Something in the Air

[Nicolás Cormond]

Nicolás slipped into the scope of the club. In an instant, he was met with the smell of the alcohol, the clamor of laughter, and the sound of music. A jazz band played wildly in the corner alongside a young, lavishly dressed woman. Voice robotic but rhythmic, the Senator was soon swept up into the atmosphere of the bar. Unlike the shoddy establishments he frequently visited, this joint was suited more for the likes of lewd bureaucrats and eccentric politicians. A description that fit the young man surprisingly well. A womanizer, an elitist and a manipulator, he was the perfect politician. After all, the man had already snagged four other Senators to join him in a mutual alliance. Tonight, he hoped Numenius Pax would become another fine addition to that team.

As the Senator made his way through the crowd of dancers and well-mannered drunkards, he soon caught the eye of another. Not Pax, but rather a young Twi’lek woman gyrating the air in tune to the music. Her eyes met his, locked in place, and burrowed deep. Entranced, Nicolás sauntered over to her, where she soon extended her hand out to hold him close. “What’s a pretty boy like you doing here?” She whispered, a thin smile stretching her lips, cherry wine. The young man smirked in return. “Business. A little fun. Maybe both.” The woman careened her head back to get a good look at him. “Another politician, huh? Better yet, a Senator?” She paused. “But that can’t be… I don’t know of many Republic Senators with a face like yours.” One hand brushed up his side, but the Senator stopped her short.

Over her shoulder, he caught someone else. This time, it was Senator Pax, settled in a lounge around several unknowns. She followed his gaze, but her smug grin still sat in place. “Work first, play later?” She said, the words sliding off her tongue. Nicolás turned back to the woman and nodded. “Sadly so, sweetheart. But don’t worry, I’ll be fast.” The sly woman stepped back. “Let’s hope that doesn’t apply later tonight, Senator.” The Twi’lek stranger soon moved farther until she ultimately disappeared into the crowd. She would show up again later, he figured. They always did. Regardless, Nicolás moved through the rest of the cavorting mob until he stood just a meter before Numenius.

With a quick bow, he eyed the other man and continued. “Senator Pax, it’s so good to see you again. Enjoying yourself?” He managed another classic smile. Nicolás only hoped this night would end well. Needless to say, the man would only be jinxing himself, because something far worse awaited the pair.

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

Numenius wasn't sure why he was here if he was honest with himself - he was usually one for much quieter venues but he had been asked out here by some friends from his college days who were in town. It was one of the few days where he didn't have any meetings the next day so he had decided to take them up on the offer and actually spend some time acting like he was going to be having fun.

Naturally the acting had dropped after the first few drinks and Numenius was now, legitimately, having fun. The group he had come with were all now high powered business types... which meant they were very interested in one-upping each other with just how expensive they could get with the alcohol.

They weren't expecting him to pay anything, he knew, because they thought they were getting favours from a senator.

Oh how cute it was when the non-political tried to play The Game and expected their experiences in other fields just to transfer over seamlessly. He raised an eyebrow as he spotted Senator Cormond making his way over to him. He shuffled to the end of the booth he and his friends had claimed and rose to meet the other Senator.

It was probably the alcohol but Nicolas looked hot tonight.

"Senator Cormond!" he greeted the other Senator enthusiastically, the buzz from the drinks feeding his enthusiasm, "I'm having a wonderful time and it's lovely to see you Nicolas! I can call you that, can't I?"

He grinned a little bit before grabbing up a rather expensive bottle of... something and pouring Nicolas a glass of it,

"My friends and I were just having a reunion of sorts but I do believe we'd all be ecstatic for you to join us!" he hummed and added, "Or for me to go with you for a bit, whichever you prefer my friend!"

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Nicolás exchanged the typical smiles and pleasantries he would with Senator Pax. Still, he could smell the alcohol from meters away and catch the young man’s growing intoxication before he even opened his mouth. Not that the Senator judged. In a club as ritzy and opulent as this, he figured the two would get a little tipsy during their time together. And to the man, there was a big difference between a drunkard and a carouser, even if they meant the same thing. A drunkard was loud, annoying. But a carouser? They always seemed to manage a perfect balance between inebriation and style. Numenius was one of those people. Enthusiastic enough not to be annoying, suave enough to invite Nicolás in further. There was no resisting that civic charm.

“Be my guest, Senator.” He said, smirking. Being referred to as Senator Cormond would only reinforce his presence as a political rival or colleague, rather than a potential friend and confidante. Nicolás wanted the latter, knowing that was how he might best exert his influence. And vice versa: “Or Numenius, if you don’t mind I call you that either.” The Senator could have sworn the other was eying him up, like the Twi’lek woman but more curious than thirsty. Again, he didn’t mind. In fact, he welcomed it, because he was doing the same exact thing. Nicolás enjoyed the company of both men and women, his choice just depended purely on who was the best to play— and who carried the most benefits. And right now, his eyes were on Senator Pax, as well as the drink now in his hand.

