#howzer x chandrilan reader

[thecoffeelorian]

Chapter Title: Backlash

Word Count: 1,359.

Brief Description: Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). A reaction to betrayal, a threat of arrest, and a test of the potential bridegroom's intentions all converge at the Minola residence...

AO3: Link Here

Extra Notes: This sat in my Notes for upwards of 3 months before I dropped it in here...man, I'm slow and I suck at updates. Anyways, I hope people are still interested in this, as sporadic as I've been after all this time.

Chapter Masterlist: Link Here

The No-Pressure Tag List:

@crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf @cloneflo99 @vrycurious @gun-roswell @padawancat97

@littlefeatherr @yeehawhijack @knightprincess @masterjedilenawrites @skellymom and anybody else on the lookout for more Howzer fics.

“What. The kriff.”

Whatever happy bubble you might have been trapped in before has now popped…and with it, you’re not sure if you can feel anything else but betrayal.

“So this is why you came. Dear old Dad cried you a river, Briana joined in, and I’m the one who got put up for sale...”

Betrayal from whoever might have ratted you out at home, betrayal from yourself simply for agreeing to come back…oh, but most of all, betrayal from him.

“Now that’s not exactly true—“

“—It’s true enough to me.”

What right did he have, exactly, to sell you out like this?

“I should have known you’d just become Dad’s doormat in the end.”

Was it just some social side effect of the Republic treating his people like factory made machines, or had this been his idea all along?

“More like your own welcome mat, if you will accept me.”

“Don’t get cute with me, Captain. I don’t ‘accept’ anything!”

Either way, it doesn’t look as though “dear old Dad” is all that celebratory any more, because you’ve just succeeded in wiping that shit-eating grin right off his face.

“N-Now Katie, this-this is hardly the time for—”

“—Don’t. Call me. ‘Katie’.”

He’s looking somewhat scared of you this time, in fact, so much so that you start to get a little thrill out of it.

“I’m not your ‘Katie’, I’m not his ‘Katie’, and I’m definitely not going to—”

“—Y/N, please!”

Orinna, by contrast, is giving you the Look. The one you used to get as a kid when she caught you running too fast in the hallway, or else chasing Briana one time too many around the formal dish ware cabinet.

She’s not too keen on watching you do something dangerous today, especially not if she can help it.

“Zis is not ze time to begin a second war, all right? Ze Troopers and ze Separatists ‘ave all laid down zheir arms. Why can you not do ze same?”

“Rebels are meant to fight, and so am I.”

“Mothers are meant to worry, and so am I!”

“Whatever for?”

“Because I do not want ze authorities arresting you! Think upon zat!”

Her dark eyes are glaring into yours at this point, a sure sign that you’ve officially crossed one line too many with her. You’ve never really seen her this angry before, true—but given that this is such a rarity from her, it’s certainly making you think twice before going any further.

In fact…even though you’re still pretty pissed off at Dad and Howzer together, you’re also not thinking twice about raising your hands in surrender. You’ve messed with her head enough for one day, maybe, so perhaps now is the proper moment to back off and stand down.

“…All right. Fine. I’ll do that.”

“I certainly ‘ope so. Capitaine?”

She motions Howzer forward with one hand, but not without both of her lekku moving rather closely into the sign for “May spice salt your wounds”. Obviously, she won’t be that eager to deal with any more of your issues today.

“Feel free to escort Miss Minola inside, for I do not doubt zat you will ‘ave much to discuss.”

“So I am told…”

As for the good Captain, on the other hand, he’s decided to hang back until you were most likely to calm down and knuckle under. So far, he may have the calming down part of you already proposed and seconded.

“…Still, Y/N, if you will allow me to continue—”

“—Any Trooper will, if he doesn’t bore me first—”

“—You may not find me so boring as other men, for I ‘ad a few interesting teachers back on Kamino.”

“Why, what’s Kamino?”

“An oceanic planet.”

“If that is so, then feel free to go back. I’m sure they’re dying to see you.”

“So I am told. Come! We can go zere together!”

Howzer offers his arm to you, a sure mark of gentlemanly manners if this was any other meeting between you that your father didn’t preordain. Under normal circumstances, you might have happily considered this Captain as your escort back inside the manse.

Out here, however, you’re merely gathering your hands behind your back, one eyebrow raised in silent interrogation, and literally everyone—be they ranging from the scolding Orinna in front of you to Brainy Bri watching it all from her upstairs window—are now holding their collective breaths in anticipation for your next reaction.

“Oh? What makes you think I’m joining you?”

“I…don’t yet see a reason why you could not, Miss Minola.”

“Maybe I’d prefer to sit outside for a while.”

“Very well. I will be sure to join you.”

Howzer makes a small performance of lowering himself onto one of the two front benches; then patting the place beside him in hopes of having you as a partner. You certainly would have joined him willingly if it had been up to you alone, because then you would have had a modicum of freedom to do with as you wished.

Unfortunately, no thanks to Dad pushing this match as the main road to freeing up Briana…you’re instead eyeing one of the side tables, wondering if you should make your own show of sitting there instead…or worse.

“Actually…I think I’ve changed my mind, ‘Capitaine’. Perhaps I’ll go inside.”

“What, and miss the view of zis fine day?”

“Maybe it’s too bright a view for my sensitive eyes.”

“Very well, then…let me see you walk, if we cannot sit together.”

“Walk? Whatever for?”

“So I’ll know who to look for when the big day comes.”

“Oh? What makes you think I won’t be running out the door instead?”

“Please, Y/N, I am as good a gentleman as any other…”

They’re all watching you now, Orinna, Dad, Briana from the window and whomever else inside the house who have decided to stop work and peek at the proceedings. Apparently, you’ve gone from Little Miss Nobody to the talk of the entire household in a few short hours, beginning with your ill-fated disappearance.

“…That. I’ll. Try.”

However, now that the side table is within your reach and you’re more or less finished with being the pawn to your sister’s knight…it’s that single piece of wood that you’re not hesitating to use as your next weapon, because in a matter of seconds, you’re sending it flying at Howzer’s head, your only mission being to drive him off your property with or without the black eye that he may so richly deserve—

“Whoops.”

—And then, with about as much advance warning as you gave him, which at this point is pretty much none—he catches that piece of furniture in midair, executes a near-perfect twirl, and finally sends the table flying back to you, after which you’ve very little choice other than to catch it before it crashes.

“Oof!”

This you barely accomplish with all the grace of someone who never played any sports, for the impact alone all but knocks you onto your back while Howzer remains upright and unbruised. For what might be the first time ever, you’re left in a confused silence while the sting of catching a hard object with your bare hands wears off, because only then might you be able to get back onto your feet again with no further interruptions.

In the meantime, though…everyone’s looking on in a stunned silence, not knowing whether or not to panic as they wait to see what you do next. Judging from their past experiences, either you're going to run off in a huff, or else fall into an even bigger rage and throw another piece of furniture. Perhaps anything of the worst nature can happen from your end, as it's more or less the huge bad habit that you've let yourself fall into over time.

And yet...even as how Howzer's watching you cautiously, still figuring out whether or not he should protect himself and get out of here while he still can...that's when you end up surprising yourself as well as everyone else.

"Nice aim, Captain Howzer."

[To be continued in Chapter 6, "Revealed Truths".

Please like, comment, and reblog if you liked this chapter; and I'll see you in the next update! TYSM!]

[thecoffeelorian]

@hellfiresky

Chapter Title: The Proposal

Word Count: 1,185.

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). As you return home under the watch of Commander Miles, you're expecting nothing less than the worst lecture of your life. However, the same force of nature that stopped your escape isn't quite done with you yet...

AO3: Link Here

Extra Notes: This was sitting in my drafts for a literal forever (maybe 3 months), but now it's here, so...I hope you all enjoy it, because all the good stuff is around the corner! ;)

Chapter Masterlist: Link Here

The No-Pressure Tag List:

@yoitsjay @gun-roswell @skellymom @masterjedilenaaa @littlefeatherr

@knightprincess @crosshair-lover @yeehawhijack @etod @ci-avmovies14 and anyone else interested in more stories about this Clone Captain!

“Hello…? Is zis thing on?”

“Reading you loud and clear, Captain.  What’s your status?”

“Optimistic.”

The comm between Commander Miles and Captain Howzer��the Trooper that you had the curious luck of meeting in the street not thirty minutes ago—is on full playback now, along with everything you just agreed to do in order to watch it.

And wouldn’t you know it, you’re trying your hardest not to stare too long at that smaller blue version of your Captain.

“I’ve just spoken with the master of ze ‘ouse, and I do believe we’ve come to a sort of, er…agreement.”

Agreement.

Really.

You wonder for a moment about what sort of agreement could ever be made between him and “Daddy”, considering he certainly wasn’t ever that negotiable with you.  Not since he’d found a way to keep both you and Briana single forever, whether either one of you liked it or not.

And if that’s not making you feel awkward enough...then being led back to your home like you’re some kind of escaped prisoner, with or without the vibrocuffs, has certainly put the stomp back into your step. Sure wish I could have made an agreement with him…not that he’ll listen.

In fact, there’s a flush of annoyance rising in your face as the Sergeant escorts you back through the streets of the Eastern District, the area of Chandrila where all of the once-active wartime industries can be found as well as your home territory.  These great producers of weapons, navigation devices, and other equipment will no doubt be shuttering their doors soon, thanks to that double surprise of Palpatine’s tragic accident and the gradual end of the war that followed…and so far, that’s not counting your family’s own business. Not yet.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. He’ll just need a certain lady back under ‘is roof in order to, er… finalize the plans.”

As for yourself, if the building storm within you is any indication of your own future—

“And in return?”

“We recover a lost asset.”

—Then your own smaller war is just beginning, and you start feeling the weight of it as soon as you’re standing back before your own front door, the Commander rapping upon the gilded knocker to get the attention of whomever may be listening.

“One moment…!”

A few parsecs later, that whomever turns out to be your housekeeper, an elder Twi’lek known as Orinna, who just happens to meet you and your escort the moment the door is opened. “Y/N Katherina Minola!” A small feeling of guilt pangs through your body as you take in her change of expression from pain to confusion, you having said what should have been your goodbyes not one hour earlier. “Just what are you doing with zis man?!” 

In fact, she must be properly furious at you for playing her for a fool, sneaking away without any protection, and putting the rest of the household into a panic—and that’s just without you also feeling a little angry at yourself for lying to her.

“…Well, um…it’s like this…” After all, since she gladly stepped in to give you some extra maternal support after the death of your mother, she certainly deserves better treatment than the kind you’re giving.

Nevertheless, the good Commander takes all of this drama in his stride, for he doesn’t think twice about removing his helmet and addressing her directly.

“Apologies, ma’am, but I was just escorting this nice young lady home to meet her future.”

Orinna’s mixed reaction soon turns to one better suggesting curiosity, a thing you can determine by the slight raising of her eyebrows.

“ ‘Er future…?  Whatever do you mean?”

“I believe Commander Miles was referring to me, ma’am.”

It’s not that long before you feel your own eyebrows go up as you hear that all-too-familiar voice speak up from behind her, and with it, the breath goes out of your body.

There he is.

Captain Howzer.

The man you saw in the street, over the comm system, and as soon as Orinna is careful to step aside to give him room…standing right inside your doorway.

“Welcome back, Miss Minola.”

Only this time, now he can also see your face plainly without the guise or protection of any hoods…and, quite unlike the “interested” young men you’ve spoken to before, this time, he’s actually not just speaking at you, but to you.

“I trust zat your journey back ‘ome was not a difficult one?”

Is it any wonder, then, that you feel your legs wobble ever so slightly at the sight of his smile…?  Is it all that mysterious that your heart rate has gone up a few notches solely because of one glance from his direction?  It must not be that surprising for someone with his looks, because he could look perfect standing in a mud puddle, and even worse—he knows it. What a clever, brazen bunch these Troopers must be!

“N…No, Captain,” you hear yourself say, almost whimpering out your reaction.  “I—I had help.”

Commander Miles takes this as his cue to join Howzer upon the steps, each of them gripping the other’s hand in an enthusiastic greeting.

“What d’you think, Cap?  Is she a keeper?”

Howzer looks back at you a second time, and with it, you feel your heart start to beat a little harder.  Does he see that smattering of acne scars left over from your teenage years, or are they no longer visible…?  What about that little scar upon your forehead from where you fell as a toddler?  Would he take both of these things as a part of you and accept them, or turn you away in disgust instead?

“The finest keeper in all of Coruscant!”

Oh, Force help you, he likes you.  Your face must be as hot as a sunrise on Mustafar by now, and you can barely keep yourself steady—and he likes you.   This feeling grows by degrees as he bravely takes your hand and raises it to his lips, thus proving himself to be the officer and gentleman both on this fated morning.

“I thank you for returning to us, Miss Minola.  Will you be staying ‘ere, then…?” In return, you’re just barely in control of yourself in time to start playing the lady, the rest of the people around you almost completely forgotten.

“As long as I’m able, er…Captain…but may I ask, if it’s not too out of the ordinary…why?”

“For the same reason any gentleman of Chandrila would wish to meet a lady.”

He uses this moment to release your hand; then, after withdrawing a few steps, raises both of his own with the palms up in an offering to you.

“Now that I have had ze ‘onor of meeting you face-to-face, I am therefore moved to ask for your hand in marriage.”

For a few blissful seconds, you’re staring into those sweet brown eyes, and finding yourself one breath away from accepting him as your future husband.

Then…you see your father walking out onto the front stoop with a look of wild glee upon his face, and reality strikes.

**********

Parting Thoughts: ...If there is anyone who used to get regular notifications about this story, but suddenly is not...that's because I either didn't get any further reactions from you in my last update, or you missed my poll and interest check from yesterday morning.

So, if there are other readers out there who didn't make the tag list up above, then please PLEASE leave this emoji (👩‍🎤) in the reblogs/reblog tags, because it might be the only way for me to contact you, and I kinda want an accurate count of readers, too!

Thanks for your time, and have a great day!

[thecoffeelorian]

Chapter Title: Loosening Knots

Word Count: 2,489

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). In the midst of all the wedding planning, two mysterious guests are at your door one day...

AO3: Link Here (Must Log In)

Extra Notes: The white braid divider in this chapter was created by @v6que. Also, for those brave enough to read this chapter to the very end...you're going to get a little surprise in return for your concentration. :D

Chapter Masterlist: Link Here

The No-Pressure Tag List:

@crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf @cloneflo99 @vrycurious @gun-roswell @padawancat97

@littlefeatherr @yeehawhijack @knightprincess @masterjedilenawrites @skellymom 

@orangez3st @ci-avmovies14 @523rdrebel @tink1221 @lucyysthings

@hellfiresky @feral-ferrule @the-rain-on-kamino and anybody else on the lookout for more Howzer fics.

Nine rotations remain until all of the celebrations begin. Nine days of preparation for you and your family, after which come three rotations of a ceremonial dinner where half the district will be invited; a traditional hike up a holy mountain followed by another ceremonial lunch; and finally, the big day where you lose your second braid almost two weeks exactly after losing your first.

According to the teachings of Raiyen, one of the hallowed Elders of the Fourteenth District, this path leading from the betrothal to the wedding ceremony is meant to mark your journey from childhood to adulthood, never mind being a great source of personal joy for you.

Unfortunately, as you were more or less ignored by almost everyone until three rotations ago...all you can feel right now is annoyance.

“So...what’s this Captain Howzer like?”

Annoyance at your immediate neighborhood, annoyance at the reporters who showed off your betrothal announcement as soon as it fell into their hands—oh, but most of all?

“Not now, Bri. I have to finish making this thing.”

“Yes now, Katie! What’s he li-iiiiiike?”

You’ve never felt more annoyed in your whole life than how you’re feeling at your own veil right now.

Like any other bride-to-be who’s unable to purchase her own, you’ve begun knitting the first several rows purely on your own time. At least in the photo below the directions, it’s meant to come together in a neat, triangular arrangement with just a bit of needlework to bind it all up in a grand finish.

“Well, I know he’s a very good listener, all right...otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to deal with talking to me in the first place.”

“Ooh, a conversationalist? Interestiiiing!”

