Andulka
Mike Driver
Three Goblin Art
PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH
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he wasn't even looking at me and he found me
Cosimo Galluzzi
wallacepolsom
Stranger Things
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ojovivo
Sade Olutola
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sheepfilms
Monterey Bay Aquarium
YOU ARE THE REASON
Game of Thrones Daily
EXPECTATIONS
Show & Tell
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@geekywritings
My partner and I cancelled our Adobe accounts today because of this. Imagine if makers of physical art media had the right to pilfer your sketchbooks because you used their pencils and paints. That’s basically what Adobe is trying to foist on everyone.
Quick update
I am still working on new Cal Kestis x Reader stories! Work is just a bit crazy at the moment.... But I should be able to post more stories soon! Thank you for your patience!
Don’t leave me
I usually don’t add it, but I kinda felt like writing some angst.
So have Cal x reader, where you worry that Cal might die. But no worries, there is a happy end!
___
Sobs were wrecking through your body, as you desperately tore at Cal’s vest and shirt to get to the damn blaster wound at his side. Too much blood, you realized, panic rising even higher, as you willed your body to function.
As a medic, you had seen all kinds of wounds and injuries. You had brought people back from the brink of death without losing focus. But this was different. This was the man you loved slipping away right beneath your hands.
“Another stim, BD!”, you called, and the little droid obeyed instantly.
The third one already, keeping him alive, while you tried to stave the bleeding. You had already used up whatever bandages you always carried on yourself and had resorted to tearing at your own shirt for more material.
“Y/N…” In your panic you had almost missed what barely qualified as a whisper coming from him. He was conscious! That was an improvement, though moreso for you than for him, as the pain seemed to hit him instantly.
“Shhh, lie still. I got you.”, you spoke, trying to sound calm and soothing, as you tightened the bandage around his torso, feeling the groan he gave deep in your soul.
“I… want to… see you… one…last…”
“NO! Die with whoever comes after me, Cal! You do not leave me! Not now! And not like this!”, you yelled, refusing to let this become your final goodbye.
“After you?”, his voice was so quiet. But the fact that he was able to speak at all gave you hope. “Nobody…ever…could…”
“Then even more reason for you not to die here.”, you continued, now taking care of the other blaster wound in his shoulder, which was bleeding equally badly. “Because I have every intention of growing old with you, you hear me? You and I are gonna spend our final days in some nice house by a lake, looking at holos of our children and grandchildren.”
“Is that… what…you…want?”
“I haven’t wanted anything else since you told me you loved me, Cal…” Why did you suddenly feel like crying? Deep down you knew. If the Mantis didn’t pick you up soon, giving you access to the rest of your medical equipment, you would lose him…
“Sounds…nice…”
“Another stim, BD!” The droid opened his compartment, revealing the very last he carried and you swallowed. You had to time it right or it would all have been for nothing. His heartbeat was so slow… his breathing so faint… and he was undoubtedly in a lot of pain…
But Cal was also fighting. You’ve seen enough patients in his state. Those, who had given up would fade quickly. But your experience also told you that a will to fight wasn’t always enough. Even a Jedi aided by the Force could not overcome too much blood loss…
Suddenly you heard it. An incoming message with Greez’s familiar voice. A huge relief washed over you and you injected the last stim quickly, before getting everything ready to dock your stolen vessel to the Mantis.
Once on the ship, you’d be able to treat him properly. At least until you reached a proper medical unit in one of the secret rebel bases.
“Hang in there just a little longer, Cal. Don’t leave me.”, you urged, as the crew came in to help you move him.
A few days later, you woke up from a restless nap at a table in the medical unit. Bacta tanks were rare, but the rebellion had managed to secure a handful. A fact that you were more than grateful for. Day in and day out you spent by Cal’s side, waiting and worrying. The crew would bring you food, but you ate just enough to stay awake a little longer.
On the third day, fatigue had taken over and you had fallen asleep at the table, Cal’s vitals still flashing on the screen before you. He was stable now, with a high chance of recovery. Yet you still refused to move. You wanted to be there when he woke up properly…
Yet in your sleep you missed exactly that moment. It was someone else from the medical unit that came in and moved the recovering Jedi to a bed for a check-up and more rest.
Waking up and not finding him there… you feared the worst at first. Only to be assured by the first person you ran into that everything was well.
“There you are.”, he greeted you, voice still weak and eyes barely open, when you entered his room.
“How are you feeling?”, you asked, instantly taking a seat by his side.
“Probably better rested than you.” Ah, humor again. It meant good things and you managed a tired smile.
“What planet?”
The question confused you and you gave him a quizzical look.
“The house you spoke of… What planet should we build it on?”
He still remembered that. “Naboo would be nice… or Koboh… but I am open to suggestions.”, you indulged him.
“Sounds nice… What about names for the kids? Any ideas there?”
You laughed, while tears brimmed in your eyes at the same time. “Plenty…”
A trembling hand came to your face, wiping the first tear that had dared to travel over your cheek. “I thought of nothing else… that future you planned for us… it’s what kept me alive….”
More tears now, as you placed a hand over his. “Will you stop fighting now?”
He nodded slowly. “I guess I found my place in the galaxy… and it’s next to you.”
It was time for a peaceful life. For both of you.
Lipstick marks
I did get one request done these days! As I said, I will try to get to the others at one point, but if I don’t get to your request, I am sorry! Sometimes, it’s hard to find a muse for certain scenarios...
The request for this one: “Hii ♥️ Another cute blurb about our favorite redhead Jedi would be the cute Mantis crew tease about him having reader's smudged red lipstick on his face and neck! Would love to read that, thank you in advance :) “
_____
You were supposed to be his secret. Not because Cal was ashamed of your relationship, but because he wanted to keep you safe. Not even the Mantis crew knew where he headed whenever they stopped on Koboh. They probably thought he was doing some patrol run or looking for a new sort of trouble again. Instead, he went to find you on your little farm on the very outskirts of the ever-growing little town.
Just like this time.
The moment the ship had landed, Cal was out and heading to your place rather than the Saloon. His last visit had simply been too long ago and he yearned to hold you in his arms again. To hear you whisper his name full of love and to fall asleep by your side.
“Cal?”, Bode called after him, but all the redhead did was wave, as he sprinted off.
He found you outside, bandaging the injured paw of a little Bogling and for a moment the Jedi slowed down to take in the scene. You were as gentle with the creatures in your little clinic at the farm as you were with everyone else. It was one of the many reasons why he fell in love with you.
“There, soon you’ll be running around again.”
Now he could hear your voice, gently speaking to the ball of fluff in your lap and his heart soared. It really had been too long.
The Bogling noticed him first and made a squeaky noise, trying to get away. You let him go and looked up, seeing Cal approaching with a smile.
“Cal!”, you exclaimed, running toward him and practically jumping into his arms. He welcomed you with a laugh, holding you close and just taking in the moment.
“I missed you.”, you said after a few seconds.
“I missed you more.” The standard reply every time, but you smiled regardless.
“Have you been well?”, he asked, putting you back down, but still keeping you close.
“Better than you, I assume. You look tired.”
He absolutely was, but tried to hide it behind a sheepish grin. “The last missions got a bit intense, yeah.”
