And You Are?

[Rhen Ordo]

By the silence that met his ears after the comment Rhen took it as a sign that his comment had had the desired effect, and walked after him, still smiling. This was something he could get used to, he reasoned. More so if it included more time spent together with the psychiatrist in his apartment, or on Mandalore in his own home with his aliit. It was true he was anticipating the trip, most definitely.

Although not much of an avid reader himself the number of bookshelves sparked his curiosity, and he made a mental note to inquire after them later. Maybe he'd finally have something to do on his downtime other than complete any unnecessary repairs and wandering whatever planet he happened to be on at the time. "Now I can see why you're able to recall so many facts off of the top of your head. This is certainly an impressive collection you've managed to keep up. I would place my credits on there being five hundred or more books, here."

While he spoke he slowly moved closer to Robert, giving the hand he held a gentle squeeze. Setting his drink down he moved his other hand to carefully cup his cheek, his fingertips gently brushing across the man's skin.

With a smile he glanced momentarily to the security droids with a quiet chuckle. "I would kiss you, but I wouldn't want to provoke your guards. That would be quite a way for our tour to end."

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

A broad smile crossed the doctor's face when his date complimented his library. A handsome Mandalorian who not only had an exquisite physique, but also appreciated the enrichment of the mind? Robert wanted to pinch himself.

Matching Rhen's smile, Robert crossed to a security panel on the wall. He tapped in a few commands, and the droids powered down with a light whirring sound. "Problem solved," he chuckled. He leaned against the kitchen counter and took a sip of his drink, searching Rhen's eyes with his.

The doctor tilted his head, thinking for a moment of the right words. Making sure he nailed the correct phrasing, he stared back at Rhen, "Cuyir gar shi slanar at motir ogir ra cuyir gar slanar at mureyca ni cak?" He inquired with one raised eyebrow.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

The bluntness of the Mandalorians was something Robert had down, and it was something they could expand on. But that thought was only on his mind for a split second as he instantaneously processed what had been said in Mando'a, the entire process taking less than one second before he slowly, ever carefully pressed his lips to the other man's in a gentle kiss, pulling back mere inches with a crooked smile. "Biai cuyir ibac?" Once more he reached up to gently trace his fingers down the back of his neck, his touch almost feather light.

Rhen let the silence linger between them, the essence of unspoken words comfortable where it might have otherwise been awkward. The simple presence of the man and their close proximity was enough to communicate volumes where words were lost to the both of them, whether in the all but ancient tongue of Mando'a or the common, widespread language of Basic.

He noted with a smile that they had once more ended up in the kitchen, what seemed to be a favorite venue for the two that night, for whatever reason. But, if it allowed him to be this close to Robert, then so be it.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Wrapping his arms around the Mandalorian bounty hunter, the doctor slowly ran his lips up the man's neck, and with his mouth against Rhen ear, whispered, "Ibac cuyir katagine ui e dalaryr." After an evening of practicing his Mando'a with his date, Robert found that the words now sprang to him easily. He surmised he still spoke them with a foreign accent, but perhaps that was charming to Rhen. He hoped so anyway.

Switching back to the Basic tongue, Robert lightly played with Rhen's hair as he looked into the man's eyes. "I don't believe I've ever had such an amazing first date, much less a blind one. From what I remember during my dating days years ago, I usually spent the whole evening trying not to psychoanalyze my companion, and that killed any sort of sparks. But that didn't happen with you."

Robert's lips curled into a grin. He didn't want to pry but he was intensely curious about Rhen's past relationships. "No offense but how can a guy as good-looking as you possibly be single?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

In truth Rhen really didn't have an answer to the man's question that was short and sweet, but he supposed he could paraphrase. "It partly comes with the lifestyle of a mercenary, but I've not made much effort on my part as a whole. The thought hasn't ever crossed my mind, to look for someone." There was a short pause in which he smiled. "Until you, that is." Leaving it at that he fell silent, there not being much else to say regarding his past relationships and dating experiences. Just like anyone else he'd had his good and bad ones, and preferred to leave it at that. Any extra detail typically complicated things, something he didn't want to bring into any situation.

"It's a bit of a new experience for me as well, but I don't mind at all. I'd rather have things go well than something happen early on." Despite these words he was still not completely relaxed, but it wasn't because of anything Robert had done, or anything regarding the man. Simply put, in his line of work, when things went smoothly something bad was usually around the corner. Nothing was to say that was the case in this situation, but training and things that had occurred in the past always won out over common sense. He'd learned to trust his instinct.

