How bout this: the mandalorian has always touched his forehead against the readers. The reader thinks it's a sweet act but doesn't understand why he does it. Until one day they are in some public space and there is an intimate moment and he does it again. Then they kinda split up for a bit and an onlooker smiles and makes a comments about it. the reader asks if they know anything bout what it means and they explain. Then the reader's all happy and you can take it from there! YOU ARE AMAZING!
Keldabe- Din Djarin x Reader
Summary: A kind old lady informs you that not everything you do with Mando you know about.
A/n: I used this gif becuase it was me writing this. :)
It’s something you just expect now. The way he always greets you with a press of forehead to helmet. He’ll cup the back of your head and tenderly pull you towards him so he can rest his helmet against your forehead.
When he first started doing it, he seemed almost shy. But now, it’s second nature to you two. He never actually told you why he does it, so you’ve just figured it is some culture thing from his creed. Like some way he would address friends and people close to him.
***
“Stay close to the ship. Don’t go too far.”
You nod at his commands, turning to face the busy street market. Energy is bubbling from all the commotion the people are creating. It’s not a bad energy though, it’s light hearted and filled with excitement.
“Make sure that you’re not being followed.” He reminds you.
“I know. It’s not like this is my first time going out by myself.” He can hear the amusement in your voice, “Can I go now, mother hen?” A smile forms on your lips, lighting up your entire face.
“Just remember to be safe.” His entire body is anxious with worry for you. “Oh, do you mind picking up some more snacks for the little one?”
“Of course, do you want anything?”
“Just for you to be safe.”
“Maker, Mando. I’m not ten! I can go to the street market by myself for a few hours without dying.” You roll your eyes at his brooding. “I’m going.”
He smiles under his helmet. “Wait, you forgot something.”
You turn around and laugh at how out of place he looks. People are conversing and walking around him in the busy street. He is just standing there, shiny as ever.
Walking back to him, you stand on your tiptoes and lean your forehead against his helmet. His hand snakes around your back to cup your head, pressing the both of you closer.
“I’ll be fine, tin can.”
“I hate it when you call me that.”
“That's why I do.” You shimmy out of his hold, flash him one more big smile, and walk into the crowd of people.
***
A colorful fruit stand catches your eye first. A kind looking older lady seems to run the stand.
“Hello dear!” She greets you as you approach. “Can I get ya anything?”
“Do you have anything that children really like?” She throws you a knowing smile. Although, you’re not quite sure what she knows.
“Yes I do suga’, these berries are quite popular amongst the youngsters.” She points to a large basket of maroon berries. “Here try one, hon.”
Popping one into your mouth you moan at the taste. It’s sweet and plump and practically bursts of flavor.
“These are so good! Can I get a bag of them.” She nods and starts to pack them. “Actually, two bags.” You already know that a certain mandalorian is going to steal most of them.
“You and ya Mandalorian are too cute. I remember when ma husband and I were still in our honeymoon phase. We acted ‘bout the same as ya two.” She giggles to herself. Your face is tinged red at her assumption.
“Oh, no, we’re not anything.”
“WHAT?” You jump at her sudden question. “Then why wa y’all o’er there kissin’ in front o’ everyone?”
“KISSING?” Now it’s your turn to scare her with a loud question.
She frowns before leaning close to you. “Is he takin’ advantage of ya? ‘Cause ya can just nod ya head and I’ll give ‘m a fine wackin’.” She rolls up her sleeve and shakes her fist.
“What? No, not at all. But what do you mean kissing?”
“Ya mean to tell me, ya don’t know what a keldabe kiss is?”
She sighs as she sees the bewildered look on your face.
Rolling down her sleeve she continues, “Oh, darlin’. He’s given’ you a big ol’ smoochin’ e’erytime he presses that metal ta ya face.”
“Really?” It comes out hushed as your mind plays back every time you’ve apparently kissed him.
“He a Mandalorian right?” You nod your head. “Hon, that there is how they kiss.”
“Oh.” Suddenly your feet are more interesting to look at than her.
