#united over trauma ig | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

castle-dominion · 2 years ago

Text

c5x24 finale

shirtless guy shirtless gal wait she is not dead nvm psycho? That is NOT hair dye, is it? wait lol there IS hair dye there just like that urban legend with the elevator game & the girl in the water tower

the washington monument? beckett is the president of the united states now /j girl that's what TRAINING is for or never in a lifetime I AM just a homicide cop right now! I need training to become what you want me to be!

castle lmao giant green lizard rewrite the book sfkjdhk dad, alexis is talking to you! castle she is a young woman she is making this decision oh, paris he loves her she has nightmares still? Oof, I'm glad that she still has trauma RC: No. But it sounds like someone has. BRO

greets ppl <3 Sito is great bc that is actually where his name is emphasized.

RC: Hey ‘sito. JE: Hey. RC: Where’s Beckett? JE: How the hell should I know? ((I love him)) Aren’t you two practically living together now? RC: Ah, well, she left me alone for a couple of days so I could finish Deadly Heat, which, by the way, is both deadly and hot, thank you very much for asking. JE: I didn’t. ((completely disinterested)) RC: Right. so like is she on call but only just got off the plane? (could clip the zito interaction ig)

hate the siren audio

Love em all in sunglasses which makes sense for actors bc hats would shade their faces too much but I love my hat on sunny days.

smoke on the roof lmao crystal sky? Hippie name. esposito my beloved "gonzalez every once in a while"

My man knows she had smth going on with her dad? they spoke? ah yes prostitute ofc.

Yeah if she was killed you DO need to know the truth

the most sus part of this is how the landlord actually heeded the tenants & their complaints abt bloody water place like this has a security cam in the elevator that actually WORKS?

Ooh I want to busk my way over europe

would she have told you? well she DID stay in a plave like that bro

RC: Straight A student, no history of trouble, on a dream European vacation, turns into a hooker in a ratty hotel. There is no way I’m letting Alexis go to Costa Rica now.

are you talking about yourself becks?

remember that case with the prof who took a hundred crappy jobs for a book he was writing & becks said "we need his manuscript" & the publisher was like "ain't got one"? yeah reminding me of that.

GIRL TELL HIM

Remember s1e2? elevator times? Wrong floor? THIS REALLY IS LIKE THE GIRL IN THE WATER TANK PLAYING THE ELEVATOR GAME Stairs? & did the 80yo come back down? whipsers "it's expensive" nobody coming into her room yet she had those sounds? Cam girl?

Well could the water have washed it away? LP: Water has a great way of washing away things like trace DNA. Also dr parish a bit earlier: If she was a prostitute, she wasn’t very good at it. there’s no evidence of sexual activity.

Well he could still be doing illegal stuff even if he didn't murder "but of course I wasn't spying on her all night every night" is what I would say

laptop comp sci esposito's hair is nice I like & ryan's outfit is great wait is this going to be a plot episode with the senator & all this stuff

these two same brain uwu. Also beckett totally used to be "wow who knew I should look for evidence when I could make things up" but now she is same braining with castle & looks for evidence to support or disprove the story. & rysposito are watching caskett finish each others sentences fdkjskldjl

"she's all yours" XD

is she in trouble? for not telling your boss you are leaving? "you were supposed to be on call" Gates knows that people deserve to move on & turnover rate is real *flashforward to her hating the job in s6* don't say kill for it! You're a homicide cop! gates is so proud of beckett

Lanie my beloved also what is in her mug? She doesn't drink coffee calls it twelve-midnight

beckett pronounce your Ts depends on the opportunity! Castle & everyone else in your life! You can always decline the job say "moi" & kiss him thru the phone!!

rysposito great outfits, ellis great character really? Which ones SHUUP

BRINGS HER COFFEE DOESN'T EVEN MENTION IT JUST GIVES HER THE COFFEE I like castle in this more red outfit, beckett looks amazing. Ryan I already mentioned but again hhhh he's so good RC: which is why you need me KB: *considering leaving*

clipping the "thank you?"

my partner mitch bauer, nice, & noce how she asks him to double check for her. MB: Is she in custody? RC: Sort of. She's dead.

The way their faces look

most of them or all of them lol

RC: So without it we’re dead in the water. Much like Erika. RC+JE: Too soon

RYAN IS SO SMART-- I DIDN'T EVEN THINK ABOUT THAT, ABOUT WHERE THE CALL CAME FROM three? I thouhgt you said ONE of them popped but now u have three?

he dead the way they open the door too forcefully & ryan needs to push it open man's got a nice place tho hanging from an extrnsion cord. I like how at least this time the body is above them instead of on the ground, it gives variety to murder positions *taps ryan on the shoulder like that* like bro?? what was that? Also ryan's black suit jacket with the red squares is incredible & I love it sm

Every time, they see two lines & say not suicide but homicide ooh technically first! Why does it say ian blayock & anonymous user? I'd say "you" if Iwere a chat system KB: So this was sent by whoever killed him. He lured her out.

Esposito sittong on someone's desk way far from caskett rly the lawyer guy was doing drugs?

Most people say they would never drive drunk but then when they are tipsy they say "I'm only a little bit drunk, it won't be so bad I'll be careful" & being intoxicated, it limits their inhibitions & walls & drunk ppl always do stupid things like idk dancing on tables. Driving is just another stupid thing that you would not do while sober but you might while drunk. why didn't ryan say in the first place "friend from high school who interned but died a year later" why did he wait until beckett asked him? Ah driving in heels tho? Tru.

RC: A single car accident with no witnesses? Guys, this is a classic conspiracy cover up. Though only a lowly intern, Pam stumbles on to something the firm is doing, something big. Nefarious. She has to be silenced, only after the accident Blaylock can’t take the guilt. Or admit the truth. So his only bastion is to escape the sweet oblivion of drugs.

& I've mentioned this a million times I like ryan's vest & coat & outfit & how he has the fancy of the vest but the chill of going tie-less but also the jacket & vest MATCH I'm hiding that laptop!

Esposito looking at these two & their samebrain moment with not his "heheh these two" face but not an "ew gross these two" face it's more,,, suspicious.

INT – RESIDENTIAL HOTEL BOILER ROOM *KR pops up from the floor. It’s dark and they’re using flashlights to search the room.* KR: Man. This was Castle’s theory. How did we draw the short straw? JE: I don’t know. JE: Let me ask you something. *Turns off flashlight* You notice anything weird about Beckett? KR: What do you mean? *JE jumps on a heater unit to get closer to the ceiling* JE: Well, she’s- she’s different. *KR looks up at him* Something’s off. KR: What are you saying? Like she’s --pregnant? JE: !!?!!?!! ((love the music)) JE: What are you talking about? Where did that even come from? ((from YOU suggesting smth & ryan was wondering what you were implying. He thought you already had a theory)) KR: Well, you said she was acting different. They’re consenting adults–.. ((I mean yeah accidents happen, & non-accidents)) JE: (adamantly) Beckett is not pregnant. C’mon, man. *He goes back to running his hands along the top of the ductwork, which uses actual duct tape which is like sticky aluminum foil NOT DUCK TAPE WHICH IS BAD FOR DUCTS & NOT MEANT TO BE USED ON DUCTS* KR: What’s so wrong with being pregnant? JE: You know, I can’t even talk to you about this right now. ((about what? pregnancy? or beckett? also oh no dominoes u just got a fic idea)) KR: Okay. Well, um … try to get over it before Jenny tells you the news, okay? ((you haven't told him yet?)) *That surprises JE. KR grins.* JE: What? KR: *grins wider* JE: Are you serious? Wowwww! Congratulations, man. That’s great! KR: Thanks, brother. *There’s suddenly a happiness to their work.*

Gosh I went to write a crackfic but then got food, ate food, danced around a bit, listened to music, & scrolled on tumblr until I got to the end of my dash Which I Never Do anymore these days. & ofc wrote the crackfic. holy crap. it is now 15.00. I could have watched two castle episodes in this time if I was better at this! & if I woke up at 9 instead of 12 I would have been able to watch four! Except that I wanted to clip everything I needed to clip today.

Speaking of which, I'll clip that & then finish the ep.

Ooh they are at beckett's home oh he found the boarding pass & you didn't tell me? *implies he is upset* & then if I were him I'd say "I'm so proud of you! Let's open up the wine!" Except it is now a fight. Bro she chose not to bc y'all haven't had that talk. She didn't want to tell you bc if she didn't get the job then she wouldn't have to but then that is still hiding things in a relationship which is sus...

castle is probably going to talk to his mom

Wow s2 esposito outfit right there. Brings me back to the first time I opened up the dvd set with my family & binge watched some good content with em. "yep" she says & throws down her coat so angrily he cares abt her, he follows her to the break room, he loves her. I could clip this but I won't. I love especkett's relationship. They are so great. If caskett wasn't my otp, I'd totally ship these two. In fact I do, I just still have caskett as my otp. You know, I totally think especkett had something going on back before the series started. Even "esposito" & "ryan" said it themselves while they were "reviewing hidden camera footage" of the 2 cool for school case.

last summer? the intern? ryan weird outfit tbh, looks a little bit s3 vibes

the third? well it COULD have been fine to get into a car crash but then he staged it & now it is REALLY bad.

KR: Hey. What’s going on? Where’s Castle? JE: Don’t ask.

lawyer lady grabs a pen his face falls she looks like she knows what is going on

"& we're not in court" XD

Martha is right So Have The Talk

MR: I know you. You do not hold back. Except this thing with Katherine. It took you what, three years to tell her how you felt, another year to act on it, and now, at the first sign of trouble, you’re ready to run. Why?

ryan's hair is so short I dislike He'd get a close friend or trusted associate to hire someone

give her time to think maybe...?

she doesn't tell esposito where she is going, she doesn't tell him what her fight with castle was about, but she doesn't even tell ryan she is leaving or that there was a fight, poor esposito being left in the dark but poorer ryan

Is she at the airport rn? No way. Oh meeting her dad <3 <3 I love jim someone had better have this clip on youtube, probably that person who has all the other clips so talk You have been together for a year ish now, he took three years to tell her, another year until they got together

This job is what I want but I am afraid of losing him. Not: he is what I want but I'm afraid, unsure where I will go, so I will hide in work

CASTLE IS LETTING HER GO. HE IS... SOMETHING, SOMETHING IS HAPPENING

how they really are hhhh this was insane

this room is too dark for the mirror to be functioning she is feeling nostalgic she's saying goodbye to the room, no longer leveraging it or that, maybe she is using it KB: So the question is, how many years of your own life are you going to sacrifice for someone else’s future?

Ooh nameplates for naming characters who are unnamed! detective turner sits across from det esposito, then Ryan is back-to-back with esposito, (& the coffee on his desk is the right mug, set design my beloved) couple uniformed officers chatting, rysposito walking up to her, first names they love her, they are concerned for her, (highkey s3 rysposito outfits)

caller ID much?

THE PARK THE PARK THE SWINGSET AT THE PARK he has a nice nose but I am getting in I am finding my way in because I love you. fshdfkjsdhfjshlakfjdshfjkh I know what's going to happen but I wish I was able to have seen this episode not knowing that they were going to get engaged or married.

houghton? srs? (that ring is huge & expensive af & seems like smth beckett would wear nowadays or even on outings in s1 but she is a cop, get her a ring with an inset gem not in a prong. Smth she can actually wear. Also, with her complexion u def need gold (or warm colours) not silver (or cool colours). Maybe s2-s3 beckett could have had silver.

Ok time to clip bonus features babes! it is 15.45! Totally not late lmao!

Maybe I can watch audio commentaries while prepping veg for supper or smth...

#castle 5x24 #castle 5x24 spoilers #castle 5x24 quote #castle s5 spoilers #the elevator game episode

0 notes

hotpinkboots · 2 years ago

Text

ngl i forgot Din existed after the trauma of losing Paz like that. that was amazing and I'm mourning, in disbelief, and also in shock. this was the only REALLY GOOD episode of season 3 so far.

I'm not kidding when I say I was yelling and gasping with so many tears in my eyes rhat I couldn't see the freaking SCREEN DUDE. I knew how much I love Paz but I didn't like..REALLY know...until we lost him and I lost my shit and started bawling like a 4 year old, dude. I'm talkin literal crying in SHOCK okay

Also sorry but seeing Din getting tied like that first made me go "I KNEW THAT WAS GONNA HAPPEN OH MY GOD DIN D:" but then I was like...

"🥴" because oh. he's getting...tied up...and he's sitting there on his knees...grunting and struggling....

