Dinner and a Chiss

[Lorraei]

Lorraei chuckled softly, "No. I'm rather certain I have never been a crime lord of any kind."

Smuggler, yes. Drug dealer, yes. Crime lord, now that would be a stretch even by Ray's colorful exaggerations.

The desert companion watched Cryax carefully. His smokey gaze following the Chiss' to the bracer of knives. There was a reaction from the man, a twinge of sorts. Lorraei wasn't sure what to make of it, but ultimately it was of little consequence. Ray had reasons for showing the pieces. Kindred souls carrying the same tech in the form of the Datalogger, or did the Chiss no longer possess one? Then of course the blades were to inform the criminal that, while he might be devilishly handsome, Ray was far from foolish.

His smile turned enigmatic, "Oh I don't imagine you would like everything I have hidden beneath these robes, Cryax."

The man's name rolled off Ray's tongue with embellishment. He was enjoying saying it at this point.

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

At Ray’s interesting observation, Cryax tilted his head coyly. His glowing red eyes flashed down to Ray’s loosened sash then back up again.

"I don’t know about you, Ray, but that sure sounds like a challenge to me."

The Chiss swirled his whiskey around in his glass and raised both eyebrows, a invitation that Cryax wasn't sure would be reciprocated. There was only one way to find out. The only question remaining was: would his experiment get Cryax a black mark on Danger’s Oiran Guild roster of clients?

Bane stood and quickly ran his fingers through his blue black hair, a telltale nervous gesture. He took a seat next to his companion, close enough for the man to smell his cinnamon and clove cologne. Wordlessly, he looked right into Ray’s dark eyes, and slipped his hands underneath the folds of his open robe.

It was a crime lord’s modus operandi, to take what you wanted, without asking permission. If Ray expected Bane to sit back and make polite small talk like a good little Chiss, then the robed companion knew less about his potential client than he thought he did.

[member="Lorraei"]

 

[Lorraei]

Lorraei raised a brow as his guest stood. The blue devil combed his bright fingers through his midnight hair, and Ray caught a brief sensation from the man. A fluttering of nervous excitement washed through the sultan of slicers before he started toward the desert-born Companion.

Ray kept his expression carefully neutral. Cryax was out to get a swift victory. Queen to F3. If Lorraei didn't employ a suitable defense quickly the next move was checkmate. On the other hand, he could let the Chiss win. It would be less fulfilling certainly, but not wholly without enjoyment. Ah the bitter sweet dilemma!

Yet he chose not to intervene as Cryax sat next to him. Chose not to halt the man's hand. No, he could play out his gamble. Lorraei had not lied, there were still unpleasant surprises waiting beneath his top layer of clothing.

That blue hand slide past the red and purple robe coat only to press against the rough texture of Ray's armorweave shirt below it. A grating sensation most likely, even if the skin tight shirt conformed to Ray's well toned midriff. All the while Lorraei's hand moved slowly, patiently so as to go unnoticed, to his loosened sash. Cryax settled in close and only then did Lorraei's hand move with purpose, drawing out yet another blade. A vicious curved knife some nine inches long, which he set on the table before him with a flourish.

"Now Cryax. I have been fair, have I not? I answered your questions. I served a fine liquor suitable of a man of your renowned. I would that I could serve you a meal of equal indulgence. I think you should answer a question for me now. That seems fair does it not?"

His face came closer to his guest's, "Do you seek only to slake your yearning?"

Closer still did the desert fox lean, breathing in the warm scent of Cryax's cologne. "If that is what you wish, Cryax, I will ease your hunger and that will be that. We will partake of what might become of this night, but then we will part ways. I will spend a majority of the night drinking alone once you have gone."

Lorraei paused, letting that sink in. The implications that the words might have.

"Or. We could have dinner. Learn one another. I am a Companion, Cryax. I provide pleasurable company. Yet company is the word we stress. If your desire is for a trollope, I can arrange that for you. It is well within my abilities."

