Private You Deserved More Than Vanishing

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

BONADAN
Skytower District, 117th-Level Transit Concourse

The smell of fried spice oil clung to the vents like smog, sharp and acrid beneath the ozone burn of passing repulsorcraft. Somewhere above, a hauler scraped low over the tower spine, rattling the durasteel beams like a growl in the bones of the building. Braze stood with one hand against the plastiglass railing, watching the city blur below, neon reflections smeared across the rain-slicked platforms, faceless crowds moving in every direction but his.

He hadn't meant to leave like that.

But the next morning, after the quiet brunch Braze decidedly made for Zee, Braze had simply... vanished. His comlink didn't seem to work but Zee hot a message from a new designation number claiming to Be Braze asking if he'd like to meet up. It had been nearly a week.

A mag-train shrieked past behind him. The noodle shop's awning flickered above the balcony door as red paper lanterns swayed in the wind.

Braze turned away and stepped inside, ducking through a curtain of steam and chatter, he scanned the booths until he found it: the backroom, half-closed by a privacy screen, with only one cup on the table.

Braze was dressed in simple dark compression body suit that cut off mid thigh, tall leather boots and a fur lined coat. He eased in to the private booth to see if Zee showed up. He reached in to his coat and pulled out the new com-link he had seeing that he'd given the previous one to 0-7 . He checked the time anxiously.

 

[Zee Caromed]

Truth be told, Zee hadn't lost sleep over the issue. While the evening he'd spent with Braze had been nice and the Jedi had seemed adamant that he wasn't interested in a one-night fling? Waking up alone had seemed to suggest that something had come up, or the heady romanticism hadn't had much substance behind it. And honestly? It'd be fine if that was the case. Some might have let the flowers be soured by the fact that they were temporary, but that wasn't Zee.

Actions always meant more than words. Always. A fun evening with a promise for more that didn't materialize was still a fun evening, and if there'd been something serious that came up? Honestly, it wasn't his business. It wouldn't be the first time he'd been ghosted, anyway.

Zee was somewhat surprised to get a message a week later inviting him to meet again. He didn't have any reservations about agreeing to meet, though. Bonadan was a little off of his usual routes, but that only made it more appealing.

Clad in ripped jeans, a faded Sleemo tee, and his trusty old jacket, Zee wove his board placidly up to the designated noodle shop. As always, his worn old armorweave bag and visible helmet. Noodles, of course, the perfect place to get a bite to eat - cheap, comforting, and typically filled to the brim with interesting flavors and nutrients. Braze had fine taste.


And there he was. Wearing tall boots, black, and fur like the femme fatale in some cheesy detective drama. Checking his commlink nervously. Braze looked like he'd been through something, certainly. Zee ambled over and sank into the booth with him, no hesitation. No moment to think about it.

"Hey, Braze." The soft-voiced Mandolorian greeted, placing a hand on the table. "Are you alright?"

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

Braze looked up from the comlink with a seemingly surprised expression, as if somehow he hadn't expected Zee to actually show up. That look was immediately followed by a brighter, more excited one, as though just seeing Zee was enough to change his whole demeanor for the better. He sat up straighter and quickly banished the comlink below the table, tucking it into a pocket and out of sight.

There was a noticeable sweetness to him, a rich sandalwood and rose composition accented by muguet, jasmine, and soft oriental nuances of musk, woods, and amber.

"Hey!" he greeted warmly, a genuine smile gracing his pale features. "It's good to see you." He said it after a brief moment of looking Zee over from head to waist, as if his thoughts were still lagging behind the very fathomable yet still surreal reality that Zee had actually shown up at the agreed meeting spot.

He took a moment or three to register the question, and his smile faltered for just an instant before that familiar, placid look of calm and subtle assurance returned. He looked away briefly, just for a fleeting second, then glanced back. His gaze dropped to the table where he laced his fingerless-gloved hands together and adjusted his posture, his anchor points shifting just so as he leaned back and drew in a deep breath, slowly exhaling and letting out a building sense of tension with it.

