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Chapter Text

It wasn’t very often the Skywalker-Naberrie’s had dinner together. From Padmé and Leia being on Coruscant, Anakin- now Luke- being tied up with Mand’alor duties and Mandalorian politics, the rest of their family spread out through the galaxy as Jedi and vagabonds, or having meals with the entirety of clan Skywalker, the traditional “family dinners'' Padmé was used to on Naboo were unheard of. Which made them all the more special when they did happen. 

Padmé couldn’t stop smiling at the chaos around her. Anakin was by her side, arm over her chair and bickering as usual with Obi-Wan. Ahsoka egged the bickering on while Rex and Cody tried to deter it. 

Leia was glued to Paz’s side- having been away from her husband “far too long” as she would say- as she spoke to Luke about the stupidity of some politicians in the New Republic Senate with R2 throwing in his two-cents in every now and then. Threepio tried to stop him but that only made the smaller droid sass harder. 

Han, Lando, and Chewie were discussing something amongst themselves (probably something Padmé shouldn’t know about) but Luke would inevitably interject at some point and bring them into the conversation he was having with Leia to distract his twin from her frustrations. 

Later, Shmi, Jango, and Boba (and, hopefully, Boba’s new spouse Cobb) would join them for dessert when they came back from retrieving Boba for a much-deserved vacation. 

And this jovial occasion was all over a spread of food that Padmé never would get used to because of the unbearable spices. (Bless the Maker, though, there was some Nabooian cuisine for her palette).

As she continued to eat and talked with family, she overheard Lando chortling with Chewie’s roaring laugh.

She turned to see Lando leaning on Chewie while Han frowned at Luke. Her precious son’s cheeks were as red as one of Tatooine’s two suns. At the same time, Leia looked absolutely done, and Paz’s expression could have murdered anyone if looks could kill.

“Something wrong?” Padmé asked.

“Nothing, Mom,” Leia sighed. “Just these nerf herders being idiots.” R2 beeped in agreement.

“‘Idiots?’” Han echoed, entirely offended. “We were just information Luke of the word in the galaxy is!” 

“You just want to know for betting reasons,” Leia fired back with a bit of heat. 

“Hey now Senator,” Lando soothed, still with a bit of laughter in his tone. He leaned on Han. “We were just passing on the news.”

“Aruetiise have no right to speculate on our Mand’alor’s marital status,” Paz hissed through gritted teeth. “Let alone make bets on it.”

“I very much agree with you, Master Vizsla!” Threepio nodded. “It is highly inappropriate.” 

Padmé sighed, placing her utensils down. 

“They’re making bets on when Tran’ika is going to get married?” Anakin laughed. Padmé’s heart warmed when he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Didn’t they do the same for us, Cyar’ika?”

Padmé sighed again, this time less heavy, as she remembered the beginning of their marriage. “They did,” she smiled softly. “I believe Obi-Wan and Rex were the only ones that got it right.”

“I was close!” Ahsoka interjected as Rex laughed and Obi-Wan took a sip of his drink. 

“I don’t know what you mean,” he hummed casually.

“And I am a Bantha.” Anakin sniggered as he took a swat at his Jedi Master. The older man easily knocked his hand away with put-on annoyance. 

When R2 laughed about how obvious Padmé and Anakin were, the Skywalker matriarch looked at the younger adults. She pressed her lips together to stop from giggling at their expressions, ranging from disgust to agony at the news. It was only Luke who wore a distressed expression as he stared down at his plate, picking at his food.

Something small and heavy formed in Padmé’s gut. “Milla?” she called gently. “Is there something wrong?”

It spoke how lost her son was in his thoughts when he jumped at her voice, wide eyes snapping toward her. That small feeling grew bigger and Padmé frowned with a tilt of her head.

“Hey,” Anakin’s voice cut in, equally soft, as he must have picked up on Luke’s odd behavior. “Don’t worry about Tran’ika.” He leaned forward on the table towards Luke. “No one is going to force you to marry, Mand’alor or not. That’s not the way of things, you know that.” 

There was a soft murmur of agreement and reassurance from everyone that meant to ease the tension. Yet Luke didn’t relax. 

His blue eyes were still wide but clouded with worry as he put his utensils down. He licked his lips before he lifted his chin, head held high. He took a deep breath and voiced, “And if I already am?”

Everything stopped.

Padmé stared at her son, unable to breathe. It felt as if there wasn’t even any air in the stillness of the room. Her son didn’t smile or even take it back to say it was a joke. He just stared at everyone seriously.

“Are you?” Padmé heard Obi-Wan’s voice distantly. 

Luke took a second before he nodded curtly. “I am.”

Then everything happened all at once. Anakin and Leia shot out of their chairs and Luke matched them, all of them tense and ready for a fight. Padmé and Obi-Wan quickly followed, if they had to break it up, which prompted Ahsoka, Paz, Rex, and Cody to stand as well. Han, Lando, and Chewie stayed seated but leaned away from the group. They were joined by Threepio who moved out of the way with a worried yelp. R2 remained where he was between the twins.

“Who is it?” Anakin hissed as Leia asked,

“For how long?”

Luke eyed Leia and Anakin with an uneasy glint before he answered, “Since I took over as Mand’alor.”

It was a second punch to Padmé’s gut. “Luke...”

Her voice however was drowned out when Leia hissed, “That was a standard year and a half ago. You’ve been married for a year and a half and didn’t tell us?!”

“Who is it?” Anakin demanded again.

The air around them was growing colder and Padmé couldn’t say who was from- Leia or Anakin- until Obi-Wan warned, “Anakin...”

Luke’s jaw tensed as a bit of sadness mixed with apprehension in his eyes. “I can’t tell you.”

“What do you mean you can’t tell us!” Leia bit out. She tensed, leaning toward her twin. “Don’t we have a right to know who your riduur is!? Who you invited into our clan without telling us?!”

Luke shifted his stance, making his feet wider. 

R2 told both of them to settle down but neither of them seemed to be listening. 

Padmé could see the fight coming and quickly shifted into her senator persona.

“Enough,” she spoke firmly. 

Both her children froze. Padmé glanced up at her husband to see his blue eyes were stormy and hard. And underneath it, something that was hard to see, was fear and worry. She reached out and wrapped her hand around his to get his attention.

“Paz,” Padmé spoke, not breaking eye contact with Anakin. “Can you please take Leia to the conservatory?”

“It’s alright, Mom.” Padmé snapped her gaze toward her son just as he stepped away from the table. “I need some time to myself.”

Before she could say a word otherwise, he disappeared to the back of the house. 

Padmé snapped her gaze between Leia and Anakin. At least both of them had the decency to wince when she did. “Both of you sit and stay put,” she ordered with a tone that brokered no argument. Then without another word, she followed her son. Distantly she heard R2’s low whistle and Threepio trying to assure him.

Based on his words, she found him on a bench in the house’s private conservatory. 

Her senator persona had washed away by the time she arrived and she was back to being a worried and stunned mother. So it was a stab to her heart when she saw her son’s eyes wet with unshed tears as he stared longingly through the skylight to the stars. It wasn’t anything new, Luke had always looked to them when he was feeling out of sorts, but now it held a whole new context. 

When she approached, she wasn’t surprised when Luke turned to her. She stopped a few feet away, leaving the invitation to leave if he really needed the space. Yet her sweet son smiled weakly and murmured, “Hey Mama.”

Padmé’s heart broke even more. She seldom heard either of her children say ‘Mama’ nowadays- both of them having stopped using it when they grew into their teens. Luke saying it now made him appear so small and exhausted.

“Hi, my little Milla,” she whispered as she closed the gap.

She slid onto the bench and didn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around her son. Luke breathed a wet inhale as he buried his face into her shoulder.

Neither of them spoke. Padmé felt her clothes slowly get wet as her son cried but didn’t sob. She silently offered him comfort by just holding him with one arm around his shoulders as the other hand pet the back of his head.

She wasn’t sure how long they stayed, but, after a while, Luke slowly pulled away from her.

Sniffling softly, he whispered, “Thank you, Mama.” He wiped away a few stray tears and then met her eyes. 

Padmé smiled softly and brushed a few strands of his hair from his forehead before she cupped her son’s face. “You’re welcome, Milla.”

Luke pulled further away, forcing Padmé to let go of him but she quickly reached down and took both of his hands in hers.

“Well that could have gone better,” Luke huffed before deeply sighing. “Can’t imagine how everyone else will react.”

“Oh, Luke...” Letting go of one hand, she gently rubbed his shoulder. “You know your father and Starflower can’t truly be mad at you. They just don’t take surprises well.”

Luke smiled with a weak laugh. “That’s an understatement.”

Smiling, Padmé squeezed her son’s hand. “I’m sure when we head back, they’ll have calmed down.”

Luke’s smile dropped and he turned his gaze to their hands. After a moment, he softly asked, “And what about you?” He lifted his face to look at her uncertainly through his lashes. “How do you feel about me being married?”

Her heart ached at the uncertainty in her son’s voice. Moving her hand off his shoulder, she gently put her fingers under his chin and lifted his face. “I was surprised,” she confessed. “And shocked. I still am.”

Luke’s eyebrows pinched, face morphing with worry.

Padmé quickly cupped his cheek. “But I know you,” she soothed. “And you would never marry someone you didn’t love and trust.”

A soft, warm light sparked in her son’s eyes and washed away the lines of worry on his face. He smiled softly while his eyes grew distant in fondness. 

“I love him so much, Mama,” he whispered as if he was revealing his deepest secret. And perhaps it was, considering how long he held onto it. “He is such a good person. Kind, strong, caring, and so, so , amazing.”

The worrying ache in her chest quickly was replaced by warmth and relief as her son spoke. There was nothing but an all-encompassing love in his voice- a surety of how head over heels he was with this person (a man, if the pronoun Luke used was correct).

“Tell me about him?” she asked with a squeeze of his hand. 

Her son blinked, coming back to the present, and looked at her confused. He opened his mouth but then snapped it shut and his cheeks went red.

Before she could inquire why Luke sighed and used one hand to rub his face. “I can’t,” he sighed again. Dropping his hand, his whole face was apologetic as he added, “If I give you details, you might figure out who he is.”

Padmé thought he meant a senator but then shoved that thought aside. Luke wasn’t keen on politicians and hadn't met one around the time he became Mand’alor.

Frowning, she asked, “Is there a reason why?”

Luke grimaced. “He is in a position where if anyone found out we’re married, he could lose everything.” 

Padmé’s breath hitched at the hardness in her son’s eyes. It was something she recognized from Anakin when he was certain about things. “Oh, Luke...” 

“He has worked so hard for everything he has, Mama,” he whispered fiercely with a small bit of beseeching. She felt the hand she still held curl into a fist. “And I don’t- no, I can’t be the reason he loses it all. 

She squeezed his fist. “So he isn’t afraid of Mandalorians?” she asked to be sure. It was something that plagued her mind. It wasn’t an uncommon thing for non-Mandalorians to not want to be associated with Mandalorians, besides being married to one. “He isn’t ashamed of being married to you?”

Luke’s eyes widened and he quickly shook his head. “No, no!” he reassured, blue eyes earnest. It calmed the motherly in Padmé’s chest and stomach. “He was afraid at first, but that was mostly about losing everything and worried how being married to him would affect me. But he recently started becoming open to at least let me tell people I am married.” 

Padmé wanted to ask about why his partner didn’t want to tell anyone- why just Luke- when her son’s face grew redder. “We talked about it for a while before we agreed it was okay but only if... if I didn’t reveal his gender...”

Catching on, Padmé grinned and patted her son’s cheek. “Don’t worry, Milla,” she giggled. “Your secret is safe with me.”

With her reassurance, Luke released a relieved sigh, body relaxing. “Thank you, Mama.”

Patting her son’s cheek again, she pulled her hand down and asked, “Do you feel better enough to head back to dinner?”

Luke’s mouth opened but then slowly closed before he shook his head. “Not yet, but you can go on without me.”

Padmé frowned gently. “Are you sure?”

Grinning, Luke nodded. He then brought his hands to either side of her face and pressed their foreheads together briefly. Padmé smiled and happily cupped her son’s face and pressed back.

When they pulled apart, she delivered a quick kiss on his cheek. “Love you, my little Milla.”

Luke’s grin widened as she stood. He caught her hand and gave it a brief squeeze. “Love you too, Mom.”

Warmth blooming in her chest in relief, Padmé squeezed back before they parted ways.

Rounding a garden divide, she wasn’t surprised when she ran into Anakin hiding in its shadow. She sharply frowned at him and he grimaced in response. 

He grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her into the darkness with him.

Tilting her head, she wasn’t sure why they weren’t leaving until she heard the soft trill of a comlink ring back from where Luke was.

Realizing what her husband was now up to, she pulled on his arm urgently. She didn’t want to call out and warn Luke, lest she made things worse between her husband and son, but Anakin remained immovable with his strong grip on her hand. When their eyes met, she glared at him. ‘We’re going to talk about this later,’ she warned with her expression.

Her husband grimaced again but nodded curtly.

“Hi, ner Kar’ta.”

Padmé froze at hearing her son’s tired voice.

A moment later, he spoke again. “I don’t want to talk about it right now...” He sighed. “I- I just really need to hear the sound of your voice. Tell me about your day?”

Despite wanting to give her son his privacy, Padmé couldn’t deny she was also curious. And Anakin knew that when their eyes met again and he smirked. She poked him hard in the side as retaliation- no one wore their armor when in the home as a rule- and tried not to feel too smug when he flinched.

Together, the two of them peeked out from behind the divide.

Luke had taken to laying across the bench with his eyes closed. He wore a delighted, if wistful, grin as he listened to his spouse over the comlink near his face. She couldn’t make out anything, and she highly doubted Anakin could either, but Luke would quip back with something or sometimes laugh at whatever was being said.

A tension in Padmé’s body she didn’t know she had released as she watched, the soft sting of tears in her eyes. She had never seen her son so relaxed in such a long time. It was like seeing him again when he was younger again- innocent of the troubles of the world and not weighed down with responsibilities.

Happy, Padmé stepped back and, after a few tugs, her husband followed. When their eyes met, she smiled softly at the misty-eyed expression he wore.

She moved her hand to wrap her fingers with his and squeezed. ‘Are you satisfied?’

Taking a deep breath, Anakin nodded. 

With a nod back, she pulled her husband away to go back to the others and give their son some alone time with his spouse.

Chapter Text

Paz wondered if it would be seen as treason if he strapped his brother-in-law to the Mand’alor throne... or, at least, put a tracker on him. It would certainly help when Luke decided to run off without a single word. 

Taking up the rear, he followed Koska and Jango in single file through the lush foliage of Yavin 4. He was at least thankful it was nicer than some of the planets they had found Luke on but no less annoying. 

“He should be up ahead,” Jango spoke through their comms.

“Why do you think he chose to be out here? ” Koska asked, nearly getting hit in the helmet by a large leaf. “There is a perfectly good village he could have stayed in.”

“You still trying to question why our Mand’alor does what he does?” Paz scoffed. “He is the ad of Anakin Skywalker. You develop strange habits when he is your buir.”

Koska peered over her shoulder. “Know from experience?” Her tone was full of teasing.

Paz rolled his eyes under his helmet. There were a lot of habits he picked up from his wife’s clan members, but he wasn’t going to tell any to her.

“That’s enough, you two,” Jango huffed

Paz smirked. Jango didn’t deny anything about his adopted son. He, more than anyone, would know how Anakin Skywalker was.

The three of them stepped out of the forest. The area they walked into was a small lagoon with a large and wide waterfall. 

Jango halted and scanned the area. Jango was better equipped as a bounty hunter than the two alo’prudiise. Yet that didn’t stop Paz from looking as well, knowing how well their Mand’alor could hide. Luckily, they didn’t have to look hard. 

Luke emerged from behind the waterfall- in all his black, orange, grey, and green armored glory- as he carried a luggage crate. He halted when he noticed the three, the black T-shaped transparisteel of his helmet gleaming in the sunlight. 

He tilted his head. “You're getting slow, Ba’buir.”

“Watch your tone,” Jango growled as he walked toward Luke. “I wasn’t on the planet when you decided to run off.”

“Not running off,” Luke huffed before he placed the crate down next to him. “If I was, I wouldn’t come back.”

“You sure act like you won’t when you leave without a word,” Koska complained under her breath, only loud enough for Paz to hear. Louder, she reprimanded, “You could at least take some guards, Mand’alor.”

“It’s not necessary,” Luke responded.

Paz didn’t have to see Koska’s face to know she was sneering at his brother-in-law. For himself, he made no complaint. It was an old argument anyway. No one was going to change Luke’s mind on this.

The three of them climbed to the lip where Luke stood. As they made their way up, their Mand’alor would disappear behind the waterfall before he came back out with more crates. 

Once they were all up, Paz looked over the crates. “More artifacts?” he asked when Luke returned. 

“Yes,” his brother-in-law nodded as he placed his cargo down. He wiped his hands together to remove some invisible dirt. At the same time, he added, “I was just gathering the boxes together to figure out if I could fit them all in my X-wing or if I needed to leave them with some friends in the village.”

“Good thing we’re here then,” Jango snorted.

Luke laughed. “It is!” 

“Come on,” he waved for them to follow, “I have a few more crates in here.”

Past the water, it opened up to a decent-sized cave. Paz was momentarily surprised by how dry the area was but then turned his focus on the sense of isolation being created. With the waterfall as a curtain, the cave was like another world. The air was pleasantly cool, flower-filled vines hung from the cave’s roof, and it was all highlighted by the light from a hole in one area of the ceiling. It was wonderfully picturesque. It certainly wasn’t the worst place they had found their Mand’alor. 

It was a pattern that started since Luke had taken the role. He would escape the watchful eyes of his alo’prudiise, and days later, he would be back with lost or stolen Mandalorian artifacts. It caused panic the first few times he disappeared, but by the present- the eighth if Paz counted correctly- it was just something that all of Mandalore had gotten used to. It was never too far from the planet, thankfully. And gratefully as well, the alo’prudiise had Jango on hand to hunt down the Mand’alor since he was the best, out of all the bounty hunters and trackers, at hunting his grandson.

Paz went over to one of the crates inside the cave. As he did, he couldn’t help but wonder- like always when Luke disappeared- why his brother-in-law was so secretive about where he went and who he met. There were even bets going on now amongst the alo’prudiise on who it was. 

Just as he grabbed the handles of one of the crates, Paz froze. He suddenly remembered what Luke had divulged to him and the rest of the close aliit recently. 

Abandoning his task, he swiftly stood and turned to watch Luke as he walked to the entrance of the cave with his own cargo.

Just as Luke was about to pass Koska and Jango, Paz abandoned his professionalism and demanded incredulously, “Luke, have you been disappearing for a booty call? ”

Under normal circumstances, he would have laughed when Luke stumbled over his feet.

“What the-” Luke spun to face Paz, body tense. “What- who?- PAZ! I’m married!” he snapped. “Did you forget that!?”

Paz pressed his lips together to stop from outright cackling. “I haven’t, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a booty call with your riduur.” He shrugged. And just to make his brother-in-law suffer, he added, “Leia and I do it sometimes.”

Luke twitched, and Paz didn’t need to see the other man’s face to know he grimaced. “As your Mand’alor,” he ordered, “never tell me what you and my sister do sexually, ever again.”

Snorting, Paz crossed his arms over his chest. “So, have you been sneaking off to have some ‘alone time’ with your riduur?”

Luke shifted on his feet as he adjusted his hold on the crate. “Not all the time,” he admitted quietly.

Paz snorted. “Before or after when they aren’t handing over Mandalorian artifacts? You spend quite a few days together.”

“He- they-” Luke sputtered, flustered, “They have a kid, Paz!”

“Oh?” Now Jango stepped towards Luke. “They have a child?”

Luke groaned with a drop of his head. He then sighed and sharply turned his head to the older Mandalorian. “Don’t, Ba’buir.”

“What?” the older man shrugged. “You dropped the bomb on us, and then don’t tell us anything more, Tran’ika.” 

“We have our reasons,” Luke huffed. “But don’t think I don’t know that you and Buir haven’t been looking.”

Jango sniffed. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

The older Mandalorian stepped further into the cave, eyes on the floor. “So you all stayed here?”

Luke huffed again, no doubt also rolling his eyes. “You won’t find anything,” he announced with a hint of pride. “They know how to clean an area.”

Jango tilted his head when he turned to Luke, the air around him thick with a sudden mix of annoyance and curiosity. “So they know how to cover their tracks.”

Their Mand’alor was quiet before a moment and just stared at Jango. He then shook his head. “I’m not telling you anything more,” he said. “So stop.”

“Excuse me,” Koska finally spoke up. She moved to join them all in their loose circle. Her body was tense as she peered at Luke. “Mand’alor, what do they mean when they say you have a riduur...” 

Luke stilled. “...Just as it sounds,” he finally said. “I’m married.”

