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forever-rogue · 11 months

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Hey! Can I get a Din x reader where a droid goes rogue and attacks and hurts the reader and obviously as we all know Din HATES droids and this just triple enforces that? ANGST. Droids are genuinely so terrifying and I feel this would be a good plot.

AN | Please, this was such a good concept! Enjoy🥰

Warnings | Nondescript mention of injury

Pairing | Din x Fem!Reader

Word Count | 2.8k

Masterlist | Din, Main

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Din,” you caught up to him and reached for his hand, giving it an excited little squeeze, “I’ve found something exciting!”

“Slow down, cyar’ika,” you could hear the amusement in his voice as he kept you upright as you almost tripped over your own feet, “don’t need you hurting yourself.”

“Sorry,” you grinned at him, cheeks warming up as you slowed down and fell into step with him and Grogu, “I got excited - obviously.”

“Don’t be sorry,” he squeezed your hand in return as Grogu babbled happily, “just be careful - now tell me what’s so exciting?”

“I was just talking a walk around and I came across this little store,” you waved your around as you often had a tendency to do, much to your husband’s amusement, “kind of an out of the way place - don’t worry it wasn’t that bad - and they sell droids there! All kinds of different-”

“Droids,” he echoed as you offered him a sheepish smile. He’d had a long and complicated relationship with droids and you were pretty sure he was on a downward trend with them at the moment. You stepped in front of him and started walking backwards so you could grab both of his hands and look at him with a saccharine smile, “you are….what is so exciting about these things?”

“They’re all rescued and reprogrammed,” you insisted but you knew there was still a frown under the helmet, “so they’re clean slates. And they have protocol droids and gonk droids and R2 units!”

“Mhmm…go on,” he insisted softly, wondering where this was going, “tell me more.”

“I just…I’ve always loved the old R2 units,” you prefaced, waiting for his little telltale sigh, “and I think it could be helpful to have one around…you know for when we’re busy with stuff. Or I could have some company if you’re gone and I can’t come.”

“Busy,” he echoed as you nodded, hoping you were doing enough to sell him on the idea, “I don’t know…there’s no real need is there?”

“Oh Din, we could use it for lots of things!” your eyes grew wide with excitement and your smile was beaming, “and it could be fun. Plus, it’d be a rescue little droid….you do have a tendency for liking rescues after all.”

You and Grogu exchanged a look before you turned back to him. He’d found and helped nurse you back to health and ended up taking you under his wing, just as he had Grogu. Din knew you had a point and looked between the two of you, hands on his hips and finally letting out his little sigh, “okay-”

“Yay!”

“Okay, we can take a look and then go from there,” he finished and you practically jumped into his arms in excitement. You wrapped your arms around him in a tight hug as best as you could with all of his armor on, “alright, alright - don’t get too excited. No promises are being made here.”

“I know,” you promised, but deep down you knew that Din hardly ever said no to you. You pressed your forehead against the cool beskar of his helmet, “I love you.”

“I know cyar’ika,” he touched your cheek, “I love you too.”

Grogu babbled happily at both of you.

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Look at him,” your hands were clenched at your sides in excitement as you tried to appear as calm as possible. You were pretty sure (dramatic as Din would insist) that you were about to combust from the cuteness, “isn’t he the cutest thing in the world?!”

Grogu tugged on the leg of your pants and gurgled at you with a concerned little look on his face. You reached down and scooped him into your arms, placing a gentle kiss on his head. He relaxed into your touch as you grinned at him. Din, meanwhile, was much less impressed, looking down at the R2 unit in front of him with disdain.

He was an older unit, a remnant from the era of the Clone Wars, but was reset and given a second chance at life. He was more on the square side, but a pretty silver and dark pink color. In your eyes he was perfect - to Din he was a menace.

“Are you sure?” he turned towards and when he saw the big smile on your face, he already knew that this droid was the newest member of your family. You looked at him and nodded shyly, “you’re sure.”

“Please Din?” you were absolutely willing to use Grogu as a manipulation tool if needed, “I won’t ever ask for anything again. He’ll be so useful to help around the house and everything!”

“I don’t know about that,” you could detect the disdain in his voice, but you appreciated the fact that he was willing to make this sacrifice and be more open-minded, “but if it’ll make you happy, it’s worth it.”

“You won’t regret this,” you kissed the spot where his cheek would be, the smile on your face switched from ear to ear, “I promise.”

“Hmmm,” he mused softly, tracing his fingers along your jaw, “let’s get him home then and we can see what he can do."

"Thank you," your eyes grew soft as you looked up at him, "for always being so wonderful. You truly are the best."

"Nothing to thank me for," he promised, his own features growing soft under the helmet. If it hadn't been for the armor, he might have melted into a puddle. You were his weakness and he'd do whatever you asked of him, he'd do whatever you wanted in order to put a smile on your face. You and Grogu were the beat of his heart and the blood that rushed through his veins - essential. There was no life or reality which he could imagine that the two of you weren't in.

"I know," you whispered, "but still - thank you. I love you so terribly much."

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Your new droid friend, named R-4Z and affectionately nicknamed Arezy, fit right into the home you'd built along with Din and Grogu. He helped around with chores both outside and inside and often liked to play with Grogu. More than anything he was good company when you were left alone.

Left alone was a dramatic way of putting it - there were times when you couldn't accompany Din and Grogu due to either working at your little apothecary or Din asking to remain behind. It used to make your skin prickle with hurt and annoyance but you knew that it was only because he wanted you safe. Nowadays it was more endearing than anything else. Unlike your boys, you didn't possess any tactical training and weren't force sensitive. But you were the brains of the operation as Din so sweetly put it.

This particular weekend found you and Arezy by yourselves. You'd decided to give your little shop a revamp since you had the time and the season was changing. You were puttering around, giving your companion directions for a few things as you did the other tasks.

You were enjoying your conversation with your friend but after a bit you noticed that you were basically speaking to yourself.

"Arezy?" you asked softly as you walked out of the small back room and towards the front. Nothing seemed amiss at first but then you heard some angry beeping, "what's wrong, buddy?"

The answer you were treated came into the form of a sharp shock in your side, the jab making you yelp in surprise and pain. You turned around to find the droid behind you, its arm out and pointed towards you. He started coming closer and beeping angrily - it was completely different from anything you’d seen before.

“What are you doing?” you grew worried as you ducked out of his way, trying to put some distance between the two of you, “what’s wrong?”

Apparently he didn’t want to talk because he kept trying to come after you. If you weren’t worried about actually getting hurt, you might have laughed; it was probably hilarious to watch this droid rolling after you. But he wasn’t one to be underestimated either, he could deal damage if he wanted to.

Which you found out the hard way when he set out some tripwire and you…managed to trip right over it. You landed on the hard concrete with a loud oof, and untangled the wire from between your legs, trying to ignore the fact that you’d managed to scrape your knee and it was now bleeding.

Your hands were shaking but you finally managed to break free, but not before he managed to come up and give you a few more shocks. They didn’t seem like much, but they did hit deep and shook you up.

Luckily it didn’t last very long - Arezy shut down as quickly as he had turned on.

“Kriff,” you scrambled to your feet, stepping back just in case. You looked up and found Din standing there with Grogu at his side; you didn’t need to see his face to know there was a giant scowl on it.

“What happened?” he came over and took your face in his hands, looking to make sure there wasn’t too much damage. Your lip trembled with effort not to cry; you weren’t terribly hurt but you were more shaken up than anything else. You just hadn’t seen this coming. You heard him make a small sound in the back of his throat as you he took in your knee and the bruising that was already welling up on your arms, “cyar’ika…”

"I'm okay," you let out a shaky breath as you blinked back your tears, "I-I don't know what happened. He was just fine and then all of a sudden he just started attacking me. I didn't do anything and nothing happened."

He gently took your chin in his hand and turned your face up to his. Despite your best efforts, a few tears slipped down your cheeks and Din didn't hesitate to tenderly wipe them away, "droids."

"It's not," you didn't want this to further taint his view of droids, "it just happened. It was just an accident. These things just happen sometimes."

"The bad things always come from droids," he huffed as you sadly looked at Arezy, “what if…I hadn’t gotten here in time?”

“But you did,” you whispered softly, “that’s all that matters, Din. It was just…a malfunction. It’s an old droid, and I’m sure he can be repaired-”

“No.”

“Din-”

“I said no,” he said sharply, causing you to recoil slightly. He’d almost never snapped at you or spoken to you in any sort of harsh manner. Grogu had siddled up to you and hugged your leg, trying to convey the love he carried, “we’re going home.”

“Okay,” you weren’t about to argue with him when he was worried out of his mind. You knew your Mandalorian better than that. You knew that he’d come around - his heart was way bigger than he’d ever let or believed it was.

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Din had been mostly silent on the way home. WHen you stepped inside, there was a bit of tension in the air. You wished it wasn’t there, but you knew that it wouldn’t last. Things might have been bad in the moment but they wouldn’t last; the good always far outweighed the bad. You weren’t going to push him - you wanted him to come to his own conclusions.

“C’mon,” he picked you up without hesitation, causing you to make a small sound of surprise as he walked you into the fresher. You felt like you were weightless in his strong embrace.

He set you down and moved to slowly pull off your pants, after looking for permission. You sat on the edge of the tub and watched as he pulled off his helmet in order to properly study your knee. It wasn’t the worst, but it certainly looked bad.

He pulled out the first-aid kit from under the bathroom sink, and took out what he needed. You watched as he moved with care to patch up the wound, making sure it was all clean and disinfected before bandaging it up. He trailed his fingers along your arms, taking in each mark. You could see the worry and upset in those pretty brown eyes.

“Din,” you whispered his name, capturing back his attention as you put your hand on his face, brushing your thumb over his cheek, “look at me please.”

After a moment of hesitation his eyes met yours and you offered him a small smile. He swallowed thickly, “I don’t want anything to happen to you. Ever.”

“I know,” you could feel him gently leaning into your cheek, “I know you don’t, my love. I don’t ever want anything to happen to you either. I’ll keep you safe, just like you always keep me safe.”

“I couldn’t today-”

“What happened today was a fluke,” you insisted softly, “it could have happened to anyone. If it hadn’t happened to me, it would have happened to whoever else got him. That’s just it, that’s life. But the thing is, Din, you did rescue me.”

“You’re so forgiving,” he took your hand in his and pressed a kiss to your knuckles, “you always see the bright side.”

“I think it’s not too bad of a way to live,” you laughed softly, and Din couldn’t help but smile. He swore the sound of your voice was the best thing in the world, “it’s how I got you to let me, isn’t it? Look where we are now.”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head fondly at you, “I guess you’re not wrong, cyar’ika.”

“I’m not,” you insisted, “will you promise me something?”

“Anything.”

“Don’t let this one moment, this one thing ruin your perception of all droids,” you insisted and you could hear his little huff, “please? I promise this won’t ever happen again.”

“I’ll try,” he promised and you could feel that he was being honest with you, “for you, I’ll try.”

“You’re a good man, Din Djarin,” you leaned in and kissed him softly, “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Almost a month had passed since the incident and neither of you had brought it up again. You figured it was better to let things happen as they did.

But then Din managed to surprise you once again.

“Din?” you made it back from the market with Grogu at your feet, both of you carrying some food. He hadn’t come with you, insisting that he had a few things to do at home. You let yourself in and the two of you made it to the kitchen. But something was different, something was off.

You heard a few small beeps that caused you to turn on your heel to find the source of the noise. In the opposite doorway you found Din along with-”

“Arezy!” you almost dropped the goods in your arms, but Grogu was faster and kept everything from falling. You ran over to the droid and dropped your knees in order to give him a hug. He beeped merrily at you, “you’re back! Oh, I’ve missed you. I hope you’re feeling all better.”

“He is,” Din smiled softly, “I took him to Anzellans and they were able to fix him right up. There was some sort of issue with the motherboard, but it’s been fixed.”

“You did this,” you took up and hugged him. He chuckled softly before wrapping his arms tightly around, “you sweet, wonderful man. I can’t believe it…how? Why?”

“Accidents happen,” he echoed your words from earlier, “but that doesn’t mean they have to cloud our opinions of everything else. I listen sometimes, cyar’ika. I figured that if you decided that you can forgive him and move past what happened, I can do the same.”

“You’re a wise man,” you kissed his cheek, “listening to your riduur. Thank you for this. You’re…the best.”

“That is you,” he promised and Grogu cooed happily from where he was climbing onto Arezy, “I’m glad you’re happy, cyar’ika.”

“I am,” you grinned, “and I am very much in love with you too. You are everything, Din.”

“You,” he grinned as he took your face and pressed kisses all over it, “are everything. I love you.”

“I love you, Din Djarin.”

#din djarin #din djarin x you #din djarin x reader #din djarin x fem!reader #pedro pascal #the mandalorian #star wars #din djarin one shot #din djarin imagine

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theidiotwhowritesthings · 1 year

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Howdy, so I don't know if you have seen The Last of Us, but if you have, you know the scene where Joel saves Ellie from the hospital and he just ploughs through everyone and its like wow -///-

I just think it would be a really cool like drabble if this was a Din x reader fic? Only if you wanted to write it though!! Also I'm so happy that I'm on your taglist for inevitable because I jump to read it every time that I see that I've been tagged, it has me in a chokehold and the way that you write the reader is so damn good.

Your writing is something that brings comfort to me every week, and the way you interact and talk to your followers is so sweet. I love coming back from a stressful day to sit down somewhere comfortable to enjoy your work.

Anyways thanks for reading this ramble of an ask and I hope that you're doing well :)

[a/n]: combining some stuff here! this is for the anon who asked for this scene AND for @cockscombkingdom who asked for a fic in Din's POV where he takes care of reader and keeps her safe. I started with the plan to make this very sweet and fluffy and I'm not gonna lie a little darkness seeped into it. my bad.

also in case it isn't abundantly clear i am a joel miller apologist thx

Din Djarin x Female!Reader

Warnings: Violence, death, injuries, mild dark!din (if you squint and/or have a problem with murder)

Word Count: 1,440

Summary: You were selfless. You gave and you gave and you gave. The universe planned to only take more, but Din Djarin would be damned if he let it.

LOOK FOR THE LIGHT

"you'd just come after her." -Joel Miller (TLOU)

Din was worried about you. He was always worried about you because you were always on his mind. It couldn’t be helped. Somebody had to because it seemed like you were perpetually too worried about everyone else. Din admired that about you. He always had. You went out of your way to help anyone and everyone who approached. You had a heart that was always willing to give, and it left you too little to use for yourself.

When the two of you first began traveling together, he noticed that about you. Sometimes you’d get so preoccupied watching Grogu you’d forget to eat. Peli had once put you to work, organizing her tools as part of the payment to fix the Razor Crest, and you had been so focused on getting the work done well that you had taken no breaks and ended up dehydrated and weak under Tatooine’s hot suns. It’s why the mission he was delivering you to made such simple sense to him. You were special, is what you told him. Din knew you were special, felt it, but it was for very different reasons. According to you, there was something in your blood, some type of cell, that could cure a lot of people of some terrible, terrible disease spreading through a world in the Outer Rim.

Din tried to keep his distance from you. Tried to not get attached. But you were so selfless, that it naturally brought out his protective side. He couldn't help but care for you, but caring for you as a responsibility had quickly turned to loving you along the way. Din didn’t know a lot about love. Didn’t have much experience with it, lust was easier to grasp, and that left him confused most of the time. Din had no idea how to express what he felt for you, how to explain it in words, so he did the only thing he could do. Din took care of you. Kept you safe when he stopped to pick up quarries, made sure you remembered to eat and drink water, reminded you to go to bed and when you would eventually forget anyways he’d carry you there himself. Din didn't know what love was supposed to feel like, but what he did know was that being without you made his heart physically ache and protecting you brought him happiness.

Maybe that’s all he needed to know.

‘It’ll be okay.’ You had promised him with a smile that made your features glow. ‘Shouldn’t take long.’

That had been hours ago. Din delivered you to the medical facility as he had been hired, but when you hadn’t come back out he sought after you. It’s why he now sat in a small room, Imperials flanking the door, as he simmered in disdain. Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong.

“Mandalorian.” A man stepped into the room. A doctor from the looks of it with thin, round rimmed glasses. The name ‘Pershing’ pinned to his lapel. Din stayed silent. “I was under the impression that you had been paid. Was there an issue?”

“No.” Din replied. “Where is she?”

Dr. Pershing paused and shook his head as if confused. Din tilted his head a bit, an obvious threat in body language, and the doctor was smart enough to realize this. He nervously cleared his throat. “She is being prepared for her operation.” Din narrowed his eyes in confusion. You told him they’d just need your blood. “There is no reason for you to stay.”

“I promised her a ride back.”

There was a tense silence that filled the room at his words. Din watched the doctor squirm where he stood and he needed no further clarification. He shoved up from the table, prepared for a fight, when the Imperials leveled their own weapons at him before he could reach his blaster.

Dr. Pershing held his hands up in a placating manner. “She will be a hero. After we drain her of all her blood, we can make a cure. There’s a 65% chance this will work and save the people of this world.” Din was fuming under his armor. Drain your blood? They were going to kill you. They were going to kill you for something that only had a 65% chance of even working. “She will not be in pain! She’s been put under! She will not feel a thing, and we did not scare her with the news.” Din staggered back as if he had been physically hit. Was this man saying… Dr. Pershing confirmed Din’s thoughts. “We did not tell her this would kill her. We spared her that misery. She went under anesthesia peacefully.”

The words echoed in Din’s head loudly. As if a bomb had gone off right beside him and left him deaf and blind. He walked on autopilot as the Imperials escorted him through the building toward the exit. They were going to kill you. They were going to kill you for a shot in the dark cure. Din was literally paces to the door when his boots stilled. The Imperials shoved him, tried to get him to move, threatened to shoot him, and then Din snapped.

With the practiced precision of a bounty hunter and Mandalorian who spent most of his life in a fight, Din spun and cut down the Imperials in one swift movement. The darksaber glowed angry in his hands, casting threatening shadows down the hall. Never before had the sword worked so well for him, but as Din marched through the facility it was practically an extension of himself. Blaster fire pinged off his beskar and he did not hesitate. If a person stepped into his path he eliminated them. Cold. Ruthless. A predator. Din stalked the medical facility searching for you, and he left a wake of death and destruction in his path.

When he finally caught sight of you, through a window into some kind of clean room. Din felt his heart flutter in his chest. The first twinge of emotion since starting this rampage. It was a reminder of why he was doing this. A reminder that his actions were necessary.

Din stormed into the room, his eyes not leaving your unconscious form as you laid on a table in a hospital gown. The staff in the room panicked in a flurry, and one of them⏤ maybe the doctor maybe a nurse, Din didn’t even register who the kriff it was⏤ rushed him in a poor attempt to stop this onslaught. Din cut them down without blinking. Without taking his eyes off of you. The second you were in his arms, Din felt marginally settled. He wasn’t going to lose you, couldn’t lose you. Din had sworn to himself that he’d take care of you, it was all he knew how to do, and he wasn’t going to stop for the sake of anyone.

