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Chapter Text

Leia hates the parties she has to attend for the New Republic. Except for its occasional uses to convince stubborn leaders, it was a waste of time and resources. She could find far better things to do than smile at pompous old men and women. She missed Han in these times. He would have made it interesting. But he was banned to all the official dinners, since The Incident. Yes, it is The Incident. No, they will not talk about it.

Right now, she needed to get out of there, before she lost control of the force. It had been a long day with the negotiations with Mandalore. It was a success. As much as forming a treaty with a warrior nation which was building itself back from the ruin could be. Fortunately for her the new leader of Mandalore was not as bloodthirsty as they all imagined. She still got a headache. The man and his advisors were stubborn. So was she. It had been some long few days.

That balcony which opened to the gardens looked very appealing to her right now. 

"If you'll excuse me," she interrupted the representative who was chatting her ear off and marched towards the balcony. The displeasure in her face must have been evident. No one came between her and her destination.

Her happiness to breathe the fresh air came to a halt when she found the balcony occupied. It was the Mand'alor. None of his guards were around. She walked to his side. 

"Couldn't stand them either?" 

If he was surprised, he did not show it. He tilted his head and nodded.

"I needed some air," he said.

"They can be overwhelming."

"Yes."

It was great to know she was not the only one tired of everything that day. 

The Mand'alor was a quiet man. She was glad for it. They stared at the stars for sometime, until she remembered the question she had wanted to ask him since she met him.

"Why are you called Mand'alor, the Reluctant?" For someone who was called Reluctant, it was evident he cared a lot. He floundered here and there. But he listened to his advisors without any ego. That was not true for more than half of the leaders she had met.

He sighs.

"I did not want to be the Mand'alor. It was an accident."  

"How do you become the leader of a planet by accident?" She controlled herself from raising her voice. This was interesting.

"Do you know how the Mand'alor is chosen?" His right hand went to his side. It was out of sight. But she knew the significance. 

"The Darksaber," she answered. The unconventional methods of his people had made her wary of their meeting. She expected some power hungry tyrant who would not listen to reason. Instead she got him.

The Mand'alor leaned onto the railing, looking up at the stars.

 "I was protecting my son. I didn't know what it meant at that time. All I cared about was his safety."

"Ah. Family is important." She would pity anyone who tries to hurt her little Ben. "Is he back home with you now?"

Grief from the man hit her like a wave through the force. It took her breath away. It was the first time she felt such a strong emotion from him. He had been so calm and collected during his whole stay. 

"He is not with me anymore." She almost didn't hear him.

'Oh, he lost his child.' 

 She wanted to get back to her family. Hug her Ben and never let him go. Death of a child was a terrible thing. Her respect for him shot up. To govern a planet while dealing with loss was hard. She understood. This is a distraction for him, to numb the pain. She understood. She had done the same after losing everything.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."

"You didn't. I will never regret any memory with him, " he said. She felt a rush of affection towards the stranger in beskar. She did not know his name or face. But she had a feeling they could be friends. One she might even trust in the future.

"Tell me about him?"

He turned his head to stare at her. 

Words flowed out like a broken dam. The antics of a toddler described with melancholy and love. Of days spent in a ship which was a home. It was evident this was the first he talked about his loss.

She shared her memories too, about Ben and Han. About how she would not want to part from her son. 

She knew, in the brief time she spent with him, she had an ally. Someone who cared as deeply as herself. Even when he could not see his potential himself.

The Mand'alor was calm when he left. He had made peace with something. She could feel his determination.

"Thank you, Senator," he said as he moved to the doors.

"Why?"

"For reminding me who is important to me."

"You can repay me by giving me a comlink for the unofficial business." She grinned.

"I'll think about it," he said and walked away. She likes to think he was smiling behind the helmet.

Leia stayed there for a while soaking in the peace. She should check on Luke and Grogu. She missed her brother. The Mand'alor's stories reminded her of that green terror. Forever in a quest for food.

 She still remembers that call.

"This is my student, Grogu."

"Why do I feel like you did something wrong?"

"Well…"

"Luke? What did you do?"

"I forgot to give the father my address?"

"You kidnapped a child?"

"I didn't mean to. I was distracted and the father gave me the child"

"Distracted?"

"There were dark troopers?"

"We are coming back to that topic later. Give me all the information you have about the father. I will find him for you."

"Don't worry about that. Grogu is quite confident that his father will find him."

"You believe a toddler?"

"Hey, he's fifty."

"Pardon me, you believe a fifty year old toddler?"

"His dad is a Mandalorian bounty hunter. A really good one. I'm sure he will find us somehow."

"A Mandalorian…?"

"Luke."

"Yes, Leia."

"You don't know anything about him, don't you?"

"No."

Brothers are exhausting.