"Uh... no? N–not really...? But I will be..." he half-answered, sounding more like a question than a definitive response as he lifted that jade-green gaze upward again. "I, uh... I wanted to apologize. For disappearing on you like that," he murmured, stuttering slightly as if unsure what exactly to say in the moment.

His hands shifted again. He reached into his coat and pulled out a slender black box, topped with a shiny silver ribbon tied in a neat bow to keep it shut. The box was rectangular in shape and about the length of Braze's forearm.

"I, uh... I got this for you," he said, fidgeting with the box briefly before placing it on the table and gently sliding it toward Zee, letting it come to rest somewhere between the two of them.

"I wanted to get some ingredients to make a nice meal for you when I went out, but something came up. I'm sorry I didn't really have time to say anything." He offered a simple explanation, one that gently glossed over the explicit details of whatever event he was clearly trying very hard not to think about.

He took another breath and let out a slower sigh, not quite as long as the last, then shifted his anchor points once more as he sat up straighter again, putting visible effort into looking in high spirits.

Despite the mixed emotions flickering behind his eyes, Braze really was genuinely excited to see Zee again.

 

[Zee Caromed]

Zee had seen this man deflect blaster fire without even looking, and jump on foes he hadn't even been aware of heartbeats before. The idea that Zee had managed to surprise the Jedi by... walking up to his table? In chonky steel-toed boots? Kind of silly. Indicative of concerning issues. Zee wasn't a moron, and he had a bit of force training. He knew what lack of focus could do.

"You didn't have to get me anything." Zee promised, gently accepting the box. He wasn't going to disrespect Braze by spurning an apology gift, even if he didn't think it was necessary. Some people showed contrition or affection through gifts. Braze clearly wasn't hurting for funds, given his ship and wardrobe. Zee might not look or act much like it aside from being a wandering philanthropist, but he DID come from money and wasn't about to judge people who gave gifts for perceived minor events. "But thank you. I'll open it in a moment"

Gently setting the box aside to show that it was appreciated but not his focus, Zee leaned on the table and offered a concerned smile. "I kind of figured something had happened when you didn't come back." He added. "I locked up and left. I guess you know that, though. Are you..." Zee stopped himself before he repeated the least helpful question in the galaxy, apologizing for almost-redundancy with a smile. "Do you need help?" He offered genuinely. "Backup or just a place to crash? Anything in between?"

Sure, he was a bit of a busybody. But honestly? Anyone who'd known Zee for more than a couple of hours knew that he'd not hesitate to get involved on somebody's behalf.

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Braze

"No... but I wanted to," Braze stated simply in reply to the idea that he didn't have to get Zee something.

Braze settled as he listened and watched Zee very carefully.

"I..." He started to answer, then shut his mouth, going quiet, considering a few things...

"I do need help," he finally admitted aloud. "I'm... just not certain how... to get help... It's complicated..." he trailed, his mind partially elsewhere, running through thousands of scenarios he'd thought about many times over now.

His brows furrowed as thoughts of his more recent actions flashed through, and he took an uneasy, anxious breath. He didn't want to talk about Ko Vuto or Loomi or the very idea that he'd mostly gotten away with his misdeeds. He hadn't reached out to either of them or even Jasper for that matter... He had the ability to do that again, and he was hesitating... why though? It was hard to say. He knew he should at least call them, but he wanted to avoid that kind of confrontation for now.

"I have a debt to settle... It's something I need to take care of," Braze offered, settling on a truthful means of how to explain his situation without going too much into detail. He owed quite a few debts figuratively speaking at this junction. However, the primary issue was to keep the would-be captor and now handler busy and from completing his mission... stalling for time and hoping that Jasper Kai'el was wise enough to know what to do whilst Braze kept Okuma Milogen 's interests busy.

Bounty hunters who couldn't get paid often found other ways to collect.

Braze didn't entirely know exactly what was wrong with himself... he'd been plagued by this as well as the guilt from his recent actions, and he didn't want Zee to know the dirty things he'd done. They just met, after all. What would he think? He couldn't even bring himself to talk to his brother-in-arms and his best friends about what was going on... but then again, Braze was always so secretive about his turmoil and often shut others out trying to solve all the problems on his own.

