Main Blog: HereForTheFanficsAndRomance
Author: Veronica
The entire collection and recommend reading orders for:
"The Way He Looks at You"
Inquisitor Cal Kestis x Reader Fanfiction
Header Credit: @peanuttoffee
The below content was the original publishing of this series. All below Acts and Bonus Content is no longer canon for the series but is available for old fans of the story.
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
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Chapter Summary
All bad choices have consequences.
Content Warnings: dead body
There's no turning back
It all fades to black
No trying to pretend
We know where the story ends
-Will You Follow Me Into the Dark by Klergy
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Chapter 23: The Way He Renounces You
The hallways fill with smoke that illuminates blue as Theo’s lightsaber cuts through, deflecting blast after red blast.
You dive behind the nearest cover, an overturned trash bin, and peek out to plot your next move. Central command is a quick sprint from your hiding spot, and it will put you within shouting distance of Theo so that you can warn him.
The gunfire streaming down the hall breaks, and you dart out from your cover. An unblocked red bolt flies past your face. You jump and roll into the large tech cover of central command.
You’re catching your breath and observing the area. There are others hiding here. A middle-aged woman hunches over a similarly aged man.
You crawl forward, hoping to help. She clutches a quarter of a wheel-sized durasteel disk against her chest, sobbing. The man isn’t moving, another quarter of the disk beside his outstretched hand, a gold band on his pale finger.
“Get out of here,” you say, touching her shoulder.
“They shot Boriel; he can’t hide his portion,” she says, grabbing and pressing the abandoned quarter-disk into your hands. You catch sight of her matching gold ring.
She gives you a vacant stare. “I’ll wait with him until he wakes.”
You don’t argue. You don’t think we agree on Boriel’s condition.
Theo deflects the remaining bolts, and you race towards him.
“Theo, wait!”
He whips around, deactivating his blade and grabbing your arms as you near. He catches sight of the tech in your arms and glances towards central command. “Hide with that. Stay hidden until I get you.”
“I can’t, Theo; we have to leave, please.”
Theo shakes his head. “I have to defend the base. There’s a vent behind the front desk of the med wing. That’s where this part needs to hide, stay with it.”
You grip his arms. “No, we have to go. Fifth is here for you.”
Theo furrows his eyebrows and attempts to peel your fingers off his arm. “This isn’t an attack by an Inquisitor. There are stormtroopers.”
He has to believe you, or he’ll be walking right into a trap.
“I got a message from Cal.”
Theo freezes, his eyes locking onto yours. You watch his eyes twitch; he already knows how Cal contacted you.
“He’s working with the bookshop owner. She gave you up to him.”
You nod, swallowing hard. “He said, ‘Fifth is coming for you both’.”
“They wouldn’t know where we are. This attack is unassociated. I have to defend the base. Go hide. We’ll discuss this later.”
He turns away. He isn’t listening. You know Cal’s words are true, because Kaahlii can see your location when you power on the device. You didn’t realize she would tell Cal. Foolishly, you believed she would protect you again. Similar to how you’ve protected her prototype.
“Theo, stop, please! You’re right, she gave me up to Cal,” you say, hating the next words you must speak. “The datapad sends my location. The Inquisitors know where we are.”
Theo goes as pale as his darker skin allows. His steps towards you are slow and hesitant.
“You brought a device to this base. A base with no defenses and vital Rebellion intelligence. And you didn’t think to tell me that this datapad sends locations?” He asks, the last words said through gritted teeth.
“I messed up. Really, really badly. And I am so sorry. But Theo, please. They’re going to take you if you stay.”
Tears well up in your eyes. You grab for his arm, desperate to drag him away from this battle. He flinches back, keeping out of reach.
“People have died—are dying—because of your actions,” he says. Each word is steady and venomous. “I love you, but I’m not sure how we will ever get past this.”
You take a shuddering breath. This is so much worse than the first breakup. “I understand that what I’ve done has caused irreparable damage. But I won’t let them take you, Theo. Please come with me; let me get you to safety. They’re expecting you to fight. You have to run.”
“No,” he says. “I would never turn my back on the Rebellion.”
His words slice through you.
Teardrops fall onto your cheeks. “Theo—”
“Do the right thing. Go. Hide.”
He doesn’t look like himself. There’s a rage in him you didn’t know he was capable of. You obey, running towards the med wing.
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Tears stream down your cheeks as you run towards the med wing. This area is quiet, with only muffled gunshots in the distance. The silence breaks as the vent grate clatters to the ground. You peer inside.
The intake vent can fit an adult. Boriel should be hiding here. But he’s dead, and his wife is in denial. You hope she is hiding her portion of the disk.
You hide the quarter disk inside, considering going after Theo. But his words ring in your head. “I would never turn my back on the Rebellion.”
The implication stings. It’s the truth regarding his feelings toward you. He sees you as a traitor, but he loves you. He’s treated you as such, and you deserved it.
Even after your initial betrayal, he gave you more. But you betrayed him further, keeping a device you knew could track locations because you believed you were friends.
You’re shocked Kaahlii betrayed you. She told you she couldn’t help you further, but you didn’t realize she would sell you out to an Inquisitor the moment you ran.
You suck in a shuddering breath as you sob, crawling into the vent.
Cal lied too. He swore your secrets were safe in exchange for your loyalty. You gave him everything. You believed him.
Your faith was in the wrong people—strangers.
Synchronized footsteps move in your direction. You wrestle the vent cover into place.
The marching footsteps come around the corner; a squad of stormtroopers surveys the area. You cover your mouth, muffling your gasping breaths.
Your body trembles, which causes the disk to rattle beside you. You snatch it up, willing your shaking fingers to maintain their grasp.
You’re a child again, watching troopers through the slats. Your arms wrap around the piece of disk, clutching it against your chest. Your lips struggle to contain the panicked breathing and silent sobs.
An explosion sounds in the distance, turning the stormtroopers’ heads. They speak among themselves and move in the opposite direction.
When their footsteps fade, you gasp for air into your cupped hands. The sobs come quicker, and you collapse forward, hugging yourself—and the disk.
You did this.
You brought the Empire here. Led an Inquisitor here. Betrayed Theo.
You should have trusted Theo and destroyed the holoreader.
Members of the Rebellion—good people—are dying because of you. Theo will be captured because of you.
Cal may have tricked you, and Kaahlii may have sold you out, but this is your fault.
Masterlists
TWHLAY Series
All Works
Music
Spotify Playlist for this Story
Book Song
Chapter Song
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I adore comments as they allow me to go on an emotional journey with my readers as you all experience the story.
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Tell me!
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
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Chapter Summary
A surprise puts everyone at risk.
Content Warnings: none
Don't wanna give another kiss with my baby on my mind
It wasn't kind, it was kind of boring
I put a pill in my cup every morning
And when I die, I'll get those cold copper kisses on my eyes
-DOWNSIDE by I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME
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Chapter 22: The Way He Chases You
The holoreader dangles from your fingertips, hanging above the industrial trash compactor. Theo is furious. He yelled at you. He’s never yelled. If you don’t complete this task, he’ll be done.
You yank the device back. You’ll check for a response and then destroy it.
The hand-sized device runs its slow scanning process, pulling no new documentation from the area. A small blue dot notifies you of a waiting message.
You brace for disappointing another person today as you open the messaging application.
Fifth is coming for you both.
You freeze, rereading the message multiple times. Fifth is coming for you both. How would Kaahlii know? Why refer to Fifth Brother so casually? How does she know you’re with Theo?
She doesn’t.
This message didn’t come from Kaahlii; it came from Cal.
Your stomach does a delightful swoop. He’s warning you. But why? He wanted you dead as part of his grand plan to turn Theo into a monster like him. He shouldn’t be warning you; he should help Fifth find you, so they can do whatever horrible thing they intended together.
Cal is lying.
You don’t know his angle, but Theo needs to know. You shove the reader back into your satchel and run towards the briefing rooms.
Theo is in a rather important-looking meeting with the high-ranking officials. Kriff, he’s always busy.
You can’t prove this message is true, and you’re already on thin ice with Theo. So demanding his immediate attention on an unauthorized device is impossible.
You wait, pacing the hallway. Your fingers itch to message back for clarification. But if it is a trap, you can’t risk making moves without Theo’s guidance.
The meeting drags, and your anxiety grows. If the warning is true, you’re both in danger. You’ll do anything to prevent Theo from being captured by Inquisitors.
The stupid drill sirens go off, filling the white hallways with flashing red light. A computerized voice comes over the loudspeaker “Imperial ships in the area, prepare for imminent attack. Imperial ships in the area, prepare for imminent attack.”
Not a drill.
You cover your ears, and the hall erupts into chaos. The briefing rooms empty in a flurry, people running and yelling.
Theo races ahead of the crowd, maneuvering between the flood of bodies. You call to him, but it’s drowned out. He rushes away towards central command.
Unable to shove through the crowd, you back against a wall. You’ll wait out the surge and chase after Theo.
Then you hear it—gunfire echoing from the hangar. You need to defend the base. But you have information Theo doesn’t. He’ll be valiant; he’ll get captured.
You run through the emptying hallways towards central command. The sound of blasters rings out. The familiar hum of Theo’s lightsaber deflects back the blasts.
Stormtroopers. Why are they here? You thought Fifth was coming for you, he wouldn’t bring an army of stormtroopers but two Purge Troopers. Cal lied to you again.
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It was apparent to Cal that he could not land a Scythe in the middle of the repurposed Star Destroyer hangar. Not only would every gun on the base point at him—not a problem—it would draw far too much attention, a problem.
Being familiar with the terrain on Bracca, Cal took the scenic route, flying in from the least advantageous direction and landing outside the compound much further away than he would have liked.
He ran down the ramp towards the walled-off faux scrapyard. Keeping a full sprint until he reached the stone barrier. He needed to find a way in that wouldn’t set off any sensors. The wall was much too high to jump, even with the help of the Force.
The sound of an incoming Imperial troop transport breaking the atmosphere draws Cal’s attention. Why are they here? This was a stealth mission for Cal. There’s no way this is a coincidence.
A small fleet of TIE fighters that open fire on the patrolling Rebellion ships accompanies the Lambda-class shuttle. Laser cannon fire and ships explode, turning the night sky into a smoky and strobing backdrop. Alarms within the secret base blare in the distance.
There’s a Scythe flying in behind the attacking ships. Fifth Brother. He must have followed Cal and is using the Rebel Base attack as cover for his kidnapping attempt. Cal hopes Light got his message and has cleared out with her Jedi. Even if it means he has to spend more time looking for her.
The need for stealth has dissipated, so with a large Force push, he breaks through the stone wall, watching it crumble to make way for him. Alarms sound on the perimeter, but the Rebel troops already have their hands full.
Cal darts inside the compound and leaps up into the scrapped rear of the Star-Destroyer, picking his way through the unsafe skeleton of a once imposing ship.
He reaches out through the Force, searching the base for her. But the ship that houses the base is massive, and with all the chaos, it becomes impossible to tell who any one person is.
Cal jumps over holes in the floor where the metal rusted out over years of exposure to the terrible Bracca rainstorms. There are portions of the ship where there is nothing to walk on, leaving Cal to dangle from beams as he works his way through.
He reaches out with the Force again, hoping for anything to point him in the right direction. He can feel another Force-sensitive affecting the ghost-like mesh in the distance. It must be the Jedi. Those who can manipulate the Force are always easier to sense than those who can not.
It is enough information for Cal; he moves with more haste towards what is likely Theo’s signature. It’s unlikely the Jedi will help Cal find Light, but he might listen to reason if Cal refuses to fight him. They could work together to get her out of there before Fifth has the chance.
Fifth Brother is more focused on results. He will hunt Theo first, and if he happens upon Light, he’ll take her too. All Cal can do is try to keep Light away from Theo so there isn’t an opportunity. He’ll feel out for her again when he gets closer to the Jedi.
Masterlists
TWHLAY Series
All Works
Music
Spotify Playlist for this Story
Book Song
Chapter Song
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
I adore comments as they allow me to go on an emotional journey with my readers as you all experience the story.
Love/Like/Hate What You Read?
Tell me!
Compliments feed me
Constructive Criticism improves me
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Read on your favorite platforms:
Archive of Our Own (AO3)
Tumblr
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Join My Community:
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Members receive bonus content, community, and updates.
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Disclaimer: I make no money off any of the works I produce.
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
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Chapter Summary
Everyone suffers from hidden information.
Content Warnings: none
Mm, how could we know
We'd make the bad stuff delightful? Mm
I'm glad we crashed and burned
I know we'll be there for each other
-imperfect for you by Ariana Grande
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Chapter 21: The Way He Hurts You
Cal races through the sweltering desert town towards his waiting Scythe. Sweat drips into his eyes, blinding him in combination with the high sun.
He boards the ship, inputs the coordinates into his navigation system, and takes to the sky.
Cal activates the noisy hyperdrive and sets autopilot. Eyes flick down to the nav system, determining his destination. The Jedi hid Light on—no.
It can’t be.
Cal shakes his head to confirm he isn’t experiencing an echo. He stops autopilot, falling out of hyperspace to reenter the coordinates. They must be wrong.
The nav system reloads but shows the same planet: Bracca.
Cal runs a hand through his sweaty hair. The Jedi is taunting him. How did he learn of Cal’s past?
Cal hasn’t returned to his temporary home since Cere and Greez rescued him from Second Sister. The planet holds painful memories.
He was a kid when it happened. When he fell from the sky in an escape pod. When he watched his Master die, and begged for a job, lying about his age.
He was barely a man when watching an Inquisitor murder his friend, Prauf. Then watching that Inquisitor die at the hands of Lord Vader.
If he hadn’t exposed himself all those years ago, there wouldn’t be a Thirteenth Brother today. Cal should have remained insignificant. He’s done more harm than good. If he had stayed, Merrin would be alive, and Light would be safe.
But this isn’t the past. Cal is an Inquisitor. Fear, pain, and weakness are distractions. He will claim what he wants.
Cal reengages autopilot as he re-enters hyperspace. If he doesn’t go to Bracca, Fifth will, and he will not spare the one Cal loves.
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The briefing concludes as a group of officials and Theo exit. You waited through three more noisy drills, your hands over your ears, for him. Theo catches your eye, and You rush forward.
“Baby,” you say, defaulting to your familiar terms. The ones you used before your breakup, and now in your room.
Theo gives you a reluctant look, glancing at the nearby Rebels. Your face falls. Do they know you were Cal’s lover? This is why Theo avoids you around base.
You shake off the shame. “Sorry. Theo, would you join me for dinner?
His worried look worsens and then breaks. He gives you a soft smile and reaches out to brush your fingers, almost like he’s going to take your hand, but he lets it fall away.
“Yeah, let’s go eat.”
The others bid Theo goodbye as you pass. Theo keeps a respectful distance from you as you both walk. He’s always too cautious. But once you are alone, he takes your hand and drags you into a secluded corner.
“Missed you,” he says as he kisses you.
You pull him against you, your hurt forgotten, clinging to your stolen moment. “I missed you; we don’t get enough time together. You’re always so busy.”
Theo rests his forehead against yours. “I’m sorry. So much needs my attention.”
You steal another kiss from his lips. “You’re hiding our relationship.”
He averts his eyes, frowning. “This base has taken security risks by hiding us here. The least I can do is not seem distracted while helping their cause.”
“You’re overworked; no one can accuse you of not repaying them.”
Theo exhales hot air against your hair, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “Just...let’s settle in more.”
He’s right; you’re still newcomers. Time will make your betrayal less severe; Theo won’t always be ashamed of you.
You both went to dinner but didn’t return to the room together. Theo claimed more work needed his attention, but you watched his eyes scan the mess hall. Too many people would see you both leave together. He took a path in the opposite direction.
You wake alone in the shared bed. Theo is at his desk, his back facing you. The posture is familiar — normally straight back hunched over, hand rubbing stress lines from his forehead.
“Theo, is everything alright?”
He turns at the sound of your voice, holding your reader in his hand. “I asked you to destroy this.”
The look on his face makes you recoil. Like he’s biting back anger, letting disappointment lead.
This is your fault, but you double down. “I couldn’t, Theo. It’s her life’s work. It’s not dangerous. All I do is use it to read. I messaged her yesterday, telling her I wouldn’t be able to help her research. I thought maybe I could return it to her when—”
“Kriff, it can message?” Theo says, rubbing his face. “Do you know the risk you took?”
You startle, then approach him, wearing only his shirt, reaching out to touch his arm. To your relief, he doesn’t pull away. You cling to his arms, watching his face pinch and soothe.
“I couldn’t just disappear, not when she was depending on me.”
“Why won’t you let me keep you safe?”
“Theo, I—”
“This base is secret for a reason; they’re doing important work. I had to call in multiple favors to get us transferred here.”
“I didn’t know; you don’t tell me anything.”
“Because I can’t! I need you to trust me to make the right calls, but you always fight me.”
Theo pulls away, hands running through his dark locks. He looks on the verge of ripping them out.
“Theo, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to do everything wrong. I just hate being kept in the dark.”
Theo scoffs, and his eyes flash. “You didn’t seem to mind when he was calling the shots. Or did you argue with him too?”
You falter, but risk another step towards him. He backs away from your extended hands.
“Theo, that was different. He would have killed me if I hadn’t obeyed.”
Theo’s jaw clenches, and he throws his hands up. “Great, so if I threaten to kill you, you’ll listen. But if I promise to keep you safe, you won’t. This base isn’t built for defense! I can’t defend it and keep you safe in an attack. I don’t want to choose!”
“That’s not fair! Kaahlii isn’t with the Empire. She is a bookstore owner!”
“That woman doesn’t care about your safety! She will report anything Rebellion-related to the Empire.”
“No, she won’t!”
“Yes! She will! She threatened to turn me over to the Empire simply for wanting to talk to you!”
Theo stops shouting, taking several deep breaths. You’ve never seen him so angry, so passionate. His face is flushed red, and his hair is a mess from his fingers. He’s mad at you, and yet you want to throw yourself into his arms.
“I have a briefing. We’ll discuss this later.”
“So what? We’re over again?”
“What? No, I—” Theo says, stumbling over his words. “We’re not even officially back together. But no, this doesn’t mean we’re done.”
Ouch.
Theo pulls you close, and you breathe him in. You can feel his heart pounding in his chest against your cheek. He presses a halfhearted kiss to your hair before leaving.
You stand there, feeling lost. It’s like you can’t get it right with him.
Masterlists
TWHLAY Series
All Works
Music
Spotify Playlist for this Story
Book Song
Chapter Song
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
I adore comments as they allow me to go on an emotional journey with my readers as you all experience the story.
Love/Like/Hate What You Read?
Tell me!
Compliments feed me
Constructive Criticism improves me
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Read on your favorite platforms:
Archive of Our Own (AO3)
Tumblr
Tumblr for TWHLAY
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Join My Community:
It's FREE, obviously!
Members receive bonus content, community, and updates.
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Disclaimer: I make no money off any of the works I produce.
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
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Chapter Summary
Bad choices change everything.
Content Warnings: none
That's just the way life goes
I like to slam doors closed
Trust me, I know it's always about me
I love you, I'm sorry
-I Love You, I'm Sorry by Gracie Abrams
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Chapter 20: The Way He Locates You
Several weeks on base brought you back to normal. Your brief time as an Inquisitor’s pet became something you no longer discussed.
You spend your time patrolling the skies for enemy ships and towing in allies. When Theo is away on his off-planet missions, you pick up more shifts.
The distraction keeps you from dwelling on Theo leaving you behind when Cal brought you with. You remind yourself that Cal was using you as bait while Theo is protecting you.