“Here are ya berries. I think ya need to go work this out with ‘em. Because, hon, I know a man ‘n love when I see one.” She hands you the two bags.
“Thank you.” You go to hand her the credits.
“Oh no, deary. This is on ole Marguerite. Go getcha a man. But I want ta see y'all when a couple munchkin’s are runnin’ ‘bout.” Your skin is ablaze at the thought of having Mando’s children. Thanking her again you turn and walk back into the crowd.
“Good luck, but ya won’t be needin’ it!” She hollers to you.
***
When you arrive back at the Crest, the child runs up to you with outstretched arms.
“Aw, did you miss me?” The child coos as you pick him up and walk into the main hull.
“Cyar’ika, you’re back!” He grabs the bags of berries from you before moving to touch his head to yours.
“Wait!” It comes out of your mouth before you can stop yourself. His visor snaps up to meet your eyes. You can’t help but think he looks like a kicked puppy. “I want to know the meaning behind our little head touches.” The nice old lady already told you, but you want to hear it from him.
He looks down at the ground and you can practically see the gears moving in his head.
“It's- In Mandalorian culture,” He looks up at you and you nod, egging him to continue, “It’s how they show love.” He takes a shaky breath, “It’s called a keldabe kiss. It’s how I can kiss you with my armor still on.”
You can tell he is preparing for rejection by the way he is slightly leaning away from you.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
That’s the last thing he expected you to say. “I didn’t want to scare you, cyar’ika.”
You nod, “And why do you always call me that?” Deciding you might as well ask now that it is question time with Mando.
He takes a moment before answering. “It means…” He trails off searching for the right translation, “beloved.”
“Oh.” Heat rushes to your cheeks. Sucking in a breath you reach out for him, pulling his head against yours.
It’s like he has never had hands before, they flail around before catching hold on your sides.
“I like it.” You murmur to him.
He squeezes your sides in a loving manner, “I like it too, cyar’ika.”
The soft thumps of raindrops wake you up in the morning. Gentle snores come from the hammock above your feet and steady breaths come from the head rested on your chest. Your husband is nestled in between the two gentle mounds of fat, his arms are wrapped around your waist, and his legs are entangled with your own.
You rarely wake up first, but when you do you try and forge every moment into your mind. The rhythmic breaths of your husband slightly tickle your sternum. Mindlessly, you start to run your fingers through his soft curls.
He breathes in one deep breath before humming in approval and nuzzling further into your chest. Smiling to yourself you start to scratch his scalp. Starting at the base of his neck and scratching all the way to his forehead only to start over again. His hands flex underneath your back, trying to stretch the sleep from his muscles without actually moving.
A wet kiss is placed to your sternum before his husky voice travels to your ears. “Good morning, cyar’ika.”
He works his way up your body, kissing every inch his mouth can reach. Eventually his head is above yours, meeting your eyes with his beautiful chocolate irises.
“Hello handsome.” Giddy with love you wrap your arms around his neck, pulling his lips to your own. Both of your mouths move in tandem, content with the slow lazy pace.
Din sighs before breaking away from you. Lifting his head so he can stare at you, a smile slowly forming on his face.
“What's the plan today mister?”
“Hmmm…”He places a kiss on your cheek, “I think,” another kiss to your other cheek, “we should,” one placed on your forehead, “ just,” smooch, “stay,” smooch, “in,” smooch, “bed.”
You’re giggling like a child now, his two day old scruff is tickling your face. “I like that plan.”
“Good, because I’m not accepting no for an answer.” He dives his head into the spot between your neck and shoulder.
The sleeping bunk is filled with silence, but a comfortable silence. A silence that speaks untold words of love and admiration. The only sound is the soft rain and the quiet snores of the child, matching his fathers. Sighing, you drift off back into sleep, holding your husband close to your body.
***
A small body wiggles its way in the space between you and your husband. Opening your eyes you’re met with the child placing himself in the crevice between Din’s arm and your stomach. Din starts to shift and you see one of his eyelids roll open.
The child senses that his father is awake and starts patting his cheeks. Babbles fill the air and you start giggling to yourself. “Looks like someone is awake.” A grunt comes from him as he grabs his son's hands, stopping his pats.
