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-o-
Being a teacher was not easy.
In fact, Luke wasn’t sure he was even being a teacher.
He wasn’t sure what he was, in truth, but it felt…off. Odd. It reminded him when he was younger and tried to wear Uncle Owen’s tunic and found it was just too big, it didn’t smell right, it didn’t feel right. It wasn’t his tunic and it wasn’t meant to be his top.
Even as he grew up and had to wear Owen’s hand-me-downs they never fit right. They never became his.
It was always a reminder that he could never become like Owen.
Luke found it incredibly uncomfortable that he was experiencing that same feeling now.
Looking at Grogu, who was so torn as he looked back and forth between the gift of the Mandalorian and the saber, Luke knew something wasn’t right. Which was odd, as he had thought long and hard about this as being his student’s first trial and riddle. That this is something Master Yoda would’ve done to have Luke use his thick skull and think. To teach a lesson. To help him open his eyes and become more aware.
Luke thought it would do the same, while also helping him understand how to best teach Grogu, regardless of the answer, but found that it just…didn’t.
Before the child could waste another second of confusion, he reached over and placed a hand over his head.
“You don’t have to pick, Grogu.” He said. “Not like this.”
That made the little creature peek up at him. He was relieved that there were no tears but he wasn’t comfortable in fooling himself that they wouldn’t come. It was a hard decision.
“I am sorry.” Luke whispered, “That I am failing you as a Master.”
Grogu looked at him and tilted his head.
“I know you just got your memories back, that your time at the Temple has returned, but I should not have made you feel forced in regards to a choice like that. Not without explaining my intentions on some level.” Luke turned to peer at Grogu, “I think I am trying to be like my Masters, as little time as I had them, and trying to teach you the way they taught me, but that is not right to you.”
“Bwa?”
“You’re not me. And instead of being panicked or impatient, I should take this teaching slow.” He sighed. “I think part of me knows you will not wish to become a Jedi. That your place is not here with me but with your Mandalorian. I am trying to rush things so you can get back to him sooner than later.”
Grogu looked down.
“Hey, I am not disappointed in you for that. The choice for you to leave is a true one. You are not bound to me nor my teaching, as lackluster as I may have made it.”
His ears fell.
“You have your memories back, Grogu.” He ruffled up his small head, the ears flopping around, “Your power has re-awoken. You look more confident. You feel confident. You’re doing good.”
“Mrrmh?”
Luke nodded, “Yes, I am concerned about the attachments. You do have that layer of possessiveness and fear to you over the Mandalorian.” He looked over at him, “You remember your teachings on what attachments are?”
“Ba!” Grogu nodded.
“Yes, the fear of letting go. The need to control and cling to something with all your might you risk yourself, others, and the very thing you desire. I do worry about that…it can be a terrible thing if he happens.” He paused a moment and then sighed, “But I don’t want you to think you can’t love him. It is just as you loved the Jedi before.”
He turned back to the child and then picked him up, earning a noise of happiness, “I want you to promise me if you feel it…any sort of uncomfortable Darkness, if you feel yourself getting too attached, you call for me. I will come and find you and do anything I can to help you.”
Grogu purred.
“Alright,” Luke cracked a smile, his first wide one since he found the child. “Let’s get you back home.”
-o-
Din paced the halls of the palace, aggravation itching at his skin.
For some reason the heat really bothered him and his face felt too enclosed behind his helmet.
“You are Mandalorian no more.”
“You can see him, if that’s what you wish.”
“He must learn to control his powers.”
He stopped and leaned against the wall to take a gulp of air. The saber at his hip felt so heavy and his memories were so loud. He could feel sweat dripping down his cheek, on his chin, and into the fabric of his flightsuit. His fingers spread over the wall to keep himself steady. It made him shudder and shook his head.
He was tired. He was so tired but he could not find himself able to sleep.
Anytime he closed his eyes his he remembered seeing his son in the distant, babbling and laughing, as he reached out to touch the hand of his teacher. How, even from the distance, he could tell the child he secretly thought as his own was happy. The last thing he wanted was to make things uncomfortable so early in his teachings.
Because he knew Tano was right; coming in now would disrupt Grogu. It would risk the child wanting to leave after working so hard to get him with the Jedi. Din understood there would be such a painful temptation to scoop up the child and never let him go. He couldn’t do that.
Din shuddered and did his best to get the thought off his shoulders.
His focus now was Fett and helping his friend, then getting to Mandalore to become a Mandalorian once again, and then this saber.
The saber.
He looked down at it and discovered his palm was covering over the hilt and he slowly dropped his hand and sighed.
‘What am I doing?’
“Djarin.”
Din startled and looked over to see Fett approaching, his face unimpressed and grim. He stood straight as he felt this was something serious. “What is it?”
“Your Jedi.”
Din felt blood drain from his face, “Is it serious?”
“I don’t know. He’s landing now.”
Din did not need any more words as he hurried past Fett and to the hanger. A familiar looking X-Wing landed and a small blond hopped out, decked in black, with Grogu in his hands. Din stopped a moment, finding himself sick and unsure, fearful on what is going on. “S-Skywalker?”
The blond looked up at him, tossing his helmet back into the cockpit, and then scurried over to meet him. He stopped after a few feet and inhaled before he straightened his back and an attempt at something calm crossed his feature, “Mandalorian, ah, hello.”
“Is everything ok?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “I was bringing him home…is now a good time?”
