hellooooo! i was wondering if you would be willing to write maul x reader where maul’s horns are very sensory (sensitive? idk a better word) and reader KNOWS. sort of like edging him with his horns. thank you so much!! have a lovely day 💕
Maul’s Sensitive Horns
Spreading by grayaroace Maul agenda with tgis one through subliminals and implications :3 But here you go, Maul sensitive horns drabble for you dear anon!!
Tags: Gender neutral reader, slight sexual themes, domesticity, fluff.
Maul did not let just anyone touch him, and thankfully, after much luck and patience, you were no longer considered ‘just anyone.’ It was not an easy task for Maul to love, something about how he was wired. Even before he was cut in two, he lacked certain… appetites. Not that this surprised you. Maul seemed to have a one track mind, more focused on his machinations than his weary flesh. Whenever he laid with you, it was your satisfaction that he was fixated on. You already did so much for him, perhaps he considered this a viable repayment, or maybe he enjoyed the control that came with having you writhing against the mattress.
Either way, Maul’s lack of interest in his own body made room for what you considered to be the most amusing activity that you had found yet.
Here you were, laid on your back with Maul’s head against your stomach as he scrolled through a datapad. Such soft domesticity from him was only ever bestowed upon you when he was certain that the two of you were away from any prying eyes. You ran your fingers along his scalp, your pupils dilating when Maul gave you a full body shiver. Pausing, you waited for him to address it, falling into a frown when he continued reading instead.
“What was that?” You finally asked.
Maul hummed, a low rumble deep in his chest. “Does it truly surprise you to find me… unused to such contact?”
No, you supposed it didn’t. With hesitant fingers, you threaded your hand between his horns once more. “I’ll stop when you tell me to. If it makes you uncomfortable.”
Maul’s eyes flicked to meet yours, searching for some hidden treachery that he seemed to always be waiting for. As if whatever kindness you gave him would be laced with a betrayal. Like always, he found none, and turned back to his datapad. Despite this, his body did not relax. “I still do not understand how you can say that so easily.”
“Don’t you find it easy to do the same for me?” When he didn’t respond, save for a wrinkle of his nose, you knew you had won.
Careful not to startle him, you started slowly, running your nails along his scalp and between his horns. That got you a shaky sigh from his nose and his grip tightened on his datapad. You froze, but when you received no reprimand, you continued your ministrations.
The horns themselves were not sensitive, but as you pressed the pads of your fingers against the skin at the base, what could only be described as a swallowed moan echoed through the small room. Your grin grew even more and you sat up to give yourself more leverage. Pinching and massaging, you focused solely on your task until Maul’s datapad was flat against his chest, with his hand resting atop it, and his eyes were closed.
“Let me know if I should stop,” You murmured, giving special attention to the horns at the base of his skull.
Maul reached up to grab your wrist and rub his thumb against your pulse point. He pressed you harder against him. “I am certain that you would not dare—” He was cut off by a shuddering inhale and his grip tightened “—You always seem so focused on pleasing me.”
hiya :3 would like to ask a request 👉👈 I’ve just been ruminating on tracing Maul’s tattoos and patterns with him opening up and stuff with reader. Ik in canon it’s different but in legends they were given to him all over his body as a form of torture from Sidious to get the hate and pain flowing. I just want my baby to be treated with gentleness and care .
drabble #3
w/c: 0392
a/n: i was so happy to get a request from you! originally, i was going to post this tomorrow, but since brazil won the game today i felt like giving yall the second treat of the day 🙂↕️ thank matheus cunha and vini jr (and raphinha and endrick, because if the offside rule didn't exist, we would have won 5x0 hahah), anyways, i'm just in a good mood so i decided to finish and post this. i really hope you like it!
Nights with Maul were rarely quiet. Most of the time, when the day is over, he struggled to relax. There must be something constantly hammering in his mind, you assume, because he's not trying to hide it. He fidgets, attempts to meditate but can't seem to concentrate properly, and keeps whispering inaudible words to himself. This sight of him pains you. You watched him, exhausted but unable to rest, and try to figure out a way of taking some of the weight off his shoulders.
"Maul?", you called softly, sitting by the bed.
He raised his gaze to meet yours. His eyes didn't lie, heavy, after another failed attempt to meditate.
"Come to bed", you said, "please."
Without a word, he sat beside you.
"You need rest", you whispered, your hands reaching up to cup his face.
"I can't."
"It's alright. Let me help you."
You sat behind him, having to kneel to be able to rest your hands on his shoulders. Gently, you pressed down in slow movements, massaging his back, hoping it would relieve some of the stress. He groaned, sighing and tilting his head to the side to give you better access to his neck, too. You worked your way up and down, and left light kisses after you were done.
Suddenly, you found yourself paying attention to the markings on his skin. You noticed them before, multiple times, but now, for some reason, you absentmindedly traced the shapes on his shoulders and back. They were unknown to you, and yet they covered the person you knew the best completely.
"Thank you, dear", Maul mumbled, his tone low, but honest.
You were so distracted, following the swirls of black ink with the tip of your fingers, mind elsewhere, that you forgot to say anything for a while.
"You seem to like them."
