Mood Boost

[Sumas Solus]

Coruscant/Underworld Bar​

18:10 local time​

The bounty hunter was sorted out, their reward was dispensed and they had time to kill. Being rather familiar with Underworld, Sumas decided to drag Skylar off to a rather decent club he knew down in Underworld. The kid was rather depressed, things were clearly nagging at him. And with the amount of sad people Sumas had to deal with as of late, he wasn't going to let the Shistavanen off that easily.

In the club Sumas led the way to a booth away from the big crowds and slid in, waiting for Skylar to slide in as well. Soon enough a very good-looking Togruta waitress came past, asking for their orders. "Two Soulean brandies with cola, for starters, thanks." he ordered casually then looked at Skylar. After a second he took his helmet off and placed it on the table. "Alright, furball. What's chewing you up?" he asked him as he sat back. He ran a hand through the black hair on his head before looking around. He still wasn't used to hair this long, but he figured it looked good.

Their drinks came around and Sumas immediately helped himself to a sip as he sat back, his eyes looking Skylar over. His hand idly fell on his helmet between the horns as he dribbled his fingers against the Beskar.

@Insalius

 

[Skylar Rook]

Now Skylar had to get through this cultural minefield of a situation, as if adding a cherry to the top of a hot fudge Sunday of dishonor and uselessness. It wouldn't help to lie to the man, especially since he was another Mandalorian, and a superior to boot. That was also the reason he'd even gone on this mission in the first place, though he didn't really want to be noticed by any of those in his race. His performance in the tournament was just the last nail in the coffin from his years of not doing a single thing while the rest of his people moved on and fought the Empire, and had made huge leaps in victories all across the galaxy. As for him? He fixed machines and stayed away from the front lines to do so. What pride was there in that? Any mechanic could do the same.

He didn't want to wait for too long, though he wasn't looking forward to the drinks, either. He didn't like the taste of alcohol, the one time he'd gotten drunk he'd ended up accidentally trashing his workshop and delaying the repairs of some armor and weapons. He sipped the drink, trying not to grimace as he did so. His helmet was also at his side, the lack of anonymity that having it removed provided always something that was disconcerting. "I've...done nothing. For thirteen years, now. Well, no, I lost horribly in the tournament because of an error in judgement. Oh, and the only mission I ever went on was with a man who became a Dar'manda, so I know what that looks like. Medriaas, Mandalore, my soul was torn by them just as our brothers and sisters had been, yet while you and the others go off to do something about it, all I've done is fail and fix nicks in armor and weapons." He apparently had a very low opinion of himself.

@KinkyPrawn

 

[Sumas Solus]

Sumas immediately noticed that Skylar really wasn't enjoying the alcohol. He tried to hide it but it was quite clear. No wonder the kid was so depressed. "Would you rather like something less alcoholic?" he asked him with a smirk. "Slide that over here, I'll finish it off for you." he said as he gestured to the drink. As he sipped his drink he listened to Skylar unload all his troubles. Now things were making a lot more sense. Though Sumas had an idea about which Dar'manda Skylar was talking about...and he saw no issue with it. He waited until Skylar was done before giving a nod and taking another sip.

"If you're talking about Burkhart Kelborn, don't feel bad. I worked alongside him a couple times as well as helped out a Saxon traitor that later on aided in the sacking of Mandalore. If they haven't given me issues, they won't give you issues." Sumas admitted with a chuckle. "And don't worry about the tournament. That wasn't a real fight. A bunch of the fighters in that tournament haven't even crossed paths with Sith or Jedi. Here I sit with a lightsaber on my belt while they don't. So don't feel too bad about that. There's plenty of room for you to prove yourself. Besides, we're in need of mechanics and armourers. The Mando'ade has to keep running and it can't do that on its own. You and many others deserve just as much credit as the rest of us." he spoke with sincerity, that was clear. He gave a genuine smile as he looked at Skylar. Of course that talk about the tournament might earn him a beating and a half if it got out. It was quite important...but a little lie or two might go a long way into preventing him from blowing his brains out.

He glanced around then back to Skylar. "You want to get somewhere? Take a page from my book...though don't hold me accountable for any screw-ups in the process." he said as he sat forward, as if he was going to reveal some big secret. "Don't think. Just do." he said with a shrug. "Don't worry about what people will think or if it makes a big enough impression, just jump in headfirst!" he proclaimed as he downed his glass. "Sure you might get your Alor shot...or almost thrown off a train...or plough a ship through a barn...but hey! It works. Look where I got!" he confessed some of his "accidents" over the past couple years. In all honesty Sumas really wasn't a role model. Not by a longshot. But he was trying, at least. Besides, he liked Skylar. He wanted to help him out.

