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chameleonlibrary · 2 years

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Faith Lines: II

Pairing: The Mandalorian/Din Djarin x Visually Impaired!Reader

Summary: (After S2E1) The Mandalorian defeated the Krayt Dragon. That was great! But... It made him re-think his life choices. Peli Motto offers him to stay a bit longer at Mos Eisley to hang out with the kid at an upcoming festival. Not only to clear his head, although... Who knows what else he finds?

Part I: Faith

Posted on AO3 and Wattpad

Notes: Bare use of Y/N (get InteractiveFics! Trust me!), Tooth-Rotting Fluff

Wordcount: 1,803

A/N: Thank you so much for reading this. I can't find words to describe how happy I am to see that people liked this. Share, like or even comment. It motivates me a lot. Fell free to give advice or constructive criticism too, I'd find it helpful.

II: heart

Button clicking and beeping. In no time, you were taking off, away from Tatooine.

How can a short body have so much strength the same way Peli did?

She got the air out of your lungs with the crushing farewell hug she gave you, as you were about to board the Razor Crest.

With Mando’s help, you climbed up the ladder to the upper deck and sat down on the co-pilot seat.

“Are you sure you’re ok with carrying him all the way to Nevarro?” He asked before putting the baby on your legs.

“Yeah! I don’t mind. Could help to not get him running around, don’t you think?” You opened up your arms, as you received the baby.

You took off the cowl and gently poked his little nose.

“Hi, you cute little thing,” you cooed and the kid blabbered.

Mando smiled warmly at you two under the helmet.

The Mandalorian decided to not travel with hyperspeed. Not because he wasn’t in a hurry, he wanted more time with you.

Obviously, he wasn’t going to admit it. The humming of the ship, your soft breathing and the flicking of switches; you leaned your head back on the seat and closed your eyes briefly, taking in the background noises.

“Is this what you usually hear all the time?” You opened up one eye.

“And baby crying, sometimes,” he looked at you over his shoulder.

“Guess we got lucky, then” you laughed a bit.

“I always wondered what some of the planets look like…” You caressed one of the little one’s ears, your eyes lost in thought.

“I only ever got to sit down under them and stare at them, as they were aligned with the stars… Have you ever stargazed before, Mandalorian?” You straightened on your seat.

“It’s been a while…” He shrugged.

“How long is a while?” You leaned a bit in curiosity.

“Not sure…” Mando mumbled.

“You never take off the helmet to admire them?” Your question came out a little quiet, hoping it wouldn't bother him.

“Creed.” He stated. You raised an eyebrow.

“What do you mean? Like… A promise?” You had a puzzled look on your face.

“The Way,” he answered. You only nodded. It must be very important.

“Why cover yours?” He asked back.

“Well, you know… I don’t want to scare people away.” You motioned your face with your hand.

“I think they tell a story,” he said as he clicked a few buttons.

“Try to explain that to the little children who have cried,” you mumbled.

“The kid didn’t seem to mind,” he pointed out. You chuckled.

“Well, maybe he’s as fearless as his dad is,” you gave Mando a half-smile. He laughed softly back as a reply.

You felt a bit of a pressure on your chest, then heard soft snoring, your jaw dropped in excitement and hugged the green bean’s body with an arm.

“Look, he fell asleep,” you whispered with emotion in your voice. You didn’t dare to move too much, and felt a million butterflies wash down on you at the cuteness of the moment.

“About time,” he touched a few buttons from his bracer, calling in the hovering pram.

Mando got up from the pilot’s seat and carefully picked him up, putting him on his floating little bed. The wooden frog near him. The warrior stared at his small frame for a moment, letting out a soft breath through his nostrils.

“I think you’re doing great,” you rested an elbow on your thigh and your chin on top of your hand. His helmet turned to you. It was like you had read his mind.

“I don’t think this is a life for a kid like him,” he muttered.

“Yet, look how far you have been through…” You reached out your hand. He took it and you gave him a reassuring squeeze.

It was rare for Mando to be in situations like this. Typically he only spoke in his harsh metal tones. Usually doesn't interact with others… Much less feel this comfortable right off the bat.

