Crawling Home

Chapter 40

*10 years later*

"Lyra, Max, Grogu! Time for dinner!" Nova called out from the front door. She watched as Grogu and Lyra ran ahead while Max followed close behind, always watching them. I hold the door open for them as they enter the house in a single file line, "No sabers on the table Lyra! Max, you know better than to keep your helmet on during dinner! Grogu... keep doing what you're doing kid! You're doing great!" she tells them as they follow her directions.

"Mama? When will papa come back from hunting?" I hear Max ask. I sigh, "I don't know cyare. He was supposed to be home last night but he's not answering my calls but I don't know if it's because he's mid hunt or if something happened to him. If he doesn't come back soon, I will go searching for him" she reassures him. He looks at her seriously, "Do you think the Empire took him?" he asks nervously. She shakes her head, "Oh baby, there hasn't been activity in the Empire for 10 years. I don't think they've suddenly resurfaced" she consoles him. He sighs, "But there are rumors of a new group. They're called The First Order but no one knows who's in charge of them yet" he explains.

Nova gives him a soft smile, "Honey I promise, your buir probably just got behind on one of his hunts and that's why he's not back. Remember he has to go back to Nevarro to get his payment from Karga and Karga loves to talk to your father" she tells him. He sighs again, "Okay. I trust you. I'm sure he'll be back the moment he's done" he tells her confidently.

She continues to serve them their food and when they sit down together, she asks them about their trainings. Lyra and Grogu describe in detail how great Ahsoka is at training while Max talks on and on about Fennec and his weapons mastery. Nova gives them each a smile and when they're done eating, each child makes their way to their room for the night.

Nova stands at the sink washing dishes when she feels his presence behind her, "You're late riduur. What do you have to say for yourself?" she asks as he wraps his arms around her midsection. She leans her back against his shoulder and turns slightly to look at him, "I'm sorry I'm late baby. Is there any way you can forgive me?" Din asks her as he puts his chin on her shoulder.

Nova gives him a soft smile, "Like you don't already know I'm going to forgive you in a heartbeat. You know I love you, so much" she tells him, her voice low. Din turns Nova around in his arms, "Did you miss me mesh'la?" he asks as he pulls her close to him. His forehead meets hers, "I always do when you're gone. You know that" she manages to answer before his mouth meets hers in a searing kiss.

They're quickly interrupted by the quick pitter patter of feet, "DADDY!" Lyra screams as she launches herself into his arms. She hugs him tightly, "Hi princess! I missed you" he tells her as he picks her up and strokes the back of her head. More steps and out comes Max with a sleepy Grogu in his arms, "Hi papa! You're home!" Max exclaims, and for a moment, there is a childlike innocence plastered on his face. "Hey buddy! It's good to be back!" he says as he pulls Max to him too. Grogu sleepily climbs up to his shoulder and quietly nuzzles him.

"Alright you three, time for bed. Lyra has force training tomorrow with Ahsoka, Max, you have that training with Paz and Grogu has training with Amillia. Say good night to your father and go to sleep" Nova tells them, her voice gently yet stern. They all hug Din good bye and make their ways back to their rooms.

Din pulls Nova to him quickly, "Are you ready for bed mesh'la? I missed my riduur" he tells her in a low voice. She nods quietly, "Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum riduur, until the Living Waters run dry or until kyr'am separates us and then once we become one with The Force or the Mythosaur, whichever comes first" he tells her.

She looks up at him while his crinkling eyes are blinking at her, "Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum baby, until the Living Waters run dry or until kyr'am separates us and then once we become one with The Force or the Mythosaur, whichever comes first. Now, don't ever leave again. Understood?" He nods slowly, "As you wish mesh'la"

End.