Private Mastering... Makeup?

[Braze]

TAGS: Zaiya Ceti

Braze hadn't been to The Prosperity before, but he was pretty sure this was where Zaiya was. He wanted to find her and ask for her assistance with some...things. He needed to learn a particular skill set that didn't come easily, as far as he could tell, and he couldn't really ask Loomi or Corazona von Ascania about it. He figured Zaiya Ceti might know a good bit, given how serious she took her fashion sense and how much she liked to look stylish. She always looks so pretty, surely she had to have some secrets up here sleeve regarding this topic and skill set.

First, he had to find her room and not get lost in a new place. He carried a small cat in his coat as he tried to track down exactly which room it was. When he finally came to the door he thought was correct, he took a deep breath and sighed softly, letting it go. And, well, he knocked.

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

It wouldn't take long for the door to slide open, revealing to Braze the willowy Zaiya in her full multicolored display. A wide smile would beam from her face at the Half-Echani, grinning ear to ear and delighted in surprise, her skin shifting int a medley of hues in her surprise and joy.

"Oh hey Braze! How's it going!? I didn't know you were on the Prosperity now. Did you get an assignment or are you here temporarily?" Zaiya, always one to ask all the questions, babbled enthusiastically as she gestured for Braze to come in. She was dressed in comfy casual clothes that seemed to be tied dyed a multitude of colors. But the most startling thing, was that her hair was covered in dozens of silver foiled packs and the heavy scent of fruit seemed to permeate from her.

"Oh don't mind me. I'm dyeing my hair and setting it before I brush the color wand over it again to brighten the colors." She gestured, knowing she looked like a crazy lady with all the silver foils.

"I have some snacks if you want some."

 

[Braze]

Zaiya Ceti
A small black cat poked its nose and head out of Braze's jacket near the center of his chest as Soot sniffed at Zaiya.

Braze blinked, seeing the various foils. "Oh- hello, Zaiya. Actually, I came here specifically... specifically to talk to you," Braze chirped, returning the smile that slipped onto his features. "I was wondering if you might be able to teach me some things," Braze offered simply. "Things I suspect you might be very good at," he added. He was no stranger to skincare routines and keeping his nails trimmed, but there were certain aspects of cosmetology that he knew very little about. He had an inkling that looking beautiful all the time involved dedication, a bit of pain, and a lot of work.

"Snacks would be nice, actually. But I don't wish to impose on you," he offered. "Do you want some help with your hair?" he asked, looking at the various layers of foil. He thought that she was, in fact, rather dedicated to the overall aesthetic she presented because that looked like a ton of work and upkeep. The small cat in his coat mewled at him, and he moved to pet the fuzzy little black void creature. "I brought you a little something as well," he added simply. "I figured it would be completely rude to show up unannounced, ask for help, and not bring you anything nice."


Braze carried an unusual and sophisticated scent today. It began with high notes of muguet, bringing a fresh, sweet, and green nuance.

As the initial freshness settled, mid notes of Victorian rose and night-blooming jasmine emerged, adding floral depth and allure.

The fragrance was anchored by low notes of sandalwood, providing creamy warmth. Soft nuances of white musk imparted a subtle, powdery undertone, while cedarwood added an earthy sharpness. Finally, hints of amber provided a resinous, warm finish, wrapping the entire scent in richness.

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

Teach Braze some things? Oh, that was interesting. Her curiosity sparked, and she went to paint her patterns a vibrant citrine hue. However, her eyes went wide at the fuzzy black creature the Half Echani had with him.

"Whoa, who is this?" She asked, her skin giving a soft glow in avid curiosity. Was that a cat?

"Oh okay, not sure what I can help you with, but I'm happy to do whatever I can, " She replied joyfully, closing the door behind Braze once he entered. She went to grab a few fruit snacks and juice boxes. As Braze moved past, Zaiya gave a sniff. Ooo, he smelled good!

"Feel free to sit down by the table." She told him, bringing the snacks over.

"You smell good! Are you using any cologne?"

 

[Braze]

Zaiya Ceti

Braze smiled warmly as he introduced the small black cat nestled in his shirt. "The little void in my shirt? I call them Soot," he offered simply. "My little buddy who sleeps on my bed allllllday," he added, petting the little black cat gently.