Unfortunately for you…all the rows you’ve tried your best with are all crooked, since almost every time, you either didn’t think to count the amount of rows; your yarn-overs were performed in the wrong sections; or worst of all, you lost your concentration entirely and had to start over at least twice.

Not exactly the spot you want to be in, especially considering your days at home have officially been numbered.

“And he doesn’t seem to like pitch and catch very much,” you mutter in frustration, still a bit annoyed at yourself for your failure to grasp this veil’s directions. “Apparently, me throwing a side table at him wasn’t the best way to welcome him to our house—oh, dank ferrik!”

As if to add insult to injury, though? One of the two old wooden knitting needles that you had been using up until this point suddenly decides to break in half, thus ending your grand attempt at fiber arts long before you could hope to get started.

Clearly, somebody up there must be annoyed with you, because they've decided to sabotage all of your efforts, starting today.

“Oh...that is unfortunate.”

“You’re telling me.”

Frowning at what’s left of your knitting, you just barely manage to pull the stitches further toward the unbroken end of the faulty needle, and so save all of them from being dropped by accident.

“Well, this is gonna set everything back a few days...think I should go put some credits down for a domestic droid, and hope for the best?”

“Actually, I might have a better idea in mind...”

You look up just in time to see your sister brandishing a newer looking needle, one that you can only hope might be the same size as your fallen one.

“...How about a switch?”

“Hey, hold on a second. Don’t you need that one for your own sash?”

“I can finish that one in a day, Katie. Don’t you think this is more important?”

And, lucky for you, she’s surprisingly willing to share. Willing enough to start transferring your stitches over, even, and making it look a lot less difficult in the process.

“All right…”

You suppose that’s got to be a lot better than squabbling at each other nonstop, though, so instead of fussing or fighting, you’re careful to turn on your family’s holo-screen just in time to catch the morning news.

Just a little distraction to calm yourself down, perhaps, or at least until you can go back to figuring out your next move with this knitting thing.

“…And now, an important update to an ongoing story from yesterday. The first of many survivors from the Venator accident on an unnamed moon, an Arc Trooper known as Jesse, has just been released from Republic care and is expected to make a full recovery…”

A series of images is shown upon the screen in succession, beginning with the scene of a massive smoking wreckage; the disoriented forms of several members of the 501st; a massive rescue operation involving Troopers and medical droids alike; and finally, one particular Trooper with a Republic symbol tattoo upon his face. You’re not sure if it’s just the one photo giving you this impression, or if this particular clone always looks this disgruntled as a matter of habit, because this news broadcast doesn’t seem to want to offer anything else by way of visual records.

“…He will soon be leaving for a more quiet location out of the public eye, and is said to be meeting his commanding officer, Captain Rex, as well as an associate known by the name ‘Ashla’, as he waits for his fellow Troopers to join him…”

Nevertheless, if this is one of the many former soldiers of the Republic that you’ll end up meeting in person, you quickly make the mental note to assume absolutely nothing about him until you see him.

“That Trooper’s either extremely lucky, or slightly cursed.”

Briana makes this quiet observation as she hands the transferred knitting back to you, her eyes just about glued to the screen. She doesn't know yet about Captain Rex's new assignment for Howzer, and neither have you told her a single thing about her future brother-in-law's role in this curious plot. Would she make the same judgment about your Captain as she’s done with Jesse, and merely write him off as some kind of danger magnet? Or, if she knew the full truth up front and wasn’t shocked by the whole arrangement...would she go so far as to offer her own assistance in this matter?

“Who knows, Bri…? After all that they’ve been through, maybe it’s a little bit of both.”

Judging from the information Howzer's already given you, and all about how certain people shouldn’t be given any reasons to interfere in this mission...perhaps it's best that you keep her in the dark for some time yet.

After all, as you once heard from a Republic broadcast during the war, what the galaxy doesn’t know can’t hurt it.

Eight days left and counting, and it’s sinking into your mind a bit more that you’ll have to begin figuring out which of your belongings you’re going to take with you when you leave, and which of your things will end up going to Briana after you’re gone. This, of course, is standard procedure for any Chandrilan woman who’s recently lost her left braid, and in the case of one or more younger sisters, ease the next transition process within the household.

Trouble is, as you’re unable to concentrate on choosing anything today...you decide instead to buck tradition just a little, and instead start catching up on any and all holonet messages you’ve missed since your meetings with Captain Howzer.

“Hey, Katie, it’s me! Your bestest friend in the whole galaxy, alive and in person...though you’re strangely not on this planet. Anyways...comm me back as soon as you get this, we’ve got a lot of talking to do. Take care!”

This means an instant chat room invite sent out to Verta Goring, one of exactly two friends you’d stayed close to during the war; the first of your friend group to make it to Naboo; and, as of now, she’s the very first person on the outside that you decide to get in touch with.

I’m here, Katie. Tell me everything that’s happened, good and bad alike.

If I did, Ver, I’m not sure you’d believe me!

You mean this sentence as something lighthearted rather than horrific, for your husband-to-be has given you no reason whatsoever to be wary of himself or his intentions.

At this same time, as Verta is currently studying to be a lawyer with an emphasis on domestic disputes, she wastes no time in digging a little bit deeper into things.

How so? Is everything all right at home?

I’m not getting into any fights with people, if that’s what you’re worried about.

There’s a small pause of a few seconds as Verta types out her next response, then:

Okay...so your father didn’t pressure you into this at all? Do I have this statement correct?

You do. It’s more like I was brought around slowly, and with no furniture broken on my end.

I think the courts would have understood even if you had, Kate.

Maybe it’s not the courts we need in this case, Ver. Maybe there’s someone far from home who needs us more than any Republic official, so we have to go through with this ceremony in order to start looking for them.

Another pause, and then Verta has this to say in the comment box:

All right, Kate...please pardon my bluntness, but are you sure you know what you’re doing?

I don’t think I would have been trusted with certain things if I didn’t.

Would you be sure to tell me if something bad was happening over there? Or would you just keep everything to yourself as usual, and end up letting it wreck your temper?

There’s a rotten word or two that you’d love to throw in Verta’s direction now, some well-placed insults to counteract her scathing reminder of all of your bad habits—yet, as there’s still so much planning left to accomplish and she’s also received the added blessing of not picking any fights with you...perhaps it’s a better idea for you both if you don’t let your anger show once more.

If the worst should happen, you’ll be the first person I call. Sound good?

There’s a minute or two of silence between you, the symbol of someone typing as the only indicator that Verta’s still there at all—then, when you believe this conversation to be over and yourself abruptly cut off out of spite, that’s precisely when she surprises you.

Of course, Kate. Helping people in need is kinda supposed to be my job now.

Thanks, Ver. I’m hoping it won’t come to this at all, but I’ll know where to turn to if it does.

Seven days and counting as of today, yet it’s only now that the panic is at last upon you. There’s still alterations to be made to an old light blue gown of yours so that it’s ready for the ceremony; seating arrangements to be fixed so that no political fights break out at the reception; a dinner menu to be decided in order to avoid allergies and other dining issues; and a veritable laundry list of other unfinished tasks both within and without your family’s gates.

In other words, it’s going to be a miracle if you don’t end up cracking underneath all of the stress, never mind the continuous flurry of comm messages and other forms of dialogue needed to make sure these celebrations go off without a hitch.

Ah, Mom...however did you manage when it was your turn to leave home?

Somewhere in all of the chaos, however, when you’re pacing the hallway and nervously awaiting two visitors from the bridal shop to aid you in fixing up your gown...who should come to your front door instead but a small stranger in a large hat?

“Er…good morning, madam! Is the master of the house available?”

Correction…two small strangers in large hats, one of which has a voice that is suspiciously switching from a male soprano to an alto at the oddest possible time. There’s also something a tiny bit familiar about this pair, though you can’t really put it something into words just yet.

“That would depend on who’s looking for him,” you reply, barely suppressing a laugh. “May I ask your names?”

“Er…”

The second Large Hat whispers quickly into the ear of the first Large Hat, after which you’re doing your best not to crack a smile at his answer:

“…Tell him that Professor Cran and Professor Blin have arrived for Briana’s lessons…please?”

“Professors Cran and Blin…whatever you say, gentlemen. Do come in.”

No sooner have you admitted them inside than Briana starts sneaking down the staircase, her gaze turning behind her now and again as she’s listening good and hard to guarantee that Dad never spots her. Orinna’s conveniently out of the house as well, having gone to post a holomessage to some relatives back on Ryloth.

“Hey DAD! I think some of Bri’s new teachers just arrived!”

“Very well...feel free to send them up!”

As for you…well, you might be willing to play along for now, but not without a few guardrails in place.

“All right, you…”

This is the thought you keep in mind as you step in between her and ‘Professor Blin’, taking hold of her right sleeve before she does anything punishable.

“…If we’re going to do this your way, Briana Minola, I had better be allowed to join you as a chaperone.”

“What for?” Her usual pride is a little through the roof today, something that won’t exactly do either of you any good.

“You’re betrothed to Howzer anyway, why can’t I enjoy myself now?”

“Because both your braids are still untouched, silly. That’s why.”

She pulls away in a huff, but not before staring dejectedly at the ground and shoving her hands into her pockets. Good. If she ever has the hope of going out there without any troubles following close behind, she’ll want to toe the line a bit longer back here.

“Good girl! Are we doing music first, or Huttese?”

“Music,” Briana mumbles, blushing ever so slightly in the direction of “Professor Blin”, who manages to lock eyes with her before they both look away.

“I—I still have to memorize a few chords for later this week.”

Might this be that Admiral’s son you caught sight of a few days ago, but had no time to interact with because of your attempted escape? Or is this the Senator’s son instead, and are any attempts to court your sister about to get tied up with a few awkward political discussions?

“Say no more, then—if it’s quadjitar practice next, I’m joining you.”

Whoever the lucky boy is, though, he’s not going to get away with anything foolish under your watch…or, for that matter, neither will Briana.

“Fine…but no breaking the instruments this time!”

“It’s a deal, sis. Feel free to lead the way.”

[a/n: Bonus for you all--This is what I imagine the wedding dress to look like when all is finished, and yes, I drew and colored in everything with my own two hands here. Hope you like it as much as I do! <3]

[thecoffeelorian]

Chapter Title: The First Argument

Word Count: 1,988 words.

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). The final countdown until the ceremony has begun...

AO3: Link Here (Must Log In)

Extra Notes: Ok, gang...I'm just gonna go out on a limb and say that I've included everyone in the tags who ever interacted with the masterlist, the polls, and/or the actual chapters, since at this point, it's near impossible to determine who's actually interested and who's not.

Second, anybody on the tag list who doesn't slap a like on this post will get removed without any further annoyance on my end, since I get the feeling I might be doing more harm than good by trying to keep them updated. So...yeah. If this just isn't your thing, I'll be sure to honor your wishes next week and not bring it up again. <3

And finally, the white braid divider in this chapter was created by @v6que.

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“Now Y/N, I know it’s rude to ask too many questions, but I must know—how did you and your Captain meet each other?”

Aunt Ceelia poses the question to you at the banquet table, her face just a little bit reddened after her first Chandrilan squig. There are three days left until the ceremony, yet you’re keeping a brave face on despite that growing sense of anxiety about how something might just go wrong between now and then.

And, as this is the first of two major dinner parties held in your honor, such a display on your part is all but demanded.

“Well, we didn’t exactly meet the usual way,” you begin, your knife and fork paused beside your plate of squall tendermeat.

"More like we almost ran smack-dab into each other!”

Your awkward laugh echoes around the table, a few others joining in while your Uncle Taryn remains silent, continously taking puffs from a spice pipe.

“She was on her way to the space port, as I recall,” Howzer chimes in, setting down his glass of champagne. “Something about…leaving for Naboo, wasn’t it?”

“More like running away to attend my university of choice.”

Someone lets out a cough after this, but nobody else replies this time as they must view higher education as either unnecessary or harshly rebellious, given their evident backgrounds in trade and shipbuilding. Yet, as you're not about to be nudged into silence yourself, you decide to press onward with the story.

“I had supposed—well, back then, anyway—that I could try studying medicine. Someone who heals the injuries of others, cures diseases, all of that.”

"And you, Captain? What brought you originally to our fair planet?"

There’s a brief moment of hesitation on Howzer’s end, a moment of horror upon yours as you debate whether or not you should step in to keep your mission a secret—then, before things grow too tense, he’s able to make a quick save.

“The same thing that led so many other Troopers away from Coruscant, ma'am—the need for peace and quiet.”

Ceelia accepts this little fib with a tearful sniffle, then reaches out to pat his shoulder.

“Of course you would, you poor dear, of course! All those lonely days on the battlefield with nothing but other men for company…no wonder you were so eager to leave!”

“Yes, Ceelia, we’re quite aware of the Captain’s, ah…unique life situation by now.”

It’s Uncle Taryn’s turn to speak next, all right, yet unlike your aunt and her squigs, he’s neither loosened up nor sympathetic.

“Obviously, I’m sure we’re all very eager to welcome him into the family like we would any other groom…however.”

He's got his eyes upon you now, the suspicion inside them so thick, you can almost feel it seeping into your skin.

“Every marriage, rich or otherwise, brings something beneficial to the negotiating table…so that brings us to the question of the day. What does your Captain bring in to help this family?”

Howzer’s quick to speak for himself, however, for he answers the question with zero hesitation.

“A cessation of hostilities within ze ‘ome, Mr. Minola…or so I hope.”

“Ah, so you mean to be a peace broker?”

“With the right counsel at my side.”

Correction…zero hesitation, and the beginnings of a false sweetness that you’ve only ever seen before from Taryn himself. Though it might have diffused this particular situation before it became too heated, you’re feeling unease just the same at the sight of these two men suddenly shaking hands where they had been at odds not five minutes ago.

“Now here’s a man who’s thinking of the future!”

In fact, though the handshake lasts no more than a few seconds and Howzer’s clearly wiping his hand clean after your uncle looks away…it’s more than enough to make you wonder if your future husband’s good intentions might slowly be falling to the wayside.

“Hear that, Ceelia? Sometimes falling in line with the rest of society can actually be good for you!”

After all, if you keep someone you think you know within an institution that you don't...chances are you might not recognize the person that comes out again.

“Gri ma tama. Gri ma tama...”

“Close. It’s ‘Gri ma tamee’, but try again.”

“Gri ma tamee…there, how’s that?”

“Better. A lot better than yesterday, if you don’t mind me saying so.”

Two days remain, but unfortunately, there’s a part of you now that doesn’t feel very much like celebrating. Though you’ve begun your hike up the holy mountain to receive a blessing from the Ilda, your planet’s pantheon of old gods, doubt has finally started creeping into your system ever since you noticed that strange connection between Howzer and your uncle.

In fact, you’re starting to wonder if Taryn Himself might be one of those people Howzer warned you about, especially if he might have something to do with Nax’s disappearance.

“You are very quiet as of late…is something wrong?”

This belief both horrifies and dismays you all at once, for you’re not exactly in the mood to be peaceful here, let alone speak politely.

“Perhaps.”

“Meaning what, exactly?”

“This.”

You're quick to make the both of you stop a quarter of the way, as you feel your old temper coming back in full force.

“What in Mustafar were you two talking about yesterday?”

“Yesterday?”

“At the banquet table with my uncle. That little ‘falling in line with the rest of society’ routine.”

His reaction suggests he’s a little off balance at this, if not also the slightest bit annoyed at the sting of your accusation—yet, somewhat like your first meeting, he shows no signs of planning to run away.

“Well. In all fairness, I was surrounded by strangers with suspect motives.”

“ ‘Suspect motives’?”

“It means zat I don't know why they are so eager to see us wedded.”

“Yes, all right, I get what suspect means—”

“—Do you?”

A few neighbors sneak curious glances at you as they pass you by upon the steps, the two of you straightening up in turn to lessen their suspicions...and then, along comes Briana with a naughty grin upon her face.

“Everything okay over there? Or do I have to step in and tickle you?”

This is where the awkward hush comes in, most likely because neither one of you wants to laugh your way off of this narrow staircase. After having to deal with at least three of her famous sneak attacks, you’re also not too keen on being tickled so hard that your eyes tear up.

“Okay, you two. Keep on being mysterious.”

That doesn’t quite stop Briana, however, from giggling behind her hand as she moves ahead of you. As she’s probably more focused upon gaining a brother in the family rather than having to say goodbye to a sister, there probably won’t be any misery in her heart for some time yet.

