Ask Mandalore There is Always Time

[Nox Solus]

Nox's mind could barely process what had happened in the past few days. He had just made his ascension to Mand'alor and the weight of such a title was still attempting to appropriately fit him. The image of him as a lone bounty hunter hopping from one planet to the next seemed so distant that he almost didn't recognize it. He supposed that should have been a good thing, the indication of that difficulty showing how far they had progressed. But, for most of his life, he had been accustomed to that way of living and it certainly didn't help him wrestle with the mantle.

Another reason his mind had been so clouded was because of pure exhaustion. For months, he had campaigned and initiated multiple invasions across the galaxy. Nox was a mandalorian and made for war but that didn't mean he was impervious to fatigue and it was beginning to have its effects. The weight of his limbs had magnified tenfold and it would only be a few days before he shipped off yet again. In that window, he only had one place in mind where he wanted to spend that time and with who. It had been given to him in secret and somewhere offered he could always retreat to. The Solus soared through the air in his jetpack and alone, his path taking him to MandalMotors but not specifically, a complex near it.

Spearing through the clouds to avoid detection, Nox would rapidly dive to one of the higher levels of the building. He counted downwards before finding the balcony he wanted and banked toward it. Swinging his feet underneath, he landed with a slight thud and in a half crouched position before he stood to his full height. Nox could feel the strain in his knees and knew that was clearly a sign of his state of being. A momentary pause happened before he finally stepped forward to the glass door and slid it open to enter. The visor that glanced around completely ignored the interior before he found a certain head of hair sitting on a couch. Upon just seeing the simple locks, the tension bundled in his shoulders and muscles eased out without effort as he relaxed.

Nox was always fighting, either on the front lines or within his mind, attempting to plan how to keep his people intact and not repeat their history. Shale was his peace, one he couldn't find anywhere else and that he savored. Whether she turned to him or not, the glass door would be shut behind him as Nox peeled off his helmet with one hand, revealing his face and matted hair. The final two pieces were his jetpack and chest piece, both of them placed on the table beside him.

More would have come off but he didn't have the energy for it. Without warning, Nox made his way over to the couch and sat on the corner of it before simply falling back and collapsing onto it. Because of his massive frame, his head nearly made it to Shale's thigh and he scooted an inch to nestle it there. Both his eyelids would be shut as he stared up at the ceiling, interrupting whatever she had been doing without apology. A moment would pass until the Solus took a long inhale and then slowly exhaled, his eyes never opening as he murmured softly after, "Hi."

 

[Shale Vizsla]

To say that Shale was entirely unprepared to receive visitors was an understatement. Only close members of her own clan knew where she lived and Nox. She hadn’t been expecting anyone, so she was well out of armor and dressed in a simple blank tank and some sweatpants. The tank top revealed her full sleeve tattoo on her left arm and one that covered the right bicep. Her hair was slightly damp from the shower and she was sitting on the couch watching her guilty pleasure reality Holo show - Hearts In Stars. This week was featuring one of her favorite couple pairings and she hoped the guy wouldn’t fuck it up and actually make a move.

She barely heard the glass door open, but it was enough for her to quickly grasp a blaster from a side table and whirl around. She froze when she saw Nox, following his movements till he casually plopped down on the couch and moved till his head rested on her lap. Shale was still frozen in shock, not entirely processing what was happening. Her heart began to pound against her chest and she gingerly set her blaster back down. Her long hair fell in waves down past her shoulders and she smelled like floral shampoo.

“Never in a million years did I think I’d have the Mand’alor crashing in on me watching trash Holo,” Shale blurted out. She finally began to relax, her surprise replaced with excitement and eagerness from seeing him. She had ducked out a bit early from his ceremony and she doubted he noticed because of how swarmed he was. However, seeing him here now caused something to bubble up in her chest. She only hoped he managed to avoid being seen - he didn’t need any clan rumors and drama just yet.

“Don’t you have somewhere important to be?” Shale asked with a smile as she brought up her hand to gently caress along his cheek. She had only felt his face once before and she savored the touch every moment she had.

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox pretty much ignored all of her looks of shock and didn't even flinch at the sight of the blaster. Normally, he would have properly made his entrance but he just wanted to lay down and see her. The exhaustion helped push out any inkling of self-preservation once he laid eyes on his target. After his head nestled on her lap, his body sank into the couch and he was thankful for the relief as he stayed put, trapping her under until she used effort.

