A/N: Please note that this chapter contains mature themes.

A little spice is nice, right? ;)

(V)(V)(V)

Chapter 13: The Truce

The desert landscape came into view as the ship came out of hyperspace. Throughout our controlled descent, the planet below resembled a barren wasteland at first; it was surprising that there were even lifeforms in such a harsh climate. The scorching twin suns beat down on the barren scenery, the torrid heat afflicting our skins as soon as we disembarked through the rear extended ramp. Sweat instantly trickled down my face, my breathing becoming more laboured as we trekked through the wall of heat. A melange of sand, dirt, and dust wrapped around us in a cyclone; the planet's distinct form of hospitality.

A curtain of particles opened and revealed the change of terrain, the sand dunes morphing into rocky outcroppings towards the horizon. There seemed to be nothing but brown and gold as far as our eyes could see. As I remained with Plikt near the back of the section-sized contingent of Mandalorians, Din led the way forward, with Grogu in his arms and Ahsoka at his side, confident strides signalling that he had memorized the path. Mostly in silence, we followed him through the weathered, rocky trail towards a towering, cylinder-like stone structure that was flanked by several other similar cylinder stone turrets. The gigantic formation almost camouflaged with its terrain, boasting a mixture of simplicity, opulence and power.

As we approached a metal portcullis that spanned several storeys high, a pair of figures moved through the shadows towards us. The green, stocky creatures had porcine traits - upturned snouts and tusks with a pair of horns between their metal helmets. Armoured from head to toe, they squealed sharply at Din as a manner of greeting, then began to lead us into the metal and stone structure through the cave entrance.

We travelled down a winding, stone staircase that led to what seemed like the main hall of the palace. There was a distinct, raised throne in the middle, albeit unoccupied when we arrived. The hall itself was empty, yet faint voices echoed down an adjacent corridor. Though nothing noted that there was a threat to any of us, there lingered a palpable nervousness in the air.

Or, maybe it was just my ship-sickness finally coming to the surface.

Din placed Grogu on the ground, and the child meandered about the space as though he was completely comfortable. Familiar. As though they'd been here many times before. He made a beeline for an opening in the floor that was protected by a metal gate. It resembled steel grate decking that could be found in modern ships. Curious as we awaited our host, I moved towards him as he began to coo and wave at something beneath.

I crouched at his side and followed his line of vision. "What are you doing there, buddy?"

As though in reply, a veritable monster materialized from the darkness below. Its low growl made my hairs stand on end. Though the shadows still hid most of its scaly figure, it couldn't conceal its intimidating size. Its brown-gray, wrinkled skin of armour glinted, its mouth full of sharp teeth opening slightly with a breath.

Its beady eyes landed on me.

"Jesus fuck!" I cried in a mixture of surprise and fear, voice echoing through the hall, interrupting some of the hushed discussions. Self-preservation took over, and I snapped up to my full height and retreated backwards.

Composed as usual, Grogu giggled, merely pointing down at the creature.

Was he…playing with it?

With my heart grating through my ribcage, my spine finally hit a mass of flesh and beskar. Gloved hands fell upon my upper arms and steadied me.

I whirled around, attempting to calm down. "Sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"It's okay." As quickly as he had touched me, Din released me and lowered his arms to his sides, fists lightly clenching. Perhaps he regretted the gesture. Through the thick silence, he didn't move from where he stood. Though the others around us continued about their business, everything seemed to slow down just a little when I looked at him, as though we were caught in our own little world.

I managed to give him a small smile and cleared my throat. Whatever friction there was between us didn't seem to matter at the moment because, as my own heart betrayed me, I had the sudden urge to touch him. To be close to him again. It didn't seem right to be so distant from him, to speak with him as though we were mere strangers once more.

Even more than that, I wanted to ask why his father - a man who he had never mentioned before - and his tribe would attack him and his people. How a Mandalorian could commit such blatant genocide. Was he envious of Din's power? Was he on Thrawn's payroll? Throughout the journey to Tatooine, I had wanted to ask these questions. Ask Din more about his past, and more about what we were going to do about all of the problems that plagued us. Ask him if he was alright despite the circumstances.

