[ OPEN POST | PSLs | OVERFLOW ]

[thatsnottoscale]

[  This is open for anyone to reply. Do you have a specific setting or idea in mind you want to play out? An AU universe?
You got inspired by some lyrics, an image a quote...drop me a line with the suggestion or feel free to make your own thread starter.  ]

Comments

[mayfeld]

Tatooine is a stupid fucking planet.

First of all, Mayfeld can't even get a fucking transport to drop him anywhere close to Mos Peglo. When he even found someone who knew where the fuck that was. He spent hours wandering around Mos Eisley trying to find someone who knew a fuck about that backward ass mining town, and even longer to find a speeder he could actually afford to take him there.

One guy had even implied that Mayfeld could do him a few favours in return for one. But A, Mayfeld was pretty sure he was full of shit, and B, he may be having the shittiest year of his goddamn life but that didn't mean he was willing to stoop any lower than he already was.

It's getting close to sunsets when Mayfeld arrives in Mos Peglo, looking like something the cat dragged in. He has windburn on his face around his goggles, and the shitty scarf he's used to keep the sun off his dome is covered in so much sand he doesn't think it can be even legally called fabric anymore. He's hot, and sweaty, and desperately in need of a shower and a drink.

You better be fucking honest about having that work for him, Vanth. Because as much as a shitshow as Mayfeld's life has been lately, dragging his ass to a backwater planet like this only to get dicked around would just be the cherry on the fucking cake.

[thatsnottoscale]

[ Enjoying Tatooine is an acquired taste. Even Cobb, who has been born on the planet, would admit that the place was hardly ideal and not exactly what people had in mind when they thought about a vacation spot. But it was a good planet both to get lost and disappear and to start anew if you needed it.

Had Mayfeld warned him in advance that he was coming, Cobb would have gone to Mos Esley himself to pick him up. He has his own speeder, and it would have saved the other man the trouble to find a way to get to Mos Pelgo. This is what you get for not texting him, Migs. There's a lot of unsavory people on the planet that would try to take advantage of others, which was one of the reasons why Cobb told him that he could use another sharpshooter around. Not necessarily to kill people. Vanth avoids killing if he can, but to warn them off and serve as a message to other crime lords lurking around.

Word gets around quickly on a town as small as Mos Pelgo, and being in the middle of no-fucking-where means that a stranger approaching always catches everyone's eye. They saw him coming a mile away and Cobb learned about him long before Mayfeld set foot in town. He steps out from the house he's been helping to repair after a sandstorm damaged the ceiling, and casually walked over to the stranger, taking it all in. Cobb's posture is relaxed but his right hand is close to the blaster resting on his thigh, just in case the need to use it arises. It actually takes him a few seconds to realize who the other person is, and it's mostly Mayfeld's body language that gives him away. The marshall visibly relaxes and a familiar smile appears on his face. ]

Ey there, stranger. [ The ex-imperial looks even worse in person now than he did the last time they talked through the holonet. Sleep and rest must have been avoiding him still. But the advantage of hitting rock bottom is that you can only go up from there, right? ] Did you get chewed on by a Masiff on your way here?

[ No, he couldn't stop himself from joking. It's less because he wants to make fun of Migs and more because he wants to keep things casual. The rest of the townsfolk who had been watching the exchange also relaxes upon realizing that their Marshall knows this guy, and they go back to what they were doing before. Cobb takes a few steps closer, his voice less teasing. ]

I would have come to pick you up, you know.

[mayfeld]

And leave this shithole without its precious Marshall? I ain't that fucking special, Vanth.

[Mayfeld is in the process of divesting himself of his riding gear, shaking sand out of his boots and throwing the shitty goggles into his bag. His eyes squint against the bright suns, taking in the guy for the first time in person.

And... shit. He really is annoyingly and ridiculously handsome. Like, to an unfair degree. What the fuck. Who allowed this.

Meanwhile Mayfeld hasn't had a full night's sleep in days, he can feel himself burning already, and he's pretty sure he's grown a whole new constellation of freckles on the way over. Great. Hope you're happy with your investment, Cobb, because right now it looks like shit.]

