A/N: Please note that this chapter is rated M.

Inspired by the song "I'm Kissing You" by Des'ree.

Pride can stand
A thousand trials
The strong will never fall
But watching stars without you
My soul cried
Heaving heart is full of pain
Oh, oh, the aching

'Cause I'm kissing you, oh
I'm kissing you

Touch me deep
Pure and true
Gift to me forever

'Cause I'm kissing you, oh
I'm kissing you

Where are you now?
Where are you now?

'Cause I'm kissing you
I'm kissing you, oh

(V)(V)(V)

Chapter 22: The Affirmation

Rebuilding wasn't easy.

Though the battle had indeed been won, and though the marauder strongholds throughout Grá had been eradicated, there was a lingering melancholy within both Coalition forces and Grádians alike. As the days passed, the din of battle was heard long after the skies and fields had grown silent, when the flames had turned into ashes. The fleeting moments of exultation were often overshadowed and replaced by mourning, the realization of just how much - and how many - had been lost gradually sinking in. As we continued to sift through the rubble, there were continuous reminders of the price that had been paid to regain our home, and the ultimate sacrifices that had been made by so many who had chosen to answer the call. Funerals for fallen comrades and Grádian citizens alike were held across the planet, and it was ensured that the time was taken to honour each and every one of them.

We would never forget.

Part of the rebuilding included the resettlement of my old city, Dochas. A group of the Coalition forces were kind enough to aid us native Grádians in this endeavour, for which we were eternally grateful. A twin city to Neart, Dochas, too, once boasted state-of-the-art technology, towering steel-glass buildings, and bustling cosmopolitan areas. Though the city was indeed just a shadow of its former self, its cobbled streets, the perfect mix of city and countryside, and the unmistakably Grádian facades endured. With time, it would recover, channeling the resiliency of the Grádians, and would provide a refuge to those who have been displaced by the marauders and the Empire alike.

One structure in particular was the focus of my own rebuilding efforts. Just outside of the city, in the midst of lush, deep-green fields, my old home had been a welcome sight. I was overcome with joy to see that the home that I had lived in for years - the home that I had lived in right until my escape to Talamh - was still standing. Though one would have expected the residence to be entirely ravaged and destroyed, it thankfully appeared more abandoned and neglected instead.

Din's soft footfalls resonated behind me, the sound distinct and familiar.

"It's looking more like home," he commented lightly, surveying the space.

It was admittedly cathartic to purge all remnants of the marauders from the home - my room, in particular. The restoration had been so successful that it now appeared as though nothing had happened to it. The clean white walls, the inviting furniture carved in traditional Grádian patterns, and the family heirlooms that decorated the space were a testament to the resiliency of my people.

"It feels like it, too," I grinned, wiping the trickling sweat off my brow with a forearm. "Thank you for all of your help."

Din moved to my side in silent observation. "I hope you don't have any other planets that need liberating."

"Mmm, not that I can think of, no." I leaned my elbows upon the windowsill and mused with a smile, "I think the child would also be relieved to hear that, too. He seems very happy."

Outside, in the main square, the little green being merrily played with Grádian children under Cara's close watch. The Razor Crest stood at their side, as though it was their protector, its grand shadow cloaking them from the beating sun.

Din reached out and absentmindedly played with loose tendrils of my hair. "None of this would have happened if it were not for your bravery," he said quietly.

His calm voice was soothing. I considered his words for a moment. "Then perhaps none of this would have happened if you weren't such a proficient bounty hunter." I eyed him with a sidelong glance, sincerity apparent in my expression. "Perhaps the circumstances of our meeting were meant to be."

"There are those in the galaxy who believe that nothing happens by accident." He stood up straight and moved a step closer. "Maybe they are right."

"I still think about the day that you and the child saved me." The disclosure was sudden, supported by a pang of guilt. It was difficult to meet his piercing gaze. "What you did for me."

"Of course I would save you, Luna."

I shook my head, looking up at him once more. "N-no, not that." The backs of my fingers trailed down the side of his helmet. "Your creed…"

The silence hung around us for ages. Din remained pensive, his muscles tight, hands clenched at his sides. An inner battle raged within him. "There is nothing I regret," he finally said, as though through tight lips. It almost sounded as though he were speaking with himself instead. "I couldn't just let you drown."

