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 HAND-RAG WAS SNATCHED from its hanger, and Ari wiped her hands and then the counter. It had been so long since she'd cooked a true meal, and excitement coursed through her. Placing the cloth back in its spot, she glanced around the room.
The cabin Greef gave them was perfect. While it was barren with only the necessities filling the space, she still loved it. The sand-coloured walls and large windows allowed light and air inside, the open concept making the cabin seem bigger. Greef made sure it had two bedrooms, so she and Din would have a space to themselves. But, of course, Grogu managed to make his way into their's most nights.
Redoing the braid that had come unwoven, she slipped over to the front window. There she could see Grogu playing in the small pond, a frog floating beside him. He had grown out of eating the creatures, now preferring to use them as toys.
When she couldn't find Din, she moved to the entryway and leaned against the door frame. Under a yellow canopy on the porch, Din sat on a bench, watching the kid. He was completely at ease, reclining back, arms crossed casually.
Ari could've stood there for the rest of time and remained as content as she was right then. There were no words to describe her joy. How wonderful it was to see Din not reach for his blaster every five minutes.
The sun caught the edges of his beskar, turning the cold, unforgiving metal a brilliant, warm gold. It was armour built for battle, but right now, it was just reflecting the sky.
As if feeling her eyes on him, Din shifted, looking up at her. His feet swung down, having been propped up, and his hand tapped his thigh. "Come here, mesh'la."
She didn't need to be told twice. Ari smiled, stepping out onto the porch where the warm desert air wrapped around her like a blanket. As she reached the bench, Din didn't just make room; his large, gloved hand found her hips, guiding her smoothly and effortlessly onto his lap.
She settled against him, her side pressed against his chest. His arms immediately locked around her waist, heavy and protective, holding her close against the beskar that had saved his life a thousand times over.
Out in the shallows, Grogu let out a high-pitched coo and a bubbling giggle, proudly splashing the muddy water as the frog bobbed on the ripples.
Din let out a low, breathless huff of amusement against her hair - a sound Ari used to think was a myth - and his thumb gently traced slow circles on her hip. He shifted slightly, leaning his head back against the wall of the cabin so he could look down at her face. Even behind the dark visor, she could feel the absolute warmth of his gaze.
