Chapter Text
The Mantis’ ramp dislodged with a slight hiss, revealing the sight of the Takodana spaceport. You glance back at Cal who is tinkering with his backpack, seemingly having a stuck zipper. You bounce over happily and wrap your arms around him from behind.
“Oh, Cal~~,” you lean over to look at what he’s working on, “I’m sure this can wait, I’ve read on the holonet that there’s a festival happening here this week. Plus, I’ve always wanted to swim in a lake!”
Cal pauses his work, craning his neck to look up at you and kiss your palm. “I know. I’ve just been trying to fix my pack so it can actually carry stuff. One of the latches is unfortunately stuck.”
“Aw, that’s okay, we have time. We’ll be here for a few days, right Greez?” You aim the question at the passerby Latero, who seems to be doing mind gymnastics of his own. He, however, nods back in confirmation. You turn back towards Cal, “I can go get us some street food meanwhile? I’m sure Greez also wants a break from cooking.”
Cal is looking back down at the pack, his face expressing a frustrated pout. He reminds you of a Loth-cat kitten. “Nah, it’s alright, we can go check out the markets together. I need a break from this anyway. Maybe I’ll find a new backpack there, too. I’ve been carrying this one since Bogano. Probably belonged to Cordova.” He shrugs.
You smile, already dreaming about the foreign cuisine you’ll get to try tonight. Plus, it’s been a while since you and Cal had some one-on-one time. While you love Merrin, you’re also hoping she would decide to pass on lake swimming and maybe channel her curiosity into exploring the local culture instead.
“Alright then, let me grab my credit pouch and a jacket. The sun’s almost set anyways, I think it will get cold based on what I read about the planet’s climate.” You announce, kissing Cal’s cheek before heading towards the engine room that you and Cal inhabit. Looking around, you spot one of Cal’s ponchos hanging on the makeshift wall hooks you once welded out of boredom. Smiling to yourself as you put it on, you next head for your wall storage - an improvised cupboard if you will, which originally served as panelling that Cal deemed inconsequential to the Mantis’ circuits.
Equipped with your credit pouch and Cal’s poncho, you head back into the common area, where Cal seems to have given up on the backpack for tonight. “I’m ready to go.”
“Okay, me too.” Cal mutters, standing up, casting a snarky look at the pack as the two of you exit the Mantis into the spaceport. He glances at you fondly, absent-mindedly smiling at seeing you wear his poncho.
Having navigated outside thanks to the signs around the port, you find yourself on a busy market street, offering a background ambience of music and chatter of the townsfolk. “Well, this place is lively.” Cal speaks, before seeming to perk up. “But something smells really good, so, let’s tackle that crowd, shall we?” He offers you his hand and the two of you set off to browse the various stalls.
Some time later, the two of you manage to find the source of the appealing smell. The vendor appears to be selling a variety of spiced buns, flatbreads, savory pastries and also drinks. “Hmm,” you hum thoughtfully as you examine the food on offer, “Dantooine peach and Myynar syrup smoothie? That sounds delicious. I’ll take one of those, please.” Your eyes wander over to the spiced buns, which seem to be the source of the pleasant smell. “Cal, I think this is what smelled so good. You wanna try some?” He nods, glancing over the skewers and flatbreads. “Alright, five of those buns, please. And… three skewers, plus, one of those big flatbreads.” You start counting out the credits while chatting with the vendor about the cuisine’s background.
“Thank you very much! I hope you enjoy the market!” The vendor says, pocketing the credits and handing the food, now neatly packed to Cal. “Shall we go back to the Mantis now?” You look towards Cal as you hold the drinks. “Yes, please. I’m starving.” He grins and the two of you link arms, navigating your way back to the spaceport.
Re-entering the Mantis, the two of you set your bounty down on the kitchen table. While Cal goes to round up the rest of the crew, you bring out the plates and glasses, giving everyone a generous and satiating serving. As you and the others chat happily over dinner, you wonder about the lake and can’t help but feel excited inside.
After enjoying a filling meal and having discussed seemingly everything, from engine wiring to Dathomir writings, you and Cal are laying in your shared bunk, ready to hit the hay. “Today was fun,” you turn to look at him with a soft smile, “We’ll get you a new pack, yeah? Then we can go swimming…” Cal smiles in response, pulling you closer and planting a kiss on your forehead. “Definitely. Can’t remember the last time I swam, probably on Ilum.” He shrugs, however his face speaks for itself. Peaceful and calm, content.
“Goodnight, I love you.” You press a kiss to his neck, settling down comfortably on his chest. “I love you too. Goodnight.” Smiling, the two of you drift off to sleep.
You can’t wait for tomorrow.