Can we do the fucking small talk somewhere indoors? An indoors place that serves drinks?

[thatsnottoscale]

They can survive without me for a few days, the people here are tougher than you might think. More so after defeating the krayt dragon. They might not like to face danger, who does?, but they learned to fight for what's necessary when there's no other way.

[ He waits as the other man makes himself more comfortable, something that on the planet is often a challenge in itself. The suns will be setting soon and the temperature will go from scorching to only pleasantly warm, and that should help Mayfeld to adjust. If he notices Migs eyes on him, Cobb doesn't seem to mind. He's used to people staring at him for a large variety of reasons, more often than not someone's trying to decide how hard to kill the Marshall would be if crossed. The silver-haired man just stares back at Mayfeld and his eyes crinkle as a smile plays at the corners of his mouth. ]

Yeah, better get you out of the sun before you get some interesting tan lines, I wouldn't want you to turn the same color as your beard. Cantina's that way, let's get some food on ya as well. You can leave the speeder here, no one will touch it.

[ Cobb speaks with the certainty of someone who knows the name of every person who lives in town, and is well acquainted with what each of them does and where to find them. They're a close community, being so small, and they look after each other. Turning, he starts to walk towards a building that doesn't look any different from the rest of the houses lining the street, but the door is wider and opened completely, and the interior much bigger. ]

Once in the cantina, Cobb waves a hand toward the Weequay bartender and orders a bottle of Spotchka, two glasses, and whatever is on the menu for today. When did you arrive? I thought you were allergic to sand.

[mayfeld]

Yeah, yeah wise guy. Never heard that one before.

[The temperature is only slightly better inside the Cantina. How the hell did Mando survive this hellhole with his entire armour on? Mayfeld feels like he's melting already and all he's wearing is riding gear.

He pulls up a seat next to the marshal, and pours himself a glass of spotchka. That one gets knocked back before pouring another, this time serving Cobb while he's at it.]

Two days ago. Found a cheap transport that could take me to Mos Eisley but had a bastard of a time finding someone to show me how to get to this place. You know half this planet thinks you don't fucking exist?

I just ain't a fan. But seeing as a guy offered me a place to crash I figured I could fucking risk it.

[thatsnottoscale]

I do like the freckles. How far down they go? [ Cobb winks at Mayfeld and then keeps walking as if that wasn't a big deal. He hasn't noticed them before, or maybe it's because of the sun that they're now more visible.

As for how Mando withstood the heat, Cobb himself had been wondering the same thing. He wore a Mandalorian armor for years, and it was hard at first to handle the heat and the extra weight, but he had no issue taking his helmet off to get some air. Din had no such advantage.

He takes his drink with a nod of 'thanks' and downs half the glass in one go. He doesn't plan on getting drunk, but Cobb is well aware of how much he can drink before he even starts to feel a little funny. He needs more than one bottle for sure. ]

We don't get a lot of visitors, no. After the Empire fell this place was almost wiped out by bandits and our little town stopped appearing on maps. We got things rolling again after I kicked out the mining collective, but we're still too unimportant to be included on the map again. [ Cobb finishes his drink and adds. ] For the better, if you ask me.

[ The fewer people know of them, the fewer problems they'll have. Bandits and thieves are still a pain in the ass, yet they tend to stick to larger cities like most Esley with more expensive cargos and ships to steal. ]

The offer is still up, but you're taking a shower before you drop dead on top of any of my beds. Otherwise, you'd be sleeping on a pile of sand.

[mayfeld]

[Mayfeld raises an eyebrow at Cobb for that one. We're starting there, are we?]

That why you had to fly me all the way out here, Vanth? To practice your fucking pickup lines?

[But he laughs anyway, for the first time in what feels like days. He can feel the booze settling into the corners of his mind, and the tension slides slowly out of his shoulders. He has... no idea what the fuck the food is that this bar guy brought them. Some kind of soup? What the hell, he's lived on soldier's rations and prison food before, he can deal with this.]

You don't have to tell me twice. I feel like I'm made outta fucking sandpaper right now.

