Credit Where Credit's Due (Closed)

[Poprockz]

"Hmm..." she made a thoughtful noise in response to his question. "By my estimation, it will be ready to go in two days. They want us heading to our destination sooner rather than later, so they're trying to expedite the repairs without cutting corners. If I'm not mistaken, there's a team of mechanics working around the clock on it."

Gra'tia finished her last bit of food and sighed, putting her helmet on and pulling the divider back into the wall before leaning back in her chair in a relaxed manner. "Don't worry, they'll only be working on the parts of the ship that need repairing. They've been warned to respect your ship's privacy."

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"That's good to hear," nodding to her slightly. Seeing her helmet again made me a bit sad. For some reason I thought that now would be the time that she would reveal her face to me. After all the things we have been through, and in the privacy of her own cabin, why would she not give me a peek? It wasn't to be. She was following her religion strictly.

"They may find some of the stuff squirreled away in the nooks and crannies that I have forgotten about," letting out a chuckle. That wasn't a bluff or spoken in jest. There was a lot of stuff hidden on board that I have completely forgotten about. Which made inspections a nervous scenario.

 

[Poprockz]

"They will return it to you, and will not pry if they can help it," she replied reassuringly.

There was a bit of silence before she asked, "Redar... out of curiosity... what does your ideal life-partner look like?" Gra'tia felt like a fool for asking, but she was very curious about what his preferences were.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"My ideal life-partner?" speaking back a little confused. That came out of the blue. It made me pause. Looking at her for a moment and then at my feet, that was to clear my mind. Looking at her influences my decisions. Clearing it out and starting again from scratch, "Hmmm. That's an interesting question..." speaking softly.

That was to pause for time. "To be honest, I'm not entirely certain. You see, my attitude changes depending upon the time. If you were to twist my arm, hmmm, perhaps it would be..." flicking my gaze back to her. "Someone who can stand their ground. Can fend for themselves. Is smart. Can improvise. Can fly," pointing with a twist of the head towards the door, referring to the Outlander.

"Most guys would say, big breasts and big butts. Ah. That doesn't really work for me. Having those in a life-partner is great when you want to be intimate, but having skills and a proper mindset, that person would make a great life-partner." Giving a firm nod.

Hopefully that came out well.

 

[Poprockz]

MGra’tia nodded slowly, taking in his words. It made her happy to hear that he wasn’t looking for specific physical attributes; she had heard that there were a lot of men who preferred specific hair, eye, or skin color. While she did have large breasts and a nice butt, her other features were not as common for humans. Granted, she was a mixed-race human, though she wasn’t sure what other species the other parent had been. For some reason she got a feeling that her mother was the human one. There weren’t any memories or images she could recall of them but… she just had the gut feeling that this was the case.

“I have to agree,” she said, “having someone who can be a supportive and equal partner is ideal. Z’inter asked me once what my ideal life partner would be, and at the time I told him that the person would have to defeat me in battle before earning my respect. Now though… Since I have had time to think about it, I think physical prowess isn’t as important. Defeating me in hand-to-hand would be a great feat, but it wouldn’t prove anything other than how well they fight. A partnership shouldn’t be a fight, it should be a testament to how well one works with another...” The woman drifted off, staring at his pack in the corner.

She and Redar seemed to work well together. Even when they first met and they were attacked by Imperials, they coordinated very well in their escape. Though she couldn’t think of another instance where they had really worked together in a life-or-death situation.

“I hope that sort of question didn’t make you uncomfortable,” Gra’tia brought herself back and looked at him. “If you ever feel way, feel free to tell me directly. I have become… accustomed to you, and thus I feel comfortable talking about more personal things, though I don’t want to assume that you feel the same way.”

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"Oh. Don't worry about that," lightly waving a hand down. "I'm not offended at all. Like you said, we have grown accustomed to each other," buckling the eyebrows and looking down for a moment, glancing at her boots. Yeah. The first time we met, I was getting a hummer in front of her while discussing our business deal. You think that, after an introduction like that, we would find a way to bond.

"That Z'inter fella, what does he have to say about his choice of a life-partner?" Taking a guess, him being a man, that his ideal life-partner is a more submissive person. One that he summons when he has a desire. Given the Mandalorians and their warrior-like atmosphere, that gave me second thoughts.

