Ask An Odd Awakening

[Trael Osso]

When Azar went quiet Trael half expected the man to try and leave again, despite them being on the move. As, what felt like hours, passed by he was starting to think maybe he struck a nerve or something with his questioning. Azar had been the one initiating any form of affection for the most part. Trael even ran away from him once. Could he really be with Azar after all the confusion and annoyance he's put him through? Did he really deserve to want it after all of that?

He was pulled out of his internal storm when Azar suddenly was wrapping his arms around his neck and giving him a kiss on the cheek. Azar's words made him happier than he would ever admit to anyone openly. His gaze averted for a moment as he turned red before returning to meet his with a similar warmth. "I'm happy that you agreed to come along." When he first approached Azar on Umbara he was expecting to get turned down. What a rollercoaster came from one simple request.

Trael couldn't help the involuntary light up he experienced after finally getting the go ahead for saber training. He got extremely giddy to be showing off his progress in the new form to Azar. First he needed to see where his skills stood before any real training could start. He walked over to where his weights were set up and opened a drawer, pulling out two training sabers from the Academy. "I may have borrowed these from the Academy while you were packing." He said with a sheepish smile as he handed Azar one. He stepped back a few paces before his face turned serious. "Attack me as if I was your enemy. Using only your saber, any force use besides what would enhance your dueling is not allowed." It was obvious he went into training mode easily from doing it so much at the Academy.

@Sreeya

 

[Azar Kressh]

Azar couldn’t help but smile at Trael getting totally giddy about saber training. Clearly this was a passion of his and he had been wanting to share it with Azar. His mind briefly drifted to thoughts of potentially teaching Trael different styles of alchemy. Or perhaps training him in basic things like spatial awareness to avoid getting robbed so much. He had become something of a running joke among Sith with how often he managed to get robbed. Was it because he was just as sweet and caring with everyone he came across as he had been with Azar? The Pureblood normally would have scoffed at this, but his developing fondness for the other man made him linger on his consistent misfortunes.

They were in the training room and Azar felt completely out of place. He was still in the oversized hoodie and some tight sweatpants that did wonders for his booty and nothing for combat. Azar blinked down at the training saber like he was gingerly holding a bomb, confusion etched all over his face. He ignited the training blade and actually jumped in surprise, totally caught off guard by his own action and just barely avoiding a stab to the face.

“Erm..” Azar mumbled as he stared vacantly at Trael for a moment, awkwardly brandishing the saber in his hand a few times. No Force? He didn’t know how to operate without that. He stood there for a few moments before springing towards Trael and swinging the blade in dramatically as if coming down with a flyswatter to smite some insect into oblivion. The overhang swing was terrible, uncoordinated, and he managed to lose his grip on the hilt by the end of it. The saber flew out of his hand from the force of his own cartoonish swing, hitting the wall across the room while Trael stood there harmlessly.

Azar cleared his throat and looked down at the ground, his face turning purple from embarrassment. He had always kept his dismal blade skills on the down low and it was fully revealed now.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael’s expectations were low as Azar mentioned before he wasn’t much of a warrior. But he never expected to see that he hadn’t even used a training saber before. The look of confusion on Azar’s face betrayed the complete lack of experience even before he almost stabbed himself. Trael felt like he was watching a toddler play with a stick like it was a sword for the first time. He found it oddly endearing to see this side of Azar. It was a contrast to both the cuddly and bubbly one he had been shown during the trip and the feared potion master of Umbara.

Azar winded up for a swing looking like an old cartoon character from shows when he was a child. As the swing came down he began to move his up but before he ignited it to block he heard a thud behind him and noticed Azar was disarmed. Did he just have it slip out of his hands? While Trael was just barely able to stop the laugh from erupting out of him hiding the smile was not an option.

He cleared his throat as Azar was turning purple. “You can’t attack someone if you let go of the weapon.” He called the other saber to him with the force and walked over to Azar. He held out his own hand gripping the saber. “You seem to understand the idea of having a more fluid grip than tight one.” A chuckle escaped him as he began rotating and moving the saber in ways that simply redirect the blade.