He looks deeply at you in thought… His mind drifts a bit and his expression becomes far more deep, as he reflects on the people he has met this far. Most of them have been nothing but harmful or not the most pleasant company— Counting the bounties, even.

...Yet, here was a person who clearly has more understanding of the universe than himself. It was an interesting contrast.

“Thank you…” That’s all he manages to say. He has received praise before when it comes to his work… But at his task as someone to look after his foundling? Completely new to him.

He let go of your hand and went back to the pilot's seat; more button and switch flicking.

You allowed yourself to rest, closing your eyes and drifted off to sleep.

"Careful on your way down," Mando warned you as he climbed down the ladder and you after him. You hugged his arm and once again pulled up your hood.

"Y/N…" Your name was softly called.You felt soft brushing on your cheek and your eyes slowly fluttered open. The shape of the helmet near your face made you smile.

"Yes?" You groggily asked.

"We're here…" He informed you.

You got up from your seat with his help.

The ramp lowered and sunlight allowed you to see smudges of what you figured was the town.

With a mysterious person on one side and a floating pram on the other, of course it was going to attract looks. The Mandalorian walked with his head high, at a very confident pace but also alert for the people who stared.

On the other hand, you felt a bit overwhelmed at the noise of so many people around and talking, yelling or the simple crunching of many footsteps approaching and passing by.

The smells were mixed… Between the disgusting smell of oil but also the market's food.The cloak didn't make it any better. It was a hot planet and the sun was merciless on you.

You hugged his arm tighter and held your face, sighing out.

"Don't you want to take that thing off?" The armored man tried to reach out for the cowl, but you held it tight with your hand, moving off your head.

"Alright then…" He sighed, hurrying his pace.

Soon enough, the sun was no more. And the smells somewhat changed; now there was a hint of gin and spotchka in the air. It was still crowded, but not like the streets.

You narrowed your eyes by trying to focus a bit on the change of light and the new shapes around.

There was an upcoming figure.

“Mando! About time you showed up!” A gravelly voice greeted him, and a belly chuckle was heard. The beskar armored man nodded their head at him, shaking his free hand.

“I need a favor,” the warrior requested and there was a hum.

“Of course, sit down. Over here.” The very kind figure offered you a booth.

The Mandalorian helped you, letting you have a seat first and him next to you.

“This is Y/N,” he motioned his helmet to you and you extended a hand to shake.

“Karga. Greef. Welcome to Nevarro,” he smiled warmly.”What can I do for you?”

You let out a breath and built up some courage.

“If it’s possible,” you started. “I’d like to settle down here with you and… Read palms,”

There was this long silence. Karga repeated the sentence under his breath and looked at his friend, with furrowed eyebrows in confusion.

“Y/N lost their workplace—” The warrior tried to explain.

“He shot my boss,” you interjected.

“Ah. Classic.” The older guy gave the Mandalorian an unamused look with a smirk. It made the tin man sulk a bit on his seat.

"I'm not asking for much, really. Just a booth, candles and someone to look after the rowdy clients. The rest, I'll figure it out," you were pretty much pleading.

Your hands looked for Greef's and held them tenderly.

"Please?" You rested your hands on top of his knuckles.

He sighed, taking one hand and patted the back.

"Any friend of Mando is a friend of mine… I'll see what I can do," he let go of your hand and you bowed your head.

"Thank you so much…"

The host invited the baby and you to a meal. And time went by, chatting and meeting each other, until the sun set… It was time for the kid and his dad to part ways.

There was a little whimper coming from the pram. The spaceman opened it up and a pair of green ears sprunt out.

"Ah, there's the little booger! Come here, you…" Greef cheered, like a proud grandpa, picking him up and putting him on his legs.

"What a pretty frog," the kind guy admired the wooden toy, giving it back to the little one.

You decided to make them company until they made it to the Razor Crest. You hugged Mando’s arm, resting your head on it and keeping up with his pace. Right behind you, Greef.

"Well… I guess this is it…" You mumbled sadly, as your steps stopped right by the ship.

