SIX MONTHS LATER

A new day was dawning. The first light of the morning started to seep through the blinds and the subtle change in the illumination of the room was enough to wake Jyn up. She'd always been an early riser anyway. Besides, those days she'd been feeling a bit odd, out of sorts, and her slight discomfort added to her usually light sleep, and even though she was more fatigued at the end of the day than she remembered being in a very long while, she took longer to fall asleep wrapped in Cassian's embrace, hearing his breathing evening out and becoming deeper next to her. The quality of her rest had improved considerably since she'd started to share a bed with him every night, but lately she had almost reverted to the times when she found trouble shutting down her brain.

Cassian was sleeping soundly next to her. Like her, he was always up early, and the quality of his rest had improved as well, and Jyn was very glad for it. The Force knew that they both had their own ghosts and demons to deal with, which would never vanish completely. But at least their mutual company and constant support afforded them a solace against their night terrors that they had lacked for many years.

Another thing that Jyn had noticed in herself as of late was an ever-present randiness. If she'd felt already horny for Cassian like a mare in heat since the first time they'd made love (sex with him was that amazing), what she was experiencing recently threatened with draining him out and using him up at the rate she jumped him. He always complied and seemed as eager as her. Even when she requested quickies in badly-timed moments or hardly appropiate places, he gave her that mischievous smile of his, matched with his lustful gaze, and did his best to fully satisfy her urgent needs, sometimes with the added spice of doing it as quietly as possible, aware that on the other side of the wall there was usually a room full of patrons and guests.

Not that he or she complained one bit about the state of things.

Jyn would have never imagined that one day she would run, together with the love of her life, an entire building which had worked as a shelter for travelers and a varied range of people for countless years.

The castle belonged to an eccentric small and wrinkled woman with orange skin and odd goggles, called Maz Kanata. Jyn had met her upon first arriving on Takodana and had gone on dealing with her occasionally along the years. She'd accommodated Jyn for a while in her castle and helped her find the small cottage she'd rented and lived in. Jyn liked her a lot and they'd become friends. The old woman was Force sensitive and extremely perceptive, in a similar way to Chirrut, and Jyn felt like there was very little she could hide from Maz's knowing gaze.

When she'd returned to Takodana with Cassian and Kay, with the intention of settling on the planet permanently as a small family, and they had spent a few days as guests at the castle as a sort of well-deserved vacation, Maz had surprised Jyn and Cassian with a shocking offer. She'd proposed them to replace her in the management of the castle, because she needed a change in her life and felt that it was time for her to openly join the Rebellion. She explained that she had a gut feeling about them both and that she trusted them to run the business in her place.

After some days debating the offer (and for once, Kay didn't complain too much about the topic, unlike with other topics), they accepted. That was their ideal chance to lead the life they dreamed about, a peaceful existence in an idyllic environment, but at the same time they might help covertly the Rebellion as well as people in need for shelter.

That was how they ended up living in and managing a huge building in the middle of lush forests and close to a beautiful lake, and they were perfectly happy with the arrangement.

In the last months, since they'd moved to the castle, they'd been visited by all their family and friends.

Kerri had dropped by a couple of times on her way to or from the new base of the Rebellion, placed on the planet Hoth. The Intelligence branch, still led by Draven, had found out that the Empire, enraged by the destruction of the Death Star, had redoubled efforts and discovered their location on Yavin IV. Kerri had joked about leaving that freezer planet, Hoth, behind and taking residence in Kanata's castle, to which Jyn and Cassian had replied honestly that she would be very welcome to stay. Kerri had answered that maybe one day she would take up their invitation. Jyn knew that Cassian would love for his sister to live under the same roof as them.

Chirrut and Baze had also stayed with them for several weeks in a row before continuing their travels, in search for a new home for their old bones. Bail Organa had gladly offered them a place on Alderaan and, after their trips around the galaxy, they'd accepted.

Leia, Luke, Ben, Willie (whom Leia had taken under her wing, to Cassian's gratitude), Han, Chewie, Threepio and Artoo had also stayed at the castle, and by the time they left in order to get back to their missions and errands for the Rebellion, Jyn and Cassian sighed in relief. They loved their friends dearly, but were happy to return to their usual peaceful routine without Kay complaining all the time about the fussy protocol droid, or the constant fights between the energetic princess and general (who in addition was her usual whirlwind of activity) and the cheeky and apparently indolent ex smuggler. It was short of a miracle that their long suffering wookie friend hadn't ripped their arms off yet, and even the old, patient Jedi Obi-Wan and his young trainee looked exasperated at times and ready to silence the quarreling couple with a Force choke. But, despite Han and Leia's relentless antagonism, it was evident that sparks of desire flew between them. Jyn and Cassian had discussed privately that, either they ended up killing each other, or having passionate make-up sex. The build-up of sexual tension between them would break sooner or later and it was uncertain which of the two possible outcomes, vicious murder or frenzied sex, would happen. Jyn and Cassian only hoped that it didn't happen under their roof, because they weren't sure that they, Kay and the castle staff might cope with all the drama (Kay had already suggested to strangle them both, along with dismantling Threepio, and Cassian had expressly discarded the suggestion, though he'd confessed later to her that he'd been thoroughly tempted; Jyn had guffawed almost hysterically at that). After the group's departure, with Han, Leia and Threepio miraculously in one piece still, all the castle breathed again. Both Jyn and Cassian loved having Leia around, but it was a bit exhausting to deal with her and Han together, added to Kay's hostility toward the golden droid.

