#get him my ladyyyyyy!!

[underfan26]

THIS IS CANON, I WAS HER HAT BTW

redraw for pride month

[goldensunset]

list of things i faintly remember about tales of vesperia (as someone who watched like the middle section of a livestream of the switch remaster two years ago)

1. there were a few songs on the soundtrack that to this day i still listen to and am in love with. ‘a wavering taboo’ and ‘judith on her own’ if i remember their names correctly. the viiiibes (there were others too but i never tracked down their names unfortunately so they’re lost to time. there was this one absolute banger of a  town theme uhhhh)

2. estelle our pink princess healer girl (i can still hear HOLY POWER COME TO ME in my head so clearly) is worn down by her magical healing abilities i think? or actually i think it was like that using her power was somehow hastening the end of the world or something? she like. asks for death at some point as a preventive measure to try to stop the bad thing from happening

3. yuri lowell our dramatic prettyboy protagonist kills someone at some point (definitely do not remember the guy’s name or even role in the story at all) and it is taken very very seriously. like everyone on his team is judging him for it they’re very uncomfortable with it. which i would totally expect if this were a realistic setting bc uh yeah murder is kind of a big deal. but i guess i was just surprised that in a fantasy setting like this it would be such a taboo. i kinda thought everyone did that or was at least ok with doing it lol. but good for them for addressing the real narrative weight of something like this it’s actually refreshing

4. vesperia is the name of some star? and our boy uhhhhhhh karol that’s right. he names their guild ‘brave vesperia’ after it. i don’t think you get this title drop until decently far into the story lol. i remember i really thought karol was a girl at first. also i thought he was annoying at first but then i really started to love him later

5. judiiiiiiiith. my ladyyyyyy. she’s so pretty hehehe. does she actually betray you? i don’t remember. i don’t think so? like i’m pretty sure there’s a psyche-out where you start thinking that but then it’s not the case. i have feelings for her

6. ‘old man’ raven is literally 30. i get that that’s anime-old but sheesh man don’t be so dramatic that’s literally not old at all. also i’m fairly certain there’s a psyche-out where you thought he betrayed you, then it’s like psyche he’s on your side again but oh wait he’s dead, psyche he’s actually alive and has always been on your side. it was something really dramatic and wild and complex but then there was net zero change in the overall party dynamic in the end lol.

7. other girl named rita. i liked her a lot too she was a real one. refuse to believe she was like 15 what are these anime ages. also a dog named repede. definitely a real one. little girl named polly who seems like she’s gonna be annoying at first but then there was some tragic thing with her story like with her grandpa’s backstory or w/e that actually punched you in the gut

anyway i think that’s about all that i remember it was fun racking my brain

[rosekasa]

established relationship ladynoir and both of them are the 'if i dont get attention right now ill die' person except at different times

if theyre on patrol and ladybug's trying to do something chat noir leans against her and is like my ladyyyyyy hug me >:((((((

but if theyre in a hotel room or smth and lying in bed together but chat noir's reading a book ladybug will roll on top of him and whine until he leaves the book alone and gives her kisses 🥺

[ncityofangels]

NCT 127 + U Reaction : You Being Under Anesthesia and They Tell You Things They’ve Never Told You Before

a/n: this was requested and took really long but it was so fun to write because I’ve never written a reaction before so yay! Anyway....I included 127, U, and Kun in this reaction so have fun. Hope you guys like it :D

Genre : Flufffffff x10

below the cut because I’m nice like that ;)

Taeil

I could definitely see him being one of the more emotional ones whenever you go to get your wisdom teeth out

He’s definitely big worried about you

I don’t think he would really express it to you though

HOWEVER

Don’t think that he won’t be taking funny pictures of you during your procedure to blackmail you with later

Once you were completely under though he’d turn into a big softie

Would wait in the waiting room all night just to make sure you’re okay

Constantly talking to the doctors to make sure everything was going according to plan

“How did I get so lucky?”

“You’re so beautiful, Y/N”

Johnny

Today was the day you got the procedure done to donate your kidney

He comes to the hospital with you (of courseee)

Brings hella snacks for both of you

but like

Not healthy snacks. Probably a lot of chocolate.