You invited him inside to take a shower while you prepped a meal, which you could enjoy together. For Cal, this was true bliss. A home, he never expected to have again after the fall of the Order. Yet he couldn’t bring himself to stay either. The fight still called to him and you respected his choice.
Still, after being apart for a couple of months, you hoped that he would stay a little longer this time. Unfortunately, he could not and your last day together dawned sooner than you liked.
“Stay.”, you tried to coax him, your naked body on top of his in your bed, as you pressed soft kisses to his cheek and neck.
In moments like these, he wished he could stay forever. But the danger of the Empire showing up and taking everything from him again was just too real to ignore.
“I’ll come back soon.”, he promised, a hand gently brushing through your hair.
“You said that last time as well.”, you pouted.
“I promise, Y/N.”
Slowly you sat up, watching from the bed as he got up to get dressed. You joined him in the end, closing the vest for him and pressing another kiss to his cheek. “Be careful and come back to me.”
“I always will.”, he vowed and gave you one last kiss before returning to the Mantis where Bode and Merrin were already waiting for him, busy talking to Greez.
“Ah, there he is. We thought you got lost somewhere.”, Bode greeted him.
“Not on this planet.”, the Jedi retorted smugly, but the smile disappeared when his comrades’ faces changed. “What?”, he asked.
Bode was grinning now, while Merrin held back a chuckle, shaking her head.
“Nice new look, Cal. I gotta say, the little pink on your cheeks and neck really brings out your eyes.”, Greez teased with a laugh.
Confused, the Jedi’s hand went to rub at his cheek, before looking at his fingers. Remnants of your lipstick… Dammit.
“What’s her name?”, Merrin asked directly.
“I don’t know what you mean.” He knew he couldn’t get out of it now, but he still tried, as he rubbed the proof of your night together off his skin, even though he would have preferred not to.
“The pretty vet on the outskirts of town. We saw you together, dumbass.”, the nightsister clarified.
“You knew?”
“I also like to explore. And I have two working eyes.”
Of course. While Bode tended to happily spend his time in the Mantis or in Pyloon’s Saloon, Merrin was bound to grow curious about the area. And your farm wasn’t exactly hidden.
“We are happy for you, kid. But next time, bring her over for proper introductions.”, Greez spoke, making Cal nervously rub his neck to fight the blush creeping over his face.
“Will do, Greez.”, he promised. Surely presenting you to his closest allies would be alright. They might tease and joke, but they would welcome you with open arms, he was sure.
“While I’m gone, watch out for her for me, ok?”
The Latero nodded. “Of course, Cal. But maybe you should consider settling down now… You could have a normal life, kid. A home. A family.”
“He’s right. This could be your chance to find peace.”, Bode chimed in.
Instantly Cal remembered your body on his and your plea for him to stay. But something inside of him wasn’t quite ready yet. If there was still a chance to destroy the Empire, he needed to try.
“I’ll think about it.”, he said instead, heading toward the Mantis. “Now come on, the quicker we get this mission done, the quicker we can come back.”
Family is what you build
Another little story that came to me on my holiday.
Cal x reader + Kata as an adoptive daughter. I just love the trope of found family.
______
“Who’s this?”
At the sound of the ship landing nearby, you had rushed out of your home, expecting Cal to return, but for the first time, he was not alone.
“This is Kata.”, the Jedi replied, standing behind the black-haired little girl, hands resting gently on her shoulders, as she smiled at you a little shyly.
“Nice to meet you, Kata. Come on in, you two. It looks like it’s about to rain.”
Cal took the girl’s hand, following you inside. He knew his way around, the place like a second home to him after so long. The feeling was nothing he ever would have expected, given your first encounter.
That had been more than a year ago, when you had fished him out of the river, more dead than alive. He had gotten injured trying to take down an Imperial base far upstream, you had found out later, after you had nursed him back up.
He had stayed with you for a few weeks then, albeit not exactly voluntarily, his wounds keeping him from returning to the fight. During that time, you had grown close and he had learned to appreciate the quiet life you led on your little farm in the middle of nowhere. The Imperial occupation of the planet almost intangible where you lived.
You had not expected him to return after he left for the first time, but just a few weeks later, you found him standing in your garden. He wanted to repay you for your kindness, but you refused the credits he offered. Instead, he ended up helping you around the farm for a few days, fixing things and taking care of the plants. He was surprisingly good with it and you could see how he relaxed more and more.
Soon, your home had turned into his safe haven. He would come to see you after particularly intense missions or when he needed some medical care, not trusting anyone else with it. And before you knew it, you could not imagine a life without him. Or he without you. At the same time, you both knew that he could not just abandon the fight. He would never be able to rest knowing that he could make a change out there.
So, although you worried, you let him go every time and welcomed him back with open arms. Him and whoever he brought with him. Like this mysterious little girl.
“Are you hungry, Kata?”, you asked her, as she took a seat at your little table.
“Yes! Cal said you are a great cook.”, she spoke, the shyness quickly dissipating.
“Did he now? What else did he say about me?”
“That you are very nice. And really pretty!”
You chuckled as you warmed up some soup from last night.
“Well, it is true…”, Cal said to his defense, joining you in the kitchen area to grab bowls and spoons. He always helped out without being asked to – one of the many things you loved him for. You smiled as he leaned down to press a kiss to your cheek. “That’s a lame kiss.”, you complained and this time it was his turn to chuckle before he placed a second one on your lips.
Dinner was different with an additional person at the table, but you enjoyed it nevertheless. Kata was a lovely girl, bright and open, easily holding a conversation. Soon, she was growing tired however and you offered your bed, seeing as there weren’t many alternatives. You could always share the couch with Cal.
You watched fondly as Cal tucked her in, wishing her a goodnight before the two of you went outside. It was pouring by now, but the bench on your porch was protected by a little roof.
“So? Will you tell me about her?”, you asked the question that had been nagging you since their arrival. The story he told you was nothing you had ever expected, however. Bode’s betrayal, the fight, the discovery of Tanalorr. It was almost all a little too much for you.
At the same time, your heart swelled with love for the man who already held it. To take in a child like that, no questions asked, not anyone would do that.
“I should have asked you first.”, he finished with, a hint of guilt in his voice. “But I couldn’t just leave her all alone. After I was the one to kill her father…”
Instantly your hand was on his, while giving him a reassuring smile. “You did the right thing, Cal. And I love you even more for it.”, you added. “But the question is, what do you plan to do now?”
He seemed to be battling with himself, so many emotions passing over his face.
“You can leave her with me… if she wants to stay.”, you offered and his eyes snapped toward you. He had hoped he could count on you. No, he KNEW that he could count on you, but still… And it wasn’t the only thing on his mind.
“Tanalorr… it’s a true chance for a new life.”, he finally began. “For so many people. It will need some work, of course…” Again he paused. “The fight against the Empire is impossible.” You squeezed his hand a little tighter at the tone of defeat in his voice. “But I can at least save as many people as possible. Offer them a haven out of the Empire’s reach.”
He adjusted your hands, now being the one holding yours. “I… I was hoping we could build something there as well.”
