Go Wild

[Hira Mitsae]

CHANDRILA​

[member="Norte"]​

​

It had gone fine. Just fine. As one does. Until... until it had gone all to hell. You couldn't really prepare for a failure in the middle of the mission. Just make sure the fallout wasn't as horrible as you were afraid of.

Then- just as he thought it was all over?

Something had saved him.

Someone.

Sniper shot from one of the roofs. Just enough time (and shock) to take advantage of. By the time it was done, the blood pooling in the streets? Hiron shared a salute with the figure on the rooftops, before they disappeared. Fair enough. This wasn't the time to make new friends. Didn't matter if he had wanted to buy them a pint of something. Because that had been some mighty fine shooting.

---

​

---

​

One day later?

All that blood and armor was gone.

As if it hadn't been there to start with. The city was wide open, blue, green, white. It was nice. There was a festival going on.... and why not partake a bit, eh? If you had a job that took you all across the Galaxy, you might as well see what was happening around you. The people that took a job, finished it and then left? They were really missing a thing or two. Culture was there to be enjoyed.

At least in his opinion.

 

[Aristotle Tater]

After Nar Shaddaa, Norte had been busy. The current climate was rocky, but that was ideal. Too much law and order was the exact opposite of what was useful. As it was however, there was still too much. With the First Order and Sith Empire flanking the galaxy, there were murmurs and careful eyes within the small organization known only as Azimuth.

Work brought her to Chandrila. What she ended up finding there was not what she had come there for.

It was luck, really. She hadn't expected to run into the dark eyed Hiron again, in any capacity. And certainly not in the middle of a job. Oh, his mess wasn't hers, not even tangentially. If this had happened before she had met him, she would have simply watched from her perch, gaze and sniper scope sweeping while she waited for her actual target.

Instead she'd recognized that armor.

Walking past his armory, a glimpse.

But Norte remembered everything.

Well, recently anyway.

She'd paused there on that rooftop, mulling. Not for long, he didn't have that kind of time. Three heartbeats and the decision was made. If it had been something that might have jeopardized her mission would she had made the same choice?

No.

Finger squeezed the trigger and one of them dropped. She sighted to a second, but it wasn't necessary. Just enough for him to regain the upper hand. She had waited, her cross hairs on the scene. As the last dropped, casting to him. For a moment, he was in her sights. Her finger tightened on the trigger.

Then he saluted. Finger eased.

She blinked. And slipped back from the edge.

*****

The next day.

She wasn't done on Chandrila. The job was going to keep her here for a couple days, possibly a week. But there was a lot of down time as she worked several angles, waiting to hear back from a handful of contacts.

It found her wandering through the festival. Hands shoved deep into the pockets of her jacket, she meandered randomly. She remembered that he stuck around a place, took in the sights... if he could. Assuming that was true. So a cultural festival? Seemed a possible place to run into him. Maybe he wasn't here. Maybe he was. Either way, she could probably get something good to eat and waste some time.

She moved through the stalls, alternating between glancing around and inspecting the offerings.

This time, she didn't see him first.

[member="Hiron Vizsla"]

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Norte"]

He had spotted her a few minutes ago.

Not too difficult, she was the most interesting thing in this place. Possibly the entire planet. Though that last part might have been bias on his part. That night of theirs had been.... something. Hiron decided to watch her for a bit.

See what she was up to.

Regular stuff by the looks of it. Already with two sausages on sticks on hand, Hir glided through the crowd and settled down some steps away from her.

"Well, well, well, look who decided to get cultural." His familiar voice would wash over her. Through the noises and music of the festival around them. "Miss Card, it is quite nice to meet you again." If she turned around he'd offer her one of the sticks.

"Sausage?"

 

[Aristotle Tater]

She'd been paused at a jewelry stand. Just the next one in line, wasn't really thinking about it. But she stopped, her fingers brushing against a piece that was familiar she just.... didn't know why. A small frown, about to lean in to look closer-

Her hand recoiled like she had touched something hot, turning around a little faster than was even close to smooth. It was just a moment but there was something on her face- she'd been somewhere else, just for a heartbeat. And then that lazy smile curled and she turned her back completely on the stall, hand reaching out to take the offered food.

"I dunno if I got cultural, but I sure got bored. Thanks, you always seem to know just what I need," she said with a wink.

It would have been too easy to comment on the sausage more directly. That was good enough.

"A pleasant surprise, Mister Hiron," she said with a laugh. "Nar Shaddaa lose its luster?"

[member="Hiron Vizsla"]

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Norte"]

"Seems that we did get to know each other then."

Smirk.

