Hey, y'all! A much shorter wait time to make up for the super long ones lately! On that note, I know I said this one starts exactly as the other one ended, and it doesn't. Also, it's on the shorter side, sorry!

Thanks for all the love! And I can't wait to know what you guys think! Much Love- Lou!

Disclaimer: I own nothing recognizable, but it would be fun if I did!

Chapter 22

Beskar

Nal Hutta

Boba Fett approached Jabba's ship out of sight of the party disembarking from it. Somewhere above them, Slave 1 was just breaking the atmosphere to orbit Nal Hutta with all its safety protocols in place. Jabba would expect Boba's helmet to be one of the first things he saw on Nal Hutta, and it would be. Boba had been on Slave 1 when Dengar alerted him to Jabba's arrival. He had been running safety scans before he sent it back into orbit. Having anyone besides himself on Slave 1 made him doubly careful. It would be too easy for one of the men employed by Jabba's extended family and clan members to plant a listening device or a tracker. Boba Fett didn't stay alive and ahead of everyone because he was careless. He was meticulous in everything.

The ramp was down on Jabba's ship, two sets of guards descended. Even with their backs to Boba Fett, they were a rough-looking bunch. Next came Jabba himself, followed by the self-aggrandizing Twi and another sentient just a few steps behind him.

His eyes drifted down her small frame, starting with the wealth of thick dark red hair thrown over one narrow shoulder, then lower. He traced the line of her spine down her dark blue tunic to the small of her back, then to the flare of her hips as she made her way down the ramp. She looked whole, but he already knew that. She was fine. Her shoulder had healed. Boba had observed her when he could, which hadn't been much. Still, she had appeared fine mentally despite witnessing her friend's gruesome and senseless death.

She turned her head, allowing him a brief glimpse of her profile. He followed the line of her gaze to hover sled weighted down with crates. She looked forward again as an astromech droid sped across their path. Her attention moved to her right a second later as something else caught her eye.

He suddenly found himself curious if she had ever been here before. It was almost a given she had at some point in her life. Young life, he corrected his eyebrow lifting. She was only twenty-three cycles old. However, she had spent a lot of time with her grandfather. Creed had kept her on his ship with him before he died. And all smuggler's roads eventually led to Nal Hutta, even if they wouldn't transport slaves or spice.

Boba's gaze stayed with her as she stepped clear of Jabba's ship. His attention shifted to Bib Fortuna for a moment before moving back to her. Boba Fett hadn't known she would be here, but he wasn't surprised, not really.

They hadn't spoken since that night. They had had no reason to, but he had felt just how nervous he made her now. She didn't need to be nervous of him, but if she were smart, she would be nervous about Fortuna's newfound interest. Boba didn't like it. Anytime Fortuna took an interest in someone; it turned out bad.

The party stopped just off the ship. Jabba turned, speaking to Bib Fortuna, his large eyes landed on Boba.

"Ah, Fett," Jabba said in Huttese when he saw him. "There you are."

She turned quickly, looking at him. Boba said nothing, just continued toward them. Her face flooded with color, and she looked away like she had in the throne room. Boba Fett didn't have a lot of experience with romance and the opposite sex, but he wondered if she realized her blushes would only substantiate the belief that they shared a bed.

She looked up, lifting her chin and folding her arms behind her back. He held her gaze through his visor as he approached. Slight color highlighted her scar again at that moment. He knew she was at least curious if he was holding her gaze. He would rather she have the metal to stare into his visor openly like this.

"Everything is ready," he said, turning his attention back to Jabba.

Boba Fett had come, with just Dengar on Slave 1, with Jabba's portion of the "dowry" he was willing to pay to see his nephew married the other Hutt clans daughter. That had only served to remind him how much he disliked working with others. Dengar didn't shut up. A threat of spacing him or shooting him wouldn't work with him, so Boba had had to ignore him.

For the second time recently, Boba found himself working with this one-time partner from the days of the Krayt Syndicate. Bib Fortuna had insisted Boba Fett have someone accompany him. Boba would only agree if he were allowed to pick who it was. He was reasonably sure the Cyborg wasn't in Bib Fortuna's pocket. Boba Fett was not stupid, however. He was very much aware that Dengar wasn't above leaving him holding the bag if he could, but only the stupidest sentients stole from Jabba. He could get away with it if he chose. But he was one of the few.

Dengar found Boba Fett's apparent "need of his assistance" funny.

As if on queue, the Cyborg appeared beside him. Boba didn't miss the slight glimmer that danced through the back of her eyes when she looked at Dengar.