Turning his attention back to Zaiya, he continued, "Well, kind of... It's the first perfume I made that I liked. I've been experimenting with making a few custom combinations. Is it too strong?" Braze asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice. He moved to take off his pack and gently set out a wooden box filled with sweet treats and a package of special red tea.

"I was wondering if you could teach me about makeup," Braze offered, settling down and taking the small ball of black fur out of his shirt, petting it affectionately. He balanced it on his right hand and arm, and the small creature seemed completely content and relaxed, as if it were used to this.

"There's a lot I need to learn, and I figured you might be the perfect person to ask," he added, looking at Zaiya with a hopeful expression.

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

Zaiya giggled at the cat, going, "Hi, Soot!"

Sitting down, she listened and perked at the information that Braze was working on making perfumes and colognes. Oh that is so neat! she thought to herself.

"No, I think it is fine. It smells good, too. You just have to make sure you put it over pulse points. If you want it to have a lighter application, spray it in front of you and walk through it so the fine mist covers you without being too heavy-handed." She explained, her skin dazzling in intrigued and curious color tones of vibrant orange, blues, and a soft golden glow.

"Oh, okay, yeah I can show you. What sort of make up do you want to learn? There are different types. Like normal every day make up, or special event makeup, or even like, holofilm makeup, which is more dramatic and can seem more like a disguise."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zaiya Ceti

"Is it okay if I set her down?" Braze asked gently, holding the black ball of fluff that was purring happily.

He smiled, listening to her explanation. "I'll have to keep that in mind. I'm not sure how much is too much," he said lightly. "I've been experimenting with different raw materials to see what combinations seem to smell nice," he added softly. "I think I'm starting to understand it since I've been building a library of notes so far with my test samples."

He perked up when she confirmed she could teach him about makeup.

"Well, I thought I might start with the basics and move up from there. I'm, uh... how do I put this... interested in mastering its art form, in a way. I think what I've done is too... much, perhaps," he offered lightly. "I'm drawn to dramatic styles and looks, but I don't think that works well enough for what I have in mind. I don't think I understand the... feminine perspective very well on the matter. So your advice would be priceless to me."

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

"Of course!" Zaiya replied to Braze , flashing a grin. Honestly, she wanted to play with Soot herself, even pet her if the cat let her. She watched as the Half Echani did so, before trying to coax the black fluff to come to her to be petted.

"Oh okay. Is this for you or are you more interested in learning for applying make up for others?" she asked, because the answer would allow the Lovalla teen to know what to focus on.

"And that sounds soo cool that you are making your own scents! I love that! Is it hard to do?"

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zaiya Ceti

Soot was set down gently, and the small black cat seemed oddly friendly and attached to people as she padded over and started to lick at Zaiya's hand, purring the whole time. Her little black tail raised up as she walked back and forth, trying to rub against Zaiya's hand.

"Well... Myself really," Braze offered simply. He thought about the next question. "Well... it's time-consuming. It's a little hard in the idea that you're kind of experimenting over lengths of time, and it can be easy to fatigue your nose or decide what actually smells good together versus what you think might work," Braze explained.

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

"Okay, so for yourself. Sec, I need to get my kit." She told him, giving Soot a few more pets before excusing herself to go to her room. She bounded off, hair bobbing in her topknot as she slipped away for a few minutes. She returned with a case of sorts, which she then set on the table. Opening it up, it unfolded into different little compartments, each with different types of make-ups, applicators, primers, and the like that she kept neatly in place.

"So basically, makeup is all about enhancing what you already have. So like the pretty color of your eyes, or the angle of your cheekbones, and how smooth and pretty your skin is. You can have natural looks, glam looks, or dramatic looks, based on what you want to focus on." Zaiya would explain to Braze .

"If you just want to look casual pretty, that isn't hard," She told him, looking for a hair tie that she could use to push back Braze's hair from his temples. Soot came over and bonked her hand, wanting attention, and Zaiya gave a few more pets before moving to wrap the hairband around Braze's head.

"This will push back your hair so it is away from your face. You always want to start with a clean face. Did you wash your face this morning?"

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zaiya Ceti

Braze grinned, genuinely appreciative. "Thanks, Zaiya. This means a lot to me. I've always thought makeup could add a layer of confidence, you know? Plus, it might be handy for some... other things..." He paused, glancing at Soot, who seemed quite at home. "And look at you, Soot, already making friends." He scooped up Soot, cuddling her affectionately.