Because how do you even deal with your own father trying to kill you?

Shattering my rumination, Plikt strode to my side and rested a comforting hand on my shoulder. The light smirk on his face was evidence of his ease with our current task. Though almost imperceptible, Din's helmeted gaze fell upon the contact between us as the Commando said in a light tone, "Don't worry, Aurora. The rancor is contained. It's perfectly safe."

"It's safe until I deem it otherwise."

Though the tone was generally calm, the hint of warning that it was laced with announced that the voice's owner held authority. Accompanied by an olive-skinned woman clad in all black armour, along with the murmurs that bubbled at his presence, a tall man in full, green and black Mandalorian armour stepped into the room. His strides were as steady and commanding as his speech. He surveyed all those present with an even stare, the power of his eyes palpable even beneath the helmet. Satisfied with the state of affairs for the time being, he then perched himself on the empty throne upon the dais in the middle of the hall, augmenting his already imposing presence, as the woman leaned upon the throne's side.

Confident in his own right, Din strode forward with a nod, his body language open as he eyed both of them respectively. "Fett," he first greeted the green-armoured warrior, then turned to his companion. "Fennec."

Fennec replied with a side smile, her rifle coolly slung around her right arm. Her long, dark braid fell loosely to one side of her plated chest. It wasn't difficult to discern that this woman had much experience with battle, and wouldn't hesitate to go right back into battle should she be required to do so. "Good to see you again, Mando," her smile grew as she rested her forearm on her thigh and leaned slightly forward. "Or should I say Mand'alor?"

Din merely replied with a raised shoulder and a short tilt of his head. That he didn't take her comment as a sign of disrespect indicated that they were at least allies. He then eyed the man he called 'Fett' and gestured towards Ahsoka. "Introductions aren't required, I'm told."

Though Fett was resting calmly upon his throne, his hand upon the armrest repeatedly opened and closed into a fist. Was it indecision? Annoyance? Both? He and Ahsoka locked gazes as the air stilled. The silence was deafening as the tension thickened around us once more.

Ahsoka casually crossed her arms as she surveyed Fett, never faltering in her stare, then smiled in polite greeting. "You've grown up."

Fett tilted his head to the side as he slid off his helmet. The tanned, weathered face that was revealed continued to assess Ahsoka, jaw tight, eyes hard. Appearing to be somewhere in his late forties, his dark orbs exhibited that he had seen much during his lifetime; his expression, battle born. With an indiscernible expression, he placed the helmet on his lap and replied with, "As have you."

I had no idea what had transpired between the two of them, but burying the hatchet seemed to be taking quite the effort. Were they sworn enemies once? As though wanting to do his part to clear the tension, Din strategically moved between them, assessing them alternately. "Are we good?"

It was more a statement than a question. A hint to move past whatever it was that occurred between them. Ahsoka and Fett locked eyes once more. Several seconds ticked by. Finally, Fett extended his arms at his sides as he leaned back in his seat in a relaxed position. "My palace is your palace. Please. Make yourselves at home."

The tension in Din's shoulders faded, his long exhale audible. "I appreciate the assist, my friend. I know I'm putting you and your people at risk by just being here."

Fett replied with a light chuckle, the tightness in his expression gone. "What's new about that?"

"Good point."

"So," Fett stood, tucking his helmet at the side of his torso. "What seems to be the problem?"

(V)(V)(V)

"What do you think they're talking about in there?" Plikt aggressively paced to and fro in front of me like a wind-up toy, hands clasped behind his back, head bowed in consternation. His eyes burned upon the shut war room doors as though it would magically make the process go faster. "It's been nearly three hours!"

