[That was actually more than he was expecting Maul to know, which made things both easier and a lot harder. Christmas was, by far, his most hated holiday (even more than Valentine's). He shouldn't be here, yet he can't leave either.]
It's a holiday about spending it with family, friends and showing your appreciation of people by providing them with items that they would find nice. Unless they are terrible people, then they get coal... or a bullet.
[He's killed people on Christmas. It actually wasn't a habit he did often. He mostly bunkered down and waited it out.]
And you're not technically wrong about the old man breaking in. You forgot the part that he's enslaved hapless animals to pull his heavy sledge across the globe.
Enough to last the winter months easily. Or I receive nothing at all because I've hit the point of terrible that not even Santa will cross me.
[There was a joke in there somewhere, but this conversation was putting him a bit more at ease. The fact Maul didn't entirely understand the implications of the holiday settled him down so he didn't experience that jolt of complicated emotions associated with the holiday at least.]
Only children tend to find him beloved. Adults grow out of the tradition, usually because their siblings spoil the magic of it.
[So, down to business. If he can get there this time.]
Did you... want to come to my place for Christmas Day? Just a few hours if you have other invitations....
Then I expect I shall receive a bushel-full myself. Why coal though?
[He doesn't quite follow the train of logic that leads to being good=presents and being bad=coal.]
By revealing to them the eerie logic of appeasing a magical god with food as he breaks unbidden into their homes?
[At least Maul's take on Christmas is rather amusing all the same.
When Reaper invites him over, this part at least he gets. This holiday is about people you care about and he suspects Reaper like him has precious few of those.]
Of course I would. I've got nowhere else to be.
[Now he's got to get Reaper a gift. He's already got one or two ideas in mind....]
Coal is the representative gift of those considered 'naughty' or having bad behavior. I can't recall why in specific it's coal.
[He just knew that he and Maul were going to have a lot of coal if Santa happened to be a real thing here. At least they could burn it and be warm... even if it was a wasted energy source.]
Well, that is one way to look at it. Does it count as break and enter when the individual in question is leaving gifts behind? That sounds like a caring adult who is doing good and mysterious work for children who might otherwise not have such gifts left for them.
[He knew that the invitation would be revealing to his growing affections for Maul. This month was definitely messing with him, but for some people, he was hard-pressed to resist.]
Is that so? Well, that's... good. I will make preparations so we can enjoy ourselves.
Interesting. Perhaps because it is like a rock, signifying their utter uselessness.
[Maul continues to have interesting ideas on the origins of Christmas traditions.]
I suppose that is also another way to look at things. Such a shame an individual does not exist in my galaxy.
[He could have used a present or two from Santa as a kid. After all, he'd always tried to be good and obedient with his master. It never helped much when it came to being abused, but at least he tried.
Maul too could feel this sensation of caring about Reaper growing tight around his heart like a noose. But he couldn't seem to stop it, especially this month when he wanted to see Reaper and cuddle up with him as much as possible.]
Good. I shall bring you many gifts.
[.....Is one supposed to announce they are bringing gifts to someone? He is very unsure. Ah well, too late, he already did.]
Coal is technically useful because you can burn it for heat. I imagine it has something to do with the fact that Santa breaks in through a fireplace and there once was coals in there, so really, he's giving bad children items from their own households with some value but not fun.
[He had lost the spirit of doing anything for Christmas, so he'd prefer not to recall a lot of the old traditions. Maul kind of forced him to both make things up and scratch at the old knowledge he hadn't had much need to think of.]
You wanted some overweight, jolly old man smashing into your childhood while you slept to eat your food and leave you gifts?
[He figured that any child who hadn't been allowed to have nice things like Maul would previously enjoy the thought. He also was fairly convinced a young Maul would try to convince Santa to take him away, which... well, that was fair given how Maul was abused over the course of his childhood.
