xxi

We sit like that for a few minutes longer, content. I wish we could do this more often.

"Nova?" I glance down, seeing his visor tilted towards me. "I was thinking... about Ignacio, and I heard bits and pieces of what he said to you-"

I can already tell where he's going with this. "Don't you dare start with your self-hating again, Din," I say, softly but sternly. "Don't do that to yourself."

He props himself up on an elbow to look at me better while we talk, effectively pulling himself out of my grasp. "But he had a point-"

"No, he didn't. His opinion of you is wrong, and therefore irrelevant." My words are firm. He doesn't deserve the constant hate and feelings of self-loathing just because he was raised a certain way. I've always hated the people in this galaxy who are like that, who shame others over things they can't control, but I never imagined Ignacio would become one of them.

"I know." Din assures me. "But, still..."

Realizing he's not going to stop worrying about it, I let him explain. "What point?"

"I've never taken my helmet off around you."

I sigh. "Oh, Din. Don't. Don't feel obligated to just because someone said something about it. I'd be delighted if you did, but you don't have to betray your way of life for me."

His shoulders slump with relief and he pulls me to him in a hug. "Thank you, mesh'la."

I'm pulled down onto his chest as he relaxes into the bed once more, but I'm not exactly complaining. Instead, I look up at him with a grin. "You gonna tell me what that means?"

"Not right now. I'd rather you have the mystery." He chuckles, his chest vibrating with the low tones as I huff and pretend to be upset.

"Fine," I snuggle into his chest and make myself comfortable.

Unfortunately, I don't get to lay there for long because Din sits up suddenly, bringing me up with him. "I want to try something," he suggests abruptly, like he's just thought of it. He climbs off of the bed quickly, helping me up.

I giggle at his excitement. "Okay?"

He exhales nervously before mumbling, "If I asked you to keep your eyes closed, would you be okay with that?"

I'm a bit confused, but I nod anyways, looking at his visor. "Yeah. Why?"

"You can't open them, okay?" he ignores my question entirely, so I figure I'll find out what he's doing soon enough.

"I won't." he's silent, looking at me expectantly. "Oh, now?" Chuckling slightly, he confirms with a dip of his chin. I brace myself, feeling my muscles tense as I take a deep breath and shut my eyes tightly. I've never been good with closing my eyes; it gives me anxiety, not knowing what's going on around me, no matter how much I trust him. I can't help but wonder what he's planning.

As if sensing my spiked nerves, his hands offer a reassuring squeeze on my upper arms. I'm glad he hasn't taken this opportunity to leave- oh, wait, he has. At least, his touch is gone.

Still, I obey his wish and keep my eyes screwed shut. I tap my fingers along my thigh, trying to relax the tension in my body, only to flinch when I hear a thump to my left. I resist the urge to open my eyes, although my paranoia is only growing. What in all hell is he doing?

I feel hands on my arms again. The movements are gentle, anxious, barely grazing me with feather-light brushes. Din is back, and it seems like he may be even more nervous than me.

"Am I allowed to know what's going on?" I ask teasingly. He doesn't respond, which confuses me for a minute. I let the silence linger a moment longer, giving him a chance to respond before I speak up, now more concerned. "Is everything-"

I'm cut off when I feel warmth on my lips. I take a step back, shocked at the boldness of the action. Did he just kiss me? Oh, Maker, he did. My brain is forgetting how to function. I stand still for a moment, dumbfounded, my cheeks on fire as I try to process it.

As I'm trying to figure out what the hell just happened, I hear his breath catch. No doubt, he's taken my jolt of surprise and retreat as rejection. After a minute I reach out, my eyes still closed although it was difficult to remain that way when he kissed me. With his guidance, my hands find his face. I take step closer, feeling his breath fan out along my forehead. I slowly trace my fingers along his features, confirming that this is, in fact, an unfamiliar face. I'm not being tricked.

I trail my hands down, feeling his armor, cool and familiar under my touch. Then, back up to his face. It's warm and different, but it's him. A smile breaks on my features, huge and giddy. I feel stubble, just a little, but there. His nose, just the tiniest bit hooked. It's fine; perfect, actually. Makes him more unique.

