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[Shale Vizsla]

Teddy’s was a popular joint for Mandos to relax after a hard day’s work. That also applied to soldiers returning from combat and others that were working on rebuilding assets since the war was in full force. It was evening time and a modest crowd was gathering with the promise of live music. There was a band playing 100 ABY throwbacks and a lot of people got a pint to drink and enjoy the festivities. Mandos from multiple clans all gathered, some playing games, others brawling playfully or some trying to spit game.

There was a band on stage and Shale was the lead guitar. They finished up their last song and jumped right into the next throwback. It was clear Shale was enjoying herself, completely in the moment as she played her guitar and performed. The man singing was a Kryze, and he was bellowing into the mic. He had no qualms with taking his helmet off, and his handsome face was on display. Shale kept her helmet on, her fingers traveling easily across the strings as she played.

The energy was high and the emotions were raw. Everyone was having a good time, the place filling up again after it had been empty for years. Shale would take a break after this particular song to get herself a drink, but for now, she was focused on playing.

 

[Nox Solus]

The doors to Teddy's swung open as a large group of Solus strode in, Nox at the front as the atmosphere of the room immediately slammed into him. Word had spread amongst the Mandalorians about the Garos invasion and Solus leading that charge. Each one wanted to let off some steam before they were set off to fight, their Solus'alor along with them. The noise of the opening would have attracted attention but the sound was drowned out by the electrifying music.

While Nox wasn't alone with the others there, his real companion stood near the top of his shins, the white coat reflecting a few of the lights that flicked around the room. Albino lifted her head as she peered around, more curious than anything with being in a place with more Mandalorians than she's most likely ever seen. Surprisingly, the music didn't seem to bother her and she stuck close to his leg while they moved. Nox still hadn't found a suitable name for her and hasn't used anything as such to address her yet.

As the group of red navigated to the bar, Nox's visor couldn't help but drift to the stage and how the band was shredding. When his gaze locked on, the sight made him stop in his tracks while the rest moved on. One of the members stood out as he could recognize that obsidian armor anywhere. Shale hadn't noticed him at all, completely lost in the music. Nox couldn't help but stare blankly. He had never known this about her. Her fingers moved with their own accord across the strings as she appeared to be in her own blissful paradise and letting the crowd just get a peek of what she was experiencing. The guitar was an extension of herself at that moment. Without him knowing it, a wild grin had spread underneath his helmet while watching her.

As the crowd cheered them, Nox let out a sharp whistle, one a little deeper than the rest but blending with the crowd. One of the badgers noticed his absence at the bar and walked over, You secretly one of his groupies too? Come on, Referring to the helmetless singer. Standing beside you all day, I forgot what something pretty looked like. The two chuckled at each other while they went toward the bar but Nox's gaze would lock on Shale as did the rest of the room.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

The song finished up and the cantina exploded into cheers. Shale waved at them, the lead singer turning to give her a charming smile. She simply waved back at him before making her way off stage. She was in a good mood and she wanted to celebrate with a few drinks. Right away she spotted a throng of Solus. They always drew attention like a bunch of loud frat boys and this was no exception. The other clans either gave them a wide berth or simply rolled their eyes. Shale noticed a familiar dire badger, having to suppress laughter at spotting it inside here. Count on a Solus to take their beasts anywhere.

Shale perked up when she spotted Nox, though she didn’t know if it was appropriate to simply waltz up to him. He was Alor, and he was surrounded by soldiers that would likely give her nonsense for acting like she could just roll up to their leader. Instead, Shale simply waved at Nox through the crowd, giving him that familiar cock of her head before she made her way to the bar a few people over from him.

She ordered herself a mixed drink but she couldn’t help but glance over at Nox every now and then. Another Vizsla woman walked over to take a seat near her. She nudged Shale with a grin, her helmet off, “Is that you eying some Solus boys?” She asked with a hint of surprise and amusement. Shale looked back and scowled beneath the helmet.

