Private Look for the helpers

[Zee Caromed]

It sounded very sweet when Braze said it. Zee had a tendency to boil things down, simplify and segment them into efficient chunks. Sex, through the lens of a relationship vs a casual fling. What he was looking for, and why. What he'd like, and why. What he didn't want. Minimum poetry, simple facts. Braze reframing it in terms of emotional vulnerability, calling the body sacred - it was nice. Though he'd had no shortage of reassurances that he was important, that his health was critical, that he was loved by his family and his clan and the people he'd helped, Zee still had a bad habit of breaking himself down in terms of maximum utility; the good he provided to the Clan, to Mandalore, to people in need of help. He didn't think in poetry, but he did love flowery language - and had no defenses against it.

"I couldn't agree more." Zee murmured sheepishly, a smile sneaking onto his face. "I think you're... I mean, after a single coffee, I think you're pretty wonderful. I already knew you were gorgeous, of course. I'm just glad the rest of you matches the packaging." He snickered, a little embarrassed. Zee carefully held his cold brew between his hands, rolling the cool drink back and forth to give him something to fidget with that wasn't Braze's boot.

"I AM a very physically affectionate person." Zee added. "Not, you know. In general. I like to touch. I like to be touched." He explained quietly. "I like to ground myself with my partner, remain in contact with them. Let them know I'm thinking about them through affection." Zee considered his drink, took a sip, and continued holding it. "It's something I never really thought of as being important to me until somebody brought it up recently. Sometimes people see you clearer than you do, I guess. I mean... I've always believed that, I suppose a part of me just never thought that'd be as true for me." Zee giggled. "Know what I mean?"

His hand slipped beneath the table. Still wet and quite cold from coffee condensation, Zee snaked his fingers under the cuff of Braze's pants and mischievously tapped his ankle.

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

Braze listened carefully, his smile softening with a teasing glint as he responded to the comment about appearances.
"For now, at least~" he said with amusement.

His tone shifted a little more thoughtful. "I'm not very familiar with touch," he admitted, gaze lowering for a moment. "But I'm curious about it. I think I understand the need. Most humans seem to crave some measure of physical connection. I know I crave heat and preasure.... I just..."
He trailed off, searching for the right words. "I think I might be... touch-starved."

A faint jolt ran through him when that cold touch met his skin, surprising, but not unwelcome. He exhaled with a small laugh under his breath, then steadied himself after shifting slightly.

"Though perhaps I've kept you in suspense quite long enough."

He set his cup aside and slowly reached for the elegant saber clipped at his side. The hilt, intricate and clearly well-cared for, levitated with a subtle pull of the Force. Small components clicked and rotated as it disassembled itself in midair, exposing inner chambers, polished wiring, and the shimmering crystals at its heart.

He removed the crystals with practiced ease and set them carefully on the table beside the hilt. Then, with a graceful motion, he picked up the saber's core and held it out toward Zee.

"Lightsabers are deeply personal to most Jedi; they're sacred. They're more than just tools or weapons." He started to explain.

"They're deeply tied to the Force, to training, and to a Jedi's identity. " He stated gently. "I like to make the. A lot. " He purred softly. "They're part of us. They carry our focus, our intent, and our connection to the Force and symbolize our identity... Young hopefuls and padawan learners must earn teh right to have one as a rite of passage."

There was a subtle warmth to the way he said it, almost like a painter sharing a favorite brush and how they used it.

"But this-" he gestured gently to the saber, "is not a toy. It's an extension of the Force itself. Without that bond, it's just a shell... and a dangerous one at that."

His fingers brushed over the crystals lightly.

"Most Jedi wouldn't share this kind of knowledge so freely with someone they'd only just met."
He met Zee's gaze, steady and deliberate now. "But I have a feeling you'll treat it with the respect it deserves."

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[Zee Caromed]

Zee carefully, considerately examined the weapon. Then thought twice about it.

Without hesitating or even really considering whether or not he should, the svelte Mandalorian slipped out of his seat and slid in beside Braze , sitting hip-to-hip with his date. Touch starvation was a problem, and Zee addressed problems. He might be more of a clinician than a therapist, but the need for positive physical contact was as much biological as it was psychological. He saw no need to withhold.

THEN he could examine the Lightsaber.

As a Mandalorian and as a technician, Zee had an intense respect for the tools of one's trade. He showed this with the polite reverence with which he carefully grasped the saber's core between his fingertips and brought it closer to examine it. If he was at all mystified by the open skill of a Jedi or the primary weapon of such, he gave no indication.

In truth, it was far from the first time he'd handled a lightsaber and he had at least a passing familiarity with their use and construction.