Not even the sake of a world.

As Din carried you out of the building it occurred to him that he may be dooming an entire population of people. This world’s chances of survival were dropping from 65% to 0%. He knew that he should care. He knew that this information should bother him. That it should make his steps more hesitant and make his chest ache in indecision, but it didn’t. His choice had never been more clear to him. It was either this world or you. Din was choosing you. He’d always choose you.

When back on the ship, Din had only carried you a few steps when gasping could be heard. He turned around to see Dr. Pershing at the end of the ramp holding a blaster at him. The man was breathing hard, face red, as if he had sprinted all the way here to stop this from happening. Din had to admire his dedication. The man believed in this cause so much he was willing to go head to head with a Mandalorian who had just single handedly cleared out a medical facility.

“I can’t let you do this.” Dr. Pershing snapped. “You’re dooming this world if you take her!”

A blaster fired. Dr. Pershing stumbled back, a hole in his chest, and Din held his blaster firm in his hand. Your legs draped over that arm had hidden his weapon well. A strangled gasp left the man’s lips and he collapsed into a motionless pile. Din shook his head, responding to a dead man’s words, “I don’t care.”

Din would protect you under any and all circumstances.

Was that love?

#the mandalorian #din djarin #din djarin x you #din djarin x reader #dark!din djarin #sort of #if you squint #the last of us #joel miller inspired #mando x reader #mando x you #mandalorian fanfic #mandalorian x you #mandalorian x reader #female reader #reader insert

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antianakin · 24 days

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Am I the only one who just lost any and all love for newer Star Wars material due to Jedi hate ? Like- the only merch or show or even FANDOM topic I get involved in is clone wars stuff and MAYBE TBB. Like- why would I want the watch shows who attempt to rewritte canon and portray the very heroes of Star Wars as the bad guys ?

Why would I want to watch shows that assassinate characters left and right (looking at you, Ahsoka and Sabine) ? Why would I want to buy merch of characters who I not only NOT care about, but who also are used as meta mouthpieces for stupid Jedi hate ?

I think there's TONS of good newer Star Wars material, to be honest.

I loved the Kenobi show and it is arguably one of the most pro Jedi pieces of media to have existed since the Prequels films. Aside from one itty bitty somewhat awkward word choice in one line of one episode, there is absolutely NOTHING in that show that can be used to indict the Jedi or blame them for anything and it is arguably one of the only shows to really spend time MOURNING the Jedi and recognizing the horror of what was done to them. Rebels comes closest after this, but its structure makes it a little less visceral than the Kenobi show was to me.

I really adore Visions and I recognize that this is sort-of Star Wars adjacent more than anything else, but SO LITTLE truly understands what makes Star Wars compelling as a story and really hits on those primary themes the way that Visions does. There's SO MUCH Jedi content in Visions and I remember people complaining about how much Jedi content was in Visions and other people responding that if you were given free reign to just play in the Star Wars sandbox with near zero restrictions on what you could make with it, you would probably ALSO immediately go for the psychic space wizards with laser swords. Who WOULDN'T? Visions also just genuinely has some of the most engaging and heart-wrenching stories to come out of Star Wars in a LONG while and it does it in these beautifully animated 15 minute packages. It's such a gem and I am so glad to be alive at the same time as Visions.

Rogue One is older now, but both Rogue One and Andor, despite having zero actual Jedi in them, really hinge on the themes from the Prequel trilogy about the tragedy in the Star Wars universe, stepping up when no one else will, choosing to be selfless and compassionate for the greater good, etc. Faith and hope are MASSIVE themes within these two works and even though there aren't any space wizards, good or evil, in either story, they feel like some of the most pro Jedi things Star Wars has come out with in a while based on thematic messages ALONE.

The Mandalorian's first two seasons actually have this absolutely BEAUTIFUL story about the selfless sacrifice of one man as he gives up everything in order to help this child find his way back to the culture he'd been ripped from. Everything AFTER that regarding Grogu and Din's storyline is a piece of shit (it's not explicitly anti-Jedi or anything, but it undoes a lot of the things that made their story so compelling and beautiful), but the first two seasons are genuinely GOOD and very pro Jedi in a lot of ways despite the lack of many actual Jedi characters.

The Book of Boba Fett is a terrible show for a LOT of reasons, but shockingly none of them have anything to do with its treatment of the Jedi. If it ever ends up with a season two, I desperately hope they leave Mace Windu's name the fuck out of it, but at this point it is a pretty Jedi neutral show if you're willing to deal with the rest of its bullshit.

Rebels is also somewhat older now, and it has a few lines here and there that are a tad more Jedi critical, but it is by and large VERY Jedi positive and does also follow a lot of the themes of selflessness and sacrifice that go along with being a Jedi. It also has themes of mercy and patience and facing your fears in Sabine's storyline that got entirely thrown away in her later storyline. Just thought that was worth pointing out. For reasons.

TBB is also fairly Jedi neutral, but its treatment of the clones is basically the clone version of being anti Jedi, so I'm not sure it's actually any better. It just traded hating on the Jedi to hating on the clones, and I find that just as distasteful.

I can't really speak to things like comics and novels much since I don't tend to consume them really. I've read a few of the adult novels in the High Republic Phase I and the first one was genuinely very good, but there were some relatively heavy-handed Jedi critical themes within the third book of Phase I (The Fallen Star) that put me off of it a little. I haven't continued into Phase II or III at all, so I have no idea if those themes got continued in later books. I've heard generally good things about the Padawan book, I think.

The Cal Kestis video games, Fallen Order and Survivor, also have their small Jedi critical moments, but much like Rebels, it has these massive overarching themes and messages about compassion and selflessness and sacrifice and facing your fears and mercy. They are immensely Jedi positive in a lot of ways and I really enjoyed both of them.

So out of everything I have seen (and know about) the only stuff that's truly heinously and insultingly anti-Jedi is the Ahsoka show, the Acolyte, and Tales of the Jedi. Three shows and like 30% of one book. Out of a list of like ten different shows and one film and some books and video games. It's not even really HALF of the content we've been getting recently.

A lot of people talk about the Disney era like it's ruined Star Wars, or like nothing it releases has ever been good. But it just straight up isn't true. It's a little insulting to all of the genuinely wonderful work that is being done by all of these other creators to just brush aside everything that's been coming out recently as awful and bad because some of the MOST recent things have been pretty explicitly hateful towards the Jedi. It's not fun that we had the Ahsoka show immediately followed by the Bad Batch followed by the Acolyte. I hate that, too, it feels like we're on this neverending shitshow of stories explicitly aimed at hating a group of characters for no obvious good reason. But I don't think that the last 6 months or so of bullshit should overshadow some of the really beautiful stories we HAVE gotten within the last several years.

If you feel like things are getting difficult, maybe do a "good Star Wars" marathon of sorts. Watch the Prequels, followed by the Kenobi show, then Andor, then Rebels, then Rogue One, then the Original trilogy. This one long beautiful story of people stepping up to fight against selfishness and greed and darkness no matter what.

Or go rewatch Visions or read some of your favorite fanfics and remember all the things about Star Wars that are just universally cool and compelling across the world. Hell, you can try writing something of your own! Anything! A lot of my AU concepts stemmed from spite and really helped me feel a little bit better about Star Wars when it sometimes felt like I was just surrounded by the parts of it I liked the least. Go buy yourself a cool t-shirt or some fun jewelry. Find some pretty stickers and put it on a water bottle or an enamel pin to put on a canvas tote bag or a corkboard.

Curating your fandom experience goes beyond just the internet. There's a reason I am boycotting the Acolyte and it isn't because I think Disney or its creators are going to care at all. I'm doing it for ME, because I had such a shitty time watching the Ahsoka show and it made me so miserable each week that I seriously think I will be better off just leaving it the hell alone and just absorbing whatever ends up crossing my dash from a distance. I only participate in Star Wars fandom servers that I feel safe in and only really get into discussions with personal friends who I know well. If participating in Star Wars fandom is making you sad, maybe take a step back or find a way to create your own corner of fandom that feels better. Ignore the damn Ahsoka show, pretend it never existed. Ignore the Acolyte. Ignore Tales of the Jedi. Ignore Filoni-related bullshit. Focus on the parts you DO like, or give yourself the space to remember why you liked it in the first place.

#star wars #jedi #pro jedi #obi-wan kenobi #sw owk #kenobi show #kenobi series #andor #star wars andor #rogue one #star wars rebels #rebels #anti tbb #tbb wank #anti ahsoka show #anti acolyte #visions #star wars visions

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qaxqxd · 7 months

Text

Not leavin'

♡: Din Djarin x f!reader Genre: Hurt/Comfort Warning: Tiny angst, Injuries, blood, Din being soft for reader (yes that needs its own warning), casualties, maybe ooc din, reader with abandoned issues. Word count: 1.7k A/n: I have awoken from my slumber 🫶 Summary: You've been staying with a Mandalorian who saved you, and who has been keeping you safe. You adventure out to the town, as something bad happens. You didn't want him to find out, scared that he'll leave you.

It hasn't been long since that Mandalorian saved you. You didn't know why he saved you. Actually you do. He's a bounty hunter, and the people who were chasing you just so happen to be his bounty.

He wasn't trying to save you. He just hit two birds with one stone. So you thought. You wanted to repay him for it.

"It's fine." The monotone voice came out, the beskar armor man. "Just let me repay you. I owe you my life." You had your head lowered.

The man wouldn't give in, until you saw a green little child walk around him.

He tilted his big green ears at you. He coos and giggled walking over to you. He reached out for you.

So you picked him up. He seems happy in your arms. You were good with children, and the child knew. Because he was all giggly. The Mandalorian looked at you.

You couldn't tell what he was thinking, but he seemed content.

"I could take care of him, repaying you for saving me." You uttered.

It's been about a whole year exactly. Since you and Din met. He trusted you enough to share his name. You two built a fond relationship with each other.

And… You sort of liked him too.

Also Grogu. Grogu was his child. Apparently he is a jedi. He seems to like being around you. Always giggling and cooing around you. His father seemed a little jealous of it.

It's quite funny actually. But Grogu always goes back to his father.

You landed on a semi-familiar planet. Din had a bounty hunt here. He finally allowed you to get out of the ship for once.

"You know the way back right?" He stared at you. "Of course, Din. This isn't my first time." You crossed your hand.

"And the weapons?" He speaks. "In the wall, AND yes I know the combination." You took a big sigh.

"Just worry about the bounty and the Grogu." You reassured the worried man. You stared at the T-visor trying to collect any emotion out of him.

You were going out shopping for a few things. Din gave you some credits to spend. Which you had in your pocket.

Grogu was sitting in his father's bag, strapped around him. You could see his big ears popping out.

"Do you remember the—" "Controls to lockdown the Razor Crest? Maker, yes I do." You cut him off.

He sighed under his helmet, jerking his head off to the side. "Just stay safe." He grumbles. "You too, y'know. You're the one with the mission."

"Don't worry about me." He turned around walking out. As he left you alone in the Razor Crest.

How could you not worry about him?

You looked around for a while. There were different types of things, laid out everywhere. It was pleasant to see. You were holding a few items that you already bought.

You need bacta and bandages, for Mando. But you didn't know where to find them. Usually other planets would have a type of aid store.

You eventually found a sketchy store in the corner. It sold what you needed, so you decided to go there.

Not knowing how dangerous it was. When you headed out of the store, you glance over a group of people. You just ignore them until one of them stops you.

"Don't you have something you're forgetting?" One of them asked. "M'sorry?" You frowned, gripping your bag. He reached his hand out.

"You enter our alley. Now you gotta pay." He spoke in a dark tone.

You didn't know what to do. They all had blasters. You had one too, but you probably wouldn't be able to take them on.

Or could you?

They didn't notice that you had a blaster. So you could probably take them in surprise right?

Oh maker. How wrong you were.

They left you all messed up in a corner. Stealing all your credits and stuff you bought. You stood up, all staggered. Blood drips from your scratched skin, nasty purple bruises.

Your arm was in agony, the most. You knew Din would probably be pissed at you. You didn't do much around the place. So wasting supplies and getting hurt. He would definitely cast you out.

You grab a nearby towel and wrap it around yourself. Taking a deep breath, you started walking back to the Razor Crest.

You hoped Din didn't come back already.

When you arrived back. You were let out a sigh. He wasn't there, yet. Which meant you had to clean yourself up. Your arm was still stinging.

Making it hard for you to move quickly. You got into the fresher, cleansing your body off, of all the blood and dirt.

You quickly put on some clothes that would cover your body, and wouldn' tshow your wounds. You didn't notice till now, that your legs were suffering too.

You wrap your wounds in spare cloths, not wanting to use up materials. That could be used for Din.

You lied on the cot, limiting yourself from moving much. The fatigue eventually got to you, and you slept on the cot.

Din arrives back, placing Grogu down to play around. He noticed that the door to the cot was closed.

So you must have been home, sleeping. All the worries slip away from him. You got home safe and sound.

He fixed some dinner for the three of you. Some soup that he got after the bounty hunt. He placed a small bowl for Grogu. Grogu examines the soup as he usually does.

Din knocks on the door to the cot. You woke up to the knocking. Still feeling depleted of energy and drowsy.

'Right… He must be home.' You thought.

Opening the door to the cot. You were greeted by a bowl of soup and the beskar man. You gave him a groggy smile, as you accepted the bowl.

You held the bowl with your agonizing arm, which made it hurt even more.

You struggle to stand up, and Din seems to notice that. Eventually you do stand up, but limp quite a lot.

"You al' right there?" His helmet facing your direction. "M'fine, just slept the wrong way." You let out a plastic laugh.

He didn't buy it. He stayed with you long enough that laugh was fake. He's heard you laugh before. Your pleasant laugh and generous smile.

He had a terrible gut feeling something was off. Your actions and movements felt wrong.

No, he knew it was wrong.

"So… how was it?" You started up. "It went smoothly." He stated. "That's great." You stammered.

"How was yours?" He inquired.

"It was fine." You uttered. "You seem tense." He added. He stood up which made you flinch badly.

"Are you sure you're fine?" He tilted his helmet, enough so he could eat and not reveal his face.

"Yes!— I'm fine." You belted. Grogu looked up at you. "I just need rest." You let out a frustrated sigh.

Placing down your untouch food, struggling to stand up again. You didn't notice that your cloths were leaking.

"You're bleeding." Din quaked. That's when your legs collapse on you.

What great timing.

He caught you before you landed on the floor. Adrenaline spiked through him.

'She's hurt, injured, bleeding.' Thoughts raced through his head.

All the numbing, agonizing pain returned.

"Where are you hurt?" He demanded. "Im—" He cut you off, picking you up to the cot.

"Show me." He barked. "I'm fine— really!" You gave into his demands and rolled up your pants.

You couldn't tell, but he widened his eyes. He saw your wounds wrap in pieces of cloth. He was very devastated.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He frowned through his visor.

"I didn't want you to know." You mumble.

"Why?" His tone turned weak.

"No reason." You jerk your head away from him.

"You could've used the aid-kit, (Y/N)." He sighed.

"It's a small wound, I don't need that." You muttered. He scoffed at your words. He seem angry.

He got off the bed to go somewhere. You sat there in pity.

What now was he going to leave you? Kick you out? Whatever he was going to do to you. You prepared for the worst.

He came back with the aid kit. You knitted your eyebrows in confusion. "You don't need to waste your bandages on me." You stated.

"Waste? No, you're wounded. I'm not wasting anything, cyar'ika." He quaked.

Cyar'ika? What does that mean? You knew it was probably Mando'a. Since he was a Mandalorian.

He took off his gloves, revealing his calloused hands. You watch him gently clean your wounds. You hissed at the pain. He was oh so gentle with it.

You could feel the warmth of his hands, finishing your wounds with band-aids.

"I'm sorry." You tremble. "What for?" He tilted his head up. "I— don't even know why you even keep me." You muttered. "I must be a pain to keep around."

He leans in to hold you. Wrapping his arms around you, trying to somewhat comfort you. "That's not true." He added. Wiping your tears with his fingers.

"You are a lovely person to keep around, cyar'ika." He pulled your sobbing body closer.

He continues to comfort you. He cares for you more than you expected.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" He spoke.

"I was afraid you didn't want me anymore." You mumble.

"I'd never leave you, cyar'ika." He reassured you.

"What does that mean?" You laid your head on his shoulder.

"Cyar'ika, could mean darlin' or sweetheart." He said a little flustered, you got a little flustered from that too.

"Now I have a question too. Do you mind explaining what happened?" He requested.

You explained to him what had happened, and he listened to you carefully. Hanging on to every word and detail.

Grogu climbs into the cot for support and falls asleep.

Din held you in his arms till you fell asleep. The fatigue caught up to him too.

He knew what he was going to do tomorrow morning, but right now. He needs to comfort you.

He needed you, and you needed him.

Like, reblog, or comment if you like this type of content!

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judysxnd · 10 months

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hello could u do one where you dress you and Pedro's baby up as baby yoda

Baby yoda?????? Grogu!!! Despite this little mistake I will write your request 😂

I apologize first for being away for a few weeks, but it’s been really difficult for me. I’m moving back to my parents and I don’t really like the whole situation. So it’s really tough on me, I am not really feeling good mentally. So, I don’t really do anything, I don’t play, I don’t write, I don’t read.. I’m trying, but it’s not easy.

This is relatively short, but I think it turned out to be good. I’m coming back gradually. Also, I only dressed up the baby here and not the reader like you wanted, because I thought the reader would have had to dress more like the mandolarian and not as Grogu, so that’s why. Also, first, I thought you were talking about matching pyjamas or something, so yeah here both of them would have be okay, but I wasn’t really sure so I did that. I hope you still like it!

————————————————————————————

Last week you went shopping for new baby clothes. Your little one is growing extremely fast and it’s not easy to follow. He is almost one year old, but already fits in 14months. So, it was only natural to go buy some new stuff.

You went after work, as baby boy was with the babysitter, Pedro was on set filming, so you knew you had plenty of times. You bought shirts, pants, some socks, a new pair of shoes, and some bodysuits. You were in the last shop of the mall when your eyes met Halloween costumes. You had to check it out, you’ve always wanted to dress your baby up so it was the perfect opportunity. After looking around, you saw a little costume of Grogu. You couldn’t help but laugh. Pedro will love it. Not thinking twice, you took it.

Once you were home, the babysitter left, you could finally enjoy being with your child. Smiling and laughing to your weird and silly faces, your heart was melting. It was almost 6pm when Pedro texted you that he was leaving set, which meant that in around thirty minutes he would be here.