"Huh?"
"My tattoos."
"Oh", and so you were brought back to the present, "I guess I do."
You had a good guess as to why he had so many of them, but you knew better than to mention it. It wasn't a good time anyways, now that he finally felt relaxed enough to try to sleep, thanks to your massage. You kissed his shoulder, then his neck.
"That would make you the only one."
"I like all of you", you reassured him, "now, let's get some rest."
♡ #dear hcs for more | hc masterlist | fic masterlist | updated queue
summary: Short fic inspired by @maulsearpiercing’s headcanon about Zabrak horn massage and nuzzle instinct.
pairing: Maul x g/n reader
category: fluff
word count: 242
A/n: OBSESSED with this headcanon, special thanks to @maulsearpiercing for allowing me to use their headcanon as inspiration for this fic!
When Maul is stressed, it goes straight to his head. An aching pain on his crown that ceases to end, until you lace your fingers around his horns and massage his scalp in the spaces between. All sense of tension, anger, fear, melts away with the soft touch of your fingertips massaging his pressure points. It takes him back to a simpler time in his life, surrounded by his dear Nightbrothers caring for him in his youth, easing the pain of his growing horns by methodical massage. His shoulders will lower, muscles relaxing, as he eases into your touch. His head tilts backward, soft groans of relief escaping his throat as his head nuzzles into your chest. If he’s facing you while you massage his head, he’ll plant his face against your neck, nuzzling while he relaxes into you, soft purrs pouring from his lips. His warm breath fans across you, nose buried inhaling your intoxicating scent.
“Your touch truly does wonders to me, my love.”
He won’t let you stop either. He’ll grab your hand and just place it back on top of his head, snarling a stern warning towards you.
“You dare cease your ministrations? Need I remind you of the consequences for your delinquency?”
The only way you’re allowed to stop is when he falls asleep in your arms. He will sleep for the next 12 hours, purrs rumbling from his chest as he comfortably nuzzles into your neck.
Summary - It's that time of the month, and the first time you've gone through it while around Maul. His instincts take over, and a whole new side of him is revealed to you.
Rating - SFW (believe it or not it's pure fluff)
Reading time (roughly) - 5 minutes
Year posted - 2025
Talk of periods of course, and Maul being both OOC and downright weird. 🫶 Enjoy.
It had come to soon, nearly a week early in fact. Normally (Y/n) was prepared for it, and made sure to avoid Maul during this time. She'd heard stories about how these things can sometimes effect different species. And while she didn't know how he would react, she figured it would be best to avoid the Sith. However this time, she wasn't prepared, this time the cramps hurt bad enough to distract her from the fact that Maul was near. Groggily she trudged into the kitchen, hoping to get a nice cup of tea, and a snack to sate her growing appetite. Really she should have expected this to happen sooner or later, after all there was no way she could keep this hidden from Maul forever.
The instant she walked into the kitchen, she was cornered by Maul. The Zabrak could sense something was off about (Y/n). Instinctively he started sniffing at her, his black and crimson nose burying against her neck first. "What are you doing?" (Y/n) giggled softly, his nose tickling her skin as he trailed his nose down to her collarbones. He didn't respond, or even react as if he'd heard her. Instead he continued to sniff at her, trying to find the source of whatever had caught his attention. He knelt down as he trailed down her stomach, his nose burying harshly against her lower abdomen, where he continued to sniff deeply. (Y/n) was frozen in place, unable to form a single thought. Suddenly he dipped lower and sniffed deeply. (Y/n)'s hands shook with anxiety when he moved again, this time his nose pushed against her clothed sex. He inhaled deeply, his glowing eyes fluttering closed.
(Y/n) squeaked and jumped back, feeling extremely anxious now. "What are you doing!?" She hissed at him, her heart hamming in her chest. His eyes peeled open, as his hands moved to hold (Y/n)'s waist, leaving her at an arms length. "You're bleeding." Maul stated in a calm tone, his voice somehow deeper than normal. "Wha-? Y-yeah it's... Normal... I'm okay." She stammered in embarrassment, unsure if the Zabrak was familiar with periods. A growl rumbled in his chest and he suddenly rose to his feet, again making (Y/n) shudder with anxiety. "What are you-?" Maul cut her off and swiftly tossed her onto his shoulder. The sudden pressure on her abdomen made her cry out in pain. And in an instant the Zabrak hand pulled her off of his shoulder, and cradled her in his arms. "Forgive me little one." He said in a soft tone, walking out of the kitchen with large strides. (Y/n) couldn't form a single thought, unsure of what the Sith had in store for her.
Now inside his personal chambers, Maul sat (Y/n) down gently on the lounge against the far wall. "Stay." He grumbled before moving to his bed. Meticulously he began bunching up the blankets and pillows, then he moved to his wardrobe and pulled out all of his robes, which he dumped onto his bed. Adjusting and fluffing them until he was satisfied with what he'd made. (Y/n) watched him with curiosity, wondering why he appeared to be building a nest of sorts on his bed. Her eyes wide with curiosity and anxiety, she watched as Maul crossed the room once more. Wordlessly he scooped her into his arms, and carried her to his bed. Gently he laid her down in the center of the nest, his scent enveloping her and bringing her a sense of comfort. "Stay here, rest." Maul murmured as he nuzzled his nose into her hair, kissing her crown before leaving her to rest in his nest.