“I wish you could stay longer…” You looked down, kicking a pebble.

The Mandalorian leaned his head down, his helmet touching your forehead. You closed your eyes into it.

“I’ll come back,” he whispered loud enough for the modulator to pick up.

There was a sad whimper from the kid and your heart dropped a bit at it.

“Aw, don’t worry, you… I’ll wait for you. Be brave,” you put your hand on his head and trailed to his ear, stroking it with care.

You were pulling away your hand, when his fingers reached for your finger. You didn’t move.

Then, you felt a rough material on your hand.

The little one gave you his wooden frog.

You gasped and held it to your chest. Letting out a sigh, your eyes watered a bit and sniffled at the feeling.

“Take care of him. Safe travel, warrior.” You extended your hand, placing it where you thought his cheek would be. He leaned on the touch, then stepped back.

There was a hiss from the ramp and the clanking sound of his metal boots boarding it.

You remained there, holding onto the carved wooden animal.

There it was, the rumbling from the engines and dust rising under the ship. A gust of wind hit your face and then, pure silence.

You turned around and walked to Karga hugging his arm instead and started walking back to the cantina.

“So, palm reading, huh?" Greef asked with an amused hint.

"Would you like to give it a try?” You suggested, with a smile.

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chameleonlibrary · 2 years

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"Faith Lines"

Pairing: The Mandalorian/Din Djarin x Visually Impaired!Reader Summary:

(After S2E1) The Mandalorian defeated the Krayt Dragon. That was great! But... It made him re-think his life choices. Peli Motto offers him to stay a bit longer at Mos Eisley to hang out with the kid at an upcoming festival. Not only to clear his head, although... Who knows what else he finds? Trigger(? warnings: Use of Y/N (For you to use InteractiveFics), Mild Violence (but it's Canon-Typical, Touch-Starved Characters, Fluff Wordcount: 4,502 A/N: my first time posting on Tumblr. this is also on Wattpad and AO3.

I: faith

Would taking a breather hurt?

After fighting this worm creature , Mando low-key pondered about what would come in the future… He found himself cradling his small goblin in his arms. It scared him the day that he could fight something much bigger than him and maybe, not come back to his kid. He lived for the danger and the money that came within. How the priorities have changed in his life一 this child was his everything now.

Peli was as quiet as him, eyeing him up and down, with a concerned face. She was used to not hearing much from him, but this time it felt different. "Hey, why don't you stay here for the festival?" The mechanic snapped him out of his thoughts. The helmet tilted at her in confusion and she gave him a cheeky grin.

"Now and then, there's a festival from out-towners and they have games, food, and all of those shenanigans. You could crash here," she offered. "Thank you." He replied. "Don't mention it. Serves you well to spend time with the kid!" She cheered up. He only nodded. Said and done, the Mandalorian slept on his ship at the hangar.

By the morning, Mando decided to help Motto around with incoming ships. The kid was taken care of between the droids and his space dad, just to keep him out of trouble. It was a pretty productive evening, and he even got extra credits as a tip. The sky's bright blue color started to fade into a stunning hue of purples and oranges, announcing that the day was coming to an end.

Peli started a small fire to warm both of them up and carried the child, talking to him and pampering him. It was somewhat quiet, until the sound of cracking powder made the child whine, hiding in Peli's arms, alerting the Mandalorian. He got in a fighting stance, hand near his blaster holder, and crouched pose.

The mechanic let out loud laughter.

"Oh, Mando! Relax! I bet it's the firecrackers from a game." She reassured him and cooed the baby to calm him down as well.

They walked to the entrance and peeked their heads out. To their surprise, the whole street was filled with small stands with colorful tents above them. Lightbulbs decorated the wires and edges of houses; many people were walking around and could hear the laughter of children.

"Wouldn't you like to see it? Let's go, little one!" She hyped up the baby and it cooed back. The mechanic rushed to the stands, pointing out things for the kid. Mando followed right behind, his posture loosening, and lowered his defense, taking the time to admire each stand they stopped by.