The Mand'alor could have fallen asleep right there with trash Holo in the background, the warmth and scent of Shale easing him into it smoothly. When he caught her comment, both his eyebrows shot up slightly even with his eyes remaining closed. His left hand would come up, the glove pulled off and thrown away before he slipped his fingers into her luscious locks of hair, gracefully wrapping a few of them around a finger. Nox would reply back humorously, "Don't you know? Your Mand'alor is all about shattering expectations and kicking ass. It's what I do."

After he said that, he gently tugged the hair to his face while he turned his head and gave a sniff before leaning back, adding "Keep using whatever this is." Even though simple, the scent was intoxicating and if he hadn't been dogged, they would most likely be greeting each other differently. Nox had only been there for minutes but he felt completely at ease, his rank shredded, expectations, everything, and it was exactly why he couldn't get enough of her.

Warm fingers then traced along his skin, breaking his thoughts as he fixated on them immediately. His head turned slightly, pressed more into her touch, her fingers caressing the hardened angle of his jaw from constant combat. After a few seconds of savoring her touch, he shifted his head so that he would be gazing up at her. Both of his eyes would finally open, two deep pools of amber revealed as they stared right at her, "And I came as fast as I could." The humor had slipped away from his voice, completely serious about what he had said. She was important to him and that would always remain true, whether Solus'alor or Mand'alor, his position didn't matter.

Nox's exposed hand would slide across his chest and to Shale's hand still caressing his jaw, overlaying it and interlocking their fingers as he kissed the inside of her wrist. Then he turned his head slightly to face the Holo, innocently asking, "What are we watching?" General knowledge of trash Holo for him was practically nonexistent.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

It felt surreal to be here like this - away from everything and where they weren’t their clans. He was just Nox to her, though she had to actively remind herself of that instead of internally panicking about having the Mand’alor on her lap. She smiled down at him when he opened his eyes, feeling him gently twirl a few strands of her hair around. When he responded to her quip about being somewhere important, Shale couldn’t suppress the redness that bubbled to her cheeks. Her entire face felt hot, and she fidgeted a bit. There was no helmet to hide this.

Shale was distracted when he intertwined their fingers, the gesture so simple and yet affectionate. She stared at their hands and wondered how or when they had arrived here. She thought back to their first days of meeting one another and how her primary focus had been the old clan rivalries. Somehow they managed to pierce through one another’s armor and find themselves time and time again.

“Hearts in Stars,” She said quietly before she finally looked up at the screen again, “There are five men and five women and they rotate through dates to see who is best match. It’s…pretty shitty of a show,” She admitted with a sheepish grin, “But I unwind with this and Prince in Paradise,” Shale glanced down at Nox, “Do you ever watch Holonet? You seem the super serious type..” She chuckled quietly down at him. Her free hand slid down to his chest and absentmindedly began to undo the straps that held the plates together. Shale didn’t even give it a second thought, letting her fingers work automatically to peel the layers off.

 

[Nox Solus]

Shale had always been hard to read, the combination of her helmet and her own efforts making it nearly impossible if it wasn't for Nox's stubbornness. His gaze immediately locked on the blush that surfaced and a half-grin had spread across his own face, unable to help it seeing her reaction. It pleased him to see his words have an effect, the normal response from her was always a quip but this time she was stumped.

Nox's gaze stayed remained on Shale's, only finally peeling away when she did as they both glanced at the screen. With the description and her quiet nature of describing it, a smirk he tried to hide formed instantly. Despite the name almost breaking him, he listened intently, surprisingly... somewhat interested. For the past handful of months, he had listened to an infinite amount of reports, troop movements, and supply situations. it was all numbers, balancing pros and cons, determining how many lives could be lost nearly every day. Nox needed a break and talk of a dating show was surprisingly relaxing and enticing to him.

The contestants entered the screen, amber eyes scanning each one as he tried to imagine who Shale picked before he became distracted by her question. Nox's gaze flicked back to her but when he felt her drift along his chest, they involuntarily closed as he exhaled slowly. Her gentle touch soothed him while at the same time lit up a fire within him, almost shedding the exhaustion that clung to him right then. Shale would be able to feel the gained hardened muscle and even scar tissue underneath his garb, both earned from the numerous battles and invasions he participated in. She would feel a squeeze come from their interlocked hands. When his plates were finally reached, he would tilt his body slightly to make it easier for her to remove.