Maul left her without any explanation, and while she had been anxious, she found herself relaxing. He hadn't done anything to her, except offer her a comforting place to relax. A short while later Maul returned, bringing with him a soothing root tea, and a warm bowl of stew with fresh bread. "Eat." He instructed, spoon feeding her, as he sat beside her on the edge of his nest. "What are you doing?" (Y/n) asked after she swallowed her bite. "Helping you." He said before holding the bread out to her. She took a bite, humming at the taste. "I mean I get that, but why?" She asked before sipping the tea he offered her. "Is that not what a mate is supposed to do?" He asked casually as he continued to feed her. (Y/n) was stunned suddenly. Sure they were close, and sometimes shared rather intimate moments. But she never suspected that Maul saw her as a mate. "I-I suppose." She murmured, a warm feeling blooming in her chest. "Are you not satisfied?" Maul asked with an intense look in his eyes.
"N-no no of course I'm satisfied, this is really nice actually. I'm just surprised is all." She admitted with s small chuckle. "Why are you surprised?" Maul asked. "I just... I didn't realize that you saw me as your mate." (Y/n) felt herself blush, loving that Maul felt deeply enough for her to consider her a mate. Maul hummed in his throat. "Well now you know. You're mine." He smiled at her, his sharp teeth on display. (Y/n) mirrored his smile, feeling euphoric and fuzzy. "And I am yours." He added before moving to nuzzle his nose against her cheek. "Yes." (Y/n) hummed, forgetting about her cramping abdomen. Maul purred at her words, setting aside the now empty bowl, he joined her in the nest. Wordlessly he pulled her into his hold, the warmth of his body soothing. Still he continued to purr, his large hands rubbing soothingly along the length of her back. If (Y/n) had known that being around Maul during her period would result in this, she would have done so months ago. Having been pining for the Zabrak since they first met. "Rest now my mate, I will still be here when you wake." Maul said in a soft tone, making (Y/n) hum in content, as her eyes lulled closed.
I was a bit distracted while writing this so I apologize if it sucks... 😅
A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)
He loves you with his eyes, from afar. You don't have to ask him if he loves you, you see the love in his eyes when he looks at you.
Whenever you hesitate to state your opinion, he lifts your chin with his index finger and looks at your eyes to encourage you to speak.
B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)
You mean, his new appentice?
This man doesn't know how to make friends nor how friendship works.
C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)
At first he didn't like how vulnerable he was. So he was the big spoon in the first months of your relationship. After being more and more close to him, you suggest one night to be the big spoon, after some bargain, he accepts. He felt so loved when he was the little spoon, especially when you caress his head or nuzzle your cheek against the side of his head.
He purrs.
D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)
He keeps talking about his revenge plans but deep in his heart, he yearns for a home, to belong somewhere. But he buried this thoughts until you came. Now, he always keeps working hard on his revenge plans, so he can finally settle down with you.
E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)
It would be because of Sidious. He would be so terrified of him finding about you and killing you, so he ends the relationship. It's for your own good, he wouldn't dare to live in a galaxy without you.
F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)
Once you built trust between you, he is committed to you, devoted to you. You are the reason of why his life feels easier and lighter. He doesn't understand the concept of marriage but he is willing to do it, if you want it.
G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)
The beginning of our relationship was rough, for both of you (emotionally). Although he never, I mean never would hurt you, he can be sometimes harsh and cruel. But it's not exactly towards you, it's because peace makes him feel so defensless. But he pulls himself together and apologizes to you properly.
H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)
He doesn't like hugs, unless it's your hugs. At first he doesn't like hugs, but when he gets used to it, he can't help but hug you, nuzzle to your neck and purr.
I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)
He first daid it, when he was having a nightmare, in which Sidious was killing you. You wake him up, he was in sweat and in tears. He hugged you tightly crushing you, and said "Please, don't leave me, please. I love you so much. I won't let him hurt you.". You felt tears dropping on your neck.
J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)
He is jealous of the male fly flying too close to you. He is very jealous and would probably kill the person who made him jealous.
K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)
He likes to be hold and kissed, please place kisses all over his face and tell him how much you love him.
He kisses your neck, there's something primal and romantic about it. (He inhales your scent)
L = Little ones (How are they around children?)
He doesn't know what to do around them, so he ignores them.
idk if someone did this before, but maybe maul x reader where maul finds out reader self harms? if this is smth that makes you uncomfortable, please feel free to ignore it. thank you💋💋
(I went through this in my life so this is such a dear topic to me. For those who may be dealing with thoughts, actively or currently going through this, just know my heart goes out to you, and my dm’s are open to anyone who might need somebody. You are NEVER alone) ⋆˚꩜｡
────୨ৎ────
-maul saw scars. Not all of them of course but he’s seen them. Thinking that some of from battle, of training gone wrong. Maul is never one to push.
-its also something you hid, and hid well. You were careful about what you said, not out of fear but because that’s a can of worms you did NOT want opened. At least not at this current moment.