GROGU IN THE IG UNIT GUYS 😭 IT IS *NOT* A GOOD IDEA TO PUT YOUR BABY IN SOMETHING THAT IS TALLER AND STRONGER THAN YOU LMAOOO THE WAY HE HELD THE FRUIT THING UP AWAY FROM DIN I SNORTED

"yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes" god save Mr. Mando he's such a dad and he's so tolerant Lmfao

"...do you have food :(?" man those poor guys awh

ALSO DIN BEING LOYAL TO BO THAT WAS AMAZING IT MADE ME TEAR UP. Bo really deserves to know that people are loyal to her like that. Din is so noble and honorable I love him sm

This season has been a TOTAL FLOP so far, so at least the last two episodes will be amazing. this was the only really cool episode so far I keep audibly saying annoying crap over and over about how cool it is

DUDE I'M FUCKING CRYING RIGHT NOW I HATE THIS SHOW WHY DID YOU END IT LIKE THAT I'M GENUINELY SOBBING WHAT THE FUCK YOU GUYS NO

I'LL TALK MORE LATER I KNEW SOMETHING WAS GONNA HAPPEN I NEED TO GO HAVE A BREAKDOWN OVER HIS FICTIONAL ASS

#pinkie speakie #mando #the mandalorian #mandalorian #mandalorian s3 spoilers #din djarin #paz viszla #mandalorian s3 #the mandolarian #bo katan kryze #bo katan

15 notes · View notes

newhologram · 3 years ago

Text

One time I was venting on IG about how let down I was by doctors and the medical system, how I've been forced to live with severe pain on an almost daily basis for 9 years now (happy disabled-iversary?), how because doctors wouldn't actually investigate and intervene other than with super conservatives measures targeting the wrong issue (that did almost nothing), it contributed to my suicidality and I nearly lost my life over and over again for nearly my entire 20's. A follower messaged me saying something to the effect of, "Wow, you seem to have a lot of anger at doctors still... they're just people, it's not their fault. Maybe letting go of that anger would help you to feel better? Holding on to that isn't good." I rolled my eyes but responded politely that I'm allowed to process medical trauma and grief, to mourn the life I could've had if our medical system was better. It was extra annoying because not only had this follower constantly invalidated other LGBTQIA+ people's legitimate religious trauma too (bc they're born-again Christian and felt discriminated against)*... but this follower was from a country where they had universal healthcare. Please don't tell a disabled person from the United States that they're being "too negative" about doctors and health insurance leaving them to fend for themselves and almost killing them. *Hold up, you feel discriminated against as a Christian because religious belief systems have traumatized and killed queer people around the world? And queer people have Feelings about that? 🤦‍♂️

#ableism #disability #chronic illness #actually disabled #medical trauma #delete later #teku

30 notes · View notes

rii-ski · 2 years ago

Text

help me find my bro from omegle

I was talking to some1 on omegle and it was very goated like real talk but they disconnected and i def want to interogate them again lmfao so help me find them plz "Bro why you interrogating me" "Damn" "frfr" and "70 year old man living in a shed in ohio" can summon them lol

Stranger: Damn

You: hello !

You: huhh

Stranger: Hey

You: what happened lmao

Stranger: wdym "huhh"?

You: wdym "damn"?

Stranger: What?

You: 💀

Stranger: wdym

Stranger: ?

You: nevermind ight

You: start over ig

You: hello

Stranger: Damn

You: "damn"

Stranger: ?

Stranger: Why quote

Stranger: say it back

You: Damn

Stranger: be polite

Stranger: ty

You: ight sorry mate

You: lmao

Stranger: I'm good, how are you?

You: lmao im alright

Stranger: On here for a reason or just bored?

You: just bored

You: you?

Stranger: Drunk waiting for friends to get online

You: No wonder

You: I could expect so

Stranger: What's that supposed to mean??

You: "Damn"

You: Sorry sorry

Stranger: Maybe I lied about being drunk ever think of that

Stranger: People can lie on the internet

You: Woah

You: Thank you for telling me that information

You: Maybe u arent drunk

You: maybe ur a 70 year old man living in a shed in the middle of ohio

Stranger: I never said I wasn't

You: God

Stranger: Yeah?

You: yeah

You: This is the most interesting convo id had 💀

Stranger: No way

Stranger: as if M isn't captivating

Stranger: "M"

You: REAL

You: M is such a great conversation startger

You: starter**

You: "M" "age?" "you got snap?"

Stranger: I wonder if those people fall for the bots at all

You: I bet you some do

Stranger: Guess they wouldn't bother making bots if it doesn't work

Stranger: RIP horny bastards

You: Yes frfr

Stranger: Are you the frfr person I said "dick" to earlier? If so it was an accident I meant "sick" and I panicked and skipped

You: No I did not recieve a message of someone who said "Dick" instead of "sick"

You: that person mustve been so confused 💀

Stranger: My copy paste was "just tryna chat, nthn weird"

Stranger: Then they said "frfr"

Stranger: and I said "dick"

Stranger: sucked so bad

Stranger: RIP them

You: LMAO

You: Thats funny ngl

Stranger: so anyway you a 70 y/o man in Ohi?

Stranger: Ohio?

You: No

You: im 69 years old man livin in ohio

Stranger: Based

You: God

Stranger: I'm only half a planet away if you wanna meet up?

Stranger: lemme calc

You: Yes imma hop over

Stranger: ooooh it's just a little under 10000 miles

Stranger: Saucy

You: woah

You: super saucy

Stranger: You actually American or can I convert to non-freedom units?

You: I am not american I have no idea what is miles

You: I am asian

Stranger: 16,000 km

You: thank you for that

You: I was confused and just said "super saucy" cuz u said "saucy" 💀

Stranger: That's the appropriate response

You: Yes

You: no other response can be used

Stranger: You a native english speaker?

You: Yes I am

Stranger: I've met people who aren't and can speak better than I can, sucks so bad

You: Are you?

You: Litterally same

Stranger: Yeah I'm Australian white af

You: Alright

Stranger: It's Trauma

You: White ppl trauma

Stranger: What's that supposed to mean Hmm?

You: Nothing

You: Im innocent I swear

Stranger: You probably don't live in Asia then yeah?

You go there at all?

You: LMFAO

You: Got to say that made me laugh a bit

Stranger: Damn

You: "Damn"

You: The silence is so loud

You: What

Stranger: It's hard to qu estion

Stranger: and think

You: Yes real

You: I have nothing to say

Stranger: Yes real

You: Real

Stranger: Agree real

You: Frfr

Stranger: Dick

You: LMFAO

You: i giggled

You: I giggled hard

You: i laughed

You: i bawled

Stranger: didn't mean to make you cry soz

Stranger: I'm innocent I swear

You: u made me cry

You: now I have white people trauma/j/j

Stranger: Damn

You: Damn indeed

Stranger: wyd in free time?

You: Sleep

You: You?

Stranger: real

You: Real

Stranger: YouTube and work

Stranger: and sleep

You: Wow

You: Youtuber arc

Stranger: U watch?

You: sleep>>

Stranger: No way you said "arc" without YT or Anime

You: Yes real

You: I obv watch YT and anime

Stranger: Damn

You: Damn

You: indeed

Stranger: ""Damn""

You: GOD

Stranger: I predicted and you didn't do it

Stranger: Dissapointed

Stranger: fk mispelled

You: You failed

Stranger: Who you watch on YT?

You: Anyone captivating

Stranger: fancy

You: Ikr

You: you?

Stranger: Like reccomended surfing?

Stranger: reccomended surfing

You: yes

You: real

Stranger: any genres

Stranger: I like lawn mowing

Stranger: you seen any of that?

You: top tier content

You: is lawn mowing

Stranger: What's that supposed to mean>

Stranger: ?

You: Bro why are you interrogating me

You: i said lawn mowing is top tier content

Stranger: I don't believed you've seen it

You: Maybe I have, ever thought of that?

Stranger: gets 10M views but I'm the only one

You: rewatches 10M times

You: I helped out a bit

Stranger: Damn

Stranger: good friend

You: Ikr

You: I am best

You: I am top tier

Stranger: Bro why are you interrogating me

Stranger: sry

Stranger: " Bro why are you interrogating me"

You: Hey

You: Dont do that

Stranger: hEY

Stranger: wyd?

You: Bro

Stranger: I aint yo bro

You: alright

You: good to know

You: I am

Stranger: Wait you watch Anime?

You: watching lawn mowing videos

Stranger: which one?

You: yes i watch anime

You: anything captivating

Stranger: fancy

Stranger: saucy even

You: Yes

You: goated content

Stranger: is there goat anime?

Stranger: I havent watche din a few years

You: theres some

You: its hard to find

Stranger: only thing I've heard about is Chainsaw Man

You: yes real

You: its okay

You: its saucy

You: but not goat

Stranger: Damn

Stranger: I was hearing goat talk

You: "Damn"

You: it may be my opinion

You: but yeah Chainsaw man is Saucy x2

Stranger: Ur goat is probablt something shitty then right

You: probably

Stranger: 'Like cowboy bepod

You: yes

You: LMFAO

Stranger: Or full Mental Alchemist

You: No i dont go there

You: im not that genre

Stranger: "Anime" genre?

You: ...

Stranger: So you dont watch

You: I mean

You: I am not in THAT side of the genre

Stranger: Probably just reviewing Chainsaw Man from the YT trailer

Stranger: smh

You: No bro

You: I have watched all and waiting for more

You: I bet you havent even watched a single clip of it

You: smh.

Stranger: """""Damn"""""

You: STOP

You: I scrolled to the top this is the longest omegle talk I've had

You: real talk ig

Stranger: what ig mean i feel old

Stranger: 'specially since you 69

You: yeah

You: real

You: u are 80 arent you?

Stranger: Damn

You: Damn indeed

Stranger: frfr

You: dick

Stranger: fucked up individual

Stranger: Wanna hear something funny?

You: yes

You: let me hear it

Stranger: My copy paste used to be "Not Horny" but I got IP banned

Stranger: fml

You: God

Stranger: Now it's " Bro why are you interrogating me"

You: Yes real

You: I love that

Stranger: Whatchu thinkin?

You: nothing

You: what are YOU thinking hm?

Stranger: Last time I had a convo this long we it was a hot girl who lived close to me and we talked on Snap for a day then never again

You: Damn bro

Stranger: But i'm getting "bro" energy from you

Stranger: Yeah see

You: Oh yes

You: I am definetly the bro energy

Stranger: You workout?

You: Okay next question

Stranger: Damn

You: Damn indeed

Stranger: I'm tryna start but it suckssss

You: Yes real

Stranger: But I wanna be ripped

You: I worked out for a week then never again

Stranger: " Bro why are you interrogating me"

You: Wow.

Stranger: u

Stranger: literally

You: litterally

You: Damn.

Stranger: Anyway I'm out l8r

You: Bro

Stranger: ?

You: we did not have this much talk for you to say I'm out l8r

Stranger: false

Stranger: people lie on the internet stop lying

You: God

Stranger: like I said only hot grills get the snap sonny

Stranger: RIP

You: Gosh

You: I failed

Stranger: dont be sorry

Stranger: be better

You: I am better

Stranger: be hotter and be grillr

You: give me another social then

You: i am not a hot grill

You: i dont bbq things

Stranger: So you're

- not a hot grill

and

- not a man

Stranger: bbq is life

Stranger: no offense

You: bbq is life yes

You: ur correct

You: i am an emo kid now give me a social now

You: i have litterally no one to talk to

Stranger: well if you're a kid it's frfr not happening soz

You: okay I am an emo man

Stranger: find a youtube you like and join their discord

You: bro

You: okay

You: Anyway I'm out l8r

Stranger: real

You: real talk

Stranger: hope u find peeps, much love <3

Stranger has disconnected.

#omegle #findingsomeone

2 notes · View notes

zapsalis-d · 4 years ago

Text

Narudar: Chapter Twenty-Three — The Rise

SUMMARY: With you and Din on the slow path of healing from that debilitating battle, you're still urgently seeking a chance to escape Nevarro unscathed.

WARNINGS: Graphic depictions of wounds/injury/blood, canon-typical violence, (somewhat) flashbacks, lighter angst, slight fluff, mentions of death and near-death experiences

WORD COUNT: 9.6k

MASTERLIST >>> MAIN MASTERLIST

note: i apologize for the prolonged wait on this one! i promise this is as long as i'll ever go! 😂 i'm actually really glad i split this one from the previous chapter. also, due to its lengthiness, i'm completely certain there's a fair share of errors and mispelled words. it was definitely a pain to edit so i doubt i've gotten them all! either way, i hope you enjoy this one.

Each stride deeper into the sultry sewers were absolutely agonizing, even despite Cara directly by your side and assisting you to continue forward. Several prolonged, wearying minutes had already flown by while your team wandered aimlessly through these damned tunnels, searching for the said Mandalorian covert Din had urged you to visit. The entire place was a kriffing maze you failed to navigate, and that exasperated you to the core.

Your steps were rather slow and drawn out. Still, with each second that ticked by, you attempted to pick up the pace slightly. With one arm slung around the woman who supported you, the other clutched tightly and firmly around your torso, as if that would cause the insistent searing pain there to miraculously cease. According to Cara, all those desperate attempts to revive you had resulted in cracking a couple ribs. You had no idea that was possible, actually—it had surprised you significantly.

And there was that sealed off wound in the center of your chest. The fact that its bleeding halted didn't impede it from stinging and irritating you to no end. The IG unit's useful bacta spray had proved extremely helpful in aiding the gash to clot and begin the healing process earlier than usual, though.

Still, your mind couldn't quite comprehend the fact that you'd managed to survive a blaster bolt straight through a lethal and vulnerable spot—your chest. Sure, the armor was (thankfully) present and prevented further injury from the harsh impact the bullet caused. But it'd been so damn close to your heart—it was a miracle you were alive right now.

Not only that, but your muscles ached like the seven Corellian hells, exhaustion was beginning to overwhelm your every sense and action, and your back was unbearably sore from... well, you'd been sent soaring backwards twice, and landed harshly on your back... twice.

To add to that, everything that recently occurred to you was still perfectly present on your mind, replaying over and over again countless times, as if your brain wanted to torture you with memories you now longed to forget as soon as possible. That suffocating sensation of being utterly incapable of forming the slightest breath, your nose swamped by the metallic scent of blood, feeling the tepid liquid pool up in your throat until the only thing you tasted was, again, blood, already beginning to drown you, and being entirely helpless to act or do anything except accept the fact that you were going to suffer an abhorrent death... That was appalling.

Yet somehow... that wasn't the worst of it. It wasn't simply the gashes and trauma you'd received from that debilitating battle that was overwhelming you. No... the worst part was having no other choice than to leave Din to his own death. You were quite literally dead already, and Din was still somewhat stable and conscious. Yet you couldn't so much as save him?! Perhaps if the team hadn't focused on resuscitating you for so damn long, then they could've trained their attention on Din instead... and he could've lived.

