Private Do You Even Lift?

[Haro Aven]

LOCATION: WILD SPACE >> KORRIBAN >> KOR'ETHYR ACADEMY​

OBJECTIVE: SURVIVE A WORKOUT WITH Naamino Zuukamano ​

[[ DISCLAIMER: DIALOGUE PORTION WRITTEN BY BOTH Haro Aven AND Naamino Zuukamano ]]​

Students flooded the halls of Kor’ethyr Academy upon being dismissed from their various classes. From Lord Davros’ Sith Naval Warfare class came Naamino Zuukamano and Haro Aven, leaving together not for the first time. This time though, Haro had opted to sit with his new “buddy” during class, then sparked up some casual conversation after and followed him out.

Just a few days ago, Naami had made it clear in no uncertain terms that he didn’t trust Haro and that he would be watching him closely. So Haro would let him. Those who had helped him get here had told Haro that hiding in plain sight was often an effective counter to suspicion because it allowed for more control over the narrative. They had also warned him of the risks of course. Haro had thought long and hard about his recent confrontation with the zabrak, and he concluded there was hope yet for him to take control of this narrative and earn Naamino’s trust. The alternative was too dangerous. So he would lean into his intuition that there was more depth, perhaps more good, beneath that surly spiky exterior than the zabrak let on. It helped that Haro was intrigued by his fellow student. He had actually been enjoying their banter and how easy it was to rile Naami up.​

“So, buddy, am I walking you to Micah’s speeder again? There must be more you want to interrogate me about,” Haro taunted good-naturedly with an impish half-smile, side-eyeing the shorter boy as they walked together.​

​

The zabrak scoffed, having remained incredibly devoid of major expression up to that point. It came as a surprise that Haro chose to sit next to him, but his obnoxious enthusiasm was expected. However, he kept his pace normal and without haste to be rid of his peer just yet. ​

​

“No-“ the answer gruff and curt, “Working out today, since there’s no martial training again till next week.”​

​

“Really? Huh…” Haro perked up, then paused as if considering.​

​

“Alright, I’ll join you," he answered as if he’d been invited, though he was well aware that he hadn’t been.​

​

“Been thinking about how I should probably start doing that to better keep up in martial training.”​

​

“The hells you will…” Naami scowled, not pausing his determined walk but casting an annoyed glance at the bright eyed boy beside him.​

​

“Not wearing that anyway,” his tone just permissible enough for Haro to perhaps sense it wasn’t the kind of “no” that would get him punched for insisting.​

​

Haro’s smile faltered at the initial rejection and he glanced down at his uniform then back up to Naami. ​

​

“Huh? What am I supposed to wear then?"​

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Naami scoffed again, switching trajectory slightly and nudging the other boy with his elbow so he’d follow suit. ​

​

“Student barracks have extras, c’mon I’ll show you.” ​

​

The boy flashed a rare mischievous grin. ​

​

“You really wanna work out with me? Not gonna cry about it to your patron or whatever are you, when you get hurt tryin’ to keep up?”​

Haro didn't flinch this time when nudged as he was growing more accustomed to how the zabrak seemed to like to roughhouse into his space. He matched Naami's mischief with his own grin and barked a laugh.​

​

"Hah! Yeah, I promise not to cry if you promise to actually help me get some muscles." He said, grabbing and squeezing Naami's solid shoulders briefly before playfully shoving him away with little effect and falling into step beside him again.​

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Outfit
Belt of Strength, Field Com-Scan Link, Rakghoul House Robes
Change of Gym Clothes, Well Worn Boots, Weal & Woe

​

With a gruff smack toward Haro's unexpected lean into roughhousing, Naami grumbled under his breath. Setting a faster pace, he marched his peer to Kor'ethyr barracks using one of the many subterranean hallways that seemed to magically cover more ground than steps taken. This time, the student military resources building seemed to be perched on a plateau somewhere in Korriban's eastern hemisphere with a view of swampland below. The boys politely chatted with staff, were pointed to cleaned and sorted hand-me-down clothes where Naami bossily guided Haro through the selection of a few outfits appropriate for physical training. There was more than one snide comment about the lanky mechanic's "pockets pretending to be pants" and a thinly veiled threat that Naami would like to shake Haro like a maraca to see what fell out.

Their detour done, the surly zabrak led them back through a different hallway with a sense of direction gained through many months spent navigating the often confusing living layout of Ko'ethyr. He grew more animated with energy the closer they drew to the gym. They entered the locker room first, Naami moving a respectful distance away and turning his back as he changed out of his robe and tailored undershirt. His pants were already well suited to the workout ahead, fitted snugly at ankles and waist but with ample room for mobility of his legs. If Haro Aven stole a glance at his peer, he'd notice the boy's broad back was still a blank canvas- his tattoos stopped short of his shoulders, the lines inking his neck formed a complete loop along the nape of his neck and ended there. The teen stashed all his extra belongings into one of the sleek lockers. Naami carefully pulled a compression shirt over his horned head, calling over his shoulder without looking toward his companion.

"See ya out there, new kid."