"It's beautiful." Zee murmured, barely glancing away from the crystal to meet Braze's eyes. "The machining on some of these parts is exquisite. I've known techs with a full lab who couldn't approach that level of detail." He explained, fishing through his bag for a magnifying lens and something to write on. Clutching a weathered old pencil, Zee began making a surprisingly detailed sketch of the lightsaber core while turning and examining it with the utmost care. From the detail sketch - which he labeled quite intricately - it was clear Zee knew his way around a Lightsaber but was not a specialist in the subject.

The examination continued for some time, Zee occasionally murmuring small exclamations - a 'remarkable!' or 'oh, wow!' from time to time. "What I can't figure out from a glance is how it retains cohesion but remains utterly harmless." He eventually confessed. "Does it disrupt neurological activity? Interrupt a person's connection to their own body through the Force? Or something entirely different?" Zee asked, his eyes lit up with excitement as he leaned against his date.

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

Braze was typically almost never caught unaware, but as Zee moved to sit right next to him, it completely caught him off guard. He was stunned briefly into silence by the very action itself. Talking about touching and teaching was one thing, actually doing so in a non-combative situation? That sort of thing made Braze's poor little mind need a full reboot.

He went still for a few moments, then drew a slow, steady breath as the sudden rush of panic at being right next to the pretty man began to settle. He swallowed, feeling a heated sensation wash over his form, coloring the bridge of his nose and reaching all the way to the tips of his ears in a soft pinkish hue.

He parted those strawberry-pink lips to say something, but shut them again as the compliment landed, his brain still in a mild haze of shock. Braze blinked twice and drew another breath, letting it out slowly as he tried to reclaim his usual bravado.

"Ah... well, thank you," he finally managed in a quiet, mousy tone, trying to reign in the spiraling thoughts now churning in his head.

It was clear from the design that this was a saber intended to be opened only by someone capable of fine telekinesis, given how intricately the parts were fitted together. It couldn't be disassembled from the outside without destroying some part of it.

He cleared his throat. "The construction isn't exactly what causes the non lethal blue blade," Braze offered gently. "Though for training sabers, the blade can be adjusted to leave welts and mild burns instead of full cutting force. Most training sabers have a special lock on them that keeps the blade in a relatively harmless training mode...for Padawan learners to become adjusted. Typically, only Knights and Masters know how to undo the puzzle-lock to initiate the full cutting power. Most of my controls are made to be internal."

Braze gestured lightly to the saber's core.
"The Cyclic Crystal Array is what allows me to swap between various crystals I've slotted into the chambers." He turned the hilt to show Zee the component.

Reaching into the front of his gi-style tunic, Braze pulled out a spare FSS A.D.A.P.T. Saber Mod Kit he carried on his person and unzipped the small canvas pouch. Inside were a few crystals neatly tucked away.

He pulled out the Bondar crystal and offered it to Zee.
"Different crystals sometimes have different properties. This Bondar crystal, when engaged, creates a blade that stuns rather than cuts."

Next, he selected the Kimber Stone and passed it over. "This one creates a non-lethal blade. They're bright, and pretty harmless." There was a faint lilt of fondness in his voice.

Finally, he reached for one of the crystals from his own saber and held up a cool-hued gem.
"The blue blade you saw was created by this—an Entropite Crystal." He turned it between his fingers, admiring the way it caught the light.

"They create a non-lethal, cold blade. It devours excess energy, inflicting deep lethargy on living beings and draining or disabling droids, shields... things like that. Instead of deflecting blaster bolts, Entropite blades sort of just... eat them. It kinda makes people go to sleep..." he trailed briefly. " Have you used a saber before?" He asked curiously having taken note of teh familiarity despite his lingering confusion and shock at the closeness.

​

 

[Zee Caromed]

Zee was so used to being on the other side of the babble that it caught him a little off-balance when Braze started geeking out about crystals and machining methods. He was content to sit and listen to the explanation, making an occasional note in his book. He couldn't ever make any of this stuff - he didn't have the skills necessary to assemble the internal components with telekinesis - but it was absolutely fascinating to consider the possibilities that such a method presented.

"This is a combat weapon." Zee mused thoughtfully as Braze demonstrated the intricate assembly and rotating chamber. "How do you handle the risk that a solid blow in a fight'll damage one of the intricate components in the puzzle-lock or the cyclic crystal array? Or do you diagnose and address those issues in the field using telekinesis?" He asked curiously, waiting for a reply with an eager smile and a ready pencil. "And do you find that the Kimber or Entropite crystals affect the regular use of the saber at all, or is the difference largely negligible?"

Aftter a moment, Zee snickered and rubbed one of his arms. "Oh, did you find me out?" He asked sheepishly. "I don't own a saber. I don't think I ever will. But I've used one before." He explained warmly, resting one of his feet atop Braze's, his hand on the table between them. "I was given a bit of training. My mother insisted that I understand the basics, even if I was essentially never going to apply any of it. She's got her own ideas about what does and doesn't consititue good training." Zee explained. Granted, Fabula Caromed might've had him use her lightsaber just to make him slightly more stimulating to spar with, not because she cared at all about traditional methods or developing his ability to use one. Honestly, he couldn't be sure.

