NOTES: In the next two chapters I extended the timeline from the episode to fit my story better. The episodes are too short anyway.

I also think they're gonna push each other's boundaries even further. Thanks for reading.

Chapter 33 - Betrayal .1

Mando emerged from his room fully armed and ready. As he passed through he stopped for a moment but stayed silent. When she turned and saw him, Fayra stayed silent as well. She felt slightly embarrassed and felt her face heat, then Mando continued to the flight deck. She took a deep breath as the lights flickered.

"No, that wasn't awkward at all." She whispered, Blue beeped at her in response. "Oh, hush."

She gathered his meal together, grabbed the drink and made her way to him. When the door slid open, Mando was in his usual spot. As she set the plate and drink down she noticed the object they were approaching.

"What's that?" She asked.

"Space station." He replied.

She looked at him, silently proding for more information.

Mando glanced in her direction and saw her waiting. "An old acquaintance needs help, it'll pay handsomely." He reached over and flipped a switch. The Razor Crest halted to a stop. Fayra had to brace herself on the control panel as the ship rocked into place. He set back in his chair.

"Why did you do that?"

He didn't answer, just sat staring off in the distance.

"Manny?"

He sighed. "I don't have a good feeling about this one. We'll move on to the next."

"But you're already here. And he's an old acquaintance."

"Doesn't mean I trust him."

"You need something…" She declared. Mando tilted his helmet at her. "You're restless, you've been needing to get out. That's what you enjoy." She shrugged. "And we're getting low on things. And you promised to take me to see a waterfall." She smiled.

He considered her words, "it's a bad idea."

"That's what you said in the Cargo Bay." Her face heated again. "But that didn't stop you then."

Mando eyed her for a moment, then flicked the switch again and the ship continued its journey.

"I do want you to be one hundred percent though, so eat." She ignored her burning face. "You'll eat, right?"

He nodded. She didn't realize how healing him made him feel. He could probably run 10 miles before breaking a sweat, Mando thought. But he'd eat to satisfy her worry.

"I'll be in my room." She said, turning to leave.

Fayra lay on her cot trying to clear her head, but it was impossible. She couldn't stop thinking about what happened in the cargo bay. Everytime she did she began throbbing and grew wet all over again. Frustrated she turned and fluffed her pillow wondering if the same thing was happening to him. Probably not, she decided, that man's self-control was as strong as the steel he wore.

Fayra felt the ship rumble and groan as it touched down on solid ground. She sat up, debating with herself if she should go or stay in her room. She would rather not see him for now. Then she heard a knock on the door. It slid open and she jumped to her feet.

"Yes." She awkwardly blurted.

Mando stood at the threshold, not entering. "Stay here… in your room." He said. "Until I have a chance to assess the situation."

She nodded, wondering if he was keeping his distance on purpose.

"I'll come back soon."

She nodded again as he turned and left, the door closing shut.

A couple hours went by and Mando still hadn't returned. She started to feel antsy. Then loud banging caused her to jump to her feet. It took a moment for Fayra to determine it came from the top of the ship. She sat back down. Then her door slid open, she shot to her feet again, but relaxed when Mando came into focus.

His stance was tense as he entered her small room and closed the door behind him. It must be serious, she thought.

"Are you finished?" She asked when he didn't speak right away.

"No, it's gotten complicated." He replied. "They want to use the Razor Crest to spring a friend from prison."

More loud banging came from atop. Fayra followed the noise with her gaze.

"They're doing work to get the Razor Crest ready." He explained.

"Say no, and we can leave."

"It's not quite that easy now that we're here." He paused for a moment, Fayra inspected him, his mannerisms were off, he seemed to be concerned, "It'll be a day's worth of work. I don't want you seen by the crew."

Her eyebrows went up, "What? Are you going to lock me in here? You consider me a prisoner on your ship? I can't make my own choices. Are you always going to dictate what I can and Can't do?"