I didn't bother to move from my supine position on a large, raised windowsill overlooking a sizable hangar. Keeping my eyes closed and my arms crossed lightly upon my chest, I moved into a more comfortable position and continued to bask in the late afternoon suns. It certainly wasn't my first go at the 'hurry up and wait' game; if anything, three hours didn't seem like much. "Patience, young Commando. I'm sure they'll be done soon."

Fett and Fennec had invited Din and Ahsoka - with little Grogu hot on their heels - to a private discussion. Those of us who didn't make the cut were given no indication about how long the meeting would take, and it only took a few minutes before the others became bored and began to wander about the palace, meandering on their own and conversing with some of the palace staff. Only Plikt and I remained near the room that they had disappeared into, perhaps confident that it wouldn't take a literal day. I, for one, was just too exhausted to go exploring, and Plikt was just way too impatient for his own good.

With a huff, the Commando finally gave up and plopped down on the floor beside me. He removed his helmet with a grunt and leaned back on the stone wall. "The heat here is making me cranky."

I opened an eye and peered over at him. "Everything makes you cranky."

He growled. "Like not having any food for several hours."

"Not getting any sleep after travelling to a new planet."

A devious smirk then formed on his lips. "Not getting any…"

With a laugh, I propped myself up on an elbow and rested my head on the back of my hand. "Thankfully, I haven't had to witness that!"

He raised a curious brow. "Why? Are you jealous?" He playfully shifted closer - close enough that his light breath tickled my cheek. "Is there a proposition that you'd like to make?"

I rolled my eyes with a short laugh, unaffected by his proximity. "You're a goddamn flirt, you know that?"

There was always such a welcoming, spirited aura that came from Plikt. When we first met, I was instantly comfortable with him, and when he offered me shelter in his home, that comfort only grew. Though bound by duty, and rightly earning his title of Commando, his eagerness to experience what life had to offer was infectious. Hell, he even made me forget my problems sometimes - and that was certainly not an easy thing to do.

Plikt's smile suddenly vanished as his entire body tensed. In a flash, he scrambled to his feet and stood stiffly at attention. I managed to sit up properly just as Din stepped in front of us.

"Plikt, gather the others. Fett will be hosting a feast for us shortly. Once we've all gotten some rest, we can discuss our next steps in the morning."

Without hesitation, Plikt gave a low bow and eyed me in silent farewell. The Commando within him had taken over once more. "As you wish, Mand'alor."

And just like that, I was left alone with Din.

When I continued to remain silent for a few more heartbeats, he merely gave me a nod and began to turn away.

Something urged me forward.

"Din," I called out in a low voice and reached for his arm. There was a pleading tinge to my tone. He stilled, and my hand landed on his. I held firm. "Are you okay?"

He permitted the touch to linger. Heat radiated from his form, and I itched to move closer. "Don't really know how to answer that, to be honest. You're the first to ask."

I stepped in front of him and looked up to meet his gaze. Concern rippled through me. "That makes me think that the answer is 'no'."

After a few moments, he finally offered, "I'm as good as I can be."

Taking a deep breath, I mustered enough courage to take a step even closer. "Look, about the other night -"

"I believe introductions are in order."

I instinctively stepped back from Din, slightly jumping as though we'd been caught doing something we shouldn't be.

Din remained calm and collected, his gaze passing over my head. "Aurora, this is Boba Fett. Fett, Aurora."

Boba Fett moved to my side, curiosity coating his expression. "Ah. She is the one you spoke of."

Din nodded.

Boba and I exchanged a firm handshake. "I am Boba Fett, head of the Tatooine Bounty Hunters' Guild and Underground. These are my lands." He motioned around us with a steady hand. "Welcome to my palace. I hope it provides you with whatever it is that you need."

My introduction to Boba Fett was swift, yet pleasant enough. Instinct had told me that he had a coloured past, but inevitably, Din's ally was my own. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he and Din disappeared to talk more business before a night of reprieve. It wasn't long afterwards that I was ushered along with the others in our party, swept into hovering vehicles that speedily brought us to the location of our gathering for the evening.