Then a bite from the sausage, because... dang it was actually really good. He was sorta reconsidering giving her that second one. Then again, the way she was handling it? It was just as well. Smirk. Instead of saying something witty Hiron took another bite and huuuuummed in pleasure. "These things are amazing, going to get another one in a bit for sure." Refocusing on her wasn't that difficult though. It was weird how they had only known each other for one night.

And.

It felt kinda comfortable. Relaxed.

"Never. But you know how it is, another vacation called and... you gotta answer." They both worked in the same business or at least close enough that they understood one another. "That art exhibition was insane tho. They had the crown jewels from Alderaan and half a piece of Emperor Ardik's shattered obsidian throne." The latter was the Sith Emperor of a few decades back.

He had been unceremoniously couped and broken by some chaotic evil guy.

Somehow they had ended up friends after that, rumor told.

"How is Chandrila treating you, miss Card?"

 

[Aristotle Tater]

When he took a bite she took one experimentally as well. Eyebrows went up.

"Okay that is good," she said around half a mouthful then took another bite. "Hadn't realized I was getting hungry, damn."

Not even playing there, genuine and focusing for a moment on the food and what he was saying.

"Yeah but how sure can you be it WAS and wasn't just forgeries? I dunno if I'd take anyone's word for something like that on Nar Shaddaa of all places. At least this is a better vacation spot."

A smirk at that one. What a euphemism for what they did huh?

She swallowed another bite, stepping away from the stall now. She didn't look back over her shoulder at what had caught her attention before.

"Just got in," she lied. "Had some time before an appointment and this seemed better than sitting in a room and twiddling my thumbs. This is good but making me thirsty.... want to grab a thing?.... catch up? Do you like lemonade?"

[member="Hiron Vizsla"]

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Norte"]

"Honestly, I am pretty sure most of it was fake, buuuuut. Was still fun to attend, ya know?"

At the end of the day it was about the experience. They had gotten major props for presentation as far as he was concerned. In response to her noises of appreciation, Hiron chuckled, nodding along. "Yeah, it's good, right? I am surprised, dang." He took another nom, before following along as they stepped away from the stall. One last glance towards it tho. Towards that necklace that had gotten her so weird for a second. Hiron didn't know what it was about it.

Didn't even know, if he wanted to know.

But the operator in him remembered it regardless.

Information was key, no? "Yeah, let's, I am more of an ice tea guy, I like new experiences tho." His hip checking against hers. "Can I wrap my arm around your shoulders yet, or do I need a few more cheesy lines, before we get back there?"

Smirk.

 

[Aristotle Tater]

"When you know the game is rigged you can still enjoy it, I get it."

Boy did she.

She'd shown up, hoping to see him here. She knew the game was rigged.

Honestly, she shouldn't be here and she knew that too. She could tell herself whatever she wanted, that it wasn't a risk. But she'd known. When she'd considered putting a bullet in his head last night, she'd known.

But that was Norte, and she was here as Card right now.

With a smirk she hip checked him back, but stayed there, her free hand going around his waist.

"I mean, more corny lines can't hurt, that was.... my second favorite part of the last time I saw you."

A wicked glint in her eyes. The invitation for him to ask 'well what was the first?' was clear.

[member="Hiron Vizsla"]

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Norte"]

Once he felt her arm wrap around his waist?

His own arm rested easily on her shoulders.

It was a give and take as far as he was concerned. There was no fun in just... taking and taking without asking. What was the point of that? The entire pleasure revolved around the interaction. The play. The game that made sure there was... variety. Anything else was gross as far as Hiron was concerned. If you didn't ask, you didn't earn it, that was his deal. "Second favorite part... huh." Pulling her just a little bit closer to him. Because honestly... Hiron liked her.

There it was.

That was fine.

Once they were line to line together? It was good.

"What was your favorite part then?" Asking exactly what she wanted him to ask. And that was fine too. "That way I will know what to repeat for your... pleasure."

Smirk.

 

[Aristotle Tater]

The weight of his arm was comfortable over her shoulder, and the slight pull as he tugged her half a step in made her smile. Neither of them were shy about the appreciation of the company or the attraction. Was it a good thing? Eh.

Probably not.

But it was just another chance meeting rig-

Norte rolled her eyes at herself. No, you arranged it. Not originally on purpose but don't start lying to yourself either. That went no where good fast.

She was allowed to enjoy herself, the time between when she was on task. No rules against that. Not in Azimuth anyway. But prolonged engagement was frowned upon. Dangerous and no good for the cause. So just this time, yah?