As a couple of pieces were removed and tossed to the floor, Nox opened his eyes once more to peer up at Shale, a soft chuckle escaping from him as she called him out, "Not really. I could start now, maybe this Prince in Paradise will gain a new fan." With his nomadic beginnings, he never paid attention to the Holo unless it concerned bounties. Only until recently did he actually care to keep track of it but it was mainly when government leaders decided to announce their next moves only. A tilt came to his head after, one of his eyebrows arching up at Shale, "Super though?" Nox didn't think he was that bad... at least with her.

Before he became too drawn in by her touch and could also answer his question, his attention would be casted back to the Holo, giving a relative upward nod from her lap before asking, "Who are we rooting for?"

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale was momentarily distracted by the pieces of armor she was removing. Some of it looked charred or dented, a constant reminder that he was always in line of fire. She glanced over the cybernetic hand and then briefly looked towards leg, knowing it was also cybernetic. At what point would he become more artificial than organic? Shale sighed to herself, knowing it was what came with the territory. As Mand’alor he had the biggest target on his back of anyone. How long before the clans pressured him to betray the Sith and incite another foolish war? A Solus was the rallying cry of defiance, but Shale knew it was suicide. Their people weren’t the smartest when it came to tactical decisions. However, she wouldn’t bring any of this up with him - it wasn’t her place to do so. She only hoped her had trusted advisors that could counsel him appropriately.

She was distracted when he remarked about him being serious, laughing softly, “Yes super. You show up all grumpy with your equally grumpy badger everywhere,” She giggled a bit more at the image, “Of course, no one else has seen you completely eat shit in the mud or get trucked by a badger,” In many ways, she was thankful for those fond memories she had with him.

Shale was quiet after his next question, a lone finger circling idly around his chest where there was no armor anymore, “I guess I’m rooting for us,” She said very quietly, almost inaudible. She wasn’t looking at the Holo anymore, her face growing hot at her own silly admission.

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox let a grin spread across his face upon hearing he showed up grumpy with his equally grumpy badger. He wondered who rubbed off on who in that relationship. When Shale then pointed out that she has been the only one to see the mud and badger fiasco, a humorous scoff ripped from his throat, "That is a fair point there." She has been the only one who has gotten a window into that side of him, somehow it unlocking easily whenever he was within her presence.

Amber eyes would flick back up to her, as he chuckled softly, "If Red Eyes hears you say that, she'll be even more grumpy. She's not pleased you're taking her time from me." Whenever he was absent from her, he usually had to repay the lost time with scratches and hunts for the badger. Shale was one of the few reasons he ever left his badger's side in the first place and one of the few where he didn't mind paying the punishment afterward, the offense worth it.

Once his eyes left her's, they would return to the Holo but momentarily after, he felt a finger circle right on his chest softly. Even with just a finger, Shale would be able to feel the vibrant warmth that permeated underneath his skin at her touch. After her answer quietly left her mouth, Nox once more returned his gaze to her's, it piercing through easily as they held a weight to them. The simple answer was enough to destroy the fatigue that clung to him, a pull he hadn't felt before raging within. Remaining silent, he brought his head up from her lap, at the same time twisting his body so that he would be facing her on the couch in one smooth motion, resting on his knee while his cybernetic leg was planted on the ground. His left hand would slide underneath her thigh closest to him, fingers digging into skin as he pulled inward toward the couch, making her lay on her back before him and between her long legs.

Both his hands then gripped onto her thighs, pulling her in and conjoining their hips as Nox just stared at her with a hunger intermingled with the amber there. After his cybernetic hand would let go, it moved to grip the armrest beside Shale's head and out of the way. His second hand slid up her leg as it traveled along the outskirts of her body and upward, taking its time. Nox would lean down, at first kissing her chest, tracing the exposed U of her tank-top, reaching halfway before murmuring into her skin, "From what I hear..."