You were at a loss for words. He was asking you to leave and instantly your eyes scanned over the place you called home. You had built so much of it with your own hands, the entire house nothing more than a ruin surrounded by dirt when you had bought it. But who said you couldn’t create something similar somewhere else?
Cal seemed to notice your hesitation, as he continued to speak: “I know, you are safe here now. But who says the Empire won’t come here in the future?”
He did have a point. You were surrounded by fertile land and lush forests. Or, as the Empire probably saw it, valuable resources. It really was just a question of time until your home would fall into their clutches.
“I want to build a future with you.”, the Jedi repeated, looking at you earnestly. “We could have a safe home on Tanalorr. You, me, and Kata, if you are willing to give it a chance.”
Although the idea of leaving your home was still painful, you nodded. Because you did want a future with Cal. And even the idea of an adoptive daughter had its own nice ring to it.
“You agree then?”, he asked, hopefully.
“Yes, but I have conditions.”
“Whatever you want, love.”
“One, I’m picking the spot where to build the house.”
He nodded. “Should be feasible.”
“Two, I’ll be the one cooking. You don’t know how to season.”
“Although I’m slightly offended, I agree.”, he replied with a chuckle.
“Also, no more dangerous missions.”
“That is the plan… Once everything is settled.” It was a compromise you could work with.
“And lastly…” Ok, this one was the one you were really worried about.
“Yes?”, Cal seemed to sense something big was coming, but nothing prepared him for the words you uttered.
“I want a sibling for Kata one day.”
You had no chance to worry about your blush, as Cal was quick to lean in, capturing your lips in a kiss. You could feel every bit of love he felt for you in that gesture, and every bit of excitement your last condition had sparked in him.
“Deal, love.”, he whispered as you pulled apart, ready for a new future.
Stubble trouble
It was a little quiet here, cause I went on a spontaneous holiday. But I return bearing new Cal Kestis x reader shorts! I also saw your requests and I will try to get to them, even though I am currently struggling to find the right inspiration. Please bear with me...
But as my apology, I offer this cute Cal x reader short that came to me while on my camping trip: Reader loves Cal’s stubble. And then, one day, it’s gone...
____
Life with Cal was bliss. His gentleness stronger than the weight of the war and his light brighter than any darkness that could threaten to consume you.
It was the little things that made your relationship perfect. That allowed you to keep fighting. That gave you hope that one day you could experience all of this in peace on a lovely quiet planet somewhere.
Every morning you’d wake up to his green eyes on you and a smile on his face before he’d breathe a soft “Good morning, love.”. And every evening his touch and kisses would be the last thing you felt before eventually drifting off to sleep, now unburdened by nightmares.
You loved the way his face lit up when you’d cook up a nice meal or surprise him with something he liked from the marketplace. And you loved running your hand over his face, his stubble prickling pleasantly against your fingers.
And it was exactly this small detail that caused you a huge shock one morning.
You were preparing breakfast when Cal emerged from the shower and you almost dropped the pan you were holding as you stared at him.
“Is everything alright, Y/N?”, Cal asked, pulling down his white shirt.
“What did you do?!”, you exclaimed, still staring at his face. He looked so… different. And also visibly confused about your outburst.
You put the pan down and walked over, fingers running over his now smooth jawline. He still looked handsome, yet you could not help the pout forming on your lips.
“Get it back.”
“You mean the stubble?” Now he was catching on.
“Yes, of course I mean the stubble!”
Cal found himself chuckling suddenly. All of this because he had shaved for once?
“What? Will you leave me if I don’t?”
The pout on your face intensified.
“Of course not! But… I loved it… I miss it already.” Again your finger trailed over his cheek, missing the familiar sensation. “I guess I’ll just ignore you for a few days until it grows back.”
His arms were around you instantly, pulling you close with a laugh. “As if you could.” And with that, he kissed you. The sensation was different, but as always, it made you feel all warm and excited. Still, when you broke apart, you gave him another pout. A fake one this time, your grin almost breaking through, but it lasted long enough for you to say: “Don’t ever do that again.”
Another chuckle from Cal, as he went to grab the plates for breakfast.
“I promise.”
And true to his words, the stubble stayed for all the years you were together.
“What now?” “You kiss me.”
Sooo, I was actually trying to work on the request with the sarcastic reader, but somehow the story took a life of its own. Buuut, I kinda like the result, so I want to share it with you anyway. I will get to the request once sarcastic muse hits!
So have instead a reader that uses sarcasm, flirtation and wit as a shield, but Cal sees right through it. Let’s just say, reader is having some trouble witht that and cuteness ensues.
___
Witty, sarcastic, snarky and flirtatious. Those were the words most would use to describe you and you were fine with it. The quips and dry jokes were your shield. You last defense after being betrayed one time too often.
You could easily joke with people, because that meant you could leave serious topics aside and drown your fear. Your “What are you afraid of? As if these guys can even shoot properly” during battle was the perfect cover for trying to suppress the memory of this type of weapons being aimed at you and your master.
Flirting was another great tactic to keep people emotionally at arm’s length. Because as long as you flirted, nobody asked anything deeper. Your heart was safe as long as everything remained superficial. And for the longest time, that had worked great.
Until you met Cal Kestis.
Despite everything you tried, he was worming his way through your defenses one smile and kind gesture at a time.
He laughed at your sarcastic quips during battle, when you mocked your enemies, but always asked if you were alright afterward.
He accepted the nicknames you were throwing his way, but always gave you that special smile that had your heart skip a beat whenever you did call him by his name.
He got angry when you flirted with some random guy, constantly stepping in and taking over the conversation himself and he always had a comeback for whatever witty comment you offered.
It was frustrating, to say the least.
You had been betrayed by your soldiers. You had been betrayed by the person who had initially offered you shelter and protection. And you had been betrayed by a man you thought had loved you. You were done trusting.
But how could you not trust Cal? How could you not fall in love when he proved every day that he was different?
“Why are you like this?”, you exploded one evening, the frustration breaking through, while you sat over a game of sabacc together in the Mantis. The two glasses of alcohol you’ve had probably weren’t helping.
“Like what?”, Cal asked, visibly taken aback.
“Like… you.”
Your less than clear answer earned you a raised brow.
“I have no clue what you mean.”
A frustrated huff escaped your lips and you leaned back on the couch, the game forgotten for a moment.
“Kind. Understanding. Loyal. Empathetic. Gentle. Funny. Bloody handsome too!”, you enumerated.
“And that’s bad?”
“Yes!”
“How much did you have to drink?”
You gave him a sarcastic look at that. “Clearly not enough.”
Cal leaned back himself, wondering where this was all coming from.
“You are making it so bloody hard, you know?”, you continued. “To not fall in love with you.”
You had tacked on the explanation before he could ask about it and the words had both of you go absolutely still. Only the humming of the engine was heard, as the Mantis rushed through hyperspace.
“You are in love with me?”, the red-haired Jedi was the first to speak hesitantly.
“No… Yes… I...” You sighed. “I didn’t want to fall in love again. I didn’t want to trust again. Why do you think I kept calling you Starboy instead of your name for the first few weeks? I thought you’d just leave anyway.”
“But I didn’t leave.”