[thatsnottoscale]

Have some faith, my actual flirting is a little better than that. [ No, it's not, shh. Look it's not as if he's got a lot of practice with that. Usually, his charming smile does the trick, plus there aren't all that many people for him to woo around here.

He's glad to see Mayfield laugh, however, makes the man look more alive. More like himself. Perhaps after some proper rest and getting used to the heat, Migs's mood might improve for real. Cobb isn't hungry, so he leaves his own bowl untouched for now, nudging in a bit closer towards Mayfeld. It looks like the man could use the food more than him, anyway. ]

It's bantha steak soup. [ Cobb says as he fills both of their glasses, reading the question on the other man's face. It's a pretty normal and tasty dish and is Cobb silently glad that the bartender had enough sense not to serve them any of the more exotic Tatooine food, like Womp rat stew. Newcomers don't always handle it well and the last thing is Mayfeld getting sick. ]

You look like it. But it's not as you have anything to do these next days, you can rest until you're back to looking like a person and now something that crawled out a sarlacc's stomach. You're gonna need new clothes, though, more suitable for the dessert.

[mayfeld]

Yeah? Can't wait to fucking hear it. [He is ready for you to sweep him off his feet, motherfucker.]

Guess I can forgive you being a bit fucking rusty when the pickings are as slim as they out here. Is everyone in this backwoods fucking town just out fucking their own cousins or some shit?

[Is this was why he was brought in? To expand the local dating pool?

The soup's not so bad, even though it's a little insane to him to heat something hot when it's roughly the temperature of Satan's asshole outside.

He puts his soup spoon down, and turns in his stool to face the other man.]

Ticket money, now new clothes? Is this turning into some kinda Sugar Daddy situation here? Because you're supposed to go after guys a hell of lot a younger than me.

[thatsnottoscale]

Do you, now? [ Careful with what you wish for, Migs. ] Rude. I'd let you know a lot of people have sisters too.

[ Yeah. Cobb asked himself 'who is the best person I know that could improve the genetic pool and bring so much needed gingerness to this town?', and immediately thought of Mayfeld. It sounds very legit.

The Marshall looks at him over his glass and takes another sip while he listens to Mayfeld, admittedly justified, wariness about his generosity. ]

Never been one to look for the pretty but inexperienced youths. Bit too bland for my tastes, I like 'em feisty. And I'm pretty sure you and I are the same age, asshole.

[ He's never been called Daddy before, and he's not sure how he feels about the word, to be honest. ]

We're not going to get you a job if you look like you were mugged by tusken raiders and then eaten by a rancor. I have some connections, but I also have a reputation to maintain. If I'm about to introduce you to people from the farms or the nearby settlements, you need to look presentable. Call it an investment.

[ And investment in what, only God knows. Cobb's clearly not going to explain himself further. Instead, he steals a grilled baby carrot from Mayfeld's plate, because he can and because he wants to munch on something. ]

Of course, if you have reconsidered the cantina dancer idea, you'd only have to take off your clothes. Maybe that would be easier.

I do not believe no one has called Cobb Daddy before fff

[mayfeld]

[Bitch you would be blessed to have his adorable ginger babies.]

Cool your jets, big guy. You're already getting me into the shower later, you sneak all the looks you want then.

[He's warning you now, it's not that impressive. Although yes, the freckles do go down a lot lower.]

Hah. If no one did, that truly is a crime

[thatsnottoscale]

[ If they could somehow produce a baby between the two of them, now that would be a real miracle. That kid would get into so much trouble too. ]

Ey, I like to plan ahead. It never hurts to be prepared, even if more often than not the plans go to hell and you've gotta improve on the spot. [ He huffs at the shower comment but the glint on Cobb's eyes probably gives away his amusement. ] Eat your food, Mayfeld.

[ He's not about to put the moves on the man for real when he still looks like he's half dead from exhaustion. Cobb did offer the other man a place to live and a possible job in an honest attempt to help, not to get on his pants. Although counting all those freckles wouldn't be a chore.

