[ After K's first invitation went awry and somehow landed in Maul's inbox, the android made sure to send another to its intended recipient and confirm it was received. He isn't wholly expecting Savage to want to take him up on it, especially if Maul ended up mercilessly teasing his brother as K suspects — so it comes as a welcome surprise when he spots Savage's hulking form shouldering through the doorway of the tavern late one evening.
It's nearing the end of his shift. He would have already started closing if not for the several scattered patrons still nursing their drinks and finishing their meals, though they'll be filtering out soon enough. They're a calm lot now, fortunately, and mostly keep to themselves and their own quiet conversations, though a few glance up to warily watch Savage with an air that suggests there may have recently been... a bit of trouble in the tavern.
K is stood behind the bar, clad in his usual work attire: a nice dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbow and an impeccably tied cravat at the neck, an embroidered waistcoat, and slacks, all in the fashion of Trench. Spots of diluted blood (and not his own, which crystalises) stain one sleeve, the only physical evidence that remains of the earlier commotion. His straight posture and easy smile belie his tiredness, one less physical than last month's exhaustion and more mental — he's been plagued by worries since Peter's cocooning and all the complications that have followed. ]
You came. [ He offers by way of greeting as Savage approaches, sounding pleased. ] It's good to see you. I hope you didn't have too much trouble getting here... [ What with the shifting streets and architecture and the return of the zealots. All of that, too, has been a source of worry for K. Though with the Roost's Lamp Location being right across the street, it's easy enough to reach directly via lamp travel. ]
[Savage had indeed received the invitation, but as expected, he had also received a good interrogation and teasing from his elder brother who suddenly seemed keenly interested in K. That had not been the kind of situation he had wanted to navigate, nor did he admit to the fact that he had lay around in the bed while K slept either; he knew that was fuel to the fire. The invitation was interesting; he was hardly invited anywhere for good reason. Willow might just be one of the few, he thought.
But tonight he was unsettled. His brother was off spending time with his mate, and the zealots had made their return which meant that she might return with them. Neither the pets nor the bedding was particularly good at cuddling, which was something he did frequently with his brother when Maul was around.
So, the invitation was taken with little thought of any consequences or the potential to be caught by one of the zealots. It was difficult to navigate the twisting and changing streets and buildings, but he did make his way there later than expected. He stepped in wearing his usual armour, but he was, by now, used to his towering form drawing wary expressions and apprehensive stares. He examined the room and the few remaining patrons before he made his way over to the bar to settle himself into one of the stools, which gave a creak of protest under his significant weight.
Then he issued a low chuff of greeting, a sound he rarely made to anyone outside of Maul.] The streets are messy, but November seems to be a month of city change. Besides, everyone is more concerned with The Tower anyway, so it leaves the rest of us to go about our business. Getting to the lamp was the hardest part. [He shrugged like it was no big deal, for now folding his arms one over the other where he rested them on the bar. He was leaned forward more than he normally would.] This place closes soon, yes?
[ It's a sound that K's previously only heard big cats produce, and in very specific contexts, which makes him wonder how much of that translates to how Zabraks employ it. Lacking the proper vocal folds to reciprocate the sound, he just smiles in response. ]
Is that a "hello"? You sound like a cat. [ Considering he's heard Savage purr before, it makes sense. And he's curiously touched by the gesture even without knowing the significance. ]
Yes, we're scheduled to close soon. But this place sort of doubles as a safe haven lately, so I've been staying as long as patrons need. When their "need" is greater than topping up their ale. Why do you ask? [ Between the greeting and how far in Savage is leaning, his behaviour strikes K as maybe a bit unusual. But the fact they've never socialised in a public setting like this before makes it difficult to know for sure. Maybe he doesn't want their conversation to be overheard. Whatever the case, K's just glad that Maul's response to his misfire hadn't made Savage want to avoid all contact with him. ]
And would you like anything? A drink, food? [ While he had invited Savage with the intention of spending time with him, he'd feel remiss not at least offering his services as bartender and cook. ]
[It was not the first time that a comparison had been made between Zabrak and felines, to the point where he had actually looked up Earth felines and their behaviours. And it was true that he and Maul and the other Nightbrothers had definite similarities with the noises that they made. If anything, K making the comparison amused him, since the droid seemed to know so much about humanity and the species they associated with.]