The air was cool and crisp as we exited our vehicle. The suns had set, and now, millions of pinpricks illuminated the settlement that surrounded us. Architecture similar to that of Boba's palace were lined in neat rows into the horizon, welcoming despite their earthen tones and simplicity. With the sandy roads and busy bazaars, this place was similar to the towns and villages that I'd visited in the Middle East.

Curious about our new environment, I followed the group into what appeared to be a cantina. Though similar in set-up as those on Kalevala, this cantina was much larger, the earthen tones giving way to new stone and metal. Patrons of various species socialized in its walls, the atmosphere lively and relaxed. With everything that had happened to us, I'd almost forgotten what it was like to have fun.

At my side, Din gave Boba an appreciative nod as he surveyed the scene. "You rebuilt it."

"Had to," Boba replied simply.

The food and drinks that we were offered throughout the evening did tame the beast in my belly, but there was only so much socializing that I could endure in my fatigued state. Coupled with the heat in the main hall becoming a little too much, I finally zigzagged my way up to the top floor and onto the main balcony, hoping for a little fresh air and silence for a while. A pair of female Twi'leks passed me with polite smiles, leaving me alone in the meagre light.

It wasn't long before the silence ushered in thoughts of tomorrow, thoughts about what our next steps were in this war.

What our next steps were in fighting my plight.

Even if I had the chance to go home tomorrow - as slim as that chance was at the moment - would my conscience even allow me to? Could I easily turn back on the Mandalorians, many of whom I'd grown to care for?

Could I leave Din?

That would be selfish.

Cowardice.

"Enjoying the view?"

Din's question pierced the air around us and made me actually look at our surroundings. I'd been so engrossed in my own thoughts that I'd failed to see the beauty of the settlement at night; the various shades of lights on buildings and structures that rivaled the stars. There was such peace here - a kind of peace that made me lament the one lost on Kalevala.

"The view is nice," I replied as Din moved to my side, resting his forearms on the balcony railing. A smile tugged at the side of my lips as I looked up at him. "That, and the relative silence. Even back home, I wasn't one to attend such large gatherings."

He seemed to ponder my words for a few moments. "If you want to get away from here and see a better view, I'd be happy to take you there."

I looked around us, confused. This seemed to be the only balcony at the cantina and the highest one upon neighbouring buildings. "What do you mean?"

Din merely held out his hand.

My thoughts flashed back to the first time he had extended his hand to me. Offered salvation. Asked for blind trust.

'My debt to you remains…I offer a place for you with my people until my promise has been fulfilled.'

Tears threatened to form, my vision clouding at the memory.

I placed my hand in his.

Din gently grasped my fingers and coaxed me to wrap my arms around his neck.

The intimate gesture instantly sobered me up. Or made me more intoxicated. I wasn't entirely sure. "Wait, what are you -"

"Hang on."

Din placed a steady arm around my lower back as the other wrapped around my knees. I clung onto him tightly as his jetpack thrusters roared awake. Before I could blink again, and process what was happening, we were off the ground, climbing steadily towards the stars.

Flying.

Flying with no safety equipment.

Shitfuckshit.

Yelps and panicked squeaks rained from my lips at the jerky movements and the utter weightlessness that accompanied some of the twists and turns. And I thought riding in a top-down speeder was bad. My losing the current contents of my stomach was a surety if Din kept this up for much longer.

"Don't worry." The edge of his helmet pressed upon my forehead as I squeezed my arms around his neck tighter. Pretty sure a bug just splattered on my face. "I won't let anything happen to you."

And there it was, calming my breathing, burrowing its way into my heart.

Trust.

My screaming eventually died down, and I was rewarded with solid ground once more. Din released me entirely, more than likely regretting this idea given my reactions. As I was back on my own two feet, I finally looked up, the wind catching tendrils of my hair.