Even when he reached the other side, his lips continued along the edge of the strap, kissing softly up her shoulder and then to her neck before reaching her ear. "We're the favorites," He murmured softly before returning to the neck as he began to kiss the crook of it.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale could only give a little gasp of surprise as he moved with renewed vigor from being a sack of potatoes minutes prior. She gazed up at him from her new spot on the couch on her back, surprise still on her face. However, there was excitement there too, her eyes bright and her heart pounding against her chest. Every little touch sent jolts through her, especially as she felt his hand trace up along her leg.

“Nox..” She whispered softly as she closed her eyes, savoring the sensation of his lips against her skin and the brush of his stubble. A part of her was alarmed and nervous, but she had always been open with him. He knew exactly what he was doing and who she was. Shale tilted her head back to expose more of her neck and collarbones as he kissed her, relishing the way it made her feel.

“Are you sure you want..” She began, but trailed off. Her eyes fluttered open and she couldn’t help but smile, her hand coming up to curl fingers into his hair, “Of course you’re sure..you’re a fucking Solus,” She finished almost breathlessly. Shale attempted to move to spin to climb atop him, but she wasn’t nearly as graceful. As a result, both of them were sent tumbling over the side of the couch and on the floor, right atop of his assortment of armor. Shale fell on the ground while straddling him, her hands on his chest as she stared down at him in surprise. After a moment she began to laugh, shaking her head.

“Come on, if we’re doing this, we’re doing this right,” Shale declared as she peeled herself off him. She took him by the hand and would drag him towards her bedroom. However, as they walked, Nox would notice her reach down to various pockets on her sweatpants and toss out a small blaster, spare magazines, small explosives and other weapons that she apparently had on her person at all times. The lethal weapons casually rolled across her apartment floor - enough firepower there to level the entire complex if they were activated.

Shale dragged him through her door, turned to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. It was then that she pulled him into a kiss, springing up from the ground so her legs wrapped tightly around his hips while they stood. It was clear she wasn't going to hesitate anymore.

 

[Nox Solus]

Hearing her whisper his name made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as his grip against the armrest tightened. For the past months, the only comfort that Nox had known was cots and such before he left to go fight. At the moment, all he wanted was Shale, their bodies intertwined and inseparable, both of them wrapped up in each other's warmth. The sensation easily drew him in without an inkling of resistance.

Nox caught what she asked before she answered the question herself, nearly making him chuckle that she finally figured out but he still wanted to give his own answer. His lips traveled up her neck slightly, sucking on the skin lightly and possibly leaving a mark on her. Before anything else could be done, he felt Shale spin underneath him but the couch was only so large. They ended up rolling off and onto the floor, Nox sparing her as he landed on a couple of armor pieces. He barely felt the pain that stabbed through his back, his own deep laugh rumbling out from his stomach with his focus on her. Whenever they were together, both could never seem to do it without tumbling into or onto each other but he wouldn't have it another way.

Shale pushed off of him and stood up, offering her hand as she rightfully made clear the bed was the only place for this before they got too carried away. A smirk cracked across Nox's face before he slipped his hand into her's before he replied back, "Yes ma'am." Lifted off the ground, his fingers remained intertwined with hers as he was pulled to the bedroom, his gaze greedily scanning her rear and shape, drinking in every detail while it was offered. It only broke when a blaster, explosives, and other weapons pulled out, Nox unable to help shake his head with a grin. She certainly knew how to seize a man's heart.

When she turned and jumped toward him, there was no hesitation in catching her as her legs went and locked around his waist, her arms around his neck as well. Both his hands slid to her ample rear and gave a squeeze to take in what he saw earlier, easily supporting her with both too. As their lips collided, he kissed her with a newfound hunger and passion, most pent up from not having actually seen her in months. Nox breathed her in like she could have been his last breath and he relished every second they spent together. Shale would be able to feel exactly how much he desired her from them pressed against each other.