Watches YouTube videos with you on his phone while you wait

Once you get called he gets a little nervous

The entire time the procedure is being done he’s like pacing in the waiting room

Doing that knee bounce thingy people do when they’re anxious

After the procedure is done and you’re in your room, the biggest smile erupts on his face

“I totally knew you’d be okay babe”

“You’re the strongest person I know”

Taeyong

first off

big baby 1/4

He was already hella concerned when you broke your leg but when he found out you’d have to get operated on

This boyyyyy was freakin out

I definitely see him being one of the most anxious ones

Highkey tries to teach you a choreo he thought of while you’re in the waiting room to calm his nerves

“Oh right, your leg is broken. Sorry babe. Let’s find something else to do then”

Doesn’t want to be separated from you when they take you back

After the operation they tell him he can go back to your room and he could not get their faster

Definitely has a whole conversation with you while you’re still under

“Hurry up and get back to me”

“I love you too much”

Yuta

Why do I picture him being so chill the whole time

Like not in the way that he doesn’t care 

but

He trusts you’re in good hands with the doctors

You’re definitely more nervous than he is

“Babe, you’re just getting your wisdom teeth out, it’ll be okay.”

Plays a game on his phone while your waiting

Or reads one of those magazines they always leave out for patients

Buys flowers after they take you back

I feel like without a doubt he spent at LEAST 15 minutes in the hospital gift shop picking out what kind of flowers to get you

Probably asks the people working there for advice too

The procedure didn’t take too long so he was able to see you pretty soon, even though you were still under

“See babe I told you everything was going to go good”

“You’re so beautiful when you sleep”

Kun

Very similar to Johnny imo

Plays with your hair while you’re in the waiting room

“You don’t need your tonsils anyway”

This makes me soft

Tells you fuckin dad jokes to calm you down like the nerd he is

ALSO

FLOWERSS 

this boy will go all out because he really loves your ass

Expect your room to smell good af after you get up

Why do I feel like he’d order take out for you before you wake up so it’s ready for you when you come to

ik thats like kInDa weird but I just feel that in my soul so

ANYWAY

Lowkey wants to cuddle you the whole time you’re under

“I’ll never leave your side”

“You’re so adorable like this”

Doyoung

Alright this is my bias y’all sooo

I definitely feel like he’s kind of similar to Yuta

a LOT more chill than some of the other members

“I’ll see you in a bit”

“What do you want to eat after this?”

Lots of hugs before you go back

Roams the gift shop while he waits

Probably gets you some small little thing that made him think of you

“She’ll like this”

Sings to you in your room while you’re still asleep

WOW im in love with this boy

Checks in with the doctor to make sure things are going well

Doesn’t leave your side once they move you into your room

Not in the way that he is worried, he just likes being close to you

Treats you to dinner after you’re released

“I never knew I could care about someone so much”

“Take your time babe, I have all day”

Ten

veryyyyy touchy

big baby 2/4

not really worried at all though

Will be all over you before you go back

Just very affectionate in general, regardless of the situation

When you told him you had to get your appendix taken out he was like “okay, lets go get that fixed”

brings snacks like Johnny

When it’s time for you to go back he holds your hand and tells you everything is gonna be okay

Brings you food

Updates the members on your condition (idk that’s just something I think he’d do)

Probably ends up falling asleep in the waiting room tbh

“Are you really under anesthesia or are you just messing with me?”

“I’ll always take care of you”

Jaehyun

wow we love ANOTHER bias

Okay so

Brings his airpods and a speaker so yall can listen to music together while you wait

this is so cute i’m literally crying

why do I see him packing a lunch for the both of you

Does the MOST

“Hurry, you have to eat this before they take your wisdom teeth out”

Big softie

A tiny bit concerned, but knows you’ll be fine

Can’t wait for the cuddles that he’ll give you after your release

repeat after me… TAKES. CARE. OF. YOU.