He chuckled silently every time he saw his child reach out for anything that caught his big eyes, whining every time he couldn't get anything to grasp. They stopped at a big game stand that had toys on display. The child squealed and pointed at one of them, pleading for any of his tutors to reach out for one.

"Play a round, win one!" the owner exclaimed.

Unexpectedly, a small blue stuffed teddy bear started to float towards the child and Mando saw how the baby had its little hand out, eyes closed, and making strained noises. "No, no, no. You have to earn it fair and square." Mando stopped the toy midair before anyone else could notice it and the baby protested. He put it back where it belonged, checking out the whole stand.

It was a classic colorful bullseye with darts game一 the higher the score, the better the toy.

"You should go in for a game. Bet you can't get all the points," the mechanic teased. She earned a proper small chuckle from his voice modulator. "Can you?" he challenged back. Peli's posture straightened up and gave him a cocky smirk, handing him the kid.

"Hey, you!" She approached the owner. "One round here!" "One credit, ma'am!" The kind man extended his hand, and she slapped the currency right on the palm. The man handed her three little white darts with colored feathers on the tail. Peli licked her lips, and stuck out her tongue between her teeth, narrowing her eyes. She threw the first one, and it hit right in the center.

"Watch and learn, kid! Your cool aunt is about to get you a nice toy." She winked at the kid, the little one only tilted his head. She breathed out and started to measure the second one, balancing it on her hand.

The man in beskar observed carefully, until he felt a heavy shove behind him, making him stumble to the front; the baby whined in annoyance.

"Oh, I'm very sorry!" A hooded figure quickly said, not even turning around.

They didn't even notice they dropped a candle. Mando turned to see how the person was rushing away to an eerie-looking stand, but it already had people surrounding it. He sighed and picked up the candle, examining it carefully and analyzing the symbols in it. The baby reached for it and with his claws clinging to it, his dad allowed it.

"Dank Farrik!"

His head turned back to the short woman and the board. The second dart hit 2 rows away from the first and third turn, laying on the dirt.

"But you saw that it hit! It just fell!" she protested. "I'm sorry, ma'am!" the guy shrugged. "Rules are rules. It's got to be on the board or it doesn't count" "Aw, come on... But did I earn anything?" she asked. She got handed a hand-carved wooden frog. "Kid's going to choke on this!" She groaned and clicked her tongue. The short woman sighed in disappointment and walked towards them. " 'Til next time, I suppose," she shrugged and showed Mando the figure. Motto noticed the candle and peeked at it.

"What's that?" She took it carefully from his little claws, and the hunter gave the baby the frog figurine instead. "Someone was in a rush... From there" he signaled the spot with his head. "It's probably important, you should give it back." Peli handed him back the wax object, carrying the baby in her arms.

It was impressive to him how long the line was for a lonely-looking spot. A dark-colored tent with a dim light shining on the inside, and a big lizard-looking humanoid, hunched on a seat to guard the entrance.

He moved past the long thread of people, and a few looked at him in anger, mumbling protests. The guard got aware of it and stood from his chair.

"Hey, back to the line," the creature snarled. Mando didn't budge and only showed him the candle. "Whoever works here, dropped this," he stated. The lizard snatched it roughly from his hand, narrowing its eyes to him and huffing through their nostrils. They disappeared inside the tent briefly and came out fast. "Now get lost." He crossed his arms. Didn't need to tell Mando twice, he turned on his heel and walked away, shaking his head.

"What are they selling?" Motto asked and Mando shrugged. "I'm not sure. The bouncer didn't seem very happy," he pointed back with his thumb.

A few moments passed when some scared yelps could be heard from behind. The previous hooded figure was getting thrown out of the tent, with a painful grunt and a roll on the dusty ground.

"Take it back!" A roar could be heard, belonging to a much bigger creature than the bouncer, stomping angrily out of the tent. People scattered away in fright, and Mando jumped in action, rushing towards the hooded person on the floor. "Ma'am, please! They're not always true! You can always change it" they pleaded, struggling with trying to get up. It huffed and stomped towards the figure, raising a hand, ready to slam it down on their body.

They only covered themselves, waiting for a strike.