Around them, people comes and goes, have a drink, some food... Cobb salutes an old couple of miners that smiles in his direction before his focus goes back to the man next to him. ]

Did you have time to record anything before leaving Morak? [ It's said without any pressure behind the question, Cobb didn't really expect Migs to do a natural documentary, but he's still curious. ]

He has the most Pure Daddy Energy I have ever seen

[mayfeld]

[Right! Migs hums, his mouth still full of bread as he digs around in the breast pocket of his jacket. He fishes out a data stick and slaps it down on the table in front of Cobb.]

Took what I could. I ain't much of a photographer, warning you now. Got some good shots from over the gorge, though.

[There are also some selfies in there, FYI. He was practising his technique.]

Closed to @foundlingfather

[thatsnottoscale]

[ ooc: starter here: Was my shirt on fire at any point last night? Because I'm fairly sure my shirt was on fire. ]

True to his word, by the time Din gets home, - and Cobb had already started to think of the place like that, their home - the Marshall is waiting for him. He's finished doing the rounds around town and checking that things were quiet, then came home to look for the promised grease to clean Din's flamethrower.

There are new rags and a couple of small brushes laid on the living room's table, next to the jar of synthetic light grease. Cobb is sitting on a chair, fiddling with the glass flask of bacta gel in his hands by the time Din arrives, welcoming him with a smile.

"Ey there, stranger. Got everything you need right here, but perhaps you want to go take a shower first? Get rid of all that sand? I left you some spare clothes on the 'fresher already."

[foundlingfather]

The burns really hadn't been that bad, he wouldn't have left if they were. He'd dealt with worse before and kept going. But something between the sand and the heat irritated them, and having cloth rub against them didn't help. Fortunately the hunt had been a quick and easy one(for once). To his word, it's not long before he's pulled in, leaving his speeder where ever they parked them, and headed into the home. It definitely felt like home, and it felt good to have a home to come to. Not to mention someone to come home to. He approaches the table, looking over the gathered supplies, and the bacta gel flask that's being fiddled with. Helmet tilting to the side, before he's tilting it up as Cobb speaks.

"Hey." He let's a smile slide into his voice. Cobb, why are you so good to him? "I could use a shower. I won't be long." He slips down the corridor to the refresher room, shutting the door behind him. He slips off the helmet, and works off the rest of the beskar armor, and his suit, setting it aside. He stops in front of the mirror briefly to frown at the irritated burns. He steps into the shower, which feels good, specially getting rid of the sand. He lingers a bit, turning the temp down to use the cold water to cool out the burns a bit, before shutting it off. It's easy enough to find the fresh clothes, even if they're a bit tight on him, Cobb being skinnier than him. It doesn't take long for him to get dressed again, and slide the helmet back on. He thinks of putting the rest of his suit back on, before deciding against it.

He steps out of the refresher room, and takes most his suit into his room, before heading back to Cobb with his vambraces in his hand.

"Vor'e, for the clothes." He says, pulling out a chair and sitting down, setting the vambraces on the table, as his fingers fiddle over the smooth steel.

[thatsnottoscale]

[ ooc: oops I messed up the starter link. There. ]

He's not too good, only the right amount. Cobb has felt the smile on that first simple word, and he's sure he looks stupidly smitten.

"Nonsense, take as long as you need to. I'm not going anywhere." And that too, is a promise.

With Din gone into the refresher, Cobb busies himself reading about mando'a and memorizing some new words. It's not a difficult language to learn, but he needs way more practice with his intonation, He can never get it right because he worries about sounding too threatening, and unconsciously goes for the opposite tone. He couldn't see it, but there's a chance that using his usual charming drawl while practicing saying things like Ne shab'rud'ni had earned Cobb a curious look or a raised eyebrow from Din under that helmet.

Now, he's gotten himself a glass of water once he heard Din leaving the bathroom, and is leaning back against the counter, posture relaxed. Another glass and a long straw are waiting for the Mandalorian on the table.

"Ba'gedet'ye*, darlin'." Cobb would offer his help cleaning Din's armor, but he's aware that it's like a second skin. He never touches it unless it's inevitable, or it's clear that the Mandalorian won't mind. He figured that Din would know how to clean his gadgets better than he does, so he focusses on the other issue at hand before he brings up the bacta massage again.

