I'll Do The Same { Din Djarin x OC}

Chapter Eight: Illuminance

// just a little disclaimer: i am not an expert in mandalorian/star wars history, so some things may not be entirely correct, but i have done some research so that what is included in this chapter can be cohesive with the narrative! 

thanks so much for reading!! <3

. . . . .

"What Clan is she from?"

"Kryze."

"... Kryze." Thell thumbed at her lip from her spot in the cockpit. "Clan Kryze. Duchess Satine was one of their leaders, right? The previous Duchess of Mandalore during the Clone Wars."

The Mandalorian was still as always in his seat, his gaze focused on coming in to land on the ocean planet. Thell could only see so much past the steam and mist that perpetuated the surrounding area.

"Sure," was his only response.

Thell cocked a brow, opening her mouth to say something else, but decided against it. Her mother had told her stories of the Mandalorian clans, and her former master had been obsessed with their culture. She wondered briefly if she knew more than the Mandalorian sitting only a few feet from her, if he only knew so much about his ery Clan.

But what had he been before Clan Mudhorn? Had he been part of another clan? And the obsession with his Creed, his strict rules regarding secrecy and removing his armor. They all boggled Thell's mind. Maybe she could ask him after they left this planet.

It bothered her that he had barely said a word, like he usually did, while they had been flying from Tattooine. Why would he go out of his way to figure out this thing with her?

They landed a few moments later, and Thell pushed herself up from the seat, still feeling that stinging pain in her lower back. But the medicine she had taken early on was taking effect, and she desperately wanted to talk to the people they were meeting. She went to grab the child, to hold him like she usually would when they went off ship. But Mando beat her to it, carefully placing the child in a satchel he wore against his hips. Thell watched him with a cautious eye before asking, "Did I say something?"

The Mandalorian made his way to the ladder as he responded softly, "No."

"Oh." Thell bit at her lip, standing awkwardly in the cockpit.

Sensing her silence, Mando turned, and Thell could see Grogu's eyes peeking at her from the bag.

"What's wrong?"

Thell cleared her throat, readjusting her cloak. "Oh, I just usually held him. I still can, if you want."

He stepped closer to her, and for a split second, fear overwhelmed her. But he was gentle as he grasped her shoulder, tilting his helmet down.

"The last time I came to this planet, the kid and I were nearly killed twice. If the wrong people see my face, or his, they would try to shoot us on sight."

The grip on her shoulder was still loose, and Thell felt goosebumps along her arms.

"So... what you're saying is... you don't want me to get shot because of the kid."

He shrugged, just tilting his helmet the tiniest bit. "You could say that."

Thell rolled her eyes, giving him a playful smirk. "I didn't know you cared so much."

He had turned the other way, stepping just one foot down on the ladder.

"Where would I be without my babysitter?"