Bodhi now worked as a rebel transport pilot and was truly content with his task. He'd decided that being a fighter pilot was not his thing (he hated killing) and so he resumed what he was best at, carrying people and cargo throughout the galaxy. He'd become like a brother to Jyn, the brother she'd never had, and she looked forward very much to his visits.

As for Galen, he'd remained on base, disclosing everything he knew about the Empire and aiding with new projects to undermine it. As it was still very risky for him to wander freely outside of Echo Base (he was allegedly dead by all accounts, but the Rebellion didn't know for how long the pretense of his false death could be kept, if the Empire hadn't already sniffed the truth), Jyn hadn't been able to see him again in nearly half a year, and she missed him terribly. Her most fervent hope was to be reunited with him again soon, as difficult as it was. At least her friends passed her on his messages when they dropped by and she in exchange gave them hers, to convey to him when they returned to base.

Peg still owned her repair shop in Ferrix City. Jyn had offered her a place in the castle for when the old woman felt too tired to continue to run her business, alleging that the massive building was spacious enough for all of them and many more. Peg had thanked her and answered that she would ponder over the proposition, because her grandniece had also offered her a place in her own home. Either way, Jyn would be glad to have her close and take care of her. Peg was like a second mother to her, or like the grandmother she had never met.

Bix, Brasso and Bee had appeared just three weeks earlier with the married couple's baby son, named Theren after Bix's late father, and the family had stayed for two weeks. They'd finally decided to take up permanent residence on Naboo; they'd grown fond of the beauty of the landscapes and the mild climate, as well as the welcoming population, despite the planet being Palpatine's homeworld and under the Empire's claws. But ironically, probably because of the Emperor's arrogance, his native planet was quite overlooked, with the only handicap of the military presence. All in all, life on Naboo was much more peaceful than they'd have believed possible. And it didn't hurt that the global economy was prosperous. Even the most modest places over there were almost luxurious compared to Ferrix, and Bix and Brasso had welcomed the discreet comforts of an existence where they didn't have to struggle so hard in order to earn a living.

And to add to the overall good fortune, they had happy news: Bix was pregnant again, and it was starting to show.

The memory of Bix's slightly swollen abdomen made Jyn take pause. She and Cassian had removed their implants a couple of months before, in a mutual agreement to let nature its free rein.

It wasn't only the increased lust she was experiencing; her skin was more sensitive, hightening the sensations. Every touch from Cassian was like an explosion of pleasure, bordering on pain, and she loved all of it. She'd gasped loudly the first time she felt that extra sensitivity when his fingers pinching her nipples and his hands squeezing her breasts sent a slight pang straight to her core. He'd noticed her reaction, of course, and had stopped, concerned, searching for her eyes, but she'd assuaged him, encouraging him to go on, and after making sure that she was truly well, he'd resumed his sensual activities. Even the feel of his cock inside her felt magnified, as she could feel every inch of him stretching every inch of her to the point of bursting.

She'd never orgasmed so many times in a row and at the end of that sex marathon Cassian and herself looked absolutely ravaged, in the most erotic sense.

If he'd been puzzled by the new development of their sex life, he certainly didn't complain.

Now, all that was making her think. If what she suspected was true, then their lives were about to do a somersault.

Jyn felt terrified and giddily joyful, all at once.

She must have made some brisk movement on the bed, or perhaps it was the fact that she and Cassian were so well attuned to each other; he was alert in an instant, sitting beside her and wrapping an arm around her waist. She smiled and relished the kiss he planted on the side of her neck, shuddering by the heat of his lips.

"Jyn, please tell me what's wrong. You've been behaving a bit strangely lately, don't think I haven't noticed. I'm an ex spy, remember?," he half teased, his rough morning voice sending shivers down her spine.

"Indeed, you are," she agreed, tilting her head aside to give him more room for exploration. Her lust for him was once again overwhelming her, drowning her rapidly fading use of reason. She almost let things escalate, until the thrill of her discovery overrode everything else. "I'm pregnant, Cassian," she let out, and suddenly a claw of nerves clasped her gut, awaiting his reaction.

He froze around her and his breath hitched. He then withdrew and gently made her turn around, eagerly searching her eyes with his. "Are you sure, love? We're having a baby?" His expression of genuine shock and restrained excitement sent a wave of relief through her.

She nodded emphatically, with tears threatening to spill onto her cheeks. "Yes. I've remembered what Bix told me about the symptoms of her pregnancies, and mine match hers. The physical sensitivity, the increased appetite, the tiredness, even the... horniness." At that she couldn't help but blush profusely, no matter that she and Cassian had engaged in all manners of naughty things for the last six months. Cassian chuckled at her absurd embarrassment and she swatted his arm in fake indignation, what made him laugh louder.

He hugged her tightly and kissed her lips soundly, still laughing in thrill against her mouth, his eyes shining with uncontainable happiness and tears. His evident display of enthusiasm erased all her residual fears. "Oh, Jyn, my love! You've just made me the happiest man in the galaxy," he said fervently, resting his forehead on hers. He then stared intensely into her eyes. "Will you marry me?"

It was her turn to throw her arms around him, almost crushing his lean body with the force of her embrace. "Yes!" Then it was her turn to chuckle. "Shall we tell Leia and allow her to organize an over-the-top wedding, or we'll better elope?"

The merry couple went on laughing and talking excitedly until their desire for each other prevailed once more. They made love until the sun rose and, with renewed energies, they got ready for a new day at their cherished, happy home.