And You Are?

[Rhen Ordo]

As they spoke Rhen found that he often had to remind himself that he wasn't speaking with someone who was used to or familiar with any type of military environment, and so wouldn't know that no matter how well-run a neighborhood appeared, there was, more times than not, always something to watch for, whether it be one person or many in a collective group. And sedatives would only do so much, in the end. "Well, as the saying goes, haatyc or'arue jate'shya ori'sol aru'ike nuhaatyc. In other words, it's better that it's only one patient in twenty than a group of them banding together. Better to have one treacherous thing to concern yourself with than a group that's inefficient alone but deadly together."

It still amused him, to a degree, Robert's reaction to his speaking Mando'a. But, considering it drew smiles abound from the doctor, he didn't see any good reason to stop anytime soon. "If you're ready to leave, yes. I don't think I'll be eating much more tonight, now that I think about it. Something has me distracted, but more fortunately so, if I had to guess."

"But if someone does find it in them to try something, they'll learn what the phrase 'Don't mess with Mandalorians' means quickly enough. There's a reason we're regarded as efficient and deadly fighters."

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

As they hailed the waiter and squared away the bill, Robert marveled at the way the man spoke about his people. It was refreshing in a galaxy full of lonely and isolated organics, to find someone so connected to his community. Especially since Robert himself was so solitary. He supposed his patients were his community in a sense.

The two men arrived at the skytower with no incident, and Robert warmly greeted his doorman. He ushered Rhen to the residential elevator, which was situated on the outside of the building so that the skytower's tenants could enjoy expansive views of the galaxy as they ascended. As they reached Robert's floor, he punched in the access code to his home office and the door opened with a hiss, only to be greeted by a security droid ready to search for weapons. "Stand down." the doctor ordered the droid, and it rolled back into the corner of the waiting room.

"Come on in and make yourself at home."

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

A quiet whistle escaped pursed lips once Rhen stepped inside the room after Robert, and he studied the surrounding area appreciatively for a moment before looking to the man with an easy smile. "Definitely a nice place. But I can see why your patients would feel so relaxed here. It does have a calming vibe to it, and this coming from someone who's been taught to stay on their toes should anything happen to go awry. It must be quite the successful business you're running here."

The sight of the droid only earned a wry sort of smile from him, and he patted his suit jacket as if he was forgetting something. "I can, however, disarm myself if it would put you at ease. I don't think I'll have any need of things, since you haven't proven to be a homicidal maniac just yet." He pulled a holdout blaster from the inside of his jacket, and next snatching a vibroblade from another hidden pocket, flashing another smile. "All things considered, relatively lightly armed. It might be a bit of paranoia, but it's kept me alive this far."

Habit caused him to search the room for any possible weapons or other dangers, but for the most part he knew there was nothing to concern himself with. "To finally ask the long-awaited question, what prompted you to create a profile on C.U.P.I.D?" It was something he'd been puzzling out since they'd met earlier, and he hadn't quite pinned down the possible answers yet. Robert didn't seem the type to go out on blind dates on a spur of the moment decision. Nor did he seem the sort to sign up for such a thing in the first place.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Robert flicked on the apartment's central controls. Soothing lighting washed over the room and privacy screens descended over the apartment's large windows. When the Mandalorian stripped himself of his weapons, the psychiatrist put his thin hands out in front of him. "Oh, you didn't have to do that. The droid is just there as a precaution for my sessions. I'm not afraid of you." He then grinned and bit his lip, looking over the man's powerful frame. "Although maybe I should be." He chuckled lightly.

"Would you like anything to drink, Rhen? You already mentioned that you aren't much of a drinker, but I have some of the galaxy's finest aged liquor in my cabinet. If that doesn't tempt you, could I interest you in some tea?"

Busying himself in the kitchen, he answered Rhen's question as he filled a glass with whiskey from a sparkling crystal decanter. "I joined C.U.P.I.D. because I work so much that I rarely get a chance to go out and meet people. Of course there are medical conferences and the like, but when I attend those I'm all business." He shrugged. "I was just lonely I suppose."