-you and Maul are close, but both of you have your own skeletons in the closet. Neither of you pry, but give the other enough room to share, if they chose to
-this is something you’ve been dealing with as far as you can remember. 12 or 13 maybe…you’re used to dealing with things alone, so you think nothing of it
-both you and maul had been overly busy with back to back separate missions. Meaning you haven’t seen each other for a while
-during this time, you relapsed. But yet again, you never really stopped, nor were you planning on it.
-the day you and Maul finally got to see each other and hang out, you two met at this dingy looking diner that serves the best food (surprisingly)
-the two of you indulge in conversation. Talking about the bullshit you both had to deal with. A client who wasn’t being cooperative, or one who was extremely evasive, who kept leading you two to dead ends
-you leaned back, stretching, your sleeve had rolled down ever so slightly. Without your notice, but Maul saw it. The scabbed mark over your wrist, matching the others
-all fresh. All recent
-Maul didn’t make it known that he saw them, nor did he bring it up. He wouldn’t do that in public. He’s not one to cause a scene when it came to personal matters
-it wasn’t until you arrived outside of your apartment. After he had walked you home, and just like always, you ask him inside
-‘don’t take my question as judgement. It’s curiosity’ Maul speaks before bringing the cup of tea up to his lips
-you cock your head. This is usual banter between the two of you. He always finds something new about you to ask about.
-‘I’m not easily offended’ you respond back calmly. Sitting down across from him at the low table that sits in your living room. Both sitting on a plush pillow
-‘is there a reason behind why you do it?’ He asks calmly. His face hiding what concern is buried deep, especially when it comes to you. His hand gesturing towards your arm. Your heart sinks when you realize exactly what he’s referring to.
-in the life you two live, you’ve seen the worst of people, and the best of people. You’ve seen them stoop to the lowest lows just to survive. This is your form of survival
-you sigh and after a long minute you tell him. Explaining when you started, what triggered you to start, all the way up until now. If you went to therapy or if you’ve told anyone. The Zabrak listened intently without interruption the entire time.
-‘I’d understand if you think I’m crazy or too much’ you admit when he doesn’t respond. You look down at your cup, watching the heat rise from the top of your drink.
-you’re startled when you feel Maul’s large hand wrap itself carefully around your scarred arm. His thumb hovering over your sleeve that hides the mix of fresh and old marks.
-‘I am here, and I see you’ Maul says, glancing up from your arm and landing back on your face. He can see the emotions swimming behind your eyes. Embarrassment, shame, disgust(towards yourself), and worry
-‘I shall help with whatever you may need’ is all he says, bringing his hand down, and gently wrapping it around yours. Those words alone carry weight. He’s not angry, he’s not forcing anything, he has all the patience you may need, but only for you..
Summary: Cleaned, bathed— you have become whole once more! Or, well, as much as you can be considering the damage that five years of homelessness and a lifetime of trauma have done to your brain.
CW: Medical issues both physical and mental, burgeoning codependency, manipulation, religious zealotry, mentions of cults, misgendering kind of, she/her pronouns used for a transmasc Y/N that doesn’t even know that being a man is an option
Word Count: 4.2k words
First Chapter -> Second Chapter
Read on AO3
Everything after you were tossed over a demon’s shoulder and saved was rendered into a thick, blobby mess. It was remembered more as a fantasy rather than reality. None of this could be real, surely you had died and gone to Paradise. It was the only explanation, the only reason for your comfort. Paradise. That was what this was. Softness against your back, a blanket to your chin, your fever settling; you did not deserve this. None of it.
The world came in flashes. You chewed on the past and breathed in the present. Who knew hands could be this gentle, even while prodding at your overheated body? Salves soothed your infected wounds and needles pierced your flesh, a small bite before medicine flowed through your veins. You could feel it, even as out of it as you were— it felt good to be taken care of.
Through it all, you found yourself particularly stumped by one particular dream.
You were in a tub full of lukewarm water. Not deep enough for you to drown. There would be no blood here. This was no room, but a small area sectioned off with curtains. Privacy was being afforded to you. That was new. Occasionally, you would try to slip under the surface, water lapping at your upper lip. The rhythmic douses upon your crown were too few and far between, you were frigid and chilled, shivering ever so slightly. A frazzled looking woman continued to pull you upright, her mouth pulled into a tight grimace. You liked her eyes, a deep brown, lightened by concern. Whenever you would reach to pull down her eyelid in order to get a better look, she would guide your hands elsewhere.
Behind her was a demon— no, he only looked like one. If he was rich with evil, you would have been afraid when you looked upon him, though you could no longer meet his eyes. His back was to you. Staunch. Steadfast. You stared at him rather than the woman, even as she maneuvered your limbs so as to better scrub at your ridden skin. His arms were curled behind his back, seemingly lost in thought, albeit able to feel your eyes on him. You could feel him, sense him. Reaching through the haze to give his essence a little tug. It was an attempt to get his attention, to convince this demon to gaze upon your filthy, naked body. Even the woman seemed a little awkward when she scrubbed under your breasts.
This was all so odd. Were the purveyors of sin not slaves to their lustful urges?
