#I like the idea that his helmet becomes his face and he regrets taking his human face for granted | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

stellarbit · 27 days

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Two Faces

Word Count: 11k Pairing: fem!reader x Bad Batch, light Tech nods Warnings: nada except light violence. Training, some fluff, and general fun Summary: When your sister becomes a senator, you decide to join her guard to protect her. Your mother sends you to train on Kamino as backlash. You are paired with Clone Force 99 under the guise of a regular trooper. Encountering you outside of uniform they mistake you for your sister. It is a delicate situation and you have to play your cards carefully.

This started out as a request for the guys getting jealous of you undercover and here I am. When I tell you this was SO FUN to write but took SO LONG. If y'all like imma make it a part 2.

“You want to be a foot soldier.” Your mother snarled down her nose. She was a tall woman, taller than you at least, and the governor of your planet. She waved a slender dismissive hand. “Then be a foot soldier.”

Face neutral, you stood before her in the white armor of a clone trooper. You held the helmet with both hands and a white knuckle grip. This wasn’t exactly what you had in mind when you told your mother you wanted to join your sister’s guard

From your mother’s right your sister stood wringing her hands together. She stood at your height with a face that mirrored your own. Often you were mistaken as twins. Only a few years older than you and already she was the senator for your planet -- the perfect example of what you should have been. Despite everything, the two of you were extremely close.

Concern ate her alive as she watched on. She opened her mouth, but your mother’s hand splayed out in front of her face, cutting off your sister’s voice and view of you.

Continuing to stare you down, your mother’s mouth twisted into her nose. Your family practically bred politicians and that was never your path. If the two of you agreed on nothing else it was that you were no politician.

When your sister was elected as Senator, you knew if you were trained you could be in her guard and keep her safe. It was a decision you were proud of and one that sealed your fate in the eyes of your mother. You would be of no use to her. She heard your wish and wanted to make sure you fully regretted it.

Rolling her eyes away from you, your mother turned her attention to a Kaminoan by her other side. As the leaders of two allied planets, your mother and Lama Su maintained a close relationship. At least close enough to call in favors.

“Thank you, Prime Minister, for this opportunity.” Your mother’s disgust faded into a pleasant smile. “Although, I worry she may damage the reputation of your clone troopers.”

The Kaminoan shifted his gaze to you. In near boredom he said, “You do realize she is liable to die?” Settling his hands in front of him, he turned back to your mother.

She scoffed, the idea of no concern to her. “She made her choice. Should that come to pass, Kamino will not be held responsible.” They spoke of you as if you weren’t even present. “But, do make sure they don’t take it easy on her.”

They. An ‘unorthodox’ squadron of clones you would be paired with.

Your mother said your name, her tone sharp enough to straighten your back. Her head tilted back, the crimp in her lip returning. “If it is discovered that my daughter is beneath that armor, forget ever coming home.” She muttered something to your sister and, in unison, they made for the door.

Your sister managed one last glance at you before the Kaminoan door swirled open and your mother shoved her through. Your heart sank as the giant white doors shut behind the women.

What if you never saw your sister again?

Alone with Lama Su, the bright, sterile room began to strain your eyes. The unnatural ambience of the room was enough to unsettle you without the addition of the Kaminoan’s cold stare. With slow fluidity, he fully turned towards you. His eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. “The modified armor will hide your identity. All you have to do is follow orders.” Lama Su said in his smooth, detached voice. He gestured a long finger towards you. “Put on your helmet, do not remove it in front of others, and remain silent. Your family may tolerate embarrassment, but I will not endure it here.”

Under his cold stare, you lifted the helmet and sealed it over your head. Your eyes had barely adjusted to the restricted line of sight when the doors hissed opened again.

Where your mother and sister had left, five men strode in. Their armor was mismatched in shape and color, but there was some vein shared between them. It took you a moment until your eyes widened and the gears finally turned. These were the clones!

You were no stranger to clones. The Republic had dispatched a group of troopers to your planet as a show of good faith and alliance, although you wondered at times if your family fully reciprocated that sentiment. That said, these men were unlike any clones you’d seen.

Their appearances were as mismatched as their armor. Your attention immediately drifted to a behemoth of a man towering over his cohorts and obviously blinded in his left eye. Standing shorter than the rest, one man sported a tattoo covering half his face. Two of them stood at the same height, one with goggles and the other with silver hair. The fifth man looked more akin to a standard clone than the rest, yet his complexion was blanched and he was outfitted with cybernetic prosthetics.

They were the most mesmerizing things you’d ever seen. And none of them spared even a glance in your direction.

Resisting the urge to look to the Kaminoan for clarification, you kept your eyes forward and did your best to look at attention.

“Clone Force 99, welcome.” Lama Su took a smooth step forward and swept a hand in your direction. Still, their eyes remained trained on the Prime Minister. “This promising trooper is being assigned to your squad for training. While their designation number is of no concern to you, you may refer to your new addition as ‘Phi.’”

Phi. A word you recognized as meaning nothing.

A pale hand landed gently on your shoulder, finally dragging Clone Force 99’s collective attention to you. Even through the armor, Lama Su’s touch made your skin crawl. The urge to bite settled between your teeth and the intensity of his stare did nothing to dissuade that.

His next words came across as almost proud. “I trust you will find the skills of this soldier to be exemplary, possibly even to surpass standard clone trooper protocol. It has been decided that integrating with your unit will provide... a most beneficial learning environment for all.”

The praise threw you off until you noticed the change in the squad’s expressions. Something in Lama Su’s words did not sit well with them. In particular, the tall silver-haired clone did nothing to hide his annoyance. Whatever it was, the undue praise clearly sealed your fate in some way. His sharp glance alone indicated that the undue praise had somehow sealed your fate—a fate Lama Su had very intentionally engineered.

“Training will begin immediately.” Lama Su said. “Proceed to the training facilities to begin. You have your orders. You are dismissed.”

Clone Force 99 wasted no time in filing out of the room, offering no introductions or even a glance to see if you followed. Their dismissal was clear; you were an outsider, not worthy of their camaraderie. Hurrying after them, the quiet of the corridor seemed to amplify the shifting of armor and footsteps.

"Just our luck!" His voice boomed, echoing off the walls. "Why do we get stuck with a reg?" He threw a glance over his shoulder, his good eye scanning you with disdain.

Reg? The term echoed in your mind, a label you didn’t yet understand.

The cybernetic clone fell back beside you. “The question is: what did you do to get stuck with us?” His tone wasn't unkind, merely curious, probing.

Instinctively, your mouth opened to respond, but Lama Su’s directive flashed in your mind—Do not speak in front of others. Clamping your mouth shut, you turned your gaze forward again, grateful for the helmet’s limited field of vision that spared you from seeing their reactions. You did see the way Crosshair's eyes narrowed, it was safe to assume your silence hadn’t helped matters.

Adjusting to the weight of your gear seemed trivial compared to the weight of maintaining silence.

Sighing, the tattooed man shook his head. “Listen,” He said as he stopped and turned. “If we are stuck together, we might as well get along. I’m Hunter.”

He gestured to the others as they continued walking. "That’s Wrecker," pointing to the large man, "Echo," indicating the cyborg, "Tech," nodding towards the one with goggles, and lastly, "And Crosshair," with a tilt of his head toward the silver-haired clone who had kept his distance.

They all waited for your addition, but it didn’t come and your silence remained. From behind your helmet you cringed. This was shaping up to be a terrible idea. You held your breath, bracing for the uncomfortable journey ahead.

Your silence only fueled Crosshair’s anger. His gaze narrowed, head cocked like a raptor eyeing prey. "Too good to speak to us?" His lip curled in a familiar, cruel sneer that reminded you of your mother.

Noticing Crosshair had an actual crosshair tattooed over his right eye you couldn’t help the little snort you made, emphasized by your helmet’s voice modulator. You immediately regretted your slip up as Crosshair set his shoulders, head snaking forward. “Something funny, reg?” The way he said that word was pure venom.

You almost conceded at the guttural sound he made at your continued silence, but before you could react Crosshair cracked his elbow into your helmet. The helmet crashed into your face and pain bloomed across your nose, knocking you down to one knee. Blood trickled from your nostrils, leaving you reeling with doubts and likely a broken nose.

"Crosshair!" Hunter barked. He didn't need to step in further; Crosshair stood back, arms crossed and lips twisted into a smirk of satisfaction.

Echo and Tech shared a glance, Wrecker gave a supportive smile, and Hunter shot Crosshair a sharp, disapproving look before turning his attention back to you. "Get up," he said firmly, "and keep up."

With one last glare from Crosshair, you pushed yourself up to your feet, determined not to show weakness. But as the sharp metallic taste of blood filled your mouth, you couldn't ignore the cold reality of your situation.

They certainly did not take it easy on you and by the end of your first session it was clear to all of you that you were a miserable excuse for a recruit. In the solitude of your room, you finally removed your helmet. In a small mirror you twisted your head, examining the crusted blood and swollen nature of your nose.

A gentle, and painful, touch confirmed your broken nose suspicions. You leaned in for a better look and smiled. It hurt like hell, but at least you made it through your first day.

You looked to a photo of your sister you’d pinned to your mirror. It’s worth it for her. Giving yourself a nod, you replaced your helmet and headed for the med bay- a trip you were going to frequent.

As you entered the medical wing, the only presence were that of two medical droids floating about and a female Kaminoan. The female swept her head in your direction, slowly blinking as you stood at the entrance. You recognized the Kaminoan as Nala Se. She’d given your family a tour of the cloning operations in the past.

She addressed you with a good evening and gestured for you to approach. “I am aware of your identity. You may remove your armor in my presence.” Nala Se said in her ever measured tone. When you still hesitated she added, “The clones are currently in the canteen.”

Reluctantly, you lifted the helmet from your head, exposing the bruised face underneath. Nala Se observed you quietly, her expression unreadable. “You should return home.” She suggested. “Our clones are trained from their creation. You will not be able to match their abilities.”

“That’s not an option now. I either return with training or in a body bag.”

You placed your helmet in a tote at the foot of the medical table and began discarding the rest of the armor in the same fashion. Clad only in your black undersuit, you continued undressing under Nala Se's impassive watch. Her clinical detachment did little to ease the discomfort of the situation

Stripped down to a bandeau and shorts, you climbed onto the examination bed. A droid hovered over you, scanning your body. "Subject exhibits a broken nose and extensive bruising," it reported to Nala Se, who nodded slightly before administering two injections—one for pain and another to reduce future bruising.

As the droid tended to your injuries, Nala Se handed you a set of clothes. "There is more than one way to remain hidden," she stated as she unfolded a Kaminoan-style outfit—a set of dark, tight-fitting pants and a long-sleeve shirt, complemented by a light-colored vest with fabric strips cascading down your legs

You’d no sooner dawned the outfit when the doors slid open again and voices immediately broke the silence.

You froze with your back to the door. Tech's analytical voice floated through the air, "I am merely saying, excess violence will only worsen the situation for all of us."

It was Crosshair who answered with dry amusement. "Speak for yourself," he scoffed.

Nala Se held your gaze a moment longer before she looked to the approaching clones. “CT-9902 and CT-9904, what is it that you require?”

Tech spoke up from behind you, "There is a high probability that Crosshair fractured his knuckles during training." You could think of a few instances that could’ve caused that, the bruises across your body serving as evidence.

Swallowing the groan in your throat, you finally faced them. Tech and Crosshair stopped in their tracks both staring at you with some confusion.

“Senator.” Tech offered a nod of respect. His polite tone threw you off balance as he mistook you for your sister. The Kaminoans' medical treatment had indeed worked wonders, hiding your identity well enough to prompt the error.

Crosshair frowned, a toothpick tilting in his mouth.

Tech, noticing Crosshair’s tight expression, nudged his brother. “We passed her on the way to meet the Prime Minister.” This was enough for the sniper to remove his toothpick and stand a bit straighter.

The immediate respect was a stark contrast to the blows they’d dealt you all day. Embracing the assumption you smiled graciously despite the stiff feeling in your face. “It is a pleasure to formally meet you, troopers.” You rounded the table to stand before them.

Without your gear, you realized just how much taller they were. And without the restrictive view of your helmet, you could fully appreciate how striking they were. They stood with practiced military bearing, radiating strength and a sense of purpose that matched their formidable presence.

Absolutely breathtaking, and in a much different way than when they'd been knocking the wind out of you earlier.

“The honor is ours, Senator.” Tech said. His eyes searched your face, for what you weren’t certain.Though having his eyes on any part of you was a lovely sensation. He paused momentarily, but found your eyes again.

Crosshair kept his gaze steady as he studied you, lending some clarity to your earlier question. "What brings a senator down to the med bay? Surely not curiosity."

Holding your composure, you lied, “I am… personally interested in the development and progress of the valiant men keeping our galaxy safe.” You took the opportunity to circle the two men while they remained still and eyes forward. The men had equally long legs and cinched waists that were positively sinful. This view of them was certainly an upgrade, igniting an idea in you.

“In fact,” You polished a smile as you came back to their fronts. “I’d be interested in some personal lessons from esteemed men such as yourselves.”

Surprise lifted Tech’s eyebrows and pulled the corner of Crosshair’s lip up.

“Mistress Se mentioned your squad is already undertaking the training of a new recruit.” Their expressions dulled at the reminder. “What’s a few extra morning sessions with a mere Senator?”

Nala Se, observing the exchange from the background, stepped forward to say, "That can be arranged for the morning after next. For now, the senator has matters to attend to. CT-9904, please proceed with your treatment."

Tech offered another polite nod before leading Crosshair to the medical equipment. As they moved away, you exhaled, glancing at Nala Se, who gave you an almost imperceptible nod of approval.

The following morning, back in your armor, you walked into the training room and the middle of Clone Force 99’s conversation.

Wrecker was throwing his head around, moaning about something you couldn't quite catch. “-well, why didn’t I see her?”

“You did, Wrecker.” Tech said in a flat, exasperated breath. “If only in passing.”

“But why would a senator want to watch us train?” Echo shook his head in confusion.

Tech adjusted his goggles. “Correction: she wants to train with us.”

As he twirled a knife between his fingers, Hunter asked, “Then why would a senator want to train with clones?”

“Does it matter?” Crosshair drawled from his perch on a rectangular obstacle with a knee pulled up.. “If the little princess wants our hands on her, who are we to deny?”

Little princess. Your mind stuttered at the words while your body visibly jerked at them. The squadron cut their conversation short and looked to you. The amusement between them quickly faded, yet even this attention had heat crawling through you.

“Let’s get this over with.” Hunter gruffed while putting on his helmet. The rest followed suit and training began.

The session was as brutal as the day prior, starting with sparring and finishing with blaster drills. You didn’t do much better than the day prior, but you were proud to have left with no new fractures. By the next morning you could barely leave bed.

But ‘little princess’ was enough to push you up.

You arrived at the training room early. It was much smaller than the usual arenas, scattered with mannequins instead of physical obstacles. You traded your armor for a form-fitting suit similar to the blacks troopers wore. Without a helmet, you felt exposed—but exhilarated.

When the doors slid open, your pulse quickened. With composure your mother would admire, you smoothed your expression and smiled. “Nice of you boys to join me.”

A small smirk lifted Hunter’s lips as he regarded you. “Senator.” he greeted, his gaze sweeping over your form. The word almost caused your smile to falter, reminding you of the misconception they were under.

They made their introductions before Hunter, hand at his hip, gestured for you to advance. “You sure you’re ready for this?”

The soreness that wracked your body protested when you squared your shoulders. “I was born ready.” Hopefully your feigned confidence won them over.

The way the leader’s head dipped with a small laugh said it did. Even from a distance, the sound reverberated through you to your core.

“Don’t worry,” Wrecker’s large hand clapped down on your shoulder and right onto an unseen bruise. “We’ll take it easy on ya!”

Crosshair rolled a toothpick between his lips. “Easy’s not our style, Wrecker.” You met his still skeptical stare, not backing down from the challenge.

“I can handle it.”

He snorted, flicked away his toothpick, and strode over to you. Leaning in he said in a low, snippy voice, “Better keep up, princess.”

As much as the nickname heated your blood, you maintained your smile, determined to earn their respect. “I intend to.” You said in an equally low, taunting tone.

From the very beginning, their training style was a complete turn around compared to the borderline abuse you endured while in armor.

Hunter set the pace, showing you rapid movements to prove your reflexes. When a moment of exhaustion hit and you noticeably slowed, Hunter teased, “I thought you said you’d keep up.”

Sagging your shoulders, you rolled back your head with a laugh. “Alright, maybe I wasn’t born for this.”

“We sure were.” Wrecker laughed and took over, launching into instruction about utilizing your body weight against an opponent. He demonstrated on Crosshair, who loudly hissed in protest. Wrecker put a shoulder into Crosshair’s abdomen and tossed him over his shoulder like a sandbag.

Crosshair struggled against his brother’s hold, until he landed safely on the ground. He snarled at Wrecker, then caught the amused smile tugging at your lips. With a grunt of annoyance, he averted his gaze and casually placed a toothpick back between his lips, feigning indifference.

“C’mon, now you try,” Wrecker encouraged as you stepped close. He used his massive hands to reposition your torso into a bent over position. “Like this, see? You gotta feel the power through your whole body!” His bubbly enthusiasm made it hard to take the movement seriously.

His demeanor wasn’t your only distraction. Despite your mother’s disregard for you, as the daughter of a politician, people were always careful with you. Between their ruthless training of you as ‘Phi’ and their gentle instruction as a ‘Senator,’ you were finding them more and more captivating.

Their presence was intoxicating.

Tech used a more methodical style of instruction. His hands deftly maneuvered your body into a slightly different form. “Optimal form is crucial,” he explained. His fingers lingered just a moment too long on your spine, sending an unexpected shiver down your back. With one hand he pressed your bruised shoulder lower.

Your teeth clenched against the pain, a quiet whine making its way past your lips. Tech immediately released his hand, observing you with a tilted glance. “Interesting,” he whispered with curiosity that pulled your eyes to his. Behind those brown eyes of his, something passed through. He blinked once, twice, and stepped back.

The moment went unnoticed as Echo chimed in. “Throw your weight behind it and aim for his diaphragm.” Wrecker tried to chuckle, but you cut him off by doing just that. Despite your best efforts, he didn’t even flinch. A chorus of chuckles erupted around you, but it felt good to join their lighthearted banter instead of getting the kriff kicked out of you.

The training continued until you were slick with sweat. You were exhausted, sure, but the exhilaration you felt in the beginning only grew with every brush with the men.

Though throughout the trading, Crosshair paid the experience little interest. He meandered the outskirts of the room, only chiming in when you had a misstep. Finally, winded but grinning, you let yourself sink to the floor. Crosshair sauntered over, standing behind you as he shifted his weight onto one foot.

His weight shifted onto one foot and postured over you. “Looks like what they say about senators is true.” He snorted, but the bite his voice carried when you were Phi was missing.

You leaned back, hands propped behind you, and squinted up at him. “And what’s that?”

His keen eyes scanned you, briefly pausing on your heaving chest before meeting your gaze again. “You’re all talk.”

Crosshair maintained a smug expression while his brothers fell silent, their attention fixed on the two of you. For the first time since training began, the ache in your nose surfaced in your mind. The memory of Crosshair's initial blow hung in the air as you carefully considered the situation, your tongue slipping over your teeth. He didn't realize it, but as you sat there inches from his feet, he was perched right within your reach. His guard was down, dismissing you as a non-threat.

The backhanded comment about Senator inaction was the deciding factor in your next move. You could always tolerate insults aimed at you. The rough training was even tolerable if it meant a means to your purpose.

Calling out a senator’s - your sister’s - resolve, however, was a step too far.

In one swift motion, you fell back, hooked an arm around his ankle, and yanked his foot out from under him. Crosshair's arms swung through the air, desperately trying to catch his balance, but he tumbled to the ground with a thud, a gasp of air forced from his lungs. Lounging back on one elbow, you kept his ankle cradled firmly in your arm.

The rest of Clone Force 99 tried - and failed - to stifle their laughter. Eventually, they gave him the same round of laughter you received. Crosshair shoved up on his elbows with a scowl. The twitch in his lip betrayed the amusement nipping at him. Grunting with a roll of his eyes, he pushed you off his foot. “Lucky shot.”

You raised your eyebrows with a satisfied hum, then let yourself fall back onto the training mat. As you lay there, staring up at the bright ceiling and still catching your breath with a laugh lingering on your tongue, you felt an unfamiliar sensation—happiness.

All your life, you’d been chasing after your sister, constantly seeking your family's approval. You had never been allowed to simply exist or pursue anything for yourself.

But laying there, beaten and exhausted, you felt strangely good.

Wrecker’s face appeared above you with a lopsided smile. He extended a hand as he said, “Now, where’d you learn to do that?”

Groaning, you accepted his hand and he lifted you with ease. “It comes with having a sister,” you replied. The mention of your sister brought a bubble of anxiety to the surface and Lama Su’s warning pricked you.

“Ha! Just like us then.” With his hand still clasping yours, Wrecker steadied you by gently pressing his other hand against the small of your back.

Your face heated, though it was already flushed from training, and you quickly cleared your throat, stepping out of his grasp. Brushing off imaginary dust from your thighs, did your best to sound casua. “I’m curious,” you said, eager to switch topics, “how’s training that trooper Nala Se told me about?”

Just like mentioning your sister had done to you, bringing up the trainee cast a shadow over the troopers’ mood, which only heightened your anxiety.

“Don’t remind us.” Wrecker gruffed. “It’s bad enough we’re missing out on missions and we’re stuck with a reg.”

“Reg?” You repeated.

Echo sighed with exasperation. “Regular clone.” The way you muddled your face prompted the others to elaborate on their own differences. Though you knew Clone Force 99 was different, you hadn’t realized the full extent until now. You understood now why Echo was the least brutal in his training. With his origins as a regular clone, he sympathized.

Lama Su’s conversation with them finally made sense. He was stoking a fire meant to burn you out.

You laughed nervously, “Surely it can’t be that bad.”

Hunter rubbed the bridge of his nose, dreading the afternoon ahead. “Trust us, you’re showing more potential than this guy.”

They all launched into a conversation about the trainee's abysmal performance, not realizing the irony. Meanwhile, Tech stood back, focused on his datapad, occasionally looking up at the group- at you.

Walking away from the group, you tried to peek at his screen. “What are you looking at?”

Tech glanced up at you and quickly tucked the device away. “I was reading up on some political matters.” He adjusted his goggles and glanced at his brothers still chatting away. “Nothing you are not already appraised of.”

Mouthing an ‘oh’ you followed his gaze t back to the others. They looked so different now, discussing the reg amongst them, than they did just moments ago. “Why exactly are you here?” Tech questioned, you could feel his attention on you.

Not bothering to meet Tech’s stare, you answered without hesitation. “To make a difference the only way I can.”

From that point on, a cycle began. Every morning they trained you as the Senator and every afternoon you received a beating as Phi.

Knowing their distaste for Phi was completely unrelated to you may have eased your anxiety but it didn’t make your training any easier.

That came with your mornings with Clone Force 99 and, on occasion, an even meeting.

The first time you ran into them outside of training happened when you’d snuck off to comm your sister. After stealing a holocom from the medical facility, you wandered the corridors for a few nights to find the best place to reach her. You always worried about an unexpected visitor in your barrack room. Wrapped in a cloak, you huddled beside a viewport, lost in thought as you stared at the device in your hands.

It had been the longest stretch you’d gone without speaking to your sister. Nerves kept your fingers hovering over the controls, practicing how you'd greet her, when suddenly your vision went dark. Your hands dropped the holocom in surprise, but it never hit the ground.

“Look who we found!” Wrecker’s boisterous voice boomed, warm and close, as his large form pressed up behind you.

Letting out a startled breath, you gently pulled his hands away from your eyes. Standing before you were Hunter and Crosshair, both of whom looked amused.

Hunter practically sauntered forward as he offered you the holocom back. "Caught you," he teased, handing the holocom back to you with a sly grin. His eyes dipped as your fingers brushed against his, he shot a question with smirk at you. “What are you doing out here so late?”

You clutched the device a bit more securely and shrugged. "Just needed a quiet spot to contact my sister," you admitted.

Crosshair raised an eyebrow, plucking the toothpick from his mouth and pointing it at you. "And you chose the coldest corridor on Kamino for your heartfelt chat?" he was unconvinced.

You spun the device nervously in your hands. “I didn’t think anyone would be out at this time.”

The silver haired clone gave a low chuckle, twirling the toothpick between his fingers. "Well, don't let us interrupt your cozy little conversation.”

“We’re headed to the canteen for a bite to eat, you should come.” Wrecker suggested, resting his hands on your shoulder.

Hunter nodded in agreement. "You’re right about one thing - it’s quieter this time of night. Less regs to get in the way."

Wrecker grinned wide and leaned in closer, giving you a gentle shake as his presence nudged you forward. "Besides, it's warmer there!"

You certainly felt warmer, but not just from the prospect of a heated room. Glancing down at the holocom, you wondered if your sister was even awake. Unable to resist their invite, you stashed the device away and smiled. “Alright, why not? Lead the way.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Crosshair said in a way that made you roll your eyes. He could make anything sound sarcastic.