You decided to open the costume of Grogu and change your baby. It would be such a cute surprise for Pedro. Luckily, the costume wasn’t very complicated to put on. A big brown jacket and a headband with Grogu’s ears on the side. You had a big grey basin, so you put him inside, struggling to make him stay in, but to do just like in the tv show.

Right when the door opened, you quickly put the basin on the floor not far from it, and hid behind the counter. Pedro didn’t have time to see you, and his eyes fell immediately on his beautiful baby boy.

“oh my god what happened to you?” He started to laugh. You were secretly filming the whole scene. He kneeled in front of him. Both of them were smiling. “I can see that mommy got you a nice outfit” he started to tickle him a little to make him laugh. “My little grogu, tu eres lindo” he carried him out of the basin, hugging him tight once he was in his arms. “Now, where did mommy go?” And your now little grogu pointed to the counter where we could see you a little. You laughed and got up.

“Isn’t he cute?” You had big smile, as you approached them.

“Where did you find this?”

“At the mall, I went shopping for new clothes for this big boy” you said tickling him which made him laugh. “And I found this, I couldn’t resist”

“I can see why” you both looked at each other

“Our beautiful baby boy” you were both staring at him. Instinctively you got closer to Pedro, putting your right arm around his waist, hugging him from the side, as you held your baby boy’s hand. Pedro kissed the top of your head, which made you look at him. You both smiled before kissing passionately. The sight of you kissing made your baby Grogu laugh, which made you both laugh also.

“I need to send a picture to Bella” you laughed. You let him go to grab his phone. He took some pictures of the three of you, then just some of the baby alone, and sent them to Bella.

#pedro pascal #fanfic #imagine #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal x reader #oneshot #pedro pascal imagine #pedro pascal preferences #pedro pascal x y/n #pedro pascal x you #pedro pascal one shot #pedro pascal x female reader #pedro pascal fanfic #pedro pascal fic

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rosepascal · 10 months

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pedro boys when you’re not feeling well

ft: Joel Miller, Din Djarin, Frankie Morales, Jack Daniels, Marcus Pike, Marcus Moreno, Max Phillips, Dieter Bravo

a/n: writing this in bed as i suffer from a stomach ache (maybe caused by exhausting travel day or it could be my acid reflux making my life hell idk) either way i need comfort from the boys. also first time writing a headcanon for dieter, might add max lord soon bc hes fine af

Joel Miller

Pre outbreak Joel would know exactly what to do to help. He’s dealt with his fair share of stomaches aches, fevers, colds etc. Sarah got sick a lot as a child so he knows the remedies and what makes someone feel better. He’ll cook u soup or make u toast and coax you into eating with kisses. He’ll make you drink water and let you sleep in his bed. Also gives you lots of cuddles

Post outbreak Joel still has those instincts buried in him when he sees you aren’t feeling well. He’s not as kissy as he used to be but he will do anything to help you feel better. If you even mention wanting soup or needing medicine he's out the door to get it for you. He’s a grump though so he’ll be a bit more blunt like telling u to sit and stop whining when you complain about him doing so much for you. But it comes from a place of love even if he won’t admit it. Still gives the best cuddles. You just have to ask.

Din Djarin

Mando is such a sweetheart. He’s been sick and injured himself but normally he’s on his own. Suffering by himself on his ship. But after meeting you he doesn’t feel that way anymore. Every injury is now treated by you. He never ever wants you to feel the way he used to feel so he’ll be right by your side. Returning the care and compassion you give him. He has bacta if you need it but sometimes you just have to ride out the sick feeling. He gets you whatever you want. Tasking Grogu to stay with you as he goes into town. He’ll take real good care of you until you’re back to normal.

Frankie Morales

Frankie, sweet Frankie. Oh he’s just a total sweetheart. He’s a bit of a worry wart though. Oh you should have seen him the first time his baby girl got sick. She cried in his arms and his heart broke because he couldn’t do anything to help her. He goes a little overboard sometimes. He’s at your side in an instant. Immediately jumping to the worst conclusion even if its just a stomach ache. He doesn’t like to see you sick because it worries him to no end. Even if you promise you’re okay. He probably has some cure he promises you will help that he learned in the military. But he can also make you mac and cheese and sit with you on the couch.

Jack Daniels

Whiskey is basically your maid when you are sick. He calls you a million sweet pet names as he lets you sit in his bed all comfy and brings you anything you ask for. He’ll also go to ginger for medicine, knowing whatever she can give you will have you right as rain in a day. He is a bit of a tease though. Saying stuff like “Poor baby.” and “Don’t feel good huh?” His tone is light and joking and you tend to play along. Pouting and nodding your head. Telling him that only his cuddles and that soup from the deli downtown is all you need. He’ll laugh but get it for you in a heartbeat.

Marcus Pike

Oh my god this man is the perfect partner when you are sick. At first you're pretty upset because you have to cancel your date with him. Date nights are already hard to plan given both of your jobs. He can tell something is wrong the moment he hears you over the phone. Even though you tell him that you're fine and promise to make it up to him he still shows up to your place 30 minutes later with food. He'll turn on an old movie and wrap you in a blanket and let you fall asleep in his arms.

Marcus Moreno

I feel like Marcus is also a pretty anxious guy but like Joel and Frankie he's got the dad knowledge on how to make someone feel better. Plus his mothers surefire cures. He comes after work because as much as he wishes, he can't miss work. But he's constantly messaging you to make sure you're okay. He offers to let you stay at his place but you don't want to get him or Missy sick. Though its a losing battle because both him and Missy don't care and want you around. Missy will keep you company while Marcus makes you tea and soup. The night ends with family cuddles and a lot of love.

Max Phillips

Vampires can't get sick like humans so there's no worry about getting him sick. Max wants you to feel better as soon as possible, mostly because you don't taste as good when you're sick and its not as fun for you. But also because he cares about your wellbeing of course. He's bit of a pain though because he's at work and you're texting him to pick you up some medicine and he's being a tease about it. Telling you how out of the way it is and how expensive it is but obviously he's going to get it for you. He just likes it when you beg :) He'll get you everything you ask for and more. As for cuddles he is happy to be your ice pack. He also offers to turn you so you don't have to feel like this ever again. Mostly joking, but a part of him isn't.

Dieter Bravo

Dieter will buy you all the expensive medicine and the fluffiest blankets and food from the highest end restaurant if it will make you feel better. Well it's his money but he has assistants to actually go and get it for him. Dieter is no stranger to feeling like shit so he knows what helps. Lots of snuggling in his bed, he won't let you leave unless its for the bathroom. Honestly, he's probably hungover in some capacity the same morning so its a lot of sleeping and being sick together.

#joel miller #joel miller x reader #din djarin #din djarin x reader #frankie morales #frankie morales x reader #jack daniels #jack daniels x reader #agent whiskey #agent whiskey x reader #marcus pike #marcus pike x reader #marcus moreno #marcus moreno x reader #max phillips #max phillips x reader #dieter bravo #dieter bravo x reader

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muldyfi · 1 year

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I don’t often do this, I am very team ‘Yay TV is the best and I’m either going to enjoy it or I’m not going to watch it...’ but I need to rant a little bit about the Mandalorian season finale.

I work in TV, I know stuff goes wrong. And a lot about this season of Mando felt like production issues. Obviously they didn’t have Pedro much (if at all?) and obviously Katee Sackhoff was contracted to appear in every episode which made for some weird story choices in the first two episodes (going from Nevarro to Kalevala to Tatooine to Mandalore instead of Nevarro, Tatooine, Kalevala, Mandalore which makes a lot more sense). And also rumours of stuff being cut from the finale (which it really did feel like happened).

But there were so many story things in this season that weren’t paid off.

1. The Mythosaur. I’m not saying I needed anyone to ride the Mythosaur or use it in battle or whatever, but to start with Bo-Katan saw it in the Mines of Mandalore and then got it on her shoulder pauldron and then NEVER MENTIONED IT TO DIN. That is such a weird story choice that I thought it was going to be a point of conflict between the characters but it just...wasn’t mentioned. Like if she was meant to have told him offscreen why didn’t she just tell him in Ep 3 when he woke up after she rescued him? And then to have all these random monsters attacking everyone all season EXCEPT the Mythosaur is....also very weird.

I actually didn’t want anyone to kill it or hurt it but it would have been nice for Bo-Katan or Din or the Armorer to have a moment being like ‘The Mythosaur is one of us, it’s part of Mandalore and we should respect it.’ Perhaps let the Mythosaur help them defeat their enemy. Basically a reason for it’s existence. Because right now the *only* reason it needed to exist is so the Armorer could be all ‘Bo-Katan saw the Mythosaur so she can lead our people.’ Which was also echoed in ‘Bo-Katan has the Darksaber so she can lead our people.’ Like we get it. She can lead the people.

But the Mythosaur just felt like it wasn’t paid off at all.

2. DinBo. I’m not talking about it as a shipper (I am one, don’t worry, but I didn’t expect anything to actually happen this season. No one in Star Wars gets together unless they’re dying). But why on Earth (or Mandalore) would you build this relationship so well all season, to the point of Din pledging his allegiance to her and then having Bo be all ‘Mandalorians are stronger together’ and then he leaves. What?

This was one of the best built relationships I have seen on TV in a long time. The way that they went from completely not understanding each other to strongly respecting and trusting each other. Where she became Grogu’s other parent. It’s so nice to see a healthy relationship like that. But then it had no pay off.

There needed to be a scene where she thanked him for everything. Where he told her he was leaving. Where Grogu and Bo got to say goodbye because she’s basically is mother now. Anything. Even just a ‘If you ever need me, you know where to find me’ moment. At the very least a scene of them waving at each other. Lizzo and Grogu got a better goodbye than Bo and Grogu did. This genuinely makes me (and I believe everyone else) angry.

3. The Darksaber. Okay so I’m not even going to be upset about the fact that apparently Gideon can crush a Darksaber with his hands when I couldn’t even bend the handle of my plastic one if I tried. But to me the idea of destroying the Darksaber is to prove to Bo-Katan that she can rule Mandalore without it.

It’s not the Darksaber that made her a good leader, but instead the lessons she learnt about uniting her people and trusting and relying on those around her, things she’s never been very good at. There needed to be a moment where she had a meltdown of some sort along the lines of ‘It’s gone, how am I meant to rule now?’ And Din (or the Armorer or Axe and Koska or all the above) tells her that her strength to lead comes from within and isn’t about the Darksaber at all. If this isn’t used to show character growth within Bo-Katan then what is even the point of destroying it?

Honestly this is the thing that annoyed me the most.

4. The Covert and the Armorer. All season I haven’t really been able to tell where they were going with her character or Din’s attitude towards the Covert. But in the pledging to Bo-Katan scene, when Din mentions he was told lies about the other Mandalorians I felt like that was him realising that maybe the Armorer wasn’t so all knowing, that maybe there was another way and that Bo-Katan represented that way to him.

Maybe it was just me being hopeful that he’d change his mind about his religion and take his helmet off so I could see Pedro’s pretty face more often, but if that line wasn’t about him learning that he’d been lied to his whole life I’m not sure why it existed. Honestly this point is probably more about personal taste but I still find it weird.

5. Coruscant. Why the hell did we spend 38 minutes in Coruscant? Why did we have to listen to Imperial officers chatting about Thrawn? Is this all set up for Ahsoka? Because in a season where most of the episodes were shorter than they should be what we really could have used was more time with our main characters having quiet character moments, understanding their wants and needs...which leads me to...

6. Din. Honestly this has never bugged me prior to this season, but suddenly I got really annoyed at him wearing his helmet because I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. If we’re not going to see his face, we need to have scenes where he expresses his feelings to someone in words. Otherwise we have a lead character who shows no emotions about anything and doesn’t have an opinion on anything. The most emotion we saw him have all season was when he showed his hatred of battle droids.

I’m sure the reason Bo-Katan ended up being the focus of the season was a lot to do with the fact her helmet was off a lot of the time and we could actually see her emotions. For us to feel like Din is the lead we need to understand what he’s feeling.

The appeal of the Mandalorian to me has always been that it’s simple, straightforward and fun. It’s about the love between a Mandalorian bounty hunter and his adopted son (yay!). And there was a lot of that great stuff in the finale. But it felt twenty minutes too short.

Jon Favreau needs a TV writers’ room. It is literally the job of a writers’ room to be like ‘What if we did this in this more interesting way?’ instead of just one man’s fan fiction. A group of people are always going to come up with something more interesting than one person, it’s why writers’ rooms exist.

Twitter and Tumblr were all very good at coming up with fantastic season finale plots - mind flaying Din, him being tortured and his helmet removed, Thrawn showing up, the Armorer being evil, Axe being a traitor, Bo-Katan dying and Grogu having to bring her back with the Force. All of these things that could have added a heightened emotion and stakes in the finale.

I’m not saying that creators should listen to the internet, this rarely makes for good television, but I am saying Jon Favreau as a solo writer has run his course on this story. He’s not a TV writer either and it was really obvious this season where Dave Filoni seemed less involved because he was focusing on Ahsoka.

Anyway I love this show and I will absolutely look forward to and watch any future seasons, but I was left super disappointed after the finale, despite really loving a lot of it, because it just felt too easy and too emotionally disconnected.

#the mandalorian #din djarin #dinbo #din djarin x bo-katan kryze #bo-katan kryze #grogu #chapter 24 #rant #mando

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jreads · 1 year

Text

Unexpected Constellations (Part 14)

Rating: No crazy stuff

Word Count: 6.8K

Warnings: Warnings: Angst, Mentions of blood, Canon-level violence, Dark themes, Foul language, Din being a cutie

A/N: Sorry I pushed this back for so long! It was giving me such grief but I think I am okay with posting it now. I was overwhelmed with the love from the previous part and I am so so happy that everyone liked it. As it stands, this is the penultimate part! As always, comment on this post or the masterlist to get added to the taglist. So much love 🤍

Waking up next to him was bliss. Your body felt tired and achy and sore, but his head was resting on your chest, curls tickling your chin, body pressed possessively against your own. Breathing even. It was so new to see him like this, and it had quickly become one of your favourite things. You ran fingers through his hair, nails scraping against his scalp and his sleepy groan was so deep that it might have been a purr.

“You’re so beautiful.” It sort of slipped out. You were becoming loose lipped around him.

“You keep saying that.”

“It’s true.” Maker, and his voice. Rich like sweet candy.

He huffed into your skin, arms tightening around you like a band.

You stilled your fingers in his hair. “You don’t believe me?”

No answer. But he lifted his head, brows raising quizzically, eyes still heavy with sleep. It was impossible. Intolerable.

“I mean… Have you looked at yourself?”

Din answered too matter-of-factly. “Yes. In the fresher sometimes.”

“Sometimes?”

“I don’t look at my reflection a lot.”

“Why not?”

He seemed to get fed up with your line of questioning, collapsing back against you and nuzzling into your stomach to avoid an answer. But you weren’t letting it go so easily.

“You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”

“I think you’re biased.” He kissed your navel.

You tried to ignore the flutter that went through you. “I think you’re insufferable.”

He pressed you to the bed then, hovering over you just slightly. “I guess you’ll have to suffer then. You’re stuck with me now.”

Snarky, gorgeous, unbelievable. “Can’t imagine how I’m ever going to survive—”

“Shut up.” He captured your laugh in a kiss, slow and sensual and lazy, and you lost yourself in it. You let him guide your wrists above your head, where he pinned them with a broad palm. You let him trail the other hand down your side, over the curve of your waist.

You let him, you let him, you let him.

It took the both of you far too long to make it out of Boba’s guest suite. Din had even quipped about him starting to charge rent. But eventually, and quite unfortunately, you were reminded that a galaxy existed outside of each other, and that you needed to get back to it.

Din had only told you about the Imp that morning, reluctantly. And perhaps that was lucky, because if you had known earlier, there was little chance you would have been able to sleep let alone focus on anything else. Focus on Din.

But you knew now.

What Din had done wasn’t lost on you. He could have killed the man himself; he had had plenty of time while you were still unconscious. He could have drawn it out, made it bloody. You knew he enjoyed that sometimes… when given the right circumstances… when the victim was deserving. But he had captured him instead, left him alive. Not just so you could kill him yourself if you pleased, but because he knew you needed closure. Thus, the day’s responsibilities would be far from easy and would also take some time.

A quick comm chat with Peli had ended with the lady practically demanding that she take Grogu to a podrace, and that if you two were early to Mos Eisley this evening, you ‘would just have to park your asses down in the hangar and wait.’ It was so good to hear the child’s coos from the other end of the line, though it only eased your trepidation by a fraction.

“You don’t have to do this.” Din’s presence was unyielding behind you as you made your way down darkened sandstone steps. “Say the word, and I can—”

You silenced the rest of his sentence, stopping abruptly on the staircase and spinning on him. A step above, he towered over you. Ever the protector. “As much as I’m sure you’d love to…” You rose onto the tips of your toes and caressed the indents in his helmet. “…I have to handle this myself.”

He nodded once. “I’ll be here. If you need anything—” Before he could finish, another voice sounded from behind you.

“You’re awake. I was getting worried.”

It was enough to make you reconsider the rest of the descent into the Rancor’s cave. Truthfully, you might have preferred coming face-to-face with the Rancor instead. Powerless. You had to remind yourself. He has no power here. Over you. Over anything.

With a shaky breath, you reached the bottom of the pit, advancing on a menacing portcullis. Though he was silent, you knew Din followed.

He was grasping onto the gate bars with white knuckles. He looked a sight. Usually pristine Imperial uniform now torn and singed, he was covered in dirt and dried blood. A nasty gash had crusted over on the top of his head, staining his hair. You wondered who had done it. Your money was on Boba. If it had been Din, he wouldn’t have stopped there.

“Leaving you alone with two Mandalorians and a bounty hunter?” He scoffed, as if the idea were preposterous. “Their kind are ravagers. I’m relieved you’re alright.”

To act as if he was concerned about your well-being at all was almost insulting. What was worse was the assumption that the ones who had cared for you would have put you in harm’s way. A reversal of roles… a projection.

You tried to summon an air of phony assertiveness, though your hands were shaking. Fear? Anxiety? Rage? It was anyone’s guess. “Here’s how this is going to work. You don’t insult my friends. In fact, don’t speak unless you’re answering a question. Are we clear?”

He seemed to pay you no mind. “Look at you! So confident. Perhaps those years apart were a blessing in disguise.” He seemed comfortable, assured even, but his knuckles, blanched against the gate metal, gave him away.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you… what you did in that control room. It was amazing. Magnificent.”

The control room? When you knocked him out?

“I always knew you had it in you.” His eyes were glazing over with some sort of sick admiration. “Your master would be so proud.”

The control room. The water, the cables. The electricity. Oh. Stars. He thought you had summoned lightning.

“I don’t… I didn’t.” You suddenly felt the need to defend yourself. Not to him, but to the man behind you. The one you were trying to convince that you were good. The one you were trying to convince yourself that you were deserving of.