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

Poor Zee hadn't even scratched the surface of how much Braze could yap incessantly about a topic he was obsessed with. Braze shifted a little but seemed to relax at the closeness as he seemed to get used to the sensation of touch. It was foreign to him in such a subtle way that lingered like he was awkward and just didn't know what to do with it or how to sit. Tentatvely he moved to set a hand atop Zee's and moved to rub the pad of his thumb gently over the back in a tender and slow circular motion before turning his gaze to meet Zee's eyes.

"Well, typically when Jedi and other adept Force users enter battle with another skilled Force user, they have a sphere of influence around themselves… like a personal space bubble they maintain control over using the Force. That's why it's usually not a good idea to try and push or pull an opponent with the Force directly. You have to overcome their sphere of influence and push past their active resistance to make it work. Sometimes you might get lucky and catch them off guard, and you'll be able to pull something like that off. But a good fighter who can stay focused is hard to unbalance.

In a similar fashion, sabers are held within our sphere of influence. I just take mine a step further. Most sabers don't have an internal locking mechanism like mine does. I primarily use Makashi, which is a very precise, fluid style of saber dueling. Control over my weapon; down to the smallest motion, is essential," Braze explained.

"I have a lightsaber in the shape of a lightfoil. Its handguard and the finger rings affixed underneath offer me both leverage and protection, allowing for more complex motions and a finer grasp of control. I extend my conscious effort to my blades at all times. It's… perhaps not the easiest feat to accomplish. Most people place controls on the outside and just flip a switch or button to cycle through the crystals in their array. I do the same thing, but with telekinesis. I chose this to make sure my blade is harder for others to take and use properly."
He explained.

"I'm not sure what plans or projects you had before we met but I am presently on a bit of medical leave and taking time to enjoy life... suffice to say I am fairly free. I have other more... impressive takes on saber blades if you wish to truly see something.... Revolutionary. " He said quoting the word Ran Serys had used when observing what blades he had brought to show the padawan class. He didn't mind teaching it seemed and if Zee appreciated his artisan work he seemed happy enough to explain and answer questions.

"You could always learn with a practice saber and see what it's like. Most padawan learners are tasked with finding a crystal and creating their own unique blade. " He explained. "I do wonder what kind of past your mom-might have had to have such skillful knowledge to pass on to you." He mused. He returned the items to the Adapt kit and slid it gently aside. "You may keep this if you like. " ​

 

[Zee Caromed]

Honestly, Zee could sit and listen to somebody ramble about something they loved and were extremely passionate about... almost endlessly. There was a beauty to it, the same way there was a beauty to watching a master carpenter hew a chair from random bits of wood, or a chef spin seemingly random components into a breathtaking meal. The Mandalorian listened attentively to each drop of information as it was presented, spilling from Braze's lips like a waterfall of excited data.

He knew a bit about lightsabers - how they were used, in a basic fashion. The sort of wounds they tended to make. But it was clear that Braze cared a whole terrible lot about them, and honestly? Zee was here to listen about it. At some point in the ramble, he shifted to more directly face Braze and probably would have put his legs across his lap if they weren't in public. He took a couple of sips from Braze's frozen chocolate drink on accident. He hung on every word.

"Medical leave?" Zee asked curiously, mildly concerned. Obviously it couldn't be something too terribly devastating unless it was one of those quiet, terminal sorts of 'leave'. Zee had seen him moving about, jumping and flipping and fighting all today. Aside from being a little (perhaps understandably) anxious, he seemed perfectly healthy. He flashed a grin. "Need a nurse to help you get back up on your feet, Braze?" Zee asked, before following with a slightly more simpering, suggestive tone. "Or do you need a nurse to help you tough through it?"

He burst out laughing, then leaned on the table again and continued stealing sips from Braze's drink. "Well, you wanted to spar. I could show you the little bit I know." Zee offered. "Not like... now. I'm having too much fun to get my arse kicked today. But, you know. Maybe tomorrow. I can't give you mom's background, because I'm pretty sure that falls under 'Clan secrets', but you'll probably figure it out pretty quickly if we fight." Zee confessed. "You seem the sort."

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

​

"Yeah… my jaw's still pretty new," Braze admitted with a soft, sheepish smile. "I've, uh… been through a lot these last few years."
He offered a gentler look, "It's good to see at least your mother raised a polite and sweet young man."

"You're already doing wonders for my mental health, honestly," he added with a quiet chirp. "You're sweet… and fun to be around."
He didn't seem the least bit bothered as Zee stole his drink for a casual sip. In fact, the sight made him stifle a giggle, one hand rising instinctively to cover his mouth in an effort to contain the affection bubbling just beneath the surface. There was something so endearing about Zee's antics, so effortlessly charming.