"Fayra, you're not a prisoner and I don't want to argue."

"Then why do you keep me hidden away? It's not fair."

"Word is getting around about a girl with… abilities. These people deal in underworld trade. It's dangerous."

"Fine."

He nodded. The door slid open and he stepped out.

Fayra fumed at him, but she knew he was right. She sat back down. Well, Blue could keep me company at least, she thought. Blue? Where was Blue? She hadn't seen him since the galley. She looked under the bed. No Blue. She opened her door, half expecting it to be locked, but it wasn't.

"Manny?" She yelled as quietly as she could. No answer. She peered into the galley. "Blue?" She whispered. She saw no one. She slowly tiptoed to the flight deck, empty. She peered out the window. Mando stood with a group of people preparing containers. She went to the ladder and peered down into the cargo bay and froze to listen for anything. She heard nothing.

"Blue?" She called down into the hole. Still nothing. She descended.

"Blue?" She began looking around. He was a small droid, he could be hiding anywhere. Suddenly, the door cracked open and began lowering. Fayra panicked. She turned to go, but there just wasn't enough time. She jumped into the extra sleeping compartment and closed the door.

Manny, is not going to like this, she thought as she crossed her legs. She tried to slow her panicked breathing, fearing it would be loud enough to hear. She listened. The voices were muffled but she could hear them clearly.

"We'll be lucky if this ship holds together." A deep voice said.

"It'll hold, I'll be flying." An automated voice said. A droid, thought Fayra. Nanny's going to let a droid fly his ship. After that fuss he put up with Blue. Oh, he's going to get it, she threatened. That is unless he kills her first for not being in her room. Oh no! She thought, what will happen when he checks on her and she's not there? He's going to go crazy.

Loud banging vibrated the walls as she heard someone throwing things around.

"Careful with those Burg!" A different voice yelled. "You break something you buy it."

"Stop horsing around. Let's get going!" A woman called out.

"We'll go when I say we'll go." A man shouted.

"It's Mando's ship!" She spat.

"Ready when you are." She heard Mando say. Fayra's heart leaped at the sound of his voice. She wanted so badly to run to him. She suddenly felt unsure and insecure, not being able to go to him. Her skin developed goose bumps. It was cold in the small room. She wrapped herself in her arms. She wasn't sure she'd be able to stand it in here for a whole day.

"Watch out!" The deep voice called out. A loud band against her door caused her to yelp. The deep voice laughs. She heard footsteps going up the ladder. After a few moments she determined it was Mando, she didn't hear him say anything else. She listened as the cargo bay door closed, her heart sank, she was going to be stuck there. She begged silently that Mando wouldn't go to her room. The Razor Crest rumbled to life and they were on their way.

The other passengers mumbled among themselves. She heard one person pace across the floor. "Will you sit down!" the woman demanded.

Fayra heard deep grunting and growls and the familiar sounds of Mando's weapons cabinet, then laughing. A thud hit the floor. She wished she could see what was happening. Actually, she was wishing she was where Mando told her to be. She'd be safer, warmer, not scared and not to mention he wouldn't be angry with her.

She listened as the others laughed at the idea of all the other Mandalorians being dead. She didn't know that. Was that why he was the way he was, an angry and lonely man.

She heard his voice again, he was close to her. Just right outside the door. She closed her eyes, wishful thinking. Then heard the group talking about his helmet, they wanted him to take it off. Would he, she wondered. She heard a scuffle taking place. For a moment she thought he might need help. Suddenly the door opened, revealing her presence. She got a small glimpse of the figures occupying the cargo bay, then quickly lowered her head and closed her eyes

Her face heated in embarrassment. She didn't want to look up to see him. Even though he had the helmet on, she would be able to see the look of shock, disappointment, and anger written on his face.

"Whoa look at that!" the bald man said. She heard footsteps approaching her. "You don't get lonely up here, huh?" He scoffed.

