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You had just started to head back from town as the sun started to set. It was a little later than you'd liked but Mr Bonnet had made you work for the discount, you had come out victorious of course but you did have to promise him a dance, which did surprise you. You were certain he wasn't into anything like that but he had asked for it so you agreed.
Swapping your basket from your left arm to your right you headed up the hill towards the brothel, you did stop a few times to pick a flower or two but the Madame wouldn't know. She had far too many girls to take care of and you didn't need the care that the younger ones did.
You didn't know if anyone would want you anyway, thanks to your knight in shining armour. It was a blessing and a curse really. Everyone knew you were his girl, everyone respected that but the odd passerby who didn't know were usually deterred by the price. Sometimes to help out you agreed to go lower for the Madame but you both were a little afraid of what Din may do. He could swing by any moment and if you were busy he would interrupt. He had done it before. The problem was now you weren't making as much money so you had to try and do little side jobs such as mending stockings or sheets for the girls, sometimes even keeping the books when John was hungover but you weren't meant to tell anyone that.
Your mother, bless her had been a seamstress before she died. She had taught you a few things but you were only a child when it happened. Daddy was the one who really taught you the important things, you could hunt and read and shoot, things a girl shouldn't bother with. It had been hard when he died too. It was after the funeral (you had been a whore, secretly, for a few months earning a lot for being pure and then earning more for pretending) when it was hard to cope, having to whore to keep food on the table and even then you were struggling. You had told the Madame and that's when she told you to sell the house and live with her. Become a full time whore.
Was there more to life? You lived in America the land of the free, so why did you feel trapped? Why did you get choked up thinking of the future? Did you have a future whoring? Probably not. There wasn't a lot of old whores.
Just as you came to the peak of the hill you saw the brothel, the building was away from the town as it should be but it was bright and colourful and looked new despite being older than the church. There were a few horses by the stables and some carts near, the tavern must be delivering some alcohol. The scene infront of you was ethereal. The sky was a swirl of colours, the low sun causing a large amount of deep orange and reds that blended with the blue to make purples and pinks. The clouds were a light peach and, like the surrounding trees, caught bits of each colour.
If you could capture this, like they could capture wealthy families on those photograph machines, you would. You wanted to hang it up in your room, maybe on the ceiling so you could look at it before you fell to sleep.
Movement pulled your captive stare. Someone was waving at you. Squinting, you made out the familiar hat and worn jacket. Your man was here. As if the day wasn't perfect before, you now had Din waiting for you. A smile split your face and you used your left hand to raise your skirt so you could run down the hill towards him.
As you got closer you could make out the sound of his laugh, he 'reluctantly' walked towards you and extended his arms. Crashing into him, dropping some of the items you had lovingly purchased, you felt at peace. The worries from before seemed to ebb, you were safe. He easily engulfed you in his arms and pressed a kiss ontop of your hair.
"Why is it that you're always making me wait?" He joked, pulling back to see your face.
You scrunched your nose playfully and had to tiptoe, even with heels on, to peck his lips teasingly, "am I not worth it?"
"Not if you kiss me like that." He tried to capture your lips but you turned your head to the side dramatically gasping.
"Now, sir, if I am not worth your time I can get you another girl." You left his embrace, swaying your hips as you circled him, "I'm sure we have someone more suitable."
He licked his lips and let out a chuckle playing along. "I wonder why I'm paying a fortune to keep you away from the other men just for you to treat me like this."
You paused midstep, eyeing him up and down. Maybe it was the last embers of light haloing him or the fact that you were just drunk off seeing him but you felt brave. "There's rumours you know."
He tilted his head, actually confused, "Rumours?"
"Well why else-" the confidence you had felt was draining a little but the genuine curiosity in his eyes made you continue. "Why else would you pay so much?"
Something flashed behind his eyes and you were about to take back what you said when he smiled. "You know why."
'Do I?' You had wanted to ask that. 'Do I know? You haven't ever said it. Will you say it? Or would that destroy the bubble we live in?'
You used your best smoulder and just gave him a cheeky wink, "Well sir-"
A gurgling noise erupted from behind Din. It was high-pitched and loud making you both visibly jolt. He turned to his rucksack, huh that was a little strange. Din usually left his stuff with Razor in the stables.
Din cursed under his breath before walking towards the bag and putting both hands in. He then pulled them out and revealed a child.
"Din? What in God's name are you doing with that baby?" You knew he was kind hearted and wouldn't hurt the child but he was still a bounty hunter. He hunted and killed people for a living, maybe this was some sort of bait?
He looked a little lost, awkwardly holding a delicate child. "I'm sorry, I didn't want you to find out like this. Can we go somewhere and I'll explain?"
You sort of stood there just staring, puzzled, at him before you sighed and nodded. "If the Madame knows you're here she knows I'm with you. Did you check in?" he nodded. "then we can go to the park or just sit on some grass near a lantern? I, uh I don't think it's wise bringing a baby in there. Hell even the stables would be a better choice."