Clank!

As if holding a shield, the Mandalorian had his arm raised, holding back the fist of this big woman. He groaned in restraint, getting slightly pushed back by the strength. On a swift move, he shoved off her hand, making her waddle back.

She looked at her fingers and shrieked in terror.

"You broke my nail!" She cried out, hugging it towards her chest. Her face dramatically turned to the bouncer, with a disgusted expression. "I am never coming back! You speak bantha shit!" She stormed away, bumping into people on her way out. Mando turned to the hooded person, kneeling next to them.

"I told you, Y/N." The lizard crossed his arms. "You can't always say what "the lines" tell you." The metal helmet whipped to him, but said nothing. He sighed in disappointment.

You managed to get up on your own, slowly pacing towards the cover, with your head down. The lizard spoke to you in an unknown tongue, to which you just bowed to him and turned back to the Mandalorian, bowing to him as well. "Thank you for your help..." You softly thanked him. You straightened up and disappeared inside your little business place.

"Mando! What happened? Everyone scrammed away like flies!" Peli's voice squeaked in surprise as she ran towards him. "A Mandalorian?" The man asked, scratching his chin in interest. "That's right, pal! Great fighter and the best at what he does: getting the job done!" Motto grinned, patting softly his shoulder pad.

"I'm out of commission..." He mumbled back, crossing his arms and tilting his weight on one leg. "I'll pay you credits," he said as he reached his large hand for a pouch on his belt. "This could be enough for... Whatever you might be needing right now"

Mando puffed out his chest.

"He'll do it!" The mechanic quickly replied. The helmet's visor stared at her. The mechanic bounced the baby on her hip as if it was a reminder.

Mando sighed loudly and extended his hand. The bouncer gave him a mocking smile, turning the pouch upside down, and letting two credits drop from it.

"Hey, what...?" Confused and looking down at the currency. "I'll give you the rest after I've had my drink. Think of your child, first." It tilted his head, taking the bag back into his belt.

The Mandalorian clenched the credits and said nothing else.

The lizard walked past him, bumping against his shoulder intentionally; got close to the short lady, eyeing down the kid, making him hide in his auntie's arms... He chuckled and made his way to the closest cantina.

Peli approached and gave him a reassuring smile. "I'll take care of the little one, don't worry... You might need the money right now. I'll wait for you at the hangar with dinner."

"What happened with taking a break?" "An extra won't hurt."

The metal man kept the credits and walked inside the small tent.

Past the bead curtains, he saw you in front of a small wooden table, with your head down, mumbling some things he couldn't quite understand. The faint smell of incense filled his nostrils along with burnt wax. Candles were carefully placed around you and the table as well. The subtle noise of floor crunching alerted you, lifting your head quickly, and placing your hands on top of the table. Your golden bracelet heavily scraping on the surface.

"Oh, hello again..." Your voice greeted him in a low but friendly tone. The Mandalorian didn't say much. He was only observing his surroundings and looking in curiosity at the peculiar decoration. Small cabinets and shelves with all kinds of jewelry, quartz, and other curiosities on display.

"Would you like me to read them?" You interlaced your fingers on top of the table. "I don't believe in these kinds of things..." he mumbled. "I'm not asking you to believe. But, would it hurt to try?" You nodded with your head to the empty place before you, offering your palms. The man briefly hesitated, but slowly approached and sat down across. He unsheathed his blaster, placing it near him on the table. He put his palms upwards.

You reached out to him, weighing him briefly on top of yours, humming. You felt how he had tensed up when your hands touched him.

"Wow... Very interesting. I see here you'll have 3 dogs and a small house!" You gasped as you rubbed his fingers, feeling the leather. "...Really?" He leaned to see closer his hands. "No. I need you to take off the gloves." You snickered at the joke. Mando grumbled. "Relax... I'm not going to cut them off... Please?" You patted the back of his hand softly. He grunted softly in discomfort, but then there was a shifting noise of the fabric being slipped off and slapped down on the table.

Once again, his hands made contact with yours.