It probably wasn’t but Din couldn't help but nod back slowly, his brain unable to keep up. “I don’t understand.”
“Grogu wished to come home. He has worked hard the past few months and is stronger. He feels confident and able to protect himself and you.” He looked down at the child who seemed comfortable in his arms. “We discussed his options and he decided to come home.”
“Is…is this because I visited? I am sorry, kid, I wasn’t trying to distract you--”
Luke shook his head, stopping his panic, “No, it’s not that. He is ready to come home.”
“I…I still don’t understand. I reunited him with his own kind.”
“Own kind? Force-Users aren’t exactly a kind. Neither is a Jedi. I am nothing more than a teacher.”
Grogu turned to look at him, making a noise similar to a huff.
“Kid, don’t you want to be a Jedi? Do all of that…magic stuff?”
A soft, humored smile went on the other man’s face. “He’s learned plenty. He wants to be a Mandalorian.”
“Bra!” Grogu growled, moving his hands around.
The Jedi looked at him, “Buddy, I’m not…’” He stopped and sighed and walked over, “I would like to speak with you for a bit…before I leave.”
“Sure?” He took Grogu as he was handed over, giving him a hug. “I will hand him over to my friends and return.”
“No, take your time. I will wait out here.” And then with a stiff nod, he turned away and walked back over to his ship. He said something to his droid before he started to busy himself with checking over the ship.
Din watched him for a moment, unsure what exactly was happening but still walked over to the darkness of the hall and held the child to him, “Hey, buddy.”
“Patoo.” Grogu giggled and cuddled up against his chest. “Ba!”
“Everything ok? Was he…was he nice?”
Grogu nodded and beamed.
“Ok—ok. Good. That…that’s good. I am happy to hear that.” He exhaled and brought him up so they could bonk their heads together. And he sighed. “Gods, I missed you.”
“Brrm.” Grogu curled up against him, his little claws pattering against the helmet. “Ma!”
“Yeah,” His words stuttered slightly. His throat closed up briefly to see Grogu and having him back in his hold. “Come on, let’s go.”
-o-
Din kept himself from sprinting back to the hanger to meet the Jedi. The last thing he wanted was Fett getting antsy at this intruder and trying to chase him out or attempt to do worse. Though Fennec witnessed what Skywalker could do, he worried it would not matter to Fett and he would try to attack him.
There was also the uncomfortable sensation that something had gone wrong. Why else would the Jedi return Grogu to him? Not after everything Tano said.
The blond was still there, standing with his back to Din, as he stared out to the rolling, gold dunes.
“Uhm,” Din cleared his throat as he approached. “Are, are you alright?”
The man looked over at him and for a moment Din was struck over how lovely his face was. He did not appear to be a master warrior who could kill without any stress. He just seemed like a gentle man with sad, beautiful blue eyes. His lips, soft and looked to be meant for a smile, were pulled back into a tense line.
“Would you like to take a walk with me?” The Jedi offered.
That was not what he expected but it seemed like the younger man needed it. “I…guess. We just need to be cautious.”
“Tatooine is not an easy place to live.”
“Yeah, there is…there is also a war about to break out.”
“Oh?” He did not seem too surprised as he just walked out into the sunlight. “Hasn’t been a war out here in some time.”
“You’re very familiar with this world?”
“I’m from it. Spent nineteen years of my life here.” He offered with a small smile.
“Oh.” He was surprised. “I’ve come to Tatooine often.”
“Yeah? I wonder if we ever were close to meeting.” His lips turned up at Din as he gave him a look over. “Though I am sure if I saw you in armor I would be following after you, begging for stories.”
“I’ve not been a very approachable person.”
“Never mattered to me. I was obsessed with learning about people who traveled. I just wanted to hear about what was out in the stars.” He tilted his head back to look up at the sky. Din noticed that the clear blue matched the man’s eyes. “Grogu is a wonderful child.”
Din swallowed, understanding now was the focus of the visit. “He is.”
“He now remembers his past.”
The Mandalorian stiffened. “How?”
“I helped him with the Force. With permission. It was a…a lot.” Luke confessed. “He survived the genocide of the Jedi and witnessed a terrible amount of death and pain.”
Din’s expression clouded under the helmet. “I knew it was not a good history.”
“No. But he is such a good kid.” Luke smiled. “He is letting go and moving on. He is not attached to his past.”
“Is there a but to all of this? A point as to why you brought him back to me when he should be learning from you?” He knew his voice was tense, if a bit anger or bitter, but he didn’t bother with worrying about it. It had been a hard past few weeks and this new development only grated on his nerves and temper.
“I told you that he wishes to be with you…and I believe that it is right. He belongs with you.”
“And not with you? Why? Tano said he’d be safe there. I spent all that time looking for you.” He stopped and glared at the blond hard through his visor. “Why will you not train him?”
“I have trained him some. He is stronger than he was when you parted. And he deserves better.”
“What does that mean?”
“I am not a good teacher.” Luke confessed. “I would like to be, but I am not there yet. My communication skills are lackluster and I am trying to be someone else as I guide, which isn’t the route to go.”
“You need a student for you to get better.”
Luke threw him a grin, “Wise words…but Grogu wishes to be with you. His heart belongs with you.”
“But doesn’t he need to be with his own kind?”
“Again, we’re not a kind.” Luke actually laughed. It was a sweet sound. “We’re like Mandalorians. We’re a creed.”