“No, somehow you didn’t. And you always laughed at my stupid dry jokes.”
“I didn’t think they were stupid.”
“And you were never put off by my sarcasm somehow.”
“I think it’s actually endearing.”
“And that’s the problem, Cal! You are perfect. For me… and I… I’m not ready to have my heart pulled out, quartered, fried and served in pieces again.”
You were on the brink of something here, Cal sensed it and he chose his next words with care. “And you think I would do that to you?” His voice was soft, almost a whisper, as he stared at you.
Seconds ticked by until you breathed a simple: “No.”
Slowly, Cal shifted closer to you on the couch, but didn’t dare reach out.
“You are special to me, Y/N. I would rather face Vader again than hurt you like you have been hurt before.”
Wait, what? He sounded as if he knew, even though you had never revealed the betrayals that plagued your heart. He seemed to read your expression just right, because he rubbed his neck, almost a little embarrassed all of a sudden.
“Psychometry… I can’t always control it. I saw things… when I cleaned away some of your clothes.”
“When?”
“Shortly after we’ve met.”
You were left stunned. He had always known and he had never treated you with pity or tried to offer support where it wasn’t asked for. He had just been himself around you.
“What now?”, he asked after another silence, unsure where you stood at this point.
“You kiss me, Starboy. That’s what.”
He did. There would be time to continue this strangely deep talk later.
The gift of love
This is just a load of fluff and some dad Cal!! Also, apologies for changing the request a little. The story just wrote itself!
The request: “Oooo ok I thought of something! Cal x reader where the reader gets pregnant and Cal finds her crying about it cause she thinks their whole Mantis operations are now in danger and she is just really scared and he comforts her. And then skip to the birth and it’s a little girl and they name her Y/D/N Cere Kestis???”
_____
This should be a joyous moment. Yet you couldn’t stop the tears as they spilled from your eyes, sinking to the floor in the room you shared with Cal on the Mantis.
It’s not that you didn’t want a child, but the revelation of your pregnancy had the most inopportune timing! Together with the crew, you had revived Cere’s project of the Path to find a safe spot for those trying to escape the Empire. Tanalorr was a good safe haven, but the infrastructure was still lacking and even though the first refugees were working hard on it, it would take weeks if not months before the planet offered true comfort.
Yet you couldn’t sit around and wait. Finding survivors and allies wasn’t always easy and getting them into safety even less so. Sometimes smuggling worked, other times, a fight was unavoidable. And then there was also the perilous journey to the hidden planet. Greeze had already settled down there, making you the official pilot for the dangerous trips. And that’s why you were now a sobbing mess on the floor. They needed you. The cause, these people out there… you couldn’t let them down.
So lost in your despair, you didn’t hear the door sliding open or Cal entering. Not until you felt his hands on your shoulders, a worried voice asking: “Y/N, what’s wrong?”
You couldn’t speak, instead you threw yourself into his arms, grateful for the way he held you, a hand just gently stroking through your hair as he patiently waited for you to calm down. All the while, he was whispering sweet assurances to you that everything was fine. That he was there.
“I’m so sorry…”, were the first words you managed to get out.
“Sorry about what?”, he asked, worry and confusion thick in his voice.
Puffy red eyes were focused on him as you fought with yourself to get the words out. He needed to know. He deserved to know. After all, it was his child as well.
“Cal… I’m pregnant.”
Green eyes widened and you saw a waterfall of emotions rush through them. Everything from surprise, shock and wonder, all mixed into one.
“Are you sure?”, he managed to choke out.
You nodded and were about to apologize again, when Cal suddenly pulled you into another hug. “That is wonderful.”, he spoke and you could hear in his voice that he was smiling.
“But the mission…”, you began and Cal instantly let you go again, so that he could look at you.
“Is that why you were crying?”
Another nod from you, earning a gentle smile from Cal, before he leaned forward to press his forehead against yours.
“The fight is important… but you are even more important to me. We wanted to build a future on Tanalorr, remember? This…” He placed a hand on your stomach. “Is even more motivation for me. Besides, the Path isn’t just us anymore. We have an entire network of allies. We can retire any time and know that Cere’s vision will live on.”
Every word was like a calming balm for your soul, at the same time, you felt your eyes prickling with tears again. Great, were you going be be extra emotional for months now?
“You would really stop fighting for me?”
“I would do anything for you, love. For you and our family.”
His smile grew. “I still can’t believe I’m going to be a father…”
He seemed so genuinely happy. So amazed by the turn his life was about to take. And seeing him like that, you couldn’t help but feel happy as well.
10 months later
“Shhh, your mom is sleeping.”, Cal cooed to the crying infant, as he walked up and down the bedroom, gently rocking the baby in his arms. Not wanting to wake you, he finally opted to go outside, the night air of Tanalorr warm enough during this season.
You had a small home, far on the outskirts of the ever-growing town the people had called Haven. Although Cal still did the occasional run for the Path, he had mostly hung up his lightsaber, focusing on helping people in other ways. He was good at fixing things and enjoyed farming. Both skills desperately needed on this new planet.
And he had a family now. One he didn’t want to leave. With a smile, he stared at the child. His son, who still seemed like a little miracle to him.
“Want me to tell you another story about your namesake?”, he asked. “He was a great Jedi Master. Strict, but also incredibly patient and kind.” Little Jaro was quickly calming down, as he always did when Cal began to tell stories.
“That’s one of my favourites as well.”
Your voice caught Cal’s attention after he had just finished one of his tales. “I hope we didn’t wake you.”
You shook your head and joined him, placing a kiss on his cheek and then one on your sleeping baby boy’s forehead. “The bed just grew cold without you.”, you explained with a smile, which he returned.
“I’ll be right back. Seems like the little one fell asleep again.”
“He won’t be for long. So let’s stay and enjoy the view for a while.”, you suggested and both your heads turned to the magical display of Tanalorr’s nightsky, as you stood arm in arm. This was your home. This was your future. And you had fought long and hard to finally enjoy it. Together.
Blind affection
I never wrote a blind character before, so please bear with me. I tried to put myself in her shoes and I hope I did that request justice!
The request: Hii, love your writing <3 Can I ask for Cal x blind!Reader? (If that ofc is something you are comfortable with) That would be amazing :) thank you and have a nice day!
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It was always difficult to explain to others how you saw the world. Then again, perhaps “seeing” wasn’t the right word for a blind person to use. Feeling was probably a better choice.
It wasn’t simply a sensory experience, though. You could literally feel the world pulsating around you at times. Living organisms were easier to pick up on, their moving and living forms giving off the strongest sensations.
“It sounds like you are mildly Force-sensitive.”, Cal replied when you tried to explain it to him one day. “It would explain why living beings are easier for you to notice.”
You nodded, as it did make sense. But to believe that you held even a sliver of the powers Cal had was astounding. Would you have grown up in the temple like him, if you had been born elsewhere? The Jedi had picked up force-sensitive children from all over the Inner- and Mid-Rim. A few had even come from the Outer-Rim, but your home planet was on the far outskirts of that. A bind spot for the Republic and thus also likely for the now fallen Order.
Perhaps it was better you had not grown up a Jedi. Chances were, you wouldn’t be alive after the purge.