“Shut up,” She grumbled as she drew from the straw to drink through her helmet.

 

[Nox Solus]

Instead of clapping, all of the Solus by the bar would close their hands and repeatedly slam them on the counter. It was enough force to shake the surface and drop a few glasses but they didn't care. It was easy to tell why the others stayed away. Even Nox joined in as he let out a few hoots, his gaze able to discern Shale from the rest of the crowd.

His visor tracked with her and when she offered a wave, he would give a smooth one back. Their interaction didn't last long though as one of the Badgers would grab him by a plate and turn him. A mug was slammed into his chest, some of the content spilling onto him as he quickly caught it. The others laughed before they grabbed their own to drink. Simultaneously still, all of them smacked the bottom of the mugs on the counter before tilting their helmets back to gulp the ale down.

By the time they finished cheers erupted before more was ordered. Nox simply tossed the empty mug on the counter and withstood a few pats before he directed his gaze back in Shale's general direction. Instead of the stage, she was at the bar and the Solus felt no hindrance to approach her in the slightest despite all present. With the distance closed, he pushed through his fellow clansmen toward her.

As he approached, the fellow Vizla's eyes would peel off and go toward Nox's massive frame as they widened slightly. She realized who Shale had been potentially eyeing. Nox closed the distance as he would knock his helmet against Shale's, slightly harder than last time but still with warmth like before. You were breathtaking. I should be coming here more often. He had spoken when their helms had been in contact before he separated.

With him approaching the Vizla's first, the rest of the Solus noticed and it gave a few of them a little confidence. One would walk over to Shale's friend, a lopsided grin across his face, And how are you? In a few seconds, they would all eventually be surrounded by crimson as the rest migrated with their Alor and to mingle with the rest of the Vizla girls. They were all about to head to battle soon and if someone looked good to them, they didn't care the colors they bore.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale felt the Vizsla nudge her and she was about to snap when she noticed the woman was jutting her chin. She followed her gaze, surprised as she spotted Nox making his way over. He cut an imposing figure as always, and it was almost comical how intimidated everyone else was as they scattered to let him pass. Shale remained frozen in place, heat rising to her face and unfamiliar flutters going through her as he approached. How the hell did he have this uncanny ability to make someone as tough as her feel like a lovesick teen?

She stiffened a bit when he touched their helmets, though she didn’t back down. She was once again thankful the helmet hid her flustered and ridiculous face from view. Shale shifted awkwardly at his compliment, “Thanks,” She said quietly, “I didn’t know you were going to be here,” Shale said as she gestured for him to take her friend’s seat as she wandered off to talk to a ‘Solus boy’.

“What’re you feeding her? She’s bigger each time I see her!” Shale said with a chuckle as she glanced down at the dire badger. She looked back at Nox, “So, you here to actually relax this time or are you about to ask me to join you on another ridiculous venture?” He would be able to tell she was smiling even from her voice.

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox gladly took her invitation and sat down beside her. Even being in a different clan, he always felt relaxed and at ease when he was within proximity of her. He didn't have to act like an Alor, he could just be himself and he savored it. Before he could reply, Shale's attention was stolen by his badger as she greeted Albino warmly.

The badger recognized her instantly and walked over to her, remembering how she mended Nox after they had bonded. Albino was big enough that when she neared her chair, she placed her front claws on one of the support bars before simply stretching her neck to place her head at Shale's thigh. Her crimson eyes blinked calmly as she relaxed openly. Compared to Nox, she was actually rather calm most of the time and a unique foil to his emotive personality. There was significance to how comfortable his badger was with her and it drew his attention for a moment.

At the question of feeding her, Nox couldn't help but scoff, She's given up on letting me choose her dinner for her. She hunts on her own now. He then scratched her ear for a brief second, I hope you haven't been eating foundlings now. Albino simply huffed before she withdrew from Shale and returned by his side.