How could he even begin to ask for help with a problem he couldn't exactly name just yet?

How did you tell someone you felt compelled to do things you were completely against and couldn't explain why? It sounded crazy...

Better to not scare off the cute mando for now... right?

​

 

[Zee Caromed]

How wonderfully evasive and mysterious. Zee smiled in spite of himself, furrowing his brow with concern. Arms folded on the table, he carefully considered Braze's shifting, thoughtful expressions and the rainbow of concern they represented. Somebody needed help, and to be perfectly frank? Braze was sweet and gorgeous, but he wasn't Zee's problem. Not yet, anyway. As to what the future might hold? Anyone's guess. Getting involved now would be an investment in a future where Braze was more than a one night stand. Of course, pushing to have Braze bring him in on whatever was going wrong was just as likely to get Braze to scupper that future as it was to get him to open up.

Relationship calculus. Silent relationship calculus. Zee let the factors tumble over and over in his mind. His usually quick, snappy thought process was ground to a halt, and it took him a moment to realize why it felt like his head was full of rocks. His mother might have chuckled gently at him before bopping him on the head to reset the issue - clarifying that it was a matter for the heart. The mind had no business getting involved.

This wasn't a relationship issue, or a matter of investment. He was letting that blind him to the simple fact that if Braze had been some random jobber of the street, he'd still want to help. And Braze wasn't some rando - he'd bled for strangers, he'd fought for the weak, he'd jumped between screaming civilians and fascists. Any one of these marked him as worth Zee's respect and consideration.

Zee leaned forward and gently took Braze's hand, offering a steady smile. "If I can help, I will." He promised confidently. "If I can't - I understand. Sometimes y'gotta lone wolf." The Mandalorian squeezed, running his thumb carefully over Braze's knuckle. "But I'm here to be a shelter, if nothing else."

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

Braze looked like he might cry for a moment or two, but he smiled and seemingly relaxed, taking a deep breath and sighing once more.

"I... appreciate that. I really do," he murmured softly, settling both of his hands over Zee's.

Braze looked down at their hands, startled by how much comfort could be found in something so simple. His throat tightened, and for a moment, he didn't speak.

"I don't think I've had anyone say that before," he murmured quietly. "Not... quite like that."

He let his fingers curl slightly beneath Zee's, eyes shifting upwards again.
"I don't really know how to ask for help. Or what kind I even need. But I think… I'd like to stay a little while and enjoy some hot soup.... If that's alright."

Braze gave a breathy little laugh however and added in reply, "I don't think I'm a very good lone wolf."

He glanced out toward the noodle shop's window, rain still trailing lines down the glass.
"I've been running on fumes since Coruscant. I got lucky... really lucky, but I haven't slept right since."

He hesitated. He wanted to open up... What Zee said had won him a little more trust, just enough for Braze to be vulnerable enough to say something more.

He thought about saying something—anything—like I think something's wrong with me. And I don't mean physically. But in the end, his anxieties and insecurities won out.

Instead, he tried to deflect with a touch of earnest, admirational charm.

"You're dangerously good at being nice, you know that?" Braze asked, offering a faint grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.

He pulled his hand back gently.Braze hesitated, then looked up at Zee.
"Would it be weird if I asked to crash at your place tonight?"

There wasn't much weight behind the question, in truth. But his voice cracked slightly at the edges.

"I just... I don't really want to be alone right now. That's all."

It would seem he was more so wanting Zee's company and closeness in general, this time rooted in a platonic manner. It was much easier for him to feel at ease around Zee than trying to talk to any of his friends right now.

"I don't want to drag you into anything you'll regret. I can handle it... As they say... this too shall pass? And it could be better...? But it can always get worse? I just... think I need some measure of normalcy? I don't know how to be okay right now. But I'm trying. And I'm really glad you showed up."

​

 

[Zee Caromed]

Zee could prod out the shape of what was going on, at least a little. Perhaps it was rude to speculate. He liked to imagine Braze wouldn't hold that against him, though. His concern was natural. Warranted, even. Rooted in compassion and care.

