I'm a bit excited about this one. Zabe is on the same level as Aketho for me. =3 And I'm holding on to hope that he'll get to fully romance Rass either by the end of LotS or the start of the next xpac.
This is still in rouge draft mode, so mind the grammar/spelling/mistakes.
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“So, let me make sure I have this right…you’re asking me to spy on the commander of the Alliance?” Rass asked, following Hylo out of the lift and towards the XS Stock Light Freighter sitting in the clearing across the way. Even from where they were he could see a few sparks coming out of an open panel on its underbelly. Obviously, someone was working on her from inside. More than likely that someone was the very person he was talking about, if rumors were to be believed about the Commander’s love for his ship. And Rass couldn’t blame him, she was a real beaut.
Hylo sighed, stopping on the bridge. Her weight shifted to one foot, hands planted on her hips as she looked down for a moment before turning toward the Mandalorian. “Not exactly. He’s going to know something’s up from the start. Despite what some people might think, he’s not an idiot, just a smartass with a mouth that gets him into too much trouble…and then some.”
Rass almost chuckled at that--it was so damn similar to how he was described by Jek most of the time.
“So spying would be pointless,” Hylo continued, shaking her head. “What we’re hoping is that he’ll feel comfortable enough around you that he’ll open up.”
That caused a dark eyebrow to lift high on his brow. “We?”
“Lana, Theron, and myself…and a few others,” she replied, shooting a worried glance over her shoulder toward the ship, “Zaberial, the Commander, has been acting…strange for the last few weeks. He says he’s fine, but you don’t have to be Force-sensative to sense something’s off with him. No one’s been able to get Zabe to talk about it. Void, even his little sisters and old crew hit a blockade with him.”
“If that’s the case, what makes you think I could do better?” Rass asked as a frown tugging at his lips.
“When Lana and Theron spoke with him last about it, Lana noted apprehension from the Commander--not in the sense that he was scared of something, but that he was afraid of how’d they react,” Hylo replied, rubbing the back of her neck. It was evident that she worried about the former smuggler. The way she talked about the Commander made her sound like a caring auntie--it definitely softened Rass to her cause. “He’s not talking with anyone he knows really well, so we’re thinking--hoping really--that he might be less hesitant to speak to someone he doesn’t know, or believes wouldn’t judge him. It’s a long shot for sure…which is why I suggested you to them.”
That piqued Rass’ interest. “Oh?”
“I’ve seen you work with both the other Mando’s and the various crews of the ships you’re assigned to,” the underworld specialist explained, “You’ve got a knack for putting people at ease and speaking with them. Plus, that dry humor of yours, Zaberial will love.”
“Well, that’ll be a first,” Rass chuckled, crossing his arms as he looked back at the ship, biting his lower lip. He continued, “but fair enough, I suppose. Can’t say I’m a hundred percent comfortable with this, but I’ll give it a shot.”
“That’s all I ask. Hells, even if you’re only able to get him to relax and smile, I’d call it a success,” Hylo said as she started to walk again. Once they were close enough, she called up to the open panel. “Hey, Commander, I found someone to help you with the maintenance.”
The sparks coming from the opening stopped followed by a sliding sound before a head poked out. Now Rass had seen the Commander before, but always from a distance or from vids on the holonet. Those holovids certainly did not do him justice. Granted, the mirialan was upside down, so he could be wrong.
Damn if he wasn’t kinda cute, though.
The Commander’s auburn hair swayed as he looked between Hylo and Rass. Those sharp amethyst eyes stayed on Rass for a long moment, studying him, before looking back at Hylo.
“Oh yeah?” he asked, his tone skeptical. “Would you trust him with your baby?”
And without skipping a beat, Hylo said, “Absolutely.”
“Oh?” Zaberial asked, scrutinizing eyes back on Rass, looking him up and down. “Hey, hot stuff, say you find an issue while you work, what are you going to do?”
“That depends, do you want me to follow the fancy factory manual, or another method of repair?” Rass answered with a question before gesturing to the ship. “Because when it comes to me’sen like this fine lady, I’d put good credits on you having a manual of your own.”
A wide grin spread across the Commander’s lips, eyes squinting slightly as he did so. “Good answer. He’ll do, just give me a second.”
Zaberial ducked back into the hole and out of sight. Rass assumed he was going to crawl back into the ship to meet them outside, since he didn’t see a ladder up to the opening--probably had it open for airflow with all the welding. However, to his surprise, the Commander rolled forward out the hole with a muscle control that was honestly impressive. He hung there for a second before dropping down with his back turned to them.
Rass let out a low, impressed whistle. “Well, that was impressive.”
When Zaberial turned, he looked like a pleased loth-cat who got the cream.
“Don’t encourage him,” Hylo sighed, shaking her head. “His ego is big enough as it is.”
The Commander laughed at that, making him look years younger.