Château Chandrilan wine— one of the finest alcoholic drinks in the whole galaxy, no doubt aged from decades ago when the war still raged between Jedi and Exile. To see the other Senator glimpse at the bottle mindlessly and pour Nicolás a glass was enough to surprise him, and the man was hardly ever surprised. Not that he made any note of it aloud. Instead, Nicolás accepted the drink gladly, perching the glass between two fingers. “Well, if you don’t mind me joining in, gents.”

He eyed the other man’s friends, each drunk and attractive on their own. But he could tell they could not compare to the Senator. Surrounding him, clawing at him, they were clearly looking to find new favor. And now, as they looked at Nicolás, he could tell they saw the same with him. Of course, he was not here to make friends with ordinary businessmen. He was here for Numenius. So, taking a sip from his drink and relishing in the taste, the young man found himself a spot in their plush lounge. Settled between two other men, he instantly struck up a conversation with each, grinning and laughing as he went. Again, Nicolás wasn’t here for them, but he wanted to stir even greater curiosity in Senator Pax. To make them crave for something a little more personal.

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

Nicolas was easy on the eyes and that was probably a bad thing - Numenius hadn't spent a lot of time around men who were easy on the eyes in a long time.

He wasn't a very sexual person by nature but sometimes even he found himself getting a little bit too wound up for him to just move past it and focus on politics or something else. But that was something he was trying not to focus on right now. Trying to flirt with the other senator would either end very well or, much more likely, it would fail spectacularly and he would have no leg to stand on when it was all used against him in the senate.

Still, he smiled a little bit,

"You can call me that if you like - or anything else you fancy really." he joked a little bit, his cheeks flushing slightly as he realised what he had said, "I'm aware that my name is a tad... unwieldy in conversation."

There weren't many good nicknames you could make from it either.

"You could call him Merlin!"

Numenius' heart dropped into his gut and he pressed his face into his hands as one of his friends decided to share his college nickname with Nicolas. He sighed and threw over his shoulder,

"Yes thank you for that Trent! I'm sure the Senator really needed to know my college nickname!" he joked before turning back to Nicolas with a mild grimace, "Maybe don't use that against me in the Senate please?"

It was a joke... mostly.

He took his own drink and was soon sat down.

"Now Senator Cormond... you interrupted I Never!" Trent declared loudly, once again making Numenius cringe before sigh as he accepted that this was, in fact, happening, "Now... I Never... swore at a teacher in college!"

Numenius just sighed, taking a small drink from his glass and hoping that Nicolas wouldn't judge him too harshly for the sins of his younger self.

"You want to make the next question Senator Cormond?"

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

The red in the young man’s cheeks to the thin smile he offered every moment his attention moved to Nicolás. The Senator of Brentaal was quick to tell that he was eying him up, now more than ever, so the man made sure he saw that he was eying him back. Still, it was hard to show his underlying interest when he was trying to stop himself from laughing beside Numenius’ friends. Merlin? Now, that was interesting. But to the other man, the name was obviously embarrassing. While Nicolás could move on and alleviate the Senator’s own growing anxiety, that wasn’t really in his nature. He always did enjoy teasing his prey. “No promises,” he answered him, a wide grin plastered across his face. Of course, he wasn’t going to spill everything before the Senate. He just liked watching the young man squirm. Perhaps in more ways than one.

“But, alright, how about…” His words trailed off as Nicolás pressed a finger to his chin, allowing it to graze through his stubble and along the edge of his jaw. “Nume? Menius? Narius?” Save for the last, it was clear Nicolás was completely bullshitting these nicknames for the Senator. “Ah, kriff. Numenius is good enough for me. It’s a nice name. Rolls off the tongue nicely. Same with Pax.” He smiled, and again, he eyed the young man as he said it. Before Nicolás could continue on with another hidden flirt or clever use of wordplay, however, Trent quickly moved back to the original topic they were on earlier: Never Have I Ever. A silly game, in his opinion, but it was still one he could use to his advantage. If he lasted long enough to stay sober for it.

With Trent’s quip, Nicolás took a clean swipe from his drink. Spoiled as a child, he had always been snobby and defiant with his teachers and tutors, enough to cuss them out whenever he wanted. While that had changed today, that couldn’t change the fact that it had already happened. Still, it seemed Numenius understood, because he did it too. It looked like the pair were more related other than through politics, the Republic, and good looks and charm.

“Alright, I’ll go.” Nicolás said, another smirk stretching his lips as he looked to Numenius. He simply stared, eyes burrowing right into the other man as he asked the next question. “Never have I ever slept with someone of the same sex.” With that, he slumped back into his seat, but kept his attention onto the Senator. This had nothing to do with the politics he sought to discuss with him, but it sure had something to do with Nicolás’ own curiosity. While the man had indeed never slept with another man, that didn’t mean he wasn’t interested. He was just more preoccupied with women during his time on Brentaal, and there weren’t many bachelors worth his time on Coruscant. But, maybe, just maybe, Numenius would change that.