 

[Haro Aven]

The academy's labyrinthine layout sometimes reminded Haro of the seemingly endless corridors and alleyways of Coruscant's Undercity and he idly chattered to Naami about it as they walked. He explained how the Undercity folk had superstitions and stories about the dangers that still lurked in the darkest parts of the lower levels – remnants of horrors that persisted even after the planet had been cleansed of the One Sith's undead that had plagued its bowels less than a century before.

Haro patiently stood by as Naami procured him a proper outfit, even thanked him for his efforts. He grinned impishly at the boy's threat to shake him down, not missing a beat in firing back a retort about how much taller and stronger the zabrak would have to be to even attempt such a maneuver. He matched Naami's energy as they approached the gym and headed into the locker room together. He quickly stripped down and slipped into his new fit without hesitation but he did in fact steal a glance or maybe two at the other boy as they changed, taking note of his tattoos but also his well-muscled back, reconsidering his earlier doubt that the zabrak could pick him up and shake him down. Haro lost track of how long he'd been holding the laces of his shoe when Naami called over his shoulder at him and walked off.

"Oh–uh, yeah! Right behind you," he called after him, quickly tying his laces before he took off after the other boy, leaving his bag and clothes strewn about the floor and bench.

His wide eyes were everywhere but in front of him as he stepped out into the gym. Nearly bumping into someone, he apologized as he corrected his course and caught up to Naami.

"Alright. What's the plan?" He asked enthusiastically.

​

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Already clearing a space for them to work, Naami seemed to have a reputation at the school gym. Though things weren't super busy that day, Haro Aven could see the way that other students kept out of his way. He wasn’t unkind toward any of them per se, but he didn’t invite friendly chatter either. It also went without saying that in his early days at the academy he often worked out with Gavin which surely contributed to the aura of intimidation.

Striking blue eyes met peridot the moment Haro was in the zabrak’s line of sight and the teen waited expectantly on an open section of floor. The moment his companion drew level, Naami launched into an explanation with accompanying stances.

“Right, so what’re the biggest muscle groups? Even on you, skinny.”

His question was hypothetical and he threw a gruffly playful back hand to one of Haro’s thighs, encouraging him to take the same pose he did. It was a low stance which engaged the legs and Naami raised his arms before him to hover them about chest height.

“Legs, even though we aren’t focusing on training them today. That’s the best way to warm up for pretty much any exercise.”

Then the teen began to take slow sideways strides while maintaining the lowered position, indicating that Haro should follow along.

“Full body engagement- even simple stuff, it gets the hearts pumping. That in turn makes your whole body more receptive. So 20 of these crab-droid walks, a short break and then 20 back. We’ll warm up arms specifically after.”

 

[Haro Aven]

[[ DISCLAIMER: DIALOGUE PORTION WRITTEN BY BOTH Haro Aven AND Naamino Zuukamano ]]

Flashing a mischievous grin in response to the playful smack and verbal jab, Haro hopped to line up beside Naami, eyeing him curiously as he did his best to mimic the stance. It felt as awkward as it looked at first but he made adjustments and followed the "crab-droid" movement, pitching his knees out more and sitting back into the squat like he was being shown. Like most good warm ups, it was easy at first.​

“Uh, hearts? You mean, heart?”​

​

“Oh right, always forget- nah, I mean hearts. Zabrak come with two.”​

​

Haro gave him a quizzical look.​

​

“Wait… really??” He asked, surprise and excitement tempered with suspicion that Naami might have been messing with him.​

​

“Yes really… I always forget most people don’t. Our skeletons are super strong too,” Naami grumbled.​

​

"That's so cool!" Haro exclaimed, deciding to believe Naami for now and let an enthusiastic grin light up his face. Maybe he'd look it up later just to make sure.​

​

“What… what are you anyway? Don’t look like any regular human I’ve met.”​

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“I’m part Kage.” Haro looked down to watch his own feet shuffle across the floor.​

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“I don’t know much about them to be honest. But I’m pretty sure I only came with one heart." He laughed a bit to cover his own discomfort with the lack of knowledge. He didn’t know his father and little was known about Kage in general as they were somewhat rare and usually kept to themselves.​

​

“No wonder you’re so good at working out and fighting and physical stuff,” he said with a playful punch to the other boy's shoulder, bringing the conversation back to focus on Naami.​

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“Wait so… do you have like, two separate heart beats? Or do they beat at the exact same time?”​

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“They beat poly-rhythmically,” Naami said as he swatted back at the boy, jabbing for his ribs. ​

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“Keep your arms up in front of you!” He snapped, but the way his spine straightened and his chest puffed showed that the compliment had landed.​

​

The jab at his ribs had the opposite effect to what Naami had demanded as Haro retracted his arms in defense with an "ack!" followed by a giggle.​

​

“Right, thirty second break,” Naami stood up straight and shook his legs out a bit, stretching his arms overhead.​

​

Haro copied his workout buddy, shaking out his lanky limbs before the two of them dropped into the next set of crab-droid walks. The walk back was definitely harder but Haro did his best not to show it, instead distracting himself with further questions about the Zabrak's unique anatomy such as "do you have any other weird extra organs?" and "have you ever broken a bone?"

Eventually, Naami guided them over to the rack of dumbbells and single weights, explaining that they would be warming up their arms next. Haro grabbed the same weight class as Naami in the spirit of following along and looked to him expectantly.​

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

"Uhhh" to the question about extras.