“Oh.”
“Grogu mentioned it is similar to you. How you take an oath…though a little different.” He explained.
“And he does not want to take the oath for the Jedi?”
A concerned expression went over the man’s face and he looked down for a moment as he tried to steady his breath. “I failed him as a teacher. I tried to…I think I…”
“What?”
The man shifted on his feet. “I worry I manipulated him.”
“Manipulated?” He repeated, confused.
“I knew he loved you but I was worried about his attachment to you.” He sighed. “I asked him to make a decision; to either chose the gift you gave him and he returns to you or he takes the saber of my teacher and be my student.”
“Yes?”
“That wasn’t right of me.”
“How?”
“I mean,” Luke sighed, “I should not have made him think he couldn't be with you. My wording was wrong.”
“Jedi do not have attachments.”
“Jedi should be cautious on how we love.” Luke explained. “It’s not that love is denied or hated. Relationships are good but our powers,” he held up his gloved hand and smiled as a swirl of golden sand danced up around them, “it is closely tied to our emotions. If we grow possessive or fearful it can trigger dark and terrible things. We love incredibly deep and hard. And we can easily grow blinded by that affection to the point it poisons us.”
Din frowned, “I’m a little confused. I thought that relationships were not allowed?”
Luke shook his head, “No, it is actually the opposite from what I have learned and researched. Jedi thrived with others. We are happiest with people, with life. We love to make family with whatever moves.” He chuckled. “Apparently, imprinting is very common within the Jedi culture.”
Din thought back to when he first met Grogu and his wide eyes as he reached up for him. A soft smile went on his face.
“But if we do not control ourselves…” He took a deep breath. “Nearly thirty years ago, the Empire rose to power. They wiped out the Jedi. They were betrayed by one of their own who loved a woman so much, he was ready to sacrifice anything and everything to keep her and their unborn children alive and his. He was so terrified of the thought that he could lose them that he started to slaughter…and he felt justified for it.”
“For family?”
“Mhm.” He gave a one-sided shrug. “He committed horrible atrocities and he claimed it was for family…but it was because of himself. He was driven by selfishness and terror to the point he would hurt everyone around him. He felt he was right to do so. That is what the Dark side does.”
“And you worry love will do that to Grogu?”
“No. Attachment is not love. Think of attachment as something separate from love. A lie of love. It is a parasitic version of it. You cling to a thought, or person, or desire and convince yourself you need it and it needs you and nothing else matters. You would even kill it if it means no one else could have it. It is pure possession.”
“Oh.”
“So, when Jedi say attachment, it is about this lie that can corrupt. Not on love.” Luke sighed and his shoulders slumped. “Grogu knows what it means. He still retains lessons from the Temple, but…telling him to make a choice like that, even as trying to use it as a tool to teach him and for me to learn what works best for him was not right.”
“And…you’re bringing him back for what you find to be a mistake?”
“I mean, yes but no. Grogu loves you. And I think he deserves to see you and you him. After bringing that up, I can admit I panicked and I wished to make it up to him. I want him to feel comfortable if the choice must be made.” The Jedi gave another sigh, “I am sorry if you feel uncomfortable in me teaching your child. I understand and will agree to what you both decide but I know he loves you and wishes to have you in his life.”
Din was silent for a moment, weighing in the words, but he took in the man who, now really looking at him, seemed almost timid.
“If you feel that is a mistake, I understand. I have not been…I have not been the best with how I have raised Grogu the past two years.” When he felt those blue eyes turn to him he continued. “I’ve made far worse mistakes. I’ve betrayed Grogu often. You say your words made him feel unsure…but you gave him a choice. I haven’t at least three times…at least four.” Din’s shoulders sunk. “After I had him for about two weeks, I sold him. I regretted it and fought to take him back but I did that. I forced myself to see him as nothing more than a bounty, an object to get what I wanted, and I sold him.”
Luke said nothing as the man took a breath.
“Then I planned on leaving him at a village. I thought it was best for him, and maybe it would’ve been, but on some level it wasn’t about that. Not solely. I wanted my freedom back. I wanted to be alone again. It was easier that way. I wouldn’t have to worry about the life of another and I could get back to how it was before without the guilt of selling him.” He looked up to the stars, “I didn’t give him a choice. I only left with him because I realized he was still being hunted and wouldn't have survived at the village.”
They stopped atop of a dune and Din shifted.
“The third time was when I first met that lady Jedi, Ahsoka Tano…I tried to push him on her but she refused…apparently not just because she didn’t want to teach him but because he didn’t want her either. He was refusing, and a part of me knew that, but I was determined to finish my mission and that I knew what was best for Grogu.”
The Mandalorian stretched and clenched his fist a few times in anger. Luke could almost smell it on him.
“The last time was when I visited your planet. I cannot say if Tano was trying to get me to stay or leave for sure…but I left regardless because I thought it was best for Grogu. I did not think of his choice.” He looked down. “She wondered if I wanted to see him as best for Grogu or myself…she warned me that seeing him would make it difficult…and I think, on some level, she was warning me that it would be more difficult on me.”
Luke frowned.
“I think she was right. Because I would not have asked him if he wanted to come back with me. I was there to give him something to remember me by, even if it was hard on him, and then would’ve left.” He took another deep inhaled, held it for a while, and exhaled. “Tano was right to send me away. Neither he nor myself, especially myself, were ready for that. I would’ve done something foolish in regards to what I think is best for him again.”