Joining them turned out to be a worthy trade. Crosshair and Hunter sat across from you and Wrecker. Wrecker made a habit of pushing into your space, offering bites of his favorite bits, while Crosshair and Hunter discussed your upcoming training sessions as Phi—a topic you found less than thrilling. Instead, you chose to bask in Wrecker’s warm attention.

Despite his high energy and monstrous strength, Wrecker proved to be the most gentle of the batch. Always the first to help you to your feet or catch you when you stumbled. His touch light, the calluses of his hands only ever brushing you. The skinship was a new experience for you, but one you wanted more of each time.

After your last bite of a chocolate morsel, Wrecker caught your chin between his thumb and forefinger. He rubbed a thumb over the corner of your mouth, dragging your lip down with the pressure of his touch.

“Got a little somethin’ there,” Wrecker chuckled, showing you the smear of chocolate on his thumb. “Guess I’m not the only messy eater ‘round here.” His smile crinkled his eyes as he dipped his thumb into his mouth to suck off the sweet remnant.

The casual intimacy of the gesture wasn’t lost on you, though it seemed to escape him. He turned back to his plate, completely missing the heat rising to your face. As a soft smile lilted your lips, you shut your eyes and leaned into Wrecker’s form. Surrounded by them, you felt a wave of contentment—you could happily spend all your free time like this

Wrecker perked up, his eyes wide and eyebrows raised as he felt your weight against him. He sat stock still for a moment, glancing between you and his brothers. Gradually, he relaxed into your touch and reached an arm around you.

“H-Hey,” he stammered slightly, patting a hand on your hip, “What’s all this?”

A foot knocked into yours from beneath the table. Peeking out from under an eyelid, you met Hunter’s lopsided smile and received another gentle tap. “Don’t be falling asleep on us. It wouldn’t be a good look for us to be carrying your limp body back.”

“Is the little princess tired?” Crosshair added lightly, a rare hint of playfulness in his tone.

Closing your eye once more, you hummed in agreement. Sitting alone with them in a mess hall, sharing a meal and laughing under the harsh lighting, you felt completely at peace.

Your mother had meant this all to be a punishment. She couldn’t have imagined that this place, these men, would heal a part of you you hadn’t realized was broken. They built you up and their training made you feel strong. They never admitted to it while you were in armor, but from their observations of the Senator you were improving.

Something you showcased one afternoon as Phi. During a drill with dummy droids, you found yourself blindsided by a metallic blow to your back. Another droid seized you by the neck and hurled you about twenty feet, leaving you crumpled on the ground as the simulation abruptly ended.

Still seeing stars, you heard the familiar cadence of Crosshair’s footsteps. “Get up.” Crosshair growled from above you.

Twisting onto your side, you struggled to catch your breath. Crosshair’s helmet angled to the side as he clicked his tongue, shoving his heal into your hip. “I said get up.” He punctuated his words with another kick. The sharp pain instantly boiled up weeks of frustration and pain.

Not a single thought registered with you as you snapped. As fast as a hydrosnake, you lashed out, looped an arm around his ankle and thrashed him back as you had before. This time your training took over.

You didn’t stop at holding him by his foot. No, you pulled his leg to the side, opening his hips, and pinned his thigh under your knee. Before he could grab at you, you pressed your torso across his, driving an elbow into the side of his helmet. Your hands clasped behind his bicep, effectively locking him in place.

Crosshair thrashed against you as his free hand hammered into the soft spot between your chest and shoulder plates. With every hit, you tightened your grip on him. His vile threats drowned out the sound of Wrecker’s stomping towards the two of you.

A large hand ripped you by the back of your neck, instantly detangling you from the sniper. “Not so tough now, are ya?” Wrecker taunted.

Dangling in the air, your legs kicked and fingers scratched at Wrecker’s fingers. The fingers that otherwise delicately touched you choked you in more ways than one. Crosshair shot up from the ground, ripping off his helmet to expose his seething expression.

“Wrecker!” Echo’s voice rang out from the sidelines, but his veiled command did little to deescalate the situation.

The sarcastic, teasing Crosshair who interacted with you as a senator was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he whipped a finger at you, a silent but unmistakable threat as he closed in on you.

It was Tech that quickly slid between you, effectively barring Crosshair from getting his hands on you. “Crosshair.” Tech’s tone was firm, if not altogether scolding. “You kicked them while they were incapacitated. Therefore, their actions were justified, while your reaction is not.”

Crosshair shook with rage, eyes burning into you past Tech's shoulder. The silent threat of his pointed finger became a promise.

“Wrecker, drop him.” Hunter ordered he yanked Wrecker’s arm down.

Wrecker begrudgingly released you, setting you down with a rough thud, but you quickly steadied yourself, brushing off the dust. Your breath was labored, but you didn’t falter under Crosshair’s glare. It didn’t matter who Crosshair thought you were at this point, he was just being cruel. It fully pissed you off more than anything up to that point. Tension hung in the air, and with each passing second, your urge to snap grew stronger.

Tech stepped aside and Hunter’s stern gaze moved between you and Crosshair. “Are we done?”

Crosshair let out a low growl before reluctantly shoving his helmet back on with a quick twist. You, on the other hand, weren’t done and needed to calm down fast.

“You’ll never be worth our time,” Crosshair said with venom. “You fight like a child.”

That simmering urge burst through. You lunged forward, craned your head back, and bashed the front of your helmet into his. The old wound on your nose flared, but watching Crosshair thrown back and stumbling dulled the pain to an ache.

He shook it off quickly enough and charged you again, narrowly missing as Echo intercepted him.

While you regained your balance, Tech fell in beside you, gently catching you by the forearm. You were too busy wheezing to notice the strangeness in Tech’s assisting you as Phi. While you watched Hunter and Echo work to calm Crosshair, Tech brought his head closer, whispering for only you to hear, “Do not antagonize him. You’ve already had one broken nose, let’s not aim for another.”

All of your burning rage cooled in an instant. You slowly looked at the technician, whose eyes watched you intensely from behind his helmet. Something in his gaze drowned out all other sounds around you. He looked at you differently from how the others ever had.

You had no idea how he knew, but the way he looked at you made it clear: Tech knew exactly who you were.

He leaned closer, his voice a low, amused murmur. "It was obvious." Your head jerked back as if to say ‘how was it obvious?’

Sensing your immediate tension, he added quickly, "To me, at least. The others don’t seem to have noticed." He glanced over his shoulder to ensure Crosshair remained restrained before looking back at you. "We'll manage Crosshair. You should head to the medical facility to have your nose examined."

“Tech-” You tried to whisper but Tech cut you off, spinning you towards the exit. You didn’t wait for him to tell you again.

You did manage to hear Tech quip, “For the record, Crosshair, that would be twice now they bested you.” You made sure you were out the door by the time Crosshair turned on his brother.

Tech was right to send you to get checked out. You’d avoided a broken nose, but the swelling did need attention. You were still in armor when you got back to your room. Dropping down onto a storage tote, you set your helmet between your feet. Elbows on your knees, you sat looking out over the swath of ocean beyond your windows.

The steady drum of rain against your window helped soothe your nerves, which had barely eased since you left the training grounds. You sat there for a while, combing through your time on Kamino, searching for any clue as to how Tech figured out who you were. With his keen mind, anything seemed possible, but you still wondered when you slipped up.

The sound of your barrack door opening snapped you out of concentration. You couldn’t reach for your helmet fast enough when someone said,“You need not bother with that”

You whipped around, twisting in your spot. Sans helmet and alone, Tech stood in your room. He’d already seen your face and touched your body, but this felt like you were meeting for the first time.

You slowly stood, picking at your fingertips. “Hi,” was all you managed to croak out as the door shut behind him.

It must've been an odd sight, you thought. The face of a senator on the body of a trooper. You snuck a glance at your reflection in the window. The sight was familiar to you now, but you remembered the juxtaposition taking time to get used to. You weren’t happy that the first time Tech was seeing you as you, your hair was stuck in a bird’s nest of a bun with crooked hairs jutting out at all angles

Tech said your name and something in your chest lurched at the sound. “If I am correct,” He said as moved his goggles up his nose. “-And I usually am, that is your real name. Is it not?” He remained standing just at the entrance of your room.

Your lips tucked into your mouth as you nodded slowly, still unsure about what to even say. “How did you know?”

Upon your admission Tech walked closer, free of the tension you carried. “Observation and deduction.” He explained, stepping around the tote separating you to take you in fully. Unlike when you portrayed Phi or the Senator, you had never noticed him observing you with such explicit curiosity.

Tech circled you, one hand cradling his elbow and the other holding his chin. “I was fairly certain Crosshair broke the trooper’s nose during the initial altercation. When we met in the medical facility, I noticed a distinct mark on your nose—an odd thing for a distinguished guest such as a Senator.” He moved around your right side, his finger gently pressing into your shoulder. “To confirm my suspicions, I applied pressure to a region I hypothesized would be tender if my assumptions were correct.”

"Your reaction confirmed it," Tech concluded, stepping back to give you space. "It was subtle, but it was enough for me to piece together the truth about your dual identities."

He took a seat on the tote facing the window and pulled out his datapad, tapping away as he continued. “Still, I didn’t have an explanation as to why a senator would be here like this. Until you mentioned your sister, which finally prompted me to do a bit of research.” Tech angled his datapad towards you, displaying a news article with a photo of your sister. “I must admit, the resemblance is uncanny. However, with her being accounted for on Coruscant, it would prove impossible for her to be on Kamino.”

He pressed a button and a photo of a stoic family appeared - your parents standing behind you and your sister. You only got a glance in before Tech pulled it back to his face. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the photo. “Besides, while the two of you do share similar features, you are far more… captivating.” Tech looked up at you, still standing beside him. “I could never confuse the two of you.”

Your breath hitched at ‘captivating.’ No one had ever remotely said that to you. It was always either you could pass for twins or your sister was the more fortunate child. Coming from Tech, such a logical and blunt man, it took your breath away. He saw no point in undue praise or flattery; to him, he was merely stating facts. It melted you.

You lowered yourself next to him, knees turned in his direction. “Why haven’t you told the others?”

Tech thought for a moment, his eyes shifting to the side as he considered your question “I do not know your reason for anonymity, but I respect your decision and will not jeopardize that. Your privacy is your own.” He nodded, pivoting to fully face you. “And I find I rather enjoy being the only one to know this about you.”

The tension in your shoulders ebbed, replaced by a fluttering that started in your chest and made breathing a manual task. You caught your reflection again, feeling frustrated that in such a moment you looked so disheveled. You balled your fists tightly enough that your fingernails dug into your palms, embarrassed that he offered such compliments to someone like you.

“Why are you making such a face?” Tech asked.

You watched yourself a second longer before offering him a sad smile. “I think I know now why you wear those goggles.”

Tech’s brows pulled together. “They alter the way light enters my eye to correct my eye’s refractive errors.” You sat back, blinking at the explanation, humor coming to your smile. Tech kept a serious face, not understanding the nuances you were attempting. “They help me see,” He clarified in a flat tone.

You yielded a small laugh, leaning over to tap his knee. “I know, I was trying to say you must need them if you think I’m the pretty sister.” As soon as the words left your mouth, you realized how mean they sounded. Not just insulting Tech’s taste, but fully airing the distaste you held for yourself. Your smile dropped and along with your eyes to the hand still on his knee.

A drop of panic hit your gut as you started pulling your hand away. “I’m sorry, I-”

Tech grabbed your wrist and you couldn’t react before he hushed you, “Get down.” He said, pulling you both down to the floor. He ducked his head, pushing yours down and pulling you flush against him in one motion. His hand cupped over your mouth just before you heard the door open. Two sets of footsteps echoed in. Whoever it was, they were too far away for you to get a clear image of them in the window’s reflection.

You craned your neck, trying to get a look but Tech held you fast.

“His armor isn’t here.” Crosshair’s sharp voice rung out. “The little snake isn’t home.”

Hunter answered with a sigh, “Cross, none of us like this but you need to ease up. The sooner we get him trained, the sooner we get rid of him.” The two of them made themselves at home, walking around on a light inspection of your space.

Tech kept you both completely still, staying so silent you weren’t sure he was even breathing. Which was impressive considering that between the intruders and being positioned between Tech’s legs you were having a hard time regulating your own sounds.

One set of footsteps quieted. “Would you look at that?” Crosshair snarled. “Looks like the reg has a little crush.” The sound of paper snapping told you he found the picture of your sister hanging from your mirror. The level of agitation in his voice made you worry for the next time Crosshair caught you in uniform.

“That might be why I-” Hunter stopped mid-sentence. You heard footsteps shuffle in place.

“What is it?” Crosshair pressed.

A moment passed before Hunter continued. “It’s nothing. We should go. You can play nice later.” Crosshair made a noise of frustration, and the two of them left the room.

As soon as the door shut behind them, Tech eased his grip on you. His arms hung beside you while you instinctively sagged against him in relief. You twisted around to ask, “What were they doing in here?”

“My guess would be that Hunter wanted Crosshair to make amends.” You could see a thought turning over in him. “And I would say Hunter either just realized the situation or is on the very cusp of doing so.”

“How did they-”

“We have always known which barrack was yours.” Tech answered before you could get the question out. He glanced away momentarily, considering his words carefully. “I advised them early on to leave well enough alone.”

The two of you held each other's gaze for a moment, and Tech's expression softened, becoming more reflective. “I did say I enjoyed being the only one to know your identity,” he murmured. “What I neglected to mention is that I took measures to keep it that way.” Gently, he lifted a knuckle to your cheekbone, brushing back a stray hair. The corner of his mouth ticked upwards.

“It doesn’t bother you - not really knowing me?” You asked.

As Tech began to help untangle the two of you from your hiding spot, he responded. “We may not have had traditional introductions, but I know all that I need to.” You pulled your legs beneath you, reaching out for Tech as he stood. He gripped your hand firmly and pulled you up.

With a slight grunt as he helped you to your feet, Tech continued, “You are resourceful and brave. These qualities are not just observed; they are proven through your actions and decisions here.” Tech’s voice carried a respect and a hint of admiration that felt more personal than his usual factual observations.

“And while I may not know every detail of your past or every layer of your personality yet, I understand your core—your competence, your strength, and your commitment to your goals. These are the attributes that define you, not just the name you carry or the role you play.”

Tech bent over and plucked your helmet from the floor. “Plus, as a clone, a name doesn’t hold a great deal of value for me.” He held the helmet in his hands, He rotated the helmet, examining it before gently handing it back to you. “Does that answer your question?”

Nodding in slight awe, you gently accepted the helmet and immediately dropped it, opting instead to quickly wrap your arms around his waist. “Thank you, Tech.”

Tech stiffened slightly, the rush of adrenaline visible as his posture tightened—a clear sign of his surprise at the physical closeness. This type of interaction was uncharted territory for him. In the window’s reflection, he watched the two of you. Your face was tucked into his chest, hidden from view, but he could feel the tremor of your breathing. Unsure of what else to do, Tech lightly touched your head. “O-of course.”

Tech had a myriad of questions for you about your past and your motivations.Holding you in that moment, he decided, was enough. The questions could wait for another day.

The next morning's training session was particularly challenging for you. It was hard to ignore Hunter's scrutinizing gaze. He watched you as if decoding every movement, his eyes sharp and probing. Tech's earlier observations were spot on—Hunter was definitely onto something.

For once, you found yourself eagerly awaiting the end of the session. As soon as it was over, you hustled away faster than usual, leaving Clone Force 99 to prepare yourself for that evening. You were going to tell them the whole truth.

After mentally rehearsing several scenarios multiple times, you donned your armor and headed for the training facilities. However, as you stepped out of your room, you nearly collided with Nala Se.

She didn’t flinch, embodying the typical Kaminoan stillness. Towering above you, she blinked slowly, her gaze piercing. “Before you go, I must see to your injuries,” Nala Se stated matter-of-factly. Without waiting for your response—accustomed to your practiced silence—she turned and headed towards the medical wing.

You followed quietly, your mind racing as you pondered which injuries she referred to. Certainly, your nose and the rest of your face still ached from the previous day's exertions, and your torso was a tapestry of bruises, but these were all injuries that had been treated before. Moreover, Nala Se had scarcely crossed your path in recent weeks. Initially, she had helped you avoid detection, but she had not intervened since.

Her sudden appearance was less than comforting.

In the quiet of the medical facility, oddly void of the typical droids, Nala Se motioned to a bed. “Have a seat and remove your helmet.”

You were so preoccupied with thoughts of how your tardiness for training might disrupt your planned conversations that you barely registered her instructions. Nala Se said your name, snapping you back to the present.

Removing your helmet, you looked across the bed at her and realized her gaze was focused past you. It hadn’t been her calling your name.

Outside, Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, Echo, and Crosshair were on their way to the training facilities, helmets under their arms, when they noticed the Senator entering one of the medical rooms. Today, you weren’t cloaked in your typical attire but wore a robe of deep purple with gold threading, which seemed oddly formal.

Crosshair snorted, “Looks like we need to ease up on our little princess.”

Tech, who had been absorbed in his datapad, looked up. “To what are you referring?”

“I told you she was actin’ weird.” Wrecker said, more concerned than accusatory, ignoring Tech’s question. “Should we do somethin’?”

Echo, looking to clarify for Tech, gestured with his prosthetic arm. “We just saw the Senator enter the medical facility. And yes, we should check on her before heading to training.”

Tech paused, processing the information. He knew you well enough to be aware of your usual post-training soreness and kept an eye on the medical records associated with your after-training exams. You hadn’t sustained injuries severe enough recently to necessitate a deviation from your normal routine. He buzzed with suspicions and worried over the implications of your unexpected visit to the medical facility at such an unusual time.

“Let’s get this over with.” Hunter said, moving forward with all but Tech who stood in place a second longer. If his suspicions were correct, this was not going to go well.

Back inside, you were faced with your reflection. Blinking back confusion, your mind struggled to process what you were seeing. Stepping towards you, adorned in the traditional regalia of your homeworld, was your sister, looking every bit the senator she was meant to be, her hair elegantly braided back with strands of gold and pearls woven through. The purples and golds of her dress made her appear radiant and regal—so much like your mother, and so unlike you in your scuffed armor and haphazardly tied hair.

Nala Se wordlessly removed herself from the room, making the entire setup evident.

“Sister?” Your voice barely whispered as you took a hesitant step forward, half-fearing that any sudden movement might cause her to vanish like a mirage.

Her eyes widened, her pace slowing, as she scanned your face. Her face, so alike and unlike yours, crumpled with emotion, her lip trembling. Then, with a burst of energy, she ran towards you, hands reaching out from the folds of her cloak. You caught her in a tight embrace as she collided into you, her presence grounding the surreal moment.

She didn’t speak at first, only managing to choke back muffled sobs against your shoulder. You rested your head against hers, holding her close, and savored the familiar scent of her perfume—a reminder of days long past. “I’ve missed you,” you murmured, your voice not choked with sadness but steady and comforting. You had always been the pillar for her to lean on; this time was no different.

Your sister pulled back, rubbing tears away with the heel of her hand. She managed a shaky smile, laughing through another small sob. "I’ve been so worried. I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner."

You shook your head with a smile, gently gripping her shoulders. "You have more important things to do. Like, I don’t know, running the galaxy," you joked. Pulling her into another hug, you held her close for a moment before stepping back to reassess her. "Though… what are you doing here?"

Your sister took your hand, her grip soft against your calloused skin, and squeezed it tightly. "I’ve come to take you home. Mother—"

"Mother?" you interrupted, your tone sharpening as you pulled your hand away.

“We need you-”

“We?” You repeated louder. The joy of your sister’s visit dimmed the instant you remembered why you were standing together in a Kaminoan facility in the first place. “If this is for her, you shouldn’t be here.”

Your sister pressed a hand to her chest, perturbed by your tone. You’d never spoken to her like that. “You don’t even know what I was going to say.”

Swallowing the instinct to give in to her, you reached for your helmet. “I don’t need to. You know why I’m here and I intend to see it through. You should leave-”

The sounds of the doors whirring open cut you off as you snapped your helmet on in a hurry.

Suddenly confused, your sister opened her mouth to say something, but instead you heard a familiar voice and the strength you’d maintained was replaced by panic.

The sudden arrival of Crosshair and the rest of Clone Force 99 sliced through the tense atmosphere like a vibroblade. “How touching,” Crosshair drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he rounded the privacy divider at the room's entrance. “What is our little princess doing alone with a reg? I didn’t realize you had a pet.” His cold gaze landed on you, igniting a tremor in your hands.

Your sister’s expression twisted in a stomach churning and familiar way. She scoffed and turned, “Little princess?” She spat the words out, her disdain palpable. You felt like you might gag yourself.

Your attention snapped to Tech who was just as stunned as you’d been moments before. Apparently he’d not predicted this. Hunter kept a straight face, eyebrows a little furrowed. If he had any suspicions about your dual identity, this chaotic reveal was likely skewing his thoughts. Echo, ever the sentinel, stood slightly taller, his posture tightening as if preparing for conflict. Wrecker towered behind the group, watching on with a rare sense of seriousness.

Crosshair, shifting his weight casually and placing a toothpick between his lips, continued to provoke. “What? Don’t want him knowing about our little fun together?” His wording would’ve made you laugh had the situation been different. He stirring up a misunderstanding for his own amusement.

Your sister didn’t bite. She cocked an eyebrow, giving the sniper a challenging stare before turning her attention back to you. “Are these the clones that have been training you?” Her tone was sharp, and her expression mirrored the stern demeanor of your mother.

Caught between weeks of training to maintain silence in your armor and the escalating tension, you found yourself paralyzed, struggling to formulate a response. It seemed all you could do was breathe through the growing panic.

“You two know each other?” Wrecker piped up.

Your sister, her confusion morphing into frustration, glanced quickly back at the group. “Answer me,” she demanded, her voice heavy with authority that did nothing to ease the stiffness of your tongue.

“You little shit,” Crosshair fumed, stepping towards you but immediately restrained by Hunter’s firm grip. Despite being held back, he snapped, “Show respect and answer her.”

Receiving his anger as an unnamed clone never felt as painful as the anger directed to you now.

Whirling on them, your sister jabbed a finger at him. “Who do you think you’re talking to, clone?” The disrespect in the way she said ‘clone’ gutted you and visibly startled Wrecker and Crosshair.

“Me?” Crosshair retorted, pointing a finger back at her. “Why are you defending him?”

“Him?” Her voice rose almost to a shrill. You reached out, trying to pull her back from the brink of the confrontation, only to have your hand sharply slapped away. She spun around to face you. “Take that ridiculous thing off!” She reached for your helmet, and this time, you reflexively slapped her hand away.

Crosshair, seething with anger, wrenched free from Hunter's grasp and charged toward you. Tech's shouts echoed behind him, but Crosshair was undeterred. He brushed past your sister with a dismissive flick, gripped the rim of your helmet with one hand, and shoved you backward with the other. Just as you tumbled to the floor, your sister retaliated, pushing him away forcefully. From your position on the ground, you didn't see it, but the sharp slap she delivered resounded through the room.

With his cheek stinging from the slap, Crosshair held his ground, his grip white-knuckled on your helmet as he turned a furious gaze on the woman standing defiantly before him. The intensity in her eyes was something entirely new to him. They locked eyes, each poised for further confrontation, when a realization dawned on Crosshair.

He’d never seen you look quite like this. In fact, you seemed like a completely different person. Dropping the toothpick from his lips, confusion replaced the anger on his face as he scrutinized the subtle differences in the face before him—slight variations in aging lines and hair length. There was more than that, Crosshair realized as he picked out the innumerable differences.

“Crosshair…” Echo said hesitantly. Still sat on the floor, you were on full display for Echo.

Wrecker’s face fell as he glanced around Crosshair at you.

Steadying a shaky breath, you gathered what composure you could and pushed yourself up off the floor. "Calm down," you whispered, touching your sister’s shoulder as you rose beside her.

Standing there, you couldn't bring yourself to look directly at Crosshair, afraid of the disgust you might see mirrored on his face. You missed the horror breaking across him. Instead, you kept your gaze fixed on your sister, silently pleading, "Sister, please."

Snapping her hand out, your sister harshly gripped your face and forced it towards the men. “You're the ones who did this to her?” She was likely referencing the scar marking your nose or the other tiny, healed wounds your helmet had dealt you over time.

Heat scorched your face as you were forcibly put on display. You reluctantly met the eyes of Clone Force 99. Crosshair’s face was pale, his brows furrowed deeply and his mouth slightly ajar in a mix of horror and disbelief. Echo and Wrecker were in similar shades of shock. Hunter, on the other hand, looked almost regretful.

Gently removing your sister’s tight grip, you attempted to soothe her. “They didn’t know. Mother-”

“Do not blame Mother for your stupid decisions!” She screamed, gesturing a hand at you.

“Stupid decisions?” You challenged, feeling insulted. “My decisions have been for you. So I can keep you safe.”