"No," came the terse rejection of silly idea that he'd be so weak as to break a bone, a great shame amongst zabrak in general.

The sturdy teen made Haro put the weights down that he'd grabbed to match, instead instructing him to go a few pounds lighter. Didn't matter that Naami didn't trust the guy, they were on the same team for the time being so he couldn't let him get hurt over something as stupid as warming up with weights too heavy for him. Any words shared in that time were mostly for the sake of direction and instruction. But once they got started again, the zabrak eyed the half-kage and asked.

"What're you so curious for huh? Tryin to learn my weaknesses, chatterbox?"

Haro could tell that the accusation came at least partially in jest, though there was still something hard to the boy's eyes. They moved to a workout proper and Naami set himself up first- instructing Haro through a series of curls and lateral raises which surely burned no matter how much lighter he went with the weights.

 

[Haro Aven]

Haro complied without complaint when Naami made him put the heavier weights down, silently grateful because they had already felt heavy and he hadn't even started doing anything with them yet. Like with the crab-droid walks, Haro watched and listened diligently so he could follow the instruction effectively and exemplify that he was as physically coordinated as he was mentally sharp, even if he wasn't very strong yet. Partially because the other boy made Haro feel like he had to prove he was worth his time but also because Haro was truly invested in learning from Naami and spending this time together, he wanted to show respect and competence. His suspicion that doing something Naami liked doing and was clearly better at would be effective at softening up the zabrak a bit was proving to be correct.

Haro grinned mischievously at the question, then sighed dramatically.

"You caught me," he responded, sarcastically effecting defeat. "Thought if I learned all your weaknesses, I might actually be able find the nice guy that's apparently somewhere buried under all the grumpy."

The zabrak was making this look so easy with the heavier weights. So, by the time Naami finished his set, Haro started up his own with a confidence that soon wavered under the growing burn in his arms and shoulders. He tried not to show it at first and just keep up the reps but that proved more difficult with each lift and his breathing and trembling started to give away his struggle.​

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

A grunt and eye roll were the only responses forthcoming to the "nice guy" comment as they worked on. Though Naami gave off a Bogan may care attitude, he was attentive and offered matter of fact corrections or even help but only if help seemed truly warranted.

"Hey- stop holding your breath there, exhale through."

Or.

"C'mon keep your angle consistent, even when you're tired- especially when you're tired!"

Contrary to how Haro likely felt more and more worn out, the exercises seemed to be energizing the zabrak. He remained focused and on task but he started to get more insistent about his companion pushing himself despite fatigue. Eventually they neared the point where surely they'd have to take a break or start cooling down, when Naami insisted they finish the workout with some classic bench presses.

Again, the teen taught first by doing the exercise himself. Instructing how Haro should spot him, what signs of imminent danger to look for while spotting, and so on. His set proceeded without incident thought surely Haro was being granted new perspective about just how strong Naami was for a boy his age and size.

Then it was Haro's turn and the zabrak insisted that he start with no more than the bar to show he had good form. Naami corrected his elbow posture slightly but was otherwise granted a very rare "good" as the zabrak then assured Haro he was ready to do a full set with slightly increased weight. When it seemed that the lanky boy might be ready to tap out, Naami insisted.

"Push it Haro, c'mon I know you have a few more in those skinny arms," he grinned down a little wickedly, still spotting the boy but refusing to interfere yet.

 

[Haro Aven]

Naami's corrections and encouragements were definitely effective in pushing Haro far beyond where he normally would've given up. Plus, he was exceptionally motivated after watching the zabrak breeze through his own set like it was nothing. By the time they finished with the single weights, Haro's arms were already trembling and felt like jelly which was more than a little disappointing. He had thought himself stronger than this, especially because he had worked with his hands and heavy machinery all his life. He didn't let it discourage him though, instead choosing to be proud of what he had accomplished this day as he prepared to cool down.

When Naami insisted they finish with bench presses, Haro looked at him like he was crazy and then asked him if he was. But it was clear there was no talking the stubborn zabrak out of it so Haro begrudgingly complied, grateful that he had the time Naami took to show and teach to rest his arms before attempting to follow with his own set. Haro had to admit, it was kind of amusing, endearing even, to see Naami so in his element. Perhaps somewhere hidden deeper behind that admission was also just how impressed Haro was with the other boy's show of strength, especially from Haro's current vantage where he stood to spot the bar.

The loud clank of racking the bar made Haro subtly jump and his eyes flicked away as Naami stood. Then Haro realized it was his turn and apprehension settled over him in earnest. He eyed the bench as if it might as well have been a torture device designed to humiliate him, but he took a deep breath and puffed up his chest with acceptance and determination. Taking position, he gripped the bar, waiting until Naami gave him the green light to start his set and trying to remember what he'd just been taught moments before. His muscles were pretty much immediately on fire and it took even less presses than he'd expected before the panic started to set in. The bar was of course way heavier than Naami had made it look but of course his crazy personal trainer kept pushing him. Why in the hell had he let Naami talk him into this? Breath hissed through his lips as he pushed again, sweat dripping from his temples. Naami's increasingly taunting jibes and wicked grin forced Haro to try for a couple more but by the third he was sure he was going to drop the bar, his legs and feet subconsciously flexing to press his toes into the ground in an effort to compensate as his body trembled.