Theo and you have strengthened your relationship, though you haven’t labeled it. You share his room, but he often isn’t there because of his responsibilities. When he returns from his off-planet missions, it’s his voice, not the pilot’s, that crackles through your speaker requesting a tow.
The nights you are able to spend together, Theo is eager. He touches and kisses you like a proper lover. He’s giving you almost everything you’ve wanted from him since you met, but your attachment to Cal refuses to wane.
You love Theo. He’s been different since rekindling your physical relationship, but somehow it feels like a new version of your old problems.
You don’t spend time together around base. Theo is busy, often making excuses why he can’t eat with you in the mess hall. It’s like you’re his secret. Or perhaps he’s still hurt by your betrayal.
Inside your room, he is everything you wanted, but outside it’s worse. It’s all your fault. You wish you hadn’t slept with Cal.
You need to rebuild his trust. But you stare at Kaahlii’s reader, send a quick message letting her know you can’t help anymore, and tuck it back into your bag hidden under the bed. It’s her life’s work. How could you dispose of it?
You head for the briefing rooms, hoping to catch Theo and invite him to dinner. Your time with Cal rebuilt your confidence and assertiveness. You’ll ask Theo for what you want.
You wait outside one of the briefing rooms, preparing to invite Theo to dinner. He might decline, but you have to try.
“This is an odd spot to spend time,” Tilia says, approaching you in the empty hallway. “I thought briefings were over.”
“I’m waiting for someone,” you say. “How are you, Tilia?”
“Tired...and old,” she says, giving you a teasing smile. “Every year I spend fighting against the Empire ages me tenfold.”
You give her a sympathetic smile. “I can understand that. You’d think we’d just win already. I’ve been a Rebel for over a decade, and we’ve gained no ground. We just fight to keep what we have.”
“Even if we gain no ground, protecting what we have is important.”
It sounds more like something she tells herself than advice she is giving you. But you nod along, trying to reassure yourself that maybe one day things will change.
Alarms blare, and red lights flash. A computerized voice comes over the speaker. “This is a drill. Please proceed to your stations.”
You both cover your ears. Tilia shakes her head when you look to her. “It’s not for us!”
The alarm sounds for a minute before the sweet relief of silence returns. “Who was it for?”
“Central command conducts drills once a month. They’re ensuring they can hide sensitive information during an attack.”
“Well, remind me to disappear next month.”
Tilia chuckles and walks away. “You may want to relocate; they usually run the drill a few times in a row.”
With a groan, you stay put, determined to invite Theo to dinner.
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Cal returns to Kaahlii’s store as often as possible. He’s at risk after his failed mission. Despite assuring the Grand Inquisitor that he was working on tracking down the Jedi, the Grand Inquisitor reassigned him to a new mission. Theo becomes Fifth’s assignment.
He didn’t show any reaction upon receiving the news. But fear consumes him knowing Fifth will use Cal’s old plan. He can’t lose her; she is the only light left in his life. A bright, warm glow pulling him from the clutches of the Dark Side. His Light.
Despite his unapproachable demeanor, he has become part of the bookshop community. His rare visits always coincide with story time days. Kaahlii uses the additional time to work on new devices to track her prototype while it’s powered off. Cal no longer forces her compliance.
Cal enters the now-familiar shop, feeling tension soften in his shoulders as the bell chimes above his head. He is wearing only his base blacks, his armor abandoned in his ship to avoid unnecessary attention while in town. Though with the Jedi’s contact dead, there is hardly anyone to report an Inquisitor sighting. Still, he’s rather not associate his name with the Empire when spending time with children.
“Kaahlii,” Cal says, calling into the back of the store as he enters.
His fingers run along the spines of the thick tomes while passing through the history section.
“Cal,” the reserved woman says, using his true name. “Good to see you. I’m afraid I don’t have any updates.”
Cal shrugs, pulling on the brown apron, helping himself to a stack of books in need of return. “I assumed you would call if there were news. Figured I would still swing by.”
Kaahlii gives him a knowing smile, her brown eyes sparkling. “It is story time today.”
Cal hums, not directly acknowledging the statement.
She climbs onto the register’s stepstool, inspecting him. “Feeling paternal lately?”
Cal scoffs. “Hardly. Children are disgusting germ factories. But they are amusing.”
“I’ll be at the workbench if you need me,” she says.
Cal won’t need her. He enjoys her company, but having alone time in the bookshop has become an important part of his life. Once Cal finds his Light, it will be difficult for him to find a reason to visit and help here.
Perhaps instead of taking his Light back to the Inquisitorious Tower, he could convince her to live here. Then he can visit his two favorite women between missions and not have to fear her demise.
Cal shakes his head at his thoughts. Light isn’t her name. It’s silly to get so attached as to give her a pet name.
But isn’t he attached? He’s spending time away from his work to find her. She’s been important since he met her, but that importance has changed.
The calming environment of the shop this morning eases some of his troubles. But knowing Fifth has his old mission unnerves him. Fifth is looking for the Jedi. Cal is looking for his Light. It’s safe to assume they are in hiding together.
He still can’t wrap his head around why she left with the Jedi. He knew she still loved the Jedi, but she also confessed her love of Cal. The Jedi must have told her about their past. Of course, she believed him.
But now she’s in danger. Cal was going to spare her, only taking the Jedi for turning. Fifth won’t extend the same mercy.
Cal has to find her first. He no longer cares what happens to the Jedi; her fate is all that matters.
The workroom door swings open, slamming into the wall. Cal turns toward the sound. “Kaahlii, is everything alright?”
“Cal! Come quick! She turned on the prototype. I have a location!”
Cal’s heart stops, and he runs at a full sprint towards the small workroom, dragging Kaahlii back inside with him.
There is a message on the screen. It’s nothing special, only notice of Light’s inability to help Kaahlii further with her project.
Cal’s fingers fly across the screen, typing out a message to send back, then scribbling the coordinates onto a nearby piece of paper. Kaahlii moves out of his way.
“Good luck, Cal,” she says to the already closing door.
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
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Chapter Summary
Lives change fast on both sides.
Content Warnings: children
I'll move back home forever, I'll feed the dogs
And I'll put all my pieces back together
Where they belong, and I'll say
"I'm a mess, I'm a mess, oh God, I'm a mess"
-Mess by Noah Kahan
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Chapter 19: The Way He Sees You
Theo returns to the shared room hours after dinner closed in the mess hall. You’re sure he’s been busy since the moment he woke. He always was when you lived on base.
He unpacks his bag at the desk. As he finishes, you stand and take a couple of steps forward; he turns to receive you.
You both freeze as your eyes meet, realizing this routine is outdated. He shakes himself and sits in the desk chair as you perch on the bed.
“Did you see medical today?” he asks, picking at a string on his pants.
“Clean bill of health,” you say. “Don’t worry, it seems the Dark Side can’t transmit sexually.”
You keep your face neutral, just in case he doesn’t like your joke. Theo’s eyes close as if he’s trying to repress a laugh.
A smile breaks across his face as he scolds. “You shouldn’t joke so.”
You chuckle together, unable to contain your laughter. Warmth spreads through you at the pleasant sound of his laughter. You’ve missed this.
“I spoke with Brugus Thorve about piloting here. He just needs my transfer paperwork.”
Theo gives you an approving look. “I’ll get it sent over for you.”
“It’ll be nice to work again,” you say, remembering months of domestic life with Theo in the safe house.
Theo sobers, watching you frown. “You’ve missed it.”
“I’ve missed a lot,” you say.
There is regret in Theo’s eyes. He moves to sit beside you, keeping a respectful distance, his body angled in your direction.
“I am sorry for uprooting you; I know how much you gave up.”
It’s true; you gave up everything to follow him. Theo didn’t demand that you leave your old base. He gave you a choice, knowing how serious you both had become. An Inquisitor’s hunt nearly succeeded, so Theo moved without hesitation.
He made the hard choices without regard for himself. When you heard the news, you assumed it was goodbye. But his offer to follow was equivalent to a marriage proposal in the terms of your Jedi.
You would have said yes to either.
“I don’t regret it, Theo,” you say. “You were everything. We could get through anything together.”
Theo’s mouth twitches downwards. “I’m sorry I didn’t let us.”
Silence passes between you both. You want to press him for answers.
“Theo, I can’t forgive you until you tell me why you did it. Was it really just the Code? I know how much shame you carried during our relationship.”
His face twists.
“It wasn’t the Code or shame or anything you did. You were wonderful. There was something else, something I knew would tear me apart if I allowed our relationship to continue.”
Tears well up in your eyes, and you bark a thick laugh. “Well, I guess it was just me who was torn apart. I’m glad you saved yourself from it.”
Before you can blink away the incoming waterworks, Theo wraps his arms tight around you, pulling your face into his firm chest. He mumbles desperate apologies into your hair.
It’s more than you can handle. You fall apart in his arms, sobbing and clinging to him.
Your life together was good, but he threw it away without telling you why. It’s destroyed all the confidence you used to have.
“Hey,” Theo says, “Please believe me. It wasn’t you.”
“It obviously was or you wouldn’t have gotten rid of me,” you say between heaving sobs. “I can’t believe you dumped me after we had sex.”
“I know I’m sorry; it wasn’t fair. It was terrible timing.”
You pull out of his arms, wiping your face and trying to calm down. “You clearly found me repulsive.”
“What?” Theo says, looking confused. “I don’t think you’re repulsive. I think you’re beautiful. Even more that night. You were giving me a gift.”
“And you threw it away!”
“I did, but because I wanted to protect you—”
“Oh please! You said you strayed too far from the Code. You weren’t protecting me. You were protecting yourself from your own guilt!”
Theo is quiet, with a war raging behind his eyes. His mouth opens and closes like he can’t find the right words. You work to get your erratic breathing under control.
“After our last night together, I would have spent every day of our lives breaking the Code for you,” he says.
Your heart flips as you take in the meaning of his words and look into his sorrowful eyes.
“I had wanted to...have sex again that morning if you had been up for it. But I received some intel that changed everything.
“The Thirteenth Brother was closing in again. He’s a killer, and I couldn’t risk your getting caught in the middle. I knew you wouldn’t leave unless I broke your heart. You were always so loyal, you would have told me we could get through it together.
“But we couldn’t have. I had to.”
Theo cries halfway through his speech, his voice breaking. Without thinking, your hands move to wipe away his tears, scooting closer.
Theo nearly shrugs you off, but his hands instead wrap around you to pull you close. You wrap your arms around his neck, and he tightens his grip around your waist. You both cry, mourning how much you have lost.
“You didn’t want to?” you ask against his shoulder.
“I didn’t, but I couldn’t live with myself if my selfish desire to keep you around ended in your death.”
Relief floods through you. He wasn’t getting rid of you because he couldn’t stand the shame of what he had done.
Your heart feels lighter. It wasn’t you. But it ruined everything. You did questionable things after the breakup. You slept with the very man he was trying to keep you safe from. No wonder he looked so horrified.
“Theo, if you had just told me.”
“You would’ve stayed, you know as well as I do.”
He’s right. You would have done exactly what he said, insisting you were stronger together. Theo knows you too well; he made the hard decision knowing how you might fight back.
Like ylour father, he put you in the metaphorical vent to keep you alive, even if it broke you.
You pull back from the embrace to look at him as you both wipe away tears. Theo’s eyes dart across your features. He looks devastated, a shell of the man you had loved. He lost so much too.
“I—”
Theo’s lips crash into yours, interrupting your apology.
Your body freezes. Theo has never been so bold in initiating intimacy between you.
Your arms wrap around his neck as his tongue slides into your mouth. He is a good kisser, something you both had spent hours practicing since he wouldn’t let it go further.
You taught him everything he knows, making him perfectly suited for your desires. The sensation sets your body aflame.
Theo doesn’t hesitate. His hands find your hips, sliding you up the bed until there is a space between your legs for his kneeling body.
Your old fears surface. That if you push him too far, he will pull away.
Theo doesn’t pull away. His mouth stays attached to yours, kissing you in that soft and needy way you like from him. As if he is worshiping your lips with his.
His fingers slide under the hem of your shirt, grasping the soft fabric and flipping it inside out while pulling it over your head. He works on removing your first undergarment, but you stop him.
“Please make it equal. You didn’t let me look last time,” you say, with pleading eyes.
Theo’s pupils make his gray eyes nearly black, and he nods, tugging off his own tunic. Your fingers reach out to touch him, moving slowly to allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the sight of him as he resumes unclasping your undergarment.
He moves next to the closure of your pants before stopping himself and removing his first. The look he gives you feels like an offering, conveying that he is doing more this time, doing better.
You reach for his undergarment and he pulls away.
Icy fear runs through your veins the moment you see the change in his eager demeanor.
“I’ll join you, but it will be difficult for me to resist once those are off,” he says, his voice strained. “I want to take care of you first this time.”
Oh.
Together you remove your remaining clothes. Theo’s eyes are wide as you guide his hand between your legs. But upon both realizing he does not know what to do, your hand replaces his.
“Like this,” you say, swirling your finger over the eager bud. “You can put your fingers inside if you want.”
He reaches forward. “How many?”
“Let’s just start with two.”
He presses two fingers against your entrance. “Will it hurt?”
You let out a sharp laugh. “Theo, you’ve been inside me and you’re bigger than two fingers.”
He lets out a soft laugh, his ears blushing, as he presses them inside.
You let out a soft moan as he fills you, your hand continuing to work over yourself in your favorite way. His eyes dart between your face and where his fingers slide into you.
“Try curling them up,” you say.
He does so, but holds completely still, as if waiting for something to happen.
“Curl while you move.”
He adjusts to your request, thrusting and curling as you rub tight circles. Your head falls back, your eyes closing. You feel yourself getting close, and you don’t want to stop, but you pull your hand away.
You suppose your time with Cal taught you something.
“Do you want to try what I was doing?” you ask, reaching for his free hand.
“I’d like to,” Theo says, his voice husky.
His fingers inside you still, and his other hand closes the distance. A single fingertip presses against your clit, and you jump.
“Too hard! Softer touches, please,” you say, trying to relax again. “Like how you scroll on your datapad.”
You’ve watched his fingers on the device, angry he would scroll on the stupid thing with such light touches in front of you.
Theo gives you a funny look. “How do you know how I scroll on my datapad?”
You give him an exasperated look, earning a chuckle.
“Did you think I was seducing you?”
“No,” you say, “but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t working.
Theo smiles and brushes a soft electric pass over the bundle of nerves. Your back arches, and you let out a needy sound.
With the frequent feedback, Theo becomes bolder in his touches, imitating what you did, but also trying out new methods. His light strokes become confident, and he resumes thrusting his other fingers.
You fall apart faster than you mean to, making soft noises to ensure Theo knows you like what he’s doing. In minutes you’re coming hard around his fingers. Your walls squeezing them tight.
You have to reach down to grasp his wrist to rip his finger off your bud as he tries to rub through the aftershocks. You open your eyes to his shocked expression.
“Did you?” he asks.
“Yeah, you—you can’t keep going once I’m there or it hurts.”
Your thoughts drift to when Cal did it. Looking back, you realize it was a crack in the facade, evidence of his cruelty. Still, the way he looked while forcing overstimulation was arousing.
You fall back as Theo retracts his fingers, wiping them on his shed pants. “If you want, next time I can show you how to use your mouth.”
“Can we try now?” he asks, looking a bit too eager.
You shake your head and giggle. “No, I have something else I want to do.”
He removes his undergarment at your direction. But when he tries to crawl between your legs, you stop him. Partly to look at his cock without shame, and the other half to request he lie back on the bed.
Theo looks confused but excited and obeys without question. You wonder if you looked like this to Cal. Probably not, you complained more.
You straddle Theo’s hips, wrapping your hand around his length to guide it against you. He lets out a soft whimper at the touch.
You sink down onto him as he watches where your bodies join. After the last time, you’re grateful to lead this. He was so caught up he wouldn’t let you meet his thrusts. This time, you can set the pace you like and watch his face.
His hands reach for your hips, and his powerful muscles flex as he takes control from below. You frown.
“Theo, no, let me show you how I like it.”
He nods, his hands falling away. You rise, sinking back down onto him, feeling him out. His hands return, but only to touch.
You ride him, finding the perfect pace and working yourself towards release. But the increased frequency of his grunts and moans tells you you won’t get there twice tonight.
So you choose to watch him. His eyebrows pinch together, eyes squeezed shut. His powerful body is at your mercy, and it’s everything you would have wanted a few weeks ago.
But with his eyes closed, you picture Cal beneath you. This is something you assume he would not have tolerated. It would have been a treat to ride him like this.
Theo’s grip tightens, and you still your movements as he fills you, his cock twitching rhythmically. You lean down to kiss him as he finishes. He holds you tight, panting. You both mutter words of affection, but your mind wanders to another man. Wishing it were him whispering these sweet nothings.
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Cal grumbles as he works, furious that such a tiny and insignificant bookseller has any authority over an Inquisitor. He’s wearing a stupid brown apron in only his base blacks. Kaahlii insisted his armor would scare the children. She also told him to smile.
He can tell the fake smile isn’t working. A middle-aged man Cal’s forced into helping with the book rental program looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.
The moment the store empties, Cal rushes past the children’s section and to the large stack of “go back” books. The insufferable Gree woman implied he should practice reading aloud before the children arrived. As if he would consider doing something so humiliating.
Cal’s sorting process is slow work. His time with Master Tapal prevented spending much time in the Archives, making him useless at understanding the organizational system.
But it is not terrible. The monotonous work is soothing and ripe with personal opportunity. He pages through tomes on old interests. Interests scrubbed away by the chair. Still, he lingers in the “Z” section of “Ancient Civilizations”.
His guilty pleasure ceases as the bell chimes, alerting him to the first story-time goer. Per Kaahlii’s unreasonable request, Cal steps out to great the customers, a mother and daughter pairing. His forced smile shows his white teeth without reaching his eyes.
The pink-skinned Twi’lek mother smiles back, a genuine smile, pulling her babbling daughter in his direction. The little girl stumbles and twists, trying to access the nearest bookshelf.
“Excuse me, we’re here for story time. I know we’re early; it’s just our first time.”
Cal meets her too-happy gaze and points to the reading chair in the back of the store, in the section he refuses to approach.
“Do we sit on the floor?” She asks, to Cal’s displeasure.
“There are cushions,” he says, his tone short.
“Thank you,” the woman says, and pulls her grubby toddler along.
As they pass, the little girl’s tiny hands grasp the fabric of Cal’s black pant leg, staring up at him with enormous eyes. His first instinct is to kick her off, but he knows Kaahlii will stop being so helpful if he assaults one of her smallest customers.
“Oh sorry, she won’t stop grabbing things,” the woman says as she tries to pry the strong little fingers off him.
Cal stares in horror at the girl’s tiny face and wide eyes. It’s like she’s captivated by him—she sneezes.
Spray hits him in the face.
Disgusting, horrible little girl. The mother pries her off and drags her towards the reading area.
Cal heads for the counter to find a way to disinfect his eyeballs. The entry bell chimes as more parents and children enter. He doesn’t greet them. But they don’t seem to need his help.
Cal rubs his temples as the sound of children overtakes the once peaceful store. They scream and knock things over. Cal reminds himself this isn’t his store, and he doesn’t care. But he grits his teeth as he works.
He hides between the rows of shelves, savoring his last few minutes before utter humiliation. Since becoming an Inquisitor, he cannot rationalize why anyone would choose to procreate.
They’re loud, destructive, filthy—exploitable. Cal shoves away the lingering weakness in him. He loathes children now.
Despite shedding the old ways of the Jedi Code, he is happy to maintain their rules for creating life. If only he hadn’t strayed before.