They did not follow up on their search for Grogu's father. The child was adamant that his father will find him when it's time. They didn't have much to go on anyway. All they had was just "Mando" which was given to the officials when they processed Moff Gideon. She cursed the chaos in the Outer rim. So she was forced to trust the intuition of a cute green child who has an unhealthy addiction to frogs 

It has been almost two years. Grogu hasn't given up on seeing his 'buir' again. The joy of experiencing the blind trust of a child. She needed to get back home.

She decided to ask about any Mandalorian missing a green child the next time she saw the Mand'alor. 

Not today, because "My brother accidentally kidnapped a child of one of your people and we need to contact him", won't be a good first impression.

The next day, she got the comlink details along with a note.

' For the unofficial business.'

She grinned. 

She just knew it was the beginning of a long lasting friendship.

One week later, a message from Luke was waiting for her.

"Grogu was right. His father found us."

Chapter Text

"What do you mean he found you?" Leia frowned at the holo of her grinning idiotic brother.

"He found us."

She glared. 

"How exactly did he find you?"

"He is a bounty hunter. He said he had 'connections'."

"Did he elaborate on the 'connections'?"

"No," Luke shrugged.

"And you are okay with a Mandalorian bounty hunter finding out your location with ease?"

"It's Grogu's dad. We can trust him. He won't do anything to put his son in danger."

Her twin was too trusting for his own good.

"What about his connections ?"

"He told me he made sure no one else would find the school."

"You just believed him?"

"It will be fine, Leia. It's Grogu's dad. You should see all the outrageous memories of him, Grogu shared with me."

"That is not reassuring."

"Trust me on this. I know what I'm doing. The man is a softie inside that armour," Luke said. She has not seen him this excited for a while.

"Tell him if he hurts you or the kids, your sister has 'connections' well. Specifically, his king."

"I'm not going to tell him that."

"Where is the fun in that?"

"I'm not going to scare him away when he comes next week by threatening him. He is the parent of my student," he said.

"Next week? A bounty hunter has the time to visit you so often?"

"He has a more stable job now, apparently. In Mandalore."

"Be careful." She sighed. He is as stubborn as her at times.

"Everything will be fine. Now tell me how you know the Mandalorian king."

"How do you think? A peace treaty. He is a good man."

"So is my Mando. You have to see Grogu's memories."

"This is not a competition, Luke," she raised her eyebrows, "Really, your Mando?"

"That's not what I meant," he yelled.

"If you say so."

"Leia."

"Luke." She laughed.

"I should go, the kids have been silent for too long. Give Ben and Han a hug from me."

"Don't change the subject."

"Time to go," he said, flustered and disappeared.

She leaned back to her sofa. She will get him next time.

"Which asshole died?" Han asked as he strolled in.

"No one."

"Are you sure? I know that look. It means you're planning trouble." He said and flopped down next to her. She moved closer to him, resting her head on his shoulders. 

"Luke has a crush," she said.

"Ha," he laughed, " wait, really? He told you that?"

"No. But I can see it. I'm his sister."

"Who is the unlucky soul who is going to be threatened by Senator Leia Organa in the future?" Han hugged her from the side, smirking.

"It's Grogu's father."

"Grogu's father, the Mandalorian? The one you guys were searching for?" He screeched.

"Yes."

"You found him?"

"No. He found Luke."

"Are they safe? Should we find a babysitter?"

"Luke says he is harmless."

"A Mandalorian? Harmless? Does the kid have a death wish?" he shrieked.

"He trusts him. Luke can handle himself. It will be fine. I will intervene if it isn't." She would. He might be a Jedi. He is still her brother. She would protect him whenever she could.

"Why is my life filled with Mandos all of a sudden? First, you and the Mando king. Now Luke and the green demon's father."

"Is my husband jealous?" she teased.

"I would never. I know I'm better than any Mandos in your life." He denied and hugged her tightly.

"Whatever you say, my dear," she said and closed her eyes, enjoying his warmth. Sleep would be nice. She was tired and he was safe, always. 

"I don't want him to be hurt," he said, softly, "he deserves to be happy."

"Hm hm."

"Princess, did you sleep on me, again?"

She did not reply. He made himself more comfortable. Ben was sleeping for once. He should use the precious time to sleep. So he did. He might have dreamt of a Mandalorian in beskar with long green ears through the helmet saying, 'Seep, you must'.

He chalked it up to listening to Luke's stories a bit too much. But he decided to ask Luke if the Mando had long green ears like Grogu. Just to be sure.

Chapter Text

Leia's first call from the Mand'alor went something like this.

"Hello, Mand'alor. How can I help you?"

"Are you the Huttslayer?"

"The what?"

"Did you kill Jabba the Hutt?"

"Yes?"

"Oh."

"Mand'alor?"

"My respect for you has increased, Huttslayer." He bowed and cut off.

'That was weird.'

 She went back to work. It was the first of many calls between them. 

"Leia, are all Mandalorians good with kids?" Luke asked her when she took his holo.

"How are you, Leia, my beloved twin? Are you alright? How is my nephew? No. He asks me if Mandalorians are good with kids." She rolled her eyes.