But no. Now you needed to deal with these emotions you so desperately attempted to contain within a fragile little bottle and shove it aside, out of your sight, out of your mind. You needed to comply with the fact that you were brought back to life, compelled to watch the Mandalorian you'd admittedly grown attached to slip away into his own death, and leave him, unable to act against the situation, lacking the capability to salvage his life no matter how hard you tried .. and once again, you were entirely helpless.

And on top of all that, there was still something you were forced to handle—that you'd been a damned coward. That you couldn't even muster up the courage to voice those simple words then and there, right to Din's face—the words that could've possibly—

"We sure could use Mando's guidance right about now," Karga muttered underneath his breath, precisely loud enough for you and Cara to hear. In the bag you'd handed over to him was the Child, who was thankfully already beginning to wake from the little nap he'd taken out of sheer tiredness earlier.

"I know, which is why IG better bring him back," Cara replied. Her gaze shifted from pointlessly wandering around the tunnels, to you concentrate on your weak form instead. "You still feeling alright?"

Your chest heaved with a deep sigh, resulting in a barely audible wince at the sudden motion near your wound. "Yeah... I think so," you answered rather quietly. A beat of silence past then, when the sole sound audible were your consistent footsteps reverberating through the otherwise noiseless sewer. Then, "By the way... thank you for... all that earlier. For saving my life."

Her response was a nod. "Yeah, that wasn't easy... so, you definitely owe me one now."

Albeit weak, you managed a halfhearted chuckle at that, before another bout of quietness followed.

Then, "You know, when you were unconscious, Mando told me about how you couldn't die... because he loves you."

Your breath hitched in your throat before you swallowed a painful lump beginning to form. You weren't exactly certain whether you wanted to hear that now or not... Either way, that earned a ghost of a smile starting to linger on your chapped lips. "He did..?"

"Mhm, and I knew it for a long time, too. He's just stupid and stubborn."

If it were your old self, before all this occurred, you likely would've laughed and agreed along with her correct statement. But instead you felt the impulse to to say something... a whisper, nearly silent, yet still there—"I also loved him..."

That earned a completely unexpected scoff from the woman. You peered over to focus on her face, noticing her expression read nothing other then come on, really?. "What is it with you guys confessing that to me? Is it that difficult to say it right in front of each other's faces?"

"It's because they're both stupid and stubborn," Karga joined in, his shoulders vibrating with soft laughter.

"I'm glad you're finding amusement in this," you replied with a brief roll of your eyes. Despite your heavy emotions, you managed a bout of soft laughter.

Cara, shaking her head, answered with, "Well, Mando and IG-11 should be catching up with us soon enough. By then, I should be hearing a couple I love you's from you guys... just as long as you don't start up a gross make-out session while you do."

You managed another chuckle, despite the ache that brought to the gash in the middle of your chest. Cara was simply attempting to cheer you up and distract you from everything going on, of course... divert your overly pensive thoughts from the fact that you may or may not ever see Din again. That you had refused to take advantage of the opportunity to voice your own I love you in front of him. That you'd probably never have the chance to do so again...

What if... what if he were suffering right now? What if in this very moment he was slowly burning to his death, in agony due to the intense heat overwhelming him, enduring a long, grueling, hellish death he didn't deserve. Or what if he were already dead..? What if he'd already passed away? There was an agonizingly empty pit in your stomach, a particular ache in your chest that you doubted was an effect of your wound, and—

Oh. Speak of the devil...

The approaching footsteps from behind had alarmed everyone. But when your group cautiously turned, spotting Din alongside IG-11 rounding a corner, you couldn't help but smile. Smiled despite the immense pain and agony you were under, because you could finally sigh a breath of relief now knowing your Mandalorian was alright. He was alive. You imagined this must've been how he felt when you'd been revived minutes previously.

The poor man, much like you, could barely walk and required the back-up of someone to aid him forward. Luckily, IG-11 was right by his side and aiding him forward as well. Even with the droid besides him, though, Din's steps were short, slow, and slightly dragged along the flooring of the sewers. He no longer carried the usual stance you'd grown accustomed to seeing—instead, his shoulders were visibly slumped, head hanging low likely due to the exhaustion he was under as well.

Your immediate desire was to bring him into an embrace, but... that probably wasn't a such a great idea at the moment. Two injured people wouldn't be capable of keeping each other upright... So, you'd both evidently collapse to the ground attempting to hug each other.

Cara and Karga would definitely find humor in watching that occur, though.

But there was absolutely no time to greet each other, or for hugs, or whatever... you needed to continue forward, until you located the Mandalorian covert. That was the top-priority—find the hidden Mandalorians so they could lead your group to safety. At least now, Din could possibly guide you guys through the tunnel, if he wasn't still excessively disoriented by his concussion.

* * *

"Can we take a short break?"

Your question rung out through the empty sewers, interrupting the prolonged moments of silence as your group wandered aimlessly through the dark tunnels.

The humidity was absolutely killing you here. If the surface had supposedly been excessively warm for your liking, being entrapped in these underground sewers wasn't exactly helpful either. Plus, there was barely sufficient lighting provided for enough illumination through these never-ending paths. Even a person who didn't suffer from claustrophobia would definitely begin feeling a bit claustrophobic themselves.

Not only that, but you were absolutely worn-out from everything. A break would do you some good.

"We need to keep going," Cara replied, her arm still slung around you to support your debitated figure. "We can't risk the Imps catching up. I'm sure they're already searching these sewers for us."

"It's fine," Din voiced. With each passing second, you noticed he was seemingly improving already. "We can manage a five minute break."

With a reluctant sigh, Cara complied. The group halted their tracks for a well-deserved rest. Cara assisted you, positioning you down in the ground with your aching back propped up against a wall behind you. Then, she'd swiftly stepped away to discuss something with the crew.

You called for the Guild magistrate's attention, then. He turned, sack still in his arms as he stared towards your direction once he'd heard his name. Then, you outstretched a hand. "Can I see the kid?"

The man nodded, uttering a quick "of course" before stepping towards you and settling the bag containing the Child in your lap, before returning to the team again. For some unknown reason, they were all huddled together, exchanging various unintelligible words between each other. Admittedly, their hushed voices made you suspect something was going on with their strange actions, but... you decided to shove that aside, because you had the Child now! You missed him so krfiffing much.

The green baby, already wide-awake, perked his ears upon catching sight of you. He flashed those baby teeth at you, earning a soft grin from your own lips. "I'm sorry, ad'ika... I broke my promise, didn't I?" A coo was the response you received, followed by multiple gurgles—as if he were actually attempting to speak with you. You chuckled softly, before releasing a short sigh.

"Well, I wish I could say I promise it won't happen again, but... I think we both know that's not possible—especially after all this happened... But don't worry. When we get back to the ship and rest for a while, I'll play all the games you want and... if we convince Din, we can drop by Nata and buy those sweets you wanted so badly back then, remember?" You laughed at the memory. "Sound good?"

He giggled. Aww... you missed that adorable little giggle.

Something else caught your attention, though. Out of all those hushes and whispers nearby, IG-11's mechanical voice popped out loud and clear—"I am afraid I am not quite understanding the situation here. Why are you attempting to convince the Mandalo—"

"Shut. Up. Droid!"

After Cara had shut the droid up, you attempted to listen in, because... well, you were curious now. Seemed like they didn't want you to hear something— you had no clue. And you couldn't quite interpret their words through their lips either... you'd never learned how. But now you were beginning to wish you'd acquired that skill in the past.

Cara and Karga were specifically speaking to the Mandalorian—according to the droid, attempting to coax him into doing something without much luck, which was unfortunate for them. They seemed downright determined into convincing him, though. Din, with his back turned against you, had his arm crossed in what seemed like a stubborn, I'm-not-budging-from-here manner. Apparently, he was now fully capable of standing on his own without the assistance of IG-11, who stood idly and even seemed somewhat confused as he watched the scenario fold out.

Even through their barely audible voices, you managed to pick out a few particular words. First, was Din—"I'm not—"

"Will you quit—" Karga was next. You couldn't quite hear the following words, either. Then, Din had received a shove from the Guild magistrate, resulting in his somewhat unstable body to stumble back a few abrupt steps, towards your direction. "Go!" was the next whisper-shout from the man.

When Din was beginning to turn around, you returned your attention to the Child again, attempting your very best to pretend you hadn't seen... whatever the hell that was.

A few seconds later, Din settled himself down besides you. Your eyes caught the rest of the team as they sorta... scattered? They were acting extremely suspicious. But now with Din next to you, your mind wandered someplace else instead—for instance, how sorta tense things were between you... You weren't quite certain how to feel in this very moment. It was kinda embarrassing and awkward after that rather emotional moment back then, when you both initially believed you'd never see each other again.

It was painfully silent then. Din hadn't uttered a single word, so you released a barely audible sigh and finally decided to speak up. "You feeling better now?"

"Sorta," he replied. "I can walk, at least... You?"

"I think I can walk but haven't tried yet... but, uh, these fractured ribs are killing me." A free hand wrapped around your torso again, as if that would provide any alleviation to the pestering ache there. The other arm remained taut around the sack containing the Child, who seemed pleased to be able to spend some time with you and Din now.

He stared at you for a split second, helmet inclined to the right. Then, "Nothing a couple bacta treatments won't fix."

You pressed your lips into a thin line, nodding in agreement.

Then there was a silence... again. A terribly uncomfortable silence that made you want to do nothing other than sink yourself deep into the floor this instant.

So, you opted to cut right to something that was tugging painfully at your chest—"I'm sorry for leaving you."

"No. You did what had to be done." His voice was gentle and quiet even through the voice modulator. Somehow, his words were reassuring you without you even realizing. "I told you to leave. You don't need to apologize for that." There was another short bout of quietness that followed, before this time he spoke up again. "...what happened out there? I couldn't see, I... was unconscious."

The thought of what you'd done pained you to no end. The way you'd utilized those ancient powers, solely because you were angry—exactly why your master had warned you in the first place. You feared that if that occurred again, you wouldn't be capable of controlling your actions, that you'd fall into the darkness... and that was the last thing you wanted to do. Especially not now, not near the Child, not near Din. They didn't deserve to see how terrifying that could be.

"I used the Force," you finally answered after a moments of hesitation.

He didn't respond for a moment, likely taking in the information. He obviously didn't have much knowledge on that matter. And the last time you'd provided him with a bit of information on your using the Force was back on Arvala, when you'd explained why you , as a former Jedi, refrained from doing so.

"I thought you'd stopped using it."

"I did. I hadn't used for... for over 20 years, I think. But when I saw you laying there on the ground without moving, and the troopers wouldn't stop shooting at Karga and Cara trying to get you out of there... I couldn't control myself. I killed so many troopers. I was so angry, I scared even myself... I froze in my spot, and next thing I know one of the stormtroopers shoots me straight in the chest with the E-Web."

"You didn't have to do that," he quickly answered, a certain anger audible in his tone. Though you suspected the anger wasn't directed towards you, instead towards him. He was undoubtedly blaming himself for what occurred to you. "You could've died, and it would've been my fau—"

"No, I had to do it. Or else you would've died, and I couldn't allow that... Y-you're important to me, Din. I couldn't let you die, and I couldn't leave you, I... Din, I—"

Your words were interfered with when he'd pulled out a particular lightsaber into the open—your lightsaber, of course. Apparently, it'd been hooked to his belt the entire time yet you'd failed to even notice it. You recognized the familiar hilt held freely in his gloved palm, and it was actually rather relieving to see. It somewhat brought some comfort, but...

"I found it in the rubble, about to be set on fire."

...were you really worthy of this weapon after everything you'd done?

You were about to speak, until IG-11 decided to interfere. "I believe it is best we continue before the Moff catches up with us." That earned a couple of frustrated groans from Cara and Karga who still stood a few feet away. The group approached you, and IG outstretched his metal claws to grab onto the bag on your lap. "I will take the Child for now."

You nodded, allowing the droid to take the bag. Then, your attention returned to the lightsaber still in Din's grasp. There was a split second of hesitation, but you ended up snatching it and attaching it to your waist anyway. "Thanks for bringing it back."

With a nod, Din stood onto his feet, outstretched a hand towards your direction. You clasped your hand onto his own gloved one, pulling yourself upright with his assistance, despite the pain that coursed through your torso again. You winced, a grimace present on your features, but managed to remain on your feet.

"Can you stand alright?" Din asked. You thought so, but tested it out before-hand. You exchanged your weight between both feet, double and triple-checking for any signs of weakness, light-headedness, anything.

But you found you were somewhat okay. "Yeah. I can stand now."

Upon hearing your response, he released his hold on your hand. As your fingers slipped away from each others, you found yourself seeking the warmth of his hand again, but... you weren't quite certain whether that would be appropriate right now. It was rather confusing as to where you and Din were at—you definitely hadn't solved out your issues quite yet, but you also weren't arguing like previously...

Still, you wanted to hold his hand... Was that too much to ask for?

You simply weren't sure whether he'd allow that or not. So, instead you shook the thoughts out of your head. Then, as you gazed into the visor staring down at you, you spoke up, "Do you by any chance know which way to go?"

"No, I don't know these tunnels," he explained, stepping away as he lifted a finger to the side of his helmet, switching on a miniature flashlight that provided plenty more visibility in the darkness of these sewers. "I've only entered from the bazaar."

"Well—" Karga stepped in alongside IG and Cara. "—if we get the smell of sulfur, and we follow it, it'll leas us to the plains where the river flows."

Din denied the idea with a shake of his head. "And the Imps will catch us before we make it to the ship. We need the Mandalorians to escort us to safety."

"Ugh." Cara's eyes darted around the tunnels, searching for a sign of some alternative exit. She crossed her arms over her chest. Then, "This place is a maze..."

"I'll try to find tracks," Din stated. When he raised another finger to the beskar covering his head again, you assumed he'd activated the heat-seeking setting which would undoubtedly make locating this covert easier. For a split second, his visor trailed along the grimy flooring of the sewers, slowly and carefully so as to not miss the slightest sign. Then, he pointed a finger towards a specific point in the distance and followed it. "We're close."

