Date a Sokka! Open!

[spacebro]

Who: Mon-El, Sokka, and YOU!
Broadcast: OPEN!
Action: Bar in Berrivalia on Selvin-9
When: Now!

[The feed comes on to reveal Mon-El’s face in the foreground as Sokka sits next to him ordering a drink from a bartender, seemingly unaware of his friend’s broadcast.]

Hello, fleet! This is my first official outing as a wingman, and I’m going to need your help. We need to find this handsome, water tribe captain a mate! [He says as he puts his arm around Sokka’s shoulders and brings him into the frame.]

[Sokka was reaching out for his beer, looking forward to a relaxing night out with his friend. Then, suddenly he was pulled away from his drink and brought in front of the feed. It takes him a few moments for realisation of what was actually happening to hit him. He blinks, then turns, wide eyed to stare at Mon-El.]

Wait. What. We're doing this now?. Like...right now?

[Mon-El shrugs him off.] Okay, ladies—or gentlemen maybe—in addition to be newly older and buffer Sokka can eat concerning amounts of meat in a single sitting, wield a sword, and recite poetry. [He drops his voice as if to speak directly to Sokka, but it’s still audible.] I added that last one to make you sound more romantic.

[This was not happening. This couldn't actually be happening to him. He had to be imagining it. He stares at the screen, giving a half-robotic wave of his hand, probably staring off into space a little bit.]

Wow. No one's ever managed to sum me up in so few words before. Gee. Thanks, buddy. [He lowers his voice to a gentle hiss, waving a hand at the screen.] You know you could have warned me, Dude. This is kinda weird. People are gonna think I'm weird. [He is weird]

You’re not weird. [Facing the screen again and sounding sincere.] He’s not weird. Blame any weird on me. Honestly, Sokka is a great guy and a good friend. I can’t tell you everything good about him because there’s a lot and I’m still learning about it, but part of the fun is finding those things out about each other. So no more spoilers. I really think anyone would be lucky to be with him or I wouldn’t be doing this.

So, what do you say? Does anyone want to meet Sokka?

[This is still weird and he's still not completely convinced he wants it to go this way. Or if he's even dealt with all the baggage that comes with moving on in the first place. But Mon-El's done it now, so he's going to have to let it roll the way it is. He lets out an awkward laugh]

Aww. That was almost sweet. You are good at this. [He offers an awkward smile to the screen.] I was kind of planning to do this like a regular person, but I'm not about to spoil his...efforts here. So I'm gonna go sit in that corner with my beer and hope the wall eat me alive, cool? Cool. [He's gonna...fingerguns at you all and try to slide off screen.]

(OOC: Sokka is blue. Mon-El is red. Both boys will reply to responses separately.)

Comments

video

[alwayscomeback]

[It takes him a moment to process this- mostly because it includes the dawning realisation that Looma probably WOULD fight anyone she saw as a rival. But - ]

Oh...I didn't know you felt that way about me.

[Another pause, because he's listening to what she's telling Mon-El too and well, that sure is a thing. He's absolutely blushing as he lets out a nervous laugh. He'll never actually be GOOD at this thing. That's why he agreed to Mon-El doing the wingman thing i the first place. ]

I mean... well. I er- like you too. You're pretty awesome. No time wasted here... So y'know. That's a thing. Yep.

[tough_love]

Well, you are the favored candidate.

[And, well, only, but he doesn't need her pointing out that there's little in the way of potential competition, given their numbers.]

I look forward to your challenge! Though I advise against setting a date until you believe you are fully prepared to do so. Especially since I won't be holding back!

[Sokka what did you get yourself into]

[alwayscomeback]

I am, huh? Lucky me.

[He knows, oh he knows, but he's not going to bring it up. He'll just let his ego remain unbruised for a while. But then she starts talking about that and he kind of feels a sense fo DREAD drop into the pit of his stomach. ]

Wait. You're making that sound like I'm going to fight you? Like...in battle?

[tough_love]

Because if you are serious, you will! That is how Tetramandian courtship works!

[Because of course it is]

I am aware it is different from how your kind normally does things, but it is not something I can change.

[alwayscomeback]

...Of course that's how it works.

[Then again, he knew shitty art pieces and poetry wouldn't really work with Looma from the get-go, so he can't say he's all that surprised. He raises his hands a little, pacifying. ]

No, no. I wouldn't expect you to change that. You've gotta do you and all that. Wouldn't be fair to expect you to deal with this kind of thing like a human when you're not one.

[Is he considering doing this? He's kind of considering doing this. ]

So. Er. Do I get like...multiple attempts or is this a one-shot deal?

[tough_love]

I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but you misunderstand. It is not a matter of preference- I am incapable of falling for anyone unless they best me in single combat. Until that occurs, all I am capable of is taking note of any qualities that would make one a suitable partner- if they can defeat me.

