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You saw him once before he ever saw you.
Crouched on a ledge well above street level, you watched the crowds ebb and flow below. It was somehow even more crowded than usual, with the new year holiday only a week away. You were in the second-largest marketplace in one of the nicer (but still not nice) neighborhoods on Daiyu. The neon lights from the shops and stalls around you kept you hidden, out of sight behind a sign, almost camouflaged in your matte black clothing. You were alert, looking for someone, when you saw him out of the corner of your eye.
At first you thought it was just something shiny that caught your attention. You turned your head slightly to look closer and found yourself staring at the back of a shiny silver helmet. You blinked.
A Mandalorian?
You moved silently to the other side of your small ledge, trying to get a better look at him in the crowd. He turned slowly in a circle, obviously scanning the people around him. He didn’t look up at your ledge as you took him in. The neon lights around him reflected off of his extremely shiny armor, painting him in pinks and greens and blues. He was tall and broad, and you tilted your head as you watched him move smoothly through the crowd. You weren’t sure the people around him even noticed how quickly they moved out of his way.
He turned into an alleyway and you moved to follow him without any conscious decision to do so. You scaled the short ladder to your right, jogged lightly over the balcony on the third floor of the neighboring building, and turned the corner.
By the time you got there, he was gone.
Two nights later, you were walking slowly through the same market, a few streets over from where you first saw him, when you saw him again.
This time, you caught sight of him in the crowd in front of you. He was moving steadily forwards, helmet turning side to side as he searched the crowd around him again. You wondered who he might be looking for – it wasn’t uncommon for bounties to hide out on Daiyu, after all.
Your own target would be occupied for at least the next few hours. Without examining the impulse too closely, you shifted your focus to the shiny Mandalorian and started to follow him through the crowd.
He took his time, you noticed. His steps were unhurried and his scan was thorough. As he led you closer to the eastern edge of the market, you wondered if he even knew where he was headed.
Daiyu was essentially one big city, but the levels and neighborhoods were often so different from each other that it was like being in many different cities at once. The eastern edge of this market followed a remnant of the planet’s original topography – a river ran along the surface, far, far below where you were now. But the tall, many-storied industrial zone that sat atop the river interrupted the city streets.
That is, unless you knew how to get through it.
As the Mandalorian approached what basically seemed like a dead-end, you turned and scaled one of the balconies to your right. You settled in about 3 meters back and 4 meters above his head, crouched in a shadow, wondering what he might do next.
He looked to either side, seeming to take in the way the buildings stopped just before the wall, leaving a tiny path along its face.
And then, to your surprise, he turned and looked straight up at you. You masked your reaction and raised one eyebrow. “Lost, Mando?”
He tilted his head, and the deep voice that came out of the helmet made you shiver. “What makes you say that?”
You shrugged. “Well, you hit a dead end. Where are you headed?”
For a long moment, he just looked at you. You wondered what he saw. Then he shifted his weight. “It was you. The other night in the market.”
You blinked. “Me?”
“Following me.” You scoffed, but he stepped back to scan you up and down. “Looking for me?”
There was an edge to his voice, and you heard the potential threat underlying the question. You laughed. “Mando, it’s not my fault you’re shiny. How do you sneak anywhere, when you light up like that?” You gestured at his armor, which was still reflecting the neon lights hanging everywhere along the street.
He didn’t answer your question. “Then why follow me? Again?”
“What, a girl can’t be curious?” You sighed. “My stakeout got a little boring. And you really are very shiny, you know.”
He stared at you, but you noticed some of the tension leave his shoulders. “Go back to your stakeout.”
You stood on the balcony as he turned back towards the wall. “You can’t get through that way.” He looked over his shoulder at you and seemed surprised to find you standing. You dropped down from the balcony as he watched. “You need to go about 10 minutes south,” you pointed to the right, “that entrance is usually less well guarded.”
“You seem to know a lot about it.”