He let out a small huff of a laugh. "I promise its not what you think."
You full on giggled at that. "Din, I do not know what I think."
..
You both sat underneath the furthest streetlamp from town. There were small flowers and the grass was soft, with the low lighting this would be an ideal date. If you could date of course.
"His names Grogu." Din told you.
"Gro-gu?" You frowned, that's certainly a strange name. "And where's he from?"
"Mexico, I think. He's being hunted. Some sort of deal gone wrong." He shrugged. "He has got the biggest bounty on his head."
You looked at the child in question, his skin was tanned like Din's and his dark hair wisped at both sides of his head making him look like he had elf ears. His big dark eyes stared right back at you and he spoke gibberish really loudly.
"Patuu to you too." You held his small hand and offered a flower to him with your other. Immediately you realised it was a bad idea as he tried to eat it. Din was quick to stop him. "I'm sorry. I didn't think."
"You're fine, he tries to eat everything."
You both sat in an awkward silence watching the baby waddle around, he could half walk. He followed a firefly, falling onto his bum and rolling in the grass letting out a shrill giggle.
"So he has a big bounty on his head." Din repeated slowly, you nodded watching him out of the corner of your eye. Din stared right at you before speaking again, "do you know anywhere safe I can hide him?"
"What do you mean?" You met his gaze. He never asked you for help before, you wanted to give him good advice but how far would he have to go to truly be safe?
"Well, where would be the last place you'd look for me?"
"If I was hunting you?" You raised a brow, looking him up and down. "You're not safe here."
"I know, but I was passing through. It'd be stupid to not see my girl." Your heart fluttered a little bit at that. He usually called you Sweetness which could be read just as a nickname but claiming you were his girl always made you flutter.
"Din, don't call me that and expect me to be able to think about hunting you." You fiddled with a hem on your skirts. You could practically feel the smug smile he was wearing. "From what little you've said when we're in bed, my first look would probably be.... Hmm maybe I'd try to find an Indian tribe."
"Why's that?" He placed an elbow on his knee watching your mind work.
"Your hunting skills are amazing, I think you learned with a tribe or a clan." You thought hard. "Man-mandoa?"
He smirked, "That's my smart girl, it's not an Indian tribe but its close."
"So avoid your tribe then, maybe find somewhere cold, I know you like the heat."
The baby had settled for sitting looking at the stars, you had realised that you hadn't been watching him. Hopefully Din had.
"I guess you can't buy bullets or supplies at the same shops. You'd have to mix them up, maybe even get a new coat and a new horse. Razor is pretty distinct." Naturally your eyes were drawn back to Din, he was resting his chin on his knuckles, his tongue came out to wet his bottom lip. "Din Djarin you put those 'I'm gonna fuck you' eyes away."
His gaze intensified, "but what if I am? It's turning me on, you hunting me."
"I would never be able to catch you and you know it."
"I wouldn't run from you." He spoke plainly.
"And why not?" You assumed he was joking with you.
"I couldn't." His eyes flickered to Grogu every so often but they remained mostly on you. "It's harder and harder to leave each time."
"Why do you?" You whispered, half hoping he missed it, half hoping he didn't.
"I don't know." He reached over and pulled your hand from your skirt. "If you asked I'd take you. It would be selfish because my world ain't pretty and you deserve more than me. But I'd take you."
You wished so badly to go with him, but realistically it was a bad idea. "How would it work?"
"I-I don't know." He shook his head. "Truthfully I don't know. I take everything I can get when I can because I know it won't work." He sighed, looking away with glossy eyes. "but I want it to."
Nodding you agreed, "I do too."
"You do?" The relief on his face made your eyes water, did he not know? Surely he knew. "Maybe we go to a town far away and I'll do odd jobs, I'll work at a bar or I'll be a farmhand. You say the word and we'll go."
You bit your lip as tears formed, "when would-"
There was a male voice shouting in the distance and the sound of gunfire. The child jolted and his face crumpled. He was thrust into your hands by Din as he pulled the pistol from his belt.
"Go to the brothel, I'll meet you in a minute."
You nodded and both separated.
..
They were looking for the child and therefore Din, Mr Stubbs had told them where to go which was indeed the brothel to see you and his thanks was a bullet to the foot. These guys were nasty, but luckily Din was able to deal with them quickly. You had hid with the child in the stables, it was easy to disguise his cries for whines, before sneaking up into one of the main rooms as the dust settled.
"I have to go." He spoke, his forehead touching yours, defeated. "I'll lead them away from here. You should lay low. Here-" He handed you some money. "Get a train to the next town for a little bit."
"Din I have money, you'll need this for the baby." Grogu had settled, he wasn't asleep but he was dozing in Din's rucksack, he had filled it with just blankets to make it comfy and told you he wore it on his front which made for a funny image.
He shook his head, "I can make money."