Not that Nicolás’ own interest in the man would change the original intent of his mission. He had come to build an alliance, and if that meant seducing the Senator, so be it. It was a nice bonus, regardless.

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

Oh by every God that had ever existed in the minds of sentients the Galaxy over, he swore to himself that he was going to kill Trent if he managed to make this any worse. Surely, he thought to himself, there could be nothing more? Nothing worse? Well, he would see about that and try not to accept the fact that he was blushing like a schoolboy at the attention the other Senator was levying his way - was this what happened when he had some alcohol in him and he hadn't had a sexual partner in some time?

If it was then he was going to need to make sure he kept his drinking to a minimum and his exposure to attractive men either a regular occurrence or something that was rarer than even this.

"Narius?" he caught with a small smile, "I don't believe anyone has ever called me that... so it would be a name entirely your own, Nicolas but I may resort to calling you Nico if you decide to use it."

He made no mention of the rest of Nicolas' comments, very aware that they were likely teasingly sexual on purpose. Numenius had been warned that Nicolas Cormond was a flirt but he honestly hadn't thought it would come to this - flirting with the man in a club he had never been to before while slightly drunk.

And suddenly he felt like getting more drunk.

Well the fact that Nicolas had never slept with someone of the same sex was a little bit disheartening but he pushed those thoughts aside as he took the glass and took a drink from it without looking away from the other senator. He hummed a little bit as it seemed, by general consensus that he was now his turn.

"Never have I ever..." he paused for thought for a moment before adding, "Slept with someone of a species other than human."

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“Nicolás, Nico, Nick. Call me whatever you like, man. I don’t mind.” He answered, throwing in a wink into the mix. His thoughts echoed something in turn, a little too dirty for him to say but one that still set a smirk upon his lips. He never did exactly care for what anyone else called him. In truth, he preferred Nicolás far over his surname, Cormond. After what his father did to him, after what his own brother did, the young man found little pride in his family name. Still, no matter whether he was a bastard or if he was banished, he would always be a Cormond. There was no escaping that.

Regardless, Nicolás reeled his mind back into their game. As he expected, and hoped, Senator Pax took a lengthy sip from his drink. All the while, their eyes were locked together, a spark dancing between them. Despite the other man’s flustered attitude and sheepish smiles, he was still confident enough to exchange those subtle hints with Nicolás. And he liked that. Very much. Numenius was neither too timid to be pathetic nor too cocksure to be a pain in his ass. He was clever, self-assured, inviting. He was everything Nicolás looked for in a man. Well, in an ally— he meant. Of course. He had come to build an alliance, not wake up the next morning with a sick hangover and a half-naked Senator… right?

On the inside, he shrugged. Perhaps he would indulge in this for now. His real purpose here, he supposed, would just have to wait. There was a game to play, wine to drink, a man to befriend. This was going to be an interesting night. Already, Nicolás found himself taking his first sip with Numenius’ next question. After all, he was a man of carnal desires. Women, particularly, regardless of species. Twi’lek, Togrutan, Mirialan. As long as they were willing and as long as they didn’t have the face of a garbage chute, he was more than happy to partake. Given his earlier interest in the Twi’lek woman on the dance floor, who he had yet to spot again, his unquenchable thirst was long already clear.

The Senator glanced over to whoever was next, and the one after that and so on. The latter questions were more mundane, from shoplifting to surfing. Needless to say, Nicolás seemed to be drinking through every one. With his childhood and adventurous spirit, there really wasn’t much he hadn’t done. Be that as it may, his concern and interest laid more onto what he would ask next, followed by Numenius’ answer and then his own question. Forget his friends. He was here for Senator Pax.

As Nicolás continued to glance over to the young man every now or then, locking eyes when he could, the turn soon fell back to him. With a question now drummed up, he murmured. "Never have I ever paid to get laid." A tiny smirk tugged at his lips, a testament to how good he really was, and how low he never had to go.

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

"Nico - you don't strike me as a Nick with a hard K."

Indeed, there didn't seem to be very many aspects of Senator Cormond that were as hard and uncompromising as many of the other senators seemed to be. The man seemed to truly be as laid-back as he tried to appear at times and that was interesting as Numenius knew that the man was seen as a very active politician, someone who knew exactly how to work his way through the senate and through the back room deals that so often went on.

Numenius was quickly coming to the opinion that he really wouldn't mind having a backroom deal with Nicolas... and just thinking that was enough to make him mentally scold himself for his choice of phrasing there but not enough to make him take the comment to himself back all things considered. He wasn't at all surprised when Nicolas drank at the question about having slept with other species - most people had.

And he only hadn't because he wasn't often motivated by sex so hadn't gone looking for it.