Zee folded his arms on the table and smiled broadly, quirking his eyebrow at the white-haired Jedi. "I'm gonna be so normal with you." He promised smugly. "I'll take you back to my place and watch serialized crime dramas with you, if you really want. Maybe a couple re-runs of the Totally Real Adventures of Auteme, if they're on. In the morning, I'll get up and try to make you an omelette, screw it up, and pretend like it was my plan to make scrambled eggs the whole time." Zee joked slyly. "We'll drink caff and then do something real normal. Like buy groceries or do laundry."

Carefully folding both hands around one of Braze's, Zee's tone became less joking, more sincere. "I wouldn't turn away somebody who needs me. You know that." He promised. "Especially not somebody like you, whom I... confess to being slightly more fond of than the average person." Zee giggled, holding his thumb and finger about a centimeter apart. "A little bit more fond."

"Provided you don't mind that my workshop is kind of a mess, you're welcome to hang out as long as you'd like. I have a couch if you don't want to share a bed." He promised. "You don't need to wife me up to get my support. The support is given, it is true and real." The Mando swore. "I can stick around here for about four days before I'm gonna need to head back out to pick up some parts. But when I don, you're welcome to come with if you wanna just disappear and be domestic for awhile."

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

Braze listened as Zee waxed poetic about domestic activities that actually… sounded rather nice. He found himself genuinely longing for the sort of life Zee was describing, it sounded so calm, so relaxing. Truth be told, it was oddly appealing.

What was a crime drama like? Oh... he remembered meeting Auteme once. There was media about her? That was new information. Braze hadn't realized Zee was joking. He was earnestly open to all of it, even doing laundry didn't sound bad. In fact, he was more than a little curious about what Zee might have in his so-called 'clothing' selections.

"All of that sounds just… wonderful," Braze said softly, a faint chirp in his tone. His head tilted at the phrase 'wife me up', not entirely grasping the meaning. Jedi typically didn't talk like that. His gaze flicked toward the box he'd given Zee, a flicker of thought wondering if Zee might've imagined a ring inside. That was absurd, wasn't it? Should he have gotten a ring instead? Braze metaphorically shook his head, brushing away the confusing tangent before it could fully unravel.

"Do you want help cleaning? Or do you like it messy because it's… organized chaos, and easier to find your stuff that way?" he asked, genuinely interested in Zee's preferences.

"Thank you… I'd really enjoy just spending a bit of time with you like that," he added gently, raising one hand.

He offered the server a simple, clear-looking card. It didn't quite resemble an ID or a credit chip... more like… some kind of odd membership card.

 

[Zee Caromed]

"Then it sounds like we have a plan." Zee promised easily, sitting back. "We have lunch, maybe swing by the Duck for an overnight bag maybe, then back to my place for Who's Turn is it Anyway and general cozy vibes." He'd want to clean up a little - put out the good blankets, the fancier shampoo, maybe get some healthier-looking food in stock so it looked less like he survived on station junk food and nutrient shakes. You know, the usual junk you did when you had a maybe-boyfriend staying over and you didn't want him to think you were a schlub.

Stretching his arm across the back of the diner seat, Zee seemed determined to take up as much space as possible - which wasn't unusual for him. He oscillated between dainty and imposing without much interruption. "If cleaning things up would make you happy, I'm not gonna stop you." He promised cheerfully. "I fly an old Puddlejumper - I like to think the living areas of the ship are pretty tidy, but most of the rest is full of supplies, prototypes, spare parts. That sort of thing." Zee explained. "I'm not gonna sit here and pretend I have perfect memory where everything in the junk pile is, that'd be crazy. I have a general idea of where the important things are, and I go lookin' for everything else if I need it."

As the server came and Braze handed over a card, Zee didn't comment. He did watch the exchange with marked curiosity, giving Braze an inquisitive look once the server left. Was it some sort of obscure Diner's Club card? or had Braze just scooped the bill before they'd even eaten anything?

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

The server left briefly before returning and offering Braze the odd card back.
"What can I get you two gentlemen today?" they asked, ready to jot down their orders.