It's a greeting noise, yes. We make it when we are pleased or happy. [For some reason, it didn't seem odd to admit it when normally he wouldn't bother.] We can still say hello like most species would. Do you... like that noise?
[It seemed a little awkward to ask. Normally he could care less what anyone thought of what he did, said, or the noises he made, but he had a connection with K. He was still parsing out emotional connections with beings beyond Maul and his own species, and that took him awhile given his interactions with other species back in the galaxy he lived in. He was either feared or ignored mostly.
He turned in his seat to look back at the remaining patrons and some did seem to be nursing their drinks. So this was a safe space, was it? He'd been in catinas that claimed the same thing and yet he and his brother had been hunted by bounty hunters anyway. He returned to watching K after a moment, returning to leaning forward towards the droid.]
I had trouble making it here with the city in turmoil as it is, so I expect I wasted a lot of time getting to the lamps. [He shrugged his shoulders. If he didn't get to stay long, that was fine too. K seemed to be someone who left the invitation on the open-ended side.] Well... a drink sounds fine. Surprise me. I'm not familiar with alcohol beyond what we ferment on Dathomir.
[And while K went about his job, Savage would be keenly watching the whole time. There was something comfortable about the droid, a similar feeling as he developed with Willow until she had killed him.]
I do. [ It's oddly endearing, but he thinks better of saying that. Instead, ] It suits you. Also kinda makes me want to pet you. [ Which maybe he should've kept to himself, too, but he is getting more comfortable with teasing Savage. Plus with the way he's leaning close, it's all too easy to picture a horned cat leaning in for pets. But he... isn't actually doing that, is he? ]
Well, I'm hardly going to kick you out to maintain the schedule. I don't mind staying late. And if it's that bad out there, you probably should stay for a while. The incense and wards seem to keep the worst of it out of here.
Dealer's choice, huh. Really putting me on the spot to figure out something you won't hate.
[ But K doesn't sound like he minds the challenge, even beginning to quietly hum to himself as he steps away to consider the available options. An unmixed drink is probably the safest bet, but where's the fun in that? Maybe he can introduce Savage to something new that he'll like. Inspired by a prior conversation, he collects lime juice, vodka, ginger beer, and from cold storage he retrieves some special butterfly pea flower tea that's been frozen into blue-hued cubes.
Lining up the ingredients on the bar along with a clear glass mug, he holds a hand over the mug and without touching it, generates some regular ice — one benefit of being a Coldblood barkeep — then breaks it up with a spoon and tops it with the frozen tea cubes. The tea itself has almost no flavour, it's just there to provide a little fancy chemical reaction. Which happens as he's pouring in the liquid ingredients: the drink is first infused with a deep blue hue, followed by shades of vivid purple developing at the bottom of the glass. ]
A galaxy in a glass. [ He explains as he slides it closer to Savage, curious to see whether or not he likes it. ] Because I intend to hold you to that agreement to see space with me.
[Those were the kind of words that hedged closer to something that Dirk would say to him back when the blond had been here. It seemed an honest compliment, and if any of the holovids of cats was any indication, they did inspire a lot of people to pet them based on their noises and actions.] I don't think anyone has dared to pet me since Dirk. Maybe my brother on a rare occasion.
[He shrugged his shoulders to the idea of being kicked out because it honestly didn't bother him in the least. He had been kicked out of many places at closing time. He had been kicked out roughly many times as a kit, but he had learned that wasn't generally accepted as normal behaviour for adults to literally strike their charges or manhandle them even.]
I'll stay as long as they do. [That was his intention at least, though he might be inclined to linger longer if he could also get away with it. There were excuses, weren't there? Traveling together, helping to close up, or some other excuse.]
You realize I can't tell you what I might hate when I haven't experienced a lot. It was never safe traveling with my brother to indulge and my first Master would never allow it. It doesn't seem like something I'm inclined to experience without someone with a higher knowledge of it guiding me. [And K was definitely that person it seemed to him as he watched the droid go about putting together a drink.
And what a drink it was, and he was impressed by the colour change that occurred as the drink was put together. He peered at it as it was placed in front of him, leaning way, way down so he could examine the glass up close and personal.] That's a neat trick. [His golden eyes lifted from the glass to peer at K just over the rim of it.] I am a good pilot, and I've been all over space so I'm useful.