"So, where do we start? What are the first steps and tools we'll be using? Also, I was wondering, do you have a timer on for what you're doing with your hair foils? I wouldn't want to mess up your schedule." Braze's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he awaited Zaiya's instructions.

He thought about how to word this. " Um... Well.. I wanna be... aesthetically beautiful , I suppose? Like you~"

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

"It's no problem, Braze ! I'm happy to help," Zaiya assured the Half-Echani with a beaming grin, giving a delighted shoulder shimmy as pretty teal hues would swirl over her mottled spots and patterns.

A giggle ensued as Soot gave her another boop and then tried to get Zaiya's palm to pet him; which she totally indulged and began to pet him again.

"Well, it is always best to start with a clean face. I have a cleanser you can borrow," She went in search for it, adding with a casual wave of her hand regarding her hair, "Oh, it is supposed to set for fifteen minutes but the longer it sets the more vibrant it can be. So it is find if it sits longer. It's washable, because I like to have options on what to dye it."

Never mind the sudden tint of pink at the knowledge that Braze just complimented her by saying she was aesthetically beautiful. It was the affirmation Zaiya liked to hear that her attempts to be as colorful and vibrant as she could be was helping. Well, something that another Lovalla would consider. She didn't think that someone outside a Lovalla would consider her to be aesthetically beautiful.

"Really? You think so? I'm always concerned I'm not as colorful as other Lovalla... so I try to be as shinny and pretty as I can." Zaiya admitted, nevermind that she hadn't seen another Lovalla outside of her parents in several years.

She found her cleanser and handed it over to Braze. "You can borrow my refresher if you like. Wash your face and there should be a towel hanging for you to dry your hair off. Then we will use a light moisturizer and put on some sunblock as a base."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zaiya Ceti

"Well... I've never seen another Lovalla, but I think you're gorgeous, inside and out," Braze stated. He was no stranger to skincare routines; after all, he had lily-white skin which posed some challenges with the sun. Braze adhered to a strict regimen to maintain his skin health, one of the few practices he remembered from a very young age that had been emphasized as important.

He accepted the items and thanked Zaiya for them, leaving behind some soot as he went to wash up. He put on the headband she had given him and patted his skin dry, being careful not to press or scrub too vigorously. He had removed his hand coverings and carefully tucked the gloves into his top.

"Are you enjoying the change of pace?" Braze asked, curious to know how Zaiya might be feeling, aware that he might be leaving this part of space for the foreseeable future. He disliked the idea of leaving his friends behind, but it seemed a likely possibility.

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

I think you’re gorgeous, inside and out.

The compliment flushed Zaiya’s face, heat risings as coral painted a vibrant pink across her rosy golden skin. She couldn’t help the flutter of pleasure at that, reflecting a pearly delighted luminescence that seemed to pulse across her skin.

“Thank you, @Braze,” she replied in a song-song, blushing but ultimately very happy, teal and light blue shades swirling as she patted her cheeks. Oh my stars my cheeks were so hot!

While Braze went off to wash his face, Zaiya began to hum a song as she set things up. The girl had no idea the Half-Echani was thinking of leaving, let alone where. So much had occurred recently that it was hard to keep up. Shan was taking her out on missions and she was doing more training.

By the time Braze came back she was ready.

A wide flash of a joyful smile shone at the Padawan’s direction while Zaiya nodded, “yeah I’ve been having fun. Traveling a lot and it’s been busy, but good. I’ve been having to catch up with my reading to try and make up for the years I haven’t been here,” she explained, then gestured for him to sit.

“So now that your face is clean just going to apply some moisturizer and a light sunblock. That will protect your skin. After this we will start with any concealer but you have very nice skin. Honestly I don’t think you even need foundation, just a setting powder.”

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zaiya Ceti

​

Braze smiled at Zaiya's reaction. "You're welcome, Zaiya. You really do have a special kind of glow," he said sincerely, appreciating the luminescence that pulsed across her skin.

Before settling in, Braze scooped up Soot, the black kitten, placing her gently in his lap to keep her out of the way. Soot immediately curled up, kneading his clothing with tiny paws, ready to sleep. "Sounds like you've been really busy, but in a good way," he remarked, noticing her smile.

As Zaiya prepared the moisturizer, Braze added, "Thanks for this. I'm not too familiar with all this, but I trust your expertise." He chuckled, settling in for her to start, while Soot purred contentedly in his lap. " Should I use my hands to apply it?"