The child looks over to you and you can sense his distress. His large eyes start to fill with tears and his lip starts to quiver. “Oh, baby.” You pick him up and hold him close to your chest. “Is the big bad tin can being mean?” Your husband scoffs and nuzzles his head into your stomach.
The baby's ears lift as you talk to him. He wraps his fingers over one of your own and he holds tight. “Well I think you’re pretty cute and he should let you do as you please.” Using your other hand you start to rub the child's ears, his tears and whimpers have ceased. He starts to talk to you in his own language of coos and gibberish.
You can feel annoyance wafting off of your husband. Glancing down to him you have to stifle a laugh at how his eyebrows are knit together in a scowl. “He’s stealing you away from me.” He groans.
Shaking your head as you smile to yourself, “Oh baby.” Setting your son down you reach for your husband. When he shifts up to lay in your arms you ask, “Is the small little womp rat being mean?”
“Stop.” He kisses along your jaw but you can hear the amusement in his voice.
“How will I ever keep both my boys happy when another is on the way?”
Your husband grows still, replaying what you said in his head. He snaps up to meet your nervous gaze. “Another?”
You slowly nod your head. Racking over his face you search for any signs of emotion from him.
A smile starts to form on his face, painting his features with pure absolute joy.
He grabs you and pulls you close, “Oh cyar’ika! Are you positive?! Maker, I can’t wait until you start to show!” You’ve never seen him so happy before. He is practically glowing as he peppers kisses all over your body.
The child, feeding off of his father's excited energy, starts to jump around and loudy babble. All of your worries and nerves fly out the window.
“How long have you known?”
“I took a test last night and I was planning on telling you after I made breakfast but obviously that-”
“You were going to make breakfast!” He quickly interrupts you.
“Um, yes. Just as I do every day baby.”
“Well now you’re not. There is no way that my pregnant wife will be making her own breakfast.” He suddenly shoots up and throws a shirt on, “Come on kid, we have a meal to make!” Grabbing his son he practically runs out into the hull. Giggling to yourself because he’s never moved so quickly in his life before, let alone spoke so much and so fast.
When you get up and throw on one of his old tunics he runs over to you. “Hold on cyar’ika. Let me help you.” He grabs your hand and leads you to the kitchen area of the ship. It’s not much, but it has a nice stove that you begged and begged Din to get you.
“Love, I’m barely a couple weeks along. I can still do things by myself.” You shoo his hands away.
He frowns at you before walking back to the stove, flipping one of the pancakes. The child runs over to you with his arms lifted high. Scooping him up you set him on a container near the small table. Walking over to a basket you grab him a few berries and place them in a bowl for him. He coos and claps when you present them to him. Smiling at him you walk over to your husband who is manning the stove.
Wrapping your arms around his waist you press yourself against his back.
“Cyar’ika, you have no idea how happy you’ve made me.” He flips the pancake and turns to you, kissing your lips. “I can’t wait to have another kid. One that is really our own.”
“I know, I’m excited too.”
Breaking away from him, you really look at him. His hair is unkempt and he hasn’t even brushed his teeth, but lord almighty is he handsome. His eyes are full of love and excitement. A smile seems to be always plastered on his face.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” He grabs you and holds you close, breathing in your scent. You stand like that until you feel something wet drip onto your head. Looking up at him you see tears falling down his face. “Sorry, cyar’ika, I’m just really happy.”
Using your thumb to wipe away his tears you lean up and kiss each corner of his eyes. “It’s alright love.”
“Go sit down, I’ll bring you a pancake.” He ushers you to sit next to the child. “But don’t sit down next to the heater, I don’t know how much radiation it gives off.”
You laugh now, “Oh boy, do we have a long nine months ahead of us.”
Okay this: the reader is just tired from whatever, you can chose, and din can see they're fighting sleep and he begs them to sleep and when they protest and fight he just picks them up and throws the over his shoulder and places them on the bed. then maybe he turns off the lights and takes off his beskar and cuddles the reader (maybe some singing?) and reader starts to fall asleep and MAYBE MAYBE NOT reader kissing him sleepily. Just fluff u kno? u can change it if u want! do ur magic with it!