“You don’t need to be afraid.” His smile made you feel sick, whatever calm mask you had put in place quickly slipping. “This is what you were meant for. Don’t you see? Everything we—” He was quick to correct himself. “Everything they did was for this… And look how strong you are now.” Dirty fingers reached past the bars, grasping for you. You stumbled back into Din’s chest.

He ran a hand over you side, squeezing at your hip, barely a featherlight touch but grounding nonetheless. You breathed a few times, timing your inhales with the rise and fall of his chest.

However, the Imp was now surveying the Mandalorian with a repulsed expression. Looking from him to you… and back again. He sneered. “Wow, really?” He waited, as if for an answer. “You could conquer worlds, topple governments. The galaxy would bow at your feet.” That petulant entitlement had found its way back into his cadence. “Is this what you’d throw it all away for? A trivial romance?” Disgust dripped from his words. “You could be a god.”

When you broke his eye contact, he turned to Din instead. “And you could be rich.”

“I’m not interested in credits.” There was a sharp edge in his modulated voice, a promise of violence.

“No, I’m sure you’re not. It’s power you’re after.” The hatred between the two men hung so thick in the air that it was starting to suffocate. “What is it? Planning on using her to retake your home world?” Din stilled. “Who would dare to stand against you with a Sith at your side?”

“Enough.” Your tone was sharp, but not sharp enough.

“How long has it been since your people have even seen Mandalore? Set foot on the scorched soil? I wonder what they’ll find beneath its surface.” His tone was all too knowing. Din’s mind roared like a wildfire behind you.

“I said enough.” Your raised voice finally seemed to break their murderous concentration on one another. “You don’t get to ask questions. But you can answer mine.”

His energy changed immediately. “Anything you want to know. I’ve only ever been honest with you.” A flicker of a glare over your shoulder. “But your bodyguard will have to leave.”

You could feel Din reach for his blaster. No, not the blaster… that was on the other side of his hip.

You spun, a hand on his own to halt him. “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.” There was a beat of silence as he considered. Rage, violence, bloodlust. This wasn’t Din; there was nothing of the man you knew in him. This was The Mandalorian.

“You don’t open the gate; you stay away from the bars.” His voice was hushed, steady, lethal. “He tries anything, or you sense anything, you call for me.” You nodded. Still, he hesitated.

“I’ve got this.” You ran a thumb under the edge of his glove, over the soft skin of his inner wrist. Over the pulse point. It was jumping rapidly, a sign of him. “Go.”

With what you could tell was one more glance at the man behind you, he turned, footfalls heavy, and made his way back up the steps. Before he could disappear from sight, the man spoke.

“Good. Now we can stop pretending.” You knew Din had heard it. He was egging him on. Did he not understand that you were the only thing stopping Din from shoving the saber through his throat? Or maybe that was the whole point.

Without Din’s protective presence, you instantly felt more unpredictable. You needed a moment to calm, recenter yourself. You paced in a circle. However, the Imp had other plans.

“So, this is the company you’re keeping nowadays? Bounty hunters and criminals?”

Focus. Don’t get carried away.

“You understand it, right? They’re not on our level. Nowhere near it. Completely inferior. I suppose it’s my own fault for letting you go.”

Letting you go. As if you hadn’t tried to remove his head from his shoulders in your fight for an escape pod.

“Won’t you say something? As much as I’m glad you’re okay, I’m not overly fond of the hospitality here and would like for us to get going as soon as possible.”

What?

“You think I’m going anywhere with you?” You practically hissed it. Only once he smiled did you realize you had given him what he wanted… engagement.

His head tilted. “Aren’t you? What life do you have here, amongst the rabble?”

You have one. You have one. A place, a purpose.

“Don’t you remember?” You hate his smile. You could slice lines up his face, from the corners of his mouth to his hairline. “You were made to serve.”

There’s absolutely nothing you can do to stop the onslaught of memories, the mere utterance of those words enough to shake them loose. Even through the haze of repression.

You’re shaking, so weak that you can barely keep your head from drooping. Your hands are tied with binders to the ceiling, so high that you have to rise on your toes to release the strain from your shoulder. A rib might be broken, maybe two. Not that it mattered; the droid would patch you up anyway. It always did, after every round, over and over and over…

“Let me go.” It was a pathetic wheeze, croaky and quiet.

Two of the men leer. “Sorry? What was that?” One caresses your face before rearing back and throwing a fist. You’ve numbed to the pain a bit, but you still feel the sharp sting of your own teeth cutting into the inside of your cheek. You lose purchase on the floor and hang, the impact brutal on your shoulders.

“Please.” You would beg, on your knees if you needed to. “Please, let me go.”

He’s there. Lifting your head with an iron grip on your chin. “And where would you go, dear?”

You have no ship, you can’t fly, your knowledge of planets is minimal. You have nowhere to go.

“What life could you have outside of this?”

Your head is throbbing. You might pass out.

“This is your purpose. You were made to serve. Don’t ever forget that.”

Your vision goes black.

Perhaps it’s because you were squeezing your eyelids shut, trying so hard to block out the vivid recollection. You shook your head like a crazed person, grabbing at your scalp. Like you could feel the pain. The pounding ache of having been hit too many times. Oh maker, the pain.

Breathe. You’re out. Din’s just outside the stairwell. Listen. You can hear his heartbeat. He’s right there. Breathe with him.

He was solid as a stone when you sensed him, leaned against the wall. You wondered if he could hear—probably not. You could remember what it was like to kiss him, feel his skin against your own, his hair, trace the angles of his jaw. It was so recent, so fresh. Not like the other memories. You could forget the agony, replace it with pleasure. Softness and warm pressure.

Your eyes opened in their natural hue. The Imp was clapping, a slow, sharp staccato. “Impressive. Is that a Jedi technique? Does it help to play pretend?”

Get the info. Get it done and get out. You took another deep breath.

“You answer my questions, or I walk.”

He didn’t reply, just assessed you. It wasn’t a yes, but it also wasn’t a no. But you could feel that he wanted to answer—or rather, he wanted to talk—but either way, he didn’t want you to leave. It was beyond unsettling.

“Have you found him?” Please no, please no, please—

“So, you believe me now?”

“No. I just want to make sure Palpatine stays dead.”

His smile was absolutely vile. “There are more ways than one to ensure that that doesn’t happen.”

He could be lying. Trying to extend his relevance, his usefulness. Half truths. Half answers. Always cryptic. You were so tired of this. Of the worry, the fear, of looking behind you anytime the light dimmed and the dark intensified, just in case.

You stepped closer. “What do you know?”

There was a sparkle of crazed excitement in his eyes. “I know that it’s inevitable. There’s not a single thing you can do to stop it from happening. All you can do is be ready.”

“Ready for what?” But he was already on the uncontrolled ramble of a zealot.

“I’ve made you ready. I’ll be a hero. I’ll get what I was promised. We—”

“We what?” Every muscle in your body was tensing dangerously. Warning alarms. “What were you promised?”

“Look at you.” He was breathless. “You’re perfect. I crafted you—”

He believed it. All of it. It may be bullshit, but it was the truth from his tongue. There was a pain in your chest. You wouldn’t go back. Couldn’t. Because if he was right and Palpatine did come for you, you knew that Dinwouldn’t stand aside. Grogu wouldn’t. And you knew what he would do to them, what he would make you watch him do. Din was a powerful warrior, but he wouldn’t stand a chance against the Emperor. Palpatine would break him apart.

“What were you promised?” You didn’t notice the walls start to tremble. The loose sandstone start to fall in small puffs of dust.

“The Force. I was promised the Force.” His eyes were blown wide, rimmed with red. “We would be equals. We will be.”

Shaking. Your bones, your eyes, the very structure of the palace around you. “That’s not possible.”

“Times are changing. Why do you think Gideon wanted the child so badly?”

Grogu. Everything stilled. He looked triumphant.

“I could just kill you right now.”

“You won’t do that.” He reached an arm through the bars, as if he expected you to take his hand. “Because if you do, you prove me right. If you do, you become everything you insist you aren’t.”

That was it. That was all you could take. Because as you turned for the steps, blocking out the voice behind you, you knew that he had a point. You wanted to kill him. You wanted to take your time with it. Make it hurt. And what did that make you?

You made it to the top of the steps and turned the corner too sharply, bumping into a wall of beskar. He didn’t say a word, just held you. You couldn’t find the energy to hold him back. You were still seeing flashes of imagined images. His helmet, splattered with blood. The handsome head you were just starting to become familiar with severed from his broad shoulders. Grogu’s cry of anguish. There was something numbing about the information he had given, a sense of futility to every action you had taken and would take. What if none of it mattered?

“I’m going to get some air.” You pushed away from him, and he let you go.

He had seen you through many moods recently, but never such empty hopelessness. And he felt hollow himself, watching you walk away, because he had no idea what to say to make any of it better. Din could tell you what he believed, but this wasn’t up to him. There was, however, one thing he could do. Maybe it was petty and stupid, but Din descended the stone staircase with a muted smile on his face.

The Imp was facing the back wall of the Rancor pit, kicking at a pile of picked-clean bones in the corner. They might have been human; Din wasn’t sure. He must have heard the footfalls because he called out without turning: “Made up your mind that quickly?”

“Oh, my mind’s made up.” It was satisfying to catch him off guard. “My mind was made up the second she told me about you.”

“She told you, did she?” Din had no mind-reading abilities, but he could easily sense just how much this man despised him. And he had a nauseating hunch as to why. “What, exactly, did she tell you Mandalorian? I’m curious as to which parts she conveniently left out.” He pulled down the dirty collar of his uniform. “Did she tell you about this?”

You hadn’t. But he found himself smiling wider. The pale pink scar practically stretched from ear to ear. You had tried to slit his throat. Good girl.

“Did she tell you about how she slaughtered my men? How she left a trail of blood to the escape pod? She was still young then. She murdered them like animals. Did she tell you about that?”

Din crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. He was actually quite enjoying this story.

“What about the choke? I doubt she’s learned to control it.” He cocked his head. “But, then again, maybe you’re into that sort of thing.”

Ah. “That’s it, isn’t it?” Din could tell he had struck a nerve. “It’s jealousy.”

“I don’t know what you’re—”

He pushed off, stepped forward a touch, into the light of the opening above. “You wish you were me. You wish she saw you the way she sees me. As an ally, a protector…” A vein was starting to bulge in the Imp’s forhead. “…a lover.”

He threw a fist against the bars. “You’re fooling yourself, Mandalorian. You’re like a child holding a blaster. You have no idea how dangerous she is. She’s some pretty girl to you… a trophy.” He spat at Din’s feet. “You make me sick.”

Struck a nerve. He had to laugh, though it was humorless. He still believed in your superiority, truly; next to him you were practically royalty. But you had chosen him… and that was enough. His riduur.

He pondered for a moment, about telling the Imp of the vows you had made last night, the depth of them. If only just to piss him off. But it was none of his business. He didn’t need to prove himself. So instead, he said: “You’re going to die here. And maybe she won’t be the one to kill you, but if she doesn’t then I will. And if she doesn’t want me to, then Fett will, or Shand. You won’t leave this palace alive; you’ll bleed out in that cell. That’s a promise.”

“What’s your point, Mandalorian?”

“My point is that I suggest you make peace with the things you did to an innocent girl.” He turned to leave. “And I sincerely hope you don’t believe in the afterlife.”

It was a scorching day on Tatooine, but you had been lucky enough to catch an edge of the rounded palace walls that welcomed both shade and a light breeze. It was there that you had sat for the past hour, staring out over the dunes, lost in an endless free fall of thoughts.

Since the day you escaped and crashed onto Sorgan, you had taken part in a never-ceasing internal battle between light and dark. Trying to prove to yourself that you weren’t the culmination of your history. And this—the decision to kill him or leave him alive—it played directly into that conflict. He was right. But he had to die. And it was no one’s responsibility but your own.

You heard him coming, you always did. But Din still didn’t say a word, just sat cross-legged to your left. You were both silent for a long time, the hiss of shifting sand the only sound. But you eventually leaned closer, like magnets drawn together, until your head met his shoulder.

“He’s right, you know. About me.”

“Bantha shit.”

“Din…”

He straightened and you moved your head, already loathing the loss of contact. “No. Stop. You don’t get to do this now. I know you.”

“You know who I am since I met you, that’s different.” You pulled at your scalp in frustration. “Who I was before, the things that I did—”

“You did to survive. You didn’t have a choice. With me, you do.”

“So then what about the Weequay in Mos Eisley? The crystal, Din. And on the Razor Crest when I had that nightmare, and you woke me?”

“Stop it.” His tone was harsh in a way you hadn’t heard from him very often. “I have never…” He trailed off, voice straining. “I have never met anyone like you. Who acts for others, cares so strongly, even after what you’ve been through.” You can hear his shaky inhale. “Cyare, you’re a fucking miracle.”

You were trying so damn hard to keep your bottom lip from trembling.

“Killing him won’t change that. It won’t change a damn thing. Not to me.” He cupped your jaw, turning it to face him. “You’re still you. You always will be.” A light laugh. “Even with yellow eyes.”

You managed a smile through the few tears that had already fallen. He wiped at one with a gloved thumb.

“He might be right about some things, but the depth of your character is not one of them.”

That got your attention.

“What do you mean?” He didn’t reply. “Din. What did he say to you?”

He kept stroking a thumb absentmindedly over your cheekbone. When he finally spoke, it was only a breathy whisper. “You are. Above me. I don’t deserve to touch you; I don’t even deserve to breathe your air.” It felt like you were being gutted. “I don’t deserve to want you. He’s right about that.” He huffed a mirthless laugh. “As if I could even help it.”

Oh, stars. What a fucking pair the two of you made, both so convinced you were unworthy of the other. It was almost hilarious. “This is stupid,” you said as if it was an epiphany. “That is so stupid.” You punched him, square on the breastplate. He barely even moved, but your hand hurt so badly that you had to shake it out.

That eclipsed your problems. Din Djarin, singlehandedly responsible for teaching you to trust again, for bringing you back from the brink maker knows how many times, for making you feel love and pleasure so strong it burned a hole in your chest. He thought himself unworthy of you.

“I’m going to kill him.” Din’s helmet cocked to one side at your quick change of heart. “And then I’m going to show you why that is the stupidest thing I have ever heard.”

“I love you.” Those three words, the way they rolled off his tongue, crackled through the vocoder, they were so charged with emotion that they singed through you like a blaster bolt.

He stood and then offered a hand down. “Do you want me with you?” You took it, rising to your feet and brushing sand off of your trousers.

“Yes. Please.” Always.

He only nodded. Waited for you to make the first move. And when you finally stepped ahead of him, walking back to the mouth of the palace, he had a hand on the small of your back, as if he knew the depth of comfort that it offered.

You didn’t want to keep looking over your shoulder. Because you would. If you left him alive now, no matter where the three of you went in the galaxy, there would always be the possibility of him looming, of Palpatinelooming, just around the corner. And it wasn’t just about you. This was about keeping Grogu safe too. And you would do absolutely anything to protect him, even if it meant… whatever it meant.

The roughly hewn rock cavern was cool, mercifully. Though it did little to stifle the heat of your nerves, the sweat rolling between your shoulder blades. The clamminess of your hands. Din stayed a few paces behind.

“So, what’s it going to be?” His ability to remain unruffled in the face of possible death was almost admirable. You throat was too dry to reply, so you focused instead on the gate control panel. It rose up with an unpleasant screech. You could see him assessing your own features, Din’s stance. He didn’t believe you would do it, but he was smart enough to realise he wasn’t escaping.

“Really?” His eyebrows rose. “You’re going to make him do it for you? At least have the decency to kill me yourself.” A last ditch attempt. If only he knew that your mind was made up. You reached a hand behind you, not taking your eyes off the Imp. You weren’t taking any chances. Din understood; he always did.

But you had expected the blaster. A single shot to the head and it would be over. That wasn’t what Din handed you. The handle was smooth, heavier than you expected, all sharp angles and cool steel. Harsh? Maybe. But people had been known to survive a blaster bolt.

It ignited smoothly. You swung it low, experimental. The blade hummed in response.

And suddenly there was fear—real fear—in his eyes. And oh, how it made your blood sing.

“You won’t.” I sounded like he was trying to convince himself. He gaped at you, mouth opening and closing, searching desperately for words that might spare his worthless life. “He’ll come for you!”

You advanced, rolling the darksaber’s hilt in your grasp. Palms slick with sweat. “You’re delusional.” You wish you believed it more. There was no fanfare, no grand moment. You drove the darksaber through his chest without pause, without hesitation. And it didn’t feel wrong. It didn’t feel evil. You were glad to see the light leave his eyes. But the words he uttered in his last breaths would stay with you for a long time, rousing you from nightmares for years to come.

“The master… needs an apprentice.”

You looked majestic holding the saber. It didn’t seem as heavy for you as it did for him, perhaps because you were already used to the weight of power. Din felt pride swell in his chest like a blooming flower.

The symbolism that the Imp had put upon his own death was bullshit, but he had known it would affect you, cloud your judgement. The truth? It was that he deserved to die, brutally, and that regardless of who made the killing blow, it was justified. Din only thought, fleetingly, that it was too easy. That he deserved a slower demise, more painful. That perhaps your actions had even been merciful. Maker knows that if Din had been the one to do it, his methods may have blanched even Fett’s already Sarlacc-bleached skin.

He had crumpled to the floor, the edges of his wound glowing slightly as the skin cauterized. You were heaving, lost in the moment of death. So he brought you back, and hand on your elbow snaking to your hand, helping you to extinguish the darksaber. You let it happen, leaned into his touch. Turned to him and smiled, because it was over, because this time he wasn’t coming back. He loved being the one to center you. That smile was haunted, tinged with some far-reaching darkness that he knew wouldn’t pass easily. But it wouldpass. With time.

“Let’s go get our kid.”

You nodded, and he watched the stiffness ease from your shoulders. You looked tired. So tired. Din pulled you into his chest.

“It’ll be okay.” He would burn the galaxy down to ensure it.

You went to take a shower. You had stumbled over your words, trying to explain why. Din had stopped you, knowing the reason innately, having experienced it himself. A need to wash the deed off, to clean the blood that hadn’t even stained your hands. He sought out Fett while you were gone, thanked him, refueled the Crest.

They were both quiet as they worked, a lack of words available to describe what they wished to say. Finally, Boba broke the silence.

“Take care of her. Protect her. She needs you. They both do.”

Din nodded in acknowledgement, not trusting himself to speak stably. Boba seemed to catch on quite easily, stopping his tinkering with one of the hull’s new outer panels.

“I know what it’s like… to feel like you don’t deserve happiness. After everything you’ve done.” Din stilled, hand hovering over the fuel tank lid. “Learn to be selfish sometimes, Djarin. It’s the one thing you’ll never regret.”