You shrugged. “Local,” you said, gesturing at yourself. You wondered if he would ask for help, but he started to walk away from you.
Just before he turned the corner, he looked back again. “Thanks.”
Before you could say anything in response, he was gone.
To your surprise, you didn’t have to wait long to see the mysterious Mandalorian again.
The next night you were loitering outside of a bar (technically, you were sitting and having a drink at the stall across the street, completely blending in with your surroundings), tracking your target inside, when a familiar shiny reflection caught your eye.
He was lit up in orange and purple, this time, and he was walking straight towards you.
“Mando,” you greeted when he stopped next to your table. “Still on the hunt?”
“As are you.” His voice was even, but it was an interesting observation. You wondered if he was as intrigued by you as you were by him.
You gestured at the bar across the street, which had a line down the block of people waiting to get in. “On another stakeout.”
He tilted his head and shifted his weight. “Who are you?”
You smiled. “Figured out I’m not a bounty hunter?” When he didn’t answer, you continued, “a bit of a freelancer. I find people. Information. Not like you, though.”
He seemed to think about that for a moment before nodding. “Alright. Thanks for the tip, about the factory.”
“Anytime.”
For a moment you both said nothing as you looked at each other, but you seemed to gather your courage at the same time.
“Mando, d’you–”
“I should–”
You both stopped, and you laughed. “Do you want a drink?”
He shook his head and stook a step back. “I should go.” Before you could respond, he turned and started down the street. You wanted to call after him, but your target surprised you by slipping out of the door across the street before you could think of what to say. You turned your attention back to your job and tried to put your mysterious, shiny Mandalorian out of your mind.
You didn’t see him for a couple of days, and as you wrapped up your own case, you figured he must have located his bounty. You put together the data packet for your client and tried not to dwell on the fact that he was probably off planet, already.
You don’t even know his name.
Sighing, you stood from your desk in your tiny office and decided to treat yourself to your favorite cheap street food, from the stall that was kind of out of the way but always so good. You locked up and headed out.
You weren’t sure why the Mandalorian seemed to fill your thoughts, but you found yourself thinking about him again the entire walk to your dinner. He was obviously fit – those shoulders - but that didn’t change the fact that he was a bounty hunter you barely knew. You didn’t really know him at all.
As you joined the line at the stall, you resolved to put him out of your mind.
Of course, right at that moment you felt a presence fall into step with you. You smiled as you looked to your right, already knowing what you would find.
“Mando,” you greeted, crossing your arms. “Figured you’d be gone by now.”
He made a little huffing noise, and you wondered if you’d just made him laugh.
“Still here.” You moved forward in line and he moved with you. “I…” he trailed off, and you noticed the tension in his arms. Was he nervous? “I could use your help.”
Your eyebrows flew upwards and you knew your shock was written all over your face. “Me? I’m not a bounty hunter.”
He shook his head. “I know. But you’re good. And you know this place.” He gestured at the city around you. “He keeps slipping through my fingers, he clearly knows his way around.”
You took a moment to study him. You wanted to say yes and jump right in, but you reminded yourself you still didn’t know this man. No matter how interesting he seemed. “Alright, Mando. Buy me dinner and we’ll talk.” He tensed, but you smiled. “Don’t worry, Mando. Wait ‘til you see the prices.”
He did, in fact, seem relieved when he saw how cheap the stall was. There was a reason it was so popular.
Dinner in hand, though he refused to get something for himself, you led him around the corner and upwards until you were perched on a half-roof that jutted out from where two buildings had been combined in some sort of wonky construction merger that left just part of the original roof alone. You knew there was no roof access from the inside, so it was a great place to sit if you knew how to get to it otherwise. It was even partially hidden by a large advertisement. He followed, scaling the wall behind you effortlessly.
“Alright,” you said, once you and the Mandalorian had settled into your new surroundings. “What’s the problem?”
He retrieved a bounty puck from a pouch at his waist and turned it on. You noticed how big his hands were in comparison with the puck, but brushed the thought aside. “Bounty’s local – a Twi’lek named Lidar Tas. He knows this place too well, knows just where to hide.”