Yet, the fact Maul was going to bring him gifts made him stall out a little. He already had planned on a gift or two for Maul, but he certainly didn't expect any in return.
So, he went with what he knew. He sighed heavily.]
That isn't necessary, Maul. And you're technically not supposed to tell the other person you're bringing gifts. I appreciate your efforts.
You people still burn coal for fuel? I forget how primitive this place can be. Every time I think I'm done discovering more ridiculous things about this planet, I get surprised again.
[Maul's voice goes a bit hesitant because of the thoughts of his childhood. How lonely and sad he'd been, wishing for someone to show him affection and kindness the way his master never would.]
Honestly, yes. It would have been nice to have received a present once in a while just for no reason at all. My master didn't even reward me with an actual bed and sheets until I was about eight.
[Also, Reaper definitely hit the nail on the head there. Maul most definitely would have asked Santa Claus to take him away from his miserable life.]
And how was I supposed to know that? I'm still learning proper protocol for gift-giving on this unusual holiday. So you will be receiving gifts whether you want them or not and you will like them!
[That last bit is said in a very imperious tone. Sorry, Reaper. He's going to make a big fuss over you and there's nothing you can do to stop it.]
No, not where I'm from, but there are still countries too poor to burn anything else. It's a rarity these days, given the discovery and implementation of hover technology. And yes, we are backwards still. Our space travel technology isn't that advanced, and the best I can claim is that humanity put a colony on the moon.
[Reaper hadn't yet admitted that they had met as children yet, that he had been old enough to understand Maul being afraid and had jumped at the chance to protect the young Zabrak. Looking back on it now, what a fool he had been. There was no way either of them would have the ability to hide for long and fighting wasn't an option for someone who could easily best Maul as a fully trained adult.]
I suppose that's why you have a life here then, isn't it? People can shower you with gifts for no reason and little motive aside from trying to make you happy.
[It would never make up for a childhood as harsh as that, but it was at least a start? He wouldn't know where to begin otherwise, besides what he and Maul had going as it was. Which, well... it was nicer than it had any right to be.]
Hence why I'm telling you. Like I said, I appreciate your efforts and no doubt any gift you give me will be painful and wonderful.
[He actually gave up trying to dissuade Maul almost immediately. The Zabrak had a nasty stubborn streak, and what was the point in telling him off anyway? It meant they could spend more time together which was what he wanted. So, win-win?]
A colony on the moon? How delightfully primitive. What ever shall they do next? Go to another planet in the same system?
[That was like the smallest and most basic of steps when it came to those able to participate in space travel. Maul sometimes felt he was on the worst backwater planet imaginable.
Perhaps Reaper could finally reveal who he'd been when they were both children. Or Maul, dense as he could potentially be, would figure it out himself. He'd figured out everyone else he'd met when he'd been reduced to a child but Gabriel. It helped there was such a marked difference to Reaper as an adult to his childhood self. Maul had appreciated the other boy's company so much when he'd been small. It had been a great comfort to the skittish little Zabrak.]
They do the same thing on other planets to honor kings and self-appointed gods, you know.
[Granted, appeasing Maul and staying on his good side was not a bad idea for the residents of Deerington to participate in. It made him much more pleasant to deal with.]
Good. I will be there around noon. I'll need time to sleep in after I finish leaving my own gifts for people in their homes the previous night.
[Did he just admit he was going to be breaking and entering into people's homes like the sneaky warrior-ninja he was to leave them gifts and potentially end up with them freaking out? Why yes, yes he did.]
Now, now, there's not need to be snide. [He still laughed in his growling dark way.] We've lost plenty of probes off in the rest of our solar system and have plenty of dirt samples. We've even put a man on Mars. He died, of course.
[He expected that if he could convince himself removing his mask was a good idea as he planned then he would also reveal his name too. The connection between the two boys could be obvious if Maul's memory was as good as his own of back then. As if Maul had much opportunity to make the connection between the lanky Latino boy and himself back then. Being 'dead' had its advantages.]