A small smile played on his lips. "I don't think my past dates were this calm, is the way to put it. But it's a nice change from what's usually the hustle and bustle of day to day life. And no one got shot at, so that's always a pleasant change." His tone was only half-joking, as near-death had become a typical experience for him, no matter what facet of life it occurred in.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

"You've been on a date where someone got shot at?" Robert asked incredulously. It hadn't occurred to him until now just how complicated bounty hunter's lives were, even though he treated quite a few of them in his practice. The doctor suddenly realized that his profession left him a sheltered in a safe, erudite bubble.

Picking up on body language was one of Robert's honed skills as a psychiatrist. He could see that his last line of questioning made Rhen uncomfortable, and the psychiatrist instantly regretted asking him about his past relationships. Plus, as he held Rhen, he felt the man's muscles involuntarily tense. Robert released his date, and then moved around the Mandalorian so that he stood directly behind him. He began to slowly knead Rhen's shoulders with his thin fingers.

As his hands moved over Rhen's back and shoulders, he chuckled lightly. "While not a physical therapist, I've had a few classes in shiatsu. I'm sensing a bit of tension in you. Can I help with that?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

The tone of disbelief in Robert's question caused him to laugh quietly, more out of amusement at his apparent innocence in terms of knowing the dangers that came with the professions he had under his belt. "It's considered a slow day if there's no shots fired. But it's happened, yes. Not that the person doing the shooting survived long enough to contemplate what a mistake they made, and no one else has ever been seriously injured, except for the shooter in question." His mind drifted to what exactly the man would think should he happen to get a glimpse at the few scars on his torso, one of them from a blaster shot.

At his touch Rhen relaxed slightly, and once he began kneading his tense muscles any tension in him instantly dissipated, whether mental or otherwise. "I think just being with you is helping. Believe it or not, a completely calm environment is a rarity." That was part of the reason he'd been hesitant, at first, in bringing Robert to Mandalore. It wasn't that he didn't think the doctor was capable of making his own way in such an environment, but it was typical for those not raised among his people to experience a bit of culture shock once they got an insight into things.

Their differing personalities and lifestyles was something he'd had to remind himself of throughout the entire date, as they both most likely had made false assumptions about the other before things had even begun. Within his own people, things were usually much different than this. It wasn't to say that his surroundings were always hectic, but a complete sense of calm was never something that was experienced in everyday life. Doubly so if one considered themselves a warrior within the Mandalorians.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

As Rhen laughed, Robert grinned sheepishly. He must have seemed incredibly naive to the Mandalorian, and he supposed that about certain subjects he was, and hopelessly so. As he continued to rub his date's shoulders he was struck by the power he felt in his muscles. The man had an incredible build, and massaging him was proving to be less relaxing for the doctor than it should have been.

"I'm glad to hear that my surroundings calm you. I find that my duplex is my solace against the world. Although now that I'm hearing your stories, or hints of them, I'm starting to get the feeling that I've been getting a little too comfortable here quite frankly."

Robert clapped Rhen on the back and traveled into the kitchen, grabbing another bottle from his liquor cabinet, this time a red wine.

He poured himself a glass and smiled. "Can I get you something else to drink, Rhen? Or is there anything else you need?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

In his world, getting too comfortable with anything was out of the question. But Rhen supposed that he would have to get over that fact quickly, if their relationship was to progress any further. There were a lot of things he'd have to adjust to, now that he thought about it, but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing. As a soldier he'd always prided himself on his willingness to adapt, and this was a test of just that. "Any other person would probably say that there's no such thing as getting too comfortable, but I would have to disagree. Once you get to see things on Manda'yaim, I think things will be more in perspective." He didn't mean it to seem rude, but in a sense it was true. However knowledgeable he might have been in regards to the culture of the Mandalorians, nothing could measure up to getting a chance to experience everything firsthand.

Shrugging out of the grey suit jacket he wore, he hung the garment on the back of a chair on his way into the kitchen, taking a moment to roll up the sleeves on the long-sleeved button up white shirt he had on underneath. "I would be lying if I said that there is little else to see beyond the life you've carved out for yourself here, but nothing's to say you have to change things if you're comfortable. In the end that's all that really matters."

"I'm finding myself not lacking in any departments. Good conversation and better company is more than I could ask for. Unless you had something in mind?" He raised his eyebrows in mock innocence at the question, a teasing smile on his face.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Sneaking a quick glance at Rhen as he undressed, Robert moved to the living room with wine glass in hand, and took a seat on the sofa, setting his glass down on the end table next to him. Rhen had the right idea, the doctor thought, and he loosed his tie, meticulously folding it and placing it next to his wine glass. He took off his jacket as well and took extra care to fold the jacket as neatly as he could, placing it carefully on the arm of the sofa so that it didn't crease. He wore a crisp white button-down shirt underneath.