At her second round of questions, Nox held up his hands for a moment for a chuckle before he said, Just here to relax this time. Promise. When his hands dropped, he glanced at the Solus around him, We leave for Garos in a day or two. I intend to enjoy my time peacefully until then. Albino sat gleefully under him from what happened last time.

Nox's gaze drifted to the stage as he saw the singer and drummer speaking with themselves. After a moment, his visor returned back to Shale as he cocked his head slightly, So, can I get a private show and get you all for myself tonight or do you have a duty to the people? Either option was a win for him but he certainly hoped for the first one over the latter. A lopsided grin was underneath his words as well.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale was surprised to see the badger come up to her and act almost affectionately. It made her smile beneath the helmet and she reached over to gently pet her and scratch under the chin, “I think she likes me” Shale said cheerfully. Dire badgers were usually very standoffish with anyone they were not bonded to, so this was comforting for Shale.

She looked up when Nox mentioned Garos, sighing beneath the helmet. So he would be at the front lines again. Shale had intended to go with the next wave, but this one sounded like a Solus run. They were Mandos, and yet she couldn’t help that slight pang of concern whenever she knew he was going into combat and potentially facing Force users.

His next comments resulted in her coughing a few times, her face turning bright red beneath the helmet. She turned to take a long draw from her drink before looking back at him, “You Solus are always so damn bold,” Shale said with a soft chuckle, “Isn’t it you that has the duty to the people and all that jazz, Alor?” She said to where he would hear the smile in her voice, “But…since you asked nicely,” Shale turned to finish off her drink, “I suppose I can clear out my evening for you.”

She turned to face him fully then, “What did you have in mind?”

 

[Nox Solus]

The sigh didn't pass unnoticed by him when he had mentioned Garos. Nox couldn't tell if it was regret for not being able to participate or if it was because of his involvement. He almost commented but he found that no words came out. Shale had a quick tongue for retaliation but he also realized even he had felt slightly concerned too, the type where he possibly didn't make it back to someone. It was the first time he had ever felt a sensation as such and it confused him for a moment.

But his confusion didn't dwell long as his question made her go into a coughing fit. Both Nox and Albino would twist their heads to look at her, his cocked slightly at an angle as a hidden smile had spread wide underneath his helmet. He experienced great joy whenever he could make her stumble over herself. Being one of the first times he actually thought about it, he wished her helmet could have magically vanished for him to really relish her reaction.

At her comment of his people being bold, Nox simply shrugged his shoulders, Short life, have to go after what you want, basically telling Shale it was her. The quickness of his response showed how truthful and natural it was to him. Hearing the flip on his own words, Nox laughed softly before he stepped towards her, hooking his index finger inward as he leaned in. Even Alor's can enjoy themselves too. With the hooked finger, he softly brought it up and knocked the tip of her helmet to rattle it slightly.

With her question, he took a step back, I was a nomad and tracker before becoming Alor. I found something a long time ago I want to show you. And don't forget your guitar, I wasn't joking about my private show. Nox then nodded to the door, We'll have to use a speeder, can't fly. Albino once more huffed loudly beneath, simply stating with the sound, "Try and get in the air with me."

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale was several different shades of red when Nox spoke. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so disarmed by a man both in and out of combat. She simply remained silent, but her body language would reveal she was flustered. She felt that familiar anxiety bubble up that reminded her that he didn’t know every detail about her. There was a very big detail she hadn’t shared yet, but she knew she couldn’t hide it much longer. Truth was that she wanted to walk through the door he had cracked open. She didn’t even realize when that desire bubbled up, but there was no denying it now. She didn’t want to sit on it and one day have just his armor return from a battle only to regret it forever. They didn’t have the luxury of time and predictability.

“Okay, let’s go,” She said as she rose up and walked over to grab her guitar. Shale was unsure what kind of performance he expected - she was only an average singer. Her skills were almost exclusively in shredding the guitar. The Vizsla walked through the cantina with Nox, ignoring the stares and murmurs directed their way. She knew there would be a lot of gossip around this and Vizsla especially wouldn’t be too thrilled, but she didn’t care at that moment.