Good for her.

As for the both of her siblings, be they long established or incoming, it’s clear that you both have a lot of work to do upon your relationship.

“Look...I know zat life is tense for everyone right now, so. If I might be so bold?”

“I'm listening, Captain.”

“How about we wait until after ze ceremony is over to discuss this? Just so zere will be no more eyes upon us besides our own?”

His hand brushes against yours, a silent cue to lessen the tension between you...and with it, you accept his touch without any further outbursts.

What a difference a moment makes.

“Offer accepted, Captain Howzer. Now...let's get to the top of this mountain.”

One day left.

One day left.

One day left…

A tense silence reigns over your household at fifteen minutes to nine, and following close behind, the growing roar of ship engines.

Your gown, a creation of blue pleats, silver accents, and a set of sleeves that the late Senator Amidala herself might have loved, waits safely within your bedroom beneath a protective cover.

The reception room, a small but intimate gathering space dressed up in the colors of sage and sea, waits with the glow of dim lamplight for the guests to enter tomorrow.

Even the cake Orinna made for you, a lightly frosted creation of cinnamon and chocolate, waits within cold storage so that no clumsy humanoid or curious tooka can ever dare to disturb it.

Therefore, with most of your guests surrounding you and yourself standing close to the center, Captain Howzer to your far left and Captain Rex standing between the two of you...there are two remaining individuals to wait for upon the ground. If the commlinks are all correct, these two will be the ones to step off of the ship landing before you.

This is why you keep the images of Gobi Glie and Hera Syndulla, the second in command of Cham Syndulla and his only daughter of ten standard years, safely within your memory.

Assuming that this pair gives you no curious surprises, it should be a peaceful meeting, indeed.

“Chopper! Chopper, no!”

Unfortunately, that’s the same moment that the first one off decides to release their frustrations, as they clearly haven’t taken well to such a long voyage.

“Everybody MOVE!”

This is the only feeling you receive when you first witness the droid in action, for within almost three seconds exactly, they race straight into the crowd with both arms raised while everyone else does their best to escape.

Exactly two flower urns are decimated as Chopper overturns them without so much as an ‘Excuse me’.

A third almost faces destruction as well, but your Aunt Ceelia manages to rescue it in time.

Whatever drinks would have been served upon the hovering tray stop mattering the instant they send everything hurtling into the garden wall.

And if that wasn’t enough of a wave of damage left behind in its wake...their final destination seems to be the Wedding Circle itself, for there’s clearly something about so many contrasting blooms planted together that this little droid finds unnatural.

“Nerra! Wachamio!”

At least, that's what Chopper could have done to the garden if Captain Howzer had not intervened in time.

“You heard me, Chopper. Get back over here. NOW.”

Fortunately, for the sake of everyone else's sanity as well as yours...he’s miraculously ordered the renegade droid back over to where the other guests from Ryloth stand, Chopper muttering a low series of beeps that you can only assume are meant to mimick human grumbles.

“If I may now introduce my half of ze ceremony...everyone, our most creative guest is known as C1-10p, or as Miss Hera Syndulla has styled him, ‘Chopper’.”

The small Twi’lek girl who you safely suppose is Hera crosses over to Howzer, burying her face against his side as the two remaining Clone Troopers, both in gray uniforms with one having barely any hair and the second having a great deal of it, step quietly off of the ship.

“Ze two Troopers behind her are, respectively, Lieutenant Waxer and Mister Boil.”

Finally, the group hushes down again once their baseline level of calmness returns, and almost as a reward for the lack of chaos, the last passenger of the ship makes their appearance.

“And if anyone has not already guessed by now...zis is Gobi Glie, my mentor and commanding officer in all but name.”

There’s a fierce edge to this Twi’lek's posture as he takes in the sight of what you can only suppose to be a ‘soft’ planet to him, a location with barely any knowledge of illegal blockades and even less of war—and yet, for all of his harshness, once those violet eyes focus upon you, even he seems ready to loosen up and enjoy himself.

“Good morning to you, Miss Minola. I zank you for welcoming me to your ‘ome, and I look forward to welcoming you to mine soon.”

[thecoffeelorian]

Chapter Title: Revealed Truths

Word Count: 2,564

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). An unexpected engagement takes place to everyone's surprise, but not without its own mystery to solve...

AO3: Link Here

Extra Notes: If anybody's wondering why I'm invading the Star Wars Celebration tag...it's because I'm a sad little nerd with no ability to travel overseas, and I wanted to reach a few more Howzer fans in the process of updating this old story. Hope that's okay! 💖

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“Nice aim, Captain Howzer.”

Your hands sting for no more than a few seconds after your surprise catch, yet once the force of that little table wears off, you find yourself putting it back where you had originally found it.

“My thanks, Miss Minola,” the Captain replies in return, eyeing you with a cautious curiosity. “One of the many skills I learned upon Kamino.”

“Perhaps you can teach me a few later?”

“If you wish it.”

You allow yourself a few seconds to inhale, exhale, and then offer your hand up to Howzer as your own attempt to establish a truce. It’s probably a long shot to even consider such things at this point, especially after blowing him off so many times and almost to the point of violence—and yet.

As you’re just a little bit sure that it’s preferable to staying on the ground, perhaps you're set upon trying it anyway.

Thankfully, be it for your own good or else for the comfort of those around you, he accepts…and the next thing you know, you’re back upon your feet with Orinna rushing forward to check on you.

“My goodness, Y/N, are you all right? What in the stars were you zinking, bothering the good Capitaine like that?”

“Not much at all, I'm afraid,” you manage with a nervous laugh, a little too aware of all the eyes upon you. Briana may have walked away from her window at this point, but she'll still have a good story to tell the other servants, never mind all of her traditionally minded friends...so, at least she'll be keeping an eye upon you.

“Well, let us not stay out 'ere any further. Remember, zere is still very much for you two to discuss, so please. Come with me.”

You’re still going to avoid your father for a while, of course, as his idea about your inevitable ‘marriage’ wasn’t exactly yours as well. Whatever he’s attempting to explain away as you follow Howzer and Orinna goes in through your left ear and exits through your right, and may do so for some time yet.

This doesn’t stop you, though, from being escorted into his study for what your culture calls “The Meeting of The Matched”, an introduction of the potential couple that would normally include both sets of parents, normally take place when both people involved have both reached their teens, and nearly always results in a wedding. As one of your parents is out of the picture and Howzer has none to speak of, however—well, your own “Meeting” is going to be just a little bit different.

“ ‘Ere we are, my dears! Would you like any refreshments while you are—er, finalizing zings?”

“Do you have any caf?” Howzer answers after thinking it through for a moment.

“It’s been a few days since I left Ryloth, so I’m afraid I’m missing its local fare.”

“One pinch of ginger and cinnamon coming up, then,” Orinna answers, the traces of a smile briefly crossing her face. “And for the lady?”

“I’ll have the same, but with a chocolate roll if we still have any.”

You may not have made it onto the next ship headed for Naboo, but nevertheless, your attempted escape has still managed to wake up your appetite.

“I will see what I can do, Y/N.”

Such a good thing it is, then, that Orinna has never been the sort of caregiver that sends children to bed on empty stomachs, bad behavior or not. That’s one thing that’s never changed about her, even with the change in your family’s fortunes, and you’re forever glad of it.

What she does do, though, is give you a scolding finger against any more disappearances, lest you reach the point of not even her having a chance to come to your rescue.

“When I return, I had better still find you sitting ‘ere. Understand?”

“Don’t worry,” you reassure her, though not without a slight tinge of anxiety. “I’ve got no more reasons to run.”

This seems to be enough for her liking, for she’s slipping out the door not long afterward, a tiny spring in her step. Neither your family nor any other servants seem to be within eavesdropping distance, for they’ve either decided to busy themselves in other parts of the house or else make themselves scarce for the time being. There are also, reportedly, no scheduled visits from anyone associated with Dad’s business, a welcome fact that guarantees no prying eyes from the outside.

As a result, you and Captain Howzer have been granted a moment alone to get better acquainted with each other, as this is most likely the final step before you finalize any and all plans you’re thinking up together.

Given that your own engagement is close to inevitable at this point, it stands to reason that perhaps learning to hold a full conversation is the very least you can do.

“So, Captain Howzer…”

“So, Miss Minola?”

“You never did tell me whether or not my father paid you to come here.”

“That is because no such arrangement was made.”

He’s gone and raised his eyebrows in disbelief at your conspiracy theory, a thing that could either disprove your claim entirely or merely throw enough cold water upon it so that you don’t pursue it any further. It’s a little difficult to figure out which possibility could be true here, especially with this man.

“All right, but…what did really bring you here? I mean—that thing about me having to marry before Briana happened just a few rotations ago. How did you hear about it so fast?”

“You can thank Commander Miles for that one, Miss Minola. He hears a great many things.”

“Oh, really? So…your friend just comms you one day, you get word of two girls entering the marriage market, and suddenly you’re just fine with binding yourself to somebody you don’t know?”

You watch this Captain closely as he falls silent, seeming to try and hear if anyone else is coming along to check upon you both. That’s the impression you get, anyways, for you’re only a little bit sure of what he might think of you.

Once the moment passes, however, that’s when the awkwardness of this whole situation follows close behind.

“Actually, Miss Minola...it is a bit more than that.”

“Oh? What is?”

In response, Howzer leans forward, his voice dropping to a whisper as he’s about to finally reveal something big:

“I need to find a missing brother.”

“You what?”

Then again, now that he’s revealed this little fact to you, suddenly you admit to yourself that your imagination may have ran itself a bit too wild before this moment. In fact, your voice is becoming a whisper as well, even if only because you’re feeling a bit more connected to this Trooper than you did before. Granted, the two of you are pretty much still strangers here, but then again...would just any stranger right off the street trust you with something this important?

“It’s true. His name’s Nax, and he’s been gone since the end of the Battle of Umbara—but none of the Kaminoans cared enough to tell any of us whether he was alive or dead.”

“You mean the other Troopers?”

“I do. Captain Rex of the 501st especially needs news of him, as they’re in the same battalion.”

You make note of him speaking of this Nax in the present tense, and quickly bury the urge to let out any sniffles. Of course he’s not going to speak of this one as though he’s already dead—that wouldn’t do anything but defeat the search ages before it could begin. You know this, because you have a slight feeling you would do the same for Briana if your situations were reversed.

“Okay, so this means…”

“It means, if zis match between us goes through, we ‘ave a chance of better funding for our search. Maybe some extra ships on the side, too, if our benefactor feels generous enough.”

“And if he is still out there, well—you’ll be able to take him home?”

You mean this in a figurative sense, or so you tell yourself as you currently don’t know whether or not homes even exist back on Kamino.

“Anywhere but back to ze longnecks! They will not have him!”

Howzer, however, sees this sentence literally and hates it on the spot. Those ‘longnecks’, as he’s just styled them, don’t sound as though they have a single parental bone in their bodies…let alone anything that remotely resembles a familial bond.

One more thing for you to remember later, especially if it helps keep the both of you from fighting.

“I’m sure they won’t dare,” you answer, certainly not in any mood to trouble him further. “Not when you’re here for him first.”

You weren’t scared, nervous, or so much as surprised by his outburst, since you’re more or less old enough to figure out that he’s upset for a reason. Rather, since you’re sure he’s a lot angrier at the Kaminoans than he seems to be at you, maybe they might actually deserve such sentiment.

After a minute or two of getting himself to relax, though? Simple. Not only does this Captain’s righteous anger die down and get replaced by his usual calm demeanor, but you can also tell that this Captain is more than happy to get your vote of confidence.

“…Yes. Yes, I will ‘elp get him home—to Rex, to Jesse, and all the others who are still alive.”

“That sounds like a plan to me.”

And, in the span of this moment...literally everything changes between you.

You no longer look into the eyes of one Trooper amongst thousands, but into those of a hero in the making.

You’re also no longer being handed off to the first stranger to express an interest in you, but instead given the opportunity to aid in the rescue of an innocent.

And finally, although young ladies such as yourself are expected to contain their emotions during their respective ‘Meetings’...absolutely nothing is stopping you from reaching out to touch Howzer’s face, the thumb of your right hand moving gently along his cheek.

“Does zis mean you will accept my proposal, Miss Minola...?”

“Please, call me Y/N. You might be using it a lot more from now on.”

Exactly one instant later, there’s three knocks upon the closed door in slow succession—and it’s more or less enough to get you jumping a solid inch into the air.

“Y/N? ‘Ow goes it with the Capitaine?”

Orinna!

Orinna’s back!

You're on your feet within seconds, not sure if you should either let her in right away, or else give yourself and Howzer one more moment to prepare.

“Here comes our chaperone, say we’re doing better—”

Howzer’s about to see you and raise you, though, for judging by how he rises to embrace you, he probably doesn’t mind the shock as much as you thought he would.

“Thank you.”

Perhaps he’s been taught merely to not stress out over the tiny details, and rather accept his victories whenever and wherever he can find them. Perhaps you might be wise to start doing the same, for the time in between now and the actual ceremony will feel like nothing less than a whirlwind of activity.

“Anytime, Mister Minola.”

In any case, when you’re both ready to let that door open again, your housekeeper becomes the very first being to hear the good news:

“Orinna, I—I never thought I’d say this, but I think it’s a match!”

Her expression instantly changes from hesitant to jubilant, and with a telltale twist of her lekku, she very nearly throws herself into your waiting arms.

“Truly, Y/N—you would not lie to me? Ah, no more, no more talking, just give me your ‘ands…ah, my girl!”

Your reward comes in the form of one of her warmest hugs, one that’s neither too loose nor too tight, and then the both of you pull away reluctantly so that Howzer might have a turn.

“And you, Capitaine—such a busy morning you’ve had!”

“It will all be worth it, I promise you,” he replies, accepting her hug with a low chuckle. “Now…shall we go call in my new father, and start preparing ze guest list?”

Dad. You almost forgot about him in the thick of things, but since the strangeness of this situation might be wearing off at last—well, you could be convinced to speak to him again, especially since your coffee service has arrived.

Still, there might also be a little price to pay first:

“We can…but only under one condition.”

Howzer’s eyebrows rise a few inches, yet to his credit, he’s also careful to listen before speaking.

“You come over here, and kiss me.”

“Miss Minola! You ‘ave not even been announced yet!”

As excited as Orinna has become, there is, unfortunately, the little rule of near-celibacy before marriage on this planet. In plainer terms, not even an engaged woman can kiss her husband-to-be before all the rites are performed, the contracts signed, and her new status proclaimed to her immediate social circle…for to do otherwise would be considered an impropriety.

“Why not follow ze rules of Ryloth instead?”

This isn’t dissuading Howzer in the slightest, though, for he’s certainly making it a bit more interesting with what you can only term a counteroffer. In fact, if that inviting look of his is anything to go on, he’s probably planning to make your first-ever kiss a memorable one.

“Yes, well—all right, I suppose! Just—just wait until my back is turned, please?”

Orinna doesn’t have to ask twice on this matter, for the moment she turns around to give herself a little deniability, the both of you make your move—yet your very first attempt doesn’t go the way you planned.

“Ow! You bonked me!”

“I did?!”

“Your head just bumped into mine, silly!”

“That’s because I was not prepared!”

“All right, all right...how about this?”

Your second attempt is a lot more successful, for you manage to land one upon that same cheek you previously stroked, with no unshaven beard hair or stray pieces of clothing getting in your way. A few seconds later, you’re immediately rewarded with the taste of peppermint as Howzer’s lips meet yours, a convenient lack of physical accidents helping to not ruin the moment between you.

Only then does Orinna decide to turn back around to see you, and by that particular instant, you’ve gone back to your usual chaste distance.

“You kiss by the book, Captain.”

“Consider that a preview of the wedding day,” Howzer promises you in return. He takes his share of the coffee into custody before raising his cup in your direction, his focus upon you never wavering for a second.

“Shall we toast, then, to our future together?”

Nobody has to strike any further bargains with you today, nor indeed should they need to. This means that, at least in business terms, the negotiations were successful and the plans are on their way to being finalized.

In more plainer terms, however, all that remains is for you two to take your first sips together...and with that, your journey with this good Captain of Ryloth officially begins.