He gestured to the beverage in front of him. "Plus this helps take the edge off a bit." he added, though he was curious as to why the guy didn't like it. "For the record, fighting Sith isn't everything. I helped out by doing jobs down here, getting organizations and other sources on our side. This is my playground." he gestured to the bar and Underworld in general.

"You want to get stuff done? I'm working on some jobs to help us out. Could use you to help out with it." he offered as he sat back.

@Insalius

 

[Skylar Rook]

While it was nice to hear that he wasn't being judged as harshly as he had thought about Burkhart, it was still something that stuck with him He was hypersensitive to anything that could threaten the only way of life he ever had, the worry creating layers of reasons that obscured the truth. To start with, though, he would answer the question about the alcohol. "Thank you for the drink, but I don't like alcohol...the taste isn't something that I enjoy, and the one time I got past that to get drunk I almost destroyed the repair order I was given. I can't stand the feeling of the loss of control, or like...when you turn, and the room moves before you do, if that makes any sense. I don't know if the taste thing is because of my tongue or not." He opened his mouth to point at his tongue, referencing his canine genetics. It DID change how things tasted and smelled, and he could hear and see better than most humans.

As for everything else...Skylar didn't like to tell this story, because he didn't want people to pity him, thinking it would bring disrespect to his parents. He loved them dearly, they'd done what they could to give him a life that would start better than anything they ever had. He almost had tears in his eyes at the pain he still felt to this day from their loss. "...My parents were basically slaves, in the Republica. They were on their way from one cruel 'employer' to the next when their transport ship was attacked by Mandalorians. They were given the option to leave, as the actual Imperials had been killed and their possessions looted, but my parents decided to go with them, to freedom and a better life. So they were allowed to join Clan Rook, and my mother gave birth to me not too long after." He took a ragged breath, trying not to let the emotion seep into his voice. "The Imperials attacked that village, perhaps in revenge, and while they fought bravely to defend everyone my parents were both killed, slaughtered...I've been told the Imperials fired clip after clip of their blasters into them, so disgusted at them being non-human. The Clan raised me ever since, making me a Mandalorian from birth...or so I want that to be. I've done the rite of passage, I've done everything I can to help not just my Clan but our people as a whole, but at any time I feel that someone can say 'You haven't done enough, you're not a real Mandalorian.', and the only life I know can be taken away, cast out into a galaxy I know doesn't want me..." He pauses, breathing to try to calm down. He hadn't meant to spill part of his heart like this, but he couldn't keep it in any longer. There was just too much for him to keep inside.

@KinkyPrawn

 

[Sumas Solus]

Sumas listened as Skylar explained his distaste for alcohol...though he was pretty sure that was the kid's own fault. "Well there are different kinds of drinks. Just need to find one that works for you. Though the whole idea isn't to get blackout-drunk. Just drunk enough to enjoy things while still knowing what you're doing." he explained. "But being a Shistavanen might play into it. I don't know that many so I can't comment." he admitted with a chuckle.

Things took a turn, though, when Skylar decided to explain why he was so hard on himself. He listened as he sipped at Skylar's drink, paying attention to every detail. When Skylar ended, he could tell he was broken. It made a lot more sense now why he was so defeated over his lack of progress as a Mandalorian. He thought for a second over what to say before clearing his throat. "I was born on Iridonia. After I did my rite of passage and got my tattoos, I left the planet." he started, gesturing to his face. "For a couple years I worked as a merc and I ran with various gangs all over the place. Underworld, Taris, Corellia, I was in with some rough crowds. Eventually I found myself on Mandalore and managed to get in with Clan Solus. I didn't think I would cut it, hell I helped to rob Mandalorian shipments at times. But look at me now. Not all of us were born pure Mandalorians and not all of us can be as fanatical as Koil Solus or the Mand'alor. Nobody can tell you anything." he finally ended by reaching over and giving Skylar a light poke against the chest to make sure he understood.