Only a few steps were taken until his knees pressed against the bed and the signal as he placed both of them on the bed without losing contact. After a firm kiss, Nox would finally split from her to straighten out as he leaned up. With the space, he used both his hands to finally peel off his undergarb, for the first time revealing his torso to Shale. It would be the body of a crusader, a litter of small scars and burns covering the ropey muscle he earned from his years as a nomad. One she would recognize was the claw mark that marred his toned abdomen, a claw mark that stretched from the corner of his stomach almost to his waistline, a gift from Red-Eyes. The most glaring part would be his cybernetic arm as it wasn't only the limb but part of his shoulder too, the metal reflecting even the low light. There would be a slight pause then, not because of Shale but when his arm had fully been revealed.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

---​

It was some time later and Shale was still tangled up in bed with Nox. Her torso was bare, though her sweatpants remained on. She had a leg loosely wrapped around him, lying on her side as she looked at him. Her vibrant blue gaze met his as she gently brushed a hand along the side of his face, “Can you stay a while?” She asked very quietly, not wanting him to go anywhere. She wanted to savor every tender moment like this and soak up the warmth of his body against hers instead of the cold metal of their armor.

They hadn’t gone as far as Nox may have liked, and she knew that. However, he was also courteous and never pushed her or pressure in any way. It was why she had grown to care for him so much, and it was also why she wanted to take those other steps at some point. For now, she could just fall asleep with him against the gentle rise and fall of his chest, “Sometimes…I wish we could always be like this..” She said quietly, knowing it was unorthodox to say so. A Mandalorian’s life was in armor, but she couldn’t deny sometimes she wondered what it was like to live a life without armor or helmet.

 

[Nox Solus]

Shale would have to wait sometime before Nox finally woke up. Once they had finished, his muscles had screamed for him to get rest. The lights went out for him once his head had hit the pillow and his body tucked him in as it shut down piece by piece. It had been one of the most peaceful nights of rest he had gotten in what felt like years. His eyes were still closed as the light filtered through the curtains, Shale's leg rising and lowering with his scarred stomach as he breathed calmly.

Both of his eyes fluttered open as he felt her fingers trace along his sharp jaw, her vibrant blue gaze soon joined and mixed with a deep amber that was almost golden. Instinctively, his head ducked into his grasp softly as he fully woke up, a smile catching Nox's lips as his gaze eventually found Shale's features. They were already tangled together and he wouldn't have had it any other way, their bodies just melted together. He replied half-jokingly to her question, the undertone clearly yes, "Shit, I could miss my own campaign with your comfy bed." Even then, his muscles tried to lull him back to sleep but he was too focused on her at that point.

As Shale maneuvered to rest on his chest, he placed his left arm around her and tucked his hand underneath her arm, pulling her in tight against him. Nox's cybernetic hand would extend down to her leg, lightly gripping onto her thigh giving it a light squeeze, making them touch at all points. The two laid there at complete ease, him perfectly content as he sought no other place to be than with her. When Shale spoke again, her words tumbled through his mind as he stared at the ceiling for a moment. All he knew was fighting, whether in an actual fight for his life or just for survival. That uncomfortably forged him into what he was and he simply didn't know how he imagined himself without his helmet and armor. Nox personally thought he would never live to see that chance, two limbs already down and his rule just beginning. That almost made him chuckle right there.

Instead of answering, Nox simply turned his head toward Shale, first kissing between her eyebrows and then tilting down, capturing her lips for a moment. After they separated partly, his forehead came down and pressed against hers, the words a whisper with their proximity, "What do you plan on doing while I head off?" He was curious, remembering the last time that she had joined him and the known fact she wanted to make endeavors back here at home.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale smiled as he pulled her close, the feel of his warm skin against hers never getting old. She rested her head against his chest, her eyelids feeling heavy. She could remain like this for hours and sleep for days. Being with him brought her a deep sense of peace, and anywhere with him felt like sanctuary. She felt his kisses along her forehead before he leaned down, and she eagerly returned the kiss when he met her lips.

“I’m going to go hunt for more beskar deposits,” She explained, “I’d like to start forging and help in the MandalMotors factories,” Shale sighed, “I know I’m not all badass like your Solus crew always at the front lines,” She said with a grin before she hugged him tightly again.

“If you want me to go with you, I will,” Shale said quietly, “And fight alongside you. You'll always have me in your corner."

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox was at the same time surprised and not surprised by her answer. Every time he found her, she was always near MandalMotors, either learning or helping with projects they worked on. If he needed a bigger clue, her apartment was only a few miles from the company. At the comment about the Solus always at the front lines, he just chuckled softly before saying, "You should add your own clan. Arthos has been right there along with me." The kid was young but he was a good leader and it resulted in both Solus and Vizla having some of the most experienced crusaders.

