Gifts
By Rey
From someone who has little to nothing of value to give but themself, gifts are priceless. It's often the little things that mean much, anyway.
Story notes: I am trying a new format. Tell me what you think of it? Both parts of this installment are delivered through all dialogue with minimal sound or body language indication if necessary, with Din speaking verbally (in regular format) and Tarre either signing or typing or tapping (in bolded letters). The dialogues are all in Mando'a, by the way. And "Té" is Tarre's nickname, generally not "Tar'ika," to honour the not-Mandalorian, not-Jedi part of their personal culture.
1. Choice of Echoes
Started on: 2nd November 2021 at 04:17 PM
Finished on: 10th July 2022 at 09:39 AM
2. No Living Being
Started on: 10th July 2022 at 09:39 AM
Finished on: 10th July 2022 at 07:54 PM
1. Choice of Echoes
"Come on, Té. You should wear something. Something that's not a blanket or my cape, I mean. We're leaving atmo soon. Space is much colder than this. And we need to be ready for a fight too, just in case. You will trip, if you wear the blanket or my cape to a fight, and you might trip me, too."
"Three-quarters of my blood is that of a cold-climate-dwelling species."
"And?"
"I will notify you in advance if there will be a fight."
A tiredly bemused sigh. And then, "Is there a specific reason why you won't wear the clothes I bought you?"
"They feel… very sad. Hopeless. Longing. It is… not good… in my current situation."
A dumbfounded "Oh." And then, "How can clothes feel all that?"
"What I feel from them are the imprints left by the maker. Or previous user, if they are used clothes."
"So… what? I should buy things made by droids? Or brand-new ones? But… you wear my cape, and my blanket."
"Wear the clothes first, then? Just until the echoes are replaced?"
A bemusedly, amusedly exasperated sigh. And then, "Little one, our size differences are massive, you know."
"Silly. Wear them next to your skin. Treat them as just another padding on your undersuit."
"Oh, silly, am I?"
"Yes."
"You are prepared for the consequences of calling me silly?"
"What are the consequences?"
"Let me show you, then."
And, with that, the tickle attack is on.
2. No Living Being
"Little one… why blindfold yourself?"
"You need to eat."
"And?"
"I am not your family yet."
"Yet?"
"yes."
"And?"
"You do not put down your mask when not among your clan or squad, do you?"
"…No."
"Hence, the blindfold."
"I can take my meals elsewhere."
"But you never did, since I came into your life."
"I can survive for a little longer without eating… and I drank. You saw me drink. The broth, and the water."
"It is not enough for a human or near-human adult."
"I always make do."
"You do not, from now on."
"Bossy."
"If it will get you to eat and drink and take care of yourself."
"Can you be less hypocritical?"
"I can."
"And?"
"Why would i?"
"Want more tickles?"
"No."
"So, shut up and take off that scrap, kid."
"Are you going to eat a solid meal, then?"
"Do you need proof of consumption?"
"Yes."
"What will I get for that?"
"A full stomach and a less taxed body."
"And?"
"I can make you sorbet if you got some syrup?"
A huff caught between a sigh and a laugh. And then, after a pause and heaving a long, long, long sigh, "No, kid. Keep your powers to yourself. You need it."
"You are curious. Admit it."
"No."
"No to which?"
"No to all, brat."
"No to eating?"
"We're already past that, aren't we?"
"…Yes."
"Don't try me."
"…Can I stay with you?"
"No blindfold. No looking. No wandering."
"Yes."
"Where do you want to sit?"
"…In your lap, please?"
"Feeling unreal again, huh?"
"…Yes."
Another long, long, long sigh. "You should've told me right from the start, little one."
"You do not, yourself."
"Let me be hypocritical, please."
"No."
"Say that again?"
Din crouches at a ready, hands with hooked fingers extended towards his little companion.
Té runs.