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Cryax did not find exactly what he expected underneath Lorraei’s robes. There was no tanned landscape of flesh for his fingers to explore. No tight ripple of abdominal muscles to caress. Instead, his wandering hands found… roughly-spun armorweave. Ray was wearing yet another layer of clothing underneath his robe. Oh for Edge’s sake, did companions really need to carry an entire armory around with them? Ray’s hand moved down to reveal another knife, one that he placed on the table with the other weapons. It was Cryax’s turn to raise an eyebrow.

Ray’s face hovered in front of Bane’s, his dark eyes unreadable. Cryax listened carefully with a slight tic in his jaw, as if he were biting his tongue. There was a small knot of hurt in his brow as he gazed back at the man and let his rebuttal sink in. The situation was a bit confusing. Between the fact that he was paying a karking lot of credits for Ray’s time and the maddening pheromones that fogged the air around him, he didn’t quite understand why his advances were being rejected.

Once Ray was finished, Bane quickly removed his hands from underneath the folds of fabric and folded them in his lap. A blush spread over his cheeks, and he averted his sullen gaze.

“The Oiran Guild Companions are fabled to be masterful in the art of love-making,” he finally said, still unable to look Ray directly in the eyes. Bane’s embarrassment was as oppressive as the thick cloud of pheromones. His voice was edged with a humility that he was trying unsuccessfully to mask with an air of nonchalance. He shrugged a shoulder petulantly.

“Why should there be a pretense surrounding why I am here?”

[member="Lorraei"]

 

[Lorraei]

Oh how Lorraei's heart broke to hear the defeat in Cryax's tone. It compelled him to motion before he had a chance to think. With inhuman quickness, Ray was knelt at Cryax's feet, his caramel fingers mixing with sapphire blue digits. His lips brushed the back of his client's knuckles.

"Peace, lover mine. You misunderstand. This is the pretense."

One hand pulled away to gesture at the lavish apartment around them. His dark gaze searching for ruby orbs.

"This is what we sell Cryax. An experience beyond what any street walker could hope to offer. Wine, food, conversation. A chance to garner something much more intimate then an hour in the bed chamber."

Ray's hands gripped at Cryax's feverishly.

"If what you seek is only that hour, I will happily provide it. I might be devilishly handsome Cryax, but I wouldn't say I'm the fabled master of love making you have heard about. I have the proper contacts to arrange for that though."

Slowly he lifted one of Cryax's hands, kissing the man's palm and settling the hand against his cheek, "This is why we have our tea ceremony. To learn what it is each client desires. Otherwise how are we to provide you with a unique experience?"

He kissed the inside of Cryax's wrist, "You underestimate my uses and skills. Would you have me call on you to fix the display on my Datalogger? Of course not, it would be an insult."

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Ray knelt at Cryax’s feet and seized his blue-skinned hands, showering them with kisses. It seemed to be a submissive gesture meant to placate the gloomy Chiss. And it worked for the most part. Cryax’s face melted into a smile once he felt the man’s lips touch his fingers, and his posture relaxed, his blush receding. Unfortunately, seeing the handsome man in that position, did nothing but stir up his libido again, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, willing the desire to pass. It was as if Ray kept offering Bane the ripest and most exotic slice of shuura, yet always yanked it back every time he tried to take a bite. With a sad little shake of his head, Bane finally spoke.

“I wouldn’t even know where to begin having a normal conversation with you, Ray. My days are spent doing horrible things to innocent people, things you wouldn’t want to know about the man who shares your bed. If I stop to actually reflect on my actions, well, let’s just say it’s a bit late for guilt at this point. If there’s a hereafter, my soul isn’t going to parts they show in the brochure.”

He let out a long sigh, then he brought Ray’s hand up to his own lips, returning the gentle kisses. What was wrong with wanting your burdens to float away like a feather on the breeze? To get lost in another’s arms? To let someone’s touch stifle the urge to drink yourself to death? Talking about his life usually stoked the fires of his self-loathing. Sex was not the answer, but it sure made you forget what the question was.

“And what if I say yes, I want that hour. What happens then? I can never see your handsome face again?”