More rounds passed until it was back to Nicolas and then back to himself. At Nicolas' question, he merely grinned a little bit, an expression he was only comfortable doing now that he was suitably relaxed by the alcohol. He caught Nicolas' eyes before slowly shaking his head, placing his drink firmly on the table at the same time.

No, he'd never paid to get laid.

And hopefully it would come across as though he'd never needed to... rather than the fact that Numenius had never actually had a high enough sex drive combined with a lack of available partners to necessitate the purpose of time with another person. And then it was his turn.

"Never have I ever... had sexual relations with a work colleague."

Was it bad that between Nicolas and Dwight he was hoping that he could add the word 'yet' to that?

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Nicolás watched as Numenius tighten his fingers around his drink and— place it back on the table. Of course. The young man was above going that far for pleasure and sex. Perhaps he only was because he was not the type for it. Maybe he was the kind of Senator to maintain a stellar image of purity and political ambition, unlike Nicolás. Or maybe it was neither, and the man just never had to pay. A thought the man didn’t find hard to believe. Even now, as he kept his attention fastened onto the other Senator with that inviting smirk still plastered over his face, Nicolás could hardly resist letting his interest in the man seep through. Hell, even the Senator was willing to pay just to stay in his company, even if he had never done it before. But it was a price he was more than happy to pay.

When it came to the other man’s turn, Nicolás was the first to drink. Unsurprising, give his penchant for seducing anyone worth his time within a ten meter radius. Especially during his time on Brentaal as a renowned merchant, there was always a certain client or colleague he just couldn’t overlook. There was also that time with his secretary, who after a long moment of staring in the middle of a Senate hearing, did it soon after in the speeder parked outside. Then there was one representative of a backwater world, and while she was of little importance to his growing power base, the woman made a fine addition to his list. Nicolás’ overindulgence with his own colleagues was obvious, and as he dug his eyes into Senator Pax while drinking, he knew that indulgence wasn’t going to end anytime soon.

He feigned a cough after he drank. “For now.” Legs crossed, he placed his glass back onto the table and flashed a knowing smile, a soft chuckle pouring through. While he was obviously flirting with the Senator, and he could imagine his friends saw as such, he liked to pretend he was being subtle with his advances. The limelight was between on the pair, and even as the game progressed to everyone else around them, Nicolás was focused on only Senator Pax. This was a group lounge, a group game, but to him, there was only Numenius. The other questions came only as a blur, a passing jumble of words that beckoned him to guzzle down more wine. His real focus remained on his turn, and the man who came after.

And the next thing he knew, it was back to him. Mind abuzz, he thew out another random question, more tempting than serious. “Never have I ever done it in a public place.” He tossed out a quick wink into Numenius’ general direction. While the chances of Nicolás having actually done it publicly, like a bathroom, were unsurprisingly likely, the Senator genuinely had no idea. If he had, he was likely too drunk to remember. Or, in fact, the woman was not worth remembering. But with Senator Pax, he had a feeling he could be half-asleep, half-intoxicated, and he would still remember every second. Still, that depended purely on if the man was willing.

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

Force damn Nicolas!

Numenius had been going to enjoy a little bit more of his drink after his last round when the other senator seemed to 'cough' in just such a way as to literally declare 'for now'. It wouldn't have done much to Numenius under normal circumstances but considering he had been thinking much the same and was now more than a little bit 'in his cups' as it were? He damn near choked on the mouthful of booze he had taken.

Thankfully he didn't choke too much and he was able to save some face, though he did blush bright red.

This senator had no shame!

Why was that such an attractive karking quality to him?

The game continued and Numenius was becoming incredibly distant to his other friends, focusing more and more on Nicolas. The other man was much more interesting than his college friends after all - and far easier on the eyes. And those damn flirtatious lines of his! Numenius flushed bright red at his neck question and his college friends jeered a little bit as he suddenly felt like he wanted the ground to swallow him up.

Instead he slowly raised his glass up to his lips and took a drink.

His college friends cheered at the admission, having known the story, while Numenius just blushed bright red, absolutely mortified that they had brought it up. He swallowed thickly,

"Once." he clarified for Nicolas' benefit before setting his glass down, "I er... I think I need some air so I'm going to be on the balcony."

Making his way out of the booth, Numenius hurried to the balcony, embracing the cold night air against his overly flushed face. Moving to a corner with no one else around, Numenius sighed a little bit as rested against the railing, trying to get himself to calm down so that he could go back,

"Force be damned Numenius... you ran away from that like a coward..." he scolded himself, groaning as he rested his head in his hands for a moment, "Gods damn it... stupid sexy Nico..."

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Numenius was absolutely adorable. And not in the babyish, pathetic kind of way— but the cute and endearing way. The Senator was young, but it was clear that Nicolás’ own advances were starting to send him into a scramble. And the man loved it. To see him squirm, to see that his random quips were actually landing true. It wasn’t just a nice ego boost for his charm, but Nicolás reveled in the idea that he finally getting to the man. He was wrapped around his fingers. Still, for some reason, the Senator wanted to continue. Rather than manipulate the Senator into an alliance, then immediately leave, he wanted to stay and play this game forever. He wanted to see that smile, those rosy cheeks, all night.