Once it seemed like Din was not going to say anything else, Luke piped up, “You’re his friend and guardian, Djarin. He sees you as a parent. And you, though it seems you are struggling to admit it, see him as your child. Trying to make choices that are best for him, to take away that burden, is natural. It shows you are working to be the best father you can be.”
Luke looked back to the Fett palace where the child now resided, “I think I saw him as too old and you saw him as too young. You tried to take the burden of choice away from him and I gave him too heavy of one.”
“Taking away his choice feels far worse.”
“That’s because you did it.” Luke offered with a smile. “Just as it feels worse, to me, on what I did.”
“You only did it once.”
Now Luke managed a small huff of laughter, “Once or not, it shouldn’t have been done like I did it. I apologized to Grogu and he forgave me but I wish to apologize to you as well.”
Din stared at him a moment and nodded, slowly, “I…I forgive you and…and I wish to do the same. To apologize. For not supporting Grogu as I should have and for appearing at your planet without notice. I could have disrupted something and ruin a lot of work.”
“You didn’t.” Luke shrugged. “But apology is accepted.”
It fell silent and for a moment the two just stood next to each other comfortably, hearing the sounds of Tatooine rustle around them.
Until Din broke the silence, “I accidentally got him electrocuted.”
Luke blinked at him and released a surprised laugh, “W-What?”
“I had him in a crawl space of my ship and tried to guide him with electrical engineering. He got shocked something bad…”
Luke stood silent for a moment, “I had him chased by a ball that shoots lasers that feel like a pinch over a rushing river.”
Din choked, “Really?”
“He did well. You’ll need to see all his new tricks.”
“Yeah. I guess I do.” He chuckled, something akin to excitement stirring in his gut. “I would love to see him and all that he has learned.” He tilted his head to look up at the twin suns, relief starting to seep into his skin. “You mentioned he remembers.”
“I asked if he wanted to unlock his memories.” Luke explained. “It wasn’t something we took lightly but he was ready to remember what happened.”
“And he’s ok?”
“Yes. I think.” Luke nodded. “We talked about it afterwards. He was shaken but…it was almost like a weight was off his shoulders. Having the memories back was painful but he had been shackled to them, regardless that they were lost in darkness or not. He can now face them. He can now heal and move on. He hadn’t been able to do that before.”
“He…he can breathe now.” Din whispered in somewhat awe. “Tano mentioned his memories blanketed in darkness and pain and fear…he…he doesn’t have it any longer.”
“I…I wouldn’t say that. What he faced was brutal and he is young. He will still need some time, comfort, and space to fully move on from it. But, yes, he is making strides. He is feeling better.”
“Thank you.” Din choked out. “You forever have my gratitude for that.”
Luke startled and shook his head, “No, no! It wasn’t me! I simply helped remove the block, almost in a physical sense. Grogu was the one who faced them and was ready. And he did so thanks to you.”
“Me?”
“You gave him good memories that he used to fight back the bad.”
“I had him for a short time. So short in his life-span. I don’t have any power. I’ve never been able to communicate with him. We were in danger so often. How did I provide him anything to help him against memories of genocide?”
The Jedi tilted his head and stared at Din with such open kindness and honesty, without any sign of judgement or reprimands, “You are everything to him. You were his first glimpse of light after suffering through so much darkness. You protected him, you made him laugh, you came back for him, you,” He reached over and grasped his clothed bicep and squeezed, “You gave him a home.”
Din shuddered slightly.
Luke just smiled. “He told me about you. Showed me memories. You are his father.”
Could Jedi feel tears? Din hoped not It would be embarrassing to have someone know he was about to breaking down into soft, heaving sobs.
“Don’t forget it, ok?” Luke urged; his voice so tender that it confirmed he must have known Din was struggling. “You are incredible.”
"I don't...i just...don't see--"
“Sometimes the bad memories make the good ones all the better.” Luke offered. “He has made so many good memories with you. You reminded him of his home at the Temple. He now feels home with you.”
“Oh.” Din knew he was tearing up hard under his helmet and he was unable to wipe them off. He just did his best to clear his throat and not release a shuddering gasp.
“He loves you.” Luke continued. “He loves you so much.”
“I…I-I appreciate hearing.” He received a gentle smile back in response. “He…he seems to…uh…he seems to love you too.”
Now his nose scrunched, “He doesn’t.”
Din frowned at how quickly the Jedi rejected the notion. “He cares deeply for you. I could tell from the moment he saw you. How he reached for you.”
“It’s just because I have the Force.”
Din gave him a shake of his head. “No, it was different. I saw him, Skywalker. I saw him change the moment he felt you.”
“I just reminded him of his old life. His old…family.”
“He loves you.” Din pressed.
Luke gave him another disbelieving look.
“He does.” Din tilted his head. “Hasn’t he told you or shown you or…” He motioned to his head, “Done that magic stuff so you knew?”
“I haven’t asked? I assumed he just tolerated me?”
“Tolerated?" That didn't sound like his child. "How?”
“I…I don’t know. I put him to bed, fed him, trained him…and he accepted it?”
“Ah.” Din then released a soft laugh. “Grogu does what he like. He doesn’t wish to follow anyone he doesn’t enjoy or like.” His voice went softer. “You did something to him. You…you truly saved him.”