"Leia."

"What did your Mando do now?"

"The kids flock to him, not only Grogu. It's fascinating. He takes care of all of them just like he does with Grogu. They listen to him more than they do with me. It's so sweet and annoying. Leia, stop calling him my Mando." 

"I have my own Mandalorian friend. I need to differentiate. One of these days you should realise you like him."

"I don't like him."

"Luke, you talk about him all the time."

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do."

"No."

"Yes."

"Is your Mando good with kids then?" Luke changed the subject.

"He is." She remembers all the stories he told her about his foundling and she grieves for her friend. No parent should lose a child. Let alone that gentle soul. "Mandalorian culture gives utmost importance to children. They will protect children with their lives."

"I know. I have heard, Foundlings are the future, enough times," Luke imitated a  harsh voice. 

"Your Mando says that too? One of these days we should compare notes."

"We should," he smiled. Luke smiled more now. She was thankful to a stranger for showing him he doesn't have to be alone.

"So, when can I meet your crush?" 

"He is not my crush. With how ridiculous you are being about him, I'm never letting you two meet. I don't need the Force to know that you will team up and torment me together," he huffed.

"Who? Me? I am hurt," she faked sadness.

"Leia, I know you," he deadpanned.

It was amazing to have a brother. She was thankful they found each other after all those years. She listened to him as he half heartedly went back to complaining about his Mandalorian.

"Is this really necessary?" The Mand'alor asked her from the side. The session had become tiring, various Senate members arguing the same topic in a loop.

"No. They just enjoy tossing veiled insults at each other before getting anything done," said Leia.

"It is annoying."

"Sometimes, yes. I usually enjoy it. Today, not so much."

"My council is far more peaceful than this and almost all of them are Mandalorians. I have negotiated with Tusken raiders and they were more amicable." He was staring intensely at the representative who was speaking. They were talking about the remnants of the Empire in the Outer Rim. 

"You have people who are not Mandalorians in your council?" 

"They are friends who are almost Clan. I trust them."

"See, I told you. You are different. What was it about Tusken raiders?" She was curious. Luke had told her about them. They did not sound friendly.

"It was for a job. It was easy."

"Easy? From what I know they are very hostile," she whispered to him. They did not want to be caught like children for talking. Not that anyone could hear them with all the yelling around them. Neither did she care.

"How do you know about the sand people?" he asked, tilting his head.

"My brother has been in Tatooine."

"You have a brother?"

"Yes. You two should meet one day. You will get along."

"Maybe one day."

Leia resisted the temptation to enquire about any Mandalorians who had a green child to her friend. She would not give away Luke's or his students' information just to satisfy her curiosity. Grogu had the Empire after him. She will not put them in more danger. Not even by accident. She will only ask if Grogu's father ever became a threat to her family.

"The Tuskens, Mand'alor."

"The villagers needed help. I made a deal and they worked together. Simple," he said, absently.

"Simple. And you keep denying you are fit to lead."

He chose to ignore the compliment as usual and didn't reply. They observed the madness together. It was a relief to have a kindred spirit during these sessions. He wasn't there everyday, but it was fun when he was convinced to come. He made terrible jokes that made her wonder if fatherhood made all men think they are comic geniuses. Then there were her colleagues who got intimidated by the beskar and kept their distance because of their prejudice. It amused her when they stumbled around him.

"Remind me why I am here again?" he muttered.

"It would be better for our treaty if they saw you in the Core once in a while."

"I hate this place."

"I know."

"Why can't they be straightforward?"

"They are politicians. It's their job."

"I hate politicians."

"Even me?" she joked.

"Not you. You are a friend." She sensed his honesty. She wished they could get out of there to give him a hug.

"You are mine too," she said instead and beamed.

Chapter Text

"She cancelled on us," Han said, disappointed. He was looking forward to the break. 

"Come on, Han. We will find another babysitter. I am having that date tonight," Leia said, clearly frustrated.

"If you can manifest one from space, I would be grateful. All of them are busy."

"Not from space. No." She brought her hands to her chin.

"Leia, what are you planning?" Han asked, holding their sleeping son.

"There is someone." She brightened. She was scheming.

Han groaned.

"Go on, then."

"You can trust him," she stood up, kissed his cheek and walked out.

"Him?"  Han only knew one person who was currently on the planet and was relatively less busy. "Wait a minute. Leia, you can't ask the king of Mandos to babysit our son." He followed her.

"Don't worry, honey, he will be alright. I trust him," she chuckled.

"You and your brother are crazy."

"I know," she said. She had that glint in her eyes and he knew it would be impossible to stop her.

And that was how Han was staring at the beskar-clad Mandalorian sitting in front of him.

They stared at each other in silence while Leia was getting ready. This was awkward. 

"Ahem, you are a King?" 

"Yes."

"Leia never told me your name. What is it again?"

"You can call me Mando."