We were perched on the highest tower in the settlement, so high up that my knees slightly buckled and my vision readjusted when I looked down. With Din at my side, I was able to push the discomfort down, and relaxed as he placed a steady hand upon my lower back. Perhaps he thought I was just about ready to fall…

"Holy shit," I breathed out, taking in the view with a sweeping gaze. Faint voices and raucous laughter, ships and vehicles moving through in ordered chaos, rows of establishments lining the settlement's grid pattern, shining like pearls. To our right, the cantina that hosted our gathering seemed so small and far away. "This is…beautiful."

Din gave a nod in response.

My eyes roamed the contours of his helmet, curious at what was going on inside his head at that moment. Guilt washed over me as what had transpired between us recently invaded my thoughts. I turned to fully face him, holding onto his arm for support. "Din, I'm sorry for everything. I know it was selfish, but I did what I did because I care about you. You must know that by now, right?"

"I know."

His gloved fingers began to caress the side of my face, his thumb brushing upon my cheek.

I'd missed this. Missed the way things were before I'd messed things up.

But at least Din was here, alive and ready to lead his people.

"Mand'alor? Are you there, over?" Plikt's static-encased voice punched through the comlink on Din's vambrace, shattering the silence between us.

Din pulled his hand from my face and spoke into the communicator. "Plikt, I hear you loud and clear, over. What is it?"

"Most of us are heading back to the palace. Will you be joining us, Mand'alor?"

"In a while."

"Say, we've been looking for Aurora. Any idea where she is?"

Din's gaze fell upon me for a brief moment. "She's with me."

"Oh."

I bit my bottom lip at the suggestive tone of that one word and remained silent.

"Well," Plikt piped up once more, his voice a little lighter than it was just a few seconds ago, "we can leave you two a speeder in front of the cantina, then."

"That would be much appreciated, Plikt."

"Have a nice rest of your night, Mand'alor." A variety of jubilant shouts and laughter now accompanied Plikt's voice. "...you as well, Aurora."

I am going to strangle that goddamn Commando.

I wondered whether Din could see the redness of my cheeks with his heat vision.

Though perhaps it wasn't a secret that I bore…some kind of feelings for Din, I still wasn't ready to face the questions and scrutiny of the wider public. Luckily, Din didn't do or say anything to make the situation more awkward than it already was. Instead, we remained silent, his arm now around my waist, and continued to survey the view in front of us.

It was only when I could barely stand straight that Din suggested that we, too, returned to the palace. Though I didn't want the night with him to end, especially after our reconciliation, it was perhaps prudent to get some much needed rest prior to facing what would greet us in the morning.

The calm before the storm.

I never really realized just how large Boba's palace was until we made our way to our guest quarters. With our group staying in one of the more secluded turrets, we had to cross the palace grounds and navigate several spiral stairways. When Din and I reached our destination, the hallway was entirely empty and eerily quiet. Perhaps the night was just that good, seeing as everyone seemed to have passed out.

We reached Din's room first and checked on Grogu. He slept soundly in his pram, undisturbed by our arrival. Ahsoka must have tucked the tyke in before getting some rest in the adjacent room herself.

Satisfied that all was fine with the little one, Din was kind enough to walk me to my room down the hall, standing beside the threshold as I opened the wide door and began to settle in. Opulent wouldn't even suffice to describe the mixture of colours and decorations scattered throughout the room. Everything just seemed so expensive. I didn't think that Boba Fett was the type to keep such quarters, but perhaps it only underlined the amount of influence and power he had in his lands.

"Thank you for tonight," I turned back to him and smiled, resting a hand on his taut arm. A current ran through us at the contact, and though my statement was meant as a farewell, I wasn't entirely sure that I wanted him to leave.

He seemed to have felt the same thing I did, because he didn't move an inch.

My senses heightened. I was suddenly more aware of my breathing. His breathing. The warmth and comfort of his body as he took a sure step forward.

I found my back firmly pinned to the inner wall of my room as the door closed softly beside us.

Din's helmet and armour reflected flashes of moonlight, marking his lithe movements as he pressed closer to me. Without any instruction required, I closed my eyes as his hand moved to the base of his helmet, the seal breaking as my world embraced darkness.