[He sat up again, setting his hands on the bar as he actually rose from his seat to lean across the bar to give K an oddly affectionate headbutt with his forehead. He ended with a nudge of his nose to K's cheek before he was easing back to sit and pick up his drink, taking a sip of it. He was already nodding his head in approval.] It's sour. I like it.
[ K suppresses a cheeky urge to respond with I meant your upper head. Which is for the best when Savage follows up with a mention of Maul petting him, too. Narrowly dodged that awkwardness.
But it's probably a good sign that he's able to make lighthearted jokes about Dirk and Savage's prior arrangement, even if only within the privacy of his own mind. Though the reminder of what he's lost also leaves a hollow ache in its wake that's hard to ignore. In moments like this, it's a shame alcohol doesn't affect him. ]
Then consider me your guide. You'll have to come by more often, sounds like you have a lifetime of sobriety to make up for. Though plenty of virgin drinks are good, too. [ And just in case the terminology doesn't translate well across different universes— ] Non-alcoholic drinks, that is.
[ Then Savage is rising from his seat, and leaning entirely across the bar and—... Baffled, K at first sort of braces himself, not even knowing what to expect. And despite seeing it coming, being on the receiving end of a surprisingly non-violent headbutt catches him off guard, his amused confusion only growing with the nuzzle. Oh. Huh. The affection behind the gesture is unmistakable, and there's not even the excuse of Savage being drunk yet.
K isn't sure that it was an invitation, but... it wasn't not an invitation? After staring in silence for a few seconds, he eventually leans over the bar himself as Savage tries the drink. ]
I'm glad it's to your taste. And for the record, you'd be invited even if you weren't familiar with space travel. Is this okay—? [ Reaching up with one hand, he touches his fingertips to Savage's head a bit below where his horns start, and if there's no protest, there will be some careful petting happening. Being a Coldblood renders K cool to the touch, but not startlingly so thanks to the heat of the nearby lit fireplace. ]
[The mention of Dirk didn't bother him much, if at all. It had been a good and freeing introduction back into the intimacy game, but he hadn't thought it would last long. Loose bonds were what he was used to unless it was his brothers, and Dirk leaving was a shame but again no unexpected. Someone like that was too restless to stay in one place long as an adult.
He watched K, sensing there might have been a comment coming his way but it never manifested. If anything, there was a moment where he thought a shadow of sadness was there? No, surely not... and yet, the idea itself nudged at a very, very rare sympathetic inkling.]
That sounds like you're encouraging me to come and visit you more often. You aren't growing attached, are you? [He knew that droids in their galaxy could attach themselves to humans, but he'd never experienced it. K was far more advanced, so it seemed highly plausible. Except him of all people?] You've already taken what little virginity I have left with this drink. I'd be willing to try others.
[For his part, the affection had come and gone as easily as any other action, which was odd. He was as standoffish as most Zabrak of Dathomir, but he admitted that had felt good. It warmed him as much as the alcohol in his belly and even seemed to relax some of the tension out of his shoulders.]
But being useful is how I contribute. Nothing is free unless you give something in return or just take it. [He watched K over the rim of his glass, and he inclined his head towards the touch. His eyes half closed in pleasure at the contact, and he issued a short burst of a purr before he was taking another sip of his drink. He wasn't interested in nursing it like the others.]
Maybe. You say "attached" like it's a dirty word. [ His tone is mildly teasing. This is probably a good time to reiterate what altruism is, and that not everything carries a cost, but he's not really up for defending his position at the moment. Running a bit low on optimism.
But at least his impulsive decision pays off, with Savage not seeming to mind the touch. Even enjoying it? It has K smiling a little to himself, his touch becoming less hesitant as he pets Savage in earnest, even curiously touching a horn or two. For trolls and other horned species they often seem to be an erogenous zone, from what he's heard, so he's careful about it.
Coming from anyone else that might sound like a loaded question. He takes it at face value, considering his response for a long moment. There's a polite brush-off answer and then there's the truth, which is what he opts for. ]
I think... I'm easy to leave. [ His spouse. Boyfriend. Closest friends. Connections that he'd hoped would last, that gave him a reason beyond base survival to look forward to the future. All gone without so much as a goodbye. And if he stopped reaching out to the newer connections he's been making, he thinks they'd soon forget about him as well. Probably it's for the best, so he won't one day leave anyone behind feeling the way that he does now. ]
Loneliness is inevitable, I guess. How about you? [ Recalling his conversation with Maul, he wonders: ] Is your brother's company really all you need?