Most likely ends up feeding you at home too because you’re a mess and can’t do anything for yourself

Once they let him back to see you though he just melts

So proud of you tbh (even though you literally didn’t do anything”

“That’s my baby”

“I can’t wait to marry you”

Winwin

big baby 3/4

Would quite literally do anything for you

Lots of backhugs and reassurance

Jokes around with you to calm you down

definitely shows you memes from the NCT group chat to cheer you up

“I’ll be right here the whole time, don’t worry”

Speaks Mandarin for you because you find it relaxing

lil cuddles in the waiting room

I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH

Y’all have the softest relationship

Expect this boy to literally never leave your side during recovery

Won’t let you do anything but rest because his baby has to be in top condition

As soon as he sees you after the operation he gets a little emotional

Most likely just has a regular convo with you while you’re under

“What do you think about this outfit, Y/N?”

“Yeah, I don’t really like it that much either”

“You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met”

“I can’t wait to grow old with you”

Jungwoo

big baby 4/4

a lot like Taeyong tbh

aegyo to make you feel better

For some reason I don’t see him worrying too much though

Like he loves you soooo much and you will never question that but he’s just chillin once you go back

Misses your presence once he’s alone in the waiting room

“How long does it take to take an appendix out?”

Probably is wayyy too into a game on his phone when the doctor comes to tell him that he can go back

“Aw baby, you look so cuteee”

“I just want to hug you until you’re better” 

Lucas

honestly

big meme boi

Roasts the shit out of you for having to have your wisdom teeth out

You try and explain to him that it’s literally a common thing but nope

he still make fun

“Don’t worry, even though your body is failing our relationship isn’t”

Asks the doctors soooo many times how much longer it is going to take

Just because he can’t wait to show you some meme he found or tell you some joke he made

Don’t mistake his teasing though because this boy will wait all day in that hospital for you

Goes to get food while he waits

Forgets to get you something and gets mad at himself for being so wreckless

Flowerssss 3.0

idk I just love the idea of Lucas getting you flowers leave me alone

not like this big bouquet tho, very simple. Like maybe a couple roses

Playfully sings to you while he waits for you to wake up

“My ladyYyYyY”

sorry y’all i had to

“I love you so much it hurts”

“I can’t focus when you’re around”

Mark

Jaehyun 2.0 tbh

makes you listen to this new song he found on SoundCloud (yikess we love him tho)

probably raps to it because we been knew he’s a dork

sings to you if you want him to

big cuddler tbh

worries when they take you back

just doesn’t want to be away from you in general

Likes his space but also whiny when he’s in the mood for some time with you

wow i’m really whipped for him, let’s continue

I don’t really see him buying flowers for you but I think he’d roam the gift shop for a trinket you would like

Runs home to get one of your stuffed animals or something to remind you of home and make you feel comfortable

When they let him see you he gets super excited

“Hey baby, long time no see”

“I’m so in love with you”

Haechan

This mans gonna tease you the wholeeee time

Kinda like Lucas but more like a loving tease

Pinches your cheeks a LOT

“My baby is getting surgery todayy”

Your procedure is like a whole event tbh

Gotta pack a lunch

Some snacks for AFTER lunch

lots of drinks

pillows maybe a blanket

Very extra in general

Also very worried when they take you back

Texts the members about how worried he is

“I just love her so much, I don’t want anything bad to happen to her”

Is super relieved when he gets to see you again

“Hello my angel”

“I think i’m falling in love with you”

[foxilayde]

Play by play below the cut:

“I need you to keep quiet for me”…. His hypocritical grunts.

Jflk;JSDFKLasdifwe 😩😩 something about that kills me in the best way possible

The Duke’s trusted warmaster was nearby

Gurney is a dedicated servant omfg

In the tall grass by the beach

Hello, Leto, ticks? Lyme Disease? I guess Caladan might not have Lyme disease but still… yes. Smut. I got distracted. Continue. Please.

“Thufir serves at my pleasure,” Leto gritted out, “I serve at yours”

😳 He would he would he would he so totally would kaksfjalsfie And then he suddenly dips down like to prove to you how much he’s not worried about how long this will take to get down on his kneeeees and serve his ladyyyyyy. I just. I love that about him, yk? Thoughtful. Generous. Will not be outdone. Such a great combo.

The flutter of his lashes… the flushed apples of his cheeks

He’s so prettyyyy

“May I see you tonight?”

He’s obsessed. He can’t get enough. Love it.

Stalwartly

👀 did someone say stalwart? BRB going to have a healthy monthly cry over Gem and Leto.

