Arani Jakal was not prepared 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 tow...
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ARI SWITCHED THE N-1 over to autopilot and, with a contented sigh, leaned against Din, his cool chest plate contrasting with the heat of his embrace. His arm curled around her waist, and his gloved hand squeezed her side, sending an odd jolt through her. She placed a hand on his, the beskar ring glinting from the billions of stars surrounding them.
She couldn't help the amused chuckle that rose from the indescribable ardour. For three years, they had pretended and joked about the status of their relationship to survive. But then they managed to do the unexpected: they did survive.
"What's so funny, mesh'la?" Din whispered, voice light.
"Just . . . taking it all in." She paused a moment before continuing, a question of her own forming. "Din, when did you know?"
"Know what, love?"
"That you wanted to marry me?"
"Since Morak."
Ari smiled at the memory, and suddenly it all clicked into place. They had shared their first kiss that night. Din had trusted her completely to show his face twice in one day and told her he would rather lose his religion than lose her - that he would choose her every time.
"However," Din continued. "I didn't fully realize what that feeling was until I lost you. I didn't mean to spring the question on you, especially in front of our people-"
Ari's heart skipped a beat - our people - she was Mandalorian now. "It's okay, Din. We couldn't seem to get a moment to ourselves, I get it. I liked the spontaneous aspect; it was a nice change from you always being three steps ahead." She twisted the band on her finger, then held it up to Din. "We should get you one."
"Why is that?" Amusement in his voice as he took her hand, lacing their fingers together.
"So I can see it when we're alone," she explained. Quickly realizing what she said, Ari turned to Din with wide eyes. "I didn't mean - Well, I did . . . I just want to see you. But if it means you'll break Creed again, I won't ask-"
"Ari, calm down. You're able to see me."
She huffed, not fully believing it. "Really?"
He squeezed her side again. "Really." Silence, then: "How do you know the marriage vow?"
"I learned it when studying Mando'a."
Din huffed out a laugh. "You are something else, sweetheart."