Koska stared at him. “Mand’alor...” she growled, but her tone was still full of shock.

Luke sighed tiredly. 

“Don’t you think this is something your alo’prudiise should know!?” she demanded. 

“We have our reasons,” Luke repeated. After a beat, he added, “And now you do know.”

Koska looked at Paz and Jango.

“Don’t look at us,” Jango growled in warning. “He only told us about his riduur a month ago.”

“And how long have they been married,” she asked them rather than Luke. 

“A standard year and a half,” Paz answered casually.

Koska froze again. “A year and a half!?” she all but yelled. 

Jango threw his head back with a sharp laugh. Paz shrugged and folded his arms over his chest. It spoke volumes of her shock that she didn’t just charge at them to start a fight over not saying anything sooner. 

Luke shook his head with a sigh. “Grab the crates,” he ordered before he then, without another word, left. 

Jango didn’t grab one as he followed his grandson, leaving Paz and Koska alone. Paz felt the clan leader no doubt departed without helping to try and garner more information from the younger. 

She looked at him with her expressionless helmet. “Why didn’t you say something?” she snapped. 

Paz shrugged again before he went back to the crate he abandoned. “He only announced it to us,” he explained, hefting up the box.

Turning around, Koska stared at him, frustration emanating from her whole body. 

“...But given you now know,” he continued cautiously, “we can probably tell the rest of the alo’prudiise.”

She didn’t say anything for a moment but then nodded curtly. She then moved to grab a crate.

Thinking for a moment, Paz smirked. “I’ll give you a thousand credits not to tell anyone, especially Bo-Katan.” 

Koska froze again, mid bend. She straightened and turned to eye him. “Why not?” 

Paz rolled his eyes at her defensive tone. He shifted the box in his hand as he explained, “He’s going to have to explain one day where he keeps getting these artifacts to the Council.” He shrugged. “I got a feeling it will happen soon.”

Relaxing, she accused, “You mean you have a bet with someone.”

Smirking again, Paz nodded. “That. And I want to watch Bo-Katan’s reaction when Luke announces it.”

He then started to walk away, but Koska caught his arm firmly. Meeting her visor, she stated, “A thousand credits, and I am allowed in on the bet.”

Paz chuckled. “Deal.”

Chapter Text

Anakin had been waiting for this moment. Honestly, it was bound to happen sooner or later, and it surprised him how long it actually took (though it annoyed him that he might have to pay money to some people).

Anakin eyes the Saxon clan leader. The man stood and stared at their Mand’alor with a sharp frown. The other house, clan leaders, and their guards- even those that hadn’t removed their helmets- looked curiously between the two.

Luke tilted his head from his place on the throne, two alo’prudiise on either side of him. “I don’t see how that matters,” he announced calmly.

“It does!” the Saxon clan leader replied. “Forgive my impudence, Mand’alor, but doesn’t the Council have a right to know who gives you these artifacts without compensation?”

He waved a hand to the items on the temporary table at the foot of the Mand’alor’s throne. A beskar spear etched with Mando’a, pieces of precious Crusader and Neo-Crusader armor, and scrolls full of Mandalorian poems and ballads are reverently laid out for the Council to see.

There was a mix of emotions in the Saxon clan leader's eyes: awe, suspicion, determination, and desperation. “The historians confirmed the spear belonged to Mand’alor the Sentinel,” he said quietly, repeating the words from the report they were given. “It has been lost to us for centuries. And you’re saying someone gave it back to you without a price?” 

Anakin could feel the anxiety heavy in the room without the Force, even from the usually calm Satine. With the Force, the emotion weighed heavily on Anakin, threatening to crush him. The older Skywalker could imagine it was the same for his son. 

Truthfully, he might have been on the same ship as the others. Yet, after Luke’s latest excursion a month ago, Paz and Jango had shared that his son had been sneaking off to spend time with his riduur. It would explain why these priceless items were freely given without any expectation. (That still didn’t ease the anxiety of where Luke’s spouse had gotten the goods from, but that was a whole other set of feelings.)

Anakin wondered what his son would do: would he play it off or reveal the truth? (Anakin hoped for the latter so he could still win his bet with Paz and others.)

Luke shifted in his seat. He turned his head to peer at all the other clan leaders. “...Does this truly bother you all?”

Some leaders looked away from Luke’s gaze, but they all softly professed that it did.

As usual, it was Satine that stood and spoke for them all. “It would put us all at ease,” she addressed, “if we know our Mand’alor isn’t in someone’s debt when it could be avoided.”

After another round of agreement, Luke stood up from the throne. He waved a hand, and the doors around them closed. 

Anakin felt a small spike of anxiety in the Force. “Please be at ease,” Luke assured as he descended the steps of the pedestal. “I just didn’t want unwanted ears to hear what I have to say.”

Satine and the Saxon clan leader took their seats while Luke came to a stop at the head of the table. He clasped his hands in front of him. 

Through his helmet, Anakin glanced at Rex, his personal guard for today. Despite not seeing each other’s eyes, he knew he caught Rex’s gaze, and they shared a knowing look.

Looking back to the rest, Anakin silently sighed. He wasn’t honestly upset with what was going to happen. Only that he was now out of a few credits.

“I want to reassure everyone here that I am under no debt,” Luke began. “I also want to say that we have our reasons for not telling anyone about us.”

Anakin tried not to dance in his seat as he smirked under his helmet at everyone’s confused expression. “‘We?’” one of the clan leaders echoed. 

“Yes,” Luke nodded. “Me and my riduur.”

Anakin was a little surprised by the sudden stillness. But then, as any Mandalorian should react, the room erupted into chaos. Many clan leaders jumped from their seats and demanded to know what Luke meant. Others whispered amongst each other in heated tones. And the last part of the group looked too shocked to say or do anything. 

Anakin bit his bottom lip to keep from cackling. He looked across from him to see his buir’s lips pressed together in a hard line. No doubt to not laugh as well. 

Luke let the mayhem go on until he loudly cleared his throat. 

Everyone quieted and stared at their Mand’alor.

Though he stood silent, Anakin could feel his son’s amusement in the Force. “Yes,” Luke nodded. “I am married.” His tone was firm, but there was a hint of fondness. Anakin didn’t even have to guess that his son was smiling under his helmet.

It was Satine who spoke for them all again. She stood while clearing her throat. “I suppose,” her voice slightly shook, “that congratulations are in order, Mand’alor. For how long have you and your riduur been married?”

Luke shifted on his feet. “...a little over a standard year and a half,” he answered softly.

There were murmurs, angrier sounding than shocked. The Force echoed the sentiment. 

“Why have you hidden this for so long?” demanded one leader. “You should celebrate such an honor! Not hide it in the shadows!”

There were more angry mutters of agreement.

Luke nodded. “I agree.” His tone was quiet when he added, “But things don’t always work out the way we want. And if my riduur revealed that they were married, it could be dangerous for them.”

Everyone went quiet. 

“Is your riduur in danger?” Satine asked.

“We could rescue them if they are,” another clan leader informed. “Just say the word, Mand’alor, and Clan Skirata will be willing to do whatever it takes to retrieve them!”

Many clans echoed the sentiment.

Warmth bloomed in Anakin’s chest at the conviction in their tones. It was fed by the fondness that Luke exuded loudly in the Force and the stern, determined expressions on those without helmets.

“That won’t be necessary,” Luke soothed. “It isn’t like that.”

“Then how is it?”

Everyone turned to Bo-Katan, who stood by her sister’s chair as her guard. She scowled as she continued, “If they aren’t in danger you say they are, why aren’t they here.”

“There is more than one way someone can be in danger,” Luke replied firmly. “Such as losing everything you have worked hard for.”

As the room grew quiet, Anakin remembered similar words said to Padmé over a month ago. The steadfast conviction in his son’s voice about not being the reason for ruining his partner’s life.

Anakin felt a kick on his seat. 

He tilted his head slightly to peer at Rex through his helmet. Through his own helmet, the former soldier managed to convey a pointed look at Anakin before subtly jutting his chin at Luke.

Anakin’s heart jumped, catching onto what his friend was saying, and nodded. 

He sat straighter in his seat. “Should we not trust our Mand’alor?” he voiced. 

Everyone turned to him.

Internally, Anakin winced at how closed off Luke suddenly was in the Force. He pushed the rising guilt aside. “The Mand’alor’s riduur has only ever returned to us what was lost.” He waved a hand at the artifacts as emphasis. “And they want nothing in return. Shouldn’t we put faith in them? As our Mand’alor does?”

There was a murmur of discussion.

“Clan Skywalker and Clan Fett seem unsurprised by the sudden news,” Bo-Katan noted, voice accusing. In her seat, Satine sent her sister a sharp look.

Anakin supposed he couldn’t blame anyone for the accusation. He turned to his son, who was now only slightly closed off.

With the Force, he gently probed through their Force Bond towards Luke while tilting his head in a silent question. He felt his son’s hesitation, but then cautiously, he pushed back against Anakin’s signature with a nod. It still hurt that he didn't open up their Force Bond enough to communicate, but the former Mand’alor would take what he would get.

Turning to the other clan leaders, Anakin announced, “Our Mand’alor told his close aliit two months ago.” He paused to let that sink in before he added, “Given it was in private, we all felt it was something that only the Mand’alor should share with others.”

There was quiet amongst everyone. Then one house leader asked, “Have you met them?”

Anakin shook his head. “No.” He then turned his head to look at his son.

“But I trust our Mand’alor,” he continued, shouting his truth into the Force, directing all of it at Luke. He was proud that his son didn’t show any outward signs, but Luke’s surprise was palpable in the Force. “I know he would never choose someone that would be a threat to himself or Mandalore. He would only choose someone he loved and trusted with all his heart and soul.”

Each word he spoke released the tight coil in his chest. He regretted that, after the night that Luke told the family he was married, he was never sure how to bring up the subject again. He knew he didn’t have the best reaction (reinforced by reprimands by his buire and his wife). However, when the idea settled in his mind, Anakin was truly happy for his son. Seeing Luke that night, alone and speaking to his spouse over comms, eased an uneasiness he developed. It wasn’t until later, when he contemplated that moment, that it also reminded him that his kids were growing up. That they could make their own decisions, even if the very thought constantly terrified him.

So it was a benediction when Luke’s surprise gave way to jubilation. It didn’t fully ease the guilt of his actions, but it brought tears to Anakin's eyes when Luke opened their Force Bond. 

“Thank you, Buir,” Luke’s voice whispered in his mind.

“There’s no need to thank me, Tran’ika,” Anakin replied. “It is something I should have said a while ago.”

Luke’s laughter resonated in his head like sunshine. Thankfully too, unlike Leia would have done, his son didn’t lampoon him.

“I’m so happy for you,” Anakin reiterated as a promise. “And when you both are ready, I can’t wait to meet your riduur.”

“You’ll like him,” Luke swore. Anakin wasn’t sure if Luke knew he slipped until his son added, “He knows his way around starships and weapons.”

Voices scarily like Padmé and Obi-Wan’s reminded him to be patient. So instead of pushing for more, he sent the mental equivalent of a hearty hug and replied, “I know I’ll like him because you love him.”

Luke chuckled. “Didn’t say that when Leia when she was first dating Paz.”

Anakin rolled his eyes. “Can’t blame me,” he grumbled, just to get the final word before he closed their bond. “The Vizslas were still holding a grudge against me for leaving the clan! So it’s not my fault.” 

Luke’s laughter rang in his head again before their communication was disconnected.

Their interaction lasted only a couple of seconds, so there were no changes when Anakin peered around the room.

“So!” Anakin’s palms tapped the arms of his chair and grinned under his helmet. “Are you all in agreement to trust out Mand’alor?” Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t help but have a bit of warning slip into his tone. Something he could never get rid of from his time as Mand’alor.

There were murmurs of agreement while some nodded.

“This is the Way,” Anakin stated, announcing the end of the discussion. 

“This is the Way,” all echoed.

Nodding, Anakin turned back to his son,

Luke’s shoulder visibly relaxed, and he nodded. “Thank you all,” he spoke seriously with a slight bow. “Your loyalty won’t be misplaced.” 

Waving his hand, so the doors would open again, he continued, “So back onto the subject, let us discuss where the artifacts will go. Then we will talk about the new trade negotiations with Geonosis.”

Anakin relaxed in his seat as his son returned to his throne. He knew things would be fine now. He didn’t need the Force to tell him that, but it still reverberated back in agreement. 

Chapter Text

Ahsoka hummed along with the music that mixed in the air with the heavy scent of spices and flowers from the gardens around them. Around her, Mandalorians were dressed in their finest as they talked amongst themselves and played various games. Whether in fancy outfits or armors that shined brilliantly, even the stars would be envious. All the while, they were safely guarded against the rays of the sweltering sun by the dome over Sundari.

Food and drink flowed all around them. And above the pulsating waves of music, there were loads of laughter. Despite the civility currently, Ahsoka knew all this would transform into a wild night. Many duels, lots of people hooking up, dancing turned into throwing matches, and many bets either succeeding or failing were just a few of the things Ahsoka had witnessed. 

All very Mandalorian and definitely some of the best times that Ahsoka ever had. 

“Enjoying yourself, Commander?”

She popped a fruit into her mouth as Rex sat next to her at the table.

Grinning, she turned to her long-time friend. “Immensely!” She chuckled a little. “I already had six people come up to me and try to initiate a courtship fight.”

Rex snorted before he took a sip of his drink, lifting his helmet just enough to reveal his mouth. He hummed. “At this rate,” he huffed, “you’ll beat your previous record.”

“That’s always the goal whenever Ka’ra’s Festival comes around!” she winked. “You think Skyguy will guess correctly this year?”

“The General?” Rex sniggered. “He never does. But he swore he would this year.”

Ahsoka snorted with a smirk. “We’ll see about that.”

“See about what?”

Rex and Ahsoka turned to see Luke coming toward them. 

He was dashing in his formal armor. It looked much like what he usually wore but now with accented gold armor plates. The Darksaber was clipped to his left hip instead of his personal lightsaber. A brown cape hung around his neck and off his right shoulder with a gold motif of a Mythosaur was stitched into the fabric and shimmered whenever he moved as if it was alive. 

Ahsoka jumped up from her seat and opened her arms to greet her nephew. “Little Skyguy!”

“Big Auntie!” Luke laughed as they hugged. Ahsoka joined her gleeful warmth with her nephew’s with a gentle tug on their Force Bond. He giddily poked back as he hugged her harder.

When they pulled apart, neither of them entirely let go.

“Sorry I couldn’t greet you properly, Aunt Soka,” Luke apologized. “Duties and all.”

Ahsoka remembered how formal her nephew greeted her when she first arrived for the party before he was pulled away to greet someone else.

“Nothing to apologize for,” she chuckled, poking Luke’s helmet-covered cheek. “But promise me some good Ne'tra gal, and I’ll forgive you.”

Luke threw his head back, laughter full of joy and ease. “I promise.” He snickered. “Only the best.”

“I would hope so!” Ahsoka found a place between her nephew’s armor and gently pinched him. She laughed when he jolted and then tried to wack her arm.

Breaking apart, Luke greeted Rex as well, though not as merrily. It was understandable, however, since Ahsoka traveled off-world more than the other man.

“So what were you two talking about before?” Luke asked as they all sat.

“How many courtship fights the Commander will get,” Rex answered before taking another sip of his drink.

“I’ve already had six!” Ahsoka boasted.

Luke released a sound between a snort and a laugh. “By the Force, the festival just started.” Ahsoka giggled, knowing he probably rolled his eyes. 

She smirked and leaned back in her seat. “It just means I am that desirable,” she winked.

Luke’s whole body winced. “I don’t need to think about that,” he muttered, making Ahsoka cackle. “But you would be considered a catch, Auntie.” Luke placed an elbow on the table and leaned his head on his fist. “I just can’t believe how they are getting faster and faster each year.”

“It could be worse,” Ahsoka shrugged. “They could be trying to ask you.” 

Luke shook his head with a scoff. “I think many are still too intimated by Buir to ask,” he huffed. Then, softer and full of fondness, he murmured, “And I would decline anyway.”

Ahsoka’s smirk softened into a smile with a flood of happiness for her nephew.

Looking around to ensure no one was paying attention, she inquired quietly, “Your father said that they brought back some rare artifacts last month. He also said you revealed to the Council...” She purposefully left the ending hanging in the air.

Luke nodded. “I did. The announcement was received better than I thought it would be.”

Rex snorted. “From what I have heard from the other guards,” he interjected, “Bo-Katan wasn’t too thrilled. Mostly because it was a secret for so long.”

Luke shrugged. “I didn’t expect everyone to be happy about the circumstances. But it’s our decision.” After briefly looking around, he then leaned in.

“I hope to reveal that I am married to all of Mandalore soon,” he whispered. “My partner is okay with it since the Council took it so well.”

Ahsoka inhaled sharply, and then she grinned. “Oh, Luke!” She giggled as she reached out and grabbed her nephew’s pauldron. She gave the shoulder an excited shake. “That’s wonderful!”

“It is excellent news!” Rex agreed as he slapped Luke on the back. “Have you told your Buire?”

“Not yet,” Luke shook his head. “It’s still a new development, and I haven’t had the time. But I will. And the Council too, so they won’t be caught off guard.”

“Good,” Ahsoka nodded, letting go of her nephew. “I’m sure they want to make it a formal announcement. Even if your partner doesn’t want to reveal themselves yet.”

Luke nodded. “Yeah...”

It felt like he wanted to add more but shook his head. He then steered the conversation to another subject. Ahsoka and Rex didn’t call him out on it.

The three of them talked for a few more moments before Luke had to excuse himself.

Ahsoka smiled as she watched him leave. “I’m so happy and proud of him,” she whispered with a tiny wave toward Luke. A little nostalgic ache formed in her chest.  “But it’s still, well, hard to believe that the little sunshine grew up to be the Mand’alor.”

Rex chuckled with a nod. “Feels just like yesterday we were teaching him and Leia how to walk. Now look at them,” Ahsoka looked at her friend as he finished with a good-natured shake of his head. “One of them is a fearsome Senator of Mandalore, and the other is Mand’alor the Sanguine.”

The ache spread, and Ahsoka blinked rapidly to stop any sort of tears. “The babies are all grown up with lives of their own.” She turned to where Luke wandered off and searched until she found his form. “And have partners they love and trust.”

Rex chuckled. “Don’t let the General hear you say that,” he warned. “Or you might send him crying.”

“Skyguy will cry regardless,” Ahsoka rolled her eyes. She looked back at Rex with a grin. “When it comes to his kids, he’s a sucker.”

“No argument there,” the man nodded and then chuckled.

The two of them then switched to other subjects. After a time, they moved to walk amongst the Mandalorians. Ahsoka met and talked with former soldiers who turned Mando’ade after the Clone Wars. She interacted with the children running around (many loved when Ahsoka used her ‘jetti magick’ to make things float). She also ran into many Skywalker clan members who greeted her warmly. 

On top of all that, there were also an amusing number of suitors who offered Ahsoka a courtship fight. She always declined, but some were more persistent and would give her their personal comm codes.

All of this was what Ahsoka expected and was used to. Until it wasn’t.

She was in a small group with Satine, Padmé, Shmi, and Bo-Katan, talking about the latest incidents reported on the holonet, when a loud voice echoed through the courtyard.

“Mand’alor!”

A hush fell over the crowd. 

Snapping her gaze to where the call came from, Ahsoka saw people had parted into a large circle. On one side was Luke, and on the other was a Mandalorian in red, yellow, and orange armor.

Based on the nubs circled around the top of their helmet, they could have been a Zabrak. Ahsoka was proved right a second later when they removed it to reveal reddish-brown skin and black braids. Their black facial markings were prominent and highlighted the person’s dark eyes that bore into Luke. 

The group rushed forward and pushed through the crowd. As they did, Ahsoka heard the Zabrak announce, “I, Vepis Kovvi of Clan Vizsla, challenge you to ures beskar'gam!”

Ahsoka broke through the people to the inner circle just in time for her to see the Zabrak grin. They added, “For the exclusive right of courtship!” 

The tense air in the room deflated. There were even jesting laughs from some.

Ahsoka glanced at her nephew. The tense posture he once had when the other Mandalorian had called out to him was lessened but wasn’t entirely gone. Still, he stood tall as he answered, “I recognize your right to challenge.” He nodded. “But I will decline.”

There were disappointed murmurs. Scanning the crowd, Ahsoka witnessed clan and house leaders relax. Especially Anakin, who was nearest to Luke. 

Rather than backing down, the Zabrak bristled. “May I know why?” they asked.

There was a titter amongst the crowd. To one area of the circle, Ahsoka saw a small group not far from the Zabrak. Their clan symbol showed they were also Vizsla’s. They were whispering furiously amongst themselves as they glanced at Vepis nervously. Not far off, she caught sight of the Vizsla Clan leader. The Vizsla clan head looked downright thunderous, perhaps meaning she didn’t even know this was to happen.