“Not like you.” Luke argued, scowling in a way that almost looked like a pout. “You have saved him numerous times. You have worked hard to provide and protect him. You are his father and I will not let you forget it.”
“You won’t?” Din hummed out, amused.
Luke’s cheeks colored again. “Y-Yeah. I mean…” He coughed and cleared his throat. “I just think you, as a father, deserve to be reminded of it. I mean, uhm,” he looked away. “You’re an incredible father. You have done well with him. For him.”
Din nodded, heart pounding for a bit. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Luke looked away, flustered. “I just, uhm, wanted to….yeah, tell you and…apologize and give Grogu back.”
Din couldn't stop himself from asking, “Why?”
Luke gave him an unsure expression, “I…I told you. I failed as a teacher and he wishes to be with his father?”
“I have a feeling you didn’t fail him as much as you’re saying.” Din rumbled out. “I know you do not think yourself as important to him and I can’t communicate to Grogu like you can…but I know him enough. I am familiar with him now. He wanted you when he first saw you and he chose to go with you because he already loved you. He looks at you with so much awe. He loves being close to you. And you leaving will not make him happy.”
“W-Well, I don’t want to make him unhappy but…but this is for the best.”
Instantly, Din was on him again, “How?”
“He wishes to be with you. To be a Mandalorian.”
“He can be a Jedi too.”
Luke shook his head with vigor, “But…he can’t be a Mandalorian and a Jedi?”
“Why not?”
Luke blinked in surprise, “Wouldn’t it go against your creed?”
Din shook his head right back, “I have learned a lot in the past two years, and I am beginning to see there are multiple Ways. Perhaps he cannot take the same oath I have, and perhaps he is better for it, but he can have other paths. And if a past Mand’alor can do it, why not him?”
Luke blinked again, “Huh?”
Din reached to his hip and brought out his saber, “This was created by a man who was both Jed and Mandalorian.”
Luke stared at it as if it was the first time he had taken actual notice of the saber, “It…it was?”
“Apparently? That’s what I have been told.”
“I…wasn’t aware you could be both.”
“Honestly, neither did I until a few weeks ago.”
“Huh.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t know.”
“I’m, uhm, sorta the last known of my creed.” Luke chewed his lip nervously. “Ahsoka is helping a little…but she does not want too involved and she is dealing with her own journey at the moment. I’ve tried searching for relics, and have found a few, but so much has been lost…and it is a very, very long and dense history.”
“Oh.” Din looked down at the saber in the palm of his hand. “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t…I didn’t know.”
“Know what?”
“Well, I mean, it has been alluded to that there are few of you left but I didn’t know that…that your kind, those that followed your Way, were…so…”
“Ah.” Luke gave a small one-sided shrug, a sad look crossing his eyes. “There are Force-users out there. Not a lot as the Empire wiped them out or…or experimented on them if they were found. Not many lasted in hiding after their genocide started. The Emperor seized their history and identity and did his best to have it destroyed.”
“I…th-that is the same for Mandalorians.” He swallowed when Luke peeked up at him. “Our planet and culture were…Mandalore was very broken from what I hear. I never stepped foot on it but it was damaged, a glass planet, after so many civil wars. But they were trying to heal and then…the Empire bombed all the cities.”
Luke winced, “I’m sorry.”
Din sighed, “I didn’t have a connection to the planet like others. I was born on another world and rescued and brought back to the covert.”
Luke shifted, “You weren’t born on Mandalore?”
He shook his head, the light catching on his silver helmet. “No. My world was invaded by the Separatists and my family killed. Mandalorians were in the system and knew of the attack and was following after but…they were too late to save my parents.”
Luke gave him an open, sympathetic look. Din found he appreciated it. It wasn’t pitiful but gentle and understanding.
The two fell silent a moment, the sand billowing around them, playing with Luke’s hair and Din’s worn cape. Neither could look at the other and Luke hated how much his heart pounded in his throat. He remembered how handsome the man under the helmet was and hearing him talk in such a way and be so supportive and kind to his child, to others, was uncomfortable for Luke. It made his palms itch and his face feel flushed and his head stuffed full of foolish noise.
He wasn’t sure exactly what was wrong with him but he did not appreciate it.
Finally, the Mandalorian seemed to find his voice, ready to move on with their conversation, “Skywalker--”
“Luke.” The blond offered with a smile. “Please. I’d rather…I’d rather it be my name.”
“Luke.” Din cleared his throat. “Right, yeah. Luke…Luke…I do appreciate you bringing Grogu to me but…I can’t say I agree with it.”
“You…don’t?”
Din sighed, “I want him back with me. I want to say the vows that makes him my official adoptive son. But I cannot say that is the best for him. Not like this. I want to ensure this is the right path for all of us.”
“He should be with his father.”
“But is that what’s best for him?” Din pressed and turned to face the blond head on, even taking a step towards him. It made them both aware of the vast size differences there was between them. “Tano warned me of attachments. Of what his love for me can do. I don’t understand…but it sounded serious.”
A shadow passed over Luke’s face, “She’s alluding to…to the Jedi I spoke of…the one who betrayed the Order. He was Ahsoka’s master.”
“Oh.”
“And,” Luke licked his lips in nerves and shuddered despite the intense heat. “He was my father.”
All the words shriveled up in Din’s chest. He found he couldn’t even wheeze out a horrified, “what?”