The strained tone of his voice made me cringe, and I inwardly berated myself for the blunder. Perhaps it was not the best moment to discuss all of this. "I'm sorry for upsetting you. That was not my intention."

"I'm not upset." He curtly shook his head and held his hands up in a placating motion. "I...I just don't know what I would've done if I had lost you."

The tinge of sorrow that sullied his voice, coupled with the realization of the decision that he had been faced with that day, was enough to make my heart constrict. "Well," the tone attempted to be lighthearted, "you would've gone on with your life," I began slowly, resting my hands upon his beskar-covered chest, "continued on your quest to find the child's people. Maybe, down the road, you'd even find yourself a wife, settle down, live until you resembled a prune…"

"In no galaxy would I want to resemble a prune."

My head tilted back, laughter filling the room at the unexpected interjection. "Fair enough!"

He gripped my wrists, holding me in place. There was no longer any jest in his voice. "But, to be honest, I don't think it would be much of a life without you in it."

Another moment of silence passed between us. This time, it was comfortable, and I used it to merely focus on Din's even breathing, to feel the strength of his body as he continued to hold me. What was it about this man that kept me in place? Fixed me to the ground before him so that I would never want to move again?

Without a word, Din began to raise my hands in a fluid motion until my open palms were upon either side of his helmet.

He released my wrists and coiled his arms around my waist.

I stood stalk still, silent.

With mist-filled eyes, I concentrated on composing myself, attempting to quell the trembling of my hands, focusing instead on the feeling of the cool beskar on my fingertips. I looked through his dark t-visor once more, gaze searching, asking for a final confirmation.

He replied with a slow nod.

I raised the helmet slowly, reverently, until his deep-brown eyes made contact with my own once more. My breaths became shallow at his sight. I was wholly entranced, suddenly incapable of rational thought. After holding the helmet in one hand, I momentarily froze, only to survey every inch of his face, to once more revel in the aura of the man who I had grown to know so well. The man who had risked his life and limb for our cause.

The man who had saved me, in more ways than I could have ever imagined.

"I could never tire of seeing your face." The admission was tender. Sincere. My free hand gingerly traced his rough jawline, then the soft curves of his lips, the concurrent feelings upon my skin so contradictory. In truth, it almost highlighted who Din was. He donned an unbreakable armour, his own skin toughened by the years of hardship, pain, and loss that he had experienced; and yet, something tender and loving remained within him, even if he himself did not want to admit it.

I first placed a kiss on his forehead, lingering, feeling the heat that radiated from him, then proceeded to kiss his left cheek, then right cheek. He closed his eyes at the contact, gripping my shirt tightly and pulling me closer.

"You are so...beautiful," I breathed out, nuzzling his cheek with my own. His scent was intoxicating, pulling me in further.

Din opened an eye, peeking in curiosity. "I have been called many things, Luna, but I have never been called...beautiful...before."

"There is no other word to describe you," I said evenly. "It doesn't even come close to describing what I think about you."

Din came undone.

He captured my lips in a blazing kiss even before I could fully place his helmet upon the table at our side. His familiar taste instantly filled me, making my head swirl. My knees went weak, but he wrapped his taut arms around my waist even tighter, holding me steady. I released a shaky breath as he placed a trail of kisses down my cheek, then moved even farther down to the side of my neck.

"I need you," Din whispered hoarsely as he pressed my back upon the wall. He stared at me through a hooded gaze, dark orbs alit with fire.

It was the first time that I've seen Din look at me in such a way. It was intense. Primal. The act made my heart jump and caused the heat of my body to steadily rise. He grasped the loose sides of my shirt and began to tug upwards, eager to be rid of the fabric that impeded his desires. Accepting his intentions, I raised my arms above my head, permitting the tunic to slide off smoothly. My cheeks blushed, also stricken by heat, as Din's eyes freely raked through me and my bare skin, his breaths becoming more laboured.

His heightened expression inflamed me even more. In turn, I, too, felt the unbearable need to remove Din's clothing.