"Druk dude... I c-can't... help," he managed to sputter out, his face flushed with the effort of keeping himself from being crushed.​

 

[Leshanna]

Tags: Naamino Zuukamano // Haro Aven
​

Leshanna was roaming the ever shifting halls, moving from one lecture towards the location of her next one, when she found herself passing by the gym. Absent-mindedly, she glanced inside and noticed a couple of boys, though she looked away as if to pay them no mind…until she heard a familiar voice from within that brought her to stop. She backed up a few steps and stepped into the doorway of the gym, her eyes finding the two boys once more - both of whom she recognized instantly.

It was Naamino and Haro, working out together.

Interesting, she mused as her eyes narrowed slightly. Her Zabrak friend had made it pretty clear that he wasn’t the biggest fan of the newest member of their Badawan group. He’d been cold and gruff towards Haro, but it appeared that they were working out their differences.

Literally.

She continued to watch them both, a small smile playing on her lips, feeling a bit of happiness to finally see the two boys she got along with best finally beginning to form their own connections. But soon, her smile slipped away as a more concerned frown creased her brow. Haro was lifting the weights, or attempting to, and they were clearly too heavy for him. Naami was just standing there too, urging him on, but something about the whole situation felt…off.

Haro was clearly losing his ability to keep up such a heavy weight, and she was smart enough to recognize that if he dropped it, he would end up in the hospital ward. And her Zabrak friend surely knew this too, and was doing nothing about it.

A dark scowl shifted across the teenage girl’s face; the scene playing out before her wasn’t funny, and she would be damned if she was going to allow her friend to hurt her other friend. So she decided to intervene, even if it did anger her Zabrak friend. What was he going to do about it anyway? Silently, so as not to startle them and cause Haro to drop the bar on himself, she stalked into the gym…feeling a rise of hot anger bubble up from within.

Then, the situation went from not ideal to dire…as she sensed Haro about to immediately drop the bar on himself. And still Naami did nothing. Instinctively, Leshanna reached out with the Force, feeling it surge in the same manner it had when she had dropped that concrete slab on the winged devil’s head, and she caught the weight of the bar and froze it in place, just before it could drop and shatter whatever bones were underneath it.

Leshanna’s face scrunched with the effort - the bar was a lot heavier than she first realized - and her sapphire blue eyes, now hardened with anger…shifted to Naamino, as she lifted and rotated the bar away from Haro before releasing it so that it slammed on the floor with a loud, metallic clanging sound that echoed throughout the entire gym.

Before they could properly react, she had closed the remaining distance and was throwing her fist into the meat of the Zabrak’s upper arm, before she shifted and placed herself directly between Haro and Naami, her fists clenched and her eyes glued to her friend in a fierce glare.

“What the kark dude?! What is wrong with you?!” She snapped, her voice sharp with her indignation. “I get he’s a new kid and you’re not too thrilled about him being around, but had I not just caught that bar, it would have dropped on him and really hurt him! And you just stood there and did nothing! What…were you waiting for it to fall on him before deciding to be his spotter?! Would you have done that to Micah? Or me?”

She huffed, her breath escaping her loudly - almost like a snort. “We look out for each other in our group, yeah? Don’t be an ass.”

Leshanna turned her head to glance over her shoulder at Haro, a touch of concern replacing the anger in her eyes. “...you okay, Haro?”

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Under the watchful eye of Naamino, the new kid had done fairly well with his first structured workout. Very well, the zabrak conceded to himself. Their time spend together at the gym had been uncharacteristically devoid of animosity, particularly given how they'd started out. As their workout drew to a close, something about having Haro Aven in a vulnerable place did something to stoke the zabrak's superiority complex. He was poised and ready, strong hands centimeters away from interference to save his struggling peer. But he waited.

Naami had pulled a few favors to access the boy's student registration. Haro wasn't the first student he'd looked into and he certainly wouldn't be the last. But that was how he know his new "buddy" was registered with an anonymous donor as a NFU student. There was something about the boy that made him question the validity of that, whether it was his intelligence or fast reflexes or perhaps something else entirely. So Naami paused in offering assistance despite the way Haro struggled. Then he felt the shift and his eyes widened.

"Knew it," he muttered under his breath as the bar and weights lifted with the Force and fell safely away from the bench entirely.

He was immediately disillusioned from his misunderstanding though as a tiny, angry voice approached. At first Naami was confused, then he was angry, but soon it all gave way to wary respect as he realized it was Leshanna who'd intervened, who’d come to give him a piece of her mind. Anger made him lower his head, a subconscious Zabraki gesture of challenge, but when he registered who it was his spine went rigid and he looked much like a soldier at attention. The teen tipped his chin up, head proud but throat exposed in the Zabraki gesture used when responding to the authority of another.

He nearly snarled when she brought Micah into it, when she asked if he'd have done this to his best friend or to her for that matter. Annoyed and more than a little bit ashamed for being caught in the midst of teasing Haro, the boy grumbled back in a low voice but didn't meet her eyes.

"Wasn't gonna let him get hurt, c'mon Lesh ease up."

He was scowling and before Haro could respond to the concern Leshanna directed toward him, Naami was already trying to guide the narrative. The zabrak crossed pumped up arms over his chest as he spoke.