The Mandalorian seemed confused as to what was happening to him. The warmth was making him uneasy and his expression was beginning to change to that of concern... It seemed he was very much willing to fight if needed, but the warmth he felt made him a bit hesitant. He seemed to be feeling a little more vulnerable than he usually would... As if he was letting his guard down, but it was like a weird embrace.

"In this life," you started. "There's something that we're born with..." You squeezed his right hand. "...And what we have lived so far." Then his left one. "The lines within our palms can tell a lot more than we ever dare to reveal. They don't tell us with precision our future, but the outcome of our choices. We are all in charge of our destiny, after all.” You weighed his hands on yours, bouncing them slightly. “What they could reveal... Can always turn out right or be inconclusive. They can crack, change or grow with time... But it's all up to us." You put his hands together, getting his pinky fingers to touch side to side. Your thumbs through his palms feeling the callouses and scars that decorated his skin. For no reason, there was blush creeping up your cheeks, and you thanked the stars for the cowl covering it.

"Big hands... Rough skin. The hands of a philosopher and a worker... Your creases are outstanding and lines are very well defined." You mumbled out loud. "What's that supposed to mean?" He questioned. "Trustworthy." You grinned. His chest plate raised briefly in a chuckle. "This is interesting..." You hummed.

"Life... Cracks. In both hands..." You ran your thumb on the line between his index and his own thumb. “You had no choice back then... Your path was changed; taken away..." You squeezed his right hand. His curiosity made him silent. The visor observed the work of your fingers on his hands. The softness of your touch made his chest flutter at the sensation, but the tension on his palm made you realize his brain remained in a “fight or flight” response.

"And it continues, but once again it splits... A choice to be made. To hold on to it or let go." You pressed your thumb's fingertip on the soft mound under his left thumb. The man’s fingers went a bit soft after that and closed under your touch ever so slightly. "Don't worry much. I'm sure the people you found so far in your path, will support you," you tried to assure him. You turned his hands, holding his fingers. "Be smart. Choose your battles wisely." You rubbed his knuckles affectionately.

"Thank you for allowing me to look into your hands, it's been my pleasure." You bowed your head, your forehead touching his fingernails for a moment. You expected him to pull his hands away... But he didn't. Instead, his touch lingered and squeezed your fingers back.

Your breath hitched slightly, thrown off by this. Even past the dark glass of his visor and over your cloak, his eyes were fixated on you. Nothing else existed but this moment. "Are you done?" Malek’s slurred voice brought you back, making you pull away from his touch. The Mandalorian slipped back his gloves, getting up as he picked up his blaster and kept it into his holster once again. "Here's the rest," the lizard man threw to Mando's chest, a small pouch with credits. "Now, get out." He grumbled. The armored man didn't say much. He looked over his shoulder at you.

"Thank you," he nodded and took long strides to the exit. You got up as well, standing in front of your guardian, extending both hands at him. "What?" He scorned. "My part, of course..." You replied. "Right..." He mumbled. The cold feeling of currency dropping on your hands made you fuzzy. You eagerly pulled your hand to your chest, counting the coins with your finger and the happiness didn't last long.

"I can barely afford today's dinner and tomorrow's breakfast..." You extended your hand back at him. "Then I guess you'll have to earn it with more blabbering about destiny and all your crap," Malek smirked with malice. You huffed as a reply.

"You always end up having half of what people pay me, it's not always enough..." You calmly explained. "Well, it should! You already have where to work, and a roof over your head! Be thankful!" The lizard's hands reached out for your wrists, pulling you closer to him as he shook you in a rather aggressive way.

Your coins got scattered to the ground and the table with loud clattering. Loud enough.

You groaned in pain at the grip and scrunched your nose at the smell of the spotchka on his breath. "Maker, alright!" You complained, trying to free your hands off him.

"Let go." A modulated voice spoke from behind him.

The bouncer slowly turned his head, only to meet a blaster gun pointed at his face. "Mind your business, metalhead," Malek hissed. The bouncer locked his forearm around your neck, straining you against his chest. Between the struggling and shuffling, your cowl slid off your head. The Mandalorian froze. You gasped and lowered your sight.