Fett didn’t wait for a reply, clapping him once on the back before moving to exit the hanger. “You’ve always got a landing pad with us. Don’t forget that.” His murmur of thanks came too late; Boba had already left.

The shower had only half helped, but seeing Din again, bent over and fussing with wiring, was much more effective.

“Need a hand?” He jumped a little; you must have been too quiet on approach. “Sorry.”

He rose to full height, and you shrunk under what you could tell was an assessing look, even with the helmet. “How are you feeling?”

“Better now.”

His head tilted. “Be honest with me, please.”

You sighed, because of course he could read you. “I’ll be okay.” He was too quiet, probably running through ideas of how to put a smile on your face. The idea of it was enough to do just that. You swore that you could see his stature loosen. “Let me help with the cables. Your hands are too big.” You swatted Din to the side, crouching over the panel he had been studying.

“The ramp’s been fussing. I came in too hard when I landed, probably shorted something. And the cockpit door doesn’t close. Um. It’s dented.” You knew why. But the information made you study him, looking up into the dark T of the visor. Fennec had told you briefly about how he had practically stormed the palace, leaving a trail of incapacitated Gamorreans in his wake in his rush to get to the throne room. ‘Panicked,’ Shand had said. You had never seen him panicked before, even when the kid had been taken. Always cool and calculated.

Wires momentarily forgotten, you rose steadily and circled your arms around his middle, cheek resting against that divot in his breastplate. He stiffened at the suddenness of your movement.

“Thank you. I haven’t said it… I don’t say it nearly enough.” His body felt nice in the circle of your arms, warm and sure and real. You could feel the shudder of his inhale as he hugged you back.

You had pushed your boundaries with him recently, physically. But this… the simplicity of being able to curl your arms around each other, share breath, feel his heartbeat on the other side of a beskar plate, and know what it meant; you wouldn’t trade it for a single thing.

And to think that you thought you might never experience this. Such an all-consuming type of love, a fierce protectiveness, a family.

Maybe the stories had been right; perhaps the stars did align sometimes.

Even with all the events of the day, Din and you were early to Mos Eisley. The suns were getting low, but only enough to cast that warm reddish glow upon the sand. You both sat on the ship’s extended ramp, looking out towards the street. It regaled you with memories of only a few days prior. And how impossible it seemed that so much had happened in such a short period of time.

Din had kissed you before opening the Crest, once… twice… more times than you could count. Your lips felt swollen, but you doubted you would ever get enough of him. The crowds were getting louder as spectators made their way back from the podracing track, their ruckus travelling into the landing bay and echoing off the walls. It was… nice. Really nice. One thing could make it perfect.

A shrill cry stood out over the commotion. One that you knew all too well. He tried his best to run towards you, short legs tripping over the long fabric of his cloak. You and Din met him halfway, scooping him up from the sand, dusting it off his clawed feet. Grogu cried out in joy, and you tried and failed to stop the wave of emotion before it crested. Because from him you felt such love that it bore a hole straight through your heart. Love and happiness and bone-crushing relief.

“He was worried about us,” you told Din, laughing through blurred vision. You were holding the child in your arms, and Din was holding you in his. Grogu messed with your earlobe with one clawed hand, and the fabric of Din’s cowl with the other.

So this was what home felt like.

“We’re good, Grogu. We’re okay.” Din was fussing with his ears, such a tender motion. “Hope you minded your manners, kid.”

Peli’s high pitched voice cut through the moment. “Well, what am I? Chopped liver?” All three of you looked up at the same time.

The tiny woman had both hands on her hips, a fond smirk across her lips. She closed the distance between you. “Kid’s an absolute joy. A menace… but a joy. You two sure you don’t have any more galaxy-wide adventures you need to take care of?”

Din squeezed your waist. “We’re on sabbatical. Extended leave.”

She nodded in appreciation. “Good. Take them both somewhere real nice then. Five-star resort, renowned chefs, the works.” She muttered under breath: “Maker knows you can afford it.”

Grogu cooed. You wondered if he was starting to recognize the word chef, given its association with his absolute favourite word, food.

“Something like that,” Din answered. You hadn’t really discussed you plans to follow this, your priority having been getting the kid back. It didn’t matter too much to you, not really, not as long as you had the two of them at your side.

He had already punched in the coordinates when you came up behind him, Grogu on your shoulder, your hand on his own.

“Can I ask something of you?” You were wearing the vambraces. He was momentarily speechless, forgetting you had just posed a question. They fit perfectly. He wondered, awestruck, just how the Armourer did it. She had once said that each piece speaks of its wearer as she strikes it into shape. He wondered if she saw you.

Beautiful. And all his.

“Din?”

“Anything you want.” His voice was breathy, caught off guard. Your bashful smile was heavenly. He wanted to kiss you… kiss the beskar… fuck you with nothing but the gauntlets on. Grogu squawked sharply at the both of you, as if to say ‘Get on with it.’

You laughed, before the smile faded into something more muted. Apprehension, curiosity.

“I want…” You fiddled with the tattered edge of his cape, toying with a hole in it, taking a deep breath before meeting his eyes again. “I want to go see Skywalker.”

“I thought you might say that.” He noted your look of well-camouflaged surprise. “There’s a box for you in hull storage, when you’re ready.” He knew that you knew what was in it. He was going to get choked up if you kept looking at him like that. Din spun back around to face the dash. “I’ve got to redo my calculations now.”

“I’m sorry.” He had to smile at the dismayed tone of your voice.

He was quick to reassure. “Don’t be. It’s the right choice. I’m proud of you.” He let the words settle and it was quiet in the cockpit for a time, apart from Grogu’s occasional babble, which was starting to sound concerningly more like actual words. Maker, forbid.

As he circled Tatooine and emerged into the inky blackness of space, you asked: “Where were we going to go?”

He grinned under the helmet. “I’d rather keep that a surprise for now, if that’s alright with you?” You probably knew anyways; you could probably guess.

You slept with him.

Not like that; you were both a little apprehensive with Grogu only metres away. The pram was closed, as was the door to the cot, but it was still new. Simply sharing a bed with Din, however, was just as nice.

He snored—albeit lightly—but it made you smile. He had tugged the helmet off once the kid was asleep and had let you run your fingers through his tamped-down hair. He had said you were fussing. You had told him to shut it. So he had fallen asleep with his head on your lap, a broad hand curled over your knee. He had bent his spine at an impossible angle, but you could wake and shift him as soon as you put this damn datapad down.

You were looking up Luke Skywalker, ‘doing your homework,’ as Din had said earlier in a gruff and sleepy voice. However, it had only worsened your nervousness. He was a hero, known across the galaxy for his role in the defeat of the Empire… of the Emperor. He stood against everything you were taught, a figure of unyielding good in the face of what was once impending darkness. Practically a deity. Would he loathe you? Because you might remind him of his past, what he fought against, what he lost. Or would he be sympathetic? Vader was his father, after all. Would he understand corruption, a turn to the dark for survival, because there was no other choice? Would he see you as someone who could be redeemed?

You sighed, sweeping a hand across your face. Your vision was starting to go unfocused, eyelids getting heavy as you fought against your own fatigue.

“Put it down,” he mumbled, squeezing your knee. “I can hear you overthinking; it woke me up.”

That made you laugh. “No, it didn’t. Liar.”

Din grunted and rose on his elbows, plucking the tech from your hands and depositing it in the makeshift hammock above. He then grabbed you by the hips and dragged you down, until you were flat on your back. You yelped. “Sleep.” It was a command.

You couldn’t have resisted even if you wanted to. Because he had caged you into him, arms winding around your waist and tightening. You melted to fit his body.

“Love you.” It was barely intelligible, just a string of syllables muttered into your neck, but it was enough. More than enough. It was everything.

“I love you, Din,” you replied. He hummed in satisfaction.

You left your worries behind for another night.

Taglist: @that-girl-named-alex @aavengingbucky @prismaticpizza @blub-senpai @a-phan-of-youtube @jaguarthecat @lizajane3 @come-hell-or-eldren-fire @graciexmarvel @soobinsrose @simply-maggie @alwaysdjarin @minky77 @tinytinturtle @tae27 @groguspicklejar @slightlyuglierbeyonce-blog @willow-t @abbyhaslongshorts @andrewshotspot @racetrackheart @leithatnight @messageinadaisy @lostinsideourminds @wren-2-d @goth-cowgir1 @aphterthoughtt @sleeplessskeleton @teawrites01 @dashlilymark @imherefordeanandbones @sunshine96 @kalea-bane @http-onie @focusedarrow @tremendum

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mandalorianchronicles · 1 year

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Just some initial thoughts here, I'll write more later...

First of all, yeah - I was a little disappointed that they didn't have any sort of goodbye/good luck exchange, and I would have felt that way whether I shipped Dinbo or not. After everything they've been through this season, it seemed a completely reasonable expectation. But instead of fretting about it, I feel that the writers made an intentional choice to show the viewers that their story isn't over. There was no need for "goodbye" because they're going to be in and out of each other's lives so much over the next season(s). Like, yeah - he's got a little cabin all his own on Nevarro, but he also has a home on Mandalore and a home on Tatooine whenever he wants to be there with his friends. We'll get the payoff with that bottle of wine next season.

Din's story with Mandalore is far from over, so there was no need to conclude it. Grogu sensing the Mythosaur and it sensing him in return is all the proof you need for that. Grogu is a Mandalorian now and learning the bounty hunter trade just like Boba did from his father (and still practicing his Force techniques). Din is working as an independent contractor for the Republic Carson Teva, rooting out any Imperial threats in the Outer Rim, which makes him the first line of defense for his people. He's doing what he knows, but he's doing it for two purposes: raising his son as a Mandalorian and protecting his home. His pledge to Bo-Katan still stands. She is the Mand'alor, which means by creed that when she calls, he comes (and maybe vice versa since I believe she feels equally loyal to him).

I knew from the beginning that this was going to be a slooooow burn romance if they ever fully develop it, but Din is still her first knight and she is still his liege lady. That didn't change. In the meantime, we just do what we always do in-between seasons: write fanfictions, create artwork, compose meta, and edit music videos.

That cabin on the outskirts of town though...juicy stuff is gonna be happening there on ao3.

#the mandalorian #din djarin #dinbo #bo-katan kryze #the mandalorian spoilers #mand'amour #guys...chill #it's only season 3 #we've got years

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darthpotater · 1 year

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Welcome Home

It’s been years since Luke last felt that presence through the force— something he didn’t think he would ever feel again, a feeling that always gets him weak in the knees; a feeling he has missed oh so much.

fem reader insert

Warnings: t*rture was implied once

A/N: hello, i hope you enjoyyy, i needed some luke lovin so. also this got quite long so i apologize for that and im planning on wiritng a sequel for this, to maybe fill in the blanks and stuff but other than that, i hope you enjoy!!!

“I don’t think I could ever get tired of this view. Sure, this planet’s boring and I’d do anything to get off this planet but it sure has it’s perks.” You sigh contentedly as you looked into the distance, watching the twin suns set. Luke chuckled as he looks over at you, smiling at you in awe. “I don’t think the sunsets are the only perks this planet has.” He chuckled before leaning in to leave a soft, lingering kiss on your cheek. You glance at him, a smirk resting on your lips. “Sure, the blue milk’s good too.” You chuckle, making Luke let out a hearty laugh. You felt your heart do somersaults in your chest at the sound, it definitely felt like music to your ears. You’ve been with this farmboy for quite some time now but he still made you feel all sorts of things.

“C’mere you.” Luke smiled as he pulled you closer to him. You immediately snuggled up to him, back against his chest as you both sat on the rocky hill. He wraps his arms protectively around you and places his chin on your shoulder as the two of you sat in silence for a few moments, going back to watching the setting suns. You reach up to lazily play with his hair, smiling when you feel him lean against your touch, snuggling into it. Your smile widened when you felt him leave another tender kiss on your neck, shuddering slightly at the feeling. “I hope you know how much you mean to me, my love.” He mumbled as he stayed there. “You’re the only one I’m holding onto to keep me from going insane, especially on this rock.” He added with a small laugh. “And I promise, one day, I’ll take you and we’ll explore the galaxy, watching every sunset together.” He added as he pulled away, prompting you to look up at him.

His bright blue eyes twinkled under the faint light of day, and when you thought they couldn’t get more beautiful, you were always proven wrong. You turned around in his hold slightly, giving you better access to his face as you reached up to remove a speck of sand from his cheek. He closes his eyes once again at your touch, something he does often and you found it oh so endearing. Your hand remained on his cheek as your thumb lazily caressed his skin. “I love you.” He whispers with a smile as you bring him down to plant a soft kiss on his lips. You smiled when you felt him tighten his hold around you. You pulled away and laughed when you saw his cheeks were now beet red.

“You’re doing it again, y’know.” You giggled. He tries hiding his shy smile as he pretends to not know what you were talking about. “Doing what?” He shrugs as he looks around. “You blush every time we kiss.”

“I don’t.”

“You are, right now.”

“No I’m not. That’s just… sunburn.”

You let out another laugh. “Oh Skywalker, what am I going to do with you?”

His eyes connect with yours once more. “Love me forever.”

You smiled softly, “I can do that.”

Luke opened his eyes and immediately sat up at the sound of Artoo’s whistles. “Oh hey, Artoo.” Luke smiles faintly as he runs a hand down his face. “Yeah, I’m okay. Was just resting. Where’s Grogu? Is he asleep?” He asked as the droid began rolling away. “I’ll head back soon, I’ll just finish up here.” Luke said, smiling as Artoo replied with a series of beeps and whistles. When the droid was out of earshot, Luke lets out a sigh as his eyes focused on the sunset in front of him. He smiles faintly at the dream he had before looking at the empty spot beside him— your spot. “Oh, my love.” He calls out quietly as he lays back down onto the grass. “You would’ve loved this view.” He added as he looked beside him, as if you were there with him. “I’m so sorry.” He added quietly as a single tear trickled down his cheek.

It’s been years since he lost you. After the battle of Endor and when the Empire found out that you were force-sensitive, they made it a point to separate the two of you as their last try at taking down the Rebellion. He tried saving you— he did all he can but it was not enough. Presumed dead, Luke felt like his heart was ripped out of his chest, when he saw you laying there, lifeless. He wanted to run to you, hold you one last time but they had to go; he had to go. Han was pulling him into the Falcon before the Empire could get to them.

“Luke, go.”

“No, I’m not leaving you.” Luke hissed, the Skywalker stubbornness coming out. You shook your head, “I wasn’t asking. Luke— they want you not me. They get they’re hands on you, they win. We didn’t work and fight our asses off for them to win. You know that, more than anyone. We worked so hard to fight and we can’t let all that go.”

Luke shook his head, “No, there has to be another way.” You sighed as you took his face in between your hands. “You know there’s no other way, my love.” You smiled faintly as you examined his face, possibly for the last time ever. “We cannot let them win.” You said before leaning in to give him a passionate kiss. His hands snaked their way around your hips and pulled you close, as close as he possibly could. You felt his tongue swipe over your lower lip as your hand found its way to massage the back of his head. You didn’t want this to end, you wanted to stay in his arms forever. When you two pulled away, foreheads touching, you leaned in and gently rubbed your nose against his, him doing the same. “”I love you, Luke Skywalker. Now go be that Master Jedi we all need. I’m rooting for you. Always.” You smiled as you pulled away, tears threatening to spill form your eyes. He looked at you one last time as Han marched over. “Alright kids, as much as I don’t want to ruin this moment, we have to go. Now.”

You nodded. “Han, please take Luke. I’ll buy you some time.” You said as Han furrowed his brows. “Nuh-uh, you’re coming with us.” Han argued. “Han, I’m not playing games. Take Luke and go.” You ordered, voice firm. Han had become a big brother to you over the years. The brother you never had but always wanted. Sure, he was annoying but you were thankful for him anyways. You could see it in his face that he didn’t want to leave but he knew that this was what needed to be done. “Now go.” You ordered as you unhooked your lightsaber and igniting it. Han grabbed Luke’s arm and escorted him down the hallway.

Luke could remember it vividly. Like it was ingrained in his head forever. He remembers watching helplessly as you graciously sliced through Troopers and deflected their blasters, all on your own. The way you used the force so effortlessly is a sight he will never forget. Between the two of you, you were always the fast learner.

But then everything happened so fast. Luke was still trying to process everything happening around him when the explosion happened. He remembered stumbling forward as the floor shook. How Han was yelling for the rest of the rebels to fall back. Luke didn’t care if his ears rang or if he was bleeding, he was busy looking back to see if you were okay. When he did, his knees almost gave in when he saw you laying there, bruised and bloody. He screamed for you as Han dragged him into the Falcon. His heart broke into a million pieces as Han jumped into hyperdrive. He sat there, staring blankly as he felt like half of himself was taken away; and that's exactly what they did to him.

Luke now stared at the sky, littered with millions of stars, wishing you were right there with him, in his arms once again. Thinking of how much easier rebuilding a Jedi Order would be if you were by his side. He was deep in thought when the loud sound of a starship entered the atmosphere. He sat up and watched as an unfamiliar ship plummeted into the nearby forest. Luke jumped up onto his feet and ran toward the ship to investigate.

As he ducked under fallen trees, he could see the ship in the distance, enveloped in smoke. He carefully approached, lightsaber in hand as he used the force to search for any kind of life forms but felt...nothing. With brows furrowed, he holstered his saber before walking closer to the ship to examine. And that's when he felt it.

His eyes went wide when he felt the familiar presence, the same presence that gets his knees buckling and heart racing and swelling with so much love. Never in a million years did Luke ever think he would feel that again. "No, it can't be." He whispered to himself as he desperately looked around, looking for a familiar face; looking for you, the love of his life.

He turned around and was immediately tackled down, lightsaber inches away from his neck. Unfazed, he looks up at you and could not believe his eyes. There you were, on top of him, alive and breathing, holding a lightsaber dangerously close to his face. He watched as realization hit your face, and your eyes softened as you studied his face. "L-Luke?" You squeaked, immediately deactivating your saber. You got off of him, making him immediately sit up. The two of you sat there, staring at each other, trying to process what was happening.

And without another word, the two of you tackled each other, this time with a tight embrace. Luke immediately buried his face into your shoulder as he pulls you to sit on his lap, trembling slightly as he felt the emotions wash over him. He wrapped his arms tightly around your waist as you rested your chin on top of his head, holding as tight. Luke shook his head, trying to convince himself that this was not a dream but reality. "Maker, I missed you so much." You whispered into his hair as you left a kiss on top of his golden brown hair. He nodded, agreeing as he peppered your shoulder and neck with kisses. You smiled, tears now brimming your eyes as you pulled away to look at him one more time.