But with his next question, it seemed that he had pushed a little too far. While he was initially surprised to know Senator Pax had actually done it in public, watching the drunk and flustered man gulp and wiggle away from the lounge for air also unsettled him. Was it too much? Should he have not asked that? Nicolás almost felt guilty, the first time in a long time, until he realized the opportunity this now presented. Numenius Pax, charmed and drunk, going out to a secluded balcony by himself? This was something he couldn’t just pass up. This was the man’s chance to make his move. And not just for the sake of his political ambitions, but a different kind of ambition altogether.

As the young man rushed off, Nicolás raised a brow toward his friends. “Damn, think I went too far?” He asked. Despite their answers, though, the man raised up a face of exaggerated concern. “Here— I’ll go talk with him. My bad, guys.” The Senator rose from his seat, nodding to each one of them, and followed close behind Numenius. Though not close enough for him to notice. Like his own shadow, Nicolás made his way onto the empty terrace. Since everyone else was too busy partying and drinking inside to bother with the cold, there was just him and Numenius. Finally, he whispered under his breath, eying the back of the Senator as he leaned on the railing and scolded himself. So cute.

A moment later, Nicolás jumped in. “Stupid, sexy Nico?” He echoed the young man’s words, chuckling all the while. “I’m not sure if I should feel offended or flattered.” The Senator slid up beside the other, arms crossed over the railing. “But it’s hard to say. I’m feeling a lot of things right now. A little buzzed. Kinda cold. Mostly curious.” His eyes fell hard onto the Senator. “What about you? What do you feel?” Nicolás knew he was being cheesy as shit, and perhaps almost creepy, but he was way too drunk, and way too thirsty, to have pieced together anything better than that.

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

Numenius Pax was NOT good at this kind of thing.

Despite some of the answers he had given to the game back in the club, Numenius hadn't really ever been all that adventurous in his romantic life. Almost every single one of his 'interesting' answers had come from one relationship he had had during college with a man far more outgoing, far more experienced, than he had been. It had been a fun part of his life but Numenius had been far too straight laced to continue with the relationship and had all but sworn off such things since leaving college and embarking on his political career.

But Force be damned if Nicolas Cormond and his damned eyes didn't make him long for something more than what he had been allowing himself recently.

His scolding of himself was interrupted by, naturally, the object of his frustrated attentions. Blushing darkly, Numenius looked down, preferring to look over the edge of the Force-damned balcony than see Nicolas looking at him at this moment. He was just... Gods, why was he like this? Still though, his upbringing meant he just couldn't leave a person waiting for a response,

"Flattered." he decided after a moment, looking up at Nicolas from his position leaning against the railing, looking up at the other senator with his cheeks still flushed and his eyes spending slightly too long lingering on Nicolas' lips before meeting his gaze, "I'm... I'm sorry Nico. I'm not normally like this."

Now that he was looking, he found he didn't want to look away so he didn't. Instead he just kept looking up at Nicolas and finding that he really couldn't think of any good reason why he would want to look away. After a few moments he swallowed thickly,

"I don't know how I feel... a little tipsy I'd say but not drunk... still fully in control but feeling a lot less serious than I have before, you know?" He licked his lips a little bit before managing a little smirk, "And regretting leaving the game a little bit too actually. I um... I thought of a good one... One I'd like to change, something I'd like to do."

What... why was he doing this?

Oh who was he kidding... he was doing this because he wanted to, because he wanted to believe that he could be someone interesting, someone attractive, beyond his more professional mask. That was why he moved a little bit closer to Nicolas and spoke quietly, so that only Nicolas could hear him,

"Never have I ever kissed a senator for Brentaal..."

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Nicolás was TOO good at this kind of thing.

Men or women, all were easy to sweep off their feet. The young man could play them like a fiddle, wrap them around his fingertips, or pull their strings to form the melody, or the puppet, he was always looking for. Conniving, manipulative, ruthless: there were many things that embodied Nicolás. But for some reason, he found it hard to stick with what he was best at. The alcohol clouding his mind, the cool air of the night, just the way Numenius blushed and looked into his eyes. He wasn’t desperate, but neither was he stubborn or rock-hard— in general, of course. In those eyes laid longing, where Nicolás was quick to lose himself. Senator Pax might have fallen right into his hands, but it seemed so was he.

One second he was shy, coy and hesitant. Then the next he was licking his lips, smirking, and parrying back with a flirt of his own. One Nicolás, especially, could not so easily resist. It was just the two of them on this balcony. Nobody else to judge or observe or witness. Just two particularly drunk men itching for some company, an embrace to lay in, someone to hold. And as Numenius approached, his voice low and inviting, the Senator of Brentaal could only smirk in turn. His fingers slid down the railing as he also closed the distance before they pulled away and drifted toward the other man. His hand slowly wrapped around the back of Numenius’ neck, thumb just beside his Adam’s apple. He smiled and answered. “You have now.”