My fingers find their way into his hair eventually, after I've mapped out every inch of this new part of him that he's revealed to me. It's soft, surprisingly; I would've guessed it to be at least a little bit greasy, having to be matted under his helmet for hours a day, as well as during the night most nights. It's not, though. It's soft and long, coming down over his ears, but shorter than I thought. He must cut it himself. If it wasn't against his way of life, I'd offer to cut it for him.

As I'm trying to get a feel for it, practically running my fingers through his hair, he lets out a sigh that's full of contentment. Immediately he jolts and tries to pull away, probably embarrassed, but I just smile.

"It's okay," I reassure him, blindly grabbing onto his hands as he tries to pull them away. "Din." the single syllable is soft, but grabs his attention nonetheless as he stops moving. "I don't mind. I won't judge you, I promise.

He relaxes under my touch, stepping towards me again as he had mostly turned away. But instead of guiding my hands back up, he gathers me into a gentle hug. I accept, my hands automatically going up to loop around his neck. But instead of feeling cold Beskar there like I usually do, I feel the warmth of his neck. I smile at the reminder that he really does trust me.

He leans his forehead against mine and I smile, fighting to keep my eyes closed. I can feel his breath hitting my cheek, feel his hands trembling lightly as they rest on my waist. I think it's the most purely human moment we've had.

"You're shaking," the statement comes out as a whisper, although there's a clear question behind the words. It had taken me a moment to realize his gloves are off, too.

"I'm nervous," comes his low reply. His voice, raw and unfiltered, sends a jolt up my spine.

I smile, wider if at all possible. "Why? You shouldn't be."

"You know this is the first time I've ever done this, right?"

"I do. But you've got nothing to worry about. You're doing great." I go as far up on my toes as possible, gently taking his head between my hands and kissing his forehead lightly. With me being quite a bit shorter than him, he's forced to tilt his head down so I can reach him. I hear a small laugh from him; the noise reaches my ears without any obstruction, and it's like I'm hearing music for the first time.

I snap myself out of it, lowering myself onto my feet again. "What?" I question, confused.

"I was going to do that." he explains, meaning my kiss.

I shrug, regretting nothing. "You still can."

"I've got a better idea." His hand slowly comes up to cup my cheek and jaw. He's silent, however. I can tell he's getting timid again. Just when I'm about to ask for him, the words leave his mouth as his beautiful voice requests, "Can I kiss you?"

For once, I'm at a loss for any sarcastic comment. "Yeah," I breathe. Before I know it, his other hand is resting on the back of my neck and his lips are on mine, and I'm freaking out because this is the first time I've kissed him. We move in sync, both of us ecstatic yet trembling with nerves. My fingers find their way to his hair, already loving the softness of it.

We're both so focused that I don't feel my lungs burning until they're practically begging for oxygen. Apparently he's also suffocating, because he reluctantly pulls away to breathe. For a blissful moment, our foreheads rest together and we're both gasping for air.

"I cannot believe you." I mumble.

"What?" his tone holds the slightest hint of panic.

"Do you remember those conversations where you said you always thought I'd be disappointed?" I ask, not waiting for a response. Of course he remembers, but I don't want to worry him further. "Why would you ever think that?" I laugh.

He lifts his forehead from mine, probably to look at me. "You're not?"

I shake my head, a smile on my face. It's getting harder and harder to keep my eyes closed. "I am nothing but happy. You know, really, I think we should do that more often."

He laughs again, and I long for the sound once it's over. If angels do exist, I have no doubt that's exactly what they sound like.

Once it stops, I feel him press a firm kiss to my forehead. The butterflies in my stomach might as well have weapons now, as they're almost unbearable. I flush maddeningly red, an embarrassed grin decorating my face. "Stop," I whine playfully, but I don't mean it. Really, he could kiss me all day and I wouldn't be complaining.

His lips move to one cheek, then the other, then press a short, sweet kiss to my lips once more. He's gaining confidence.

"How did I find someone like you?" he wonders, his voice colored with an awe that succeeds in darkening my blush.