“Is there something I am lacking?” Vepis continued. “Are my accomplishments not enough? Have I shown any dishonor that offends you in my deeds?”

Ahsoka frowned. She glanced to her left and found she wasn’t the only one looking at Satine, Bo-Katan, and Shmi. Padmé also peered at them for understanding. It took a moment, but Satine noticed the two of them looking for guidance.

When she leaned toward them, her facial expression didn’t change. All hard eyes and the lines on her face were stormy. It matched her sister’s and Shmi’s. 

She whispered, “Vepis is a highly regarded fighter. They made a name for themselves in the Rebellion after they followed our then Mand’alor,” meaning Anakin. “And they are a prominent member of the Vizsla clan. You might know their name from the Liberation of Nakadia.”

A light went off in Ahsoka’s brain when the liberation was mentioned. 

“Oh them?” Padmé gasped. “I didn’t recognize the name at first, but I read about how the Mandalorians were essential in the liberation.”

“Yeah,” Ahsoka nodded. “I remember their name now too...” She hadn’t been involved with the liberation, but she knew the fighting to keep Nakadia free wasn’t easy.

She bit her lip and turned to watch how this would play out.

“No one would say you aren’t honorable, Kovvi,” Luke nodded. “And your prowess in battle is famous.”

The Zabrak’s frown deepened. “Then do I lack elsewhere?” they demanded.

“No,” Luke shook his head. “But I would bring dishonor to myself and another if I were to take your challenge.”

The room became eerily quiet.

“Another?” Vepis parroted, face slack and eyes wide.

Ahsoka’s breath caught as she looked at her nephew. He didn’t say anything, but she knew he was probably thinking of his words carefully. 

A moment more, he finally nodded. “Yes.” He held his head high, and his voice was warm. No doubt he was smiling under his helmet. “I have taken the riduurok with another.”

Loud murmurs of surprise filled the air. Ahsoka smirked when she noticed some leaders shaking their heads, or more hilariously dropping them, in defeat. She knew there were to be a lot of headaches from the announcement, especially for them.

Vepis growled. “Are you serious? Where is your riduur then?” they demanded. The Zabrak’s eyes were hard and burning in controlled rage. “Do they hide in the shadows of your mind?”

The room fell suddenly silent. 

Snapping her eyes to Luke, her nephew’s whole body was stiff, but he was calm in the Force.

Slowly, he clasped his hands in front of him before he tilted his head back and to the side. “What do you mean, Vepis Kovvi?” His voice was quiet but no less firm.

“I am saying it is convenient you tell Mandalore now you are married,” Vepis growled, “just as you are asked for a courtship fight.”

“It’s the truth,” Luke announced unshakably. “And has been the truth for a little over a year and a half now.”

The room erupted again, but Vepis’ barking laugh drowned them out. “Then produce them!” they challenged.

Luke was quiet. Ahsoka’s heart pounded in her chest when he shook his head. “...They are not on Mandalore.”

Vepis sneered. “Convenient.”

The Zabrak stalked toward Luke. “Mand’alor,” their voice carried. “I challenge you to ures beskar’gam. I demand you produce your riduur if I win.” 

They smirked when they stopped a few feet from Luke and purred. “And if you can’t in a month's time, then you agree to courtship with me.”

Ahsoka felt her mouth drop. “Have they lost their kriffin mind?” she whispered.

“They must have,” she heard Padmé hiss. “To give such an insult to Luke!”

Ahsoka turned her head to see everyone’s cheeks were red and eyes narrowed in burning anger.

“How dare they,” Shmi hissed.

Looking past the two women, Satine and Bo-Katan seemed too stunned in their anger to even think of doing or saying anything.

When the area started getting colder, Ahsoka snapped her gaze back at what was happening. She wondered if she should intervene when she heard Luke say, “Very well.” 

Honing her gaze toward her nephew, she watched as he finished nodding. “We’ll fight in two standard hours.” She shivered at his voice, still pleasant but with no warmth attached to the words.

Vepis’ grin widened. They nodded, “I look forward to it.” They then stalked away towards the small pack of Vizslas Ahsoka had noted beforehand. By their horrified expressions- especially when they noticed their alor approaching them fast- Vepis’ would get an earful for their disrespect. But there would be no way that the Zabrak would take back their challenge, especially now that Luke had accepted the fight.

Ahsoka shook her head and pushed the thought aside. 

As the crowd started to disperse, she felt Padmé grab her wrist. Following Shmi, they rushed toward where Luke stood with two alo’prudiise, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Jango, and Artoo.

As they grew closer, the air grew even colder. When Ahsoka reached out in the Force to see if she could calm her former master, the most shocking thing was it wasn’t because of Anakin but Luke. 

When they joined everyone, Ahsoka heard Obi-Wan insist, “You don’t need to do this, Luke. At least not on their terms.”

“They insulted the Mand’alor, Master!” Anakin hissed. “What is he supposed to do? If he turns it down, it will prove the kraking Zabrak right! He didn’t have a choice!”

Letting go of Ahsoka’s wrist, Padmé gently called her son’s name as she approached him. “Are you alright?” she then asked while touching his arm.

Ahsoka’s worry spiked up and down her spine when her nephew didn’t say anything at first. It only worsened when he did finally speak. 

“I’m fine, Mom,” he soothed, his tone flat and lacking warmth. In her mind, Ahsoka could already see that his eyes didn’t hold any of his normal gentleness and compassion. 

It made her shiver.

Luke then looked at Obi-Wan. “Buir is right,” he stated with no inflection. “If I had turned them down, it would have looked bad.”

“Luke,” Obi-Wan sighed. “I may not understand it all, but I know they said you were basically a liar. By accepting their challenge, you only make it seem like you do have something to hide. ”

“It’s even worse than that,” Jango growled, arms folded tightly over his chest. “He had to accept because the implications are deeper than what you said.”

Before anyone could ask, someone joined in with, “Agreed.”

Everyone turned to see Satine and Bo-Katan briskly walking up to them.

Bo-Katan’s frown was deep in rage. “They insinuated that our Mand’alor is not only a liar,” she continued, “but is hiding the truth behind his armor.”

Ahsoka’s eyes widened while her breath froze.

“After the courtship fight was turned down,” Satine explained, “Kovvi still demanded ures beskar’gam for a reason.” She pressed her lips briefly together. “In this new challenge, not only are they saying they don’t believe the Mand’alor but, by asking to fight without armor, that he is using his armor to hide the truth. Since no one can see his face.”

Ahsoka’s chest tightened. “Because if they can’t see his face, they can’t tell if he is speaking the truth,” she breathed, the weight of the fight now hitting her. “This feels like an underhanded way just to force Luke to reveal his face.”

She frowned and tilted her head in thought. “Why did no one have a problem with this when it was simply a courtship fight?”

“Because ures beskar’gam in the sense of a courtship challenge,” Jango stated, “is a fight of seduction. The challenger showing off for their opponent.”

“But now it’s changed,” Shmi said softly, standing next to her husband. “If Lukka loses and doesn’t produce his riduur, it will shake the trust of all Mandalorians in their Mand’alor.”

Satine peered at Luke sternly. “I agree with Obi-Wan. Despite their provocation, you shouldn’t have accepted this challenge, Mand’alor. Not with so much at stake.”

Ahsoka shivered and tightened her hands into fists as the air got colder. She looked at her nephew just as everyone else did.

Not for the first time, Ahsoka cursed not being able to see Luke’s face. She understood the strictness of the Creed he and Anakin followed and how important it was to them, but it left her feeling lost. Especially during times such as now. When Luke didn’t give any minuscule movements or project his feelings into the Force to hint at what he was feeling.

Finally, and very quietly, he murmured, “They insulted my riduur.”

Everyone stilled at the heaviness in his tone. It was low and threatening.

A second later, Luke shrugged. “So I won’t lose,” he announced, his voice again flat.

Anakin sighed heavily. Then he nodded. “I’ll gather the clan so we can help you get ready,” he said as he reached out and shook Luke’s shoulder. 

Luke nodded. “Bring them to the Mand’alor’s Quarters.”

Artoo cut in, rocking, and beeped an offer to run over Vepis’ feet. 

That at least pulled a dry chuckle from Luke. “That’s a nice offer, Artoo, but it wouldn’t be very noble.”

Jango huffed. “Well, if he can’t do that,” his lips pulled back in a tired grin, “then he can at least go get the Tribe’s Armorer. I can trust her to carefully watch the fight.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

As he started to walk away, Anakin muttered, “Kar’nau is going to have a field day when she arrives in an hour.” He then grabbed Obi-Wan and Ahsoka’s shoulders. “Come on, you two. I’ll need your help.”

“I’ll go get Rex and Cody, too,” Ahsoka nodded as she pulled away from his grasp. “They’re probably together looking for clan members already.”

“No doubt,” Obi-Wan agreed with a small smile.

Saying their goodbyes, the four of them set out.

Ahsoka peered over her shoulder one last time. All flanked by the Mand’alor’s alo’prudiise, Luke’s back was towards her with Shmi and Padmé on either side of him, their arms interlocked. The people still around in the courtyard all parted for them, eyes watching their Mand’alor. Luke seemed to pay them no mind, not even with a friendly nod as he breezed past them.

Looking away, Ahsoka bit her bottom lip, worry burrowing in her gut.

She knew Luke was an excellent fighter, in and out of his armor. No, she wasn’t fretting about her nephew at all. She was more worried for Vepis. 

She knew Luke wouldn’t kill them, but Vepis had insulted someone Luke loved. Mandalorians weren’t known for their kindness when a loved one was slandered or injured. She should know. 

Ahsoka had seen Anakin nearly cross into the Dark Side of the Force one too many times because of his love for his clan and all of Mandalore. (And then there was the one time he did succumb but was brought back by Luke and Leia. Ahsoka didn’t like to think about that time.)

Her nephew was kind- almost to a fault- but she knew he wouldn’t stand by and let someone he loved enough to wed be insulted because of him.  He would rather sacrifice himself than allow anyone he loved to get hurt in any sort of way. No one had hurt someone close to Luke in a long time, and she wasn’t sure what her nephew’s thoughts were or what he would do in a fight. What he would do to punish Vepis for insulting his spouse. 

She could only hope that he didn’t do anything too rash like his father would do.

As to be expected, none of the members of Clan Skywalker were happy about the challenge. Many expressed discontent, but for the most part, it was all tensely quiet. 

The Mand’alor’s Quarters were packed, making it near impossible to pass through the congregation of individuals. However, Ahsoka was amongst the exclusive group that helped Luke change his outfit. 

Removing all of his armor, Luke dressed in a black kute. It wasn’t the one he wore with his outfit before but one of many he had because of its sturdiness and easy movement in combat. He kept on his black boots because they were worn and had an even grip but changed his gloves for another set that had a rougher appearance but was excellent for fighting. 

There was a debate on if he should wear his Mand’alor helmet or his normal one. Ultimately- thanks to Leia (who had stormed into the room with a fiery gaze when she arrived with Threepio and Paz), Padmé, Paz, and Jango- it was decided Luke would wear the former. Vepis asked Luke as Mand’alor, not just as Luke, so he should wear the appropriate armor. 

Once or twice, someone would try to lighten the mood, but overall it lacked any cheerfulness. Everyone knew what was at stake.

When the time drew near, Luke led the clan to the Colosseum. With her status as a family member, Ahsoka was behind Anakin with Obi-Wan, Cody, Rex, Shimi, and Jango. As his buire, Padmé and Anakin stood to Luke’s right, and Leia and Paz flanked his left with Threepio and Artoo trailing behind them.

The air around Luke was still icily cold, like a cold breeze on a frigid night as a thin layer of frost blanketed everything. It was so different from the warming sun-like energy that would usually surround him. That made him constantly glow in the Force- brighter than any star in the galaxy.

It wasn’t as if Ahsoka didn’t know Luke could get angry. But her nephew was quicker to forgive and love than allow it to consume him. Any anger she did experience from the Skywalker-Naberries was usually from Leia and Anakin. Yet the father’s and daughter’s anger was like a controlled storm or a destructive fire. And when Padmé got irate, her Force signature was as deadly as a sheathed blade, waiting to strike at the right moment when her opponent made a wrong move.

All Ahsoka could be thankful for was that at least the Force around Luke wasn’t bleakly cold. It wasn’t a void where no warmth was welcome, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.

When they arrived at the Colosseum, all clan members, save those that helped Luke dress, went to sit in the stands. 

Going through the lower levels, their group entered the battle arena. The sky was washed with oranges and red that bathed the area through the dome glass. Occupants packed the stands, and it was almost as if all of Sundari was here. Ahsoka wasn’t that surprised, however. Words had a way of traveling fast when it came to something as important as this.

Ahsoka pressed her lips together, one part in distaste and another part in worry. While she knew there was a tiny chance, some bit of her had hoped that not many would come. Yet she supposed it wasn’t often that ures beskar’gam was initiated, let alone to a Mand’alor who followed the Creed strictly.

Upon their entrance, the crowd's loudness softened to hushed tones. It made Ahsoka’s skin crawl to feel their eyes. She glanced at her nephew, unable to imagine what he was feeling. But he was calm while the air around him was still frigid.

Ahsoka chose to ignore Vepis- who wore something similar to Luke- and their entourage as she and the others took to the other side of the arena. She instead focused on the Mandalorian in gold armor and short furred cape that approached them with Artoo by her side.

“Mand’alor,” the woman greeted with a short bow, voice calm and steady. She then turned to Anakin and Jango. “Alor Skywalker. Alor Fett.”

“Armorer,” Luke bowed his head in greeting. “Thank you for coming on such short notice,” he said, voice diplomatic. “I know your forge work is important, but Clan Skywalker trusts you to judge this fight fairly.”

The Armorer tilted her head with an air of bemusement. “No need to thank me, Mand’alor.” She clasped her hands behind her back. “You called, and I came. This is the Way.”

Ahsoka sighed almost silently in relief when she heard Luke reply, “This is the Way.” It had a hint of amusement in the tone.

Having witnessed and been a part of a few formalized fights, Ahsoka knew what was expected of her. She and the rest of Luke’s aliit moved to the side where some seats were already set up. Only Anakin- Luke’s chosen second-in-command for the fight- joined his son as Luke and the Armorer walked to the center of the arena.

Vepis moved to the center as well with a taller Zabrak. To Ahsoka, they looked too young to be Vepis’ buire, so perhaps they were a sibling or a close friend. 

“Vepis Kovvi of Clan Vizsla,” the Armorer announced, her dulcet voice booming through the Colosseum, “has challenged the Mand’alor in ures beskar’gam. Are the fighters in agreement?”

Both of them nodded.

The talk then quieted to only be involved with the occupants of the fight. Being so far away, Ahsoka couldn’t hear what was being said but watched Vepis move to a weapons rack, as it was their right to choose the first weapon since they were the challenger.

They picked a sword, and Ahsoka rolled her eyes. Everyone knew that Luke fought with either his lightsaber or the Darksaber. So it wasn’t surprising that Vepis would choose a weapon that might impress Luke with how well they handled it. Despite the politics, this was, unofficially, a courtship fight.

When it was Luke’s turn, he handed the Darksaber to his buir. He then approached the weapon’s rack and took a sword as well.

The corners of Ahsoka’s mouth twitched when there was a murmur in the crowd. Though Vepis wore their helmet, their second-in-command scowled. She could only imagine what Vepis’ face looked at the insult. To be deemed unworthy enough for Luke to even fight with his favored weapon. The Darksaber was one thing, but Luke didn’t even pull out his lightsaber, having left that in his quarters.

When he returned to the center, the Armorer announced, “Both fighters, remove your helmets.”

A hush fell over the audience.

Vepis removed theirs and handed it to the other Zabrak. As Ahsoka thought, Vepis wore a deep frown with boiling anger in their narrowed eyes.

Luke was slower to remove his helmet. Ahsoka heard whispers around her as her nephew’s dirty-blond hair emerged in full view. It caught the hues of red and orange beautifully in his neatly cut strands. Ahsoka noticed it was longer than he usually kept it. His bangs came further down his forehead, and a small portion fell over the back of his neck but not feathering. 

He turned to hand his helmet to Anakin, and Ahsoka could see his face. She pressed her lips together at the hardness in her nephew’s blue eyes. Usually, they were so bright and warm, but now they were grave.

The second-in-commands walked away. Ahsoka didn’t need to see her former master’s face to know how upset he was to do so because he projected loudly in the Force. When they cleared the field, the Armorer took a step back. 

“Akaanir!”

Ahsoka knew Luke was an excellent fighter. Not only trained as a Mandalorian under Anakin but he was also trained as a Jedi by Obi-Wan. Then later by her after Luke left the Order not long following when he was knighted at twenty-three, so her nephew could formally join the Rebellion. Given all this, she knew how he fought, knew his weaknesses and strengths.

But that wasn’t what she witnessed now.

The two started off circling one another, assessing. Vepis was the one to strike out first. Luke’s parry was expected, and then he danced around before he struck with a move of his own. They continued like that, but Ahsoka knew that they weren’t really fighting. This was just two warriors testing their opponent's abilities. The calm before the storm.

From their time together, Ahsoka knew that Luke’s stances weren’t always the best, sometimes allowing for too many openings. Which was fine; the form he used was based on reinforcement of the force, Djem So, and improvisation. Yet she couldn’t help but frown as she watched the fight continue.

She would never say her nephew’s fighting was sloppy, but there were definitely more openings than Luke would allow. Vepis must have seen them, but they never struck at them. At least until they did.

When the smirking Zabrak lunged at him, Luke smirked, and his blue eyes flashed with something that disappeared too fast for Ahsoka to discern.

Her breath caught when Luke didn’t deflect the blow but dove into it. He delivered a heavy strike that made the Zabrak lose a bit of their balance. It made it to where one side of their body was open, and Luke didn’t hold back as he punched them in the side- right where it would hurt the most.

Vepis’ smirk dropped as they flinched heavily. They then tried to straighten his stance by backing away, but Luke didn’t let up as he delivered another punch to the Zabrak’s face. 

With a cut-off hiss, Vepis stumbled and fell to the ground. They then rolled away and jumped up to stand. Only to barely have time to raise their blade as Luke brought down his weapon.

Ahsoka straightened and observed Luke’s aggressiveness. Ruthless strikes and unforgiving to break the advantage he held. A mix of Form V and his Mandalorian training. There was never a time he stopped moving, each step and strike precise with only the slightest opening. When Vepis tried to unleash an attack of their own, Luke used his speed and agility to dance out of the way before delivering another heavy barrage of blows.

Yet it was different. Not in the way he fought but in the air around him. It was something Ahsoka felt in the Force. A cold rage that he would usually never have settled around him like armor. It felt like it would threaten to burn anything that tried to stop him. 

Ahsoka glanced at Anakin but was only met with stillness. When she peered around him to look at Obi-Wan, she was met with the same motionlessness as her former master. However, the older man’s face was pinched together in a worried, contemplative frown.

As she turned to the fight, she couldn’t blame him because she felt the same way. It was as if she witnessed Anakin fighting when he let his emotions get the best of him. 

Yet, at the same time, it wasn’t. Because while Anakin’s emotions raged and made his control slip, Luke’s was reigned in and being utilized. It helped fuel him and enhance his movements. 

Ahsoka shivered. It was borderline Sith- like. 

It took her a moment to realize that underneath the rage, however faint, there was something lighter. That she recognized. The beautiful light that Luke produced and was tied to. 

Something squeezed anxiously in Ahsoka’s chest as she frowned. Reaching out into the Force, she carefully observed what Luke was doing. Brushing against the base, she nearly gasped at the sensation of love that slammed into her mind. Luke’s rage hid it well, but she could now see that this lighter layer was acting as a base, a foundation he tethered himself to. Keeping Luke’s mind and emotions in check but allowing him to feel in the Force, to weaponize his rage while also keeping him on the Light Side. 

Ahsoka tilted her head to the side. She had never seen this kind of thing before. The Jedi would never condone such a practice, and she didn’t think it wasn’t something the Sith were even capable of. However, she had seen something like this amongst her fellow Grays, but never to such a degree. She didn’t think any Force-sensitive could. 

She paused that thought. Well, no. There was one that could qualify...

A roar from the crowd drew Ahsoka out of her thoughts. 

Vepis had lost their weapon and now went at Luke with their fists. Luke abandoned his sword and met them. 

The brief pause should have broken her nephew’s momentum. Yet it didn’t. His fists were packed with Force-enhance strength that was carried by his swiftness. Each punch and kick were strategic and able to block Vepis’ attempts to fight back. When the Zabrak did manage to break through Luke’s defenses, their movements were sloppy, landing in places that wouldn’t do any significant damage.