“I didn’t tell you to do something so childish and I didn’t tell you to go and ruin your face.” You inhaled sharply at her words. She knew how to slap with more than just her hand.

Ignoring the clones, she straightened herself, her demeanor cooling into a composed facade that echoed your mother's authority. “Enough.” she stated firmly, making you straighten your posture subconsciously. “You are to come home and act as my body double at an upcoming gathering. The clones who trained you are to act as your security.” Pulling her hood up to shroud her face, you saw a glimpse of your gentle sister once more. “We will discuss your future afterwards.”

With that, she was gone.

Left alone with the squadron, you looked to the ceiling as opposed to facing them immediately.

Tech approached, saying your name. The others whipped their heads to him, the familiarity in his tone throwing them off. “Are you alright?” He asked gently.

“You knew about this?” Echo accused, turning on Tech.

“Of course I did.” Tech said quickly and dismissively.

Crosshair's hands clenched into fists repeatedly, his anger barely contained. "Was this all a game to you?" he growled, his gaze intense and accusing as he finally turned to you.

You were to weary to be angry at him. How he could ever think being pummeled everyday for weeks was anything close to a game was beyond you.

Meeting his fierce stare you offered a weak smile. It lasted only a second before it fell with your eyes. “No, never. I was sent here for training… I didn’t mean to deceive you.” Your mouth pressed into a tight line. “I’m sorry you were dragged into this.”

The room fell silent. Wrecker, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his voice a mix of confusion and concern. "So, all this time, you were…”

“Yes,” You finished for him. “But I didn’t mean for it to happen like this. I’ve been taking all the training seriously.”

“It shows.” Echo said softly.

Hunter stepped forward. “Alright, we can sort this all out later.” He gave you a firm nod. “As a team. But right now, we have a mission.” He extended you a hand and a smirk, an offering. “The rest… you can explain on the way.”

Your chest caved at the sight. Taking his hand you choked out, “Gladly.”

Tech adjusted his goggles with a smile. “Then that settles it.” Brandishing his datapad, he started scrolling through the screen. “And I have compiled a list of questions that will clarify this entire ordeal.”

Hunter walked beside you, placing an encouraging hand on your back. “Let’s get going.”

Echo and Wrecker still looked conflicted, but nodded in agreement with Hunter's decision, and even Crosshair, though still visibly upset, did not contest.

Tech gave one final note. “All things considered, that went far better than even I could have predicted.”

@bruh-myguy-what i hope you like <3

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luci4theminorannoyance · 8 months

Note

Yo Lucci! My guy! 🙋‍♂️

May I ask for an insecure and fluff request plz?

GN!Reader x masked cod characters

The masked cod partner showed reader their face for the first time.

KONIG, NIKTO, VALIKAN, ROACH, AND HORANGI.

Sorry if it's too many characters, bro. 😅

A/n: sure! And nah, you’re good. I love writing for all of these characters :)

Velikan:

-he was.. less then happy with the idea that eventually he would have to show you his face, you were his lover after all but still

-it had become something he was very connected to, and he hoped you wouldn’t stop liking him over something as dumb as his face

-it was a very early morning when he woke you up, softly taking off his helmet before standing next to you. waiting for your response, and when you reacted positive;

-he hugged you so tight he almost popped your back, head resting on your shoulder

konig:

-he was connected to his mask, it was his shield from others, it was something that mattered to him

-I think when you asked him to take it off it took him a fully minute to work up the gut to even respond

-ended up taking it off so you could fix a wound he got while on mission, and didn’t regret it for a second once you reacted

horangi:

-to be honest? He doesn’t truly mind. Sure his mask was something that made him feel safer but it was more for work then actual life.

-my man’s just tosses off his helmet and mask the day after you ask (because he wanted to kiss you but yknow.)

-still always wears it in public or at work, but at home he’ll keep it off all the time

roach:

-this was a BIG ask for him, he basically never goes without it. But if it made you feel happier he would ofc

-you were his lover after all, but that quelling feeling of you disliking how he looked was still there

-he let you take it off in the middle of the night, so that only the moonlight would show his features

-turned bright red in blush when you kissed him afterwards

nikto:

-he hated it. He hated his face and his scars. He viewed the mask as his face more so then his own face…

-but oh did it hurt him to say no, so ofc he let you take it off, as long as he didn’t have to see his face himself

-loves the feeling of your warm touch on his jagged scars, although sometimes it gets a bit uncomfortable when it brings back old memories

383 notes · View notes

vroomian · 1 year

Text

Kinda rough points for the platonic ideal of a Gerard. Just ideas at this point lol

—

Jason shot and wounded stumbles into a maze of alleys, hears someone singing and playing the guitar. That’s fucking weird ™ Because people don’t sing in crime alley.

He follows the music to an abandoned building, climbs in, and stumbles across a girl who seems very unimpressed with the whole situation. Her hair is, of course, black and curly, her skin is pale, and her eyes are a very dark blue magnified by her thick glasses. Her ratty oversized sweater makes her look even smaller than she is.

Jason adds another point to the “am I actually cursed to deal with Wayne nonsense for the rest of my unlife ??” collum, because this kid is adoption bait, down to the deadpan look on her face.

Jason can’t get this Obviously Homeless Child to leave , because ‘I was here first’ is a pretty good justification in crime alley. Then it’s too late and the people who shot Jason show up outside, and they’re both trapped.

“Fucking really,” the kid says flatly.

Jason kinda likes the twerp despite himself. What a tiny asshole.

“I’ll lead him away,” Jason says, despite being Swiss cheesed. “Stay here.”

“Normally I'd agree,” the kid says, “but your blood is mostly on the outside. If you go out you’ll die.”

She’s right. Jason’s still not about to let this kid be killed because of him.

the kid looks out the window and sighs like he’s deeply annoying. “Okay. Fine. I’ll take care of it I guess. Can I have a gun. “

What.

“What,” Jason says.

The kid makes grabby hands towards the gun in his hands. Jason let’s her take it because it’s out of bullets anyway and he’s very confused.

“Wait no,” Jason says. “Do not go out there and get in a gun fight,”

“Obviously,” she says. She holds the gun kind of awkwardly, but the way she clicked the safely off speaks of familiarity. “But if red hood dies, no one keeps Batman out of the narrows.”

“Why does that matter?”

“Because Batman won’t let metas live in Gotham,” she says and leans out the window before Jayson can stop her. Pressure builds and builds until jaysons hair stood on end, instincts screaming at him. The girl's eyes gain pinpricks of glowing red in the iris.

“It’s high noon,” she says, an odd echo to her voice, as if she was calling down a long tunnel.

It’s like three am. Jason can still feel the blinding heat of a harsh midday sun on his face.

There are eight men in the alley below them, and one of them points upwards at the girl — but it’s too late.

“Draw.”

The girl pulls the trigger . The crack is defaning, even through the sound filters of Jason’s helmet. The heat vanishes, but the wariness doesn’t.

Down below, all eight men collapse at the same time. Jason can make out the neat little holes in each of their foreheads. Clean headshots.

The girl shakes her head, hands Jason the gun back and rubs her eyes. “Ow. Hate doing that.”

“What was that????”

“Don’t worry about it. Here, hold this thing,” she tosses him a baseball. “Embrace tranquility or whatever.”

“???” Jason says when the base ball begins to float and glow, this time gold -- and matching the pinpricks of gold light in the girl’s irises. Before he has time to drop it, he can feel his chest begin to knit together. “You can heal?”

“No,” Her face is completely straight. “It’s definitely not me. There’s no metas in gotham. Especially not in the narrows. That’d just be asking to get captured and sold.”

Jason glanced out the window, at the eight dead men, and the calm face of the girl. She couldn’t be more than twelve but there was no regret, or hesitation in her expression. Not the first time she’d killed.

“I can put you up in a safe house,” Jason says.

“Haha, death first. I’m not getting involved with your caped nonsense. I’m going to go to college and become an accountant.”

Argue about it till the orb fizzles out and Jason agrees to leave reluctantly. He knows how alley kids are, and forcing the issue won’t help.

“Whats your name?” He asks.

“……Gerard” she says, not changing her expression.

“You don’t look like a Gerard.”

“I’ll have you know that I am the platonic ideal of a Gerard. If you look Gerard up online you’ll find me and only me.”

Man Jason likes this kid. “Sure. See you around Gerry.”

“Man I hope not. Don’t forget to clean up your mess. I like this spot and I don’t need eu de corpse outside all day.”

Brat. Jason goes out the window, baseball in hand. Behind him, there’s a moment of quiet, and then the music starts up again.

“Now Jesus died for them its true. What’s a devil to do? When the saints go marching in, I won’t be there because I love my sins…”

#vrrm vrrm #the platonic ideal of a gerard #fic #Dcu #this is really unpolished lol #what timeline is this #don’t worry about it #😘

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dxrlingsofmine · 1 year

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forbidden love. (Paul Baumer x Reader)

pairing: Paul Baumer x Reader

fluff/angst

plot: you are a British nurse, who stumbles across an injured German soldier by the name of Paul.

The year was 1918, approximately 4 days before the war ends. You were a nurse working for the British Army, sometimes you regretted it due to the things you had to do to other soldiers. Specifically, you were deployed to the Western Front. You have never had any run-ins with the Germans, but that was about to change.

You were getting ready to go to bed, when you saw a figure in the distance. “A German…” you thought to yourself as you grabbed a knife. However, as it got closer, it sounded like it was in pain… and it was limping. You got closer, on guard if the person tries to attack you. The two of you reached each other, the soldier stumbling into your arms. “Help…” He was heavy, but he needed help.

You eventually got him on a medical table, in which you treated his injuries, a bullet to the leg. “That should do it.” There was silence for a few moments. “Hey! Are you awake?!” You yelled out, with the man groaning. “Thank you. I mean… I can’t thank you enough.” He softly held your hand, rubbing his thumb across it. “Ah… but I can’t see you-” As he lifted up his helmet, he stared at you in awe. You were so… pretty, magnificent, just so pure and angelic-looking.

“What’s your name dear?” You asked him, to take him away from the topic of his injuries. “My name is Paul, Paul Baumer.” He smiled at you, one could say that love at first sight does not exist, but that’s what Paul just experienced. “What about you?” He asked, leaning up slightly against the wall. “My name is (Name) (Last Name). But Paul, you can call me Nurse (Name).” Paul looked down, whispering about you. “What a beautiful name for a beautiful person like you.”

You sat down next to him, wanting to know about Paul. “Where are you from?” Paul looks at you, taking a deep breath. “Osnabruck, Germany. I got lost and eventually found you.” Oh no. He was a German, but did he not know that he was on British territory? “Paul… this is, this is British Territory.” You panicked, Paul did seem a caring guy, he could become a prisoner of your country.

Paul looked frightened, seemingly thinking that you will turn him in. You had an idea. “Paul, I’m not going to turn you in. I can let you reside in my tent. I’ll say that you’re an injured British soldier. Is that okay?” Paul hesitates for a moment, but nods in agreement. “Besides, I got any type of care a guy needs.” You smiled as you put your hands on Paul’s face. You thought he was cute, so pure and innocent. He then puts his hands on your face, smiling at you.

“(Name), I apologize… but you’re really gorgeous-” You cut Paul off with a kiss, wrapping your arms around his neck. He widened his eyes, before giving in and wrapping his arms around your waist. Both of you pull apart and stare at each other for a short period, before giggling.

“Thank you, dear (Name).”

“You’re welcome, Paul.” It was going to be hard trying to conceal Paul from your superiors.

#paul baumer #felix kammerer

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sinisterexaggerator · 1 year

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Headcanon, because I am an angsty bitch.

Thinking about Jango x Cad a bit. I have a lot of ideas stewing, but one in particular addresses Todo 360's role in Cad Bane's life after the death of Jango Fett.

I have thoughts about them, many thoughts. To shorten my perspective, he was mentor (canon), partner, business associate, and lover to Cad Bane.

I see them together in his early years as a hunter. They were most likely in competition with each other. Maybe Fett passed down a few tips and tricks. I am foreseeing enemies to lovers and a bit of a brat-taming scenario here.

Cad had a temper. Imagine what he was like in his youth. He was pretty feisty in the Clone Wars. I like to think about what he was like when he was first starting out and trying to prove himself.

I also like to imagine the homelife he had back on Duro, living in the ghetto, and how that helped to shape his personality and most likely gave him a warped sense of reality where he constantly feels the need to horde his wealth for a rainy day, maybe, or maybe he gets a taste of the good life and winds up blowing it every which way to the wind, thus the need for a constant supply of credits. But, I digress.

He rarely trusts anyone, for starters. To let Fett in is to drop his guard. I think Cad might even grow to love him in his own way, though perhaps it is never voiced out loud.

Maybe Jango feels a little of the same, but maybe the "clone contract" causes a rift in their relationship. I don't see Bane being fine with a million of his favorite person out wandering about. It's unethical, it's weird, it doesn't make sense. He gets the money aspect, but he's offput.

I see them having a falling out. Maybe Jango wanted the money to lead a good life, a simple life, with his son. Maybe he thought Bane might be a part of it. Bane resents Boba. The man had a kid without telling him, and worse yet, a genetic clone in some weird science experiment that gives him the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it, and now there's a whole army of them!

Worst comes to worst. Jango's off his game. He dies. Cad finds out, never having closure, never getting to say sorry, never getting to say goodbye, and now he has to come to terms with the fact his lover's face is millions strong all across the galaxy. Talk about PTSD.

He can hardly take it; he kills them every chance he gets. He knows how they operate; he knew how Jango operated. He takes trophies, helmets. "Once ye figure one out, de rest are easy."

He finds Todo, buys him, acquires him somehow. I have not yet decided. Part of me wants to say he was in a dumpster and he fixes him up for this one job, but the droid takes to him.

The little shit comes back. He's loyal. He's there for him. He doesn't mind he's a grump. He provides conversation; stimulation in the otherwise solitary hours he spends in space. He becomes a comfort, someone to talk to, someone to fill the void that Jango left behind.

He tries to mentor Boba. He means well, he just can't bring himself to do it. He drinks himself stupid and pulls one crazy stunt too many and Boba is done. They have their duel.

Maybe Bane harbors regrets. He owed Jango this one favor; do right by his kid, and he can't even do that.

Maybe Bane's depressed. Todo 360 helps him alleviate his ails. He's his "most trusted confidant."

Anyway, this is the direction my fic is going.

#Cad Bane #Jango Fett #Todo 360 #Headcanons #Star Wars #fanfic #TCW #Clone Wars #Boba Fett

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mr2swap · 2 years

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Grandpa Bruce's Vacation

My new life is fucking difficult but I don't regret anything, my name is … well legally my name is Bruce now but I still don't get used to my grandfather's name, but before my name was Sevastian, I used to give myself a good life together with him. love of my life my boyfriend Jayden, but when the patient felt that everything fell apart Every day Jayden was weaker and weaker and for more double shifts that I barely took and could maintain his treatment, he had looked for a lot of ways to earn money early.

I was always fucking handsome and I considered starting prostitution to earn some money, I was sure that with how hot I was there was a large line of people waiting for me to fuck them but when I told Jayden about it he just got angry, apparently not I was not happy with my idea of selling my body for money, so I had to resort to borrowing from my family to be more exact from the wealthiest member of my family my grandfather Bruce.

Without saying anything to Jayden I went to my grandfather's house and talked to him, he seemed really attentive to every word. I explained the whole situation to him, even how desperate I was to get that money that I considered prostituting myself to pay for his operation and when I said “ I'd do anything for Jayden. ”He put a really creepy grin on her fat, old face.

-Listen son you have moved me, I will give you the money right now, I just … I want something in return- I was so happy to hear those words from my grandfather's hoarse and aged voice until he told me the only condition -You see, it is very difficult to move these days with this huge belly and with age, I would like a short vacation IN YOUR BODY-

-In … my body? - I said a little terrified I knew completely what he was referring to, I had heard rumors of that strange clinic that had become so popular lately among celebrities, I looked at my grandfather from top to bottom he was fat, old and unpleasant I had not cared for his diet in years and just thinking about being in his greasy body made me turn in my stomach -I… have to Discuss it with Jayden- I knew Jayden would oppose such a great sacrifice but before I walked out the door my Grandma stopped me, put her wrinkled and callused hands on my shoulder and said - I'm sorry Sebastian but it's a one-day offer, take it now or leave it-

I never expected my grandfather to be so cruel as to put me between a rock and a hard place, I knew sooner or later I would regret it, but I could not refuse, Jayden's life was worth it, I did not have the strength to say goodbye to Jayden I knew that if he spoke with He even ends up telling him the truth on the phone or he ends up suspecting something, I just sent him one last text message -I love you very much, I got the money for your operation with my grandfather, I'll be back home to celebrate soon-

A few hours later I was sitting with a helmet pulled out a science fiction novel in my head that prevented me from seeing and hearing everything, the process was really fast and I did not feel anything, just a blinding light and a buzz that left me stunned by a couple of seconds and when the process finished I found myself sitting in a different room wearing an oversized triple t-shirt and with a belly so big and swollen that I couldn't even see my feet, I had become Grandpa Bruce. The scientists at the clinic explained to me that it would take several days to get used to my grandfather's old body, however my grandfather seemed to have no difficulty in controlling his new and young body, on the way to my grandfather's house he never stopped worshiping my body, he ran his hands over his muscular arms and caressed his new and hard abdomen as if they really belonged to him, if it weren't for the Uber driver not stopping looking at us he would have taken off all his clothes right there to masturbate adoring his new body.

It's been 6 months of that and I still can't get used to waking up every day in my grandfather's obese and disgusting body, I can barely walk a couple of minutes without getting tired with this huge belly that I have to carry every day, but not everything is so bad Jayden fully recovered from his operation and right now he and grandpa are on their vacation on the beach celebrating their recovery, my grandfather bruce avoids me every time he asked him if it is not time for their vacations to end.

But when my grandpa is in a good mood he usually sends me photos and videos of him and Jayden having wild sex in our old house, it's hard to admit it but I still get horny every time I see Jayden's face getting fucked by my thick cock and yes I am very lucky my grandfather's wrinkled little cock works again although it is very uncomfortable to have to use my grandfather's callused and fat hands to masturbate… I just hope his vacation is over soon.

I wrote this for my discord server some time ago, if you take a look at all my stories please consider supporting me on patreon.

#bodyswap #body swap #male body swap #body switch

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gerec · 2 years

Text

Au-gust 2022

Master List of Ficlets Here

13. Reboot/Fresh Start

Pairing(s): Cherik Warnings: None

-----

There’s a man in Charles’ office when he returns from his last class, seated in front of his desk and drinking Scotch from a glass tumbler. He seems familiar in the space and has clearly made himself at home, though Charles can’t recall this stranger having ever visited the school. Even more curious is his seeming inability to read the man’s thoughts, though a more concerted effort on his part would certainly break through those psychic defenses.

“You’re right, Charles,” the man says, smirking with amusement at his startled reaction. “I could never keep you out without wearing the helmet.”

“I’m sorry; do I know you?” he asks, navigating his chair into place behind his oak desk, unsure what to make of the mysterious intruder. Charles is…unsettled, yes, but also feels like he’s seeing an old friend again; one who is watching his every move with an expression of wonder and affection. “Do you have a child you’re looking to enroll at our School, Mr…?”

“Lehnsherr. Erik Lehnsherr,” he answers, “and no, I’m not here about the School.”

Even with an eidetic memory it takes a few long moments to process this information, and for his mind to match the man’s face and name with the mutant he failed to save almost twenty years ago. He remembers vividly now of that night long ago; of that brief glimpse of a mind that called to him like a beacon. How he hesitated before diving into the churning waves, and how those few precious seconds of hesitation meant Charles couldn’t reach him – reach Erik – before he’d been dragged by the submarine too far out to sea.

“He’s…you’re…dead,” Charles breathes, staring fixedly at Erik, recalling the gut punch he felt when the light of that brilliant mind went out. Though he never actually saw the mutant live, he did see the man’s memories, and the stranger sitting before him is indeed wearing the same face. A face that’s older and more etched with grief than the roiling anger he remembers, but no less fascinating – inexplicably so – to Charles then and now. “How is this possible?”

“In my universe, where I come from, you saved me that night in Miami. We became…friends, and for a time we were happy together. I was happy, until circumstances and our differing views led us down divergent paths.” Erik smiles then, with such melancholy sadness that it makes Charles’ heart ache. “I regret our break more than I can say…and I wish I had said it to my Charles when I still had the chance.”

“Did he…is he dead?”

“Yes, to my great sorrow.”

“And you’re here because…” Charles prompts gently, before he adds, “also how are you here?”

Erik grins. “I suppose the ‘how’ would interest you, being a scientist at heart, but it’s irrelevant as it can’t be repeated. A mutant opened a portal into this universe at my request, one where Erik Lehnsherr died but Charles Xavier lives.”

Charles chuckles and shakes his head. “You understand how this all sounds, don’t you? How utterly implausible and made up? I’d sooner believe that you somehow survived that night years ago than the idea that you’ve come from…what? An alternate universe?”

“You can read my mind, Charles, and see for yourself,” Erik says, circling the desk and coming to kneel before Charles in his chair. Reaching for Charles’ hand, he places it on his temple, serene and inviting of his telepathic gift. It’s a gesture that he finds incredibly endearing, only adding to the allure of this strange, enigmatic mutant. “As for why I’m here…well I suppose I was hoping for a second chance for us; a fresh start. I want you in my life again, Charles, more than anything.”

Charles has wondered often over the years, about the man he couldn’t save, and what might have happened if he’d been able to pull Erik out of the water. Would they have worked together against Shaw or gone their separate ways? Become more than mere acquaintances or colleagues working towards a shared goal? Could he have convinced him to help Charles build a haven for their own kind? Where would their relationship have led if they’d actually become friends?

But now that the knowledge is actually here for the taking, Charles isn’t so sure he wants the answers.

“Come in,” Erik urges, still holding his hand, and Charles can’t say no to this man – this ghost – that fate or destiny has brought back into his life. “Come in and you’ll understand everything.”

“Alright,” Charles says, taking a deep breath before diving in.

#gerec writes #day 13 #au-gust 2022 #cherik #fresh start

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the-baddest-of-batches · 1 year

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Dar'Aliit: Chapter Thirteen - Big Picture

20 BBY Capital of Roche

I lift the blanket and am tackled by the flying limbs of a rogue ten year old. My helmet rolls across the floor. She's sobbing.

How the hell am I supposed to comfort a sobbing child?

I lean over and cautiously pat her head before quickly realizing if she opens her eyes she'll see the corpses of her parents. Without another thought I scoop her up and turn around so she can't see. Her head draws back, streaked in tears.

"It was so loud," she sobs. "And the ground shook, and there was screaming, and-and," she tears up again. I stare at the corpses and grimace.

"It's okay," I mutter. I kneel and pick up my helmet. "See, you're okay?"

"Where's my mom!"

I can't do anything but hold her. I have no idea how I'm supposed to handle a child, but I've seen plenty of crying kids around the Coruscant districts. Usually the parents just hold them and console them. Some scream back. I don't think that'll help here.

How am I supposed to get her out of here without seeing the carnage? I don't know if I can.

She wraps her arms around my neck and sobs on it. I stiffen a little. Maybe it bothers me because I wish I could have been her. Clinging to someone bawling my eyes out when the world around me became needlessly violent. Clones don't cry, though. We're bred for this.

I'm not a child. I'm a soldier.

She hugs me tighter. Pain stings down my shoulder. That hurts. I try not to gasp and look for another way out. There has to be something.

She's crying for her parents again. Her head is buried in my shoulder, so I suppose it's now or never.

"Hey, can you do me a favor?"

She hiccups on a sob. "Y-yes."

"Look at me and tell me your name, okay?" her head lifts. Her eyes lock on mine. They're pure white.

"Roje."

"Roje, nice name. Favorite color?" I take a couple of steps toward the door and her teary gaze is still locked on me. I try not to direct her anywhere else.

"Uh...orange."

"Animal?"

I keep asking questions until we're through the door and out of sight of the corpses. There's civilians in the street now, people emerging from homes to see what has become of their city.

"Roje!"

Roje turns at the sound of her name and smears her hands across her face before bursting back into tears. "Nama!"

I relinquish the sobbing girl into the arms of Name, Roje's, aunt, sibling? I don't know but they know each other. I step back. Roje's safe. She's alive.

I feel like I'm still holding my breath, though.

"Thank you," Nama, the older woman consoling Roje, has tears in her eyes too. I can't look at her so I nod. "Take care of yourselves." I turn, regretting it almost. I won't know their fates. I can't let myself get attached, because they're still people. Human beings whose lives will run out.

But for now, they're alive. And there's a universe full of them. I can't keep gambling and pretending not to care.

I pull my helmet on and ping R3. "C'mon. We'd better get back and make sure none of the Dar'Aliit got themselves shot."

I admit that I half expected another slap across the face. I was told to go with Fang Company and I clearly defined that order. But the General meets me aboard the bridge and there's something of a proud smile on his face.

That irks me more than his anger.