When she squeezed him tighter, the arm around her would pull Shale in as well against him. She spoke her next words quietly and at first, Nox didn't say anything and instead stared up at the ceiling. In truth, a part of him had always imagined them together in campaigns, fighting back to back. While he had always wanted that, her place belonged with the armorers and he just accepted it, it was about all he could do. He remembered what happened at Borgo Prime and he pushed those thoughts away.

Nox would eventually turn his head back toward her, a half smile touching his lips, "No, it's fine. With you in charge of those deposits, we'll be up at full production in no time." He would then tilt down and kiss her forehead once more before he separated from her, his voice still gruff and caked with tiredness, "I'm going to take a shower before I pass out for days." Nox would slip out of the bed to head to the bathroom, both his black and gold cybernetics on full display. After entering, the door would be slightly cracked, the sound of sprinkling water escaping out.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale tilted her head to watch him as he eased away from the bed to walk to the shower. She couldn’t help the way her eyes traced along the contours of his lean, muscled torso. Of course, her gaze kept going down further and heat rose up to her face. Shale simply chuckled to herself before plopping on her back on the bed, her hair cascading along the pillow as she stared up at the ceiling.

For a long moment, she didn’t want to think about anything else. She thought of all the ways she wanted to go further with Nox both physically and emotionally. It was dangerous, but she didn’t want it any other way. Shale listened to the running water for a long moment until it stopped.

“We should go on a proper date,” She called out randomly out of the blue, “We can still do that as Mandos, can’t we?” She tilted her head to see if he would emerge through the doorway, a half grin on her face if he looked.

 

[Nox Solus]

Shale would be able to tell when he entered the shower as the "thunk" from his metal leg ceased. Nox entered the shower with a soft exhale of his breath, the warm water spraying against his toned body. Both his eyes closed instantly as he leaned forward, both hands placed against the slick wall to support his weight.

The water cascaded it down him and just like it, he let his thoughts wash away as well. Normally, there was a peace he normally felt but it was vacant despite his searching. Nox's mind was like a seesaw, a balancing act that required attention unless one side just gave out. The center of the act itself was Shale and it surprised him as he hadn't felt it hours ago. His arms bent inward so his elbows instead rested against the wall and allowed his hands to press against his forehead as he thought to himself.

Even through the barrage of water, Nox caught Shale's statement and then question, making him lift his head as his eyes snapped open. She would be able to hear the water still run and instead of just appearing fully, only his head and horizontally. Water dripped from his soaked hair as he arched an eyebrow while asking, "A proper date?" Nox's tone suggested he wasn't opposed, just shocked as he hadn't really expected it from her. To answer her question, he just smirked before somewhat rhetorically asking, "You do know you're talking to the Mand'alor?"

Nox's head popped back into the bathroom before he asked, "You have a place in mind?"

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale saw him poke his head out and she smiled at him, “So what if I’m talking to the Mand’alor? Does that mean he’s incapable of some old fashioned romance?” She asked with a grin before he popped back in again. She plopped on her back again and twirled a strand of her hair around a finger, gazing up at the ceiling as she crossed one leg over the other.

“Oh I don’t know…wine and dine me somewhere nice and tell me sweet nothings,” She called out. After a moment, she rolled out of bed and walked into the refresher, leaving her top off and wearing just her loose fitting sweatpants. Her long hair messily fell around her shoulders. She admired him for a moment, watching the way the water ran along his chiseled frame. Even with the cybernetics, he was breathtaking to behold.

“Just ‘cause I’m Mando, you think you don’t have to put in some work?” She asked with a smile as she casually leaned against the counter.

 

[Nox Solus]

Despite slipping back into her shower, he caught her question in reply and he couldn't help but chuckle at her words. Clarifying what he meant, he would call back out to her, "It means you're talking to the one who can bend our rules." If anyone had a problem with their little escapade, it meant they would have to deal with Nox to voice it. That's when the short leash that collared his temper would be snapped and wouldn't be pleasant to be the recipient of, to say the least.

Shale's suggestion stumped him when it came to somewhere nice as no response came from him. Nox... had never been anywhere that was considered nice. He had been a lone scavenger before he was propelled to the position of Mand'alor in a short period. With the constant campaigns he undertook as well, it rarely gave him time to find out a possibility of one.