Fayra lifted her face and found Mando with her eyes. She was right, the look he portrayed on that helmet told Fayra he was going to kill her. "What's she do for you? Cook? Clean?"

"Yeah, something like that." Mando replied. He could see the fear in her eyes.

"What does she clean? Your pipes?" The man said, causing all the others to laugh.

"Hiding her away, Mando? Now, why would you wanna do that?" The purple female smiled deviously at him.

The strangers laughed again. "Well, come on out of there." The bald man suggested. Fayra obeyed as he took her by the arm.

"I'm Mayfield, this is Burg." A large figure came from the shadows beside her. Startled, she tried to take a step toward Mando. Mayfield held her elbow, keeping her from getting far.

"Playing house, Mando?" The unknown female asked. "Didn't take you for the type. Maybe that code of yours has made you soft."

Mayfield turned Fayra to face him. She was unsure what to do. "Me, I was never really into having house slaves or pleasure slaves. Yeah, I didn't have the temperament. Patience, you know? I mean, I tried, but it never worked out. They always wind up dead."

He glided his hands up and down her arms. "But I'm thinkin' maybe I'll try again with this one." Fayra watched as the man eyed Mando behind her, smirking. He was trying to provoke him.

Mayfield gripped Fayra's arms hard and pretended to knock her back. He laughed as Mando lunged to catch her. Mayfield laughed, turning Fayra to face Mando. She turned her eyes to the floor, she didn't want to look at him, ashamed she disobeyed him and put herself in a situation he had wanted to avoid.

"Dropping out of hyperspace now!" An automated voice announced over the intercom. The ship shifted. Fayra was jerked forward, landing in Mando's arms as they toppled to the floor.

She was relieved to be next to him instead. Mando held her tightly as the Razor Crest jilted side to side then came to a stop. She tried to lift herself from him, but he prevented it by squeezing her hard. She could barely breathe.

"Go to my quarters." he demanded quietly in her ear.

"But you said to never go in there." Fayra said, shocked.

"Go to my quarters, now." He whispered again in that dangerous tone.

She nodded.

"Useless droid didn't even give us a proper countdown!"

"We've reached our rendezvous point. Now we wait." Mayfield said.

Mando released her, helping her up the ladder as the others recovered from their falls.

As Fayra approached his door, it opened, it had never done that before. Mando must have unlocked it for her. As she entered the lights of the room came on. His room was considerably nicer than the crew quarters. It was slightly bigger. The bed was larger and much more cozy, it stretched out along the back wall. There was a desk and chair on the right and a set of drawers on the left. She sat down on the edge of the bed.

Looking around, she saw star charts, tools and log books atop the desk. Small artifacts and baubles set atop the drawers. Various weapons hung on the walls, including his pulse rifle. A small platform set on the desk caught her eyes. She reached out to touch it but thought she better not. She was sure he was already furious with her. No way would she give him something else to yell at her for. So she sat, unmoving. At least it was warmer in here, she thought.

An hour past, perhaps two. Fayra wasn't sure. She was determined not to move, not to go anywhere. She really had to work on doing as he instructed.

The door slid open. Standing to her feet and squaring her shoulders, she prepared herself for whatever Mando would dish out. Instead the purple colored female stood there. She swayed her hips and entered the room, smiling at Fayra.

"Hello." She said in a smooth, sultry voice. The door closed behind her. "I'm Xi'an."

"Where's Manny?" Fayra asked.

Xi'an smirked. "Ha, got your own pet name for him, do you?" She mocked. "No worries, he's down stairs with the boys."

"You shouldn't be here, he doesn't like people-"

Xi'an laughed baring her teeth. "I thought we could have some girl time." She interrupted, tilting her head. She looked Fayra up and down. "You know, have some fun, get to know each other."

Xi'an circled Fayra. She gave Fayra chills as she ran a finger across her shoulders. She felt like some kind of prey being stocked. "I must admit," Xi'an said. "I don't know what Mando sees in a scrawny little thing like you."