The rest of the group trailed close behind the Mandalorian as he took the lead. At least now, you weren't in excessive pain. The wound was actually feeling much better, thanks to the bacta spray IG-11 supplied you with. Your ribs, though... well, that didn't change. And you doubted it'd change anytime soon. These sort of injuries definitely took prolonged amounts of time to completely heal, much to your dismay.

Surprisingly, you guys were already in near proximity to the cover. A couple corners rounded, and you'd arrived, according to Din. The eery silence was overwhelming you, though... and not just that but it was also so damn dull, dark, and lifeless. While you'd never visited this Mandalorian covert (or any of their coverts for that matter), you had a feeling they weren't originally this... dead.

And dead, literally. Because there was a substantially large pile of beskar armor, which presumably belonged to Mandalorians in the past, who'd quite possibly... passed away. Various helmets and pieces of armor were all cluttered together on the dusty flooring of the covert, most of them damaged, destroyed, unable to be utilized ever again. An awful pit in your stomach developed at the mere thought of what abhorrent difficulties these particular Mandalorians must've endured for this indestructible steel to crack and dent like that.

Your eyes ended up wandering towards Din instead. You could tell by the way he held his shoulders now, and the heavy heaves of his breath as he attempted to contain himself, that his blood was absolutely boiling within him. But altogether, his head hung slightly lower than usual, indicating the despair he was feeling in this very moment.

As he approached the mound, he switched the flashlight feature off from his helmet. Slowly, he crouched, before carefully taking one of the helmets in his gloved hands. He seemed... mournful, as he stared down into the empty visor in his grasp. The aching be must've felt deep within his chest, pushing painfully down in him, was unfathomable... What if he recognized that helmet? What if that specific person had been one of his closest friends? What if he could recognize every single helmet in that stack of beskar?

You recognized those feelings completely well. It left you feeling sick. Finding out that the entirety of the Jedi Order had been wiped out during Order 66... that destroyed you. Even though you hadn't interacted with your fellow Jedi acquaintances in ages, it absolutely broke you, and you remained in a nasty pit of utter unhappiness and anguish for what felt like an eternity.

Only, you figured Din had it worse, because at least you were able to say your final goodbyes. At least you knew that you'd quite possibly never see the people you'd grown attached to again. But Din? You highly doubted he knew what he was doing back then. He didn't have the knowledge of what could possibly occur—whether he'd see the Mandalorians again or not. And now here he was, staring down at the literal remnants of his past companions right in front of his eyes.

You allowed him a brief moment for himself, before taking hesitant steps towards him and placing a palm on his pauldron. "I'm really sorry, Din..."

"Go and take the ship," he suggested, evidently attempting to conceal his emotions. "I can't leave it this way."

You shook your head in response—a noiseless refusal. You definitely weren't going to leave him a second time today. So, you remained silent, in hopes of him having the chance to think this decision thoroughly, instead of making a quick and haste one. You stepped back. And for what seemed like an eternity, Din stared into that dark, emotionless visor without uttering a single word. Then, he craned his neck around and faced Greef Karga who stood a few feet away. "Did you know about this? Is this the work of your bounty hunters?"

"No. When you left the system and took the prize, the fighting ended and the hunters just melted away. You know how it is." Karga paused for a moment. You watched as Din's grip gradually tightened onto the sides of the helmet in his hands, proving the fury he was beginning to fail to prevent from breaking out. "They're mercenaries! They're not zealots."

Din whirled around, menacingly approaching the magistrate as he lifted a finger pointedly at his chest. You'd never seen so much rage radiate from him before. And the worst part was, you also recognized exactly how he was feeling—unable to contain that anger from lashing out... It sent an unpleasant shiver down your spine.

"Did you do this?!" The Mandalorian growled, his wrath dominated his every action. "Did you?!"

"No!"

"Stop!"

The distinctly feminine voice caught you off-guard, breaking off the fight on the verge of commencing. You'd nearly jumped out of your skin when you saw a figure emerge from a separate entrance, which seemingly led deeper into the covert. The stranger, now that you realized, was another Mandalorian. Her style was rather distinct in comparison to Din's, actually. There were also additional details on her helmet—golden instead of silver, differently shaped visor, a couple pairs of horns on the very top. The beskar plating her chest was painted a brownish-red color, and a nice coat of fur hung down her back, barely reaching her mid-back.

Well, at least there was still one more remaining... perhaps the rest were simply hiding?

"It was not his fault," the female Mandalorian continued, stepping towards the pile of armor on the ground along with a hovercart. "We revealed ourselves. We knew what could happen if we left the covert..." She outstretched a gloved hand, pulling out a piece of armor from the stack—a cuirass, you recognized. She set it down on her hovercart, before returning to probe around for other specific pieces. "The Imperials arrived shortly thereafter. This is what resulted."

Din was the first to speak up. "Did any survive?"

"I hope so," she replied while simultaneously inspecting the cart besides her. "Some may have escaped off-world."

Din paused for a quick moment, seemingly weighing out his options. Then, "Come with us."

"No. I will not abandon this place until I have salvaged what remains." Her answer was determined, which likely meant she wouldn't budge from this place anytime soon. She grabbed another helmet from the mound, placing it into her cart as well and adding it to the armor she'd collected.

While she pushed her full hovercart along with her, everyone else followed her into a separate room. A sudden heat prickled your skin as you entered. Your eyes darted everywhere among the unfamiliar scenario, before ultimately landing on what seemed to be a forge in the middle of it all. As you caught up with Din who had advanced a few paces ahead of you, you whispered, "Who is she?"

"The armorer," he informed as your group stepped further inside. "She forges our beskar into armor."

The golden Mandalorian ahead was already beginning to melt down a couple pieces of armor into the smoldering fire with a pair of tools in her hands. As she worked on placing the scraps of steal within it, she spoke up, "Show me the one who's safety deemed such destruction."

Everyone's eyes landed on IG-11, who still carried the bag within his grasp. "This is the one," Din replied, gesturing towards the Child positioned snugly within the brown sack.

"This is the one that you hunted, then saved?"

"Yes. The one that saved me as well."

"From the Mudhorn? It was them?" The Armorer inquired, a slight disbelief audible in her modulated voice. You couldn't blame her. When she heard the confirmation from Din, she continued, "But it looks helpless!"

As the Child listened into the conversation, he released a couple soft prattles every now and then.

"It's injured, but it's not helpless," Din explained. "Its species can move objects with its mind."

"I know of such things... The songs of eons past tell of battles between Mandalore the Great—" she paused for a brief second as she continued working on the pieces of metal sizzling in the burner. "—and an order of sorcerers called Jedi that fought with such powers."

Din undoubtedly recognized parts of the Jedi thing, as you'd informed him in the past. Still, there was a question that was circling around both your brains for a while now—"What is it, then?"

"It is a foundling," she responded to Din's question, all the while stepping away from the forge now that she'd finished up there. She approached what seemed like a closet, and opened it up, revealing unidentifiable objects within it. Then, "By Creed, it is in your care."

Din raised a finger towards the baby a few feet away. "You want me to train this thing?"

You nearly scoffed. This thing? Well, this thing also happens to be the baby you've been treating as your own son for the past few months...

"It is too weak. It would die. You have no choice. You must reunite it with its own kind."

That... there may be a problem with that. There weren't any Jedi yet. There was you, but... you weren't exactly a Jedi. Plus, you were in no position to so much as train him.

"Where?"

"This, you must determine."

"I'm sorry, I don't think you understand," you finally spoke up. "The Jedi are dead. There isn't a single one remaining in this galaxy."

"That you know of."

You cocked a brow. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Just as the Mandalorians from this very covert were forced off-world to conceal themselves, a Jedi or two could very well be hiding somewhere amongst the galaxy. I'm certain that, with help, you'll be able to locate one."

Well... you actually hadn't thought of that. It seemed quite plausible now that you thought of it, actually.

"So, you expect me to search the galaxy for the home of this creature and deliver it to a race of enemy sorcerers?"

Din's question had caused the Armorer to divert her focus from her work, towards him instead. Then, "This is the Way."

"Hey," Cara called out for the group's attention while the Armorer hammered on a scrap of beskar. "These tunnels will be lousy with Imps in a matter of minutes. We should at least discuss an escape plan."

"If you follow the descending tunnel, it will lead you to the underground river. It flows downstream towards the lava flats," the Armorer suggested.

"That's perfect," you answered. "We need to go now or else we'll be facing a ton more troopers pretty soon. I'm sure they know where the covert is."

"I'm staying," Din stated, earning a really? look from you. "I need to help her and I need to heal."

"You must go," the golden Mandalorian urged. "A foundling is in your care. By Creed, until it is of age or reunited with its own kind, you are as its father."

Oh, damn... That's actually a pretty big responsibility.

Din shared a quick glance with the baby, who only cooed in response to him, his long ears all perked up as if he understood what the Armorer said.

"This is the Way," the Armorer repeated. She shifted her attention from what she was working on, to Din instead. "You have earned your signet." As she stepped towards him with various tools in her grasps, Din allowed her to adjust the paulsrob on his right shoulder. Within a few seconds, she'd welded what you assumed was his brand-new signet on the steel.

"You are a clan of two," she voiced, only pausing when her dark visor moved to focus on you. "Three, perhaps. If that is what you'd like."

Um... was that some sort of invitation?

This was funny to you, actually. Just as Din was utterly clueless about the Jedi, you were equally as clueless as him when it came to Mandalorians.

Din didn't speak about the clan matter, though. Instead, he stared down towards his shoulder, examining the new design—a silver Mudhorn embellishing the beskar. "Thank you. I will wear this with honor."

You liked it, actually. Nice little upgrade.

Before anybody else could speak, a muffled explosion in the distance startled everyone in the room. You grimaced, shifting your weight uneasily on your feet. It was time to leave, for everyone's safety. Who knows how many stormtroopers were out searching for you guys. You could very well be outnumbered once again—and you definitely didn't want to undergo another battle such as the previous one.

"We should go," Karga voiced your exact thoughts.

The Armorer stepped away for a second, seemingly probing around for one specific object in the room while simultaneously speaking to IG-11. "IG, please guard the outer hallway. A scouting party draws near."

"Will do." The droid's thin head focused on you as he drew nearer, and outstretched the sack containing the Child towards you. "Take care of the Child, please."

You nodded, immediately welcoming the bag into your arms, feeling content at having the baby close to you again. You offered him a small smile, and he returned it in response. All the while, the IG unit walked off and exit the room, headed towards the outer hallway the Armorer had ordered him to protect.

"I have one more gift for your journey," the Armorer continued, her statement directed towards Din. "Have you trained in the Rising Phoenix."

Din bobbed his head in approval. "When I was a boy, yes."

"Then—" she brought out what seemed like a... jetpack, out into the open and presented it in front of Din. "—this will make you complete."

Well, it's about time. You recalled when you'd initially partnered with Din, he'd stated how much he'd wanted a jetpack of his own, just as many other Mandalorians owned one. Definitely a useful addition to his equipment. Perhaps one day he'd even allow you to use it..? There certainly was no shame in asking.

"Thank you." Din must've been smiling underneath that visor of his as he stared at his new gear—first he'd earned his signet, and now his much-deserved jetpack! Maybe today wasn't such a bad day after all... well, besides the near-death experiences.

The Armorer continued her explanation. "When you have healed, you will begin your drills. Until you know it, it will not listen to your commands."

"I understand."

The sound of dangerously near blaster fire snatched everyone's attention. Red streaks were visible just outside the exit of the forge room. Your hand found itself involuntarily sliding down towards your holster, and upon realizing it lacked the usual weapon, your fingers snaked around the hilt of your lightsaber instead. Yet the painful memory of what occurred previously still nicked at the back of your mind.

Then, a terrible silence subdued the ambience. Seconds later, the robotic figure of IG-11 appeared by the entrance, his mechanical claws holding a couple of blasters within them. "You are protected," came his emotionless voice.

You kriffing loved that droid.

"More will come. You must go," the Armorer urged again. Din, though, denied this idea once more.

"Come with us."

"My place is here. Restock your munitions," she gestured towards a box a few feet away.

Finally giving in and accepting the fact that the Armorer was downright determined to remain here, he nodded and stepped away to resupply himself of the equipment he was lacking since the fight earlier.

"IG, carry this for Din Djarin until he is well enough to wear it," the female Mandalorian handed the silver jetpack towards the droid, who took it into his own grasps. "Now, go! Down to the riger and across the plains. Be safe on your journey."

There was a split second of eye contact between you and the Armorer. You nodded in acknowledgement, before soon after trailing off behind the rest of your group who'd listened to her urgent commands already. Behind you, you heard a quick "thank you" from Din again, before you felt his presence right behind you short after.

* * *

"This is the lava river," Karga stated once you'd finally came upon said river.

You'd complained about how warm it previously was in the tunnels, but honestly? The tunnels felt chilly in comparison to here. The steaming lava bubbled up and radiated such intense heat, that you were already beginning to feel the beads of salty sweat form on the sides of your forehead. It was unbearably hot here, but at least all this would be over soon enough. Up ahead, was a ferry boat, equipped with an astromech within it. The droid didn't seem to be fully functional, though... Well, it didn't seem functional whatsoever.

"The ferry droid is fried," Din noted, voicing your precise thoughts.

"Yeah, but if we push the boat out, we can get it to float downstream," Karga suggested, taking a step towards the boat. "Come on."

"Looks old." Din approached the vehicle as well. "Will it take the heat?"

"You got a better idea?"

The Mandalorian paused, seemingly calculating his other options. Then, "Guess not."