"You're alive. How? I don't understand. I saw you that day— If only I've known, I would have—" He started to ramble but was cut off as you crashed your lips onto his. You smiled when you felt him melt into you, hands gripping your waist tightly. You cupped his face, soaking up the feel of him. Your hand massaged the back of his head, gripping his hair ever so lightly, making him whimper in return. Your tongues danced effortlessly with each other as you held onto each other for dear life. In need of air, the two of you finally pulled away, foreheads resting against each other. Luke leans in and rubs his nose against yours lightly, making you giggle as tears now freely fall from the both of you. You pulled away and took the time to examine his face intently. You reach up to wipe a tear as it trickled down his cheek, smiling when you see him lean against you. 5 years have gone by since you've last seen him and although he grew a bit older and some things may have changed, he was still your beautiful, blue-eyed, whiny, blue milk loving farmboy.

He was the reason why you survived all those years with the Empire, the thought of him was what you held onto as they did unimaginable things to you, trying to convince you to join their side. You told yourself that on the day you two finally reunite, you would thank him for being the hope in a time of despair; the light in a time of darkness for you.

"Thank you." You whispered, leaving a soft kiss just above his ear. He shuddered before pulling away to look at you, brows furrowed, making you laugh. "For what, my love?" He asked, "There's nothing to thank me for. I... I failed to save you, to rescue you. I should've returned for you, if only I had known—" You playfully roll your eyes before kissing him to shut him up. "You've done enough, love. You've done so much, please believe me." You added, as you cupped his face once again, giving him a quick peck. The moon now stood high, perfectly hitting Luke's face, giving you a perfect view. "Luke, are you... blushing?" You asked with a smile and he immediately looks away. "No."

"Maker, you still blush when we kiss!" You tease, laughing as you two began to get up from the ground. "I am not! It's just—"

"Don't you dare say it's sunburn, Skywalker." You smiled, wincing as you stood up, the adrenaline beginning to die down and the pain coming back. "Also, you think you have bacta patches to spare? I think I'll need a kriff ton of em." You sighed as you felt that you still could not put any weight on your leg. Luke throws your arm over his shoulder as an arm slid around your waist, pulling you close to him. "Whatever you need, my starlight, I will give. Let me take care of you."

You looked at him, only to see him admiring you with so much love, no point in arguing. You nodded, leaning into him, letting him guide you back.

"Also, where are we?"

Luke smiled as he stopped in his tracks, making you look up at him. You could tell he was still in disbelief that you were right there with him again. Kriff, you were too. "Home. You're home." He continues as he brings a hand up to caress your cheek before leaning down to give you another passionate kiss. "Welcome home, my love." He whispered.

And he was right. You were home, because wherever Luke is, that's where home was.

#luke skywalker #luke skywalker x reader #luke skywalker imagines #star wars #luke skywalker fanfiction #luke skywalker fanfic #luke skywalker fluff #star wars fanfiction #mark hamill

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nomdayplume · 1 year

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More Nomad fanart because I am insatiable @clints-lucky-arrow

Yeahhh

What can I say, I’m still inspired. Plus I wanted to draw a Chiss and Xi’an.

Again, Nomad is my version of a starwars assassin, she’s got that night sister vibe😎

I totally based Hancor off of Homelander from The Boys cause it was all I could think about when I imagined a sultry Chiss guy. He just gives off that homicidal charm y’know? I also love the absolute tension when he’s part of the scene😩 it’s always fun to see a snarky fireball of a character get absolutely embarrassed in front of the love interest they’re trying so hard to maintain the image in front of. Definitely some of my favorite parts of the later chapters!

Also I love drawing baby grogu and I’ll prolly keep doing it cause he’s teeny tiny. I loved the scene of Nomad singing to him it was so wholesome and comfy.

Xi’an was also a good time to draw she got those teef!

That is all for now, I’ll prolly draw up some more stuff soon!

#nomad #the nomad #nomando #the mandalorian #the mandalorian/reader #the mandalorian x reader #x reader #self insert #din djarin #din djarin x reader #mando #fanfic

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kyberblade · 1 year

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Back To You (Din x Reader) - Part 15

A/N: It’s finally here! This was so much fun to write, and I’m gonna miss Ahsoka after this part. These two idiots are just so smitten for one another, everyone can see it, and for the love of everything, they need to just…. AHHHHHHH!!!! Moving on. There is more show dialogue in this one. Also, once again, there is some lore in this that @writerlyhabits wrote in a fantastic short, and I loved it so much, I asked if I could use it.

(This takes place right where the other one left off and goes to the end of episode 2x5/13, The Jedi.)

I do not own Star Wars or it’s characters. Sadly. But I carry them in my heart. Does that count for something? My soul says yes.

Warnings: Tooth rotting fluff, Grogu being the cutest thing you ever did see, and Din is once again a warning in and of himself in this one. Typical show violence. Swearing. Space swearing. The reader being a badass. Mando’a.

Word count: 11,084

As always, thanks to @grippingbeskar for encouraging me, looking over this for me, and being the one to introduce me to Din fanfiction in the first place, getting me hooked. You are fantastic and I always love our chats.

Thank you to @what-the-heckin-heck for coming up with the brilliant idea that morphed into Peli’s shop scene, @fordo-kixed-rex for your endless hours helping me over goodness knows how long since I started this, and @dontletyourchildrenwatchthis, @lloweryourstandardss, and @kurlyfrasier for reading this over for me and letting me know I’m not crazy. And @deceiver-of-gods for helping with the Mando’a.

Previous | Series Masterlist | Next

Xxx

Walking up the ramp of the Crest, you let the bundle of armor fall to the floor with a thud once you reached the top.

“Ugh!” You huffed. “I am so glad I don’t have to lug that around every day.”

“Hey, it’s not that bad,” Din protested softly as he tucked the kid into his hammock bunk.

“Yeah, well, you’re used to it,” you grumbled, hands on your hips as you looked around for anything you might need in a few hours when you met back up with Ahsoka near the village. “You all but grew up with that armor, you developed the muscles. You don’t see me asking you to do stuff with your mind, do I?” You lowered your voice to mock his playfully as you quoted his most recent assessment of the Force.

He only grunted.

“No. Exactly.” You had begun gesturing with your hands as you strode over toward your satchel where it sat on a crate. “So leave me and my puny non-Mandalorian muscles out of this, thank you very much.”

The bunk door slid closed with a hiss before you heard Din’s heavy sigh as he turned to face you. “Mesh’la….”

“No, no. It’s fine, Din. We all have our strengths. Yours are being physically strong, brave, and smart…. While mine are,” you looked up to face him with a sarcastic grin, “a laser sword, moving things with my mind, oh! And I’m great at exploding things.”

He sighed again, walking over to you and gripping your upper arm firmly. “Hey.” He tilted his visor to the side when you finally looked up at him, eyebrows raised expectantly. “You’re also amazingly sarcastic, don’t forget that.”

You narrowed your eyes at him. “I know you are being sarcastic….” You smiled. “But I’ll take it.”

Din just shook his head at you with a soft snort of laughter, turning toward the weapons cabinet to choose a few options for later.

With a wave of your hand over the panel, the bunk door hissed open, revealing the sleeping child to you. With a quick trace of your finger along the length of one of his ears, you quickly closed the space back up after whispering, “Sleep well, ad’ika.” (“Little one.”)

“Do you need me to carry your saber again?” Din’s voice was muffled as his top half was buried in the weapons locker rifling through various contents.

“Nah. I’m not gonna bother concealing myself again this time.” He looked at you over his shoulder, pausing his search for a moment. “I’ll wear a cape, but that’s it. It’ll keep it concealed enough, I’m not worried about it.”

“Are you sure?” He stood up straight, turning to face you. “I don’t doubt you, but if anyone recognizes you, it’s going to complicate things.”

“When are they not complicated?” You sighed, pulling the satchel over your shoulder, shifting through its contents as you continued. “If anyone had my puck, they’d already be making moves, wouldn’t you think?” You lifted your gaze up to hold his.

“If they were smart,” Din agreed. “But not many of them are.”

Chuckling softly, you continued to pull items out of the bag, setting them to the side. “Well, if they aren’t, we’ve got that going for us, as well.” Pulling one of Din’s blasters out of the bag, ignoring his double take between the weapon and his locker behind him before his head tilted at you, you went on, gesturing with it in your hand. “I’m glad you’re keeping an eye out, really Din, I am. I…. I honestly keep trying to forget about that stupid bounty.”

He closed the few feet between you, gently taking the blaster from your hand before returning it to the cabinet.

“But I’ve lived my whole life in fear - especially growing up - because of what I am, what I can do. You…. You’re the first person outside my family I told about it.” He looked over his shoulder again, tilting his visor at you. “And after these last few months with you and the kid, strengthening my abilities and using them for something actually worthwhile, something that is altering the course of the kid’s life, of my life, I….” You brought your eyes up from where they had been studying the floor to hold his gaze. “I don’t want to hide anymore.”

Din closed the distance between you again, making you lean your head back to keep looking at him in the T of his visor. “That’s something I can understand more than you think.”

Darting your eyes back and forth where you thought his to be, you felt a small smile climb your face. How in the stars you had ended up friends with a soul so like your own was a mystery to you. For so long you’d felt alone, drifting through life from moment to moment, pouring drink after drink for person after person, then he walked in, and everything changed.

He caught your eye, not just because of his shiny armor, though you’ll admit that played a part, but because of the way he carried himself. Sitting alone in the back of the bar, watching, waiting, as the world moved all around him. Not lonely, not searching for another to share in the day with, but searching for something all the same.

And he found whatever that was in you.

He walked up to intervene between you and the Twi’lek, and your souls both said this one. I like this one.

Once he’d scared the lowlife off, you had worried he would disappear as quietly as he’d come, like a shadow slipping into the night, lost to the dingy streets of that lower level hell. But something made him linger, just long enough for you to say something stupid, something that made him laugh, and you’d never liked a sound more. He stood there just long enough for you to listen to the small voice at the back of your mind trying to whisper to his; stay.

Those next moments melted into hours, into days, into years. Though he would leave in between, he was never far from your mind, making you smile with just a thought his direction.

Your apartment started to look like a museum, artifacts of a well traveled life spread on every surface, yet you’d never left the planet. Things that made him think of you decorated your life, filling in the dull, lifeless spots you’d come to accept as part of the furniture. Parts of your life you’d accepted as a boring blank wall now dripped with art and tapestries, flashes of color filling in the void.

You’d smile whenever you walked through your door, greeted by trinkets left by someone who cared. He was everywhere you looked, never out of sight, and absolutely not out of mind. You’d wonder where he was now. Was he okay? Did he need help? Surely not, he was good at what he did, but there was that time he came in with a slight limp…. He’d brushed you off, mesh’la, I’m fine, but with one look he sighed and accepted the ice you were trying to rest on his knee wrapped in a small towel.

And this will make you better.

He’d snorted at your response, adjusting in his seat slightly as you brought a small stool around for him to prop up his leg.

A thousand and one memories are rushing through your mind as you study every line of his helmet.

“What are you thinking about?” Din asked softly, his hand coming up to cradle your cheek.

“You know me. A little bit of everything,” you hummed quietly, smiling as you leaned into his touch, your eyes fluttering closed for a moment before they returned to his visor. “But mostly you.” He let out a soft huff, gently shaking his head before you brought your hand up to his cheek in a mirror of his own. “It always comes back to you.”

Xxx

A few hours later, as it was getting dark, you met Ahsoka on the edge of the forest, just out of view of the city walls.

The plan was simple. She would go in, claiming that Din had failed in his attempt on her, at which point they would probably open fire and pursue her. Once you heard blaster fire start up, Din would fly both of you into the town square by the prisoners, where you would set them free before splitting up.

At a quick glance, the pale purple of your saber looked close enough to her white, so the goal was to be a decoy through the city streets, drawing focus away from her and distracting them to give her an opening to strike. Not that she needed it, but it would make things go faster.

Din would hold the gate to the Magistrate’s inner area, keeping it clear of guards and pedestrians.

“Here, take this,” he spoke in a low voice, removing his pauldron with the mudhorn on it. “Use it as proof.”

Unclipping your knife from your belt, you handed it to her. “This, too. It was on my belt earlier and has the signet. Everyone knows about Mandalorian clans. They won’t think twice.”

You could feel Din’s eyes on you, his armor clinking slightly as he turned his visor down your way.

“That knife has saved our skin multiple times, are you sure?”

“So you admit it’s a decent weapon?” You smirked up at him.

He grunted. “No. Just…. Don’t disarm yourself before a fight.”

Your smile faded to something softer. “I’ll pick it up on our way in.”

Ahsoka looked between the two of you with an amused grin. “If that’s all settled, let’s begin.”

Xxx

You and Din watched from the tree line as Ahsoka ran through the shadows, drawing the attention of the guards on the wall. She ran straight for them as they began ringing an alarm, slipping through the low rolling fog along the city walls then scaling them as if it was nothing, before igniting one of her sabers. The commotion that followed made you start to smile.

“You’re enjoying this,” Din said in low amusement behind you, his modulator buzzing right in your ear.

The faint screams of the guards as they fell under her saber, the soft buzz of the blade whooshing through the air…. Ahsoka turned to the last guard standing, and they cowered away from her, turning to run after a few backwards steps.

“I am. Seeing someone wielding their ability so effortlessly…. It gives me hope.” You turned your head just slightly to catch a glimpse of him before turning back to the city in chaos. “Someday I’ll be able to do that, too.”

“Cause havoc?” He chuckled.

“No. Well, yes. Not just that.” You smiled. “Be in control. No voices, no bad feelings, no shaking crates or….” You darted your eyes over to him quickly before looking back forward. “Or pushing people I care about away. Literally.” Your eyes fell to the ground as you tightened your arms over your chest, rocking on your feet as you continued quietly. “I’m sorry about that. Again.”

“It’s already forgotten,” he said in a low voice, stepping closer to you, his chest pressing along your back. Slowly his right arm came around your waist, holding you tightly to him. “You ready?”

“What do you mean, there’s no-” The city lit up as the sound of heavy fire erupted. “Blaster fire….” You finished quietly.

He chuckled softly, his arm cinching tighter. “Hold on.” Once you were in the air he yelled to be heard over the wind. “Don’t forget your knife.”

“I knew it. You love that thing,” you teased.

“Don’t start,” Din groaned, hitting the accelerator to cover the last little bit before crossing the city wall.

Din flew the two of you low over the city streets, dodging blaster fire as it criss crossed the lanes, moaning softly as bolts pinged off his armor now and again.

You caught a glimmer in the middle of the street up ahead, blaster bolts catching the signet on your knife and Din’s pauldron in little bursts. Narrowing your eyes, you honed your focus, feeling time slow down around you, the world streaking by in long blurs of movement. As Din flew over them you reached out and effortlessly pulled them the few feet to you, the handle of the knife landing firmly in your palm while his armor hit the other.

Time sped back up as you turned in Din’s grip, attaching the beskar back at his shoulder, knife still in your hand.

“You’re getting that awfully close to my face, mesh’la,” Din grumbled, glancing at the knife blade inches from his helmet.

You scoffed, finishing with the armor before tapping the blade to his beskar. “And you are one hundred percent safe.”

“Doesn’t feel like it.”

Letting out a huff, you smirked as he turned a sharp corner, coming up in front of the gates leading to the Magistrate’s inner area.

Guards stood with rifles drawn, aimed at the prisoners.

“Get ready for a bumpy landing,” Din mumbled.

“Isn’t it always?”

Din pinched your hip once in retribution before he dropped you the few feet down to land on the edge of the area as he kept moving through the air, planting both feet on the chest of one of the guards.

Touching down on the ground, taking a quick few steps forward from the momentum, you hurriedly looked around at the prisoners, making a move to let the nearest one down. You immediately drew your blaster and shot one of the remaining guards without a second glance as Din shot the one he knocked over.

Hurried footsteps shuffled in behind both of you, and he rounded with his blaster drawn, but you were quick to intervene. Dashing over to lightly rest your hand on his chest, drawing his attention over to you. “It’s just him.” You glanced over your shoulder to offer a small smile to the old man from earlier in the alley as he held his hands up in surrender, letting out a heavy breath of relief as he returned the grin.

Din nodded at the man, who returned the gesture still wearing a small smile, before you all went about letting the prisoners down.

“Thank you,” the man mumbled at your back.

“You're welcome.” You unfastened the restraints around the feet of the nearest captive. “He wouldn’t have shot you, though. He’s on top of it all. It was just an…. Instinct, I guess.”

He chuckled softly as he helped the man down. “Well, keep trusting your instincts. They’re on to something, I think.”

Letting out a soft huff with a gentle shake of your head, you turned to face Din as he let a prisoner down across the way. “Mando.” Once the woman was firmly on the ground, his hand going to the middle of her back to help stabilize her as she wobbled slightly, he turned his visor toward you. “I need to go.” You gestured over your shoulder with a jerk of your head.

Helping the woman lean against the pole she had been up on, holding her hand as she lowered herself slowly to sit on the ground, he quickly made his way over to you once she was stable. “Are you sure?”

“You ask this every time, when are you going to tru-”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” he growled. “You know I trust you.” He shifted his weight before continuing in a quieter voice. “I’m just asking if you have everything…. Your blaster, your saber….”

“Go on….” A smirk was climbing up your face.

“Don’t make me say it.”

“Oh, I am absolutely going to make you say it.”

He grunted before taking a deep breath. “Your knife.” He grumbled it so fast and low it was almost unintelligible.

“Nice try.” He grunted again, making you shake your head as you pulled your cloak back to show him your belt. “Yes. Got everything I need right here.”

“Jedi,” the woman he’d helped whispered, drawing both of your gazes her way, finding her staring at your belt with wide eyes full of hope.

Looking down you realized she had seen your saber.

Before you could say anything to dissuade them, all of the prisoners began murmuring quiet words about the Jedi, how they were saved, thank the stars, thank the Force, we’re safe, and finally. The words swam around you in a quiet din, painting a soft picture of hope in the otherwise dismal city, lights behind their eyes igniting for the first time in you didn’t know how long.

Looking around, you couldn’t find it in you to tell them no, but you didn’t want to prove them wrong.

Din’s hand on your arm pulled your attention back to his visor as it peered down at you, tilting to the right just slightly. “They know what they see. They see you.” He gave your arm a gentle squeeze. “Ne shab’rud’jetiise,” he said quietly, making you smile. “Slanar.” He gestured behind you with a jut of his chin, giving your arm one more firm squeeze before letting go. (“Don’t fuck with Jedi.”) (“Go.”)

“Ib’tuur jatne tuur ash’ad kyr’amur,” you said with a grin as you stepped away from him, walking backwards. (“Today is a good day for someone else to die.”)

“Jate,” he called, also walking backwards, before turning to walk towards the older man who had helped, holding one hand up in a wave. “K’oyacyi!” (“Good.”) (“Stay alive!”)