After a moment of quiet, Braze glanced at Zaiya, his fingers gently scratching behind Soot's ears. "So, with all the new faces you've met," he began, his voice softer, "have you found anyone special you like?" He looked down briefly as he pet Soot affectionately, then back up at Zaiya. "I heard there was a breakup between Shan Pavond and Colette ; I took the liberty of signing him up for some kinda dating app. I haven't been threatened yet so I'm gonna take that to mean it was a good choice. "

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

Zaiya preened under Braze 's compliment that she had special kind of glow. Well, yes she had it literally but she knew what the Half-Echani meant. It was nice to be appreciated and complimented. It made Zaiya feel good, especially in the angst of all that is teenage growing pains.

"Yup, you can use your hands to apply it. Just rub it in," She told him, finish setting things up. She picked out colors that would look best with his jade green eyes and his complexion. Maybe a peachy blush?

"Someone special? I've met lots of people, so I think they are all special and I like them all! " The Lovalla teen wasn't quite sure what Braze meant with that, so she went off on how everyone that she made friends with was special. Well, she was particularly close to Aris Noble because he was her best friend and now one of her roommates, so she liked him a lot. Then there was Braze himself, Loomi , Colette , Astri, Jacob Solay , and all the others she met. Of course, she really liked her new roommate, Mahsa , but she was still figuring out how she felt about Ayhan , but he seemed to be quiet all the time.

She was just about to start listing the new people she met when Braze's words regarding Shan Pavond caught her attention.

"Break up? Shan had a breakup?" Zaiya wasn't sure what that meant, so the puzzled expression combined with the confused grey iridescent hues dyeing her skin indicated her bemusement. Wasn't Shan dating Aris's sister? Well, from how he has spoken about her, it seemed that they were deeply in love enough to be mates. Wait, did that mean they were no longer bonded or mated? Alarm brightened her skin as bright orange swashes went rippling over her rosy golden skin.

"Wait. I'm confused. Is Shan no longer mated to Aris's sister? What's a dating app?"

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zaiya Ceti

Braze smoothed the lotion on, using the pads of his ring fingertips to gently work it in near his eyes, applying as little pressure as necessary.

"Well, uhh... no, not mated to. Generally, we use terms like that when referring to birds that mate for life or other such critters. And I suppose in a few different types of people. For instance, Jonyna Si is a Cathar, so she tends to use 'mate' terminology. But some cultures use that word differently, with different implications," Braze explained, trying to articulate his thoughts. He'd been reading a lot of books lately aimed at a teen audience about love and romance, giving him a more romanticized idea of it all.

"The way I see it, terms like 'mate,' 'mated,' or 'mates' imply those individuals are looking to procreate, to have children together," Braze offered. "Different cultures have different views on relationships, and those words may not apply. Like courtship rituals and things of that nature. I think dating is kind of like that. A date is when you spend time with someone you think you like, doing enjoyable things. Typically a one-on-one thing to see how well you get along and if you want to be serious with each other. I don't think many humans stay together as one couple forever," Braze said, letting the lotion dry before applying sunscreen. His alabaster complexion needed protection, and he took his time to cover all exposed skin.

"And even if some people get married, they might divorce if they grow apart. Love isn't always permanent, you know?" Braze offered. "A dating app is like an application designed to help people find others with similar interests. It's supposed to make finding a love interest a little easier, like openly advertising that you're 'on the market' or 'shopping around' for a potential love interest. You can usually talk to people who have shown similar interest in you as well," Braze explained.

" Shan Pavond is shy as heck. I don't think he'd ever put himself out there or talk about his insecurities or love interests openly. That's why I signed him up, to give him a little nudge so he wouldn't get stuck in a rut and be sad and quiet. That can happen to a lot of folks if they feel rejected or just had a breakup. I think everyone wants to feel wanted by someone, you know?" Braze asked as he took out a small brush and combed his brows, neatly applying a clear coat to keep them groomed. His brows and eyelashes were white.

As he looked at himself in the mirror, Braze's thoughts wandered.

"Do you think it'd be hard to hide my scars?" he asked, running the tip of his ring finger along one of the marks on his face. The question lingered in the air, with the weight of unspoken fears. Perhaps Braze wondered if covering the scars would make him feel more confident or if it would feel like hiding a part of himself. Perhaps the idea of using makeup to mask them was tempting, but it also felt like a denial of his own history. It was hard to tell.

