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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THE NIGHT HAD BEEN FULL of stories and laughter. The family relearned each other, the table loud and boisterous throughout dinner. No one asked or commented on Din's choice to remain faceless, keeping his helmet on - her nephew and sister too busy with spoiling Grogu to care much.
In her old bedroom, Arani stood on the open balcony, watching the moons rise and the indigo sky twinkle. Her periwinkle nightdress fluttered in the light breeze, the silk fabric tangling around her ankles. It had been one of her favorites, and she was beyond glad it still fit her after all these years.
Footsteps were heard, and Ari didn't have to turn around to know who it was. The sound of beskar hitting the cherrywood of her vanity was an indication enough.
A soft exhale slipped from her lips, a mixture of anticipation and relief warming her chest. When she finally turned, the sight of him took her breath away. Without the cold, unyielding T-visor of his helmet, Din looked striking in the moonlight - his features softened by the ambient glow of the indigo sky. His dark eyes found hers immediately, tracking the way the periwinkle silk draped over her curves.
His armour was gone, left only in his shirt and trousers. A sight that pulled at her heartstrings and made her head spin.
He stepped out onto the balcony, the night air rustling his hair. A rare, crooked smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he let his gaze linger on her.
"You're staring," Ari teased softly, her fingers lightly catching the railing behind her.
"Can you blame me?" Din murmured, his voice a low, gravelly rumble without the modulator. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them until she could feel the heat radiating from him. "You look beautiful, cyar'ika."
Ari blushed and ran a hand over the skirt. "It's just a nightdress, Din."
"I wasn't complimenting the dress, love. However, it is the first time I've seen you in such a get-up."
"There weren't many opportunities when on the run."
"I know, but now that we have that cabin, you can wear whatever you want." Din paused, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "I just have one request."
"All right, shoot."
"You bring home a few gowns, specifically this one." His hand traced down her figure to grab a fistful of the flowing material.
"Deal."
In response, he gathered more of the skirt, pulling up the hem and then slipping his hand underneath. His fingers inched up and, once again, Ari found herself lacking air as he grasped the back of her thigh and pulled her flush against him. Then his lips were on hers, kissing her roughly, evident that he had been holding himself at bay for a long time.
Suddenly, Ari remembered her question and pulled away, much to her regret. Din pouted and thought about giving one last kiss, but decided against it. There was every possibility that his searing touch and enchanting eyes made her forget yet again.
"Don't look at me like that," she huffed.
"Like what?"
Ari couldn't tell if he was teasing, playing, dumb, or genuinely did not know the power he had over her. "Like a lost hound-pup, and don't deny it 'cause you do."
"I wasn't gonna say anything." Din frowned playfully before genuine concern took over. "Now, why'd you pull away, princess?"
"It's nothing bad, Din, I just wanted to ask where Grogu was?" She peered over his shoulder, not seeing the kid snooping around as he normally would.
"He's with his aunt." Tugging her back to him, Din tangled a hand in Ari's hair and moved to kiss a line down her jaw. "We have the night all to ourselves."
At his bold statement, the fire burning deep within Ari exploded. She took his face in hand and crashed her lips on his, finally initiating with all the passion she could muster. In reply, Din hooked an arm under her knees and lifted her effortlessly, never breaking from her. In a whirlwind of curls and silk, Ari was tossed onto the plush bed, the mountain of pillows toppling.
Din did not hesitate to join her side, hovering over her with the brightest smile she had ever seen. "Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, ner oyay. Thank you for staying by my side." He kissed her forehead. "Thank you for treating Grogu as your own." He kissed her nose. "For loving me through the hardest of times and for becoming my wife." A quick peck on her other cheek. "Thank you for saving me and giving me a reason to live again."
A tear threatened to fall. Ari let it, she didn't care any longer. "Oh, Din darling, you saved me."
Wiping away the tear, he stared at her with a piercing gaze, and Ari knew that this was it. There was no turning back. There was no other. Din loved her only, she only loved him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Arani pulled him to her and kissed him, completely forgetting the outside world - for her entire universe was right in front of her.