He handed him back the other saber. “Here, mimic my grip and try again.” He showed him his grip again before stepping back once again. He kept his saber off for the time being and to his side. He hoped this time he wouldn’t have a saber thrown at him.

@Sreeya

 

[Azar Kressh]

Azar had a moody pout on his face when he caught Trael trying to hold back a laugh. He huffed and crossed his arms over his chest, preparing to just give up. When Trael made his quip, Azar scowled at him, “I can do just fine without weapons,” He said, using the Force to very lightly nudge him back. Azar took the proffered saber, practicing the grip a few times to prevent it from flying out again.

He tried to rush in again with his saber, weakly swinging and missing as Trael just barely sidestepped. Azar tried again, now starting to get annoyed, “How am I supposed to hit you if you won’t stand still?!” He cried out in exasperation. While the weapon stayed in his hand, his swings were still terrible, and he needlessly put his whole body behind it. He gripped the saber with both hands, flailing it around like a bat.

Eventually, he got frustrated and cheated, using the Force to yank Trael’s legs out from underneath him. Once the man was flat on his back, Azar touched the tip of his saber to Trael’s foot, “Aha! I win!” He cheered, jumping around to celebrate his grand victory.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael felt Azar's light nudge using the force but he didn't think anything of it. He watched Azar practicing the grip to prevent losing it again. As Azar begun attacking he was just able to dodge them Azar was swinging at him as if he was a blindfolded child swinging at a piñata.

As this went on he tried to figure out a way to get better at it. He couldn't go straight into teaching him a form if he couldn't even attack correctly. He needed to run him through the basics of saber fighting like if he was an acolyte. "If I stand still it wouldn't be training." He said with a smirk.

Trael was slowly losing hope when his feet were yanked out from under him. He stared at Azar emotionlessly as he began celebrating. He got back up onto his feet and ignited his practice saber. "Fine let's see if you can defend yourself." He dashed forwards using the force to enhance his speed before bringing his blade down to strike at Azar's shoulder. Whether he defended or not he would stop short of actually hitting him. He didn't want to discourage him even further.

@Sreeya

 

[Azar Kressh]

Azar fully expected to get an earful about blatantly cheating, but Trael kept his cool. How was the guy so even keel all the time?! He watched the man get up and go on the offense, Azar’s eyes widening. He was actually nervous, usually doing his best to keep his distance and avoid anything related to dueling. The Pureblood awkwardly held his training saber, actually flinching as Trael came swinging.

However, to his surprise, he heard the hum of saber meeting saber. Azar opened his eyes to realize he actually held his saber up to catch Trael’s downward swing by holding his own perpendicular to the blade. He blinked a few times in surprise, pushing off that engagement and doing an attempt to slice his saber at the left side of Trael’s ribs.

Since he was feeling less worthless, he decided to include some commentary, “How come there are rumors that you got all your things stolen?” Azar asked nosily before he went for another swing towards Trael’s left shoulder. His movements were slowly becoming less sloppy, “Is it because you trust everyone?”

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael smirked when Azar actually moved to defend against his assault. Azar then broke away and followed up with a slice towards his left ribs. Trael quickly moved his saber to parry it but didn't follow it up with an attack. Azar seemed to be getting comfortable and confident in himself. This was causing him to at least somewhat put up a fight.

Azar asked him about the rumors going around after he disappeared for a few days then came back with a new ship. Before he could answer another strike came in this time for his left shoulder. This time he blocked and held it for a second. "I did get my stuff stolen. It was due to my arrogance mostly, I let my guard down when I shouldn't have." He admitted before breaking the guard and doing a slash at Azar's right shoulder, this time he wouldn't hold back the strike.

He still wasn't imbuing the force into his strikes like one normally would. He struck at Azar's right leg next trying to vary his patterns and gauge his defense. "So what are you expecting from Moraband." Trael had never been to 'Sith space' before so even thinking of going to the twin worlds themselves was a unfamiliar idea.