You watched him draw his shoulders tight and tip his chin up, as if slipping on some mask

You’re a genius

You shrieked with delight as Leto pounced over you.

He is playful, isn’t he?!. I love him kajsflashdgikas

“I’ll always come when you call”

Awwww I loved reading this so much. Your Duke is just soooooooooo lovable, your Leto makes my heart all burny and flippy, you just get him and you know how to show off all the alluring sides of him. Tysm for writing, ily 💚

Kinktober Day 15

Day Fourteen | 🌹Kinktober Masterlist🌹 | Day Sixteen

Pairing: Duke Leto Atreides x Reader

Rating: Explicit - 18+ Only. Any minors interacting with ANY of these Kinktober prompts will be blocked

Warnings: Free use; semi-public sex; oral sex; fingering; unsafe sex; creampie

GIF by chelseasdagger

"I need you to keep quiet for me.” 

The insistence was chased by the press of his gloved fingers between your slack lips. You bit down, savoring the slip of the leather between your teeth as Leto thrust deeper into you. He pressed his face into your neck, struggling to quiet his hypocritical grunts. 

You could hear the clicking of heels echoing further down the hall, and you fought the urge to turn and see if anyone was nearing. You knew that the Duke’s trusted warmaster was nearby, shooting imposing looks at anyone who dared inch just a little too close to your clandestine meeting place. 

Leto had made the request earlier in the week, and while it had initially struck you as odd, he had explained:

"With preparations for the emperor's official order, I'll have several meetings, and little time." He had eyed you sincerely from beneath his heavy brow. "I'll need you at a moment's notice, if you consent."

You hadn't had to think twice.

In the past week, Leto had taken you in so many ways, in so many unexpected and, frankly, often inappropriate places. His office, the barracks, the orchards, in the tall grass by the beach. If he had a single moment, he sent for you.

You'd been given just as little lead time that afternoon. Gurney had handed you a slip of paper, and you'd recognized Leto's handwriting immediately. There hadn’t been any instructions, simply a place to meet. The alcove was familiar to you—one of the few places in Caladan Castle that had relatively low foot traffic. Leto often found you there, reading or gathering your thoughts. It had become a frequent haunt of his as he sought your council, or simply sought a quiet moment with you. You’d shared your first kiss there, and several other confidences and intimacies had followed. 

This was, however, a relatively new intimacy for so calm a meeting place.

Now, Leto pushed your thigh up, pressing your back more harshly against the cool wall as you slotted your foot up against the bench beside you. You slipped your tongue along the worn leather of his gloves, whining softly as Leto’s pace became more frantic. You tipped your head back against the wall, letting his fingers slip from your lips. 

“Quickly,” You whispered, “You’ve a meeting with Hawat soon.” 

Leto grasped your jaw, using his grip to force you to meet his gaze.

“Thufir serves at my pleasure,” Leto gritted out, “I serve at yours.” 

You choked back a whimper as he suddenly drew away. He pressed his hand to your thigh, keeping your legs spread wide as he lowered himself to his knees. He sucked your clit between his lips, flicking over the tender nub with almost punishing strokes. You sucked in stunned breath as you fisted your hand in his curls, hips rolling down against the stroke of his tongue and the brush of his beard. He slid his hand up, fingers brushing across your slick opening. The added bulk of the gloves pressing into you nearly made your knees buckle. As good as it felt, it wasn't enough. You reached down, pushing Leto's hand away before lowering yourself to the floor with him.

You straddled his lap, sinking onto his cock again, watching the flutter of his lashes as his eyes slid closed. You let him grip your hips, guiding your movements as he drove up into you. You grasped his hair, tugging it and nodding hurriedly as your orgasm swelled. Leto growled as you tightened up around him, his hips snapping against yours with such force that your breath caught in your throat. It was only a few moments before his hips pulsed, then slowed as he spilled into you.

You opened your eyes as Leto rested his forehead against yours. You raised your hands to gently cup his face, thumbs brushing the flushed apples of his cheeks. He tipped his head from one side to the other, and you smiled as the tip of his nose brushed yours. 

“May I see you tonight?” He murmured. You couldn’t help the bashful smile that grew on your lips. The man had a planet to govern, an army to command, an emperor to appease—but he still requested your time where he would be within every right to demand it. 