The little tin tells him she doesn’t want children either. At least they agree on one thing. That and the enjoyment of sex. Ironic.
She is weak and too trusting. A hazard to herself and others. Yet, he finds her endearing. She has improved his life, given him companionship. Offered a light in the darkness of the Inquisitorious Tower.
Perhaps it’s for the best the Jedi took her back. Cal’s attachment to her is dangerous.
He sighs and sets the unsorted book back on the dwindling pile. It’s time.
Cal approaches the side of the store built for creatures of shorter stature. It’s too colorful here. He lowers into the leather reading chair, having to bend his knees too deep to fall into the seat.
As he touches the cracking seat, a memory hits him. She lounges while reading, the sun warming her skin.
Cal clears his throat as his focus comes back to the group of four children and their respective parents on the floor before him. How disappointing.
He reaches into the basket beside the chair, where children’s storybooks lie, picking one at random. Everyone watches with expectation; he wishes he could hear what they’re thinking.
His psychometry became stronger when consumed by the Dark Side, allowing him to access immediate thoughts through touch. But from here, his power is useless.
“The Little Droid That Could,” Cal says, his voice monotone.
The pink Twi’lek girl lets out an ear-piercing shriek and topples out of her mother’s lap while giggling. Cal raises the book to hide, realizing he is under-prepared for this task.
He reads aloud, his voice muffled by the sweet barrier of the book. But a voice interrupts him.
“Excuse me, could you please turn the book so we can see the pictures and hear?” asks a mother to a little human boy.
Cal fights the urge to scowl and adjusts his position so the group can see. “Apologies,” he says instead.
He makes it two more pages into the book before another interruption. He flips the page to an illustration of the droid protagonist, a small L0-LA59 model.
The Twi’lek girl screeches. “Droy! Droy! Drooooy!”
Her mother shushes her and gives Cal an apologetic look. “I’m sorry; she loves the sounds droids make. You don’t have to, but if you make beeping sounds for the droid’s part, she’ll calm down.”
Cal gives the mother a horrified look. No torture could force that action. “Right,” he says.
To Cal’s dismay, the little girl continues to chant her version of the word “droid”, giving him a headache as he reads. His patience is wearing thin, and at the end of the droid’s next part, Cal gives a halfhearted “beep beep”—a terrible impression of his old droid.
The little girl squeals with delight, and her mother beams. Cal wants to be mad, but the pure joy makes his mouth twitch. She gave such a grand reaction to his worst attempt at binary. It reminds him of her—his Light.
Without meaning to, Cal relaxes into the role of storyteller, reading the book with a renewed vigor, beeping, whooping, and whistling in the little patterns BD-1 used to communicate in.
The captivated children make their best rendition of the sounds back to him as the story goes on. The parents are happy and joining in; it’s all absolutely ridiculous, but for once, Cal doesn’t care.
Cal reads a few more stories to the children. As he chooses the last book, the assertive little Twi’lek girl makes a demand to end story time with the droid book again. Starting a small mutiny against Cal with the other children until he complies with their wishes.
The children stop chanting “droy” and settle in, remarkably still as Cal reads the book again. Of course, they cannot maintain that peace and all help with every sound effect at full volume as Cal reads. He almost doesn’t have to speak binary for the droid’s part anymore, but he still does.
As story time ends, the parents linger, thanking Cal and picking out books with their children from Kaahlii’s rental program for locals. The droid girl rushes up, hugs Cal’s leg and darts off towards the front door, her mother running to stop her feral child.
Kaahlii is watching Cal from the front desk as she helps complete rentals for the exiting families. There is a smirk on her face. “Did you have more fun than you thought, Inquisitor?”
Cal rolls his eyes, settling his face into his typical bored expression. “Any word on her location?”
“Not yet, I’m trying, but the prototype is likely powered off. We’ll have to wait for a stroke of luck.”
Cal nods; he knows he cannot linger here further. He has to report back on his failed mission. “Reach out to me if there’s a change. I will visit when I can.”
Cal removes the apron, replaces his armor and leaves the quaint little shop.
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter Summary
Cal starts his new hunt with old techniques.
Content Warnings: none
I didn't think you'd understand me
How could you ever even try?
I don't wanna tiptoe, but I don't wanna hide
But I don't wanna feed this monstrous fire
Just wanna let this story die
And I'll be all right
-we can't be friends by Ariana Grande
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Chapter 18: The Way He Hunts You
Cal tucks his gloves away, surveying the room. He reassures himself that she left for the bookshop to bid her new friend goodbye before leaving. But the haphazard placement of the dresser blocking the window tells a different story.
Cal keeps himself calm, surely she is hiding, having blocked the window for her safety. He pulls open the slated closet doors, finding it empty. The hiding spot was too obvious. He storms into the refresher, tearing back the showering curtain to no avail. A stupid spot to hide. He stalks towards the bed, flipping the mattress off the frame with a roar.
He drops into a crouch, resting elbows on his knees and his chin on steepled fingers. She’s gone.
Cal is ready to burn the whole town to the ground when he sees a flash of red paper peeking out between the slats of the cheap frame. Softened paper flies into his grasp, greeting him with an echo as it reaches his skin.
His mind fills with images of the Jedi threatening her with a shove, sitting together on the bed, his arm wrapped around her as she cries, reading Cal’s note before leaving. The memory ends, and Cal’s fist crushes the soft, crinkled paper. He stole her!
Cal smooths, folds, and pockets the memory-holding object, preparing to touch everywhere in this filthy room to seek her memories. All her things are already gone; she was wearing everything he bought her in the echo.
He starts with the doorknob, the desk, her pillow, anywhere she may have lingered or felt intense emotions. When no information comes forth, Cal resorts to touching the ground where she ate with him, the binned trash, the curtains.
He pulls a memory off the window he left unlocked when first arriving with her. But it is only of her taking the Jedi’s lightsaber. Now he knows where the Jedi hides his hilt.
It isn’t enough. He doesn’t know where she’s going. He won’t let the Jedi take her from him.
Her sudden leaving with the Jedi doesn’t track. Not after she had led him away and returned to Cal to confess her love.
Did the Jedi say the pretty words she needed to hear? Did he prey on her desire for intimacy? It seems unlikely. He’s too rigid.
Cal didn’t know Theo, but he knew the Jedi preferred stoicism over grand gestures. He would not have wooed her away. Not compared to what Cal was offering her regularly.
She told Cal she loves him. Her feelings could not have fallen away so fast. Unless she was following in the Jedi’s footsteps and running away after a vulnerable moment. No, she’s much too romantic.
Cal considers meditation to clear his mind. Dropping onto his knees. But the glimpse of silver in the ’fresher catches his eye.
He’s back on his feet, racing towards the small tin on the counter. His fingers reach for the odd object, begging for a clue.
A Gree woman pours tea for two, discussing preventing reproduction. She disappears and returns with the small object, providing instructions on the herbs within. Cal’s face has twisted as the memory fades, disgusted at the prospect of this stranger knowing details of his own intimacy, and vice versa.
This must be the friend she made in Cal’s absence. He remembers making fun of her. She confessed to liking him.
She always does that, giving him affection when he least expects or deserves it. An attachment he can’t shake.
It pains Cal to compare himself to the Jedi, but he understands him, why he had to be rid of her. She’s relentless, like a worm under his skin. Or maybe something nicer.
Her infatuation with him was frustrating, but worthwhile for his inevitable betrayal. It kept disarming him, making him feel flashes of weakness, of warmth.
She shouldn’t have returned, but she did. Cal treated her as a pawn, offering bare-minimum care, and she continued offering him more—her kindness, her devotion, her love. And he has grown to appreciate it.
Now that he’s finally settled into wanting her around, she’s taken. A cruel twist of fate that the Jedi will pay for once Cal finds him. This tin of herbs guarantees she will be his again. She is a guiding light, and he will find her.
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Brugus gave you a whirlwind interview, if you can call it that. He was fixing the deflector shield of an A-wing when you found him, burly hands covered in oil. He grunted as you told him you’d like to fly and of your qualifications. Brugus requested that you have your transfer paperwork sent over before turning his full attention back to his work.
The lifeless halls of the base fill you with dread. It’s clear this base lacks proper staffing. Your years in the Rebellion have taught you the importance of recruits.
You fear that Theo and your presence put this tiny operation at immense risk. Theo thinks with his head, not his heart. So you’re unsure why he would hide you both here. Maybe he is prioritizing you.
If he is trying to rebuild your relationship, you’re not ready. You’re still hurt at how easily he tossed you aside. Cal kept you satisfied but used you. Theo loves you but is afraid of touching you. Maybe you should avoid dating former Jedi.
It’s baffling how easily you fell for Cal. You knew your relationship with Theo was getting worse—resorting to seducing him through your provocative clothing—but you didn’t realize it would get so bad you wouldn’t be able to reign yourself in with an Inquisitor.
When you think about how desperate you had been, your body physically recoils. It shouldn’t bother you, but the worst part is knowing what Cal must have thought of you. You’re sure he and Fifth Brother spent hours laughing at your obvious infatuation.
You barely knew Cal and told him you loved him.
But you do love him. You shouldn’t. He did more than seduce you; you saw his walls going down. The hesitation in his cruelty when you were playful or vulnerable. You watched his eyes soften, the small smile on his lips when he thought you weren’t looking.
But he was manipulative, and you were weak.
You can’t shake him anymore than you can shake the safety and comfort you feel around Theo. Both have affected you, each giving you half. But you can’t have Cal anymore. You’re hidden, and Theo doesn’t trust you.
You enter a part of the base where there’s activity. People walk around with datapads, conversing in groups. Transparisteel doors line the halls. These must be the briefing rooms.
Theo’s deep voice is nearby. You follow the sound to see him presenting to a group of high-ranking officials. He must be informing them of the trouble you’ve caused.
You watch him, trying to remember the way you used to look at him. Your eyes trail his easy features. He’s handsome, but he’ll never look at you the way Cal did.
Maybe you should let Cal find you.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Cal twists the handle on the drafty door. A small bell overhead chimes but cuts short as Cal’s fingers raise to stop the annoying noise. He remains frozen in place as another echo shows him more on the night his little light returned to him.
The Jedi argues with the bookshop owner; she refuses him entry, threatening to report a Jedi sighting. The memory puts a smug smile on his lips. Perhaps he won’t burn down the rather flammable shop if the Gree woman is uncooperative.
The musty scent of used books meets Cal’s nose, reminding him of ancient temples he explored long ago. His affinity for historical knowledge draws his wandering eyes across the rows of shelves. He tugs on his gloves.
Cal presses forward, searching for the bookshop owner from the echo, but the front desk is unattended. He glares around the empty establishment and rings the noisy service bell.
His target enters through the door behind the counter, waving tentacles stiffening in a ripple before continuing their relaxed sway. A reaction he expected, but to her credit, she hides fear better than most.
“Can I help you find a book, Inquisitor?” She asks, climbing a step stool behind the counter to meet his eye. “I’m afraid you’ll find no literature here worth confiscating. Unless of course there’s a new book ban I have yet to learn of.”
Cal’s predatory smile causes another ripple of stiffness. “I’m looking for information.”
“Then you’re in the right place. I’m sure you will find the answers you seek by reading.”
She descends, picking up a stack of books in two of her tentacle arms while the other four busy themselves with sorting and returning them to a nearby shelf.
“I have no interest in reading,” Cal says. “The information I seek is regarding a person you helped.”
Her fluid movements stiffen entirely. “I help people every day.”
“Yes, but you helped someone last night who interests me.”
“He’s fled the planet; I cannot help you.”
“Not him,” Cal says, the smug look falling from his face.
Her head turns before the rest of her body follows suit. “The girl?”
“Yes, the girl. Are you hiding her from me as you did from the Jedi last night?”
She gives an incredulous look. “I do not help those fleeing the Empire.”
“Did she stop in before leaving this morning? Say her goodbyes?”
“I haven’t seen her since last night. She informed me she was returning to you,” the Gree woman says, her words quipped and final.
“Yes, she returned, but she disappeared this morning, leaving with the Jedi you claimed left the planet. Since you have lied to me once, I suspect you’d lie again,” Cal says, closing the distance between them.
“You’re going to kill me?”
“I wouldn’t make it so easy.”
“Torture then.”
“Where is she?”
“I told you everything I know. It may shock you to know my involvement has been reluctant.”
Cal is quiet, and she turns away, continuing her work. “You provided her with a prototype. I don’t suppose it has tracking capabilities?”
“So she told you she was helping me.”
“Yes, but I didn’t gather all the details. I don’t care about her charity work.”
“Charity work? I sold the prototype at a hefty discount for barebones feedback. To report if the device failed to perform its proper scans,” the woman says, looking indignant.
“Her unfortunate job, then,” Cal snaps back at the woman.
“The device is untraceable.”
“Untraceable,” Cal says, not convinced. “Tell me what feedback you receive and how.”
“If the device cannot work properly, she is to send a message and I will investigate.”
Cal’s eyes narrow. “So you can reach her on the device? Message her now.”
She gives Cal a scathing look of hate. He would expect nothing less. She obliges, heading for her back room. Cal is on her heels—or—tentacles.
“No one past the desk; you’ll wait for me to return,” she says, barring him from the door with a splay of her appendages.
Cal looks down at the woman who comes no higher than his waist. He lifts his hand and uses the Force to swing open the door behind her, revealing mountains of tech. Half of which is available to the public, but the other half is Empire tech—stolen Empire tech. A wicked smile plasters itself on Cal’s face.
“Oh dear, it seems you are harboring illegal goods; perhaps this is why you refuse to help fugitives.”
She looks up at him, not fearful but angry. “You may have the upper hand, Inquisitor, but you need me.”
Cal brushes past her, looking around and touching anything he finds interesting. “Nothing a mind trick won’t fix.”
“Careful, I don’t think your girlfriend would be too happy to hear how you’ve treated me.”
Cal rolls his eyes, setting down a broken datapad. “Going to tell her? Please, she’ll never see you again.”
“Won’t she?”
The woman says it with such an air of confidence that Cal hesitates, giving her space to continue. “I assume you intend to hunt the Jedi too, despite promising her you will not. So you intend to hurt everyone in her life?”
She has a point; he can’t exactly use his typical methods on everyone she cares for. Cal will hunt Theo, and he needs this woman’s help. Perhaps this is the time to pick his battles.
“Help me find her,” he says, each word terse.
She gives a stern look.
Cal rolls his eyes and offers her more. “Please.”
The final word tastes sour on his tongue, and his expression twists to match. He swears the woman smiles behind her breather, but it’s impossible to tell.
“I will send her a message, but no more. I have a business to run.”
“You will do more.”
“No,” she says, picking up another datapad, which Cal snatches from her hands and flips through the device’s modified operations system.
“Surely your prototype has a location that is traceable,” Cal says. “I doubt you are content with uninformed messages over full pages of analysis when something goes astray.”
The woman attempts to maintain her composure, but Cal can see it slipping. “Help me, and I won’t have your shop raided for the illegal tech.”
“Threats and violence—how typical,” she says. “I cannot understand what you need her for. What use is she to you?”
“It is not about her use; it is about the fact that the Jedi kidnapped her.”
“You mean saved?”
Cal sets the datapad on the workbench harder than intended as her words burn him like fire. The Gree woman lets out an uncharacteristic yelp. Cal winces, realizing these models may be irreplaceable. His temper could ruin his only chance of finding his light.
“She didn’t want to be saved; hence, the use of the word kidnapped,” Cal says through gritted teeth.
“Maybe she finally realized you are unworthy of her. That she is your prisoner and nothing more.”
“No! She said she loved me and then the Jedi stole her this morning!”
Cal has never stooped to defending his actions to a commoner. Under any other circumstances, she’d already be dead.
The woman contemplates for an infuriating moment. He hates her. He hates this. Being vulnerable, allowing another to see his worry—his weakness.
His shoulders slump, and he backs away from her workbench. “She may have begun as my prisoner, but the situation has changed. I haven’t felt like this in years.”
She watches him for a long moment. “I will work to track my prototype and, by proxy, her. However, you will need to run my shop to my standards.”
Cal waves her off, agreeing, but uninterested. “I’m sure I can handle putting books away.”
“Wonderful,” she says, her tone unimpressed. “Then I’m sure you will also have no trouble running story time.”
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
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Chapter Summary
Cal is honest about his intentions.
Content Warnings: none
Well, there's no need to be nervous
I'm not dangerous anymore
Yeah, I cleaned up and found Jesus
And he's waiting at the door
Now here's a leaflet, try to read it
You have always been a friend
But when you see me next
You won't recognize the motherfucker that I am
-Born Again by Saint Motel
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Chapter 17: The Way He Loses You
The desert sun glared down at the body lying at Cal’s feet. He didn’t know the man’s name, and he preferred it that way.
Cal was merciful when attacking this former enemy of the Empire. The strike was swift and from behind.
The man had not known fear before the Inquisitor cut his life short. He didn’t need to suffer. After all, he did exactly what Cal hoped—tip off the Jedi of the Inquisitor’s presence.
Last night’s events required a change of plans, and he can no longer have Theo’s contact blabbing about his whereabouts. Now he isn’t a problem.
Cal uses his stiff boot to roll the body onto its back. Sand falls from the crevices of the loose, light-colored clothing, scattering back onto the earth. The lightsaber-sized hole in the man’s chest glows orange at the edges. He was tending his garden, a small smile still on his paling lips. Merciful.
The Inquisitor ransacks the man’s cluttered home of any tech used against the Empire, pocketing useful items found in the floor to ceiling jam-packed study. The original plan wasn’t to kill the spy. He was more useful alive. But this mission has a nasty habit of becoming more complicated, and Cal needs something to show for his failed efforts.
The kitchen is messy but inviting. Fresh fruit sits out on the counter—berries, homegrown. Cal takes them, no point in letting them rot. As a bonus, she’ll give him that sweet smile she doles out whenever he feeds her. Cal digs through the spice cabinet too.
She has become a thorn in his side, forcing him to reevaluate his plan since the moment he met her. His most recent iteration of the plan had been to draw the Jedi to the next known location for a string of murders using his former lover. Let the Jedi “save” her, and strike when they believe they are safe. Ending with her dead and the Jedi strapped to the chair.
The chair.
Cal represses a shudder as he steps into the glaring sunshine to return. It had been worse for him than for the others. A fact he kept to himself. It’s unwise to give his fellow Brothers and Sisters ammunition to torment him.
Cal’s psychometry is a useful tool in his hunts, allowing him to track others using the memories linked to objects, giving him insight into their emotions and plans.
Unfortunately for him, the chair was one such object linked to dozens of excruciating memories. Cal had the distinct displeasure of experiencing his own torture and turning while simultaneously experiencing the suffering of those before him.
Nothing compared to the pain he felt during his turning. Not watching his Master die at the hands of friends, not Bode’s betrayal, not the emptiness of thousands of lives joining the Force, nothing.
His torture was thorough. The physical pain multiplied by memories of prior Inquisitors would have been enough. Fifth Brother added to it, ensuring his turning by bringing a guest. Cal felt more hate than he had thought possible in mere seconds. He declared his allegiance to the Empire not long after.
The chair was not all a loss. He gained power and insight into the weaknesses of Inquisitors before him. He knew which ones begged for mercy, what truths opened their eyes to the Dark Side. All exploitable information at his fingertips.
The typical hazing procedure of new Inquisitors was short-lived when he received the title of Thirteenth Brother, a title the others curiously snickered at. The knowledge of each Inquisitor’s weakness allowed him to gain rank in the Pit, securing safety in the pecking order.
But not every Inquisitor underwent the chair. Some joined the ranks of the Inquisitorious of their own volition, corrupted before the Order fell.