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

With a shrug Rhen set the weapons down on a nearby table, he made his way into the kitchen, letting his hands trail absently down Robert's arm as he stood behind and slightly to one side of him. "I don't usually drink, it's true, but it would be rude of me to refuse your offer, especially considering you were kind enough to show me to your home and office." His touch on the man's arm was light, delicate, something most didn't expect from one of his build. "I'm plenty content just talking to you, however."

One of the only sounds to escape his lips was a quiet chuckle accompanied by a smile. "You don't have any reason to be afraid of me, I can assure you. If you did, believe me when I say you would have known by now. I'm not one to back down from telling people exactly how I feel, you see. And..." He leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on an almost theatrical whisper, "Gar ganar ansi'ilyra at mircir ner ke'sush." It was true that he partly continued speaking Mando'a simply because of Robert's reactions, but also in part because the language was innate, second nature to him.

"Well, hopefully you won't have cause to be lonely anymore. Provided things continue to work out, I intend to stick around for quite some time. And once you meet the aliit, you'll have friends that won't shake easily either."

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

The sudden close proxmity of the Mandalorian caused Robert to flush and fumble his glassware, sending one of the glasses rolling down the countertop. Quickly righting the crystal tumbler, he continued to fix their drinks as Rhen traced his arm, the beat of his heart steadily rising. He meticulously prepared their drinks with the best composure he could muster, garnishing the drinks with tiny slices of namana fruit.

When he heard Rhen's Mando'a in his ear, he closed his eyes and breathed in quite sharply. Robert was keenly aware of how rusty he was at the dating game. Despite the hand-holding at the restaurant, Rhen's demeanor during dinner had been cool, so Robert, while unprepared for the man's subtle advances, was also caught off guard. But pleasantly so.

His back against the kitchen counter, the doctor whirled around to face Rhen with a drink in his hand as an offering. "Here, try some whiskey from the Bright Jewel System. It's aged to perfection." He paused and added with a toothy grin. "Just like you."

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

Admittedly, Robert's reactions to his advances drew another smile and soft laugh from him, though he took the drink that was offered, sipping at it and savoring the burn of the whiskey as it carved a fiery path down his throat. It was true that he didn't typically drink much, but when he did the alcohol had a tendency to be stronger than this. Not that he had any cause to complain, knowing that he really had nothing to measure his experiences up against save the few drinks he'd consumed on Mandalore.

Another smile at the compliments, and Rhen dropped his free hand from the man's arm to toy with his fingers before letting that hand fall. "I'm not vain enough to think myself perfect, but the comment is certainly appreciated. Something tells me you have a secret weapon you haven't quite revealed as well. All of mine are on the table, I believe."

Seemingly unbeknownst to Robert, the entire situation, though not necessarily completely alien to him, was something he hadn't found himself in for a few years, at least. But it didn't seem to bother the man, so he felt it was relatively safe to continue. "I have to thank you, for the dinner, and the drinks. Even if our night isn't at a close yet. It's all very much appreciated. That is, besides your fantastic company." He wasn't sure how comfortable Robert was around him just yet, so he deemed to keep things simple for the moment.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

"Not sure if these count as secret weapons, but..." Robert grinned and then putting his drink down on the counter, patted his tweed jacket. Fom a hidden pocket in the lining, the doctor pulled out a large syringe and a pair of stun cuffs. "I suppose it's safe to put these away." He held them up with a grin and placed them on the counter next to him, carefully turning the needle so that the business end was turned away from him.

Savoring his whiskey, Robert listened carefully and nodded his head at Rhen's assessment of their date. "The pleasure's been mine, Rhen. I really wasn't expecting that much from C.U.P.I.D., so meeting you has thrown me for quite a loop. In a good way, of course."