Please, you're no god. You're a man with powerful training, a bad temper, and a will to step on your opposition. That's all reasons why I enjoy your company.
[And so much more. He wasn't one to give compliments easily, so look how far they had come? He was practically giving them out for free!]
Oh, you're sleeping without me now? Well, be certain to growl "Ho, ho, ho" when you break and enter. Someone, somewhere will get the implications, and you can watch their excitement die on their face.
[Look, Reaper was all for break and enter as long as it was done right. This didn't seem bad to him at all. After all, he already done the same thing with the people close to him. They also knew what he was like and they slipping in was just part and parcel of associating with him.]
[Maul just sighs and shakes his head. Primitive. Utterly primitive.]
If ever we get back to our own worlds, I'm taking you to mine for a time. You need to experience proper space travel.
[It will certainly be an interesting time if Reaper decides to reveal himself. Maul will certainly appreciate it.
He gives a throaty laugh, amused at Reaper's words.]
You're right, of course, but that's no less reason for people to keep me appeased. I could tear this town down to its very foundations if I so wanted. Perhaps you'll help me to do it one day.
[Such flirty talk from the pair of them. Everyone who knew them would have been astounded had they seen them so soft and cuddly in their moods instead of the way that they usually were.]
I definitely will then. At least a few people are bound to be terrified once they realize what I've done.
[In fact, he was counting on it. How else was he supposed to have fun during this holiday season?]
I will see you on Christmas, Reaper. I'm certain you will enjoy my gifts.
[Especially since one of them was going to be the biggest and meanest rancor that had a bad temper. He was sure Reaper would love it.]
My, my, already planning on taking me to your world, hmm? That almost sounds like a serious commitment there. [Well, they could potentially exact Maul's revenge where it should be. He would definitely enjoy doing that.] But by all means, drag me around and show me to your haunts.
[He made a noise in his throat of interest. At some point, he hoped to test how this place would endure a real threat to it. He expected that he and Maul going on a complete murder spree and burning places to the ground would do that. It would take planning.
What a date that would be.]
Well, I'll put it on the list of things we need to plan together. It would be a venture that would test us both and I would be perfectly comfortably with you covering my six.
[They did have a very interesting way of flirting and always had. It was very refreshing where he was standing. They could talk and give into their darker instincts and never judge one another for it.]
Oh no doubt. People are scared of their own shadows sometimes. Don't scare too many people; I would hate to have to save you from another witch hunt.
[He laughed darkly again. What a first meeting that had been.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
survivalthroughhate
(no subject)
It's a holiday about spending it with family, friends and showing your appreciation of people by providing them with items that they would find nice. Unless they are terrible people, then they get coal... or a bullet.
[He's killed people on Christmas. It actually wasn't a habit he did often. He mostly bunkered down and waited it out.]
And you're not technically wrong about the old man breaking in. You forgot the part that he's enslaved hapless animals to pull his heavy sledge across the globe.
(no subject)
[Look, both he and Reaper are objectively terrible people. A whole stocking-full of coal is the least of what they deserve.]
That's terrible! Why is he such a beloved god?
[Yep, he thinks that Santa Claus is some sort of Earth god. Again, some of the traditions seem to have gotten a bit muddled in his thinking.]
(no subject)
[There was a joke in there somewhere, but this conversation was putting him a bit more at ease. The fact Maul didn't entirely understand the implications of the holiday settled him down so he didn't experience that jolt of complicated emotions associated with the holiday at least.]
Only children tend to find him beloved. Adults grow out of the tradition, usually because their siblings spoil the magic of it.
[So, down to business. If he can get there this time.]
Did you... want to come to my place for Christmas Day? Just a few hours if you have other invitations....
(no subject)
[He doesn't quite follow the train of logic that leads to being good=presents and being bad=coal.]