"Okay, King Mando. I'm Han." He fidgeted under the scrutiny of the helmet. Mando had been observing him ever since he arrived. It was driving him mad. How did Leia and Luke maintain friendships with Mandos? Must be Skywalker recklessness.

"Han." Mando paused, "As in Solo?"

Why was Leia taking so long? 

"Yes. Heard of me?" He grinned.

"So many would give a high price for your head."

"I'm flattered. Should I be worried about the Mand'alor coming after me?"

"Not worth the work. There are better bounties," Mando replied.

"Excuse me?" King or not, the Mando could not insult him like that.

Mando just shrugged, ignoring his outrage.

They did not speak afterwards.

Thankfully, Leia came out with an awake Ben before Han lost his self control and started an intergalactic war.

She gave Ben to Mando without any fuss. Han was surprised to see him handle their son with a softness that had been not evident till now. Ben giggled at his own reflection as he was held by the Mandalorian. The traitor. He was almost jealous. But Han needed the time with his wife. So Mandalorians who were miraculously good with children it was.

"Be good for Uncle Mando, Ben," he said to his son. He cherished the surprised head tilt he got from Mando on hearing Uncle. He smirked and waved at his son. His son just shrieked incomprehensive words at him and Leia.

"You know what to do?" Leia asked Mando for the hundredth time.

"I know, Leia. I will take good care of him." Sincerity bled through the modulator. Han had no doubt Ben was the safest he could be away from him, Leia or Luke. Maybe they should call Mando more for babysitting. He would be so much better for Han's peace of mind compared to the usual ones. This is why he usually listened to Leia. She was the twin with the brains.

It was silent when they returned. Leia was almost concerned. Then Han came back from the living room and shushed her, gesturing at her to follow. 

There they were, her son snuggled in the chest of one of the most fearsome warriors in the galaxy with his cape around his tiny body keeping him warm. She felt a bout of affection towards her friend who had lost so much and still found kindness in his heart. They were forcing him to babysit again. She should talk to Han about it.

A small sound made her turn to her husband. Han was holding a cam grinning. 

"I thought you would want pictures of Ben with Uncle Mando," he whispered.

She stared at him in disbelief.

"I see most of your holos with him. You practically adopted him as your new brother. I know he is here to stay."

She stifled a giggle and hugged her husband. "I love you," she murmured.

"I love you too."

Han got a blaster pointed at his face when he moved to take Ben from the Mand'alor. 

"Woah, King Mando. It's us," he said, raising his hands. The Mand'alor gazed at him for a few moments. He put back the blaster. He looked down and slowly cradled Ben in his arms and held him out to Han. She sensed the sadness in him again. It made her more determined to invite him again. Han nodded at him and took Ben to the room. Leaving them alone.

Leia could hear the creaks from his armour as the  Mand'alor sat upright on the sofa. He stretched.

"I hope he didn't give you too much trouble," she asked.

"He was an angel compared to mine," he replied.

Again a tinge of sorrow through the Force. She was relieved that it was less than before. But it was still there. 

"Thank you, Mand'alor."

"Din."

"What?"

"My name. It is Din Djarin."

She knew the significance of the name. She beamed at him, delighted.

"Thank you, Din Djarin," she said with reverence.

Both of them knew the real reason for her words.

Chapter Text

"Would your Mand'alor mind if I kidnap one of his subjects?" Luke greeted her through the holo.

"Don't kidnap another Mandalorian, Luke," she said without looking up from her work.

"I have never kidnapped a Mandalorian in my life."

"You kidnapped Grogu."

"I did not. He wanted to come with me," Luke defended himself.

"I dare you to say that to Grogu's heartbroken father, who thought he would never see his son again, for two years because the old Jedi had attachment issues and you have an attention issue," she said. She looked at him and narrowed her eyes.

"I get distracted one time," he lamented.

"You made a parent think they had lost their child. I will never let you forget it."

"You have a point," he agreed.

"Don't I always."

"I'm keeping my Mando though."

"Luke, don't start a war."

"He's like a beacon for Force sensitivities. Do you know how many new students he has found for me so far? Three. Leia, three. That's not including Grogu. I couldn't find this many in such a short time. I know he will adopt them all if he is given a chance. I can see it now. All the small Mandalorians in training. It's so cute. The worst part is, I might not even stop him."

She controlled herself from laughing. It seems like kids were a Mandalorian weakness and Mandalorians with kids were her brother's weakness.

"How does he keep finding them?" She was curious. 

"He said he is part of a team hunting down Imperial hideouts." Now it made sense.

"Ah. The Mand'alor is very adamant in wiping out Empire remnants. He must be part of one of the teams. Your Mando must be very skilled," she said remembering Din being angry about the children they kept discovering.

"He is. The stories Grogu shows me make me doubt his sanity. There is this one time he killed a krayt dragon," he got animated. Leia was thinking about something else.

"How come they give the force sensitive ones to him? Did he tell others about you?" Maybe she should hunt the Mando down after all.