His brows knitted once again as he looked deeply into the companion's dark eyes, and let his blue fingertips trace soft patterns along the back of the other man's hands.

“I’m not sure I could keep myself away.”

[member="Lorraei"]

 

[Lorraei]

Lorraei leaned into Cryax's hand, watching through half closed eyes as arctic lips brushed golden skin. A euphoric little smile playing across Ray's features. He wanted to yell at Cryax, shake him and tell him to slow down. He wouldn't or didn't want to, he wasn't sure. Why was there such a rush? What was so difficult about relaxing and drinking in the experience?

"Don't feed me chit and call it chocolate, lover mine. There are no innocent people in this galaxy, only those to young to know better. I'll admit I was caught off guard, most choose not to speak about what they do outside my company. You could do as they do, speak of people you know, hobbies you have. Music and Art. That karking nerf herder that scratched your speeder. You don't have to detail your life to me Cryax. You don't want to say something that will make me want you to leave, I understand."

Lorraei brought up his hand, caressing Cryax's cheek briefly. His voice was low and calm, trying to soothe away the worry that creased the man's brow.

"As I said, I will give you that hour Cryax. I would give you that hour a dozen times or more. But keep in mind who and what I am. I am a Companion. If all you visit me for is that hour, slake your wants and leave, sooner or later I will grow resentful of it. Sooner or later, I will grow tired of being left alone. If that happens then yes, you will not see me again."

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

The Chiss nodded his head, an affirmative gesture. If there was one thing the Chiss slicer understood, it was the pain of being left alone. Even if you yourself chose the solitude, as Bane himself often did. The mist of the arrangement was dissipating. Ray craved company just as much as he himself did. Being a Companion wasn’t just an easy way for Ray to make credits. The other man wanted something akin to friends with benefits. He wanted to be treated like an equal, a man with extraordinary talents. Ray knew that what he had to offer far surpassed the services of a common whore.

“I’m afraid my knowledge of music and art, or lack thereof, will thoroughly disappoint you, bat in'a, but I suppose I am well-versed in current events, especially pertaining to the Republic and the Sith.”

Bane's hand reached up to cover the Companion’s hand where it palmed his cheek. A tiny smirk lifted one side of his lips as he gave Ray a wolfish grin.

“As for hobbies, the other day I sliced into the McYoda’s spacebook page and changed all of the images of their logos and menu items to that of Bantha King’s. Does that count as a hobby?”

With a shrug of his shoulders, Cryax reached out to let his blue-skinned fingers sift through Ray’s dark hair. His smile broadened seductively. Oddly enough, it was the same smile he used right before he was about to plunge a scalpel into someone’s belly.

“We can move more slowly if you desire, and we can simply eat and shoot the breeze, but just as you may grow tired of being left alone, I may grow weary of talking endlessly about subjects I have little interest in. Patience isn't my strong suit, but I will try to embrace it for you."

Oh the things he'd do for a pretty face.

[member="Lorraei"]

 

[Lorraei]

Ray's smile hardened, taking on a mischievous edge. "It never hurts to be in the know when Sith are involved. Besides, the only music and art I know much about is painting or singing. Don't ask me who's work is on display but I'll tell you how he made it."

Lorraei drew his thumb across Cryax's cheek one last time before pulling away slowly.

"Don't worry yourself to much about endless chit chat. Even I grow weary of my voice eventually. I am pleased you are willing to try for me Cryax. It speaks volumes for you."

The desert fox rose, once more demonstrating his ability for slow, liquid grace. As he moved his lips brushed fleetingly against Cryax's, a peek at best. Once upright he let the coat of his robes fall away. Tightening his sash again, his coat about his legs not unlike a skirt, Ray turned back to the grill. His rough armorweave shirt clung to him like a second skin, cords of muscle easily showing through as he moved. He took several long moments turning potatoes and flipping the steaks.

He stopped and eyed the Chiss over his shoulder. His eyes narrowed slightly and he picked up his Datalogger. A few bits of typing and he spoke again.

"Down for unscheduled maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience. Huh. You actually sliced McYoda's." Chuckling softly.