Fifth Brother was one such Inquisitor. A lucky break led him to Cal, and well established within the Inquisitorious, had the privilege of turning the former Jedi.
Without insight into Fifth’s past or weakness coupled with an inherent fear of the Inquisitor who turned him, Cal worked to stay on his good side. It worked. If Fifth has capacity for camaraderie, Cal is surely Fifth’s favorite; cruelty bonded them in a way Cal couldn’t have predicted. A cruelty Cal finds himself desperate to pass along to another Jedi—Theo.
His obsession with corrupting the pure-hearted Jedi drove his every action. He needed it to happen the same way. To watch someone experience what he had. Though the Jedi had unwavering loyalty to the Jedi Code, making it impossible to carry out his plan.
So Cal bid his time, taking up other hunts while checking on his favorite Jedi. A secret mission he kept from the Empire to serve his own sick fantasy.
But the Jedi failed to move in complete silence, eventually drawing the Empire’s watchful eye. Cal reviewed his next mission, expecting the typical hunt, his datapad populating the barebones mission information. The target name spelled out in bold, gut-wrenching print: Theo Londore.
Cal swore the entire journey across Coruscant to the last known location of his nemesis. His plan in complete shambles.
Then she bumped into him. One touch of her pretty green dress showed him the noble Jedi wasn’t as straight-laced as Cal once thought.
Presented with a beautiful opportunity, Cal took it—and her. He bought more time, giving the scorned woman anything she wanted as he devised his new plan. Her rambling thoughts and the Jedi’s failure made her easy to placate.
Just when everything was going according to plan, she told Cal she loved him. Now he’s changing his plans again.
She was supposed to leave with the Jedi, supposed to be followed by the Purge Troopers waiting in orbit as they fled. But she kriffing returned.
Her presence had been growing on him since the beginning. Small things she did, inserting herself into his life, treating him like a partner instead of an Inquisitor exploiting her. Her audacity and genuine liking of Cal chipped away at him. Saying those three words crumbled the rest.
So Cal is creating a new plan as he nears their accommodations. They’ll leave this sweltering planet, and he’ll get information on the Jedi’s whereabouts from the Purge Troopers.
Her confession ruined everything.
Cal is scrambling to salvage another failed mission. But he can’t pursue the Jedi with her in tow. He can’t return empty-handed.
Cal has to return home in secret, drop off the woman, leave and capture her ex in secret to avoid her wrath, return, torture him in secret while maintaining a new relationship, and then hope she isn’t too mad when her ex-boyfriend is suddenly walking around in similar garb to his.
A terrible plan and Cal’s last chance at getting everything he wants. If he fails, he will suffer at the hands of the Grand Inquisitor, or worse, Lord Vader.
Fifth Brother was right; Cal is weak. Weak to soft touch, weak to kindness, weak to love.
Cal enters the small dim building, eager for her soothing demeanor when greeting him. The complications she adds are worth it for simple kindness. She creates and reduces his headaches.
He shoves open the stupid stuck door, grateful he will not open it again. He tugs off his gloves, pocketing them to touch her and hear her pleasant thoughts of him. But she doesn’t greet him.
She’s gone.
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The sound of Theo moving around your shared room wakes you. He is dressing; his fingers work the closure of his pants while holding a shirt in his teeth. He’s rushing like a mistake encounter trying to get out before you wake.
You prop yourself up on your elbows, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. “Early meeting?”
“Yeah, I couldn’t fill in the proper people on our arrival last night,” Theo says.
“Am I needed?”
Theo shakes his head, tugging on his tunic. “It’s best if I handle the briefing of our situation.”
“I can provide insight. I was within the enemy walls, so I can help.”
“It’s best if we leave out some details.”
He’s right, but it still stings. It’s as though he’s ashamed of you. “Okay, I’ll kill time then.”
He picks up your pile of belongings. Mess has always bothered him. He hangs your cloak and drops the dress into the bin for the trash compactor. Your heart stops as he pulls the reader out of your black satchel.
“What’s this?”
You swallow hard. “Just a datapad I bought from a bookshop; it allows me to read books.”
“It’s not safe to bring unauthorized tech onto this base.”
“I’m sorry, I had it on me when we left Aloxor. I didn’t realize.”
He drops it into the bin with your dress. “It needs to be destroyed. It’s a risk to the base. Did it come from that Gree woman?”
You know you can’t talk him out of his decision. Not with your safety. “It did.”
“Better reason to have it destroyed. I don’t trust her; she has no interest in helping our cause.” Theo says, swinging his bag over his shoulder. “Visit the medical wing.”
“But I’m not hurt.”
“You were intimate with him.”
Theo gives a pleading look and leaves. You kick off the blankets in a brief tantrum.
Then, make the bed how Theo prefers. His makeshift bed linens sit folded on the desk, pristine enough to be mistaken as unused.
He doesn’t trust you. It’s been days since your breakup, and yet he’s treating you like you’ve conspired against him for years.
It’s not untrue. You’ve always wanted more than he gave. He put up endless roadblocks in your relationship, and you pushed him until he tore one down. You’d do anything to stop feeling like you’re the only one wanting a deeper relationship.
There’s a folded pile of clothes on the nightstand that you grab, heading for the showers. You return to the room, dressed in the beige trousers and blue-gray fitted shirt. You feel more distant from Cal in standard-issue Rebellion clothing.
He doesn’t deserve the lingering loyalty in your chest, but you still love him. You want to believe he could love you too, but it’s impossible to tell anymore. His transmission to Fifth Brother told you everything you needed to know about how he viewed you.
He couldn’t have felt nothing. You saw soft moments, when his scowl faded and he gave you a look of confusion tinged with joy.
You wish you could reach out without tipping him off about your whereabouts. Your heart needs to hear it from him directly—the truth of how he felt about you. You kick your satchel, datapad still hidden within, under Theo’s bed for safekeeping before heading out into the base.
The giant defunct Star Destroyer base is not used to its full extent. Only the center portion has undergone remodeling for Rebellion use. The halls are mostly empty, even at peak reporting time.
Your former base, the one you met Theo on, was ten times bigger. It was a bustling city, while this base is akin to a rural town.
You hate not knowing your location. Based on how top secret this base is, you doubt you’ll get answers by asking. But you can access coordinates as a pilot.
Per Theo’s request, you swing by the medical wing, approaching the front desk attendant. She has short gray hair and deep wrinkles around her eyes and greets you with a kind smile. “What brings you in today?”
She hands over intake paperwork devoid of base location details. “I, uh, need a checkup.”
The woman, whose name tag reads “Tilia”, frowns at you. “Did something happen?”
She’s trying to place the urgency of your arrival.
“Just...slept with the wrong guy,” you say, hoping she won’t make you elaborate.
She nods and points you to the three seats lined up nearby. “Fill out the paperwork while you wait.”
You cannot complete the questions and background information before you are called on. The physician looks beyond exhausted as she asks you questions about your sexual history, writing everything you say. You avoid mentioning Cal or the Empire and keep your answers vague.
The physician orders fluid tests, which show that you are in good health. She talks to you about the holochip implant for preventing pregnancies, which you reject. You’d used it before you met Theo, but you let it expire during your relationship since sex was off the table.
After all the trouble sex has caused, you’re done with it. Plus, you have Kaahlii’s herbs. Wait. No, you don’t you left them behind when Theo came to confront you.
The physician explains to you the risks of unprotected sex, and you nod along, wishing this conversation would be over. You’re given a clean bill of health and leave as quickly as you can. As you exit, Tilia catches your eye.
“Are you a new recruit?”
“I’m not new to the Rebellion, but I arrived last night.”
“Wonderful! We need new folks; there aren’t enough hands here,” she says, looking weary. “What do you specialize in?”
Your gut twists. You’re not here to be helpful; you’re here to be hidden. “I was a pilot at my old base.”
“We always have a use for pilots. You should talk to Brugus Thorve. He’s in charge of...well, a lot of things.”
You say your goodbyes, and you head off in search of Brugus. This will get the information you want. You’ll no longer be in the dark.
Masterlists
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All Works
Music
Spotify Playlist for this Story
Book Song
Chapter Song
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Compliments feed me
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter Summary
The Rebellions proves the galaxy is vast and full of hiding spots.
Content Warnings: none
And no matter how easy things could be if I did
And no matter how guilty I still feel saying it
I wish I hated you
I wish that weren't true
Wish there was worse to you
I wish you were worse to me
Yeah, I wish I hated you
-i wish i hated you by Ariana Grande
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Chapter 16: The Way He Hides You
Theo’s new crew keeps their distance after the hushed briefing. You hide in the back of the ship, your cloak wrapped around you to hide the shame of your past few days. Your eyes stay downcast to avoid the occasional sympathetic look. You weep into the thick black fabric but stop when someone nears.
Days pass as you travel through the bright flashes of hyperspace. You spend it curled up on your assigned cot, refusing most meals. Theo’s attempts to speak with you are awkward and stagnant.
Your desire to cry subsides. Time has not healed your wounds; it has numbed them.
The path to the unknown destination hasn’t been direct. You’ve watched the jump points out a small viewport. The crew is working to lose any Inquisitor who might be tailing you.
You rise and walk across the ship. It’s time to talk to Theo.
He’s lounging in his bunk, eyes fixed on his datapad. The datapad he’s curiously holding each time he uproots your life. Maybe you should throw it out the airlock.
He gives you a hopeful look when you enter, tensing and moving slowly to sit up. There are dark circles beneath his eyes, contrasting your red-rimmed ones.
“Where are we going?” you ask.
Your voice is soft, unsure of where you stand with him. He broke your heart, but you slept with the enemy.
“It’s best if you don’t know right now,” Theo says.
He speaks as if you’re a recruit. The underlying message is he no longer trusts your with secrets of the Rebellion. You understand, but it still stings.
“So I’m getting the prisoner treatment?”
Cal and Theo are on opposite sides, yet they have similar habits in your treatment.
“That’s not fair. I’m trying to protect people.”
You sit on his bunk, keeping a distance so he doesn’t flinch away. “You are, but I’m tired of being kept in the dark. Between you and Cal, I feel helpless in my fate.”
Theo doesn’t respond, staring at you like you’re a different person inhabiting the same body. You shouldn’t have said Cal’s name.
“You’re mad at me,” you say, meeting his gaze.
Theo looks anywhere else. “I couldn’t be mad at you.”
“You seemed mad when you shoved me the other day.”
More tense silence.
Maybe staying with Cal was better. He would kill you, but like an animal to slaughter, he would let you believe everything was okay.
At least you had incredible sex before it fell apart.
Sex ruined an actual relationship and held together a fake one. Perhaps the Jedi’s views on celibacy were right.
“Do you want to know why I slept with Cal—the Thirteenth Brother?” you ask, correcting yourself to prove your loyalty.
“Because of our breakup?”
“I was crying over you when I bumped into him. He can read minds, and when I realized it, it was too late. I had given up Rebellion secrets. He gave me a choice: stay, and he’d protect the secrets, or leave and risk everything.”
What you tell Theo is borderline truth, but you leave out being immediately and unbearably attracted to an Inquisitor, and he knew it.
Theo frowns. “You thought you were helping.”
He believes you, but guilt gnaws at your heart.
Theo wouldn’t understand how much you wanted to feel loved, because he’s never struggled with feeling unloved. The Empire may hate him, sure, but coming from a Jedi background, he’s put no stock into needing to be loved by his partner.
“I can understand your reasoning for staying. But sleeping with him?”
Your cheeks flush, and struggle to maintain eye contact. “He, uh, was using it to convince me to comply,” you say, without conviction.
As if you wouldn’t have resorted to begging Cal for sex if he hadn’t offered.
“Why would you want that from an Inquisitor when one killed your—” Theo stops his words, offering you consideration you no longer deserve.
“You’re right,” you say. “He is no different, but I still wanted it.”
Theo gives you a bewildered look. “Why?”
You want to tell him it’s none of his business. But he keeps looking at you as if you’re broken. You are so sick of him not understanding you have had unfulfilled needs but put them on hold because you loved him.
“Because, Theo,” you say, becoming angry, “I spent our entire relationship wanting to fuck your brains out and repressing it for you! It’s not like our last night together did it for me!”
The silence is deafening. Theo flinches at your outburst, and you swear you hear a pair of receding footsteps nearby.
Great, now the entire crew knows about your sex life.
“You didn’t like it?” Theo asks, each word slow and hesitant. “You looked happy when...”
Your hands cover your face, and you groan. “I loved it, Theo, but I let you focus on your pleasure because I was excited that you wanted me enough to break the Code. But it left me wanting.”
“I don’t know how to—”
“I know! Of course I knew that. I was going to teach you. But you broke up with me before I got the chance.”
Theo’s bright red face is visible in your periphery. With his lack of experience, he couldn’t fathom the things Cal did to you. Even knowing Cal was using you, you can’t help but feel a little gleeful about your time with him.
“I failed you,” Theo says, his words decisive.
He did because of the actions he took, not the ones he didn’t.
“Can we please agree I made some awful calls, and that doesn’t mean that I was doing anything to undermine the Rebellion or you?”
Theo searches your face for any sign of deception. “Thank you for talking to me,” he says. “We’ll be landing soon. We’re waiting for a tow.”
As if on cue, the ship exits hyperspace with a lurch that knocks you against Theo. You push off him, putting space between you both, but his steadying hand lingers on your shoulder a beat too long.
“A tow?” you ask as the ship shuts down all unnecessary power, switching over to the red glow of emergency power. “Has something broken? I could take a look—”
Theo shakes his head, heading towards the door. “This base is only accessible under the guise of towing in scrap.”
Theo turns to leave, and you realize how seriously he is taking the danger of Cal hunting you both. Except part of you doesn’t want it to be impossible for Cal to find you.
The words of his note keep floating around you head. I can’t lose you.
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It’s nighttime when the tow hovers high above the hidden base. It’s going to drop the ship like a scrapped vessel.
You’re given ample warning to strap yourself in. You sit with the crew, bracing as you all listen to the mechanical hiss and creaking as the tow releases the ship towards the ground. Your insides, like the ship, go into free-fall, creating the most horrendous sensation of swooping lightness as gravity drags you to your certain doom.
The pilot is impressive, activating the thrusters moments before the ship slams into the re-purposed Star Destroyer base. It’s a close call.
The base is of a clever design. Already stripped of its internal components, the Rebellion rebuilt the central hub to create a hangar that hides ships entirely from view except from above. The surrounding area turned into barracks, meeting rooms, refreshers, and a mess hall.
It’s genius. Towing in ships means the Rebel Alliance directly vets all who enter. An attack could only come from above in view of scouting patrols disguised as tow operators.
You were unaware that this operation existed. This base must focus on intelligence. You don’t understand why Theo would hide you here when you are being hunted by a powerful Dark Side user. This location excels at hiding, but your presence puts it at risk of being raided.
You know Cal is searching for you. You ran out on him after promising you wouldn’t. But he promised he’d leave Theo alone in exchange for your loyalty. So it seems neither of you was true to your word.
After the rather unpleasant landing, you hang back until Theo is ready to disembark, your cloak wrapped tight around you to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Theo leads you through the bright white hallways. Some end in unlit parts of the scrapped hull. But he always turns another way before reaching the dead end.
It’s late, and few wander the halls. But you’re not tired, having woken hours before. You’re on Coruscant time, which shared a similar day/night rotation as Aloxor.
Theo opens a door in a long hallway lined with similar doors. Inside is a full bed, a nightstand, and a desk. Theo drops his bag on the desk and immediately begins his unpacking routine.
It feels so natural you almost slip back into your old routine of waiting for him to finish so that you can kiss him hello. Instead, you set your satchel beside the bed, claiming the side with no nightstand.
“I’ll put in a request for your own room tomorrow. I’ll sleep on the floor tonight,” Theo says, always deciding and never asking your preferences.
But he’s right. The two of you shouldn’t share a bed after everything. It feels like a betrayal to Cal, not that he deserves your guilt.
There’s a tug in your heart. The two of you had just begun calling it a relationship; you told him you loved him, and Cal acted as if he felt the same. Or maybe fucking you softly was part of the act.
Tears prick at your eyes, and you grit your teeth to keep them at bay. You can’t keep crying over a man to a different man.
Maybe you can cry in the shower. It’s been days in space, and you would love to stop smelling yourself.
“Is there a refresher nearby?”
“Down the hall, on the left,” Theo says, sorting.
“Great, do you have a towel I can borrow?”
“Showers are closed for the night.”
Of course they are. Stuff like this is the reason you moved bases years ago. Bigger operations have more luxuries. Bases where top-secret intel hides come with a distinct lack of comforts. You bet the food is worse here too.
Your attempt to wash yourself in the refresher’s sink is far from comfortable, but it gets the job done. The biggest problem is dressing in your unwashed clothes.
When you return, Theo is making up a bed on the floor with spare linens he retrieved.
“I don’t suppose you grabbed a spare change of clothes for me?”
“It was on the docket for tomorrow morning, but this should suffice.”
He passes you his spare clean shirt. You don’t want to wear his clothes, but given the choice of your dirty dress or a clean shirt, you unclasp your cloak and rip off the dress, dropping them atop your bag.
There’s a sharp inhale behind you as you stand nude before Theo. You may have become a bit too comfortable being naked during your time with Cal. Without looking back, you tug Theo’s shirt over yourself, which covers everything that matters.
“You don’t have undergarments?” Theo asks, sounding strangled, like he’s trying to swallow a rather large bite of food.
“No, they weren’t Empire approved,” you say, smiling, trying to get a laugh.
Theo grimaces. “What a disgusting way to treat you.”
The smile on your face dies, and you reevaluate your circumstances. Was it a terrible way to treat you? You didn’t always love it, but it was nice being so desired that Cal wanted nothing to impede his ability to touch you.
As you get comfortable in Theo’s bed, you realize you cannot sleep when your body thinks it is midday. “Theo, I can’t sleep. Could you help?”
There’s a soft rustling as Theo climbs up from the floor and onto the bed beside you. He’d done this for you a handful of times throughout your relationship. In the dark, you feel a familiar excitement of feeling the bed sink as a man crawls closer.
But unlike Cal, Theo keeps his distance. He reaches out with two fingers to brush your forehead, finding the center. “See you in the morning,” he says.
Theo’s ability to influence the mind through the Force presses you into a deep sleep that you don’t fight. His fingers are warm, spreading the soft heat into the rest of your mind, lulling you into unconsciousness.
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter Summary
A secret transmission puts things into perspective.
Content Warnings: none
The death of me was so quiet
No friends and family allowed
Only my murderer, you, and the priest
Who told you to go to Hell
-doomsday by Lizzy McAlpine
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Chapter 15: The Way He Betrays You
You wake under scratchy cream sheets, stretching with a smile on your face as you recall last night’s events. Cal has already left, but a well-used piece of red folding paper lies on his pillow. A note on it.
I have one last obligation, and then we’re going home. Don’t stray too far. After last night, I can’t lose you.
-Cal
You grin at the words on the blood-red paper, your stomach flipping at the last sentiment. Despite your differences, you have a man who wants you; all of you.
After showering and dressing, you take a small pinch of the herbs Kaahlii gave you, swallowing it with some water. You gather your packed satchel from the ground where Cal left it last night, slinging it over your body while you reread his note.
I can’t lose you.
Your heart swells, and you crack open the sticking door.
A firm body shoves you backwards, locking you in. You drop the note, turning to run for the window. A dresser flies from its spot on the wall to cover your only source of escape.
You freeze, not needing to turn to know who it is. Your eyes close, your face scrunches with regret. He’s caught you.