"No. He said our location was safe."

"Are you sure, Luke?"

"He said his friends knew his kid went to magic school."

"Magic school?" She snorted.

"His knowledge about the Jedi is like my knowledge about Mandalorians."

"So, nothing?"

"Yes," he said without any pause. He knew his limits.

"Why does it feel like your relationship is going to give me headaches?"

"It's not a relationship. I don't have a crush, Leia," he protested.

"Yeah. Right. You don't," she winked.

"Leia."

She did not want to hear his denials one more time. 

"What is a krayt dragon?"

"You don't know what it is?"

"No."

"Oh." He blinks. "I thought you knew everything."

She smiled warmly at him. 

"Sorry to disappoint, Luke. I'm not an encyclopaedia."

"I know that." He shook his head and started telling her about the krayt dragon. Somehow it became childhood stories from Tatooine and Alderaan. They talked, laughed and cried. By the time she crawled on to bed, beside Han she was content, happy and loved.

"We started sparring."

"And…?" Yes. Her twin has finally figured it out.

"He is great. He can keep up with me. It was amazing" 

Or not. 

Leia sighed.

"Luke, are you okay? I felt your distress through the Force."

He looked tired. 

"I'm fine," he said, without looking at her eyes.

"Luke."

"I got into a fight. It was an Imperial base. I thought they had information about why they wanted Grogu. It was a trap."

"You went alone?" She cursed his lack of self preservation.

"No. Mando came after me."

She thanked the Mando in her mind. She should meet him one of these days and do it in person. He was keeping her brother sane. 

"Is your Mando alright?" 

" He got hurt." She could see the unshed tears even through the light of the hologram.

"I will send a medic with suppliers or get him here. How serious is it?" She made reached for the comlink, various scenarios flashed through her mind.

"He is fine now. I healed him as much as I could. He is sleeping."

"What is it, Luke?"

"He was protecting me," he said, distressed.

"Then I'm grateful to him."

"He was protecting me, Leia," he repeated, softly.

She was confused. Then it dawned on her. The idiot.

"It is not you fault. You know that, right?"

"I'm a Jedi. I should be protecting him. He was there because of me-"

"Is he blaming you?" she interrupted.

"No."

"Did you know it was a trap?"

"No."

"Did you force him to go with you?"

"No. The opposite, he forced me to take him with me." He chuckled.

"It's not your fault. It was his choice. I'm glad he did it," she said. She will not listen to any other arguments.

"But-"

"You might be a Jedi, Luke. You are still human."

"I thought I lost him. I felt it, Leia. The Dark, it was so close, so inviting." 

She could see he was freaking out.

"But you didn't lose your control, Luke. Someone you care about was in danger and you reacted. You're human."

"You think so?" His faint question made her wish they were not separated at birth. 

"Do you think I would lie to you about this?"

He gave her a small smile. It did not have it's usual intensity. It felt wrong. 

"I'm visiting you tomorrow."

"I'm fine, Leia. There's no need."

"No arguments, Luke. I have a meeting I can't skip today and look like you will last without me for one day. Otherwise I would have come now."

Luke sighed.

"Leia, thank you."

"Love you, you idiot. Now go and rest. Tell your Mando to rest as well."

Later that day, she was glaring at Din as he limped towards her during the meeting.

"What happened to you?"

"Some lucky stormtroopers," he said, worn out.

"Did you treat your wounds?" she was concerned.

"Yes."

"You should be resting."

"You said this treaty was important."

"Not more than your health."

"I'm fine." 

"Bo-Katan let you come here in this state?"

"She doesn't know I'm in this state."

"You decided to take a detour before coming here, didn't you?"

"Yes."

She took a deep breath. All the men in her life were reckless, stubborn idiots. She led him to the chair next to her and made him sit. He was asleep before the meeting started. It was revealing on his injuries that he did not wake up when the usual banter and yells started. If anyone had any problem with him. They can take it to her. Between him and Luke she needed someone to channel her anger on. Any nosy world leader would suffice for now. 

Chapter Text

"Princess."

"Yes."

"Please tell your brother to just bone his Mando."

"I'm trying."

"If I hear one more word about Grogu's wonderful father, I will lock him in a closet with the said Mando."

"You should hear his calls with me."

"He's so oblivious."

"He is in denial. It's frustrating."

"Were we this bad?"

"We couldn't have been this bad, Han."

"You're right. There is no way we were this annoying."

"Thanks, King Mando, for the lift," he said, looking around the pre- Empire ship. She was a beauty. Not as much as the Falcon, but Han can appreciate a good ship. It was not something he expected from royalty. It made him like Mando more.

Mando grunted from the pilot seat and took off the ship. Mando was the most chaotic authority figure Han had met in his life and he has met and enraged a lot of them, including his wife. Mando was never static. Alway drifting between planets craving the motion. His advisors must be exhausted trying to make him stay. In between all of this he ruled a planet with the precision of a bounty hunter, quite well, if Leia was to be believed. Han understood him to an extent. His lust to travel.