“Of course,” You nodded. You gently smoothed Leto’s hair back and pressed a tender kiss to his lips before you stood on shaky legs, holding a hand out to him. He grasped it gratefully, giving your hand a squeeze before letting go. You straightened your dress, stalwartly ignoring the throbbing between your thighs as you watched Leto put himself back together, pulling up his pants and fixing the fastenings.

You watched him draw his shoulders tight and tip his chin up, as if slipping on some mask to play a part. You reached out, gently swiping away a bit of dust from the sleeve of his jacket. He caught hold of your hand before you could draw away entirely, raising it and pressing a courteous kiss to your wrist. Then he left without another word. You sighed softly, lowering yourself onto the bench as you listened to the retreating thud of his boots.

--

"Should I ask how your day was?"

Leto chuckled softly at your careful hedging. Neither of you had spoken since he'd arrived at your bedroom and settled down with you. You'd simply sat there and waited, watching the day's tensions slowly drain from his body.

He shook his head slowly, tipping it from side to side where it rested atop your outstretched thighs.

"I'd rather you didn't," He admitted.

"Alright."

You reached down, smoothing your hand over his hair before gently tracing the line of his forehead, and over his nose. As you reached his lips, Leto puckered them, pressing a soft kiss to your fingertip. Your smile widened as he turned his head to look at you.

"And you?" He pressed softly. "How was your day?"

You feigned consideration, humming as you directed your eyes toward the ceiling.

"Nothing much to report."

"Nothing at all?"

"No, no. Very routine."

Lowering your gaze to Leto's, you found him smiling playfully, eyes sparkling with a light that you'd hardly seen in the past week.

"Routine," He repeated, pushing himself and sliding his hand up your leg, easing up the fabric of your nightdress as he did.

"Quite."

"I think we can do better than that."

You shrieked with delight as Leto pounced over you, pressing you back onto the bed. Leto caught your lips in a kiss, the brush of his beard making your skin tingle. His fingers slipped between your thighs, brushing across your cunt. You pressed into the touch as you'd wanted to hours ago, sighing softly as his tongue plied gently between your lips. He drew away as the kiss broke, his hand settling against your thigh again to focus you. You opened your eyes as confusion washed over you and found Leto watching you with a gentle reverence.

"I know that I can be...Demanding," He offered, "But I have greatly appreciated your attentions over these past few days."

Your smile softened as you reached up, sweeping your knuckles across his cheekbone.

"I'll always come when you call."

Tag list: @missredherring ; @fantasticcopeaglepasta ; @massivecolorspygiant ; @blueeyesatnight ; @recklessworry ; @amneris21 ; @ew-erin ; @youngkenobilove ; @carbonated-beverage ; @lorecraft ; @moonlightburned ; @milf-trinity ; @millllenniawrites ; @chattychell ; @dihra-vesa ; @videogamesandpoorlifechoices ; @missswriter ; @thembosapphicclown ; @brandyllyn ; @wildmoonflower ; @buckybarneshairpullingkink ; @mad-girl-without-a-box ; @winchestershiresauce ; @phoenixhalliwell ; @wild-rose-35 ; @daisyslibrary ; @informally-liz ; @andrastesflamingtitties ; @muchacha-encabronada ; @nerdygirl0414 ; @elen-aranel ; @ohbee-whatcanyoube ; @kmc1989 ; @quietpainter ; @thedreadandthefugitivemind ; @kaletastrophes ; @nyx2021 ; @thatesqcrush ; @shanimallina87 ; @adarasforest ; @s-u-t ; @silversprings-mp3 ; @senawashere ; @foxilayde

[caribouv]

BEST OF 2018

Album: Lane 8, Little by Little. How do you follow-up to Rise? This. This is how. Seeing him in March was by far the best show I had been to since high school.

Song: Childish Gambino, This is America. No real surprise there. Funny story: listened to this 400 song Majestic Casual mix since 2011. There's this one hip hop song on it I like a lot. Only recently realized it was by Childish Gambino.

Movie: I honestly can't decide. There were a lot of very good movies, but nothing sticks out as omfgombiessomuchbetter. In no particular order: Mid90s; Juliet, Naked; Greenbook; Leave No Trace; Sorry to Bother You; A Quiet Place; Ready Player One.