Theo holds his unlit lightsaber with a wild look in his eyes. Somewhere between horror and rage. You’ve never seen this expression on his fine features. His eyes flick to the bruising on your throat.
“Theo—”
“You’re sleeping with him!”
You freeze. The accusation is true.
You weigh your options for a response. Nothing will explain this away. You’ve betrayed him in the worst possible way.
Your mouth closes and you nod once, staring at his boots that match yours.
“How could you?” He asks, brandishing his lightsaber, but hesitating to activate it.
You raise your hands in surrender and move to sit on the edge of the bed. “This was never supposed to affect you.”
Theo doesn’t move towards you. As far as he is concerned, you’re the enemy now.
With a sigh, you flop back on the bed, trying to appear as nonthreatening as possible. Theo coughs, and you realize the hem of your dress rose with your action.
You adjust your skirt and sit back up.
“Theo, I will not fight you.”
He relents and clips his lightsaber back to the hidden spot on his belt where it hangs between the folds of his tunic and vest. He sits next to you on the bed, staring forward.
With your face in your hands, you tell Theo everything that has happened since the two of you broke up—almost everything. For his and your sake, you omit some of the more graphic details. You shed a few tears, mostly from embarrassment, and Theo sits still as a statue, listening.
He doesn’t speak, even after you’ve finished. He looked like this the morning of your breakup.
Theo doesn’t look at you as he pulls out his datapad. “I received this intercepted transmission from a contact of mine. He slices into Empire comms and keeps me up-to-date on a few select targets.
“He’s been sending me information on the Thirteenth Brother since before you and I started dating. I had written off this transmission, but after finding you here, I realized it was about you.”
Your heart hammers as he pulls it up. He wanted you to leave this planet. Perhaps this transmission is why.
He presses play on the audio clip, and Cal’s voice crackles to life through the datapad’s lackluster speaker. The garbled audio is almost impossible to understand.
“Brother, you’ll never believe the luck...” Cal says, the end of his sentence corrupted.
“...hunting...” Fifth Brother says, “without a fight?”
Your heart thumps hard as you hear them speak to one another. Cal’s voice carries more familiarity and fondness for Fifth Brother than you previously observed.
“...ode, and I intend to use this weakness against him.”
“Sounds like a waste of time. Cap...”
“...suffer, and when he’s ready...destroy her in front of...”
Your eyes flash with fear, and dart to meet Theo’s. Does Cal mean he intended to destroy you? Theo gives you a sympathetic frown.
“...you haven’t caught the...” Fifth says.
“...use her to set a trap. When...” Cal says, “...when they think they’ve...”
A trap. The trap Fifth and Cal were talking about in front of you. The trap you asked Cal about. The trap Cal confirmed he set.
“.. become quite blood thirsty Brother,” Fifth says.
“... been patient...too long.”
“...yet, you are choosing to wait longer.”
The transmission ends.
You were the trap that was set for Theo. It wasn’t you Cal was excited to have. It was how he could exploit you to get to Theo. He never intended to kill Theo; he intended to turn him into an Inquisitor and use you to do it.
Your breathing becomes uncontrollable, and you gasp for air. Tears stream down your face, and Theo wraps an arm around you, holding you as you sob.
“I’m sorry. I was so stupid.”
Theo makes soft shushing sounds, trying to comfort you about a man who doesn’t deserve your tears. You’re humiliated to be crying over an Inquisitor. Because you love him, and you thought he had it in him to love you too.
It was all a lie. Every soft look, each time he made you feel like he cared. He was manipulating you into doing exactly what he wanted—being bait to capture Theo.
Theo drags you to your feet. “We have to go before he returns.”
You don’t fight back or argue. This is the only choice left. Cal doesn’t care about you anymore than Theo did. At least Theo doesn’t intend to kill you. You wipe your face with your sleeve, trying to regain your vision through the tears.
Theo steps on the note you dropped from Cal. To your horror, he picks it up and reads it. I can’t lose you. Theo scoffs and tosses the balled note over his shoulder.
You don’t look back at the room, or the hotel, or even the planet as you both board Theo’s ship and rise into the sky.
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Book Song
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter Summary
Problems are set aside to reveal deeper feelings.
Content Warnings: smut
Ooh, time goes by, and I lose perspective
Yeah, hope only hurts, so I just forget it
But you're breaking through all the dark in me when I thought that nobody could
And you're waking up all these parts of me that I thought were buried for good
-Free from K Pop Demon Hunters
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Chapter 14: The Way He Reclaims You
Your fist bangs on the front door of Second Chance Bookshop. A light snaps on in the second-story window; Kaahlii peers down.
She disappears upon seeing your frantic waving, reappearing to unlock the glass door. The overhead bell chimes, giving away your location. Your head swivels, checking to see if Theo caught up.
“Kaahlii, I’m sorry, I had nowhere else to go,” you say, catching your breath.
Kaahlii backs up. “You’re a Jedi?”
“What?” you ask before remembering the lightsaber. “No, I stole this from a Jedi to save him. I need to give this back, but he’ll take me too. Please help me.”
The words tumble out. Kaahlii looks like she is mulling over how much trouble you are worth.
She yanks the hilt from your hand, tucking it into her robes with one tentacled arm while another gestures for you to go upstairs. “Go hide. We’ll speak after.”
The wooden stairs creak as you climb on the right side of the store. It opens onto a kitchen and sitting room on the balcony overlooking the store. You leap behind the sofa for cover. It’s a childish place to hide, but it’s all you can manage.
You hear the front door chime again as Kaahlii whisper-shouts the word “Jedi”. Theo’s low voice sounds moments later. They disagree in similar-sounding accents, but the exact words elude you.
You creep closer to the edge, checking if you should plan an escape route. It sounds like Theo is asking too many questions and trying to get inside. Kaahlii says something about “the Empire” and “reporting a Jedi sighting”. More whispered words hiss between the two, and the bell rings again.
Kaahlii’s suction-cupped footsteps ascend the staircase. “Come out; the Jedi is gone.”
You clamber to your feet, still feeling the effects of falling out a window. She gestures for you to sit as she prepares a pot of tea. Your hands wring while you wait.
Kaahlii joins you with a porcelain pot of tea and two dainty cups. She serves it and settles into her own high-backed chair. Though with her stature, every chair could be high-backed.
She takes a sip of her hot drink, closing her eyes and then locking them onto you with an air of expectation.
You don’t make her pry, already feeling guilty enough about requiring her help tonight. You fill her in on everything, telling her the events of the past few days and divulging to give her background on your family, the Rebellion, and Theo. She remains silent, sipping her tea as you unload.
When you finish, she asks a few clarifying questions; her face is stoic and her tone is matter-of-fact. Her lack of reaction wears on you.
A ship leaves the atmosphere in the distance.
“How did you get him to leave?” You ask, taking a sip of your now icy tea.
“Informed him I must report him to the Empire,” she says, pouring herself another cup. “You have gotten yourself in quite a mess. I’m afraid I cannot offer you further help.”
“No, you’ve already done so much for me. Thank you for your help tonight. I’m sorry for burdening you with this.”
She shrugs. “It is no burden; my part is done. Except...”
Kaahlii rises and disappears into the back of her home, returning some minutes later with a small tin. “Take a pinch orally after intimacy. It should keep further and much smaller problems at bay.”
You open the tin to see a shredded herb inside. Your face heats as you realize she is giving you a way to prevent pregnancy. You can only mumble thanks.
“It will not stop a life that has already taken root. The herbs are old, but will work. As you can tell, I have no use for them at my age.”
You try to picture her young, wondering if she ever had a husband.
With another dozen thank you’s and apologies, you leave. Walking back towards where you hope Cal is still waiting for you.
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Your knuckles raise to rap on the door; your key is still inside. You can hear Cal talking to someone. You hope he isn’t reporting Theo to the other Inquisitors. But if he thinks you ran off with a Jedi, he might already do exactly that.
The knock is soft, but it halts Cal’s speech. He is slow to open the door, swinging it open with a hand wrapped around his lit lightsaber.
You gasp and take a step back. He deactivates the crackling red blade, but his fierce expression does not leave. He looks furious about your elongated absence.
“I’m sorry, I was—” you say, then change course. “Theo’s gone. He left the planet.
“Did he now?” Cal says, his tone cruel and mocking, like when he was speaking to Theo.
“Cal I came back to you as fast as I could. I’m sorry for what I did. It was stupid and reckless and—”
Cal’s face changes, and he moves aside for you to enter as he removes his gloves. “I suspected you had run out on me.”
You shake your head and stand before him, cupping his face in your hands. “Never. I couldn’t leave you.”
Cal takes a slow breath through his nose, his eyes closing as you brush his hair back and off his forehead. His hands find your waist, and he tugs you closer. “You were gone long enough I thought you had changed your mind.”
“Cal, I couldn’t change my mind because,” you say, taking a shaky inhale. “I love you.”
Cal’s eyes snap wide open, searching your face as if he misheard you. “You what?”
“I love you, Cal. You don’t have to say it; I know it hasn’t been long. It’s just that you have given me everything I’ve wanted, and I can’t help what I’m feeling.”
He swallows hard, his gaze going distant as he processes what you said. There’s conflict there.
You’re not worried, having said “I love you” to a Force user before. You’re pretty sure they all look like this when confronted with love.
After a moment, Cal’s eyes return to yours, no longer looking troubled. His nose bumps yours to tip your head back before pressing a soft kiss to your lips. You return the gesture, wrapping your arms around his neck.
Cal’s fingers find the clasp of your cloak, allowing it to drop into a black pool at his feet as he scoops you up and walks to the bed. He sets you on it and works to free himself of his clothes as quickly as possible.
Your eyes watch him, eager to see his bare skin again, but drift to a small heap of your things sitting beside the door. It’s not where you left them. You wonder if Cal intended to leave tonight to find you.
Cal’s naked form overtakes you, blocking your view, as he slots himself between your thighs. He doesn’t bother removing your dress, shoving the hem up instead to reveal you to him. You watch his eyes focus on the newly available skin. He wraps his hand around his own length, guiding it into position.
He returns to kissing you, tongues sliding against one another as he pushes in. You lose focus on the kiss and close your eyes, pressing your foreheads together as you feel him bottom out. Cal’s movements are distinct, slower and less hasty.
Upon finding a pleasant rhythm, he resumes kissing you, swallowing every small noise you make. Your fingers comb through his hair, teasing your nails against his scalp. Cal groans into the kiss, pulling away to look at you.
His hooded eyes lock on yours. His expression is unreadable, as if there’s something he wants to say. You reach out and thread your fingers together, offering him soft acknowledgment of the unspoken.
You want to remember this moment—his muscular body, the feel of him inside you, the way he looks at you, everything.
A deep pleasure builds in your belly as you stare up at him. Your hands tug him down, cupping his face to look deep into his eyes. There’s a flash of discomfort as you ask for a level of intimacy you assume he isn’t familiar with.
Your mouth drops open as you pant and moan with each deep stroke. You keep your eyes open as long as you can, watching his face contort as your orgasm sets off his. Your eyes close as you can no longer fight off the intense pleasure that courses through your body.
“I love you.”
Masterlists
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All Works
Music
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Book Song
Chapter Song
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I adore comments as they allow me to go on an emotional journey with my readers as you all experience the story.
Love/Like/Hate What You Read?
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Compliments feed me
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter Summary
An impossible scenario requires a risk.
Content Warnings: none
Don't push me around
I don't wanna see you buried six feet underground
Fuck around and find out
I don't wanna see you, darling, six feet underground
-SIXFT by I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME
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Chapter 13: The Way He Releases You
Your red-rimmed eyes struggle to adjust to the glaring sun as you step outside. You lean against the wall in the shade.
Cal didn’t return as you had hoped. Meaning another morning has passed without confessing your growing affection, and you were alone while dealing with the hurt of seeing Theo.
After hours of fear and anxiety keeping you awake, you powered on Kaahlii’s holoreader. The handheld device contained thousands of books, but scanned the surrounding area for more.
It’s a bit of a nuisance since you have to locate and delete excess files after its auto-scan. After locating where it stores new readable material, you came to find the device stole the financial documents from the owner of your temporary accommodations.
Distracted by an exciting story, you didn’t fall asleep until sunlight was peeking through the drawn faded blue curtains of your room. You’re in desperate need of breakfast and a strong cup of caf.
A larger body slides up beside you, tall enough to be doused in sunlight that threatens to invade the small patch of relief. You already know it’s Theo, but you shade your eyes with your hand to confirm.
“Theo, why did you stay?”
You adjust the hood of your cloak to hide your neck and push off the wall to escape your ex. He trails you, looking dejected, as you search for a breakfast eatery.
To your relief, he waits to speak until you’ve found a location and are both sitting at a booth. A plate of food sits before you, and two cups of caf between you both.
“You’re in danger,” Theo says, always straightforward.
You sip your hot beverage, hoping it will make this conversation easier. “No, Theo, you’re in danger.”
“Always,” he says, cocking his head in the cute way that makes his dark locks fall into his eyes. “But I know you are in danger. The Inquisitor was searching for someone, and it wasn’t me.”
“You’re following him?” You ask too loud, and set your mug down, clattering against your plate. Fellow patrons glance in your direction; Theo tenses.
Once eyes are off the two of you, Theo’s eyes narrow, eyebrows pinching together as they do when he’s thinking hard. “How do you know it’s a male Inquisitor? Have you seen him?”
Your face betrays your attempt to act calm. “I—I was guessing.”
Theo leans back against the padded faux leather. “He was outside your room, down in the alley, looking up at your window. He patrolled the area, waiting.”
Your heart leaps. Cal was checking on you, despite not returning. You wonder if he could hear your thoughts, if he knew Theo was here.
Your gaze softens, and a smile ghosts across your lips. He was protecting you.
“Are you okay? I thought you’d be terrified, all things considered,” Theo says, snapping you back to reality.
You fix your face. Theo’s right; you should be terrified. He knows your history. You need to act like the woman he remembers, who hates all Inquisitors. But your heart knows you’ve fallen in love with one.
“Theo, that proves nothing. If he had wanted me dead, I’d be dead. He was probably looking for someone else in the building,” you say. “The owner is Mirialan, maybe he’s a Jedi in hiding.”
You’re trying to throw Theo off with realistic possibilities. The Mirialans have a higher-than-average connection to the Force.
But Theo shakes his head, not considering your suggestion, like he knows something you don’t. “I was hoping something similar, that he was after anyone but you. But no one there is Force-sensitive, and he only checked your side.”
You eat, keeping your mouth busy. Theo needs to talk himself out of this.
“I kept something from you,” Theo says. “When we were living on base. I had a separate mission.”
Theo isn’t breaking news to you. You knew he had duties outside your shared team. The Rebellion worked hard to use everyone to their full potential during lulls. Theo was likely the most utilized man on base.
“I believe you are in more danger than I am this time. The Inquisitor, who was outside your window, he—”
You cut him off. “Theo, enough. Whatever you’re suggesting is plain wrong. I am not his target. But you may be. Please don’t make me mourn your death on top of mourning the loss of what we had. Just go away.”
Theo looks genuinely hurt. You know he wants to say more, but he only swallows, tosses a credit on the table for his cup of caf, and leaves.
You pick at your food, no longer in the mood to eat. Despite the way he broke up with you, you feel guilty about snapping at him. He thinks he’s protecting you.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
After two confrontations with your ex without Cal to lean on, you lost your desire to window shop. So you went to the local park to decompress and watch the locals live normal lives.
Children scream and chase one another in the desert sandbox adorned with odd-shaped play equipment and climbing structures. Parents—and you—stay shaded under scattered gazebos or large croppings of drought-resistant shrubbery with benches nestled beneath.
You sit farthest from the children’s play area, not wanting to draw attention. You opt to read on your holopad. The device scans but pulls nothing from the area. You send a message to Kaahlii of the failure, though you’re sure the lack of technology in the immediate area is the issue.
Two children arguing interrupts your reading. A pair of young siblings fighting for unknown reasons, but treating the encounter as an unforgivable tragedy.
Their father intervenes, speaking to them in a soft voice. Minutes later, they are laughing and playing as if nothing came between them.
It reminds you of how your brother and you often played. How you could hate him one moment for breaking your toys, but still let him crawl into your bed when he had a nightmare.
You’ve learned to forgive yourself over the years for the times you hated him. But in weak moments, you wish you had told him you loved him more. He deserved to live longer.
You could never rationalize why your parents refused to flee. It was something you discussed with Theo. Their actions did not horrify him. He told you he understood mass sacrifice to save a few.
You never told Theo, but you always hoped he’d want a family with you. Though, you can imagine him scolding you on the dangers of bringing potentially Force-sensitive children into this galaxy.
You give up the rest of your afternoon to return to the room. Cal isn’t there, and you lie on the bed, waiting for his return. It’s a familiar feeling, wondering when the man you love will return.
Something hits your window with a dull thud and scatters. You bolt upright, staring at the closed drapes. When the sound happens again, you jump to your feet, stalking towards the window.
It’s obviously not Cal; he’d walk in through the front door. Your heart thumps as you move closer, parting the curtains and peering down into the side alley as another clump of hardened sand spatters across the closed window.
You slide open the unlocked window and stick your head out, whisper-shouting to Theo below. The whites of his eyes are visible.
“What are you doing? I told you to go—”
“Climb down now! The Inquisitor is in the building! Please don’t argue!”
Kriff. Cal is here, and Theo is outside. You need to keep them separate.
“Theo, I’ll be fine; please leave,” you say.
Theo is beyond discussing things. He scales the side of the building, and your body freezes. Behind you, the door is unlocking. You slam the window shut, locking it, and close the curtains.
You run towards the front door just as Cal shoves the stuck door open, looking annoyed. He smiles at you with a kind and genuine smile, which falls as you rush towards him, shushing him.
You point to your head, begging him to read your thoughts. Cal gives you a curious look that turns protective as he scans the room for an intruder. He steps forward, taking your hand as you explain without words that Theo is outside the window. You beg him to please give you a moment to send him away.
Cal frowns, looking regretful as he steps out, pulling the door shut.
Theo uses the Force to unlock and slide open the window. He clambers in through the curtains, dashing forward to yank you behind him. He stares at the front door, his hand reaching for where he hides his lightsaber.
Theo forces you towards the only exit; his eyes stay glued to the perceived threat. You tug on his shirt, desperate to get him to hear you.
“He’s outside the door; he’s waiting,” he says.
“Please leave Theo. I’ll be okay, I promise.”
Theo gives you an incredulous look.
“He will kill you,” he says.
“He will kill you.”
The front door opens with a cracking sound as Cal shoves it past the point of sticking. Your heart stops. Not only because you’re about to watch one of them die, but because red light bathes Cal. His lightsaber activated in his gloved hand.
You stumble backwards away from him. You’ve seen this before.
Theo supports your weight as your knees threaten to give out. Your stomach churns, preparing to empty its contents.
Cal no longer looks like the man you have fallen in love with. His expression is cold and vacant; sharp shadows on his face make him look like the monster they turned him into.
“Theo Londore,” Cal says, his tone mocking. “It’s been a while.”
“Cal Kestis,” Theo says, using the Inquisitor’s real name. “I won’t let you hurt her, not like the others.”
Cal lets out a laugh, but without the warmth you’ve grown accustomed to. “Is that what you think I’m doing? I’m afraid you are mistaken about my intentions.”
Theo keeps pushing you backwards towards the open window. His hand still near his lightsaber. You’re sure he’s waiting until you get out the window to activate it. If they battle, only one walks away.
“I frankly don’t care what you’re doing; I won’t allow it.”
“Ever the noble Jedi Knight, Theo.”
With a deep breath, you steady yourself. Theo is coming with you.