"We've both been going hard, its been a good workout" he insisted gruffly.

 

[Haro Aven]

Just when Haro thought he was about to find out what it felt like to have a weighted steel bar dropped on his chest, the crushing force was suddenly lifted away. He released the breath he'd been holding in a rush and scrambled to sit up, eager to get out from under the bar and into a safer position. At first, he thought it had been Naami finally stepping in to spot him but it felt too sudden and powerful for even the zabrak's superior strength as the bar was flung into the air before clattering to the floor with a loud CLANG.

One hand pressed flat to his chest, Haro took a moment to catch his breath but, before he even got the chance to glare up at Naami, Leshanna was suddenly there. Her feminine voice was shrill with anger as she began berating her zabrak friend. So it had been her who saved him then? Of course he was grateful but it somehow felt worse that she'd stepped in instead of Naami deciding to help, even if it came way later than Haro would've liked. That, plus the confirmation from Lesh that Naami was "not too thrilled" about Haro being around stung more than he'd expected it to. Was it just that obvious that he didn't like him or did Lesh know something more because of her closeness with Naami? Would he have actually let Haro get crushed? Had this workout just been another of Naami's tests?

Haro's gaze darted between the two of them, then he spared a look around the gym and noticed the scene was attracting cautious but curious glances from a few nearby students. Haro could see the shame peaking through the annoyance in the zabrak's features and, despite himself, he almost felt for the guy. He certainly wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of Lesh's wrath. Their fierce little friend finally paused her tirade, turning to check on Haro in a far softer tone, and he looked up at her with wide eyes welling up with genuine gratitude. When Naami tried to pawn it off as them just "going hard," Haro side-eyed him with a much cooler gaze, sitting with his own embarrassment, confusion and betrayal as he calculated his next move.

"I am now that you're here," he responded to Lesh, effecting more confidence than he felt. Sure, it was a totally cheesy line but it's what his adrenaline-addled brain gave him to work with so he ran with it. He sighed, his breath still evening out as he stood up from the bench and gingerly stretched thoroughly worn out muscles with a wince that might have been a bit over-exaggerated.

"We were having a good workout," he began as if speaking to Lesh but then glared at Naami, "until Naami here forgot he was actually suppose to spot me and not just watch me squirm." There was clearly an underlying bitterness but he played it off as almost amiable in an effort to deescalate. He wasn't sure whether or not he should believe Naami, especially when there was a good chance he was just playing nice because he got caught, but he wanted to. He wanted to believe that the other boy just got carried away and really wouldn't have let him get hurt. He stepped closer to Lesh and put a hand on her shoulder, smiling down at her warmly.

"Thank you for having my back, Lesh, but... I'm alright," he assured her, then looked to Naami. "Let's just call it a day. I think I'm done here." The bitterness was still clear in his tone and there was a sadness behind his eyes but he didn't want to make more of a scene about it.

"Can I walk you to your next class?" He asked Lesh, hoping she would say yes.​

 

[Leshanna]

Tags: Naamino Zuukamano // Haro Aven
​

Leshanna held her ground, even as Naami dipped his head subconsciously at her. At first he looked confused, then it gave way to anger. The girl before him didn’t move an inch before the boy’s ire, and her gaze on him was bold and direct - almost as if she was daring him to step up to the challenge he seemed to be directing her way. Her body posture tensed slightly, coiled and ready for action should it come down to that.

But, thankfully, Naamino seemed to recognize through the haze of his anger just who had intervened and the reaction was almost instantaneous. He stood down, his own posture going rigid as he lifted his chin up slightly - still proud, but no longer issuing her a challenge.

Still, the Zabrak was displeased as she called him out on his actions, and the look of annoyance as well as shame flickered over his face.

"Wasn't gonna let him get hurt, c'mon Lesh ease up." The boy mumbled at her as he averted his eyes from hers, and she raised an eyebrow at him and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Huh. Could have fooled me, Naami.” she growled back at him before turning her attention to Haro to check in on him.

"We've both been going hard, it’s been a good workout." Naamino responded before Haro could, and the girl returned her gaze back to her friend, giving him a flat look that revealed she saw through what he was attempting to do and wasn’t impressed.

Haro then said that he was alright now that she was there. He further stated that they had been having a good workout, until the boy returned a glare to the Zabrak and bluntly confirmed to Leshanna what she had suspected all along. Haro stepped up closer to her and laid a hand on her shoulder and gave her a warm smile before reassuring her that he was fine and thanking her for having his back. She dipped her head once in a nod of understanding and gave him a small, half smile as he offered to walk her to her next class.

She contemplated the offer for a moment, before nodding. “I’d like that, Haro. Just uh, give me a few moments here and I’ll catch up to you.”

The fiery girl waited until she could speak to Naami alone; she’d embarrassed him enough as it was in front of the other boy, and she didn’t need to make it worse for him. Her gaze was cool, but instead of the anger that had been in her eyes earlier, there was now a touch of sadness.

“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you Naami.” She said softly. “But I watched and waited for you to step in when Haro was struggling and you just…didn’t do anything. And you were smirking about it. It just…bothered me so I decided to step in. I know we are supposed to be Sith or…whatever. But you also know how I feel about bullying, and I’d hate to think that my best friend is just another bully.” She searched her friend’s face, her blue eyes tracing the lines of his tattoos for a moment, before she looked away and to the side.

