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[hindsights]

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[hindsights]

( while his intuition is telling him that the gala is not the right places for cal to spend his time, something about it is also calling to him. he has a bad feeling about it, like something will go wrong. maybe it's that they're drawing to four months on this planet and the reality of it is coming to a head.

it reminds cal too much of the federation back home, of the way things crumbled from within as those in power betrayed others; betrayed the jedi and the republic.

no, the gala feels wrong. he's better put to use back on nuhri where he can help fight if something goes wrong. he can do more than he was able to do back on the aldebo in the last moments before the ship's core blew it into trillion's of pieces and he watched from the window of his escape pod.

he's lost in thought, stopped outside of the office of a shady character known to forge invitations when he hears someone approach him. it's someone cal doesn't know but he looks like an orber, someone familiar enough though he doesn't reach out to the force to confirm. ) Hey.

( he lifts a hand, waving to the other young man. ) Uh, what do you need help with?

( he frowns, tilting his head. )

[deferences]

[following natural instincts and avoiding the gala because it feels like something will happen is fair, let's be real, but it's also part of why sizhui does want to attend, that way he'll have the ability to help without having to fight his way in. (besides, switching things up will be a nice change compared to all the careful tiptoeing sizhui's been doing for most of this mission.)

if something happens, at least he's prepared, and if nothing does... well, then they can enjoy the party, right? right.

of course, it seems more likely that things will go sideways in some form, so there's reason to go, regardless of if it's positive or negative. sizhui hopes for the best yet prepares for the worst, just as he'd do with any night-hunt back on his homeworld; a mission is no different and he'd prefer not screwing up his very first one.

he bows his head after his fellow orber's acknowledgment, smile widening ever-so-slightly, even if he's quick to stifle the happier expression somewhat before he gets ahead of himself.] Well, you see, [he gestures vaguely over his shoulder,] I find myself in a bit of a bind with this, ah, merchant. [sure, that's what he'll call them.] My funds are a bit short and, try as I might, I cannot get the price of a single invitation lowered... however, I do have enough for a paired one.

So, I will be straightforward: you and I, we are the same. [orbers, he means, which he'll assume has been conveyed well enough for cal to understand because he isn't certain how much more subtle he can be.] If you'll help me, I'll return the favor someday, in whatever manner necessary. [a beat of consideration then,] And today, I shall treat you to lunch. [this way, if cal does accept his offer, they can get to know each other better.

is this a little unprecedented? yes, absolutely, but heavenly immortals, he hopes it works.]

[hindsights]

( the mention of the gala makes cal's hackles rise a bit. because it would happen to him; it feels wrong and here's the opportunity to go, something thrown in his path like fate woven by the force.

he shouldn't turn his back on it. he's tempted to though and it might show on his face that he looks dubious at best, before the other mentions lunch. cal's stomach growls, loud enough to startle him and earn a huff of a laugh. ) Lunch? I could go for some lunch.

( the smile melts into something wry. ) You don't have to repay me later. We're on the same team, right? Same goal while we're here.

( it feels wrong to take a trade. the jedi, after all, are supposed to take no payment for their help. cal can't let the order go, as much as he's been hiding that he's been part of it for so long. )

[deferences]

[it's the dubiousness that has sizhui second-guessing, his composure briefly faltering, eyebrows creased with deep consideration. perhaps this was too forward and he came on strong; the other orber doesn't know him, after all, so inviting cal to the gala could've just been a lot all at once—

but there comes that laugh and his expression softens, slowly brightening into another, more outright smile when cal remarks about lunch after such a blatant show of enthusiasm from his stomach.] Well, I would say so! [sizhui's turn to laugh, an airy-sounding thing that peters out shortly as he prepares to retaliate, hesitates, then (reluctantly) accepts that cal's right: they are on the same team here, so they do share the same goal, but he's glad he at least had something to offer right away.

he mms affirmingly, motions one sleeve-covered hand over his shoulder toward the shopkeeper,] Once we are finished here, we'll find the largest restaurant offering the most options and eat to our heart's content.

[hindsights]

I'd just be happy with some noodles. ( lately he's been thinking about something more plain and simple compared to the food on these planets. maybe it's a hint of homesickness, actually.

but the idea of options isn't a bad one either.

cal looks over where the shopkeeper is and then back at his new friend, looking curious. ) Do you have a cover for us already? We probably can't use our real names on this.

[deferences]

Just noodles, huh? [sounds rather light in sizhui's opinion, but if that's what cal wants, it's what he'll get!] I'll leave the decision up to you, as I'm not picky and will eat just about anything. [it helps that he's been taught not to be wasteful, for sure, although sizhui can freely say he hasn't encountered any food he dislikes, spicy things aside. (even then, it's only because his tastebuds aren't ready for it, not because spicy foods are bad.)

the hand drops back against his side, his gaze downcasts and he hums thoughtfully, wondering.] Fake names weren't something I considered, though I did figure I'd say you were my ‘date’ to the gala.

Nobody but you and I have to know we're only going as friends, right?