Nicolás leaned in, gravitating closer, lips parting— then in the distance, a gunshot. Followed by a scream, and then the sudden stop of music. The Senator snapped back, his kiss instantly ruined— cockblocked by a blaster shot. The man took a step back, fingers slipping past Numenius, unsure of what had just transpired. It wasn’t until a figure rounded the corner, a blaster in hand, and hissed. “Well, well— Senators. I see you’re enjoying the view. How about you step back inside? I’m sure it’s getting quite chilly.” The silhouette stepped forward, face now bathed in light to reveal none other than the Twi’lek woman Nicolás had met on the dance floor. Behind her, several other armed hunters seemed to force the nightclub into corners or onto the floor, often shooting those who attempted to flee or fight back.

“You.” The young man answered, quickly piecing together the puzzle before him. The woman had inquired about his business earlier, confirming that he was a Senator. Was that why she was here? Was that why these armed men were rounding up these politicians, these businessmen? Nicolás grunted before offering a reassuring glance to Numenius. They were in a tight situation now, but nothing the Senator couldn’t handle with either a little cunning, a dash of diplomacy, or maybe just a lot of punching. That depended purely on how Senator Pax was looking when it came down to it, though. He didn’t want to endanger the man with any risky shenanigans. He needed the man. Not just for his own political ambitions, but there was something else to finish too…

Still, Nicolás glanced over to Numenius as the Twi’lek approached to usher them inside. His lips were sealed, but his eyes beckoned: are you alright?

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

This was...

This was not fair.

Numenius wasn't someone who did a lot of pining or a lot of anything much when it came to sexual adventures and he had even revealed as much to Nicolas. He had been daring, for him, to even push and flirt about the kiss and when he had been about to finally get the kiss he wanted? Not only did he not get his Force-damned kiss but some schutta decided that now was the time she wanted to come on in here and cause a scene.

Taking a deep breath, Numenius tried to keep himself calm and collected but that was hard right now since he was a curious mixture of horny, scared and angry. It was making one of his hands shake, whatever the case was. He forced it to stop moving through sheer force of will and gave Nicolas a small smile to show that he was alright.

Was it weird that he wanted to let Nicolas know that?

It felt a little weird but not enough for him to not do it. He just nodded very slightly to Nicolas as they two of them were ushered inside. As he was about to move inside he turned, with his back now to the twi'lek, and his suit jacket opened a little bit to reveal his holstered blaster there. To distract from the fact that he had just shown Nicolas where he was armed, Numenius spread his arms a little bit,

"If this is what happens when you go out on the pull Nicolas, I do shudder to think what happens when you go out of your way to make a night memorable."

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Good. Nicolás was glad to see Numenius was doing alright, if not a little bewildered by the whole situation. Not that he wasn’t any less surprised too. Despite all his machinations, detailed plans, countless schemes, he didn’t seriously expect bounty hunters or assassins or, worse— terrorists —to ruin his night. He was so close to not only sealing a deal on Senator Pax, but also on Numenius— if that made any sense. Nicolás would have, at least, gained two things in one night. A friend. With benefits. That was all he could want and more. Of course, he just had to spill the beans to one seemingly harmless woman on the dance floor. In doing so, he had endangered his life too. Still, perhaps this was an opportunity. A chance to prove something even more.

Knowing now that Numenius was armed, and with Nicolás own underlying reflexes at its maximum, the man feared little. Outside, isolated on the balcony, there was just the two and the Twi’lek woman. All it might take was a quick reaction to subdue her before moving into the club to save everyone else. Could he imagine the publicity? The media? He and Senator Pax could be considered heroes. If they succeeded, though. But Nicolás was confident. Enough to be suspicious, if given more thought. Perhaps it was all just another one of his elaborate schemes, made to bolster his reputation in the Senate and to set an trusted alliance into stone. Or perhaps not. Either way, it didn’t matter. Their main focus was on getting out of the scene alive and, mostly, unnoticed.

“Don’t worry. You won’t have to think what happens, because you’re about to see it firsthand.” He smirked, adding a gentle nod, a signal to get ready. “And after, maybe even experience it yourself.” An obvious yet vague innuendo for what was to come, if he could catch on. Not that Nicolás had time to explain, because the Twi’lek woman behind them cocked her blaster and nudged it into the Senator. “What are you two talking about? If you’re seriously thinking about escaping, you’d be sorely—“ The young man snapped around, a blur of movement that could surprise just about anyone. There, his hand reached out to seize the barrel of the blaster before she fired. Of course, her finger was already on the trigger, it would take only a split second to leave a hole in his back. Fortunately, unknown to them all, Nicolás had the Force on his side.