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Cryax’s heart raced as Ray came in for another kiss, and he closed his eyes to receive it. To his disappointment, it was only a brief taste of the other man’s lips. He held back his sigh. He was beginning to grow accustomed to his Companion leaving him hanging. Patience, remember? You said you’d promise him patience. As Cryax relaxed back in his seat and loosened his tie, the handsome Companion was back in the kitchen, tending to their steak and potatoes. Then Ray curiously checked his Datapad to discover Cryax wasn’t kidding about his hack.

The Chiss flashed his gleaming white teeth for the first time since he had taken a seat at Ray’s table.

“Guilty as charged,” Cryax laughingly admitted, spreading his hands. “It was pointless, I know. Like most slicers, I hack because I’m curious to see how much I can get away with. I suppose that crosses over into other areas of my life as well.” He shrugged and pulled off his tie, folding it neatly and depositing it on the table. Bane tilted his head, regarding Ray with an edge of playfulness in his gleaming red eyes.

“Do you ever travel with your clients? I could see us going to some exotic beach somewhere, like Chroma Zedd.”

The top two buttons on his dress shirt were soon unfastened.

“Is that something that you would enjoy?”

[member="Lorraei"]

 

[Lorraei]

Lorraei turned the last of the potatoes and turned back to his guest, or lover it seemed. He didn't recall actually deciding that, but he had spoken the words willingly enough. No point arguing against it now. After all, he wasn't really bothered by the concept.

So there he stood, hands on his hips, smiling down at his lover. No that was still odd or perhaps premature. Smiling down at his guest, his tone teasing, "Oh? I hadn't noticed. What other aspects does that cross into?"

Ray dropped into the seat beside Cryax, close but not menacingly so. He knew the conversation would die if he did not let Cryax breath at least some air not tainted by his pheromones.

Ray's back straightened at the word 'travel.' The beaches of Chroma Zedd? He had never been. Beaches had sand and, Light of Heaven, had he seen enough sand. Of course they also had water, more water then was measurable. Gods! Why had he never gone to a beach?

"I had never thought to ask a client to travel actually. I always thought it crossed a certain line. I travel constantly. My work requires it and it is why I choose to work as I do. Many companions remain in the Guildhouse which trained them. I. Well sitting still isn't something I'm very good at."

Lorraei reached out with his right hand. Merely an inch above the surface of the table, and touched the Force. Cryax's whiskey glass, long forgotten near his original seat, shifted in place. Suddenly it slide across the smooth table into Ray's waiting grip. A heavy exhalation the only indication of how difficult that little trick was.

"It is something I would enjoy. To go to the beach with you, Cryax."

Ray offered up the glass, smiling.

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

"Oh? I hadn't noticed. What other aspects does that cross into?"

Cryax smiled widely and gave Ray a knowing chuckle. He answered with the same teasing tone.

“I think you know the answer to that.”

A wide grin spread across his face as he removed his suit jacket and draped it on the back of the seat.

The crime lord left the subject at that. Now dressed in a crisp white shirt and trousers, he settled back into his seat, resting his hands behind his head. Bane was finally looking more relaxed, letting his tension melt away, as he found himself charmed by the lovely accent that decorated Ray’s speech. Ray talked about traveling for a bit, and when the man mentioned his other clients, the Chiss felt a familiar flash of jealousy that had always consumed him when he was interested in someone. That ugly voice that weaved through the maze of his emotions, and like a snake, hissed mine. The same voice that told him to fight for every scrap of affection he was shown. And the one that insisted that sex was love. Nothing good ever came out of giving that voice a soapbox. Therefore, he quickly drowned it in another sip of whiskey, charmingly pushed across the table by Ray's impressive display of telekinesis.

Cryax raised his glass to Ray’s, letting them clink together lightly.

“We shall go to Chroma Zedd, then,” Bane said, then with a wink added:

“If you decide to keep me around, that is.”

[member="Lorraei"]

 

[Lorraei]

Lorraei smiled softly, his gaze intent as Cryax removed his jacket. Now this was something the desert Companion could grow accustomed to. It wasn't ever day he got to sit back and enjoy a client teasing him.