"Let us go, Your Greatness, " Bib Fortuna said, lifting one long arm in the direction of the clan headquarters. Jabba turned and headed for the building, leaving his entourage to follow after him.

She glanced at them over her shoulder, her color heightening slightly again.

"See ya, boss. I think I'll take that invitation if you won't," Dengar said, moving past him.

The borg lifted his hand when he reached her as if to say, shall we?

Her lips turned up in a slight smile as she accepted his invitation. Arms behind her back, she walked away, in Dengar's company.

Boba Fett couldn't imagine anyone's eyes lighting up or smiling at all when they saw Dengars scarred face.

XxX

Kiya fell into step beside the Cyborg as they crossed the landing platform.

"How do you like Nal Hutta so far?" He asked.

Kiya shrugged, not sure what to make of his friendliness. She didn't even know his name. He had just simply appeared at her side that night at Jabba's Palace. "It's busy," she said, looking around the port.

"Do you suppose we will get to see this stunningly corpulent example of Huttly beauty?" He inquired, leaning his head closer.

Much like the first night, a bright smile split her face, and Kiya had to clear her throat. "Could we be so lucky?"

"There's always hope," he said gravely.

Kiya shook her head.

She glanced over her shoulder a moment later, and Dengar laughed. "Don't worry. He's following us, princess."

Kiya flushed, her gaze snapping to Cyborg. "I— I," she stammered. "I wasn't worried," she finished, looking forward again.

"That self-confident, are we?"

Kiya colored again and shook her head. She wanted to protest but knew she couldn't. She had looked over her shoulder because of Fett, but not for the reasons the Cyborg implied.

Xx

Kiya found herself standing at a discreet distance, decanter in hand, performing the same duties for Jabba she had for his aunt. There were five other Hutts present this time. The one with the strange monocle apparatus whom she believed was Jabba's nephew was there, as was Jiliac. Jabba's son was absent, and she hadn't seen a hologram of mama Hutt just yet either. The others she didn't know who they were. Relations of some sort, she supposed, and one even had on a short cape and a hat. She had gleaned that they were here to discuss the same marriage they discussed so recently on Tatooine.

But so far, all they had done was watch a group of entertainers far more skilled than anything she had seen in Jabba's palace. Nola's father was right when he told Nola they were acrobats. They reminded Kiya of a traveling show she had watched on Florrum with her grandfather long ago. Melina Carniss could learn a few things from these performers. They had painted faces and wore headdresses as they stood bareback on running beasts, sometimes somersaulting through the air. As much as Kiya loved Yarna, she couldn't see her friend somersaulting off an orbacks back. But again, it was difficult to call what most of them did, even dancing, for the most part, she thought wryly—even Yarna. Now, Neelah might be able to pull this off, she had a natural sort of bearing and grace that made Kiya wonder who she had once been. Sarita might have as well. Kiya tried to ignore the empty ache in the pit of her stomach that accompanied thoughts of Sarita. So much loss, with so much life left to live. Boba Fett was right. Sarita wasn't… He had never finished that statement, but he hadn't needed to say more. It was enough. But Kiya was right as well; there was no let when it wasn't your choice. None of them had a choice. They were playthings at the whims of insidious creatures.

Kiya pulled herself from her thought to see Jabba's nearly empty glass. She discreetly stepped forward, filling it, then slipped back into her spot.

She hadn't seen Bib since one of the other servants showed her the way to the kitchens. This place was kept far cleaner than Jabba's palace. The layout here was much more confusing than at Jabba's Palace also. It had a series of long intersecting tunnels. She was sure it made sense to those who lived and worked here, but it felt like if you made one wrong turn, you'd be lost.

But Kiya did know when to thank the Maker for small favors, and the less time Kiya had to spend with Bib Fortuna, the better. Kiya's attention passed over the room, landing on the Twi'lek female with purple skin in a sarong and bandeau of emerald silk to her right. She had beautifully tattooed leku in a slightly darker shade of purple. Her name was D'Naran, and she was a servant in Jiliacs household. She was by far the friendliest of the servants present. Most of them seemed to resemble Bib Fortuna more in attitude. The only one she recognized was the Palliduvan, who had been on Tatooine.

D'Naran was the one who told Kiya there would be a feast tonight. She met Kiya's gaze, nodding politely. She also told Kiya if she needed help or had any questions just to ask.