He decided to try something different. He scooted out of his seat and slid in beside Skylar, wrapping an arm around the kid's neck. "Listen. You're not a fraud or a weakling. You matter. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise or else I'll blow their heads off. You got that?" he said sincerely as he pulled the defeated Shistavanen against him. After a second or two he let up a little, though he still held his arm around the guy's shoulder. "Now, on to the next step. See anybody you fancy?" he asked him with a chuckle as he looked out over the dance floor.

@Insalius

 

[Skylar Rook]

Skylar knew that the problem with alcohol was mainly his own preferences and sensibilities, a great number of Mandalorians enjoying the drink that it's a norm for the culture. Maybe he'd try to find something that tasted better for him, maybe even visit Shistavanen settlements or just go Uvena Prime. Maybe this kind of thing was common for his race, though he hadn't met another during his whole life in the Mandalorians so far. It did make him wonder at times why that was the case, as even Cathars seemed to have a fair representation in the warrior society. In the end, though, it wasn't important. The rest of what Sumas said did help him feel a little better. He hadn't been aware that the Zabrak hadn't been born but inducted to their number. It would take time but the gears in the back of his head had started to move in a different direction.

Suddenly Skylar felt a warmth around his neck, Sumas having put his arm around him to point out at the dance floor. He blushed under his fur, not at the request but at how close the other man was. "U-um...I don't know. All the guys seem pretty happy with who they're with or dancing alone..." Since it was a normal thing in Mandalorian society, the fact that the Shistavanen seemed to only have eyes for other men wasn't something he had to explain to others. He'd assumed it would be fine for Sumas, hence no further explanation. He was also a virgin, focusing on his work instead of being with anyone else or looking for a relationship. In fact, he didn't even know if he had a type. Everyone was just blurring together for him, no one standing out.

@KinkyPrawn

 

[Sumas Solus]

It completely went over his head at first. As he sat with his arm around Skylar's neck, looking over the dance floor, it hit him. His eyes went wide and he stiffened up for a second as he was completely taken by surprise. He turned his head to look at Skylar for a second, not at all seeing that coming. "Oh...OH." he finally registered as he looked back at the dance floor. Now things were looking a lot different. Oddly enough, his arm didn't budge around Skylar's neck as he sat next to the Shistavanen.

He blinked a few times as his his brain returned to him. "Ummm...well in that case, not seeing any takers then?" he asked him, trying to regain his normal state of mind. He was all for being a wingman...but being a wingman for a dude who's after other dudes wasn't his specialty at all...then again, how different was it, exactly? He looked to the dance floor for a second before looking back to Skylar, waiting to see if Skylar caught sight of any "opportunities"...

@Insalius

 

[Skylar Rook]

If Skylar noticed the surprise that Sumas had gone through, he didn't show it. He really WAS trying to find someone that piqued his interested, yet he couldn't. He shifted as he looked around, accidentally pressing into the other Mandalorian as he did so. "No, not really...I haven't really thought of such things for...well, reasons I told you. I only notice what other Mandalorians look like, to be honest. I mean, you're a handsome man, you'd be the closest to my type, if you weren't taken." He assumed Sumas was swimming in women wanting to be with the well-known Solus. In fact, he was sure that all the other Mandalorians were a lot happier than he was due to having someone they cared for or shared their bed. It didn't even cross his mind that it could be otherwise with the other man. It was also true what he had said, thinking about the man in a different light showed how handsome he was, and he had qualities that really appealed to the Shistavanen: Positive, dedicated, and with an unbreakable will. Someone Skylar wanted to be, someday.

@KinkyPrawn

 

[Sumas Solus]

This night had become quite an oddity and Sumas wasn't sure what his opinion was on it. He blinked at the compliment, having mixed feelings about it. He cleared his throat and looked around as if he was getting nervous. "Thank you for the compliment, but uhhh...I'm very much not taken at the moment." he corrected Skylar as he looked at him.

This had taken an odd turn indeed. Not only did he learn that his companion was into guys...but he also found the Sabrak attractive. To make things even more confusing, Sumas wasn't all that fazed by the situation. On one end he was tempted to tell the guy to back off, but on the other end he was just rolling with it.

With his free hand he reached over and chugged what was left of Skylar's drink until only a quarter remained. He looked at him again then offered the glass with what was left just to see what he would do. "So, Rook. What's next?" he asked him casually as he sat comfortably. This night certainly took a strange turn, but was was curious to see where it led. He took the time to study the Shistavanen. He noticed that there was a slight hue under his fur. It was rather amusing to see, he had to admit.