Before he rummaged a reply, Shale entered the bathroom as her presence immediately drew his gaze, his amber optics peeking above his bicep. She drank him in but he returned the favor, his eyes greedily and slowly scanning her exposed stomach and then chest.

Nox's answer was a subdued laugh before he shut off the water. He opened the door before reaching for the towel, his gaze just locked on Shale's as he wrapped the cloth below his waistline. When it was snug, he stepped toward before his arms snaked around her tightly despite him being soaked. His hands slid to her rear as he lifted her up easily and held her there, the steam still billowing off of his shoulders and head. "No, it means I know I can't fuck up." Nox leaned forward before finding her neck, kissing and nibbling softly on the skin. The tender trail went up to her ear before he murmured, "Wine and dine it is."

 

[Shale Vizsla]

“Wait waaait-” She began to protest when he stepped forth to hug her, but she only began to laugh as she was soaked from the hug. His body was still warm from the shower, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as his hands slid further down. Despite their earlier activities, she couldn’t help the rosy flush to her cheeks when his hands found her rear. Shale closed her eyes as he trailed kisses along her neck, feeling a rush as he whispered against her ear.

“Careful…or I may not wanna leave here,” She said with a grin before she tilted her head to capture his lips. It felt liberating to openly be able to show affection like this, and she felt entirely at ease around him. Even then, she sometimes wondered what this all meant. For now it was something that existed just between them, but would it always remain that way? Would she always be hidden?

“Let’s go to a different planet,” She said as she drew back, her arms still loosely around him, “Where no one will know who or what we are. We won’t wear our armor or helmets.”
It was a tall order, and she wondered if he would be up to the challenge.

 

[Nox Solus]

Shale made halfhearted attempts to stop him but it was futile. Nox wanted her and she snugly fit into him like a puzzle piece, unfortunately at the cost of being wet herself. After the warning from her, a smile tugged at his lips before they came into contact with hers, kissing back with a pang of hunger. As they kissed, his cybernetic hand fully slid underneath her rear, practically providing a seat for her as his real arm elevated up to her lower back.

The maneuver allowed them to separate slightly and let her lean back, his amber orbs immediately fixated on her stark blue ones. "I figured we wanted three courses. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." With Shale at an angle, it exposed her chest and Nox returned to where he left from her neck. Little marks were made before supplemented by kisses, traveling all the way down to her breast. He began to kiss the sensitive areas as he gingerly partook in the first course, unable to help himself.

When the idea came up of visiting another planet and removing their armor, the words made Nox's actions freeze momentarily. His head pulled back as he leveled his gaze with her, a slight tilt coming to it. "Are you sure?" He asked pretty much rhetorically, even though the question really seemed more for him than for her. The number of people that have seen his face could be counted on his hand and he wouldn't even need all the fingers. The prospect of walking about with the eyes just boring into him was unsettling. His armor was his second skin, practically his first and the thought of traveling without in the open was almost unthinkable before this.

"There are very few planets who don't know about us," the words said humorously, especially with their people's recent activity. There would be a couple of seconds where Nox thought to himself before finally shrugging his broad shoulders, "Fuck it, let's go." Eagerness wasn't plentiful in his words but he was showing he was willing to try.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

---​

Shale purposely picked a more obscure planet where no one would ever recognize them. Funnily enough for Mandalorians, their anonymity was in their lack of armor. Without it, they were simple civilians out in the galaxy. The only rule was to avoid speaking Mando’a.

She was certainly the more organized one as she found a resort and a host of activities. They had a room with a balcony that opened up to the sea, white curtains flowing and billowing in the wind and the salty ocean spray reaching them even up here. Shale felt it all on her face, having spent the past few hours without any kind of helmet on her head. Her hair blew in the wind as she looked over the balcony. She wore a two piece bathing suit, showing off her very sculpted stomach and the definition of her arms and shoulders. The bottom was frilly and more like a skirt and she wore a sarong around her hips, all of it hugging her very athletic frame. She could be completely out of armor, but her physique would always betray that she was conditioned for war.

“We can’t stay in this room all day, you know,” She said in her accented Basic as she looked back at him, “We’ll have to go out in public today.”