“My father loved and feared so much it nearly destroyed the galaxy.” He muttered with a self-decrypting smile. “He died a good person. He died with my forgiveness. But because he was so attached he sold himself, his beliefs, and his family…and became the right hand of the Emperor.”
Din went silent, “He…he was that man in the mask?”
“He went by Darth Vader.”
The Mandalorian went silent., weighing the information. He did not know much about the Empire, only that he loathed it, but he was aware of some of the big players. He remembered as a young foundling, peeking in as the adults and elders of the covert gathered around a holo of the Emperor making foul speeches of lies and false promises. Many times, the man made of nightmares, shadows, and machine was there.
Din was terrified of the man who looked like a droid.
The first time he saw an image of Darth Vader was when he was nearing eleven. The holo had caught a close up, right up to those red sockets, that Din refused to call eyes, of the helmet and his horrifying wheeze. He had gone to bed that night and had such a terrible nightmare of him that he had wet himself (sadly not the first or last as he had many nightmares as a child in the covert).
That was Luke’s father?
“I’m trying…I just want to do good for the galaxy. But,” He looked down at his gloved hand, “Clearly I am severely lacking.”
“It’s not your responsibility to make up for your father’s choices.” The words rushed out of him before he even thought about it. Din was surprised he braved up the ability to do so, thought process or not.
Luke gave him another sad smile, “I am the blood son of the man who helped kill countless of lives and tortured countless others. Who loved so hard his affections turned poisonous and he infected so many systems. I wish to do my best to make up for it. I want to provide and do good and make people happy.” He began to rub against his gloved wrist. “But I worry. I’m not sure I can ever escape what my father was…that I will forever be in his shadow. That I’m doomed to be as he was. To make a mistake and fall and hurt people.”
His head bowed down, “I have been very cautious with how I’ve taught Grogu thus far and I know it is due to my own fear. Not that he’d become Dark but that I will.”
“Luke,” he breathed out.
“I don’t want your child to suffer from all that I lack. He wishes to be home with you and it is probably the best.” He paused and then nodded, “Yes, it is the best.”
“No.”
“No? Wha…what do you mean no?”
“I mean no.”
Luke blinked, “You do not wish to take him back?”
“I do. But not like this.” He sighed. “I think we need to discuss more about it…but later.”
“Later?”
“As mentioned, there is an issue within Tatooine at the moment that I am working to resolve. Boba Fett has taken on the role as the new Daimyo and a turf war is about to take place. It can turn incredibly ugly and dangerous fast.” He nodded back towards the palace, indicating they should return. He felt Luke stick closer to him as he followed after. “I think you should take Grogu and get both of yourselves off this world.”
“Oh.” Luke nodded. “Would you like help?”
“I would prefer if my son and his teacher were safe off-world.”
“I’ll ask if I can help.” Luke pushed on as if he hadn’t heard.
“Luke, no, this isn’t something you need involved with. Luke? Luke!”
Luke volunteered to assist and despite Din’s warning glare melting through his visor, Boba accepted the offer without any pause.
The blond just threw Din a grin and he twitched under his mask. He approached the Jedi, placing his hands on his hips, “I told you to take Grogu and leave.”
“We both want to be here. For the time being. Grogu will be safe. You have my word. I will lay my life down for the child and ensure he is taken care of.” He gave him a casual shrug, “But I will help get this settled for you and your friends as quickly as possible so that you can get back to your son.”
Din towered over him and hated how it did not seem to have any affect. “This isn’t safe.”
“I am aware. I’ll be fine.” Luke hummed back, smirking.
Din’s eye twitched. He did not expect such a brat under that pretty surface. “This is no game.”
“No, it’s not. It’s Tatooine. Very little fun to be found here.” He gave Din a pat on the arm. “Don’t worry, Mando. I’ll be fine and I’ll make sure all of you are fine too.”
“Luke.” He growled, warning.
“Mando.” He grinned playfully right back.
“Gentlemen,” Boba’s gruff voice hissed out in a grouchy tone. “How about we finish up my turf war and chase these bastards off my land first and then you two can melt over each other?”
That made the two of them bounce away from each other and quickly looked away.
“Now,” The man in green growled out. “Let’s begin planning on getting power into my hands and start cleaning this shit-hole up.”
-o-
It took three hours.
Three karkin’ hours.
Boba leveled him with such a look, “Why the fuck would you ever try to chase him away?”
Fennec sipped her drink, lounging on the throne as if it was hers. Din had a feeling she had a lot of pull in the relationship…clearly there was something between them. Maybe romantic or maybe platonic but whatever it was, the two were clearly made for each other. “Our Mandalorian friend here must’ve forgotten what he did to those droids on the ship.”
Under his helmet, Din felt his cheeks colored. “I didn’t forget. I knew how powerful he was but I thought he’d be better with Grogu off-world.”
“Please.” She rolled her eyes at him. “You got lost in those pretty eyes and soft face and some manly instinct to protect roared to life and you went stupid, forgetting that he can kill all of our asses without any trouble.”
“Shown today when he sensed the trap, got all of us in proper formation to respond to the attack, took those droids out and about eighty men while asking if I was feeling alright facing my past.” He took his own drink from Fennec and downed it, “We’re going to have more trouble with the politics and keeping your random mechanic and the mayor’s assistant off of each other.”
“They’ve been in the back rooms for half an hour.” She noted. “Probably not gonna be out for at least another hour.”
