Falling

Chapter XIV

Cere and Greez were standing at the entrance of the Mantis when they got back, waiting for them. As soon as they reached the ramp, the former Jedi sighed in relief and shook her head. "Nima."

The noirette huffed, rubbing her arms as she stepped inside. "Here we go."

"I told you to stay here. It's not a hard ask. Why don't you listen to me?"

"My bad. It's not like he was nearly surrounded when I got there. But he can handle himself, right?"

"You're not fit to fight, Nima. Not yet. You need to train before throwing yourself in danger."

She laughed dryly. "Sorry, did you forget where you found me? Again?"

"Two weeks in a coliseum is not nearly enough to prepare you."

Her hands clenched in frustration, but she managed a fixed smile. "And here I thought you trusted me."

Cal looked between the two with unease as BD-1 warbled softly in concern. He glanced at Greez for some sort of assistance, but the Latero shrugged while his lower pair of hands fiddled with each other.

"I do trust you," Cere promised. "And I do believe you're capable of fighting. But we can't risk losing someone who is... inexperienced."

She scoffed, looking away. "You mean you can't let someone inexperienced slow you down."

"I appreciate you going out to help Cal," the woman insisted. "But Nima, you need to understand that you cannot be reckless in this kind of work. It's dangerous."

"Yeah, thanks. I know it's dangerous. Grew up working a job that put me in harm's way every day. Could've fallen off and been eaten by that Ibdis Maw."

"That's different."

"Tell me then, O Great Jedi Master, how am I supposed to get better if you refuse to let me practice? How am I supposed to learn if I don't go out there and take down a few Imps? How am I supposed to do anything if I'm sitting around in this hunk of junk?"

Instantly, Greez perked up. "Hey! You take that back!"

"Nima." Cal stepped between his friends, facing the girl as he held her shoulders. He stopped for a moment when he saw she was still trembling from the cold and realized they were still standing in front of the open door. "We need to get you warm."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "I already told you. I'm fine."

"Nima."

She glared, but he refused to budge. This wasn't the time to pick a fight. She needed to be taken care of, and he knew for a fact she was going to put it off if he did nothing. He saw how pink the tip of her nose was, how raw her fingers seemed to be. Before she could protest again, he turned her toward the steps and steered her into the hall. "Come on."

He led her into his quarters and sat her down. With a quick scan of the room, he found his poncho and unfolded it. "Here."

She didn't take it at first. But after a few moments, she finally conceded and pulled it over her head. She pushed off the hood and looked down at her lap.

"You okay?"

"I'm fine," she snapped. "How many times do I have to say that? I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

He smiled softly despite her sharp tone. "I know you are."

"So then why—"

"Because you're not fine. And because I want to take care of you right now. So you're gonna have to let me."