Nuhoy, Ad’ika- Din Djarin X Reader
Summary: The mandalorian returns to find you refusing to sleep.
It’s three days past his expected arrival when your lack of sleep really hits you. The child is fussy with worry, feeding off of your own energy. You’re barely functioning at this point, just going through the motions of life. You’ve tried over and over again to catch even a minute of sleep, but your worry overwhelms you and keeps you wide awake. At least the child will still sleep.
You’ve been busying yourself with little jobs around the Crest. All of the laundry and blankets have been washed and dried. They’ve been folded neatly and placed back in their respective homes. You’ve scrubbed both bunks until they were almost new colors. The next task you’ve assigned yourself is polishing every button and switch in the cockpit.
***
It’s the middle of the night when you hear the hatch open. Fearing for the worst, you grab a blaster and hide behind a corner.
“Cyar’ika?” Your body instantly relaxes at his gruff voice. You slide around the corner to face him and place the blaster down. “What happened to you?” Flinching at his comment, you walk over to him. He doesn’t mean any harm and you know it, but it is still unnerving to hear someone ask about your appearance.
At no sign of you answering him, he wraps his arms around you. “I’m sorry I’m late. But have you gotten any sleep?”
You sigh, knowing there is no way you can keep a secret from him for long. “Well…” you try to think of a way to sugar coat it, but your half awake mind is already barely functioning, “no.”
“Oh, cyare.” He pulls you closer to him. “Let’s get you to bed.”
Alarm bells go off in your head. “NO! I need to be awake to help you take off. And are you hurt? Oh I didn’t even ask you yet! Plus, I need to reheat dinner for you.”
Under his helmet he frowns. “Cyar’ika, you can’t even stand properly.” You hadn't realized it but all your weight is currently leaning onto him. You instantly push away from him to try and show you’re awake.
“I’m fine. Look! Two feet right here keeping me up and at ‘em!” Words are slurring together as your brain tries to keep up with your pace.
He huffs before picking you up bridal style. “No, wait. This isn’t fair!” He can see you fighting sleep now. Your eyelids are threatening to close and his arms are too comfy. His scent surrounds you and it’s like you are sedated.
“We’re going to bed.” He sets you down on his bed before flipping the lights off.
“What about your dinner?” While he was away you had added fabric under the padding, providing more cushion. Albeit, it seems your plan worked so well it had turned against you.
His voice is now clear and deep and you can hear him set his helmet down somewhere, “I’ll be fine. I had a large lunch.”
You know for a fact that he probably had not eaten anything but you are putting all of your energy into staying awake, so you’ll have to fight that battle later. The cot dips under his weight as he shifts to lay beside you.
“Wait, I still have to finish polishing this one area!”
“Sleep, cyar’ika.” He pulls you down so that you are laying on his chest. It always amazes you how soft and yet strong he is under all that armor. Taut muscles flutter with his movements and yet it is as if you are laying on a cloud.
“But…” Betraying you, your mouth closes and your brain practically shuts off. You snuggle further into his embrace, loving the natural heat he produces for you to leech off. Placing your hands on top of his own you give them a gentle squeeze.
He hums before murmuring, “I missed you.”
You mean to say it back but you can only get out a whimper of approval. His large hands slip from your grasp and hold you close to him. Rubbing all over your body, they lull you further into sleep. Placing a few kisses on to his pec, you hope it portrays your gratitude.
You’re almost unconscious when you feel something rumbling up his chest. His voice, husky with sleep, produces the most beautiful lullaby you’ve ever heard.
“Nuhoy, ad'ika. Gar ner cyar'ika. Ni ja'haili'gar. Akay vaar'tur.”
You recognize a few words, only because they often replace your name.
“Nuhoy, ad'ika. Gar ner cyar'ika. Ni laarari'gar. Akay vaar'tur.”
He listens to the even breaths of your rest. His chest swells with adoration at the domesticity you two are sharing. He continues the lullaby that was often sung to him by his adoptive family. Never could he have asked for a better person to be asleep in his arms.