“To the future,” you agree, your cup clinking quietly against his own.

[To Be Continued in Chapter 7, "Loosening Knots".

If you particularly enjoyed this chapter, please like, comment, and/or reblog; if you would also like to be added to the tag list for the next update, please leave a rockstar emoji (👨‍🎤) in either the comments or reblogs so that I'll remember to include you. See you all in the next update!]

[thecoffeelorian]

save the date...

Hello again, everyone who has stuck with me so far!

As I am looking to add another update to my Captain Howzer fanfiction, "Kiss Me, Captain", on May 7, 2025, I've decided to go ahead and reserve the last Wednesday of May for the official wedding chapter for this story at large.

Therefore, if you're getting this post in your notifications, it's because you all showed interest in my previous chapters at some point, sooo. I hope you can be there to read and reblog this chapter if you're still interested in my writing; if not, feel free to ignore this and we can both continue on our journeys through life.

Anywho! Hope you're having a good weekend, and May The Fourth Be With You, Always! <3

--The Coffeelorian--

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[thecoffeelorian]

Chapter Title: Tightening Grips

Word Count: 2,524 words.

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). As the amount of days leading up to the wedding becomes smaller, so too do the tempers of the people involved become shorter...

AO3: Link Here (Must Log In)

Extra Notes: I had wanted to include a longer conversation between the Reader and her relatives, but given that my mind was beginning to drift aimlessly in the process, I made the creative decision to move that part to Chapter 9.

Also, the flavor of the wedding cake is going to be a secret until the chapter where I finally reveal it. :D

And finally, the white braid divider in this chapter was created by @v6que.

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Six days and counting until the big day, and although you’re all enjoying the calm before the eventual rush to the end, the arrangement of The Circle, the small group of people present during the ceremonial rites, is also simultaneously being established. This arrangement, judging from your knowledge of weddings past, is going to end up determining your immediate social circle after all of the rituals are performed.

Therefore, Orinna’s standing in for your mother as she’s done a hundred times before, a fact that you won’t stop being grateful for as long as you live. Dad takes the obvious place beside her as your mother’s surviving spouse, two of the people designated to walk around you and Howzer as you’re presented to him at the center, and along with your sister in one corner and two more old friends from school in their own, these five nearly make up your half of the ceremony with one ‘Peermaiden’ missing.

Howzer’s side, though…well, that’s taking a bit of negotiation on his part.

“I am not inviting ze Kaminoans.”

He currently sits in attendance with two of his squad members, Fourteen and Gulf, both of whom are looking slightly insulted at what’s just been proposed for the “parents” of the groom. Apparently, according to his future father-in-law, the traditional spots of both mother and father can easily be filled in by whichever stepparent, adoptive parent, or biological engineer is responsible for the groom’s upbringing.

Unfortunately for Dad, on the other hand, he’s just proposed two of the worst beings to ever be considered for this position.

“And why not? Aren’t they a little, ah...responsible for you existing in the first place?”

“Just because they made me does not mean they ever cared to raise me.”

“Did they oversee your upbringing in any way, though?”

“Only indirectly, sir.”

“All right…then who do you propose instead? Some other clone?”

All three Troopers are bristling at the slight now, which is probably not only the worst thing your father has done since attempting to keep your studies upon Coruscant, but also performing the additional foolishness of insulting his future son-in-law. In other words, if there was ever a grand prize for the worst communication skills on Chandrila alone…he would certainly be near the top of the contestants list.

“I was going to suggest Captain Rex, sir, but thanks to your reaction just now...why stop at just one? Why not a mentor figure from Ryloth as well, if you would rather not be overrun with other Troopers?”

Howzer’s not about to be put down so easily, though, for now he’s brought up the possibility of including more Twi’leks in the ceremony itself, alongside a few of his own immediate relatives.

“Ryloth? Why that planet?”

“It was where I was stationed before I came ‘ere.”

“So your substitute is…?”

“Gobi Glie, also known as ze fellow who first showed me around Lessu.”

There’s a nervous shudder in Dad’s posture now, a sure sign that he either knows and fears the name of Gobi Glie, or he’s merely heard a few stories and learned how to tremble in his finery at word of mouth alone.

“And if you still need one more Peermaiden, I would finally like to nominate Hera Syndulla to fill zat role.”

Whatever the case may be, however, he seems to be at a sudden loss for words as far as responses go.

Such a good thing it must be, then, that you most certainly are not.

“Those two sound perfect, actually!”

You make this affirmation before anyone else can sneak in and speak over you, and with it, Fourteen, Gulf, and Howzer act as one unit by regarding you with silent approval.

“How soon do you think they can travel here?”

“Mmm…about four to six days, with the proper clearance.”

“Then let’s not keep them waiting.”

You share a quick kiss in full view of Dad, barely paying him any attention as he nervously looks away just in time.

Good.

Let him ponder that one in awkward silence for the rest of this rotation, and so consider all of the ramifications that will most certainly come from you not living under his thumb for much longer.

As for you, there’s a quiet little voice in the back of your mind now, a voice that, after a long twenty years of remaining silent, is slowly learning how to speak…and that voice promises you that your exit from Chandrila can’t come soon enough.

Five days remaining as of today, and with a little help from Briana, you’ve managed to finish your veil without making it look like a clumsy pile of knots and dropped stitches. Though it measures around two and a half feet by four feet altogether, it’s still been fixed up enough to resemble silken lace from Ghorman, and not a moment too soon.

There, you see? It looks absolutely lovely now!

Heh…I can only hope that its owner fits in with its aesthetic.

That's one less problem around to give you a headache later.

In its place, though, there remains the important task of meeting with Orinna to discuss the menus for what you’re nicknaming “The Party Trilogy”, and for that, you and Howzer are off to the kitchen to check on the general progress in this matter. Maybe you’ll also get to sneak in a few bites as the unofficial taste testers, even if it’s just to ensure a little quality control before the festivities begin.

Whatever the case may be for you, you’re both present at around half past nine in the morning, a small assortment of dishes already on the table. The aromas of bean sauce and red powder slowly make themselves known here, and with them, you’re noticing the beginnings of your wedding feast taking shape.

“Is zat munch-fungus over zere…?”

Howzer’s noticed a little about the food as well, and is currently eyeing one plate of the breaded fungus with interest.

“I’m afraid I normally see it in bread more zhan anything else.”

“Deconstructed munch-fungus loaf,” a familiar voice recites, the corresponding body of your chef droid coming around the corner with a Chandrilan cheese board in tow.

“Orinna’s orders, though we haven’t yet figured out how to bring the yogurt back in!”

“I’m sure you’ll find another use for it, CHF-1000…anyway. Is it all right for us to sit down?”

“At the table, if you please—and no snitching bites until Orinna comes back!”

“You ‘ave a clanker making all of your meals?” Howzer asks, both eyebrows raised in concern.

“He certainly helped Mom with things before she passed away.”

“What if he ever gets angry with you, and decides to burn all your food?”

“Then I suppose we'll just have to get delivery.”

The two of you enjoy a brief respite from all of the chaos, your hands gradually finding one another until your right hand is taken gently into his left. This is the moment where you're able to explore him just a little, making a mental note of the few callouses and scars marked into his otherwise smooth skin, as well as finding it close to impossible to believe that these are the hands of a soldier at all.

In another time and place, you might have grown up as mechanics together, and perhaps even avoided a great deal of formality-related stress if you chose to marry on your own. A different life, even, if not also what others might consider a somewhat better one.

The life you could easily have had, if the war had never taken place.

Still, when Orinna returns with something hidden beneath a red cloth in her hands and a mischievous look in her eyes…you wonder if this life might not be so bad either.

“Ah, but you are just in time, my dears! Come closer, I have a little surprise for you!”

With this thought safely in your mind, you allow yourself a small change in focus from daydreaming to reality. Here, the two of you are sure to lean in as she removes the cloth with one hand, and are soon after rewarded with the sight of a freshly-baked cake.

“Oh, now that looks good, Orinna! What’s it for?”

“Zis will be our dessert for your reception, or so I ‘ope.”

She brandishes a small serving tool almost like it’s a bidding rod, her eyes glancing between you both.

“Would you like to test it for me?”

“Hmmm…what do you think, Howzer? Should we give it a taste?”

“I think I was ready for it long before I recognized it,” Howzer answers, though not without accepting Orinna’s knife first.

“Now…let’s find out what this cake is made of!”

“There he is! The lucky Captain, back among us!”

A public transport hovercar brings a second Captain to your doorstep, only this time, it's a slightly older blond fellow dressed in dark blue clothing, a somewhat out-of-place feeling evident in his eyes as he comes closer. Apparently, it’s a long way between here and Coruscant, the unofficially temporary Capital of the galaxy now that Palpatine is no longer among you.

Nevertheless, you’re going to be as welcoming as you can, as this is no mere guest right off the street to you.

“From what I ‘ear, Captain Rex, you must be feeling a little lucky yourself.”

Both Howzer and Rex move in to shake hands, and with it, you waste no time in offering the caf and pastries that you helped put together earlier this morning.

“It’s nothing a few days of calm can’t fix...thank you.”

“So zere are no losses, I take it?” Howzer asks next, his focus entirely on Rex. “How is Ashla?”

“None so far, and I think she's done shaking at last.”

“Does one of us need to pay her a visit, or...?”

“She'll be just fine among the rest of brothers. Remember, this day is yours.”

“So it is...Y/N, will you do us ze honor of taking us to the garden?”

“Of course. This way, gentlemen, if you please...”

It’s a short walk to where you mean to go, all right, but at least you have the opportunity to introduce this second Captain to the site of the ceremony to come, as well as fill him in on the part he gets to play within it.

“…That’s where the Circle’s going to be, in case you haven’t already guessed.”

“The area with all the flowers around it?”

“Yes. You, Mr. Glie, Orinna, and my father will eventually stand just inside the flower wall, but first, Orinna’s going to lead me to Howzer around where that one gap is.”

“And there’s going to be four other girls surrounding us at this time?”

“More like off in the four corners, but yes.”

“What purpose do they have?”

“In the present day, they supposedly relight any lamps that have gone out by accident.”

“And their original role…?”

Your voice lowers right then and there, suddenly sounding too flat even for your taste.

“They would have made sure the wedding party never got captured by the Rakata.”

Silence reigns behind you afterward, a feeling of awkwardness permeating everything as you all draw closer to the garden. You probably should have chosen your words a bit more carefully here, especially in light of the various battlefields that these two men have been fortunate enough to escape without a scratch.

“That’s…quite the history lesson, Miss Minola. I had no idea that this planet knew other things besides comfort and status.”

“From what I’ve learned about Kamino, Captain Rex, yours isn’t the only planet who witnessed an attack on its capital.”

Then again, if you’re meant to establish closer bonds between yourself and other Troopers besides Captain Howzer…perhaps the plainest truths about your culture will serve them a lot better than the most stylized of lies. Your mother had taught you a long time ago that honesty was the best policy, after all, so maybe it would be a wise decision to start doing just that before you lose your second braid.

“No wonder we’re getting along so well, then…our landmarks seem to make the best targets.”

Just the same, though, you’re considering yourself lucky that neither of these two Captains decides to run back the way he came after hearing this story from you, but instead join the rest of the guests as though nothing out of the ordinary has just taken place.

“Here we are, gentlemen…feel free to sit anywhere you like.”

This is where the three of you find your Uncle Taryn and Aunt Ceelia already seated, conveniently upon opposite sides of the garden and with their respective shares of the caf and pastries. They are also in the company of Briana, who thankfully has been granted a small rest period in between her studies, be they the usual or the ‘special’ lessons with her two new ‘Professors’.

And, provided that absolutely nobody dares to bring up any politics or debates about just who won or lost the Clone Wars…this little gathering should progress just fine.

“There she is! Chandrila’s very first postwar bride!”

Aunt Ceelia is the first of the group to meet you, a diplomatic smile frozen upon her face as she rises to give you a welcoming hug.

“They’re not working you too hard, are they, dear?”

“Not without sharing the burdens, Auntie.”

Once the two of you have your arms around each other and the rest of the group is barely listening, however…that’s when Ceelia drops her voice to a whisper.

“All right, the truth now—did my idiot brother-in-law try to sell you off to a business partner?”

“Captain Howzer found me before anyone else. That much I can tell you.”

“You’re sure…? I have a hovercar nearby, we can leave right now if you wish it—”

“—I’m sure, Auntie. Please, trust me to do the right thing.”

Someone clears their throat behind you, most likely Uncle Taryn Himself, and then you’re pulling away from each other reluctantly, an island of women within a sea of predominantly male wedding guests. Guests who might soon be looking to make some matches of their own, if the rest of the guest list decides to bring along any of their daughters to the celebrations.

“Would you ladies care to join the rest of us...? Or are we to celebrate without you?”

“We’re ready,” you promise him, establishing a diplomatic face of your own as you take your seat beside Howzer. Briana takes this as her cue to start in on another story for everyone’s amusement, this time speaking about how one of the twin sisters from further down the mountain switched the other twin’s shoes with hers as a prank...and, for a moment, nearly everyone present is able to enjoy a laugh over the girl's imagined reaction.

As for you, once you remind yourself that all of four days remain until you meet Howzer in the Circle, after which there’s the high chance of you both leaving this planet behind and finding a second home...only then does your heart ache ever so slightly for your first.

[a/n: Bonus for you all--Here is an illustration of Howzer from the first third of this chapter! Hope you like it as much as I do! <3]

[thecoffeelorian]

Chapter Title: Into The Circle

Word Count: 1,913 words.

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest).

It's time.

AO3: Link Here (Must Log In)

Extra Notes: Thank you all for your patience with me, and sorry again that this had to be postponed somewhat. I hope the wait was worth it, though. <3

Also, the white braid divider in this chapter was created by @v6que.

Chapter Masterlist: Link Here

The No-Pressure Tag List:

@tazmbc1, @gun-roswell, @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf, @hellfiresky, @vrycurious

@atticusblackwolf and anyone else still willing to put up with my prattle. ^^;

The next rotation feels a little like a waking dream to you, if only because you begin it in a slight mental fog.

You manage to finish almost all of your breakfast that morning, then go from room to room to reassure yourself that everything is prepared enough for the afternoon.

You're also able to help with the final arrangements in the dining room, carefully marking each place with either an “M” or a “V” according to the dietary needs of your guests.

And third, you’re granted a solid hour to yourself to wash up, rinse down, dry off, and moisturize in that exact order before you're expected to get dressed. During this period of time, you’re not yet so stressed enough as to wish you had gotten on that ship to Naboo after all, for any worries you had experienced before today were minimal as well as fleeting.

It's not until you’ve slipped on a light robe that you hear drumming in the distance, and shortly after, the rhythmic tinkling of bells downstairs begins to echo the cadence from outside.

Howzer!

Howzer is coming once again to your family’s house, leaving behind his shared quarters with Commander Miles and meaning to go through with the impending ceremony. This leads you to rush straight to your bedroom before you waste any more time, pushing open the door to find Briana, Orinna, and Aunt Ceelia already waiting for you.

“Right on time...”

Ceelia frowns just a little as she guides you to the chair beside your desk, upon which sits a mirror large enough to mistake it for a vanity. Based on her somewhat reluctant expression, she’s most likely wishing that you had accepted her offer of a ride offworld, even if you didn’t end up going back to Ghorman with her.

As for you, you’d love nothing more at this point than to make your hands stop shaking.

“It's all right, Y/N, you can do zis. We've got you...”

It's here that you let them take the lead, if only to stop the trembling within your body and the panicking within your mind.

Thankfully, none of these three women fare badly in your eyes.

Orinna must have already volunteered to do your hair, for you can smell the faint, flowery scent of hair gel as she begins styling it into something that doesn't hang around your face or cover up your eyes by accident. Good thing that you had chosen a simple updo hairstyle for this occasion, for it should end up giving you a sophisticated look without having to keep you in the stylist chair for hours at a time.

That’s one headache out of the way.

Briana does something similar with your makeup, as your foundation remains a neutral tone and everything that comes after it doesn't stray too far into flashy territory. As you're able to study yourself in the nearest mirror beforehand, you see that just the right amount of light brown and rosy tones are used to pull your look together.

Another headache gone.