Shale followed him into his speeder, setting her guitar in the back and getting into the passenger seat next to Nox. The Vizsla tilted her head to regard him, “Have you always been bold or did things happen throughout your life that shaped you this way?” It was a question she often had for Solus, but she had never gotten to know one well enough to ask.

 

[Nox Solus]

The two made it outside and towards his speeder. The stares and murmurs didn't bother Nox, each one practically bouncing off his armor before he left the building. His only care for anyone's opinion was Shale's's and they were already leaving together. When they approached the vehicle, he opened the door for Albino as she climbed into the backseat too for the ride.

As they drove off from the cantina and Nox heard her question, his first response was to let out a chuckle as he glanced at her before he returned his eyes to the road. The first words that left his mouth went to memories that could be considered fond now, "Things happened throughout my life as you put it. I got my ass whipped a few times to learn about myself. Also found out the hard way that our life tends to be short to help justify." There would be a note of sadness in his last sentence, even with the helmet as it was easy to tell he thought of something specific.

Normally, the conversation would have stopped there with others, the answer short sweet, and simple. But until recently, Nox had been alone for a major part of his life and hadn't really spoken to anyone about his past. With Shale, there was a sort of comfort and ease that fell over him that no one else afforded him, even if he wanted it to happen. This surprisingly made the words just slip out of him, finding himself wanting to share.

"I wasn't born into a Clan. I grew up a few years before I became a foundling. I barely remember what happened and I'm certain I've almost blocked it out. The only sliver I can recall is a fuzzy image of my parents before I was taken in by Solus." Nox glanced over to Shale once more, "I was a scared kid when I first arrived and hated being in an unfamiliar place. It was a rough adjustment, to say the least." That much he could recall at least as his visor went back to the front, the way the others looked and snuffed out his weakness at first. "I didn't fare well until I met another foundling named Cal'rin. I guess he felt pity for me but he picked up and helped teach me what it meant to be a Mandalorian." As he spoke, memories flashed before his eyes quickly and Shale wouldn't be able to catch the silent grin he made under the helmet. "Long story short, chalk up quite a bit of my boldness to him," a certain appreciation in his tone.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale listened quietly as he spoke, her body language betraying that she was surprised. She hadn’t known he was adopted instead of being born into it. However, with their dwindling numbers, the former was a lot more common. It made no difference in their culture, but it was surprising to hear from him nonetheless. He learned the way well enough to where he was indistinguishable from someone born to a Mandalorian family.

“Well Cal’rin did a great job,” She said quietly, smiling beneath her helmet before she chuckled, "You know how to get your ass whooped in style," She pondered on his words the entire drive over, speaking again only when they arrived. Shale sighed as she looked away briefly, chewing on her thoughts for a moment.

“You’re right..” Shale said softly, “Our lives do tend to be short. Especially when we’re actively thrown into wars,” She looked over at him. After a moment, she reached a gloved hand to place over his, “I’m supposed to accept our ways of life, but I can’t help but worry about you each time you go away,” Shale felt entirely pathetic for admitting it aloud, but she decided she didn’t care. She had just enough to drink to give herself that much needed courage boost she would lack otherwise, but not nearly enough to where she was drunk.

“When I’m with you…just you.. I don’t care about our clans, sigils, banners, colors or any of that..” She chuckled softly as she looked down, “Probably makes me a shit Mando.”

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox couldn't help but laugh at her words about his style. He gave a little cock of his head, "That he did and that I do." For a reason unknown to Shale, it was unfortunate that Cal'rin had both been the cause for his learning about the shortness of their lifestyle. He would have loved to show his old friend how he had turned out but there would never be another chance. That part wasn't shared yet.