However, as I quickly learned, my experience was certainly not as smooth as his.

I visibly winced, the predicament inopportune indeed. "Din, it's stuck."

"What?" he breathed out, momentarily able to remove himself from the trance, and placed his hands over mine.

"Your cloak." I replied, tugging once more for good measure. The thick fabric didn't budge. "It's stuck to your pauldron."

"Oh, um…" his head moved to and fro, assessing the situation, as he did his best to help, "sorry."

After somehow briefly covering my face, the cloak finally fell to the floor.

A fit of giggles bubbled in my stomach, but I held it in when I perceived the state of Din's body. "You're trembling." I pulled away for a brief moment, observing him. "Are you...are you nervous?"

His lips twisted. "Possibly."

"Din, we don't have to do this…" I said quietly, though not at all believing the statement, hoping to the Being that he would protest.

"No! No…" he said quickly, cupping my face in his hands. The tips of our noses touched as he dipped his head, his breath warm against my flushed cheek. "This is all just...different...for me."

A moment of realization.

I have been the only living being, other than the baby, to have seen Din's face since he was a child. In truth, he appeared to be experiencing some other kind of nakedness, some other form of pure vulnerability, that even I couldn't entirely relate to.

Yet, I understood, and would remain patient.

As though reading my mind, Din kissed me tenderly, coaxing me to proceed.

I did my best to rid him of the remaining layers of his armour and clothing, suppressing my giggles as I remembered just how many layers there were. Din merely grimaced and cocked his head to the side with a simple shrug as, piece by piece, his other garments joined his cloak upon the cool, cement floor. I couldn't hold my laughter anymore, the light sound erupting through the room, his almost childish expression my ultimate undoing. My arms instantly wrapped around his neck, holding him in an embrace, as the final piece of clothing was removed from his torso.

I revelled in the warmth and scent of his skin, and the discernible pulsing of his heart, and stepped even closer to him. Din inhaled sharply as my breasts pressed upon his broad chest, spiking the exchange of heat between us. A low growl erupted from his throat as my mouth began to teasingly trace his collarbone, then moved up his neck, kissing, nipping, and biting along the way.

It was then that I closed my eyes, just appreciating his presence. The aura that he radiated was unlike any other.

It entirely consumed me.

"If we continue, Din, I won't be able to stop."

He took my right hand and gingerly rested it upon his firm abdomen. As it threatened to go lower, he continued with a laboured: "Would you want to?" He unleashed a trail of kisses upon my neck, running the backs of his fingers down my breasts and stomach.

I trembled at his touch. "No."

I began to unbuckle his belt. His hands rested upon my hips, then tugged at the waist of my trousers in return. As we finally rid ourselves of the last pieces of our clothing, Din once more appraised me. His calloused fingers climbed the sides of my arms, then delicately combed through my long, dark hair.

I took his hand, inviting, and pulled him upon me as I laid down on the bed. His hands rested at the sides of my waist, straight arms supporting him. Din captured my lips once more, the burning need within him demanding to be satiated. He began to trace up the side of my leg, his fingers leaving a string of heat in its wake. It was as though he intended to explore every inch of my body, to discover its every curve and plane. Shivers raged through me at the simple touch.

As a man possessed by desire, he broke the kiss momentarily and growled through tight lips, "I want to touch you," he bit my bottom lip wantonly, "to feel all of you."

I whispered in return: "And I, you."

As I took him in my grasp, he made a low sound that was utterly gratifying. He trembled, wavering, seemingly finding it difficult to prop himself up. Good. I want him to feel everything. His continued reactions and mumbled curses urged me to continue what I was doing, entirely lost in the act, making good on the promise that I had made to him back in Kalevala.

Momentarily fighting the growing feeling within him, he moved to return the favour. The apex of my legs burned as his fingers hovered dangerously close.

"I want to show you what you ignite in me," he declared.

My back tensed in anticipation, hips automatically bucking to meet him, meagre breath caught in my throat.