And if that’s not enough to get you to calm down, Aunt Ceelia certainly goes above and beyond by turning on some soft music, a sure remedy to get you thinking about something else besides the rituals you’re about to take part in.

Three headaches warded off, and may the Elders bless the warders.

Once their respective work is done and all three women aid you in putting on your gown, it’s only then that you find your eyes misting up against your will.

You’re really going to leave this time.

The ceremony is now mere minutes away, your throat feels as though it's got a lump so large that you’re no longer able to speak, and on top of everything else, there’s no more time for you to say goodbye.

You won’t get to take one last trip to your mother’s favorite coffee shop, because there’s no room to be late for the ceremony.

You won’t be able to check in on any more of your old classmates, because you’re feeling far too nervous to call.

And with just how fast everything else has been progressing, well...chances are you might not even get to give Briana one last hug before the rituals begin.

“Y/N’s weeping already,” Aunt Ceelia mutters, her hands going into her pockets to fumble about for a tissue. “Maybe we should go to Julian, and demand he call off this karking circus.”

“What, and shame both zese young people? They are under enough stress as it is! Here…”

Orinna produces the needed tissue from within her own sleeve, after which you’re able to dry your eyes.

“…Now Y/N, is zere anything important that you still need? Another tissue? One minute to breathe? Quick nip of wine?”

You can only shake your head to all three of these questions, because currently, you’re far too anxious to reply. All those movies you watched growing up where the bride makes one last speech to her family look so false to you now, if only because all the directors of such things were men.

Rather, you can only glance over at Briana in a pleading manner, and hope that Somebody understands your message.

“Ah, is zat what you need? You are worried for your sister?”

Thank goodness that Orinna is still so attentive to your body language, for even though you’re on your way out of the house, Briana’s got quite a ways to go before she can do the same.

“Don’t worry,” Aunt Ceelia joins in, giving both your hands a gentle squeeze. “Both of us can keep watch over her, be it inside or outside of the home. What do you think of that?”

You find your voice just in time to murmur your assent, and with it, even Briana’s looking a little less tense than before.

“Well, there ya go,” she tells you, giving you a quick pat on the shoulder. “I’ll be well looked after back here, and twice as much if Luco comes again…that’s okay, right?”

Luco.

So this fake Professor finally has a name, and not a moment too soon. You were getting a little tired with calling him ‘Blin’ all the time, like he was some kind of pancake.

“I sure hope so, Bri.”

“Good. Now, let’s all take a breather, and then head out there.”

“Veena de matariya.” A maiden is waiting.

So goes your introduction to get this ritual underway, Orinna leading you into the garden while your chosen Peermaidens circle around you with their lamps. Your gaze takes in the crowd at first, a dozen or so members of your extended family on both sides, and for an instant, you wonder what in the galaxy they’re thinking about you now.

Then, once you catch sight of Captain Howzer waiting for you, looking nothing short of irresistible in his pale blue and white robes...only then do your memories take you back to your school days, your classmates reading passages about the Wedding Rites out loud while you await your turn to speak.

“ ‘The Youngest Daughter approaches in silence, her eyes lowered in submission, her sandals blackened from the raiders’ flames, her hands stained with her own blood. She must have dug her own nails into her palms as she watched from the highest room of the tower, for even at this distance, there’s no mistaking the green lamps of the Rakata.

Nevertheless, her time has now come…’ ”

There are no doors to open here in order to let you in, yet there are still people in attendance to lay the ceremonial branch before you. This is accomplished by Captain Rex and Gobi Glie together, after which they all move once around you and Howzer in formation, stopping only when Father’s able to turn and face you.

However, in spite of the way he does his best to catch your eye, your focus is solely upon Howzer.

“ ‘As the Youngest Daughter steps barefoot over the branch, both Mothers and both Fathers circle once around her and the Youngest Son, the Daughter’s Father withdrawing a knife from beneath his robes as they all watch the sky…’ ”

“Serin mal sal taneema?” Do you see your future?

“Ka se mal si miyatamee.” I see it before me…with or without your permission.

Howzer certainly has eyes only for you as well, for he doesn’t think twice about beckoning you to his side.

“Gri ma tamee.” Join my circle.

He certainly will not have to ask you twice.

“ ‘And yet, despite his own fears of what had not come to pass, the Youngest Son still calls the Youngest Daughter forward, thus fulfilling his promise to his Elder Brother who had been himself slain…’ ”

The drum sounds out a rhythm, the bells follow close behind, and as you walk three more steps to enter the sacred space, it’s here that you and Howzer walk out a circle of your own, you facing ever to the right while Howzer faces toward the left.

Once the two of you stop directly at the center, your father, Orinna, Captain Rex, and Gobi Glie all take a large step closer in order to form the protective ring around you, then circle around you a second time until Dad reaches the place where your Captain stands.

“…‘Once more do both families circle around the young couple, their eyes upon the betrothed while their focus remains on the horizon. The Daughter’s Mother waits for the smell of smoke, the Son’s Father waits for the sound of rumbling hooves, the Son’s Mother waits for the taste of ash, and the Daughter’s Father waits for the feeling of emergency…’ ”

The drums continue to beat as you and Howzer stand still as statues, staring deeply into the other’s eyes until you see Howzer mouth these words to you.

Almost done. Hang in zere.

“…‘All four kept their protective circle firm around the Son and Daughter, who, even though they had not met until three days beforehand, still looked upon each other with growing favor regardless…’ ”

Everyone else’s movements ultimately cease when Dad carries the ceremonial dagger to Howzer’s place, it being both a harsh reminder of conflicts past and the tool meant to symbolically sever your ties to your own time as a Daughter. When you were a lot younger, you had once gone so far as to giggle to your friends that maybe, some of those grooms had done other things with the dagger besides try to cut their brides’ second braid off.

As you’re an adult here and now, though, your own story will be anything but a joke for little girls to tell amongst themselves.

“…‘ ”I will not return this knife,” said the Youngest Son, its blade glinting ever so slightly within his grasp.

”Do with it as you wish,” said the Daughter’s Father, though it is also said by some that the Daughter’s Mother cried out in her anguish here…’ ”

“Tanai ma na ke fra.”

“Tave ama ke drono dama.”

This means that, even though you’re closing your eyes solely out of habit and feeling your own stomach lurch...not once do you feel anything sharp pressed against your skin.

Instead, there’s the slight pull against your second braid as it’s cut from the rest of your hair, a few seconds of silence as Howzer presses a kiss against your forehead...then the entire garden erupts in applause.

[thecoffeelorian]

Chapter Title:  Interrupted

Word Count:  1,431 words

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). A continuation of the first chapter in which the Reader's younger sister is forbidden to marry until the Reader does...but instead of both women living the single life forever, one day, a Trooper appears and changes everything.

AO3: Link Here

Extra Notes: If anybody's read this before and is still waiting for Chapter 3, that chapter is on its way. If not, welcome, and the link to the previous chapter is below.

Previous Chapter: The Challenge

The No-Pressure Tag List: @trixie2023 @littlefeatherr @ceejay3636 @red-plaidedandcladed @sunshinesdaydream

@crosshair-lover @sunshinefanfictioninsp @offspringsdaughter @liliskywalker @the-fruitpunch-clown

@nerfpuncher @burningfieldof-clover @angrypaperearthquake-tbbb-main and anyone else still interested in my writing after so long.

“Whoa!”

You catch yourself in time before you walk straight into the man, and automatically start thinking of the best apology to give him. Though there are undoubtedly many people out and about in the streets this time of day, nevertheless, it wouldn’t be good of you to forget your basic manners. Not when you’re so close to making your escape, and more or less doing your best not to attract too much attention.

However…

Once you’ve looked up into those dark eyes properly, it’s only then that you notice him. That same focused, wary look that you must have seen at least half a hundred times within the last few years. The face of one Mandalorian warrior reflected in the faces and lives of thousands, only this time, it’s not just one more Trooper passing you in the street.

“Apologies, ma'am. Afraid I didn’t see you zere.”

No, this time, that Trooper’s focused on nobody else but you…and despite your own stubbornness and bad temper, you feel yourself start to get just the slightest bit warm.

“No, no, the fault is all mine. I’m the one who got distracted.”

Warm, and under his scrutiny, and curiously not ready to throw the nearest chair at this Trooper’s sudden appearance. Not like you would have done in the presence of a less interesting, more infuriating fellow. How strange it seems that things can change so quickly.

“Well…I guess the both of us should be careful, huh?”

“Most likely!”

Nevertheless, now that you’ve gone and broken the ice between yourselves, it almost seems wrong for you not to get a full sighting of him before you part ways. To try, if you’re able, to figure out what sort of soldier he was on the various battlefields around the galaxy.

Whatever color armor he might have worn before, though, you can’t exactly tell.

He seems to have abandoned his usual gear in favor of civilian clothing, for he’s got on a set of gray pants and shirt, a simple black belt, and a pair of matching black boots. Hardly the sort of getup that promises, 'Look out, I’m a literal human weapon’…but then again, the war with the Separatists has recently been decided, so maybe all the soldiers involved can move on from this.

Or so you hope.

“Whereabouts are you headed, soldier?”

“The same place everyone else is going, ma'am. Out into the galaxy to seek my fortune.”

You and me both, you think to yourself, taking a quick mental note of the telltale scarring upon the right side of his otherwise unmarred face. Though this one seems friendly enough, other people, or droids, or perhaps even wild beasts seemed to have disagreed with his existence entirely, for any one of them could have been responsible in taking their aggression out upon him.

In spite of what he’s gone through, however, he seems to be keeping his spirits up. Yes, this appears to be the face of a Trooper who could easily be off to his first real job off the battlefield, if not also a variety of other things, that war itself wouldn’t have allowed him otherwise.

A shame you don’t have the option of sticking around, though, because unfortunately, along comes the first of three notifications over your commlink to remind you that the early boarding process has begun.

Still…at this same time, it’s got to be all for the best.

“So, I…should be going now, I’m afraid. I don’t want to miss my shuttle.”

He hasn’t taken his eyes off of you since you first began to speak. He’s making it just a little bit harder for you to pull yourself away, because as soon as you do, there’s a very strong chance you’ll begin to understand that you’re well, and truly, alone.

Or could it be that you haven’t been able to take your eyes off of him…?

“Of…of course, Ma'am. You be safe out zere.”

He finishes his sentence with a quick salute, after which you feel yourself snap back to reality. It’s time for you to go. He might be staying on this planet for some time yet, but you’re not, and it’s time for you to go. Right now.

“And you as well. Soldier.”

Hefting your own bag a bit higher on your arm, you’re turning yourself away and very nearly marching the rest of the distance to the space port. You need to leave this planet before you begin to think too much about staying behind, about abandoning the few friends who have already gone ahead of you and are waiting for you, and about giving Briana something to mock you with if she ever found out you might be as weak as she is around members of the opposing gender.

Not that you will, of course.

No, secret meetings are more of her thing, so naturally, she can have them. Whatever it takes for her to keep on being “the good girl” of Chandrilan society, keeping all of its traditions from the cradle to the grave, and more or less feeling safe in that curse of a Binding she seems to love so much.

You, on the other hand, are making your own way in the galaxy.

A way that begins just as soon as you’re away from this stifling rock, on course to Naboo, and well out of the atmosphere before Father knows you’re gone. It’s this way that guides you through various patches of other fellow travelers, a seemingly random mix of humans, Rodians, Trandoshans, and Twi'leks, with a handful of Jawas and Mon Calamari hovering around the edges. There’s even two or three Clone Troopers talking heatedly amongst themselves somewhere around the center, though you can’t exactly make out their words. Probably debating the politics of the day, or current events, or asking themselves just how that Chancellor Palpatine fell down the stairs, for all that you know.

As for you, you’re careful to get into the line for your flight out, all the while keeping your head down. Just in case.

Right on time, you think, patting the side of your bag just to reassure yourself that nothing’s been lost or stolen. So far, everything’s still there, which is a blessing in itself. Nothing’s holding you back in that regard, all right.

The sooner I’m away from this stuffy planet, the better…

Then again…it’s not until you just happen to glance to your right that you begin to notice the other travelers around you a bit more. This blue Twi'lek, for one, waves wistfully at a group of her friends before slowly turning and walking to her waiting ship.

That green Rodian, for another, chats away over a commlink to family members, their smaller faces reflecting a bit of his own features even through the blue light.

And third, there just happens to be a Human woman hugging her parents goodbye not twenty feet away from where you stand, their tearful farewells evident solely by their expressions alone.

In other words, they’ve all had someone to see them off on their respective journeys…but because of your own escape, that’s the one thing you’ve had to go without. Nobody’s around to give you a goodbye hug, or wave to you one more time before boarding, or even to ask if you packed an extra poncho for Naboo’s wetter rotations.

Is this a sign, then, that no one will miss you if an accident should befall your ship, or someone steals your holo-pass, or Force forbid, you’re stolen away to an Outer Rim planet to do the bidding of some petty warlord…? Just how angry, or bitter, or apathetic would your family be if the worst happened to you, but they learned about your abandonment of them well in advance and thought your fate a deserving punishment?

There’s no way for you to tell, unfortunately. You never really had so much of an inkling of Force sensitivity, so any hopes of predicting your own future are well out of your reach.

Instead, it seems to be just you, your bag, the line of other passengers ahead of you, and—

“—You there. Traveler.”

…And the sound and sight of a second Clone Trooper standing not six inches away from you, one hand motioning you forward.

Clearly, whatever brought you and that first Trooper to the same spot at the exact same time—the Force, mere chance, or sheer dumb luck—well, it just might not be done with you yet.

“Please step out of the line, ma’am. There’s something we need to discuss.”

[thecoffeelorian]

Chapter Title:  The Challenge

Word Count:  1,550 words

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest)

Synopsis:  When your father declares there will be no marriages for your younger sister until you yourself are wedded first, you assume that’s his way of keeping her single forever.  Little do you know, you just might be about to go on the first real adventure of your life…and, more curiously, you might not be going alone.  (Slightly inspired by W. Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” with just a hint of "10 Things I Hate About You" for extra funsies.)

AO3: Link Here

Additional Notes: ...Yes, I'm reposting this because I got so far behind the first time around, I decided to just plain start over so that I could look at this story with fresh eyes. Hope it's not too late for me. Also, my profound thanks for helping me get to 200 followers as of this morning. :D

The No-Pressure Tag List: @trixie2023 @nerfpuncher @burningfieldof-clover @angrypaperearthquake-tbbb-main and anybody else still reading my stuff.

They’re at it again. The same two young men who have been coming here for the past three rotations, and all because they want nothing more than a moment alone with your baby sister, if not she also with one of them.  That’s the vibe you get as you slip past them and their entreaties, through the long corridor, and up the somewhat longer staircase leading to the upper floor of your home for some much-needed privacy.  Thankfully, they’ve decided to ignore your presence so far, because otherwise, you would be stuck down there having to deal with their whining and their begging about Briana.

Not that they’re really all that interested in “Brainy Bri” in the first place, but of course, that’s the last thing on your mind now. You’ve got bigger plans to deal with, or so you keep telling yourself before you get spotted by someone else within.  In fact, at twenty years of age, you thought you might have finally found your way off of a planet that holds no more warmth for you.  

Your mother had finally left this world after three months in an end-of-life facility, but only close behind five years of dealing with the terminal illness that came with creating and testing ion cannons. Sometimes you can still see her face in your memory from time to time, provided you close your eyes and concentrate first.  Sometimes you also fear becoming just like her if you end up staying on this planet rather than leaving.  In any case, though, if you were to suddenly disappear, she wouldn’t be around to try and convince you to return.

Your father, subsequently, had ceased to be able to look you in the face, no doubt because you reminded him of the woman he had so recently lost, as well as the responsibilities that came with being a widower.  The least of which, seemingly, had been paying off a few key debts in order to guarantee none of you would have to beg for your next meal…or so he told you.  He would probably not pay your disappearance much attention, either, all thanks to his current…‘projects’.

And as for your younger sister, she certainly could have cared less about you even if a Sarlacc swallowed you tomorrow.  Thanks to the usual tenets of your shared Chalindran culture, Briana’s upbringing and quiet demeanor has all but handed her a gleaming marriage proposal on a silver serving tray.  Your mother’s funeral was the very first place you had spotted her future suitors, the first being the only son of an Admiral; the second, the firstborn son of a Senator from the Mid Rim.  Either one would be more than acceptable in the girl’s eyes as well as Father’s, for not only had she grown past the minimum age of fifteen cycles, she was also just so eager to please whatever young fellow crossed her path.