Her question made me also think, what about my parents? What was their definition of a life-partner? Certainly wasn't being with me. It's been so long that their faces are just a blur in my mind's eye. Cannot even remember their ages, their race, or even what their voices were. If I was asked what my heritage was, I honestly couldn't tell you.

 

[Poprockz]

She was relieved that the conversation was going well, a smile coming to her lips beneath her helmet. It seemed she wasn't the only one who felt alright with having more personal topics of discussion.

"Z'inter? Well, I believe he said that he wanted someone strong, brave, and honorable with a lovely voice that could make a man blush. He also said that he wanted someone who would yield to him one day, and take charge the next. He looked at me as though I should know who he was talking about, but I can't think of anyone that fits all of those characteristics." She shrugged.

Gra'tia knew that she fit the first three attributes, but her voice didn't seem particularly honeyed to her, nor was she very eloquent most of the time, she knew. The part about yielding and taking charge was a bit confusing to her though- why would he want someone who wasn't very consistent?

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"Yeah. I figured that's what he would be like. Even in different societies, some men's minds don't change," chuckling lightly. I'm no hypocrite, I had those thoughts, too. "Sounds like Z'inter's still gunning for you. He might see someone like me as competition."

That was another man's mindset. Some see their mates or life-partners more as property in need of defending. If they see their 'property' even conversing with another person, that is cause for alarm. It sets off their paranoia mindset. Who are they talking to? What are they talking about? Are they plotting to betray me? Even though Gra'tia is no one's property, Z'inter may still see her as a chance, a goal. Anyone that gets in his way is an obstacle.

The more we discussed casual things the more I felt at ease. This is good. It's not always business around this Mandalorian. I liked that. She can be more than just business, like when we first started. Under all that armor she was a person with feelings. It was also kinda cute that there was at least someone else looking Gra'tia's way, and she was having none of it.

 

[Poprockz]

Her helmet quickly jerked to look at him and she was speechless for a moment. "By 'gunning for me' do you mean that he has romantic inclinations?" There was utter befuddlement in her voice, as though she would not have him a million years considered the possibility that the other Mandalorian was interested in pursuing her. It wasn't as though she and Z'inter had anything in common other than being part of the same society. He hadn't spent any time with her before he had started approaching her, so she was confused as to how that would have happened. Little did she know that it was indeed at the swimming contest that she had caught his eye.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"I would say so. If he's that bent on getting you alone, for dinner. I would say that he has other ideas in his mind. That's speaking from experience," again I chuckled. Part of it was the confused reaction Gra'tia gave off. As if caught off guard. Shows she was more human underneath, that she can be taken by surprise.

"Truth be told, I'm surprise that there's not more than one man trying to pursue you," I said without really thinking on it. That made her sound like game, and she was part of a hunt. Sort of the truth. Not the full truth. "If I were to hazzard a guess, if he does get you alone, he's going to ask you a bunch of questions about me. Probably to size me up," shaking my head lightly.

 

[Poprockz]

She continued to stare at him for several moments before she was able to speak, "that is... very surprising."

Her helmet turned to look forward toward the opposite wall and her mind simply buzzed. Redar was saying that Z'inter was not only interested in her romantically, but also that he likely wanted to be physically intimate. How had things escalated so fast for the other Mandalorian? It was utterly baffling. In addition to this, Redar seemed to think that she was popular among the men here, but the only thing she had experienced so far was admiration for her fighting prowess.

"If that is the case, then perhaps I should dine with him alone," she said slowly before nodding in confirmation to herself. "I am not interested in him, and it would be kinder of me to let him know up front so that he doesn't waste his time. I do not want to do such a thing in public as well. "

Her helmet turned back to him and she cocked it slightly to the side. "It is none of his business even if you and I were... romantically involved." She cleared her throat awkwardly. Gra'tia knew for certain that she desired him physically, but she suspected that she was also starting to develop other... similar attachments. "Anyway, if he threatens to harm you, please be reassured that I will not tolerate such things." Though she wasn't going to explicitly say so, she was more than willing to spar with the man and put him back on his ass if he tried to get violent with Redar.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Perhaps I laid it on a little too thick there. "You're right. It's none of his business, but that's just my thoughts on it. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. I don't know Z'inter. You do. Perhaps dining with him can set everything straight." In other circles I could see Gra'tia being both fawned over and be intimidating. Men like strong women. I like strong women. That's why I can't get rid of this smirk from my lips being around her.