"You brought back valuable intel," he nods in my direction. Officers on all sides glance around at us. The Captain stands stiffer than normal.

"Well done," General Nidor about faces to the bridge windows. The ship is battered, but still here. "and on top of that you prevented civilian casualties. I'm almost proud of you."

Need I remind him that he wanted me to join the 560th? I don't think I will. This time. I'm still holding my breath for the other shoe to drop.

"I'm making you Lieutenant."

"Sir?" I balk. Lieutenant? Of what? I don't command anybody. I don't want to.

"I said I'm promoting you, trooper. You'll be Lieutenant of the Dar'Aliit and work within Bad Company. Addie here can brief you."

This is starting to ring less of a real honor and more of an underhanded attempt to corner me. He knew I'd do my job. He knew I'd earn this, and now I'm right back where I started. I hide my scowl behind my helmet.

"Yes. Sir."

"This will be imperative. The Dar'Aliit are being redeployed immediately."

There it is. I turn and look at Addie, who steps up.

"The other's came back earlier. I've already debriefed them on what we already had but you brought us the last piece of the puzzle." Addie informs me. "You all will have immediate redeployment to the Nashan sector. Intel from the tactical droid indicated there are several high ranking officers set to meet on Caeopa. We had heard rumors. This confirms it. Our goal is to intercept and capture them for questioning."

Our goal. I glare at the back of Nidor's head.

"This is of the utmost importance, please keep that in mind. Otherwise, you are dismissed." Nidor pauses and turns to me. He crosses both scaly arms over his broad chest with an air of victory. This was an argument without a single shout. And I hate to think that I'm the one who lost.

"Congratulations, Lieutenant Kian."

He stalks off, leaving me alone with Addie who steps a bit closer. "He really has a grudge against you."

"Mutual disrespect," I mutter. "Thought you already knew."

"I knew you two hated each other," Addie pulls off his helmet and sighs. "You don't want this, do you?"

I shrug. "I just want to keep the galaxy safe. If this is the price, I'll pay it."

"Meet me in the briefing room in five, bring the others. I'll give you all the whole run down."

"Yessir." I stalk away from him and glance back at the planet turning in the windows. Someday, I'll beat that Jedi at his own game. And I'll do it without burning down the universe.

4 BBY Calamity Crew Quarters

I already have two for the collection. After this, maybe two more. I look down at the broken lightsabers I keep on my belt. A couple rookie stormtroopers asked about them once, back when I was a trainer.

I think the stories horrified them more than the prospect of a clone carrying lightsabers. They're broken anyway. No real threat.

I leave them to hang off my belt, and pull on my helmet. The second is fresher, a new addition. The other one, it's older than my career here in Winterfang. Not that that means anything. I've only been Commander here a few months.

I've seen Dross eyeing the saber sometimes, though. He nearly died to the second one when that padawan tried to take off his head. Settled for his arm instead, I suppose.

I blink and my HUD comes on. We've got a few hours till we make the drop to the planet surface. The inquisitors are here and crawling all over the ship. They've got their own lightsabers and sticks up their own butts about who should be going out chasing down rogue Jedi.

I'll stick to the fact I own two lightsabers, and I know exactly how I got both of them. That's enough experience for me to say I don't need force sensitive babysitters around.

But the Empire won't see it that way. All governments are the same. Has been since the clone wars. You become a force user and suddenly you're the top dog. Everyone else is just supposed to fall into rank and file.

I toggle the door control and step out into the hallway of the crew quarters. A dark cloaked inquisitor passes by. His glare falls on me, his subordinate.

I almost pity him. They have to think of us as less or else face the reality that they're the leashed dogs of something much, much bigger.

20 BBY Krayt Bomber Bay

The hanger bay is empty. I've managed to avoid the troopers in the halls, and now that the debrief is over I'm clear of all Dar'Aliit members. Mostly because as Lieutenant, I had the power to order them to the barracks to prep for landing. Maybe this whole command thing isn't the worst idea. We'll be dropping out of hyperspace any minute now so I need to hurry up. R3 bumps my leg and I almost curse at him.

The bombers in the hangar all lay dormant. I poke my head around the corner and do a double check. I exhale slowly. I'm no pilot, but this is the only option. Maybe it'll finally get through the General's scaly hide that I do not need help.

"Go," I whisper to R3, now that I've confirmed we're clear. Keeping low, I jog across the hanger to the nearest bomber with the ladder still propped against the side. In a few short steps I'm inside. I slip into the pilot's chair and look at R3. He rolls under the back and vanishes before appearing behind me, snug in the astromech cockpit.

I can hear some of the chatter on the ship running through the comm line I left open but muted, just in case anyone catches wind of what I'm doing.

Now I just have to wait for the blast doors to open.

There's a shudder. I flick switches across the board and watch the controls light up. It looks like a simulator. Not one I did frequently.

"R3," I check our private line. "Ready?"

The shuddering stops. I buckle in. According to Addie's briefing, the plan was to drop out of hyperspace and deploy us, the Dar'Aliit to the surface.The goal, capture one if not all of the separatist leaders on the planet below. Not a difficult job given basically none of them are military leaders.

All we need is information. I know how to get information.

Starlight peeks through overhead. I flick on a few more switches and I can hear the thrusters heating up. I grab the controls and pull back, gently, this thing is more sensitive than Lekku.

Landing gear, gotta put that up.

I hear the ladder clatter off the side. Kriff.

Static over the comms as the bomber hovers, turning carefully toward the shields keeping out the atmosphere.

"Bomber A-17 what are you doing? This is control, I repeat, what are you doing?"

I slam my hand on the comm and shut it off. R3 beeps something nasty at them. I think this droid and I will get along.

The bomber nose comes around. I manage to get it up so we're clear of the other ships, and in the clear for the shields. Now the tricky part, getting out without getting shot.

Static. "Bomber A-17 come in!"

I shove the controls forward and the whole thing zips forward. I'm shoved back by inertia and I pull it around just in time to punch it out of the hanger bay. The panicked static crackles for a few seconds, then it's gone as I'm up in space with nothing but stars around me. It would be beautiful if I had the time to stop and stare.

I push the controls down and head for the planet. The bomber handles much more delicately than I remember. The simulation controls were always sticky, though.

R3 beeps at me.

"I'm aware. We're going down easy, don't worry. I think I know how to handle this." I am only half lying.

The bomber shudders as we hit the upper atmosphere. Caeopa looks blue from outer space, but that's only because so much of the ground has the same blue tint as its oceans. Landing is going to be a royal pain.

I glance back. The republic star destroyer is fading and fast. I swallow hard. The General's certainly going to demote me for this. I'm okay with that.

Give the promotion to someone who wants it. I'm fine on my own. I'm going to protect this galaxy the one way I was taught to, by going out and being canon fodder myself.

"So long, sir."

R3 screams at me. I look down. The controls are also screaming at me. Kriff.

Red lights, klaxons, what does it all mean? The altitude line is off. That isn't good. Kriff. Kriff. Kriff. I jerk at the controls. The bomber takes a dive. R3 beeps wildly.

"Well then you take over, you lump of metal!"

R3 groans. The outside of the ship is starting to burn up in the atmosphere and I am realizing I should've stolen some pilot's helmet. I haul back on the controls as hard as I can. New klaxons are going off. Static cuts in and out. The ground appears without warning through the clouds and there's not enough time to pull up.

"R3, eject!" I yell. The droid whistles, curses at me in binary, and ejects. I cut every thruster, just to slow the descent, and I slam the eject button for myself. The webbing against my chest tightens. I gulp down a breath and in a rush of air I'm free falling. My head spins. There's not enough air up here. I should've waited a few more seconds, or maybe let the droid fly.

This was a dumb idea if I ever had one.

I gasp and my vision fills with spots. I try to blink but the world is just a haze of clouds and ground all spinning together into one dizzy feeling. My stomach flips as gravity sets in and I lose all consciousness.

New chapter sneak peek coming...5/15!

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#star wars #clone trooper oc #clone wars #clone squad #dar'aliit fanfic #fic writer #serialized fiction #jedi oc #jedi killer #read on ao3 #read on wattpad #part 2 is here!#chapter thirteen #lightsaber #jedi #kian is an idiot again #reblog is appreciated #fanfic

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michinnyun · 2 years

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DreamWeaver

Chapter 14: Family

Pairing: Din Djarin x F!Reader

Rating: Explicit (Minors dni)

Summary: Remember where you belong. // Content Warning: Uh just some sexually suggestive stuff I guess? More kissing.

Tags: Reader-Insert × Eventual Smut × Slow Burn × mando is a soft boy with you × Force-Sensitive Reader × Good Parent Din Djarin × Protective Din Djarin × Touch-Starved Din Djarin × Soft Din Djarin × Pilot Reader × Anxiety × Fluff and Angst × no y/n × Sleeping Together × touch starved reader × THE RAZOR CREST IS NOT DESTROYED × Slight Canon Divergence × there is now smut × You're Welcome × Possessive Sex × Fluff and Smut × The Helmet Stays On × Vaginal Fingering

Words: 3.3k

AO3 Link

Though Mando half-heartedly protests at first, you eventually convince him to keep your nest of blankets in his cramped bunk. It feels a little like a move-in, even though you’ve lived on the Razor Crest with him for ages. You’re already basically roommates in every sense, but this feels more permanent. When you cuddle up to him at the end of every day cycle, you think about how you never want to sleep anywhere else ever again.

You haven’t talked about the Jedi or Bo-Katan since you left Nevarro, too caught up in your little bubble. Grogu is only getting stronger, and as you pass his favorite metal ball back and forth with the Force, you feel a surge of pride wash over you. Mando’s sitting behind you, caging you in with his legs, resting his chin on the top of your head and watching the two of you with mute fascination. How could you ever be expected to give this up? Why would you ever want to? Grogu doesn’t need a teacher, you’ll teach him everything you know, you’ll-

Your determined thoughts are interrupted by a persistent beeping coming from the cockpit.

“We’re here,” Mando mutters, rising to his feet. You deflate a little, following suit.

“Already?” you ask, trying not to sound as disappointed as you feel. It’s just been so nice, sleeping with him every night, fooling around when the baby’s napping. Finally getting to just be with him.

He cups your face in both hands. “Gotta pay for fuel somehow, cyar’e.”

“And those fantastic rations,” you say half-sarcastically, wrapping your arms around his middle. He automatically returns the embrace, and you sigh, thinking of the kiss you shared for probably the millionth time today. You traced your lips with the pads of your fingertips for hours afterward when he wasn’t paying attention, commiting the feel of his lips on yours to memory.

“Go land the bird,” you finally say, standing on tiptoe to kiss his helmet dead center on the metal forehead, tilting him forward with your hands.

Gorgu coos, making grabby hands at you. You release his dad to pick him up, and when you do, you become aware of him staring at the two of you. His clan. It’s being projected so hard into the Force you’re surprised you aren’t knocked over by it.

He pats Grogu on the head before he passes you, ascending the ladder and disappearing out of sight. You stare after him, oddly filled with regret, but over what, you don’t know. It’s not like you didn’t take full advantage of your time together, but you still feel an ache.

The kid stares up at you, and you smile, melancholy. “Just us again.” __

The Force rules. It’s so much easier to entertain the baby now that you have something to do other than sing badly and tidy up with Grogu perched on your hip. He’s already a master at levitating the ball, although it’s the only object he wants to work with for now. You’ll need to work on that.

However, even your new outlets get old after a while, and you’re sitting in the cockpit with Grogu explaining the controls to him (as if he could ever fly a speeder, much less a modified military patrol craft) when an idea hits you. It’s raining outside the viewport, the world outside a streaky blur through the transparisteel.

Mando told you not to leave the Crest before he went on his hunt, which is understandable. That’s why you don’t actually go anywhere, only lowering the ramp so you can show Grogu the rain. Technically you’re still with the ship, right?

The torrent is warm, falling in fat drops, and you hold a hand out to let it soak the skin of your palm. Grogu squeals when you let him down, splashing in the gargantuan puddles. You smile, following his lead, hair wet and clothes quickly soaked through. It’s like standing under the stream of the cramped fresher, but so much better.

Keeping a watchful eye on Grogu, you strip your vest off, sending it flying into the hull with a flick of your wrist. You’re getting the hang of the Force, too. The sky is grey and overcast, and you bask in the downpour for a moment.

It reminds you of the ocean planet of your past, the rain. You can recall everything easily, but not in the traditional way. It’s as if someone told you the plot of a novel a long time ago, or you’re watching a holodrama. Those things happened to someone else. You can see yourself in every second you’ve spent with Mando and Grogu better than a moment of your adolescence.

Grogu finds a small, hopping creature to play with, and you rush over before he can end the poor thing’s life with one quick swallow. Fussing over him, you brush the mud off of his clothes before he smiles a toothless smile up at you.

“Do you like the rain?” you ask cheekily, and he gurgles. You laugh, smoothing the wrinkles of his forehead with your thumb and carrying him back inside. You’re suddenly hit with the memory of your own mother doing this with you, carrying you in from the rain and changing your wet clothes, helping you dry off.

Grogu senses the abruptly unbearable sadness weighing down on you and coos, reaching for your face. You sniffle a bit, but give him what he wants, his claws scritching your cheek.

He shows you a vision of Mando in a dimly lit room, an IG unit opposing him before he guns it down. He stares down at you/Grogu, reaching a finger out curiously. It’s the first time they met, when Mando came to collect his bounty but decided to save him instead. You know the story well. It was one of the first things Mando told you when you got better acquainted with each other. It was one of the first things that convinced you to trust him.

New family, you sense, and now you’re really crying. They’re less physical words and more strong feelings, but you appreciate the sentiment all the same. You hug him closer to you, so happy that you found each other, that you have this incredibly rare, special connection.

You’re not going to give him up without a fight. __

You have exactly two books on the Crest that you’ve read about… 800 times? Each? You’re not exactly afforded the luxury of a holopad in your line of work, and again, there hasn’t been much in the way of entertainment for the past few months you’ve lived here. You’re reading the second one you own, a series of poems about the galaxy that Mando bought you a while ago on some swanky Core planet, when the hatch releases and he stumbles in.

Stumbling isn’t his style, but this quarry is huge, and you’re mildly impressed he managed to get it back by himself, despite knowing everything you know about him. The man’s unconscious body barely fits in the carbonite chamber, and you sit mutely, book lying open in your lap while he slams on the button to flash-freeze the poor sod.

He inclines his helmet towards you, and you smile a little awkwardly. “Hey stranger.”

He stands a little straighter in acknowledgement, hip jutting out, and you stifle a snort. Mando’s posture usually fluctuates somewhere between suave and goofy, and you’re sure he’s not aware of it in any capacity. Right now it’s more of the latter.

“Hey,” he grunts, and is he trying to sound… sexy? Your grin grows wider as he shuffles a little self-consciously.

“You were gone a long time,” you say slowly, closing your book and setting it aside. Even though you find his attempts at being seducing you borderline humorous, you missed him too.

“M’sorry,” he mumbles. “Had my hands full.” He gestures at the now frozen slab of a bounty. You nod.

“I could tell. Nice job, boss.” He sidles over to you, and you try to keep the sparkle out of your eye. This is new territory. Whenever he’s come back from a hunt before, he usually worked in relative silence, asking how the baby was, returning to the cockpit to get you off-planet as quickly as possible.

Now, though, you’re free to talk, flirt, tell him how much you missed him. To complain, even, about the boredom you face whenever he leaves. Not that you would. Although you are sort of wondering why he didn’t offer for you to tag along like he usually has the past few hunts.

His gloved hand tilts your chin up, as if you weren’t already looking at him. Your heartbeat stutters, and again you’re thinking about that stupid kiss, wishing he would do it again. More than anything, you wish he would, but you get the feeling he only did it that time to avoid opening up to you in a way he wasn’t ready for yet.

He told you a while ago, in passing, why he doesn’t take off his helmet. Explained the Creed while you listened attentively with the child bouncing on your lap, and even then you recognized the quiet reverence in his voice. It was the most important thing in the galaxy to him.

Maybe that priority has shifted if he’s finding loopholes so he can kiss you, but you’re probably getting ahead of yourself. You remember that the baby is sleeping soundly in the bunk, and you shush Mando when he accidentally kicks the crate you’re sitting cross-legged on.

“Don’t wake him,” you whisper, inclining your head towards the tiny hammock. For someone who’s usually so stealthy, you swear Mando rattles every piece of metal hanging off his body as he kneels in front of you.

His hands cover your thighs, and he rubs them up and down while he talks. “How was he?” he asks. The contact is less sexual and more soothing when you rest a hand on his helmet, smiling when he sort of… nuzzles into the touch.

“Good. We splashed about in the rain a little,” you admit sheepishly. He hums disapprovingly, and you imagine his helmet gone, dark hair falling in waves underneath your fingers as he makes the low sound. You know he has facial hair that he keeps (surprisingly) well-trimmed, and that he has (equally surprisingly) soft lips, but that’s as far as your real-world knowledge extends.

“We need to be careful, mesh’la,” he says, digging a thumb into the side of your knee. “You’re a target now.”

You snort softly. “Wasn't I always? We just didn't know it then.” Mando tilts his helmet, and you silently acknowledge that it’s more serious now than it was before Moff Gideon, but still. “Is that why you didn’t take me with you on the hunt?” you ask quietly.

He huffs. “It’s not like that. Didn’t want you to have to deal with this ugly nerf herder.” Mando gestures vaguely in the direction of the carbonite with his head, and you smile again. He’s picking up Cara’s Alderaanisms.

“I’m sure he’s not much worse than you are under the bucket,” you tease, nudging it gently. He rises and hovers at your height, forcing you to lean backwards until your back is resting on the top of another crate; a makeshift cot.

The cool beskar of his helmet kisses the skin of your neck, and you shiver. He crawls onto the crates with you, forcing you to open your legs to accommodate his body. You stare up at the ceiling of the hull while your arms wrap around him, barely meeting over his cape. You’re probably never going to get used to him doing things like this, casually invading your personal space in the most unexpected ways.

“What do you think I look like?” he asks quietly. You swallow hard. What does he even want you to say? This topic has always felt off-limits, even though there’s a million different responses swirling around your brain at all times. Your instinct is to start joking, but you get the feeling he wants a serious answer.

You exhale. “You’re probably late thirties, early forties. That means you should have crows feet, or you’re starting to at least.” This assessment is decidedly unsexy, but he hangs onto your every word. “I know you’re scruffy, based on the other day,” you whisper, and it’s the first time either of you has acknowledged him kissing you. You skate a hand over his back, obstructed from touching him fully by his heavy armor. “The hair on your arms is dark, so I’m guessing it’s the same on your head. Probably… brown eyes? Or green. I’d guess they’re really expressive, even though no one can see them.”

There’s more, so much more, but you’re flushed, embarrassment creeping in. You’ve speculated about it so many times, but you don’t want to let on. It’s weird that you’re shy telling him things you were literally thinking about two minutes ago.

“Do you want to see them? My eyes?” he asks, almost nonchalantly. It steals the breath from your lungs. Do you want to see them? Of course you do. There’s just one problem, something you’re going to take to your grave if you can.

You’re almost completely certain you’re not worthy.

If he’s going to break his Creed, he should do it for someone who actually deserves it, not someone whose past was completely unknown until last week, someone who skipped out on him and his son when things got a little tough.

No, you don’t want to see them, but only because you know he’s making a mistake by offering right now. Whatever’s been happening between you is so far beyond what you thought the universe would ever afford you, but it’s only just started. Who knows what’s going to happen from here on?

When you’ve been silent for too long, he says, “I can feel you overthinking.”

You fumble, trying to come up with reasons to decline without hurting his feelings. “I mean, obviously yeah, someday, it’s just- you can take it off for anyone?”

He clears his throat. “Not just anyone. Family.” Your eyes close, and you know you’re totally, completely fucked.

“Is that what I am? Family?” He’s the second person to tell you that today. You’ve always kind of known he felt that way whether you were aware of it or not, but you’ve never heard him say it out loud. You feel his nod, and tears spring up in the corners of your eyes.

“I… don’t know if I’m ready,” you admit. “It used to be all I wanted, funny enough. But now… everything’s sort of different, isn’t it?” He’s quiet, and you’re worried you’re saying all the wrong things. You lick your lips. “It’s just… what if you show me, and then we have to deal with all the crazy ridiculous kark that I started, and you- what if you regret it?” Now you’ve said it. No taking it back.

“I could never regret you,” he murmurs, and it knocks the wind out of you. You will never understand how someone who used to be so quiet can consistently find the perfect words to tell you everything you want to hear. You suck your lips between your teeth, blood pounding in your ears.

You really hate yourself right now. Despite how vulnerable he’s being, despite how much this admission means to you, you don’t believe him.

Mando sits up and you look up into his visor, wide-eyed and uncertain. Your cheeks are pink and he traces his thumb over the flush, contemplating. When he moves to activate the release under his jaw, your eyes squeeze shut at the hiss. You don’t need the Force to sense his disappointment.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper. He leans down, ghosting his pouty lips over your own. The cold metal of his half-on helmet skims your nose. You surge into him, wanting more than anything to kiss him again, a real kiss this time.

His tongue traces your bottom lip, and you practically melt into the crate, a full-body blush overwhelming you. His elbow is propped next to your head as he uses one hand to keep his helmet firmly in place.

“I thought Creed was the most important thing to you,” you say breathlessly against his mouth. His nose nudges yours. Anxiety is twisting deep in your stomach, but you ignore it in favor of bringing a hand up to his neck, desperate to feel the short waves of his hair under your fingers.

You break apart, chest heaving and breaths coming in muffled gasps. He gives you another peck before he speaks. “That was before I almost lost you.” You’re so torn by his words that you almost don’t catch how different he sounds without the modulator. Not much different, granted, but it’s the first time you’ve heard him without it. He sounds softer, less grating.

You kiss him again, nuzzling into him. Devastatingly wet, it’s just occurring to you that you should probably do something about it when Grogu wakes up with a wail that pierces the comfortable quiet of the hull.

Mando jumps off of you, helmet falling back into place before you rush over to Grogu's compartment, both of you reacting to your instinct to check on him.

You scoop the little green goblin up, fat tears leaking from his enormous eyes, soaking into the brown fabric. “I’ll take care of this,” you say over the bawling. “Go… take a break, or something. You need it.” You smile in a way you hope doesn’t look too frazzled. He hesitates but eventually relents, climbing the ladder to set the next coordinates.

After further investigation, it turns out Grogu was just hungry. That makes sense after you took away his hopping snack from him earlier, but you silently thank him for saving Mando from, what is still in your opinion, a huge mistake.

When you crawl into bed with Mando, he’s in only his underclothes again, and you think about how close you got to having him fuck you on some crates in the hull earlier. It definitely piques your interest, but you meant what you said about him taking a break. He needs to rest.

You take your hand in his and kiss his knuckles one by one before you fall into delirious, blissful sleep. __

It’s been a long time since you dreamt about Mando. You hardly need to, now that pretty much everything you fantasized is real. But you’re in the dark place again, a place you now recognize exists directly in correlation with your connection to the Force.

Soft, sweet. Strong. Oh no. That’s Mando’s voice. You’re picking up on his dreams, which is the last thing you want. It’s too much of an invasion of privacy. Gloved hands materialize on your hips, and you look up into his visor when he appears in front of you, startled. Mando? you ask, certain he doesn’t realize you’re real when he says the next words.

Want to stay with you. Forever, he mutters, tucking your hair back, and if you weren’t already asleep you’d pass out. His dream-hand cups your cheek and you freeze, unsure of what you’re supposed to say or do in this situation. Clearly he thinks about this a lot for it to be permeating his sleep.

Forever’s a long time, boss, you say nervously. He presses his forehead against yours, murmuring the words that are going to change your life forever.

Mhi solus tome, mhi solus dar'tome, mhi me'dinui an, mhi ba'juri verde. Then he disappears, the weight of his hands gone, but it doesn’t change anything. In the dream, through your connection, you know exactly what the words in Mando’a mean, and they’re… transformative, to say the least.

We are one whether together or apart, we will share everything, and we will raise our children as warriors.

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#my fic #star wars #the mandalorian #din djarin #dreamweaver #din dijarin fanfiction #din djarin x reader #din djarin x female reader #mando #mando x you #mando x reader #reader self insert #pedro pascal

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tempesttemper · 2 years

Text

Bad Timing

Summary: Reader and Chris are paired together on a mission, one thing leads to another and the Reader is shot in Chris’ arms with one of them delivering a heavy confession

okkay so this is just a mission i made up… lol enjoy (first time posting so sorry if it’s bad)

Pairings: Chris Smith X gn!Reader Peacemaker X gn!Reader

Warnings: Swearing and mentions of sex (it’s Peacemaker so that’s obvious)

________________________________________________________________

The butterflies were getting on (Y/N) (L/N)’s nerves, they just wanted one week in their life where they could at least pretend to be normal. But no, that was not their luck. That’s what they get for agreeing to work for Amanda Waller, a decision they much regret most of the time. Especially in this very moment, they were crouched behind a pillar inside of an old warehouse with one of their fellow teammates, Peacemaker or Chris Smith.