It was an ability he picked up early on in his life. Rare, unusual, and virtually unknown by everyone other than himself. He had taken great lengths to ensuring it stay that way, but in moments like these, he knew he had to use it. Without any Jedi around though, there was no one left to expose him. To the woman and to Numenius, all they might see was just remarkable reflexes and miraculous luck. “Luck” that gave Nicolás the chance to rip the blaster from the woman’s grip and turn it back against her. All of it happened in just the blink of an eye. More than enough to leave the Twi’lek assailant stunned by the sudden turn of events. Before she could do anything, the Senator smacked the blaster into the side of her head, knocking her out cold.

Pleased, and feigning his own look of surprise, Nicolás turned to Numenius, raised a brow and flashed a smile. “Like I said.” He set the blaster to his side and glanced to the inside of the club. “And we’re just getting started.”

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

Seriously?

Nicolas could continue to flirt even when they were being held at gun point by some deranged Twi'lek woman? Well that wasn't something that he liked to know but it was something that brought a blush to his cheeks... because apparently he was just that crazy about Nicolas Cormond.

Force damn him, Force damn his smirk and Force damn how he seemed to know just what to say to get Numenius flustered but not beyond the point of still being able to act as he wanted to. Apparently Nicolas knew the secret to making someone blush and splutter without turning them into a stationary tomato imitator - a rare skill perhaps?

"Oh Nicolas you've already given me so many exciting firsts tonight - are you upset that you might not be able to give me another one tonight?"

Nicolas moved... and Numenius saw something familiar.

Felt something, familiar.

But it was something that Numenius couldn't afford to react to right away. Instead, he drew the pistol from inside his jacket and held it at the ready, keeping an eye on the entrance so as to not let them get blindsided. Once the woman was out cold, Numenius turned back to Nicolas with a small smile,

"Indeed - seems like excitement and revelations are abound. But first of all..." he pressed the barrel of his blaster up against the woman's throat and fired, the sound muffled almost entirely by her own flesh, which did nothing to stop the blaster bolt, "Let's not leave her to tell tales shall we?"

Standing up again, Numenius peered into the club before nodding to Nicolas and gesturing for the other senator to step in,

"After you senator Cormond..." he declared with a slightly shaky smile, still slightly on an adrenaline high from ending the woman's life, "You're the one leading this dance it would seem...!"

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Nicolás was surprised by how quick Senator Pax was to killing the Twi’lek woman. Even he, as cutthroat and ruthless as he was when it came to his own ambitions and security, would have never decided to murder an unconscious woman regardless if she was rather batshit crazy. Despite his flaws, he was still a gentleman. And maybe a little soft on the babes. But at the same time, he didn’t question Numenius’ decision. In fact, he barely flinched. For some strange reason, Nicolás felt almost aroused at the sudden shift in his behavior. From shy and flustered Senator to decisive killer, the man wondered what other surprises he had up his sleeve. Or down his pants. Either way.

“Good point.” He said with a tiny smirk before also peering into the nightclub behind Numenius. Who also seemed a gentleman when he gestured him to enter first. Although he wasn’t sure whether or not the other man wanted to use him as a shield, as bait, or if he was actually offering Nicolás the chance to valiantly lead on. And in any other case, he would have thought it be the former two, but with Numenius, with how quick he realized Nicolás could handle himself? It seemed he was giving him the honor. Not that it mattered, because in the end, the men inside wouldn’t last another second. With a nod and his blaster held high in the air, the young Senator pushed through. “I’m leading this dance?” He said before doing so. “Oh, fun. Killing terrorists. My favorite kind of dance.”

While obviously sarcastic, Nicolás did find a little excitement in this whole situation. Was it the adrenaline or the alcohol coursing through his veins? Maybe both. Either way, he was more than ready to tango. Especially now that he was off the balcony and back in the confines of the club, the Senator heart rate, and thrill, was reaching its peak. And when he turned the corner to see a number of armored men circling around hostage bureaucrats and businessmen, that was when that peak shot through the roof. Along with the blaster in his hand. Lightning and thunder, Nicolás honed his senses to ensure not a single shot failed to land into the weakest points of their armor. Into the weakest link of every man. And like flies, they dropped.

Nicolás would have opened with a neat quip or sarcastic taunt, but knowing how quick these hunters were, he didn’t have the chance. But he did amid the crossfire, repeatedly murmuring aloud, “Oh, shit. Oh shit! Oh shit.” All at varying levels of concern to excitement. From an incoming blaster shot or one his own hitting one of the assailants, Nicolás was cursing like a sailor. And he enjoyed it. It wasn’t often the Senator ever experienced a moment that did not involve politics or petty alliances. It was perhaps the first time he really enjoyed himself on Coruscant. And especially with a fellow Senator.

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

Numenius really did wish he had had access to a higher powered blaster... this one was a lovely shape and was easily hidden but he would admit that it wasn't as powerful as others on the market. Hence why the woman he had killed actually bled and he tutted a little bit as he realised that he was going to be getting the blood of some random criminal on the soles of his very expensive shoes. Oh well... that was why the Force had seen fit to bless them with people who gave shoe shines for money.