Attachment is not something we are usually allowed; it can be a detriment to our lives. On Dathomir, we were attached enough to work together well but everyone was a potential rival at the same time. [He shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal. They could be friendly with each other, but they were hardly ever friends with each other. Other Nightbrothers were there to learn from one way or another, though he knew some attached strongly.] I had my little brother who I was attached to. A handful of Nightbrothers paired off and seemed attached enough.
[There was also the Sith teachings that attachments would be destroyed at some point. He hadn't been immersed enough in the teachings to know much about that kind of doctrine. He was an assassin and his skills had to be developed hard and fast to make him useful to his first Master. He'd been told the teachings little by little, but his education in that regard was stunted. He and Maul were bonded, but it seemed reasonable Sith of old also had those they cared about and coveted.
He tipped his head and purred at the affection to his head and horned. The bases were where it felt the best for them, since his horns were weapons to be used in combat. His eyes half closed as he savoured the contact; it had been awhile it felt like.
Yet, he tilted his head more so he could watch K with one eye, considering the statement. He didn't know a lot of K's life or relationships - aside from Dirk in passing - but it seemed the kind of statement that came from someone desiring connection but it not sticking around long.] Are you certain it's you? Or could it be that those you associate with have a fleeting loyalty or the situation forces you apart from them?
[He lifted his head and took a sip from the galaxy drink that K had supplied him, watching the droid over the rim of the glass.] Loneliness is part of being alive. If we can't be content to be with ourselves, it will consume us. [He shrugged his shoulders.] My brother doesn't think so, and my brother will weaponize a situation to get what he wants out of it. He means well in his own way, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's plotting and vetting people who could be a potential mate for me.
...So don't get too attached to you. Got it. [ K notes with some humour in his voice. He's pretty sure that's not actually what Savage was conveying with that information, but a part of him does wonder. With the way Savage is purring and leaning into the petting and clearly doesn't seem to mind being touched in such a familiar manner, if he is trying to warn K off, he's not doing a very convincing job of it. ] You had a younger brother. [ Past tense, which has him treading more carefully than he otherwise would. And presumably related through blood, since the "night" prefix is notably absent. ] Did he ever travel with you and Maul?
[ He'd indulged in some uncharacteristic self-pity with his comment about being easy to leave, and he knows it, so he isn't bothered or surprised when Savage essentially calls it out. It's comforting, the suggestion that maybe it isn't him. Maybe he isn't defective in some way that renders him unworthy of companionship. And loyalty hadn't been an issue. He inwardly sighs before admitting: ] Logically, I know it's unlikely any of them chose to leave. I don't think most of us get any choice in the matter here, we're subject to the whims of the Pthumerians. Our suffering is probably entertainment.
[ And loneliness has a way of warping thoughts, particularly in a place where such emotions directly contribute to Corruption and Beasthood. He's been through it before, he knows the dangers and takes the relevant precautions when he can. Living alone in relative isolation is perhaps not ideal, in Trench, but it is what it is. It's good his work at the tavern requires interaction with patrons, helps stave off Corruption. ]
I did have the distinct impression he was vetting me. Asking about my species and fighting ability. [ The latter is undoubtedly relevant in Zabrak mate selection, he thinks. Or maybe Maul's in search of more sparring partners or students. ] He wants to meet me in person. I didn't unknowingly agree to some kind of mating ritual, did I? [ The irony of asking this while feeling up Savage's horns is not lost on him, but it doesn't make him stop; when it comes to physical affection, giving and receiving are both enjoyable to him. And who knows when he'll ever have this opportunity again? ] I have to admit it was nice not being dismissed outright because of what I am. [ Even if an android probably isn't most people's idea of a suitable mate, the lack of bigotry was definitely refreshing. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ninetydegrees
November at the Roost [action]
It's nearing the end of his shift. He would have already started closing if not for the several scattered patrons still nursing their drinks and finishing their meals, though they'll be filtering out soon enough. They're a calm lot now, fortunately, and mostly keep to themselves and their own quiet conversations, though a few glance up to warily watch Savage with an air that suggests there may have recently been... a bit of trouble in the tavern.