@Insalius

 

[Skylar Rook]

And the blush only deepened as he realized he had assumed incorrectly about the other man. His mind so flustered, he didn't even think as he took the drink and down the rest of it. The tasted wasn't so bad at the moment, for some reason. He did use that time to try to order his thoughts, though, as he felt that what he said next would be very important. What would a normal person do in this situation? Would he try to clear things up, apologize and move on? Or would he try to press on, maybe see if Sumas was also into guys? Very furry ones, too. This time he'd noticed the lack of repulsion or any upset tone, meaning that there was a chance that the other Mandalorian didn't mind being with other men. And if he wasn't taken...Well, Skylar had heard rumors of how others treated Sumas, something that didn't sit well with him, personally. Sumas worked so hard to try to do his best for his Clan and their people, yet he seemed to be the butt of many jokes. No, the Rook wouldn't treat him like that, ever.

"U-um...I don't really have a preference, to be honest, but you're the first guy that's made me feel like I'm worth something..." Somewhat awkwardly, but earnestly, he snuggled slightly into the other man. If there was chance, maybe he should be brave enough to take it. If it didn't go anywhere, he'd be no worse off than where he had been. "Whatever we do decide, I'd want to do it with you." He rested his head on the Mandalorian's shoulder, now fully committed to the attempt. He was so nervous and was obviously not used to this kind of thing, but it was now or never.

@KinkyPrawn

 

[Sumas Solus]

Sumas smirked as Skylar downed the last bit of the drink. He was surprised over the fact that he didn't even flinch in the moment. He raised an eyebrow, though, as he watched Skylar snuggled up against him and admitted something rather heavy. He wasn't looking for a relationship at this point, not with a guy at least. This was all just him sticking with his motto. He hoped Skylar wasn't taking this too seriously...this might be problematic.

He watched Skylar for a few seconds as she Shistavanen made himself comfortable. He could see the red hue through the fur and he could tell that Skylar was taking a leap of faith in the moment. Finally he gave a huff. "What the hell. Come on, let's get out of here. My ship's not too far." he said suddenly as he gave Skylar a nudge. He turned to scoot out of the booth, when he suddenly stopped. He leaned over close to Skylar's ear. "Just one thing: Not a word of this to anyone." he said seriously before he released Skylar's neck and grabbed his helmet. "Let's get out of here." he said with a smile as he slid his helmet back on and turned to leave.

On the way out he grabbed a bottle of some kind of strong liquor from the table of a passed out patron. "This is coming with us." he commented as he led the way.

Outside he walked side by side with Skylar, glancing at him through his T-visor. "Your mood lifted at least, Skylar?" he asked him as he gave the Shistavanen's shoulder a squeeze.

@Insalius

 

[Skylar Rook]

Well...It wasn't a no, which was far better than anything Skylar had been anticipating. Grabbing his helmet to put back on as he followed the other man, he was amused when Sumas took the alcohol as they made their way out of the bar. That alone made him feel better, as even though they were on a better area of the planet Coruscant was not his kind of place. Too many people, too many people who could hate Mandalorians at that. He would be glad to be back to the other man's ship, though he wasn't quite sure what he would find back there. Maybe some more talk, maybe some friendship, maybe...something more. That last thought kept the blush going on his face. "I feel better, yeah. And I won't tell anyone, I promise." His words were honest on both subjects. He wasn't sure why Sumas didn't want anyone else to know, but he respected the man's wish for privacy. Whatever happened would only stay between them. And while his issues weren't solved in one conversation, it did put them in a different light to consider. His tail wagged slowly, the first time it had done so on it's own in a while. That was one way of seeing his better mood.

@KinkyPrawn

 

[Sumas Solus]

Sumas smiled at Skylar's words. It was probably not that big a deal for the Mandalorian people who a person slept with...but it was still somewhat personal for Sumas. This wasn't something he had done before. But he felt crazy enough today so why not? As long as the entire Mando'ade didn't find out right off the bat he was cool with it. His arm wrapped around Skylar's shoulder and pulled him closer as Sumas chuckled. "You're not so bad, Rook." he commented softly as they walked towards his ship. "Now, let's get out of this armour and have some fun." he commented rather slyly as he glanced at Skylar again.

This had certainly turned into a rather strange trip...not that either of them were complaining.

/End Thread

@Insalius