"But yeah, I mean a 'special someone,' like someone you might be interested in, in a romantic kind of way... but it's different for you, isn't it?" He asked, trying to recall what he knew of Zaiya.

"I think Ko Vuto has tried to adopt other cultures because he's been away from Dorin for so long. Sometimes that's okay too, if it feels right.

I'm not even sure if I fit in well with the Echani. I try to emulate it as best I can, but I never know if I'm doing it right. I think that's something a lot of the Jedi I know have in common—finding it hard to fit in somewhere culturally. But then we just kind of end up blending what we come to know from our shared experiences, and I think that's kind of neat."

Braze paused, his eyes lighting up. "Having a special someone means... like having a secret world where everything is brighter and more colorful. It's like when you wake up on the first day of a new adventure, and everything feels exciting and full of promise. A special someone is the person who makes you feel like you can fly, like anything is possible as long as they're by your side."

He grinned softly thinking about it . "It's like finding the perfect star in the night sky, the one that twinkles just for you. When you're with them, it's like you're in your own fairy tale, where every moment is magical and every challenge is an adventure you face together. They make you feel like you're the heros of your own story, and together, you two can conquer anything."

Braze's voice softened, filled with naiveity. "A special someone is the one who understands your dreams and wants to help you chase them. They're the person who listens to your wildest ideas and believes in them, even when you doubt yourself. It's like having a best friend who also happens to be the person who makes your heart skip a beat." He trailed thinking about Loomi .

He continued, his tone thoughtful and dreamy, "It's like holding hands and feeling like the whole world could disappear, and it wouldn't matter because you have each other. It's laughing until your sides hurt and sharing secrets that no one else knows. It's like building a little world where only the two of you belong, a world filled with love and trust and near endless possibilities."

Braze smiled softly, thinking about the idea. "It's finding that person who sees you for who you really are, beyond the surface. It's sharing a connection that goes deeper than words, where you feel understood and accepted. When you're with them, you feel safe, like you can be your true self without fear of judgment."

He glanced at Zaiya, "A special someone is like building a partnership where you both grow together, learning from each other and becoming better people because of the relationship. It's not always easy, and it takes work, but the bond you share makes it all worth it.

So, when I say 'special someone,' I mean the person who makes your heart sing and your spirit soar. It's a kind of magic that makes everything better, just because they're there. It's the kind of love that feels like a beautiful, endless dream. Some one like that? "

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

Zaiya sat quietly, her fingers playing with a small compact as Braze began explaining what had happened with Shan Pavond, Aris's sister, and what a dating app was.

There was... a lot to process, but the Lovalla teen did her best to actively listen to what the Half-Echani was explaining to her. Every now and then, Zaiya would pet Soot whenever the black cat came up wanting attention, caressing her soft fur before the cat went away, entertained by a bit of fluff that it batted to and fro in the air before jumping to the floor to continue her antics.

A slight frown drew over her expression, her brows knitting together as she canted her head to the side. If Braze were a Lovalla, there would be no need for Zaiya to comment as he spoke. Her kaleidoscopic skin reflected her emotions: curious citrines shifted to intrigued rich oranges, only to darken into bemused ombre grays in perplexed uncertainty.

So while she did not interrupt the Half-Echani's explanation, the Lovalla was conveying a wealth of information regarding her thoughts on the matter. Of course, it was only relevant to those who could discern the kaleidoscopic combination of hues and glow effects.

"The way I see it, terms like 'mate,' 'mated,' or 'mates' imply those individuals are looking to procreate, to have children together,"

Coming from a culture where a pair would bond once and mate for life with another Lovalla, the concept of dating was surreal. Perhaps that is why Lovalla was far more keen to build relationships off intellectual and social bonds than those of the physical. When a Lovalla found another that intrigued them due to their intelligence and personality, it was natural to evoke the mating interest colors and naturally move into a mated partnership if they were reciprocated. By that point, there would already be plenty of affection built on mutual trust, interest, and companionship rather than anything of the physical sense such as procreation. Certainly, a mated pair of Lovalla deeply desired to have their own Kyck, but it wasn't the initial goal.

The main goal, was to find a partner, one that could fulfill that sense of companionship and affection that allows the pair to become so in sync with each other that they start sharing an emotional resonance and mirror each others colorshifting, matching one another hues completely in tune.