They really need to get Din new clothes, not only a spare flight suit but some more comfortable pants and loose shirts to wear while indoors. Going shopping for clothes must not be an easy task for a Mandalorian and Cobb is trying to think of a way to make it easier for him.

"Do you remember Minah, the school teacher? Her husband is a tailor, I could ask him to make you some clothes. They won't be fine silks, but they could fit you. He would only need to take a few measurements, he's got a very good eye for these things, then you could try the clothes here once they're done. Not like I don't appreciate the way my pants hug your thighs, but they can't be fully comfortable, especially to sleep in."

They're a size too small, and they cling to Din's legs and backside very nicely, that is a fact Cobb enjoys. The smirk he gives Din from behind his glass is telling enough.

No worries, hon

[foundlingfather]

For someone like Din, who didn't have that many that were good to him. Cobb's level of good is pretty good.

Cobb's taking so much interest in Mando'a, and in some ways the Mandalorian culture, has helped to endear the man to Din. There weren't that many people in the galaxy anymore, that saw Mandalorians as anything other than intimidating, and or a bunch of fanatics. Or worst yet, hunted them like some endangered game animal, for their rare and valuable beskar armor. Yet Cobb has embraced it, and after just one brief encounter with Din. Even if his intonations need help, it doesn't help that Mando'a isn't exactly mean to sound nice. Cobb's probably fortunate it's Din and not some other Mandalorian.

And so accommodating to his beliefs, like with glasses with straws. Where did he even find those?

Din starts with one of the vambraces. Knowing where the hidden seams and latches are, that let him open it up like one would a book. If the sand has gotten into the flamethrower mechanism, he may as well check and clean the rest of the components, too. He doesn't need them malfunctioning on him. Not minding if Cobb watches. One day he should probably let Cobb try cleaning the armor. The man had managed to keep Fett's in working order, after all. Even if he didn't clean it up.

To be fair to Din, he probably had at least one change of clothes before. But like everything else on the Razor Crest, they were obliterated when the ship was blown up. Not surprisingly, not many people on Tatooine probably sell flight suits, either. Since not many on the planet have ships. There's a slight turn and tilt of the helmet as he listens to Cobb.

"I remember her, yes." Minah always seemed like a pretty nice lady. "Do you trust his skills?" Really, he and Cobb were almost the same size height wise. But it was their different builds making the difference. The clothes were tight, not painfully so. But still, it wasn't ideal. His hands stall for a moment in the cleaning, at the comment about his thighs.

"You wouldn't miss the view?" While Cobb's been learning Mando'a, Din's been trying to get better at recognizing and responding to flirts, throwing a bit of sass into this one.

Thanks, love

[thatsnottoscale]

It's truly heartbreaking how few had shown the Mandalorian some basic decency when interacting with him, Cobb almost feels like making it up for it and enjoys to dote on him. Caring for people is the sort of self-imposed purpose he's chosen.

Cobb wants to learn the language properly first, but he's not beyond suggesting Din to teach Minah. In turn, she could educate the children and introduce them to Mando'a. It would not only be a way to keep that aspect of the culture alive, it could come in handy. The children already learn Huttese on top of the common language, and since Boba Fett has taken Jabba's place at the palace, it can't hurt to know how to address the man with respect.

But that's assuming that Din would stay here some more and Cobb isn't sure that's a life the Mandalorian would enjoy. Everyone always leaves on Tatooine if they have the chance. To live a safer life or a more exciting one. Everyone leaves but Cobb and he knows that the day Din leaves, something will be missing forever. More reason to enjoy the present.

"Everyone here is useful so yes, I trust his skills. He's patched up clothes and people when a particularly gruesome wound needed stitching. He's that good with a needle." They have a doctor in Mos Pelgo, of course, and bacta supplies, but those are far too few and everyone in the region knows how to take basic care of injuries. "We could also go get you some better fabrics in Mos Esly and he could work with what we bring him. Just some ideas."

Maybe Peli would like to see her Mandalorian friend again, even if she can't be a babysitter anymore. Din's reply makes Cobb perk up, it's like throwing a dog a tasty bone.