Braze ordered some kind of bowl with thick noodles, eggs, and other little add-ins. It looked like a pretty sizeable meal, probably enough to last more than one sitting.

"That's alright. I'm sure it's a cozy place," he chirped lightly, knowing how good it felt to settle into a spot that felt lived in after a rough day.
"So long as you have hot water, you won't hear me complain... feel free to get what ever you like. " he added with a smile.

He sank back with a soft sigh, like some massive weight had just lifted off his shoulders.

"I wanted to ask... what's your favorite color, Zee?" Braze queried, tilting his head slightly. He liked learning the little things, bit by bit, gathering the soft details that made someone who they were.

He'd worked with Mandalorians before, usually in security roles or mercenary work, but he'd never really gotten close to one. Zee was different. Intimate familiarity was new territory. That made Zee something of an exotic curiosity to him. And Braze was very interested in learning more.

​

 

[Zee Caromed]

"Oh, are we doing questions now?" Zee asked with a smirk, leaning on the table again. He'd ordered a savory, peppery beef noodle bowl - the sort of aromatics-laden meal that felt like home no matter where in the galaxy he went. Mostly because his mom had used a lot of onions and garlic in her cooking. "Let's see - Green is probably my favorite overall." He decided. "It looks good on me. Clan colors. Guild colors. Black looks best on me, though." Zee chirped. "I'm doing an experiment with my hair, with the white and red. I'm not sure how I feel about it."

Zee tugged on his ragged bangs, looking thoughtful. "My natural hair color is black. But I wanted to shake things up a bit." He explained. "The white looks okay. I'll stick with it for a bit until it doesn't feel like 'me' anymore."

Chuckling, Zee shrugged a shoulder and smiled. "Though I feel like the term 'natural' is a bit loaded." He added. "I think of my body like my armor - it's mine to customize and play with how I see fit. S'why I don't feel bad taking a pill to turn my hair white, using Matukai to play with my body cycles, any of that." He explained. "I've been considering playing around with XY just to see what it feels like, but I don't like the side effects listed."

The Mandalorian smirked and gave Braze a teasing wink. "If you weren't an ass-kicking warrior, what would you be doing with yourself? What's your back up plan when all the violence is done?" He asked curiously.

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

"I think questions might be a good, fun thing to try," Braze encouraged, curious to note what Zee ordered, and making a few mental notes on it.


He tilted his head slightly, understanding the sentiment of enjoying green as a color and the reason behind it. "I think black looks good on just about everyone... it's a slimming look. Black is rich and deep... Ah, black hair? Huh..." Braze tilted his head the other direction and sat back, trying to picture it. "I bet you look drop-dead gorgeous with black hair," he offered, trying to imagine it. Yes, black hair and red eyes was certainly a striking combination, one that lent itself to a dark, brooding sort of edgy look. "Self exspression is important. I think the red is rather pretty. " He chirped before perking up. " I've been practicing a few Matukai techniaues my Master taught me. He trained with them for a while when he was younger. I mostly just know how to play around with uh... soft to solid. Maybe you can show me you what know some time hmnn~?"

Braze happily sipped at a lemon water, toying with his straw and moving to stab at the little yellow bits of fruit floating in it.

"What did he intend to do?" He paused, frowning briefly... He had thought he'd always be a teacher. He enjoyed teaching classes at the Temple. That's what most Jedi Masters did when they were older, right? He had dreams of becoming a Battlemaster. But now... could he even think about going back? After what he'd done to Ko Vuto ? To Loomi ?


He blinked, feeling his eyes warm and blur for a moment before taking a brisk little breath.

"Uh... I figured I would find some place nice and peaceful and settle down with someone... eventually. I had ambitions of being a teacher, but I'm not so sure that will work out for me right now," he offered in a subdued tone, choosing his words carefully.

"I like to make things. Lots of things, really... I find I can't sit still for very long without doing something or creating something. I've been considering trying pottery... and a million other things I haven't tried. Learning to do something new and do it well is a process I rather enjoy."

Braze offered a soft smile, then tilted his head thoughtfully.