I think dating is kind of like that. A date is when you spend time with someone you think you like, doing enjoyable things. Typically a one-on-one thing to see how well you get along and if you want to be serious with each other.

Isn't that just spending time with friends and enjoying things together? Zaiya wondered, moving to go grab something to drink for the pair. She brought back two Juma juices and set one down in front of Braze as he continued his explanation. She already did that with Aris Noble or other friends who she enjoyed spending time with. Did that mean she was 'dating' friends?

It was very confusing.

"And even if some people get married, they might divorce if they grow apart. Love isn't always permanent, you know?"

This was utterly a foreign concept for Zaiya, especially in being a Lovalla. How could love not be permanent? How could someone that you have such a connection grow apart? It was a befuddling, surreal concept. In Zaiya's mind, if she bonded with a mate, she did so with the expectation that they had already grown so close and were wholly committed to each other, that there would be no concept of separating. For Lovalla, who were long-term mates, the separation could be physically harmful to the pair, with the chance of losing their vibrancy after a few days for those who were early in their bond, to being physically sick for those who were together longer, and then the potential of death in the event of a long term separation for mated pairs that have been bonded for several decades.

How could someone be so fickle with their emotions? What could cause such a drastic change in emotions? In Lovalla's case, there would be no way to hide what the other felt, so any stirrings of distancing would be immediately felt.

The revelation that Braze signed up Shan Pavond on a dating app and what it was used for just suddenly baffled Zaiya even more. He had spoken with such affection and love regarding his respect for Aris's sister. How.... how could he just now decide to meet other potential mates in the wake of that?

How could someone switch their emotions and connections so easily?

"Do you think it'd be hard to hide my scars?

Zaiya shook her head no, letting Braze continue, indicating that it wouldn't be hard to hide his scars if they bothered him. That is what made make up so neat. She took a sip of her Juma juice, sliding into her seat as Braze continued to explain how he felt out of place with the Echani and how the Jedi seemed to take in a blend of different cultures.

Braze used a lot of metaphors and descriptors to try to explain what a special someone was. While it painted a lovely picture, it also seemed contradictory to his description of how people fall out of love. If someone found someone special, why would they fall out of love then?

As the Half-Echani continued his explanation, all Zaiya could think about was Aris Noble and how they were already doing much of the same thing.... holding hands, hanging out, having fun and enjoying each other's company. However, Zaiya knew that this was mainly due to her desire to find that connection she lost with her parents -- and of course Aris was special to her because he was her very first friend and now her best friend. He knew her better and even picked up on what a bit of her color shifting meant. She felt safe with him, enjoyed training with him, and all those things.

Yet, the confounding thing was, isn't all that Braze was describing just being a really great friend?

Someone who makes my heart sing and spirit soar? Now the confusion was really deepening Zaiya's patterns into darker grey overtones. It wasn't that Braze didn't do his best to explain, but more that the concept he discussed seemed to just be.... a wonderful friend. Something that could be shared with many, not just one.

So she spoke to that.

"A special someone just sounds like having a really great friend, Braze. I can see that happening with really close friends or best friends. So, in that case, I feel that way about Aris, but that's because he's my best friend." Zaiya told him matter-of-factly, although she certainly didn't focus on the slight drifting thought she'd had earlier regarding Aris and that he was a boy, as much as her friend.

Awareness occurs gradually, and what Braze told her seemed just to be what someone wanted to find in a great friend.

"I'm sure we could even get to that point the more we hang out and learn about each other." just the same as with Loomi, Mahsa, or anyone else. However, Zaiya would never put herself in the position of risking the bond between Braze and Loomi, so odds were she wouldn't quite let herself get that close to Braze because of that.

"I care and have affection for all my friends, and want to make sure they are safe and that I can care for them." in Zaiya's mind, that was just the natural method of connecting with others. Only through a bond that was formed between Braze and Loomi, could the potential for anything beyond that even be a consideration. Because by then, if a bond was created, then the other could feel what they are feeling, resonate emotionally, and slowly start to be in tune with one another. Once one was in tune, well, then there was no hiding what one felt and one could wholly devote oneself for the care, safety, and affection for the other.

A frown.