I grin, considering for a moment. "Well, you broke into my house and attacked me, then kidnapped m-"

"I think you know that's not what I mean." he interrupts. I can almost hear the smile on his face. "I still don't understand how you do it. You're still here, even though you can't see my face. Does it not bother you?"

I shake my head. "I know your culture. I don't want to disrespect that. I think if you were a jerk, or if you were any different than you are, I probably would've left. The helmet has nothing to do with it."

"You are amazing, mesh'la." His arms wrap around me, pulling me into a gentle hug. I rest my head on his chest and his chin leans onto my head. I relax into his hold, feeling safe and warm.

"What does that mean?" I question once more, lacing my fingers together behind his back.

He snorts. "I'm still not telling you. Lucky for you, it isn't an insult."

"You're killing me, loverboy." He chuckles at that, placing a kiss to my hair- probably just because he can. I feel his chest move with every wonderful laugh that leaves his lips, bringing a smile to my face. If only we could stay like this forever.

>>>>><<<<<

To my great disappointment, Din had to put his helmet back on after a while because he got paranoid that somebody would walk in. Honestly, it was terribly difficult to keep my eyes closed, but somehow I managed. As of now we're cuddling, which I've discovered is my new favorite thing to do. I mean, yes, I've done it before with people like Emil, but Din is different. We've been doing this and talking for about an hour now.

"Do you think we should go get the child back?" Din voices, his tone holding a hint of worry.

I hum slightly from my spot on his chest. My eyes are closed as he toys with a strand of my hair. "Probably. Although I doubt Osak and Aola are hating the extra time with him." I smile lazily at him as I open my eyes. "You're an overprotective dad."

He scoffs lightly. "I'd hardly use the word dad."

"Really? 'Cause you act like his dad."

"And you act like his mom."

"Yup. So that would make you his dad, whether you like it or not. Checkmate." I can almost hear his eyes rolling.

Before he can reply, the door opens, startling us both. I immediately prop myself onto an elbow, turning so that I can see whoever enters. Din's hand falls from my hair to rest on my waist lightly. He doesn't turn to the door, knowing I'll tell him and also not wanting to make me uncomfortable since we were kinda cuddling.

I see blue skin and become worried a split-second before I hear the voice call out, "Nova, Mando, you awake?" I sigh, relaxing back onto Din's chest after recognizing the familiar voice of Osak.

"Why wouldn't we be?" I mumble, my cheek pressed comfortably up against the chill of silver Beskar.

Din's head turns to the Twi'lek as he enters. Only my eyes follow my brother, watching lazily as he closes the door quietly behind him.

"I do not know, little sister. Maybe some activities are more exhausting than others," the Twi reasons suggestively, his back still turned as he makes sure the door shuts without a sound. I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the heat in my cheeks. "Anyway, we were wondering if you wanted your little one back, since it's been so-" he finally turns, stopping short as he sees the position we're in. I grin as his mouth opens and shuts, unable to form words.

I can feel Din becoming tense, probably out of embarrassment. I subtly relax further into him and hug him just a little tighter. Although he doesn't relax fully, it seems to help cast whatever was bothering him to the back of his mind, as his arm pulls me just a bit closer. He breathes out a long, content breathe as he does so, bringing a smile to my face.

All the while, Osak just stares like a fish out of water. Finally, he seems to find his ability to speak again. "What in the name of all ten kriffing hells are you doing?!"

Even though it's incredibly intimidating (and I wouldn't be surprised if it scared Din a little), I snort. Instead of outright denying it, I smirk. "What do you think?"

Osak flushes a deep navy blue. "I- Exactly what I told you not to!" he stammers, simultaneously angered and uncomfortable. Well, not angered, but definitely overprotective, as everyone is here.

"Relax, Osak, it's not like anything happened." I try to convince him, amused. Din, meanwhile, is watching tensely.

"Like hell it didn't! You get over here." He points at Din, who looks at me with fear etched into his body language.

I grab Din's arm before he can move. "Hang on. What are you doing?" I direct my question at Osak.

"Depends. What did he do to you?"

I nearly roll my eyes. "Absolutely nothing. Can you stop being mean?"

