dash put a hand on the wheel "I, got a bit mesmerised by you back there, but can we stay out here a bit longer. Please?"

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra’s heart was racing again, and this time for entirely different reasons. There was no explanation to get out of what just happened. He had been trying to bury it for as long as he could remember. Doors slamming, things moving on their own, any high pulses of emotion resulting in something unnatural happening. They were wings that grew, and wings that he violently tried to clip. And then they grew right back. It wasn’t something he could ever bring up with his fathers. Pops already seemed detached, this would make things even worse.

All of his spiraling, damaging thoughts abruptly came to an end the moment he felt Dash wrap his arms around him. It was a strange feeling, and yet it felt so necessary in that moment. His panic and internal anxiety washed away as easily as the water off the side of his yacht. Silver eyes remained fixated ahead as he felt Dash’s warmth against him, feeling those muscled arms tightly gripping him. His face burned hot where he felt Dash brush his lips against his skin, and the Jedi would immediately feel the tension slowly leaving Ezra.

“I didn’t learn any of it…” Ezra said quietly, lowering his gaze, “It just..happens..” It sounded so stupid when he said it. But he knew Dash was a Jedi and there was no bullshitting him. He simply wanted Dash to hold him like that. The hints of a smile traced his lips, “Your lips aren’t icy like I expected,” He said softly.

Ezra glanced over when Dash abruptly suggested not going back. This was the second time the other boy threw him for a spin, “What?” He asked, perturbed, “But you said…cafe and lemonade?” Ezra rolled his eyes, staring forward again, “I’m gonna purposely throw you overboard if you keep confusing me,” He muttered quietly, though the amused look on his face suggested he was entirely kidding. Maybe.

Finally settling into a rhythm, he made his way towards that island. Ezra pondered for a moment before he stepped back from the wheel, jutting his chin towards it while he looked at Dash, “Go on, take us in,” He said with a faint smirk. In his entire time of sailing, he had never allowed anyone to even come hear the wheel, let alone touch it. However, Dash didn’t need to know that.

If Dash took the wheel, Ezra leaned in behind him, his long arms easily reaching over to course correct as needed, “See most of this is souped up so I don’t need a crew. That means the slightest tilt controls the yacht,” He went on for a bit about yacht mechanics which was probably horribly boring, but Ezra was absolutely hyped about it. The entire time, he stayed behind the other teen, leaned in close as Dash took them towards the island against the backdrop of the setting sun.

@Alhon