Vepis attempted a feint, but Luke caught their arm. He spun around and pulled the Zabrak over his shoulder, and they hit the ground with a hard thud on their back. Luke didn’t give them time to recover as he wrenched them harshly to turn over by the arm he still held.

He then yanked the arm back as he fell onto the center of the Zabrak’s back with one knee. Vepis’ pained cry was cut off when Luke grabbed their other arm and pulled that one back too. With his other leg, Luke then spread one of Vepis’ at the knee until he firmly pinned it. 

“Akaan'ba'slanar,” Luke bit out, tone firm.

Vepis struggled, but with only one leg free, there wasn’t any way for them to flip them over or gain purchase on the ground. After a moment, they went limp.

“I yield...”

“Parjai par cuun Mand'alor!” the Armorer instantly called. 

The crowd erupted into riotous cheers and applause.

Luke let go of Vepis and helped them stand. The Zabrak had taken most of the beating in the fight, the most noticeable wounds being a cut lip and the beginnings of a swollen cheek. Though they didn’t look happy, they did smile when Luke offered them words Ahsoka couldn’t hear. 

In contrast, besides the heavy sweating and soft pants, Luke appeared absolutely fine. Most noticeably, while his eyes hadn’t lost their hardness, they were no longer cold as he smiled pleasantly. 

The two then clasped forearms, and Vepis limped back to their group.

The weight on Ahsoka’s chest and shoulders lifted, and it felt easier to breathe. She sighed while she fell lax into her seat. Next to her, she reached out and petted Artoo as the astromech rocked back and forth excitedly with happy beeps. She took strength from the loud ‘Oya!’ and ‘Kandosii!’ that filled the air.

The rage around Luke was gone and replaced with his bright and warm signature. It was serene and steady like she would usually sense it. It was as if he hadn’t just allowed himself to feel anything a second ago.

She made to stand along with the rest of the family but froze when she noticed Luke hadn’t left the arena. He had moved to the center and stood, facing the crowd, with his hands clasped in front of him. His face was impassively calm.

The crowd recognized their leader was going to say something paramount and settled.

When silence hung in the air, Luke raised his head higher and pierced the quiet with a firm and stern voice. “I will not be taking any more courting challenges,” he announced. “Whether you believe me or not, I do have a riduur. And it would be insulting to them to even consider those fights.”

His hard eyes scanned over the crowd. Then his mouth relaxed. “They aren’t here with me because circumstances keep us apart,” his voice soft but loud enough to carry to everyone. Ahsoka caught the hint of longing in his tone as well. “But I know they would if they could.”

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. When he opened them again, they had lost their hardness and showed how beautiful and bright his sky blue eyes could be. It brightened his whole face, making him look more handsome. Dark blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes, a cleft in his chin, and a beauty mark on the right side of his bottom lip on a diamond-shaped face. Was it any wonder that people could fall in love with Luke just on appearance alone? Ahsoka knew many Mandalorians that would bemoan missing the chance to be with him.

Luke grinned, highlighting the hints of dimples on both sides of his mouth.

“Mand’alor!’

A murmur went through the crowd as everyone turned to where Satine emerged from the shadows of the arena’s entrance. 

Ahsoka raised an eyebrow, but Satine wore a composed face that revealed nothing as she walked toward Luke. When Ahsoka glanced at the others around her, they all wore equally confused expressions.

When Satine stood near Luke, she bowed respectfully. When she met his gaze, one corner of her mouth was subtly raised in what Ahsoka would call a ‘politician’s smile.’

“With respect,” she started, “despite your riduur not being physically with you, would you say they are always in your heart?”

Luke raised an eyebrow while he frowned gently. “We are one when parted,” he replied.

“And as the Mand’alor’s riduur,” Satine went on, “they know how dedicated you are to the Mandalorians?”

Luke nodded slowly. “Of course.”

“So as you two are one, and they know your love and duty to us,” her smile widened, “would you say they too carry the best intentions for Mandalore in their heart? Such as returning what was stolen or lost?”

Luke’s eyebrows shot upwards as understanding flashed in his eyes. “Yes,” he grinned. “They always think of the people of Mandalore.”

Both of them turned to face the crowd. Luke then silently indicated for Satine to continue speaking.

“As many of you know, our Mand’alor is bringing us a bright future,” Satine praised. “But has also reminded us to never forget our past.

“Many of you know that the Mand’alor has brought back numerous artifacts that were stolen, lost, or thought to be destroyed. Recently, however-” Luke’s grin widened unapologetically, even as he blushed a little when Satine sent him an amused glance. “-he confessed to the Council that it has been his riduur who has found these items. They then gave them to our Mand’alor to bring back to us.”

There was a rippling murmur through the crowd. Ahsoka was pleased to note it was full of shock and excitement.

Straightening, Luke licked his lips before he stepped forward. “My riduur is proud of our culture and history even though they do not follow the Resol’nare.” There was a beat of silence with, Ahsoka guessed, the heavy implication of ‘yet.’ “They respect our way of living. They do not judge us for who we are and are always eager to learn more about us.”

His face softened. “If they could, they would embrace our culture alongside their own.

“But they can’t,” he emphasized fiercely, “because they could lose standing amongst their people. Something they have worked very hard for. 

“ That is why they must remain in the shadows.” He closed his eyes tightly and took a sharp inhale. When he opened them, they were slightly cloudy with heavy emotions. He then added, “Away from me- away from us.” 

There were more murmurs. And then, through the noise, a loud exclamation.

“Clan Vizsla supports the Mand’alor and his riduur!” 

Everyone turned their gazes where the clan leader of Vizsla was. She stood in the front row with her clan, her eyes hard and determined.

“This is the Way,” she announced with finality.

Satine nodded. “Clan Kryze also supports the Mand’alore and his riduur,” she echoed. 

“As does Clan Kast!” the male Twi’lek stood from the crowd. “We support the Mand’alor and his riduur!”

Soon all the clan leaders were echoing the sentiment. Then every Mandalorian in the Colosseum started shouting ‘Oya!’ so loudly that Ahsoka could feel the vibrations in her chest as she joined them.

Luke’s face was a brilliant shade of red, but his eyes shined with warmth and perhaps a little wetness as he turned to look at all the people that chanted for him and his spouse.

When he raised a hand to calm the crowd, it only served to send the people into more cheers. Ahsoka smirked when she saw him almost tilt his face down but aborted the action at the last second. Instead, he just blinked rapidly to fight his tears. 

He allowed the crowd to chant for a few moments longer until he raised his hand a second time. Then, the people calmed down.

Ahsoka watched Luke’s adam’s apple bob as he swallowed before he spoke, voice thick but unshaken. “My riduur and I will do all we can to bring Mandalore into a brighter future,” he swore. “But, as Lady Satine said, we must never forget who we are and how far we have come! Tonight we remember and honor those of the past. Ka'ra drala! Shekemi! Oya!”

A resounding cry of ‘Oya!’ echoed in the Colosseum. 

Luke then raised a fist. “This is the Way!”

“This is the Way!” all echoed back.

Now dismissed, Luke and Satine departed from the center of the arena. 

After saying goodbye to Satine, Luke joined them on the sidelines. Without a word, Anakin handed Luke’s helmet back, and the younger man slipped it on. Only when there was a familiar hiss did his body finally relax with a modulated sigh.

“Better?” Anakin quipped as he handed the Darksaber over.

“Much,” Luke replied as he took the weapon and clipped it to his belt. Everyone chuckled around him at the relief in his voice.

Looking at Leia, he asked teasingly, “What did you think of the speech? Think you could do better?”

Ahsoka grinned when Leia tilted her helmeted head back, obviously rolling her eyes. 

“Of course, I could,” her niece snipped back, equally as teasing. She stepped towards her brother and pulled him into a hug before she tapped their foreheads together. “But in all seriousness, you did wonderful, vod.”

“Nau’kara is right,” Anakin agreed as he wrapped arms around his children. “You did a great job, Luke.” He then tapped his head against Luke and then Leia. 

“You have a way with words, Lukka,” Shmi praised as the three pulled apart. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Luke’s shoulders, and tapped their foreheads together. “Just like your father. You were inspiring.”

“She’s right, Milla,” Padmé nodded before she took her son from her mother-in-law. “You did marvelous.”

“And after an amazing fight as well,” Jango praised after Padmé let go. He clasped Luke’s shoulder and shook it. “It was amazing to see!”

“It was remarkable,” Obi-Wan nodded, stocking his beard. “Very different from your usual style,” he added, subtly calling Luke out about how he used the Force.

Luke shrugged before he crossed his arms. “...My riduur has taught me a thing or two,” he admitted.

“So they know how to fight?” Anakin asked, trying to sound casual and missing by a mile. Ahsoka snickered at his attempt at trying to probe for more information.

“Buir...” Luke sighed with an unimpressed tilt of his head. 

“What?” Anakin shrugged. 

Shaking his head, Luke peered at everyone and said, “You all should get back to the festivities. I’ll find you all after I change.”

Ahsoka smirked. “Just to change?” she asked. “Or to call your riduur?”

Luke didn’t reply. That was answer enough.

Ahsoka cackled with Artoo when Anakin pounced on his son to learn more about Luke’s partner. He only stopped when Shimi, Padmé, and Rex pulled him off Luke.

“Did you really have to rile him up?” Obi-Wan sighed.

“Sorry, Master,” she snickered. “It’s just too much fun to tease Luke about it.”

“Good to know I am used for your amusement, Auntie Soka,” Luke grumbled. He kicked out at her, and Ahsoka allowed the light knock on her shin as she laughed.

It wasn’t until well into the night, when the festival was in full swing outside the dome, did Ahsoka saw her nephew again. 

Luke was back in his full regalia as he walked through the lively crowd. Many called out to him but didn’t approach with the alo’prudiise around him.

On the platform erected for the Mand’alors family, Luke saddled up to her to avoid his father. It didn’t help since Anakin noticed him, but Obi-Wan, Rex, Jango, and Cody kept him at bay.

She grinned and tilted her head. “So?”

Luke titled his head back. “‘So?’”

Ahsoka didn’t elaborate. She crossed her arms and leaned back in her seat.

The two of them stared at each other until Luke sighed softly. 

“Got an earful for accepting the duel because of the political ramifications,” he quietly admitted as he looked away. Despite his petulant words, Ahsoka could hear the fondness in his voice and imagined he was smiling. He didn’t say anything more but then added, “But they are glad things worked out.” Ahsoka could tell he wanted to say more but didn’t call him out on it.

Instead, Ahsoka’s grin grew.

Using the tip of her foot, she nudged Luke’s shin affectionately. “I’m happy for you,” she murmured when he looked at her. She nodded her head to everyone else. “We all are.”

Luke’s muscles relaxed a smidge. He turned to look at the others. “I know Auntie Soka,” he said quietly, voice full of relief. “I know.”

Something tight released in Ahsoka’s chest at the truthfulness in his words, feeling comforted that her nephew knew he was being supported by his family. 

“Good.” She hummed. “Now, I think you should appease your father’s curiosity before he breaks someone’s arm.”

Luke groaned. “Auntie Soka, please...” he begged. 

Ahsoka just threw her head back, cackling.

Chapter Text

“Leia, how much longer?”

Leia tried not to roll her eyes at her brother’s impatience through their Force Bond. “Soon.”

“You said that an hour ago.”

She tilted her head toward him, minuscule enough for the others around them to not notice, but she knew he would. “You’ve been counting?” she teased.

She smirked when she felt his glare as he pulled back from their bond. She knew he wouldn’t do anything, though. Not in front of delegates from other planets.

Even though Mandalore maintained a level of autonomy, they were still a part of the New Republic. As such, the Mand’alor had to make an appearance every once in a while. When Luke first took the throne, they decided to keep following the previous precedent, when their father was the Mand’alor. Luke would come to the yearly Galactic Gala and, in return, he didn’t have to deliver a speech at a senate session. It worked out fine the first year, and, so far, it was shaping up to be a decent gala this year. Despite the tension the politicians felt since this year’s gala was taking place on Coruscant. It was the first time anything political would take place since the planet was destabilized as the central political power.

Typically, Luke was very at ease with these events. She assumed the reason for his impatience was the male Tograta next to him, who had gotten drunker and drunker as the night went on.

She really did feel guilty for leaving him to struggle. Rakrar was the son of the Senator from Shili and cultivated this ‘bad boy’ image. Or at least he thought he did.

Rakrar had annoyed her on and off whenever he decided he needed to make an appearance. She had seen him flirt with Mandalorians, and he even attempted it a time or two with her, even after she told him she was married. She just figured it was a thing for him, and, unfortunately, Luke was now in his sights.

“Mand’alor,” Leia heard Rakrar hum as she spoke to a delegate next to her. “Word in the galaxy is that you are married. Is that true?”

Out of the corner of her eye, through the transparisteel of her visor, she noticed many delegates around them perk up. She rolled her eyes. The subject had been a massive topic of rumor for the last three months since the Ka’ra’s Festival. (Though it has been a blessing to not deal with ‘political marriage’ talks anymore).

“It’s true,” Luke replied cordially.

“But they are never with you?” Rakrar went on. “At least, that’s what I also heard.”

“Circumstances keep up apart, unfortunately.”

Rakrar hummed. “That seems very lonely.”

“One part of the Mandalorian wedding vows is that we are one even when we are a part.” Leia could hear the tightness in his voice. “This is the Way.”

“But what about your physical needs?” Leia felt goosebumps rise over her body at the slight sultry tone in Rakrar’s tone.

Excusing herself from her discussion, Leia turned to her brother on the other side of her just in time to see Rakrar slip his hand on top of Luke’s that rested on the table.

Leia saw Rakrar leaning in towards Luke with a tiny, flirtatious smirk. “Certainly,” he purred softly, “you have those, Mand’alor. I am sure your spouse would mind if you invite someone into your bed for a little..,” he arched a brow, “fun?”

Leia stiffened in her seat while anger boiled in her gut and traveled to her chest. She bit the inside of her cheek until she tasted blood just to not stand up and punch Rakrar on her brother’s half.

However, she needed to focus. The air around them was cold, like the beginning of a snowstorm on Hoth. It penetrated deep into your bones yet threatened to be worse. That was the only way she knew how upset her brother was.

Tentatively, she reached out through their Force Bond. “Luke?”

Her brother twitched slightly and then snatched his hand away from Rakrar. He turned to look straight ahead. “ Please, get us out of here.”

Leia nearly shivered at the order. It lacked any emotion and warmth, much more the tone of a Mand’alor than Luke. And it brokered no argument. 

Leia stood and situated between Rakrar and Luke’s seats. “Rakrar Zel,” she said, voice sweet.

The Togruta lazily turned his curious eyes towards her.

“Tell me,” she continued, “did you know that Mandalorian helmets have a recorder function and are usually constantly on?”

Rakrar frowned and shook his head. “I wasn’t,” he slowly announced. 

“Pity,” Leia replied flatly. “For you, that is. Perhaps if you did, you wouldn’t have insulted our Mand’alor with your proposition.”

Rakrar’s eyes widened. “Wha-”

“We will be sending the recording to Senator Zel,” Leia cut in, “to inform the Togurta of this insult.”

Through their Force Bond, she said, “Let’s go.”

Luke didn’t say anything as he abruptly stood.

Both of them walked away. Behind her, Leia heard a chair, but then it was followed by a hiss of words. Probably the attendant that was meant to keep Rakrar in check. She didn’t care.

Joined by the alo’prudiise, they left the gala. No one spoke a word as they returned to the assigned Mandalorian residence. 

It wasn’t without trying, however. Leia attempted to talk to Luke through their bond. Yet either he shut her out or was distracted by something else.

The alo’prudiise must have picked up on the tense atmosphere by now. Yet as any self-respecting Mandalorian, trained to the best, they didn’t even twitch or shift uncomfortably.

When they arrived at the apartments, Luke went straight to his room without a single word. Leia winced as the door slammed.

“Lady Skywalker,” Paz’s voice cut through the quiet. 

Leia turned to her husband. He stood at the front of the other alo’prudiise, strong and proud as their squad leader.

“What happened?” he asked tightly but politely. 

Leia sighed. “The Togurta made a pass at the Mand’alor.”

All the guards stiffened. “He did what?” Paz hissed. “Does he not know the Mand’alor is married?”

Leia grimaced. “No, he did.”

Outwardly the alo’prudiise showed signs, but their collective anger in the Force was like an enraged Krayt Dragon. If given the words, Leia knew they would bring Rakrar in for punishment.

Leia waved a dismissive hand. “We will handle this tomorrow,” she firmly announced as she removed her helmet. Shaking out her braid, she added, “Go to your stations or your bedrooms.”

The alo’prudiise hesitated, but, as the Mand’alor’s sister, she had the right to deliver orders in Luke’s stead. They all bowed and withdrew. All but Paz.

“Cyare,” he whispered, laced with anger, as he took a step toward her. “How is Luke?”

The tension in Leia’s shoulders loosened, and she resisted the urge to place her head on his chest. They agreed to no PDA when he wore his alo’prudiise armor out of respect for it and the position rather than their own feelings. If they did, they would only show affection in private when they were sure no one was around. 

“He wouldn’t talk to me,” she quietly admitted. Her husband knew about the Force Bond between those that were Force-sensitive. 

Paz growled. “You should have punched the jar'sheb.”

Leia huffed. “Tempting,” she confessed, “but it wouldn’t do any good.”

“He ruined the Mand’alor’s night,” Paz grumbled. “It is the least he deserved for ruining what Luke was looking forward to.”

Frowning with her eyebrows pinching inward, Leia asked, “He was?”

“I don’t have to use your jetti magick to see how happy he was,” Paz huffed. “I could hear him smiling the whole time on the way here from Mandalore.”

“That’s the opposite of how he acted,” Leia muttered. “He kept wanting to leave.”

Paz tilted his head.

Leia shook her head dismissively. “Nevermind,” she sighed. “I’ll go talk to him.”

Moving away, she smiled when Paz followed. She would never admit it out loud but having him at her back made her feel a little at ease when facing her angry twin.

When standing at her brother’s door, she knocked. “Luke?”

There wasn’t a sound- eerily quiet. 

Frowning, she knocked again. “Luke? I know you’re in there.”

Still nothing.

She reached out with the Force, and a spike of fear coursed through her when she felt there was distance between them. 

She reached out for the door and discovered it to be unlocked. Without warning, she burst right in.

The room was empty.

Fear momentarily choked her lung before she released it into the Force. When she heard someone curse loudly, she spun around to see her husband had followed her into the room.

Turning away, she peered around the room.

There weren’t any signs of a fight; no upturned furniture or fabric torn from the curtains. The only thing that was out of place was the open window that let the night air and the sounds of the city in. As well, his cape was haphazardly tossed onto the bed.

Going over to some of Luke’s luggage, Leia noted that pieces of his regular armor were also missing. His Mand’alor helmet was there, but his normal one was gone, and his gold-accented shin guards and pauldrons were also there but not their equivalents. But the armbands and knee guards of his typical armor were there.

“It looks like he snuck off again,” Leia hummed as she turned to Paz.

“Or that’s what a kidnapper wants us to believe,” he growled. “I’ll call everyone so we can search.”

Leia nodded as he turned to leave. She pulled out her comlink to inform Mon Mothma of the turn of events but paused when she saw a blinking light. “Paz, wait.”

Her husband froze and looked back at her.

She waved her communicator, indicating she had a message. She had a feeling she knew who it was from. 

Putting it on speaker, she opened the message. “Leia,” Luke’s voice came through. She relaxed because he didn’t sound panicked, even if his tone was clipped. “Tell my alo’prudiise to not worry and not to come looking for me. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

With that, the message ended. 

After huffing, she muttered, “Unbelievable.” 

Looking at Paz, her husband straightened and crossed his arms over his chest. “Well,” she sighed, “at least we know he is okay.”

Paz snorted. “I’ll still have to tell the others,” he pointed out. “And that will lead to a hunt for him.”

Leia nodded.

Paz turned away, and Leia started thinking about why her brother would pull this stupid move. Sure, he could do it to clear his mind but to be gone for a whole night?

She frowned, wondering if she was missing something.

Her mind raced. Paz said Luke was excited to come to Coruscant, but he was practically begging to leave when they were at the gala. Plus, he always viewed this duty just as that, a duty. Nothing to be excited about. On top of that, when they were at the gala, Luke seemed distracted at times or would sometimes stare out one of the windows.

Then it hit her.

“Paz!”

Her husband halted as he was about to leave the room and spun to face her.

“You can tell the others,” Leia quickly said, heart in her throat, “but don’t go looking for him.”

Paz crossed his arms with a tilt of his head. “Why not?” he demanded. 

Leia took a calming breath. She fought off a smile as she explained, “I think he went to see his riduur.”

Paz stiffened, frozen. “You think they are here?” he asked in disbelief.

Leia grinned. “I do.” She then explained her reasoning.

After she finished, Paz slowly nodded. “It would make sense.”