The Twi'lek sighs, understanding that we didn't do what he thought. "Fine. I am sorry." he begrudgingly apologizes, but then points a stern finger in Din's direction. "But you hurt her, and you will not see the light of day again."

I chuckle, climbing out of the bed and making my way to Osak. I punch Osak on the arm, and the hit is hardly light. "If that happens, I will deal with it." I tell him with a smirk, slinging an arm around his shoulders. He bends his knees to make it easier for me, and I curse my height.

I hear the blanket on the bed rustling and turn my attention to Din. "You wanna get the kid?" I ask, still struggling to hang on to Osak, who is unfairly tall.

Din shrugs, so I take that as a yes and unhook my arm from Osak's neck. I pull him to his feet and once he's up, look into his visor with the best puppy eyes I can muster. Din tilts his head slightly, but other than that I can discern no other emotions from him. "Can I ride on your back?" I ask innocently, wanting to feel taller after dumb Osak made me feel short.

To my pleasant surprise, this draws a deep laugh out of him. "Sure," he agrees, and I can almost hear the grin. I smile, jumping onto his back with a light grace. Osak comes over, using my shoulder as an armrest and trying to show me that he's still taller.

I stick my tongue out at him. "You had to move to my shoulder instead of my head. I'd say that's an accomplishment."

"Yes, but you had to climb up your boyfriend like a tree." he shoots back.

I flip him off. "Onward!" I command. Din merely sighs, walking normally as if I weigh nothing. I roll my eyes, almost offended. If my small size weren't occasionally useful, I'd curse the Maker for my tiny-ness.

I jump off of Din's back once we get to Osak's room, moving quickly to meet the child. I'm not entirely surprised when I see that Daechi has joined the party. Her and Aola are seated on the floor with the little green baby, playing happily with him.

He turns and catches a glimpse of me as I make my way towards him. A smile grows onto his tiny face and he coos, waddling towards me with his arms extended.

"Hey, bubba!" I pick him up, spinning him in a circle and adoring his cute giggles. "Did you have fun?" I ask once we've stopped spinning. He babbles as if to tell me everything that happened. I entertain him with responses every now and then, which delights him.

Daechi had gotten up and is speaking to Din, but they talk in such low tones that even I can't pick up anything. Meanwhile, Aola rises and comes over to me. "He's so happy with you." she observes quietly, a small smile decorating her features.

"He didn't give you any trouble, did he?" I question, concerned. She merely laughs.

"Oh, no, not at all. He was an angel, like always."

At this, I raise a brow, looking to the child suspiciously. "What are you planning? Why are you being so good for everyone, you little troublemaker?" Yet my tone is playful, and he takes it as an opportunity to babble some more and reach his hands up to my face. I nod, pretending like I understand his language. "I see. Carry on, then."

The pretty Twi'lek sighs from beside me. "I wish I had a child of my own."

I cast a worried look at her. "Why can't you? You and Osak seem so happy."

She glances at her partner. "We are. I've never been happier. When I was young, some... things happened. I can't bear children. I was so afraid he would leave me, because he loves little ones so much." she sighs once more, brushing a finger along the child's cheek. "He's strong for staying. I know how much he wants a family."

Her eyes shine in the light with unshed tears. Without a word, I pull her into a hug. "I'm sorry. If it's any consolation, I happen to know quite a few places where there are children in need of homes," I try to comfort her, but it's never really something I've been good at.

"Thank you," she murmurs. "Osak was right, you truly are a wonderful person." A few of her tears fall onto my shoulder, so I pull her that much closer. What sick person would take away her ability to have children? Who would do such a thing to her?

"Everything okay?" I hear the voice of my brother ask, concerned. Aola sniffles, wiping a few stray tears before straightening up to look at him.

"Of course." Osak doesn't buy the lie, instead pulling her into a hug of his own. He places a firm kiss to her forehead, tracing small circles on her back as she lets a couple more tears stream down her face.

I move away, not wanting to intrude on such a private moment. Instead, I join Din and Daechi on the other side of the roomy space. I hear her low, teasing tone once I'm closer and know that she's not letting me leave unless my face is bright red and she's asked a million questions. This should be fun.