(How disgusting.)

She was quite the opposite of you, perhaps, considering you had begun turning away from your lone surviving parent and eligible bachelors in general at almost the exact same time, as well as letting them know exactly what was on your mind the moment they began pushing for a 'meeting’. Maybe even a little too strongly at times, like…the time a few of your old crystal figurines had just happened to be let loose against your bedroom wall after that young doctor from Coruscant tried to offer you a drink at lunch.

(At least one Chandrilan doctor had thought themselves smart enough to eradicate your mother’s cancer.  Turns out, the cancer begged to differ.)

The second time, the silk collector from Naboo had found himself introduced to your carved wooden bench the moment he had offered to buy your late mother’s gowns at half the price she had originally paid for them.  Needless to say, he ended up with nothing in either sense.

(Probably a good thing, considering she had promised some of them to you before she’d gone.)

The third time, however, had been the one that got every Chandrilan within hearing range looking at you sideways from that rotation forward, if not also leaving you a wide berth whenever you left the safety of your house and surrounding green.  That had been the same day your father let it slip that he’d applied you to the University of Coruscant without your knowledge or, for that matter, your consent.  That had also been the same day that your grief and resentment of the past few months finally bubbled out of you, leading you to reveal not only your own applications to the universities of Naboo, Alderaan, and Pantora in that precise order, but also the long-awaited acceptance letter from Naboo with the Queen’s own stamp of approval attached.  

And so, after that great argument in which you accused your father of keeping you on too tight a leash, you yourself were accused of the worst ingratitude ever befitting a daughter, and half of your best crystal service ended up shattered upon the ground…you had spent the following three weeks planning your escape.

This will be the same escape where, as long as you gather up all the credits left over from your weekly allowances and sneak out unnoticed, you’ll eventually make it out of Chandrila’s space ports and get yourself on your way to Theed.

Lucky for you, you’ve already made a skill out of sneaking off the grounds, so one more trip beyond your father’s fences should be the easiest thing ever.

This is what brings you tiptoeing back down the stairs just as the boys are arguing with Father himself, no doubt ready to interrogate him on just why he’s decided to keep Briana on the same short leash as you are.  Heh.  The poor little lost puppies, begging for a treat from their master. Their sad eyes certainly match those of hungry baby mastiffs, all right,  or so you think as you draw nearer to the gate.

It’s here that Father decides to liven up the competition between these two, or so it sounds to you as you slip past the three of them.

“…Yes, gentlemen, I do insist.  There will be no meetings, betrothals, or anything of the sort with Briana until a husband is found for Y/N!”

A husband.  Ha. Small chance of that happening, if not at all, you think, barely registering the groans and protests of the younger boys in the distance.  You’ve managed to scare most of your prospects off with your brilliant disposition alone, give or take a few damaged articles of furniture.  Not that you’re complaining, of course.  If anything, it just makes leaving home a lot easier.

“So, since both of you can’t get engaged to Briana, perhaps one of you would be willing to introduce yourself to Y/N instead…?”

That’s not going to happen any time soon, either, if the blatant denials you hear right before you slip outside tell you anything.  

Apparently, at least one of them has already claimed that you’re far too dangerous to even say hello to, let alone attempt to flirt with or even court.  That’s perfectly fine with you, though, because neither one of them ever showed enough kriffing intellect to pique your interest, let alone any noticeable kindness, or courage, or willingness to try and deal with the social ills evident in your part of the galaxy.  And even if they did, it would take a lot more than a pretty face, a large bank account, and just the right amount of moral teachings to convince you to give any of them a second look.  

So, as you lift the hood of your poncho into place and throw the strap of your traveling bag over one shoulder, you can’t help but observe that any quick fix your father hoped to arrange today will evaporate the moment he, Briana, or either one of those suitors end up finding you missing…but only if they catch you first.

Which, of course, you don’t plan on allowing to happen.  

No, you’ve planned everything down to the last detail, beginning with your silent ascent into your room to gather up your supplies and then ending the moment you make use of the nearest garren tree to climb successfully over the fence, finally landing quietly upon the ground outside. Neither your family nor any of your household staff have suspected a thing, and even if one of them managed to catch a glimpse of you, you’ve already sworn them to secrecy from your father and sister alike.

This brings a smug grin to your face as you begin your walk down to the space port, your credits and passport safe inside your bag as you go along.  He’s not going to decide your future any more, and she can flirt with her suitors as much as she wants without flaunting it in your face.  

You, on the other hand, will be enjoying your first breath of Naboo air long before they ever manage to locate you, and probably enjoying the grand tour of the university campus besides.

Or, at least…that’s the last thought on your mind, right before a pair of dark, probing eyes suddenly find their way to yours.

[thecoffeelorian]

@thetimetraveler24 @letshareapapou @vei-saretti @areyoufuckingcrazy

Link is below if you want to check the story out:

Finished writing the rough copy of this next chapter...thank goodness.

Maybe now, I can get things done in time for Star Wars Celebration.

[thecoffeelorian]

@hellfiresky

Chapter Title: Backlash

Word Count: 1,359.

Brief Description: Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). A reaction to betrayal, a threat of arrest, and a test of the potential bridegroom's intentions all converge at the Minola residence...

AO3: Link Here

Extra Notes: This sat in my Notes for upwards of 3 months before I dropped it in here...man, I'm slow and I suck at updates. Anyways, I hope people are still interested in this, as sporadic as I've been after all this time.

Chapter Masterlist: Link Here

The No-Pressure Tag List:

@crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf @cloneflo99 @vrycurious @gun-roswell @padawancat97

@littlefeatherr @yeehawhijack @knightprincess @masterjedilenawrites @skellymom and anybody else on the lookout for more Howzer fics.

“What. The kriff.”

Whatever happy bubble you might have been trapped in before has now popped…and with it, you’re not sure if you can feel anything else but betrayal.

“So this is why you came. Dear old Dad cried you a river, Briana joined in, and I’m the one who got put up for sale...”

Betrayal from whoever might have ratted you out at home, betrayal from yourself simply for agreeing to come back…oh, but most of all, betrayal from him.

“Now that’s not exactly true—“

“—It’s true enough to me.”

What right did he have, exactly, to sell you out like this?

“I should have known you’d just become Dad’s doormat in the end.”

Was it just some social side effect of the Republic treating his people like factory made machines, or had this been his idea all along?

“More like your own welcome mat, if you will accept me.”

“Don’t get cute with me, Captain. I don’t ‘accept’ anything!”

Either way, it doesn’t look as though “dear old Dad” is all that celebratory any more, because you’ve just succeeded in wiping that shit-eating grin right off his face.

“N-Now Katie, this-this is hardly the time for—”

“—Don’t. Call me. ‘Katie’.”

He’s looking somewhat scared of you this time, in fact, so much so that you start to get a little thrill out of it.

“I’m not your ‘Katie’, I’m not his ‘Katie’, and I’m definitely not going to—”

“—Y/N, please!”

Orinna, by contrast, is giving you the Look. The one you used to get as a kid when she caught you running too fast in the hallway, or else chasing Briana one time too many around the formal dish ware cabinet.

She’s not too keen on watching you do something dangerous today, especially not if she can help it.

“Zis is not ze time to begin a second war, all right? Ze Troopers and ze Separatists ‘ave all laid down zheir arms. Why can you not do ze same?”

“Rebels are meant to fight, and so am I.”

“Mothers are meant to worry, and so am I!”

“Whatever for?”

“Because I do not want ze authorities arresting you! Think upon zat!”

Her dark eyes are glaring into yours at this point, a sure sign that you’ve officially crossed one line too many with her. You’ve never really seen her this angry before, true—but given that this is such a rarity from her, it’s certainly making you think twice before going any further.

In fact…even though you’re still pretty pissed off at Dad and Howzer together, you’re also not thinking twice about raising your hands in surrender. You’ve messed with her head enough for one day, maybe, so perhaps now is the proper moment to back off and stand down.

“…All right. Fine. I’ll do that.”

“I certainly ‘ope so. Capitaine?”

She motions Howzer forward with one hand, but not without both of her lekku moving rather closely into the sign for “May spice salt your wounds”. Obviously, she won’t be that eager to deal with any more of your issues today.

“Feel free to escort Miss Minola inside, for I do not doubt zat you will ‘ave much to discuss.”

“So I am told…”

As for the good Captain, on the other hand, he’s decided to hang back until you were most likely to calm down and knuckle under. So far, he may have the calming down part of you already proposed and seconded.

“…Still, Y/N, if you will allow me to continue—”

“—Any Trooper will, if he doesn’t bore me first—”

“—You may not find me so boring as other men, for I ‘ad a few interesting teachers back on Kamino.”

“Why, what’s Kamino?”

“An oceanic planet.”

“If that is so, then feel free to go back. I’m sure they’re dying to see you.”

“So I am told. Come! We can go zere together!”

Howzer offers his arm to you, a sure mark of gentlemanly manners if this was any other meeting between you that your father didn’t preordain. Under normal circumstances, you might have happily considered this Captain as your escort back inside the manse.

Out here, however, you’re merely gathering your hands behind your back, one eyebrow raised in silent interrogation, and literally everyone—be they ranging from the scolding Orinna in front of you to Brainy Bri watching it all from her upstairs window—are now holding their collective breaths in anticipation for your next reaction.

“Oh? What makes you think I’m joining you?”

“I…don’t yet see a reason why you could not, Miss Minola.”

“Maybe I’d prefer to sit outside for a while.”

“Very well. I will be sure to join you.”

Howzer makes a small performance of lowering himself onto one of the two front benches; then patting the place beside him in hopes of having you as a partner. You certainly would have joined him willingly if it had been up to you alone, because then you would have had a modicum of freedom to do with as you wished.

Unfortunately, no thanks to Dad pushing this match as the main road to freeing up Briana…you’re instead eyeing one of the side tables, wondering if you should make your own show of sitting there instead…or worse.

“Actually…I think I’ve changed my mind, ‘Capitaine’. Perhaps I’ll go inside.”

“What, and miss the view of zis fine day?”

“Maybe it’s too bright a view for my sensitive eyes.”

“Very well, then…let me see you walk, if we cannot sit together.”

“Walk? Whatever for?”

“So I’ll know who to look for when the big day comes.”

“Oh? What makes you think I won’t be running out the door instead?”

“Please, Y/N, I am as good a gentleman as any other…”

They’re all watching you now, Orinna, Dad, Briana from the window and whomever else inside the house who have decided to stop work and peek at the proceedings. Apparently, you’ve gone from Little Miss Nobody to the talk of the entire household in a few short hours, beginning with your ill-fated disappearance.

“…That. I’ll. Try.”

However, now that the side table is within your reach and you’re more or less finished with being the pawn to your sister’s knight…it’s that single piece of wood that you’re not hesitating to use as your next weapon, because in a matter of seconds, you’re sending it flying at Howzer’s head, your only mission being to drive him off your property with or without the black eye that he may so richly deserve—

“Whoops.”

—And then, with about as much advance warning as you gave him, which at this point is pretty much none—he catches that piece of furniture in midair, executes a near-perfect twirl, and finally sends the table flying back to you, after which you’ve very little choice other than to catch it before it crashes.

“Oof!”

This you barely accomplish with all the grace of someone who never played any sports, for the impact alone all but knocks you onto your back while Howzer remains upright and unbruised. For what might be the first time ever, you’re left in a confused silence while the sting of catching a hard object with your bare hands wears off, because only then might you be able to get back onto your feet again with no further interruptions.

In the meantime, though…everyone’s looking on in a stunned silence, not knowing whether or not to panic as they wait to see what you do next. Judging from their past experiences, either you're going to run off in a huff, or else fall into an even bigger rage and throw another piece of furniture. Perhaps anything of the worst nature can happen from your end, as it's more or less the huge bad habit that you've let yourself fall into over time.

And yet...even as how Howzer's watching you cautiously, still figuring out whether or not he should protect himself and get out of here while he still can...that's when you end up surprising yourself as well as everyone else.

"Nice aim, Captain Howzer."

[To be continued in Chapter 6, "Revealed Truths".

Please like, comment, and reblog if you liked this chapter; and I'll see you in the next update! TYSM!]

[thecoffeelorian]

One more reblog, then it's back to working on THE chapter.

Might just celebrate after this next one's done, too...who knows?

Chapter Title: The First Argument

Word Count: 1,988 words.

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). The final countdown until the ceremony has begun...

AO3: Link Here (Must Log In)

Extra Notes: Ok, gang...I'm just gonna go out on a limb and say that I've included everyone in the tags who ever interacted with the masterlist, the polls, and/or the actual chapters, since at this point, it's near impossible to determine who's actually interested and who's not.

Second, anybody on the tag list who doesn't slap a like on this post will get removed without any further annoyance on my end, since I get the feeling I might be doing more harm than good by trying to keep them updated. So...yeah. If this just isn't your thing, I'll be sure to honor your wishes next week and not bring it up again. <3

And finally, the white braid divider in this chapter was created by @v6que.

Chapter Masterlist: Link Here

The No-Pressure Tag List:

@crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf @cloneflo99 @vrycurious @gun-roswell @padawancat97

@littlefeatherr @yeehawhijack @knightprincess @masterjedilenawrites @skellymom 

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“Now Y/N, I know it’s rude to ask too many questions, but I must know—how did you and your Captain meet each other?”

Aunt Ceelia poses the question to you at the banquet table, her face just a little bit reddened after her first Chandrilan squig. There are three days left until the ceremony, yet you’re keeping a brave face on despite that growing sense of anxiety about how something might just go wrong between now and then.

And, as this is the first of two major dinner parties held in your honor, such a display on your part is all but demanded.

“Well, we didn’t exactly meet the usual way,” you begin, your knife and fork paused beside your plate of squall tendermeat.

"More like we almost ran smack-dab into each other!”

Your awkward laugh echoes around the table, a few others joining in while your Uncle Taryn remains silent, continously taking puffs from a spice pipe.

“She was on her way to the space port, as I recall,” Howzer chimes in, setting down his glass of champagne. “Something about…leaving for Naboo, wasn’t it?”

“More like running away to attend my university of choice.”

Someone lets out a cough after this, but nobody else replies this time as they must view higher education as either unnecessary or harshly rebellious, given their evident backgrounds in trade and shipbuilding. Yet, as you're not about to be nudged into silence yourself, you decide to press onward with the story.

“I had supposed—well, back then, anyway—that I could try studying medicine. Someone who heals the injuries of others, cures diseases, all of that.”

"And you, Captain? What brought you originally to our fair planet?"

There’s a brief moment of hesitation on Howzer’s end, a moment of horror upon yours as you debate whether or not you should step in to keep your mission a secret—then, before things grow too tense, he’s able to make a quick save.

“The same thing that led so many other Troopers away from Coruscant, ma'am—the need for peace and quiet.”

Ceelia accepts this little fib with a tearful sniffle, then reaches out to pat his shoulder.

“Of course you would, you poor dear, of course! All those lonely days on the battlefield with nothing but other men for company…no wonder you were so eager to leave!”

“Yes, Ceelia, we’re quite aware of the Captain’s, ah…unique life situation by now.”

It’s Uncle Taryn’s turn to speak next, all right, yet unlike your aunt and her squigs, he’s neither loosened up nor sympathetic.

“Obviously, I’m sure we’re all very eager to welcome him into the family like we would any other groom…however.”

He's got his eyes upon you now, the suspicion inside them so thick, you can almost feel it seeping into your skin.

“Every marriage, rich or otherwise, brings something beneficial to the negotiating table…so that brings us to the question of the day. What does your Captain bring in to help this family?”

Howzer’s quick to speak for himself, however, for he answers the question with zero hesitation.

“A cessation of hostilities within ze ‘ome, Mr. Minola…or so I hope.”

“Ah, so you mean to be a peace broker?”

“With the right counsel at my side.”

Correction…zero hesitation, and the beginnings of a false sweetness that you’ve only ever seen before from Taryn himself. Though it might have diffused this particular situation before it became too heated, you’re feeling unease just the same at the sight of these two men suddenly shaking hands where they had been at odds not five minutes ago.