Han took in his surroundings from his side of the ship. He noticed it then. Something framed and hung at the corner. It was a drawing by a child. It could only be a child's, seeing how much of a  mess it was. It was not the messy picture that caught his attention. It was the contents of the picture. He squinted at it again. He could make out the silver of Mando's helmet. The other two people in it were the ones that made his heart beat faster. It couldn't be. But the long green ears of the child in the picture were unmistakable. How many Mandalorians in the galaxy will have a green eared child who also drew a stick figure which, he was around seventy percent sure, was Luke? The kid got that hood right, along with the green lightsaber. He needed to work on his circles.

"Hey, King Mando, who drew that?" He pointed at it with glee. If he was right, it would be the most fun he had in a while. He hid his excitement.

"My kid."

"Your kid is green?"

"He is a foundling."

"You're not green, under all that silver?"

"No."

"Where is he now?"

"He needs special training. He is with his teacher." Mando was staring at the picture now.

"Must be hard. To be away from him."

"It was. I visit now, sometimes." How, a man in shining beskar armour can look so defeated was a mystery to him.

Ha. Sometimes. He thinks once or twice a week is "sometimes". Han was the one who had to deal with Luke waxing poetic about Grogu's dad.

He reached out and tapped Mando's shoulder. 

"Was it necessary?"

"Yes. I couldn't help him."

"You did the right thing. I'm sure your son understands."

"He does," he paused, "I miss him."

"It's okay to miss him. I would be concerned if you didn't."

They were immersed in their own thoughts for a while. Until Han decided to confirm his conclusion. 

"If you don't mind me asking, what's your kid's name?"

"Grogu." Mando did not hesitate. He knew instantly he was being trusted. He grinned. It was good to know something before the twins. He is going to savor the feeling. Chewie should hear this. Chewie will hear about this.

"Bring him home one day. Ben will like a playmate."

Mando nodded.

Han smirked. He might be planning on watching from the sidelines when his wife and her brother found out they were infatuated with the same Mando, by themselves, he will not have any part in that reveal. He needed his entertainment, but he wasn't heartless. If the kid doesn't realise he is in love, he could nudge the other half. He hoped Mando had more self awareness. For both his and Leia's sanity.

"So, who's the other guy in the drawing? Boyfriend? Husband? Partner?"

Mando lost grip of the tiny silver ball he had been fiddling with and went forward to catch it. 

Bingo

That was the first time he got a reaction from the Mandalorian. It was not one sided, after all.

"What? No. He is Grogu's teacher." 

"You keep a drawing of your son's teacher, framed?" 

Han was ready to bet his ship on the fact that Mando was blushing under the visor.

"My son drew it," said Mando way too soon. 

"Huh-huh."

"We are not talking about my relationships."

That must be the longest sentence Mando has ever spoken in his presence.

"So there is a relationship?"

"No."

"Really?"

"Why would he want me?"

Han almost didn't hear him. He had not expected Mando to respond. 

"Because you are, well, you?" Han told him the sensible answer.

"Exactly."

Luke has found himself his perfect match. They were both idiots.

"Come on, King Mando. Leia practically adopted you at first sight. Leia is always right. She married me, after all."

"She must have had a lapse of judgement when she married you."

Did Mando just make a joke?

"I totally agree," Han said.

Mando hummed.

"Hey, Mando, just don't give up without trying. You might be surprised."

"Hm."

"One day I'm making you tell me your name. Calling you Mando is tiring."

"It's Din."

Han laughed. See, he can win over Grogu's dad too. He even got his name before Luke. He can't wait for them to finally stop being idiots. He will never let Luke forget it.

"Hello, King Din."

"I told you to make it easier for Leia," Mando shrugged, "Stop calling me king."

"As you command, your majesty." Han cackled.

Din sighed.

Chapter Text

She hoped her brother had a good excuse to wake her up in the middle of the night. Han's snores from the room were making her jealous. She yawned. Maybe this could wait. The bed was very inviting. Then the comlink connected.

"Is everything alright?" She became alert when she saw his agitation.

"Everything is terrible, Leia, terrible."

"What happened? Who should I bury?" She asked.

"What? No!"

"I'm going back to sleep."

"Leia, wait. You were right."

"Be specific. I'm almost always right." She stretched her hands. Don't fall asleep now. One crisis at a time.

"I think I love Mando."

"You think?"

"Fine. I love him," he scowled.

"Finally. I was very close to marching over there myself to make you see sense. What made you realize the obvious?"

"We were washing the dishes today. The kids were playing outside. It was quiet and he was just…there, you know. I felt so safe, like I could just be me. Just Luke and he would understand. No, he understands. Do you know that he doesn't know who I am? Everything he knows, it's the bits and pieces I tell him after my nightmares. He cares, Leia. So much, under that armour. About me. About the kids and I - "

"Luke."