“Is that why I feel you so strongly?”, you asked and you heard the red-haired Jedi fumble a bit, as if he wasn’t quite sure how to take your question.
“I-I guess so…”, he managed to get out and you smiled a little. It was amusing how the confident rebel could so easily be reduced to stuttering at a mere question of yours. You would never admit it out loud, but you loved to tickle that side out of him.
But you never pushed it too far, wanting Cal to be as comfortable around you, as you were around him. Given how much time you spent together, though, this probably wasn’t something you needed to worry about. Whenever the Jedi was on Koboh, he came to see you first. And you were always the last person he spent time with before leaving as well.
“What do you look like, Cal?”, you suddenly asked into the companionable silence that had settled for a while. He was surprised again, though in a different way, before attempting a clinical description.
“Can I see for myself?” He stopped, blinking. “May I feel your face, Cal?”, you rephrased your question and he breathed a little yes, before adjusting his sitting position so you could reach him better.
The moment your fingers touched his cheeks, he wanted to lean into your touch. It was so soft, warm… It made him feel safe and calm.
“You have a stubble.”
Your voice drew him out of his thoughts and he chuckled. “Yeah, didn’t find much time to shave recently.”
“I like it.”
Your fingers trailed upwards, brushing along the fading scar. You bit your lip as you felt it. It must have hurt… But you didn’t say anything about it out loud, but just continued your exploration, while Cal sat patiently. He was basking in every second of this, feeling both exhilarated and nervous.
Didn’t you know what your touch was doing to him? Even if it was all innocent. It made him want to forget every Jedi vow he had ever taken.
“You are handsome.”, you observed, as you trailed along his jaw.
“And you are beautiful.”, he found himself saying before he could think about it twice. You smiled.
“Charmer.”
“Trying my best.” His quip died on his lips as your fingers brushed over them and suddenly Cal couldn’t help himself and reached for your hand.
“You should stop.”, he spoke slowly and the smile on your face died. Did you cross a line? But Cal’s next words had you audible gasping.
“If you continue, I won’t be able to live without your touch.”
And just like that, he brought your hand closer to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on your knuckles.
“You are already in my thoughts constantly, Y/N…”
“Cal…”
“It goes against the Code. Against every vow… But I…”
“Cal! You coming? The Mantis is ready!” Bode’s call cut right into whatever this was. A confession? A rejection? You weren’t quite sure. But Cal’s sigh showed that he didn’t want to go yet.
“When I return… let’s finish this talk.”, he said regrettably and you nodded.
“Be careful”, you said softly, listening to his disappearing footsteps.
Meanwhile, Bode gave Cal a curious glance.
“Did you tell her?”, he asked.
“Tell her what?”
“That you love her, you idiot.”
Cal remained silent.
“Cal, I told you before. If you see a chance at happiness, take it. Life doesn’t offer you many opportunities like that. Don’t let them pass you by.”
Again silence. But suddenly the Jedi turned and sprinted back to where you were still sitting in front of the Saloon and just moved in to kiss you.
“Wait for me, Y/N. After I come back, I’ll confess properly.”
Reunion
Got a few more requests done! So please, enjoy!
The request: “ Hello, I hope you're having a good day/night! May I request a cute Cal Kestis x Reader fic where they talk about their time as padawans? Maybe they found each other again after all this time. :) “
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„What planets do you still want to visit?”
Cal turned toward you, his fellow Padawan, as your eyes were still focused on the starry sky above you. Peaceful evenings on a desolate moon like this, where you could just lie in a field somewhere and watch the galactic display above you were rare and you always tried to make the best of them.
The two of you had become apprentices during the war, your Jedi path thus vastly different from the one walked by your Masters.
“I don’t know.”, Cal replied honestly to your question. “I think I’d also be happy serving on Coruscant.”
You pulled a face at the admission, your adventurous spirit revolting at the idea of staying in one place. But just because it wasn’t to your liking, it didn’t mean that it wouldn’t suit Cal. The calmer and more spiritual of you two, life at the temple was probably exactly what would make him happy.
“I can see you becoming a teacher… or even as part of the Council one day.”, you mused, your eyes following a shooting star across the dark firmament.
“And what about you?”, Cal asked, clearly curious.
“I’m going to explore the galaxy.”, you announced, lips spreading into a smile. “I wanna travel the Outer-Rim and help those in need. Maybe I’ll even go into uncharted territory to see what’s out there.”
Cal chuckled. “Sounds just like you.”
This time you turned, directing your smile at your childhood friend. “But I’ll come and visit you at the Temple, of course. And bring back souvenirs.”, you promised, realizing that a life completely apart just wouldn’t do.
The entire evening was filled with dreams, what-ifs and adventurous plans for your futures. All of which would never come to fruition….
10 years later
“I can’t believe you visited so many places…”
Cal turned toward you, his fellow survivor, as your eyes were focused on the starry sky above you. Such moments were rare amidst the war against the Empire and this was the first time you had the chance to lie on a field on a peaceful planet such as Koboh.
“And I can’t believe you were on Coruscant all this time.”, he replied, noticing the irony in that. You had met by pure accident and hadn’t left each other’s side since.
“I figured I’d hide where they’d least expect a Jedi to be.”, you shrugged. The underworld of the city planet was huge, offering plenty of refuge to those who knew how to navigate it.
“Tell me more about Dathomir… And Bogano… They sound fascinating.”
Cal made himself more comfortable by folding his hands under his head, trying to figure out where to begin. There was so much to tell, both places being vastly different from each other. Meanwhile you had turned to your side, looking at him expectantly.
“You know, I think I’ll just show you.”, the redhead finally decided, making you blink.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes, why not? We deserve a break after that last mission. And I’m sure you will enjoy Bogano.”
The ravenous landscape, the cute fluffy Boglings and the impressive structure of the ancient temple sounded like just the kind of things that would earn him one of those smiles and laughs he loved so much.
“And what about Dathomir?”
“I’ll ask Merrin if she knows some nice places… Don’t expect an ocean vista or anything though.”
You chuckled as you already envisioned the Nightsister’s face at being asked to play tourguide.
“What about after the war?”
Your question had Cal turning toward you, trying to read your expression.
“What about it?”
“What do you wanna do?”
Cal fell silent. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. After the purge, he didn’t dare to dream anymore like he had as a young Padawan. Noticing that he wasn’t about to say anything, you gathered all your courage to speak yourself.
“I thought we could settle down somewhere… You and I… somewhere quiet and peaceful.”
Cal’s eyes went wide, lips parting in surprise. Settling down? You? With him? Suddenly an image appeared in his head. A small home, a garden, the two of you sitting on a bench with BD-1 running after a little red-haired child….
Realizing that he still owed you a reply, Cal smiled, one of his hands reaching out for yours. “I’d like that.”, he said. “But are you sure? What about your exploration plans?”
“I think we will do quite a bit of traveling before all this is done… Besides, I want to enjoy growing old with you, Cal. And settling down sounds perfect.”
It did to him as well. As long as it was with you.
Hello! I love your Cal Kestis stories and was wondering if you have a tag list I could be added to.