“Now here’s a man who’s thinking of the future!”

In fact, though the handshake lasts no more than a few seconds and Howzer’s clearly wiping his hand clean after your uncle looks away…it’s more than enough to make you wonder if your future husband’s good intentions might slowly be falling to the wayside.

“Hear that, Ceelia? Sometimes falling in line with the rest of society can actually be good for you!”

After all, if you keep someone you think you know within an institution that you don't...chances are you might not recognize the person that comes out again.

“Gri ma tama. Gri ma tama...”

“Close. It’s ‘Gri ma tamee’, but try again.”

“Gri ma tamee…there, how’s that?”

“Better. A lot better than yesterday, if you don’t mind me saying so.”

Two days remain, but unfortunately, there’s a part of you now that doesn’t feel very much like celebrating. Though you’ve begun your hike up the holy mountain to receive a blessing from the Ilda, your planet’s pantheon of old gods, doubt has finally started creeping into your system ever since you noticed that strange connection between Howzer and your uncle.

In fact, you’re starting to wonder if Taryn Himself might be one of those people Howzer warned you about, especially if he might have something to do with Nax’s disappearance.

“You are very quiet as of late…is something wrong?”

This belief both horrifies and dismays you all at once, for you’re not exactly in the mood to be peaceful here, let alone speak politely.

“Perhaps.”

“Meaning what, exactly?”

“This.”

You're quick to make the both of you stop a quarter of the way, as you feel your old temper coming back in full force.

“What in Mustafar were you two talking about yesterday?”

“Yesterday?”

“At the banquet table with my uncle. That little ‘falling in line with the rest of society’ routine.”

His reaction suggests he’s a little off balance at this, if not also the slightest bit annoyed at the sting of your accusation—yet, somewhat like your first meeting, he shows no signs of planning to run away.

“Well. In all fairness, I was surrounded by strangers with suspect motives.”

“ ‘Suspect motives’?”

“It means zat I don't know why they are so eager to see us wedded.”

“Yes, all right, I get what suspect means—”

“—Do you?”

A few neighbors sneak curious glances at you as they pass you by upon the steps, the two of you straightening up in turn to lessen their suspicions...and then, along comes Briana with a naughty grin upon her face.

“Everything okay over there? Or do I have to step in and tickle you?”

This is where the awkward hush comes in, most likely because neither one of you wants to laugh your way off of this narrow staircase. After having to deal with at least three of her famous sneak attacks, you’re also not too keen on being tickled so hard that your eyes tear up.

“Okay, you two. Keep on being mysterious.”

That doesn’t quite stop Briana, however, from giggling behind her hand as she moves ahead of you. As she’s probably more focused upon gaining a brother in the family rather than having to say goodbye to a sister, there probably won’t be any misery in her heart for some time yet.

Good for her.

As for the both of her siblings, be they long established or incoming, it’s clear that you both have a lot of work to do upon your relationship.

“Look...I know zat life is tense for everyone right now, so. If I might be so bold?”

“I'm listening, Captain.”

“How about we wait until after ze ceremony is over to discuss this? Just so zere will be no more eyes upon us besides our own?”

His hand brushes against yours, a silent cue to lessen the tension between you...and with it, you accept his touch without any further outbursts.

What a difference a moment makes.

“Offer accepted, Captain Howzer. Now...let's get to the top of this mountain.”

One day left.

One day left.

One day left…

A tense silence reigns over your household at fifteen minutes to nine, and following close behind, the growing roar of ship engines.

Your gown, a creation of blue pleats, silver accents, and a set of sleeves that the late Senator Amidala herself might have loved, waits safely within your bedroom beneath a protective cover.

The reception room, a small but intimate gathering space dressed up in the colors of sage and sea, waits with the glow of dim lamplight for the guests to enter tomorrow.

Even the cake Orinna made for you, a lightly frosted creation of cinnamon and chocolate, waits within cold storage so that no clumsy humanoid or curious tooka can ever dare to disturb it.

Therefore, with most of your guests surrounding you and yourself standing close to the center, Captain Howzer to your far left and Captain Rex standing between the two of you...there are two remaining individuals to wait for upon the ground. If the commlinks are all correct, these two will be the ones to step off of the ship landing before you.

This is why you keep the images of Gobi Glie and Hera Syndulla, the second in command of Cham Syndulla and his only daughter of ten standard years, safely within your memory.

Assuming that this pair gives you no curious surprises, it should be a peaceful meeting, indeed.

“Chopper! Chopper, no!”

Unfortunately, that’s the same moment that the first one off decides to release their frustrations, as they clearly haven’t taken well to such a long voyage.

“Everybody MOVE!”

This is the only feeling you receive when you first witness the droid in action, for within almost three seconds exactly, they race straight into the crowd with both arms raised while everyone else does their best to escape.

Exactly two flower urns are decimated as Chopper overturns them without so much as an ‘Excuse me’.

A third almost faces destruction as well, but your Aunt Ceelia manages to rescue it in time.

Whatever drinks would have been served upon the hovering tray stop mattering the instant they send everything hurtling into the garden wall.

And if that wasn’t enough of a wave of damage left behind in its wake...their final destination seems to be the Wedding Circle itself, for there’s clearly something about so many contrasting blooms planted together that this little droid finds unnatural.

“Nerra! Wachamio!”

At least, that's what Chopper could have done to the garden if Captain Howzer had not intervened in time.

“You heard me, Chopper. Get back over here. NOW.”

Fortunately, for the sake of everyone else's sanity as well as yours...he’s miraculously ordered the renegade droid back over to where the other guests from Ryloth stand, Chopper muttering a low series of beeps that you can only assume are meant to mimick human grumbles.

“If I may now introduce my half of ze ceremony...everyone, our most creative guest is known as C1-10p, or as Miss Hera Syndulla has styled him, ‘Chopper’.”

The small Twi’lek girl who you safely suppose is Hera crosses over to Howzer, burying her face against his side as the two remaining Clone Troopers, both in gray uniforms with one having barely any hair and the second having a great deal of it, step quietly off of the ship.

“Ze two Troopers behind her are, respectively, Lieutenant Waxer and Mister Boil.”

Finally, the group hushes down again once their baseline level of calmness returns, and almost as a reward for the lack of chaos, the last passenger of the ship makes their appearance.

“And if anyone has not already guessed by now...zis is Gobi Glie, my mentor and commanding officer in all but name.”

There’s a fierce edge to this Twi’lek's posture as he takes in the sight of what you can only suppose to be a ‘soft’ planet to him, a location with barely any knowledge of illegal blockades and even less of war—and yet, for all of his harshness, once those violet eyes focus upon you, even he seems ready to loosen up and enjoy himself.

“Good morning to you, Miss Minola. I zank you for welcoming me to your ‘ome, and I look forward to welcoming you to mine soon.”

[thecoffeelorian]

@gun-roswell @hellfiresky @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf :

Moving this forward to Friday morning, in order to have as good a chapter as I can handle.

Thank you.

save the date...

Hello again, everyone who has stuck with me so far!

As I am looking to add another update to my Captain Howzer fanfiction, "Kiss Me, Captain", on May 7, 2025, I've decided to go ahead and reserve the last Wednesday of May for the official wedding chapter for this story at large.

Therefore, if you're getting this post in your notifications, it's because you all showed interest in my previous chapters at some point, sooo. I hope you can be there to read and reblog this chapter if you're still interested in my writing; if not, feel free to ignore this and we can both continue on our journeys through life.

Anywho! Hope you're having a good weekend, and May The Fourth Be With You, Always! <3

--The Coffeelorian--

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[crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf]

Glad Howzer can have people there he's comfortable with ✨

And nothing like a history of war talk to bond with your ... in laws.

Chapter Title: Tightening Grips

Word Count: 2,524 words.

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). As the amount of days leading up to the wedding becomes smaller, so too do the tempers of the people involved become shorter...

AO3: Link Here (Must Log In)

Extra Notes: I had wanted to include a longer conversation between the Reader and her relatives, but given that my mind was beginning to drift aimlessly in the process, I made the creative decision to move that part to Chapter 9.

Also, the flavor of the wedding cake is going to be a secret until the chapter where I finally reveal it. :D

And finally, the white braid divider in this chapter was created by @v6que.

Chapter Masterlist: Link Here

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Six days and counting until the big day, and although you’re all enjoying the calm before the eventual rush to the end, the arrangement of The Circle, the small group of people present during the ceremonial rites, is also simultaneously being established. This arrangement, judging from your knowledge of weddings past, is going to end up determining your immediate social circle after all of the rituals are performed.

Therefore, Orinna’s standing in for your mother as she’s done a hundred times before, a fact that you won’t stop being grateful for as long as you live. Dad takes the obvious place beside her as your mother’s surviving spouse, two of the people designated to walk around you and Howzer as you’re presented to him at the center, and along with your sister in one corner and two more old friends from school in their own, these five nearly make up your half of the ceremony with one ‘Peermaiden’ missing.

Howzer’s side, though…well, that’s taking a bit of negotiation on his part.

“I am not inviting ze Kaminoans.”

He currently sits in attendance with two of his squad members, Fourteen and Gulf, both of whom are looking slightly insulted at what’s just been proposed for the “parents” of the groom. Apparently, according to his future father-in-law, the traditional spots of both mother and father can easily be filled in by whichever stepparent, adoptive parent, or biological engineer is responsible for the groom’s upbringing.

Unfortunately for Dad, on the other hand, he’s just proposed two of the worst beings to ever be considered for this position.

“And why not? Aren’t they a little, ah...responsible for you existing in the first place?”

“Just because they made me does not mean they ever cared to raise me.”

“Did they oversee your upbringing in any way, though?”

“Only indirectly, sir.”

“All right…then who do you propose instead? Some other clone?”

All three Troopers are bristling at the slight now, which is probably not only the worst thing your father has done since attempting to keep your studies upon Coruscant, but also performing the additional foolishness of insulting his future son-in-law. In other words, if there was ever a grand prize for the worst communication skills on Chandrila alone…he would certainly be near the top of the contestants list.

“I was going to suggest Captain Rex, sir, but thanks to your reaction just now...why stop at just one? Why not a mentor figure from Ryloth as well, if you would rather not be overrun with other Troopers?”

Howzer’s not about to be put down so easily, though, for now he’s brought up the possibility of including more Twi’leks in the ceremony itself, alongside a few of his own immediate relatives.

“Ryloth? Why that planet?”

“It was where I was stationed before I came ‘ere.”

“So your substitute is…?”

“Gobi Glie, also known as ze fellow who first showed me around Lessu.”

There’s a nervous shudder in Dad’s posture now, a sure sign that he either knows and fears the name of Gobi Glie, or he’s merely heard a few stories and learned how to tremble in his finery at word of mouth alone.

“And if you still need one more Peermaiden, I would finally like to nominate Hera Syndulla to fill zat role.”

Whatever the case may be, however, he seems to be at a sudden loss for words as far as responses go.

Such a good thing it must be, then, that you most certainly are not.

“Those two sound perfect, actually!”

You make this affirmation before anyone else can sneak in and speak over you, and with it, Fourteen, Gulf, and Howzer act as one unit by regarding you with silent approval.

“How soon do you think they can travel here?”

“Mmm…about four to six days, with the proper clearance.”

“Then let’s not keep them waiting.”

You share a quick kiss in full view of Dad, barely paying him any attention as he nervously looks away just in time.

Good.

Let him ponder that one in awkward silence for the rest of this rotation, and so consider all of the ramifications that will most certainly come from you not living under his thumb for much longer.

As for you, there’s a quiet little voice in the back of your mind now, a voice that, after a long twenty years of remaining silent, is slowly learning how to speak…and that voice promises you that your exit from Chandrila can’t come soon enough.

Five days remaining as of today, and with a little help from Briana, you’ve managed to finish your veil without making it look like a clumsy pile of knots and dropped stitches. Though it measures around two and a half feet by four feet altogether, it’s still been fixed up enough to resemble silken lace from Ghorman, and not a moment too soon.

There, you see? It looks absolutely lovely now!

Heh…I can only hope that its owner fits in with its aesthetic.

That's one less problem around to give you a headache later.

In its place, though, there remains the important task of meeting with Orinna to discuss the menus for what you’re nicknaming “The Party Trilogy”, and for that, you and Howzer are off to the kitchen to check on the general progress in this matter. Maybe you’ll also get to sneak in a few bites as the unofficial taste testers, even if it’s just to ensure a little quality control before the festivities begin.

Whatever the case may be for you, you’re both present at around half past nine in the morning, a small assortment of dishes already on the table. The aromas of bean sauce and red powder slowly make themselves known here, and with them, you’re noticing the beginnings of your wedding feast taking shape.

“Is zat munch-fungus over zere…?”

Howzer’s noticed a little about the food as well, and is currently eyeing one plate of the breaded fungus with interest.

“I’m afraid I normally see it in bread more zhan anything else.”

“Deconstructed munch-fungus loaf,” a familiar voice recites, the corresponding body of your chef droid coming around the corner with a Chandrilan cheese board in tow.

“Orinna’s orders, though we haven’t yet figured out how to bring the yogurt back in!”

“I’m sure you’ll find another use for it, CHF-1000…anyway. Is it all right for us to sit down?”

“At the table, if you please—and no snitching bites until Orinna comes back!”

“You ‘ave a clanker making all of your meals?” Howzer asks, both eyebrows raised in concern.

“He certainly helped Mom with things before she passed away.”

“What if he ever gets angry with you, and decides to burn all your food?”

“Then I suppose we'll just have to get delivery.”

The two of you enjoy a brief respite from all of the chaos, your hands gradually finding one another until your right hand is taken gently into his left. This is the moment where you're able to explore him just a little, making a mental note of the few callouses and scars marked into his otherwise smooth skin, as well as finding it close to impossible to believe that these are the hands of a soldier at all.

In another time and place, you might have grown up as mechanics together, and perhaps even avoided a great deal of formality-related stress if you chose to marry on your own. A different life, even, if not also what others might consider a somewhat better one.

The life you could easily have had, if the war had never taken place.

Still, when Orinna returns with something hidden beneath a red cloth in her hands and a mischievous look in her eyes…you wonder if this life might not be so bad either.

“Ah, but you are just in time, my dears! Come closer, I have a little surprise for you!”

With this thought safely in your mind, you allow yourself a small change in focus from daydreaming to reality. Here, the two of you are sure to lean in as she removes the cloth with one hand, and are soon after rewarded with the sight of a freshly-baked cake.

“Oh, now that looks good, Orinna! What’s it for?”

“Zis will be our dessert for your reception, or so I ‘ope.”

She brandishes a small serving tool almost like it’s a bidding rod, her eyes glancing between you both.

“Would you like to test it for me?”

“Hmmm…what do you think, Howzer? Should we give it a taste?”

“I think I was ready for it long before I recognized it,” Howzer answers, though not without accepting Orinna’s knife first.

“Now…let’s find out what this cake is made of!”

“There he is! The lucky Captain, back among us!”

A public transport hovercar brings a second Captain to your doorstep, only this time, it's a slightly older blond fellow dressed in dark blue clothing, a somewhat out-of-place feeling evident in his eyes as he comes closer. Apparently, it’s a long way between here and Coruscant, the unofficially temporary Capital of the galaxy now that Palpatine is no longer among you.

Nevertheless, you’re going to be as welcoming as you can, as this is no mere guest right off the street to you.

“From what I ‘ear, Captain Rex, you must be feeling a little lucky yourself.”

Both Howzer and Rex move in to shake hands, and with it, you waste no time in offering the caf and pastries that you helped put together earlier this morning.

“It’s nothing a few days of calm can’t fix...thank you.”

“So zere are no losses, I take it?” Howzer asks next, his focus entirely on Rex. “How is Ashla?”

“None so far, and I think she's done shaking at last.”

“Does one of us need to pay her a visit, or...?”

“She'll be just fine among the rest of brothers. Remember, this day is yours.”

“So it is...Y/N, will you do us ze honor of taking us to the garden?”

“Of course. This way, gentlemen, if you please...”

It’s a short walk to where you mean to go, all right, but at least you have the opportunity to introduce this second Captain to the site of the ceremony to come, as well as fill him in on the part he gets to play within it.