@Sreeya

 

[Azar Kressh]

Azar simply couldn’t predict how Trael would block and it began to frustrate him. Any strike he tried to land Trael was met with a perfectly calculated defense. It took every fiber of his being not to rely on the Force to pull something slick or dangerous. When the saber came for his right shoulder, Azar flailed a defense, swatting the blade aside. It was sloppy, but it did the job.

“So did you go the clear opposite direction and don’t let the guard down even a little now?” He quipped with a teasing smile. Azar didn’t realize it, but he was slowly adjusting to mimic the footwork Trael displayed as well. The Pureblood was lighter on his feet, circling around the taller man to try and anticipate the next attack.

The question about Moraband threw him off more than he expected, “Honestly? Nothing,” He answered with a sigh, “It’s a planet of tombs. Booby trapped tombs that people foolishly try to rob....like we are about to,” Azar said right as the strike to the leg came. He thrust his saber upwards, expecting another strike at his upper body, but Trael had changed it up. Azar yelped as the strike hit, making him collapse and drop to the ground. Training sabers stunned limbs, and he dropped like a rag doll. Azar scowled up at Trael with a look of betrayal as if it was unthinkable he could attack somewhere other than the same spot every time. He was internally proud of himself for not lashing out in rage, though the pulse of the Force in his hands was tangible enough to where even Trael would sense it.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael smirked again at Azar blocking his strike. It may have been sloppy and he may have wildly flailed to do so but he blocked it. "I wouldn't go that far. I'm just more wary of individuals I normally would be complacent around." He was intrigued that Azar begun circling him. He may have been hopeless but he was learning quickly.

Azar answered his question right away making him almost miss his attack to the leg. He moved his saber to block, his upper body? Trael felt the strike hit true coupled by Azar yelping and falling to the ground. He looked down at the Pureblood initially confused as he was scowling upward with betrayal in his eyes. The pulse in the force didn't escape him but added to his confusion. Was he about to lash out over his own failure?

He stretched out his hand to help up Azar. "I think we can call it a day." They had a few days to pass the time of he didn't need to cram all the training in one day. Plus if Azar was beginning to get to the point of lashing out there was no need to push him further. "Any more shows coming on today you want to watch? Also any dinner suggestions for me to cook later?"

@Sreeya

 

[Azar Kressh]

Azar had expected to see concern when he dropped to the ground with a stunned leg. Instead he was met with confusion on Trael’s face. The Pureblood pondered this for a moment, watching the way the man methodically reached a hand down to help him up. No asking if he was okay, no measure of tenderness, nothing. The Pureblood thought about Trael’s constant streak of misfortunes and how he was habitually manipulated by others somehow. He ran all those scenarios in his mind of all the times he thought Trael was being subtly sweet, but likely that was how Trael was with everyone. Which was exactly why the human constantly found himself betrayed. This was perhaps the only instance where that wasn’t happening.

Trael either had the emotional range of a shoe or he was purposely being ambiguous and vague. In any case, Azar decided he had enough. He didn’t take the proffered hand, his demeanor shifting towards the formal man he normally was on missions. Azar’s face was impassive, “Champion Osso,” He said curtly, “You must forgive me for misjudging your intentions and boundaries I have clearly overstepped because I thought there were romantic undertones to our interactions,” He said with a flat, even tone, “We can conduct our businesses strictly professionally from here on out.”

Azar gave a polite nod and began to leave, “I will be in the crew quarters and join you for meals and training if you still wish to teach me.”

It was a quick gear shift and he was back to being the cool, collected Sith that thought of all the ways to assess other Sith as either competition or allies. Trael had a shaky track record thus far, which meant it was up in the air just how far Azar would really go to save him should things turn for the worse on Moraband. He had almost started to think like old Karys. He had almost allowed himself to fall to emotions.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael's expression remained confused as Azar refused to take his hand. Did he upset him more than he believed by actually hitting him? Should he have been holding back more? The look on the Pureblood's face made his thoughts even more cluttered. Than Azar began speaking causing his expression to shift to concern.