The two finally arrived at their destination, Nox taking them once more into the mountain range. Albino would peer over the side, a similar sight of her old home drawing her interest. When they arrived in a small valley, he would stop the speeder at the edge but remain in the vehicle with Shale. When she spoke again, his visor slid over to her as he listened silently. He had been drawn in enough by her words that he hadn't even noticed her hand drift over his until it was completely on top.

At that moment, Nox felt his heart thump harder than it ever did in battle. Even against the armor, it lit his skin and the weight of her hand felt even heavier and more comfortable than his own armor. It was one of the first times she had made an attempt to reach out to him without his provocation. Even if it was small, he recognized it and cherished that she was becoming more comfortable. A wave of appreciation went through him. Two of his fingers would hook onto her own, giving her a light squeeze as she continued speaking.

Nox's gaze wouldn't break from Shale's, not for a second as she spoke. When she finished and dropped her gaze, he would be silent for a second before he turned over his hand and completely interlocked their hands together. A reassuring squeeze would be given before he spoke softly, "And for the first time, I worry each time I enter into battle because I have someone I want to return to." He then lowered his forehead to connect with hers, "It means you follow your heart and after what you want. Tomorrow may be our last, we don't have time for colors and banners. That makes you more of a Mandalorian than most I know. Don't be afraid." The words were the utter truth and what he believed. There was a strength in her that he could see, he just wished she saw it too.

Nox would lift his head slightly to give her forehead a gentle tap before he gingerly released his grasp from hers, "Come on, it's not far." He would give one more squeeze before stepping out of the vehicle, Albino exiting from his door as well. When Shale got out, he would silently motion with his head to come as he stepped down into the valley.

They wouldn't travel far as the rocks soon stood over their heads. An entrance to a tunnel would appear to the side, the rocks ragged but Nox walked in without any worry. He would be mostly silent for the walk through the tunnel as he activated his helmet lights for them to see. After a few moments, Shale would be able to hear the sound of water running and feel the air dampen, and the further they walked, it would become louder but not obnoxious.

At the end of the tunnel, they would be able to see sunlight once more as Nox turned off the lights. When they stepped through it, they would be greeted with a beautiful sight. It was a massive cavern, with gigantic holes in the roof of it that allowed the sunlight to pour in above. Multiple waterfalls poured out of the walls unnaturally and into blue pools throughout that reflected the light and turned into a small stream itself and continued on in the cavern. The entire space was colored in a light blue hue because of the reflection. If the walls were inspected, it would be found they haven't formed through erosion but a culmination of smoothened out and jagged rocks formed in ovular shapes that cut into each other.

Nox would stop at the edge of one of the pools and turn to Shale, "Found this years ago on one of my hunts. Some of our people hid in the mountains during the glassing and on the second wave, the Sith tried to flush them out. It created this." He then gestured to the water.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale’s heart was thundering against her chest as he held her hand and spoke. She had intimate moments before, but they seldom involved anything to a deeper degree like this. It frightened and exhilarated her at once. She looked at him in silence moments before he touched their helmets together again, an affectionate gesture that became common between them. Shale got out of the speeder, grabbing her guitar and following him.

Her jaw dropped as they explored the cavern and the way the hues of light illuminated what appeared to be a cenote. There was a sharp intake of breath as Shale took it all in, surprised at the beauty that surrounded them. She looked over at Nox when he explained the backstory.

“It’s stunning,” She said, looking back at the vibrant pools of water below. Shale stood there for a moment before looking back at Nox, “Well, I do owe you a song, don’t I?”

With that, she grabbed her guitar - she had taken the acoustic - and sat down on the edge. She began to strum the chords of a familiar classic song. Shale began to sing after a moment. She wasn’t an exceptionally talented singer, but she could definitely carry a tune.

“Jetpaaacks keep on burnin’! Carry me home to see my kin! Singin’ songs about Manda’yaim, I miss home once again and I think it’s a sin, yeah!” She kept singing the song as she strummed, her voice and the chords carrying throughout the entire cavern and echoing. Every now and then she looked over at Nox, playfully nudging him with her elbow to get him to join in.