"You really gonna go on a hunt with this guy in your arms?" He sighed. You pulled away and handed him some of the oils and silks you'd brought that day. "They'll fetch a mighty fine price. I-I also got you a gift, but I think maybe that'll fetch a fine price too."
Din frowned. "Sweetness, I told you to stop spending your money on me."
"I will when you do the same." You poked his chest, "give me a minute, I've hidden it in my mattress." You left him to go to your quarters. He hadn't been in there, no men were allowed in really. It was the only room in the whole building that women had the power. Din stood awkwardly awaiting you, feeling uneasy already. He did not know how he'd survive again being away, and it would have to be a longer trip. He didn't know when he'd next see you and it made his stomach ache. Sometimes he took really shitty jobs to stay near your small town and other times he'd turn down high end jobs for the same reason. He knew he was an idiot but he couldn't help himself.
You came back quickly handing him a small bundle. It was a purple handkerchief tied together making a small pouch.
"I'm sorry I didn't have time to gift wrap." Your cheeks were hot.
"Sweetness, you could give me a toad and as long as it's wrapped in your underwear I would praise Jesus."
You rolled your eyes, "always making it lewd."
"You know what I meant." Yes, you did. He meant that anything you gave him was a gift and would be cherished. He went to pull at the knot and you squealed.
"Don't open it infront of me!"
"Why not?" His brows pulled, normally if you handed him a gift he could, you two usually didn't do gifts but when you did it was common to just open it. You both got giddy, like children.
You sighed, "Okay but if you don't like it please pretend you do."
He rolled his eyes before opening the handkerchief. Inside was a plain silver ring and a pair of spurs. The spurs had the same blue of your necklace and earring set he had previously gifted.
"Sweetness?" He looked up from the gift in shock. "Where did you get the money to buy these?"
"I'm good at saving." You chuckled, "I saw some spurs and thought if you're ever in a tough spot with someone it would be a handy trade and when I was in the shop I saw a few different rings and thought why not? You treat me like a queen, I wanna do the same."
"You deserve it." He placed a hand on your cheek and you leaned into the touch. It didn't matter that his hands were rough or smelled like gunpowder. "All the gifts and jewels and dresses and everything."
"I don't want all that, I just want you." You muttered the last part.
"I am coming back, I promise you." He held your other cheek with his other hand and kissed you slowly, savouring the taste.
Your hands found one elbow and then one hip, holding onto him as tightly as he held you. You pulled him closer, opening your mouth to deepen the kiss. He let out a small grunt and you a shaky breath, before he moaned loudly. "Hmmm, I have to go." He kissed you again. "I have to go." This time he spoke it quieter. You tried to pull away but his arms kept you where you were. "No, not yet."
His words confused you until you realised he wasn't talking to you but himself. He was trying to convince himself to leave. You had brought the child back up to the big room, no one was occupying it and it was easy to tell people not to disturb whilst Din was here. So when he came storming back in, checking if you were alright he hadn't let you go far or out of sight for too long. Now it seemed he was outright refusing to listen to logic. He was not going to leave; you knew it and so did he. A selfish part of you liked that he was staying, liked that he found it as hard as you did when you parted.
"Din," You uttered, looking up at the ceiling as he made his way leisurely down your neck. His mouth leaving a trail of kisses and marks. He was claiming you and you knew it. No patron was really meant to leave marks, it caused complications, you'd had this discussion before but ever since he seemed to do it more often, to prove to the world you were his and his alone.
He made his way back up to your lips and let out a content sigh before pulling back and taking you in. His eyes were dazed and his lips red, he must've liked what he saw because a goofy smile appeared on his face. "I've had an idea."
You raised a brow, "be careful, that's dangerous."
He kissed you again. "When I come back I'm gonna marry you."
You choked on nothing and blinked twice until the words sunk in. "Was-was that a proposal?"
"Well, we did exchange a ring earlier." He winked.
"Din, don't be playing with me, you know I can't-"
"I don't care." He interrupted you. "I know the Madame will hate me and I don't know how we'll work it, I don't know if it is the best idea I've had or the stupidest but I know I am coming back and I am marrying you. Well, that is, if you'll take me."
You were already in his arms but somehow jumped further into them, and he caught you, legs dangling. "Of course, I'll marry you, you idiot."
"Yeah?"
"Yes." You kissed his cheek because that's what you could reach. "I'm gonna be in so much trouble." You giggled.
"I'll handle everything." He promised. "I'll speak to the Madame, whatever money she'll claim is hers I'll give it."
"So you're buying a wife?" You joked, kissing him again. "There's worse ways to get a woman."
"I've had my eye on this one for a while now." He winked, leaning down to kiss you again.
Din did not leave until the early hours of the morning, he left after you had fallen asleep. It was as hard as he imagined leaving a warm bed with the love of his life soundly sleeping in his arms but he had a promise to fulfil. He would only marry you when it was safe to do so. The quicker he left the quicker he could return.