They clicked their glasses together and drank. Ray nearly lost his composure, whiskey catching in his throat with a small cough. Did he mean now? Surely not. Bane didn't have anything with him but a pair of guards, surely he meant next time. Of course he was also [member="Cryax Bane"], rich beyond anything Ray would ever acquire, he might just buy everything he needed once he arrived. The man did what he wanted and precisely when he wanted, regardless of the consequences. If Cryax wanted to go to Chroma Zedd, he meant it.

Ray chuckled, "Certainly Cryax. I'm sure I can arrange us the finest accommodations with a little time to prepare."

He set his glass down. His movements were slow, cautious. One hand settling on his guest's thigh as he lend close.

"I would rather be here tonight, if it's all the same to you. We can go to Chroma Zedd tomorrow."

Ray's other hand slide Cryax's weapon from it's holster, and set it off to the side. The Chiss would still be able to reach it but it was no longer clashing with the man's relaxed demeanor.

 

[Cryax Bane]

Cryax finished his drink in one gulp, but did not signal for another. He knew his threshold, and was self-aware enough to know that any more alcohol would make him unbearable to be around. Rude. Angry. Callous. Bane was a spiteful drunk, and to consume anymore would bring out the devil inside. He watched Ray’s carefully choreographed movements as his Companion came towards him.

“I don’t remember agreeing to spending the night,” he teased with mock surprise.

“But if that’s what you want, I wouldn’t want to disappoint you.”

His glowing red eyes followed Ray’s hand as it landed on his thigh. He raised an eyebrow and with a smile playing along his lips, tilted his head in, a prelude to another kiss. Bane stopped himself when he felt Ray’s other hand reach for his blaster. His Companion carefully slid it out of his holster and set the weapon aside. Cryax pulled away with a tight-lipped smile and averted his gaze. He cleared his throat, and ran his fingers through his blue-black hair. Despite his pouty demeanor, Cryax continued, his eyes glued to the floor.

“I can have my assistant send you the names of some places with some spas or hot springs. Whatever your heart desires, my dear.”

[member="Lorraei"]

 

[Lorraei]

Lorraei flinched back as Cryax pulled away. Did he take offense to what Ray had done? It was hard to be certain without touching the man's mind again, something Ray would never make a habit of. In part it was rude, in part the darkness within the Chiss wasn't something to toy with.

"Well visot in'a, I meant that if we are to go, we will. Just not tonight. Tomorrow if you wish. Once we have reservations."

His hand remained on his guest's leg, the other moved to bring Cryax's chin up again. His smoldering gaze seeking endless ruby orbs.

"Why do you draw away lover mine? Did you think I would not give you another kiss? Tis an ugly thing to brush against in the moment visot in'a. The more relaxed you become the more my hands seek to explore of their own volition. If you would rather it be on you, put it back."

His face hovered close, almost challenging.

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Relaxing did not come easy to Bane. Taut as a wire, he was ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. Even when sleeping. There were bounty hunters sniffing around for a five million credit payout. There were rival gangs to dispense of, snitches to punish. Hell, his own provocative behavior was enough to make the enemies line up. The crime lord couldn’t afford to let down his guard for a moment. When he wasn’t tense, he was simply nothing. Vacant. The tension kept him feeling alive.

When Ray got annoyed with him, Cryax felt a wan flush of satisfaction. Finally, he was cracking the man’s veneer, for better or worse. Why did it feel so good to push? To make the other man react? The term emotional vampire sprang to mind, two words he shoved back down into the jagged cracks from which they scuttled.

Wordlessly, Cryax reached out a hand, threaded it through Ray’s hair, and used it to impetuously pull his Companion’s head in. With the other hand he pinched Ray’s jaw and brought him in for a rough kiss. When it ended, he bit the other man’s bottom lip before completely drawing away. Then he sat back, his arms spread out over the edge of the seat, the incorrigible, wolfish grin returning to his face.

"I don't know about you, but I'm feeling pretty relaxed now."