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox couldn't see her reaction but her relative silence for a few moments told him enough. After a moment, she shared what she thought and he just gave a slight nod. It had been the only time he shared with another and he was happy to see his reaction from years ago had been replicated.

At Shale owing him a song, Nox chuckled softly before he gave a slight shrug, "Everything comes with a price." While he always found himself enjoying their time together, he did bring her out for his private show. Given how the bombs had shaped the rock walls, the cavern provided great acoustics for her and her acoustic guitar.

Nox would step away from the edge and sit right next to her, his knees drawn up and elbows on top. When she first started drumming and he realized the song she played, he chuckled softly before he laid back on his elbows and stretched out. There was nothing that could beat the classics. Shale may have thought she wasn't the most talented singer but her voice had always been pleasant to hear for him and that still hadn't changed.

As she started to sing the lyrics, she wouldn't be able to see the smile spreading underneath Nox's helmet. He barely noticed when she nudged him the first time to get him to join. At first, he just put up a hand to silently reject the option. He was supposed to enjoy the show not be a part of it. But when she nudged him again and turned him over slightly, he shook his head as he relented and chuckled softly before he sat back up.

As she strummed, Nox patted his hands against different parts of his legs, supplementing the chords as he found his spot to join. He opened his mouth but then shook his head, more nervous at that point for some reason than in an actual battle. After a second, he joined in with her, "Well I heard Warrior boy chant about her! Well, I heard the old boy put her down! Well, I hope Warrior boy will reememberr! A Mandalorian doesn't need him close anyhow!"

As the two sang their hearts out, Albino simply lifted her head to stare at them. It lasted a few seconds before she turned around and ventured further into the cavern.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale smiled as she sang when Nox finally joined in. She knew he knew the lyrics, and for a while the two of them sang through the chorus, “Sweeet home Mandaloore! Where the lands are so green! Sweet home Mandalooore, it’s a part of you I’ve never seen!” She grinned widely. The song was made after Mandalore was glassed and it talked fondly of old days and returning home from the war. Shale strummed the music bits and finally winded down, setting her guitar aside. Her legs were dangling over the edge, swinging back and forth. It was clear she was in a great mood.

“Maybe I’ll bring you on stage with me next time,” She said with a chuckle, “You’re not half bad,” She playfully nudged him again. Shale looked over the edge and down at the water. She wondered if it was icy cold beyond the turquoise hues. After a moment, she gently leaned her head in to rest against Nox’s shoulder. Shale didn’t say anything immediately, simply watching the water and the way the light glinted off the different surfaces. She enjoyed it being just the two of them and with her expressing herself more than she had before. There was no one around to judge or offer color commentary. She felt as if she were on the other side of the galaxy, far from the war, and it was just them there.

 

[Nox Solus]

It was easy to forget about the galaxy outside the cavern, the involvement with the Sith, the constant fighting and rebuilding of their people. It was nice for him to just let his responsibilities of being an Alor slip from his mind without any resistance.

When the two finished the chorus, Nox ended it with a soft laugh as he hadn't expected his own participation. "You better cherish that. I don't sing with just anyone," he murmured back with a nudge.

At the comment about bringing him on the stage with her, he could only shake his after her nudge as he teased back, "You wouldn't want that. I'd hate to steal the spotlight from you." Besides, he would want to watch her instead of sing, he found more enjoyment in that. When he felt her head lower onto his shoulder, Nox half glanced toward her before he stared back out to the water. His helmet lowered onto hers gently then and even with them wearing armor, she fit perfectly against him like a piece of a puzzle. The Solus' left hand would be placed on Shale's nearest thigh, drawing her leg tighter into his as he gave a soft squeeze.

The two would just sit there as they watched the water pool and then flow on, the colors of it illuminating the entire room. Silence fell between them but it wasn't awkward but comfortable. The two simply enjoyed each other presence and words didn't need to be shared to elaborate. But as the seconds ticked by, a thought continued to nag the back of Nox's mind, especially with him soon deploying for Garos.