“There is a difference between pushing each other to achieve their best, and being a jerk. Haro is a part of our group now, Naami. Treat him as one of your own, not some outsider. One day, your life may very well rest in his hands - and he will remember these moments then, as he decides if you’re worth saving or not.”

She returned her gaze back to Naamino, hoping he understood what she was trying to say. “I have to go to class now. I’ll see you later, Horns.” she added with a playful smirk and a wink before she turned around and walked away to rejoin Haro outside of the gym.

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Leshanna asked for a moment of privacy and spoke softly as Haro Aven made his way to the entrance of the gym without another word. Naami's cold and surly attitude gave way to a softer kind of contemplation as his friend spoke to him. She was right, of course; he did feel a bit embarrassed, but he was also conflicted. Both sad and irritated, he felt that way. Then three little words hit him with the force of a charging bull rancor.

"…my best friend…"​

Naami continued to listen, but for a moment, his breath hitched, and his eyes widened. He felt suddenly a little warm but also as if his stomach had done a flip. He remembered when he'd realized that Micah was his best friend, the thrill of the first time he'd slipped that into conversation. But he had no idea that Lesh regarded him that highly, couldn't fathom how he'd gotten so lucky to have her trust, care, and loyalty. He also realized in that moment that he did, in fact, want so badly to deserve that and he might've done something to actually ruin it because he'd been so caught up in testing the new guy.

He found himself nodding before she even finished, eyes falling to the floor between them. It was clear that her words were getting through to him and that he'd be considering them long after the conversation was over. Solemn blue eyes rose once more as she said goodbye and teased him a bit with a new nickname. Her offhanded little wink made him do a bit of a double take, blinking rapidly as if thinking perhaps his eyes had deceived him. He gave a small wave then stood there somewhat awkwardly for a long moment.

Finally, the boy sighed and realized he ought to move along with his day. Being told off by someone he respected had been bad enough, but he was also reeling from the sensation of being upset with himself for how things had gone sideways so quickly. Naami really had been enjoying his time at the gym that day. He took pride in guiding someone new through the practice of acquiring more strength through routine. But in one moment, it all went sour, and the teen was left to stew on the event over and over again.

Naami re-racked the weights and tidied the space they'd occupied, pointedly ignoring the glances and whispers from other students. Sweaty, irritated by the accusations of Lesh and more than a little conflicted about the hurt he'd seen in Haro's eyes, the boy made his way back to the locker room while thoughts spun round and round in his mind. Returning to the locker that he'd neatly placed his belongings. Naami glanced over and recognized Haro's messily strewn belongings with irritation. He huffed and rolled his eyes. Of course, the too-happy kid was a disorganized scatterbrain… He hadn't been smiling when they parted ways, though. In fact, the boy looked downright dejected. It was clear that both of them would be nursing hurt feelings for a bit.

Unlocking his items, Naami prepared to leave since he preferred cleaning up in the privacy of his dorm bathroom rather than utilizing the open showers of the locker room. He glanced once more at the strewn belongings, a small sense of guilt and responsibility warring with his irritated indifference. Leshanna's wise and honestly very kind words echoing in the back of his mind all the while. The Zabrak huffed again and finally came to a decision.

After making his way to one of the general common rooms and asking around a bit, Naami found Haro's dorm. The boy hadn't returned yet, but a bespectacled Twi'lek boy confirmed he was Haro's roommate and shyly pointed Naami to the half-Kage's side of the room. The Zabrak nodded respectfully and put the neatly folded pile of Haro's clothes onto his desk rather than the messy, unmade bed. He hooked the bag over the back of Haro's desk chair, then realized he was being watched. The curious little bug droid peered up at him and Naami gave him a formal little bow.

"Just dropping off his stuff," he said a little gruffly, as if the droid's inquisitive eyes were accusing him of wrongdoing.

The surly teen thought about leaving the note on the stack of clothes but instead decided to entrust it with Bodie. The note was written on a folded piece of paper he'd carefully torn from his journal, and he gingerly offered it to the tiny droid. Once done, feeling more than a little awkward about the interaction, Naami turned to depart quickly.

The note, written in tidy blocky lettering:

I'm not one to leave a task unfinished, so I'll be doing a leg workout tomorrow morning. You can tell me to buzz off, but if you're up for it, I'll make sure you're well on your way to getting stronger.

-Naamino

 

[Haro Aven]

"I'd like that, Haro. Just uh, give me a few moments here and I'll catch up to you."​

Lesh's initial acceptance nearly brought a relieved smile to Haro's face but that quickly fell away when she requested a few moments alone with Naami first. Haro assumed, despite her anger, Lesh was already feeling some regret for blowing up at Naami like she did because, despite how he had treated Haro, Naami was still close with her and their relationship preceded anything Haro had with her. Haro still wasn't sure exactly how they felt about each other but he'd had his suspicions that it might run deeper than just friends based on a few little moments he'd picked up on between them here and there during the Trials of Ozzuk and since he'd been at the Academy.