He was a buff egocentric man that was able to irritate everyone on the team, somehow (Y/N) actually enjoyed his company and chose to be with him on most missions. They would admit he was an attractive man, but the idea of saying that to him and fueling his ego more? No fucking thank you. Emilia Harcourt, another team member, said it once and he didn’t shut up about it for days, so (Y/N) was good with bottling the attraction up and never speaking of it, well maybe not never.

“Where are those insect motherfuckers?” Chris whispered to them from his slouched position against the wall, his stupid helmet kept hitting the wall every time he moved. (Y/N) almost ripped it off his head to keep them from being caught, but they kept their cool and just shrugged in reply. How the fuck would they know?

“Maybe they decided they don’t want to take over the world anymore.” (Y/N) mumbled back, a sarcastic yet playful tone laced their voice in return. The costume-clad man just rolled his eyes in return, he liked their energy so being paired with them on missions was something he looked forward too, plus they were hot as fuck and who was he to complain.

As if on cue they caught sight of a small group of butterflies moving throughout the warehouse, they were carrying weird tubes of a gross yellow liquid. (Y/N) screwed their face up at the sight, they thought it was gross as fuck and that it looked like vomit. For once they were glad that they were human and could eat shit like burgers or ice cream, which they could go for right now. They shook their head to try and get rid of the random thoughts, time to focus on the mission at hand. Should they make a plan or just wing it?

‘Fuck it.’ They thought, might as well just take them out right now. Might as well just wing that shit, when was the last time this team actually used a plan, stuck with it and had it go right? Fucking never.

They cocked their two hand guns and placed them in their hip holsters, quickly unsheathing their axe from the bag that Chris had brought to carry his helmets in. It was show time, let’s fucking go. Cracking their neck slightly as they stood up, they were ready to give the performance of their life.

They lunged out from behind the pillar to the group of butterflies, their axe swinging like mad with no holding back. With each chop (Y/N) (L/N) felt something loosening inside them and becoming free, which is totally fucking weird because they were killing people but it’s true and maybe the reason why they fit so well in Project Butterfly.

In almost four minutes all the butterflies were on the ground, dead. Well, all except one. One that (Y/N) had not noticed, a gunshot rang out and pain ripped down (Y/N)’s left side. They stumbled backwards for a second as they heard another gunshot and the butterfly fell flat on its ass. They were in shock as they stood still for a solid ten seconds before collapsing to the ground.

They felt two big arms wrap around them as they fell to the ground, Chris’ face appeared in their line of view. His big doe eyes full of panic as he laid them down into his lap, he didn’t know what to do at first. He was shocked from seeing the badass agent he knew get hurt, it was weird to him because that bitch never had their guard down on the field. What the fuck? He quickly got over his shock and radioed the team, letting them know what happened and in his own words to Economos “Call a fucking ambulance, you ginger beard fuck” before turning back to the hurting agent in his arms.

“Come on, (L/N). Don’t die on me right now.” He muttered to the (H/C) person laying in his lap, he was so used to losing people in his life but for some reason the idea of losing them… He didn’t even want to think about that, his brain wasn’t capable of that at the moment. They hadn’t moved or said a word in what felt like forever, luckily they were still breathing but it still worried the shit out of Peacemaker. He needed them to do something, he raised his hand to give them a light smack on the face when their voice finally spoke up.

“You can’t get rid of me this quick, Smith.” A loud breath that Chris didn’t realize he was holding was let out along with his hand dropping to his side, holy shit was he relieved to hear their voice. At this point he didn’t know if wanted to hurl them off a building from how anxious they made him or cry, maybe both… He was known to do both things anyways.

“Christ, you worried me, dumbass.” They let out a strangled laugh at the older man, even in a time like this he’d still willing to call them names. It made them feel slightly better about the pain in their side, until the laugh was too much and had them in a coughing mess which caused Chris to panic once more. What a fucking softie.

“This is probably a horrible time to do this because you could be fucking dying, but just listen. I’ve lost a lot of people in my life, I learned how to deal with it but…you’re different. I can't take it if it’s you. I’m not one for this cheesy bullshit but I like you, a lot. Just don’t fucking die on me so I can take you out to eat sometime, or fuck… whatever you want.” (Y/N) was surprised to say the least, if they didn’t have a bullet in their stomach area maybe they would’ve jumped his bones then and there. But due to the slight predicament the two were in, all they could do was smile widely at him through the pain, maybe going on a date with the big and bad Peacemaker wouldn’t be so bad.

“I’d like that.” Chris’ face lit up in excitement, he nearly forgot that he had a mortally wounded human laying on his lap. He just got a date with a hot motherfucker, he couldn’t wait to rub it in Economos’ face or gossip about it with Vig and Adebayo, Smith felt like a school boy by how giddy he got.

“You’d like the date or sex? ‘Cause I’m down with both.” Once again (L/N) let out a loud laugh which led to a coughing fit, what a loser this man was. With all their strength they slapped the man on the arm with an eye roll, obviously they were down for both but again no need to build the ego. They felt their eyes slowly begin to close, the pain had started to take over and they felt like they were going to pass out then and there. Giving one last smile to Chris they muttered out a small sentence before collapsing completely into his arms.

“Just shut up and get me to a hospital.”

#peacemaker imagines #peacemaker x reader #chris smith x reader #chris smith imagines

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staygolddindjarin · 3 years

Text

Grief

Chapter One: History

Din Djarin x Reader x a bunch of other star wars characters

Series Summary: Raised on Mandalore, born into a bloodline of warriors, no one ever expected for the daughter of a Clan leader to go rogue. Leaving the life of security and making the journey to fight in the war against the empire meant many things... giving up the way of the Mandalore, and giving up a solid future. A future that involves an arranged marriage to a foundling from another clan.

Chapter Warnings: Oof this ones kinda angsty right off the bat- ⚠️ attempted suicide?? Kinda?? Age gap (reader is underage, but don't worry it's just for the sake of backstory and also there's no spicy, so...) mentions of death and afterlife, fluff if you like squint really hard

A/n: hello there... I'm sorry to inflict tumblr with this atrocity, but wattpad had to deal with it so tumblr can too. I wrote a different version of this on my wp with an OC name, but I know that not everyone cares for that so this won't include that. Also this series will be such a slow burn... prepare yourself ahead of time because it's going to be agonizing

Words: 6.3k+

SERIES MASTERLIST UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Part 1/?

"Pehea gar mar'eyir ni...."

How did you find me....

He came and sat beside me, the sound of metal scraping agaisnt the ground when he knelt first.

"Gar cuyir te shi solus tion'ad comes olar jii. Ni kar'taylir gar jate'shya gar mirdir Ni vaabir," He responded.

You are the only one who comes here now. I know you better than you think I do.

I heaved a deep breath before letting it out in an exhausted sigh. Speaking in my native tongue was something I always appreciated, but now sitting here it felt nearly uncomfortable, but there was a reason for that.

"I wanted to be alone," The words from my mouth were no longer in my language, and he shifted beside me, trying to convey his confusion without a word.

"Care to elaborate?" He suggested, his asking tone was harsh... but then so was everything else about him.

I didn't really feel like explaning my feelings at the moment. I didn't want to focus on the very thing he was asking about. Even though he wasn't absolutely sure of what he was asking.

"You wouldn't understand if I told you," I trailed off.

"Try me." His voice wasn't any softer, but the sincerity he rarely showed had seeped into his tone.

"I really don't think it's a good idea. You really won't understand, and for all I know you could make things worse off for me than they already are," I didn't like it when he let his guard down around me. I didn't like getting closer to him, even though I was supposed to.

"I can't force you. Whatever it is, I wouldn't get myself too worked up," He sounded hurt, but I couldn't bring myself to believe it was by my words. He was too strong to be wounded by such trivial things.

He moved in his seat, beginning to stand, and for some reason the thought of being alone like I had originally intended seemed like a horrible idea.

I reached out to grip his arm. I kept my gaze forward, knowing that even if I looked at him I could not see his eyes.

"Stay."

He didn't hesitate. He sat down again, and I no longer felt guilt for the hurt in his voice a moment prior.

We sat for a moment in silence, just looking over the cliffside, into the deep canyons that wove in between settlements and encampments of our tribes and clans.

"I don't want this life," I whispered. I had only half hoped he would be paying enough attention to hear me. My voice was soft enough that he might not have.

"What do you mean?"

I squeezed my eyes shut, regretting the choice to even say what I did. I felt a shiver go down my arms, and I felt the wind come into the old open cavern, making the air around me chill. My arms were exposed, for I didn't expect the cold tonight. I didn't expect to be here this long.

"I'll turn sixteen in four days. I will either take the creed, or deny everything I've ever been taught. I'd leave if I do that," I finally gave a glance in his direction. He looked back at me, or at least the beskar did. I could never tell where his eyes were.

"You want to leave?" That pained tone of his voice had returned. The one I felt guilty for without actually believing I had done anything to cause it.

I did. I wanted to get off this planet. Away from the responsibility of becoming what everyone expected of me.

"I have to. It's the only way I will ever be at peace, but I'm not sure if I truly have the strength to stand in front of my family and deny the creed."

I could run away. I had some friends who were planning to jump a transport and join the rebellion against the empire.

They had offered me to be apart of this, but I had refused, believing that I would follow in my ancestors footsteps and take the creed. My father had already provided the beskar for my helmet to be made. It was already in the armourer's possession. All that was left was for me to come of age.

"Where did you go, just now?" He noticed my lack of attentiveness to my current reality, and brought me back to where I was. On the drafty cliffside, with my legs hanging over the end.

"Nowhere. I was just thinking about the future," I had admitted. Though I felt the need to stay emotionally distant from him, and not let myself develop a closeness, I knew I could trust him with my life, which is why I even revealed these things to him in the first place.

"What do you think your future will look like?" The tone that brought me guilt had again left his voice, but was replaced by something else... was it fear? I could not even think of theorizing that he could ever be scared. He was one of the bravest in his clan. Never had he shown an ounce of fear to anyone or anything. How stupid of me to even wonder.

"Merc and his crew are gonna stow away on a crate transport tomorrow. He has contact with the rebellion. He said that I could go with them if I was up for it," I looked down, almost embarrassed at admitting a plan of escape to someone so loyal to this place. Even though he wasn't born on this planet, and even though he wasn't a blood member of any tribe, the foundling was more of a mandalorian than I could ever be.

"You've agreed?"

"No. Not yet," I shook my head. I didn't feel like my reasons were valid. Having him sit beside me, and ask me these things made me realize that I needed to explain myself further.

"Din, I want to be free. I don't want to spend the rest of my life under a code that is so restricting to me, binding my every decision. Everything I'd do would have to be following after the creed."

He didn't respond, and even though his features were shrouded under the reflective surface of his beskar, I could tell he was thinking of something.

"I'm not yet sixteen, but when I am... I don't want to be locked down under a piece of metal. I don't want to have to be bound to this planet or a clan. I want to go some place far away and be something that is different than what everyone expects of me. I want to fight battles against the empire, I want to make my own rules. I want to be free to marry who I love, and not be betrothed to whoever my father chooses for me," I finished off my speech about freedom, but realized the last sentence too late. I should have chosen a better set of words.

Din's head hung down, looking at the wrist guards he wore. He shook his head back and forth and before I could interject, he began speaking.

"So that's why...." he trailed off. I was honestly too scared to say anything now. Why must I speak so bluntly and hurtfully honest to people? Perhaps it is because I had never gotten close to him that now I had no fear in what I said to his face.

"If the reason you plan to leave your family is because of me, then-"

"No," I said harshly, catching him off guard. I was usually snippy with others, but I had never before shown a tendency to be angry or intense with my speech. "Believe me, this has nothing to do with you."

"You have always shown enthusiasm towards coming of age. It's only now, when we are arranged, that you show any difference," He brought on certainty in his voice that I nearly couldn't deny, but the truth was... it really wasn't about him. "I can converse with your father, the rest of the clan... I will find a way to break it off if it will make you stay."

"Din, I don't want you to do that. If you don't believe me when I tell you that you are not the cause of this, then so be it, but I will not have you ruining your good name in my favor, when it won't even stop me," The heat of the moment provided actual, physical warmth for me in the time I was running my mouth off, but now that I had finished, and begun to calm down, I felt the freezing air on my arms again, wrapping them around myself and drawing my legs closer to generate more body heat.

"Are you cold?" He changed the subject, needing something- anything else to say.

"Its not exactly warm up here," My voice was low and sarcastic, but at hearing my words, Din stood up and stepped behind me. Before I even had a chance to ask him what he was doing, I felt his thick woolen cape being draped around my shoulders.

I smiled softly, not even a real, full smile. More of just a small tug from the side of my lips. My real smile was saved for later.

"Thank you."

He nodded as he sat back down, letting his legs fall over the cliffside.

"So you're gonna leave with them, aren't you?" His head turned to face me, but I couldn't dare try and stare at the beskar while thinking of what I would do. This choice was the beginning of the rest of my life.

"I think so," I didn't think. Thinking was what I had been doing too much of. Now I was certain. This was my choice. I was going to start new, and become something different. I may have been born on mandalore, but I was definitely not a mandalorian.

I had a rush of confidence come through me until I remembered what this meant. It all hit me like a dropship coming out of hyperspace. What was I thinking?

"No," I whispered. Din didn't understand my sudden discouragement, but he would soon.

"Merc and his friends already denied the creed. He's a foundling. They all are," I started to tear up as I realized what would happen to my family. The loss of a child in a clan is bad enough, but my family hadn't done anything to dessrve this. They were caring. They had shown me love. They had given me the best life I could ask for on a planet with such a religion.

"Second thoughts?" He asked genuinely, scooting closer beside me as to maybe get more information from my body language, or even my breathing.

"I can't do this. My family would be ruined. If I ran away, they would be punished for it," I felt tears coming up in my eyes. My clan was good to me. The people were kind, and I found solace there. Even if I had always dreamt about something bigger, I couldn't bear to let ruin come upon my family name. It wasn't fair to let that happen, especially when the only thing in the way was my own selfishness. "I can't leave my family."

I let the tears stream down my face, not even bothering to wipe them away. The contrast of the cold wind on my hot, tear streaked face had helped to calm me down a little.

"If you plan on staying, you understand that I am apart of your future here, don't you?"

"Din, I already told you before... you are not the reason I want to leave," I tried my best to keep myself together, but with my wet cheeks and red, puffy eyes, I didn't see how that could be an option.

What if there was another way to freedom?

I sat, trying to think of some stories that the other clan members would talk about.

"Din?"

He hummed in response, keeping his gaze on me.

"Has anyone in your clan ever mentioned afterlife?" I maybe should have taken a different approach to this. He seemed to be rendered speechless by my topic of conversation, but I had to ask.

"You mean after death?" He asked me and I nodded.

"I've heard some stories."

I thought about how it had been described to me. A paradise, with never-ending happiness, and unlimted freedom. Freedom.

"After you die, you appear in the world as another life. You can do whatever you want and no one has consequences for any of it. It's like a world without chaos. Everything is perfect," I remember every word as it comes out of my mouth. The words that were spoken to me, more like taught to me when I was a bit younger by the elders who had retired from their days of battle.

"It sounds too easy." He said, ripping me out of my fantasy.

"That's the point. You don't have to worry about anything or anyone, because you can do as you please, and everything will still be the same. All you have to do is die...."

"Like being reborn into a different world."

"Exactly."

I hesitated to take my safety blaster from it's holster under my hip, and when I did, I looked at it before pointing it out in the distance and testing the trigger. It shot a blast of lazer energy out into the air, landing somewhere beneath us in the canyon.

I decided that this was not an act to pursue at the moment, for Din was sitting right beside me, and the sight of watching a young girl pull the trigger against her own head might be an unpleasant one. Even for him, though he has seen worse.

I put the blaster back in it's holster and stand up from the rocky ground. Din follows suit, looking down at me with quiet concern. I wouldn't have known it until now, but I wondered if he had come to care for me at all during these last few weeks we had been betrothed.

I'd known him the majority of my life anyways, so I knew he must have felt some sort of attachment to me, but in what form, I hadn't ever cared to ask.

He kept breathing heavily as he looked down at me for a few moments, and it almost sounded like he wanted to ask me something. The question was on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't bring himself to utter the words.

"Here's your cape back," I slid the material off my shoulders, trying to hand it back to him, but he pushed it back towards me.

"You should keep it for now. The sun is nearly down, it will only grow colder."

He reached his gloved hand up to my face, and I could swear I felt the warmth of his hand beneath the coarse leather.

I only nodded, and leaned forward, trying to lean my head into him, but he carefully stopped me, his hands on my shoulders. Instead he rested his helmet against my forhead, and the cold beskar wasn't such a bad feeling as it rested there.

"I won't let you down. I promise." He said, clueless of my plans for later tonight, after the tribes were asleep, and no one would be at the cliffside.

"I know you won't. You're a good man, Din Djarin." I paused, trying to gather better words. "A true Mandalorian if there ever was one."

The moment didn't last any longer because of how frigid the air was becoming. It was warmer back with the tribes, they always had a fire burning.

Without another word, we both left the old artillery cavern and hiked down the side of the canyon to get back to our own clan territory.

Once I was at the edge of mine, I turned around to utter a simple goodbye, and found that he was very close behind me. His hand came up and rested on my shoulder, lightly squeezing it.

Maybe this was the last time we would see each other. Tonight I would envoke my plan to freedom, to rebirth. Perhaps we would meet in another life. Perhaps I would have just enough memory of this life to try and find him in the next one. One where I will have freedom.

Tonight I had gotten closer to the metal clad Mandalorian than I ever had before. I didn't regret it. He listened to what I had to say, and there were few who ever did.

His hand fell from it's place on my shoulder, but I didn't let him walk away yet. I pulled him into an embrace, feeling him tense up for a moment before reciprocating. It took him a few seconds to let out the breath he was holding in, but when he did, he found himself relaxing into the comfort.

"Goodbye, Din," My voice wasn't sad, or overly sensitive in any way. I figured it actually sounded quite optimistic.

"You know I'll see you tomorrow." He said, reminding me of the clan meetings. Once a month the clans would gather and each tribe would go over the agenda for whatever was to happen soon. Battles were normally discussed, but tomorrow, me and a few of the others in the other clans would be talked about. Our ceremonial coming of age where we would take the creed.

"Yeah... right. Don't come looking for me, I don't plan on showing up," I said quietly, careful in anyone was to hear me.

He pulled me back at arms length and looked at me, but his black blast shield hid his features and I could not tell if he thought I was crazy or not.

"How come?" His voice was also quiet, as we noticed some of my clan passing by to get to the fire.

"Don't worry about it. You'll still see me tomorrow," I lied. Or did I? Everyone within the five neighboring tribes would probably see me tomorrow.

He nodded, pulling us all the way apart and stepping back.

"Good."

He didn't look like he was gonna walk away until I had gone into the hub of my clan's small village. I turned around and walked towards the large fire, seeing my mother. Her helmet was unmistakable. The pattern of the strill engraved into the side of the beskar. It was her signet. A worthy kill of her days in battle. I would never have one. I walked towards her when she noticed me.

Her modulated voice let out a small chuckle, before I stepped beside her.

"It is well to see you spending time with Din Djarin. Me and your father were afraid you may not have been fond of him," She kept her gaze on the fire, speaking only loud enough for me to hear her, given that the other mandalorians of our village were also gathering around the fire, conversing with each other the same way we were.

"I am fond of him, why would I not be?" I was unsure of what she meant. Sure, I had been keeping a distance between us since my father had arranged our marriage, but I never had shown that I wasn't fond of him. I was polite, and gave him attention when it was asked of me.

"Whenever I or your father bring up the discussion of your eighteenth birthday, you always seem to act like it's the plague," She was smirking under her helmet, and I could tell. I could always tell what face she made underneath her metal covering.

"Maybe it's the fact that I dread getting married at all. I'm not opposed to Din, though," I convinced her. I wouldn't have to try and do that again after tonight.

"Whatever it is, your father will be pleased to know you and him were in each other's company. Although I will stray from telling him you two were alone... you were alone, weren't you?" She turned her metal covered head, trying to figure out from the look on my face.

"Yes," I answered truthfully, knowing there was no point in lying. No damage could be done at this point, except for maybe towards Din.

"And what were you both doing?" She tilted her head, and I let mine drop. I would tell her the truth, because nothing bad could come from it. Or could it.

"We were just talking... about the future," I answered.

"Your marriage..." She suggested, and I nodded, knowing that it did come up in the conversation.

"Yes."

"I shudder to ask if consummating was apart of this conversation," She looked back at the fire, knowing how red my cheeks would turn and how embarrassed I would be.

"No, nothing like that. I can promise you," I shivered at the thought. Din was a good man, but I didn't necessarily need to be letting thoughts like that intrude my mind.

Everyone else around the fire seemed to be distracted by the glowing flames, and my mother was soon the same, so I suggested my absense.

"I'm going to go in for the night, get some rest. Big meeting tomorrow..." I said before reaching out and squeezing her hand tightly.

She nodded to me, and I took my leave, walking towards our living quarters on the opposite side of camp.

I wasn't looking where I was going, and brushed my shoulder against Merc, who was with Gander and Shyloh.

"Sorry, didn't see you coming," I told him, but he shook his head, optiing ti ask me a question instead.

"Don't worry about it, I was looking for you anyway... Did you think about the offer? We leave at sunrise on the north delivery tarmac," He informed me, but I didn't have an answer. I wasn't staying here, but I wasn't leaving either.

"You'll know if I show up," I gave him a smirk, partially just because I was glad to see someone's actual face tonight, and not just a metal facade.

"We can't wait up for you, just know that."

I nodded, letting them get by. Maybe I could go with them. Live this life freely without starting another one.

No.

My family will not be able to handle that. It's better off if I'm dead. At least they won't go on to believe that I betrayed them, turning my back on all loyalty they had ever taught me. They would nevwr wonder if I ever loved them or planned on keeping their wishes.

I could start fresh. They wouldn't have to worry about me anymore. And I wouldn't have to worry anymore either. Rebirth.

I went straight to bed, clutching the woolen blanket beside me close to my chest.

For some reason I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. Something that made the sting of salty tears swell in my eyes. I knew that what I was doing was best, but yet I started having a hard time justifying something so drastic. They would get on fine without me, wouldn't they? They would go on living by the creed. This is the way. They will find a way to go on without me, like they did before I was born. Din will be arranged with another girl as soon as I'm gone. Everything will be alright.

The wetness that spilled over my eyes and down my face lasted hours, even though my mind kept telling itself that it was at peace.

It was in the dead of night, when I gathered a few of my belongings into a knapsack, throwing it over my shoulder before leaving out the tattered window of my private space.

I ventured to the canyon, with the moons lighting my way. The planet was never truly dark, due to the brightness and the number of shinning moons, all the color silver.

I set my knapsack down on the edge beside me. By the end of this, I would be at the bottom, waiting to be found the next day. I just hoped it wouldn't be anyone I knew. Of course, the number of people who ever came out here was only two. Me, and Din Djarin.

I hoped he wouldn't find me. I hoped it would be someone from another tribe that was flying over, and happened to spot something at the base of the cliffside.

I pulled my flask to my mouth, taking a large drink. A bit spilled onto my chin, and I wiped it off, feeling the breeze on my face. It was much colder now than earlier tonight. I wasn't sure if I should pull the blanket from my belongings and wrap it around myself, or skip the process of making myself comfortable and just get this over with.

I leaned over, looking straight at the ground, hundreds of feet below me. My heart started racing, and I got scared. Why shouldn't I be? I have every right to be absolutely terrified. I closed my eyes, trying to scoot myself over the edge inch by inch, seeing if I would just drop.

I nearly panicked when my bottom hit a crack in the ground and I thought I was going over. My breath hitched in my throat and I instantly pulled myself back.

"This isn't as easy as I thought it would be," I murmered, beginning to feel the emotional side of everything rise to the surface again. It didn't help that with the absolute silence that circled around me, I couldn't have any single thing to distract me.

I stood to my feet, wrapping my arms around myself to ease the goosebumps rising on my skin from the frigid air.

I stood right on the edge, lifting a foot over and leaning forward, but before I could fall, I again caught myself, the adrenaline working overtime in my system and beginning to heat me up.

That wasn't going to work either. If I could, I would put a blaster to my temple and pull the trigger, but then it wouldn't look like an accident.

I paced around back and forth a few times, trying to calm myself down, to stop the whimpering and to make my tears cease. It wasn't working. I just needed to get this over and done with. A new life, with endless possibilities was waiting for me on the other side. Freedom was on the other side.

I wiped my face, even though it didn't stop me from crying, but it helped me to see clearer. I backed up, into the cavern, all the way inside until my back hit the wall of the ex artillery carvern. This was it. A new beginning. Rebirth. New life. Freedom.

I ran as fast as I could toward the edge, my eyes closed. I could feel the wind blowing against me even harder with my speed, and I could tell the edge was drawing near. Every step I took, I felt as though it was my last one.

I finally felt my foot hit the edge, but then I never fell. Instead, I was tackled to the ground. Whoever landed on top of me was heavy enough to hold me down, because half of me was hanging off the edge of the cliff.