Fayra lifted her chin, but stayed silent.

"What's your name?" Xi'an asked, running her fingers through Fayra's hair like she was inspecting it.

"Fayra."

"What do you do for him... Fayra?"

Fayra refused to answer as her cheeks heated. Xi'an giggled.

She stopped directly in front of Fayra. She ran her finger down Fayra's chest, tugging her dress down. Fayra grabbed the top hem to keep her from pulling it down. Xi'an smiled.

Suddenly, the door opened again. Seeing Mando enter the room Xi'an jumped behind Fayra giggling.

"Uh Oh, I think we just got caught." Xi'an said in Fayra's ear.

"What are you doing here Xi'an?" Mando asked.

"Oh, just having some girl talk." She replied, wrapping Fayra in her arms, hugging her from behind. Fayra cringed. "We're best friends now." she laughed.

"Leave Xi'an." He commanded.

"Awh, he doesn't want to play Fayra. Whatever shall we do with him?" Her cackle sent chills down Fayra's spine.

"Don't you want to share, like we used to?" She asked as she bounced around to Fayra's side. A flash of light in her hand caught Fayra's eye. She looked over. Xi'an had a knife loosely hanging between her fingers. Fayra went still. "And here I thought we could have a little fun, for old time sake."

"Thought you were all business now." Mando replied. Xi'an moved, flinging her had out, slicing Fayra's dress at the top. It began to fall. Fayra scrambled and caught it as Mando twisted and pinned Xi'an against the wall.

"Ah, there he is!" She hissed, baring her teeth at him. "There's the Mando I know! Ha!"

"You can turn those knives on me all you want, you turn them on her and I'll shove them in your legs." Mando's voice was low and dangerous.

"Ah, I see. She's special." She laughed. "She's not like those females I use to bring you."

Silent filled the room.

Xi'an continued. "Remember, Mando? I'd watch as you'd take them, then you'd watch. You could get them to do anything we wanted."

"Get out." He demanded and released her.

She laughed, pocketing her knives. She hopped over to Fayra. "Let me give you some advice girl. You want to please him? He likes to watch. He likes control. Fight him, he likes that too. But don't touch that helmet, unless you want him to punish you, he can be rough." She winked.

She laughed again, "She blushes so easily." The door opened and Xi'an stepped out. "Be gentle with her, Mando. She looks soooo delicate."

Silence filled the room as the door shut. Fayra stared at him, his back turned to her. The only thing she could hear was her own pounding heart.

Mando turned and crossed the room, Fayra stepped back, thinking he was coming for her. She was forced to sit down when the back of her knees hit the bed. He passed her and opened a drawer.

"Put this on." He said and tossed her one of his tunics. He crossed the room again fiddling with things around his desk. She pulled off her dress and slipped on the tunic. It fell just above her knees, and the long sleeves covered her hands.

"Are you angry with me?" She asked quietly.

Mando slammed an object down, Fayra jumped at the sound then shuddered as her emotion made the light flicker. He turned, stepping toward her. She leaned back as far as she could to keep some space between them. Mando now inches from her.

"What the hell were you doing in the cargo bay?"

She tried to swallow, but her throat was so dry she couldn't manage it. She was afraid to tell him the truth. If he knew she was looking for Blue, he was so angry, he might go shoot him. She tried to think of something, she looked around trying to find some kind of excuse.

"If you're going to lie, do it quickly." He demanded.

"I'm trying too! I was looking for Blue." She blurted out in defiance.

Mando huffed and stepped back in silence. Fayra thought for sure he was absolutely furious, but then he began laughing. It was a loud boisterous laugh. Fayra watched in confusion and unbelieving the sound she was hearing. She didn't say anything funny that she knew of. She was sure she'd never heard him even crack a smile.

"You disobeyed a direct order for a droid."