"I'm still not convinced I've seen all your secret weapons yet Rhen." the doctor added coyly, as he let his hand wander down the side of Mandalorian's thigh.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

Maybe Robert was more at ease with things than he first anticipated, but it wasn't something he necessarily minded. "Ni liser va kathaja an be ner ranov'la mes." Okay, now Rhen was speaking Mando'a simply because of the doctor's responses, but with the way things were progressing, he couldn't see the man minding. And, besides, as he felt more relaxed with people, more of his native language seemed to slip. In interacting with anyone else it would typically be a word or two that spiced his talking, instead of entire sentences. This was definitely an exception.

Setting his drink down next to the other on the countertop he once more moved his hand up the man's arm, his fingers playing lightly across the back of his neck, his touch still almost overly gentle. "I can't say I was expecting too much either, so this was definitely a pleasant surprise. Even more so when you consider how things have progressed."

Again his hand wandered, this time the other, reaching down to intertwine their free hands. Being so close to another individual in such a relaxed scenario was strange, almost foreign to him. It had been too long since he'd ever really been able to let his guard down, but in that moment he decided that it was an unusual feeling that he could quickly adjust himself to.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Rhen's Mandalorian tongue was slowly unraveling the young psychiatrist. Did all Mandalorians sound this sexy when they spoke? How did they ever get anything done on their home planet? These and many more were Robert's thoughts as the psychiatrist's eyes carefully followed Rhen's hand while the man snaked it up his arm. At the feel of fingertips on his neck, Robert slowly closed his eyes. One side of the doctor's mouth broke into a soft smile and he entangled his fingers with Rhen's, returning his caress. Then the doctor opened his eyes and let his eyes wander over his date, finally resting on his face.

Robert's natural inclination was to take it very slow in matters of the heart. All of that judiciousness was lost when he stared into the Mandalorian's pretty eyes.

Suddenly Robert tilted his head in to Rhen's, positioning his mouth right on the edge of the man's earlobe. "Ni malyasa'yr tengaanar gar a ranov'la meh gar tengaanar ni solus," He said as his lips softly grazed the man's ear. Then with he free hand he gripped the back of the man's head and pulled him in for a long kiss.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

Out of all of the things Rhen had expected, the sudden kiss was most certainly not one of them. But at the feel of the other man's lips on his any complaints were out of the window, if he'd had any in the first place. Only when the two absolutely needed to breathe did he break the kiss, and even then hesitantly, a breathless smile on his lips. "That is quite the secret." No other words found his lips, and for once he was completely at a loss with what to say or do. Rarely did the Mandalorian find himself speechless.

All in all, the entirety of their date had been a nice surprise. And if any of this was an indication as to how the rest of the night would progress, then he was more than happy to let things run their course, and simply sit back and play observer, even to his own actions. There were situations when instinct won out over common sense, and this was one of those.

Once more his hand strayed, this time to gently, slowly, cup the man's cheek. It was strange for him to be moving so slowly with things, but something told him that his patience would be rewarded. And it was a nice change of pace, to have things move at a speed that was easily followed by both of the parties, instead of having to constantly plan every little next move out.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Robert leaned back on the counter, letting the silence between them linger. Then he smiled almost shyly and said, "That's one secret I don't reveal very often. And hardly ever on the first date." With a furrowed brow, the doctor searched Rhen's eyes.

"There's something I've been meaning to ask you," he revealed, his hand moving up to hold his date's. "How do your clan members feel about relationships like this? The impression that I get of the Mandalorians is that they are less progressive when it comes to same sex coupling." He shook his head. "It's altogether possible I'm just making assumptions as I've never really lived among your people." The doctor grinned sheepishly.

Robert hoped wasn't spoiling the moment by asking this. He was intensely curious about how they'd be received on Mandalore, should things progress the way he wanted them to.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

While it was a question Rhen had seen coming eventually, the impressions that those outside of the culture had of the Mandalorians still didn't fail to surprise him on some occasions, and amuse him at others. Although they were a culture that placed great pride and importance on one's ability as a warrior, when it came to familial relationships or matters of the heart, things were quite different. "They, that is, we, don't place much merit on who someone decides to date or marry. Should they both happen to be male or female, it's still no issue. But you should know that the men are expected to train as warriors, regardless of previous upbringing. And should you marry into the aliit, that facet still applies."