Damn, he wasn’t just kinda cute, he was down right handsome. Glowing golden green skin, beautiful amethyst eyes, stunning smile, infectious laugh. The other man was just shy of Rass’ forehead and was built lean and lanky--he was obviously strong, though, with the acrobatic skill he just displayed coming out of the ship hull. He had the quintessential Mirialan geometric tattoos decorating his face, neck, and forearms and Rass couldn’t help but wonder if there were more hidden under his shirt…
When a hand smacked him hard in the stomach, Rass practically jumped out of his skin.
“What the-!?” he exclaimed, looking at her in confusion. She had her hand pressed to her face as she shook her head, looking very done with it all. Rass looked back to the Commander, only to see that he had a very amused smirk plastered across his face with his hand held out…kriff. It was then that Rass realized he had been staring at the other man like a di’kut.
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Not sure if I'm characterizing Rass right. But I see him with Golden Retriever energy. lol
I got some more commission done by the wonderful Rav! <3
I had this idea of getting my mains from various fandoms done in a pinup style. I finally pulled the trigger and got these three as my first set. =3
Artist: Rav
Tumblr:@daddyschlongleg
Twitter:@daddy_rav
Link to Commissions Post (Please go check him out if you’re interested in commissions of your character! Such amazing work and he’s wonderful to work with!)
Zaberial (Smuggler), Aketho (Imperial Agent), and Izenom (Trooper)
I am so sorry this took so long. Been in a bit of a writing drought. Thank you for the prompt! :) I'm probably going to expand on this one later--I still very much want to get to this point with my Aketho fic series before I do, though.
“Good to know you haven’t lost your observational skills with your old age, Jekiah,” Rass quipped as he tasted the broth. Could use more salt, he thought as he added a pinch to the soup.
“Very funny,” Jekiah snorted, moving over to where Rass was hunched over a large pot of simmering soup. “Why are you cooking?”
“Zabe’s sick, pretty bad case of the flu,” the younger Mandolorian explained, stirring the pot carefully as his brother leaned in to sniff. “I thought I’d make him some soup to help him feel better.”
He tried his damnedest not to blush when Jekiah gave him a searching look, gray eyebrow raised high on his forehead. But his ears had other plans as he felt them heat up--traitorous bastards.
“I see,” Jekiah said, leaning against the counter next to him. “Zabe is the smuggler captain you’ve been working with recently, correct?”
“He is,” Rass confirmed, pointedly not looking at his older brother.
“Hmm,” Jekiah hummed before a soft chuckle escaped him. “Never thought I’d see the day where you’re smitten with someone.”
“I am not smitten--”
“You’re cooking for him,” the older man stated, giving Rass a very pointed look. “You don’t cook for just anyone, Rass.”
For his part, Rass did the very mature action of pouting and looking away. That lip jutted out more as his brother chuckled again. He hated how Jekaih could make him feel like a little kid again. “Yeah, well, Zaberial’s not just anyone…”
“I can tell,” Jekiah said, voice growing soft and fond. It was enough of a change to peak Rass’ curiosity. Looking back revealed his brother smiling at him with…pride? Or something similar to it. Either way, it didn’t help Rass’ blush in the least…bastard. Jekiah didn’t say anything further on the subject. Instead, he switched to asking about the soup. “What recipe are you using?”
“The one that Ma always made us when we were sick,” Rass replied, offering Jekiah a taste, “What do you think?”
“Hmm,” the older man looked thoughtful as he mulled over the flavor, “Not bad, but could use a bit more heat.”
“Everything could use a bit more heat to you,” Rass rolled his eyes. “I’m trying to not scare the captain off…and setting his mouth on fire with what you consider a ‘normal’ heat level would not help.”
“Fair enough,” Jekiah chuckled, “Although it would help clear his sinuses.”
The younger Mando sighed. “I’ll give you that one, but there are easier ways to clear sinuses that don’t require losing the ability to taste.”
“True…even I would take those other methods over spicy food,” the older man laughed softly.
Rass shook his head before nodding over to a nearby kettle. “Since you’re here bothering me, mind getting the water going for some tea?”
“Of course,” Jekiah said, already heading to the kettle to fill it. “Would you like me to pull out the tea as well?”
The younger Mando hesitated a moment. The tea he had in mind would tell more about Zaberial than what he was sure the captain would probably be comfortable with. Especially since he hadn’t even told Rass about it yet--unless the tea was his way of telling Rass. He slightly doubted that. But Tal Sarad tea wasn’t exactly a regular leisurely tea; it was mainly used by Mandolorians to help with menstrual cycle symptoms. The tea was not traded outside the clans save for rare occasions, but since the captain’s brother was a Mando, Zabe could get his hands on it.
Rass knew if he didn’t say anything, Jekiah would suspect something was amiss--although not the reason for it. He cleared his voice and said, “Sure. Tal Sarad.”
From the corner of his eye, he saw Jekiah pause and look at him. The older man didn’t say anything, but Rass could see him tilt his head slightly as he mulled over the information given. If he had any thoughts about it, he said nothing. Instead, Jekiah filled the kettle and went about making the tea.