Fayra was unsure what to say. Should she apologize? Should she laugh too? No, she decided, crossing her arms in front of her. He was laughing at her, she scrunched her face in annoyance. He went silent again, his visor staring her down.

She wished she could see his face, for the first time she wanted to really see him. It wasn't because she was curious, but because she desperately wanted to see what he was thinking, what he was feeling. It took a long moment before Mando broke the silence. However, he only sighed and shook his head. He sat in his chair, still facing her.

"Get some sleep." He said, and swiveled around to his desk. Fayra watched as he began working with various tools and papers.

"Lay down Fayra. Go to sleep." He ordered without turning. He kept his voice low, but it still sent a jolt through her as his words cut through their silence.

"Fine." She said, wishing she could stalk out the door and slam it in his face. She slid her legs underneath the blanket and propped her head on his pillow. A strong scent filled her nose. It was an earthy scent blended with faint leather and cotton. There were also traces of clove and orange. She had smelled it on him before, but it wasn't strong enough to make out underneath his armor. She breathed deeply taking in more of it. She watched him for a while longer, working at his desk. Eventually her body gave in after she decided she wouldn't want to be anywhere else besides here with him.

Fayra awoke from a restless dream. When she realized she couldn't open her eyes, she bolted up, screaming. She frantically pulled at the bind covering her eyes. Suddenly she felt strong hands wrap around her wrists, pulling her hands downward.

"Fayra." A male voice said. She screamed at the unfamiliar voice. She jerked her hands away and began punching. She tried to kick him away but the blanket she was under kept them pinned. Fear filled thoughts ran through her. Why was she blind folded? Why was she with a strange man? What did Mando do? Was he really that angry? Where was she? "Fayra." The man said again. "It's alright. You are safe."

Fayra stilled. Those words, she thought, that voice. It was different, but she could hear something familiar and those words, she knew them too.

"Manny?" she asked quietly and breathless.

"Yes." He replied.

She drew in a sharp breath, relieved. "Y-, you sound different."

"Yes."

"Why?" She asked. "Why can't I see? How did you blindfold me?"

"My helmet has a voice modulator." He explained. "I needed to make some adjustments, I couldn't risk you waking while my helmet is off and… you're a sound sleeper."

She sat frozen, blinking against the material covering her eye. Fayra saw nothing but blackness. She could feel his bare hands still gripping her wrists tightly, preventing her from tearing away the blindfold.

"Your helmet is off?" She asked, very tempted to do just that.

"Yes." He confirmed. "I'll let go if you keep your hands low."

She nodded and he slowly released her wrists. She felt him moving away.

"Wait!" She reached for him, hitting his beskar armored chest. He caught her hands as she found his jawline. Mando jerked his head back slightly at the sudden touch, but he didn't pull her away. She felt a rough stubble where he hadn't shaved. He breathed in sharply and swallowed nervously as she followed his jawline up, her fingers lightly brushed his ears.

She dragged her hands up to his hairline, she felt his jaw clench. Fayra couldn't help but smile. She moved across his forehead and felt the presence of faint lines. Suddenly, Mando pulled her hands away, gently yet forcefully. He guided them back down to her lap.

Fayra realized the ramifications of what she had just done, it was very possible she just did something forbidden. "I'm sorry." she said.

"Are you ever going to do anything I ask of you?" There was that dangerous tone of his, it was different without his helmet, but it definitely carried the same weight. Perhaps more.

"That wasn't allowed." She stated, already knowing it to be true.

He growled.

Fayra thought he probably hadn't had anyone touch his face before. It must have come as a shock to him. "I'm sorry. I just… " She began, but stopped. She wasn't sure what to say and wondered if he would be allowed to still be a Madalorian. They had such strict rules, he might not. But she wasn't brave enough to ask.

Mando switched to holding both her wrists to just one hand. The sound of cloth ripping filled the silence.

"I know you aren't supposed to show your face, but not even touching is allowed?"