Once I'm near, I sling an arm around Daechi's shoulder while the child rests on my opposite hip. Thankfully, she's closer to my height than Osak is. "Hey, Chi. Watcha talkin' about?"

She smirks at me. "Oh, nothing much. I heard Osak yelling when he went to go get you, so I am trying to get your Mandalorian to tell me what happened." Why does everybody keep referring to him as my Mandalorian? I mean, I'm not exactly complaining, but still. He does have a name- or, nickname, at the very least.

"Nothing happened. We wouldn't do that with other people here." I joke, forcing myself not to flush at my own words. Din seems to choke on air as he starts coughing, and Daechi barks out a laugh.

"That is alright, it is the same for me and Kago." I curse myself for starting this conversation. I have no idea how she's so open about these things.

She laughs at my flustered expression. "Anyway, we must decide on your hair for the gala, my friend!"

My eyes widen a touch, and I groan. "Hair, too?"

"Of course! We are supposed to look like rich people, so you must get your hair done."

I roll my eyes. "I don't see how that's a requirement when you're rich."

"You have to look like you paid ten stylists to do your hair alone, and twenty more do dress you. It is a standard. A rich people thing." she explains. I raise a brow, not entirely sure she knows what she's talking about. But the Zabrak merely matches my expression and sass level, until I give in and sigh.

"Fine. But you're not putting me in heels." I compromise. I've always hated heels, and for good reason.

Daechi turns to Din almost immediately after the words leave my mouth. "Did she tell you about the mission to Zygerria?" he shakes his head, confused, and I groan.

"Daechi..."

"No, he must know! I cannot believe you did not tell him!" she exclaims. I huff, and she begins to recount the story. "It was years ago. She had been with us for maybe two years. We sent her on an undercover mission as a servant to gather information about a difficult target-"

"As a slave. You sent me in as a slave because, and I quote Ma, 'I had the most experience'." I'm still upset about that part. The mission took place during a particularly rough patch between me and Ma. I'm not even entirely sure if the slave trade was legal, but there was a man who bought me nonetheless.

Daechi winces at my comment. "Um, right. So for some reason the man wanted her in heels, but she cannot walk in heels to save her life, so she ended up falling and spilling hot soup all over him on her first day." she laughs. "That is not a day I will ever forget."

Even I'm grinning at the memory. He deserved that. I definitely tripped on purpose (and on accident too) more than once, making sure to spill all over him just because I knew he wouldn't get rid of me so soon. Plus, it helped take my focus off bad memories. "Yeah, yeah. Daechi loves her embarrassing stories. Don't think I don't have plenty of dirt on you, my friend."

She snorts. "And who would you tell?"

"If not Kago, then Detre, for sure. She'll learn that I'm cooler than you." I tease. She doesn't seem to buy the threat, instead bringing up yet another time I embarrassed myself to near-death.

"You are right, you are much cooler than me. Especially when you almost froze to death during our time on H-"

I cut her off quickly. "Alright, you've made your point. You can shut up now." The woman next to me laughs joyfully.

After talking for a long while and sharing many embarrassing stories (to my own dismay), Emil comes in to let us know that since the last bonding night was a failure, Ma's holding another. Everyone agrees, moving all at once.

I sigh, looking up at the bubbly child seated on Osak's shoulder. He's moved around the room a few times to be with everyone, and he's just so happy with them all. I hate to lock him away, even if it's for his own safety, and even it it's only a couple hours.

After everything is situated and I've apologized over and over before safely locking the baby away (with plenty of toys and blankets), I make my way to the living room. Din went ahead without me, although only because I forced him to. He's not too excited to see Ignacio again, and I have to say that I agree. He acting like a nerfherder earlier, and that's putting it lightly.

I try to look for Din upon my entrance, but to no avail. Daechi and Aola take the first chance they can get to drag me to the couch with them, and my eyes widen as I see that they've brought makeup supplies.

"Oh, hell no," I deny firmly, trying to squirm out of their hold. "You're not putting that shit on my face. That was not part of the deal."

Daechi smirks. "Actually, my friend, your only condition was no heels. And since you have a boyfriend now, we are going to take every chance we can get. Take a seat."