You nodded. You’d heard of Tas and his gang of mudscuffers. “Never met him, but, well. His name is pretty well-known.”
He nodded. “I’ve heard people talking about him, been chasing him for almost two weeks. Almost had him in the factory, but I swear he went into one of the water chutes on purpose.”
The Mandalorian sounded incredulous, and you couldn’t help but smile. “He probably did. Some of them are kept empty, but you wouldn’t know the schedule or which ones without an in at the factory. Or a local. It’s still dangerous but I can see why he’d go for it, running from you.”
He sighed. “Yeah, I figured. Couldn’t even tell which one he went into, though.”
You hummed sympathetically. “Any idea where he’s going next?”
He nodded, and put away the puck. “He’ll be over in the western market again, for the festival. I was hoping you could help me prepare for whatever escape routes he might take.”
You tilted your head, unable to hold back your question any longer. “Why me?”
He turned toward you slightly. “I can tell you know what you’re doing. That first night, I knew someone was tailing me, but I couldn’t find you. And you clearly know your way around.”
You smiled again, a bit flattered. “Really? Just from that?”
“I know real skill when I see it.”
“Alright,” you agreed. “Well, then how do you feel about having a second set of eyes?”
He stiffened. “I can’t–”
But you were already shaking your head. “No payment necessary, Mando. I’m happy to help.”
He moved his head in such a way that you thought he might be frowning. “No, I can pay you a fair share of the bounty. I don’t want to put you in danger.”
You scoffed. “Which one of us knows this place? I’ll be fine. People are used to seeing me, the locals won’t even blink if they do. I promise.” He hesitated, and you smiled again. “Come on, Mando. It’ll be fun.”
He made that small huffing noise again, and you were certain this time it was a laugh. You grinned.
“Alright, but if I tell you to back off, promise you’ll do it? I don’t want you hurt.”
You nodded. That seemed fair, even though you knew you could take care of yourself. In agreement, you settled in to plan.
The next night you resolutely ignored the fact that you were putting on the black pants that made your ass look amazing. And the jacket that you knew made you look cool and tough (according to your friends).
You met up with the Mandalorian well away from the market, and found him leaning against the corner of a repair shop. You smiled, knowing he was trying to be inconspicuous, but he couldn’t hide from the neon lights and the way they reflected off of his armor.
“You know, he probably saw you coming,” you said, gesturing at his armor.
He sighed. “He did, early on. Tipped him off.”
“You’re just too shiny, Mando.” You laughed and you swore he must have rolled his eyes at you.
His helmet tilted as he looked you up and down, and you ignored the heat that rose in your face. “It’s impressive, you know. That you can hide around here as well as you do.”
You shrugged. “The secret is to only wear black, obviously.” You smiled. “Should we get started?” You both knew the plan, and you knew where you’d be as a lookout. He nodded and turned to walk towards the festival.
“Hey, Mando, wait,” you said. He stopped and turned to look at you. “I just realized, I never told you my name.”
He turned back towards you and regarded you silently for a moment. “I won’t tell you mine.”
This didn’t surprise you. “That’s alright. I can keep calling you Mando.” You told him your name and did not fidget.
He nodded, once, and repeated it. You tried to hide the way you shivered at the sound. “Let’s go.”
You split up as you headed to the market, and soon enough you were in one of your normal perches – a balcony well hidden by a neon sign. It gave you a good vantage point without being too bright, at least from the back. The colors and flashing lights also obscured the fact that you were lurking behind them.
“In position,” Mando murmured over your comm. You’d dug up an old ear piece so you didn’t have to fidget with anything. You realized suddenly that maybe this wasn’t the best choice. HIs voice was deep and gravely and it felt like he was right next to you, speaking lowly into your ear. “No sign yet.”
You shook yourself lightly and cleared your throat. “Nothing here.”