I didn't dare even open my eyes. This was a sign. Someone stopped me.

I clinged onto whoever it was, and knew almost instantly who was laid over me when I heard him groan.

I cried even harder, my head buried in his armor clad chest, and my arms around his neck and his torso.

He was holding me tightly, one hand cradled my head into his neck, and the other firmly gripped my waist. He rolled us both over and I swear I felt him shaking.

"What were you thinking?" He stressed, his grip on me tightening as if he was scared to let go. I was scared too. I didn't want him to let go.

"You have to talk to me..."

I heaved a deep breath, deep enough to steady my voice so my whimpering didn't interfere with my words.

"I want out. I need to get out," I cracked in the middle of saying so few words, but they conveyed the message I was trying to get through.

"I can get you out, I promise.... But please don't ever try that again," His voice was full of worry, and as I suspected, he was trembling in fear.

"I'm sorry..." I cried some more, realizing that what I had done was now the biggest mistake I ever made, even if I was saved.

"It's okay. You're okay. I've got you," He spoke to me, my voice quieting down as my sobbing came to a slow halt.

I lifted my face from where I had burrowed it into his neck, looking up at him. I didn't know what his expression was, but something told me it was fearful, and worrysome.

"I have to get out of here," I repeated again. The last day or so it became my mantra, and would leave my lips often, even just to myself. Mostly just to myself.

"You're going to. You're going with Merc... when are they leaving?" He asked, his arms still around me like mine were for him.

"At sunrise. They're gonna jump a delivery ship on the north tarmac," I explained, my voice was now hoarse and thick, due to not only all the crying I had done, but also the cold night air that had entered my lungs.

"Sunrise isn't for a few hours..." he let me know, and I nodded, knowing we shouldn't probably leave yet, for the walk to the north tarmac wasn't very long from here.

"Din, if I leave, my family is going to get the fire for my decision. I can't let that happen," I told him, my voice had become more firm, and I needed to convey the importance of how much this meant to me.

"I give you my word, that as long as I live, nothing will happen to your family," He swore, and I could just feel his eyes staring into mine. So much so that for the first time since he put that helmet on, I knew where his eyes were.

"I trust you. And I know that you'll always keep your word," I nodded, a small smile finally forming on my face.

Since it got fairly quiet, and we were still entangled together, I scooted off of Din and opted instead to take the seat beside him.

"I should tell you some things before I go. I just don't want to leave anything unresolved," I admitted, and he stayed silent, waiting for me to continue.

"I know this might sound horrible, but I hated the idea of getting too close to you. It was like if I had formed an emotional bond with you, I wouldn't be able to leave anymore. And the last thing on my mind had been to stay. I've wanted freedom for a while now, I was just always too scared to say anything. And when my father told me that you and him had come to an agreement for arranging a marriage.... it's like it all became more real to me. My freedom would be taken in just days. The creed of mandalore is sacred, and it's truly an amazing thing... but it isn't for everyone."

He sat and took everything in. All the words that just spewed from my mouth like I had been holding them in for ages went against everything I had ever learned. Everything that had ever been put into my mind was the opposite of what I wanted.

"You're young. You want more than what the creed can offer you. I think you'll be able to find what you want wherever you're going," He said, I knew there was more, for he didn't even mention anything that I had said about not wanting to be close to him, but when he stayed silent, I knew he was finished, and that I still had more to say.

"Din, I wanted to tell you that if I had to be married, I wouldn't have minded it being you," I admitted. I would leave no stone unturned before I was to just pick up and leave forever... maybe not forever, maybe someday I would return to my family, to Din.

"I can't say I don't feel the same," He seemed to become stiff next to me, but I soon found the reason when he suddenly reached for my hand with his gloved one.

I took it proudly, intertwining our finhers together.

"You know, I was only an eight year old kid when you took the creed. I have so many memories of you yourself, but whenever I recall them... I can't see your face. I've completely forgotten what you look like," I laughed a bit, though it was quite a sad thing actually. I could not remember him in a way that wasn't covered in metal. I remembered that he was a boy once, and that he would play with all the younger children in the clan set next to his. He played with me and the kids I lived next to. He was a lively, energetic boy. Always doing something... sometimes causing mischievous acts. He was so different now. But the change wasn't bad. Since he'd taken the creed he has been the most noble, fearsome, and trustworthy member of his clan. Completely honorable in every sense of the word.

"I don't look like I used to. It wouldn't do you any good to remember anyways," He chuckled under his helmet, and it brought a smile to hear the melodic sound.

"Well, if I'd stayed long enough to marry you I would find out for myself," I leaned my head on his shoulder, feeling comfort by his presence. If I had made the absolute decision to leave this planet earlier, I could have let myself grow a relationship with him. Romantic or not, he was easy to talk to, and I trusted him. He was a friend to me, and I never imagined more, but now his presence was just something that put me at such ease.

"Do you think you'll ever come back?" He pondered, seeing as just the tiniest moonrays shown down into the canyon ahead.

"Someday. I'll comeback and repay you."

"For what?"

"Saving my life," I replied. My attempt to throw my own life away had been pushed away but I had to bring it up. I owed him my life.

"Anyone would have done the same if they had seen," He insisted, and I shook my head.

"How did you even know I was out here?" My curiosity got the better of me, and I asked for an explanation.

"I couldn't sleep, I took a walk through Ronion until I found myself here. I saw you across from the mesa on the south side... I saw you lift your foot over the edge, I knew what you were trying to do," He said, his grip on my hand got tighter almost instantly.

"Thank you. If you hadn't been there, I would be at the bottm of this canyon." I let so much seriousness onto my voice, and it didn't sound like me.

"Don't thank me yet... not until I get you on the tarmac,"

We sat in silence after that, just looking out over the horizon. When the slightest bit of light hit the edge of the planet, we stood to our feet, gathering my knapsack and begining the journey to the north delivery tarmac.

We were there in no time, and before I could even look for them, Merc and his crew were in sight. They were all sitting with their backs against some cargo imports, waiting for the transport to arrive.

"Well, well, well... look at what the shriek hawk dragged in," Shyloh said, gesturing to me and Din.

"Djarin, I didn't expect to see you here," Merc raised an eyebrow at the sight.

"I'm just here to make sure she gets onto the transport safely," He assured them. I looked out of the corner of my eye, and in the brighter horizon I was able to see a cargo ship coming into the landing area.

"Our rides here," I said, and they all jumped up. Since the ships were automatically run, and don't even require droids, it was often very easy to hop aboard and be carried to another destination. Of course, there were only a few who ever wanted to leave.

I myself hadn't ever left Mandalore, neither had I traveled much even on the planet. Only a few trips to visit the the markets with my father. I never even went into the city, for it was told that in the city lived Mandalorians who did not keep the creed. The tribes were convinced that they hadn't actually ever taken the oath, and just wore the armor for the sake of doing it.

The ship's doors opened, pulling me out of my thoughts, and a conveyer belt folded down to let the cargo units be carried out onto the tarmac for later pickup.

"Alright, it's time to head out," Gander said, slinging his knapsack over his shoulder and boarding the transport.

The rest followed after him, but I still had one thing left to do.

Din looked at me, waiting for me to join the others, but I came close to him one last time.

"You promise my family will be taken care of?" I asked, to which he simply answered with a firm nod. However the look on my face gave him reason to believe that his answer wasn't good enough, so he spoke instead.

"I give you my word. If they are not taken care of, I will let you strike me dead where I stand."

That was good enough for me. He truly meant it. He was a man of his word.

I pulled his head toward mine, resting ny forehead against his in a traditional mandalorian kiss. I pulled back when I heard my name being called from the transport.

"Goodbye, Din Djarin," I told him.

He didn't respond, he just let me go, watching intently as I boarded the ship before the doors closed.

The cargo transports were always on schedule, so as soon as the doors closed, it began lifting into the air. I looked out through the transparent view finder on the side, watching him stand as we began moving out of sight.

"You gonna miss him?" Shyloh asked, his brows furrowing as if he were sorry for me.

"Yes, I suppose I will."

I lost sight of Din, and realized we were leaving the atmosphere most likely preparing for a jump to hyperspace.

"But I'll see him again."

Tags are open ig...

A/n: please don't get too caught up in the age gap y'all it's just for backstory purposes because this story is eventually going to follow canon events.... (also i know that this doesn't really portray Mandalore correctly, but let's pretend it does because i had this idea)

#din djarin #din djarin x reader #din djarin smut #din djarin x oc #din djarin x jedi!reader #cassian andor #luke skywalker #the mandolorian x reader #the mandalorian #the mandalorian smut #rough day #din djarin series #din djarin imagine #din djarin fluff #din djarin angst

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poisonheadcrabsalesman · 2 years

Text

Pink and Blue

Little bit of an au. Halo Infinite campaign spoilers. Fun notes at the end.

When he's shown their secret weapon, Captain Thomas Lasky can't help but think about the last pelican off Corbulo and the faces he saw under those helmets. The avatar appears briefly before she's dismissed by Dr. Halsey, renowned scientist and thorn in his side. He watches with an unease swirling in his gut as her chip is placed in a case that will soon be delivered to the Master Chief after the final debriefing.

He met Cortana once, near the end. He had seen and spoken to her and now they were going to use this clone, this copy, to stop whatever she had become. He looks up at Dr. Halsey's lined face and sees cold judgment staring back, marred by some softness or guilt he isn't sure if he's projecting.

"She's different. I thought you said she'd be an exact copy. Our whole plan hinges on this, Doctor."

"Of course she's different. Captain, you must understand she's made from a cloned brain that's been frozen for years. Even if that was not the case there are always...irregularities in the development of flash clones." For the first time since he's met her, Catherine Halsey looks away first. "The forced growth acceleration sometimes has unintended side effects on the sample."

Sample. He thinks but does not comment even as the unease grows.

"So you're sure her differences from the original Cortana won't jeopardize the mission?"

She looks him in the eye once more and he can see how this woman did what she thought she had to do for the good of humankind.

"They both will do what needs to be done. Do not underestimate him."

"It's been six months! Where have you been?"

The blue avatar pops up and he freezes as he's hit with the full force of a pouting face and crossed arms. That has to be why he stops, breath catching at her appearance. She tilts her head when he takes too long to answer and as they speak her mood shifts so quickly it leaves him dizzy.

His hand moves automatically and he only hesitates for a split second before slotting her into his armor. The rush of feeling as her overwhelming emotion and wonder hit the fail-safes of code cause him to lock his knees as she explores and acclimates. He finds himself waiting for a comment on his internal structure and can't decide if he's relieved or disappointed when it doesn't come.

No comments come when he takes a plasma bolt to his shields, only silence broken by the beeping warning flash followed by the whirring hum as they power-cycle and recharge. He keeps his head down anyway. She does offer nonstop commentary on the most bizarre things as they travel through the structure, his one word or grunted answers not slowing down her curiosity even as she gets distracted by non-mission critical info.

She doesn't know what the Banished are, she only knows her mission and that she was supposed to be deleted so every new sight, sound, and stimuli that transforms into a datapoint is cherished with a naive wonder that makes something in his gut turn. Maybe he was still thrown by the data echoes of his younger self, so small compared to him now, with no idea what was to come.

He's shaken out of his thoughts when she admits to using the armor's sensors and knowing that the Banished smell bad. He could have told her that, the filters don't scrub everything, but he bites his tongue. Familiar banter would feel like a betrayal or worse, something like attachment.

They continue on and he can't help thinking this is all some kind of test. Set up by who, he couldn't say, but having his past and all his failures thrown in his face, in such quick succession is weighing on him. The six months in space might play a part of that too.

Something about hearing Halsey's voice admit weakness in his presence, even if it was an echo, shakes him to his core. She had made her peace with the Spartan program. Mostly. Spartans were needed. He never regretted who or what he was, but then again, he was just a child when he was taken, he never had a choice.

She doesn't speak after his reaction to the echoes or during the battle with Tremonius, but he can feel her presence weighing on his mind and moving through the armor. She focuses on things with such a narrow view as if her concentrated attention could will his shield to work faster, be better, before she's flitting off to poke at some other part of his armor or systems.

He can't help but notice the differences in the small moments between battles. The elevator ride is quiet until the door opens to a sweeping vista of a shattered halo, crashed ships, and the ugly black and red of the Banished camp in front of them. She's in awe of it all and only passingly notices the "monsters" coming to kill them. The pilot lets him know he's on station but can't land until the base is cleared. John's tired but has a job to do and a goal in front of him.

By the time he clears their way to the landing pad and the last dying hisses of grunt methane tanks have expired, she's nearly vibrating in his skull with a dizzying mix of eagerness and impatience. Six months is a long time for AI, and she spent it alone. He sighs to himself as he plugs her in and lets her fiddle with the outpost's data.

"There! Now this place is safe for your friend to land. I took it off their map!" She's not projecting her avatar but he knows if she was it'd be bouncing in place and swinging her arms.

He barely has to think of radioing the pilot and she's connected their comms faster than the suit's onboard computer could alone. Just like old times, except it's a different AI and a different pilot and a different halo. He's the only thing still here, still the same.

"LZ Secure."

He watches the pelican descend and land, eyes the damage and scarring along the hull, sees how the pilot stumbles out, kneeling on solid ground and whispering some prayer, before he stands on shaky legs and approaches with a questioning look in his eyes.

"So was the trip worth it? Did you find your weapon? And more importantly can we go now? It's too dangerous to stay here."

He lets the man ramble, venting more like civilians he had been forced to work with in the past rather than a pilot who somehow survived on his own in space for six months, but that much time alone would make anyone antsy. Instead of answering him he nods and holds up his palm, mentally nudging the AI that now she was allowed to say hello.

She pops up in a shimmer of blue, her earlier energy gone and replaced with some new shyness that he isn't sure about, but she greets the pilot with a small wave and the man recoils before glaring up at his visor.

"Chief, that's a child."

His voice lowers and his earlier mania is gone. The AI in his palm crosses her arms and he can tell that this isn't going to be easy. Conversations were never his strong suit.

"That's your weapon? A kid AI? Can AI be kids? How old are you?"

"I'm not a kid! And that's classified." She huffs and stamps her foot. The pilot looks from her back up into his visor with his eyebrow raised. John sighs inside his helmet.

"Tell him."

"But it's classified, and he's mean."

John's not looking at the pilot but he can feel the man's gaze boring into his helmet. He just tilts his head and tries again.

"He's a friend.” He awkwardly spits out, knowing that it won’t buy him any favors in the pilot’s eyes. “Permission granted."

She squints up at him as well for a second before she drops her arms and swings them as she talks before remembering to snap to attention.

"Well… okay. I was created by Doctor Catherine Halsey to mimic this installation's security to trap Cortana for deletion. I was successful. And I'm not a kid. I'm 5 months 17 days and ten hours old."

The pilot opens his mouth, closes it, paces towards the pelican, before turning and coming right up to John with his finger pointing angrily at his opaque visor.

"I found you, pulled you out of space only for you to turn around and run into danger for a 'weapon'. And then I come to find out it's a kid? Your big plan to stop Cortana was to catch her with a baby? A younger sister? What?"

"I was successful!"

"Cortana's no longer a threat. She's going to help us stop the Banished."

He notices the pilot's eye twitch and stops talking. The man clenches his jaw and then gestures as he starts again.

"Somehow Cortana is gone and the child is going to help us stop the Banished. Us. Two men and a baby. Stopping the Banished."

"Not a baby!" She pipes up and then shrinks back a bit, "But I still am not sure what a Banished is?"

"Oh great, she doesn't even know what she's getting into! Like me pulling you out of space! You're going to get us all killed."

"I have to agree the odds aren't looking great. Oh your blood pressure isn't either. Actually none of your vitals do, have you eaten recently?"

The pilot barks a surprised laugh before grabbing his head. "I'm going to die here. I told you, we lost, there's no one l--"

"I'm picking up a UNSC distress signal! It's about 4km south of here." She chimes in, tone a bit too cheery, but he's not going to pass up a chance to get moving. John's never been so thankful for a distress signal in his life.

"Mark it. Let's go."

"Go? Go there, towards the danger?" He curses under his breath and then freezes and looks back at the weapon. "We are not done talking about this."

John nods and slots the AI back into his helmet.

"You know what? I think I do like him. He's funny."

Just an idea based on some concept art :o) Named after the mountain goats song because I’m predictable and also like themes. I will put this up on ao3 in a bit. Thanks for reading!

#my writing #halo fanfic #John 117 #The Weapon #Echo 216 #Thomas Lasky #catherine halsey #halo infinite spoilers #Halo Infinite #this got away from me

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everythingfan589 · 2 years

Text

A Work In Progress

Chapter 4: Don’t Make Me Regret This

Warnings: Canon-typical violence

Word Count: 6.6k

Masterlist

Not long after saying goodbye to Kuiil and informing the Mandalorian that you would be taking the job, you were boarding the Razor Crest, stepping off the sand of Arvala-7 for the last time. Before leaving, you had packed up a small rucksack with clothes and other items you would need that you doubted the Mandalorian had lying around.

With your rucksack and rifle, you followed him up to the cockpit and looked down through the window at Kuiil who waved farewell before you were being told to sit and fasten your seat belt.

As you sit behind Mando, strapped in and ready, you feel the nerves creep up your chest. This is really happening. You’re leaving Arvala-7 and you’re going to be travelling the galaxy. It’s terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

The planet starts getting farther and farther away until finally you can look up and see the stars. They reflect in your eyes一wide with wonder一as they scatter across the black abyss.

“I assume you’ve never travelled in hyperspace.” Mando’s gruff voice says and you snap out of your trance, almost forgetting he was there.

“N-No.” Part of you starts to worry now that it’s becoming real. The thought of floating through space is daunting, nothing secure about it.

“If you feel sick一the fresher is down below.” You frown at his words, never having considered if travelling light speed would make you sick.

You don’t have a chance to ponder the thought as with the flick of a couple of switches and the push of a leaver, the ship jumps forward, stars racing past and extending across the window.

You’re pushed back into your seat during the acceleration, the wind completely knocked out of you and rendering you speechless. It’s only when Mando turns his head slightly to check on you do you remember you need to breathe.

Bad idea.

Well, a good idea because you need oxygen but the moment you breathe in you feel like you could throw up. You close your eyes, not wanting to embarrass yourself or ruin your first day in space一so you wait for it to pass.

Eventually一it does.

Breathing out shakily, you open your eyes and look up through the window of the cockpit. Long strings of light scatter above your head一completely still and yet moving a trillion miles an hour. It’s beautiful and you’re not sure how long you stare up at it before Mando breaks the silence.

“I’ll be gone for long periods of time.” His words confuse you at first一you look down from the stars to the back of his head一but you quickly realize he’s talking about his job. “You’ll be here on the ship. Keep it functional, make improvements where necessary. You have full jurisdiction一within reason.”

“Sounds fun.” You comment, noticing how the stars reflect on his helmet.

“If you plan on leaving the ship for whatever reason一you tell me.”

“Understood.”

“Can you pilot?” The question nearly makes you laugh but you quickly push it down.

“Uh...never tried.” You answer honestly and he nods once.

“You will.” His states surely and you’re glad he can’t see you right now一the idea of flying a spaceship is terrifying.

“I, uh, fix things一make them even一I don’t fly.” You try to keep your voice level, not wanting to sound pathetic.

“I’ll teach you.” His tone doesn't leave any room for objection so instead, you settle with silence, looking back up at the stars.

After flipping a couple of switches, he pushes back from the console in front of him, obviously he just put it into autopilot. He turns to look at you and you desperately hope your face isn't flushed.

“Where are we going first?” You ask optimistically, thrilled to be travelling to a new planet for the first time. You wonder if it has trees, or mountains, or waterfalls一you’ve only ever heard stories about waterfalls.

“Nevarro.” He says while looking from you over to the sleeping baby.

“Nevarro.” You repeat to yourself, unable to wipe the grin from your face.

You have no idea what's on Nevarro, but you can’t wait to see it. The helmet turns to face you again, tilting slightly as he watches the stars reflect in your eyes.

“You seem...excited.” He almost sounds confused at your eagerness, likely due to the fact that he’s been travelling the galaxy his whole life, there's no longer anything special about travelling at light speed and bouncing from planet to planet.

“I am. I’ve never seen the galaxy before.” He remains silent at your answer, but you feel his eyes lingering on you until a soft coo comes from the crib beside you two. Both of your heads turn at the same time to stare at the kid who slowly sits up, looking around in confusion.

“Hi, baby.” You whisper, unlocking your seatbelt now that the hyperspace is keeping the ship level. You lean towards him, holding your finger out for him to grab in comfort一Mando doesn't stop you. “Did you have a good sleep?”

The baby starts to blab nonsense as if he’s answering your question and you nod along一pretending to understand every word. You know that Mando is watching you, but you continue to indulge the baby who seems very determined in his gurgles.

“Well, it better have been一you were out for almost a week.” You respond, watching his ears turn up as you talk to him. “I know.”

“It’s probably hungry.” You look up at Mando, nodding once in agreement before suddenly, the console starts beeping. He turns around to face it, flipping a switch which results in a small blue hologram rising up on the dashboard.

“Mando! I’ve received your transmission. Wonderful news.” The hologram is of a quite intimidating-looking man with his hands on his hips. “Upon your return, deliver the quarry directly to the client. I have no idea if he wants to eat it or hang it on his wall, but he’s very antsy.”

As if an ice bath was just poured down your back一you freeze. The words of the mysterious man make you sicker than the jump into hyperspace and you turn to look at Mando who hasn't moved one inch since the words were spoken.

Is this the kind of man you agreed to work for?

“Safe passage! You know where to find me.” With that, the hologram disappears and the cockpit is reduced to a deafening silence.

“Who the hell was that?” Suddenly terrified for the little green baby, you ask the only question you can muster.

“Karga. He...works for the Guild.” Mando finally speaks, something different in his voice.

“You don’t think…” You trail off, composing yourself. “You don’t think they’re actually going to...eat him, right?” You whisper the last part, not wanting the baby to hear一even if he can’t understand.

When the Mandalorian doesn't answer you sit back in your chair with a huff, not believing your current situation.

“That’s not a toy.” You look up to see Mando taking a small silver ball the baby had unscrewed from the console.

You stand up, reaching forward and lifting the baby before it can make a fuss. You place him on your lap as you sit down, a sudden urge to protect it from what lies ahead, but you know you’re no match for the bounty hunter in front of you who plans on returning him to the highest bidder.

Instead of staying in the cockpit with the man you’re suddenly feeling thousands of miles away from, you hold the child in your arms, standing to leave the small room.

The door opens the moment you walk towards it, Mando doing nothing to stop you as you lower yourself into the hull of the ship.

Sitting yourself in the corner of the dark hull, you place the child on the floor in front of you, looking down at him curiously.

“You’ll be fine.” You say to him and his head turns up to look at you, ears perking up to your soft voice. “There is no way anyone could harm a hair on your wrinkly little head.”

He makes a quiet sound of reply as if agreeing with you before climbing into your lap and sitting down. You stay like that for a while, basking in the silence of the hull一hyperspace is intensely quiet you’re coming to realize一it’s quite peaceful.

“Are you hungry?” You ask him once he starts to fuss in your lap. Picking him up and holding him on your hip, you look around the hull, trying to figure out where Mando would keep his food.

You eventually find a crate with a couple of foil bags. You open one and realize they are each filled with a single portion of preserved dry sealed meat.

You sit yourself back on the floor, feeding him little bits of the meat until he’s satisfied一even trying a piece for yourself. It’s not as bad as you thought一nearly flavourless but decent enough.

Eventually, the ship slows down, rocking the hull slightly. The silence of hyperspace is replaced with the rumble of the outside world, indicating you’re approaching your destination. Part of you is thrilled to touch ground, but the other part dreads letting the child go.

You should've listened to Mando on day one一don’t get attached.

When the ship jerks to the side then goes completely still, you assume you’ve come to a land一the sound of Mando’s boots approaching the ladder to the hull confirming your guess. He climbs down a step or two before dropping the rest of the way, landing on his feet perfectly.

He turns to spot you in the corner with the satisfied baby before grabbing his rifle from the side of the hull, strapping it to his back.

“I won’t be long.” He says, emotionless, building that strong brick wall that you spent the last week trying to break down. You stand, placing the baby inside the crib following Mando.

“Bye for real this time.” You mumble, patting him on the head before looking up at Mando. “I was planning on looking around a bit.”

“Not here.” You frown at his dismissal, not understanding why he wouldn't want you on this planet.

“W-Why?”

“Nevarro is not the kind of planet I would be comfortable letting you wander alone.” He answers you and while you’re extremely disappointed, you agree一maybe it’s not a nice planet一you’d like your first new planet to be a nice one.

The only glimpse of the planet you get is when Mando opens the hatch to leave一it’s sandy like back home but darker, many stone buildings scattered around一much more populated than home. You watch as they descend the ramp, crossing your arms sadly as the green baby floats away for the last time.

You see Mando touch something on his arm before the hatch starts to close on itself, concealing you inside his ship.