Robert grinned at the Mandalorian bounty hunter. "Oh, I whole-heartedly agree with you. Too much comfort can be just as unsatisfying as not having enough. As evidenced by the stories I hear from my patients, I believe that in the end we only regret the chances we didn't take." Here he looked down almost shyly. "I think you might be just the man to bring me out of my comfort zone, Rhen. Especially when we go to Mandalore. In fact, I can start clearing my calendar of patients in anticipation of our trip. Their problems can wait."

Robert raised his eyes to Rhen, an enormous grin taking over his face. The doctor raised his glass. "Here's to good conversation and amazing company. As content I am with those things, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have something else in mind." The psychiatrist gave his date a devilish smile, and patted the seat next to him.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

Again his thoughts wandered to what exactly the vode would say when he arrived with Robert. Their reactions wouldn't be negative, but there were always those who had comments all their own. That, and the way of life on Mandalore was much different than the routine that was evident in an office job such as a psychiatrist's. "You'll be pleasantly surprised, I think. And you will definitely get a chance to experience life out of your comfort zone. You'll have to let me know how soon you want to be leaving, and I should be able to get things arranged."

It was then he sat down next to the doctor, taking a moment to collect his thoughts as a smile turned up the corners of his mouth. "You might have to elaborate in that department, then. I'm afraid I'm at a loss for what exactly it is you're thinking of." That was only partly a lie, as he had a few ideas in mind, though he wasn't keen to put voice to any of them. All the better to wait and observe, something he'd learned to put to use in any situation, regardless of who was involved.

The fact that the man was already smiling so much told him that he'd already been brought somewhat out of his comfort zone, because from what he'd first witnessed he appeared to be very stoic when it came to his job, much like Rhen was himself. But now he sensed that Robert had loosened up, something he was grateful for. Everyone needed to learn when it was the time for having fun.

"Taking chances is what makes life interesting. If everyone did what they wanted instead of what was expected of them, I believe life in this galaxy would be much more interesting."

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Trying to mask his eagerness, the young doctor shrugged. "We can leave for Mandalore whenever you want, but if you need time to get some things in order, I can always wait."

When Rhen took a seat beside him on the couch, the doctor felt his heart leap into his throat. He briefly looked away, running his fingers through his hair in an effort to regain some semblance of composure. He turned back towards Rhen and gave him a tight-lipped smile, listening to him, but unable to stop staring at his mouth as the handsome bounty hunter spoke.

"What I'm thinking, eh? I suppose I could explain." Robert grinned and bit his lip. "How is this for elaboration?" He then placed his hand gently on Rhen's thigh. "Or, maybe you need a bit more detail?" With that question, Robert took Rhen's other hand and intertwining fingers with his, lifted it to his mouth to kiss it.

Still meeting his gaze Robert added, "Or maybe I should just get right to the point?" He then gripped the back of Rhen's neck with one hand and placed the other firmly on the Mando's cheek, titling his head in for a lingering kiss.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

When they first met Rhen wouldn't have thought Robert to be very straightforward or at all blunt in his actions, but more one who liked to ease into things. But apparently, at least to a degree, his first assessment was incorrect. There were times he didn't mind having his instinct proven wrong, however, and this was one of those.

Only when it was absolutely necessary did he slowly pull away, the feeling of the other man's lips on his lingering for a moment like a pleasant memory. "Getting to the point is definitely appreciated, but I don't mind a little sidetracking." He reached up to gently run his thumb across Robert's lower lip with a small smile. "Tkagiate va meh gar cuyir solus narir bic." With that he leaned forward, pressing another kiss to the corner of the doctor's mouth, just barely making contact.

He took Robert's hand in his, gently toying with his fingers. "Figuratively, we should just be able to show up without issue, but arranging things with the aliit couldn't hurt." Another smile. "You might want to brush up on your Mando'a, however. Not that it isn't good now, but I've found practice makes perfect, or as close as one can get."

It was then he fell silent, actions taking precedent over words.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

At Rhen's suggestion that Robert should brush up on his Mando'a, the doctor grinned broadly and simply said, "Yes, sir!" He looked down with a blush and then back up into Rhen's brown eyes. As he traced his fingers gently up and down the Mandalorian's arm the doctor said, "Perhaps you could tutor me. I have a few phrases that I've been having some trouble with."

Robert scooched in closer to him and tilted his head to one side, whispering softly in Rhen's ear his first phrase, "Ni copaanir gar at hiibir ni at dursujasmr." He stopped and, with his eyes rolling upwards, thought carefully about the next sentence.