"First off, I don't see how having a boyfriend changes anything when it comes to makeup-"

Both girls give me an identical are you serious look, and Daechi raises a hand to stop the words flowing out of my mouth. "No arguing."

I cave, knowing they won't let me get out of this. "Fine. No more surprises. You get one coat, and it's light." I shoot both girls a pointed look. They agree, sitting me next to Emil and thankfully not Ignacio.

I don't even know where Daechi learned her makeup skills amidst a life of bounty hunting, but she's had a knack for it since before I've known her. And I mean, like, extreme talent for absolutely no reason. And apparently, Aola is her apprentice now.

It takes all of the self-restraint I have not to open my eyes and look around for Din, who i haven't seen since I arrived. I'm sure he's laughing at this exchange, watching as I sit uncomfortably, just wishing I could leave. I hate makeup with a burning passion. It feels too heavy, like too much work for no reason other than to impress people that I don't give a shit about. It's pointless, but that's just my opinion.

"So, did Mando and Ignacio get into another fight?" Emil's voice reaches my ears, and I'm all too thankful for the distraction.

"Yeah, earlier. It was my fault, I just wanted them to get along. Why, is there a staring contest happening behind my back or something?"

I hear soft rustling of fabric beside me, which was probably Emil shrugging. "Kind of. Ignacio's intentions are much darker. Not deadly, don't worry, but maybe do worry because he's mad." he observes, relaying the information back to me.

I huff at Ignacio's immaturity. "Wonderful," I comment, the sarcasm dripping. "Anything else going on that's interesting?" I'm greeted with nervous silence from the boy. Something's happening, and Emil doesn't want to tell me. Figures. "Emil, don't keep anything from me," I warn.

"Well... Medeia's flirting with him. Mando," Emil speaks up after a moment, his tone shy. He's afraid of angering me. I still can't open my eyes due to the unholy, definitely not light amount of powder being dusted everywhere on my face, so I can't confirm Emil's words- yet.

I'm shocked, but I rein it in, as well as any anger. "Are you sure? She seemed to hate everyone here."

"Apparently not. She might just be trying to make you mad..." he trails off, sounding uncertain. "and I can see that it's working."

"Put the knife away," Daechi whisper-commands, cutting into our conversation. Her brush's movements have stopped gliding along my face, and her tone is a warning. I peek an eye open, seeing that I do, in fact, have a knife in my hand. I didn't even know I made one.

The knife disappears automatically and I close my eyes once more, trying to regain my calm. "Sorry," I mumble lowly. "Are you almost done?"

Daechi's light touch gently pushes my chin up and then to the side as she admires their work. Aola is packing the supplies away, I can hear the clatter of brushes and powders alike. "Yes. You may open your eyes. Feel free to thank us, and know we are doing this for the gala too."

I gape at her, appalled. "You're kidding."

The two smile sweetly. "Not at all. Go take care of the blue bitch." Daechi encourages, effectively taking my mind off of the horrors of preparing for a gala.

I nod, turning on my heel and stalking over to Medeia. Her back is turned to me as she tries everything she can on Din while he leans against the wall in a dim area, his arms crossed over his chest in an unimpressed manner. He says nothing in return to her, simply staring as she twirls a loose navy lock around her finger. I look at her pitifully. She's doing a horrible job at flirting, and at trying to steal Din from me. The only thing she's succeeding in is fueling my anger.

She doesn't see me coming, but Din does. He perks up immediately, looking to me with a barely perceptible tilt of his helmet. She gets excited, thinking that she's finally winning him over. Little does she know, she's got a whole different thing coming to her.

I tap on lightly on her shoulder thrice. Her first mistake: well, okay, flirting with Din. But another mistake: she turns slowly, relaxed. Her guard is completely down as she tries to look appealing to someone that's literally referred to as my Mandalorian by fellow squad members. I smirk, delivering a solid hook directly to her jawbone with all of my might. She sprawls to the floor, barely conscious.

I offer Din a sweet smile full of innocence. "Come sit?" He looks down at my outstretched hand as he considers.

"I don't want to cause trouble. Maybe I should just stay-" I scoff lightly, grabbing his hand.