It’s in this moment that he realizes it, he loves you.
“Nuhoy, ad'ika. Gar ner cyar'ika. Ni cabuor gar. Akay vaar'tur.”
Credit for the song goes to the lovely @themischiefoftad
The original post for the lullaby can be found here.
Translation: Sleep, little one. You are my sweetheart. I will watch over you Until morning. Sleep, little one. You are my sweetheart. I will sing to you Until morning. Sleep, little one. You are my sweetheart. I will protect you Until morning
hi um i luv ur stuff it's so cute! I was wondering if you could do a cute blurb where the reader LOVES to star gaze and mando wakes up one night and gets worried about where they went, but he goes outside and sees that they are sitting on top of the razorcrest and he joins them, then they fall asleep on him and he takes them down and it just ends in cuddles? Sorry if that was too specific BUT I LOVE YOUR WORK 🤩🥺
Stargazing- Din Djarin x Reader
Summary: the mandalorian catches you watching the stars.
A/n: wait okay this is literally the cutest ask! I love this idea, and no, it is not to specific. I stopped everything to sit down and write this, haha. Thank you for this! Also I am so flattered! I am so happy that you are able to find joy in my writing. That is all I could ever ask for! :)
The soft breaths of the mandalorian flow through the ship signifying his slumber. The child is asleep in his pod, clutching the metal ball from the cockpit. It’s the middle of the night on some deserted planet that Mando had decided was safe enough for you all to stay for a couple days.
You grab one of his old cloaks and wrap it around yourself. Slowly and quietly moving through the ship you make way for the outdoors. Climbing to the top of the Razor Crest, you lay down and stare up at the stars, peace instantly filling your soul.
He awoke when he heard shuffling from your bunk. Sitting up he watches as you make way for the door. Worry fills his chest, wondering where you were going. Were you leaving him? His heart clenches at the thought of never being able to see you again. Silently, he stands and follows you.
When he walks outside he can’t see you. Fear fills his body when his visor can’t pick up any heat signatures on the horizon. His heart stops and his mind works a mile per minute, creating scenario after scenario of where you are and why you left him. It all comes to a halt when he hears a soft clang above his head.
There you are!
He climbs up the ladder on the side of the Crest. “Why are you up here?”
You squeak and jump off the ground about two feet, shooting up into a sitting position; he chuckles. “I- I couldn’t sleep.” Warmth rises to your cheeks as you clutch your heart.
The mandalorian doesn’t say anything, urging you to continue. Unbeknownst to you, but he is filled with relief.
“Um. Whenever I can’t sleep I like to stargaze. It always calms me.” You play with the hem of his old cloak that is wrapped around your body. “Do you want to join me?” It’s a whisper but his helmet easily picks up your inquiry.
He climbs up the rest of the ladder and sits down next to you, before falling back and laying just as you were. You look at him before laying back down yourself.
It’s quiet but you can almost hear the sparks of tension between the mandalorian and yourself.
“It’s pretty.” His voice is still husky with sleep, it snaps you out of your thoughts.
“Oh...um...yeah.” You exhale. “It has always fascinated me, the stars.”
He turns his head to face you, the reflection of the orbs twinkle in your eyes. You look ethereal.
“It’s so amazing how we can see so many worlds at once. Like maybe on that planet,” you point to a random light in the sky, “maybe someone is getting married.” A smile works its way onto your face. “Or on that one a child just had its first word.” Giggling at the thought, you continue. “So many people are going through so many different things, it's really astonishing. Like there are galaxies and universes out there that no one has discovered yet. Worlds completely the opposite of the one we are used to. So many untold stories lurk out there!”
He can not only see the passion you hold, but also hear it in your voice.
“My mother used to criticize me for stargazing. She said I romanticized the cruel world too much and that it would eventually bite me in the butt. I don’t know though... It’s also just so cool how they are giant balls of energy and life! I mean like how can you not romanticize them?” You huff at the memory of your mother lecturing you on how you need to focus more on life than on silly stars. “Sorry, I’m rambling.” Realizing you’ve gotten carried away again.