“But you still have doubts,” Leia noted, not having to read the Force to know her husband’s misgivings.

“I am being cautious,” he stated gruffly. “This is our Mand’alor, and it is the alo’prudiise duty to protect him.”

Leia bit her lip, understanding her partner’s worry. “You trust the Mand’alor, though, right?”

“Of course,” he replied without hesitation.

“Then trust him when he says he’ll be back in the morning.” 

She crossed the gap between them and placed a hand on one of his shoulders- not too intimate but enough to convey how serious she was. “And trust me when I say everything will be alright.”

Paz didn’t move. Leia worried she might be asking too much. Then he slowly breathed out, his modulator crackling a little.

He stepped back. “I’ll inform the others,” he stated roughly. “And we will look for him to at least confirm our Mand’alor’s location. That is all.” He then left, not waiting for Leia’s response.

Guilt and fondness swirled sharply in her chest. She recognized her partner’s compromise for what it was- showing that he trusted her and Luke, but also Paz had to abide by his alo’prudiise duty.

No doubt the others wouldn’t like it, however, and she quickly followed after her husband to give him back up. 

Before closing the door, she looked at the open window- she kept it that way so Luke could return- and wished her brother a peaceful night with his spouse.

Chapter Text

Din took a silent breath to calm his frantic heart that threatened to burst out of his chest. He constantly threw his anxious nervousness out in the Force, but it did little to calm his sick stomach. It desperately wanted to purge what little Din had eaten throughout the day. He could barely stop his hands from shaking during the entirety of presenting his proposal.

Still, he kept his head up as he met Grandmaster Yoda’s gaze in the light of the evening sun.

Around him was the full Jedi Council sat primly, some taking a moment to read the datapads with his proposal’s information. They gave nothing away on their faces, and any emotion he felt was minimal. Whenever he did try to reach out for a sign of something in the Force, any feeling he would encounter slipped through his grasp like smoke.

“You make an excellent proposal,” Master Kenobi spoke first, lowering his datapad. “You have everything planned out.” He hummed as he stroked his beard. “It is very impressive.”

Din nodded, thankful for the praise.

“Your research is well thought out, as well,” Master Koon added.”And it is very appealing.”

Din thought it was a good sign he got two out of the 8 council members. Then Master Unduli voiced, “I have many doubts.” She frowned. “This is too dangerous.”

Din kept his face impassive. He figured Master Unduli would be one of the significant dissenters to his idea.

“I agree it is dangerous,” Master Windu concurred, “but it isn’t a bad idea.” He leaned forward in his seat, dark eyes penetrating. He folded his fingers in front of him. “But why Mandalore?”

Din raised his head higher, already prepared his answer for this specific question before the meeting. “Mandalorian practices are similar to our own,” he explained. “A sharp focus in their training, learning to balance their dark emotions and channeling them into something productive, and teaching them to learn about oneself.”

He swallowed to wet his throat. “They aren’t as spiritual as the Jedi, yet they hold strong beliefs. And some are even stricter in their beliefs, such as their past two Mand’alors.” Din’s heart thrummed at the thought of Luke. “I believe they would be welcoming to the Jedi on their planet if we learn from them as well.”

“They are very keen on the idea of attachments,” Master Ti pointed out. “Do you think that could be an issue?”

“No,” Din shook his head. “As they care deeply for one another, they also are willing to let go. Whether a parent separating from their child, or death taking a loved one, they understand it is a natural occurrence.” He kept out the circumstances of his own situation as an example.

“This could backfire,” Master Billaba stated. “People are unpredictable. Especially children.”

“It would be slow,” Din elaborated. “Teaching them traditional Jedi teachings in addition to dealing with how to handle their darker emotions.” He took a deep breath and added, “You cannot expect children who have grown up around war to not be scared or fearful. We can teach them all we want to confront their fear and not let it control them, but the trauma they have gone through will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It is a part of them. If we ignore that, it will create problems for the Jedi Order later.”

“Master Vos would agree,” Master Secura smiled. A small portion of fondness was in her eyes as she spoke of their shared master. “Especially after his experiences during the war.”

Din nodded. “In some ways, those experiences shaped me. He had to train me unconventionally during the war and then after. Because of that, I was able to discover- or rediscover, according to some of the ancient Jedi texts- how to balance the Light and Dark sides of the Force.”

Quiet filled the room. The Jedi Council glanced at one another with unreadable expressions. Din didn’t flinch away, having known for years about their opinions of him and how he could handle the Force. 

“Change ideas, this will,” Yoda hummed.

“The Jedi need to change,” Din defended, feeling annoyed. “The galaxy still doesn’t trust us, even though we have tried to be more open. We claim to be peace-loving negotiators that serve the galaxy. Yet the Jedi fought strongly in the Clone Wars and then the Galactic Civil War. They only see us as warriors. It contributed to why so many people were willing to turn on the Jedi when Palpatine manipulated everyone to try and make an empire for himself.”

The room fell quiet again. No one contradicted the truth Din spoke. 

Din closed his eyes and took a deep, steadying breath.

“I think it would be good to have schools on other planets,” Din opened his eyes, “because it will build a bridge between the Jedi and the people we serve. 

“We only know the galaxy of cultures through texts, but that can’t replace being able to talk to these people and live with them. Even the greatest masters do not take into account the nuances of the people they try to help. But living and learning with them will open the door.”

“Only visited Mandalore once, you have,” Grandmaster Yoda pointed out. “Know all the nuances of them, hm?”

“I never claimed that I did,” Din shook his head. “But that’s why I believe that Mandalore will be ideal. Besides their practices and ideologies, we do not know much about them- beyond personal relationships.” He glanced at Master Kenobi, and the Jedi Master nodded in agreement. “And as they were once enemies of the Jedi, wouldn’t it show how much we’ve changed to ask for their help in trying this experiment?”

The Council once again quieted and glanced at one another. Then, Grandmaster Yoda started chuckling.

Din's eyebrows furrowed as the grandmaster’s chuckle grew louder and louder into a light cackle.

When he calmed down, he said, “Answer for everything, you have.” He briefly hummed as he settled in his seat. “But still more, I sense. More reason you have, the Force is hinting.”

Fearfully, Din checked his mental shields but found they were sealed tight while he countered calmly, “I don’t know what you mean, Grandmaster.”

“900 years old, I am,” the grandmaster tapped his cane on the floor. “A thing or two, I know in the Force. Hiding something, you are.”

Din felt heat travel up the back of his neck. He quickly threw any errant emotions into the Force just so it wouldn’t stoke the heat to encompass his face.

He swallowed as he peered around the room. None of the Masters showed any hint of surprise, and Din wondered with mild panic if he hadn’t been as subtle as he thought these past two years.

Just as he tried to formulate an answer, Master Kenobi elaborated, “The Force has been buzzing around you since you entered the room.” He leaned back in his seat with a twinkle in his eyes as he smiled soothingly. “It calmed when you started to speak about your proposal, but it is humming around you.”

“The Force also vibrated fiercely whenever you spoke of Mandalore,” Master Windu added as he sat back in his chair.

Din froze at the new information. In light of today’s events, Din had kept himself closed off so as not to feed off the Force or cause unrest to his padawan, Grogu.

Slowly, he opened himself up and discovered the masters were right.

The Force surrounded him in abundance. Pressing on him incessantly as if to urge him to do... something. 

Closing his eyes, he reached out, and something solid settled into his bones. A sureness Din always felt whenever he knew he was making the right decision. Like he did when he was going through his meditations and felt the Force in its entirety. Like whenever he taught Grogu about the Light and Dark sides of the Force. Like he did when helping with negotiations on different planets or using his Force gifts. 

Like on the day he married Luke.

Opening his eyes, he licked his lips. “...You’re right,” he finally admitted, staring at Grandmaster Yoda. “There is more.”

The grandmaster tilted his head, indicating for Din to go on.

Taking a deep breath, Din used the strength of the Force to encourage him as he announced, “I’m married.”

It grew so silent that Din could have heard a pin drop. Or at least he would if he wasn’t hearing his own heartbeat in his ears.

“To a Mandalorian?” Master Kenobi finally asked with wide eyes.

Din nodded.

Master Windu sat straighter. “Don’t you think that makes you compromised in teaching on Mandalore?”

“It hasn’t for the last two years, Master Windu,” Din informed, going all in. 

He met all their shocked gazes. “You all know I have wanted to establish this school for years- long before my first trip to Mandalore.” He held his head higher. “My marriage only established where I wish to build my school.”

“To be with your spouse?” Master Koon questioned.

“That,” Din nodded. “And the reasons I stated before.”

“Are you sure that you aren’t compromised?” Master Unduli demanded. “On top of that, you said you were married for two years? How will you two be when you are no longer apart?”

Din paused, thinking of his answer. “I won’t lie,” he slowly admitted, “things will change between us. But I think they will be for the better.”

Warmth bloomed in his heart as he went on. “Attachments aren’t bad,” paraphrasing words Luke spoke to him in their long talks. “I love my partner deeply, but we also live our own lives. They have sacrificed much in understanding my need to keep things quiet about the two of us.” He closed his eyes tightly to fight the forming wetness. He would always be overwhelmed at just how much Luke gave him and how much his partner sacrificed for Din. 

“We have our differences,” he went on, voice thick. “Yet we understand and work together.” He opened his eyes. “We are a partnership, not ownership. We don’t covet one another. But we long to be together, choosing to share our lives with one another.”

“And possession?” Master Ti probed. 

“All relationships have possession,” Din fought back. “Parent-child, teacher-student, comrade-to-comrade, or lover-to-lover.” He didn’t bother to push his frustration out but kept it in himself and used it to push himself forward. “We are all connected in the Force. Those that can feel the Force know we leave a part of ourselves in every person we meet, every item we touch. Is that not a lesser form of possession?”

When no one responded, Din continued. “I do not wish to own my spouse. But I can’t deny they are mine as I am theirs.”

“Why didn’t you decide to leave the Order?” Master Secura questioned gently.

“Would you have let me?” Din asked, voice hard and biting. “I am under no delusion that the only reason you allowed me to even join the Jedi Order is because you felt that you needed to keep a leash on me.” He gritted his teeth. “Ever since I was presented to the Council as Master Vos’ unofficial padawan when he thought I was ready for my Trials.”

He kept his frustration internally so as not to alarm anyone. Instead, he focused the anger, using it like a fine blade to sharpen his tongue and senses. “You worried about what I could do and kept a close eye on every little thing I did,” he hissed. “I felt I couldn’t leave, even if I wanted to.” 

The room went stale in quietness.

Grandmaster Yoda hummed. “This matter,” he carefully said as he softly tapped his cane, “you might be right on. Fear, we did. Lost too much already, when you came.” He nodded. “Memories of Sidious, we still had.”

Din didn’t respond to that.

All the masters nodded at the grandmaster’s words. Din fought back the urge to snort as he nodded as well.

“Discuss your proposal, we will,” the grandmaster announced. “Until our decision, on Coruscant you will stay.”

Pressing his lips together to stop from groaning, Din nodded. “As you wish, Grandmaster.”

“If that is all,” Master Windu dismissed, “you may leave.”

Din bowed. “Evening to you all, Council.” He then swiftly made his way out of the room.

When the doors closed behind him, Din sighed heavily, shoulders drooping. It hadn’t gone as he thought, but it wasn’t the worst-case scenario.

Walking down the hall, he grinned. Despite his nervousness over the decision, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his chest and shoulders. He finally told people he was married- in front of the Council, no less. 

The thought warmed him overwhelmingly, making him stop and close his eyes.

He should be scared, but all he felt was relief. Relief at how good it felt to finally, finally, share in a small way with the world that he was so deeply in love with Luke that he married the other man. In addition, the Council hadn’t immediately put him into Force suppression cuffs, and Din still held his position as a Jedi Knight.

Opening his eyes, he looked out the window (making a note to calm himself to hide his eyes) and watched the darkening sky.

He would have to call Luke tonight and tell him what happened. His spouse would probably ask if it would be okay to reveal Din’s identity to his family. And it would hurt tremendously for Din to tell Luke ‘no.’ At least, not yet. 

Din wanted to be sure the Council would approve his proposal before he revealed more, especially that he was married to the Mand’alor. That didn’t mean it wouldn’t ache to not tell the galaxy about them.

Some of his longing and hurt must have gone through his Force Bond with Grogu as his little padawan poked at him. Grinning again, Din sent assurance that everything was fine. He added he would be with Grogu soon, and the two of them could hunt for frogs in the garden.

Grogu responded by sending his excited feelings about the prospect. 

Din chuckled and turned away from the window, fully trusting in the Force that everything would be alright.

It took three weeks before the Council called him back to the Council Chamber. And, Din decided, they were the longest weeks of his life.

It wasn’t the waiting (although Din was anxious) but everything else. He never had a moment to rest with his continuous training of Grogu and his own meditations. Then there were the Jedi Knights and Masters who approached him for various reasons (Mostly, “Please, teach me how to imbue the Force into items! Or can you do it for me?” “Would you like to spar? I never fought another Jedi that used a pike.”). He helped in the city (a new initiative to close the gap between the Jedi and the populace) and assigned cooking and cleaning duties around the Temple. He even received a surprising video comm from his master (“Aayla told me you got married!” Master Vos’ grin was downright feral as he laughed. “How dare you not invite me! Aalya agreed to beat you black and blue in my steed for not telling me!” And, like a good former padawan, Din took his ‘punishment’ by his senior.)

The only reprieve he got was when he was researching in the library (“You’re hiding,” the Chief Librarian would giggle) and helping teach the younglings. 

He hadn’t realized he developed an awed reputation amongst the children, only coming to Coruscant when he was forced to and staying as minimal days as possible. But perhaps that added to their fascination with him.

At first, he found one or two of them following him around the Temple and didn’t think much of it. He just thought of them being rambunctious and escaping the creche for fun (he could only assume since he never stayed there himself). He would just gather the children and bring them back to where they were supposed to be. 

It wasn’t until a week later, when Master Billiba came to him, that he learned the encounters were intentional. Apparently, the children had made it a game to escape the creche and find him, the Jedi that could control both the Light and the Dark. 

When Din first learned about it, he was unnerved. His reputation amongst the Jedi wasn’t well received, so discovering that the children admired him took him off guard. Master Billiba admitted that it was partly because of what he could do but also because Grogu enjoyed talking about his master to the other children whenever he was in the creche. (Din couldn’t deny the delighted fondness that filled him when he learned his padawan proudly talked about him.)

So to stop the younglings, Din got wrangled into helping with the children. Mostly, it was just to help keep them focused in the classroom, though he did demonstrate some uses for the Force when the students needed an example. Sometimes, he was even allowed to teach a class and spoke to the younglings about facing their emotions but was careful when mentioning the Dark side of the Force. He just helped with the basics and led them through some meditations (which he found peaceful, even if it wasn’t his usual meditation style).

Outside the classrooms, they would hunt Din down and force the older Jedi to play with them. Sometimes, they would ask about his use of the Dark side of the Force. Din was always careful with his words when they probed, encouraging them to follow their teachings first and foremost. 

On more than one occasion, Din allowed them to see how his eyes actually looked. Untrained, he could always feel their delight and awe in the Force. It made him feel not so much like an outcast. That it was okay that he was different.

And every night, after he put Grogu to bed, Din would send a message to Luke to keep him updated. They never talked because the time difference was too immense, being late at night for Din and early morning for Luke. Yet Din would always receive a response back right away, without fail.

And now the time had arrived. 

Standing in the center of the Chambers in the light of the dying day, Din did everything he could to remain calm. However, his hands were sweaty, and his heart felt like it would burst. He had to shield himself from the Force for his and others’ safety. And to Grogu, to not cause the little one any worry.

Staring at the Council, they gave nothing away of their faces or in the Force. It made his nervousness worse, but he refused to back down.

After the greetings, Master Windu sat straighter. “That Council has taken an enormous amount of consideration on your proposal,” he announced. Din refused to fidget when he paused but nodded.

“We all agree your years of research have been thorough and that you are aware of the risks that your idea holds,” the master continued. “Are you willing to take responsibility if things go wrong?”

“I am,” Din answered without hesitation, a stalwart in his belief that it wouldn’t go wrong. That the Force was guiding him resolutely to do this.

The older Jedi nodded. “We also agree that Mandalore is a good place to set up your school.”

Din’s breath caught at the implication.

Though he didn’t smile, a twinkle came to Master Windu’s eyes. “We have approved your proposal.”

Din closed his eyes as a wave of euphoria and relief overcame him. He released an abundance of it in the Force, but there was just too much that he had to embrace some of it, taking it into himself.

He clasped his hands in front of him and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Council,” he breathed in a soft gasp.

“Thank us, not yet,” Grandmaster Yoda chirped gleefully. Din straightened to face him once he got a hold of himself and looked at the older Jedi’s smiling face. “Mandalore’s approval, you must still get.”

Din nodded. “I will do my best to convince them.”

A twinkle came to the grandmaster’s eyes. “Problem not, I think you will have.”

Din furrowed his brow but didn’t have time to figure out the older Jedi’s words when the grandmaster cleared his throat.

“New school, you will build,” he proclaimed. “New teachings, you will share. Students, you will have.” He tapped his cane with a nod. “New title, you will receive.”

Din froze, breath caught in his throat.

Grandmaster Yoda grinned, “Congratulations,” he bowed his head, “Jedi Master Din Djarin.”

Din felt as if he was going to collapse. The Jedi sharply inhaled when he remembered that he had to breathe and felt light-headed. 

He was sure his eyes had reverted back to how they typically looked. Yet as he turned to look at the other council members, none of them so much as flinched as they smiled back at him.

Feeling the sting of tears, Din closed his eyes and bowed deeply. “Thank you for this honor,” he appreciated, his voice thick and raspier than usual.

“You deserve it, Master Djarin,” Master Kenobi said. 

The title rang in Din’s ears as he straightened again when he knew he wasn’t going to break down crying. He still couldn’t fully comprehend that the words were said to him.

The older Jedi peered at him with pride. “No one is more deserving than you.”

It felt like there was some deeper meaning in that sentence. However, Din couldn’t possibly decipher it at that moment, still recovering from being overwhelmed. 

However, he still felt uneasy. When he turned to look at all the council members again, it took everything in him to ask, “And my marriage?”

Din was surprised when there weren’t any edgy looks shared between the council. Instead, Master Mace answered, “We would be lying to say we aren’t curious. But you have proven for two years that you kept to your Jedi duties. You didn’t allow the attachment for your spouse to cloud your judgment.” He crossed his legs. “We have decided you can keep your privacy on the matter, and we will trust you to continue with your duties.”

The words nearly broke Din’s resolve to not cry. He was going to face punishment for breaking an old (and misunderstood, in Din’s opinion) tenet, and the council put their trust in him. 

After more soft congratulations, Din was dismissed.

As he walked, Din brought up his hood and slipped on his mask to hide his eyes just in case he ran into anyone. Whether by design or luck, he encountered no one. Meaning the Jedi reached his temporary room without disruption.

Once inside, he tore his mask off with a deep gasp. As he pushed back his hood, everything felt so overwhelming- the relief, the shock, and the joy- that he couldn’t throw all of his emotions into the Force fast enough. So he embraced them- took it all in, and allowed himself to be overtaken.

He collapsed beside his bed as tears flowed freely, his face falling into the sheets. Din was thankful that Grogu wasn’t there- his padawan having wanted to spend the night in the creche with his friends. The Jedi knew he wouldn’t be able to explain why he was sobbing so fiercely to the little one.

He continued to weep until his sobs died down to soft sniffles. When he was calm enough, he shifted his back against the bed. His limbs were heavy and stiff, his throat dry, and his eyes stung from the dried tears. And yet, he grinned.

Even though he was wrecked, he hadn’t felt so full and warm before in a long time. The only times he had felt this way were when he took Grogu as his padawan and when he married Luke.

Thinking of his husband, Din scrambled to pull out his comlink.

Tears filled his eyes while he pressed in Luke’s code.

The comm trilled only once before it was picked up. “Ner Karta,” Luke answered breathlessly in greeting. 

Before his partner could ask, Din announced, “They agreed, Luke.”

There was silence for a second before Luke laughed delightedly, but it came out more like a sob.

“Cyraika,” the Mandalorian breathed. “Ner Din.”

“Luke,” Din gasped back. “Love.”

“I wish I could hold you,” Luke’s voice shook. “I want to kiss you so badly right now.”

“Soon, Love, soon,” Din promised through his tears. “Just a few more months.”

“And I’ll be by your side, forever,” Luke sobbed.

“And I’ll be by your side, forever,” Din echoed, tears falling harder. “We just have to get Mandalore to agree-”

“They will,” Luke stated firmly but with a wet voice. “They’ll agree once they know it’s you that’s leading this.”

Din ducked his face, even though Luke couldn’t see it, as his cheeks warmed. “You give me too much credit.”