Great.

Full jurisdiction. You roll the words over in your head, soaking in the daunting task. This whole ship lies in your two mechanics hands一you’ve never been responsible for something so big.

The fact that the Mandalorian was so quick to trust you with his ship almost surprises you. You guess after helping rebuild the entire thing for free, you proved yourself competent and trustworthy.

That doesn't stop you from snooping though.

It’s not like you’re going through his personal belongings, not that he really has anything personal on this ship. Everything here stands for a functional purpose, nothing appearing to be sentimental一granted, if he’s gone as often as he says he is, there's no reason for the ship to be particularly comfortable.

But now you live here too. This is going to be your home for the next...however long you have this job, and you plan on doing it well.

You start by looking through the hull一large but fairly empty. You walk to the back of the ship where two metal doors stand closed with a button panel in the middle.

Curious, you press one of the buttons一nothing happens一you press another一one of the doors hisses open to reveal the refresher Mando was talking about.

You stick your head in to see a simple toilet, sink, and shower. They��re small一part of you is surprised they’re functional at all for him as he’s nearly twice your size. You press the same button again, closing the door before pressing yet another.

This time, the door beside it opens, revealing what appears to be a bed inside the wall. It’s narrow and dark, a single thin blanket thrown on top but no pillow in sight一is this what he sleeps on? No wonder he’s so stiff all the time.

After closing it, you move on to the opposite wall that has metal double doors. Looking around, there’s no panel in sight. Not sure what else to do, you hit the door with your fist, you laugh to yourself at your stupidity, but一it opens.

It’s an armoury.

Dozens of weapons hang on the wall of the concealment, all of varying sizes and function. You’re not surprised a man of his profession and status would have so much一you remember seeing a couple of these being loaded when fixing his ship on Arvala-7, but you didn't really pay attention since you spent most of your time on the exterior of the ship.

You try to stop yourself from reaching out to touch one一but it’s too late.

Without a conscience to stop you, your fingers drift across the surface of one of the blasters gently, feeling the hard metal shape of the impressive weapon. Eventually, you draw back, closing the armoury and stepping away一it’s probably the most personal thing in this entire ship.

You spend the next few hours looking around lazily, just trying to pass the time and get used to your new surroundings. You also consider where you’ll be sleeping. There are not many options, but you settle on a corner of the ship at the back of the hull, placing your bag in the corner一claiming it as your spot.

You’re not exactly sure how long Mando has been gone. You tried to distract your mind, which proved easy considering there were so many thoughts present一the excitement of new worlds, the fear of the unknown...and the strange feeling you had around Mando back on Arvala-7.

You probably wouldn't have pondered it if you weren't given such time to do so. Even without eyes or a face to connect with, every time his visor turned to look at you一you felt something. When he asked about your arm, there was something different in his voice, something he didn't even understand either.

All of this is just so new.

The sound of metal on metal wakes you up. It comes from the side of the ship that harbours a large lowering door. You didn't mean to fall asleep, but after sitting in your chosen corner and waiting however many hours he was gone, it came against your will.

You stand up quickly, not wanting to be caught sleeping on the job on your first day一even though you just spent that past week fixing this ship and there's not much to do presently.

The heavy and familiar sound of Mando’s boots walks up the ramp and appears at the entrance of the ship.

The first thing you notice is his armour.

It’s shiny.

Not only is it incredibly shiny and silver一it’s not dented or misshapen in any way. There is no possible way that the armour he wears before you is the same he was wearing the last time he was on this ship. Even his helmet has been polished to match the shine of his new armour.

You quickly realize this must be a result of him being paid for giving up the child. The realization is partly saddening一he followed through with it一not that you had any hope that he wouldn't. Nothing about this Mandalorian screams unreliable when it comes to returning bounties.

“Hey.” You mutter, not sure how else to greet the man in front of you一partly intimidated by him with the new armour.

He only nods in response, barely giving you a look as he closes the hatch to the ship. You know he’s not a very talkative person, roughly bordering on unfriendly, but you still notice something different about him. It’s like he’s been rendered silent, instead of remaining stoic upon his own free will.

“Is everything okay?” You feel stupid asking but you’re not sure what else to say as he walks over to his armoury, opening it to put away his rifle. Once he finishes, he finally turns to face you for the first time, arm reaching down to pull something from his utility belt.

You're not exactly sure what it is一it being smaller than his hand and therefore hard to see as he pulls it out. But, as he holds his hand out for you to take it, you see that it’s two small pieces of rounded metal in oval shapes. You turn the pieces over in your hands curiously before he speaks.

“For your arms.” You frown at the vague explanation before he reaches forward and grabs the forearm of yours that wasn't injured. He takes one of the pieces from your hand and slips it in between the leather of your forearm bracers一you realize their function. “Think of it as your first payment.”

“Thank you.” He proceeds to help you by putting the second piece under the leather of your other arm gently.

You’re touched at the thought一he remembered you using your forearms to block, the simple leather not helping protect you.

“It’s beskar.” He says and you freeze, turning up to look at him in shock before your gaze shifts to his new armour一his armour which looks exactly the same as the two pieces of metal he just gave you.

“Really? I mean一are you sure? This is...too much.” You scramble to find the words to express how appreciative you are while also understanding the meaning behind the offer.

From the stories told to you by Kuiil, you know how important the metal is to Mandalorian culture, so for him to gift it to you一even as small a piece of it as he did is huge.

“You need to be able to defend yourself.” He says, offering you nothing more than that.

Confusion would be an understatement to describe how you’re feeling. How can this man be so distant and apathetic, and yet be so thoughtful the next second?

“Well...thank you.” You smile appreciatively, him giving a short nod in response before turning to head to the cockpit. Something tells you he wants to get far away from this planet, already expressing to you his distaste for it.

Feeling your improved bracers, you settle yourself back into the corner of the hull, knowing Mando is going to take off momentarily. You feel the engines rumble to life, the ground beneath you becoming distant. You think nothing of it, knowing it will be a couple of minutes before you’re far enough away from the planet to enter hyperspace.

But, suddenly, the entire hull rocks, knocking you back into the wall一hard.

Your hand shoots up to cradle the back of your head, flinching at the sudden action the ship made.

What the hell?

You move to stand and check on Mando but with another lurch, you’re knocked over, the ship coming to a very abrupt land.

“Ouch! Maker, what th一” You mumble to yourself, recovering from being thrown around the hull of the Razor Crest until you spot Mando lowering himself down the ladder. “What happened?” You ask frantically, hoping nothing is wrong with the ship一that would be bad on your part.

When he doesn't answer you一walking over to the armoury and grabbing his rifle again一you start to worry.

“Mando? What’s going on? What are you一”

“I’m going back.” His answer is brief, pressing something on his arm to open the door to the ship.

“Back? Back where?”

“To get the kid.” You’re not sure what you were expecting but it wasn’t that.

Hope blossoms in your chest at his words, a million questions rushing to the surface but instead of questioning his heroic actions, you step forward confidently.

“I’m coming with you.” You state and you almost miss the scoff that passes through the modulator.

“No.” He leaves no room for argument but you push anyway.

“Come on! I can help, like I did the first time we got him一” He cuts you off by turning to look at you, the quick action stealing the air right from your lungs.

“No.” His voice is firm, powerful. “These aren't some back-street nikto mercenaries anymore, he’s going to have imperial stormtroopers guarding him. This is outside your experience.”

“I could be a...a distraction.” You suggest, already knowing you’re going to fail but trying nonetheless.

“You want to be useful? Lock in the coordinates to Sorgan一we’re going to need to get out of here fast.” At the mention of the planet Sorgan you tense up, no longer a fight inside of you一Mando notices, but he doesn't push it. “Okay?”

“Y-Yeah...okay.” He nods at your compliance before heading out of the ship, determined to get the child back from the claws of whatever monster put a bounty on his head in the first place.

With a shaky breath, you make your way up the ladder and into the cockpit. Once sitting in the pilot’s chair, you look at the console in front of you and prepare to lock in your coordinates.

It’s not that you don’t like the idea of Sorgan, you know it’s supposed to be a beautiful planet, but you didn't think you’d ever see it. You weren't sure if you wanted to…

You push your deep thoughts away, working quickly一your first job is finally in motion.

Well...this is boring.

You’ve been sitting in the cockpit for what feels like an hour一it’s probably been about twenty minutes, but it makes no difference when you’re sitting in silence一knowing Mando is out there fighting to get the child back. It’s even become dark outside on the planet, the evening creeping into night.

You’ve resorted to lounging in the pilot’s seat, slumped over and resting your cheek on the palm of your hand. You were excited about this job but you’re coming to learn that it’s just a lot of hurry up and wait.

Then, out of nowhere, something on the console in front of you cracks to life, a staticy voice piercing its way into the small room, calling your name.

“Hey! Can you hear me?!” Mando’s voice slowly becomes more clear through the comm link in on the console一a red light flashing.

You jump forward, looking to where the sound is coming from and holding down a button you know will let you answer him.

“Yes! Mando? What’s going on?”

“The Guild, they have me cornered. I need you to come get the child. Get him out of here.” His voice is frantic and you can almost make out the sound of blaster fire in the background.

“What happened to me being inexperienced?!” In any other situation, your voice would be playful, trying to make a joke out of the situation一but not now. You’re panicking.

“Don’t make me regret this.” His voice is muffled before you hear him grunt一blaster fire so close to the monitor he must’ve just fired his.

“O-Okay. I’m coming, just, stay where you are.” You say, too beside yourself to hear the stupidity in your statement, only recognizing it when something between a scoff and an unamused chuckle can be heard through the comm before it clicks off.

You quickly spin in your seat, running to the ladder and practically jumping down, grabbing your cloak and rifle from their spot in the corner of the hull.

Part of you considers grabbing one of his blasters from the armoury, but you quickly push it aside, knowing that this is not the situation you should use a plasma blaster for the first time.

You hit the panel on the side of the ship, allowing the door to lower itself to the ground and let you out. So much for Nevarro not being your first new planet.

Mando was right, it’s nothing special, rocks and sand similar to Arvala-7, but you don't think about it, you just run towards the town a couple of yards away from where Mando parked the ship.

You can already see the red glowing from blaster fire in the center of the town一a clearing that all the buildings surround一perfect for a shoot out.

Fortunately, there's a large stone wall surrounding the town, allowing you to take cover before even setting foot into the rough environment. You take this opportunity to observe the situation一it’s not pretty.

Dozens of bounty hunters are spread across the town, all with evil intentions of capturing the child and probably killing Mando as an added bonus. Plasma shoots overhead, no one with any real aim or intention with there being so much commotion.

You desperately try and find Mando in the crowd, but he’s nowhere to be seen. It’s dark, the only light coming from street lamps, plasma, and explosions. Then, at the far left side of the town, a giant explosion hits an R2 unit, the light reflecting on familiar beskar.

Suddenly, Mando shoots his rifle, disintegrating one of the bounty hunters. This forces everyone to ease back, the blaster fire settling and everyone cowering一waiting for someone else to make the first move.

“That’s one impressive weapon.” You look for the loud booming voice to see the man you recognize from the transmission on the Razor Crest一you think his name was Karga.

“Here’s what I’m gonna do.” Mando’s voice can be heard from behind the R2 airspeeder. “I’m going to walk to my ship with the kid and you’re gonna let it happen.”

“No. How about this?” Karga counters, malicious undertones in his voice. “We take the kid, and if you try to stop us, we kill you and we strip your body for parts.”

As Karga explains his new, very unfair deal, you notice one of the bounty hunters silently making his way around the speeder一blaster raised. You know it’ll blow your cover, the silent calmness of the town will be broken the moment you shoot, but when Mando doesn't turn一you have no alternative.

You aim your rifle一only one shot to get this right.

Pulling the trigger, the shot lands itself directly in the bounty hunter’s head, knocking him down. You see Mando’s head snap around to see the body before looking around the town一knowing you’re the only person who would use regular metal bullets.

He spots you just as the entire town is forced into a bloodbath.

Everyone is pushing in, trying to trap Mando and take the child一Karge even yelling at the others not to damage the child. Before they can get close enough, Mando holds out his arm, fire shooting at an impressive distance, pushing everyone back before they can get to him一even pulling attention away from you after your mystery shot.

You run forward, hitting the first person you see in the back of the head with the butt of your rifle, knocking him to the ground. Shooting everyone you see, you race through the town一surprising yourself with your ability to not be shot.

When some of the bounty hunters turn to check out the unwanted commotion you’re making, you quickly duck behind some debris, multiple plasma shots being fired at you.

Shit.

But after what feels like an eternity being trapped一coming to terms with the fact that there is no way you and Mando can overpower an army of bounty hunting mercenaries一something far away from you explodes, drawing the attention of everyone to the far side of town.

You risk peeking out from behind your shield, everyone turned away from you to see the commotion.

Your jaw drops at the sight of dozens of Mandalorians, their jetpacks carrying them across the town as they kill bounty hunters with ease一achieving the upper hand. You had never seen one Mandalorian before you met Mando一now you’re staring at at least thirty.

The shock of the town is imminent, giving you an opportunity to slip away from the group that was previously attacking you.

You know where Mando is trapped一you need to get to him. You run around the town, trying to use the debris from the explosions to your advantage, your hooded cloak helping to keep you anonymous. It’s only as you pass by one of the buildings, does a hand pull it down一revealing you.

“What do we have here?” You spin around to see Karga with a blaster pointed at your chest. You take a couple of cautionary steps back, trying to put distance between you and the man. “Who might you be? You’re not from the Guild and I take special care to know everyone.”

“Shit一I’m, uh一” You stutter, realizing you’re trapped with no way to go.

“Mine.” A threatening voice booms from your left一barely giving you a chance to turn before Karga is shot in the collar, falling to the ground.

When you do turn, you see Mando standing with his rifle raised, but his helmet is looking at you一not Karga.

You barely have time to register what just happened before he’s running forward, grabbing your upper arm with one hand一you notice a bundle of fabric in his other一pulling you forward.

“We need to get back to the ship.” He states, wrapping an arm around you once you start moving, becoming your own personal shield. You can hear blaster fire bouncing off his beskar as you run, cowering into his chest.

Leaving the town walls, the bundle is passed to you so he can turn and fire a couple more shots, ensuring no one is following you. You quickly glance down to see the child's big eyes looking up at you, making you hold him to your chest tighter as you run.

You had left the door to the ship open, wanting the quick entrance you now need as you desperately try to get off the planet.

Stumbling into the ship, Mando doesn't waste any time climbing up to the cockpit, leaving you to comfort the baby in the hull. The door to the ship closes instantly and you sit in the corner, cradling the child that stares at you with wide eyes.

This poor kid cannot catch a break.

You bounce him gently, gently soothing him as the ship takes off一but your mind is elsewhere. One word tumbles around your brain as you try to make sense of it.

Mine.

What did he mean by that? Likely nothing considering you were about to be killed by a man you already know he has a distaste for, but you can’t help but sit with it. Mine as in my employee? No, that seems too cold. Mine as in my engineer? Better. Mine as in my一

Nope.

Definitely not that.

With a slight jump and a sudden feeling of throwing up一you know the ship just jumped into hyperspace. The feeling passes quickly, probably the fact that you’re not actively looking up at the stars moving helped to that effect.

When the baby lets out a strangled cry, you look down, gently pulling down the fabric to better expose his little face.

“Hey, hey, shhh. You’re okay.” You mumble softly, comforting him as best you can. “You’re stuck with us now, little one.”

Attempting to lull the child to sleep, you start absentmindedly humming to him, a simple song that’s been ingrained in your head since you can remember.

Part of you likes to think your mother would sing it to you, but with no real proof or memory一you can’t say for sure. Kuiil definitely never sang to you, so there really is no other alternative.

The lyrics come to you naturally, singing to him under your breath as his eyes drift shut.

Once you’re sure he’s fast asleep, you stand, making sure he’s completely level before carrying him to Mando’s bed, opening it and placing him down gently. Poor thing deserves some peaceful sleep.

You decide to go check on Mando up in the cockpit and silently climb the ladder after wiping a tear you realized was making its way down your cheek from the song.

The moment the doors to the cockpit hiss open, a strangled groan can be heard inside and you frown一it’s Mando.

At first, you think you should turn and leave, did you just invade a private moment? But, you quickly realize it wasn't a groan of pleasure but of pain.

You stand in the doorway awkwardly, not sure if you should stay or leave before he knows you’re even here.

“Just gonna stand there?”

Oh.

You make your way into the cockpit now that he’s acknowledged your arrival, sitting beside him in the co-pilot seat. Looking at him up close, you realize why he sounded hurt. His upper arm has a gnarly gash stretching across it, likely grazed by plasma.

“You’re hurt.” You shouldn't be worried一he’s tough and you’re aware of that, but you still sound concerned.

“I’m fine.” He tries to brush it off as if you didn't just hear him grunting in pain a couple of seconds earlier.

“Do you have...gauze? Something to wrap it?”

“I don’t need anything.” He brushes you off, continuing to fly the ship through hyperspace. You know he could easily put the thing into autopilot but he doesn't一attempting to distract himself.

“Please. It looks deep. Just一let me help.” You ask him and he doesn't answer. He doesn't turn to look at you either and you take it as silent permission to act. Before you can ask him where he keeps the gauze, he’s already answering.

“Behind the mirror in the refresher.” Giving him a nod he can’t see, you make your way down and into the refresher where you spot a tiny clouded mirror.

You skim your fingers across it, not seeing anything like a handle to pull it back with. Instead, your fingers sit at the side, pulling it open to reveal a tiny shelf with a few items. You don’t dwell in them, simply grabbing the gauze and a rag一which you run under the sink一and making your way back to him.

He’s still sitting just the same as he was when you left and you take your place beside him, looking at the injury. You pull back the fabric slightly, wincing as you reveal his tender red skin.

Skin.

You didn't think something so simple would spark something so strong in you. It’s the first evidence of humanity you’ve received from him. The area not affected by the injury pale and smooth一human.

The plasma hit directly under where his shoulder plate stopped一just an inch higher and he would've been fine.

“I-I’m going to take this off, okay?” You put a hand on the shoulder plate and he stiffens but doesn't make any move to stop you.

Clicking it upward, it disconnects from the rest of his armour and you put it to the side. You move closer to see the injury, taking the damp cloth and dabbing it on his skin.

He flinches away from you instantly, head turning to look at you一you’re not sure what he’s thinking but you continue after giving him a short apology. You wipe away the fresh blood and ash that dusts the surface of his skin一his shoulders slowly start to un-tense, easing into your touch.

Once his wound is clean, you take the gauze and start to wrap it around his arm, making sure it’s not too tight to cut off circulation一trying to ignore the fact that he’s staring at you.

Unwavering and unashamed, he stares at you, taking in every feature of your face now that he’s up close.

It’s only when you notice goosebumps prickle under his skin do you realize how close you are and that your breath is unintentionally fanning across his exposed skin.

The silence is deafening. The only sound coming from both of your breathing, his unnaturally heavy一not surprising given the situation.

“Why did you seem...upset when I said we were going to Sorgan.” His voice breaks the silence, surprising you with his words.

For a second, your fingers stop moving but you snap out of it, continue with what you’re doing.

“I-I lived there once.” You answer honestly, trying to keep the emotion to a minimum.

“I thought you had never left Arvala-7.” He sounds genuinely curious, a lightness to his tone that indicates he’s listening to every word you speak. Now with the kid in his possession and the security of hyperspace, he can relax.

“Not since I was a child.” You hesitate telling him more. You know he’s not asking一you’re under no obligation to share this part of you一but something about the way his helmet tilts as he stares at you and the gentleness in his tone makes you inclined to continue. “My parents were killed on Sorgan.”

You don’t look up at him when you say this, continuing to wrap his arm, but you feel him tense at your words.

“They were killed by the Galactic Empire for information when I was two...maybe three. Kuiil saved me一took me to Arvala-7 where he raised me as his own.” Before now, you had never said those words aloud and they knocked the wind out of you.

He pauses, not speaking one single word, his breathing stopped for so long you’re scared he’s just died in front of you.

“You were...a foundling.” His words are soft, not a question but a mutual understanding.

“Yeah, I guess I was.” You shrug, finally looking up at him一you both stare at each other until he takes a deep breath in.

“I was once a foundling.” His words strike something in you一a match to light up the dark part of you that was never truly understood.

For the first time, you feel like someone understands you, and he did it with just five simple words.

When you can’t seem to respond, the air caught somewhere in your chest, he puts his hand on your knee.

And, without words spoken, you know he’s telling you一it’s okay, you don’t need to say anything一a mutual understanding of each other. Not wanting to indulge in the prominent emotions you’re feeling, you blink them away, finishing the knot on his arm, securing it in place.

“I’ll clean it again tomorrow and re-wrap it...if you’d like.” You add the last part, not wanting to impose on him but he nods once.

“Thank you.”

With that, there’s nothing more to be said. You offer him a gentle smile before making your way down to the hull of the ship, finding your little corner and lying down for the night一thinking about the brief moments shared between you and the Mandalorian.

#din djarin x you #din djarin fanfiction #din djarin x reader #din djarin #the mandalorian x you #mandalorian x reader #mandalorian fanfic

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treasureswordsgirl55 · 2 years

Text

Pilot Proof

Character: Poe Dameron

Pairing: Poe Dameron x Fem!RebelReader

Inspired by: You Can Leave Your Hat On - Joe Cocker

Warnings: Nop. Fluff Fluff. Funny. Post!TROS. Leia and Ben are alive. Alternative final of the movie. Fluff. A little bit spicy. Mentions of war. TROS spoilers.

Author's Note: Hello! hello!

I'm here with one of all of my fic that I've written with Poe in the past years, 2021 especially and that was a something that I write with that melody in my head.

It's a pleasure for me write with Poe. By the way, I'm ending the novel that I write with him, so... If you wanna be tagged or something, just let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading! XOXO 😘 Noe!

🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹

- Are you sure you're doing this? Do you think it's a good idea? - I ask while Rey and Rose walk me to my room. The corridors of the resistance base are quiet, there are no wars to end, no problems to face. The three of us walk in silence as we greet those who pass us with a smile, and just thinking about what is about to happen in less than an hour makes me nervous.

- This is the most important thing for you, you should be happy with it - The smile that Rey gives me gives me peace. I need much more than that right now.

- I'm not talking about that, Rey. I'm talking about the other - She nods without saying a word although she knows that inside she is smiling.

- Did you tell him? - I know what Rose means as soon as the question leaves her lips and I shake my head. As soon as the door to my room opens, both pass by and the image of the orange suit placed carefully on my bed makes a chill take over me, as well as the sensation of carrying a stone in my stomach makes fear want to take over. me, and not because of the idea of having to present myself in front of the entire commission with one of them, but because of the fact of thinking about what Poe's reaction would be when seeing me wearing one of these - He will not believe it when he sees you with this.

Rey sits on the edge of the bed and gently touches the suit as if it were something that would break at a single touch.

- I can tell you something? - I shake my head, nodding as I tie my hair into a ponytail and take a deep breath, trying unsuccessfully not to let my emotions overwhelm me. - I think he's going to go crazy.

- Because what you say?

- Look, it's awkward being in the same room with Poe without fighting, but it's much more awkward when you enter it - She smiles and I can see her roll her eyes as she lies on my bed, next to the suit as if it were a person who occupies the place - The air becomes heavy around him that sparks fly. I could even swear I've seen them.

- Don't exaggerate - Rose lets out a laugh and exchanges a knowing look with Rey when they notice that Poe's jacket and helmet are on my desk - Before they say anything, it's not what you think.

- Is there something you haven't told us?

- The only thing that happened was that Poe asked me if he could sleep here for a while after one of his flights, because he was too lazy to walk to his room - I take the suit and for a second I regret my decision. A few months ago I had discussed it with Leia and I expressed my desire to join the squad, so as soon as I accepted, I asked for one condition: Not to be in the same squad as Poe and not to know about this until I finished my training.

It was hard not to tell what I considered my best friend about the adventure I was about to undergo, but part of me wanted it to be a surprise.

I wanted him to be proud of me.

It didn't take long for Leia to realize that my feelings towards Poe were different, and with much more reason she understood my request: I didn't feel capable of keeping an eye on a battle if he was by my side.

- Let him know and ask him to wear his jacket.

- I don't have to do that.

If they knew I even have access to his room when he's not there, they'd scream like 10-year-olds.

- Do it the same, so at least he gets a wrong idea of what he thinks he will see. If we are going to made crazy the General, we are going to do it right - She hands me the small communication device that Rose had created for the five of us as a prototype of a terrestrial "cell phone", with a smile and I send a quick message before the attentive gaze of my companions .

"Poe, will you let me wear your jacket? You left it here in my room"

I wait for a few seconds and the screen turns blue as soon as the response arrives.

"You don't have to ask me, everything I have is yours, love"

I smile as I feel Rey's face resting on my shoulder, reading the messages in silence.

- It's so cheesy...

I walk away for a moment as I listen to them mutter something about Poe and see that Rey has her helmet in her hands. I really like the cutesy, laid-back way he has when there's no danger around. It makes him look more human and less "hero".