"I don't understand why Shan would go seeking another when he was just a relationship that sounded as if they were a mated pair already. That concept doesn't seem right to me. How can someone fall out of love like that? It doesn't make sense." It likely never would, but that was just her opinion. Zaiya thought about asking Aris later if his sister was okay.

She also didn't understand why Braze would sign up Shan for meeting others like that either. It seemed abrupt. Disrespectful. As if simply taking off a set of clothing that they didn't like only to switch it for another.

Of course, Zaiya didn't know or understand the intricacies of Shan's relationship with Colette ; she only had what he had told her about her and their relationship back on Coruscant. But that bit of information with what Braze told her now just made it seem as if it was all so... fickle.

Yes. Fickle.

How could others be so fickle in their emotions?

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Zaiya Ceti

Braze thanked her for the drink and took a sip. He set it aside, listening intently. "I think romance means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all for it. For me, it's a friend—the best friend you could ever hope for—then taking that relationship further. I'm not really sure I understand it all either, honestly. I've been reading lots of little stories about romance lately," Braze admitted. "No one seems to really want to talk about love, I guess because it's so personal," he trailed off.

"I'm not really sure what kind of relationship he had with her, but I do know I don't want my friend to feel bad or be hurting. From what I understand, it can be hard to find the will to move on, on your own. I think, in general, it just goes back to the idea that everyone wants to feel wanted, loved, and cared about. And if someone drops you—someone whom you thought was your best friend who no longer feels the same—it can really hurt emotionally. It can be hard not to focus on that hurt and look elsewhere. I think, with some species, that kind of relationship is almost a need rather than a want," Braze offered.

"I don't really know how I feel about other kinds of relationships either. Some people and cultures have several love interests at once; some are expected to have several. Others expect complete commitment for life, while others might expect different matchups every so often. I've been reading a lot about different types of love and love languages and things like that because no one really wants to talk about it. From what I read, there's a whole bunch of reasons why lovers might drift apart from one another; and then all the differnt cultures have differnt reasons and methods for it all.. it's so confusing when you look at cross cultural love some times. " he shared. "I mean, imagine if you had someone who you thought was the one, and they told you they no longer wanted to be with you. You'd be pretty hurt, yeah? Or is that different for Lovalla?"

Braze thought about it for a time. "I think maybe I'd like to hide my scars, maybe even try to tone myself with a bit of color and be less pale. Maybe I can start feeling more confident, more... accepted," he mused. "I wonder if changing how I look on the outside would make me feel different on the inside, too... "
He trailed simply.

"So, you like Aris' personality? But do you also like the way he looks? I think that's a part of love, like infatuation or physical attraction. It's an interesting area—some people seek that out mutually, while for others, it doesn't seem to matter as much. Like soem people oponly care about personality... "

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

Zaiya quietly listened again, waiting until Braze was finished. However, the more he spoke, the more confused and uncertain the Lovalla teen was regarding Shan Pavond , relationships, dating, and how things were different for other cultures. Perhaps being a Lovalla with her distinct perspective of mating for life made it even more difficult to comprehend. Certainly, her adolescence, inexperience, and the sudden rip of connection from her parents made comprehending it all even more difficult. Not only that, Lovalla biologically were typically not physically or sexually attracted to other species because of their biology and the requirement of an emotive bond before any of that became relevant.

When Braze was done, Zaiya took a deep breath. By now, her skin had taken on a soft silvery sheen, a telltale sign of the deepening negative emotions she felt as dark grey tones would cut through her skin in confusion. In this instance, Braze had essentially completely overwhelmed her with too much information that it was hard to process and be able to think through. As a teenager, Zaiya could only focus on the parts that truly bothered her.

For now, though, Zaiya focused on the concerning comments the Half-Echani had made about his scars and why he wanted to use makeup on them.

"Makeup can help one feel pretty and confident, yes," Zaiya began, her voice gentle but firm. "But it isn't the be-all and end-all." Her patterns shifted to a soft, compassionate bronze. "I don't think that is what's going to help you feel accepted. You need to figure out why you don't feel accepted first before attempting to change anything on the outside." She knew from experience that addressing the root of an issue was crucial for true healing.

"You're already outside a lot, so getting a tan is natural if you want to be less pale," she continued, her iridescent skin reflecting thoughtful hues. "While I can help you with the makeup and how to hide the scars, I think you should talk to your Master or someone who can help you find out what's really going on that makes you feel that way."