You pluck Theo’s only defense against Cal off him, grasping the cold metal hilt with two hands. You’ve never touched one of these before, and it’s heavier than you thought.
Your hip bumps against the window, and you look back at the two-story drop onto the sand below, then at Cal. His eyes flick to yours and to the lightsaber in your hand. He looks impressed before sneering at Theo.
“Uh oh, it appears you’re unarmed.”
That’s your cue.
You stumble back out of the window as Theo looks back at you, his expression further turning to horror as he realizes what you have stolen from him.
The fall is anything but graceful. You try to cling to the side of the building, but with one hand holding tight to Theo’s lightsaber, you can’t. You attempt a haphazard drop that ends with you on your back gasping for air.
Despite the wind being knocked out of you, you scramble to your feet and run down the alley as you see Theo leaping out the window to chase after you.
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter Summary
A familiar face threatens to ruin the peace.
Content Warnings: none
It's happening again
You got me feelings butterflies
But I know it's a real bad sign
'Cause I can see the end
-Sparks by Laila
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter 12: The Way He Teases You
The folding paper in your hands no longer holds shape as you smooth out the creases for the thousandth time. You won’t waste the limited supply of glossy paper on your beginner folding skills, so you reuse the tissue-soft, blood-red paper.
The troublesome door of the room opens as Cal shoves it past the sticking point. It would disappoint him to learn you hadn’t thrown your body against the door upon your return as promised. But you had to shoulder-check it quite hard.
Cal holds up a brown paper takeaway bag, stepping inside and shedding his armor on the floor. “I see you’ve occupied your time.”
“My hands need busy work without you to touch,” you say, returning the flimsy paper to the stack of stiff ones.
Cal’s eyebrows raise at your suggestive comment, and he exhales a short laugh. “I assume you’ve neglected to eat with your ‘busywork’.”
He removes his leather gloves, tucking them away, and brings the food to the shoddy desk where you sit, unpackaging the hot contents. With no additional seating, Cal kneels on the floor to eat. You scoop up your meal and settle down beside him, your legs crossed.
“Is the trap set then?” you ask before taking a large bite.
Cal clears his throat, gazing at you like you’ve grown a second head. “What?”
You cover your mouth as you chew, having to swallow too soon to resume speech. “You told Fifth Brother we would stay a few days after the ‘trap was set’. Remember?”
The brief panic in Cal’s eyes dwindles to his typical bored expression. “Yes, the trap is set.”
The two of you eat in silence that is reminiscent of your old relationship.
“Do you think it will work?”
“I know it will.”
“Does it bother you that Fifth doubts you?”
“No,” he says.
“Are you excited to prove him wrong?”
“Yes.”
“Why are you being so dull?”
An exasperated smile breaks his serious expression. “Perhaps we should not discuss my day; it is rather unsavory for you. Tell me about yours.”
It’s sweet of him to protect you from the horrors of his required work. You’re grateful for the compassion he extends.
“I met the owner of a bookshop,” you say. “We struck a deal to help one another.”
Cal scowls, breaking from scarfing his food to look more unimpressed than usual. “You’re helping someone?”
“Of course! We’re helping each other. I bought a prototype holoreader from her so I can read books wherever I am, and she can ensure it works correctly.”
You show him the hand-sized datapad, which he glances at and hands back.
“It seems foolish of her to entrust you with what I assume is her life’s work,” he says.
“Why’s that? I’m trustworthy! The Rebellion trusted me enough to make me a pilot for—”
Your mouth snaps shut, realizing you shouldn’t share secrets aloud with an Inquisitor. Even though he knows.
“Temperamental,” he says at your sudden outburst.
You scoff and focus on eating, feeling your heart sink. Sometimes you can’t tell what Cal wants from you. He pokes at you when you least expect it, as if wanting you to react with outrage.
It’s a far cry from Theo, who avoided most emotion in your conversations. Which was more frustrating than Cal’s random teasing.
It’s as though Cal is breathing life into you, reminding you of feelings beyond quiet contentment and devastating pain.
“You’re one to talk,” you say. “You were going to throttle the man downstairs over our door sticking.”
Cal’s smile becomes mischievous as he sets aside his empty food container. “Ah yes, a crime to expect services equal to the cost paid. You, however, are upset over words.”
Your face drops, unable to hide your hurt. “You’re so mean to me even when I make it clear how much I like you.”
Cal’s mocking expression falters, returning to neutral. “Why would you choose to like me?”
“Look, Cal, it seems like you are trying to push me away. I know that becoming an Inquisitor probably changed a lot of things for you. But I’m sticking around, and I want something resembling a relationship with you. One where you don’t try to upset me just to keep me at arm’s length.”
Your experienced here, having had a Jedi resist a relationship with you because of a set of rules and expectations. Perhaps this will end the same, but you won’t wait for him to lead the relationship as you did with Theo. You’ll tell him how you feel and what you want.
There’s regret painted across Cal’s face as if he’s having to face something he was hoping to keep at bay. “We can’t have a normal relationship; I don’t have a normal life.”
“Well, you’re in luck because I’m a professional at abnormal relationships with Force-sensitive men.”
Cal looks at you with almost admiration, his eyes twinkling before he pushes aside the moment of vulnerability. “Then I entrust you to guide this thing you claim to want.”
“I thought I wasn’t trustworthy.” Your soft chuckle breaks the tension.
“You have experience.”
“What an odd skill to have,” you say, shaking your head.
“I’m glad you said it; I was trying to avoid insulting you again.”
This time his teasing is good natured so you reach out to shove him, barely making an impact. Cal has the decency to feign injury from your attack. “This is what relationships are like? You beating me up?”
“Absolutely, expect nothing but me attacking you in every sense of the word.”
You finish dinner and both prepare for bed. True to your word, you attack him the moment the two of you crawl into bed. Cal pretends to be disinterested, but you see his big smile as you kiss his neck and face before coaxing him into more. He is quick to take the lead once you kiss away his resignation.
The two of you fall asleep naked and tangled together, something you can’t seem to get enough of. You’re realizing how quickly you’re falling for this man. You’ll tell him in the morning.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
You’re humming as you wander between quaint shops, running your fingers over soft fabrics and examining interesting trinkets. Your earnest conversation with Cal solidified the blossoming relationship, leaving your heart light.
The boutique you’re in has a modest jewelry counter at its rear that draws your fluttering attention. You comb through the delicate sparkling metals, but your joyous mood dampens as you touch a familiar piece.
There’s a beautiful necklace resembling the one your mother wore. A thin gold chain with a moderate solitaire clear gem hanging from its center. It’s not hers, but similar.
The Inquisitor who murdered her stole it and likely pawned the symbol of love gifted by your father.
You finger the pretty pendant as you remember her kind face, smiling at you as your brother clung to her skirts years before the event that ruined your life. Despite the melancholy memory, you smile.
It’s rare that you have a memory of your family that is pleasant.
Theo once offered to wipe the painful memory from your mind, but you refused. He promised you would still be aware they died, but without the distinct visual of their gruesome death. It was tempting to be free of such intense pain, but you worried that losing part of your memory would change who you were.
You step away from the counter, leaving the store.
Bright late-afternoon sunshine blinds you, but the heat is less brutal than yesterday. Your thoughts drift to Cal. If you hadn’t lost your family, you wouldn’t have known him.
Cal has a dark side, but you can see him trying to meet you halfway. He agreed to a relationship, and he already engages in physical intimacy with you. This is light-years ahead of your relationship with Theo in less time.
It’s the relationship you’ve been wanting. Cal has given you what you’ve always wanted, and you’re falling for him. He isn’t the cruel Inquisitor he’s forced to be; he’s still the Jedi beneath, but he’s hiding it to stay safe.
Maybe it’s too fast, but you’re in love with him. If he returns tonight, you’ll tell him.
You crash into an innocent man on the street as you watch the pretty sunset. “Oh, kriff. I’m so sorry, I wasn’t watching—”
Your words halt, and you take a step back as terror seeps into your bones. The man turns to look at you. He’s taller than you are, taller than even Cal, and just as muscular. His tan skin glows in the sunshine, dark hair protecting him from the elements.
“Theo,” you say, still backing away.
Theo’s eyes trace over your body, confusion etched into every line on his face. He’s trying to make sense of why you’re here—what you’re wearing—you’re doing the same.
Theo shouldn’t be here. He hadn’t mentioned an upcoming away mission. It’s only been a few days since you fled.
“What are you doing here?” He asks, taking a step closer to you, hands coming to the edges of your cloak to pull further around your shoulder. You help him, trying to cover the marks Cal left on your neck. “What are you wearing?”
Theo looks horrified by your choice—Cal’s choice—of clothing. His eyes linger too long where they shouldn’t, color rising in his cheeks.
His eyes close as he shakes himself. But his eyes dart once more to the exposed middle of your breasts before he forces his chin up. He locks his gray-eyed gaze firmly onto yours.
“Just visiting. Needed to get away after everything,” you say, unable to lie.
Theo frowns, and there’s a flicker of remorse in his pretty eyes. You shake the traitorous thought from your mind.
Cal has pretty eyes, Theo used to.
Theo glances around before reaching out to take your arm, pulling you into a nearby alley, away from prying eyes. He keeps a respectable distance despite lowering his voice to speak.
“You need to leave this planet immediately. There’s an Inquisitor here.”
The level of concern in his tone doesn’t track. You both know that Inquisitors hunt him, not you. “Theo, it sounds like you should be the one leaving then.”
He shakes his head. “Just listen to me on this, please.”
You give him an exasperated look, furrowing your brows. “Theo, Inquisitors don’t care about me. Especially now that I’m not tied to you.”
His mouth falls open, but the words of protest die on his tongue as he considers your meaning. “You’re hurt, and I understand. But please, I don’t want to see something worse happen to you.”
“I don’t want something to happen to you either. You need to leave this planet, not me.”
It’s true; you don’t want either man to die. You’ve protected Theo even past the breakup. If Theo and Cal meet, you know only one of them walks away. You can’t handle the thought.
“Then we’ll leave together. Please let me take you to safety.”
“I’m not leaving with you,” you say.
He stops pushing to save you. “I messed up when I let you go. I’m sorry.”
Tears prick your eyes. It would disappoint Cal to see you crying over Theo again.
“I still don’t understand why you ended it. We only slept together.”
He winces, as if the mere memory of sleeping with you is unbearable. “It’s not—”
“I can’t believe after everything you put me through. All the rules just to love you. That you would drop me the moment you broke them!”
Theo’s eyes glisten as if this is hurting him too. “I made a terrible decision for the greater good. You didn’t deserve that outcome. I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you would flee our home the moment it ended.”
Your shoulders shrug as you build walls to shut him out. “There was no point in staying where I didn’t belong.”
“I looked for you for days,” he says, the dark circles under his eyes evidence of his search.
“Is that why you’re here?”
Theo bows his head, because of course that isn’t why he’s here. He may feel bad, but he’s still putting his duty first. “No, I received a tip.”
“Of course you did,” you say, just plain furious at this point.
You stomp back out of the alley, throwing one last thing over your shoulder. “Don’t be stupid and get yourself killed, Theo. Leave this planet. I don’t want to see you.”
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Book Song
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Love/Like/Hate What You Read?
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Constructive Criticism improves me
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter Summary
A local bookshop offers solace.
Content Warnings: none
I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Maybe give me insight between black and white
And the best thing you ever done for me
Is to help me take my life less seriously
-Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter 11: The Way He Leaves You
As you wander, you realize the low-quality accommodations do not reflect the quaint desert town itself. The wide streets are clean, and residents socialize together. If not for your offensive clothing, you would feel at home in this tight-knit community.
The looks you receive make it clear your presence has not gone unnoticed. You’re sure Cal received the same confused stares, though there was probably an element of fear associated with his presence.
Unable to part with the coverage your thick woolen cloak provides, you walk on the cooler shady side of the street, darting into every shop of vague interest to enjoy the climate-controlled air inside.
A set of plain, weather-appropriate clothes almost robs you of the few shopping credits. But you resist the temptation, knowing Cal would forbid the modest outfit. You’ve set your heart on finding a reliable source of entertainment.
You suffered excruciating loneliness when Theo and you moved to the isolated safe house on Coruscant. Theo had his routine scouting missions to keep him occupied during the days. But you had nothing. Only generic housework and messaging your friends on base through your datapad.
You became overly dependent on Theo. You’re becoming dependent on Cal. It’s unwise to allow yourself to fade away again.
You are lucky to travel with Cal and wander unfamiliar places. He doesn’t leave you behind, but you need to occupy your time when he is busy.
A quaint bookshop walled with vast windows framed by peeling trim catches your attention. Faded gold serif lettering spells out Second Chance Bookshop. Hopefully, a used bookstore, meaning entertainment in your price range.
You enter through the window-paned door that rings a hanging, faded copper bell. To your right is a bulletin board full of community events, calling cards, and a notice for story time hours.
You smile at the distinct lack of wanted posters here. Thinking further, you realize there are no traces of the Empire anywhere. Except the Inquisitor you arrived with. This place reminds you of where you grew up.
The wonderful scent of paper and ink envelops you like an old friend. Your fingers glide along the spines of the first aisle you wander through. It’s been so long since you’ve held a book. The Rebellion didn’t have time or credits for leisurely activities on base. You’re not sure you’ve held a book since childhood.
You drift through the rows of shelves, picking out interesting literature, keeping some, and returning others to their proper homes. With a solid stack of books, you wander towards a worn leather armchair bathed in sunlight. Children’s books line this open part of the shop, but you are undeterred, plopping into the sun-warmed seat and reading the first chapter of each book in your pile.
You forget yourself as you narrow down your winners for purchase until a small older Gree woman approaches you; her suckers making a faint popping sound as she glides across the wood floor. She wears a funny pair of clear reading goggles she has fashioned to fit over her bulbous antennae that wave and sway behind her. Two of her tentacle arms hold a faded green knit shawl in place while the other four carry and distribute books throughout the store.
You watch the nearing owner of the shop, who nods to you. “I’m sorry for lingering; it’s rather difficult to decide,” you say, glancing at the pile of books at your feet.
“Are these going back?” she asks in a posh accent similar to Theo’s.
She scoops up the smaller pile of books beside you without an answer. She was right; you weren’t keeping them.
Your discomfort at causing her more work forces you into small talk. “It’s difficult to decide when I haven’t read in so many years.”
She looks you up and down, hesitating before speaking. “You are not from here?”
You shake your head. “No, there haven’t been many books available to me where I’m from. At least none that contain stories.”
“Sounds uncivilized,” she says, her low-pitched intellectual voice altered by the spongy breathing mask she wears over her nose and mouth.
“It feels that way sometimes.”
The conversation is uninspiring, but you need to connect with someone normal. “How long has this place been open?”
“Half my life,” she says, leaving you to speculate about her age.
“The community must be grateful for your presence.”
Her narrow black eyes lock onto you, searching your face. “Children deserve knowledge and the joy of a good story.”
“So you were an avid reader as a child?”
Her tentacles absentmindedly sort stacks of children’s books into their respective places. “Much to the disappointment of my parents.”
You can’t relate to her history. Your parents supported your brother and you without hesitation. Any interest of yours they would encourage. Your father spent hours teaching you how to fold paper after you showed a brief interest in his ability. You miss those days.
“It’s a shame they didn’t share your interests,” you say in earnest.
“Technology matters most to the Gree people. My parents had hoped my interest in seeking knowledge would lead me to the Researcher caste.”
“I know little about Gree society. Is that caste the highest ranking?”
The woman shakes her oversized head; her antennae sway to counteract the movement. “No, all four castes are equal. It was merely a hope because of my preferences and unique personality.”
“If you aligned with the Researcher caste, why not join?” you say, realizing too late by her sharp and sudden stiffness that you have been offensive. “I’m sorry. What I meant to ask was Why was Researcher not satisfactory?”
Her limbs return to their flowy state. “Researchers only develop new technology. I spent a decade training in the caste. Despite my skills, I much prefer knowledge of the galaxy and a good story to the dull work of developing uninspiring tech.”
That you can understand. In the current state of the galaxy, everyone could all use a comforting story where the heroes win. “That makes perfect sense. Well, how wonderful it is that you have chosen this path instead. I hope you are happy to wake each morning and do what brings you joy.”
It’s possible she is smiling beneath her breather. You flash a smile to match, your eyes softening. She watches you, appearing regretful, but it’s impossible to be sure. She wrings two of her appendages, looking distraught, but speaks before you can ask about it.
“How will you choose?” She asks, “I assume you will not be buying the entire stack.”
You frown at the towering pile. She’s right; you couldn’t possibly afford all these books. Which means you will need to buy something that you will enjoy rereading.
“Do you have a favorite?”
She watches you for a moment, as if trying to decide something. “I may have a solution.”
Her words do little to help you choose a book to buy. But you nod along like you understand, but your confusion betrays you as your eyebrows furrow.
“Right, a solution. What is the solution?”
She beckons you with one suction-cupped arm. Without hesitation, you follow her to a door behind the checkout counter, your book pile abandoned.
Perhaps she keeps the best books back here. But they are probably more expensive, meaning you can afford less.
She guides you inside the room, closing you both into blackness before turning on the flickering work light in the closet turned workshop. Against your better judgment, you step forward, examining the tech on the workbench. It looks like she is taking defunct datapads and refurbishing them into something else.
“What is all this?”
“My invention,” she says. “I may not have enjoyed developing new technologies, but I was good at it. It has become possible to combine my talent with my interests.”
You give her an impressed smile. “You’re developing a way to read books on these datapads?” you ask.
Electronic literature files are nothing new, which tells you these devices must be quite special. You reach for a datapad but stop, deciding not to touch her things and waiting for the specs.
“As I’m sure you are aware, it is possible to purchase efiles of literature in a multitude of places over the holonet,” she says, the pitch sounding rehearsed. A leftover habit from her past, perhaps.
“What sets my technology apart is its ability to scan and pull formatted files upon startup in a new location. Meaning that one may simply travel with this device and have access to millions of novels to peruse at one’s leisure. Worry not; files remain even in the event of a location change. The hard drive stores all the data.”
You resist the urge to clap as she finishes her presentation. “That is quite a technological feat. Do you sell many?”
She beams at your compliment but stiffens at your question. “This is a prototype.”
“I see, so you intend to distribute them?”
“Testing and analysis are not yet complete,” she says, eyes dulling. “You see, I am not one for travel. I struggle to maintain my health in this climate. Traveling through the galaxy at my age would not be wise.”
You look at her breather and aquatic-preferring skin. It’s clear that the dry atmosphere and heat are doing her no favors. Yet she continues to live somewhere so detrimental to her health.
“So you cannot test your product.”
“Correct, the ideal testing candidate travels the galaxy frequently and has the free time to use the device often and provide immediate notification and location of any error. Easy enough to send such data using the holoreader’s messaging application, which only sends messages directly to me,” she says. “Are you a frequent traveler?”
Your face falls at her obvious request. “I’d love to help you, but I’m not allowed to—I mean, I rarely know where I am when I travel. It is not at my discretion. I don’t even know where I am now,” you say, embarrassed by your lack of knowledge before someone who values knowing.
Her eyes flash at your slip-up, tentacles stilling, but she resumes her relaxed appearance. “You are on the planet Aloxor, in the city of Tiqualon. The nearest major city is Tiquwe.”
The city name lights up old information at the edges of your mind. Memories out of reach and unavailable to you. This planet is familiar, but not from prior travel.
“Thank you for the information,” you say, your thoughts still distant as you rifle through your memories.
“Your knowledge of your location is unnecessary. The holoreader has a location beacon and sends updates when powered on. If you cannot retrieve literature in the area, send me a message so that I may look into the problem,” she says, hesitating. “Assuming you would be interested in buying this device at a discounted price.”