[No but really Sokka, she does appreciate it. It's sweet. It's why she's just gonna keep rooting for you, even if she's going to be sure to fight you tooth and nail when the time comes. And there is a bright side, depending on your point of view!]

You may challenge me as often as you like- or, more accurately, as often as you are capable of. I would even permit the use of a weapon, provided I be extended the same privilege.

[Which, really, would still be his best shot, even if it exposed him to way more risk of serious injury. But, because she is fond of him, she does offer up a little bit of encouragement.]

If it is at all helpful, know that both of my previous betrotheds were also human. So it is not as desperate as you might think!

[Granted, one of them faced her when she was nearly a decade younger and a lot smaller, the other had the benefit of a high-tech alien device that let him turn into other aliens- Tetramands included. But she's still got faith in you, buddy!]

[alwayscomeback]

[A part of him wants to comment on the creepy sexism of that. That she should be allowed to fall with whomever she chooses, not because she's beaten in any way. Her's are a warrior people, it makes sense that even courtship would be forged in battle. ]

Oh...well. It's not like you're a prize to be won or anything. I mean- you should have a choice in that, too, right? Even if it's not...well romancey right off because of how Tetramands work. You deserve to be happy, too.

[It reminds him a little too much of Yue, the last thing he wants is for her to feel she's backed into a corner because of the demands of her own biology. That...wouldn't be fair. ]

But hey, good news on both fronts there! I might have half a chance, if that's what you want.

...Probably a quarter of a chance, I should get some training in or...something.

[tough_love]

[That at least does get a brief laugh out of her.]

That is hardly how many of us see things. Any prospective husbands, perhaps- but certainly no one in my position. We are most often the most powerful warriors, it is only natural we expect to be shown why we should even bother.

[It's a very...very battle-oriented society, Sokka. It's to be expected that risking any kids turning out weaker than the parents is something to be avoided.]

I cannot speak to whether or not further training is necessary, but it could only be of benefit to you. And I know I would not complain.

[You definitely got a lot better looking with those age-ups friend, but she wouldn't say no to more. For purely selfless reasons, of course.]

[alwayscomeback]

Ohhhh, so it really is more of a...proving ourselves thing than forcing you into it. Okay, I can absolutely live with that.

[ He is gonna get crushed like a BUG. He laughs, there's a goofy quality to it that's usually missing.]

Well, I'd like to give myself the best possible chance. You know, so I can at least keep fighting for a little while before you inevitably flatten me.

[tough_love]

It is still not something we can help, but yes.

[Come on Sokka, you're smaller and... probably more nimble. It's not so bad!]

A pity I have already promised to assist you in forging suitable armor. I suppose some assistance cannot be helped.

[...to be fair, it was only like. Maybe half her motivation for offering. She does also have a genuine interest in him not getting stabbed to death the next time the Atroma decided to make them stop off at a planet full of crazy people.]

[alwayscomeback]

Good, good. Consider my concerns eased.

[He is absolutely planning on using his agility to his advantage. He can say one thing, Piando taught him a LOT. He's well used to using his opponents strengths against them. He's already wracking his brain, trying to formulate a good battle plan. She's down an eye, might be easier to catch her on that side. Of course, he'd need his sword, or maybe his boomerang which would mean she'd have her hammer. He'd want to avoid that as much as he could.]

Aww~ Thanks for bending the rules a little for me, I appreciate it. I'd offer to return the favour, but I think you've got almost everything you need already.

[tough_love]

You are welcome, but it cannot possibly be a surprise. I must either bend the rules or break my word- I would have thought it an obvious outcome.

[Seriously, talk to Takeshi sometime about the things she'll own up to instead of telling even a little white lie sometime, Sokka.]

But you are correct, I require no concessions. Though I would not mind any assurances that a single defeat would not be enough to deter you.

[Because look, she likes you, but "an uphill battle" doesn't even begin to describe what you're in for, buddy.]

[alwayscomeback]

You know, you've got a point.

[He laughs, giving the camera a little salute in response. ]

I absolutely promise I won't be deterred by a single defeat. Or...probably a few dozen. I'm pretty damn determined when something's worth it. Er- someone. In this case. Which you are.

...Obviously.

[tough_love]

[It's probably a good sign for Sokka that she's taken his verbal stumblings in stride, at least.]

I certainly hope so. I have something I wish to show you, as well. And it is better you are aware of it before you challenge me.

[If only because "warhammer of doom" was one of those things no one really wanted to be blindsided by.]

You should expect me to come aboard the Blue Fish after we've left this system. I have matters I must attend to before that happens, so I cannot be certain as to when- but I will send notice.

[alwayscomeback]

[He's going to be encouraged by that, yes. ]

Ooooh. Did you get something cool from back home?

[Yes. He'd like to be PREPARED for that. Contingency plans, and all that.]

Cool, cool. I'll see you then!