Matching Nicolas' smirk with an easy going smile of his own, Numenius did his best to ignore what the man's smirk did to him - this was no time for weak stomachs, let alone weak knees.

"I thought you would be talented at it." he admitted with a little smirk, "You just... seemed to have a knack for it earlier, you know? Maybe my intuition is a little off and we'll die horribly but I don't think it is. I think we're going to have no problems moving forward here."

...

It was like Nicolas wanted people to know.

Shots like that? Shots that were so incredibly, unerringly, perfect like that? That was the kind of thing that even people without a cursory knowledge of the Force would find odd to the point of suspicion. Numenius moved slightly to the left, keeping to the crowd, before springing up with his blaster at the ready as the remaining men turned their blaster fire onto Nicolas. While they were distracted and exposed to fire, Numenius opened fire.

Unlike Nicolas, Numenius hadn't actually trained in his Force sensitivity at all... but that didn't meant that he wasn't always tapping into it without meaning to.

His own shots were more numerous but managed to take down armour and cut deep into the targets. Some of them died and some of them were wounded but the attackers hesitated as his shots had come from a crowd of party goers.

It was bad for business to shoot the people they were hoping to capture after all.

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Blasts from passing bolts shattered glasses, charred walls, smashed into tables. Shrapnel flew everywhere around him, but all the while, Nicolás pushed on. Time seemed to slow for him, his reflexes now at an unexpected peak, as he looked to evade the crossfire and take down any of the assailants. Of course, he made nearly every effort to hide such skill and finesse, using the chaos of the situation to his advantage. But there was no telling if Numenius could tell. And he probably did. Still, the Senator of Brentaal gave no thought to it. His focus was more fastened to the real enemy before him. The armored man at the end of his own blaster, which instantly fired and left a burnt hole right in his chest. His body collapsed into the floor after, eliciting a scream from one of the female patrons. Except it was just Trent.

With Nicolás taking all the fire, it wasn’t too hard for Numenius to pluck off those who were dumb enough to follow. Soon, the assailant’s numbers dwindled, all in a matter of a minute. But the Senator didn’t fall to underestimation just yet. He stayed vigilant, relentless, as he continued to mow through several remaining men. Most were fatal shots or kills, an indication on how quick and how easy the man was to malice. But they had shot up his party and almost ruined his night with the Senator of Corulag, so, he thought it was a necessary punishment. Nothing like death to stop a man from causing a hostage crisis or massacre, after all.

The Senator soon found cover behind the counter of the bar. Nearby bottles of wine and liquor exploded by each retaliatory blaster bolt. Nicolás, on the other hand, didn’t care. Instead, he found himself a neat bottle of aged scotch and happily partook. Yes, even in the middle of the firefight. With a sigh of satisfaction, the young man shot back from his cover and threw the bottle right into the face of one assailant. The glass crashed against him, breaking into a hundred little pieces as the man was sent to the ground. With Numenius having apparently taken care of the rest, it seemed their little battle was finally over, much to Nicolás’ regret. Not that he really showed it after he discarded his blaster like his whole rampage was pure dumb luck. When, obviously to anyone watching, it wasn’t.

With the whole situation now dying down, Nicolás turned to wherever the other man was. “You still alright, Numenius?” He called out, curious, concerned. Also a little drunk.

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

The number of gun fights that Numenius had been in could be measured on one thumb - this was his first fire fight and if he had his way it would certainly be his last! Seriously, he was happy enough killing people (they weren't him or his own so what did he care for their lives?) but he seriously wasn't up for these god damn fire fights.

Far too dangerous!

Case in point?

He'd actually been shot!

Numenius had taken one of the shots from one of the last remaining thugs and had fallen backwards over a small table. Groaning a little bit, he put his own weapon away and checked his chest. It hurt like a mother... he gingering touch the part of his suit that had taken the blast, noting how the armour plate there was now wrecked. Shaking his head a little bit, he rubbed at his chest to try and alleviate some of the pain from the area as he stood up and wandered over to where Nicolas was.

The gang had either been gunned down, run away or were hiding better than he could see right about now. Sighing, he rubbed at his chest as he spoke,

"I'm alright... a little bit sore but I think I'll be fine once I get some talented fingers on it." he declared with a tut, "I'm going to pay my masseuse a fortune for this..."

Shaking his head, he looked Nicolas over,

"You look... you look like you enjoyed that."

Not an accusation - just an observation. Numenius, now that he was coming down from the adrenaline of having been in a fire fight, was actually not noticing something himself... his body had reacted to the adrenaline. Looking down for something else, he blushed bright red and placed a hand over his crotch,

"A... adrenaline." he muttered, completely ashamed that his body had decided to react like this, "I um... I... well I'm worry about that."

@Deviant