“And I keep reminding you, you weren’t there when I had to hear how many bemoaned at missing their chance to offer you a courtship fight.” Luke sniffled. “You left quite an impression.” Din imagined his lover’s eyes bright with joy and a beautiful, teasing grin on his lips as the Mandalorian spoke. 

Din chuckled. “Whatever you say, Luke.”

“Does Grogu know?” Luke asked excitedly.

“Not yet,” Din shook his head. “He will tomorrow, though, when I pick him up from the creche.”

“Good,” Luke said. “Our ad needs to know that his family will be together permanently.”

Din's eyes softened. “You’re right,” he agreed. “But I am his master, Luke, not his parent.”

He smiled when he heard his partner scoff, no doubt rolling his eyes.

Then carefully, Luke asked, “And what did they say about our marriage? Did they want to know who you are married to?”

Din shook his head with a small smile. “They decided I am allowed to keep my privacy, so they don’t know I am married to you,” he replied. “Because they trust me, Luke.”

The Jedi heard his partner’s breath catch. “Oh Din..,” Luke murmured fondly. 

“It has been the only thing I’d ever wanted from them since I became a knight.” Din closed his eyes. “They told me they trusted me to continue my Jedi duties.”

“And you will do them amazingly,” Luke assured. “And you will do them on Mandalore. And I will help you whenever I can.”

Eyes opening, Din’s heart fluttered at Luke’s promise. The same promise the Mandalorian always made when they discussed Din’s school. About how sometimes Luke could teach the new little Jedis’ when he needed a break from his Mand’alor duties. Din always loved the sound of it, and now, it drew ever closer. 

“I know, Love,” Din smiled. “I know.

Still smiling, Din announced giddily, “I also went up in rank.”

There was a beat of silence before Luke chortled. “That’s wonderful, Din!” he congratulated. “You’re a Jedi Master!”

Din chuckled. “I know.” 

Settling deeper against the bed, he whispered, “I never thought they would give me the title.”

“I know,” Luke replied, equally quiet. Din could hear the smile in his voice. “But there is no one more deserving than you.”

Din hummed. “Obi-Wan said the same thing.”

“Well, maybe you should believe it then, ner Karta,” Luke half-teased.

Din snorted. “Quacta calling the stifling slimy.”

Luke’s laughter was like a bursting nova- sunshine incarnate. It was contagious that Din had no choice but to join him. 

When they settled down, Din decided that his bed would be more comfortable. He groaned as he pulled his stiff body onto the piece of furniture, telling Luke about it.

“Should have landed on the bed then,” Luke quipped. 

“Should you be in bed?” Din fired back without much heat.

“Unlike you, I am.” Luke giggled. “Want to join me?”

“Tempting,” Din hummed. “But too tired.”

“Aw,” Din grinned, imagining Luke’s pout. “I guess we’ll just have to cuddle then.” He didn’t sound put off one bit, as if he expected it, and was more than happy to oblige.

Din chuckled. “That,” he settled under the sheets, only bothering to remove his boots and pike from his back, “sounds like a wonderful idea.”

Pillow under his head, he rolled onto his side. “How are things on your end?” he asked. 

“Endless,” Luke huffed. “Like always. Although today was rather humorous. Some training foundlings rioted against their teacher.”

Din raised an eyebrow. “And that involves the Mand’alor?” he inquired with quirked lips.

“It didn’t until they all decided to storm the communal kitchen,” Luke sulked. “It was rather impressive, though, I have to admit.”

Din bit his bottom lip to stop from laughing. “Tell me about it?”

As Luke began regaling the series of events, Din closed his eyes and listened to his husband’s animated voice. A voice that he heard over comms for two years, save for those rare times they were together. But soon, they would face the galaxy and its challenges by each other’s side. Finally, they would be one together.

Chapter Text

It took seven more months before Din and Luke revealed they were married. The first month and a half were to convince the Mandalorian Council of Din’s proposal. But, as Luke knew would happen, when they learned it was Din that was the head of the project, they were more welcome to the idea of a Jedi school on Mandalore. Then another month and a half to discuss some logistics, like where the school would be, the curriculum, and what was to be expected of Din when he was living on Mandalore.

The last four months allowed Din to establish himself amongst the Mandalorian people. They both discussed this before Din and Grogu’s arrival. They agreed that Din needed to be known to the Mandalorians before being the Mand’alor’s riduur.

Four months of pretending they weren’t married. Four months of Din just being within Luke’s reach, yet so far away. Four months of feeling Din’s longing and love through their Force Bond.

Yet it was also four months of watching his people fall in love with Din. To listen to how Din spoke, his ways, and his fighting prowess. Things that Luke had access to in private for two years and always longed to share with others. (But they would never know Din fully, not like Luke did. They would never know his small giggles, how gentle he was with Grogu, how he slept and softly snored, the feel of his skin under his Jedi robes, and all other small details that Luke tucked away in his heart. They would never know, and Luke was more than fine with that.)

Only then did they finally decide it was time. Din had the Mandalorian people’s trust. His school was still being worked on, but Din had a few students (younglings and adults; mostly non-Force sensitives) with whom he could share the basic Jedi teachings. Since Din was established, he felt comfortable revealing his identity as Luke’s spouse. (When Din first brought up the idea over their Bond late at night, Luke nearly jumped out of his bed to run to where Din and Grogu were staying to kiss the man.)

Luke managed to convince Din to hold off on the announcement because he had the perfect day in mind.

With all the artifacts and texts that Din had obtained, Mandalore had learned much of their forgotten history. Luke had proposed that Mandalore hold a cultural celebration and invite aruetiise to their planet. It would be a way to show the galaxy that the Mandalorians were more than just warriors, but they were also complex people, just like any other society.

It had taken time. Time for everyone to agree, gather and discuss which histories and folklores to share, send invites, and then wait to receive responses. It was all worth it, however, and it was now happening. 

And the first day of the event was the perfect time to reveal Din and Luke were married, not just to Mandalore but to the galaxy.

Luke all but ran to his quarters, with his heart fluttering madly. The morning meetings had finished (with only a brief stir from the Council when he announced his riduur would be with him this evening for the opening ceremony), so he was free for the rest of the day.

When he arrived at his rooms, he left the alo’prudiise to guard the entrance to his quarters, and then ran to his bedroom. 

Softly grunting, he pulled out a trunk hidden under his bed. A chest he had prepared since the beginning of his marriage.

Opening it, Luke carefully removed each gift side and laid them on the bed. 

Two sets of pauldrons with the right pairs proudly embossed with the Skywalker clan symbol, with two sets of vambraces, cuisses, and greaves. All were made of silver, unpainted beskar with only slight variations between the two. There was a small chainmail shirt of beskar, too small for a human child but perfect size for Grogu. A maroon-colored robe with a Mythosaur stitched in black on the back. It matched Luke’s brown cape but was similar to the robe Din always wore. And finally- the oldest gift- a small pouch; the items inside clinked together in his hand as he held it tightly.

Under his helmet, Luke softly grinned as he brought the pouch to his forehead. For two and a half years, he had wanted to give the gifts inside to Din and Grogu. And now it was finally happening. The day the two of them could proudly show that they were a part of his family. 

Some of his happiness must have bled out into the Force because his father, sister, Uncle Ben, and Ahsoka reached out to him through their Bonds. Luke sent reassurances back but then got distracted when Din reached out questioningly. 

Luke couldn’t help but share his joy and love with his husband. He laughed at Din’s flustered emotions. Din, in turn, slowly sent his delight back with the brief communication of, “I’ll see you soon, Love.”

Grin widening, Luke slipped the bag into one of the pouches on his belt. 

Just as he moved the trunk back to the floor, the comlink in his helmet went off.

When he answered, one of the alo’prudii at his door announced, “Mand’alor, Jedi Master Din Djarin is here with his apprentice, asking for an audience. Do you give permission?”

Heart threatening to come out of his chest, Luke took a deep breath before he calmly ordered, “Let them in.”

Disconnecting, he tore off his helmet and placed it on the bed. After fluffing his hair and marking sure his Force Bonds were tightly shut, he swiftly left his bedroom, practically skipping. 

When he entered the living area, he had to stop as all the air was knocked out of him. 

Din hadn’t noticed him yet, too busy showing Grogu something out a window as the Jedi held the child in his arms. 

The sunlight washed over his sun-kissed skin and curly brown hair, highlighting every strand and showing off its thickness. The Jedi wore a small but beautiful smile that was surrounded by a trimmed mustache and a beard that never grew in correctly, but Din refused to shave off. Grogu babbled happily in the man’s arms, intermittent with actual words that DIn encouraged him to pronounce. 

It was as if Luke was staring at a painting. Something untouchable and unreal. But the Mandalorian knew this wasn’t some wild dream.

His heart was here. His little aliit was all in one place.

“Ner Kar'ta,” Luke gasped as tears filled his eyes.

Din and Grogu turned their heads at the same time. Din’s eyes widened before they softened in warm affection. The orbs wavered, and the next time Din blinked, his eyes were no longer entirely brown but changed to now have amber circles around the irises with a sprinkling of the specks. Against the earthy tone, the flecks reminded Luke of gold stars. 

“Luke,” Din whispered reverently.

With a gasping laugh, Luke raced to close the gap between them. He didn’t even think as he grabbed Din’s face and pulled him forwards as he leaned up, having only a little mind to not squish Grogu between them.

After nearly ten months, their kiss was everything. It tasted of home and a promise to a future that they would make together. There was no longer a bittersweetness in it, replaced by the excitement that was to come. That they wouldn’t have to hide their relationship.

A sharp sensation of disgruntlement filtered into the Force with a high whine. Breaking apart, Luke looked down. Grogu peered at him with narrowed eyes. The Mandalorian laughed when Grogu accused him of ignoring the child.

“Of course, I didn’t forget you, Gro’ika!” Luke chuckled wetly, blinking back his tears. “How could I possibly forget you?”

Grogu’s eyes narrowed more, and he huffed.

“Oh, don’t be like that!” Luke took hold of the child, who, despite his actions, eagerly climbed into his arms.

Luke lifted Grogu up and spun a few times until the little one laughed brightly, tinkling like a little bell.

“Buir!” Grogu cried delightedly, waving his little arms as Luke brought him down to kiss his ad’s forehead. 

Luke nearly crushed the child to his chest as he hugged him close, his heart pounding hard. “That’s right!” More tears fell down Luke’s face to hear how happy Grogu was to call his name. “That’s right, you now get to call me that openly!”

“He has been excited to do that.”

Luke turned back to his husband, his heart melting at Din’s soft smile and warm fondness in his eyes. “It has been a good practice in patience,” Din said before he chuckled.

“And look!” Luke prised, looking at Grogu again. He tapped the child’s little nose and giggled when Grogu went cross-eyed. “You did it!”

Din huffed. “Barely.”

Luke hummed and grinned at the other man before looking at Grogu again. “Gave your Father a bit of a hard time, did you?” he teased. He bounced his ad, making Grogu giggle.

Focusing his attention on Grogu, he could still feel Din’s eye roll as the Jedi corrected, “I told you before, Luke, I am his Master. Not his father.”

Snickering, Luke turned and walked away toward his bedroom. Leaning down to Grogu, he play-whispered, “Your Father isn’t fooling anyone, is he Gro’ika?”

The child giggled. “No!”

Behind Luke, he heard Din huff as he followed them. 

Inside the bedroom, Luke placed his ad on the bed. He watched with fondness as the child curiously explored the objects on the bed. That was until he heard a soft, “Luke...”

Turning around, he snickered at Din. The Jedi stared wide-eyed at the bed.

Din’s eyes traveled to the Mandalorian. “You got us gifts?” he breathed, voice small.

Luke’s heart melted again. “Is that even a question?” his grin fell to a soft smile. 

Moving toward Din, Luke took one of the other man’s hands and led him closer to the bed so his husband could see the items better. 

Din’s gold and brown eyes hadn’t looked away from the gifts. And Luke couldn’t turn away from his partner, waiting to catch every reaction on his Love’s face.

Squeezing the other man’s hand, Luke admitted quietly, “I have collected these since the beginning of our marriage.”

Din’s eyes snapped to him. “Love...” He swallowed, voice thick. “Love, you didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to.” Luke squeezed his spouse’s hand again. “I have two and a half years to make up for. And you and Grogu deserve these gifts, Din.”

Din’s eyes began to water, and he leaned in. Luke eagerly met him halfway for a kiss.

“Buir!”

The two parted and turned to the bed. Grogu held up the beskar chainmail with bright, excited eyes.

Feeling a questioning sensation through the Force, Luke nodded. “That’s right!” he declared. “That’s for you!”

Grogu squealed. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” His glee shouted into the Force, making both adults laugh. Then the little one tried to put the shirt on.

“Hold on, Grogu,” Din advised, “hold on.” He slid his pike and a bag, which Luke now noticed, off his shoulders. “Have patience, and we will help get it on you.”

Together both adults assisted the child in putting on his new layer of protection under his clothes and the little Mythosaur pendant that Luke had made for him. Luke knew Din also wore an exact copy under his robes as well. The necklaces were the only tie the two had to Luke, yet they weren’t an announcement of Din and Luke’s marriage or them being a family. Merely a gift that many received when they were friends of Mandalore. 

As they worked together, Luke got a treat when Din removed his gloves for the task. The Mandalorian couldn’t tear his eyes away from the little scars that littered the other man’s skin. He desperately wanted to take them in his and kiss them all to appreciate all the hardship that Din had gone through to get where he was now. When he had gotten the chance to do so in the past, Luke would never get tired of how red his love got. 

Once Grogu was redressed, Luke turned Din’s attention to the armor. “All of them are made from beskar,” he explained, handing one of the decorated pauldrons to Din. “The ones accented in black, like the one you have, are for formal events, while the unpainted ones are for everyday use.”

He ducked his heating face as he added, “I didn’t paint them except for the black because I wasn’t sure which color you would prefer.” 

“Luke...”

Looking up, Din had his bottom lip between his teeth, eyes uncertain as he glazed at Luke and the pauldron in his hands. His thumb gently rubbed over the Skywalker clan symbol. “Luke,” he repeated. “Luke, this is too much.”

Luke stiffened. “No, Cyare,” he stated firmly. 

Luke took his riduur’s face in his hand, fleetingly marveling how Din softly gasped before he closed his eyes and leaned into the Mandalorian’s touch. Luke couldn’t help but curse himself for not removing his gloves earlier so he could feel his spouse’s skin against his fingertips.

“Ner Karta,” Luke whispered, unable to stop his voice from dripping with affection. His chest ached fondly as Din slowly opened his eyes. Not for the first time, Luke felt like he was being pulled into a black hole, and his lover’s eyes were the center. If given the opportunity, the Mandalorian could stare at them all day.

Realizing he was getting distracted, Luke repeated, “Ner Karta, you do deserve this.” He ran his thumbs over his partner’s cheeks and loved how Din shivered and pressed into him more. 

“Luke-”

“No, listen,” Luke’s voice was unyielding. “This is the least a riduur of the Mand’alor deserves. And as the man I love, you deserve only the best things I can give you.”

Closing his eyes, he leaned in and pressed their foreheads together. He took a moment to revel in their breaths mingling and the feel of Din’s warm skin against his through his bangs. 

“Even if I wasn’t Mand’alor,” Luke whispered. “I would give you a full armor of beskar.”

Din chuckled weakly. “I haven’t taken the Creed, Love,” he reminded gently. 

Grinning, Luke opened his eyes to stare into Din’s. “Yet,” he stated confidently.

Din leaned in for a brief kiss on the lips. When he pulled away, he wore a small smile. “I’ve only started my training,” he mumbled as he placed the pauldron in his hands back onto the bed. “Though I think I have impressed the Armorer with what I do know.”

“Helps that your husband is a Mandalorian,” Luke sing-song.

Din chuckled. “That does give me an advantage,” he nodded.

“Speaking of being a Mandalorian,” Luke pulled out the pouch from his belt. “These are for you two.”

In his open palm, he slid out the two pendants. 

One symbol was considerably smaller than the other, but both had the Skywalker clan symbol raised off a burnished flat plate. It made the sigil stand out more and gleamed under the lights. 

Suddenly nervous, Luke focused on Grogu, who cooed curiously. “I had these made,” he explained as he showed off the smaller of the two, “a few weeks after you two left Mandalore.”

Grogu’s eyes lit up, and he scrambled to pull out the Mythosaur pendant from under his robes. “This!” he exclaimed. At the same time, he sent a series of feelings and images: happiness, safety, love, and times when they were secretly together throughout the past two years. 

Luke swallowed around the lump that suddenly formed in his throat. “Yes,” he nodded with a smile, fighting off fresh tears. “But this just doesn’t allow you to come to Mandalore freely. It shows that you are a part of my clan.”

“Luke.”

The Mandalorian shivered when he felt Din’s touch on his lower back. Glancing up, the wind was knocked out of Luke again at his spouse's gentle expression, so full of fondness and love. 

“We’re already a part of your clan,” Din stated matter-of-factly. “But we would be honored to wear it openly now.”

“Yes!” Grogu shrieked in delight.

Luke breathed out and blinked rapidly to fight back his tears. He wanted to reach out and kiss his riduur. Then a second later, he remembered he could. 

Transferring the pendants to his other hand, he snatched the collar of Din’s robes and yanked him down as he moved up.

Their kiss was hard, more like a smashing of mouths than an actual kiss. But it still left Luke breathless as he pulled back and breathed, “Force, I love you.”

Din’s shock was washed away by a light chuckle. “And I love you,” he murmured as he took Luke’s hand that still held onto his robes. “We both do.”

“Yes! Yes!” Grogu agreed heartily. When Luke glanced at him, the child’s arms were raised and waving, the Mythosaur pendant laying proudly outside his robes. 

Luke laughed, feeling foolish to be nervous about giving these gifts (for Manda’s sake, the pauldrons had his clan symbol on them, and Din didn’t seem to mind those). Perhaps it was because the pendants were the first gifts Luke had commissioned for the two of them that they held something special in his heart.

It warmed his very soul when he helped his ad and riduur slip the necklaces on. Both proudly showed them off alongside their Mythosaur ones. 

Swallowing a lump in his throat, Luke slid an arm around Din’s waist. He cleared his throat. “So I was thinking,” he grinned, “that for the rest of the day, why don’t we can have lunch, and then we spend the rest of the time in my private gardens until we have to get ready.”

Din nodded with a smile as he slid his arm around Luke’s shoulders. “That sounds wonderful.” He gently kicked the bag at his feet. “We brought out outfits for the ceremony with us.”

Luke’s breath caught. “So we can change together like a family,” he murmured.

Despite it not being a question, Din nodded.

Grinning, Luke leaned up and kissed Din’s cheek. “There’s some stuff in the kitchen we can eat,” he remarked with a squeeze of the Jedi’s waist. “You two go ahead, and I’ll join you once I change.”

DIn raised an eyebrow. “You wear stuff other than your armor?” he quipped in a neutral tone. 

Luke’s grin widened. “Yes, I do, thank you very much,” he snarked back. “And with how much the Head Seamstress fussed about it, I like to wear them when I can.”

He started to pull away but then stopped. His grin morphed into a smirk. 

Making sure nothing was about, Luke finished pulling away. “You know,” he hummed as he walked over to his closest, “you’ll have to see the Head Seamstress too when we reveal we are married. Both you and Grogu.”

He glanced over his shoulder and nearly burst out laughing at Din’s confused expression. 

“Why would we need to do that?” the Jedi asked. 

“You’re representing Mandalore!” Luke pulled out his gaudiest outfit- one he never wore but the Seamstress forced on him. He showed it off to the pair. “So you have to look the part!”

He couldn’t keep his composure when Din blanched. Luke doubled over with laughter.

“Our clothes are just fine,” his partner defended. “No need to waste fabric.”

Wiping away tears from his eyes, Luke straightened. “Aw,” Luke breathed between giggles as he put the outfit back, “you want to miss out on the hours of standing still as the seamstresses poke and prod you with little pins-”

“Buir, no!”

Luke turned back and was sent into another peal of laughter. Din had his hands on his hips with a frown, and Grogu- intentionally or accidentally- mirrored the pose.

When he calmed down, Luke said through giggles, “Whether you two like it or not, it will happen.”

Wiping away tears again, Luke saw Din’s frown deepen. “Do we?”

“Sadly,” Luke nodded. He then turned and pulled out the robe and pants he typically wore. “But I promise that your outfits won’t be awful,” he swore as he showed off his clothes.

On seeing them, Din sighed heavily in resignation and relief. “I suppose I have no choice,” he groaned and rubbed a hand over his face.

Luke was then shown a repeat of his words in the Force, the one about standing for hours.

Looking over at Grogu, Luke offered a sympathetic smile. “Sorry, Gro’ika, I can’t do anything about that part.”

Grogu’s eyes widened. “Buir, no!” he distressingly cried. He turned to Din. “No! No!”