Trael sat there silent as he listened. He had once again pushed Azar away from him somehow. This time though it seemed to be the final straw. His words began making him go through how he had been acting. He was much more reserved with Azar than anyone else. It wasn't as easy to flirt or openly show his interest in him. Why? Was it because he was a man? Trael looked at him as he walked away thinking on this point. No, he still held the same feelings despite that understanding. It must be the fact he actually felt something for him over all the others. He had wanted to prevent a situation like this by mismanaging how he talked or acted towards him, but now it seems that was exactly what lead to this.

Just before Azar reached the door Trael quickly sputtered out a response trying to not let the door close from lack of effort. "Youdidntatall." Not even forming a coherent string of words trying to just stop him. "You didn't do any of that. I failed to properly express myself." He said with a sigh finally understanding his own internal struggle. "Though all I seem capable of doing is causing you to want nothing to do with me." He sheepishly let out before grabbing the training saber on the floor. "So if the best course is to stay professional I will do so and bury my feelings. That way I won't be a source of confusion or pain." He stated turning around and moving back towards the area the sabers were in initially. "I'll let you know when dinner is finished." He said with his back turned fighting down the sadness creeping up as he prepared to kill off the connection he was forming.

@Sreeya

 

[Azar Kressh]

Azar paused at the doorway when Trael blurted out an incoherent sentence. His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t look back at the man. He bristled as the human continued speaking. How did a human manage to invoke such frustration in Azar? He was going to keep walking when Trael’s words echoed within his mind.

Bury my feelings.

This was exactly the kind of hot and cold that frustrated Azar beyond belief. He could feel the whirlwind of emotions in the other man, and could see the dejected way he walked away.

Bury my feelings.

Azar took another step out the door, his heart thundering against his chest. His mind screamed at him to keep walking and he took another step. Trael was a fool. A liability. He would bring Azar down. They should focus on the mission. They would go to Moraband. They would go through this temple-

Bury my feelings.

Azar Kressh was fire. He was not the type to walk from challenges. Where others were passive or detached, he was a whirlwind and tumultuous storm. He burned and devastated in his path and was a force to be reckoned with. This dance of idle words and unspoken whispers invoked a spark of emotions across a wide range.

Before he could stop himself, he found himself back in that training room. He didn’t even care what Trael had to say at that point. The human was pushed into the wall behind him, forcefully but in a way where it was obvious it wasn’t an actual attack. Azar didn’t hesitate before he effortlessly tore through Trael’s shirt, tossing it aside like confetti while glaring up at him, “I’m not going to apologize for this,” He stated curtly before grasping Trael by fistfuls of his hair and yanking him down towards his height to kiss him.

“Bury them..lock them away..deny them..forget them..” Azar whispered breathlessly against Trael’s lips in between kisses, “I won’t apologize for any of it,” He added before biting down on his lower lip.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael never noticed Azar turning around as he was already walking to the shelves. Though he believed the door with Azar had firmly closed he had to at least say his peace on the subject. Azar's silence following his attempt to smooth it over made him feel even more dejected. He truly did seem to only push him away.

He had put both of the sabers back and was staring at them aimlessly. He was fighting to remain in control of his emotions desperately when suddenly he was shoved against a wall. Is this finally the punishment I had coming? Azar then tore his shirt off while saying he wasn't apologizing before yanking him into a kiss.

Trael let go of any reservations, any walls he was keeping up, and delved into the passion he felt. He passionately kissed him back no longer hiding what he felt or wanted. As Azar whispered to him he had a feeling he was referring to his feelings, but didn't know why, and besides it would be impossible to hide them now.