My smirk continued to stay there when she said, '...if you and I were...romantically involved.' It felt cute to me. She's struggling to speak such things. Like it's alien to her. It's alien to me as well. Romance is not what I was use to. It was lust for most of my time as a smuggler.

Now I'm kinda wishing that Z'inter threatens me, just to see Gra'tia lay him out. That would be fun to watch!

"Whatever you decide to do, I'll go along with it. Why don't you say we return these trays back to the kitchen, and find something else for us to do? We still have to wait for the Outrider to be finished."

 

[Poprockz]

She sighed and nodded, “yes, let us return the dishes.”

With that, she and Redar went back to the dining hall. She put her tray and dishes in the corresponding tubs before noticing that Z’inter was still eating at one of the tables alone. Redar was told that she would be back with him in just a moment. The woman then made her way over to the tall Mandalorian and he looked up at her to see what she wanted.

“I have reconsidered your offer. I think it would be best if the two of us dined privately later today so we can have a discussion.” Gra’tia wondered if Redar’s assumptions would turn out to be right when they met up later. He certainly sounded excited when he answered her.

“Oh! That’s wonderful! I have some perfect wine I think you would love. It’s Zelaxian Diamond Port- very tasty.”

Gra’tia preferred ports for their sweetness, so she knew which one he was talking about. It was a more expensive bottle of wine than she typically drank when she wasn’t on a mission, so she hoped he wouldn’t regret wasting it on their meal later.

“Alright. I will meet you at your quarters at seven then.” Without waiting for anything more than a confirmation from him, she returned to Redar’s side. “I’ll be dining privately with him for dinner. Afterwards, I’ll have to let you know whether your hunch was correct."

 

[guyloveshotstories]

From this distance I couldn't hear what the two are saying. Judging by their body langauge their conversation was cordial. Didn't expect her to deck him in the face as some weird love ritual, or refusal. When she returned, saying if my hunch was correct, 'This is going to be good' Thinking inwardly. Imgine myself gleefully rubbing my hands together, like some demented villain.

Together we walked out of the cafeteria and into the corridor. Glancing at her occassionally, I wanted to see what she was feeling now that she had this sort of information, knowing that someone was after her. Was she going to be cool and casual or stoic or aggressive. All scenarios played out in my mind.

Only for it to be abruptly cut off by a voice calling out me from behind, causing me to stop and turn around. One of the Mandalorians approached, "Are you Redar?" To which I nodded. "There's a compartment we need to access on your ship. We do not have the chain code."

"Right. You need the chain code cylinder. Right. Hang on..." feverishly patting myself down. Blasted! There was too many damn pockets and pouches. Just like the Outlander, I had stuff squirreled away in my clothes that I forget what I have. From the pockets I pulled out spare credit chips, pieces of folded and ripped paper, a packet of gel-don't know what that's for, a pen knife, toothpick?

Taking out the contents of each pocket into one palm and shifting through it with the other. Not realizing it the comm-link flew from my grasp and landing between myself and Gra'tia and slowly rolling away and out of my field of vision.

 

[Poprockz]

“Gra’tia!” Z’inter jogged up to her, “I actually forgot to let you know that Jamari is looking for you in the west wing.”

She nodded at him, informed Redar of this, and swiftly power-walked in that direction. The other Mandalorian swiftly scooped up and pocketed the comm link while she wasn’t looking, though who knew what his facial expression was at the moment. He then discreetly made his way toward his room to prepare for his date.

Gra’tia found Jamari, who hadn’t actually called for her but did have things to discuss so neither of them were the wiser for Z’inter’s lie. When they were done, she went to find Redar again, knocking on his room door.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Gra'tia was gone, I didn't want to be standing around by myself. That would make me feel foolish. My pockets need to be sorted through. Drawing a deep breath and letting it out, I walked back to my quarters, stepped inside and laid out everything that I carried onto the bed.