Kiya's attention returned to the dance floor, and she blanched. A knot formed in her stomach, and her chest compressed. The Weequay with the whip made his way around the edge of the room. The kyber whip's curved handle dangled from his belt. His beady eyes were on her; Kiya lifted her chin a notch. It wouldn't matter if she showed fear or not. He would never leave her alone. He had no intentions of leaving her alone. Kiya watched him out of the corner of her eye as long as she could.

XxX

A smile played about her lips. "My Lady, " Kiya said, in Huttese, with a slight, respectful incline of her head. Murky light shone in through high windows, and while Kiya knew this atmosphere was better for the Hutt's anatomically, she didn't know how anything with higher thought, would want to live where the sun didn't shine much.

Jiliac was silent, her large orange eyes assessing. "You understand more now?" she asked in Huttese.

Kiya nodded. "Better than before, yes, but I'm still not fluent." D'Naran stood to Jiliac's right. She had come and fetched Kiya to Jiliacs private chambers after the council had broken for afternoon rest.

Jilaic spoke again, but Kiya only understood part of what she said.

"She said you are wise to give yourself more value." The D'Naran translated.

Kiya's brows lifted. She wasn't so confident that more value in the eyes of a Hutt is what she wanted. "I'm not so confident that's a good thing," Kiya replied.

The other female's eyes widened.

Jiliacs orange eyes twinkled, however. "Impertinent."

Kiya smiled in earnest this time. That word was the same in either language.

"Haku would uba saee beke jee offered uba oolace mah household?"

She was offering Kiya a place in her home.

"As mah handmaiden?" she added.

Kiya opened her mouth, taken back by the suggestion she was nonplussed. "Your Ladyship—" she began. "I." Kiya was not ignorant to the fact that this offer would extract her from her present worries. She wouldn't need to worry about the Weequay or what an association with Boba Fett would ultimately mean. She wouldn't be under Bib Fortuna's power any longer, but she couldn't. "Thank you, but I can't."

Jiliac was quiet as she scrutinized Kiya, her gaze narrowed. "I could make you, " the she Hutt suggested.

Kiya nodded. She did know. "I know you could."

"We will discuss this more later."

Kiya nodded a second time.

Jiliac continued to examine Kiya shrewdly. "Is Boba Fett why you refuse?"

That needed no translating. Color flooded Kiya's face, turning her skin scarlett and rendering her nearly speechless. "No," she croaked. Nola was why she wouldn't accept the offer.

Had Jiliac heard of Kiya's night in his room? Kiya reddened even more.

The female Hutt chuckled. "Would shulu gooddé protector."

This time the color drained from Kiya's face, and her gaze dropped. Kiya looked up again, shaking her head. "I—" she began, yet again, flummoxed by the line of questions.

Jiliac chuckled again. Far more heartily this time, her rotund body jiggling. "He is what you humanoid females find attractive, yes?"

Again D'Naran eyes widened in surprise.

Kiya opened her mouth to reply again, quickly closing it at the same moment the chamber door whooshed open.

"Ah, Fett," Jiliac said.

Kiya stiffened, near panic settling in. She turned her head slightly, hoping he wasn't there. He was. He was making his way toward them even now. A fresh wave of heat assaulted her face. Kiya took a deep breath, willing her nerves to settle. If he had heard anything that Jiliac said, he gave no outward signs but again, how would he encased in all that Beskar. She didn't believe for one second that even enclosed behind walls of durasteel as they were that Boba Fett couldn't hear every word they said if he wanted.

"Is it done?" Jiliac asked.

"Yes," he said, stopping just beside her.

Kiya folded her arms behind her back but couldn't entirely rid her face of all its pinkness.

"Everything is where you wanted it," he added.

"Good."

Kiya took a deep breath. "If you'll excuse me, Your Ladyship, I should return to my duties now." Arms back at her sides, she inclined her head respectfully.

"Yes, go."

Head still down, Kiya backed three steps away as protocol dictated and turned. She was more than eager to remove herself.

"Wait, Kiya," Jiliac called. Kiya turned around as Jiliac turned her attention back to Boba Fett. "Escort our girl back to that nephew of mine."

Boba nodded, and for the first time, she noticed he didn't back away; he simply turned and walked away. Kiya lifted her chin, continuing toward the door. This was certainly not how she envisioned her quick escape. Even so, she was determined not to let him see how uncomfortable she was. He surprised her when he moved to walk beside her and not behind. Kiya kept her eyes forward, willing herself not to blush.

She wanted to say something. Felt like she needed to say something. But how are you doing these days didn't seem like a question one asked Boba Fett. One dark brow lifted slightly. Maybe therein was the appeal. He made her uncomfortable with his sheer presence, but she had also seen he wasn't a conversationalist.