Nox lifted his helmet from Shale's as he spoke, "Every time I see you, I either go out to fight or get my ass whooped in style. If for some reason I don't come back one of these times, I want to show you who I really am before that chance gets taken away. Even if you don't want to yourself yet." His visor would turn to fully lock on her's a couple of moments, his words carrying a heavy weight to them as she would most likely realize what he was about to do. Nox's own heart beat rapidly and almost out of his chest but it still felt right to him nonetheless. He believed in the old way and knew what this meant for both of them but it didn't deter him. "Don't be afraid..." The words were repeated from the speeder and spoken not just for her but for both of them. With Nox's one free hand, he lifted it to the chin of the helmet to pinch before he started to raise it.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale felt heat course through her body as he pulled her leg a bit closer. She couldn’t feel his touch against her skin, but the weight of his hand was enough to leave her flustered. She looked at him when he turned to gaze at her, listening in silence as he spoke. When he talked about not returning, her body visibly stiffened, and he would realize she had a visceral reaction to the thought. Nevertheless, she didn’t move away, hearing him out as he spoke. She caught on instantly as he began to reach for his helmet. Shale didn’t move to stop him, but her heart thundered against her chest. Solus were especially rigid about these rules, far more than Vizsla.

She watched as the helmet was removed from his head and she gazed upon him for the first time. Shale could only stare for a moment, her hand coming up to gently brush against the side of his jawline, “Well you definitely avoided getting your face fucked up in all those fights,” She chuckled softly, exhilarated at finally seeing him. Shale lingered there for a bit before reaching back towards her helmet. The rules weren’t so strict for her clan, but she followed this just for her own purposes. She already knew she would have to cross this bridge if she ever wanted to cross the subsequent ones with him.

Shale slowly removed her helmet, letting her long and intricate hair fall back. Her brilliant eyes gazed into his for the first time. Her face was already flushed and slightly red, her heart still beating rapidly. She didn’t take her eyes off him as she removed her gauntlets. Shale reached up her bare hand, tracing her fingers along the side of his face. She couldn’t even formulate words, and she simply stopped to admire him and feel his skin under her touch for the first time.

"I'm never afraid of you.." She whispered softly, "Only myself.."

 

[Nox Solus]

The helmet would slip off easily, at first his sharp and bearded jaw coming through before the entire bucket was finally peeled off. Shale would still find a young man, Nox eye's carrying a mixture of both youth and age as he had seen and done things that have matured him. The color of his eyes was practically a bright maple that held a spark within it and a stark contrast to his matted jet-black hair. He didn't speak at first, letting her examine him as they both got used to him helmetless. One of her hands came up and at first, when she touched his skin, he didn't react, unfamiliar with the feeling for years. But as her fingers gently dug into his skin, he pressed his cheek into her grasp, comforted by the feel.

Nox chuckled at her words before he turned his head slightly, highlighting the scar that traveled down his right eye but hadn't blinded him. She would hear a light rasp of his knuckles against his helmet beside him, "Beskar but don't count me out yet. My style evolves." He thought this would be it but then the next move she made surprised him. Without him saying anything, Shale reached back to her own helmet to take it off. Nox quietly just stared at her, his eyes conveying more than he could ever say.

Shale's long hair spilled out first, his eyes flicking to it momentarily but what would really seize his attention was her eyes. They were captivating and the same striking color as the water. There was a vibrance in them he had never seen before and he was sure his mouth parted slightly before he managed to close it. She was breathtaking and had nearly taken his.

Once more, her hand came up to his face but this time bare. It would be skin against skin and Nox instantly felt her warmth as it blossomed through his cheek. He closed his eyes momentarily, enjoying the sensation as he kept his left hand away from her. When she spoke again, his eyes would snap open more as he peered at her with curiosity.