He became more anxious with each word, Leia was concerned.

"- just love him- "

"Luke," she yelled.

"What?" He yelled back and looked at her, wide eyed.

"Breathe," she said. He inhaled as if he finally remembered he needs air to live. Leia waited for him to speak.

"I'm scared," he whispered.

"Why?"

She had an inkling about the reason. But she wanted him to voice it.

"Why? What do you mean, why? You know why this is a disaster."

"I don't know. Why do you think your happiness is a disaster?" she deadpanned.

"I am getting too attached."

"I remember someone passionately giving me a long speech about moving on from the old ways. Or does it only apply for your padawans? What about you, Luke? What about your happiness?"

"I don't want to end up like him," he looked down. She had to strain to hear him. She cursed the man he considered father.

"You are not him. I will not let the shadow of that man destroy your life, Luke. You are not your father."

"My attachment-"

"You are too late for that. You're already attached. You seem fine so far. Do you not love me? Or Han? Or Ben? Don't you love your nephew, Luke?"

"Of course, I do. This is different-"

"Are you saying that your romantic feelings are more important than your family?"

"I did not say that."

"You implied it."

"I did not," he whined.

"You are not him, Luke. I will repeat it to you again and again until you get it in your head," she reassured, "You are not him. Do not let the mistakes of some dead old men dictate your life. She paused and frowned.

"Wait, did they say anything to you? Are those translucent annoyances giving you a hard time? Tell them I would find a way to strangle ghosts if they are interfering in your love life."

Luke looked up and blinked.

"What?" she asked.

"Strangle force ghosts?" he snorted.

She saw the trace of the smile that he was holding back. Mission accomplished.

"You know I would do it. You only need to ask."

"I know. You don't need to. They are unusually supportive about this."

"They better be."

"Tell me everything is going to be okay," he said, suddenly and she understood.

"I can't predict the future. But I have a feeling, everything is going to be okay. If it's not, we'll work through it together."

He smiled.

"Now go and get your Mando."

"Leia, no. He doesn't see me like that," he blushed.

"What?"

"He sees me as a friend and he is my student's parent. I don't want to complicate things. I don't even know if Mandalorians can marry outsiders."

"Marry?" She said with glee.

"No. I mean…you know what I meant," he trailed off.

"That was fast."

"Not the point, Leia. He can find someone better without all my baggage or the weight of rebuilding the Jedi. Live peacefully. He deserves it."

"Luke, he is a Mandalorian. I think his definition of peace is very different from yours. Isn't he already invested in rebuilding the Jedi? With his son being one?"

Luke opened his mouth and closed it. She had more words to say, but she refrained.

"I am not awake enough for this. Think about what I said. I'll call tomorrow. Good night, Luke."

"Good night, Leia."

Friends. Friend. She was sure all their sparring sessions were flirting sessions. One more reason to give her a headache. On the bright side, he was no longer in denial.

"Hey, Din. Are there any Mandalorian courting rituals?"

Din choked on his caf, which he was drinking through a straw. Was that a beard poking out of the helmet? No, she shouldn't look.

"We don't have much. You say the vows and get married."

"That's it? You don't have anything else?"

Staring at the stars from any balcony they can find was their thing now, a break from the madness.

"We are very straightforward. You love someone, you tell them. Then you go from there."

"That's it? I expected more fighting with what I have seen of your culture so far."

"There can be friendly duels," he paused, "It's a way to spend time with your beloved. It is different from person to person."

Leia eyed him from the side. She was ready to bet on Luke's lightsaber that Din was blushing under the helmet.

"Oh, I see. Is there anyone in particular you are spending time with then? New partner to duel with?" She winked.

Din looked away and mumbled something.

"What?"

"Maybe?" he said, more loudly.

"You need to tell me everything now."

He took a step back.

"Don't you have more important things to worry about?"

"Your life is important to me. Now give me all the details. Are they Mandalorian as well?"

She could feel him scrutinize her through the vizor. She took a sip from her wine and gave him time to gather his thoughts.

"They are not Mandalorian. The opposite to be honest."

'So Mandalorians can have partners from outside their culture. You're safe, Luke. You can woo your Mando,' she thought and tried sending her brother a force equivalent of a hug through their link. He might have got it, since she felt warmth surrounding her in return. Time to deal with the one in crisis in front of her.

"Have you told them about your feelings?"

"No. Why would I ruin our friendship with my feelings?" He gripped his cup.

That sounds very familiar. One lovesick idiot was more than enough. Two? She needs stronger alcohol. Why was she the only reasonable one around?

"Didn't you just say that Mandalorians are very straightforward. Go to them and say, hello, I love you, romantically."

"They deserve better. Not me."

"Excuse me." She jabbed on his breastplate, the clinging sound echoed. Her fingers hurt a bit, but she didn't care. She was done with all the men in her life.

"Did they tell you that?"

"No." He shook his head.

"Don't you think it's their choice?"