"You know me too well." The amused smile playing on the Marshall's lips it's impossible to hide. Yes, he would miss the view. "You have very nice biceps."

Strong and well-shaped, much like the rest of Din's body, and perfect to hold Cobb down under the right situation. Vanth has always been on the lanky side with really long legs. It's nowhere near as attractive, in his opinion. But ey, he has the hair to compensate, everyone likes the hair.

[foundlingfather]

More than anyone else, Din was well aware of his time here. It's always lingering in the back of his mind. That any day, a strange ship could land on the outskirts carrying Bo-katan and maybe other Mandalorians. Coming to either challenge him for the darksaber, and or to whisk him off to take back and rebuild a shattered planet. Meaning it would be some time before he returned. If he ever did.

Does Din regret accepting Cobb's invitation to come to Tatooine, and Mos Pelgo? No. The former mining town's been the sanctuary, the soft place to fall, that he needed after everything that had happened. One of the reasons why he wasn't already gone, when he could have easily found a way off planet by now. He sets down the tools for a moment, and picks up the glass, carefully slipping the straw up under the helmet to drink some water, before withdrawing it to reply.

"Good enough for me." He trusts Cobb's words on the man, Cobb knows him better than he does, known him longer. "I can do something to repay him for the work." He won't let something like that be done for free. Maybe teaching his wife Mando'a for the kids. He nods as he listens to the options that Cobb gives. "I would like that." Cobb, when was the last time you got out of town?

"Have to make a day of it. Mos Eisley's not a short trip." Maybe even stay over night or something. But yes, Din should introduce Cobb to Peli. "I have a friend in town you might like. She runs one of the ship bays." Just don't let Peli convince you to help with a bet.

"I've known you a while now." Which is hard to believe, but he would like to think he knew the man pretty well. Also Cobb you're distracting him from cleaning, damn it. Still, Din does admire how Cobb looks, especially that hair. Turning the helmet more to look more at Cobb. "Your hair isn't bad looking." Compared to Din's, which is always a mess. Gotta love helmet hair. He might be smiling under the helmet again. "And I heard your hands are good at massage."

[thatsnottoscale]

If that day happens, angry Mandalorians or not, Cobb will be by Din's side offering support. He knows it's a bad idea to get mixed in their affairs, but he's not about to leave Din to face all this mess alone if it comes to their doorstep. That will be an issue for future them, now the day and night is theirs. Cobb doesn't say anything but seeing Din use the straw pleases him, it's also a cute image.

"We will think of something. There's always work to do around here." Being a trading society, doing something for something is the usual around Mos Pelgo and Cobb didn't expect any less from Din. The Mandalorian was many things and one of them was that he was always fair with people.

Uhhh getting out of town? As in, visiting other places with a lot of people in it? It's not something Cobb does often, no. Maybe that should change.

"A friend? Oh, she must be really something. I'd like to meet her. " If Din calls her that, Cobb knows she must be an interesting person. "We really need to milk the trip for all it's worth, you're right. There's a lot to see and do there, might take us a whole day. And traveling through the desert at night isn't safe. Do you want to go there tomorrow?"

Cobb is also thinking they could spend the night. Din can't take his helmet off while in public, but they could get food and a few drinks from a decent place - Cobb likes cantina food just fine, but it can get tedious after a while -and have a private dinner.

Putting his empty glass down in the sink, Cobb moves to sit by the table next to Din. Admire away, friend, now up close. The smile Cobb gives Din after the Mandalorian confirms that he knows him could put Tatooine's two suns to shame.

"Why thank you. Do you want to touch it?" A bit of a weird offer, but Cobb hasn't missed the looks the other has been throwing at his direction. And perhaps he wants to feel Din's fingers scratching his scalp, it would be nice. "Oh yes, about that...Do you want me to help you so we can move to the massage? You could do the cleaning and I can grease everything, so it goes smoothly the next time you need to shoot."

Oh, that sounded better in his head.

[foundlingfather]

On that day, Din will appreciate the support. Even if he'll do his best to keep Cobb clear. Mandalorians are a volatile bunch, especially with each other, and not all of them are like Din. Even if some of them, like Bo-Katan, prefer more to fight with words, than with actions. Plus Cobb doesn't exactly have armor anymore to protect him.