My grip upon him momentarily waned as I arched back at the contact. It was impossible to focus as he touched me - at first, slow. Steady. The adrenaline that now coursed through my body was reinvigorating. I almost didn't recognize the sounds that were coming from my mouth, the mews and moans increasing, sharpening, as Din intensified his movements. The building feeling within me was almost too much to bear.

Then, to my audible protest, Din retrieved his hand.

"Not yet," he said.

"Din...please…" I managed through laboured gasps - a testament to the cruel torture that he was now inflicting upon me - as I knitted my fingers around his hair.

Din grazed his hand over my abdomen, teasing. "Is this what you want?" he murmured.

I wanted more. Needed it.

Needed him.

"I want you, Din Djarin. All of you."

Din lifted my chin with a pair of fingers, urging me to look at him.

We didn't break our stare as he pressed forward, our hips molding into one.

"Oh!"

Stillness.

He uttered an animal-like groan that sent violent shivers upon and down my spine.

His smooth lips caressed mine, his body unmoving to ensure that I was comfortable.

I whimpered, succumbing to him.

Din gradually increased his pace, continuing to observe me, becoming more and more inflamed as my series of cries and moans reverberated through the room. He was enveloped by his own desires, caught in complete euphoria, his body slick and wet beneath my fingertips.

"By the Being," I released shakily, running my fingers through Din's hair, grasping for something, anything, as he moved above me, within me. He touched me with such raw passion, and yet, with such care and tenderness. I could only quiver at his continued ministrations, cry out to the heavens in unbridled pleasure, as he hastened his rhythm.

"That's it, Luna. Scream for me."

The warmth of our bodies rose as we progressed. Space and time meant little now, all but forgotten. I traced the contours of his rigid abdomen. Felt the bumps of the scars upon his back. Listened to his impassioned words. Tasted the sweetness of his lips.

I didn't know that I could ever feel for anyone what I felt for Din.

The tears that tumbled down my face then were not due to pain, but overwhelming emotion. There was no one else in the galaxy who I wanted to touch me the way Did did, who I wanted to be with in this sacred manner. He elicited a different kind of warmth that could only be described as a hybrid of passion and...security. A different kind of feeling that I had never felt before.

"Please, Din," a sharp moan escaped my lips, "keep going."

"Kriff, Luna…"

He obeyed without question, his own cries of pleasure and soft curses heightening my passions. I pressed his body closer to mine, eager to deepen our connection, meeting his erratic movements in kind. We fought for dominance.

That drove him to move even faster.

Harder.

I was lost.

Din collapsed upon me as he reached his peak. I followed soon thereafter, curses escaping my lips, white light filling my senses.

We embraced one another, the feeling of ecstasy still coursing through us, our bodies still connected. I caressed his head with trembling fingers, kissing the side of his mouth, then his cheek. His head remained upon my chest for a moment.

Finally catching his breath, Din questioned huskily: "Ready for round two?"

The expression on his face was teasing, and yet there was a hint of earnestness in his eyes that underlined that he was actually serious. Nevertheless, giggles consumed me as he growled in jest, biting at my bottom lip and tickling my waist.

"Din!" I was having trouble catching my own breath as I attempted to defend myself. "Stop that!"

"That's not what you were saying just a few seconds ago." He nipped at my neck, then moved lower, placing a series of kisses between my breasts, down to my navel. "Besides...your snorting is oddly attractive."

"Din!" I shrieked (and snorted), writhing beneath him.

After what seemed like forever, he finally halted his onslaught, chuckling at my expense, and stilled for a moment. He moved back upwards, his nose now mere inches from my own. A steady expression appeared on his face.

"Luna...I -"

"I know, Din," I whispered, placing a gentle kiss upon his lips. "I know."

(V)(V)(V)

A/N: This chapter was originally part of the previous one, but, for obvious reasons, I decided to separate it. Not too sure how many of you lovely people are mature readers, but it was better to be safe than sorry! It was really nice to write more "maturely" for this chapter, though - I felt like there were no holds barred. I think Din and Luna's relationship lends itself well to a more descriptive, rather than explicit, love scene. I really wanted to go for true love, not blind lust, so I hope that came through in this chapter. It's tricky to find that balance, isn't it?! Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed that! As always, thank you for your support and feedback. Take care! xx IFHD