[member="Lorraei"]

 

[Lorraei]

The embrace started so nicely. A rough hand in his hair and Lorraei's body went lax. Drawing him in was a simple thing. Even as Cryax pulled him close, Ray leaned into the movement. His fingers digging at Cryax's shirt, straining the fabric as a fire bloomed in his breast. The heated desires of his Zeltron blood boiled in his veins.

Then came the hand. An ugly thing gripping his jaw. He wanted desperately to push the offensive appendage away but his arms would not comply. So busy were his digits with silken fabric and firm flesh beneath that they refused to draw away in defense of his own personage. Too enraptured with the scent of clove and cinnamon. Too entranced by the shifting muscle beneath that thin shirt.

Pain!

Bitten and pushed away. Stunned stupid by the sudden aggression, Lorraei could only drawback himself. His fingers clamping to his ravaged lips as pain and a copper taste filled his mouth. The hot desire in his belly flickered in a torrent. A storm of blood and fire raged as two red emotions battled for dominance.

When he spoke the war was not yet decided and his words were stained as red as his torn lip, "Bei cart vun'bicn, Forlac'rya'xitodo, cart buts'o!"

Undeterred by Cryax's smugness Lorraei grasped for his drink. The whiskey burned as it passed his lips, more fuel for the torrent.

"I'm so pleased you are relaxed Cryax mine."

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Cryax was unashamed of the aggression that he just showed. The other man was teasing him, drawing out his bitterness, picking at his emotional scabs. Someone had to bleed for it. What other reaction did he expect? The only sign of remorse was a small knot in his brow as he saw the stain on Ray’s lower lip. Seeing the man hurt made him feel other things as well. Things he feared unleashing. He fancied himself above the sadists and curs with whom he did business, and couldn’t bear the thought that he was even one molecule like them. He was better than that. He had to be. He was, wasn’t he?

The way that Cryax’s given name rolled off Ray’s tongue subdued that runaway train of thought for a moment. Although Ray didn’t have the same vocal chords as a Chiss, his Companion nailed the tricky pronunciation. Bane’s face took on an edge of surprise. Nobody called him Forlac'rya'xitodo these days. He hadn’t heard that name said aloud since...No, he wasn’t going to think about him right now. Those wounds were still too fresh.

Cryax stood up and untucked his now disheveled dress shirt. He met Ray's gaze as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt and let it hang open. Crossing to his companion, he wrapped his arms around the other man and pulled him in close, tilting his head in to give him a softer kiss, careful not to inflame the raw spot on his lip. When it broke, Bane let his lips softly graze the other man’s ear as he whispered.

“See, I can be gentle.”

[member="Lorraei"]

 

[Lorraei]

Lorraei's scowl remained firm despite Cryax's fluctuating range of expressions. Bitting words sat poised on the tip of his tongue but they went unspoken as the Chiss rose.

His internal emotional war began to show as his scowl turned to a hungry glint in his eyes. Could one have a hungry scowl? The thought vanished as the Chiss embraced him. His hand fell away as Cryax kissed him.

Ray leaned his head against Cryax's, taking his ear away from the man. A small laugh colored his tone, "That's cheating. It's hard to be angry with you doing that you know?"

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Cryax chuckled and gave Ray a playful grin.

“I’m not an easy man to stay angry with. Or so I’ve been told by my lovers. Too bad my enemies haven't gotten that memo.”

Bane reached up a hand and cupped Ray's jawline. The Chiss leaned in and gave him another slow, sensual kiss. Once it was finished, he moved his lips to Ray’s neck, then down to his collarbone and back up again. Although he badly wanted to rip off the other man's clothes, he kept his movements slow and deliberate. Ray had drawn a line in the sand, and Cryax would dance on the edge, but he wouldn't go over it. Not yet anyway.

His arms remained affectionately draped around his Companion. Ray wasn’t going anywhere now. In a few moments, the air began to thicken in front of his eyes. Was that smoke? He turned to the kitchen and then looked back at Ray, white teeth flashing beneath his blue lips.

“I think our dinner is burning.”

[member="Lorraei"]