“I will if you will.” When you heard Din’s snort of laughter you turned to continue on to the next part of the plan. Darting down an alley, you reached out, trying to sense where Ahsoka was. Making a few quick turns in the darkness, you pulled up abruptly as you came around a corner to see a slew of guards trying to tiptoe through the streets.

Pressing your back against the structure behind you, you tried to even your breathing. Somewhere in the night, several buildings over, you heard more guards screaming, and the whirring of lightsabers. Peeking around the corner, you saw the group of guards standing frozen in fear, faces turned toward the sound.

Smirking, you lifted one finger at your side, and with a flick sent some debris on the side of the street skittering, drawing their attention away from where Ahsoka was. As they investigated, you flicked your finger again, sending a push to one of the guard’s shoulders, making him stumble back a few steps.

“Don’t touch me,” he hissed to the one next to him.

“I didn’t,” the other responded, agitated.

“What do you mean you didn’t? What else could it have been?”

They were getting in each other’s faces now, so you gave them a little nudge, sending them colliding into one another, their heads smacking the other unceremoniously. As they collected themselves, cradling their helmets where they had hit, moaning, they swore all manner of curses and colorful language at one another, getting to their feet and drawing in the few other members of their troop to try and break up the squabble.

“It’s her,” one of them hissed to the two, making them stop short. “She’s getting in your heads. Stop-”

“No, he pushed me.”

“I didn’t-”

“Your friend is right.” You slowly stepped away from the wall, coming where they could see you, saber tightly gripped in your hand at your side. They raised their weapons at you, scrambling to get into some sort of formation. “Well, partly. It wasn’t her. It was me.”

Silence curled around you like your cape as it slowly billowed in the breeze.

“It wasn’t you. You’re no Jedi. You can’t-”

With a flick of your wrist, the soldier went flying backwards, thumping against a wall and sliding down with a moan.

“You caught me. I’m no Jedi,” you held your hands up by your head in surrender, smirking when you saw them become uneasy at the sight of the saber in your hand. They didn’t even notice the soldier you’d sent against the wall suddenly being jerked into an adjacent alley by an unseen force, and they seemingly missed the sound of a saber igniting briefly before the muffled sounds of struggling stopped. “But I’m me. And I can still do this.”

Turning your upheld hand just slightly, all of their weapons clicked as you disengaged them wordlessly. They all held their weapons up to inspect them before trading worried glances. One of them went flying up before slamming back down into the ground, moaning.

“That was me,” Ahsoka said, stepping out of the shadows behind them.

In just a beat of silence, you exchanged a glance with her, reaching out to help distract and divide them with more forceful nudges and pushes as she took them down easily with her sabers. Once they were all still on the ground, she closed the distance between you, disengaging her blades.

“There’s more across town. It’ll be faster to go over the roofs.”

Clipping your saber to your belt, you couldn’t help the small smile starting up your face. “I think I know just how to get up there.”

Taking a deep breath in, you closed your eyes and felt the ground fall away as you leapt backwards onto the roof of the building you had been leaning against. Stumbling a bit once you opened your eyes, you looked around with a grin. “That will never not be amazing.”

Ahsoka laughed softly as she walked to the edge of the roof, peering down into the street below. “To make it across the gaps, you have to do the same thing, focus, but keep your eyes open.” She turned to look at you. “You have to keep your guard up. Yes, this is a relatively easy fight, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get caught off guard.”

You nodded, taking a few steps back to get a running start to follow after her as she leapt across the space. Watching the ground fall away beneath you again, your robe rippling in the wind as the other rooftop grew closer by the second, you decided to keep your eyes open every time from now on. Landing on the tiles, you took an extra few steps from the momentum before you came to a stop next to Ahsoka who looked at you expectantly, eyebrows raised.

“How was that?”

You grinned. “Wizard.”

Her face melted into a matching grin before the two of you took off in a sprint, dashing across the rooftops like they were stepping stones. She’d drop down every now and again, taking out a straggling guard here and there. You rolled your eyes at how dramatic she was being, sneaking up behind them and igniting her sabers just inches away before striking. It still made you smile, though.

Holding up her hand to stop you on a rooftop near the edge of the city, she looked down into the lane below. Looking at you, she pointed to the opposite end, speaking into your mind to not alert the troops down below. “Go to that end. After I run across this opening, you run across that one. Rattle a few things to get them turned around. Run fast. With speed and our capes for cover, they won’t be able to tell the difference between us. When they are looking your way, I’ll take care of them.”

Nodding, you silently made your way to the edge and dropped down out of sight of the soldiers. You couldn’t help but smile to yourself as you thought about telling Din how good you were getting at being stealthy.

Something rattled in the alley behind you, making you jump. Hand going over your heart as you glared at the rattling lid of a trash container, you narrowed your eyes. “Ahsoka,” you bit out, feeling something like amusement floating your way through the Force.

Once all the guards were looking your way, Ahsoka sped across the opening, making them spin on their heels, rifles raised. You dashed across your opening, pulling their attention back, and out of nowhere a creature screeched and skittered away down the alley the opposite direction. As they stared after the creature, Ahsoka snuck up behind them, smirking as she held up her sabers in front of her, making them look like one magnificent blade she was pulling apart by sheer will.

After it was done, and it was just the two of you left in the alley, you slowly walked up to her as she clipped them back to her belt. “Am I ever going to get to ignite my saber today?”

“Any day that you don’t have to is a day well spent.”

“True. But you’ve barely seen my saber. It’s magnificent.”

“Are you sure that kyber has been quiet since you picked it up? Because it sounds awfully loud right now.” She smirked at you.

You scoffed teasingly. “This coming from the woman who has waved her’s around with as much flourish and flash as the top levels on Coruscant.”

The smile still on her face, she leapt onto the roof to head to the next area. “The next ones, you can show them your blade. See what happens. You’ve made me curious, now I need to see it, too.”

Landing next to her before following across the rooftops, you sighed playfully. “That's all I ask.”

After about three roofs, she signaled you to stop, holding a finger to her lips in a cue for silence. Looking down you saw the head of the guard who had let you into the city, and the two assassin droids. Ahsoka motioned you to a roof adjacent from where she stood, and you leapt soundlessly. “I’ll get their attention. You draw the droids away if you can. Use your saber like we talked about, the droids won’t know the difference.”

She ignited her sabers and was quickly under fire from the head of the guard. She leapt down into the alley, cutting his rifle in two and blocking fire from the droids. Running up a wall, she leapt and cut one of the droids in half before jumping up on the roof again, instantly disappearing into the shadows.

“Get up there!” The man ordered the droid, who promptly pulled itself up onto the roof.

Igniting your saber from the roof across the way, you began to run like you had been, jumping from rooftop to rooftop, sending bolts back towards the droid as it turned to follow you, thinking you were her.

“Wait a minute,” the man said softly, looking between where you were and Ahsoka had disappeared. “Leave her!” He ordered the droid harshly. “It’s a decoy. Follow me.”

The droid obediently began hopping back across the rooftops, following after Ahsoka as the man disappeared into the shadows.

“Kriff,” you muttered, disengaging your saber, keeping it in your hand as you followed at a safe distance.

You were quickly back in the center of town, the man and droid nowhere to be found.

Din was ushering the last of the prisoners into a nearby house. “Get inside,” he said softly.

Movement out of the corner of your eye caught your attention, and you turned to find a lone guard sneaking closer, rifle raised as he closed in on the Mandalorian.

“Hey! You!” Yelling to get his attention, you sprung into action as soon as the guard turned to look up at you.

Leaping off the roof, you wrapped your legs around the shoulders of the soldier, pinning his arms down as you brought him to the ground. He tried to squirm out of your grip, but you were quick to get to your knees, grabbing his shoulders to pull him up before slamming him back down as hard as you could, knocking him unconscious.

Looking up toward Din as you caught your breath, he stood exactly where he had been. His hand on his blaster but otherwise relaxed, looking at you as his head tilted slowly to the right.

Shrugging, you got to your feet, brushing your hands off before turning to the guard and dragging him off to the side by his shoulders. Once you were back in front of Din, you let out a heavy breath. “I didn’t like the way he looked at you.”

“Oh.”

“Don’t look at me like that.”

His head tilted the other way. “How would you know, mesh’la?”

“I have had to learn how to read you for years, Din. I speak fluent helmet.”

Din scoffed.

“I do! That’s how I knew our friend back there,” you pointed to the soldier still unconscious in a side alley, “had bad intentions for you.”

“Really?” His voice was dripping with amusement, his visor straightened out to look down at you fully.

“Mmm-hmm.” You raised your eyebrows. “I don’t need to see a face to know these things. Comes with the Tin Can territory.”

Before Din could respond, movement behind you drew his attention away, and he looked over your shoulder, making you turn and look, too, finding the head of the guard standing in the middle of the street. Din slowly stepped in front of you, standing between you and the man.

He glanced down at the saber still in your hand, eyes flying up to meet yours before they went over your shoulder, and you found yourself turning yet again to look, finding Ahsoka standing on the edge of the wall dividing the Magistrate’s area from the rest of the city. The wind whipped her cloak around her viciously as she held the man’s gaze before she turned and dropped down on the other side of the wall.

Looking back to the man, a rifle held ready in his arms, you noticed Din had quietly drawn his blaster. Clipping the saber back to your belt and crossing your arms over your chest, your gaze bounced between the two of them in the loaded silence until finally the man spoke.

“So, you threw in with the Jedi.”

Din glanced over his shoulder at you, his head tilting just slightly in amusement before he turned back to the man. “Looks that way.” You couldn’t help but snort softly in laughter. “Two of them, in fact.” The man scoffed. “Come to think of it, three. My son was gonna be one a few decades ago….”

“Decades?”

“Yeah. He’s older than me.” He began motioning with his hands in reference. “He’s about this big, huge ears, green…. Doesn’t like you at all.” Din’s blaster rattled with his movements, still gripped firmly in his hand. “I keep him around for a lot more than luck.”

“That…. Thing?!”

“His son,” you corrected the man in a bored tone, shifting your weight to one leg.

“Our son,” Din amended firmly.

You stared at the back of his helmet, fighting the urge to smile.

The man scoffed. “Oh. So you did more than just throw in with them.”

“Hey. Buddy,” you started, lowering your arms to rest at your sides easily. “He’s got the upper hand here. I wouldn’t press his buttons if I were you.”

“You’d know a thing or two about that, wouldn’t you?” He practically sneered.

You nodded. “I would. But I don’t have to actually press anything.” When the man narrowed his eyebrows in question and Din groaned knowingly, holstering his blaster with a shake of his head, you lifted one hand, letting your fingers tickle the air teasingly. “I just have to….” With a flick of your wrist, a piece of fruit from the nearby vendor’s table flew through the air, smacking into the back of the man’s head.

He lifted a hand to cradle the impact, turning and looking, only to do a double take when the table was empty of anyone to blame. When he turned back to face you, his eyes went wide, finding several pieces of the fruit floating in front of him where you had floated them over his head out of his line of sight. He looked at you briefly, eyes going wider still as you smirked before flicking your wrist again, his eyes turning back to the projectiles as you sent the fruit forward to pummel him in rapid succession.

“Do you think he gets it?” You asked, looking at Din.

“No, I don’t think he does,” he mused, his voice tight with held back laughter.

“He does, he does! I mean I do, I do! Stop!”

On the other side of the wall you heard the sound of Ahosoka’s sabers powering up, quickly followed by the sounds of kyber striking beskar. The spear. A buzz hummed through the air as the two met and held, resisting the other firmly. Then silence. Quickly, a pattern formed with their grunts and the clashing of weapons echoed faintly off of the walls of the inner area.

The man held his ground across from both of you, eyeing you more skeptically now after the fruit. “You seem familiar.”

Smirking, you signed to him in Tusken. “Do I?”

He let out an aggravated huff, rolling his eyes. “Of course.” Turning his attention back to Din, he changed the subject. “Who do you think’s gonna win?”

Din held his ground, not moving an inch as his arms hung easily at his sides, his weight on one leg like this was a casual conversation. As subtly as you could, you angled yourself more towards him, moving in closer just a bit.

“Could be your side….” The man continued, beginning to move forward slowly. “Could be my side.” The fight continued in the background.

Din inclined his head ever so slightly as the man got closer.

“I got no quarrel with you, Mandalorian.” He finally looked your way again, something like annoyance in his expression. “Or with your…. Friend.”

“That’s far enough,” Din said calmly, one hand coming up to gesture the man to stop, his other moving to hover over his blaster, teasing the air as it itched to grab the weapon.

You heard the fight surge briefly, the sound of one saber disengaging before a faint plop of water. It took all you had not to jump over the wall and try to help, but you knew Ahsoka knew what she was doing. You’d probably just get in the way. You were needed here.

“You and I, we’re a lot alike.”

You narrowed your eyes at the man. “You are nothing like him.”

He ignored you. “Willing to lay our lives down for the right cause.” He eyed Din’s hand as it flexed over his blaster, his gloves creaking with the movement. “Which this is not.”

The sound of beskar thudding to the ground and all sounds of fighting coming to a stop filled the area.

“Sounds like you win,” the man admitted, going to lower his rifle to the ground. He watched Din closely, too closely. As soon as Din moved his hand further away from his blaster, the man released his rifle and pulled a blaster out of the back of his belt.

Without thinking, you drew your own blaster and shot, an explosion of sparks coming off his armor at the impact. The man flew back several feet, landing on the street, motionless.

“I had it!”

You turned at Din’s exasperated voice to find him with his blaster also drawn, smoke curling from the end.

“Well, now we’ll never know,” you mused, smiling slightly as you holstered your weapon.

Din spun his blaster quickly around his finger in a flourish before slipping it back in his belt without a glance.

“Show off,” you mumbled, turning to find the old man who helped earlier opening the door you’d seen Din ushering everyone into earlier.

He gave both of you a nod with a small smile, which you returned. His eyes suddenly went wide as he looked over your shoulder. “Behind you!” Why was everything behind you today?

Without a thought, both you and Din drew your blasters, turned, and fired up at the roof, dropping the last assassin droid in a sparking, smoking pile of scrap.

“I had it!” You grumbled to Din, trying to do what he did earlier by spinning the blaster but it didn’t work, so you just shoved it into your belt.

“If I agree with you, will you never try to do that again?” He pointed to your blaster with his own before showing off once again, finally holstering it at his side.

“What do you think?” You hissed at him, rolling your eyes.

“I think it was painful to watch,” he mumbled, looking around to make sure the area was clear.

You huffed at the slight, turning away just a bit in annoyance, seeing the man lying in the street, and getting an idea. Smirking, you walked over to him. “Fine.” Stooping down, you picked up his rifle. “But if that’s the case, I’m just gonna need a bigger weapon. More function, less painful for you to watch.”

Din groaned. “Not this again. It’s like your knife all over again. Put it back.”

“Hey, you admitted that knife has come in handy.”

“Not in so many words.”

Slinging the rifle over your back by the strap, you smirked at him. “I’m keeping it.”

Before Din could rebut, the people began to file out of the house, their eyes all wide on you. “Jedi,” they all whispered.

Soon you were surrounded by people, all of them looking at you with grateful eyes. Their hands reached out tentatively at first to grip your own, then gradually became more and more confident as they offered reassuring squeezes to your arms, hands, shoulders - anywhere they could touch.

One older woman you recognized as the fruit vendor, cradled your face between her hands. Her face held a slight tremble as a tight smile formed on her lips, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

You wanted to explain. Tell them it was Ahsoka. It was Din. You weren’t a Jedi.

But as her eyes crinkled in joy, her brow unfurrowed in relief, you just smiled, nodded once, and swallowed your tears before saying, “You're welcome,” as strongly as you could.

Looking over the mass of people surrounding you, you saw Din looking on from the sidelines, his head tilted fondly. “I told you,” he signed. “They see you.”

You are yourself, and that is all you could ever hope to be.

Ahsoka’s words ring in your head, making you smile.

Looking up and to the left, you saw Ahsoka with the Magistrate in her grasp as she exited the middle area. Ahsoka smiled at you mischievously as her voice floated into your head. “I see my words didn’t go to waste, little one.”

You’re not sure how, but you know your voice floats back into her mind, her smile widening as it does.

That’s all I need to be.

Xxx

You leaned against the inside of the city gate, ankles crossed leisurely, arms comfortably across your chest as you watched the people celebrate their newfound freedom. The air was clearer, the skies bluer, like nature itself was taking a long needed breath. Looking down at the satchel on your hip filled with fruit from the vendor, you smiled. She had insisted you take it, stuffing more into the bag until it was overflowing. She wouldn’t accept any payment, so you made sure to slip some to the man who had helped you, telling him to get it to her somehow.

You smirked at Din as he walked past you with Ahsoka. This was the same spot he’d grabbed you by the back of the neck when you were in the armor. “I’m having some deja vu…. But a much less violent version.”

He scoffed. “Violent. I pulled you off the wall.”

“Compared to my relaxing before you did, it was violent.”

You followed them out of the gate, your heart full as you watched the celebration over your shoulder where the older man who had helped you was being anointed their new leader. He looked up and met your eyes, smiling kindly. You smiled back, tilting your head forward in a small bow of respect before lifting it again to find him waving you off bashfully.

“I believe this was your payment,” Ahsoka said, holding the beskar spear out for Din, smiling that mischievous grin she’d had since you’d taken the city.

“No,” Din said after a minute, and you turned your full attention back to the two of them, looking up at his visor with knit brows. “I can’t accept.”

Ahsoka shifted the spear to the other hand, tapping it on the ground in the process, making it ring out softly.

“I didn’t finish the job.”

Understanding crossed her face and she gave a gentle shake of her head. “No. But this belongs with a Mandalorian.”

Hesitantly, Din reached out and lightly gripped the spear, taking it from her, looking it up and down.

“Where is your little friend?” Ahsoka’s voice had softened, her features more serious for the first time in a while.

Your stomach sank. You’d forgotten why you were here for a while, expecting to jump on the ship after this and go back to life as normal. But…. That wasn’t going to happen. There would be one less member on the Crest. Little Grogu had to go and get training, it was what was best for him. That didn’t make it any easier.

Din looked into the distance toward the Crest, his voice strong, but you knew him well enough, he was hurting, too. “Back at the ship. Wait here, I’ll go get him.”

As Din started toward the ship, Ahsoka’s eyes followed him before landing on you. Something passed between you, you didn’t know quite what, but inside you knew it was right. The unease of Grogu leaving abated slightly, but the sadness still ran deep in your veins.

Following after Din, you hurried to catch up with him, resting a hand on his shoulder when you were close enough. “I know,” you offered softly. “I feel it, too.”

“It’s what’s right,” he said lowly, his voice breaking. “It’s what’s best for him.”

“Doesn’t make it any easier,” you voiced your earlier thoughts.

“Would anything?”