"Did he do that to you...?" The helmet tilted.

"I can do much worse. Don't test me, Mandalorian," the humanoid raised their face in a challenging way. The warrior took one step closer and the bouncer took one step back, tightening his arm.

"Get closer and see what happens next!" Malek grabbed your chin, forcing you to look up. You stomped on his foot, making him shout in pain. The humanoid let go and you fell rather hard. Mando shot in reaction and your eyes widened when there was a thud behind you. You started breathing rapidly.

Your head turned to him, reaching your hand out and poking his leg. "...Malek?" You whispered.

No answer.

"We should go." Mando stated, you nodded and felt up the lifeless lizard's hip until you found the hanging bag of credits— he always used to keep it close to him. Not particularly trusting whoever came closer to it, even you—, but now, it was you who hugged it close to your chest. The candlelight that shone on your side, went dark for a moment, making you tense up at the sudden presence. You reached out your free hand to it and the tips of your fingers brushed against the leather of gloved digits. A smile tugged on the corner of your lips and without a second thought, you took it to help yourself up back to your feet. He guided you to go over the body and stopped nearby the table, bending your body over it, blowing the candles. You pulled your cowl back up on your head and hooked your fingers under his arm. He didn’t say anything.

When both of you walked out of the tent, there were no more people around it. Just the sounds of people way further from your spot. As the two of you made your way to the crowded part of the festival, the smell of food perked your senses up, and your stomach growled at it. Out of embarrassment, your free hand rested on your abdomen. "When was the last time you ate?" His helmet turned to you. "Um..." You tried to recall, then shrugged. “I… Am not sure.” He sighed, shaking his head.

His long and hurried strides meant for you to follow his pace. Your steps synced and even felt in a comfortable silence between you. Sometimes, he glanced by the corner of his eye at you; his steps would slow down and his free gloved hand would tap your fingers to make you stop walking and not bump into people. Your ears were sharp at this point, but wouldn't admit that you could hear others footsteps approaching. It was a blatant contrast at how he was before to how caring and protective he had become of you. Even to the point where someone had bumped against you, and with one glance from his, they apologized immediately. Soon enough, the noises started to fade in the background once again and stopped walking. The smell of iron and oil could be perceived… But something else lingered in the air. You were driven into it, unconsciously pulling Mando along with you.

"Why, look who's back!" The mechanic bounced the child on her legs, making it squeal. You stopped on your tracks and blurry imagery was lit by the bonfire near. A short silhouette with a bundle of browns and greens on her legs.

"Could it be a pet?" Your brain pondered for a moment, tilting your head a bit. "And... Company." Her eyebrow raised at you. "They're with me," The metal man assured the mechanic and helped you out to sit by the fire.

"Well," Motto smiled and carried the baby up from her legs, walking to you. "There's enough broth for everyone! Here, hold the womp rat." The mechanic lifted the baby up from her legs and put them on yours.

"Womp rat…?" You echoed in a low and confused mumble.

A curious gurgle came from the kid. You gasped and tried not to move much, hovering one hand behind him to prevent him from falling and the other near him, by instinct. You felt a little scratching on the palm of your free hand; you pressed your hand against it, feeling his little hand on yours. There was a fluttering feeling inside your chest, letting out a little amused giggle. "Well, hi there," you lent him your finger and he gripped on it. You wiggled it a bit and he didn't let go yet.

The hand behind him reached out behind his head and you caressed it softly, bumping into his ears. "Oh my...! Such ears you have, little one!" You exclaimed, carefully brushing it. He cooed back.

"Alright, here you go, uhm… Didn't quite catch your name here." Her brow furrowed as she approached you. "Y/N." You helped the kid turn around, carefully wrapping your arm on his little body, hugging him against you. The mechanic gave the kid a small bowl and for you, a larger one. You brought the broth close to your face, took in the smell and blew softly on it to cool it off, taking small sips from it. Then you dawned it in one large gulp.

Motto's eyebrows raised at you, her jaw hanging up a bit in shock. "Someone was hungry, for sure…" She chuckled in amusement. The baby burped and giggled; you laughed a bit along with Peli. "It makes two of us," you looked down at the green spot.

