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. ]
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ninetydegrees
(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. ]