"Does that include you too?"

I write in a rush of thought, trying to play on the tension between us, and I send the message before I regret it. There's no answer, so I figure he must be with Leia or in some important meeting. His new life as a General left him exhausted in ways he didn't think possible, but in those where he had to use his brain and leave his emotions in a drawer. As soon as I turn around, the flash on Rose's cell phone lights up and she smiles as she looks at the photo.

- I'll tell BB-8 to record his expression - Rey's teasing makes me sit close to them and Rose helps me put on the suit.

- What's the matter with the jacket? - I ask while I see her holding the jacket as if it were a relic.

- A man is very excited when the woman he is attracted to wears his clothes. It's like a territorial mark. It's not the same for Finn to wear it as for you to wear it - Poe being territorial about Finn? I dismissed that thought the minute he arrived with a smile and I was reminded how territorial Poe is with all of us, but he's even more so with BB-8 - And coming from you it will be a blow to catch him off guard.

- Did you deduce that when Kylo Ren wanted to rip your head off or when you kissed Ben in Exegol?

I laugh as Rose buttons the top of the suit and Rey frowns, trying to look annoyed.

Despite everything they went through to get here, Rey and Ben were the perfect match. I aspired to have such a love.

- I reaffirm my opinion: He will go crazy - The idea of driving Poe crazy was never in my plans since it was more likely that the one who would go crazy with him was me, but I decided to play along, how bad could it be to provoke him? little bit? - How much do you want to bet that he will be speechless as soon as he sees you? - I roll my eyes and try not to think about the different images that appear in my head and make my heart race even more.

- To all this, what will Leia say? I don't want her to think that I'm not committed to this - I ask while Rose adjusts my neck and the minimum details - One of her new pilots trying to seduce her second General in command?

The two women exchange a look and Rey takes my arm, slightly calling my attention - And whose idea was it? - I'm speechless. I knew that Leia was a very funny person outside of her role as head of the Resistance, but I never thought that she would conspire with two girls to try to derail the integrity of her favorite pilot.

- Whoa. Even I would go out with you if that were the case - Rey murmurs short at the same time that he lets out something similar to a whistle. I blush at his words and even though the jacket was a bit too big for me, it was too warm and comfortable to turn down. Now I could understand the "Territorial" it seemed that he was with me.

- Rey!

- Don't tell Ben that I said that - He indicates to Rose and she raises her hands smiling, while we hear the footsteps in the corridor become louder, indicating that the meeting was just a few minutes away from starting. As I walk to the door, Rey pulls the band that holds my hair and my waves fall due to the effect of gravity between the constant fight of frizz and neatness.

- You look really good - A "Thank you" leaves my lips while I feel too comfortable with the outfit. I hold out my hand for her to hand me the hair tie but she shakes her head.

- I'm afraid he'll have a heart attack - I hear the concern in the Jedi's voice and I know it's sincere - I'm afraid his heart is too fragile to bear it.

- Did you know? The only thing I'll get once he sees me come in is the longest, most complaining talk of my entire life about why I didn't tell him about this. Also, he's not as fragile as it looks.

- You're not exaggerating, Eileen. You'd need red lipstick and you'd look amazing for a calendar photo, the kind used to raise funds for worthy causes - Did she just call me a model? Before I can even think to answer him, Rey reaches across the bed and opens the little drawer that's on the side of the nightstand and pulls out that red lipstick he had given me for last Christmas. He extends it to me with a smile and those sparkling eyes that we all loved so much.

- Do it for us - I look away to try not to fall for the trick of those abandoned puppy eyes with which she sees me and knows that I will end up giving in, but that's Rey, she gets what he wants, by hook or by crook - Just once?

- Only one photo and I take it off - They applaud and I paint my lips in front of the full-length mirror, and I let them take a couple of photos of me, until the three of us take one together. When I go to remove my lipstick, it doesn't come out - Rey?

- Yeah, maybe I forgot to mention that it's not coming out... for a couple of hours. Or more... - A knock on the door makes me jump, I approach the bed and take Poe's helmet. He won't mind if I borrow it, plus the hair band Rey took from me - Looks good on you.

- This is not the time, Rey. We have to go - I open the door while wearing Finn, who walks away holding me by the arms and looking at me as if he had seen a ghost - I'm sorry Finn.

- Eileen? What the...? You look... Whoa - She glances between us a little surreptitiously and looks at the helmet I'm holding in my hand - You know that she's going to kill him with that, right?

I let out a sigh as I listen to the beeps of BB-8, who stops as soon as he sees me and lets out a beep that seems endless. - Thanks BB, you look good too - I blush and listen to Finn's murmurs that he's scared for his best friend, Rey's excuses about Leia and Rose's idea, and BB-8's beeps that fill the air about the number of people in the meeting room.

- It's time BB-8.

...

General Organa smiles at the arrival of the new pilots who join the new ranks of the Resistance.

As soon as his eyes detect the young men who faithfully fought at his side, he automatically turns, looking for that brown-eyed boy who has been anxious all afternoon to know where his best friend was. Her brow furrowed at not finding him, so she turns to her loyal droid who does nothing but enjoy the murmurs around her.

- Treepio. Have you seen Poe?

The droid turns as she looks for her grumpy commander but finds no sight of him. She knew that the Commander used to get overwhelmed on certain occasions so she assumed that he would be out of the room.

- He was here a moment ago - Leia looked back at her second in command and she didn't find him, which made her worry, but she knew how important this moment was to Poe.

As if by magic, the two pieces of the puzzle they wanted to put together appear along with a fluctuation in the Force that made her smile: Poe's passion with

Eileen's Shyness were complementary opposites that were meant to be together. She knew it from the moment she saw them, but she didn't feel so confident about intervening. Until her dear King of her talked about it.

She felt like Cupid, but she knew if Poe didn't get a push, he wouldn't do anything about Eileen.

On the other hand, Poe greeted everyone in his squad with hugs, nodded politely to his superiors, and smiled at the new recruits who would likely be part of his squad. As that insecurity washed over him, she took a deep breath and thought of the only thing that could reassure him: Eileen's voice.

A silence accompanied his words about courage, loyalty and the search for the Freedom they so longed to protect. Poe was still trying to make her voice convey experience and wisdom, which he had acquired in part from her various mistakes, but which was nowhere near Leia's. His dear General saw him with pride, since the Raddus he had tried to be better, to be everything Leia needed: He wanted to win her trust again, and even though he had already done it, he still felt guilty for his bad decisions.

And that is what he wanted to convey to those new riders, that emotions were not always the best allies at a time that could be decisive for everyone.

- I want you to record this in your heads: Here, we are all a family. We protect each other and we are willing to give up our lives for it. And if you decide to do something, that will stay with you until the last day of your life.

Leia smiled as she watched as her second-in-command watched the pilots intently as she spoke but suddenly she fell silent and knew he had seen her.

Poe felt his heart stop as soon as he saw her standing there among the new pilots, in that orange jumpsuit he had grown accustomed to wearing when she was still flying. She made her stand out among the others even though her outfit was the same as everyone else's, the only thing that differentiated her from them was that she was wearing his jacket. And a feeling of belonging took over him at the same time that he looked for his words to come out and no word formed in his head. But he was proud that they understood that she was with him, implicitly, of course. But he liked the idea more than he wanted to admit.

She was so beautiful that she had put him out of business. Leia noticed her nervousness and took charge of the rest of the speech - I'm sorry but General Dameron is speechless with the emotion of seeing you here.

Poe silently thanked the intrusion, knowing that Leia did not miss any detail and when he wanted to go down the small stairs where they were, the Communications alarm sounded at the same time that Jess entered the room quickly - Sorry, General But there's trouble on the outer edges of the Galaxy, they say a faction of the First Order is trying to kidnap children.

- Unfortunately this will be the first flight, go and may the Force be with you - Everyone began to disperse before Poe's gaze and he lost sight of Eileen without taking his eyes off her. He looked around her and didn't find her, tried to spot Finn or Rey in the crowd and didn't either. He let out a heavy sigh as he thought about running to the hangars, where she might be.

- Poe? - The young man turned at the call of her General and she threw him from her side with little delicacy - What the hell are you waiting for to go after her? She is in the hallway on the way to the hangars. Get out Poe! It's an order.

...

As soon as I left the meeting room, I ran into Jess, who told me that I should use the first X-Wing that was available. BB-8 lets out a few beeps telling me that he can accompany me on this first mission, but that I should talk to Poe first. I frowned at the droid's words and didn't have to wait long, because in all the crowd of people rushing towards the hangars, a hand grabbed my arm and pushed me against the nearest wall.

- How the hell are you wearing that? - Poe's agitated voice made my body turn like jelly. The closeness of him and the heat that his body gave off made him not think clearly - Why didn't you tell me?

- I didn't want to worry you... I wanted to surprise you - he moves away enough without letting go of my arms and releases a heavy sigh, as if he had trouble breathing. I let go of his grip and I get a little closer, moving my hands up his arms and taking his face, looking for him to look at me - Poe?

- Well, you gave it to me, little one. You look amazing in the suit - his voice starts to sound breathy and his breathing becomes more ragged. I notice him nervous and I smile, I like to think about the effect I have on him - I wish we weren't doing this here, but if it wasn't for the emergency call we would already be talking about this.

- I don't like the idea of talking - I blurt out as I push him away and hear BB-8's beeps in the distance telling me that I should go - Maybe, when I comes back, we can do something about it.

Poe moved away when he understood the meaning of my words and smiled, blushing. - And what do you suggest?

- Perhaps, if you want to wait for me when I return, we could take this to a field that we both know.

- You're not helping, Eileen.

- Are you nervous General? - He shakes his head and brings me a little closer to the wall, leaving a minimum space between them. R2-D2 walks past us and his sounds let us know that Leia is on her way, looking for Poe.

- I will go with you. It's the only way I have to make sure you come back here with me - I lift his helmet and move it away, leaving it behind me, while I take him by the waist and bring him a little closer - Eileen... Don't made me get down of that ship.

- I'm sorry, but this time you have to stay on the ground, Flyboy - Look at my lips and sigh again. That was going much further than I expected - I like that you are aware of me.

- I like you so fucking much, darling. You don't have an idea that what are you making me - He admits as he pulls away and looks in the direction of the meeting room - Damn, why now?

He cursed the emergency, the First Order, and everyone involved in it. I let out a laugh calling his attention and I move away a little placing my hand on his shoulder - Stay calm, I'll be back when you least realize it.

In a moment of distraction, he wanted to take off my helmet but I move away enough so that it is not within his reach - Stop there, Dameron. This time it's my turn to have fun - I take him from the lapel of his jacket and press my lips against his, trying not to sound like a goodbye but a promise. I pull away as soon as I feel him try to intensify the kiss and I already miss the softness of his lips - You must stay Poe. See you in a bit.

I walk away with a smile as BB-8 lets out a variety of beeps where he talks about Poe, the First Order, and Leia as I put on my helmet and my nerves take over again. The green screen lights up and points me the way under the coordinates sent to BB-8.

- Are you ready, BB?

A beep fills the cabin and we are ready to go

"Lieutenant Barnes, are you ready to take off?"

- Ready

"Authorization granted. Good first flight and may the Force be with you"

I smiled at my communicator's words and went out into outer space. I prepare to jump and communication is enabled again, this time through a private channel. I didn't have to wait for him to speak to know it was Poe.

- What do you want Dameron?

"Wish you good luck, you'll do great out there"

I blush at his words and look at the space around me

"Just breathe and let the Force guide you"

- You always know what to say and when to say - BB-8 indicates that he is ready to jump and I see that the others begin to enter Hyperspace - I must go.

- I know. Take care of you because I want us to clarify to what extent we are involved in this, because I told you that everything that is mine is yours, including me whenever you want.

- At your order, General - Before cutting off the communication, I let out a laugh - How involved would I be in this if I let you take my suit off when I return?

The last thing I hear before jumping into Hyperspace is a curse on the other end of the comm.

#star wars fandom #star wars fanfiction #star wars fluff #star wars fic #post tros #the rise of skywalker #poe dameron x ofc #poe dameron x you #poe dameron imagine #poe dameron fic #poe dameron fanfic #poe dameron fanfiction #poe dameron x reader #poe dameron fluff #poe dameron #poe dameron x oc #star wars sequels #star wars sequel fic #i write for myself but you can read it too

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jaceyneedsabetterusername · 4 years

Text

Aliit Be Cuur

Pairings: Mando x Reader

Summary: While waiting in the hospital in Mos Pelgo after you were inured in the attack on the Krayt Dragon, Mando accidentally learns some life changing information for the both of you. You’re pregnant.

Warnings: Description of injuries, Pregnancy, Talk about miscarriage, Mando sees a sonogram-like image of reader’s uterus while she’s unconscious, general discussion of pregnancy while reader is unconscious and unaware, made up Star Wars level medical equipment

Word Count: 2800

Read Part 2 Here!

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Watching you lay unconscious, body littered in cuts and burns, had to be the most terrifying thing Mando had ever experienced, and that was coming from a man that had seen some horrific things in his life. It was his fault you were hurt. If only his plan to kill the Krayt Dragon had gone as it was supposed to, you wouldn’t be in this position. This was supposed to be what he was good at. Killing. Sure, he killed the dragon, but at what cost?

When the initial plan of luring out the dragon and detonating the explosive just at his weak spot under his belly had gone south, he knew he had to think of something else. He could not leave the Mandalorian armor with Cobb Vanth. He needed it back.

The plan to use the bantha as bait had come to him quickly but he should have known better than to not tell you what he was doing. There was just no time. Everything had happened so fast. After months of travelling together, he’d hoped that maybe by some miracle, you could read his mind and know that everything was going to be okay when he allowed the dragon to swallow him with the bantha.

You were with the villagers and Tusken Raiders, struggling to fix the devices you’d built to throw the harpoons so you’d have a fighting chance. Being so caught up in your own tasks, sweat beading on your forehead from the heat and pressure, you hadn’t known Mando had strapped explosives to the bantha and was using it as bait. A loud screeching roar from the dragon ripped your attention away from the trying to kick a piece of wood back into place just in time to see the dragon’s mouth open, massive teeth bared, as it plunged down, straight on top of Mando and the bantha.

You screamed in horror, running towards the beast, “MANDO!” About halfway there from your post, you whipped out your blaster and shot at the beast as it dove back into the sand. The lasers were useless and you knew that but it was the only thing you could think of to do. Your legs fumbled to a halt, the realization that Mando was really gone actually hitting you.

But then something else hit you.

There was a loud explosion and a wave of fire, rocks, sand, and dragon flesh hit you, throwing your body back. The last thing you saw was the wave of orange and red coming at you before everything went black.

Just as planned, Mando had managed to escape the beast’s clutches before the explosion but suddenly regretted every decision he’d ever made when he saw the little figure of your body running towards where you assumed Mando to be. Even from dozens of feet in the air, he knew it was you. He couldn’t imagine anyone else there willing to run straight at the monster to try and save him. The bombs were sure to detonate any second but by the time he’d noticed you, it was too late. The bomb detonated with a massive wave of heat and debris.

He watched in horror as your body flew back at least twenty feet before sliding another fifteen across the sand after the impact. Time seemed to stop around him as he jetted to you in less than a few seconds. He couldn’t breathe, fear that he had caused your death choking his airways. “Y/N!” He yelled, landing harshly on his feet right beside you before falling to his knees. You were lying face down, eyes closed. “Y/N, talk to me.” Mando looked over your body and, by some miracle, there didn’t appear to be any broken bones, at least not any that looked immediately disfiguring. With a nearly effortless nudge, he rolled your body over. Your clothes had been ripped and/ or singed in many places. Multiple large holes in your pants revealed reddening burns and blood dripping from sand scraped skin. Your shirt was torn in multiple places, the left strap of your shirt torn so severely it could barely count as a sleeve. The side of your face that was on the sand was also scraped up, thankfully not too deep, but enough to cause bleeding.

Now the two of you were in the little hospital in Mos Pelga, along with the rest of those who'd been injured in the attack. You slept now, bandages covering large portions of you body that was now largely exposed. They had had to strip you down to your underwear to reach all the wounds but had wrapped your chest in wrappings in place of a bra for the sake of your privacy. Mando had pulled his cape over the majority of your body, knowing you'd be upset if you were to wake up practically naked in front of everyone.

He hadn't left your side since the explosion. He carried you to the infirmary. He laid you down on the cot. He watched as both human nurses and medic droids worked to patch you up and take blood for tests. They had told Mando that they wouldn’t know anything for sure until the tests came back. Even with the bacta that they’d lathered on you, it would take time for it to work and there was a possibility for further damage that they couldn’t see on the outside.

The child had been sleeping in his little cot, sealed up safely inside the levitating metal object. Mando had just been sitting beside you on a crate, leaning forward on his knees. This was his fault. He should have known you’d run in. He should have known that something like this could happen.

“Mandalorian.” A robotic voice gently called for Mando’s attention.

He looked up at the awkwardly proportioned grey medic droid who stood on the opposite side of the bed. “Is she going to be okay?”

The droid spoke again, its body shifting unnecessarily to emphasize some of its words, “Patient 728, also known as Y/N. Female. Age: (Y/A). 2nd degree burns on the abdomen, arms, and legs. Superficial graze abrasions on the face, neck, arms, hands, abdomen, and legs. Bruising on face, back, hips, and legs. Probability of death: 7%. No damage to the fetus. Probability of miscarriage: 19%.”

Mando found a hard time finding any solace in the words of a droid. When a young male nurse walked up beside the droid, Mando immediately turned his attention to him.

“It’s a miracle the baby survived unharmed. I’ve seen much less cause a miscarriage.” The nurse mused, flipping through the clipboard in his hands.

Mando stood up, brows furrowed beneath the helmet, “That must be someone else’s chart.”

The nurse flipped back to the front page, “Patient 728? Y/N L/N?” The young man confirmed.

“Yes.”

He shook his head, “Nope, this is hers.”

Mando gestured to you, “There must have been a mistake. She’s not pregnant.”

The young nurse looked at the beskar helmet that he was actually slightly taller than and swallowed hard, “I’m sorry. I assumed that you were the father. If not, this is confidential information that I can’t share with you.” It was obvious that the man was afraid to stand up to a Mandalorian, surely hundreds of stories of their superior killing ability running through his head. Nonetheless, he held fast to what was right.

Mando’s head was reeling and all he wanted was to run and take off the helmet and take actual, non-filtered breaths. Instead, he was wide eyed and silent as thoughts ran through his head a million lightyears an hour. The beskar betrayed none of his emotions. To the rest of the world, he appeared frozen, standing strong and staring right at the nurse when in reality Mando had zoned out somewhere off to the side.

If you were pregnant, the baby had to be his. For the last few months, the two of you had had an unofficial relationship of sorts. Nothing was ever said, no official labels, but the two of you behaved like any other couple, or at least a much less touchy-feely version of one. After a night of confessions brought on by an unrelated argument, it had become an unspoken truth that you were only taken by each other. You were his riduur, no doubt, and, as far as he knew, he was yours. You would never lay with another man as long as you and Mando were together, that much he was sure of.

“If she’s pregnant, I am the father.” His voice was calm as always but he thanked the modulator for the slight distortion. If it hadn’t been there, he would have sounded shaky.

The nurse sighed, choosing to believe him because he really didn’t see much use in lying over something like this. He flipped to the next page on his chart and walked over to stand beside Mando, pointing at some numbers that meant nothing to him. “hCG is a hormone that’s created in the placenta and is only present in pregnant women. According to her levels, I’d say she’s about eight weeks.” He paused for a moment, allowing time for the new information to sink in. “You really didn’t know?”

“If I’d have known, I wouldn’t have let her fight the Krayt Dragon.” Mando snapped, almost angry at the mere suggestion that he would put his own child in that sort of danger.

The nurse put his hand up in defense before continuing, “Do you think she knows?”

Mando shook his head. He believed that you still would have jumped into battle even if you had known, at least from a distance. It was just who you were. But he really didn’t think you had any idea that you were pregnant. Mando had been trained to read people his entire life and surely such news would have brought about some change in your demeanor. Mando hadn’t noticed any change in your behavior. Besides, he would like to believe that you would have told him if you knew.

He couldn’t believe this. How were you pregnant? Okay, well he knew how you could have possibly gotten pregnant but the two of you had always tried to be as safe as you could to avoid this exact scenario. Neither of you were in a position for children, the Child being a special circumstance. Your life was full of danger and violence. How could Mando protect you for an entire nine months while pregnant and then for the rest of forever, while also protecting the Child against what felt like an entire galaxy that wanted him at any cost?

“Do you want to see?” The nurse’s voice brought Mando back to the present and his helmet tilted in curiosity.

“See what?”

“The baby. I need to do a scan to ensure that it's still doing alright. You can see the fetus on the screen while you scan.” He set the clipboard at the foot of your bed and procured a moderately sized glass panel with a metal border that he’d had pinned between his arm and side while he spoke to Mando.

With a few taps on the glass, bright blue words and images appeared. He tapped on one selection and the middle of the screen cleared, aside from a thin column on the right hand side that had stats and vitals. “See, if you put anything under this, it will show you an interior view of the body. This mode shows organs and blood vessels and stuff like that. See?” The nurse put his hand under the glass panel. The screen showed a light blue version of his hand but instead of skin and nails, it clearly showed the lines of his muscles and the veins that overlapped them clearly.

Politely as he could, he pulled the cape that had been draped over you down just enough to expose your lower belly, stopping just above the hemline of your underwear. The only thing indicating that you were even alive at this point was the deep inhale you took, drawing both Mando’s and the nurse’s attention. It was the only time Mando hoped that you weren’t waking up. He had no idea how to explain this new situation to you. Hell, he was still having a hard time understanding it for himself. Thankfully, a deep breath was all it was though. You were still asleep.

The nurse moved the glass panel over your lower stomach, just about where your belly button was, and the image began to form on the screen as he adjusted a few things. Mando’s helmet tilted forward as he leaned over to see the image.

A nearly perfect view of your reproductive system appeared as a blue digital image. Mando felt uncomfortable looking at the image, feeling like he was violating you in some way. He knew he shouldn’t be looking at this without your permission but then the nurse zoomed in on your uterus to the point where the only thing that could really be seen was a little being.

Mando’s first thought was that it looked like a little alien. There was an identifiable head that appeared to be looking down and the cord that was attached to you through its belly. The rest of the body was curled into a fetal position.

The nurse tapped something on the screen and there was a rapid thudding sound that emanated from the device.

“Is that the heartbeat?” Mando asked, knowing that the answer was probably obvious. For someone who was used to working under pressure, he felt like his brain was only receiving radio static.

“Mhm, nice and strong.” The nurse said with a warm smile. He tapped a few notes onto the board and then turned it off, the blue image disappearing and the amplified heartbeat ceasing.

Mando couldn't believe this was happening. How could you not know you were pregnant? He was no expert on the female body, aside from the basics, but weren't you supposed to be throwing up or missing periods or something? He couldn't wrap his head around how you were eight weeks along with seemingly no clue of your condition.

"Look, I can see that clearly this was something unexpected. I don't know if this is something you want to tell her or want me to, but either way, there are some conversations you two need to have." The nurse told Mando matter-of-factly while gathering the few things he’d brought over before leaving.

Mando shifted on his feet and reached down to pull his cape back up over your torso so you wouldn’t be cold and exposed, though it was mostly for the second reason. It was next to impossible to be cold on Tatooine, at least during the day. That was when he noticed the small, barely there bump on your lower stomach. It was such a slight variation from its normal size that he never would have noticed it had he not just learned about the life now growing inside you. It was so slight that he imagined you probably would have just attributed it to bloating perhaps, since you were unaware as well, considering all the less-than-pleasant food you both came across in your work.

Part of him wanted to place his hands over the ever-so-slight swell of your belly, just to see if by some chance he could feel anything. Mando decided against it, shaking his helmet at himself with a heavy sigh. He would wait until you woke up and the two of you had a chance to discuss everything before he did anything relating to the baby.

Gently, he pulled the cape back up over your body and sat down on the crate again, leaning his elbows on his knees where he sat with his thoughts for several minutes in a zoned out daze. His attention was only broken by the cooing from the Child’s metal pram. Mando tapped on the controls on his arm, opening the pram, and removing the little green baby who was now wide awake.

“Hey, buddy.” Mando breathed out, watching as the baby stretched his arms out to you, “I know, I know. She’ll wake up soon.”

The Child looked up at Mando sadly before snuggling down onto his lap, sitting there comfortably. The weight of such a small being had become comfortable and normal for Mando now after all this time with him. He was, by Creed, his son now. Mando was already a father. You had stepped up as a mother for the young child. So why did this feel different?

Mando imagined the new future, assuming you had decided to stay with him and care for the baby together. He had every intention of raising the baby with you and would do whatever it took to keep the two of you safe. He loved you more than he knew was possible to love another person and the last thing he wanted was to leave. Mando hoped that, one day, you would be officially bound by riduurok. Once the Alor approved it, Mando’s clan of two would become an aliit be cuur. Clan of four.

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