You were both silent for a moment. You forced yourself to scan the crowded street below and do your job.
“Target spotted, moving north past the theater,” his low voice murmured in your ear. You shivered as you turned left to look. Sure enough, Tas was walking with a small group past the theater. He looked strangely carefree for someone who knew he was being hunted by a Mandalorian. Maybe he thought the hunter had given up?
“I see him,” you replied. “He’ll pass me soon.”
The Mandalorian was further up the road to your right, staying out of sight (and away from the neon lights). You knew he had to be using some sort of fancy equipment to spot Tas from so far away.
Tas and his group stopped, suddenly, and you realized where they were going before they turned. “Mando, Tas must be doing a deal tonight. He’s going inside the casino, just him and one of his lackeys.”
The casino was decorated for the holiday with even brighter lights than normal. The facade was almost obscured by the number of moving lights and shapes. You knew people like Tas used it to do business rather than gamble. Though maybe they did both – you wouldn’t know, as you’d never been inside.
“I’m heading your way,” he replied, and you could hear the crowd on the street in the background. “Do you know where they’d go?”
You shook your head, even though he couldn’t see you. “I’ve never been inside. Kriff, I’m sorry, Mando. I just know there’s a back door down the alley, I’ve had to watch it before.”
For a moment the Mandalorian didn’t respond, and you felt your own disappointment start to roil in your gut. But then he surprised you.
“I don’t want to ask this of you.” His voice was low and apologetic. “I can’t go inside, they’ve seen me. Do you think you can without attracting notice? If it’s too dangerous, tell me.”
You hesitated, thinking about it. There were people streaming in and out of the casino – it was probably crowded for the festival. It should be easy to hide inside, with all those people.
You’d been silent too long, you realized, when the Mandalorian started to say your name.
“I can do it,” you cut him off. “It’s way more crowded than usual, with all the people here for the festival. No one’ll look twice at me.” You looked down at your outfit and nodded. It could pass, you thought.
He said your name again. “Only if you’re sure you can stay under the radar. I don’t want–”
But you were already moving. You dropped down into an alley a block over and made your way back to the casino. “I’ll be ok, Mando. I’ll check in soon.”
“Be careful. Don’t take any risks.” You tried not to read into the emotion you could hear in his voice.
It was too late for you to respond as you stepped up to the door. The Bothan working the door looked you up and down and then waved you in, looking bored.
You took a deep breath as you stepped inside.
It was about what you’d expected. Not quite seedy, but not exactly opulent. Everything was lit up in lurid red and purple lights. It was decorated for the festival but that didn’t hide the fact that overall, the place had seen better days. You scanned the room as you walked and headed towards the bar along the south wall.
When you ordered a drink, you let the Mandalorian hear it over the comm. You settled in at the bar and thanked whoever designed the tacky interior for all the mirrors they’d installed above the bar. You scanned the room slowly. There were tables for every gambling game you could name and many you couldn’t. Your eyes caught on a door in the back corner, hidden in shadow. Tas’s lackey was hoving right outside of it.
You let your gaze keep wandering across the mirrors as you brought your drink to your mouth. “Northeast corner. Guy outside the door,” you murmured, barely moving your mouth. You heard a sharp intake of breath.
“The side door?” he sounded out of breath, and you wondered what he was up to.
“Think so,” you agreed, taking another sip. “Right spot.”
“Stay there,” he said, voice firm. “I’m going in.”
You didn’t respond, afraid to distract him. Your mind played you images of the Mandalorian bursting into a room and being outnumbered, and you took a deep breath. He knows what he’s doing. You kept an eye on the door.
The next few minutes were excruciating. You waited, straining to hear anything, but unable to, over the crowd and the ringing of the games.
You didn’t hear anything, but you noticed when the lackey outside the door went suddenly tense. You watched as he turned towards the door and without hesitation, you got up and moved to follow.
