love languages [ cal kestis ]
SUMMARY — how cal kestis demonstrates the love languages to his significant other
WARNINGS — gn!reader, fluff
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CAL KESTIS NEVER LEARNED THE DEFINITION OF LOVE. no jedi ever did. he learned what it meant through living with the mantis crew, as they grew to be his family. therefore, he understood familial love, but what about relational love? he didn’t learn that until he met you.
physical touch — it’s in the subtle touches. the small squeezes whenever either one of you would leave. the brush of your hands whenever you needed just a subtle reminder that you were ok. forehead kisses when you were uneasy. the way your fingers got lost in his thick strands of fiery red hair as he slept on your chest. the circles on your hand whenever you just needed him.
the way cal melts as you comb your fingers through his hair, shivers crawling down his spine. the way you feel your racing heart calm as his hand grasps onto yours. the way a thousand words are spoken with just a single kiss. while cal kestis never pegged himself as a physical touch person, he found himself drawn to your warmth and has a desire to be with you in it.
words of affirmation — it’s in his words. the way his eyes light up when he tells you how proud he is of you. the way his lips curve downwards when he tells you how sorry he is and how he’ll do anything to make it up to you. the way he encourages you when you’re trying your best. the way he rejoices when you’ve done something well, and encourages when you believe you’ve failed.
it’s the way he means every word he says, and you know he does. the way he’ll compliment you every chance he gets, no matter if you believe him or not. the way his heart swells whenever you tell him you’re proud of him. the way his eyes gloss over with tears when you remind him of just how strong he is, of how much of a true jedi he is.
gift giving/receiving — it’s the little things. the way he’ll go out on bogano and come back with flora, and he’ll always present it to you. the way you will bring him rocks you’ve found in the river, carved by the force of nature. the way that even if he can’t afford an extravagant gift for a special occasion, he’ll still buy something for you. something that reminds him of you, or something he thinks you’ll like. the way you would make him something special, a collage of images of the crew and him, maybe even a couple other items that brew in your imagination.
the way his eyes light up every time you bring him something you’ve made. the way yours light up every time he brings back a flower, or even something as disturbing as a bleeding gut plant; you still find it fascinating.
quality time — the way he’ll do anything just to be around you. you’ll sit with him as he works, reading or maybe fall asleep. he’ll sit with you as you read, or as you plant new seeds in the terrarium. you’ll stargaze on bogano, seeing the stars reflected in each other’s eyes, see the hope glisten in cal’s. sometimes there are words spoken, but not all of the time. it’s the fact that you’re spending quality time together that matters.
even when you’re in the heat of a duel, you being there over coms or even in the fight itself comforts him in some odd way. it sharpens his mind and allows him to focus, but also your company in times of intensity keeps him grounded.
acts of service — it’s in the way you help him dress his wounds after a fight. if he falls asleep while still in his boots, you’ll pry them from his feet, despite the smell that escapes. he’ll make you breakfast, and even though he’s nervous everytime he sets your plate down, you never fail to let him know just how amazing it is. the way he’ll help you do something if you’re busy, or even if you’re not feeling like yourself. he’ll do whatever to make you feel better.
it took a while for cal to learn how to show you love, but in all the ways that matter, he’s managed to show you in five ways just how much loves you.
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ok but the way i am obsessed with love languages. it really helps me understand people and honestly? it helps with my friendships too. i might do a headcanon thing for love languages 👀 so keep an eye out for that. anyways! i’m actually rlly proud of this one so pls give it love! i love you guys so much and i hope you guys stay safe out there!