They grunted as they put in their utmost effort to shove the boat away. The damned thing wouldn't budge an inch, seemingly glued to the wall besides it. You recognized that with how weak Din was undoubtedly feeling right now, they wouldn't be capable of moving that boat. You would've offered some assistance, but with your own debilitated state and painfully broken ribcage, you definitely weren't going to even attempt that. Instead, you shared a glance with the Child in the bag you carried, who merely switched his attention from the men, and back to you multiple times. You only shrugged your shoulders as you returned to watching Din and Karga.

Eventually, though, Din gave in and kicked the vehicle with the immense frustration he was under. "Come on!" Karga shouted. "What're you doing?!"

Din stepped away, and grabbed what seemed like a random pole positioned against a nearby wall. Rather convenient, actually. "Let's try this," Din suggested, giving it another attempt with the stick. No amounts of effort or strength would peel the boat away from the wall, much to everybody's dismay.

"You guys mind stepping out of the way?"

"Oh!" Karga nearly jumped out of his skin when Cara, dangerously close to the man, began firing towards the barrier with her automatic.

And, surprisingly enough, that did the trick. How come that didn't work back at the cantina, when you were in dire need of an escape?

Only then was everyone allowed to board the boat. "Watch your feet," IG-11 warned. "It's molten lava."

"Oh?" You cocked a brow towards the IG unit's direction, carefully stepping inside the vehicle. "I didn't know. Thanks for telling me, though."

As soon as everyone had boarded the boat, it started moving along with the natural flow of the lava. Which was great, because you had no clue what your following actions would be if you needed to somehow row yourselves forward.

You stared down towards the unbearably heated molten lava below, watching as it occasionally bubbled up and burst from its bubble. This was actually beginning to cause a certain anxiety to overwhelm your emotions. Who knew how old this thing was, and how long it'd be capable of remaining functional over the lava without melting from the intense heat? You sure as hell hoped the damned thing wouldn't decide it wasn't lava-proof anymore and start liquefying, leading to your entire crew's death.

A series of beeping and whirring was what had snatched you out of those thoughts. Everyone whirled around suddenly, catching sight of the supposedly dysfunctional astromech droid. Din was the first and only one to reveal his blaster, pointing it towards the droid as it came to life. Its head swung around, examining its guests as well as its surroundings. Apparently, this one had limbs... and it stood tall. Even taller than anyone else on the boat. Its mechanical hands grasped tightly onto a stick, presumably utilized to row the boat towards its designated direction.

Your eyes landed on the IG unit besides you. "Does anyone happen to speak droid here?"

"I believe he is asking where we would like to go," IG explained.

"Down river," Karga replied. "To the lava flat."

The astromech chirped in its binary language, presumably meaning his approved of your commands. His long arms gripped tightly around the stick, bringing it out and sinking it down into the lava. It sizzled and sputtered along the way, though whatever kind of material it was created by prevented it from melting. So, as the droid continued rowing the vehicle downstream, you were already beginning to catch a glimpse of daylight—an opening up ahead, meaning the exit was thankfully nearby.

"That's it!" Karga gestured towards the source of light just up ahead. "We're free."

Finally. You couldn't contain the alleviated smile on your lips, feeling that sense of relief wash over you like a tidal wave—

"No. No, we're not. Stormtroopers. They're flanking the mouth of the tunnel. It looks like an entire platoon. They must know we're coming."

—only for it to be ruined by Din.

Damn it. "Stop the boat," you commanded the astromech, strict urgency audible in your voice.

The droid, though, continued with its insistent rowing.

"Hey, droid, stop the boat!" Cara joined in.

It continued, almost as if it were... ignoring you.

You growled. A mere five seconds with this droid and it was already beginning to test your patience. Now you were starting to understand the hatred Din had for these mechanical beings. If only you had a weapon—not your lightsaber, definitely not that—maybe your blaster... oh, you missed your blaster—

Welp. There went the droid—its head blasted off by none other than the Alderaanian woman besides you. You allowed a smirk sneaking onto your lips—a silent thank you for doing what was deemed urgently necessary.

Nevertheless, the boat continued forward.

"We're still moving..." Karga noted, unease perfectly visible on his expression.

"Looks like we fight," Cara stated, already beginning to prepare her weapons.

Din shook his head. "There are too many."

"Then, what do you suggest? 'Cause I can't surrender."

You nodded in agreement with Cara. "Yeah, me either. I just spent hours trapped in a sewer. I'm not about to be trapped by some Imps again. There's gotta be another way out."

The IG unit poked in, his mechanical voice a stark contrast from the rest. "They will not be satisfied with anything less than the Child... This is unacceptable. I will eliminate the enemy and you will escape."

Immediately, Din denied that idea. "You don't have that kind of firepower, pal. You wouldn't even get to daylight."

"That is not my objective."

"We're getting close. Saddle up!" Cara spoke up, reminding you of how dangerously near the boat was to approaching the opening ahead.

IG-11, though, continued insistently with his plans. "I still have the security protocols from my manufacturer. If my designs are compromised, I must self-destruct."

Your brows furrowed with evident confusion. "Droid, what do you mean?"

"I am not permitted to be captured. I must be destroyed."

Karga didn't allow you to dwell on the droid's statement—"Are we gonna keep talking, or get out of here?!"

"I can no longer carry this for you." The droid set the jetpack in his metal grasp down onto the boat's flooring. Then, he straightened up. "Nor can I watch over the Child."

"Wait," Din halted him before he could continue any further with his crazy ideas. "You can't self-destruct. Your base command is to watch the Child. That supersedes your manufacturer's protocol, right? Right?"

Well, if you weren't mistaken... it seemed Din was already beginning to grow attached to the IG unit. And he had reason to do so, actually. After all, the droid proved quite useful in the kitchen and whipped up a couple delicious meals back on the Crest, as well as a wonderful nurse and babysitter for the baby... Oh, and not to mention he literally saved you and Din from dying.

"This is correct."

"Good. Now, grab a blaster and help us shoot our way out." Din slipped his own blaster from his holster, preparing it for the inevitable fight in the very near future. His visor focused on the rapidly nearing opening in the distance.

"Victory through combat is impossible. We will be captured. The Child will be lost. Sadly, there is no scenario where the Child is saved, in which I survive."

Din whirled around to face the droid again. "Listen, you're not going anywhere. We need you... Let's just come up with a—"

"Please tell me the Child will be safe in your care. If you do so, I can default to my secondary command."

"No, IG..." you shook your head. "You'll be destroyed."

"And you will live, and I will have survived my purpose."

Din's visor trailed down, fixating on no specific point. "No... We need you."

"There is nothing to be sad about. I have never been alive."

His gaze returned to the droid. "I'm not... sad."

"Yes, you are. I'm a nurse droid. I've analyzed your voice."

You nudged the Mandalorian with your shoulder. "Yeah, I think... I think you just may be a bit sad."

Din couldn't will himself to reply to your slight joke, instead watching as the droid stroked one of the baby's long ears, before ultimately stepping off the boat and into the sizzling red lava below him. The magma hissed and sputtered with each dragged-out step the droid took forward. Karga had even called out for him, yet the IG paid no attention to his words. He continued on, despite his metal legs already beginning to gradually burn and melt—he was downright determined to salvage the Child.

And all you could manage to do was watch.

The droid had reached a point in the distance in which you couldn't quite perceive his figure very clearly. As he exited the tunnels and stepped out into the openness, now vulnerable to countless stormtroopers waiting for your team, you'd heard his robotic voice ring out and reverberate through the hot sewers. Those words were unintelligible, though. And in a few short seconds, an abrupt explosion erupted, undoubtedly destroying him in the process.

The coercion sent a wave of lava backwards and headed straight towards your direction, though luckily it didn't strike anyone along the way. Instead, the boat lifted itself along with the wave, before then beginning to further approaching the exit. The light of day slowly became more visible as it progressed through the river. You could already smell the repulsing scent of burnt human flesh, ash, and smoke.

IG-11, even though he wasn't exactly alive in the first place, was... dead.

Damn. And you were just beginning to take a liking to the droid.

Whatever time you had to dwell on your fellow companion's death was quickly interfered by the all too familiarly obnoxious sound of a TIE-fighter approaching in the distance—the exact vessel that had landed back near the cantina... Which indicated that the person controlling the TIE was none other than kriffing Moff Gideon.

You released a frustrated breath as you set the bag in your hands down, preparing yourself for another grueling, long battle. It seemed as if these obstacles were never-ending—it was difficulty after difficulty after difficulty. This had better be the final one...

Everyone was already beginning to urgently shoot towards the imminently advancing fighter, yet the vessel's thick metal walls encasing the man within it were much too strong and durable for mere blaster bolts to penetrate it. Nevertheless, the insistent firing continued. Since a blaster was way out of your reach, you found yourself nervously gripping onto the hilt of your lightsaber, much too reluctant to bring it out even if it were needed in this particular scenario.

"Our blasters are useless against him!" Cara voiced after the shooting gradually died down.

"Let's make the baby do the magic hand thing," Karga suggested, lifting a hand and sending a short wave towards the Child's direction. "Come on, baby! Do the magic hand thing."

Even despite your dire situation, you found yourself chuckling at the baby who merely imitated the magistrate's act, followed by a couple clueless coos.

Karga released a sigh. Then, "I'm out of ideas..."

"Well, I'm not." You snatched the silver jetpack leaning against the boat's wall, and outstretched it towards Din's direction with a familiar smirk plastered all over your tired face. "I know you're supposed to heal and train first, but..."

"It's our only choice," he acknowledged, before quickly accepted it into his gloved hands and attaching it to his back. Well, at least for once he was listening to one of your suggestions...

"Here he comes!" Cara shouted, alerting everyone of the TIE-fighter's dangerously close proximity.

Firing commenced yet again, as if those actions would do anything to prevent the vessel from approaching any further. It was advancing at increasingly high speeds, and much to your dismay, headed straight for your vulnerable little boat still roaming through the lava river. Bracing yourself, you found yourself ducking down to shield the Child from possible threats. Seconds later, the ear-splitting sounds of the fighter shooting filled your ears, causing the hairs at the nape of your neck to prick upon feeling how dangerously near those bullets were. Streaks of green flashed before your eyes, causing you to instinctively pull the Child closer to you. A violent breeze then brushed by you, undoubtedly emanating from the TIE-fighter rushing and zooming by at such a rapid momentum.

And when you rose upright, straightening your back, turned around, Din was gone. As you craned your head upwards, you caught sight of the beskar-clad figure ascending into the air, along with his activated jetpack working perfectly well.

You couldn't quite perceive what was occurring very well, yet you managed to pick out the best you could. As the TIE-fighter soared through the air, Din had successfully hooked himself onto the vessel. Soon after realizing the Mandalorian was now attached to the fighter and attempting to destroy the ship along with him, Moff Gideon put in his utmost effort to weave his vessel free from Din. Luckily, though, Din managed to maintain a decent grip—but definitely struggling along the way.

There was an explosion then—which you assumed was Din attempting to blow the damned thing up, yet the violent wind and the constant turbulence prevented him from succeeding on the first try. Another unexpected jerk was provided by Moff Gideon. Still, Din remained glued to the ship—quite impressive and surprising, especially given his gloves that could cause for him to easily slip off. Then, it seemed he was fortunate enough to secure a couple charges onto the vessel, because he'd abruptly released his hold and sent himself gliding backwards before the fighter erupted. Gideon now effectively lacked control to his TIE-fighter as it rapidly plummeted down towards the ground below it, undoubtedly killing the pestering Imperial in the process.

You couldn't contain the grin spreading widely on your lips, before you brought the Child out of his sack and holding him close to you. "It's all over, ad'ika." A finger stroked one of his green ears, earning a coo in response. "You're safe now."

Along with Cara and Karga, you opted to hop off the boat and step into stable, open land before then approaching the Mandalorian who landed a distance away. It wasn't the most flawlessly perfect landing, but... he managed.

"That was impressive, Mando!" Karga commented as your group came to a halt in front of the worn-out Mandalorian. "Very impressive. It looks like your Guild rates have just gone up."

"Anymore stormtroopers?" Din questioned as he watched you step closer to him, remaining by his side. Then, you set the Child down onto the ground beneath him so he could stretch his leg for a moment or two—he definitely deserved it for remaining glued to the bag for several long hours.

"I think we cleaned up the town," Cara immediately answered. "I'm thinking of sticking around just to be sure."

"So, you're staying here now?" You questioned.

"Well, why not? Nevarro is a very fine planet," Karga commented, opening his arms as he gestured towards the ashy land. "And now that the scum and villainy have been washed away, its very respectable again."

"As a bounty hunter hive?"

"Some of my favorite people are bounty hunters!" The magistrate grinned, exchanging brief glances between you and Din. Then, he placed a hand on the Alderaanian's shoulder besides him. "And perhaps this specimen of soldier might consider joining our ranks."

The two conversed between each other for a quick moment, yet you and Din couldn't seem to concentrate on that matter anymore. Instead, as your heads tilted down, you caught sight of the Child by your feet. With one palm set on one of Din's boots, and the other grabbing onto your own boot, it was evident that he was asking for your attentions. As he stared up towards you guys with those adorably big black eyes, you couldn't help the gentle smile escaping your lips—and in the back of your mind, you had a feeling Din was imitating your exact expression underneath that visor of his.

Then, the conversation returned to you guys, Karga speaking up first—"But you my friends, will be welcome back into the Guild with open arms. So, go off, enjoy yourselves, and when you're ready to return, you will have the pick of all quarries."

As the Child raised his little grabby claws towards Din, he swiftly bent down and brought the baby into his arms. Lifting himself up from the crouch, you managed to discern a crackle in his voice modulator indicating a brief sigh. Then, "I'm afraid I have more pressing matters at hand."

Cara outstretched a gentle hand, caressing one of the Child's long green ears. "Take care of this little one—the both of you."

You bobbed your head in response. "We will."

"Or maybe it'll take care of the two of you," Karga voiced, earning a chuckle from you.