Politician: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her twitter feed kills it.

TV Show: Haunting of Hill House. Bent neck ladyyyyyy. Sharp Objects was also fk great too.

Food: Chicken adobo.

Trip: San Francisco last weekend was actually pretty cool.

Moment: General catch-all for all the support I got from everyone after my Dad died.

Actor: Viggo Mortensen in Greenbook.

Video Game: Path of Exile. This game has kept me hooked, allowed me to plow through podcasts while I play, and my backlog of other games is just building up.

Book: Earthsea, Ursula Le Guin. I know it's for young adults, but I honestly only read maybe four books this year and had no other answers.

Athlete: Mallory Pugh. Watch her at the World Cup this Summer.

Goals for 2019: I want to create something (video game, yotuube channel, film, or story), exercise more, finalize arrangements for my Dad's house, and get better educated about film analysis, human anatomy/cross-exams of doctors, and investments.

[prolix-yuy]

I just like a little angst in my quasi-romance-smut, what can I say? 😉

I had a feeling you might have feelings about the direction this goes but let’s get to rambling…

I’ll admit that this chapter and the next were probably more telling of myself as a writer than anything before. As much as I want them to jump each other there were so many questions and logistics around that time jump, and I really wanted her to not be the “damsel waiting for her prince,” which (from your review) sounds like it came across well! And helped me to avoid getting the stool from Pedro (though I mean, I could also dig that…)

Love a shiny Mando hiding in the shadows, especially when we’ve seen him be so blatant about his presence in the past. But this girl making him all shy? Oooooooh boy.

Grogu knows how to turn on the charm, that baby knows more than he lets up on for sure.

Look I get it, people look at Mando being #1 Dad and the wombs start glowing. I totally understand! But I’m in the same boat, I don’t identify with that narrative aspect of some fics. Again probably more telling of myself as a (Jenna Marbles voice) 33-year-old-ladyyyyyy who is not planning on having kids to not include that narrative. Not that she doesn’t like Grogu because that is a cute little bebe and I think very few are immune to his charms.

Can’t you just hear the way that seat must squeak when he slides over? 😂

That record scratch is everything. Please don’t fight me, I will cower in a corner and cry! But yes, we got some angst in our reunion. they’re both hurting in their own ways about this meeting, but there is a certain kind of understanding that they both possess about what to do with that sadness. The regret of him coming back and not feeling the same connection at first was a feeling I really wanted to work through before the payoff.

And then YES! Amy you see exactly what I was hoping for out of this chapter. It’s awkward and strange and they don’t really know each other, but that doesn’t mean they can’t like each other and enjoy each other’s company!

Plus, you gotta love a good accidental spill of true feelings and the laugh makes me so happy. They’re still both fine, maybe better than fine, and now they can finally get to the good stuff.

I saw this notification come in and I was reading it on my couch with a big dumb smile on my face and my husband asked, “What are you smiling about?” And it was this! I love hearing how you see the story and seeing your reactions to sections I was seriously nervous about. Can’t wait to see what Chapter 5 thoughts you have!

Chapter 4: And Perhaps Be Welcomed Back Again

Pairing: Din Djarin x F!Reader

Summary: A catch up. A hope. An admission. An understanding.

Word Count: 2000

Warnings: T, drinking, mentions of food and eating, brief allusions to sexual acts. While this story is not explicit, my blog and the content shared on it is 18+ so MINORS DNI.

Cross-Posted on AO3

Good Company Masterlist

Sequel to One Very Good Night

You steel yourself as you step back into the noise of the cantina. The mood has mellowed as the hours deepen more and more into night. The fly-boys are still huddled together around a table but some of the younger ones have departed. The ones that remain are the oldest, the years hard on their faces. Grego is still with them but he’s taken the hallikset into his hands and is plucking it now. Another man begins a song, a haunting melody that twines its way through the cantina rather than booms.

You weave between the tables and take some drink orders, working your way back to the dark corner where you left Mando. The droid bartender inputs the drinks and begins zipping on his track, gathering ingredients. You pause to listen to the old pilot’s song, the hairs on the back of your neck standing up as other voices join in. The young ones sing of the end as if there is glory to be had. The old ones’ songs are mindful of the loss they all suffer.