The Jedi sent Luke a flat look. The Mandalorian winced and gave an apologetic smile.

Din sighed. “It won’t happen right away, Grogu,” he promised his padawan as he picked the child up. 

“Let's get lunch ready?” he offered, trying to distract the little one.

Grogu frowned and narrowed his eyes but, eventually, he nodded.

Chuckling, Luke walked toward the bed with his clothes. “I better let you two get going then,” he chirped as he gave them both a kiss on the cheek. He looked at Grogu and added, “And after we eat and go to the gardens, I can show you the insects there.”

Grogu’s ears perked up, and he squealed in delight, clapping.

Glancing at Din, the Mandalorian was pleased to see his partner wore a soft grin again.

“Best be fast,” Din flatly urged as he turned away. “Or Grogu might eat all the food.”

His padawan whined, and Luke laughed.

“I’ll be quick!” he promised as the two left the room. “So you better save some food for me!”

“No promises,” Din called back before the door closed.

Luke chortled before he set about to change.

Shmi sighed as her son ushered all the family towards the Mand’alor’s quarters.

Anakin had burst into her and Jango’s home with a small entourage in tow. He then hurriedly corralled her, Jango, Cobb, and Boba out of the house and to the Palace. All without saying why he was dragging them there.

“Ani,” Padmé sighed as her husband led her by the hand. “You need to tell us why we’re here! We have to get ready soon!”

“I promise it’ll be worth it!” he answered excitedly. 

“It better be,” Shmi heard Leia mutter.

They rounded the corner where two alo’prudii stood at the entrance of the Manda’lor’s quarters. 

“Perfect,” Anakin all but cackled as he approached. 

The alo’prudiise didn’t move. “Do you have business with the Manda’alor, Alor Skywalker?” one asked. 

“Not officially.” Anakin let go of Padmé’s hand and folded his arms. “But as the Mand’alor’s aliit, we can go in, right?”

The guards were quiet before the other responded, “The Mand’alor already is in an audience with another.”

“Oh?” Shmi could hear the feral smirk in her son’s voice. “And who would that be?”

Another beat of silence. “Jedi Master Din Djarin and his apprentice,” one finally answered.

“This is where he has been?” Cobb voiced as Anakin slowly started to laugh.

Though worried for her son, Shmi turned to her son-in-law as he playfully punched Boba. 

“I told you!” Cobb huffed. “Only place we didn’ check!”

“Not my fault neither are answering their comms,” Boba fired back with a glare. There wasn’t any genuine anger, but Shmi could hear he was annoyed.

“How long has the Jedi Master been in there?” Anakin asked, drawing Shmi’s attention.

He stood in front of the guards entirely at ease. However, Shmi knew her son enough that Anakin was positively vibrating in his skin.

Another pause. “Since a little after the morning meetings.”

Anakin suddenly pumped a fist in the air. “I knew it!” he crowed. “I knew Luke wouldn’t miss the chance!”

"Would you like to share with the rest of us?" Obi-Wan hummed, voice slightly agitated. "What do you know about Luke?"

Anakin spun around and folded his hands behind his back. "Luke announced something very interesting at the end of the morning meetings," he swayed. He sent Jango a pointed look. “Sorry, you had to miss it!” Shmi recognized the tone in his voice as one he had when he knew something you didn't. 

Knowing her son's penchant for prolonging these things for his entertainment until delivering the punchline, Shmi urged, "What did Lukka say? Is there something wrong?"

When he looked at her, her son's posture loosened. "No, Mom," he assured. "Everything is fine. More than."

He then turned to the rest of the group. Without the pomp-and-circumstance, he revealed, “Luke announced that he will be attending the ceremonies with his riduur tonight!”

Shmi gasped with others.

Paz spoke up, “You aren’t think-”

“I do!” Anakin giggled. “Tran’ika has the rest of the day off, so why wouldn't he want to spend it with his riduur?” He turned to glance at the door. “Who just happens to be Jedi Master Din Djarin.”

“You can’t be for certain, Anakin,” Obi-Wan objected. “You could be wrong.”

“I know I’m right!” Anakin defended. He folded his arms. “When have I been wrong?”

There were chuckles from almost everyone. Shmi pressed her lips together to not join in as Padmé just smiled. 

“Would you like a list?” Ahsoka asked. Meanwhile, Artoo already started beeping out instances. 

Anakin threw his hands up in the air. “Alright! When have I been wrong about things that are important?”

“I can name a few times..,” Jango hummed. Shmi pressed her lips together harder to resist laughing at her husband’s quip. She did squeeze her partner’s hand in a soft reprimand, however.

Anakin tilted his head back as if he was rolling his eyes. “Fine,” he huffed. “I’ll prove it!”

He turned to the two alo’prudii. “The Mand’alor’s clan wishes for access to the Mand’alor’s Quarters.”

“We will inform the Man-”

“Don’t!” Anakin shook his head, pointing at the one who spoke. “We want to surprise him!”

Even without seeing their faces, Shmi could feel the two guards’ dubious expressions.

“Come on,” Anakin insisted. “It was done plenty of times when I was Mand’alor. My aliit visited all the time without being announced!”

Shmi smiled fondly with a shake of her head. She didn’t remind her son these two guards weren’t the same guards he had or how seriously the alo’prudiise took their duty to protect their Mand’alor.

Neither of the alo’prudiise said anything. However, Shmi noticed out of the corner of her eye Paz nodding. She could only assume then that the two guards were speaking with her grandson-in-law over private comms. Even though he wasn’t on duty, Paz did hold a high ranking amongst the alo’prudiise. So he was the supervisor of the two guards. 

Finally, the alo’prudiise stepped aside on either side of the doors.

“Thank you,” Anakin exaggeratedly bowed before he pushed open the doors.

“Ani,” Padmé and Shmi called as everyone else followed inside.

Of course, her son didn’t listen.

Anakin rushed into the living area before he abruptly stopped. Shmi wasn’t sure why, but then his head snapped up, and he ran towards the stairs. That’s when she figured he had quickly sensed where Luke was located.

The family following close behind, Anakin led to the second floor and then to the second set of stairs that went to the rooftop gardens.

He halted his long strides when he reached the top of the second stairs. He raised a closed fist, and it took Shmi a moment to realize he was doing the ‘freeze’ hand signal.

Shmi shook her head at his antics with a soft sigh, fighting off a smile.

Anakin turned back to them briefly to only raise an index finger where his lips would be. Then, grabbing Padmé’s hand, he finished climbing the stairs with deft steps.

Shmi was tempted to giggle at the whole situation as Jango took her hand and followed after their child. She swore she heard some snickering around her, but no one spoke. 

Anakin led them to the back of the gardens’ where the plants were the thickest for privacy. Following along the grassy path, Shmi kept an eye out to see if she could spot the small clearings amongst the leaves and trees, yet the plants were so dense it nearly made it impossible.

The group suddenly halted when there was a bright, robust laugh. When it died down, Shmi heard Luke’s voice echoing, “Grogu! Come sit on your father, so we don’t have to go get dressed yet!”

There was then a high-pitched cry of “Yes!”

Anakin moved forward with determined steps but still stealthily. With how fast he was going, Shmi felt like she was going to trip as she tried to keep up and still be silent.

Finally, they came near a small sitting area. With Jango’s help, Shmi blended into the shadows. They hid behind a plant with large leaves and peered at the scene before them, along with everyone else who hid alongside them.

Rather than sitting on the benches, Luke and Master Djarin took a spot against a tree. The Jedi Master was half sitting/half lying against the bark with his legs extended and an arm around Luke. Legs intertwined with one of Master Djarin’s, Luke was curled up against the other man’s side with his head resting on the Jedi’s shoulder and a hand on Master Djarin’s chest. To top off the tranquil scene, Master Djarin’s padawan sat on the Jedi’s stomach, babbling happily with an actual word here and there. 

Shmi’s eyes watered at the beautiful moment, relief and delight filling her chest. Luke’s smile was brighter than the sun, and his eyes were filled with pure adoration and happiness while he stared at the Jedi Master and apprentice. It was a look Shmi was familiar with because Jango always looked at her with that same expression.

If Luke’s expression was that of the sun, Master Djarin’s was the comfort of starlight. 

The Jedi’s expression was soft with a gentle smile. His eyes- beautiful eyes that she had only ever heard about- held the same emotions as Luke’s, the edges of his eyes and mouth creased in laugh lines.

Shmi felt as if she was intruding on something sacred. Two souls finally become one when they have been apart for so long. 

Shmi felt Jango squeeze her as she wiped away tears from her eyes. 

As she finished wiping away the last tear, Shmi heard Master Djarin huff, rasp voice full of warmth, “Alright, we need to go get ready.”

“Nooooo,” Luke whined. He tightened his hold and pressed further into the other man as if he could fuse them together. “Five more minutes.”

Shmi grinned at Luke’s antics. She had not seen him so free since he was a teen. 

Master Djarin rolled his eyes. “Luke...”

The padawan giggled. “No!”

“See?” Luke pleaded. “Grogu agrees with me!”

Master Djarin snorted. “Quit teaching my padawan bad behavior,” he grunted as he started to detangle them.

That only made Luke wrap around him more, a playful pout on his lips even as his eyes were brimming with laughter.

Undeterred, the Jedi cradled his apprentice in one arm as he moved his other one down lower to Luke’s waist. 

In an impressive feat, the older man stood with both of them in his arms. Luke, with his arms now around the Jedi’s shoulders, wasn’t making it easy, however. He hung limp, even when Master Djarin started to take steps. 

“You’re a brat,” Master Djarin huffed. “Stop being dead weight.” 

“I’m not being dead weight,” Luke awkwardly shrugged. “Maybe you’re just not as strong as you think.”

Shmi bit her bottom lip from laughing, resisting glancing at her son. That would be something Anakin would do.

The Jedi’s eyes narrowed. “Is that a challenge?”

Luke’s pout transformed into a smirk. “Is it?”

A raised eyebrow was the only warning before Luke was hauled over the older man’s shoulder.

The Jedi’s padawan shrieked delightfully as Luke’s legs kicked in the air.

“Din!” Despite her grandson’s shock, Luke’s laughter was hearty and warmer than any sun Shmi had felt on her skin. He wrapped his arms around the other man’s waist and buried his face in the Jedi’s back. 

“You cheated!” Luke exclaimed between bouts of laughter. “I felt you use the Force!” 

“Only to maneuver you onto my shoulder,” the other man commented drily. “Everything else is my doing. Still think I am not strong?”

Luke struggled for a moment, laughing. Master Djarin just continued to hold him as his padawan giggled manically. 

Finally, Luke went limp. “Alright!” her grandson huffed between laughs. “Alright, I believe you!”

“And?”

“Oh, come on!” Luke kicked his legs more, but the Jedi Master was unpersuaded.

“And?”

Luke stopped fidgeting, his laughter dying down. “ And I was being dead weight!” he gasped between giggles. 

The Jedi snorted in amusement. He then slipped Luke off his shoulder. 

After straightening his robes, Luke gazed at the other man with a sweet smile. He took Master Djarin’s face and guided their lips together. Their kiss was deep yet brief, just the simple press of lips. 

When they pulled apart, both wore identical expressions of content adoration. 

“My strong riduur,” Luke whispered. One hand drifted to wrap an arm around the Jedi’s padawan and the Jedi, as his other hand gently caressed his partner’s cheek. “Strong. Beautiful. Unique. Perfect.”

Master Djarin hummed. “You’re biased,” he pointed out before he pressed their lips briefly together again. “Isn’t that right, Grogu?”

His padawan nodded, comically sage-like. “Yes!”

Luke mock gasped as he looked down at the little one. “Gro’ika! How can you say that about your father?”

The child babbled, pointing at Luke. 

A shocked laugh escaped Luke’s mouth.”Well, I can’t argue with that!” He turned his gaze back to the Jedi with a bright expression. “I do love your father.”

Shmi nearly giggled when a light dusting of reddish pink colored the apples of the Jedi’s cheeks.

Luke giggled and leaned up to kiss his spouse again.

Of course, it was then that Anakin made himself known. He stepped out of the foliage.

“Hi, Tran’ika!”

Both men gasped as they jumped apart. Master Djarin glanced at Anakin before turning around, his apprentice making distressed noises. Luke stepped between his partner and his father with a completely red face.

Luke glared at Anakin as he wrapped his hands around his back. “Buir,” his voice was slightly strained and unamused. “What a surprise.” 

Removing his helmet, Anakin was nonchalant when he said, “Well, you told the Council that you were going to attend today’s event with your riduur.” He fluffed out his hair with a downright feral grin. “So I figured you two might be meeting earlier and thought, ‘Why not introduce the family!’”

Shmi heard a group of heavy sighs, the loudest being a debate between Jango and Obi-Wan.

Hand in hand, Jango and her stepped out of the plants alongside everyone else. 

Luke’s face went impossibly redder as his hands dropped to his side. “How long were you spying on us?” he asked, voice reedy. 

Before anyone could say anything, Master Djarin’s steady and calm voice stated, “Luke, it’s alright.”

Slowly, the Jedi turned around. Shmi was surprised and a tad sad that the gold she had seen was now gone. He appeared as the Jedi she met two years ago with soulful brown eyes and a serene expression.

However, her feelings changed to inexplicable delight that made her eyes water when she noticed that the Jedi and his padawan wore necklaces with the Skywalker clan symbol. The proof that they were truly part of the family. 

Boba was the one to move first, his face serious and dark eyes bearing into Master Djarin’s. For his part, the Jedi stepped forward past Luke’s protection.

Master Djarin placed his padawan down while Luke joined his side. Her grandson's body was tense as he started, “Ba'vodu Bo-”

Luke didn’t have time to finish his words as Boba snatched the Jedi around the head with an arm.

“What is this, Djarin?” Boba smirked. He head-locked the Jedi as Master Djarin struggled. “You married my ba’ad for more than two years, and you don’t have the gall to tell me?”

On the ground, the Jedi’s padawan shrilled in laughter, clapping his hands excitedly as he repeated, “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Meanwhile, the tension in Luke’s body released, and he softly grinned before he picked the little one up. 

Cobb cackled as he joined his husband. “I thought we were friends, Djarin!” he smirked as he messed with the man’s hair, still in Boba’s hold.

Master Djarin grunted and, impressively, detangled himself from Boba. But before he could say anything, he softly “oofed” when a chortling Anakin crashed into him and lifted the Jedi off the ground in a crushing hug. 

“It’s so good to finally meet you, ad!” Anakin exclaimed. 

When he placed Master Djarin down, Anakin grabbed either side of the man’s face and kissed each cheek before hugging him again.

“Ani’ika,” Jango admonished as everyone started to surround the couple. “Don’t overwhelm him.”

Letting Master Djarin go, Anakin rolled his eyes at Jango. “You’re just as excited as I am, Buir, don’t lie.”

“I never said I wasn’t,” Jango huffed before he pushed Anakin aside. He then greeted Master Djarin with a Mandalorian handshake and a slap on the shoulder.

Then slowly, Padmé, Leia, Paz, and Shmi greeted Master Djarin warmly, welcoming him to the clan. Cody, Rex, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka teased the Jedi for not telling them but were no less welcoming. Meanwhile, Lando, Han, Chewie, Artoo, and Threepio surrounded Luke to heckle her grandson and meet Master Djarin’s apprentice. 

When it was Shmi’s turn, she opened her arms rather than pull the Jedi in. Shmi noticed the dazed glaze over the man’s eyes, and she partially worried he was overwhelmed. Yet he leaned in and shyly hugged her.

“It is so wonderful to have you in the family, Master Djarin,” Shmi murmured while she pressed their cheeks together.

“Din,” the Jedi countered when they pulled apart. There was warmth now in his brown eyes. “You can call me Din. We are aliit.”

Shmi wanted to say that the Jedi didn’t need to hide if that was the case. He could show his pretty eyes and not be judged. But she figured that wasn’t her place just yet.

Instead, she nodded. “Din.” She reached up and gently patted his cheek. “Then you can call me Shmi. Or Ba’buir, if you are comfortable with that.”

Master Dj- no, Din’s smile widened. Before he could answer, he was swept up again by the rest of the family that now focused on the Jedi’s padawan.

When the warm welcomes were finished (where Shmi had to hide her smile when Luke revealed he had adopted Grogu when he introduced the little one to Anakin as Ba’buir), Luke stepped beside his partner’s side and wrapped an arm around the Jedi’s waist. He kissed Din’s cheek before directing a soft glare at his father.

“You couldn’t have waited until tonight?” he grumbled. 

Anakin’s grin was wide, full of teeth, making crow’s feet at the edge of his eyes. “You told the Council that you were finally appearing with your riduur, and you expected me just to wait?” 

“I had hoped, yeah,” Luke pouted. 

Leia snorted as Artoo cackled. “And that was your first mistake,” she said with a pointed look, helmet since removed when she introduced herself to Din and Grogu.

Luke rolled his eyes.

“Well, since you all have ruined my surprise for you,” he sniffed, “Din, Grogu, and I need to get ready.”

“Awww,” Ahsoka teased. “But we all just met!”

Luke answered by sticking his tongue out at her.

Han cackled. “Kid just doesn’t want to share!”

Shmi giggled when Luke glared, but he neither confirmed nor denied the statement. Instead, he defended, “I was going to share them in a few hours!”

“We just sped up the process!” Anakin stated cheerily. “No harm in that.”

Before another word was said, Padmé stepped in. “Why don’t we all have lunch tomorrow, hm?” She sent Luke a pointed look. “So we can spend time together and get to know Din and Grogu better.”

“Besides,” she spun to Anakin before her husband could say anything, “ we still have to get ready ourselves.”

Anakin pouted but sighed in defeat with a nod. “You’re right.”

“I think that is a wonderful idea,” Shmi interjected. She looked at Jango. “What if we had it at our place?”

Her husband nodded with a soft smile. “A wonderful idea.”

 “Excellent!” Padmé clapped her hands together. She turned to Din and Luke. “We’ll leave you to get ready, but tomorrow, Milla.” There was a hint of warning in her tone. “Don’t forget.”

Luke quickly nodded with wide eyes. “We’ll be there, Mom.”

Promise ensured, the couple walked everyone to the exit of the Mand’alor’s Quarters.

As Shmi hugged her grandson goodbye, she held Luke for a moment longer than usual. “I’m so happy for you, Lukka,” she whispered, brushing his bangs aside when they pulled away from each other.

The words, though, felt inadequate to explain the happiness that threatened to drown her for her grandson. How happy it made her see him so happy. 

She wasn’t blind to how being separated from his partner took its toll on her grandson. How lonely and tired Luke always looked. The anxiousness and worry of your spouse were intimately familiar to her as well. Along with the knowledge, there wasn’t much to be done until your riduur was by your side. 

But, of course, Luke knew the words she wasn’t saying, what she really meant. His expression softened, and his eyes watered. “I know, Ba’buir,” he nodded with a whisper. “I know.”

Shmi nodded and leaned in again for another hug. When she planted a kiss on Luke’s cheek, she silently prayed to the gods that her grandson would always keep this happiness.

It took all of Cody’s military training to not start laughing at his vode. It helped that he wore his helmet to hide his face, but all his brothers knew how to read body language in their armor, that even the slightest twitch would give away his amusement. And none of them would be happy that he, Rex, and Jango kept such a massive secret from them all. 

The opening ceremonies had started not long ago but wouldn’t officially begin until the Mand’alore appeared. So now, Mandalorians waited in the Main Hall, along with dignitaries and other visitors. Cody had been bored listening to the latest gossip but interested in the news happening around the galaxy. Though the commander got a kick from hearing the theories about why there were two chairs on the dais for the Mand’alor.

Finally, the entrance doors opened, and Luke strolled in with his riduur and ad, both men walking hand in hand.

The chatter slowly died away to only whispers from the aruetiise. The Mandalorians remained silent, all heads turning to watch the couple walk toward the platform. Cody knew it was more from the shock than respect, but he had to admit that the pair made a striking sight.

Luke wore his Mand’alor armor but with a newer cape, this one lined with black fur along the collar and draped not only over his right shoulder but to the back of his left shoulder. To add to the fearsome image, he not only wore the Darksaber on his belt but his personal lightsaber along with it.

Having been around Jedi most of his life, Cody knew they didn’t have extravagant wardrobes. And now was no different.

Din wore a red sleeveless robe, which wasn’t much different from what he usually wore. Yet the robe was newer- made of nicer fabric- and had a Mythosaur stitched in black. Along the edges, there was a mix of mando’a and another unique design- a pattern Cody had only seen before on the Jedi’s usual robes. When Cody asked Obi-Wan about the interesting design after meeting Din, his friend said they were designs from the younger Jedi’s former planet. 