He couldn't really be upset and he certainly couldn't blame Lesh for needing time with Naami. It was probably the right thing to do. But it still stung his pride, especially after being embarrassed and emasculated in his own right just moments before. He began to nod slightly, bit his lip and broke eye contact, glancing down a moment. He stopped himself from looking at Naami again but he met Lesh's eyes once more and nodded, still trying his best to be convincing that he was fine, before he turned to go.

He grabbed one of the clean rolled up towels stacked by the entrance of the gym as he left and wiped his face, hands, arms and back of his neck clean of sweat, trying to clear his head and calm the anxiety that churned in his core. He leaned against the wall outside the gym and centered himself with deep breaths, just like how Niynx had taught him. The breathing definitely helped but thinking of his best friend immediately made him feel more at ease. The memories were accompanied by a deep ache, a longing for Niynx's companionship, his kindness and care. He would never have made Haro feel like this. But he wasn't here. Haro needed to do this without him, he needed to prove he was strong enough to do this without him.

The bitter cold of Korriban stung where the sweat still dried on his skin and clothes and he folded his arms over his chest as he braced against a chill. Settling into a decidedly broody mood, Haro played back the workout in his mind while he waited for Lesh, specifically the last few moments when everything seemed to shift, and he couldn't shake the suspicion he'd detected in Naami there at the end when Haro was stuck beneath the bar, as if he was waiting for something to happen. Many seemed to think Naami a brute but the zabrak's cleverness, especially in how he maneuvered socially, was not lost on Haro and it made him uneasy. It still seemed, despite Haro's efforts to befriend him, the stubborn zabrak still held to his suspicions. Was it worth it for Haro to continue trying to be the nice guy with Naami if he was just going to pull stunts like this? Haro chided himself for getting carried away with the fun and the camaraderie this time and vowed to be more careful in the future. He reminded himself he was dealing with Sith–dangerous and powerful people, despite their young age.

It was then that Lesh stepped out into the hallway, glancing around for Haro. He pushed off the wall and walked over to her, using the brief moment he had before she noticed his presence to compose a smile and hung the towel over his shoulder. He fell into step beside Lesh.​

"So, how'd that go? You ok?" He asked, genuinely concerned and more than a little curious.​

 

[Leshanna]

Tags: Haro Aven // Naamino Zuukamano
​

It was clear to her that her words were getting through to her friend, especially when the anger faded and he lowered his eyes to the floor between them. A part of Lesh felt a stab of guilt for having interceded between the two boys, and she wondered if her stepping in when she did had done more harm than good. But, what was done was done and she had to stick with her decision.

His blue eyes, such beautiful blue eyes, rose back to her own as she said her playful, and maybe slightly flirty, farewell - an effort to help ease whatever tensions she had caused in her little confrontation. Then she was leaving the gym, ignoring the stares from the other Acolytes who were still in there, and she stepped through the open doorway, her own eyes searching for Haro, hoping that he had indeed waited for her.

When she saw him, she smiled slightly, and moved to meet him as he walked over towards her.

"So, how'd that go? You ok?" Haro asked her, and she could hear the concern and curiosity in his voice.

“Yeah! I’m alright! I think it went well…just wanted to speak some sense into that stubborn horned head of his.” she huffed slightly before glancing at Haro, a shine of genuine concern on her face now, and maybe a twinge of guilt. “Are you okay? Also…I’m really sorry for butting in like that. I don’t know if I should have, but I just…didn’t want to see you get hurt. And Naami…I don’t know. Maybe he would have caught the bar before it dropped on you and I overreacted like a typical stupid girl…” She paused for a moment. “I just didn’t want to take that chance I guess…” she finished, her voice trailing off as she looked ahead to watch where she was going.

 

[Haro Aven]

Relieved at her assurance that she was alright and things had gone well, Haro sighed.
"Just wanted to speak some sense into that stubborn horned head of his."
"Tch, bet you did too." Haro tisked a sharp little laugh before his sardonic comment.
"Are you okay?" He almost winced at the concern in her tone as it seemed to only remind him of his fresh embarrassment. He knew she meant well though.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." He dismissed with a casual nonchalance he didn't actually feel.
"Also… I'm really sorry for butting in like that." Haro remained silent, solemn even, as she spoke. Not because he agreed with her apology but because he didn't want to interrupt, until she made the 'stupid girl' comment. His head snapped to look at her, his brow furrowed in a decidedly upset expression.

"I just didn't want to take that chance I guess…"
"Hey, wait a minute," the tall teen gently but insistently put a hand on her shoulder and stopped them both, turning her to face him.

"First of all, please don't apologize to me for what you did. You did what you felt was right and you showed up for me when I needed help. So thank you for that," he said, his tone far warmer than it was firm.

"Second, you may not talk about Leshanna that way. I won't stand for it. She is very smart, I'll have you know, and most certainly not a typical girl," he insisted with an exaggerated haughty defensiveness, his eyes twinkling with a playfulness that compelled a contagious smile.​

 

[Leshanna]

Tags: Haro Aven // Naamino Zuukamano
​

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." Haro replied nonchalantly to Lesh’s question on if he was okay or not, but Leshanna’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the comment as she wasn’t entirely sure if that was true or not. But she accepted it for what it was, figuring that if Haro had a problem he would tell her, eventually. Maybe. But that was also why she offered up her apology; she just had a feeling that perhaps what she had done had embarrassed him and Naamino.