"Miak ni malyasa'yr emuurir gar at ta'balyida ner drakr." He said with a low chuckle. Finally giving the Mandalorian a crooked grin, he ended with the phrase, "Miak ni copaanir gar at otlkava meye ca o'r ner haav."

"So Rhen, how did I do?" he inquired with a raised brow.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

There was a pause as Rhen digested what exactly Robert had just said, smiling slowly, a number of responses coming to mind. For a psychiatrist who seemed to be rusty in the way of relationships, just as he himself was, he certainly knew how to speak his mind, and eloquently so at that. "Your accent is a bit off, but all in all, you did amazing. Except for one thing..." He paused, as if to build suspense. "Gar digur yirhaou saryr vaii Ni..." Standing, he gently pulled Robert to his feet. "...mureyca gar."

Not ready to commemorate his point just yet, leading him into the bedroom, taking a guess as to which hallway it would be down. Given the relatively compact space, or at least, considering it was an apartment, it was easy enough to sort things out. "That's step one complete, I do believe. Now, as for step two..."

Only then did he lean forward to capture the doctor's lips in another kiss, breaking the embrace more quickly than he typically would have under any other circumstance. "I think your Mandalorian is just as good as anyone else's, which is to say that you'll get by just fine on Mandalore. Unless you'd still like help when it comes to this tutoring you mentioned, in which case I would be willing to demonstrate."

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Decorated in the same sleek style as his downstairs office, Robert's bedroom was the largest room on the top floor. Like the floor below, it also had breathtaking views of the Belasco city skyline as well as modern angular furniture and row after row of books on built-in shelves. The bedroom also contained a large round, king-sized bed as well as a fireplace with a soft, white Wampa skin rug in front of it. A translucent bubble chair hung from one of the corners of the room next to a terrarium which held many exotic species of flora.

Robert wished that their kiss would have lasted a bit longer, but he wasn't about to complain, especially now that Rhen was in his bedroom. Once they broke their embrace, the doctor crossed over to a control panel and activated the fireplace so that its warmth filled the room. Robert then took a seat on the edge of his pristine bed.

He smiled at Rhen. "I suppose if I don't need a tutor in Mando'a, you could teach me other things. Like, maybe how to fight?" He said that last part with less confidence than he would have liked. Robert knew nothing about the combat arts. The closest he'd ever got to anything resembling hand-to-hand fighting was restraining unruly patients, and he'd always had security droids to help him with those types of situations. There were other things he thought Rhen could teach him as well, but he figured he'd find out about those later.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

The doctor's question caught him a bit off guard, but he recovered quickly with an easy smile. "If that's what you'd like me to assist you with, then I'd be willing to teach you, or at least lend a hand. Luckily for you, I happen to have connections among a culture who are well-renowned for their fighting prowess." Rhen had noted the unconfidence in his voice, but hoped that would be remedied after a few practice sessions. It was true that it would take months, possibly a year or two, to get him on par with those who had been raised among the Mandalorians, but if he was willing to put the effort in, then it would be long worth his while.

"Would you prefer to work with or without weapons first? I would assume unarmed combat would suit your profession better, but it is ultimately your choice." Speaking about any sort of combat was more of his element, as he'd been raised knowing how to survive and exploit his environment in any situation where it was necessary. And this would be a training session he was more than willing to assist with.

Smiling again he reached out to gently cup Robert's cheek, tracing his cheek with a soft touch. "However, I had something else in mind for our time spent together right now. But perhaps we can arrange a bit of training when we're on Mandalore. I'm sure I can find a few willing to help out, even if you'd rather have it just be me. Each of us have our specialities."

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Mulling over Rhen's question about where to begin with his training, the doctor was at a loss. He had no clue what kind of combat situations he'd ever be put in, so he figured that self-defense was a good place to start. Especially if he was dating a bounty hunter. Brows knitted closely together, the doctor tilted his head at Rhen as he adjusted his glasses. There was no hiding how little he knew about the subject of battle.

"I'd probably be more comfortable with you as my teacher," Robert admitted. "But you're the expert, Rhen. I'm afraid I haven't the slightest idea, but my educated guess would be that I'd benefit from unarmed combat techniques first. Then perhaps we could see about weapons." Robert chuckled nervously at the thought of actually being armed and dangerous since it was such an unlikely scenario.

As Rhen caressed his cheek, Robert lifted up his hand to gently place it over the Mandalorian's. He pressed his lips together in a smile and raised an eyebrow in a mock innocent expression. "So what was that something else you had in mind for our time together right now?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]