"What do you like to do for entertainment when you're by yourself?" he asked gently, wondering if Zee enjoyed reading or books. From the sound of things, Zee seemed to prefer media he could relax to, or something to watch or listen to.

​

 

[Zee Caromed]

Zee was hardly an empath, but he didn't need to be to sense the turmoil and hurt just beneath the carefully lotioned surface of his Jedi associate. It made every conversation topic just a bit tricky when he didn't know what was wrong and which subjects would bring pain - like navigating a strange room in the dark and there's a long-tailed cat hidden somewhere. He was not, however, a coward. "I do look pretty good with black hair." Zee confirmed confidently. "Just a little bit too much like my mom and sister, though. Which is weird, because there's no blood relation." Of course there was no explanation for why the boy who'd been cultivating his form using Matukai since he was pubescent might look a lot like his adoptive family.

"I'd be happy to show you some tricks!" Zee promised cheerfully. "I'm not good by like, any measure of the term. I've just got a splash of Matukai to my name, some basic combat training with a lightsaber. Wouldn't hurt to share what I know, though. Maybe pick up a few tricks from you in the deal~?" He snickered.

Teacher. Liked to work with his hands. They were kindred spirits in that way - Zee liked to make things as well, though his focus was more on electronics and software. "

"In my downtime? I honestly have a lot of plates spinning." Zee confessed. "I don't have a lot of downtime, though I guess I compensate by keeping my working hours as relaxed as possible." He mused aloud, propping his chin up on his palm. "Back when I was just studying medicine, I loved going to see live music on my off hours. Pounding bass, screaming vocalists, the angry stuff. Louder the better. Since I'm mostly nomad these days...." Zee tapped his chin. "I ride my board, if I'm somewhere where I can do that. Play some hologames. Talk to cute guys."

He stuck his tongue out playfully.

"Most people I know are either 'Beach Trip' people or 'Mountain Trip' people." Zee explained smugly. "Which are you?"
​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

Once they had their meals, Braze took a few hungry bites from his bowl, listening to Zee carefully with his jade-green eyes locked on him the whole time.

"A mom and a sister, huh?" he echoed thoughtfully. "I've got an adoptive family that's... pretty all over the place." He gave a small smile. "My master, Jasper Kai'el , took me in. He and Marissa Shoda just had a little one..."

Braze paused, thinking fondly of the tiny baby back home.

"I've got a sister named Phy , and a few folks I consider uncles and aunts, people who knew my old man growing up." He added that last part with a slight grin, knowing full well Jasper was anything but old. After a beat, he asked gently, "How's your relationship with your family?"

As Zee mentioned trading lessons Braze lit up at that idea. "I would love that. " He chirped.
When Zee mentioned loud music, it stirred an old memory, sneaking away from the Temple for his first concert and running into Makko Vyres by pure chance.

"I've only been to one concert," Braze admitted with a small laugh. "It was actually really fun. A little disorienting being that close to the big speakers, but I had a good time." He was so curious what it was like beyond the Temple walls back then. Now it feelt like he had free rein of the greater galaxy.

He glanced toward his companion and added, "I like both. I really enjoy getting lost in nature. I love exploring forests, caves, and ruins. Especially the ones with puzzles or weird locks. The creepy ones filled with Sith vibes? Not so much."

Braze smiled again, softer now.

"There's this one place my friends and I found while hiking through the woods. A whole temple built inside and on top of a giant tree with purple petals everywhere. It was stunning. And nearby, there are coastal caves full of vibrant stones. "

​

 

[Zee Caromed]

"I think we're pretty close, even if we're all usually doin' our own thing." Zee snickered. "My biological parents died when I was a couple of weeks old. My moms adopted me." He explained. "My mother, Lynn, is the Alor of our clan. She's usually pretty busy. She pushed me a lot as a child, but never like, you know. Abusively. My mom was more involved in raising me, and we're still pretty tight. She's the one who taught me how to fight without a gun, how to use the force, and so on. Insofar as I have a 'Master', it's her. My sister Fable is a lot older than I am, but we're very close. Sometimes we play hologames online. She's an exhibition shockboxer, and I try to catch her matches when I can. Like me, she mostly lives on the hyperlanes - though in her case it's because she travels around to do her matches and shows. We spar sometimes, too, but she's way better than me. Obviously."