"This is delicious, thank you." You bowed your head. "And for you, Mando," Motto offered him a bowl, he took it but put it on a side. "Thank you," his helmet nodded at her.

The man in armor didn't move much. His position rested in certain stiffness, watching over your figure and the small one. Peli's eyes flicked between him and you, giving a small nod and a low chuckle in amusement. With one big fake yawn, she took long steps to the side.

" Stars ! Look at the time! I should leave you two! Have a good one!" The short woman gave Mando a pair of thumbs up, sneaking away to her booth.

Behind his helmet, he rolled his eyes at the antic, but with her gone, he sat next to you a considerable distance. The fire crackled, wind blew and the noise from outside slowly died, meaning the festival was coming to an end. Once you made sure it was none else but the three of you alone, you felt daring and comfortable enough to take off your hood and turn to him, with a sad smile. The light from the bonfire reflected on your skin and lit the scars that snaked around your eyes; foggy and their color were dull. "I hope you don't lose your appetite..." You chewed your lip.

The child turned to see you, he whined and you felt his little claw on your chin. You leaned down his face close to him and let out a heartfelt giggle.

"Don't worry. It doesn't hurt. I'm ok, see?" You smiled, trying to comfort the kid's worry. His tiny hand rested on your cheekbone and your heart melted at the feeling. Your nose scrunched at holding back a happy tear from falling off.

"Such a big heart for something as small as you," you touched his forehead with yours, closing your eyes, letting out a content sigh. You straightened back and looked over at Mando — well, what the light allowed you to see of him, as he looked like a blurry shiny figure.

The baby lifted his arms to his space dad and the Mandalorian picked him up, putting him on his legs. "Is he yours?" Your eyebrows raised in surprise. "You could say that," Mando simply replied.

There was a bit of fabric ruffle coming from him. Warmth hovered over your cheek and your posture straightened.

"Can I?" His modulator cracked. You nodded and held back a breath for a moment.

"What happened?" The spaceman ran his knuckles carefully over the side of your face. You blew the air you were holding up at the feeling, but didn't exactly pull away. "Well," you cleared your throat. "I used to live on a spice farm. My family and others worked for some rich people... Not exactly a legal thing, I think. We always had to hide."

The Mandalorian's caresses became even more gentle, and you leaned to it, allowing yourself to share more.

"One day, we got raided by Trandoshands. They weren't exactly gentle. Shooting around and pushing people… I remember hearing a blaster shot and its bounce on the surface. One moment, I was hiding and the next one, everything got blurry and my face burnt..." You covered one of your eyes, pursing your lips at the call back on the feeling.

"I know I wasn't the only one who got hurt. I was sent with the "Undesirables". They captured people, separated families to pay a debt." You chewed your cheek, with certain disappointment. Mando's big palm pressed onto your face, and you leaned into the touch. You put your hand over his, adding a bit of pressure on it and smiled.

His thumb carefully caressed the healed bruises under your eye and cheekbone.

"Malek and his wife took me in with them. She was the one who taught me how to read palms, and gave me this. Too bad she got sick." You shook your right wrist, the bracelet wiggling on your forearm, as it was a bit big on you. "She always said that things happened for a reason..." You peeled off the hand from your face, aligning them together for your fingers and palms to touch. A very noticeable size difference.

"And as for the people we meet, they happen to cross our paths too... All according to what the universe dictates." You intertwined your fingers with his. It felt right to do so. The warrior didn't move, didn't say anything. He just let it be. Between your hands, you felt the wiggling of three little fingers trying to squeeze into the moment. You laughed and your hands separated; your pinky's next to each other's with the little green one in the middle.

"Do you have anywhere to go?" Mando asked and you stared deeply at the fire. "I'm not sure..." You frowned. " I can't go back there..." "Let me help." He gently held your hand with his fingers. "Where to?" You eagerly leaned closer to the helmet. "Nevarro. I know someone. We can leave in the morning." He offered. "Sounds like a plan to me," you smiled.

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