K is stood behind the bar, clad in his usual work attire: a nice dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbow and an impeccably tied cravat at the neck, an embroidered waistcoat, and slacks, all in the fashion of Trench. Spots of diluted blood (and not his own, which crystalises) stain one sleeve, the only physical evidence that remains of the earlier commotion. His straight posture and easy smile belie his tiredness, one less physical than last month's exhaustion and more mental — he's been plagued by worries since Peter's cocooning and all the complications that have followed. ]
You came. [ He offers by way of greeting as Savage approaches, sounding pleased. ] It's good to see you. I hope you didn't have too much trouble getting here... [ What with the shifting streets and architecture and the return of the zealots. All of that, too, has been a source of worry for K. Though with the Roost's Lamp Location being right across the street, it's easy enough to reach directly via lamp travel. ]
(no subject)
But tonight he was unsettled. His brother was off spending time with his mate, and the zealots had made their return which meant that she might return with them. Neither the pets nor the bedding was particularly good at cuddling, which was something he did frequently with his brother when Maul was around.
So, the invitation was taken with little thought of any consequences or the potential to be caught by one of the zealots. It was difficult to navigate the twisting and changing streets and buildings, but he did make his way there later than expected. He stepped in wearing his usual armour, but he was, by now, used to his towering form drawing wary expressions and apprehensive stares. He examined the room and the few remaining patrons before he made his way over to the bar to settle himself into one of the stools, which gave a creak of protest under his significant weight.
Then he issued a low chuff of greeting, a sound he rarely made to anyone outside of Maul.] The streets are messy, but November seems to be a month of city change. Besides, everyone is more concerned with The Tower anyway, so it leaves the rest of us to go about our business. Getting to the lamp was the hardest part. [He shrugged like it was no big deal, for now folding his arms one over the other where he rested them on the bar. He was leaned forward more than he normally would.] This place closes soon, yes?
(no subject)
Is that a "hello"? You sound like a cat. [ Considering he's heard Savage purr before, it makes sense. And he's curiously touched by the gesture even without knowing the significance. ]
Yes, we're scheduled to close soon. But this place sort of doubles as a safe haven lately, so I've been staying as long as patrons need. When their "need" is greater than topping up their ale. Why do you ask? [ Between the greeting and how far in Savage is leaning, his behaviour strikes K as maybe a bit unusual. But the fact they've never socialised in a public setting like this before makes it difficult to know for sure. Maybe he doesn't want their conversation to be overheard. Whatever the case, K's just glad that Maul's response to his misfire hadn't made Savage want to avoid all contact with him. ]
And would you like anything? A drink, food? [ While he had invited Savage with the intention of spending time with him, he'd feel remiss not at least offering his services as bartender and cook. ]
(no subject)
It's a greeting noise, yes. We make it when we are pleased or happy. [For some reason, it didn't seem odd to admit it when normally he wouldn't bother.] We can still say hello like most species would. Do you... like that noise?
[It seemed a little awkward to ask. Normally he could care less what anyone thought of what he did, said, or the noises he made, but he had a connection with K. He was still parsing out emotional connections with beings beyond Maul and his own species, and that took him awhile given his interactions with other species back in the galaxy he lived in. He was either feared or ignored mostly.
He turned in his seat to look back at the remaining patrons and some did seem to be nursing their drinks. So this was a safe space, was it? He'd been in catinas that claimed the same thing and yet he and his brother had been hunted by bounty hunters anyway. He returned to watching K after a moment, returning to leaning forward towards the droid.]
I had trouble making it here with the city in turmoil as it is, so I expect I wasted a lot of time getting to the lamps. [He shrugged his shoulders. If he didn't get to stay long, that was fine too. K seemed to be someone who left the invitation on the open-ended side.] Well... a drink sounds fine. Surprise me. I'm not familiar with alcohol beyond what we ferment on Dathomir.
[And while K went about his job, Savage would be keenly watching the whole time. There was something comfortable about the droid, a similar feeling as he developed with Willow until she had killed him.]
(no subject)
Well, I'm hardly going to kick you out to maintain the schedule. I don't mind staying late. And if it's that bad out there, you probably should stay for a while. The incense and wards seem to keep the worst of it out of here.
Dealer's choice, huh. Really putting me on the spot to figure out something you won't hate.