"The caf," she said, looking up at him and batting her eyes innocently. "Best part was the caf of course."

[member="Hiron Vizsla"]

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Norte"]

Depended on whatcha meant for good.

Was it good for their jobs? Hell fething no it wasn't. The best way for their job was if they were completely unfeeling and then some. Neutral. Just droids with a purpose and creativity to get the job done. But.... they weren't, so honestly it was whatever.

This was them.

They were good at their chit. Very good. Otherwise they wouldn't be alive to tell tales about it, eh? "Ooooh, like mah caf, eh?" Hiron murmured as they approached the lemonade stand. There was a big row for it, which made a ton of sense, because the day was hot honestly. "If you want, I can make you some more later on?" Smirk. He knew. She knew. It was fun either way tho. The game. The way they were bouncing off line against one another.

It felt way more natural than the other games he had played.

"Gonna make ya drink some ice tea today too tho. I think you'll dig it."

Squeezing her shoulder, his cheek softly against her brow.

Just a moment of affection. Nothing much, but. They had been together and... it had been good.

 

[Aristotle Tater]

They hadn't talked about their jobs, just the implications. Enough that like knew like and that was all they needed. Honestly? Card intended to keep it that way. Already she'd muddled the two things up enough. No need to make it worse.

A snort.

"I've had iced tea," she said with a laugh. "Keep an eye out for a stand and we can get some."

They settled into the line, right up next to each other.

"As for caf, we'll have to see. I've got some time, but it's hot out yah?" She teased, the smirk on her face clear. Despite that comment she was still wearing a jacket after all. Too warm for that by a long shot.

"Though I do remember you saying something about 'second date' secrets. You gonna spill the beans?" Literally. "Where's your caf from, tell meeeeeee." She leaned slightly into him as she said it, shoulder against his chest.

[member="Hiron Vizsla"]

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Norte"]

"Ooooh, yesplz." Ice tea tho. "I think I saw one around here. I wanted to chomp down on something, before getting a drink first though."

A shrug there.

Priorities mattered, no?

Smirk there. "Well, my ship got atmosphere conditioning, sooo." Honestly. They knew one another. Had been with one another. Which, sorta, made things easier as far as Hiron was concerned. They knew exactly what to expect from one another. Their boundaries. Their expectations. It was... better. Hence why Hiron wasn't much about doing exclusively one night stands. Those. Weren't really all that satisfying in the long run. Unless you really got lucky all the time.

It only became good when it was repeated.

And repeated. And again... again.. again.

"Ooooh, you are dangerous, aren'tcha." His arms wrapping around her softly as she leaned against his chest. Holding here right there. "Jus' coming for mah caf recipe." Kissing the top of her head just a bit. Enjoying that familiarity if he was honest.

"Never said if it were the beginning... or the end of the second date, eh? So, ya can't blame me for taking advantage here.... and say ya gotta spend the end of it with me, before ya hear."

Smirk.

 

[Aristotle Tater]

"Mhm, very important matter, your caf recipe. Been hired by very powerful people just to get it you know. Sounds like I'll have to seduce it out of you, alas." She gave a very theatrical sigh. "Such a chore."

Dark eyes glanced up at him, smirking. She leaned easily against his chest there. It was pleasant, and she didn't try to pretend otherwise.

If she had known that he thought they 'knew' each other....

It wouldn't have been a pleasant laugh.

From her perspective, they barely did, and she aimed to keep it that way. Stick with the surface of Card and leave it at that. A good time, good company absolutely. But just that. Knowing she had sought him out this time might even later turn into an intention to keep that from happening again. But that was Norte's problem.

Right now Card's only problem was the slow moving line.

"Honestly, how long does it take to pour lemonade? Are they squeezing it fresh in there or something?"

[member="Hiron Vizsla"]

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Norte"]

"Indeed. I am such a hard person to seduce... I really wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now." He murmured back as he watched the queue shrink. It still took way too long and Norte was right at that. "Honestly, I'd consider just dropping the assignment. Your very powerful people just weren't fair here, you know?" Hiron leaned in there. His nose brushing her forehead, nose and touching her lips.

It was clear what he offered here.

A kiss.

But neither was Hiron going to complete that maneuver. That journey. No. The first kiss was going to be answered by her, otherwise it wouldn't be.... good. "They are tho." Murmuring against her lips, before looking up a bit.

"It is fresh. Have you ever had it?"

His lips smacked in anticipation.

"I haven't. Mostly had prepared chit, but this should be better, no?" In all honestly, his mind wasn't on intelligence and all that crap. As far as he was concerned their businesses didn't cross. That made it all that easier to just... ignore.