“I do not want to imagine that man getting his rocks off.” He growled out and offered his cup out for a refill. He chugged it down just as quickly. “My issue is this idiot,” he used his pointer to focus on Din, “Nearly chased off a kriffin’ Jedi who just resolved all my issues in a matter of hours.”
Din refused to say anything back.
“Being love-struck makes you a fool, Djarin.” Boba noted, finally some amusement filtering in his tone as the booze started to take effect.
“I do not have feelings for the Jedi.”
Boba snorted, “Right.”
Din still couldn’t help but ask, “Where is he?”
“Still playing with the Rancor with your ad’ika.”
Of course they were.
Din sighed.
“You should invite him up to the main hall. Fennec has bullied her way in getting a feast tonight. I suppose it is something we all deserve. The kids and Krrsantan are already planning on engorging themselves.”
He had a feeling Luke would not accept the invitation despite it being shown there was no ill will between himself and Boba.
Din couldn’t figure if Luke was shy, overwhelmed, or something else but he seemed to pull away from attention or focus. Din figured even he’d attend for a little while to feed Grogu.
“I’ll go ask.” And with a nod of respect towards the new ruler of the planet, he walked away to go find his son and Jedi. It took no time in finding them, outside with the trainer and the large Rancor.
“You must have something special.” The man noted, watching in appreciation as the beast nuzzled against Luke’s open palm. Grogu, pressed protectively against his teacher’s arm, followed his guidance and gave a pat to the creature as well. The thing gave a happy huff which earned a pleased giggled from the child. “There is no fear or unease from him.”
“Well, he has been well taken care of with you and Lord Fett.” Luke explained, petting over the wet nose. “I am happy I can see one up close like this…the last one I saw…sadly did not end well.”
“They are fierce animals and protective but sadly are used too often as torture devices. Starved and whipped to become angry.” The trainer explained. “Was it Hutt’s?”
“Mhm.”
“Pity.” He grunted out. “I heard of Jabba having two. One was a pet, a female, that was taken care of well enough. But he wanted one to be feared more so he turned it into a beast.”
“His trainer loved him though.” His face fell. “I never wanted to kill him.”
“You’re one of the first to say.” He nodded as if he approved something but then noticed the Mandalorian and stood straight and gave him a nod. “Sir.”
“Kid, you better wash your hands before you eat.” Din grunted as he approached them. Luke met him half-way and handed the child back over. He waved at the trainer and the Rancor as they continued on their evening stroll, letting the creature get fresh air and move his legs more. “You’re good with animals.”
“It’s a Force thing.”
Din wondered how often Luke would say that to push off a compliment. “You seem to love animals?”
“Oh, uh, yeah, I do.” He actually looked a little sheepish and Din couldn’t fathom why. “Wanted a pet when I was growing up but never got the chance to.”
That was a sad image. Din figured he’d be good with a pet. He seemed good with everything else.
“So,” Luke wiped his hands on his pants, not caring for the mess. “What is it?”
“Huh?”
“That.” He pointed to the Darksaber. “We talked about it briefly before but didn’t go into detail. What is it?””
“Ah, right.” Was it only a couple of hours ago they had spoken on the dunes? “Apparently, it is the traditional, true way to become king of Mandalore.”
“Ah.” Luke tilted his head and looked Din over. “You’re a king?”
“Sadly.”
“Huh. Sorry.”
“It’s something I’ll need to figure out.” He unhooked it and handed it over to the man who took it and eyed it with open interest. It was only when it was out of his hands did Din realize he had no sensation of clinging to it. The thing had weighed so heavily on his mind he had struggled parting with it for any amount of time. But he felt fine, almost soothed, with it being in Luke’s hand.
“Fascinating. It feels so different.” Luke murmured. “How are you with using it?”
“Horrible. Burnt myself real good a while back.”
“It’s a horrible feeling being cut by one of them. Can I light it?”
“Sure.” He wondered if Luke noticed how soft his voice turned.
If he did, he made no note of it as he lit up the weapon and his eyes widened with intrigue and excitement, “It’s gorgeous.”
Something purred happily in the air.
Luke spun it around with such mastery and grace that Din had no words for it other than exquisite. It was simply stunning watching a warrior use it properly.
“It’s not heavy for you?”
“No.” Luke flipped it up in the air and caught it by the hilt, twirling it around with a childish grin on his face. “It’s not easy, I hear, for those without the Force to instantly pick up a saber with a true Kyber crystal in them….ah, the crystal is what makes it, you know…glow and hurt.”
“Figured that.’” Din sighed with a smile in his voice.
“But it is not impossible. Many have wielded sabers in the past. Not often as the crystal has a power and a soul. It can, technically, be used by most anyone but it cannot flourish under any hand. It chooses who the wielder is.” He smiled and handed it back over. “It looks like it has chosen you.”
“Yet it’s heavy.”
“Because you seem to be fighting it. That’s the message I am getting from it.”
“So, I’ve been told.” He huffed.
“It’ll come to you. It will.” He promised and he reached over and gave him another comforting squeeze on his arm but then seemed to realize what he was doing and pulled his hand back as though burned, his face heating up. “Uhm, if you need some help…I uh…you can visit the planet I’m on and…erm…m-maybe I can help? With some training? Just to get you started. I’m sure you’ll be fine but I can help?”