[ But K doesn't sound like he minds the challenge, even beginning to quietly hum to himself as he steps away to consider the available options. An unmixed drink is probably the safest bet, but where's the fun in that? Maybe he can introduce Savage to something new that he'll like. Inspired by a prior conversation, he collects lime juice, vodka, ginger beer, and from cold storage he retrieves some special butterfly pea flower tea that's been frozen into blue-hued cubes.
Lining up the ingredients on the bar along with a clear glass mug, he holds a hand over the mug and without touching it, generates some regular ice — one benefit of being a Coldblood barkeep — then breaks it up with a spoon and tops it with the frozen tea cubes. The tea itself has almost no flavour, it's just there to provide a little fancy chemical reaction. Which happens as he's pouring in the liquid ingredients: the drink is first infused with a deep blue hue, followed by shades of vivid purple developing at the bottom of the glass. ]
A galaxy in a glass. [ He explains as he slides it closer to Savage, curious to see whether or not he likes it. ] Because I intend to hold you to that agreement to see space with me.
(no subject)
[He shrugged his shoulders to the idea of being kicked out because it honestly didn't bother him in the least. He had been kicked out of many places at closing time. He had been kicked out roughly many times as a kit, but he had learned that wasn't generally accepted as normal behaviour for adults to literally strike their charges or manhandle them even.]
I'll stay as long as they do. [That was his intention at least, though he might be inclined to linger longer if he could also get away with it. There were excuses, weren't there? Traveling together, helping to close up, or some other excuse.]
You realize I can't tell you what I might hate when I haven't experienced a lot. It was never safe traveling with my brother to indulge and my first Master would never allow it. It doesn't seem like something I'm inclined to experience without someone with a higher knowledge of it guiding me. [And K was definitely that person it seemed to him as he watched the droid go about putting together a drink.
And what a drink it was, and he was impressed by the colour change that occurred as the drink was put together. He peered at it as it was placed in front of him, leaning way, way down so he could examine the glass up close and personal.] That's a neat trick. [His golden eyes lifted from the glass to peer at K just over the rim of it.] I am a good pilot, and I've been all over space so I'm useful.
[He sat up again, setting his hands on the bar as he actually rose from his seat to lean across the bar to give K an oddly affectionate headbutt with his forehead. He ended with a nudge of his nose to K's cheek before he was easing back to sit and pick up his drink, taking a sip of it. He was already nodding his head in approval.] It's sour. I like it.
(no subject)
But it's probably a good sign that he's able to make lighthearted jokes about Dirk and Savage's prior arrangement, even if only within the privacy of his own mind. Though the reminder of what he's lost also leaves a hollow ache in its wake that's hard to ignore. In moments like this, it's a shame alcohol doesn't affect him. ]
Then consider me your guide. You'll have to come by more often, sounds like you have a lifetime of sobriety to make up for. Though plenty of virgin drinks are good, too. [ And just in case the terminology doesn't translate well across different universes— ] Non-alcoholic drinks, that is.
[ Then Savage is rising from his seat, and leaning entirely across the bar and—... Baffled, K at first sort of braces himself, not even knowing what to expect. And despite seeing it coming, being on the receiving end of a surprisingly non-violent headbutt catches him off guard, his amused confusion only growing with the nuzzle. Oh. Huh. The affection behind the gesture is unmistakable, and there's not even the excuse of Savage being drunk yet.
K isn't sure that it was an invitation, but... it wasn't not an invitation? After staring in silence for a few seconds, he eventually leans over the bar himself as Savage tries the drink. ]
I'm glad it's to your taste. And for the record, you'd be invited even if you weren't familiar with space travel. Is this okay—? [ Reaching up with one hand, he touches his fingertips to Savage's head a bit below where his horns start, and if there's no protest, there will be some careful petting happening. Being a Coldblood renders K cool to the touch, but not startlingly so thanks to the heat of the nearby lit fireplace. ]
(no subject)
He watched K, sensing there might have been a comment coming his way but it never manifested. If anything, there was a moment where he thought a shadow of sadness was there? No, surely not... and yet, the idea itself nudged at a very, very rare sympathetic inkling.]
That sounds like you're encouraging me to come and visit you more often. You aren't growing attached, are you? [He knew that droids in their galaxy could attach themselves to humans, but he'd never experienced it. K was far more advanced, so it seemed highly plausible. Except him of all people?] You've already taken what little virginity I have left with this drink. I'd be willing to try others.
