May The Way Be With You

Growing Closer

As I wake, I feel warm. Like I'm sleeping in the sunlight. Then I recall yesterday, and look up. Mando is either looking at me, or just fell asleep that way. Either way, I'm glad he's better now, and not so close to death. I reach up and lightly tap his helmet, but get no response. He must be asleep then. I slowly realize his arms are around me, holding me against him. Our legs are intertwined too.

I feel my face flush, not sure how to react. On one hand, he was freezing, and needed my body heat. On the other, I thought once he was warmed up, he'd leave. Now here I am, laying on his chest, feeling his heat and just how buff he is under the armor. I move my head a little, and realize I can hear his heart beat. It's strong, at a resting pace.

My face flushes more, and I wonder why I'm so embarrassed. I've shared body heat with kids before, seen them naked both in and out of the orphanage, I've woken up in a boy's arms before, I should not be this embarrassed! I feel the need to pee, and start to get up as quietly as I can. I don't get far before Mando's arms tighten around me, pulling flush against him.

If my face gets any redder, I'm going to pass out. "H-hey, Mando? I need you to let me go." I tell him, shaking his body a little. He grunts and somehow holds me tighter. "Mando! I have to pee!" I insist, trying to pull out of his arms. He groans, and lets me go. I rush to the fresher, barely making it without pissing myself. How long were we sleeping? Can't have been long if the ship is still in hyperdrive.

I rub my face, and shake my head to reset my mind. He was probably really comfortable, and just didn't wanna get up. No need to act so flustered, like those city girls when guards walked by. I finish in the fresher and when I step out, Mando is still in the bed. I take a breath, then walk over and sit on the edge. I hesitantly reach my hand out, resting it on his forearm when he doesn't stop me.

"Hey. How are you feeling?" I ask, rubbing my thumb over his arm.

"Much better. Thank you. For insisting I take that shower. And having me be against the vent while laying with me. Fastest I've ever warmed up after a bounty on Hoth." He sighs, sounding relaxed.

"You're welcome. I've had kids succumb to hyperthermia before, so I knew time was of the essence. Why do you take bounties on such harsh planets?" I ask.

"They pay more." He answers. I nod, seeing the logic. More danger, more pay. "I'm sorry I worried you. I didn't mean to." He adds, taking my hand in his gloved one. Seeing the gloves reminds me he isn't wearing his armor. I look out and see it stacked against a crate across the room.

"It's... Strange. I know you're a good bounty hunter, a great one. You know how to survive, be it a fire fight or a climate like that last planet. But seeing you come in, almost frozen solid, carrying a dead quarry... Especially since you always bring them in alive... I don't know what came over me.

"I needed to make sure you were ok. As my boss, I shouldn't have ordered you around like that. I apolo-" Mando silences me with a finger. He then grabs my arm and pulls me back against him, arms holding me tightly.

"There's no need to apologize. You were worried about me. Because I'm more than your boss. Tell me, would you have made such a fuss if Fiona or Karga were in my place?" He asks, gloved fingers carding through my hair.

"Actually, yes. I would." I answer. I feel more than hear his chuckle.

"Hm. Maybe you have more friends than I thought. My point is, we are more than Employer and Employee. Especially after you told me about that hell hole. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think of us as friends." He sighs, still relaxed.

"F-friends? Huh. Never had friends before. Unless you count the older kids who helped me take care of the younger ones." I sigh, snuggling into his chest. "And Red Mando. He seems to be a friend too." I add. Mando tenses up, and I look up at him again.