Zaiya's eyes met his, her expression sincere. "I'm happy to talk to you about it, but an adult may be able to help you better because I don't know everything." Her skin glowed softly, a blend of warm colors showing her earnest desire to help. As teenagers, they were already going through so much, and finding acceptance and understanding was a journey they all faced. Zaiya wanted to make sure her friend knew he didn't have to walk that path alone.

Now, onto the next bit, the parts that bothered her about what Braze had said.

"I'm not really sure what kind of relationship he had with her, but I do know I don't want my friend to feel bad or be hurting. From what I understand, it can be hard to find the will to move on, on your own.

"If you're unsure about the kind of relationship Shan had, how do you know his feelings about it?" Zaiya asked, her voice soft yet probing. "Did he tell you he was no longer with Colette , or did you hear it from somewhere else and assume?"

She paused, her iridescent skin shifting to a contemplative shade of deep amber. "If it's the former, then it would be one thing if Shan had indicated he wanted help finding the will to move on his own. However, it's another if you only heard it in passing and acted without checking if it was okay."

Her eyes met Braze's, a mixture of concern and sincerity reflected in their depths. "That would be, in my mind, disrespectful. Especially if someone is grieving the loss of a partner." She sighed softly, her skin reflecting a compassionate bronze once more. "It's important to respect their space and feelings, and to offer support only when they're ready for it."

I mean, imagine if you had someone who you thought was the one, and they told you they no longer wanted to be with you. You'd be pretty hurt, yeah? Or is that different for Lovalla?"

Zaiya set a concealer stick and color correction stick in front of Braze. His scars didn't seem too prominent - honestly, she hadn't noticed them before. But what another would see compared to the self may be vastly different. A medley of color tones would pulse through Zaiya's mottled spots and patterns, the girl trying to explain as much as she could.

"As for my kind," Zaiya began, her voice soft but clear, "when someone finds a mate, they start syncing their hormones and cycles by being close to each other. It's like becoming so attuned that they feel each other's emotions and their skin shifts to the same hues at the same time."

Her iridescent skin shimmered as she spoke, reflecting her emotions with a subtle, mesmerizing glow. "There isn't a way to not feel the other person having a bad day or feeling bad. If your mate ever felt troubled, you'd sense it instantly. You'd notice the colors shifting, the emotions behind them. Having your mate tell you they no longer wanted to be with you out of the blue wouldn't be possible because you would have felt the initial stirrings that something was bothering them. You'd have the opportunity to talk about it way before any thoughts of separating came into play."

Zaiya's skin shifted to a soft, empathetic shade of bronze edge with a soft golden bioluminescence, emphasizing the deep connection her people shared. Her words painted a vivid picture of a bond so profound that it seemed almost akin to a bond of the Force.

"So, you like Aris' personality? But do you also like the way he looks?

"As for Aris, yes I like his personality. I like all of my friends personalities as long as they are nice. " that was a given. The subsequent question was simple to answer to, but lately, Zaiya also picked up on a new awareness of Aris Noble she hadn't before.

"I like his hair. I think it's pretty. I also think he looked pretty when we went shopping for clothing and he wore robes that complemented his tan and physique." Zaiya's voice was quiet, each word carefully chosen. Her skin shimmered in a soft, wistful shade, hinting at her vulnerability. "But I also thought the same about you and Loomi. I like pretty things. I like shiny things."

Zaiya didn't elaborate that she had started to notice how tall Aris was getting or that looking at him had been making her feel a little fluttery. That could all be explained because, in those instances, they had been training, and of course, she would feel flushed and out of breath. It wasn't a sensation she was used to but easily explained away in her own mind, unaware that those were the first stirrings of awareness of Aris as a boy and not just her best friend.

She paused, her iridescent skin shifting to a subdued hue. "I know I'm not as beautiful as other Lovalla because my colors do not get as bright or as vibrant as theirs. That's because I lost my connection with my parents, and I haven't found a mate yet." Her words were filled with a quiet sorrow, a longing that was almost palpable.

"So I try to make myself as pretty and colorful as I can in other ways," she continued, her fingers pointing to the sections of hair in foil she had that was setting her hair into new color hues. "Like dyeing my hair."

Her gaze dropped, the subtle glow of her skin reflecting her mixed emotions. In a galaxy filled with countless species and forms of beauty, Zaiya's quiet admission was a reminder of her unique struggle and her determination to find her place.