Din’s shoulders eased and he smiled. It was such a sight. Again, this man who could take on an army struggled to talk without getting flustered. There was something truly adorable about it. He seemed so soft and sweet and trying so hard to just make things comfortable for Din and Grogu.
Something in his chest lurched slightly. The feared Jedi was just so soft.
“I would appreciate it, Luke, thank you.” And just like before, Luke’s rounded cheeks went red. “Fett also wants you to attend a feast tonight. A celebration.”
“Ah,” the blond shook his head. “No, uh, that’s fine. I’ll be heading out soon.”
“This night is for you as much as it is for Fett. You deserve the attention. You are the reason everything went so successful and we did not lose a life on our side.”
Luke gave him a meek shrug, “I really did not do much. I was a general in the rebellion so I am just happy that I was able to put it to good use and help you all out.”
The Mandalorian stared at him, taking in everything about the man before him and just how small he looked. This was a man who was far too young and far too old at the same time; someone who was struggling with so much weight on their soul. Din didn’t think he’d ever seen someone who carried such a burden and was moving with so much exhaustion.
“When have you last slept?”
Luke gave him such a confused stare, “I…guess five days ago?”
Din choked, “What?”
“I’ve meditated since then. Jedi can go a while without sleep through meditation.”
“Is that healthy?”
Luke shrugged, “I can function.”
“You should sleep. Even if you do not attend the celebration, you can rest and I or a droid will bring you some food to your room.”
“I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“Everyone wants you here.”
In an odd way, it almost looked as if Luke did not believe him.
“I should head back.” Luke muttered, looking away.
“Stay.” Din pleaded, now reaching out and gently grasping Luke’s arm. “For the night. Rest and eat.”
“Bwa!” Grogu chimed in, babbling over towards the blond. “Bleba! Patoo!”
Luke’s face twisted a bit, as if trying to come up with an argument against Grogu but, as Din knew, there was no winning against his child.
“J-Just for the night.”
“Yeah.” Din agreed but it felt wrong; like a lie. “Just for the night.”
Luke was gone before the suns rose.
Din looked at the empty hanger with something empty and painful in his gut. Grogu’s ears dropped low and he gave a little whimper.
“Your teacher is unsure about affection, huh?” Din muttered. “I could see it written all over his face.”
“Mrrm?”
“Not many people have been kind to him.” He continued, feeling confident in his realization. “I wonder how many people have searched for him, have followed him, for him. Not for some magic stuff.”
Grogu tilted his head.
“He was very young. And…had lonely eyes.” He looked down at the weapon on his waist and then back to the hanger and then felt a small smile grow on his face. “Come on, kid. Let’s go chase a Jedi.”
-o-
Luke helped one of the ant-droids that got stuck under a stone.
“Easy,” He comforted, helping pull the rocks off. “I told you to be careful. Don’t move too many at a time. We’ll get this going in due time. No need to rush.”
The droid beeped mournfully at him.
“I appreciate you wanting to ensure I have adequate shelter but what we have is enough. It doesn’t get that cold. And I like it when it rains.”
Artoo gave a snooty snap and Luke gave him a look, “Stop being mean to them, Artoo.”
When his friend just scoffed and rolled past them, Luke went back to tending to the other droid before he gave him a smile. “Do you need to take it easy?”
The ant droid just beeped back.
“Yes, I know you’re a droid. You can still rest!” Luke huffed bit only to stiffen and blink, his senses going off. His head turned to the sky to see a sleek and beautiful NB-1 cross over the sky in search of a landing field. Frowning in concern, Luke hoisted himself up and hurried out to meet the visitors, confusion written all over his features.
He watched as the broad Mandalorian hop out, holding his hands open to Grogu who gave a squeal and a jump out of his seat and into his arms.
“Djarin? Grogu?” Luke slowly approached them, “What…what are you doing here?”
“You left without any word.”
Luke’s face colored in shame, “I…I thought it would be easier.”
“I know…I’ve felt that way too.” Din approached him slowly. “So, I came after you.”
Another confused look went on his face, “To say goodbye?”
“No.” Din chuckled. “To talk.”
“Oh.” Luke rubbed his wrist. “About what?”
“Everything.” He tilted his head. “If you have the time?”
Luke laughed slightly, “To talk about everything? That may take some time.”
“It may be easier to discuss it…uh, sitting down?”
“Oh!” Luke gulped and nodded, his face red, “Y-Yes! Uhm, please follow me. I have some tea I can make. Oh, and there are some snacks. I still have some of Grogu’s favorites. We can talk about everything and uh, oh, right I told you about the saber training. We can start with that--”
“That’s not as important.” Din chuckled, pushing the palm of his hand against the small of Luke’s back, steading him in his awkward panic. “I’d like to talk about other things first.”
Luke blushed, “Uh…like what?”
“Everything.” He repeated.
“Not sure where to start with everything.” He breathed out, soft and a bit unsure. He was reading the signs clearly but not quite ready to accept it.
That was fine.
Din wasn’t even sure what he was offering anyway.
“How about how you became a Jedi?”
“Oh, well,” Luke laughed, “That is a long story.”
“I have the time.” Din swore.
“It started, unfortunately, on Tatooine…”
Grogu curled up in his father’s arms, watching the two with their bodies close as they walked side by side back to the stone hut, their words gentle but lively, and something shimmering between them in the Force. If he squinted, the child could slowly see things begin to stitch together, becoming one.
He grinned in victory.
Second buir acquired.