The boy was quiet as she apologized, seeming to take it in and really listen to what she had to say. However, his attention whipped to her when she made the ‘stupid girl’ comment, a frown furrowed on his face. He grabbed her shoulder gently and pulled them both to a stop and turned her around so she could face him. Lesh gave him a puzzled look, not quite understanding what he had taken offense to.

Haro told her that she didn’t need to apologize for stepping in like she had, and thanked her for showing up for him. Lesh offered a small smile at that, and nodded slightly in acceptance of his words. However his next comment took her a bit by surprise, especially with the manner in which he said it.

"Second, you may not talk about Leshanna that way. I won't stand for it. She is very smart, I'll have you know, and most certainly not a typical girl,"

A deep blush flushed across the girl’s cheeks and she tore her gaze away from him and looked away to try and hide the fact that she was indeed blushing. “Aww shucks…” she muttered. She wasn’t used to being talked to like that, complimented in such a manner. She didn’t know what to do with it.

“Th - thank you…Uh, no one’s really ever said that to me before.” she said back in a shy manner as she glanced back at him to see his playful and contagious smile, one she couldn’t help but return. “Okay so I’m not some stupid girl. And if you’re okay with what I did then I’ll accept that. Still…I feel bad for embarrassing you and Naami. Well, I feel bad for embarrassing you…that knucklehead had it coming.” She finished with her more typical smirk.

"Anyway, thank you for offering to walk me to my next class. Kinda nice to have someone to walk with and talk to on the way there..."

 

[Haro Aven]

For a moment, Haro worried he'd been too bold or too forward, that he'd overestimated his rapport with Leshanna , that he'd embarrassed her. Her shy gratitude soon alleviated his concerns though, and her admission that no one had ever said such a thing to her surprised him. It was true, she was brilliant, and she deserved to be told as much. A part of him was upset that she seemed so unfamiliar with receiving compliments, but another part felt fortunate for the opportunity to get to be the one to tell her.

He grinned at the playful dig at Naami, getting some spiteful satisfaction from winning her favoritism over the Zabrak in this instance. Though, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty too. Naami had been helpful, diligent, patient, even kind to him throughout the workout up until the very end and, as upset with him as Haro was, he knew he deserved to be given credit for that.

"Yeah, no problem," he said with a warm smile as he squeezed her shoulder and turned to keep walking side by side with her.

"He uh… he was right though,” he began a bit sheepishly. “It really was a good workout. He was actually super helpful, showed me some great techniques. He was even kinda nice to me, if you can believe it." He chuckled ruefully.

"Not at all lIke he is with you and Micah, of course." Deeper implication lingered behind a jokey tone, and Haro decided to use the opportunity to pursue his curiosity about the nature of her relationship with Naami and how she really felt about him.

"You and Naami seem… close. Have you known each other long?"​

 

[Leshanna]

Haro Aven // Naamino Zuukamano
​

She was happy to see Haro grin at her playful poke at Naami, and she relaxed a bit with his gentle squeeze on her shoulder before turning to walk side by side with her as she began to make her way towards her next class. However, as they went, he took the moment to stand up for the Zabrak boy and his antics, or at least in part, and even commented that Naami had been nice to him.

A mildly shocked expression passed across her face upon hearing that; it wasn’t that she didn’t think Naami was capable of it, but she’d noticed how…cold he’d been towards the new boy since the Ozzuk trials. He had given off an air of mistrust towards Haro, something that he didn’t seem to have with any of the others within their group.

Then of course, Haro was new, and she tried to keep that in mind.

Leshanna turned her head towards Haro as he made a comment about how Naami still wasn’t as nice with him as he was with her and Micah, something she found to be rather interesting, especially since she could tell that Micah clearly had a crush on Naami, and the Zabrak oftentimes got all blushy and shy when around the Cathar kit.

"You and Naami seem… close. Have you known each other long?"

It was a somewhat probing question, but Lesh didn’t mind it at all. “I’ve known Naami since our introductory trials at the Academy. I had my first duel with him.” She stated as she looked ahead at the red sandstone pathway they were now traversing. “At the time, I thought that if I lost I would have to go back to my…my master. And I didn’t want to be a failure. He…yielded to me in the end, though we were pretty even I think…he called me a soldier. I’d never been treated with such respect before…” she said more softly, almost reminiscing of that moment some months back. She then smirked somewhat ruefully.

“We got scolded for being friendly with one another by Darth Thaliax, of course. But from that moment on, we kinda had an admiration for one another. We’ve had a bit of friendly competition between each other but he’s quickly become one of my best friends.” Of course, there was more to it than that; she'd seen Naami bloom from a somewhat scrawny boy to a proper warrior who was beginning to fill out and appear more masculine, and she couldn't help but notice how ruggedly handsome he was becoming. And of course his tattoos only added to that...

She suddenly turned her head back to Haro and smiled brightly. “I am glad to hear that he was at least treating you nicely and the workout with him was going well. He…can be rough around the edges but I know he means well. Can be a bit…dense.” She added with a small chuckle, “...But it adds to his charm, or at least I think so. Give him some time, and just be yourself around him. He’ll come around in his own time.”

Hopefully sooner, rather than later…if Naamino took her words to heart.