“My lord,” The woman began as she lifted your limp arm above your head to scrub at the rot underneath. She could not meet your eyes, her face an embarrassed flush of red. “Forgive my… uh, impertinence — is that the right word? — but could you have not gotten anyone else to do this? Cassie is a medic, and I know he’s not busy…” Quieter, she added with a frustrated wrinkle of her nose, “And you know I have a weak stomach.”
“Casimir will have little free time tending to her health throughout the coming days.” The demon responded without turning around. His tone did not change with his next words, and you watched the woman’s lips twitch rather than cower. “I had believed that you would be more inclined to help him than most.”
The woman was gentle in spite of the furrow of her brow. With the tips of her fingers, she tilted your chin to the side so that she could remove the grime clinging to your neck. “Just because I have a bet with my brother doesn’t mean I’m at his beck and call.”
At first, you did not expect the demon to respond. Until he did, his voice was as smooth and unchanging as ever. “And yet you find yourself here.”
“As if I could say no to you, my lord,” she grumbled. In a softer voice, she addressed you for the first time in an eternity. Everytime she pushed your head back, you would straighten up when she turned away. “Ad’ika, I need you to lean back or you’ll get soap in your eyes.”
“Oh, the burn of Hellfire against my sockets, the Goddess’s wrath concentrated against my vision.” You could feel your lips move, even if it felt like your words were not your own. As you spoke, you cast your gaze skyward, toward the ceiling. It seemed that there was no sky in Hell. “Why does it not nip at my skin? My Lady’s vessel so hot, yet cold, burning ice in my veins. The fire, the flames, it—”
In the middle of your incoherent rambling, a bucket of water was dumped over your head, cutting you off with a gurgle. Distantly, you could hear the demon let out a displeased huff. The woman at least looked apologetic when you struggled to wipe your face dry, too weak to to much else than twitch. With a towel, she began to dab at your skin and you allowed yourself to go limp.
“Sorry.” An apology. One had not graced your ears since you walked with your flock. With more strength than you thought a woman capable, she draped your arm around her neck and hefted you from the tub. You could not stand, so you remained in her hold, soaking her to the bone. She placed your naked body upon a nearby chair and you watched the demon turn again so that his back continued to be toward you. No peeking. “Alright, let’s get you dressed. Something clean, of course. Can’t have all my hard work go to waste.”
“A gentleman of a demon, or perhaps not a demon at all. A savior, my savior. Deserved, or not. Cursed by the Goddess. She hates me, She loves me, why do you not look upon by frail body? My weakness, enticing, oh, the men with their teeth. Do you not touch me because I am how you are granted forgiveness? Your unsullied salvation with skin, and meat, and flesh, and bone, and—?” All you could do was murmur as the woman slowly draped you in soft fabric. She dressed your hair in a towel, a bit of nerves on her face as her eyes danced between you and the demon.
He did not deign to give you a response.
When you opened your eyes, away from the dream, you could not help your confusion. This was not somewhere to grow diseased, there was privacy. Again. Blessed and undeserving privacy. Curtains were drawn around you, shielding you from the places where voices carried overhead. Your head gave a dull throb as you asked the Goddess what had happened. It was all so fragmented, every part of your memory shattered and glued back together wrong.
It struck you all at once: you had been saved. Barely able to hear the curtain pull aside through the blood in your ears, you clasped your hands together and beamed.
“Thank you, Goddess, thank you! I have been deemed worthy! I have been deemed willing! A savior has come, he has come to carry my wilted, weeping limbs!” A laugh bubbled from your throat, joyous as the tears that flowed down your cheeks. You hiccuped when someone cleared their throat, snapping your wide eyes to gulp down in his visage.
He looked like the woman from your dreams with curled and sandy hair, his eyes such a deep, dark brown that you felt yourself stutter. Like her, his concern made his brows knit. Upon his frame, he was adorned in armor that you did not recognize. The woman in your dreams had been so gentle with you, perhaps this was the Goddess’ way of telling you to put your faith in this man. Surprise leaked into something warm, your expression loosening as he approached.
“Woman of my dreams, man of my fantasies, I have seen you. The depths of your soul. A kindness, a gentleness, I beseech thee to grant it to me.” You reached for him, the IV pulling along with your arm. Within your skin, the needle twinged. Carefully, he took your hand in his and folded it back onto your lap. There was a slight flush to his cheeks.
“You’re doing better physically, at least,” he muttered under his breath. With a slow breath, his lips stretched into a tired smile. “It’s good that you’re able to move and speak clearly, I was worried that the fever had damaged your brain beyond that point.” There was a datapad at the side of your cot and he began to scroll through it, his face pinched. Distractedly, he introduced himself. “I’m Casimir Wayside, a Mandalorian medic. Were you talking about my sister? Ailyn?” When you blinked, slow and confused, his pupils flickered back to your face. “That’s her name. Ailyn. My sister. The woman who bathed you.”
A breath left you, the best you could manage of a laugh. “I had dreamt of a woman. A basin, not of blood, but of water. She did not hold me under, but kept me aloft. I did not drown, I did not die.”