Turning to look up at the booth, Mando’s helmet gleams in the shadow. The T visor is trained on you.

(he’s still so much the man you remember)

You mount the steps and come back to stand at his table. The green youngling is settled into his silver pod, his eyes large as plums and ears like tiny sails on either side of his head. You start to reach to touch him but stop, looking over at Mando. He’s watching you, all attention focused on your movements.

“Is he yours?” you ask, and wince. (Not how I wanted to start this)

“A foundling.” Mando says, and the word makes some of your tension ease. So not born of him, but the way Mando looks at him, protects and cares for him, the little guy might as well be. He nods at the pod and you look down to see a small clawed hand reaching up to your outstretched one. You lower your fingers close enough that the child can wrap his smaller ones around your pointer, his eyes fixated on your face.

(to be a child lost, then found by a Mandalorian…)

You weren’t an expert on kids. None of your own, and the rare one of your friends who didn’t desire them. You liked children enough, but becoming a mother meant you had to find that other half, and that hadn’t been panning out. And it meant actually desiring to be a mother, which was…sometimes uncomfortably absent in you. You didn’t understand why you didn’t feel the warmth and primal desire to bring life from your body, it just never manifested.

You did feel the warmth of care watching the child turn his head at you. He had looked up at you asking to be cared for and you provided, even if it had only been soup. You could see how someone could be fiercely protective of this child.

Mando scoots over in the booth so that there’s space to sit beside him. His head slowly rotates from you to the seat (an invitation). You sit down beside him, the warmth of his body lingering on the leather. You’re not quite side by side, his body half turned but his visor still trained on you. Smoothing your clothing you smile at him, the child looking between the two of you with curious eyes. The small yawn that overtakes him indicates he’s well on his way to a food-induced nap.

“Must be a handful,” you say, smiling at the kid as he blinks slowly. Mando chuckles and the familiar sound makes your heart jump (still proud when you make him laugh).

“Can’t keep his hands off anything in the Crest.” The image of the baby trying to pilot a ship makes you snort out a laugh as he settles into a doze.

“What’s his name?” you ask. Mando shrugs.

“Don’t know. He doesn’t talk, and when I found him…” Mando pauses, one hand clenching briefly before relaxing. “...there wasn’t anyone around to tell me who or what he is.”

You hum and nod in a way that tries to convey understanding even when you don’t have it. The music continues below, a few more voices joining in, a deep one rumbling in your chest.

You try to start speaking again and find the words sticking in your throat. This wasn’t the same as catching up with an old school friend. Looking at the green baby falling asleep across from you is an ever-present reminder that Mando is as much of a mystery now as he was then.

“Are you here long?” you settle on saying.

“Just the day.”

“For a job?” (was he even still bounty hunting with a child?)

“A mission.”

You pause, waiting for him to elaborate. He doesn’t.

(more mysteries)

“Has it been…successful?” Your heart is sinking faster and faster as you feel the conversation (or lack thereof) waning. Maybe you need a drink; it didn’t feel this hard to talk to Mando the first time. But time and unspoken words often hang heavy between people. This was not the reunion you imagined.

(swishing cape in the doorway, a hand on your lower back, whispering that foreign word he called you that you couldn’t bring yourself to translate)

“Not this time.” Mando says, shifting forward to press a button on the silver pod. It closes over the sleeping child, encasing him in a shiny orb.

“Sorry,” you say, your fingers worrying at the edge of your apron.

Maybe it was better for Mando to remain a dream, a racy story you get to tell when you’re a little tipsy. You squashed the hope away when he didn’t return several months after your initial meeting, and forced yourself to call it stupid over a year later. You’d even forgotten the playful “maybe” with all that your life became until he walked in the door.

(Dank farrik, he shouldn’t have come back)

You feel tears start to prickle at the corners of your eyes when Mando speaks.