"I've noticed. Seems like something always needs fixing here." Like the generators around Life Day. Din could also offer credits of course, but he has a feeling the man might not find much use for them.

"Just don't let her talk you into a bet." Yeah, Peli is both great and not so great. Depending on the situation. He tilts his helmet. "We can also see if there's a hunt." Testing how Cobb feels, throwing the idea out there as a suggestion. It wasn't often Din didn't do hunts alone, and Cobb probably missed the excitement. Although unlike most times, the hunt's not the main reason for going to Mos Eisley, but the option is there. He's not against other options too. "Tomorrow sounds good."

But a private dinner with good food? Would definitely be welcome. He focuses back on cleaning the vambrace, as Cobb sits down next to him. But of course he's once again distracted by the question

"Sure." He responds to asking about helping, and will slide the armament toward cob, pointing out what needs to be greased, although the hair question and last comment stops him short, and he turns enough to stare at Cobb. "Really?" Is he asking about the hair or the last bit?

[thatsnottoscale]

They fight well together, Cobb's main concern will only be to not get in Din's way by accident, not fighting other terrifying Mandalorians. If his time comes, then that would be a hell of a way to go. Who knows, given Cobb's own brand of sarcasm maybe he would enjoy arguing with Bo-Katan. The armor is a downside, that much he can admit. He wants to find a replacement but there are no armorers in Mos Pelgo, and a decent armor cost far more money than he ever had. For now, Cobb will have to keep his reflexes sharp and learn to be even better at dodging blasters.

"It's part of the charm of the desert, my friend. The dryness and the sandstorms, the constant heat...sometimes I think that the only thing that keeps the houses standing in their own unwillingness to let the elements win."

Everything in Tatooine is stubborn. The people, the weather, the animals, and even the generators. Maybe the generators more than anyone, given how often they seem to enjoy causing trouble on purpose.

"Hah" Did she trick you?" Cobb's eyebrows to up, and he stares at Din with amused interest, as if this is the best thing he's hear in all day. He scolds his face into something more serious at the mention of the hunt, giving a hum of acknowledgment. Now that's an unexpected offer, not one he's heard Din made before, and he understands its significance. The corner of Cobb's lips tugs up into a small smirk, voice playful. "If you're sure I won't be taking the spotlight away from you..."

Here's a playful way to offer Din an out, to allow the man to gently tell him that he's changed his mind just in case it had been an impulsive idea. If not, then Cobb is on board. The Mandalorian might not need his help for real, but he can watch the man's back and offer advice on how to deal with certain people in Tatooine. Or to offer information about the galaxy because Din sometimes knows nothing.

"Tomorrow it is then. I'll have our speeders ready first thing in the morning." He takes the offered armament with care, even though it's sturdy enough to resist hundreds of battles. He's almost too distracted the Din pausing before answering making him unsure about what question is the man talking about. It doesn't matter, Cobb's reply is the same. "Really."

[foundlingfather]

Indeed, they were really in sync when fighting the dragon. They barely had to say anything to each other. They just knew. Let's be honest, Cobb and Bo-katan arguing would be entertaining to see. Might even help convince her to let Cobb come along. You know, if it comes to that. Wait, getting too far ahead. They need to fix the armor situation, though. If Cobb's gonna ride with Mandalorians he needs some, and Din's got plenty of credits. Maybe they have an armorer in Mos Eisley. Would be convenient and they could look.

"Other than the storms and the heat, this planet does have plenty of charm." Of course Din doesn't like either of those. Armor and all, and even less now what with malfunctioning equipment. Then again, Din can pretty stubborn himself. No wonder he does so well on Tatooine.

"Unfortunately." He sighs with a head shake. "After we took out the dragon, I went back to Mos Eisley and found her in a high stakes game. She convinced me to help the other guy out for a bet. Saying he had a lead to more Mandalorians." Cobb can probably see where this is going. "He wound up losing, costing me five hundred. Only upside was he still gave up the lead." Which started a whole another fricked up adventure.

