this is over when i say it’s over. — @lionthought as luke skywalker / there’s always a downside.
❝ don't do this! i don't want to fight you. ❞ his blaster felt hot in his hand as if he already discharged the bolt aimed straight between the jedi's eyes. there was no way he would win this fight, din saw what the man had done to the dark troopers, but that day on arvala-7 sealed his fate. there was no force in existence that would deter him from protecting the kid even if that meant getting cauterized into pieces. maybe that would be enough to scare grogu into hiding, to flee on his own . . .
alone.
din's grip tightened.
❝ you saved the kid and i owe you for that. but he isn't safe here. whatever moff gideon has planned is more dangerous than whatever the dark side is. ❞
a warmth spread across his leg. din dared a glance down to see grogu clinging to him, dark eyes wide with terror. the boy was a shivering speck in the mando's shadow.
❝ i've seen what that ben kid can do, ❞ the mandalorian continued, his voice rippled, contrary to the stalwart iron in his hands, ❝ if the imps come for grogu they'll take him too. you think you're strong enough to keep them both safe, and you might be, but that's not a risk i'm willing to take. so you protect yours — ❞
again, the man risked another look at the child, and nearly fell to his knees. the boy was looking straight at him and found din's eyes even with the helmet on. grogu gurgled. giant tears jettisoned themselves down his tiny cheeks, staining the boy's robe with wet bruises.
❝ i'll protect mine. ❞