“This is strange, right?” Your mouth drops open and you turn to him. He’s looking at you with his helmet tilted to one side, elbow perched on the edge of the table. It’s innocuous, a way to ease the tension, but in that moment it’s the funniest thing you’ve ever heard. You think it’s just a giggle coming up but all of your nervous laughter follows until you are stifling hiccupy laughs behind your hands as a few tears drag down your face. Mando straightens up initially, his posture tense at a possible misstep, but you wave him off as you try to fight the feverish laughter. You take a couple deep breaths punctuated by a few more giggles before your composure finally comes back.

“Phew! Okay, yeah, wow, yeah, this is strange. You really…hit the mark there. Perfect marksman you are.” You’re rambling now but so much weight has lifted off your chest that you feel like you’re floating. You wipe your hands over your face and shake your head, then turn and look at Mando again.

Your breath catches. In the time you took to compose yourself, Mando has moved closer to you (kriffing silent bounty hunter), hand splayed wide on the table and framing your body with his own. The helmet is close enough that you need to turn your head to view all of it, and the heat radiating off his body kisses against your shoulder.

(some things never change, he’s still hot as a furnace)

(I’ve never kissed him)

“I thought of you,” you offer, and the helmet dips. “Sometimes.” A pause. “Fondly.”

(the girl has found her voice)

Mando doesn’t answer right away, instead leaning out of your space. He turns his head to look at his hand, fingers pressing hard against the table as if rubbing something out.

“It was a good night,” he finally adds. The answer is stiff, uncomfortable in its delivery but attempting to be kind. Your freeze, your tongue heavy in your mouth.

“So this…” you start, but you’re lost as to where to go from here. Mando continues watching his fingers press roughly against the wooden surface.

“Coincidence,” he offers, and you can feel the hesitancy and regret in his voice, see it in the way he’s punishing the wood grain. “I didn’t…”

You interrupt. “No, you wouldn’t know…of course not. Different place, different…time.” You want to dissolve into the floor and become part of the sand. He wasn’t here for you. The heat creeping up your neck burns with embarrassment and you try to hide it with a cough. You both are silent for what feels like an age.

(not you not you fool fool fool)

“I’m sorry I didn’t come back,” he says, turning his view to the cantina. The fly-boys are beginning to simmer down, their cups running empty, and the night progressing into silence. “I…” he pauses, then turns his head back to you. “I couldn’t.”

The admission cools your skin, and clears your head. Ten years had changed you, and you weren’t a bounty hunter with a green baby. The Mando you knew then - cocky, strutting, and wild - is not the Mandalorian in front of you. The years must have made him hard, made him give up things that brought him comfort and pleasure (like you?). The distance is purposeful and safe. A Mandalorian must move forward. A Mandalorian must serve his people, his Creed.

He didn’t seek you out, and you understand. Tonight was an accident, but one you would make the most of considering the circumstances. He wasn’t here to sweep you off to an adventure, but you could offer him kindness. Repayment for what he’d given you that night, and as thanks for the closure you need.

“It’s okay,” you say, Mando’s visor trained on you in your peripheral, “I’m not…I had no expectations Mando. You gave me an adventure, even if it was just a small one, and it’s been a nice memory for a long time. I’ve always wanted to thank you for it.” Your eyes meet the visor and Mando is still as a statue looking at you. “So thank you, for all of it.”

You’re afraid you might have broken Mando with how silent he is. The nervousness takes over again and you blurt out, “You’re still the best I’ve ever had though, so no thanks for ruining me for other men.”

(oh shit that was supposed to stay inside)

Now you’re the frozen one looking into Mando’s helmet. Time feels like a ribbon pulling through your fingers, slippery and quick, no idea how much has passed. Then Mando does something incredible.

He laughs.

He starts off quiet then the noise grows, the modulator echoing the guttural sounds as his shoulders shake and his head drops forward. You can’t help but laugh too, the tension shattering between the two of you as you finally let the expectations of this moment fall.

(this doesn’t have to be earth-shattering)

Davrah’s words come back to you as Mando leans back in his seat and you let out a little “whoooo” and fan your face. (This is good. This feels good now.)

“This is…not what I expected.” Mando says once you both have caught your breath. You hum and smile.

“Better?” you ask.

“Yeah, better.”

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While not mentioned by name or lyrics, this is the song the fly-boys are singing as the bar closes down (another shout-out to the talented Colm R. McGuinness, who apparently is the soundtrack of The Lively Bantha)

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