“No! No, I like it. I’ve never thought of it like that before.” The mandalorian assures you. “The beauty of the stars is something I’ve taken for granted.”
You turn to him and smile at the intimacy and vulnerability at this moment.
“When you’re someone like me, you really just go through the motions of life.” Longing fills his voice. “I’ve never stopped to really appreciate anything.”
A cold wind rushes over your body and you shiver, clutching his old cloak closer to your body. A strong arm wraps around you and pulls you closer to him.
“Come here, cyar’ika. I’ll keep you warm. I want to hear more about them from you.”
You snuggle into his side and look back up into the sky. Security and comfort washes over you in his arms.
“I like to believe that our destiny is written within these lights, that everything happens for a reason and that the stars guide us to where we are supposed to be. In fact, when I was little I would try and actually find words in constellations.” You chuckle at the memory before yawning. “One time I swore I saw the word, love, written out.”
The mandalorian smiles to himself at your memories, running his fingertips over your arm in a steady rhythm. “I guess I should thank the stars then.” He hears you murmur out why but he can tell you are on the cusp of sleep.
Before he answers, he listens to the steady flow of your breaths. Warmth fills his body becuase you fell asleep in his arms. The fact that you trust him so much holds more power over him than he will ever admit.
He sighs and presses his head ontop of yours, his way of kissing you with his helmet on.
I hope this is what you were looking for! I’m sorry it is kinda short but I am just really happy with where it ended. Thanks again love! Please never hesitate to send anything else in! :)
ONE MORE! How about after an attack or something happens, the reader made a mistake and ends up getting hurt. Din gets super upset and says a lot of things that are hurtful towards the reader and instead of fighting back they kinda just nod and accept it. after a few days Din notices how the reader starts to act different and apologizes once he realized that the whole thing was because of him. Just some angst ya know? THIS IS SO MANY IM SORRY
Dead- Din Djarin x Reader
Summary: You’re sure you died, but maybe not.
Warnings: Drowning!
A/n: No, it’s totally fine. I love all your asks! :) I hope you like this one!
It’s surreal and calm under the icy water. It feels like you’re being held still in time and space. Nowhere to go, nowhere to be. The water should feel freezing and yet, you can’t feel anything. Your chest should be screaming for air but you feel tranquil, not needing anything and nothing needing anything from you. Existing and nonexistent all at the same time.
The world surrounding you is tinted blue and it stays invariably silent. Your hair floats around, framing your face as you look about. Light casts down from above, highlighting the vast water. You’re starting to get tired, eyelids slowly opening and closing. Bubbles work themself from your mouth until no more are left.
Everything fades away, you can’t feel anything. Death is comforting, you conclude. It’s like the moment just before you drift off into a deep sleep. It’s not lonely or spine-chilling like people say, it’s like a blanket of security has been placed over you.
Is this it? Is this the final page in your story?
You feel warm and cozy, accepting your fate. Opening your eyes to take one more final look at the world, you’re met with a dark blob swimming towards you. You smile as you realize it’s your mandalorian. Reaching out, you cup his cheek before closing your eyes for good.
***
His heart stops as you sink under the water. Body moving on autopilot as he shoots the rest of the group. Running over to the hole in the ice where you were discarded so ruthlessly by the quarry. Bodies surround the area and yet he pays no mind to them. Not thinking twice before diving into the dark icebound abyss after you.
Swimming as fast as the beskar will allow him, he nearly gasps when you reach out to him. Heart dropping to the pit of his stomach when you smile and close your eyes.
No! No, no, no! This can’t be right! You’re not dead! You can’t be! Thoughts fly through his head as he pulls you both up to the surface.
Running to the Crest with you in his arms he checks your neck for a pulse. His blood runs cold when he finds nothing. Yanking off his helmet he presses his head to your chest, no breath.
The water from the lake mixes with the salty tears trailing down his face. He starts pumping over your heart, willing it to start.