Without even thinking, Nox's right hand stretched forth and cupped her cheek as he drew her head in. Their proximity allowed him to simply drop his forehead against her's once more as he always liked to do, the heat between them hotter than before. He breathed in quietly before he spoke, "Don't ever be... you're beautiful." With a slight pause after his words, his lips would come down and press against Shale's as he claimed them. They formed perfectly against each other and Nox's hand would slip to the back of her neck and into her voluminous hair, deepening the kiss and showing just how afraid he was of her.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale caught the way he was staring at her and her face flushed even more. She could only nervously smile as he pressed their foreheads together and complimented her. She felt the heat between them, a complete 180 from the cold metal. The Vizsla was entirely surprised and exhilarated when he closed the distance and captured her lips. Shale tilted her head, leaning into the kiss. She didn’t even realize she wanted this as badly as she did, pressing into him. Her hand moved from his face to curl into his hair, grasping almost possessively as she pulled him closer.

She forgot about everything else then, focusing only on the taste of him as her blood ran hot. Shale took her time, kissing him as if she’d never kiss him again and tugging him close. She wanted to keep going and feel more of him, biting down and nibbling against his lower lip. However, she paused after a moment and drew back, surprised at the turn of events. Her face was still flushed and she looked away for a moment.

“I…” She mumbled quietly, “I have to tell you something,” Shale chewed her lip, despising that she even had to do this. Her knuckles almost turned white from gripping the sides of the ledge so hard. Shale exhaled softly, closing her eyes before opening them again, “I’m…I’m a trans woman,” She stated at last, “I’m..I’m different,” Shale shifted uncomfortably, glancing down briefly down towards her lap before looking forward again, “I’m telling you this because I want you to know everything about me. Regardless of where you want to go from here, I want you to know,” She slowly turned to look at him, nervous about his reaction.

 

[Nox Solus]

At first, Nox had taken it slowly as he didn't want to push her. He knew all the steps they had taken to get here and he didn't want to scare her off now. But once their lips connected and both pressed into each other, his want and hunger started to unfurl within him. The feeling of her skin against his instead of cold metal lit a flame within him and made him crave her, even more than he even realized before they kissed.

Nox breathed her in as he let her draw themselves closer, his fingers woven in her hair tightening as his lips danced with hers. It felt natural with her and a piece of himself that he had been missing his entire life finally returning. Shale had nibbled on his lower lip and earned a soft groan from him as the hairs on the back of his neck raised from the small move. But before he could repay the favor though, she surprisingly drew back from him as their kissing came to a screeching halt.

Nox believed he did something to make her uncomfortable and would back up slightly too. His first thought was he had been overeager but then Shale spoke, revealing that she had to share something with him. Even without sharing too much then, he could see the weight that had been placed on her shoulders. It was easy to also see within her eyes the internal battle that was taking place. It was a simple wish of his that he wanted to help her but it was a fight she had to do on her own as he silently waited.

When the next words left her mouth, however, they slammed into him like a truck while the entire cavern became muted for him. Instantly, memories of their past flashed through his head. All the times she had wanted to reach out to him but there always seemed to be something holding her back. During the times at the tower and during the hunt when they had found his badger and he had become furious because he knew there was an invisible wall between them but not why. The lines started to rapidly form between the dots, Nox only able to part his mouth slightly as he didn't know what to say at first. A streak of guilt had shot through him for a moment as he hated the idea he had added pressure on her.

But as a couple of seconds ticked by, Nox's gaze would never leave hers and he would suddenly turn to fully face her. With his right hand, he cupped her face gingerly once more as his maple optics stared into her stark blue ones. He spoke softly and with affection he showed to few, their faces inches apart and laying the truth out bare for her. "Normal, different... It doesn't change or will change how I feel about you. Wherever I go from here, all I know is I want you by my side still." The Solus would then place a kiss between her two eyebrows before he murmured as the tips of their nose touched, "Thank you for sharing with me, Mudpie."