"I wouldn't have offered, if you would." His helm tilts a little toward Cobb. "It...would be nice to work together again." Even if a bounty hunt is vastly different from killing a dragon. "However there's no guarantee there'll be one. But it's an option." If nothing else, it might give them an extra day.

"Tomorrow it is. Make sure to pack your gun." He smiles under the helm. There's a moment of hesitation, before he lets his hand slide up Cobb's back, giving the man warning if he wasn't serious. But soon enough his hand is on the nape of the man's neck, and then fingers are brushing the silvery hair.

[thatsnottoscale]

It's been some time since Cobb had felt so at ease around someone during a fight as well, it hadn't happened since Issa-Or left and that kind of natural chemistry is rare. Cobb and Bo-Katan arguing would end either in disaster or become the stuff of legends. They are both really stubborn and with a penchant for being the one in charge. But if that meeting happens, it's true that he needs to be properly equipped. Hell, Cobb misses having a jetpack, that was so useful and so fun. Maybe one day he can convince Din to either take him for a short flight or to let him use it.

"See, I knew it would win you over eventually." Cobb likes to think that he might have something to do with Din finding new ways to appreciate Tatooine. The Marshall tries his best to keep the amusement from showing in his face at the admission that Peli got one over Din, but it's hard. He already likes the woman even if he shakes his head once Din finishes his tale. "I'm sorry that she scammed you, but you have to admit that tricking a Mandalorian so blatantly takes balls. She must consider you a friend too if she knew you wouldn't get mad enough at her to retaliate."

It's relieving to discover that there's someone else on this planet that Din can go to if he needs to talk to another friend. Sure, there's Boba Fett but...it's Boba, he follows his own rules and Cobb doesn't know what to think of him just yet. The teasing grin ever-present on his lips fades into something softer, more touched, at Din's honest words.

"It would be. We make a good couple." It takes his brain a good five seconds to catch up with what his tongue said. Cobb knows he should take it back, to explain that he didn't mean it that way but...he doesn't want to.

He almost misses what Din says next, his thoughts going a mile a minute. What he doesn't miss, and it helps to soothe him down immediately, is the hand moving over his back. He makes no sound of protests, just leans in and bows his head to make it easier for the other man to run his fingers through the soft hair. In fact, Cobb is practically purring once it happens, eyes going half-lidded. So yeah, he wasn't joking when he said everyone like the hair and wanted to touch, but the truth is, he loves it when people he trusts do it.

[foundlingfather]

It's not often Din connects that well with another fighter. Cara being one of the others. It's nice when it happens. When that epic argument happens, Din will probably just hang back and watch, unless things get real hairyit's the mandalorian way. Cobb can handle himself pretty well. Now see, armor's easy to find. Jetpacks however? Not so much, otherwise a lot more people would have them. Hell, Cobb had Fett's way longer than Din has had his. Only got his a couple months before encountering Cobb. But Din could be convinced to take Cobb for a flight, or let him use it. He knows the man can work it.

"Helps to have good company." Oh yes, Cobb has definitely helped with the charm, an getting him to like Tatooine. Specially when stuck in the house, with a raging sand storm outside for hours. Oh maker, Cobb and Peli would probably get on grand, he'd love her blunt, direct nature. "Well, I also had my hands full at the time." Literally, getting waylaid by bounty hunters is never a good time. "She didn't give me a chance to, before we headed to the hangar to meet up with a contact."

Boba Fett is....Boba Fett. Honestly, he is another one Din goes to. Just because Boba understands more than most. And even if he's not truly one, Boba's the closest he's got to a fellow Mandalorian on the planet. Cobb's getting there, though.

Cobb's next comment completely stalls his mind, and anything else he may have said. The hand that was headed up Cobb's back stills, as he lets them sink in. What were they talking about again? What were they doing? Is that...really what they are? Another minute of hesitation, before his mind kicks back in, and his fingers are eventually in the soft silver hair. Feelings his fingers tangled in the hair, it felt real nice.

"Yeah...we do." He finally says, tone having a soft touched smile to it, voice cracking a little. Yeah...yeah. It felt right.