“Come on, cyar’ika! Don’t leave me like this!” He’s begging now, wishing he could have only been a tad faster. If only he would have kept you in the ship. You’d be safe and sound then.
He takes a deep breath before smashing his lips to your own. Tilting your head back slightly, he forces the air into your lungs. He starts pumping again, tears blurring his vision.
“Please, please.” If only he had shot the quarry sooner. Then it wouldn't have been able to grab hold of you. The memory of the quarry holding you over the frozen lake, its hands wrapped around your neck, playing over and over again in his head. “Cyar’ika.” He murmurs. The sound of your scream is endless, repeating like a broken record.
It’s been at least six minutes of his desperate cycle before his muscles ache for a break. You’re not coming back, you’re gone. He rests his head on your chest above your heart. He’s wailing now, loud sobs filling the Crest.
The child runs over to your body. “She’s gone. Buir’s gone.” He is broken, like his entire soul shattered into billions of pieces. The child lifts a hand before closing his eyes. But not long after, it collapses into a slumber. He picks up his son and sets him in his hammock.
“Good try, but nothing we can do can help her.” He says more to himself than his son.
***
Lights flash behind your eyelids. Your stomach protests and sends waves of bile and water up your throat. Yanked out of your peaceful sleep you are brought back to the world. Failing your arms you cough and hack up at least a gallon of water. Clutching your newly started heart, you finally get all of the water out of your lungs.
“Cyar’ika?” It’s the whisper of your nickname that greets you first. You open your eyes into the pitch black of the hull.
“Tin can?”
Arms wrap around your body pulling you close. What happens next surprises you more though.
“Cyar’ika! How dare you leave the ship without telling me!” He’s growling and yelling at you. “Are you so weak that even an unarmed quarry captured you? And what was going through your head when he strangled you?”
“I’m sorry.” It comes out meek and timid.
“Saying sorry doesn’t change the fact that you got in the way of my entire plan!” He doesn’t understand why he is yelling at you. All of his anger for the quarry is being thrown onto you but he can’t stop it.
You nod your head while looking at the ground, tears welling up.
“Don’t ever, EVER, do that again. Just stay put when I tell you to!” He gives you one final glance in the dark before pushing his helmet back on and opening the hatch, walking out into the world.
You’re absolutely flummoxed.
***
It’s been three days since the incident, neither of you talk about it. You’ve been trying hard to please the mandalorian, trying to make up for your mistake.
He realizes something is wrong when you’re two hours into hyperspace and you’ve not uttered one word. “Cyar’ika, what’s wrong?”
You look up to him with the most innocent eyes. “Oh, nothing.”
“Come on, I know something is up. What is it?”
“Nothing, Mando.”
“See that's the thing, you never call me Mando, it’s always tin can. What is wrong?” He is starting to get agitated and you can tell.
“Nothing, I swear.”
His fist pounds on the arm rest. “Tell me!” He is yelling now. “What is wrong with you?!”
“Fine! You want to know what's wrong, then I’ll tell you.” You’re yelling back at him. “It’s the fact that I literally died and you have not said one thing except that it was my fault!” You take a shaky breath before continuing. “If I am such a nuisance and I always get in your way, then why didn’t you just leave me to die?”
You can’t tell if anything you’re saying is affecting him, because he just sits there. “Did you even care?” Your voice cracks with vulnerability. Biting your lip you look away from him as the tears slip from your eyes.
It's silent for a couple minutes before his own shaky voice says, “Oh cyare, if only you knew how much I care.” He reaches for your hand but you flinch away. “I’m sorry for yelling at you. I was mad at the quarry and it all was projected onto you.”
You face his visor, locking eyes with the space where you know his eyes are.
“Cyar’ika, my world stopped when I saw you in danger. I just want you to be safe.” He reaches for you again, except this time you take his hand and plant yourself in his lap. “I love you so much and it hurt so bad when you were gone. I am not used to holding these emotions so I just distanced myself from you. I’m sorry.”
“You love me?” It's a hushed question that makes its way past your lips before you even realize it.
He chuckles and brings his helmet to press against your forehead. “I do, cyar’ika.” He takes a breath, “I do so much.”