"That's exactly what I need~"

His hand, the one that had been absentmindedly petting, came to rest against his own cheek for a moment before he turned it and reached for Zee's again. With the gentlest touch, he brought it up and pressed a slow, tender kiss to the back of Zee's knuckles. His lips were warm, the gesture soft and unhurried. Snowy white lashes fluttered open as he lifted his gaze, green eyes meeting Zee's before he slowly drew back, letting the other's hand slip from his.

"I'm supposed to be taking it easy while my body adjusts to the new parts... And hive my thoughts and emotions a much needed break." he murmured, tone more thoughtful now. "The muscles in my jaw aren't as strong as they should be yet… but I'm healing."

Then, with a teasing lilt and a hint of mischief, he added, "That's fine… you can keep your secrets."
There were plenty of things he probably should tell Zee, but none of them felt urgent right now. Not in this quiet moment that felt too precious to break.

"I'm not so sure I need a nurse," he mused lightly, "but it's nice to be taken care of."
A playful smirk curled on his lips. "Not that I've ever been very good at following orders anyway~"

He leaned just a little closer, voice dipping into a low, affectionate purr. "I was thinking of visiting one of my uncles to brush up on some non-Jedi training while I had the time… but now?"

His smile turned wistful, "Now all I want to do is spend that time getting to know you~" He purred reaching a hand up to boop the very tip of Zee's nose with the tip of his finger.

 

[Zee Caromed]

A tender kiss, a playful whisper, just the slightest bit of gallantry while remaining flirty. Zee hadn't just been left devastated, he'd been hit directly in the weak point for massive damage. He tried to look away to hide his blush, but it was far, far too late. The damage had been done, and Braze circled back around for a second strike. It was all he could manage to not blow a gasket once the thick, fluttering eyelashes and gentle nose boops came out.

Really, overall? It was a hopeless sort of battle.

"I can still take a look. If you like." Zee murmured, bristling with awkward embarrassment. One didn't need to be an Echani to see how flustered he was. Biting his lip and looking away, squeezing Braze's hand if he tried to withdraw it, his leg never leaving the contact it had with him. "Professionally or otherwise. I don't even have to give orders."

Zee sat up straight, laying one arm over the back of the bench. To somebody not tuned into their dynamic, it might've looked like Zee was boxing Braze into the corner. Blocking the exit from the booth bodily, squaring him in with his arm and leg. Couldn't have been further from the truth, however. Zee was enraptured, drawn in by furtive looks and playful flirting. He was trying to return fire - showing off his arms by leaning on the table, making sure that Braze had a good look at his smooth midriff by turning to face him - but wheras Braze was composed, Zee would periodically giggle, shift nervously, or glance away.

A playful boop. Zee gently seized Braze's wrist before he could withdraw it, guiding his hand to his cheek. The callouses of a swordsman, the softness of somebody who cared an awful lot about how his skin felt, the warmth of a palm. Zee opened his eyes long enough to meet with Braze's, grinning despite how embarrassed he was by the cheesy move. The kind of corny storybook nonsense that he was only emboldened to do because Braze seemed to have stepped directly out of one of those romance novellas he kept hidden away.

Zee turned and very delicately placed a kiss to the inside of Braze's palm before giving him control of his hand back. "Then let's." He purred quietly. "Get to know each other."

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

​

Braze was undeniably enamored with Zee and perhaps, he thought, this was the right moment.

He shifted slightly, his expression softening as he reached out to rest a gentle hand on Zee's shoulder.

"I seem to recall you mentioning something about needing someone to rub your shoulders… hm?" he murmured, voice low and playful. "I think I might be able to help you with that, ease some of that tension."

A small, knowing smile played at the corners of his lips.

"I've got a freighter docked nearby," he offered casually, "if you're willing to come with me. We can keep talking in a quieter space… and you can see for yourself just how good I am with my hands when it comes to working out those knots."

 

[Zee Caromed]

Ahem.

"Well. If nothing else..." Zee murmured, looking briefly away. "Somebody should make sure you're not straining your jaw or anything." He pointed out quietly. It might've been a bit quick to escalate things, but not overly so. Zee moved around a lot, he didn't spent a load of time in any one place - or with any one person. But that being said, he had a pretty enjoyable connection with Braze and was enjoying a chemistry he hadn't had with anyone for a long time. So what was wrong with grabbing that and running with it?

What was the point of living free and growing wild if you weren't willing to be a little brave with your heart?

"That was so cheesy, by the way." Zee added as he slid carefully out of the seat and offered Braze a hand up, grinning ear to ear as he slung his bag back over his shoulder. Once the Jedi was upright, Zee paid for the coffee with a handful of crumpled bills before letting his date lead him off into the night - chatting and giggling the entire time.

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