By revealing to them the eerie logic of appeasing a magical god with food as he breaks unbidden into their homes?
[At least Maul's take on Christmas is rather amusing all the same.
When Reaper invites him over, this part at least he gets. This holiday is about people you care about and he suspects Reaper like him has precious few of those.]
Of course I would. I've got nowhere else to be.
[Now he's got to get Reaper a gift. He's already got one or two ideas in mind....]
(no subject)
[He just knew that he and Maul were going to have a lot of coal if Santa happened to be a real thing here. At least they could burn it and be warm... even if it was a wasted energy source.]
Well, that is one way to look at it. Does it count as break and enter when the individual in question is leaving gifts behind? That sounds like a caring adult who is doing good and mysterious work for children who might otherwise not have such gifts left for them.
[He knew that the invitation would be revealing to his growing affections for Maul. This month was definitely messing with him, but for some people, he was hard-pressed to resist.]
Is that so? Well, that's... good. I will make preparations so we can enjoy ourselves.
(no subject)
[Maul continues to have interesting ideas on the origins of Christmas traditions.]
I suppose that is also another way to look at things. Such a shame an individual does not exist in my galaxy.
[He could have used a present or two from Santa as a kid. After all, he'd always tried to be good and obedient with his master. It never helped much when it came to being abused, but at least he tried.
Maul too could feel this sensation of caring about Reaper growing tight around his heart like a noose. But he couldn't seem to stop it, especially this month when he wanted to see Reaper and cuddle up with him as much as possible.]
Good. I shall bring you many gifts.
[.....Is one supposed to announce they are bringing gifts to someone? He is very unsure. Ah well, too late, he already did.]
(no subject)
[He had lost the spirit of doing anything for Christmas, so he'd prefer not to recall a lot of the old traditions. Maul kind of forced him to both make things up and scratch at the old knowledge he hadn't had much need to think of.]
You wanted some overweight, jolly old man smashing into your childhood while you slept to eat your food and leave you gifts?
[He figured that any child who hadn't been allowed to have nice things like Maul would previously enjoy the thought. He also was fairly convinced a young Maul would try to convince Santa to take him away, which... well, that was fair given how Maul was abused over the course of his childhood.
Yet, the fact Maul was going to bring him gifts made him stall out a little. He already had planned on a gift or two for Maul, but he certainly didn't expect any in return.
So, he went with what he knew. He sighed heavily.]
That isn't necessary, Maul. And you're technically not supposed to tell the other person you're bringing gifts. I appreciate your efforts.
(no subject)
[Maul's voice goes a bit hesitant because of the thoughts of his childhood. How lonely and sad he'd been, wishing for someone to show him affection and kindness the way his master never would.]
Honestly, yes. It would have been nice to have received a present once in a while just for no reason at all. My master didn't even reward me with an actual bed and sheets until I was about eight.
[Also, Reaper definitely hit the nail on the head there. Maul most definitely would have asked Santa Claus to take him away from his miserable life.]
And how was I supposed to know that? I'm still learning proper protocol for gift-giving on this unusual holiday. So you will be receiving gifts whether you want them or not and you will like them!
[That last bit is said in a very imperious tone. Sorry, Reaper. He's going to make a big fuss over you and there's nothing you can do to stop it.]
(no subject)
[Reaper hadn't yet admitted that they had met as children yet, that he had been old enough to understand Maul being afraid and had jumped at the chance to protect the young Zabrak. Looking back on it now, what a fool he had been. There was no way either of them would have the ability to hide for long and fighting wasn't an option for someone who could easily best Maul as a fully trained adult.]
I suppose that's why you have a life here then, isn't it? People can shower you with gifts for no reason and little motive aside from trying to make you happy.
[It would never make up for a childhood as harsh as that, but it was at least a start? He wouldn't know where to begin otherwise, besides what he and Maul had going as it was. Which, well... it was nicer than it had any right to be.]