"How was your trip?" she asked.

She saw him slowly turn his head in her direction out of the corner of her eye. Kiya remained as placidly featured as when she asked the question. As he continued to look at her, Kiya had to turn her head. The edge of her mouth tried to creep up as she imagined the furrowed brow that must be behind that visor. Imagine she had the temerity to attempt small talk and the effort it would take to form a one-word reply. If she were placing bets, she'd put all her money on him, not answering.

"Fine," he said roughly, catching her thoroughly by surprise. He looked forward again.

"The weather on Nal Hutta is always so grey, " she observed next. "And green. We can't forget the green," she added as an afterthought. "Or the slime." She knew that one was a little obnoxious.

Fett said nothing this time at first. They just continued in silence. "You haven't had any trouble," he questioned seriously.

Kiya's step slowed to a stop, and she studied the profile of his mask. Of any and all responses he could have made, that question wasn't one. Honestly, she hadn't expected anything, but if she had certainly not that.

Fett stopped as well, turning to look at her.

"No," Kiya said softly, feeling slightly childish for making fun of him. She didn't add that she knew it wouldn't stay that way. She stared past him down the corridor for a moment. "Jiliac offered me a place with her." Her attention returning to his visor. She studied the chips of paint for a moment, and the orange lines, before settling on the dent on the left side of his helmet.

Boba stepped closer, his brow growing heavy. He watched her study his Beskar countenance. He had known there was every chance Jiliac would make this offer. "And?" He asked.

Her attention dropped away, and she shook her head. "I turned her down."

Boba noted the odd shot relief he felt at her words. He moved marginally closer again, his attention on what he could see of her downturned face. "It would make sense for you to stay here."

His voice was so low, and there was a vague intensity to it as he spoke, Kiya felt herself flush again. She lifted her gaze and nodded. "I know, but I can't."

That made no sense, her life would be easier with Jiliac.

The silence stretched between them, neither of them moving. Kiya had to look away, unable to shake the feeling he was staring at her. She had known he was staring at her before, but this time, it felt different. She started to fidget. She couldn't bring herself to tell him about Nola. He would think she was stupid to try and help Sarita, she knew he would. He wasn't the type to concern himself with anothers fate. He had only stepped in and helped her because he felt he owed her.

"Where did the dent come from?" She asked because she had to say something. "I thought Beskar could withstand lightsabers?" she went on as she started moving again then stopped. "So what dented it?"

His head tilted slightly to the side but said nothing. Kiya forced herself to stare into his visor despite the urge to look away.

There it was. That metal and tenacity Boba Fett knew she possessed. It was almost tempting to tell her how it happened, but he didn't share personal things, and she couldn't expect an answer. "It wasn't a lightsaber," he said, straightening his head back up.

"Touche."

A vaguely amused expression slid across her face. It was tempting again. Only this time, to ask her what or why she was looking at him that way. They'd drawn far closer to one another than he had realized. There were maybe two feet between them; close enough, the smell of her soap found its way inside his helmet. He couldn't shake the feeling she was laughing at him silently. The laughter slipped from her gaze, and her brow furrowed. She studied him again. Neither of them moved.

"Boba," A voice said, pulling his attention from her to find Rystáll approaching them. "Dengar is looking for you. Jabba needs you, he said," she continued, her narrowed gaze surveying them.

Kiya moved, drawing his attention back to her as she walked away.

XxX

Later that night

XxX

Boba Fett stepped into the main council chambers. He scanned the room before he went any deeper. Once he finished, his attention returned to the dais. She stood behind Jabba, decanter in hand, watching the acrobats. His duties here were different than they were on Tatooine. In many ways, they were far more here. He acted as head of Jabba's security in both places to an extent. Jabba wanted him to keep an eye on everything, so he was almost constantly moving from one place to the next here. Imagine a Hutt not trusting his own clan members, he thought sardonically. Boba had made use of Dengar and stationed him at the vault where the dowry was. For one reason, again, he would trust Dengar before any of the others Jabba brought. For two, he didn't have to listen to the other males incessant talking. Every council member present had a guard posted near the vault. The contents of which were nearly an emperor's ransom.

Boba's attention stayed with her for a moment more. There was something. He didn't know what. When Rystall interrupted them earlier, it was like she found a way to get away from him. He wasn't stupid, and he was aware he had made her instantly uncomfortable when she entered Jiliacs chamber. She had hurried off before, but this time felt different. He had even less idea why he noted it.

Boba Fett skirted the floor, blaster rifle in hand, making another scan of the room before taking the tunnel the led right near the dais.

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