"Maybe." You managed one final grin towards their direction. "Thank you for all your help. I don't know what we would've done without you guys."

They waved one final goodbye, exchanging brief words of departure then. Din, outstretching a hand towards your direction, slid his gloved fingers behind your back, allowing them to linger hesitantly—which indicated he was requesting permission. With one nod, you allowed him to wrap his one arm around your waist, pulling you close to his beskar-clad body. His other arm secured the Child near to him, before he activated his jetpack and shot up into the air. The sudden motion had caused you to cling tighter to the Mandalorian—one hand draping around his neck, the other hook your fingers onto the lip of his beskar cuirass to further support yourself.

The mission was ultimately over, and now it was safe to sigh a breath of much-needed relief.

Though little did you know that Din was overwhelmed by a certain anxiety—something he couldn't quite manage to remove from his mind the entire mission.

note: one more chapter left. 💃🏻

PREVIOUS >>> NEXT

Narudar Taglist: @wonderless-screwup @welcometothepedroverse @tanzthompson @the-bottom-of-the-abyss @thatonedindjarinfan @call-me-soap @tanyaherondale @eternal-fandoms

Permanent Taglist: @dindjarinsspouse

#narudar #the mandalorian #din djarin x reader #the mandalorian x reader #pedro pascal #star wars #pedro pascal x reader #the child #star wars x reader #din djarin #grogu #grogu djarin #the djarins #brown eyes

46 notes · View notes

fanfoolishness · 4 years ago

Text

Primary Directives (The Mandalorian)

(IG-11 discovers similarities between itself and the Mandalorian. Mainly based on the episodes The Mandalorian, The Reckoning and the Redemption. IG-11, Din Djarin, and Kuiil. 2020 words, canon-typical violence, Din!whump.)

***

It was a droid. It had always known this, as surely as it had always known the ways of battle and weaponry, as it had known the ways to terminate over six hundred and forty-three organic species. IG-11 knew what it had been manufactured for, and that knowledge was as certain as code and metal and electricity.

Still, though, there were surprises. Such as the Mandalorian —

[Mandalorians: most commonly human but may hail of any race. Exceptional warriors operating within a strict honor-based code, plated in beskar armor protecting vulnerable body systems: cardiovascular system, cranium, spine. Beskar armor repels blaster fire, adjust angle of bolts fired to avoid secondary damage due to ricochet. Weapons may include wrist-fired whipcords, small ballistics, flamethrowers, or missiles in addition to standard issue blaster pistols and rifles. Kill points include jugular vein, brachial arteries, lungs —]

Despite this knowledge, IG-11 was not invulnerable. The Mandalorian fired a blaster into IG-11’s central processing unit and all awareness ceased.

***

Systems rewired, reprogrammed, new knowledge, new directives. Protect and nurse. Defending became the new priority instead of attacking. The work of the Ugnaught’s hands laid new tracts within its circuitry, paths that were worn deeper with the passage of time and every subsequent use.

The old knowledge of vulnerabilities and weaknesses of organics melded with information on how to ease the suffering of these creatures. There was also new information regarding the understanding of what suffering meant. This knowledge was assimilated, and IG-11’s study of protection and nurturing began.

It took time, as did all things worth knowing. Fragments of prior memory were still accessible: it could still visualize clearly the manufacturer’s killing fields littered with the droids whose programming had not fully taken hold. IG-11 had navigated those killing fields successfully, a ready and willing deliverer of death, and had emerged a formidable and fatal machine. It did not mourn the units that did not succeed. It knew only what it had been made for, and it knew that it would be successful.

Until it failed.

The Mandalorian ended its previous existence and claimed the bounty for his own, and IG-11 was left for scrap.

Now IG-11 trained with the Ugnaught Kuiil on the muddy world of Arvala-7, and it found success in movements made for building, in carrying tea that nourished the Ugnaught, in protecting the small forms of life that skittered and scurried through the mudflats of their shared housing unit. The old programming made a scaffold for the new, a web that built its way throughout IG-11’s surface awareness and sublevel routines, and it strove to fulfill its purpose as ever it had.

***

IG-11 stood over the fallen Kuiil. It regarded the Ugnaught’s prone form, analyzing the absence of breath, the pallor of flesh, the stillness of form. Kuiil and IG-11 had been united in their purpose to protect the Child, to defend, to nurse. Now IG-11 stood alone, its sensors identifying molecules of smoke and burnt organic flesh carried on the harsh Nevarran wind.

It would fulfill its master’s work. The death would not be without use. IG-11’s purpose did not waver, and it broke into a run over the dried lava fields, leaving its master behind.

The Ugnaught’s hands had been steady and true.

***

IG-11 succeeded, as its programming had assured it that it would. The Child nestled against IG-11’s metallic form, letting out squeals the droid analyzed as filled with delight. They traveled on a stolen 74-Z Imperial speeder bike as IG-11’s targeting software focused on stormtrooper after stormtrooper.

IG-11’s aim was steady and true.

***

IG-11 and the Child rejoined the Mandalorian and the humans, though the Mandalorian appeared to have been injured. They hid from overwhelming numbers of Imperial troops as IG-11 monitored the situation for ways to protect the Child.

It did as the humans requested. The male human requested assistance with ascertaining a route of escape as he imbibed alcohol to dull his senses. IG-11 worked as instructed, even when the environment was temporarily compromised by the attack of a Flametrooper.

[Imperial enemy. Flamethrower does not project temperatures higher than 300 degrees, a level of heat that is tolerated by all IG units but is fatal to multiple organic species. Standard stormtrooper weaknesses apply.]

Strangely, the threat was removed by the Child, a sentient creature IG-11 lacked all data for. The Child weakened after mounting its defense. It would still require protection.

The threat neutralized, the female human requested IG-11 bring the body of the dying Mandalorian to them. IG-11 gave its assurance to the woman, then gave the Child to her. She had no levels of inebriation, and protocol dictated that the Child be placed with a guardian most likely to assure its survival. The man and woman fled the smoke-filled shelter with the weakened Child, descending into the sewer system.

IG-11 then turned its attention to the Mandalorian.

It watched the Mandalorian’s breathing. His chest rose and fell, the breath strained, labored, then absent. Breath, breath, apnea. The cycle repeated. This abnormal pattern of respiration suggested a severe head injury. Perhaps that was why the Mandalorian had so resisted the female human’s offers to render aid.

Instructions of kill points and nursing directives, which intertwined at countless points, were accessed. [Brain trauma: results in altered consciousness, delirium, obtundation. May be fatal.]

“Do it,” rasped the Mandalorian.

“Do what?” IG-11 asked. It could not comply with the Mandalorian’s orders if the directive was unknown.

“Just get it over with,” the Mandalorian said.

Analysis was performed. [Fluctuating timbre of the voice. Abnormal breathing pattern persists. Severe pain is present.]

“I’d rather you kill me than some Imp,” the Mandalorian continued. IG-11 noted trembling in the body, particularly the hands. Ah. Perhaps the Mandalorian expected revenge for the previous shot fired into IG-11’s central processing unit, and the obliteration of its old directives. Such a thought was foolish, but then again, the Mandalorian had been injured and could be trapped in aberrant thinking patterns.

“I told you, I am no longer a hunter,” stated IG-11. It attempted to modulate its voice to be perceived as more friendly and less threatening. “I am a nurse droid.”

“IGs are all hunters,” said the Mandalorian stubbornly.

“Not this one,” IG-11 corrected. “I was reprogrammed. I need to remove your helmet if I am to save you.” The injury could not be successfully evaluated or repaired without doing so.

IG-11 reached to remove the Mandalorian’s helmet, and instinctively the Mandalorian raised a blaster in his shaking hand.

“Try it and I’ll kill you,” the Mandalorian threatened, his chest heaving.

IG-11 regarded the Mandalorian in puzzlement. All prior programming had suggested that an injured creature would do anything to accept aid. It paused.

“It is… forbidden,” the Mandalorian gasped, desperation tingeing his voice. “No living thing has seen me without my helmet since I… I swore the Creed.”

IG-11 understood the issue, then. It was a problem of programming. The Mandalorian could not deny his prime directive any more readily than IG-11 could. Perhaps there was a logical means of resolution.

“I am not a living thing,” said IG-11 gently. It extended its arm to touch the helmet. The blaster shook in the Mandalorian’s hand, but did not fire. IG-11 lifted the helmet, breaking its seal, and removed it from the head of the Mandalorian.

The Mandalorian was human, as IG-11 had expected from the sound of his voice and the patterns of movement displayed by his body in battle. The droid experienced no emotion at the sight of the man’s face, but it studied it so as to better understand the extent of the injuries.

Blood trickled from the left nostril into the man’s patchy facial hair. A laceration arced across the bridge of the nose. Anisocoria was visible in the man’s brown eyes, a negative prognostic indicator. One that, in his previous programming, would have been a sign of impending success, especially when combined with the quantity of blood and sweat matting the man’s hair. Yet IG-11 felt no sense of completion at the man’s injured state. Death was no longer its objective.

Yet death threatened all the same. The threat was underscored by the frantic hyperventilation that had begun with the removal of the helmet, though the droid was uncertain if this was due to physical stimuli or due to emotional agitation. It ran a standard analysis on the Mandalorian’s expressions to determine the answer.

[Fear is detected in the shifts of the eyebrows and widening of the palpebral fissures. Distress and anxiety are exhibited in the frozen gaze and half-open mouth, a common response to threat in this species. Pain is seen in persistent shivering and recoiling.]

IG-11 activated the bacta unit the Ugnaught had installed on its arm, propelling a standard dose of 2.8mg/m2 onto the injured region. The Mandalorian stared at the droid, gaze still frozen, either confused or obtunded. The blaster wavered in his hand, then slowly lowered.

“This is a bacta spray. It will heal you in a matter of hours,” said IG-11. It attempted a joke; the jokes had always worked on the Ugnaught. “You have damaged your central processing unit.” Surely the Mandalorian would see the humor in the reversal of their situations.

The Mandalorian stared dazedly, eyes struggling to focus as the bacta spray took hold. The lines that creased his face, indicating pain, began to ease slightly. He raised his eyebrows, mouth dropping further open. “You mean my brain?” he asked, his voice hoarse.

“That was a joke,” said IG-11 warmly. “It is meant to put you at ease.”

The Mandalorian attempted a noise that with further analysis IG-11 determined to be a laugh.

“You are beginning to feel a reduction in pain and impairment,” said IG-11. “You are recognizing humor.”

The Mandalorian grimaced. “If you say so,” he said, closing his eyes. His mouth made a thin, hard line, but his breathing eased, beginning to settle into a pattern more consistent with normal health. He breathed deeply, but then coughed, a loud rattling sound caused by the smoke. Perhaps the Mandalorian’s helmet contained filters that would reduce the effects of smoke inhalation.

As IG-11 identified the problem, it felt the Mandalorian’s hand brush against its arm. “Please,” the man muttered. “My helmet -- You did what you needed, right? I -- I need it -- the Imps are still out there --”

“Of course,” said IG-11. Swiftly it raised its arm, carefully lowering the helmet back over the man’s head and face. The Mandalorian reached up clumsily with both hands, fingertips slipping and scrabbling on the smooth beskar as he tried to pull the helmet down. IG-11 aided him, guiding the helmet over his face until it felt the click of the seal reconnecting.

“Thank you,” the Mandalorian exhaled, his breathing pattern finally reverting to normal.

“Can you stand?” IG-11 queried. “The Imperial forces will likely investigate this area soon. The bacta should continue to work as more time elapses.”

The man gave a weak nod. “I think I can stand.” He gripped IG-11’s hand and was pulled to his feet, where he wavered. IG-11 draped the Mandalorian’s arm over its shoulders.

“I will assist you,” said IG-11.

“Why?” the Mandalorian asked, leaning heavily against it as they carefully descended into the sewer after the others. “Why are you helping me?”

“Because you are a protector, as I am,” said IG-11, leading the injured man through the darkened tunnels. “Kuiil taught me to nurse and protect those that cannot defend themselves. You have done the same for the Child, though you faced far superior forces and the threat of death. Working together, we have a greater chance to fulfill our directive. To protect the Child. Do you understand?”

The man was quiet, and for a moment, IG-11 only heard the man’s breaths, sharp and full of effort as they made their way forward into the depths. At last the Mandalorian spoke, and when he did, the voice was heavy, shaded with many human emotions.

[Relief, surprise, gratitude. Understanding.]

“This is the Way,” he said softly, and the words echoed, ringing, in the dark.

#the mandalorian #ig11 #din djarin #kuiil #mandalorian #my mando fic #noromo mando

41 notes · View notes

myownworstenemyyy · 4 years ago

Note

Congrats on your milestone!!!🎉🎉🎉I really have loved getting to see your blog grow! Since this is a celebration, the only thing I can offer is an idea that has been swimming in my head since forever. AND I know if you do it you will do it justice and make it amazing with your lovely brain. So with that being said: 🎶 + Din + Wicked Game (I've been obsessed with James Vincent McMorrow's version, but all of them are *chef's kiss*) Love you, your face, and your writing😘💖 CONGRATS AGAIN!!! 🎉✨😊

thanks so much, doll! and omg this SONG 😩👌 i never knew how badly i needed it in my life lol i hope you like the fic it inspired me to write (i apologize for any pain this one may cause 😅). thanks for requesting! 💜

warnings: mentions of blood/injury ; death (descriptions of dying) ; Angst™; back at it again with a cliché last line ; idk how to refer to Greef Karga so I call him Greef here, please don’t @/ me

ship: Din Djarin x Reader

masterlist | tag lists

Wicked Game

Din always knew his life would be a short one—that Mandalorians don’t exactly have the luxury of growing old and living a full life. He accepted the fate his creed bestowed upon him long ago, but he never realized how painful it would be.