Right?

What did it really matter?

 

[Aristotle Tater]

"Took foreeeeeever last time and I guess I gotta start from scratch now huh?"

A tease. Considering her arms were around his waist and they were nose to nose it was the clearest inaccuracy possible.

"I don't give up, though I might ask for a salary bump," she murmured, smiling against him. An open mouthed smirk right there with her face tipped up to his.

She watched him as he looked up, considering. What exactly wasn't clear. Thoughtful as he focused for a moment on the stand, the lemonade.

When he looked back down she kissed him. Hard and long enough that eventually the person behind them cleared their throat. The line was trying to move on, after all.

"I haven't no, mostly eat out of packages myself," she answered as she stepped back, all sly grin, as though nothing had happened since he's asked his question. "But it explains the hold up." As if they hadn't just been contributing.

Their turn and they stepped up. Which also explained the hold up.

"How.... are there so many flavors of lemonade," Card asked, genuinely confused.

[member="Hiron Vizsla"]

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Norte"]

The kiss came as a surprise.

A welcome one tho.

Pulling her closer and deepening that kiss for the fraction of a heartbeat. Then it became clear they were equally responsible for holding up the line. Even then... Hiron kept his arms around her waist for a moment. Long enough to murmur "Is good." against her lips, before letting her go. It didn't take much effort to ignore the people behind them. They could deal. It wasn't like they had been punched in the face. Or had their chit stolen. They just had to spend a few more seconds waiting.

They'd hopefully survive that.

"Yikes." He had stepped up next to her and noticed exactly what Norte had seen.

There might have been two dozen different flavors here. It... surprised him immensely, honestly. Hiron scratched his head, considering.... and realizing he didn't even know where to start. "Dunno where to even begin with this."

"We have a two for one special on the Lem-O-Delux, sir!" The woman behind the counter piped up helpfully. He glanced on over to Norte. "Sounds good to me? Unless ya want something else."

 

[Aristotle Tater]

"I..... what makes it 'Delux'?"

Genuine question.

"Like sure yeah we'll have that but for real."

The woman started chattering as she set to making their order- as anticipated, fresh squeezed. It did indeed explain both the wait as well as the sheer number of people wanting some instead of just picking one of the shorter queues. Apparently, what made it delux was the fresh part.

"But, isn't it all fresh squeezed?"

"Well, yes."

"So.... it's all delux then."

"Not exactly! See, there's the Tatooine Rocket, which uses fruit juice from a native cactus in addition! Or the Mon Cal Diver that-"

"Right, but they'd all be delux then, cause they are fresh squeezed and that's your definition of delux."

"Yes, but-"

"Okay, marketing, got it."

The woman's face looked about as sour as the lemons she was juicing. Card got her credit chit out before Hiron did, and if he tried to argue she'd point out he'd bought the sausages.

"Besides, I'm only paying for mine, yours is a bonus, yah?" She said with a smirk.

[member="Hiron Vizsla"]

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Norte"]

He watched with amusement how that conversation between the two developed.

Once or twice Hiron was pretty sure the woman seemed to be sending him a pleading glance. As if he could rein Norte in. She only received a relaxed shrug. Even if Hiron could have? Wouldn't. It was really too amusing how she was grinding down that young lady.

"Hey, I ain't ever gonna argue with someone who wants to spend money on me." A wink as he accepted his free one and they detached themselves from the vendor.

Just... walking now.

Relaxed and mostly aimless honestly. He had seen most of the attractions already, so. "Huh. The lemonade tastes great honestly." The loud slurping could be overheard from half a street away. If not for the sheer volume of the songs.

"How long ya gonna be in town, eh? Water is nice this time a month. Good surfing weather."

 

[Aristotle Tater]

"Oh yeah no doubt," she said, coming up for air on her own. Sweet, sour, ice cold.

For now they just walked together, shifting through the crowd. She hadn't seen everything yet, so her attention was half on everything around them, half on the lemonade. At least, that's what it seemed like.

"Today for sure," she said, glancing over. "Tomorrow, waiting to hear back on some things."

She actually expected to be here for a week or so, but after a certain point she'd have to go dark and no way of knowing if she'd be able to resurface after that.

"Surfing? Never been. That, diving, what else you got up your sleeve?"

You grow up around the ocean?

She didn't ask, though it would have been easy to. Still, she didn't want to open up that can of worms. Norte had no problem lying, but not lying was better and easier. Less a morals thing and more a simplicity thing. If she started asking questions about where he came from it would only be fair for him to do the same. Better just to not.

[member="Hiron Vizsla"]