"It's for bonded mates."

Bonded mates? Fayra thought. Then she felt something being wrapped around her wrists binding them together.

She jerked them at the sensation, but he held firm.

"What are you doing?" She didn't want to make things worse but he was tying her hands.

"Lay down."

"Manny." She pleaded. "I won't, I promise."

"You'll be safe." He reassured her. "When I'm done, I'll release you."

Fayra's breath quickened as she felt him securing her binds to the bed. It frightened her. She would be vulnerable to anyone, to him. Fear rose in her stomach, she hadn't been bound since he saved her. He never not once forced her back to that level. She forced herself to lay still thinking about his words, 'you'll be safe'. He's never broken them. Even after everything she's done, and the rules she's broken. He released his hold and she heard his footsteps backing away. Fayra pulled gently on her binds.

"Go back to sleep." He said.

Her imagination began running wild with her. Her heart began pounding as panic set in. She was rendered helpless by the Niktos. They bound her hands to stop her from using her powers. Then, the the torture she endured at the hands of those horrible men left her helpless. She had come so far and didn't want that to happen again, she didn't want to feel helpless. She began pulling at the binds, screaming as images began flashing through her mind.

Mando jumped to his feet and rushed to Fayra. The ship rumbled and shook as the lights blinked rapidly. She felt his hands on her, untying them and bringing her hands to her chest.

"Fayra." He said gently.

She sobbed. She tried not to, but her emotions were overwhelming.

"It's alright, you are safe." His breath was in her ear as he pulled her into him, blocking her punches. She was furious, frightened and hurt all at the same time.

"No!" She screamed. "I can't, I tried. That's what they did. Please… Not you too."

Fayra's thoughts jumbled together.

"Fayra, slow down." He demanded. "It's alright."

Her breathing quickened to the point of hyperventilating. "Fayra. Breathe. Calm down."

She began shaking. "The Niktos, it's what they did, and the man… that horrible man."

Mando began to understand.

"Not you too." She began pushing at him, trying to put some distance between. He held firm, holding her close.

"No!" The ship rumbled louder, creaking loudly.

"Fayra. Calm down."

Her sobs grew, his desk lamp popped and crackled.

"Fayra!" He held her head to his shoulder and jerked the blindfold off of her. In shock, she blinked wildly. Her eyes struggled to adjust to the lights flickering on and off rapidly. She froze and stopped pushing at him.

Fayra swallowed a few times trying to catch her breath, her eyes wet and her body relaxed. She wrapped her arms around him. The ship stopped rumbling and the lights returned to normal. She stared at his helmet sitting on the desk.

"I meant you no harm, Fayra. You are safe." He said in his low calm voice.

She sniffled sharply in response focusing on his words. She decided she liked hearing those words with his real voice instead of the helmet's version.

She sniffled as her breathing slowly returned to normal. Mando allowed her enough freedom to adjust her head on his shoulder, but he kept a firm hold in case she decided to try and see his face. She liked the feeling of him behind her, instead the cold hard contours of his helmet.

Instead of focusing on all the bad things that had happened to her, she tried to think of the good things. That's when she realized most of the good things involved the man that currently held her in his arms. She was taken so young, she doesn't have many happy memories. Until he came along. She rescued her, then rescued her again. He took her to Sorgan where she met friends. He even let her have Blue. Yes, he wasn't perfect, but he's kept her safe.

Sadness and happiness overwhelmed her and began crying again. She wrapped her arms around his neck. She wanted nothing more than to stay with him, touch him, to feel him next to her, like he was now. She squeezed him, never wanting to let him go.

As he listened to her breathing slow to a normal rhythm he realized his mistake.

They sat there for a long while. An hour, by Mando's calculation, before her body finally relaxed in his arms. Her breath deepened and slowed. She began to fall back to sleep. Mando waited long after her hands lost their grip on him before he lowered her back down and went to his desk.