Not physically—in fact, he can hardly feel anything as he lies against the giant slab of duracrete in what’s left of the cantina. Right now, his pain cuts far deeper than physical. He feels it in his very bones, this soulful ache for something that he knows will never be.

Among the fallen rubble and blaster fire, he barely registers a light pressure on his hand, his fingers beginning to go numb. Your face—stained with soot and dried blood—comes into view and it takes everything in him not to sob out your name, knowing it may be the last time he has the honor of voicing such a sweet sound.

“I’m here, Din. I’m not gonna leave you. I...I know you’re in pain, but do you think you have the strength to move?” you ask in a desperate voice, your eyes wide and glossy—either from the smoke in the air or from your own emotions getting the best of you, he’s not sure.

“C-cyar’ika,” he whispers, but a thick warmth gets caught in his throat and he falls into a coughing fit, the sharp taste of iron confirming what he already knew to be true.

Blood is filling his lungs and he knows he doesn’t have much time left.

“Don’t try to speak. Save your energy,” you rush out, swallowing hard and nodding your head as if you’re answering for him. You look over to Cara and Greef as they watch your exchange with matching, sorrowful expressions.

“We have to carry him out, he can’t move,” you reach for the child standing at Din’s feet, the little one completely focused on the man who’s cared for and protected him with his own life. Din’s fingers twitch with a longing to comfort the little one, but it’s no use, the remnants of his strength waning by the second.

Cara hesitates before moving forward, presumably to help lift Din to his feet and drag him to safety within the tunnels beneath them. But Din finds the will to subtly shake his head, signaling her to stop. It’s too late, he thinks to himself. Too much time has passed since Moff Gideon’s last assault and Din knows that it won’t be long before they’re under fire again.

You look down at Din, your brows knitted together in confusion and anxiety, the child reaching out to him. “Y-you have to...go on without me. P-protect the child,” he croaks out, his breaths shallow and lungs burning with every intake of air.

“No. I told you, I’m not leav–” you start to protest, hugging the child close to your chest when it makes a loud whimpering sound. Your bottom lip trembles and you pull it between your teeth.

“The IG unit can stay with him, but we need to get the child out of here now,” Greef places a hand on your shoulder, but his eyes remain on the T of Din’s visor as he seems to say, I’ll make sure they’re safe.

The aforementioned droid comes into view and Din’s vision starts to blur, his ears ringing with a deafening pitch. The following moments of your exchange with Greef and Cara are difficult to comprehend as Din starts to pass out, but then he feels your hand in his again and he forces himself to stay awake.

You don’t say anything as you lift his gloved hand to your cheek, tears streaming down your face. Oh, how he longs to feel your soft skin against his calloused hands. And though you can’t see his face because of the helmet covering his features, Din still tries to give you a reassuring smile.

“I’ll be r-right...behind you,” he lies through his teeth, a chill wracking his body. It won’t be much longer before he meets his Maker, but he doesn’t want you to have to witness his end.

He regrets a lot of things he’s done in his, what one might consider, wicked life—the lives he’s taken and the people he couldn’t save remaining at the forefront of his mind. But if he can spare you this...this trauma of watching him take his final breath, then he’ll do everything in his power to protect you from it.

You lean forward and press a kiss to the top of his helmet, right where his forehead would be, before resting your own against the cool metal. A Keldabe kiss. His chest aches beyond any physical means and it’s only then that he notices the moisture on his cheeks, spilling from his eyes.

I’m so sorry, cyar’ika, if only we had more time, he wishes he could say, but he can barely hold his head up, let alone speak. The high pitch of the child’s cry reaches his ears and Din opens his eyes to find the little one touching the side of his helmet. Goodbye, my child, Din thinks as he finds the strength to reach up and lightly stroke behind the child’s ear one last time.

He hears you sniffle before whispering, “I love you,” your voice breaking. He can only just make out the gentle squeeze of your hand around his before you reluctantly let go as Cara ushers you away.

Everything in existence seems to fade away after that, like you were his life force and now that you’re gone, he can’t hang on any longer. His breaths become uneven as fluid fills his lungs. At his side, IG-11 injects something into Din’s arm, but he doesn’t understand what the droid is saying—something along the lines of help with the pain and deep sleep.

And as he becomes void of all senses but the memory of your hand in his, he embraces Death like an old friend.

Permanent tag list: @bestintheparsec @haildoodles @mandoandyodito @javier-djarin @readsalot73 @agentpike @aeryntheofficial @wickedfrsgrl @mrsparknuts @scarlettwitcher @buckysalefty @rosamedina92 @maxiarapamaya @promiscuoussatan @ah-callie @bluemoon-glen @pablopascal @littlemissthistle @waywardodysseys @thick-dick-din-daddy-djarin @thewaythisis @phoenixhalliwell @lovingtheway @petertingless @hiscyarika @pascalisthepunkest @mrpascals @sergeantbannerbarnes @mrschiltoncat @cyaredindjarin @destucky45 @getinthepoolkeanu @petrelliforcongress @gooddaykate @mistermiraclee @roxypeanut @watsonwise @demigod-dragonrider-schoolidol @tiffdawg @floweronthegrave @cryptkeepersoul @soldade @jaime1110 @ahopelessromanticwritersworld @themandjalorian @longitud-de-onda @walkerchick007 @shinyfranci @arrowswithwifi @24kgolden @triggerhappyflyboyy @blushingwueen @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead @thinemineours @and-i-swear-we-are-infinte @ham4arrow @thisainttheway @katialvi @kristalhi @kimljn @mabelleen @auty-ren @frietiemelon @fanfiction-trashpile @sinnamon-bun @larakasser @miraelles @lackofhonor @jerusomeeno @liadamerondjarin @engineeredfuture @engineeredfiction @pascalesque @carringtonhill @mstgsmy @hayley-the-comet @the-wishmonger @clydesducktape @autumnleaves1991-blog

Character tag: @maxlorrd @no-droids-allowed @synystersilenceinblacknwhite @opheliaelysia @starlight-starwrites @lellaren-uodo-rian @anomiatartle @nerd-without-a-cause

121 notes · View notes

never-was-has-been · 4 years ago

Photo

The above image is the header on the email that Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent on the 3rd of February 2021.

Please REBLOG this on her behalf and all the people that have been traumatized by sexual assault and violence in any form. The primary purpose of her email, is to remind everyone what Trauma has come to our country’s government and its people, through a political cult of violent anti-democracy criminals, misogynists and racists who have been mobilized by a former president of the United States! The following is the contents of that email: Content warning: This email contains details regarding abuse, violence, and sexual assault.

“Monday night, I hopped on IG Live to talk about what happened at the Capitol. My story is one of many. It’s not the only story or the central story.

But, it’s important to share because so many of the people who helped perpetrate what happened are trying to tell us to move on and forget about what happened – saying it isn’t a big deal. They’re asking us to move on for their own convenience.

These are the same tactics used by abusers.

What they are really asking is: “Can you forget about this so we can do it again?”

I'm a survivor of sexual assault, and I haven't told many people that in my life.

But when we go through trauma, whether we have neglectful parents or any kind of trauma, these episodes can compound on one another.

Part of my hesitancy to tell this story until now has to do with some of my trauma. As a survivor, I struggle with the idea of being believed. Many Republicans have done everything they can to try to rewrite history. They say we’re exaggerating or stoking tensions or even that I should apologize. Senators Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz have had nearly a month to apologize for their role, but over and over they’ve doubled down and said they did the right thing and if they could go back, they’d do it all again. That’s why they need to resign, because they will do it again. First, let’s dispel the idea that this insurrection happened suddenly – that there was no way for Hawley, Cruz or Trump not to see this violence coming or anticipate their role in stoking it. Everyone knew something was going to happen. One week before, I started to get text messages from other members of Congress saying that I needed to be careful on Wednesday. So I started thinking through a security plan with my staff.Insurrectionists arrived in town starting on Monday. That day, as I exited the Capitol, a crowd of Trump supporters were gathered directly behind my car. All there was to protect myself and other members of Congress was a waist-high fence. My heart was beating fast. They were yelling insults my way. I tried to lighten the mood to create enough space for me to drive away and get out of there. Later that day, I went to the grocery store and saw all these people in MAGA hats. It felt tense. And, I guess it felt like – whether you’re from the Bronx, New York City, Queens, or wherever – you can just catch a vibe and kind of know a general sense of when things aren’t right. And things started to feel “not right” when I was in that grocery store that Monday night. By Tuesday, 24 hours before the events on January 6th, I had already resolved that I wouldn’t go back outside except to vote. Myself and other members asked about security plans, and we were told that it was being handled by Capitol Police and couldn’t be shared. Fast forward, Wednesday, January 6: At 12:45pm, my chief of staff called me and asked how I was feeling. In that moment, I was feeling great – Rev. Warnock and Jon Ossoff had just won. I was on cloud nine. It took a weight off my shoulders – and I hoped maybe it would take the wind out of the sails of the growing mob outside the Capitol. Shortly after we hung up, I heard violent bangs on my office door and all the doors into our congressional office. My legislative director – G – told me to hide. I ran into the bathroom – then quickly realized I should have gone to the closet instead. When I opened the door to move, I heard that someone had already gotten into my office. It was too late. Then, they started to yell: “Where is she?” “Where is she?” “Where is she?” This is the moment I thought everything was over. As a spiritual person, I thought: if this is the plan for me, people – you all – would be able to take it from here. I felt that things were going to be okay and that I had fulfilled my purpose. Peeking through the hinges of the door behind which I was hiding, I saw a white man with a black beanie come into my direct office. He continued to ask, “where is she? where is she?” Finally, I heard G follow him and say “Boss, it’s OK to come out.” The man in the black beanie was a Capitol Police officer – he was alone with no partner, and I never heard him identify himself as Capitol Police or anything. We weren’t sure if he was there to help us or hurt us. He was looking at me with a tremendous amount of anger and hostility. Yelling, he told us to go to a different building where all Members would be extracted – not providing the room number or any other exact information on where in the building that extraction point was. Still, we started running. Alone with no escort and no specific location, we could hear the rioters outside. Not knowing where to go, I ran to find the offices of members I knew in the building. After running up and down the stairs, googling frantically to find room numbers, I eventually found Rep. Katie Porter’s office and asked if we could shelter with her. She welcomed us in, and we started searching for where we could hide. We pushed couches against the door. I found clothes and sneakers to change into in case I needed to run, jump out of a window, or blend in with a crowd. We turned off all the lights. Shortly after we finished barricading ourselves, we received intelligence that bombs were found not far from where we were. We discussed what we’d do if the building exploded. Staffers were making decisions to put their lives on the line to save us. When I finally learned the location of the extraction point, I didn't feel safe going there, knowing that some Republican members were live tweeting the locations of the Speaker and others. I knew the National Guard hadn’t been called. We were in Rep. Porter’s office for hours. After the building was secure, I walked over to Rep. Pressley’s office where she and her staffers made sure I was fed. We were at Ayanna’s office until 4am as Congress finally proceeded with voting to certify the electoral college. There are more details to share at some point, but not today. Rep. Pressley told me that night that what I experienced was traumatizing. Hearing her say that, it forced me to pump my brakes. If you have experienced any type of trauma, just admitting and recognizing it is already a big step. The moment you admit that a thing happened to you is hugely important. I look back on this and Ayanna really helped my healing. Telling your story is an important tool for healing, which is why I’m telling mine. Together, we have 435 stories and we need to tell them because every time a Republican gets on television and tells us to forget, these stories are reminders of what they’re trying to absolve. What happens now should not be a partisan issue. This moment is not about a difference of political opinion. This is about basic humanity. We knew that violence was expected on January 6. We knew the rioters depended on someone upholding the lie that the presidential election was fraudulent. Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley chose to tell the lie because they thought it would be politically advantageous. Six people have lost their lives, eyes and limbs have been lost, and many more people traumatized. Even after all of that, not even an ‘I’m sorry.’ Not even an: ‘I didn’t realize what I said would contribute to this violence and if I had known, I wouldn’t have done it.’ Instead the response has been, ‘I did the right thing and I would do it again.’ If that is their stance, these members will continue to be a danger to their colleagues. Given the same conditions, they will choose to endanger their colleagues for political gain again. That’s why we need accountability. It’s not about revenge, it’s about creating safety. We are not safe with people who hold political power who are willing to endanger lives for political gain. I appreciate you taking the time to read this or listen to my IG live. I’ve been giving myself the time and space to heal. And, if you’ve experienced trauma, I hope you’ll do the same. You don’t need to have experienced the worst thing or the biggest thing. Talk to someone about it. Acknowledge it in your heart.