Casimir began to tap his foot and pull the small, stubbly hairs on his chin. A nervous tic? Your smile remained fixed, for a smiling Daughter was a good Daughter. Being good was imperative, especially now that you had been saved. She could take just as quickly as She could give.
“I don’t have the proper equipment to check for brain damage, but it is… glaring.” It was spoken quietly enough for you to not be meant to hear, but the Goddess had blessed you with sharp ears.
Both so you did not startle him, and because you could not move quickly, you touched him with the tips of your fingers. “I am as I am. The way that that I am willed. I have been saved, I cannot ask for more.”
Relief leaked into his expression as he made notes in the datapad. “So you are aware to some degree, that’s good, I— I apologize, I know the body, but not the mind. Do you have a name?”
“All we are is what we are: slaves to our limitations. I am not perfect, my weakness too grand, so I shall not hold against you what you do not hold against me. The Goddess made us imperfect for reasons beyond comprehension.” Reassurance came easily. What happened next made your skull ache. You reached to pick at your wound to find that your hair was soft, and clean, and tied into a pretty braid. A dream— memory — of the woman, of Ailyn, at your bedside, humming as she dressed up your hair, played at the back of your addled mind. “I am undeserving of a reminder, both of virtue and of sin.”
Casimir shifted from foot to foot. “Undeserving or not… there must be something that we can call you.”
You thought of many things. Of your Brothers and Sisters, their playful, sinful nicknames. How your Fathers had reacted. Punishments in physicality, Mother led prayers in spirituality. To bastardize your name, it was rotten and wrong, though the name that you had been gifted as a babe was not one that you wished to be defined by. In your lap, your fingers twitched with your lips, upward and uncomfortable. “The Goddess does not grant our names, that is a Father’s duty, for it is he who will raise us and guide us. Who is to guide me, reborn and impure me?”
It took a moment for him to parse what you were saying. Casimir scratched at his nose before he let out a huff. “Alright. My lord will be… I guess he will pick a name for you?”
“The demon? The savior?”
“The Zabrak.” When all you did was tilt your head, Casimir pointed to his head. “He’s got horns, yellow eyes. Red skin and black markings. Really serious.”
That got recognition to flicker, a soft spark in your mind. “… Maul…?”
“It seems that our guest has awoken.”
Speak of the Devil and he shall appear.
Maul’s eyes met your own, a slight notch in his posture, betraying the fact that a bright smile was not what he had expected when you saw him again. “My savior! False-Devil! I have opened my eyes to the world once more! My debt to you cannot be paid. The Goddess brought you to me despite my transgressions. Sufferance at last brought to a swift end!”
“My lord, she wants you to choose her name for her,” Casimir said. You watched the corner of Maul’s mouth pull back, and then saw Casimir swallow his relief that this was not his duty to attend.
“This is a discomfort to request of you. I see that now!” You exclaimed, sitting up straighter despite the pain that followed. While Casimir flinched, all Maul did was tilt his chin in your direction. “No, no, do not allow me to commit such an act. All I have known is for those who guide to be those who name.” With a deep breath, you squeezed your hands together in prayer. “Forgive me, my Lady, but to confess is to be absolved. Those who I grew alongside had gifted playful and affectionate titles, once, though it was forbidden by the Fathers.” Turning to Maul, your eyes were bright. Imploring. “My savior, you speak to Her too, would She frown upon my indulgence?”
Maul hummed and studied you before he spoke, “No, I cannot say that she would.”
With that assurance, you told your savior and the handsome medic what you had once been called by your fellow children. When all you were met with was a nod of recognition, you felt yourself relax. The Goddess had led you to safety, that was a fact you would have to remember.
Harm only came to the unworthy.
The rest of the examination went smoothly. Casimir went over the numbers on his datapad, occasionally moving and prodding at you while discussing his findings with your savior. Throughout it all, you smiled, a bit of dullness to the color of your skin. It was not yet time for you to stand, let alone walk, your body was much too weak for that. You had been a hair's breadth away from death, Casimir had informed you. It would take a few more days for you to find your bearings.
Over the course of the next few cycles, much happened. Not even an hour after you had first awoken, you had been helped into a mobility aid and wheeled into the depths of a ship. There was a clinic on board, small, but more private than the curtains from before. You missed the ambient sound of soft voices more than you dared to admit. At least Ailyn was content to keep you company, her brother joining her on the occasion. Maul, your savior, your guide, did not visit often. When he did, he simply watched the siblings with his arms crossed, the reverence in your gaze making him draw a little taller. That was good, at least your gratitude was appreciated with the weight that you carried it with.
Ailyn’s visits were not without purpose. As she spoke to you, she combed your hair and kept your mind from slipping back from out of your hands. Her touch was gentle despite her frame, more muscles than you had ever seen on a woman in your life. You wondered if the Goddess frowned upon such a physique. The truth was that you hoped not because you found that it suited her well, the barest hint of envy slithering through your entrails that you prayed would be forgiven.
Despite your ever growing hold on reality, your meandering and strange manner of speech never changed, nor did your predisposition of falling into what could only be described as a fit. Hysterics would wrack your body as you cried and begged. More often than not, these moments slipped out when you were alone. No one knew quite how to help you. Honestly, you weren’t sure how to help yourself.
