The Knight (Qimir X OC)

Chapter Nine ~ Batuu

Qimir's POV:

Last night was difficult, to say the least. I hadn't planned on opening up about Osha and Mae, but she had asked. I couldn't lie to her, but I would admit that I was nervous about her reaction to it.

When she promised her loyalty even after I had admitted two failed apprentices, I was relieved. I had also heard her whisper goodnight. It was her thoughtfulness that comforted me.

I stayed up all night thinking about her. How she accepted my offer, finally becoming my apprentice. Her emerald eyes that I still have yet to see turn that shade of orange. How those eyes showed disappointment when I made her choose between the hunter's guild and being my pupil.

And yet, she still chose me. I would not take that lightly, and I would help her to settle into this new life.

I remembered one of our conversations back on the island, and suddenly I had the perfect idea. I remembered how she spoke of her passion of traveling and exploring new things. She mentioned how she loves bookstores, and trying new foods.

"Oh fucking kriff why don't you install a head rest or something." She complained, cutting my train of thought. "Qimir?"

"Good morning to you too." I deadpanned, "What have I done already to piss you off this lovely morning?"

"I've got a crick in my neck." She answered, "And could you not speak so loud, please?"

"Someone's not a morning person." I mumbled, chuckling under my breath.

"I need caff, and a cookie, or something." She groaned, "And I need to stand up before I rot in this ship."

"Okay, let's go into town and get you some caff." I offered, beginning to climb out of the ship. I offered my hand for her to take as she stepped out of the ship.

"Such a gentlemen." She commented, sending me a warm smsmile.

"Always." I smirked back, kissing the back of her hand. I watched a blush creep up her cheeks, and a small smile spread across her cherry lips. Even though she had just woken up, she was stunning.

I looked around and took in the fresh air. Batuu was beautiful in its own way. Jagged rocks stuck out from the ground, standing tall with centuries of age. Some stones stood at least twenty meters tall, some the size of giant skyscrapers. Trees were sprouted around the stone, creating an enormous forest. I sensed the wildlife skittering around hidden.

"How far is the city?" She asked, I could sense her dread of the journey ahead of us. It wasn't too far. In reality, it was a ten minute walk. But I learned that I enjoy teasing her.

"About 10 kilometers." I lied. I watched her face drop in disbelief, and she scoffed.

"I am not walking 10 kilometers before I have caff in my system." She complained, but began to follow me anyway as I started towards the town, "And plus, I thought we agreed that you would stay with the ship and not be seen?" She asked.

"Yes, we agreed that I would not join you when you go to the hunters HQ. However, we did not agree that I couldn't join you for caff." I countered, sending her a small smirk. She scrunched her nose as she smiled, accentuating the freckles spread across her gorgeous face.

Qimir was finding it difficult to hide the feelings her beauty made him feel. Especially when he knew you returned those feelings. But he knew things like this take time.

"I guess you got me there." She admitted. The rest of the walk, she hummed a tune I didn't recognize but found myself enjoying. Even her voice was mesmerizing, calling to me like a sirens song.

Shortly after, we walked through the main entrance to the small town. I took in the buzz of the residents that went about their days. Some cast curious glances our way, and it made me want to switch my persona. The meek apothecary I pretended to be, while watching Mae's progress from a secret identity, wanted to slip out now.

But I didn't let that happen. Lyssa knew my identity, and I would not pretend to be someone I'm not just to ensure someone's secrecy. Lyssa was not Mae or Osha, I had to remind myself of that.

"I thought you said it was ten kilometers." She stated, giving me a look full of sass.

"Yeah, well, I lied, it's fun teasing you." I replied nonchalantly, shrugging my shoulders. She glared at me, but didn't say anything. We continued our way, looking for a place that sold caff.

We eventually found one and made our way inside. The sweet aroma of baked pastries and caff filled the space. Multiple people and other species filled the tables and booths, but the line to order was empty.

She immediately made her way over to the counter and ordered her caff black. I ordered the same. She began to pull out credits before I placed a hand on her arm, stopping her.

"I've got it." I said warmly before handing the cashier the amount. She murmered a thank you before taking the drinks, handing me mine. We took a seat at an empty booth and began to drink the sweet caff. She poured an insane amount of packets of sugar into her drink before taking the first sip. I also poured sugar in the cup, but not as much as her.

"Careful, you need some caff with that sugar?" I joked.

"Never make fun of a woman with her caff, I figured you would know better." She replied, sass lacing her tone. It was quiet for a moment before she spoke up again.

"Where are you planning on going next after we leave Batuu?" She asked.

"I've been thinking of a few places, I would like to start with Ilum." I answered, "You're going to pick out your kyber crystal."

"But, there aren't any natural red crystals. What's the point?" She asked curiously.

"The Jedi truly do limit themselves to the extensive knowledge the galaxy has to offer. How do you think red kyber crystals are created?" I tilted my head at her. Her eyes furrowed in confusion as she thought for a moment.

"A process called bleeding, but they never really explained what that meant." She responded.

"You're exactly right." I smiled. "You still need a light saber, though. Once we get to Ilum, I'll explain in more detail, for now drink your caff. You've got a big day ahead of you." She smiled lightly before it dropped.

"Don't be nervous. You've got this, sweetheart." I encouraged while lightly booping her nose, causing her smile to return.

I lived to see that smile.