Arani Jakal was not ready to be stranded on an unfamiliar planet, causing her whole life to change. But in the chaos, a friend or two popped up - seemingly from nowhere - wishing to help. Ari gladly accepted and quickly became part of a small town...
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DIN SIGHED AND SAT on the bed next to Ari. After the fight, Boba opened his door to them, allowing them to spend the night in one of the many spare rooms of his palace. Din took her hand, tracing shapes with his thumb. It was liberating to be with him again. He moved her arm up and kissed the back of her hand.
The moment they were alone, he had taken off his armour. His face had become a distant memory and when she saw those wonderful eyes, she almost broke down.
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart. Forgive me."
"Whatever do you mean? There is nothing to forgive."
"None of this would have happened had I found you."
"Din, it's okay-"
"It's not okay, I missed a whole year with you, Ari."
Ari sighed. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I wouldn't wish away anything that's happened. Because of my mistake, I was able to free so many people, just like Haro freed me."
Din vaguely smiled. "No matter who you are with or where you are you always find a way to do good. All I'm saying is that you didn't deserve this."
"No one ever does, yet, we still continue to fight evil. That was the reason for today, no?"
He nodded, eyes bright as he focused back on Ari. She was as wonderful as he remembered, if not more. Her curly hair was much longer and she traded her monotone outfits for one that helped her blend into tatoonie.
"I have something for you." The ring in his pocket suddenly became heavy and he fought against the want to take it out. Instead, he pulled her scarf out. He let go of her hand and placed it in her palm.
"I thought I lost this!" She grinned and hugged him. "Thank you." She sat back slightly and kissed his cheek before returning her gaze to the cloth. "I wish I had something to give you."
He hooked a finger under her chin, tilting her head up. "You already have: you gave me a reason to live again." She huffed out a laugh and before she said anything else, he kissed her.
Of all the kisses they shared, this one has the most impact. It was one thing to display your love for the first time finally. But to not hold your lover for what seemed like an eternity was something else.
Din's fingers tangled in her hair and when they fell backwards, she let out the most angelic laugh. How he had missed that sound. Almost every day he heard it, and when she was no longer around, he realized how much he needed it. Like how breathing comes easily but when air is in short supply it suddenly becomes difficult.
"Haar'chack, gar cuy mesh'la," he whispered against her lips. He had not meant to stop but some things had to be spoken. "Gar cuyir ner oyay."