“I don’t think so,” you said after a moment, your hand sliding down to grip his elbow, one of the few unarmored spots on him. “This is what you set out to do, Din. You’ve found the Jedi, you’ve returned him to his kind. It’s where he’ll be safest, you know that.”

“I want him safe. I do. But I also want him happy, and when he was floating that rock, he seemed anything but happy.” He looked down at you as you both paused at the bottom of the ramp of the Crest. “Is that selfish?”

You offered him a gentle smile, rubbing your hand back and forth where it still rested on his arm. “To want joy for a being you care about? No. No I don’t think that is.”

He looked at the ground, his voice going quieter still. “But what if I want to be a part of that joy?”

Studying his visor for a long moment, you finally looked at his chest as you spoke. “I think…. I think you will always be a part of his joy. Whether you're with him, or not.” Looking back up into his visor, you swallowed before continuing. “You saved his life, Din. Multiple times. And you’re saving it again by letting him go with the Jedi. He needs this. It’s just another step on his journey. But you…. You’re the reason he has a journey to go on. And he knows that.”

“He’s just a kid, how would he-”

“When we sit and meditate, when I’m trying to calm him in hyperspace so he doesn’t bounce off the walls? We…. talk. Kind of like he and Ahsoka did, I guess. I couldn’t read his thoughts like she could, but I got…. Images. Feelings.”

He shifted his weight, tilting his head as he looked down at you.

You smiled as you recalled some of the conversations with the kid. “Remember when I told you you were the world to him?” Din straightened a bit before nodding quickly. “I wasn’t far off. When we talk I try and get his attention by sending him images of things he knows, foods, frogs, his ball, and he sends back his, er…. I guess you could say feelings is the best word for it.” He nodded for you to go on.

“When I send him a mental image of food, it’s joy. Frogs, elation,” you chuckled. “His ball, love.” You paused, looking back up at him. “You? With you, he sends me an overwhelming feeling of everything.” Din didn’t move. “Safety, joy, annoyance, protectiveness, fiercely protective in fact, elation, and overwhelming love.”

“Annoyance?”

You huffed. “After all of that, you focus on that?” Your hands went to your hips. “Yes. You’re proving his point right now,” you grumbled, going to make your way up the ramp.

He reached out, lightly grabbing your arm to stop you. “I’m sorry. I…. I don’t do this…. well.”

“Don’t do what?”

“This.” He gestured between the two of you then up onto the ship toward Grogu. “Us.” He sighed. “Family.”

You smiled, stepping back down, closer to him, resting your hand on his chest plate. “You’re doing just fine.” Your smile faltered. “Now come on. We have something we need to do.” Reaching down, you grabbed his hand, giving it a squeeze as you started up the ramp. “And I’ll be right here the whole time.”

Din took off his jet pack once he was inside the ship, setting it off to the side as you waved your hand over the panel to open the door to the little cot area. With slow but purposeful steps, he walked up and put his hand on the small hammock as Grogu still slept heavily, wiped out from all the work with Ahsoka. “Wake up, buddy.”

Taking one step away to give them some space, you put your right arm across your chest, your left hand resting on Din’s back softly before bracing on your chin to help keep your lip from trembling.

“It’s time to say goodbye.”

Grogu blinked his eyes open blearily for just a moment, letting out a soft coo before he fell back asleep.

Din pulled him gently from the hammock, sitting on the edge of the cot as he cradled Grogu in front of him, just staring down at his little ward as he slept.

You sat on a nearby crate, giving them the space they needed, but staying nearby for support. You loved Grogu, and you’d get to say goodbye, but their relationship was something special. They deserved their time alone.

Din said your name a while later, motioning you over with a jerk of his head when you looked up.

Rising slowly, you made your way soundlessly over, finding Grogu’s eyes open and watching sagely.

Reaching out and tracing the line of his ear with your finger, pinching the end lightly when you got there, you brought your finger to his small clawed hand, smiling and letting out a breath when he grasped it tightly. “I would run for my life a thousand times over if it meant I got to know you again.”

Xxx

A while later, Din took the time to adjust the kid’s robes as Grogu babbled happily, sitting atop a large crate near the ramp of the Crest.

His large eyes looked up at you as he squealed once, making grabby hands for another mouthful from the ration pack you were feeding him. Laughing softly, you reached in, grabbing a portion. “This is it, adika.” You handed it to him and he immediately began munching happily. “That’s the last piece.” (“Little one.”)

He looked up at you with wide, sad eyes, slowing his eating just slightly, making you laugh again.

“I’m not saying that, the packet is!” Turning it upside down to show it was empty, Grogu glared at it with vehemence, making Din chuckle.

He picked him up, starting down the ramp as you followed, both of you stopping at the sound of Ahsoka’s voice.

“You’re like a father to him.” She looked to you. “You’re a family.”

Din continued down the ramp again after a moment.

“I cannot train him.”

Din slowed, finally stopping at the bottom of the ramp. “You made me a promise, and I held up my end.” He’d finally come to some sort of terms about the whole thing, and now he was being made to march in the opposite direction. He may wear beskar, but he wasn’t made of it. You weren’t sure how much more he could take before he’d start to take damage.

Ahsoka sighed before closing the distance between her and the Mandalorian, the child cooing at her happily. She reached out and he grabbed her finger. “There is one possibility. Go to the planet Tython. There you will find the ancient ruins of a temple that has a strong connection to the Force.” She looked at you. “Place Grogu on the seeing stone at the top of the mountain.”

Din’s voice was slightly relieved, but tired, and you couldn’t blame him. “Then what?”

She looked at the child. “Then Grogu may choose his path.” His ears perked up at this. He let go of her finger, looking up at her expectantly. “If he reaches out through the Force, there’s a chance a Jedi may sense his presence and come searching for him.” Her expression fell, and her arms came to cross over her chest. “Then again, there aren’t many Jedi left.”

Grogu’s ears fell, and he babbled softly.

“Thank you.” You did a double take at Din’s thanks, eyebrow raising skeptically.

“May the Force be with you.”

Din nodded once, before turning to head back up the ramp.

“May the Force be with you.” You offered in return, lingering near the bottom of the ramp, arms crossed over your chest.

She smiled at you, glancing behind you as Grogu cooed happily, making her smile grow for a moment before she bowed her head to him in farewell. Then she met your eyes again. “So, little one, what will you do?”

“What do you mean?” Your arms fell to your sides to rest easily.

She smiled mischievously, like always. “You know.”

Looking over your shoulder as the ship started up, you turned back to her. “I will do what I need to.” She nodded, accepting your answer. “Thank you,” You said after a moment. “For everything. I finally feel a shred of control, and a hell of a lot more hope.”

“Hold on to that. Let it carry you when things get dark. There is always a light to go towards, even if that light is in fact, yourself. Follow your instincts, and you will not often find yourself lost.”

“You speak in riddles,” you moaned, massaging your temples and scrunching your eyes shut tight.

She laughed softly. “I learned from the best.”

“I’m beginning to see that,” you mused with a grin, letting your hands fall back to your sides.

She gestured you up the ramp, a fond expression on her face as you turned and made your way into the ship. Just as the ramp began to close, you heard her voice in your head, turning to find her winking at you just before she was out of sight.

“May the Force be with you.”

Xxx

“Where are we headed?” You asked, slipping into the copilot seat as the Crest pulled away from the surface of Corvus.

“I was thinking back to Tatooine for a quick pit stop. Stock back up on some rations, top off a few leaks in the Crest before we make the trek all the way to Tython.” He pushed a few buttons as the ship broke through the atmosphere, the dark sky fading into the brilliant void of space in front of you.

“Okay, sounds good,” you nodded, fastening your seatbelt right before he pushed a lever forward and the vibrant streaks of hyperspace surrounded the viewport. “Remind me to….”

When you didn’t continue, Din hit the autopilot button and turned in his chair to see what was going on, the question dying on his tongue when he found you staring with narrowed brows at several pieces of floating fruit coming up through the hatch from the level below.

“I think the gremlin named Grogu is hungry,” you grumbled, though your voice was heavily amused, one eyebrow raising skeptically as you turned to look at Din.

Sure enough, when he looked at the kid, Grogu was reaching out for the nearest fruit as it floated straight into his hands. “Patu!” He cried happily before biting into it ravenously, the remaining floating pieces all dropping to the floor with a thud.

With a heavy sigh you shook your head, a bemused smile tugging up your cheeks as you looked back at Din, his head leaning back against his chair with a gentle thump.

Xxx

Din hammered on the hull of the Crest. “When we got to Corvus, we found the Jedi. She told us the kid's name is Grogu,” he said the name affectionately, pausing his thudding against the durasteel to stare at the hull absently as he continued. “Then she tried to say my wife needed her help too, not just the kid, but-”

Peli fumbled at his words, her tool clanging against the outside of the ship as she attempted to catch it before she dropped her large wrench directly on top of his helmet where he stood below her fixing the Crest.

Din’s hand rose to rub the spot as he twisted his gaze up toward her. “Ow! What was that for?!”

Peli blinked her wide eyes owlishly. “I’m…. I’m sorry. Did…. Did you just….” Her eyelids fluttered as she searched for the right words, her hand resting on her hip as it jutted out to the side. “Did you just call her….” She leaned forward on the scaffolding, bracing on her forearms as she leaned closer to Din. “Your wife?!”

Din took a deep breath in but was stopped when R5 bleeped into the hangar, leading you across the space with animated sounds as you just grinned at it, the little BD droid hopping around your feet excitedly, chirping as it went. Looking up in amusement, you cocked your head to the side as you peered up at your Mandalorian. “What about a wife?” You turned to Peli. “I’m still learning Binary, but I’m pretty sure R5 said ‘wife’.”

Reaching out and lightly kicking the droid with the tip of his boot, Din muttered, “Tattletale.”

It blew a raspberry at him. BD continued to chirp happily as it looked between all three of you.

Peli protested when he nudged the droid, making a face at him before turning to look at you yet again. “Mando said his ‘wife’!” She pointed at him exaggeratedly. Looking back at him with narrowed eyes, her voice lowered. “Explain!”

“You’re worse than the droid,” Din muttered, shaking his head as he peered up at her. Lowering his gaze back down to yours, and finding your brows raised expectantly, he froze. “Uh….” There was a moment of silence before he swerved the conversation into a new line altogether. “I want to train with the spear a bit. Get your saber out.”

Your eyebrows went from raised curiosity to narrowed confusion. “My saber? Din, is that a good idea?”

“I’m in full beskar, and the spear is beskar. If I can fight off a dual blade wielding Jedi like Ahsoka, I can handle you.” His voice turned smug near the end, his weight shifting to one side as his hand rested on his belt.

“Yeah, okay. But I was helping you with her. In this scenario, I’m against you.”

“If you’re scared, mesh’la, just say so.”

Peli’s head had been snapping back and forth between you during the exchange, but she let out a low whistle as she looked forward at Din’s taunt, her droids all bleeping and booping commentary.

Oh, that was low. He knew how to press all your buttons.

“I’m not scared, just…. Concerned. This hangar is like a giant echo chamber. Is it the best idea to have the sound of a saber meeting beskar over and over?”

Din chuckled. “Oh, you think you’re going to land that many hits, do you?” You narrowed your eyes at him. “The droids working on the ship will cover the sound, we’ll be fine.”

“I just need to say,” Peli interjected loudly, still up on the platform, hand held up with one finger extended as if scolding the both of you, “that if you so much as touch my droids with your nonsense,” her eyes narrowed to vicious slits, “you will pay. And I’m not talkin’ credits.”

Both of you stayed silent, looked up at your friend and nodded in understanding.

She grinned broadly, clapping her hands together once and rubbing them together in anticipation. “Then let’s get this show on the road!”

“Some ground rules,” you began, unclipping your saber from your belt before removing the belt altogether as Din tilted his head slightly at you. “No other weapons. No vambraces except to use to block. Hand to hand is okay, but that’s it. Deal?”

“Just the saber and the spear, got it.” He nodded, following your lead and removing his belt, too. When he picked up the spear, he spun it with a flourish, making you roll your eyes. “Ready?”

Igniting your blade, you lowered into a fighting stance and smirked. “Ready.”

Shooting a glance to Peli, you nodded once before turning your eyes back to Din, watching his every move as she signaled her droids to begin some louder repairs. As soon as the excessive banging and whirring began, both you and Din moved toward one another with intent.

Sparks flew as purple kyber met raw beskar, the prolonged contact singing as you both tried to get the upper hand.

You pulled back, circling him.

“Does the Force count as another weapon?”

He scoffed. “Don’t start.”

“What? It’s technically my hand.”

“What do you think?” He never let his back be to you, following you in your circle as he stood in place.

“I think you just don’t like the possibility of this.” With a small swipe of your hand, he was flat on his back, and you launched his way, but when you got there, he was gone.

Blinking a few times, disoriented, you looked around, suddenly lurching forward when a boot on your lower back pushed your forward. Stumbling, you barely avoided face planting in the sand. Rounding on him, you let out an annoyed huff.

“Oh, that’s gotta hurt,” Peli sucked in a breath through her teeth, wincing.

He chuckled. “If you’re going to play dirty, you shouldn’t be afraid of a little sand.”

You groaned, walking back over to him, saber humming at your side. “You have the worst jokes.”

“He really does,” Peli agreed, watching with an arm braced on the railing of the platform, her head resting on her fist. Her droids all chirped a reply.

It continued like this for hours, the dual suns of Tatooine rising and falling in the sky as you clashed and collided, the hum of kyber and beskar meeting a constant low drone in the hangar, the surge of sparks illuminating the growing shadows.

He got the upper hand, like he always seemed to do, and you ended up flat on your back after he used his spear to knock your feet out from under you, sand sticking to the line of sweat down your spine.

Panting, you disengaged your saber, letting your arms collapse and flop into the gritty earth beneath you. As he took the few steps to close the distance left between you, you smirked, staring up at him as he towered over you. “So your wife?”

Din, still panting like you, let out a heavier breath in annoyance, looking away from you and across the hangar. “Don’t.”

“No, I’m not!” You couldn’t help the grin. “Just…. What brought this on?” Your breathing finally started to calm, and you let out a much needed sigh.

It took him a moment to answer, but when he did, he finally looked back down at you. “To be honest…. A bunch of things. But more specifically when you tackled that guard from the roof on Corvus.”

“Oh really?” Your grin turned into a mischievous smirk. “That’s what does it for you?”

He groaned, holding a hand out to you. “Get back up and fight me already.”

“I will if you stay on your feet this time.” You tried to pull him off balance as you took his hand, getting to your feet, but it backfired and he pulled you off balance instead, making you stumble forward.

“Cuyi ulyc,” he teased, turning to face you as he shook his head. “Bid werdla.” (“Be careful.”) (“So stealthy.”)

“Ori’jagyc. Ori’buyce, kih’kovid.” You circled him one more time, looking for an opening. (“Bully. (Lit. “Big man.”) All helmet, no head.”)

He froze. “I’m not a bully. Atin'la gar besbe'trayc.” (“Tenacity/Toughness is your weapon (to success).”)

You groaned. “Don’t you start speaking in riddles like Ahsoka.”

As you mirrored one another once again, forming a large circle in front of the ramp of the Crest, you launched at Din just as the suns set below the lip of the hangar. Your saber met his spear, sparks shooting in all directions, sending the pit droids scattering as the two weapons sang on impact.

“Atiniir,” Din grunted out as he held his ground, trying to push you back any amount he could manage. (“Endure.”)

“Oh, because you’re always a ramikadyc, right?” (A determined, focused person.)

“I do my best,” he pushed you back on the last word, making you spin to keep from stumbling again, your back to him for only an instant, but apparently long enough for him to disappear into thin air.

Turning in circles, searching the hangar, he was nowhere to be found. “This isn’t funny!”

“It wasn’t supposed to be,” you hear right in your ear, making you whirl around with your saber, colliding with his spear once again before he swipes it with a flourish and sends your saber off to the side, the blade disengaging as it clattered to the ground.

Calling it back to you with the Force, it just has time to land in your hand and ignite before the tip of the spear is pointed at your neck, inches away, and you go a little cross eyed looking down at it as you try not to move. Hoping your labored breathing calms down enough that you don’t accidentally take too deep a one and catch the end of the blade from the motion. Your eyes lifted up to his visor.

“Gar parjir,” you whispered. (“You win.”)

“The goal isn’t to win. It’s to cuyanir.” (“Survive.”)

“Can I cuyanir without your spear at my throat, please?” You swallowed roughly, eyeing the beskar as it glinted under the work lights Peli had set up when the suns had disappeared. You disengaged the saber, holding it loosely at your side.

With a simple spin end over end he had the spear back at his side, standing proudly in his hand.

“Ni ceta.” (“Sorry.” (Lit. “I kneel.”))

You blinked and he was down on one knee with his head bowed in either respect or shame, you couldn’t tell which. Dropping to your knees in front of him, your saber forgotten where it fell, you cradled his cheeks, lifting his head up so you could look at him straight on.

“What? No, no, no.” Glancing over to find Peli buried in some repair, you lowered your voice still, looking back at his visor. “Din, I was teasing-”

“No, mesh’la, I took it too far. I got…. Wrapped up in the moment and forgot….” He looked off to the side.

“Hey, hey….” You cooed, slowly turning his focus your way. “Come back to me.” Closing your eyes, you leaned your forehead against his, taking a deep breath before letting it out on a sigh.

“I always come back to you.”

Xxx

Later that night, you stood in Peli’s kitchen, looking for a late night snack before bed when Din came in.

“Mesh’la? What’re you doing?” His voice was low and rough, ready for sleep several hours ago but only just now making his way there.

“Scavenging,” you mumbled, looking through a small pile of miscellaneous foods in a cabinet. “But nothing looks quite right.” Closing the cabinet softly, you turned to face him, finding him leaning against the doorframe. “I think I’ll just have some water.” After you filled a small glass, you leaned against the counter facing him, smirking into your cup as you went to take a sip. “So, your wife, huh?”

Din sighed, his body deflating as he hung his head. “Don't.”

Swallowing, you lowered your glass and gave a small nod, fighting the grin trying to tug up your face. "I'd love to meet her.”

He sighed again, resting his head back against the wall with a soft thud.

Silence hung in the air before you added on a chuckle, "Is she nice?"

Din said nothing, only feeding the silence.

You had a full on grin now. "At least tell me she's pretty."

He still said nothing, but then, lowly, "Nayc. Mesh'la." (“No. Beautiful.”)

Oh, he was good. But you weren’t done teasing. “I know you are but what am I?”

Din turned and walked off after a moment, done with this whole day, waving to you as you laughed.

“Aw, Din, come back! I was only playing!” He turned a corner, out of your sight. “Good night,” you added softly, smiling down at the glass in your hand.

“Good night, mesh’la.”

Snapping your head up, you saw Din peeking his head back around the corner, dipping it once to you when your eyes met his visor, then he was gone again. “Good night, Tin Can.”

Xxx

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