Big hugs and build a snowman for me, AOC “

#AOC on Trauma #reblog often

6 notes · View notes

beware-of-you-98 · 4 years ago

Text

JENNIFER👏JAREAU👏DESERVED👏BETTER👏

✨it’s rant time✨

buckle up lads bc it’s gonna be a doozy

tw// suicide mention, tw// canon typical cm violence, tw// je— 🤢 jei—🤢🤢 i can’t even fucking say it 🤢🤢🤢 je*d

so yesterday i was watching criminal minds again (wow shocker) again for the first time in like,,,, 3 months??? [that’s not important] on weTV (which was just so happening to air reruns from season 3) and there was one thing that really stuck out to me that i didn’t necessarily think about much until i went into work today

season 3, episode 15 “a higher power” shows the team going up to pittsburgh to investigate a spike in suicides rates in the community under the suspicion that it’s the work of a serial killer (okay, cool, normal fucked up every day BAU life, nothing really sus there)

but what really kinda just hit me out of the blue today was just.... how unaffected jj was by the whole case in general

the team is maybe at most, a few hours away from her hometown, with the main topic of the case being surrounded by multiple suicides and taking her past into consideration (she’s literally a stone’s throw away from her hometown where she lost her sister to suicide) and yet she just.... remains unbothered... she never toys with the necklace around her neck or ever seems uncomfortable despite this case hitting way too close to home

i guess just rewatching this episode really just... opened my eyes into how underdeveloped jj was character wise for a really long time (i mean really we know more about gideon and elle in season 4 than we do jj and they had been gone for at least a season and a half at this point)

i mean.... i guess in in heat we get... something??? when we find out that she’s been seeing will for nearly a year?? cool i guess??? and we do get an episode named after her but really it doesn’t tell us much about her background or dive more into her story other than “oh strauss is forcing me to leave that sucks” but it doesn’t really go much into detail about anything beyond that

oh hotch handpicked her to join the unit but i don’t think it ever gets any deeper than that (when it should have!!!!??!!) [correct me if i’m wrong]]

by season 5 we have a detailed idea about every other character on the team (with the only exception possibly being garcia but i digress)

we know hotch has a younger brother that looks absolutely nothing like him and said brother wants to be a chef

we know rossi came back to the bau because of a cold case that’s gone unsolved for twenty years

we know every year, morgan goes home for his birthday and visits the grave of the john doe he found when he was a teenager

we know way too much about reid and his issues jesus christ

fucking hell we even know about emily’s dark past, how much it still haunts her even before we get the ian doyle arc

even ashley seaver has a deeper storyline than jj at this point like ffs

jj.... well..... she has that boyfriend down in louisiana ig?????

and that’s what becomes annoying

jj’s character really isn’t developed past more than i have a boyfriend and i’m pregnant up until maybe, and that’s a really generous maybe, the episode will gets held hostage at a bank and damn near gets himself killed (we see her with henry.... again, i’m being very generous here)

really, we don’t see jj get any sort of deep development the rest of the team has been getting until 200

i loved seeing her finally get some depth, for her character to finally be treated as if she’s an important asset rather than a pretty face that deals with media

she becomes a character we can sympathize with!!! she has issues and fears and traumas!!! finally!!!

and then they keep expanding on her as the seasons continue!!! like yes!!! this is what i wanted from the beginning!!! jj deserved this!!!

and then

it all comes crashing and burning into a pile of shit with five words

five

words

you know the words so i really don’t have to type them out and become unnecessarily angry

but wtf

all that character development they had spent building up over the years, after finally starting to get the ball rolling to making jj a solid character the writers decided “,,,,,,let’s just boil her down romantic feelings she kept hidden for....reid.” (of all people????? confusion)

the biggest sigh i just let out

first of all, that’s such an overdone trope in hollywood and in modern times we’re sick of it we need way more flavor than that

second of all it just..... ruins jj’s character right there on the spot

a majority (maybe i’m just generalizing) but most people in the fandom are reid stans and of COURSE they’re going to be absolutely livid at that bitch jennifer jareau pulling that card on their favorite little twink

it makes her look like a bitch

and it literally makes no sense whatsoever

they went on one “date” once in season 1 and it’s never mentioned again until jj confides to emily in the bathroom in the first episode of season 14

they have about as much romantic chemistry as two planks of wood

what was so wrong with jj and reid being best friends/having a sibling like relationship (which would have been a big deal for jj!!! to let someone that close again!!!! but no!!!!!!! jj is woman!!!!!! reid is man!!!! they must have romantic chemistry!!!!!! gross)

why did jj have to have hidden romantic feelings for reid

please tell me why that was a thing

and then the writers (probably sensing that they in fact fucked up big time) just kinda.... brush it off in 15

“u were my first love” reid: “oh okay (is sad for the duration of the season)”

it doesn’t fix what happened

it doesn’t change what happened

jj still looks like a huge bitch to a majority of the fandom

and it was overall a completely useless and pointless arc that just set out to completely ruin jj and it’s so infuriating

what was the reason

why u gotta do it to her like that writers

i’m sad jj deserved so much better than what those stinky writers did to her

tldr: jj deserved better

#tldr: jennifer jareau deserved better #justice for jj #criminal minds #jennifer jareau #rant

25 notes · View notes

vaguely-concerned · 5 years ago

Text

I rewatched the mandalorian episode 8 and boy have I got feels for you

- lol gideon’s callouts to all of them though... you have ‘hey cara remember how we blew up your entire planet and killed your fellow soldiers’ and ‘hey din djarin yeah I know who you are lol the mysterious stranger thing doesn’t work on me remember how we apparently murdered a bunch of mandalorian children in one night’ (that’s how I’m taking ‘mandalorian recruits’ anyway) and then finally there’s just ‘greef karga. you’re really old enough to know better.’

- oh bb!din doesn’t cry at any point during the whole flashback :((( bb boy. he’s of course terrified but there are no tears. I’m guessing he’s in shock/dissociated the entire time. (probably also due to having a child actor but I think it makes a lot of sense in-universe too! to put on my trauma hat for a moment he’s always read to me as a combined freeze/flight type; he either dissociates or loses himself in work. I suppose he got started early)

- the look on Papa Djarin’s (I mean I assume) face as tiny din reaches out for him and he knows he has to turn away and leave to save him :) exquisite burning agony

I still wonder so much what his parents did for a living. those red robes look almost like uniforms/religious garb to me or it might of course just be the fashion in this place, people in the background seem to be wearing similar things.

- I LOVE the mando who saves him as a kid because that’s apparently the same actor who’s in the mando suit when it’s not pedro pascal or another stuntman (brendan wayne, I think it is?) so it gives this wonderful feeling that you get now where a lot of din’s body language and general bearing comes from but there’s also just enough difference that it’s clearly another person. with din there’s always this edge of reserve and a slight stiffness no matter how relaxed he is, and this guy has the same basic steadiness as him but seems a bit more open just from these few short shots. (there might be a little bit of character design in this as well -- din’s shoulder pauldrons are naturally uh ‘higher’ than this guy’s, who has smoother/flatter and more rounded shapes, giving the feeling of shoulders just slightly raised and relaxed down respectively)

it’s nice to see the mandos as a protective force even if they have the death watch symbol there to make you go ‘?!?!?!’, there wasn’t a lot of that in clone wars but it’s an ill wind and so on I guess

- this confused jawa looking at the dead stormtroopers is everything. don’t worry you’re doing amazing sweetie

- the context for why din picks up the e-web (channeling the spirit of baze malbus, a man who also didn’t let the fact that his weapon was really meant to be mounted on a tank stop him :’) ) makes it even better: he sees that IG-11 has the baby and that he’s getting overwhelmed and he literally grabs the biggest gun he can find and goes to town to let him get away.

- “I haven’t heard that name spoken since I was a child” ooof but also what are the logistics of that? I’m wondering if it might be the ‘Djarin’ part, if that’s his family name? maybe there hasn’t been a use for that among the mandos? surely someone has needed to call him by name somehow at some point in the last 30+ years lol

- one of the reasons gideon works so well as a villain is that he can get past the beskar. he knows exactly how to kill mandalorians because he’s done it before. he’s not only a huge threat emotionally -- he wants the baby and he’s done some fucked up shit to din’s culture -- he’s also one of the few people who can nullify the physical protection of our main boi in the helmet. and that scares me. because he’s my dad and I love him.

- I’m fairly sure din is properly unconscious for almost half a minute there. (which is very very bad. always go see a doctor if you lose consciousness after hitting your head if an IG unit with appropriate training and equipment is not on hand)

- baby yoda passing out after doing one (admittedly spectacular) thing is a wholeass mood, #same buddy ilu

- din is the first person to explicitly call the baby a foundling ;____;

- poor cara she’s already lost so much and her new bro is trying to convince her to let him throw himself on any sword made available to him. (I do love that neither she nor IG-11 buy mando’s bullshit for a moment here tho lol they’re openly saying they’ll take him with them anyway while he’s listening)

- oh. oh din starting to jumble his words even as the gun remains rock steady in his hand is hitting me really hard this time. ow.

- I think the baby can sense din and IG coming (he gives a little sound right before they show up)

- when cara checks in with him in the tunnel she touches her fingers to his chest so very lightly and he almost falls over backwards sdfaksdljhf

- well he definitely is trembling while picking up that helmet from the pile. so have fun knowing that with me

it’s so messed up too because there’s not that many of them left; he’s all but guaranteed to have known every single one of them.

- this image of him on his knees in front of this pile of the empty armor of the dead feels. I don’t know how to describe it but like a repeat. like he has been here before, this isn’t the first time and it’s hitting him all over again. (considering how things have been going for the mandos recently that might very well be true too. metaphorically this is essentially what’s going on in the background of the entire show, anyway. Friends I think mando Saw Some Shit during the night of a thousand tears or a similar event)

maybe what gives me this feeling is how clearly he is in another time in some way during this part, before the armorer diagnoses him with Dad and brings him properly back. he’s trying to send them away with the baby, who’s like. basically the symbol of his will to live at this point. “I can’t leave it this way”, he can’t leave the dead behind and be alive, some part of him wants to stay with them.

you can see this from how he talks about the baby too: in the scene where he’s hurt and trying to get them to leave he consistently calls him the child or the baby (not to mention the first foundling we get!) and focuses very specifically on keeping him safe. in this triggered state the baby briefly becomes it again and he doesn’t even mention him, he just tells them to take his ship and leave. in that moment all he wants to do is fight and probably die on behalf of those who are already gone. (I think bessel van der kolk has called PTSD ‘a profound loyalty to that which is lost’ or something like that. that rings very true to me here)

the talk with the armorer is basically a very short debate between ol’ coping mechanism!din being like ‘hey I just remembered before all this I was doing my very best to work myself to an early and likely shallow grave, I should get back to that’ and Papa Wolf!din being like ‘except this is my son so we’re not doing that we’re gonna have to improvise something new on the fly here’. bless.

(all of this is so subjective and probably me reading things into it that don’t really exist so don’t quote me on any of this but his anger at greef karga sounds to me like that of a younger, emotionally rawer man too, it’s so openly hurt and... active? I guess? these days when he gets angry he seems to tend more towards getting deathly quiet. then again this is one of the most genuinely upsetting things in the whole show so it could just be that)

- hahahahahaha greef rests his hand on his gun before he follows them into the armorer’s workshop; it would seem he did not think it guaranteed either she or maybe especially mando wouldn’t try to shoot him

- the way the armorer’s voice gains a brightness/warmth when she sees the child! the mandalorian ‘protect babies’ instinct in action haha, she’s like ‘oh this is why you did this bugfuck insane thing. perfectly reasonable, keep up the good work’. the foundlings are the future is not just lip service it really is a central tenet of their culture even when it’s inconvenient

there’s this sense that... in the face of his hurt she’s basically telling him to go be alive, to raise this child, to choose surviving and healing. I think she understands him very very well, I wonder how long they’ve known each other. (she had the mould for his signet ready <3)

- he sounds so crestfallen and lost when he asks if the baby is an enemy. and then she’s just fondly like ‘no it’s your son you absolute dummy’ and he’s like ‘...yeah I know’

- I. love that in these scenes he’s hurt (and not just physically) and other people are there to carry the baby until he can pick him up at the end fully as a father would.

- I have talked about it before but I must restate how hilarious and endearing I find it that mando conscientiously leans the thing he tries to pry the boat loose with against the wall again while cara shoots the place up. one is never too busy to mind one’s manners. (this scene really showcases each of the characters too. greef: just keep fuckn pushing! mando: briefly kicks the thing with a growl then tries attacking the problem from a new angle. cara: GUN.)

- oh the absolute sweetness of how IG says “And you will live”. there’s so much emotion in his droid voice there and all of it is peaceful and affectionate. I agree with din IG don’t goooooooo don’t leave us we need an adult

I keep whispering ‘pls someone think to shield the baby’s eyes’ through my tears in this scene, he didn’t need to see that happen D:

- I really need to repeat that despite what IG-11 says, he goes ahead with his plan anyway even though mando never satisfies his ‘programming’s’ demand. droid’s got free will and a huge big heart Y___________Y anyway... droid rights in the star wars universe when (...it would be very funny if din became embroiled in that fight somehow after this, oh how the turntables)

- another continuity error: mando puts the jetpack on, then we get a shot of cara shooting and he’s standing there with it in his hands again haha. unless he realized he put it on upside down the first time around or something that seems unlikely. (he’s also lying in slightly different positions between cuts in the scene where IG-11 heals him, but that’s so small and subtle I don’t even really count it)

- the jetpack scene is a beautiful encapsulation of din’s fighting style. he flails and gets jerked around a lot. he nearly blows himself up. I don’t think he’s fully in control of anything that whole time. and yet he gets the job done yet again. a disaster, but a glorious disaster still standing at the end of it all. one simply must stan.

- a) I think din remembered how to take off better than he remembered how to land haha and b) BABY’S HAPPY LITTLE FACE WATCHING HIS DAD COME BACK DOWN c) THE BABY & MANDO MUSIC PLAYING WHEN DIN NOTICES THE BABY CLUTCHING HIS LEG *elmo surrounded by flames gif* (it’s a calmer/more grounded version of the same song that plays when they have that moment of connection right before the other mandos come to the rescue in ep 3 and also a few other times)

- baby’s joyful little trilling sound when his dad turns his head to check on him 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 and he strokes the cape with such contentment because it’s a safe familiar texture because this is his dAD (officially and legally too now, mandalorian-wise :’) im so happy)

- the unsympathetic comedy stormtroopers at the beginning could conceivably have survived (if not uh happily lol). if they become a recurring duo who show up and get more and more screwed every time I wouldn’t be mad haha

- I support these jawas in everything they do, I feel a great kinship with these lil goblins

- anyway I love this show so much and I hope season 2 is good too and knows it holds my fragile heart in its hands

#star wars #the mandalorian #meta #get ready to be rambled at haha #can I even tell how much sense I'm making anymore? no but I'm having a lot of fun #the mandalorian meta

184 notes · View notes