Hello, thank you so much for your kind words. I do not have a tag list, but you can always find my stories under the cal kestis x reader or the cal kestis x you tags here on tumblr :)
That Cal Kestis x Reader meditation short I wrote inspired me to try something else and I wanted to share it with all of you.
I know it’s not perfect, but I still love the outcome. So, please enjoy :)
I thought you were dead
Another Cal Kestis x Reader story as requested by one of my lovely readers! Thank you very much for the idea: “Your writing is GORGEOUS! Would you mind wrighting a Cal x Reader where they get separated for a while (I mean like everyone is almost sure that Reader is dead) and the reaction to when the Reader shows up or when they run into Reader on a mission? Perhaps with a new scar? Like on their leg or something.“
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The chance of something bad happening to either of you, or any of the crew, had always been high. Such was the risk of working for someone like Saw Guerrera, after all. But Cal had not been prepared for the crippling sensation when the day did come.
The mission had appeared so easy. Go in, demolition the newly built Imperial supply base on Alderaan, steal as much intel as possible and leave. You had done it a dozen times already.
But this time, the clue you had received had been a trap. They had been waiting for you, ready to apprehend the terrorists that had been messing with their logistics for far too long. The crew had barely made it out alive. Well, most of the crew. You had been captured.
“We need to go.”, Bode, the newest member of your merry band had insisted and Cal had to agree through gritted teeth. Even if every part of his soul screamed to go back and look for you. If there was even a sliver of a chance of you being alive, he wanted to take it.
But the rest of the crew had given him the grief reminder that the Imperials weren’t known to show mercy. Especially not to rebel scum. All he could do now was come to terms with his loss and seek revenge.
For months, Cal fell into a hole, trying to fill the inner emptiness with work. His missions got more and more reckless, the fight more aggressive. He was beginning to walk dangerously close to the Dark Side, and he didn’t give a shit.
Attachments were forbidden for Jedi and now he partly understood why. Because losing the person in his heart broke him in ways he never could have imagined. If the loss of the Order and his Master had been bad, this was nothing short of a never-ending nightmare.
He would wake up in the middle of the night, trying to reach for your body next to his, just to find the space empty. Your clothes were still in the little cabin you shared on the Mantis, as Cal didn’t have the heart to remove them. Everything was as if you could return any moment and although the crew tried to convince the Jedi to let go, he refused. Something deep inside rejected the concept that you were truly gone.
Perhaps it was the Force whispering to him, because he was right. You were alive. Barely at first, but you were breathing. They had not shot you on the spot, which was a miracle in itself. What awaited you instead had been torture. Days and days of it in the hopes to extract some information about the rebellion. You didn’t say a word and tried to meditate instead, as Cal had taught you how to do.
Weeks passed between pain, unconsciousness, and despair until they finally grew bored. Instead of granting you a merciful death, they sent you to the Imperial prison on Wobani for hard labor. A mistake on their part, really. Didn’t they know who you were?
Getting out of the shithole was difficult, but not impossible. You just needed to bide your time to learn about the place, the people who worked there, the schedules of the transportation going in and out. After that, it was just a matter of moving quickly.
With the ship you stole, you made your way to the last rebel base you had called headquarters, switching ships in-between to cover your traces. All you wanted was to sleep for a few days. And maybe get a good meal.
But what awaited you at the landing platform was worth more than any comfortable bed or delicious food. The Mantis was there! You hadn’t expected it! Even though Cal had been on your mind constantly, the one thing that kept you going, you hadn’t thought to find him here.
“Cal…”, your voice didn’t carry, too parched from a lack of water.
Leaving your ship, you forced your body to walk across the platform and toward the familiar ship. As if on cue, the Jedi you were hoping to see emerged, looking left then right, his eyes stopping on you.
Impossible! He had thought he had felt you, but to see you there… Alive.
His pulse sped up a hundredfold, as he rushed toward you, wrapping you in his arms and holding you close for what felt like eternity. You could feel his body shake lightly, his tears wetting your hair. You had never seen him like this. Then again, you were crying yourself, so you weren’t judging.
“How?”, he whispered, not managing to say much else.
“Long story…” You weren’t exactly capable of much more.
Finally releasing you, Cal took a good look at you, noticing the changes. You had lost weight, your hair a mess of knots and tangles and scars across your arms and even across your cheek and eyebrow. He could only imagine that there were more hiding beneath your clothes. Yet despite it all, he was just glad to see you alive.
“Are you in pain?”, he asked.
“I forgot what it’s like not to be in pain.”, you couldn’t hold back the bitter reply. “But I am even more tired and hungry. Imperial prisons aren’t exactly known for their excellent cuisine.” The humor was lost on Cal, as worry still reflected in his eyes.
“Let’s get you checked up. And then you can sleep and eat as much as you want.” And with that, he picked you up with ease, heading back toward the small base the rebels had built for themselves on this desolate moon.
“I never expected to see you again… But I thought of you every day.”, you whispered on the way.
“I thought of you too… I couldn’t accept that you were gone.”, he admitted, eyes on the road.
“Did you do stupid things while I was gone?”, you asked, noticing the change in him as well. Harder, more serious, broken in a new way.
“When am I not doing stupid things without your supervision?” Ah, he could still smile. The Cal you loved with all your heart was also still there. Relieved, you cuddled into him and fell asleep long before you even reached the medical unit. You were back. You were together again. And you would never be separated again, you both silently vowed.
Meditation lessons
I was inspired today, so I covered several requests! Have fun!
Dear anon, I had a lot of fun with that one: “Hiii I’ve really been enjoying your writing recently! If you’re still open for requests I would love to see your take on cal helping reader to meditate :)”
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Why was this so hard? You had tried every trick possible, but you still couldn’t get it right. Mediation just wasn’t your thing.
As a Youngling, you had often been scolded for not being able to sit still for more than a few minutes, and you hadn’t improved much as a Padawan either. Your Bothan Master had tried very hard to find a good technique for you, but your mind just couldn’t focus. It would be all over the place, wandering aimlessly. And soon after, your body would get restless, making you twitch and fiddle.
But you still refused to give up. Meditation was likely exactly what you needed to calm your restless nature, the quiet contemplation favourable over endless pacing.
“How do you do it?”, you asked Cal, finding the Jedi in his room, preparing himself for your next mission. He always took some time to ground himself, and you admired his ability to so easily focus and look inward.
“Do what?”, Cal asked curiously.
“Meditate. It looks so easy when you do it.”
For a second, he stared at you. “Well… I just do what they taught us in the Temple.”, he began, obviously struggling to put his answer into words. “I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and just focus on the Force.”
It sounded so easy, but it wasn’t.
“But doesn’t your mind wander?”
Usually, it didn’t. But recently, Cal did have some trouble keeping his focus. Especially when he could hear your voice or your laugh nearby. It was impossible not to hone in on the sound instead.
“Sometimes…”, he admitted without revealing too much. “I guess the trick is to just always go back to your initial point of focus.”
The words made sense, you just didn’t know how to actually do that. Cal must have noticed your doubtful expression because suddenly, he locked the door and invited you to kneel on the ground.
“Take a position that is comfortable for you.”, he instructed and you quickly changed how you were sitting, staring up at your fellow Jedi expectantly. Not that you saw him for long, as he simply turned off the light. With no window in the cabin, you were enveloped by total darkness.