"The creepy ones filled with Sith vibes, I absolutely agree!" Zee laughed. "I recently wound up following a Sith down a hole filled with liquid darkness, pillars, sacrificial altars - it was pretty scary!" He confessed sheepishly. "Ordinarily I never would, but I didn't want her doing anything with the junk down there before the clan had a chance to get rid of it. I actually got very, very lucky and wound up talking her down from using any of it!" The Mandalorian chirped proudly, hefting a stickful of thick, chewy noodles and blowing on them to cool them. "I'll be wearing that merit badge proudly until the day I die - 'Talked a Sith down'. I don't want to set foot in one of those ruins again, though. Not unless I have to."

Noodles cooled, Zee took a big bite. Big for him, anyway. The Mandalorian seemed to only do things at the extremes of 'boisterous' and 'dainty', and eating was in the dainty category. Beefy broth laden with onions and garlic and pepper, a savory experience that only made the tactile joy of chewy noodles even better than they already were. Zee made a soft noise of appreciation before rushing another bite.

The bowl would not last long. He'd come hungry.

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

It didn't take Braze too long to finish his meal as he ate, listening to Zee talk about his family. It certainly seemed like Zee was out on his own and quite capable of being a fully functioning adult in the real galaxy. It was a different lifestyle than Braze was accustomed to or really understood, but it was nice to hear. He found himself smiling, hearing that Zee had talked someone out of messing around with old Sith stuff.

"You sound like you have a nice family dynamic," Braze offered gently, hearing Zee conclude his little snippets of information he felt inclined enough to share.

Once the two of them had their share and tidied up, it would seem that Zee didn't have to pay for anything they had that evening. Everything was already, somehow, taken care of. Braze stretched out with a soft yawn after gathering the rest of his meal into a to-go container, seemingly unable to finish the sheer amount of food.

"Do you mind if I bring Gidgit?" Braze asked as they departed the noodle shop and started their way off to where the 'little' mud duck was stationed.

 

[Zee Caromed]

Braze had, indeed, poached the bill. Zee didn't mind too much. If his maybe-boyfriend wanted to do boyfriend things like buy him dinner, he wasn't going to complain. After all, he planned on spoiling the white-haired Jedi in turn. It was only fair. As they left the restaurant, Zee carefully held onto the present and let Braze carry his own leftovers - not that there was much left.

"I'm guessing Gidgit is a droid?" The Mando asked with a curious smile, head tilted to the side. "I don't mind, if so. Honestly, it'll be nice to have a droid on board - they're always a lot of fun!" Owning a droid had always felt a little icky to him, considering how close (or indistinguishable) to people they tended to be, but he couldn't begrudge others for it. And many people seemed to have happy, successful partnerships with droids - however the power dynamic worked in private was between them, of course. That said, he did love talking to and socializing with droids, or just watching them go about their days.

As the strolled in the vague direction of the Mud Duck, Zee considered the present thoughtfully. He glanced to Braze for permission, then carefully opened the present by tugging the ribbon gingerly open. Ensuing he was shoulder-to-shoulder with his partner, Zee opened the box.

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zee Caromed

Braze nodded as they walked. "Yeah... Gidgit's a droid. I pieced him together from old parts, hoping to make something like an assistant. Sometimes he's a little too helpful," Braze explained with a wry smile.

"The last time I left him alone too long, he decided the cockpit needed 'upgrades.' The nav console now has a voice-activated caf brewer, the seats vibrate like massage chairs, and all the system alerts got replaced with his voice going, 'Ooooh nooo!'"

He cast a curious glance toward Zee, then gave a gentle nod, encouraging them to open the gift. Inside, nestled in soft black velvet cloth was a striking choker crafted from gleaming silver. Its centerpiece featured a polished meditation crystal in deep jade like green. The crystals were worked into an ornate filigree design with leaves. Braze paused briefly standing still. " Do you like it?" He asked curiously.