Standing over the pile with both hands on the hips, "Okay. That's a lot of garbage," surveying the scene. Teeth lightly sinking into my lower lip, first things to go are the pieces of paper that, unfolding it, had nothing of real value. Receipts and ruffled up numbers. Probably some dockside whore after one of my visits.

"That's crap. That's crap. That's definately crap..."

 

[Poprockz]

As Redar hadn’t answered, she assumed he was elsewhere. As such, she left and went to go help where help was needed. Time flew by, and eventually it was her time for dinner with Z’inter.

She made her way to his room, knocking politely. The door immediately opened as though he had been waiting for her right there. "Come in!" he said, ushering her inside. The two of them ate dinner, chatting about Mandalorian affairs and current events, each of them on either side of the partition. Once the meal was over, the two of them were sipping on the wine, and Gra'tia had to admit it was worth its expense.

“So… Who is the outsider you have with you?” The other Mandalorian asked nonchalantly.

“His name is Redar. He’s the smuggler we hired to transport the shipment of credits and scavenged Beskar,” she answered openly.

“Hm. Is he heading back out once his ship is repaired?”

“Yes, he and I will be going on a rescue mission.”

The sound of sipping stopped on the other side of the partition. Then “a rescue mission? Why is the smuggler being brought along? I can’t imagine he’s a formidable fighter, and an outsider shouldn’t be included in our affairs.” He sounded a little bit annoyed.

“He is being brought along because I want him to be brought along. He has shown remarkable bravery, reliability, and adaptability, and I think he would be an asset on this mission.” Gra’tia’s voice was matter-of-fact.

“Are you sure you don’t simply fancy him?” Z’inter asked with an edge in his voice.

There was a pause before Gra’tia said, “put your helmet back on.” Once she was sure he had done so, she removed the partition between them and stood up, and shortly after she spoke again. “Whether or not I fancy him is none of your concern, Z’inter. He will aid in the mission being successful, and that is all that should matter to you.”

“Why don’t you take me then? I’m sure I could beat him in a duel.” There was the sound of footsteps as Z'inter stood and walked up to her, wrapping one arm around her waist to come down and cup her ass, while the other held the side of her helmet. “I don’t think you have been picking up my hints so I want to say it to you straight out: I want to court you. Ever since we swam together, I haven’t been able to get the image of you out of my head. The way the water dripped off of you… The more I’ve gotten to know you, the more I’m convinced that we would be perfect life-partners for each other. I ache for you in more ways than one…”

There was a sharp inhale on Gra’tia’s part before she said, “If you do not remove your hands, I will break them.” Her warning was dead-serious. “I’m sorry, but I do not share these feelings. I’m sure you are skilled in your own right, but I am not attracted to you physically or otherwise so I must respectfully decline.”

He gritted his teeth and took a step back, removing his hands but still standing very close to her. “What, do you want that smuggler or something?”

There was silence in response to this, Gra’tia not giving him an answer which was an answer in of itself.

The man laughed derisively. “Ah, I see how it is. You prefer the scrawny outsider to one of your own people. I bet he wouldn’t survive even one bout with me. Maybe I really should challenge him to an impromptu duel in the hall to show you the gap in skill between the two of us.”

“You would be on the ground before you threw your first punch,” her tone was icy now.

“Ha! He can’t be that fast,” Z’inter snorted.

“He may not be, but I am.”

“Wha-“

Before Z’intar could finish that sentence there was a scuffle, the end result being Z’intar tapping Gra’tia’s armor and gasping, “I yield!”

He breathed hard as she released him, and when Gra’tia next spoke her tone was absolutely deadly. “If you try to lay a hand on him, I will break each and every one of your fingers, and that’s just where I’ll start. To challenge an outsider to combat without rightful cause is blasphemous. Regardless of the creed, he is my trusted companion and I will not tolerate any violence towards him. Do you understand me?”

“I do," he answered sourly, "but do you understand that he's probably keeping tabs on you wherever you go?"

She cocked her head in confusion, "what do you mean?"

The other Mandalorian reached in his pocket and took out the comm-link, Gra'tia immediately stiffening. "How do you have that?"

"Your lover dropped it in the hall and I picked it up out of concern for you. I would bet that he tracks your location with the comm connection in your helmet, and that he listens in on your conversations.