[For his part, the affection had come and gone as easily as any other action, which was odd. He was as standoffish as most Zabrak of Dathomir, but he admitted that had felt good. It warmed him as much as the alcohol in his belly and even seemed to relax some of the tension out of his shoulders.]
But being useful is how I contribute. Nothing is free unless you give something in return or just take it. [He watched K over the rim of his glass, and he inclined his head towards the touch. His eyes half closed in pleasure at the contact, and he issued a short burst of a purr before he was taking another sip of his drink. He wasn't interested in nursing it like the others.]
Are you lonely?
(no subject)
But at least his impulsive decision pays off, with Savage not seeming to mind the touch. Even enjoying it? It has K smiling a little to himself, his touch becoming less hesitant as he pets Savage in earnest, even curiously touching a horn or two. For trolls and other horned species they often seem to be an erogenous zone, from what he's heard, so he's careful about it.
Coming from anyone else that might sound like a loaded question. He takes it at face value, considering his response for a long moment. There's a polite brush-off answer and then there's the truth, which is what he opts for. ]
I think... I'm easy to leave. [ His spouse. Boyfriend. Closest friends. Connections that he'd hoped would last, that gave him a reason beyond base survival to look forward to the future. All gone without so much as a goodbye. And if he stopped reaching out to the newer connections he's been making, he thinks they'd soon forget about him as well. Probably it's for the best, so he won't one day leave anyone behind feeling the way that he does now. ]
Loneliness is inevitable, I guess. How about you? [ Recalling his conversation with Maul, he wonders: ] Is your brother's company really all you need?
(no subject)
[There was also the Sith teachings that attachments would be destroyed at some point. He hadn't been immersed enough in the teachings to know much about that kind of doctrine. He was an assassin and his skills had to be developed hard and fast to make him useful to his first Master. He'd been told the teachings little by little, but his education in that regard was stunted. He and Maul were bonded, but it seemed reasonable Sith of old also had those they cared about and coveted.
He tipped his head and purred at the affection to his head and horned. The bases were where it felt the best for them, since his horns were weapons to be used in combat. His eyes half closed as he savoured the contact; it had been awhile it felt like.
Yet, he tilted his head more so he could watch K with one eye, considering the statement. He didn't know a lot of K's life or relationships - aside from Dirk in passing - but it seemed the kind of statement that came from someone desiring connection but it not sticking around long.] Are you certain it's you? Or could it be that those you associate with have a fleeting loyalty or the situation forces you apart from them?
[He lifted his head and took a sip from the galaxy drink that K had supplied him, watching the droid over the rim of the glass.] Loneliness is part of being alive. If we can't be content to be with ourselves, it will consume us. [He shrugged his shoulders.] My brother doesn't think so, and my brother will weaponize a situation to get what he wants out of it. He means well in his own way, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's plotting and vetting people who could be a potential mate for me.
(no subject)
[ He'd indulged in some uncharacteristic self-pity with his comment about being easy to leave, and he knows it, so he isn't bothered or surprised when Savage essentially calls it out. It's comforting, the suggestion that maybe it isn't him. Maybe he isn't defective in some way that renders him unworthy of companionship. And loyalty hadn't been an issue. He inwardly sighs before admitting: ] Logically, I know it's unlikely any of them chose to leave. I don't think most of us get any choice in the matter here, we're subject to the whims of the Pthumerians. Our suffering is probably entertainment.
[ And loneliness has a way of warping thoughts, particularly in a place where such emotions directly contribute to Corruption and Beasthood. He's been through it before, he knows the dangers and takes the relevant precautions when he can. Living alone in relative isolation is perhaps not ideal, in Trench, but it is what it is. It's good his work at the tavern requires interaction with patrons, helps stave off Corruption. ]
I did have the distinct impression he was vetting me. Asking about my species and fighting ability. [ The latter is undoubtedly relevant in Zabrak mate selection, he thinks. Or maybe Maul's in search of more sparring partners or students. ] He wants to meet me in person. I didn't unknowingly agree to some kind of mating ritual, did I? [ The irony of asking this while feeling up Savage's horns is not lost on him, but it doesn't make him stop; when it comes to physical affection, giving and receiving are both enjoyable to him. And who knows when he'll ever have this opportunity again? ] I have to admit it was nice not being dismissed outright because of what I am. [ Even if an android probably isn't most people's idea of a suitable mate, the lack of bigotry was definitely refreshing. ]