I was barely able to take another breath when Din's soft lips crashed onto mine. Searching. Ravenous. My mind swirled through the clash of mouths and tongues and teeth, his primal need for our contact making my knees wobble and my thoughts foggy. He pressed his entire length on me with a guttural groan, wanting to be even closer, resting a hand upon the side of my head as the other grasped the side of my waist.

"Din…" I managed to breathe out, wrapping my arms around his neck, almost needing his support to remain upright at this point. The fervour with which he moved and kissed and touched elicited sounds from me that I barely recognized. "...please…"

Something seemed to snap within him then. I could feel his eyes burrowing into me as he broke the kiss momentarily and moved down to assault my jaw and neck. He alternated between kisses, licks, and nips, branding me, encouraging the burning tightness that was forming in my lower belly. His onslaught elicited mewls and whimpers from my mouth, and he shuddered under my touch with a soft sigh. His woodsy, leather scent drew me in further, calling to me like a siren in the sea. With light curses, his hand moved down to caress my breast and trailed even lower, stoking the fire that burned in my core.

His fingers moved down the side of my thigh, thumb teasing the garter of my pants, lips pressing against my collarbone as he hissed, "Is this what you want?"

What I would've given to look at him at that moment.

I bit his bottom lip and breathed out, "Yes."

The contact of Din's fingers on the most sensitive part of me made me cry out, my head lolling back automatically and resting on the wall. His calloused skin was a stark contrast to my own, the friction pulsing fire through my veins. At first, he was gentle. Exploratory. He seemed to listen and respond to my reactions - the quickening of my breaths, the volume of my moans, the touch of my hands. It wasn't long before he knew just where to touch me, just how much pressure and force to apply to make my hips buck towards him.

I thought it was almost too much until his fingers slid inside of me.

I was lost then, biting at my own arm upon his shoulder to muffle my screams, then taking his mouth in a bruising kiss to show him just how much he affected me. Shivers wracked my entire body as he played, praised, and pumped, finding his steady rhythm, my hips more than happy to oblige the friction.

With Din, the act didn't feel depraved. This wasn't lust or a fleeting moment between strangers. It was so much more…

Unable to resist the budding in my chest, I reached for the hard length of him, eager to reciprocate the gesture. I needed to hear more of his reactions, to feel the trance-like movements that he exhibited. He stilled momentarily, his slick lips brushing against the side of my ear as he shook his head. "It's about you tonight, Aurora. Not me."

That in itself almost made me fall down the precipice.

"God, Din…oh, fuck…"

With renewed vigour, he sped up his rhythm, his own breaths becoming choppy, strained. A pleased sound rumbled from his throat as I was barely able to contain my cries, the trembling of my body upon his. He seemed to know that I was close, his entire focus remaining on helping me chase that white light.

"Fierfek, you're beautiful."

And that was my undoing.

Stars burst behind my eyes, my prolonged moan echoing through the space around us. Tremors seized my form as the waves of pleasure rolled and crashed, transporting me to oblivion.

Din held onto me for a few moments, patient as I experienced the high, pressing gentle butterfly kisses upon my neck and mouth. He retrieved his hand after one last, pleasing touch and held me close, with one hand protecting the back of my head as the other rested on my lower back. I nuzzled the stubble on his chin and kissed his cheek as my laboured breaths subsided.

I knew then that, whatever tomorrow would bring, there was nowhere else I wanted to be but by Din's side to face it head-on.

(V)(V)(V)

A/N: Hello, dear readers! I know, I know, it has been a long time since the last update, but better late than never, right? This story still has a special place in my heart, and I really want to continue it whenever I have the time. Military life has been unpredictable and super busy, but the good news is, it looks like I'll be promoted to Major soon, so the hard work is paying off! I will certainly do my best to keep updating, particularly since Season 3 is almost upon us. As always, thank you for your ongoing support, and I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter. Happy holidays to all! xx IFHD