"Don't be like that, you'll have more fun if you sit with me. Plus, I just nearly knocked out one of our 'squad members'. I don't think there's much you could do to cause trouble." I give his hand a comforting squeeze and he gives in, letting me lead him to the couches.

The squad talks for a while on a multitude of different subjects, and I must admit that it's going much better than last time. No fights have broken out despite the countless dirty looks exchanged. And no, me punching Medeia doesn't count. It's only a fight if the other person hits back, and she failed that.

As everyone converses, I notice Ma standing apart from everyone and glaring at the back of Din's head. I furrow my brows, wondering what's got her so worked up. Her eyes land on me, and the glare instantly disappears, replaced with a fake smile. Okay, something's definitely not right.

"Excuse me a minute. Don't get in any fights," I say teasingly, rising from my spot. I make my way over to Ma, beckoning her into an empty room.

"Something wrong?" she asks innocently. I almost feel bad about confronting her, but at the same time I can't stand her passive-aggressive glares anymore.

"Yeah, actually." I pause. How to word this? I give up on thinking about it after a minute, knowing she's waiting for an explanation. She'll just have to deal with the unfiltered version. "Ma, what is it? You've been giving Mando the death stare since we got here."

As soon as the words are out of my mouth, her fake smile falls. "I don't trust him," she admits, grumbling. "And you shouldn't either."

I tilt my head. I'd expected something along those lines, but that doesn't mean I'm thrilled to hear it. "Why not?"

"Shall I list that alphabetically or chronologically?" she snips, her tone heavy with sarcasm almost as bold as mine. Yeah, that's definitely where I got it from.

I shake my head. "I don't care if you list it backwards. I just want a reason because lately, a lot of people seem to want to board the train to I-Hate-Mando Ville. Specifically you and Iggy."

"Well, I'm not surprised. You don't know what he looks like, what his name is, how old he is, nothing. Hell, you don't even know what species he is! Are you really going to trust someone who's told you next to nothing about themselves?" she reasons. I resist the urge to tell her that some of her information is wrong.

"Okay, so you're both on the secrecy issue." I observe.

She throws her hands up, frustrated. Obviously she's bottled these feelings up since he got here, because it all seems to be flowing out now and she's pissed. "Of course we are! We seem to be the only reasonable ones here! You know nothing, Nova. Nothing. You can't trust him, and you especially shouldn't be with him. Think about what you're doing to poor Iggy, for-"

"Wait a minute." I hold a hand up, completely missing her last comment about Iggy. My jaw is slack, and I'm feeling the anger seep in faster than I can push it back out. "How can you say that? You're the one that taught me everything about Mandalorian culture, and now you've turned your back?! Your own grandmother-"

"Why do you think she left?!" Ma is outraged now. "Why do you think she abandoned the Creed? Because it wasn't right! It's inhumane! I taught you so you would know that. Nova, I taught you about their culture thinking that you'd just learn it, take it all in, maybe even with a grain of salt. But eventually I figured you'd forget about it and move on with your life, not run off and date one!"

I huff, staring in disbelief at the woman in front of me. She has Mandalorian blood in her veins, and yet she's calling him out for something her own family used to practice. True, she never mentioned why her grandmother left, but that doesn't give her the excuse to become a full-blown hypocrite and chastise Din for upholding his ways. It's not his fault he was raised that way, and besides, he's happy with it. Her grandmother made the choice to leave, but she's not giving him one.

Finally, I narrow my eyes at her. "Well here we are, Ma. You know, I expected you to understand the most out of everyone. All I'm going to say is, you'd better learn to trust him or not hate him at the very least, or else my trust for you is gone."

I think in that moment, she finally realizes how serious I am about this. Her expression softens, becoming fake sympathy, but I see through her façade. "Nova. I'm only doing this because I care about you. You, everyone here, you're all my family, and I don't want something to happen because you brought an outsider in."

I scoff bitterly. "Oh, like you did with Medeia, my replacement? Look, I'm sorry, but we're done talking about this. Emil trusts him, and you know that's huge. If that doesn't make you trust him, nothing will, in which case we're done."

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