“Close your eyes.”
His smooth voice sent shivers down your spine. So close, right behind you.
“I can’t see anything anyway.”
“Close your eyes. Trust me.”, he repeated, and you followed. Footsteps, and then he was sitting in front of you. You could feel it.
“Now breathe.”, his voice had dropped lower into a whisper and you did as he asked, matching the slow rhythm of his breathing. In and out. Slowly. Deliberately.
“What do you feel?”, he asked, and for a split second, you weren’t sure what to say.
“You…”, you finally revealed, thankful that he could not see the blush on your face. But it was true. He was all you could feel. Pulsating in the force like a bright star.
You could hear that he tried to bite back a chuckle and just go with it. “Then that’s your point of focus.”
Now that was easier to follow. You found yourself relaxing more and more as you honed in on his presence before you. On the way the Force flew through him and through you, connecting you in a way you had never noticed before. Your breathing was calm, your mind free. You felt at peace and one with the Force. It was a marvelous sensation, and you basked in this newfound experience.
“Congratulations. You now know how to meditate.” Cal’s voice re-appeared in your head, and when you opened your eyes, you found him kneeling in front of you with a grin. The lights were back on and your eyes had to adjust to the sudden brightness.
“What?”
“You meditated for a good 15 minutes.”, the redhead explained, pride in his voice.
“I did?”
“Don’t be so surprised. I knew you could do it.” He rose and offered you a hand, helping you up. So many years, so many teachers, and out of all people it was Cal who had found the right method for you. All it took was to concentrate on him.
“How was it?”, he asked casually.
“Peaceful… and surprising.”
A raised brow invited you to elaborate.
“I could feel you… but not how I feel others in the Force. It was… I don’t know how to describe it…”
“Brighter?”, he offered and you nodded.
“Yes, exactly. And I could feel the Force between us. Like…”
“Like a bond.”
He had stepped closer to you, his expression growing softer.
“How do you know?”
“I feel the same when I meditate sometimes. When you are near… I don’t know what it means, but for you to feel the same…”
He had reached for your hands now and you happily intertwined your fingers with his. This was forbidden by the Order, yet it felt absolutely right.
“I guess it’s something we should figure out…”, you said, your voice dropping to a whisper, as you gravitated toward him. Like two magnets, unable to resist each other.
“We should…” Cal’s own voice was a whisper and a moment later your lips were locked in a kiss neither of you wanted to deny. Whatever was connecting you, it was strong. You would just have to discover what it was.
The stories that scars can tell
You guys are incredible! Just as I am working through last week’s requests, there are already new ones in my inbox. Thank you again for all your inspiration and encouragement. And of course, all requests will get a story!
But first, here is another one from last week: “You icon, it’s your fav anon again hehehe. So you are the best place to req for Cal so here’s another one 🤭 Cal x reader who has scars and he accidentally psychometry on one and he learns about her traumatic past and the comfort is reallll???”
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Cal had always been an early riser, while you preferred to stay in bed just that little bit longer. Now, after you had got together, the Jedi began to lounge in the mornings as well, enjoying that extra bit of time by your side.
He would busy himself studying your face or just closing his eyes to enjoy the feel of your warm body against his until you woke up. It was like a new form of meditation that offered him more calmness and happiness than he had ever thought possible.
This morning however was going to be different. You were still asleep, your nude body cuddled into Cal’s, as he drew lazy circles over your back. He could feel the traces of old scars there, some more faded than others. You were both fighters in this war, so your bodies were bound to carry the marks, but many of yours were older.
You had never spoken of their origin and Cal had never asked, knowing well that some things were better left to rest in the past. Still, sometimes he couldn’t help but wonder what your life had been like before meeting him. Before the rebellion. Before the fall of the Republic.
And just like that, his special Force power activated against his will, as his finger glided over a particularly long scar going from your shoulder down your back.
He found himself in a dark world of metal and strobe lights. Nar Shadaa? Corellia? It was hard to tell. Besides, something else quickly drew his attention. The agonizing screams of a girl, maybe 13 or 14 years old, as she knelt in a puddle of spilled drinks on the ground, shattered glass all around her. It was you, he realized. A younger version of you, to be exact.
“I told you to be more careful!” a tall man behind you yelled, as he hit you repeatedly with his belt. “You are the most useless slave ever! I should just sell you! It would be good riddance!”
Cal’s entire body was shaking with anger and disgust. And instantly, he forced himself to pull away from the vision. As much as he would have liked, he couldn’t pull his lightsaber at the man. An echo was just that, a replay of past events with no way to change them.
“What did you see?”
Your soft voice drew him back into the present and guilt filled him, as if he had invaded your privacy.
“I know that look on your face. You had one of those Force visions.” He had tried explaining them to you and while you could never fully grasp how they worked, you had come to know when they happened.
“I am sorry, Y/N… I didn’t mean to…”, he began, the guilt carrying in his voice.
“It’s alright. I know you can’t always control it… What did you see?”, you ended up repeating your question.
“I saw you being beaten… over spilled drinks.”
“Yes, my Master did that quite often.”
“You… were a slave?”, Cal asked hesitantly and you nodded. It wasn’t something you liked talking about, but it was no secret either. And especially the man you loved deserved to know.
“But slavery was forbidden…”
“The Republic didn’t have its eyes everywhere, Cal. And it wasn’t perfect. It tolerated more bad things than you and I can imagine…”, you spoke, adjusting your position, so that you could look at Cal better. “But the Empire is even worse.”, you tacked on, explaining why you were fighting for a Republic that had let you suffer.
“I never knew… I was so blind to a lot of things…” It was something the Jedi learned anew every day. How sheltered his life at the Temple had been. How much the war had covered. How many problems had been left unchecked because there was nobody to take care of them.
“We have the chance to make things better. That’s why we fight, right?” It was the reason you fought, at least.
Instead of answering, Cal pulled you into his arms, holding you close and burying his face in your hair. “I won’t let anyone treat you like that again. I promise.”, he whispered to you and you smiled, a hand gently playing with the hair on the nape of his neck. “We will make things better.”, he added on a vow. “For us. For everyone.”
You had no idea how you would manage that. You were but a handful of rebels against the might of an Empire. But right then, it didn’t matter. All that mattered were Cal’s arms around you, making you feel safe, protected and loved.
“We will, Cal. But for now, just kiss me.” And he gladly did.
“You are beautiful to me.”
Here is the first of the requests I still got in my inbox. There are quite a few of them, so thank you all for your patience in advance. I will get to all of them, I promise :D And thank you for showing my writing so much love! I absolutely adore Cal with all my heart and am so thrilled to share these stories with you!
And here is the request: “hi!! i’ve been living for all your cal kestis fics! im currently playing Survivor and i’ve always loved cal but there hasn’t been a lot of fics. so thank you!! if you’re taking requests… i would really love one about cal with a plus sized reader? it doesn’t necessarily have to be directly mentioned but just maybe insecurities the reader has but cal showing that he loves her and thinks she’s beautiful. maybe music is apart of reader’s life and she’s either apart of the mantis crew or like a koboh local? i haven’t really sent a request before so idk what you’d want but yeah… just been currently thinking about how cal would react or say in that situation… thank you” Please enjoy!