Hence why I'm telling you. Like I said, I appreciate your efforts and no doubt any gift you give me will be painful and wonderful.
[He actually gave up trying to dissuade Maul almost immediately. The Zabrak had a nasty stubborn streak, and what was the point in telling him off anyway? It meant they could spend more time together which was what he wanted. So, win-win?]
(no subject)
[That was like the smallest and most basic of steps when it came to those able to participate in space travel. Maul sometimes felt he was on the worst backwater planet imaginable.
Perhaps Reaper could finally reveal who he'd been when they were both children. Or Maul, dense as he could potentially be, would figure it out himself. He'd figured out everyone else he'd met when he'd been reduced to a child but Gabriel. It helped there was such a marked difference to Reaper as an adult to his childhood self. Maul had appreciated the other boy's company so much when he'd been small. It had been a great comfort to the skittish little Zabrak.]
They do the same thing on other planets to honor kings and self-appointed gods, you know.
[Granted, appeasing Maul and staying on his good side was not a bad idea for the residents of Deerington to participate in. It made him much more pleasant to deal with.]
Good. I will be there around noon. I'll need time to sleep in after I finish leaving my own gifts for people in their homes the previous night.
[Did he just admit he was going to be breaking and entering into people's homes like the sneaky warrior-ninja he was to leave them gifts and potentially end up with them freaking out? Why yes, yes he did.]
(no subject)
[He expected that if he could convince himself removing his mask was a good idea as he planned then he would also reveal his name too. The connection between the two boys could be obvious if Maul's memory was as good as his own of back then. As if Maul had much opportunity to make the connection between the lanky Latino boy and himself back then. Being 'dead' had its advantages.]
Please, you're no god. You're a man with powerful training, a bad temper, and a will to step on your opposition. That's all reasons why I enjoy your company.
[And so much more. He wasn't one to give compliments easily, so look how far they had come? He was practically giving them out for free!]
Oh, you're sleeping without me now? Well, be certain to growl "Ho, ho, ho" when you break and enter. Someone, somewhere will get the implications, and you can watch their excitement die on their face.
[Look, Reaper was all for break and enter as long as it was done right. This didn't seem bad to him at all. After all, he already done the same thing with the people close to him. They also knew what he was like and they slipping in was just part and parcel of associating with him.]
(no subject)
If ever we get back to our own worlds, I'm taking you to mine for a time. You need to experience proper space travel.
[It will certainly be an interesting time if Reaper decides to reveal himself. Maul will certainly appreciate it.
He gives a throaty laugh, amused at Reaper's words.]
You're right, of course, but that's no less reason for people to keep me appeased. I could tear this town down to its very foundations if I so wanted. Perhaps you'll help me to do it one day.
[Such flirty talk from the pair of them. Everyone who knew them would have been astounded had they seen them so soft and cuddly in their moods instead of the way that they usually were.]
I definitely will then. At least a few people are bound to be terrified once they realize what I've done.
[In fact, he was counting on it. How else was he supposed to have fun during this holiday season?]
I will see you on Christmas, Reaper. I'm certain you will enjoy my gifts.
[Especially since one of them was going to be the biggest and meanest rancor that had a bad temper. He was sure Reaper would love it.]
(no subject)
[He made a noise in his throat of interest. At some point, he hoped to test how this place would endure a real threat to it. He expected that he and Maul going on a complete murder spree and burning places to the ground would do that. It would take planning.
What a date that would be.]
Well, I'll put it on the list of things we need to plan together. It would be a venture that would test us both and I would be perfectly comfortably with you covering my six.
[They did have a very interesting way of flirting and always had. It was very refreshing where he was standing. They could talk and give into their darker instincts and never judge one another for it.]
Oh no doubt. People are scared of their own shadows sometimes. Don't scare too many people; I would hate to have to save you from another witch hunt.
[He laughed darkly again. What a first meeting that had been.]
Yes, I will see you Christmas.