Hanging from your neck was your anchor, a vial of blood, a symbol of the Goddess. In times of weakness you would clutch it and pray.
“Grab my arm, ad’ika.” In her armor now, Ailyn hooked her arm in front of you for you to steady yourself against her vambrace. Your legs shook, barely able to hold yourself upright. For a moment, you worried that you would never be strong enough to walk again, let alone without assistance. With bare feet against the cold floor, you took a breath, filling your lungs with Her. You took your first step.
To her credit, Ailyn was patient with you as she guided you around the small clinic, each step stronger than the last.
“My thanks is necessary, dearest nurse.” The airy quality of your voice was forced into sincerity as much as you could. It was hard to look anywhere but forward. “Where strength is taken, it is a cumbersome path trod, walking toward normalcy once more. I could not have gotten so far without the brightness of your virtue.”
Ailyn blinked, more than a little surprise. It took her a little while to respond, her words adopting a certain dryness. “‘The brightness of my virtue?’ Never heard that one before.”
“I may be blind to much, though foolishness does not make a vessel of me.” Licking your dry lips, you removed one hand braced upon her armor to clutch the vial around your neck. For strength. “To coddle and aid, it is no easy task to take up. We are strangers to one another, I know that well, and yet you attend to me with patience I knew not was in the possession of warriors.”
It was quiet for a moment, broken only by a small snort. “Uh. No problem. Anytime.”
Not done, you turned to her as best you could, even as the world swung on its axis. “To obey an order is a higher calling, but to enact another’s will with kindness rather than fury is one that shall not go unnoticed.”
“Come on, ad’ika, you have someone who does not like waiting anticipating your presence.” There was an awkward fondness to her tone and a slight dusting of pink to her cheeks. She did not get praised often. That, or she did not know how to take it. You preened, pleased that your words came through despite your manner of speech. While you disliked many of the changes that you had undergone these past years, it was nice to know that you could still be understood.
The ship you were aboard was in hyperspace, the planet that your savior intended to travel to seemingly far away. Though, not outside of the Goddess’ reach, of course. As Ailyn led you through the halls, you recognized no one, save for Casimir, each individual caught up in their own tasks. Some played a game of dice, while others discussed topics not meant for your ears in low murmurs. The one aspect they all shared was that, as you passed with slow and stumbling steps, you were being watched. Closely. Intently. A judging study of your worth.
It was not long before you found yourself in front of a door. Behind it, you could feel your savior’s presence pulsing and a bit of giddy excitement welled in your chest. You took care to temper it. Maul did not seem one to indulge such whimsy.
Ailyn knocked on the door, the only word exchanged being, “Enter.”
She opened the door and you released her, taking your first wobbling steps into your own hands. It was a childish desire; to impress him. Maul watched you with interest as you shambled to the table he sat at, a bit of sweat dampening your brow. You reached for the chair before you were even close, inhaling a shuddering breath of Her before you quickly danced into its arms. Like a good Daughter, you stared at him, waiting for permission to sit.
“You need it, don’t you? To rest your weary body?” Maul did not gesture, all he did was sit back and stare at you with the same burning study as his compatriots. “Do not hesitate to take what you need.”
The order confused you, clashing with the teachings of which you had grown accustomed. One did not take, they asked, and if it was not granted, then they were unworthy. Still, your body throbbed so you sat anyway, your back straight, knees crossed, and hands in your lap.
“My savior, my savior, my savior,” You spoke in that slight and dreamy way, unable to swallow back the overflow of gratitude. “My debt is enough to drown me. Please, I must return to you what you have gifted me one thousand fold.”
“Once, some time ago, I was cast aside as you were. Left with the filth and refuse with only a broken mind to aid me.” Maul was soft-spoken in a different way that you were. Each word was smooth, chosen carefully, not an indelicate spill. Though your thoughts were slow now, you took care to dissect and memorize his words, feel the anger pulsing underneath. This was another sermon and deserving of respect. “Until I was whole again. Without the aid of another, I would have been left to rot forever.” His voice got harder as he grit his teeth. “Forgotten.”
“The Goddess guides us, though She has blessed us with the free will to make our own choices and decisions. I was lain at your feet and you could have sent me away,” The more you spoke, the brighter you became, sheer sincerity leaking from your pores. Maul watched you, almost wary this time, appearing unused to being the recipient of such emotion. “To see yourself in another, it is a skill that many lack, yet you have honed that blade, bringing it down upon me when I needed it most. Selfish or selfless, the why, I do not care. My thankfulness will never wane.”
“Your goddess, who is she?” Maul asked after digesting what you had said.
“She is everywhere and She is all! We were to worship Her Light and Her Shadow until a savior arose, touched by Her hand to lead the congregation to Paradise!” Zealotry made you straighten more than you already had, your eyes alight with purpose. “For when you die, there are two places where your soul may rest. Eternal suffering or eternal peace! She will burn you if you do not heed her teachings! To burn is to writhe. It is pain white hot and unholy! Until The Lamb has been Washed, all are damned to fire.”