They exchanged small talk until Rass was packed up and ready to go--soup and tea secured in their own thermoses.
“I’ll see you later, Rass,” Jekiah said, patting the younger man on the back. A sure grin spread across his lips as he added. “And good luck in your wooing of the captain.”
Rass’ ears went crimson as his older brother winked at him. “I am not--”
He was cut off by a pointed look at the thermoses.
“Shut up,” he pouted, looking away.
“Uh huh,” Jekiah laughed as he exited the room.
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Tal Sarad is Mando'a for Blood Flower....yes, I'm that lame. >.<
“I didn’t know you baked,” Rass said as he leaned against the counter, watching Zaberial mix the dry ingredients.
“You’ve met my mother…do you really think I wouldn’t have picked up a few things from her?” Zabe asked with a cockeyed grin.
“True,” the Mandalorian laughed, reaching over to steal a few chocolate chips before a wooden spoon found the back of his hand--hard. “Ow, fuck that hurt!”
“Don’t attempt to pilfer the ingredients,” Zaberial warned, half-heartedly glaring as he pointed the spoon at him in warning.
“Fine, fine,” Rass sighed, only pouting slightly. There was a slight silent pause before an idea came to mind, causing the Mando to grin like a fiend. He leaned closer and purred in Zaberial’s ear, “What if I traded you for some?”
“Trade, huh?” the smuggler asked, grin widening as he turned to look at Rass. Lavender eyes flickered down to the bounty hunter’s lips before meeting soft brow eyes again. “And what could you possibly have that I’d want to trade you for?”
“I can think of a few things,” Rass replied before leaning in the rest of the way and capturing the Mirialan’s lips. The other man hummed happily into the kiss, free hand reaching to weave fingers into short brunette hair. As he deepened the kiss, Rass cracked an eye open to see if Zaberial was distracted. When he saw the smuggler was, he quickly reached over and snagged a handful of chocolate chips. Pulling back, he started to giggle--yes, giggle. It was then the smuggler noticed what Rass had done.
“Hey!”
“Thanks for the trade, captain!” the Mando called out as he dashed out of the room, still giggling like a madman as the captain cursed him in several different languages.
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The next day.
Rass looked up from where he was lounging when a small container was held out to him. He raised an eyebrow as he eyeballed it before glancing up at Zaberial’s twin brother. “Uh…what’s this?”
“Cookies,” Leland replied, tossing it onto the other bounty hunter’s lap when he didn’t take it. “From Zaberial. He made up a box for everyone…well, most people.”
“And here I thought--” Rass cut himself off when he opened the box. He stared for a moment before laughter started to take over. “Touche, captain.”
Sitting inside the box were five chocolate chipless cookies.
Oh boy I got tagged in something! Thanks @kemendin! Here's something I've been working on currently, hope ya'll enjoy it! :)
post a paragraph, snippet, screenshot, or drawing layer of your current project! (✿◕‿◕✿) tag 5 people to post teasers of their wips too
Rass didn’t know what it was that drew his eyes to that particular section of the hangar. It could have been the musical laughter that caught his ear. Or the earthy scent of cologne that filled his nose. Or perhaps it was Rass’ gut telling him he needed to look over there right before he finally did, turning around and getting a good look at the Mirialan smuggler standing there. Whatever it was, their eyes met from across the room, soft lavender catching tawny brown--it sent a shiver up Rass’ spine.
Those gorgeous eyes crinkled with a smile--more like a knowing smirk really--in his direction, followed by a quick wink before the smuggler went back to speaking with the Wookiee standing next to him. Rass felt his cheeks flush at the wink, not because he got caught, but because the smuggler was all sorts of pretty and had deemed him worthy enough of a wink.
If he hadn’t been waiting for Hylo to find out what ship he was escorting, he’d have gone over to chat with the man. So, imagine his surprise and utter delight when the older Mirialan started walking him in that direction. It would seem the Stars had blessed him because the smuggler was his charge.
“Captain Zaberial, I got you your replacement Mando,” Hylo said, patting Rass’ arm as they approached.
“Replacement Mando, huh?” Rass grinned, more than a little amused as he looked the Captain up and down, “Do I need to be worried? Or excited?”
The instant mischievous grin he received from the other man made him feel even better about this assignment--the smuggler had a sense of humor, thank the Stars. Lavender eyes--wow, were they even more breathtaking up close--looked him over in return.
“Well, that depends on who you’re asking, handsome,” the smuggler said, leaning against the crates they were loading into his ship, “If it’s me, I’d say the latter, without a doubt. If it’s the Mando you’re replacing, then he’d say the former…but then again, he’s not here to say that so you’ll have to take my word for it.”
Now who to tag...and not tag the same people Kem already has. lol
@eorzeashan @riachuelowii @swtorpigeons @swtorpadawan @dirthara-dalen Go my pretties!!! Show off! <3