"How do I know it isn't you who is doing those things? I am more inclined to trust Redar than you."

"Why don't you ask him then?" Z'inter asked maliciously. "When you realize what a rat he is, don't worry. I'll still be here when you get your head back on straight."

Gra'tia snatched the comm-link out of his hand and stomped her way out of the room. There was no way that Redar was controlling enough to want to know where she was at any time. Nor did she think he would listen in to monitor her conversations.

It wasn't long before she arrived at Redar's door, knocking quite aggressively. "Redar, I need to speak with you. Now."

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Picking thruogh the trash more and more, a concern grew. Where's the comm-link? Where's that blasted comm-link! It had to be here. Going through all the stuff, no. No. NO. NO! NO!!! It had to be here. Where'd it go?!

Patted and then turned out each of the pockets. Looked inside the boots. Under the bed. All around the interior of the room. Even poked my head outside and glanced about. It had to be here, somewhere. If someone finds it, I'm cooked! What if Gra'tia finds it?

The longer this dragged on the faster my heart rate climbed. Turned out the pockets three times. Even ran my fingers through my hair, in the vain hope that something will fall out. Became so frustrated with myself that I let out a yell and threw my hands onto the bed. Launching all the stuff on it into the air.

My head fell into my hands. This is worse than the run through Tattoonie. I was screwed. I screwed myself. So close to a big mission and I lose it because of a blasted comm-link. Listening into Gra'tia...pleasuring herself. Was it all worth it?

Standing by the bed with wide eyes, body trembling. Truly I felt cold. Like a ice dagger stabbed me in the back. Slowly the chill spread through my body, that I remained frozen in place. Eyes staring off against the back wall, as if trying to read a fine print upon it. 'What can I do? What can I do? If she does find it, I can't lie to her. I had to tell her what? What can I tell her? The truth?

Before I could think of it further, there was a loud knocking on my door.

"Oh? Come in!" A firm tone from her. That can't be good. Gathering up the trash and throwing it into a bin, what was left was dropped into the pouches on the belt that now lay on the bed. She walked in and I turned to her, my face turned pale. Though I couldn't see that face, that determined walk she was giving showed that she wasn't happy.

 

[Poprockz]

She burst through the door, closing it roughly behind her. Honestly she was offended by the very idea that Redar would be mis-using the comm-link, and she wanted to be reassured that this wasn't the case. She wanted him to confirm that it was simply Z'inter trying to drive a wedge between them, to ruin their trust.

"You were right: Z'inter is romantically interested in me. We had dinner and were drinking wine when he started questioning me about you. When I made it clear that you were on the mission with me because I wanted you there and that your and my relationship was none of his business, he confessed that he wanted to court me. I told him that I was not interested in him and he assumed that you and I had become coupled." She spoke as though she wasn't happy with how things had gone, pacing in his room back and forth as though she was too agitated to sit down.

However, she reached into her pocket and tossed the comm-link onto the bed. "He even tried to spin some tale about you monitoring my location and listening in on my conversations as though you wanted to control and watch my movements. I don't know when he stole this, but I can't believe he would stoop so low." It was at this point she stood still and looked directly at him. "I am correct in saying that you have never listened to me when we weren't in need of direct communication, yes?" She waited for an answer, her heart beating quickly as she hoped he would confirm this for her.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

That's it. I was caught. Pretty much red handed. Some smuggler I turned out to be. Can't hide a bloody comm-link. Flicking both eyes at the comm-link after it was tossed onto the bed, and then back at her, the blood drained from my face.

Cold. Felt cold all over.

Can't lie to her. She can find out. These are her people. Who is she going to believe more? Head lowered in shame, like a child being scolded by an angry parent. Eyes closed to gather my thoughts, possibly for the last time.

"I...I...." taking another breath and letting it out, empty lungs didn't hurt as much when you're punched there. "Okay. I admit it. I had the comm-link. My intention was to put it into Z'inter's pocket, or some place on him, that way I could listen into your chat."

Quickly pursing my lips, I continued to add before she hit me, "I did it because I was concerned about you. Z'inter's...I was concerned that Z'inter may try to be more aggressive with his thoughts and actions. That he may try to grab you or try to force you to do something."