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Like most people on Koboh, you were looking to get away from something or someone. People here sought refuge, safety, or simply some peace. Yet they rarely talked about why they came to this desolate planet, choosing instead to focus on building a new life.
Although the community was tight, there were also troublemakers around. Or as you liked to think: “If there is a bar, there are bound to be assholes.”
You had worked in various restaurants and taverns already, and everywhere was the same. Given enough alcohol, some people would always turn nasty or cause trouble. Pyloon’s Saloon, your newest workplace, was no different. On most days, it was quiet and you could go about your day in peace. You’d either clean, help in the kitchen or serve drinks to customers, happy to help in whatever way possible to earn your keep.
Most people were extremely friendly, chatting easily with you. Your favourite guest was a certain Jedi, however, who came around far too scarcely for your liking. Cal Kestis, a friend of your boss, was often off-planet, fighting the Empire in some way. Sometimes he’d return to Koboh to recharge or to follow some other mission.
Whenever he did show up, your face brightened into a smile. The redhead was nothing but kind to you, making you laugh with his surprisingly dry and strange humor or telling you some stories about his latest adventures.
Sometimes, he’d also return beaten and battered and would sit patiently on a bar stool, while you took care of his injuries. There was a friendship between you, a bond that had formed so naturally and quickly that it often surprised you. Especially since you weren’t used to men showing any kind of interest.
You weren’t ugly, by any means! But you didn’t exactly have the figure most males were after. Certainly not handsome ones like Cal. You had always been chubby, even as a child, and eventually womanly curves got added to the mix. You liked yourself just fine, but sometimes you did wonder what it would be like to feel desired.
And on some days, you did wish you looked different. Days like this one, for example, where you were in charge of serving drinks again, while a small group of young men were playing Sabacc at a table, ordering far too much ale.
“Hey, Hutt-girl! Come and give us another round!”, one of them yelled, using one of the many insulting nicknames you had heard over the years. “And try to be quick, we are thirsty.”
You would have let it slide when suddenly a familiar voice spoke: “What did you call her?”
It was Cal! The music was so loud, you hadn’t even heard him enter the Saloon.
He was looking at the man, who had addressed you, his eyes narrowed, mouth tense. He was angry and his hand was itching to reach for his saber. But he had promised Greeze not to cause trouble of the Jedi kind in this place.
“Chill. It’s just a nickname. Hutt-girl doesn’t mind. I mean, look at her. She…”, the man slurred in Cal’s direction but didn’t get to continue, as the Jedi had quickly closed the distance and punched him straight in the face, knocking the fellow off his chair.
“Don’t call her that. She has a name.”, Cal spoke, voice icy.
The other men were instantly on their feet, though they looked unsure whether to fight or not. Cal wasn’t exactly unknown in these parts.
“Apologize to the lady.”, the Jedi demanded.
The group exchanged some looks, glancing back and forth between Cal, you, and their friend with a heavily bleeding nose. Without the alcohol, they might have taken the smart decision to follow Cal’s request. But too much ale made young men like these restless and rowdy, and a moment later one of them tried to take a swing at the Jedi.
He missed of course and Cal was quick to use his first to knock the attacker down. Within seconds, the thing escalated, all six young men attacking a single one. It wasn’t a fair fight, but Cal didn’t need help. He had dealt with much worse than troublesome drunks. Within five minutes, he was throwing the bunch out of the door, telling them to stay out.
“Thank you…”, you said, finally having found your voice again. “Cal… your lip…”
He had come out mostly unscathed, but one of the idiots had obviously landed a punch.
Cal wiped at the corner of his mouth with a thumb, noticing the blood. “No worries, I had worse.”, he replied casually, taking a seat at the bar.
“Let me get you something.”, you were quick to spring into action, grabbing a cool wet cloth for him.
“Do they often call you that?”, he asked, after you were done cleaning the busted lip. It really wasn’t as bad as it had looked at first glance.
“I’m used to it.”, you replied, trying to sound nonchalant. But the truth was, such names hurt.
“You shouldn’t be.”, Cal spoke, voice quiet and thoughtful.
The words earned him a smile, as you took a seat on the stool next to him. With the group gone, the Saloon was quiet and you could spare some time.
“Cal, I’m not blind or naïve. I know why they come up with names like that.”, you tried to explain. “I am not exactly what many would consider beautiful.”
“You are beautiful to me.”
His reply had your heart stop for a moment, your voice getting caught in your throat. What? Had you heard that correctly?
Cal seemed to notice your shock and reached out to brush his fingers against your cheek.
“You really are, Y/N. Inside and out.”
You went from not hearing your heart at all to being certain that everyone on the planet could notice it beating wildly in your chest.
“Cal… I…”, you weren’t sure what to say. How did one respond to such beautiful words?
“Everytime I come here, I hope that you are working.”, the Jedi continued, saving you from your word loss dilemma. “I look forward to hearing you laugh, to see that smile again. Whenever I am hurt, I know that you will patch me back up. Physically and emotionally.”
His hand was still on your cheek, thumb gently stroking over your skin, flushed red due to a deepening blush.
“And as long as I am around, nobody has the right to hurt you in any way. I won’t allow it. Because you are special to me, Y/N.”
He had laid out his heart to you and although your throat still felt tight, it was only fair to show him the same honesty. Part of your mind screamed a warning, that this could end badly, but you tried to drown that voice out.
“You are also special to me, Cal.”, you began. “My day gets a hundred times better whenever you walk in… I love listening to your stories… hearing your jokes… I like when you are next to me.” Was this too much? Were you interpreting his words the wrong way and running headfirst into rejection? It was too late to reconsider now, as your feelings fought to break out.
“Whenever you come back hurt, my heart breaks a little. And all I want to do is see you healthy and happy again… I miss you when you are not here. Then I find myself thinking about you…”
You didn’t have a chance to continue, as suddenly Cal’s lips were on yours. Stars, he was truly kissing you! Without thinking about it, you kissed him back, one arm sneaking around his head to play with his hair, while the other grabbed his upper arm for support.
He groaned into the kiss, as it intensified, both of you getting lost in the moment. Far too quickly it had to end, as you both remembered that you needed to breathe.
“Sorry… I should have asked…” There it was again. That caring and considerate side of his.
“No, don’t apologize. It was perfect.”, you were quick to say. “And I definitely would have said yes, anyway.”
His lips curved into a grin. “Good. I’m glad.” And with that, he leaned in for another kiss, pulling you closer this time.
“Y/N! I need some help down here!” Greeze’s voice was coming from the kitchen, breaking the moment once again.
“I should go. Boss is calling.”, you said reluctantly.
“What time do you finish?”, Cal asked.
“In an hour or so.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
You knew he would be. And the thought alone brought a smile to your face. Who would have thought that such a shitty evening could have such a beautiful end? Or was it just a beautiful beginning?
Quick update on requests!
Hello everyone, just a quick update from me! I have three amazing requests in my pipeline and I should be able to post all three stories next week! So stay tuned, more Cal x Reader content is coming!
And if you have more requests, keep em coming!
