~The Heart Behind The Helmet~

Unfamiliar

That's it. She had joined the very thing she had told herself she wouldn't. The welcome of the others, was..., surprising. It felt odd to be met with open arms; not having to prove her worth, nor her place. Just, accepting, her. So many things were running through in her mind. Memories and recent events. Legends and truths. After everyone had said their respective hellos, the Armorer walked toward her, "Let's get a room for you." She gestured for her to follow her down a hollowed out hallway. Side by side, they walked, silence between them. They got to her new room. It was simple to say the least. A carved out window, a bathroom, dresser, and connecting room. "Thank you." She politely said as she rotated to look at her. "Stay as long as you need." The Armorer turned out the mechanical door, leaving a conflicted Bo behind. She went to her new bed. Today, well, the last couple days had been eventful. It was just another day, alone in her castle, when Din came.

Memory~/Her devastating demeanor said it all. Din wondered how long she had been here, alone. In this prison, one, partially of her own making. Her bitterness radiating off her body. "It's Din Djarin. I'm here to join you." /~Memorys end.

She had wondered since, why did he tell her his name? Perhaps it was a way to comfort her, to show trust. It had worked. When Grogu came alone, she couldn't stop herself from helping. It wasn't a question. Seeing him trapped, weak, had made her soft. This man was making her soft. Noise pulled her out of her thoughts as Din walked in, Grogu following in his floating bassinet. His demeaner was questioning. "This is my room." He simply stated, in his soft voice. "I was told this was my room." She answered, gently. Din looked at the side of the room. Bo's eyes followed. The side room. Din walked toward the door and opened it. This bedroom was his. They had connecting rooms. Great. She thought sarcastically. But, at the same time, it really was a comforting thing; knowing that the only person she somewhat trusted, was near. Din walked in his room, getting him and Grogu settled. Bo stood up and walked to the window. It was an interesting planet, desert like, but nothing compared to Tatooine. Hostile, yet welcoming at the same time. She liked it. Strange. She thought. So easily persuaded to stay. What was Din doing to her? Why did she even call him that? He had never asked to be called this. It just came naturally. The way he said her name was precious to her. To hear him say it again. She hoped perhaps her voice did the same to him. Why am I acting like this? It was, unfamiliar. "Nice view huh?" Din's voice startled her, as she realized he was looking out the window with her. How did she not notice him coming? She looked at him, glad her helmet concealed her blushing face. No longer wearing his armor, surprisingly. A simple, comfortable outfit. She thought zealots never took off their armor. "Yes, it is." She replied. He looked back at her. "Clothes are provided in your dresser, if you like. In about twenty minutes we will eat. Afterwords, you can do as you please. However, you are welcome to accompany me. Tonight, Matriarch will apprize the Foundlings a legend of the ancients." Din's gaze shifted to Grogu as he babbled. He really is cute. It won't be long till those babbles become words. Din turned back to Bo. "Sound good?" Bo's attention returning to Din. "I would like that." It would be far from the feast she had invited him to join, but it would do. Who else was here for her right now? No one. Except Din. It was an odd feeling, depending on someone else. She had always been self-reliant. When she had trusted others, they had repeatedly failed her. I'd best change. Not wanting to keep Din waiting, she opened her dresser pulling out a long-sleeved shirt, and a pair of pants. She changed clothes, finishing by looking at herself in the mirror. Her helmet appearing to be a needless constant, remained better than being alone. She walked out, opening the front door. Din was waiting. "Ready?" "Yes" she replied. She could tell he was trying to make her as comfortable as possible. She definitely appreciated his thoughtfulness. They walked into a community space, open to the elements. Foundlings were playing and eating among themselves, others talking. There were many Kin, some in armor, others in casual wear. A few female and male mandalorians were eating together alone, were they married? Amplified conversations filled the room. The scent of stew was familiar. An old recipe she was sure of. It smelled, comforting.