Emphasizing 'try' as Gra'tia was a capable fighter. Not invicible though. Neither was my face.

 

[Poprockz]

Silence.

There was silence as she processed his words. He was admitting to have had it, and that he wanted to listen to their conversation. However an important distinction was that he had done it out of a need to ensure her safety. That was what stayed her anger. His heart was in the right place, but he had gone about things in the wrong way.

Then it occurred to her that it could have been Redar on the other end of the comm-link last night, and she felt a cold chill of apprehension go down her spine.

“Redar…” she started out slowly and deliberately, “have you ever listened in to my helmet comm previously?”

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Frozen in place. The tips of my fingers trembled. Haven't been this scared before. Face to face with someone that could kill me in a instant. Wasn't the same as fighting the Imps. This was personal. I knew this woman. Gra'tia. I knew a great deal about her. Including the fact that she was pleasuring herself whilst also calling for me. She was fantasizing about me!

Most men would take this as a turn. Certainly did I. At the wrong time. Now the perverted thoughts came back. Sometimes my mind had a one-track mind. That night, while she was going at it, begging for me, I was begging for her. Wonder if our fantasies were in sync with each other.

This busty and fat ass and strong woman turned into a moaning mess, and it was because of me? How did I end for her, I wonder.

That's when my mind snapped me back to reality. Right now I was about to meet my fate if I said the wrong words. That busty Mandalorian leered behind that stoic helmet face.

"I...I did," aiming my eyes at the floor once more, for I couldn't look at her out of embarassment. Plus it was slightly arousing. One track mind still at play. "It...the comm-link turned on by itself. I swear! I heard noises and thought it was feedback. Then I heard...you."

Both hands hanging limp at my sides clenched together tightly.

 

[Poprockz]

“Redar, you-“ she stared at him, then put her helmet in her hands and turned away to the side. She felt so embarrassed she felt she might wither away right then and there. He was the one on the comm link when she had touched herself, when she had called out his name! He had heard such a vulnerable and shameful moment, a moment where she wasn't the strong warrior, but a whimpering slut. Her cheeks felt like they were on fire and she wasn't sure whether to flee, or whether to try to continue the conversation.

"I-I do not know what to say," she ended up saying, her voice sounding strained. "I am... mortified."

 

[guyloveshotstories]

I didn't know what to say either. Didn't know what to say or what to do. It was strange. All the sensations running inside my body were entirely new to me. Heart rate was high. Fingertips tingling. Face pale. Eyes looking at the floor still. Mind buzzing a mile a minute.

Another one of my perverse thoughts entered my mind. What does she have to be offended about? What if I told her that, it was mutual? She was fantasizing about me while I was about her. If it was mutual then it's fine, right? Then I remembered her kind have a different view of the Galaxy. Their view is through their visors.

In other circumstances, if we had met under different circumstances, perhaps it would have been Gra'tia I would be bedding instead of that Twi'lek. Again, that's not what she's about, and that's what one of my major draws to her was, she was different. With those other women, I can just fork over a couple credits and they'll tell me I have the biggest cock in the Galaxy and I'm the best fuck.

Here with Gra'tia, when she confessed to others that I was worthy of being with her, and she trusted me, it hit so differently. Now that was taken away, it like ripping off a bandage and the skin goes with it, making the wound worse.

Should I say something? A lot of things to say on my part. That I was sorry. Things could now change between us. Was I off the mission? Do you want to hit me? 'Please, don't hit me.' What if Gra'tia wanted to? Then I wouldn't dodge. Just take it and be done with it.

Taking in another long breath and letting it out, slowly straightening up my back. For the first time I was looking at her, trying to read her body language.

 

[Poprockz]

Her helmet turned toward him and she wondered what he was thinking. Did he feel uncomfortable around her now that he knew she had such perverse thoughts about him? He seemed to have been content to pretend that nothing had happened, and it was she who had now dragged it all into the light. Now there was no way for them to return to a sense of normalcy. Should she withdraw her invitation to the mission out of concern for him? She didn't want to... She wanted him to be there to watch her back. Still, she recognized that this was a selfish desire of hers.

"Do you... want to be excused from the mission," she asked in a quiet, vulnerable voice. Her posture suggested at this point that she felt not only embarrassed, but ashamed.