However, there wasn’t much difference between the rest of the Jedi’s outfit. He wore brown boots and dark pants with a black quarter-sleeved tunic under a gray tabard cinched at the waist by a brown belt. Under those, the Jedi wore a tight long-sleeved shirt that ended at Din’s orange-tipped gloves. His pike lightsaber was angled on his back, held by a leather strap that sat diagonally on his chest. 

The most outstanding items, though, were the unpainted beskar vambraces, armor plates on the back of Din’s hands, and the pauldrons on each shoulder that were edged in black. The right pauldron bore the emblem of the Skywalker clan. 

To top off the new look, both Din wore necklaces of a metal Mythosaur skull over another pendant of the Skywalker clan symbol. From their previous meeting, Cody knew that the necklaces matched the ones Grogu wore, who was currently cradled in the Jedi’s arms. 

For once, the Jedi’s hood wasn’t drawn up for an entrance, nor did Din wear his mask. Brown eyes were steady and resolute, and his face did not give away an inch of his feeling. Yet Cody could see how tightly Din was holding Luke’s hand, fingers almost going white. 

The only thing Cody was surprised by was that the Jedi didn’t wear a headpiece of some kind to represent his station as the Mand’alor’s riduur. He had seen Padmé wear one many times. Perhaps they didn’t have the time to get the item, or it was intentional- a statement to say he was Luke’s spouse before being the Mand’alor’s. 

They rose up the steps of the dais and turned to face everyone, side-by-side, and created a marvelous picture with the white banners hanging overhead. Something Cody knew Luke had insisted on, saying how the festival was meant to usher in a new beginning for Mandalore. 

“Mando’ade,” Luke’s voice carried throughout the hall. Cody could hear the smile in his nephew’s tone. “Tonight, we celebrate our heritage. Our people’s history and traditions that run deep in our bones, as deep as the Creed that binds us all.” He paused briefly, but he went on when no one broke the silence.

“We welcome those that have come with respect to learn about us. We hope you will walk away with a better understanding after this week-long celebration. That while we are warriors, our culture is rich and sacred.”

Luke then turned his head slightly to Din and Grogu. Cody could feel the invisible bond between the two men as they stared at one another while the Jedi’s eyes softened, and he smiled. There was so much love in Din’s eyes that it was breathtaking to gaze at. It transformed his whole face, making it even more handsome. Cody could only imagine that Luke wore a similar expression. 

Luke turned back at everyone. Luke’s voice was still compelling, even with new softness, as he added, “Tonight also felt like the perfect time to reveal a well-guarded secret. 

“It is well known by now that I have a riduur- a spouse. We have been one for more than two years, even though we have been a part.”

He pulled Din closer to him. “But this is no more.  Tonight I present my riduur, Jedi Master Din Djarin-Skywalker, and our son, Grogu Djarin-Skywalker!”

The room was silent for a moment before the sound of movement echoed. 

Rex and Cody shared a glance and nodded. They broke apart from their brothers to join the growing through of clan leaders- both big and small. They went to stand behind Anakin, who was at the head of it all. The other brothers who were clan leaders went to stand behind Jango. 

This was something that Anakin had planned after leaving Luke, Din, and Grogu earlier. Something only the clan heads knew of through private comm channels.

Luke stiffened as everyone gathered at the bottom of the dais. Din glanced at Luke curiously before his face went serene, revealing nothing, but his body stiffened when he looked back at them. Most likely, through their Force Bond, Luke said he didn’t know what was going on.

Anakin placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head, signaling the rest of them to follow the same movement. 

“The clans of Mandalore,” Anakin announced in a commanding tone, “welcome Jedi Master Din Djarin and his padawan.”

Cody’s voice joined the cry of, “Oya!”

“We are honored that you chose Mandalore to teach new ways of the Jedi,” Anakin continued. “And you fill us with happiness that you can finally be reunited with the Mand’alor.”

“Oya!”

“Praise to the Mand’alor and the Rid’alor!” Anakin bellowed.

“Praise to the Mand’alor and the Rid’alor! Oya!”

It was slow at first, but beyond his vision, Cody could hear the softer cries of “Oya!” And then another louder roar, then another, and then another until the whole room shouted “Oya!” or “Praise to the Mand’alor and Rid’alor!”

At the height of the chanting, it felt as if the warmth of a bursting nova washed over Cody. It was under his armor and embraced him like a long-lost friend. Yet, it didn’t threaten to overwhelm him; it merely held him with gentleness. Despite all his training, it still brought tears to his eyes as he smiled.  

When he looked around the room, Cody could see others were also affected by their huge smiles and some crying. 

Turning back to the dais, Cody observed Din’s slackened expression of shock. The Jedi’s face was very red, and watery eyes scanned the entirety of the room in awe and relief at what he was witnessing. All the while, Din held his padawan in his arms, tight to his chest, as Grogu clapped and yelled excitedly.

Luke turned to Din, and there was nothing regal in his movements as he crushed his little family to his chest. He guided his riduur’s head down for their foreheads to touch, making Din close his eyes and smile. Luke must have said something because the Jedi then laughed wetly, with a few tears falling from his eyes.

When Din opened his eyes, Cody swore he saw a bit of gold in them, but it was brief as Luke then escorted them to the thrones. 

It wasn’t long until the room calmed, and the celebration truly began.

Now from the sidelines, Cody watched the festivities. Yet his eyes constantly kept returning to the thrones. 

The couple’s chairs were close enough that Din- now wearing a silver diadem that was magically produced- and Luke could hold hands. Every so often, one of them would lean their heads together and speak something to each other, but Cody was too far away to hear.

Cody didn’t have to see Luke’s face to know that it matched Din’s expression. The Jedi wore a broad smile, eyes full of sparkling happiness with the softness of adoration, as they gazed at each other. 

A lump formed in Cody’s throat at the couple. He remembered their earlier meeting, how the two of them were so in love. And now they could be open with their affections. No longer afraid. Cody couldn’t be happier for his nephew.  

“They are in their own little world.”

Cody turned as Jango saddled up to him and Rex, helmet under his arm.

Looking back at the couple, Cody murmured, “I think they have a right to be.”

“Agreed,” Jango conceded before he chuckled. “I am amazed they stayed apart for so long with no wars going on.”

“The no attachment rule is strict,” Rex shrugged. 

“Also, from what General Kenobi told me,” Cody included, “Master Djarin was judged harsher than others. It’s no wonder they kept it a secret for so long.”

“But now Master Djarin's hard work paid off,” Jango hummed with a bit of pride and admiration. He grinned. “He has a new school on Mandalore and is married to our king.”

“And,” Rex added, “he came out unscathed when he told the Council he was married.” 

Cody and Jango turned to Rex. 

Jango frowned. “How do you know that?”

Rex nodded toward Anakin, who was talking with Obi-Wan. “Something I heard General Kenobi say when General Skywalker confronted him about not being so surprised about Master Djarin being the Mand’alor’s riduur.”

“Hm,” Cody frowned as he folded his hands behind his back. “I suppose Master Djarin would have to reveal something about being married to the Jedi Council.”

Rex pressed his lips together before he said thoughtfully, “But this opens the door for some possibilities for the Jedi. To allow attachments.”

Cody was tempted to kick his vod. But that would only draw unwanted attention, not just from Jango but from everyone else.

Instead, Cody’s heart skipped a beat when he glanced at Obi-Wan. However, he quickly locked those errant emotions down, not daring to give himself hope for something like that.

Yet Rex was right in some regard. Cody’s eyes drifted back to Luke and Din under the white banners. 

Din and Luke were heralding the future; for the new era of Mandalore and the Jedi Order. The future that he, and many others, would do their best to protect.

Chapter Text

“I am against this.”

Obi-Wan nearly sighed at Luminara’s statement. The Council had been trying to decide the matter of Knight Djarin’s school on Mandalore, teaching not just about the Light side of the Force but also elements of the Dark side. Naturally, it created a division in the Order: Obi-Wan, Depa, and Aayla on one side; Luminara and Plo on the other; and Shaak, Mace, and Yoda were undecided as far as Obi-Wan knew. 

Each time it was brought up for resolution, they hadn’t managed a single step forward on the matter.

“It is a trial run,” Aayla pointed out, not for the first time. “And we know Knight Djarin would never intentionally lead a student down the Dark side.”

“What works for one does not work for another,” Plo reminded. 

“His lesson planning is sound,” Depa lifted a datapad for emphasis. “Teach the ways of the Jedi to set the foundation before allowing students to delve into darker emotions to confront them.”

“If it were so simple,” Mace interjected. “But people are complicated.”

“And we are living in a time where the galaxy is recovering from war,” Shaak added. “I worry if confronting those darker emotions would be healthy, is all.”

“As do I,” Plo seconded. 

“Then have faith in Knight Djarin,” Aayla pleaded, a new take to the argument. “He has served the Order valiantly, more than most Jedi I know. Should we not finally repay what he has done with trust that he won’t do anything to jeopardize us?”

Luminara’s eyes hardened. “Are you sure you aren’t saying that as you and Knight Djarin share a master?”

Aayla’s face remained impassive, but she sat up straighter. 

Well, since Lumniara opened that gate, Obi-Wan decided to address the elephant in the room. “And is your judgment not clouded by your former padawan, Master Unduli?”

The room, unsurprisingly, went eerily quiet.

Obi-Wan did his best to remain unbothered by Luminara’s hardened gaze.

“Agree, I do, with Knight Djarin’s plan.”

Everyone’s gaze snapped toward Master Yoda. He was unperturbed- as if what he announced hadn’t shifted everything.

Luminara’s eyes tightened as if in pain. “Grandmaster...”

“Old, I am,” Master Yoda huffed. “Changes in the Order, I have seen.” He squinted. “Thought all good, I once did. Now, I see, not so.”

“What do you mean?” Plo asked.

Master Yoda hummed a moment in thought. “Acknowledge our darker feelings, we do. Then, to the Force, we release these feelings, yes?” He shook his head.

“Lost the path, we did. Above such emotions, we thought. Acknowledge them, yes, we do. But not truly understand.”

“Knight Djarin has delved into those feelings,” Mace added. “He took the time to look at them and understand. We may need that insight for the newer generation of Jedi that will come.”

“Could we not have him teach here?” Shaak offered. This question hadn’t been posed the first time.

Deciding not to brush it aside like the other times, Obi-Wan shook his head with a heavy heart. “He has... too many memories here,” he murmured. “Most of them are unpleasant. He would feel trapped here. He does feel trapped here now, from what I have observed.”

“It would also ruin the second half of why he wants to set up a school on other planets,” Aayla reminded. “To create a connection with the people of the galaxy.”

“This is a point I do agree on,” Plo voiced. “Many think the Jedi are detached from the galaxy or are just warmongers that seek power. I think it would be good to have those schools and invite non-Force sensitives to study with us. To create an understanding for people.”

“Agreed,” Master Yoda nodded with a tap of his cane. “And Mandalore, once enemies of the Jedi, excellent place, it is.”

“I would disagree,” Luminara argued. 

“On what basis?” Mace inquired. “Their beliefs are only slightly different from ours and how they act on them. But the principles are the same.”

“My issue is that he is married,” she replied. “Without our knowledge. We don’t even know to whom .”

The room went quiet again. 

Obi-Wan scanned everyone, but their faces gave nothing away and he felt nothing from them in the Force. 

It was a point of contention. The Jedi weren’t supposed to have deep attachments like a spouse. Yet Obi-Wan couldn’t see anything wrong with the notion. Not after all the things he had seen.

Anakin was the most prominent example Obi-Wan could think of. His former padawan loved his people and the Jedi Order and used those bonds to make him stronger. Albeit, Anakin did take things too far at times to protect the ones he loved, those he was deeply attached to. The fear of losing them led Anakin to fall to the Dark side once. It was a time that Obi-Wan didn’t like to think about.

However, it was Anakin’s bonds with Leia and Luke that brought him back to the Light. A supposedly impossible feat. The twins reminded Anakin of all those that loved him, and both nearly sacrificed themselves to bring him back. 

Never mind Obi-Wan’s own attachment to the Skywalker clan and other people such as Cody...

“I see nothing wrong with it,” he finally voiced, breaking the silence. “It may not be the traditional Jedi way. But from what I have seen, attachments aren’t the problem.”

“Master Kenobi is right,” Depa nodded. “And even Knight Djarin explained that healthy attachments can lead to good things.”

“He still should have told us,” Aayla stated with conviction. However, Obi-Wan had the notion her decision wasn’t entirely based on the disagreement with Knight Djarin being married. Only that he never said anything.

“We never gave him a reason to trust us,” Plo gently stated. “I am sure it was a shock to us all, given he never hinted at anything in these past two years. He only has shown great diligence and love in his duties.”

Obi-Wan pressed his lips together as he nodded solemnly, along with the others. Din was correct in that regard- that the Council had much distrust of him at first. It was why the Council had kept the knight in Coruscant for the first few years after Quinlin had presented the then unofficial padawan to the Council. 

After, Obi-Wan, unlike some council members, had tried to understand the man- to understand how he controlled both the Light and Dark sides of the Force. Obi-Wan liked to think that he was now the Jedi’s biggest ally when he discovered how likable Din Djarin was.

Which was why it hurt so deeply when the knight still did trust not only him but the Jedi Order as a whole. That Din still viewed himself as an outcast, even when he was so highly respected. Obi-Wan heard so many Jedi whisper in amazement at Din’s abilities and skill, both as a fighter and a peacemaker. 

It was why Obi-Wan was so determined to have Din’s school open on Mandalore. To give something to the other man when he had already given so much to the Order. A dream that the man rarely spoke of, but many knew about. The knight just having a spouse on Mandalore just made Obi-Wan more determined to succeed.

The tapping of Master Yoda’s cane drew him out of his thoughts. “Long time, we have discussed,” he announced. “Vote now, we need to.”

“I agree,” Mace nodded. “Those in favor of allowing Jedi Knight Din Djarin to establish his school on Mandalore?”

Obi-Wan, Depa, Aayla, Plo, and Shaak raised their hands. It almost shocked Obi-Wan when Mace and Yoda also raised their hands. But it nearly sent Obi-Wan into a heart attack when, slowly, Luminara also raised her hand, uncertainty on her face but with hope in her eyes.  

A small smile played on Master Mace’s lips when he went on, “Those opposed?”

No one raised their hands. 

Master Yoda tapped his cane with a delighted chuckle. “Excellent,” he nodded firmly. “As such, Jedi Knight Din Djarin’s rank, raised it will be. A Master, he is now.”

No one voiced an objection. It was the obvious choice since the man would be starting his own school.

Obi-Wan released a silent sigh of relief. Finally, the Jedi can give something back to Din.

Master Yoda chuckled. “Wait longer, you must, Master Windu,” he grinned.

“It is for a good cause,” Mace replied with a smile.

Obi-Wan frowned with the other. “Pardon me, but what do you two mean?”

Master Yoda chuckled again. “To retire soon, I want,” he declared. “Sooner than later.”

Obi-Wan wasn’t necessarily surprised by the announcement. Yet it still caught him and others off guard.

“Of course,” Shaak nodded with poise. “You have lived and served the Order a long time, Grandmaster.” She glanced at Mace. “I assume you will take his position then?”

Mace nodded. “And when I do, I hope Master Din Djarin will join us on the Council.”

Everyone went quiet. Obi-Wan stared at Mace and Master Yoda, his ears ringing at the news. 

“Truly?” Depa asked.

Mace elegantly shrugged. “Din Djarin is a brilliant Jedi,” he explained. “His ways are unique and, I believe, can help the Order rather than hinder it.”

“That is...,” Plo hesitated a moment. “That is a very different way of thinking from when Master Djarin first came to us.”

Mace grew solemn, eyes growing distant. A hand went up to touch the scars that littered his face from when he barely survived his fight with Darth Sidious. “The Jedi Order was just starting to rebuild after the Clone Wars and the rise and fall of the Empire,” he answered, coming back to the present. “I worried how someone like Master Djarin would fit in and how he could influence others.” He sighed deeply, hand falling to the side of his seat. “He has given me much thought with all the good he has done throughout the years.”

Master Yoda hummed with a nod. “Fell the Order did because we were unable to change,” he added his two cents. “Adapt, the Jedi should have. Yet still, keep our ideals. Master Djarin shows we can.”

“The Force guided Master Djarin to us for some reason,” Mace nodded. “Perhaps it was to show us how we can change and keep to what we believe. The Jedi Order needs him as much as he needs us.”

Obi-Wan didn’t say anything about that. His thoughts were that Din didn’t need them. He just had nowhere else to go after losing his home. If Quinlan hadn’t saved the other man as a child, another race could have come in, and Din would have adopted their ways readily and been just as great in the eyes of those people. Obi-Wan was just glad the Jedi found him first, by the Force’s will.

As everyone began focusing on Mace and Master Yoda, Obi-Wan’s mind returned to the new Jedi Master. The heavy weight of guilt lifted off him, one he had carried since Din and he were on Mandalore two years ago. When the other man had spoken so resignedly about how he ultimately believed that the Order wished he wasn’t a Jedi. Obi-Wan never wanted the other man to feel that way ever again. Din was an excellent Jedi that deserved recognition.

And on top of that, Din deserved to be with his spouse. He was right that healthy attachments made Jedi stronger. Being two years apart mustn’t have been easy for the married couple. Yet it also proved that Din didn’t want to possess his partner, just accept their love as they accepted his. Din was stronger for it, and it helped him become a better Jedi. 

The sentiment nearly made Obi-Wan chuckle, reminding him so much of what Luke always claimed and proved on many occasions.

Thinking of his nephew, Obi-Wan thought about how strong Luke was because of his attachments. The strength and beauty he had in the Force. Like a sun that would never die. And how much compassion and patience he had, especially since he was waiting for his riduur’s return. 

In fact, there were many similarities between Din's and Luke’s situations...

Covering his mouth, Obi-Wan frowned as he stared at the floor, barely hearing what was being said around him, as he compared the two men.

“Oh.” 

“...Something you wish to share, Master Kenobi?” Plo’s vice broke through the heavy fog over Obi-Wan’s mind. 

It took Obi-Wan a moment to remember where he was as he raised his head and peered around. All the Council members were staring at him with curiosity.

Obi-Wan swallowed. He debated silently if he should say anything at all and just play it off. But given it was tied to Din and his school, it might be best to say something.

Clearing his throat, Obi-Wan declared. “I believe I figured out who Master Djarin’s spouse is.”

That did cause a stir with wide eyes and titled heads.

Mace leaned forward, clasping his hands loosely in front of him. “You have?”

Obi-Wan slowly nodded. “I believe it is my nephew, Luke Skywalker.”

There was a beat of silence.

“The Mand’alor?” Aayla asked incredulously.

“Yes,” Obi-Wan nodded. 

He sat up straighter. “I informed you all that the Mand’alor has been married for some time, if you all recall?”

The Council members nodded.

Obi-Wan resisted shifting in his seat. “What I didn’t say is that he was married on the same day he became Mand’alor.”

The room was quiet until Mace tacitly said, “Around the only time Master Djarin has been to Mandalore.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “He and the Mand’alor grew very close at the time. Do you remember, Master Windu?”

The other man nodded. “I do.”

“Close enough for either of them to marry?” Luminara asked. “If I recall, Master Djarin, Master Windu, and you were only there for a few weeks.”

“It isn’t uncommon,” Obi-Wan explained. “Mandalorians love hard and fast. If they know that the person is the one, they would rather not wait.”

“But Master Djarin has always been cautious,” Aayla protested.

“Do we really know Master Djarin that well to assume that?” argued Shaak. “We only know what he gives us because of his distrust towards the Order.”

“Also, from what I have understood in speaking with Master Djarin,” Obi-Wan added, frowning in thought, “is that while he is cautious, he also feels deeply. I wouldn't be surprised if he fell in love and decided to marry.”

Yoda hummed. “Sure of this, you are?”

Obi-Wan didn’t answer right away. He thought about the interactions that he had seen between Din and Luke, particularly their goodbye. Before Din stepped on his ship, Obi-Wan felt an invisible connection between the two men, something profound with unsaid words and feelings. Originally, the older Jedi thought it was unrequited emotions. But looking at it with new eyes, it was more like two people who couldn’t express their love in any way, or else be discovered.

Obi-Wan’s throat tightened just thinking of what both of them had sacrificed. How they had to hide because of Din’s fear of losing everything he worked hard for. 

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Obi-Wan nodded. “I am very sure.”

Yoda’s hum at his declaration turned into a chuckle. “Keep this between us, we must,” he announced. “Still speculation.”

His eyes were full of mirth though as he peered at everyone. “Still, interesting it will be. Think soon, we will know, I feel.”

Obi-Wan couldn’t help but agree as everyone nodded before the Council began to speak of other matters. There was no way Din could hide it much longer if he remained on Mandalore, so close to his spouse. 

Obi-Wan was more than sure it was Luke, however. He smiled a little, heart fluttering warmly at the thought of reuniting the two after so many years. 

No one deserved it more than those two.