Digesting, Maul cocked his head to the side. “I see. A goddess who is a Force that connects us all. Have you always been capable of great power?”
“I— I… Yes, my savior.” Uncomfortable now, you began to tap your foot. “Her hand, just as you are. I can feel Her inside of you. Her Shadow.”
“Have you ever sought to control this power?”
You shook your head. “I only ask, and if I am deemed worthy, it is given.”
“You have already been given it. I believe that it is your right to use this power as you see fit.” Now Maul was sweet and cloying, his hand extended for you to take. “There is much that I can teach you.”
“My Lady… You would not have been gifted to me if it were not meant.” Slowly, you placed your hand in his, his grip rougher than you had expected. Tight, as if you would slip away. “What else am I to do, if not this?”
“Yes,” He parroted. “What else are you to do.”
That night, as you slept, you dreamed again. Saw the world through the eyes of another. Together in a small room, with only your ghost as an audience, was your savior and a warrior-woman that you did not recognize.
“Rook. You do not approve?” Maul began slowly.
With a purse of her lips, Rook crossed her arms, mirroring his stance. “My lord, your last attempt at an apprentice went… poorly.”
“Devon left.” Frustration slithered from between his teeth. With a steadying breath, his shoulders slackened. “This one will not.”
Rook did not seem convinced. “She is… broken, my lord. How can you expect her to fight when she can barely walk.”
His response was to shrug. “As was I.”
“Is she Jedi?” She seemed to consider that to be the safest question that she could ask. Not too prying and still pertinent.
“No. She lacks any formal teaching, brainwashed by a cult that worships the Force as a goddess.” Decision made, and more to himself, Maul added, “This will make her more malleable.”
Flattered, you gave his energy a little tug. Surprise made his eyebrows twitch, his gaze flickered to where your dreaming self stood. His lips gave an impressed quirk.
“How interesting. Do you never rest?”
Your vision went dark after that.
A/N: Smell that? Oh, yeah baby, that’s two people becoming codependent in real time. I think the dynamic here is particularly insane because Maul is being met with like… earnest gratitude and need for guidance, which is going to Get to him in Twisted ways. Which is to say that the most insane situationship is being cooked.
Full disclosure but I haven’t seen the Mandalorian arc in the Clone Wars yet, it’s on my docket, though. So if I miss anything lore wise and Maul’s isms, that’s why. Forgiiiiive meeeeee.
I really like Y/N’s way of speaking, it’s really fun to write! Plus I think they are a very cutie patootie. If you’re familiar with anything else I’ve written, I have a fondness for OC side characters. So expect any named character to return on a semi-regular basis. I try to make everything have some sort of meaning. I’d also like to say that I’ve noticed that in Maul Shadowlord, at least, Maul at the VERY LEAST is fond of his subordinates. I think theres a huge degre of separation there, he’s still a boss, but he’s a boss you can talk to. A reasonable boss.
Before I forget, I do want to point out for thise who missed it. When Maul speaks of Y/N’s goddess, there is no capitalization like there is in Y/N’s internal monologue. That is on purpose yay!
Okay, that’s really it gamers! If you liked this chapter, please comment, it totally makes my day. I love yooooouuuuu :D
Tag List: @bloodmoon-bites @draconicrangerswarm @luv-isolde @jellyinthedonut @magicschoolbomb
i'm really getting antihero vibes from this, lots of turmoil from the character. this would fit really well with maul, anakin or quinlan x reader!
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this is so maul coded. time to write a self-indulgent maul blurb! <3
"you don't get it."
the words are a snarl, nothing but a fiery fury burning in his amber depths. he shakes his head, brow furrowed, "you. do. not. understand."
"how?" you counter, tears blurring your vision, "how do i not understand?"
"i had a destiny! i was supposed to be a mighty sith lord! i was supposed to rule the galaxy alongside my master! but i am here! i am standing here before you, humbled by your beauty. the sight of you makes me so weak i cannot stand it. gods, i cannot bear to be this weak, yet there is this desire within me that is burning. it is consuming me whole."
your eyes widen, "what are you talking about?"
the zabrak hangs his head, the words low and broken, barely audible enough for you to hear, "all of my choices lead me to you. i came to mandalore for you. i destroyed their hierarchy for you. i have slaughtered, destroyed, and burned villages for you. do you have any idea what i would do for you? i would burn down the entire fucking universe if it meant that a single hair on your head would remained unscathed."
"maul," you bring a hand to your mouth, "oh gods, i--"
"say no more," in the low light, there is the glitter of a tear as it streams down his cheek, "i-i'm sorry. there is this part of me that does not hold back when it comes to you."
"maul," taking a step forward, you wrap your arms around him, the zabrak careful not to prod you with his horns as he buries his head in your chest, sobs wracking his body.
"there is no greatest fear than losing you. gods, you make me so weak."
"you will never have to worry about that again," you murmur, gently placing kisses along his temple, "i promise. i'm staying. i'm staying here with you."
"you have brought one of the strongest men in the galaxy to his knees. you are holy, the greatest treasure in my life. once i was filled with hatred, but now i overflow with love. love for you."
"i love you."
maul exhales, relaxing in your embrace, "and i love you. more than you will ever know."