Your attention snaps back to her. “I have few credits.”
The woman takes you back to the front desk, her prototype in hand. She introduces herself, and the two of you negotiate the price, though this is not a skill of yours. It seems she is negotiating on your behalf to sweeten the deal. You end up handing her all your spending money for the holoreader, a black leather bag to store it, and, after showing accidental excitement in the stack on the far corner of the front desk, an assortment of folding papers.
“Take care of my prototype. I am excited to receive your feedback.”
“I will. Thanks for your kindness, Kaahlii,” you say.
Kaahlii appears uncomfortable with the compliment of her good nature, stiffening and shaking it off. “Good luck.”
You exit the wonderful little shop, happy to have made a new acquaintance.
Masterlists
TWHLAY Series
All Works
Music
Spotify Playlist for this Story
Book Song
Chapter Song
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
I adore comments as they allow me to go on an emotional journey with my readers as you all experience the story.
Love/Like/Hate What You Read?
Tell me!
Compliments feed me
Constructive Criticism improves me
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Read on your favorite platforms:
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Tumblr
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⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Join My Community:
It's FREE, obviously!
Members receive bonus content, community, and updates.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Disclaimer: I make no money off any of the works I produce.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter Summary
An outing into the galaxy leads to more questions about the Cal.
Content Warnings: none
Got a lot to say
You can’t say anything
You can barely breathe
Like you’re lost at sea
In a winter freeze
-Wasting Time by The Mowgli’s
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter 10: The Way He Avoids You
Cal and you prepare to leave the bleak Inquisitorious Tower. It’s a far cry from the chaos of mission mornings back on base. You suppose there isn’t an immediate threat when Cal receives his orders. The Inquisitors expect to win and often do.
You take a deep breath as you step out into the long and foreboding hallway outside his quarters. Cal’s footsteps echo as you both descend the multiple gray staircases required to take you back to the landing platform.
You keep thinking about his promise to buy you new boots. Your own worn ones make no sound as you walk. Ideal for sneaking. Yet their lack of sound marks you as an outsider. Perhaps after a change of shoes, you will carry yourself with the same confidence as Cal.
You do not wear your hood as you approach the grand entry hall, eager to see all you missed on your arrival. Tall durasteel support columns flare out into spandrels, creating subtle arches in the ceiling. Windows line one wall of the nondescript room, letting in the hazy Industrial District sunlight.
Movement catches your eye from the other side of the room as Fifth Brother strides towards you both. He sneers at you and intercepts your path to converse with Cal.
“All preparations are in place for your mission, Brother?”
“They are,” Cal says, his chin held high as he addresses the other Inquisitor with a formal distaste.
“I’m impressed you’ve secured your success in such a short amount of time.”
“I have been on this hunt for longer than you give me credit for.”
“And yet you have nothing to show for it,” Fifth says, then eyes you. “Nearly nothing.”
Cal bristles at Fifth’s implication. Fifth Brother does not seem to care for his fellow Inquisitor’s discomfort.
“This little distraction of yours has kept you from your duties. The others have spoken of your recent lack of success.”
“You are aware of my strategy and yet you doubt me? I am merely following in your footsteps.”
Fifth smiles a toothy, disconcerting grin. “Of course not, Brother. I do not doubt this will work.”
Cal’s annoyance radiates off him, and you almost feel angry on his behalf. Then you remember they are arguing over Cal’s success in murder.
Fifth Brother’s eyes flick to you in a way that makes you feel like you’re being led to the slaughter. At least you see him only in passing.
“We must be going,” Cal says, leading you towards the imposing doors that will take you onto the dizzying walkway outside.
Fifth keeps pace, staying at his side. “How long will your mission take?”
“A few days once the trap is set,” Cal says, over-enunciating each consonant.
Fifth looks you over, eyes dragging across the expanses of your flesh, lingering on the love bites on your neck. “The girl is in good condition. I cannot say I would have done the same.”
“A softer touch is sometimes more effective.”
“I prefer to avoid weakness.”
Another tense moment of silence passes between them. Fifth Brother continues with you both.
Cal rounds on Fifth, stopping his momentum. “Nothing will stop me from reaping what I have sown.”
There is a flicker of something vulnerable in Cal’s eyes, but he pushes it aside. Fifth Brother laughs, a low, joyless laugh that puts your teeth on edge.
“Fascinating—your obsession with this one piece of your history. I suppose I am to blame. Perhaps I should have had a softer touch.”
Fifth Brother turns on his heel and strides away.
You open your mouth to speak, wanting to soothe Cal’s distress, but a sharp look reminds you of your place when you are in public. You lower your gaze and follow him, bracing to hold your clothes in place as the screeching wind rushes through the opening doors.
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The tension in the Scythe weighs heavy in the air, silencing you in an unspoken order. Cal hasn’t moved since you entered hyperspace. He stares straight out the viewport, drumming his nimble fingers.
You sit still in your seat, not wanting to interrupt his brooding. Fifth words must be eating at him, though you can’t understand the entirety of their conversation.
It’s clear that Cal hasn’t been measuring up to the expectations set for him, and Fifth is rubbing it in his face. His shortcomings prove he’s a good man, not a ruthless one.
Your choosing Cal does not make you complicit with the Empire because you’ve chosen the Inquisitor who has hesitations. Cal isn’t doing their bidding.
You push aside your analysis in case he is listening and turn your attention to the stewing man. He is used to cruelty and suffering. You don’t want him to suffer when you are around.
Your safety straps fall away as you approach the back of Cal’s seat. He stiffens but does not turn to face you.
Your fingertips brush past his thick hair to rest on his temples and press firm circles against the built-up stress. Cal doesn’t respond, and you worry your touch has displeased him. But without his protest, you continue massaging him.
His broad shoulders soften as you work, and you take it as encouragement. Your fingers move into his hairline, splaying out to rub lines of relief through his scalp. Cal groans, and you feel his taught muscles twitch as he closes his eyes.
“Fifth is an idiot,” Cal says. The words fall from his lips like a curse.
You work the stiff cords where his skull meets his neck as his head falls forward. “In general?”
Cal exhales a measured breath through his nose. “His view of weakness is ridiculous.”
“You believe there is value in softness?”
“I believe in taking any route to get what I want,” he says.
“What do you want?”
He is quiet, leaning into the touch of your fingers. “I am tired of being alone in how I was broken and rebuilt.”
You don’t know what they did, but you understand the cruelty of the Empire. Cal experienced more pain than you can comprehend, and yet he still resists giving in to the Empire’s whims. If he shared his pain with you, he might feel better.
“What did they do to you?”
There is a moment of silence. You don’t move, giving him the opportunity to speak. Cal shakes you off instead, and you return to your seat. He doesn’t answer your question, instead distracting himself with his datapad.
You want to help him, to soothe the suffering he has faced. But he isn’t ready to let you in on those thoughts. You hope your presence is helping him, regardless.
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The planet below is yellow, gray, and blue, marking itself as a hot and drier climate. You are almost grateful for the exposing dress Cal provided you; it makes it easier to regulate your temperature.
However, you won’t be forgoing the woolen cloak. You can’t bear not covering up in public.
Cal pilots the ship towards the sandy surface, landing in an unpopulated bay just outside the town. Your soft boots distribute your weight across the sandy surface, making each step easy. Cal’s sturdy heel sinks into the soft sand as he steps out. However, the sinking stops with each consecutive step. He must be using the Force to compensate for this minor irritation.
The aggressive sun beats down on you, making the short walk into town unbearable. Despite wearing more black layers, Cal doesn’t break a sweat.
The locals keep their distance from the Inquisitor and his perceived pet. Their collective gaze makes you uncomfortable, and you keep your eyes on the backs of Cal’s powerful legs as we walk.
There is instant relief from the sweltering heat as you enter a dimly lit lodging building in the center of the moderately populated city. The short Mirialan man at the front desk lets out a muffled cry as we enter.
“Inquisitor,” he says, “how may I serve you today?”
“A room,” Cal says, leaning one arm on the counter.
The man takes a visible step back from his modest workstation. “Of course, sir.”
His yellow-green fingers tremble as he slides two copper room keys across the front desk. Tattooed mouth opening in silence, unable to say words. Cal drops enough credits for several nights of hospitality on the dusty counter, shutting up the man’s silent words.
The entry lobby is tiny, housing a front desk, a rear door to the owner’s living quarters, and a half flight of stairs clad in dull-red mottled carpet. Discolored from years of tracking sand in.
Cal leads you up the stairs; the landing points you in the opposite direction toward the other half flight to the second floor. There are four doors on this floor. Three of which must be rooms and the fourth a supply closet given the building’s narrow dimensions.
The key corresponds to the door at the top of the stairs, which sticks as Cal unlocks it. You see a flash of anger in his eyes and reach out to touch his arm.
“We’ll need a new room,” he says, turning to march back the way we came. “I won’t have you unable to get inside.”
The man downstairs looked beyond terrified of Cal; he doesn’t need an unsatisfied Inquisitor demanding a new room. You tug Cal back by his stiff sleeve, a gentle effort he could easily ignore.
“It’s alright,” you say. “I can get past a door that sticks.”
“What if you’re being followed?”
He’s worried about your safety. You melt at the unnecessary concern, and smile to reassure him. “Then I’ll do this.”
You pull the wooden door shut and lock it, taking a key from Cal’s hand to prepare for your demonstration. Starting a couple of stairs back, you run at the locked door. In one motion, you turn the lock and throw your body into it. It swings open with a pop. You enter, shut the door, and lock it.
A few seconds pass before you hear Cal’s key turning the lock. He steps inside the small room, his jaw set firm as he bites back a laugh. “You’ll look ridiculous.”
“I’m not worried about how I’ll look if I’m being chased,” you say, flashing a big smile.
“Fine, we’ll keep this room. Only if you enter it like that every time.”
Your eyes roll at his unreasonable request. “Now you’re being ridiculous.”
Cal cracks a slight smile before moving past you. He checks the room, moving clockwise, opening and shutting the window opposite the entry and fumbling with the lock. He peers inside the ’fresher near the single-pane window, under the full-sized bed, and in the sparse closet, rounding back to where you wait.
Cal backs you into the entry, staring down as he reaches past to lock the door. He guides you further into the room, to the desk beside the window. He pulls out credits, placing them on the nearby surface. “For your meals.”
He pulls out a few more. “For any other wants.”
You can’t help but smile. It’s such an unnecessary gesture to be so kind and ensure your lack of boredom while he is away. “I can buy whatever I want with that?”
He nods. “If I keep you entertained, you are less likely to revert to your old ways. I can’t have you poking around because of boredom.”
You freeze, wondering if he means your exploration of his quarters yesterday. “What do you mean?”
He gives you an unimpressed look. “You think I wouldn’t notice the underside of my workbench was askew?”
“Why do you have a BD unit?”
“For parts.”
You narrow your eyes. “Which parts?”
He doesn’t answer, instead snatching up the credits and dropping them into your hand.
“I don’t have any pockets,” you say.
Cal furrows his brow, realizing his oversight. He searches his utility belt and pulls a thin, long cord from a pouch. You imagine what use he may have had for such an item. Probably anything related to prisoners.
Cal takes a moment, measuring out a length and showing where to hold. You take over, holding the cord parallel to the floor with your arms spread a shoulder’s width apart. Cal unclasps his lightsaber.
You drop the rope and back into the bed. Your eyes wide and your knees giving out as you grasp the bedding.
Cal sets the unlit lightsaber on the desk, putting his hands up to placate you. “It’s just to cut the rope; I won’t hurt you.”
He steps toward you, wrapping his warm hands around your upper arms and pulling you back to your feet. He holds you close, allowing you to lean against him as your heart rate slows.
The Force pulls the rope and his lightsaber into his hands, handing you the measured length to hold. “Just stay still.”
You brace as he ignites the crackling red blade away from your bodies. He flicks only his wrist and the blade spins, cutting clean through the cord.
You release a shaky exhale as he deactivates the hot red blade. Your mind forces you to imagine the searing pain your family must have felt as they were cut through.
Cal removes a vacant pouch from his belt, attaching it to the cord, and wrapping the makeshift belt around your waist. He secures it with a slipknot of sorts.
He nods at his handiwork as you fight back your painful memories. Cal tugs you close to drop the credits into the pouch. He doesn’t want to hurt you. He isn’t like the others. But being so close to his blade affected you more than you expected.
“Will you be back tonight?”
“I will tonight, but I cannot guarantee future nights.”
“How long will we stay here?”
“Until my work is done.”
The way he watches you puts unease in your chest. We both know he’s here to kill. Leaving will mean he has succeeded. Will it always feel like this when you accompany him on his missions?
“I understand.”
You wrap your arms around his midsection, hugging him tight. “Come back safe to me.”
Cal gives you a look you cannot identify. His arms encircle you, and he presses his nose against your hair. You both stand soaking in one another.
Then he pulls away, tugging on his gloves as he exits, leaving you cold and eager for his return.
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
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Chapter Summary
A future with Cal looms as the reality of his lifestyle comes into view.
Content Warnings: sexual manipulation
You know I just might
Let you lock me down tonight
One of me is cute, but two though?
Give it to me, baby
You make me wanna make you fall in love
-Juno by Sabrina Carpenter
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Chapter 9: The Way He Treats You
As the dust settles on your permanent decision, Cal’s face hardens to the familiar hungry expression. It appears last night didn’t satisfy his appetite.
You are trapped in your head, coming to terms with your new life. You’ve chosen to stay. Chosen to live with an Inquisitor. Chosen to turn your back on the Rebellion.
Perhaps the last part isn’t true. You are helping the Rebellion by ensuring secrets stay safe. Base locations, important individuals, and, most importantly, Theo, all stay safe. A Jedi is an important asset to the Rebellion.
“I’m sorry,” you say, clocking the annoyed look Cal is giving you. “It’s difficult not to think of him; it’s barely been two days.”
His hungry eyes narrow, not swayed by your weak apology. “Perhaps I should make you think of me instead.”
“Cal, I’m not in the mood,” you say, pressing a hand to his broad chest to keep distance.
Your thoughts remain stuck on mourning the loss of your old life and trying to accept your new reality. Even with how he’s looking at you, you can’t will your body into immediate arousal.
Cal lets out an irritated scoff. “So I gave you what you wanted, and now you mope around my quarters?”
“I’m trying to be okay. A lot has changed for me in the past few days.”
He grabs your shoulders, stooping to eye level. “Set it aside; focus on what is in front of you.”
“It’s not that easy!”
In a quick move, his teeth find the tender junction of your throat and shoulder. Your head tilts back, and you sigh out a soft moan. He pulls your face back near his, his half-lidded eyes on your parted lips. His hot mouth presses against the corner of yours before nipping at your lower lip, coaxing you to kiss him.
You relent, sealing your mouth against his, returning his eagerness. Your fingers slide into his soft hair just as he pulls away, leaving you breathless.
“It’s a shame you’re too upset for more,” he says, mocking you and walking away into the kitchen.
You let out a small noise of displeasure that he ignores. Maybe setting your distress aside is just as easy as he said.
You follow him into the small space like a kicked hound. Cal avoids you, busying himself with preparing a quick meal. You give him a pitiful look, glancing at his lips and then lower.
“Moping still?” He asks, eyeing you.
“Not for the same reasons,” you say, your voice hushed and breathy.
His lips curl in brief satisfaction as he plates his easy meal. “I assume you have eaten?”
You nod, watching him eat. He consumes his food with the same immense haste you have only seen in Theo. “Why do you all eat like that?”
Cal pauses before his next bite. “I’m not eating like anything,” he says, his tone even.
“Yes, you are. Th—I mean, the Jedi—ate like that too. Do you have to eat at the speed of light to appease the Force?”
Cal breaks, a genuine smile on his handsome face as he laughs at your terrible joke. “Maybe...but no. During the Clone Wars, there wasn’t the luxury of frequent meals or time to eat them.”
“That makes sense,” you say, then smirk. “But it also activates your powers, right?”
Cal’s eyes roll as he plays along. “Yes, of course, if I eat too slow I lose my connection to the Force. You could develop a connection too if you set aside your leisure.”
Your nose wrinkles at the thought of inhaling your food. “No thank you, I enjoy tasting my meal.”
“Then you haven’t had nutritive paste before. The only way to consume such terrible rations is to swallow before you realize its taste.”
“I’ve swallowed something similar.”
Cal gives you a sharp, disapproving look.
You giggle and step closer as he attempts to eat his food with undisciplined slowness. Your hand rests on his sturdy arm, and you trail your touch up his thick tunic.
“You’re so handsome.”
Cal stiffens, his eyes snapping from your delicate touch to your mischievous face. You know he can already hear what’s in your mind, but he studies you as if he’s not getting the answers he wants. He looks between you and his meal, then inhales the rest of his food, setting the used dish aside.
“There is no need to compliment me.”
Your body moves to fill the now-open space between him and the counter. “I know I don’t need to. I want to.”
His body crowds you against the counter, large hands coming to rest on your hips. “Your thoughts are back to desire, I take it?”
Your heart flutters, and you will yourself to keep up this level of confidence, looking up through your eyelashes at him. “You tell me.”
Cal chuckles at your thoughts. “Should I be worried about your newfound confidence? It seems unusual.”
Your eyelashes flutter closed as you laugh. You are confident. You used to be. But you were sad and scared yesterday. Today you’re trying to be bold again.
“I see why the Jedi got rid of you.”
Your expression falls to immediate hurt, but Cal bumps his nose against your forehead. “I only mean, you are quite forward, even when trying to hold back, and if I were him, I too would struggle with resisting,” he says.
His hand cups your chin and brings your lips almost to touch. “Lucky for me, I don’t have to resist.”
He kisses you, tongue sliding against yours as his hands wrap around your thighs to pull you to sit on the counter’s edge. Your hands find his shoulders as you fist the coarse black material of his tunic.
Cal lets out a frustrated groan as his fingers meet the stretchy woolen fabric of his own lounge pants on your body. “I revoke what I said in the note. No more wearing my clothes; they’re in the way.”
You pout, “No way, I’m not wearing that horrible dress constantly. You can handle pulling these off of me. Plus, you wear far more layers of clothing than I do.”
“Yes, but I shed most of it at the door. Your lack of clothes is supposed to make up for it.”
Cal tugs you off the counter, uses a combination of his hands and the Force to remove the clothing from your lower half, and hoists you back up.
He frees himself from the restraints of clothing, not bothering with fully removing his pants.
You forget how easy it is for men. “I suppose your clothes aren’t as in the way.”
He lets out a heavy sigh as he aligns himself with your damp entrance, rubbing the head along the slit to coat himself. “I can’t understand why you would choose comfort over being available to me.”
There’s a twinkle in his eye as he prods your entrance. Your arms wrap around him, pulling him flush against you, feeling him slide inch by inch until settled fully inside your squeezing heat.
“Inquisitors can’t fathom comfort, can they?” you ask, but your words are strained as you revel in the feeling of him fully sheathed inside you.
“I’m rather comfortable right now. Warm, soft, tight. What else is there?”
Cal fucks you slow against the counter, a smug look painting his face. Your eyes roll, starting annoyed and ending lustful as he thrusts quicker into you.
His forehead nears yours but cannot rest against it without knocking your heads together as he increases the rhythm. Your soft moans fill the air, and Cal sets his jaw as though sex with you is painful for him. Your hand rises to cup his face, wanting to ease the pained expression. You pull him to kiss you but release when your teeth clang into one another.
Cal’s grip on your hips is bordering on painful, but he distracts you by stroking your clit.
No, he doesn’t.