It wasn't that he was trying to dissuade Robert from ever visiting Mandalore, but he wanted all of the cards on the table before the man decided to go along with things. Many were surprised as to how his people lived, and he didn't want this to be one of those cases in which the other had no idea what to expect going into things. They were a warrior culture, that much was true, but underneath the surface, among each other, it ran deeper than just fighting in day-to-day life.

"If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask them. It makes sense that you would be curious going into things, and you should have all of your answers before you decide to go to Manda'yaim. Walking into things blind is never the way to go, in any situation." He smiled, gently squeezing Robert's hand, as if in reassurance.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

When Rhen was finished, the doctor gave the Mandalorian a broad grin. He took a sip of his whiskey and placed the glass back down on the counter with a clink. "That is a relief to hear, and I'm pleasantly surprised. As I said, my assumption was that your culture upheld more conservative gender ideologies, especially when it came to matters of the heart. I'm most happy to be proven wrong on that subject, not only for my other patients, but for us as as well." At the last part he smiled coyly.

Robert nodded animatedly, with obvious enthusiasm about the topic. "I'm endlessly fascinated by the psychology of love and sex in the galaxy. Did you know that the Xi'Dec have over 180 different kinds of sexes? None of them have the same physical form, so as a result their gene pool is incredibly complex. They also reproduce by laying eggs so I doubt that even with all that variety that they have as much fun as humans in that regard." Then he stopped, and sheepishly looked at the floor, realizing he was rambling on and on.

Then his curiosity about the Mandalorians got the better of him, and he hoped that he wasn't going to offend Rhen by asking his next question. "I do have to admit your culture's primary focus on war seems a bit restrictive. No offense, but what of the Mandalorian man or woman who doesn't want to fight?" He softened the challenging undertone of his inquiry by moving his hand back down to Rhen's thigh where he gently let his fingers graze.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

Answering the questions posed to him was becoming marginally more difficult at the man’s touch, though a small smile found his lips all the same at his assumptions about the culture as a whole. To outsiders, it was true that it seemed that all they focused on was war. But to one instigated within the people, it was something a bit different. “It’s more of a misconception, than anything. We don’t focus on war so much as being able to fight and defend oneself or people. When the Mand’alor rallies, you return to fight. It’s one of the tenets of the Resol’nare.”

The Mandalorians weren’t a conservative people so much as they were tightly knit, with nothing remaining a secret among them for long. That was doubly true of anything concerning relationships, but he couldn’t see it becoming an issue. If anything they’d be surprised, but that would most likely be where it ended. It was uncommon for any to deny a partnership, without good reason in the very least. But as long as Robert didn’t walk around insulting his people, then things should progress simply.

“And belonging to the Mando’ade isn’t restricted by whether one wishes to fight, but it’s a necessary art to learn anyhow. Eventually we will be called to defend Manda’yaim, and that’s a call everyone answers. It may be a bit of foresight on my part, but I do like to think hopefully. If you don’t mind my asking, when you mention other patients, it makes me wonder how many of them were interested in joining our ranks. There is no discrimination, so should they choose to join they are welcome. Just as you are.” He smiled again, tracing the top of the man’s hand with his thumb.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

At Rhen's last statement, Robert widened his eyes a bit. "Really? The Mandalorians would accept me into their ranks?" He chuckled lightly. "I suppose my medical skills would be of use in battle if I had some additional training." He tilted his head coyly and added with a tone of self-deprecation, "Not sure if you could tell by my strapping physique, but I'm really not much of a fighter." Robert's hand then traveled around to touch the small of Rhen's back as moved slightly closer to him, just short of pressing his body against the Mandalorian.

"I haven't had any patients with that problem yet, but it's good information to have in case it should come up with someone. Any inside access to your culture could only help my practice in the long run."