Azar's next statement and subsequent biting of his lip drew a response out of him. "Neither will I." He then lifted him up, making it more comfortable for himself, turning to put him against the wall. His eyes burning of desire as he began kissing him again. He wanted nothing more than to tear the hoodie off of Azar but knew that would lead to issues. "Could you...take...that off...." He whispered in between the kisses.

@Sreeya

 

[Azar Kressh]

Azar had almost expected Trael to push him away or outright run again. It was a risk, but one he wouldn’t take back. He had to lay all the cards out on the table, especially when the talk of feelings came up. The Pureblood despised himself for feeling this way, for this growing attachment and burning desire for the other man. He thought of Karys and his faults in that regard in the past, how Azar cautioned him so many times against it. And here he was relinquishing control and acting on emotions. He wanted to believe this was just physical and meant nothing more, but a side of him buried deep inside knew that was a lie.

He gasped when Trael abruptly picked him up, his arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as he was pressed against the wall. Azar gazed down at the human, taking a moment to admire those blue eyes. They were so unnatural, a pristine beauty that reminded him of the skies and oceans. Blue did not exist as an eye color with Sith, and he found himself briefly lost in them.

Azar didn’t hold back either, his legs wrapped around Trael’s hips as he kissed him back. He couldn’t entirely stop the slivers of emotions as much as he wanted, some of it seeping through the Force where Trael would feel it and comprehend it all without words. Azar gazed at him when he mentioned the clothing, staring at him perplexed before realization slowly dawned on him. He gave a sheepish laugh, “Isn’t this yours?” Azar asked before he did as requested, slipping the hoodie off and tossing it aside.

His torso was marked with countless tattoos of his culture and origin, along with piercings on his nipples and bellybutton. Azar finally felt the heat of their bodies pressed together as he had been craving, his desires growing as his hand slid along Trael’s back over the scars and battle wounds there. He knew he wanted to feel more of him, wanted to taste more of him. Azar drew back from the kiss briefly, his fingers tracing along that beard he grew so fond of. He didn’t realize it, but his golden eyes betrayed his affection, exactly what he had hoped to keep buried just as he challenged Trael to do.

“I want you, Trael,” He whispered, gazing down at the other man, “Take me to your bed,” Azar said, tightening his grip with his legs and pressing their hips together to make things abundantly obvious, “And don’t throw me over your shoulder this time,” He couldn’t help but add with a little chuckle as he leaned in to press his forehead tenderly against Trael’s.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael could feel glimpses of Azar’s emotions. It reassured him that he wasn’t alone in his feelings although it made him feel worse about causing the earlier confusion. Unlike Azar his feelings weren’t being held in control, they were running wild through the Force as an uncontained storm.

Azar’s remark about the hoodie made him perplexed momentarily. Did I just unconsciously give him my hoodie? He wondered internally. “I forgot it was mine.” He mumbled as Azar began taking it off. His eyes wandered over his body taking in the tattoos and piercings. He didn’t understand the meaning of any of the tattoos and wanted to learn more about them and the man who bore them. His own scars and wounds betrayed a life of fighting in various forms. It was the window into his soul the idea that he will keep going no matter the wound that was dealt.

Azar pulled away from the kiss and gazed down at him. He gazed up at Azar his blue eyes were burning with a passion opposite of the calming blue they portrayed. He begun playing with his beard while looking on with affection and it made Trael forget about all his faults and failings as right now all he could think of was the man in front of him.

As Azar tightened his grip around him he began moving to the captain’s quarters. Holding him up by his legs as he moved. As he added the mention of being carried in his shoulder he smirked, “Why not it worked well enough last time.” He repositioned his hands as they got close to the door putting one arm around Azar’s back and the other outward to open the door.

As the got in he laid down in the bed with Azar in his arms. He gazed down at the man that had him so mesmerized. He gazed into his yellow eyes threatening to get lost in them. His gaze turned to the side as he began turning red, “This is my first time with a man, so you…may need to…coach me in some things.” He was more embarrassed than he thought he would be saying that and now slightly regretted it.

@Sreeya