His hands are on your hips. Your body jumps away from the ghostlike sensation. Cal chuckles, and you realize he is using the Force to make this more pleasurable for you.
“Next time I’ll warn you.”
“It’s fine,” you say, settling into the novel feeling.
Your mouth falls open, and your eyes lose focus as the invisible touch brushes over the sensitive nub. You feel your orgasm nearing. Your walls tighten, forcing Cal to work harder to keep his quick pace. He makes soft grunting noises, and you assume he is holding himself back from finishing first.
Your orgasm washes over you in intense waves, every part of your body squeezed tight and then releasing. You have a vague awareness that Cal is spilling himself deep into you, his lips coming to rest on the top of your head as the intensity subsides.
Neither of you attempts to pull away, just holding one another close. Your head lingers on his chest as you catch your breath. You can hear Cal humming in your hair.
This moment is perfect.
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Cal and you kept your whirlwind getting-to-know-one-another within the confines of indulgent bedroom activities. Most of which happened on his bed, but a few took place on his couch and another in his gorgeous shower.
You’re lying on your stomach, a pillow propped beneath your angled hips, humming and covered in a light sheen of sweat as Cal kneels behind you. He pumps another hot load deep inside your clenching hole, groaning loudly as he finishes. Your mind is hazy with pleasure and satisfaction.
He collapses onto your back, his fingertips brushing some of your damp hair off your neck to place a kiss on the salty skin. “Are you hungry?”
The question prompts you to put actual thought into your body’s needs instead of just accepting an endless stream of pleasure. “I think I am,” you say.
Cal groans, dropping his head onto your shoulder. “Perhaps Fifth Brother was right about the inconvenience of keeping another.”
He scrapes his teeth across your shoulder as you glare at him. He smirks back at you. “I only mean, I would have gone to bed hungry, but I suppose since you are here, I’ll have to feed both of us.”
He climbs off you, murmuring something about it being better for him to eat supper instead. He pulls on his pants and tosses you his short-sleeved shirt, which drapes across your backside. “You can wear this, but nothing under it.”
“You have the stamina for another round?”
“Well, thanks to you, I have to eat, so probably.” He gives you a devilish smile before exiting the bedroom to head into the kitchen.
You go into the ’fresher to clean up before joining him, especially since you will forgo underwear per his demand. You’re taken aback by your disheveled appearance again, and your hands work to calm your messy hair back into a suitable shape. Remnants of Cal leak down your thighs, and you wet a cloth with warm water to clean yourself up.
There is a trace of blood on the cloth afterwards, and you consider whether your cycle is near. He wouldn’t forbid undergarments under those circumstances, right? You assume the Inquisitor would prefer you didn’t bleed on everything. You’ll have to discuss sanitary products with Cal sooner than later.
Once clean, you toss Cal’s shirt over your naked body, feeling better to be as modest as he will allow. Though you consider going into his closet to steal another pair of pants.
Cal is busy cooking sizzling food and appearing unbothered by the hot flecks of grease that spatter back onto the bare skin of his toned abdomen. Perhaps after the meal you should lick the burning drops away as thanks.
You take the only seat at the small kitchen table and watch him work. Your eyes trail over his perfect form, enjoying the fact that not only is he attractive, he is also cooking for you.
Theo didn’t cook. He could cook a few basic things, but they were terrible. From Theo’s stories, Jedi learned little in the way of frivolity—including the ability to cook a delicious meal.
“How did you learn to cook?” you ask as you watch Cal season the food with more than one seasoning.
He glances at you as you make useless attempts to stay covered up while sitting, tugging at and stretching out his inky black shirt. “An old friend,” he says, not elaborating.
“How old?”
“Old enough where further questions will reflect poorly on my expected demeanor.”
You nod along, so it was someone he was friends with before the Empire caught him. “Well, it’s nice to see a Force user be useful in the kitchen.” You bite back a smile. “Too bad you don’t taste the food you cook.”
He lets out a sharp exhale. “I’m not sure why you’ve decided to critique the pace at which I prefer to consume food.”
“It’s just so fast,” you say, “especially when you are putting so much effort into preparing it.”
Cal plates the delicious-smelling meal and sets your serving on the table. He stands at the kitchen counter to eat his food. To appease you, he takes a bite and then stares at the plate of food, casting you annoyed looks.
The meal is wonderful, and you want to eat fast as well. You’re struggling to maintain a slow pace, and finally you break.
“Eat how you want, Cal.”
You both dig in with more haste. Cal still finishes his meal before you do.
Upon finishing, you take your plates, washing up the dishes and cookware. You wipe down the countertops and sweep the hard floor, feeling Cal’s heavy gaze on you.
As you finish setting the kitchen back to its unused state, Cal’s arms encircle you from behind. “It appears I may have spoken hastily earlier,” he says. “You are not an inconvenience. I like having you here.”
You lean back against him, feeling sleepiness weigh heavy on your eyelids with a full belly and a day of physical activity.
Cal guides you back towards the bedroom. “Tomorrow I have duties on another planet. I will not return here for several days. You will accompany me.”
“Will I be required to follow you as you...attend to your duties?” you ask, fearful of having to watch him hunt and kill.
“No, I will ensure you have accommodations. You will be free to wander the city we will stay in. I’ll ensure you have credits for food and anything else you may need while we travel.”
You tilt your head straight up to look into his green eyes. They change from his dark expression to one of humor as he herds you forward one parallel step at a time. Similar to how your father taught you to dance. Standing on his feet as you both took the same steps.
“So I’ll be allowed to buy things that aren’t food?”
He exhales in amusement. “Yes. Items to entertain yourself if you see fit. Seeing as you own nothing.”
You continue to stare up at him with a soft expression, batting your eyelashes, and he nudges you forward. “Watch where you are going.”
You don’t, making him step with you the whole way.
Cal flicks off the lights before you both crawl into bed. “You will spend nights alone, but I will return to you on the nights I am able.”
You wrap your arms around him, kissing the stubble on his neck. “Then I’ll make the most of tonight.”
Cal pushes you to arm’s length. “I’m afraid I don’t have another round in me tonight.”
“But I’m hungry,” you say.
“We just ate.”
Your hand palms him through his soft pants. “I’m craving nutritive paste.”
Cal groans, sounding disgusted. “Don’t call it that.”
You giggle and kiss down his chest and over his stomach, licking up the drops of grease. You reach his clothed erection, kissing over it until his hips buck.
“One more round? I’ll do all the work.”
“Can’t say no to that offer.”
You focus your full attention on making sure Cal has no reason to regret keeping you. Your fingers free his cock, and his hand tangles in your hair, guiding you but not forcing movement.
The sounds of Cal’s stuttered breathing and low groans fill the darkened room, creating a beautiful lullaby that puts you both to sleep for the rest of the night.
Masterlists
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All Works
Music
Spotify Playlist for this Story
Book Song
Chapter Song
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I adore comments as they allow me to go on an emotional journey with my readers as you all experience the story.
Love/Like/Hate What You Read?
Tell me!
Compliments feed me
Constructive Criticism improves me
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Read on your favorite platforms:
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Join My Community:
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Members receive bonus content, community, and updates.
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Disclaimer: I make no money off any of the works I produce.
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Book Summary
After a devastating breakup with her Jedi boyfriend, a grieving Rebellion pilot is captured by a ruthless, yet alluring, Inquisitor. He offers to protect her secrets in exchange for her loyalty. Torn between the duty-bound Jedi she lost, and the Dark-Side enemy who wants to possess her, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.
This story is available in First Person and Second Person points of view.
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ˚｡⋆
Chapter Summary
The morning after a night of passion demands a decision.
Content Warnings: none
I've heard all the bad news and the bad reviews
All the friends tryna save me, well, I, I cut them loose
'Cause I refuse to be wrong again
And I can't lose another boy that's not even my boyfriend
Still I choose to be in love with you
-Bad Reviews by Sabrina Carpenter
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Chapter 8: The Way He Intrigues You
Cal’s silky black sheets slide along your bare body as you stretch and reach for the charging datapad on your bedside table. Your hand knocks into a stray glass, sloshing tepid water onto a torn sheet of scratch paper.
You rub your bleary eyes, remembering your location—remembering Cal. A smile crosses your features as you relive the events of the previous evening. You shake off the wet paper and press it dry on the dark bedspread pooling around your waist.
Cal isn’t next to you. A lingering fear draws your eyes to the foot of the bed. Not there either. The only evidence he didn’t abandon you is the wet, ink-bleeding paper in your hands.
I will return this afternoon to discuss your decision. DO NOT leave my quarters. Take what you need in my absence.
-Cal
There’s a scribbled-out line of script above his signature. With some squinting, you see he crossed out “Thirteenth Brother”. This simple revision causes you to beam.
Your fear of Cal’s post-coital rejection wanes. He is still awaiting your choice.
You reach for the half-full offering, and drink deeply, realizing your thirst. Your heart swells at the knowledge that he thought of you before leaving. This morning is much better than your previous sexual encounter. Though you’d prefer to wake in Cal’s arms.
Cal’s bedroom is sparse, with only a bed, nightstands, a chair, and two perpendicular doors in the far corner. One you entered through last night. You rise, poking your head inside the other, finding what you were hoping for—a refresher.
It is unlike the quaint and malfunctioning ’fresher that Theo and you had shared. This one is luxurious and overly grand for one person.
The massive space runs along the long bedroom wall, with ample width to prevent squeezing by another occupant.
The wall across from you houses a lengthy counter and a single sink. You try to imagine what Cal might need so much space for. Perhaps tending to his own injuries while sitting atop the granite.
The equal-length mirror reflects your disheveled state back at you. You reach up to rake your fingers through your messy locks until you look somewhat presentable as you survey the remaining space.
In the far corner rests a standing tub. But the feature of the ’fresher is the prettiest shower you have ever seen. A massive rain-head protrudes from the wall onto the shiny black tile floor below. There is no glass or curtain; instead, a wall of potted plants divides the wet from the dry.
Such beauty within the heart of the dreadful Empire, courtesy of one green-thumbed Inquisitor. The plants originate across the vast galaxy. You recognize only a few species, but all are glorious and have grown tall, thriving in the humid portion of Cal’s quarters.
Warmth floods your system at the thought of an Inquisitor harvesting seeds while traversing strange planets on his various missions. You picture him planting the seeds and speaking to his plants, encouraging them to grow so that he can keep something beautiful in his life that he saw elsewhere.
You busy yourself with tending to a new morning routine, including using his lovely shower. As the hot water runs over your body, you sigh and close your eyes. You take a few minutes to heat your bones before giving yourself a proper cleaning.
Your gifted black dress sits folded on the stone counter, and you frown at the provocative material. As you lift it, another note flutters towards the floor. You snatch it before it can hit the traces of water you left behind.
The dress is optional while in my quarters. I’d prefer you naked, but you may also help yourself to my closet.
You shake your head in amusement at the unabashed forwardness of his words. Unused to a man wanting to see you naked on such a regular basis. At least, not since before meeting Theo.
You set the now-rumpled dress on the corner of the counter, heading for the clothing storage at the refresher’s end, beside the toilet room. Flicking on the light, you see rows of basic clothing—all black—hung neatly.
With few choices, you slip on a pair of his softer lounge pants and a sleeved undershirt. Fingers roll the waistband to give a better fit as you check your appearance in the vast mirror.
You’re not in love with this look, but it’s comfortable.
You exit through the bedroom, finding yourself tempted by the two doors lining the short hallway. Part of you worries this is a test to prove your loyalty. But Cal didn’t forbid your exploration; he only requested that you stay inside.
The room to the left is empty, leaving you confused and baffled. You search the blank walls and bare floor for a secret latch or a hiding place to explain the vacancy. But it is an empty, windowless room.
The other room takes you by surprise. It is the exact opposite of the first: full of possessions. You have owned few items since leaving your family home; Theo was worse. But seeing so many trinkets lit by the sunshine through the window makes you smile.
Rows of glossy wood shelves cover the walls, adorned with broken pieces of ancient pottery, scraps of curling parchment, and fractured fossils. Cal doesn’t strike you as a sentimental man, yet he hoards bits of history and plants from all over the galaxy.
You look at and seldom touch the interesting pieces along the wall leading to a workbench placed in front of the curtainless window. Various alloy scraps lie across its scratched surface, including what appear to be lightsaber parts.
You haven’t inspected Cal’s lightsaber, but you know Inquisitors receive a standard double-bladed, half-moon hilt. Perhaps Cal is unsatisfied with the Empire’s limited technology.
You rummage around the workbench drawers, searching for anything to further your insight into the man who continues to surprise you. You duck beneath the tabletop, where more spare parts lie. Something lies hidden at the far back.
A deactivated red and white BD unit collects dust.
You can’t help your curiosity; you fish out the jetpack-sized droid. Why would an Inquisitor keep a companion droid? They work alongside probe droids, which are polar-opposite maniacs compared to the sweet little one that Cal has kept.
There are no pieces missing from the droid, meaning Cal isn’t using it for parts.
You slide open the receptacle behind its photoreceptors. Inside are little green vials—stim canisters. More mysteries.
You consider activating the droid, but think better, returning it.
His quarters show he is more than his status as the fearsome Thirteenth Brother. He has interests and hobbies you wouldn’t expect from his kind. You wonder what kind of Jedi he was before the Empire caught him.
You are hit with an onslaught of new thoughts. If Cal hadn’t fallen, would the two of you have crossed paths? Could you have seduced him as you did Theo? Would a different Jedi have loved you?
The unknown makes your heart ache. Your deepest desires were impossible in the Light. Were you meant for the Dark? Did Theo leave because he knew you would doom him with your desire?
The thought breaks your heart. He saw you as dangerous simply because you loved him.
Cal wants you as you are. He cherishes the parts of you that Theo shunned. Cal wouldn’t use you as Theo did.
You shut the door as you leave the mysterious room. Your thoughts linger on the Force users who have dared to indulge in the sinful pleasures of your body.
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The front door swipes open, revealing Cal in his full Inquisitor uniform. An annoyed scowl darkens his pretty features.
Your instincts tuck you further into the sofa, but you remember how many times Theo came home in a similar foul mood, and you soften.
You rise to greet him in an old routine designed for a different man. It feels natural to give Cal the same niceties you have offered another, especially after last night.
A smirk flits across his lips as he catches sight of you in his soft clothes. He busies himself with removing the armor and utility straps until only his tunic, pants, and lightsaber remain.
Cal is so different from Theo, discarding his things onto the carpeted floor in an unorganized heap. You suppose when you have access to the Force, strewn about items are of little consequence. Theo didn’t use the Force more than necessary; Cal seems to use it whenever it suits him.
As he finishes disrobing, you close the space between the two of you, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him down towards you. Confusion flickers in his eyes, but he wraps a single arm around you before allowing your lips to meet.
His kisses are hesitant, as though he is no longer sure of you. You don’t push to deepen the kiss; his discomfort feels all too familiar, and hurt creeps up in your chest.
“I’m sorry I slept through our deadline,” you say, your arms falling from him.
Cal doesn’t release his single-handed hold around your waist. “With how much you cried yesterday, I’m surprised you’re awake.”
“I’m sorry for that too. Crying over another man, especially...nevermind. It wasn’t tasteful, and I’m sorry.”
Cal cocks his head, a smile spreading across his face. “If you stay, would you like me to exert revenge on the Jedi anyway?”
To your surprise, you let out a soft chuckle at his offer. “That won’t be necessary.”
“I promise you wouldn’t be putting me out,” he says, nudging his nose against yours.
“I’m ready to discuss my decision.”
Cal’s jaw tenses, and he releases you, moving you both to the sofa. He sinks into the cushion next to you. His legs spread and his arms thrown over the back of the furniture in a cocky manner. When you lean back, his arm brushes your shoulders.
“I hope that my performance last night has swayed you.”
Your eyes scrunch shut, and you huff a laugh. “You were amazing, but that is not the only contributing factor in my decision.”
Cal’s fingers trace your shoulder. “Since when are you concerned with more than sex?”
“Sex isn’t everything; I need a life, friends, and happiness.”
“Do you? It seems you had settled for less before I came along.”
Your mouth snaps shut. You had given up everything for Theo and weren’t even having your desires met.
“I can’t be stuck here in your quarters forever just for great sex.”
Cal’s cocky look grows. He leans toward you, elbows resting on his knees, hands dangling towards the floor.
You roll your eyes, watching his interest in the conversation leave. “Do not focus on that part; we’re having a serious discussion.”
“Great, huh? Care to elaborate on that?”
“Cal, I cannot be stuck in your quarters,” you say again, trying to refocus the conversation.
He exhales a heavy sigh, leaning back, arm flopping over your shoulders, his expression now bored. “I travel plenty, so by the time we return here, you’ll be grateful for the quiet.”
His dismissal of your concern, though uninterested, sweetens the pot. At least you would have the freedom to travel with him. It’s more than you had at the end of your prior relationship, though less than when you lived on base.
“But if I leave, you will use the information you stole,” you say. “Theo, base locations, people will die because I walked away.”
Cal gives you a sympathetic look. “I would not judge you for choosing to serve yourself and allowing others to suffer in your wake.”
Of course he wouldn’t; the Empire is selfish and cruel. He is pushing you towards an impossible decision. Give up your freedom for others or become a selfish monster.
“I am nothing like you.”
“Is that so?”
“You turned your back on the Order to save your skin!”
Cal pulls his arm away, turning to face you. “The teachings of the Jedi held us back. Even you have endured its scorn. Your Jedi spends every waking moment agonizing over each action. For what? The Order has fallen, and he is lost without it. I do not have such shortcomings.”
You leap to your feet, rounding on him. “You kill people, Cal!”
Cal rises to match you, using his larger size to force you back a step. “So does your Jedi.”
“No,” you say, shaking your head and putting distance between you both. “He defends himself, only kills those who would kill him first. He would never kill an innocent.”
“There is always collateral damage.”
“He would never do what you do. Go into a family home and slaughter everyone inside.”
Cal softens, taking a cautious step towards you. “Not everyone,” he says. “It would appear.”
Your mouth gapes at the cruelty of his words. “Only because I was forced into hiding. I was a child!”
“You made a choice; you could have climbed out of that vent and faced your death. But you chose to—how did you phrase it?—save your skin.”
Your face twists. You have spent years dwelling on this painful truth. Lying awake at night, wondering if things would be better if you hadn’t obeyed your father’s wishes. If you had fought back, dragged your brother from your mother’s arms and run with him out the back door.
Cal continues, his hands coming up to rest on your tensing shoulders. “There is darkness in all of us. Self-preservation is difficult to ignore.”
Every time you relived the awful invasion, you were braver. But in the actual moment, you were a fearful child who was fulfilling her parent’s last wishes. You were too afraid to die.
“You didn’t want to die like the others.” you say, staring at his chest.
“No, and neither did you.”
You chew your lip, stopping only when he tilts your chin up to look at his now gentle expression.
“You have already lost everything,” he says. “Why—like the Jedi—do you continue to deny yourself your desires when they are right in front of you?”
You hate to admit it, but you understand his reasoning for giving in to the methods of the Empire. Cal was also alone in the galaxy, fighting against all odds. Like Theo, he was surely trying to do good—to stay hidden.
He made a choice that allowed him to no longer hide who he was. It allowed his connection to the Force; he isn’t hunted; he isn’t tormented by the pain of all he lost. He’s free.
Your hands come up to rest on his broad chest. The two of you are strangely similar. Both robbed of your old happiness. Despite everything you hate about the Empire, you are tired of denying yourself what you want.
You look into his gleaming eyes; he watches you, reading your mind. He knows your answer before you say it aloud. But that doesn’t stop you.
“I choose you.”
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