Robert took another sip of his drink, and raised his eyebrows at Rhen. "Where are my manners? I haven't even offered to take you on a tour of the place. Would you like that?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

The surprise both on Robert's face and in his eyes only caused the corners of his mouth to turn up in a soft smile. Sometimes people truly did underestimate themselves, whether it was intentional or not. But within his own culture, downplaying one's own skill wasn't something that many did lightly, at least in his eyes. Everyone had their worth, whether they chose to recognize it or not. No resources were to be disposed of, especially concerning the fact that, at least in a figurative sense, Mandalorians were always prepared for battle. "You miscalculate, I think. However true it is that your skills as a medic would be put to good use, everyone has potential. And learning how to defend yourself will certainly be beneficial, whether you have cause to exploit your skills or not."

Rhen was intrigued to see more of the place, so at the offer he nodded. "I would certainly be interested, if you're willing to show me more of the place. Something tells me there's more to you than just another psychiatrist's converted home office. I've never been interesting in the overly simple things, and you don't strike me as one of those sort. And that's before you factor in your wealth of knowledge on many and more alien cultures."

There was no doubt in his mind that, somewhere in his practice, there would eventually be a patient who either held an enmity of sorts with the Mandalorians, or was on the other side of the spectrum in their interest. "As I said before, if you have any questions all you need to do is ask. I'll do my best to provide any and all answers."

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

"Oh believe me, Rhen I have many more questions for you." The doctor smiled coyly. "But for now, a quick tour." Robert put meticulous detail into the decor and functionality of his home office, and he didn't want to merely show it off. He hoped it would simply paint a larger picture of him for his date.

He picked up his whiskey glass and, reluctantly letting go of Rhen's hand, strode to the corner of his office where his Hover sofa and desk sat. Robert's desk was obsessively neat, with not one folder or paperweight out of place. It was obvious the doctor had a mild case of OCD.

"Here's where I see my patients." Robert perched on his desk and gestured with a thin hand to the Hover sofa. "The sofa itself I had specially made on Corellia. It's stuffed with state of the art memory foam and fits every contour of a person's body. The comfort level is very helpful for patients who need to confront painful memories."

He sipped his drink and with a grin, pointed to the spiral staircase. "Would you like to see the upstairs?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

Following after the man, Rhen raised his eyebrows in mock surprise with a slow smile. "I have a feeling these questions of yours aren't just in regards to my culture." Robert's office was certainly impressive, to say the least. It was much more upscale than most anything he'd had for himself, but he'd witnessed plenty of places similar in his professions, but never been privy to owning anything similar. Luxury just wasn't in the cards for him, though he didn't concern himself with the thoughts. It was enough that he had credits to live comfortably and then some.

As he observed the space he let the hand not holding his drink stray to gently bump against Robert's, slowly entwining their fingers with an almost shy smile. "Of course I would." Call it instinct, but he had a feeling that their tour would end at the upstairs, and not a step further. But he'd been wrong before. Something told him he wasn't this time, however, and he didn't mind that in the least. Considering they would have a chance to spend the rest of the night together, not that they hadn't been able to before, but there was the novelty of being truly alone together that did it for him.

"Now, as for revealing one of my secrets, well...Ni ganar draar daya eo meyu asas kandosii'la asas gar."

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

It was Robert's turn to be speechless. He wasn't prepared for the deluge of sensations that Rhen's last announcement sparked, so the doctor just met Rhen's eyes and smiled, stroking the man's hand with his thin fingers. Then he lifted himself off his desk, and tugged on Rhen's hand. "Follow me."

The psychiatrist led his date up the spiral staircase to his living quarters. Like his office it was a loft-like space with another smaller kitchen and living room, decorated in a similarly streamline fashion as the floor below. The bedroom was caddy-cornered off the far wall and separated from the rest of the space. A couple of security droids stood like sentinels nearby. There were bookcases everywhere, their shelves stacked neatly to the brim with psychology and sociology titles. Lastly, in the corner of the room sat the massage chair that Robert had mentioned at the restaurant.

The doctor adjusted his tie, pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, and inhaled deeply. "I believe that's the end of our tour, Rhen." He smiled. "Well, except for one other room. The only room you haven't seen, other than the bathrooms, the master bedroom."

[member="Rhen Ordo"]