“…That’s where the Circle’s going to be, in case you haven’t already guessed.”

“The area with all the flowers around it?”

“Yes. You, Mr. Glie, Orinna, and my father will eventually stand just inside the flower wall, but first, Orinna’s going to lead me to Howzer around where that one gap is.”

“And there’s going to be four other girls surrounding us at this time?”

“More like off in the four corners, but yes.”

“What purpose do they have?”

“In the present day, they supposedly relight any lamps that have gone out by accident.”

“And their original role…?”

Your voice lowers right then and there, suddenly sounding too flat even for your taste.

“They would have made sure the wedding party never got captured by the Rakata.”

Silence reigns behind you afterward, a feeling of awkwardness permeating everything as you all draw closer to the garden. You probably should have chosen your words a bit more carefully here, especially in light of the various battlefields that these two men have been fortunate enough to escape without a scratch.

“That’s…quite the history lesson, Miss Minola. I had no idea that this planet knew other things besides comfort and status.”

“From what I’ve learned about Kamino, Captain Rex, yours isn’t the only planet who witnessed an attack on its capital.”

Then again, if you’re meant to establish closer bonds between yourself and other Troopers besides Captain Howzer…perhaps the plainest truths about your culture will serve them a lot better than the most stylized of lies. Your mother had taught you a long time ago that honesty was the best policy, after all, so maybe it would be a wise decision to start doing just that before you lose your second braid.

“No wonder we’re getting along so well, then…our landmarks seem to make the best targets.”

Just the same, though, you’re considering yourself lucky that neither of these two Captains decides to run back the way he came after hearing this story from you, but instead join the rest of the guests as though nothing out of the ordinary has just taken place.

“Here we are, gentlemen…feel free to sit anywhere you like.”

This is where the three of you find your Uncle Taryn and Aunt Ceelia already seated, conveniently upon opposite sides of the garden and with their respective shares of the caf and pastries. They are also in the company of Briana, who thankfully has been granted a small rest period in between her studies, be they the usual or the ‘special’ lessons with her two new ‘Professors’.

And, provided that absolutely nobody dares to bring up any politics or debates about just who won or lost the Clone Wars…this little gathering should progress just fine.

“There she is! Chandrila’s very first postwar bride!”

Aunt Ceelia is the first of the group to meet you, a diplomatic smile frozen upon her face as she rises to give you a welcoming hug.

“They’re not working you too hard, are they, dear?”

“Not without sharing the burdens, Auntie.”

Once the two of you have your arms around each other and the rest of the group is barely listening, however…that’s when Ceelia drops her voice to a whisper.

“All right, the truth now—did my idiot brother-in-law try to sell you off to a business partner?”

“Captain Howzer found me before anyone else. That much I can tell you.”

“You’re sure…? I have a hovercar nearby, we can leave right now if you wish it—”

“—I’m sure, Auntie. Please, trust me to do the right thing.”

Someone clears their throat behind you, most likely Uncle Taryn Himself, and then you’re pulling away from each other reluctantly, an island of women within a sea of predominantly male wedding guests. Guests who might soon be looking to make some matches of their own, if the rest of the guest list decides to bring along any of their daughters to the celebrations.

“Would you ladies care to join the rest of us...? Or are we to celebrate without you?”

“We’re ready,” you promise him, establishing a diplomatic face of your own as you take your seat beside Howzer. Briana takes this as her cue to start in on another story for everyone’s amusement, this time speaking about how one of the twin sisters from further down the mountain switched the other twin’s shoes with hers as a prank...and, for a moment, nearly everyone present is able to enjoy a laugh over the girl's imagined reaction.

As for you, once you remind yourself that all of four days remain until you meet Howzer in the Circle, after which there’s the high chance of you both leaving this planet behind and finding a second home...only then does your heart ache ever so slightly for your first.

[a/n: Bonus for you all--Here is an illustration of Howzer from the first third of this chapter! Hope you like it as much as I do! <3]

[thecoffeelorian]

Reblogging a second time, because apparently...only one person got my tag.

😅

Chapter Title: Revealed Truths

Word Count: 2,564

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest). An unexpected engagement takes place to everyone's surprise, but not without its own mystery to solve...

AO3: Link Here

Extra Notes: If anybody's wondering why I'm invading the Star Wars Celebration tag...it's because I'm a sad little nerd with no ability to travel overseas, and I wanted to reach a few more Howzer fans in the process of updating this old story. Hope that's okay! 💖

Chapter Masterlist: Link Here

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“Nice aim, Captain Howzer.”

Your hands sting for no more than a few seconds after your surprise catch, yet once the force of that little table wears off, you find yourself putting it back where you had originally found it.

“My thanks, Miss Minola,” the Captain replies in return, eyeing you with a cautious curiosity. “One of the many skills I learned upon Kamino.”

“Perhaps you can teach me a few later?”

“If you wish it.”

You allow yourself a few seconds to inhale, exhale, and then offer your hand up to Howzer as your own attempt to establish a truce. It’s probably a long shot to even consider such things at this point, especially after blowing him off so many times and almost to the point of violence—and yet.

As you’re just a little bit sure that it’s preferable to staying on the ground, perhaps you're set upon trying it anyway.

Thankfully, be it for your own good or else for the comfort of those around you, he accepts…and the next thing you know, you’re back upon your feet with Orinna rushing forward to check on you.

“My goodness, Y/N, are you all right? What in the stars were you zinking, bothering the good Capitaine like that?”

“Not much at all, I'm afraid,” you manage with a nervous laugh, a little too aware of all the eyes upon you. Briana may have walked away from her window at this point, but she'll still have a good story to tell the other servants, never mind all of her traditionally minded friends...so, at least she'll be keeping an eye upon you.

“Well, let us not stay out 'ere any further. Remember, zere is still very much for you two to discuss, so please. Come with me.”

You’re still going to avoid your father for a while, of course, as his idea about your inevitable ‘marriage’ wasn’t exactly yours as well. Whatever he’s attempting to explain away as you follow Howzer and Orinna goes in through your left ear and exits through your right, and may do so for some time yet.

This doesn’t stop you, though, from being escorted into his study for what your culture calls “The Meeting of The Matched”, an introduction of the potential couple that would normally include both sets of parents, normally take place when both people involved have both reached their teens, and nearly always results in a wedding. As one of your parents is out of the picture and Howzer has none to speak of, however—well, your own “Meeting” is going to be just a little bit different.

“ ‘Ere we are, my dears! Would you like any refreshments while you are—er, finalizing zings?”

“Do you have any caf?” Howzer answers after thinking it through for a moment.

“It’s been a few days since I left Ryloth, so I’m afraid I’m missing its local fare.”

“One pinch of ginger and cinnamon coming up, then,” Orinna answers, the traces of a smile briefly crossing her face. “And for the lady?”

“I’ll have the same, but with a chocolate roll if we still have any.”

You may not have made it onto the next ship headed for Naboo, but nevertheless, your attempted escape has still managed to wake up your appetite.

“I will see what I can do, Y/N.”

Such a good thing it is, then, that Orinna has never been the sort of caregiver that sends children to bed on empty stomachs, bad behavior or not. That’s one thing that’s never changed about her, even with the change in your family’s fortunes, and you’re forever glad of it.

What she does do, though, is give you a scolding finger against any more disappearances, lest you reach the point of not even her having a chance to come to your rescue.

“When I return, I had better still find you sitting ‘ere. Understand?”

“Don’t worry,” you reassure her, though not without a slight tinge of anxiety. “I’ve got no more reasons to run.”

This seems to be enough for her liking, for she’s slipping out the door not long afterward, a tiny spring in her step. Neither your family nor any other servants seem to be within eavesdropping distance, for they’ve either decided to busy themselves in other parts of the house or else make themselves scarce for the time being. There are also, reportedly, no scheduled visits from anyone associated with Dad’s business, a welcome fact that guarantees no prying eyes from the outside.

As a result, you and Captain Howzer have been granted a moment alone to get better acquainted with each other, as this is most likely the final step before you finalize any and all plans you’re thinking up together.

Given that your own engagement is close to inevitable at this point, it stands to reason that perhaps learning to hold a full conversation is the very least you can do.

“So, Captain Howzer…”

“So, Miss Minola?”

“You never did tell me whether or not my father paid you to come here.”

“That is because no such arrangement was made.”

He’s gone and raised his eyebrows in disbelief at your conspiracy theory, a thing that could either disprove your claim entirely or merely throw enough cold water upon it so that you don’t pursue it any further. It’s a little difficult to figure out which possibility could be true here, especially with this man.

“All right, but…what did really bring you here? I mean—that thing about me having to marry before Briana happened just a few rotations ago. How did you hear about it so fast?”

“You can thank Commander Miles for that one, Miss Minola. He hears a great many things.”

“Oh, really? So…your friend just comms you one day, you get word of two girls entering the marriage market, and suddenly you’re just fine with binding yourself to somebody you don’t know?”

You watch this Captain closely as he falls silent, seeming to try and hear if anyone else is coming along to check upon you both. That’s the impression you get, anyways, for you’re only a little bit sure of what he might think of you.

Once the moment passes, however, that’s when the awkwardness of this whole situation follows close behind.

“Actually, Miss Minola...it is a bit more than that.”

“Oh? What is?”

In response, Howzer leans forward, his voice dropping to a whisper as he’s about to finally reveal something big:

“I need to find a missing brother.”

“You what?”

Then again, now that he’s revealed this little fact to you, suddenly you admit to yourself that your imagination may have ran itself a bit too wild before this moment. In fact, your voice is becoming a whisper as well, even if only because you’re feeling a bit more connected to this Trooper than you did before. Granted, the two of you are pretty much still strangers here, but then again...would just any stranger right off the street trust you with something this important?

“It’s true. His name’s Nax, and he’s been gone since the end of the Battle of Umbara—but none of the Kaminoans cared enough to tell any of us whether he was alive or dead.”

“You mean the other Troopers?”

“I do. Captain Rex of the 501st especially needs news of him, as they’re in the same battalion.”

You make note of him speaking of this Nax in the present tense, and quickly bury the urge to let out any sniffles. Of course he’s not going to speak of this one as though he’s already dead—that wouldn’t do anything but defeat the search ages before it could begin. You know this, because you have a slight feeling you would do the same for Briana if your situations were reversed.

“Okay, so this means…”

“It means, if zis match between us goes through, we ‘ave a chance of better funding for our search. Maybe some extra ships on the side, too, if our benefactor feels generous enough.”

“And if he is still out there, well—you’ll be able to take him home?”

You mean this in a figurative sense, or so you tell yourself as you currently don’t know whether or not homes even exist back on Kamino.

“Anywhere but back to ze longnecks! They will not have him!”

Howzer, however, sees this sentence literally and hates it on the spot. Those ‘longnecks’, as he’s just styled them, don’t sound as though they have a single parental bone in their bodies…let alone anything that remotely resembles a familial bond.

One more thing for you to remember later, especially if it helps keep the both of you from fighting.

“I’m sure they won’t dare,” you answer, certainly not in any mood to trouble him further. “Not when you’re here for him first.”

You weren’t scared, nervous, or so much as surprised by his outburst, since you’re more or less old enough to figure out that he’s upset for a reason. Rather, since you’re sure he’s a lot angrier at the Kaminoans than he seems to be at you, maybe they might actually deserve such sentiment.

After a minute or two of getting himself to relax, though? Simple. Not only does this Captain’s righteous anger die down and get replaced by his usual calm demeanor, but you can also tell that this Captain is more than happy to get your vote of confidence.

“…Yes. Yes, I will ‘elp get him home—to Rex, to Jesse, and all the others who are still alive.”

“That sounds like a plan to me.”

And, in the span of this moment...literally everything changes between you.

You no longer look into the eyes of one Trooper amongst thousands, but into those of a hero in the making.

You’re also no longer being handed off to the first stranger to express an interest in you, but instead given the opportunity to aid in the rescue of an innocent.

And finally, although young ladies such as yourself are expected to contain their emotions during their respective ‘Meetings’...absolutely nothing is stopping you from reaching out to touch Howzer’s face, the thumb of your right hand moving gently along his cheek.

“Does zis mean you will accept my proposal, Miss Minola...?”

“Please, call me Y/N. You might be using it a lot more from now on.”

Exactly one instant later, there’s three knocks upon the closed door in slow succession—and it’s more or less enough to get you jumping a solid inch into the air.

“Y/N? ‘Ow goes it with the Capitaine?”

Orinna!

Orinna’s back!

You're on your feet within seconds, not sure if you should either let her in right away, or else give yourself and Howzer one more moment to prepare.

“Here comes our chaperone, say we’re doing better—”

Howzer’s about to see you and raise you, though, for judging by how he rises to embrace you, he probably doesn’t mind the shock as much as you thought he would.

“Thank you.”

Perhaps he’s been taught merely to not stress out over the tiny details, and rather accept his victories whenever and wherever he can find them. Perhaps you might be wise to start doing the same, for the time in between now and the actual ceremony will feel like nothing less than a whirlwind of activity.

“Anytime, Mister Minola.”

In any case, when you’re both ready to let that door open again, your housekeeper becomes the very first being to hear the good news:

“Orinna, I—I never thought I’d say this, but I think it’s a match!”

Her expression instantly changes from hesitant to jubilant, and with a telltale twist of her lekku, she very nearly throws herself into your waiting arms.

“Truly, Y/N—you would not lie to me? Ah, no more, no more talking, just give me your ‘ands…ah, my girl!”

Your reward comes in the form of one of her warmest hugs, one that’s neither too loose nor too tight, and then the both of you pull away reluctantly so that Howzer might have a turn.

“And you, Capitaine—such a busy morning you’ve had!”

“It will all be worth it, I promise you,” he replies, accepting her hug with a low chuckle. “Now…shall we go call in my new father, and start preparing ze guest list?”

Dad. You almost forgot about him in the thick of things, but since the strangeness of this situation might be wearing off at last—well, you could be convinced to speak to him again, especially since your coffee service has arrived.

Still, there might also be a little price to pay first:

“We can…but only under one condition.”

Howzer’s eyebrows rise a few inches, yet to his credit, he’s also careful to listen before speaking.

“You come over here, and kiss me.”

“Miss Minola! You ‘ave not even been announced yet!”

As excited as Orinna has become, there is, unfortunately, the little rule of near-celibacy before marriage on this planet. In plainer terms, not even an engaged woman can kiss her husband-to-be before all the rites are performed, the contracts signed, and her new status proclaimed to her immediate social circle…for to do otherwise would be considered an impropriety.

“Why not follow ze rules of Ryloth instead?”

This isn’t dissuading Howzer in the slightest, though, for he’s certainly making it a bit more interesting with what you can only term a counteroffer. In fact, if that inviting look of his is anything to go on, he’s probably planning to make your first-ever kiss a memorable one.

“Yes, well—all right, I suppose! Just—just wait until my back is turned, please?”

Orinna doesn’t have to ask twice on this matter, for the moment she turns around to give herself a little deniability, the both of you make your move—yet your very first attempt doesn’t go the way you planned.

“Ow! You bonked me!”

“I did?!”

“Your head just bumped into mine, silly!”

“That’s because I was not prepared!”

“All right, all right...how about this?”

Your second attempt is a lot more successful, for you manage to land one upon that same cheek you previously stroked, with no unshaven beard hair or stray pieces of clothing getting in your way. A few seconds later, you’re immediately rewarded with the taste of peppermint as Howzer’s lips meet yours, a convenient lack of physical accidents helping to not ruin the moment between you.

Only then does Orinna decide to turn back around to see you, and by that particular instant, you’ve gone back to your usual chaste distance.

“You kiss by the book, Captain.”

“Consider that a preview of the wedding day,” Howzer promises you in return. He takes his share of the coffee into custody before raising his cup in your direction, his focus upon you never wavering for a second.

“Shall we toast, then, to our future together?”

Nobody has to strike any further bargains with you today, nor indeed should they need to. This means that, at least in business terms, the negotiations were successful and the plans are on their way to being finalized.

In more plainer terms, however, all that remains is for you two to take your first sips together...and with that, your journey with this good Captain of Ryloth officially begins.

“To the future,” you agree, your cup clinking quietly against his own.

[To Be Continued in Chapter 7, "Loosening Knots".

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