The room seemed much larger when you turned, ready to cross it towards the door. There were people in your way, people you had to shove past, and by the time you shouldered and elbowed your way to the other side of the floor the lackey was gone and the door was shut. You eyed it, wondering if you should go through.
The unmistakable sound of a blaster made the decision for you.
Before you realized you were moving, your hand was on the door and you were yanking it open. You were surprised to find a hallway, rather than a room, but there was only one door at the other end. You ran to it.
You took a deep breath instead of barreling through the second door. You pressed your ear to it, but you didn’t hear anything inside. Easing it open, you found a room full of storage shelves. You heard rustling towards the back.
Stepping softly, you started to edge around the first shelf. You looked down the row and your heart started racing.
The Mandalorian was at the far end of the room, tying the hands of Lidar Tas. He was surrounded by bodies, all clearly down, except for one man sneaking out from between two shelves about halfway between you and Mando. It was the lackey who had been outside the door.
You froze, but only for a moment.
When the man turned and silently lifted his blaster, you were already there, tackling him to the ground. You knocked the blaster away before he even realized what was happening. By the time you’d knocked him out and looked up at Mando, he was already looking at you.
You grinned. “Fancy meeting you here.”
He laughed. You could tell, even though you couldn’t hear it.
“You’re alright?” he asked, and you felt your face heat, though you weren’t sure why.
You nodded. “Just fine. Came when I saw him move, and then heard the blasters.”
He stood and tugged Tas up, throwing the unconscious Twi’lek over his shoulder. You were a bit taken aback at his strength. “I need to get him to my ship. Could you, well. It would be easier if I could get there without going through the crowds.”
“I can help with that.” You smiled as you walked past him to the back door. “Come on, Mando. Where’s your ship?”
You heard a blaster fire, and whirled around. The Mandalorian was already putting his blaster back in its holster, and you realized he’d just shot the man you knocked out. “Mando?” You weren’t exactly sad to see one of Tas’ men dead, but you were a bit surprised.
“He might have seen you,” he said. “I told you, I won’t put you in danger.”
You looked down, trying not to see that as sweet.
“Alright. Come on, Mando.”
Your trip to the shipyard was surprisingly uneventful. Once you arrived, you weren’t sure what to do, so you followed him up the ramp of his ship and watched as he put Tas in carbonite.
You realized, suddenly, that he was going to leave. The disappointment you felt at the realization seemed hugely out of proportion with the short time you’d known him, and yet… your stomach sank, and you bit your lip.
You didn’t want him to go.
He turned from the freezer, and you could see it in the angle of his shoulders. He was about to say goodbye. So you spoke before he could.
“Well, Mando,” you said, aiming for a lighter tone and missing by a mile, “you sure you have to go? It’s been fun, having you around.”
He shifted his weight. “I have to turn him in.” He sounded reluctant, and you felt something like excitement start to build in your chest. Maybe he didn’t want to go yet.
“Of course,” you agreed. “But, you know, it is a holiday. If you wanted to stick around for another night.” You tried not to fidget as you looked at him. He didn’t respond, and as his silence started to stretch, the excitement started to turn to embarrassment.
You sucked in a sharp breath and started to turn away. “I’ll just–”
Before you could even take a step, there was a gloved hand on your arm. A large, warm hand. You shivered.
“One more night?” he murmured, and you felt him step up behind you. The warmth of his body made you want to lean back into him. He squeezed your arm.
“Yes,” you said, and you were surprised at how breathy your voice sounded.
He stepped even closer, somehow, and his armor brushed your back. You felt him lean towards you and when he spoke, it was like he was whispering in your ear. “With you?” His voice was deep, so deep.
“Yes,” you said again.
His helmet came to rest against the side of your head and his free arm slipped around your waist. “The helmet stays on.”
You sighed and leaned back into him. You nodded. “Alright.”
“Then lead the way, mesh’la.”
You grinned and reached down to lace your fingers together.
Three months later your comm pinged while you were on a stakeout. When you looked at the message, you couldn’t help but smile.
Heading your way for a hunt. You in?