"You don't understand. They are so bright, like a star, so kind and good. They will find someone better than a miserable bounty hunter," he said.

"The miserable bounty hunter who is the ruler of Mandalore."

"That was an accident."

"You're still good at what you do for an accident."

"I have help and friends."

"Friends, you collected all over the galaxy because of your kindness and honour?"

"I'm not-"

"You are a good man, Din Djarin. You deserve happiness."

He did not respond. He knew when to back off while arguing with her. Especially when she was right. They went back to their drinks in silence.

"Are you fighting with Han?" Din asked.

"No. Why did you ask that? Did he tell you something?"

"You asked for Mandalorian courting rituals? I don't think a new way for courting will save your marriage if it's in trouble," he shrugged.

She snorted on her wine.

"It's not for me. It's my brother."

"Your brother, the one who has been to Tatooine?"

"Yes. He met a Mandalorian and now he is a lovesick fool who won't confess his feelings. It is annoying."

He hummed.

"Can he fight? Is he good with children?"

"Yes and yes."

"It should be easy for him. Most of us have very simple requirements for our partner."

"Even the Mand'alor?" She smirked at him.

"Even me."

"One of these days I am going force you and my brother to meet. You are so similar."

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Din."

"Hm."

"You deserve to be happy. Give yourself a chance."

"You're very stubborn," he sighed and nodded.

"It's a family trait," she laughed.

"Leia, you won't believe what happened." Luke directed his sunlike smile at her. Not even the holo could dim it.

"You finally saw sense and kissed your Mando?"

"This is even bigger than that. He told me his name."

"That's amazing, Luke. It means he trusts you."

"Of course, he does. He trusts the most important person in his life with me."

"Did you tell him how you feel-"

"He sees me as a friend, Leia. This doesn't change anything. The Mand'alor gave you his name and I don't tease you about him."

"King Mando gave me his name too."

She jumped at the sound of her husband. She glared at him for sneaking up on her.

"Maybe we should have a threesome, my dear," he said, grinning like a maniac. That got him a slap on his arm. He became more cheerful and pecked on her cheeks.

"Hey, Han," Luke waved.

"How long have you been listening?" she asked.

"Long enough to know Luke is being an idiot. Go and smooch that helmet, kid. He's into you."

"You don't know that. Kriff it. I'm not letting you both ruin my perfect day. Bye. Love you," Luke huffed and cut the call.

"We tried?" Han said, nonchalantly and walked out. She could hear his giggles through the walls.

Leia sat down on the floor with Ben who playing with his toys. He showed his favourite bantha doll, a gift from Luke, to her and babbled.

"Be reasonable when you grow up, my Ben. Don't be silly like your daddy and your uncles. I'm too tired already," she said to the toddler. He beamed at her. She took that as an yes.

Chapter Text

Leia was still shaking from the adrenaline. They had not expected the assassination attempt. It frustrated her that her security had no previous hints. She was glad she was not with Ben, when it happened. Her security detail should be reshuffled. She should focus on that. It might calm her heart down. Han was with Ben, out for a walk, distracting their son from the chaos. He will come back to her. He needed a few minutes. 

Her comlink blinked. She did not bother to check who it was.  

"Are you hurt?"  Din's modulated voice filled the room. He had that head tilt she had come to decipher as worry.

"No. They missed." She was thankful to the force for it. News spreads fast in the galaxy or he was keeping tabs on her. Knowing Din, he had some of his numerous friends visiting. 

"Ben and Han?"

"Safe."

"Did they get the one who shot you?"

"No. He escaped." He remained silent. The silence mocked her.

"I know I have to work on my security. You don't have to judge." 

"I didn't say anything."

"You don't have to," she shook her head.

"Give me some time. I will get him for you, " he said with confidence.

"You don't have any information."

"I have my ways," he said.

"You're going to sneak out and go after him yourself, aren't you?" She sighed.

"Why would I do that?"

"Din, you are not a bounty hunter anymore. You have a whole sector to rule. Bo-Katan will kill you." She stopped talking midway. It was obvious he wasn't listening. Din was nodding at someone at his end.

"He did what?" he said in outrage.

Leia listened carefully. This was a welcome distraction. He won't waste his time on her assassin if he was occupied with whatever problem that had cropped up.

"I told Paz not to spoil him too much. Is he sick?" 

This was one of the few times she saw him so animated. It was a revelation. She did not make a sound.

"He inhaled the whole packet of biscuits?" He sounded more exasperated.

'Did she hear right? Biscuit?' 

He groaned at the answer. His gaze reverted back to her.

"I will update you once I get hold of your assassin."

He moved to turn off the holo.

"Din, no. Don't waste your time on this."

"It is no waste, Leia. You are family. Now, I have a spoiled whomp rat to deal with." He blinked out.

'Spoiled whomp rat?'

The confusion was ignored when his other words hit her.

'Did I get adopted by the Mand'alor?'

She chuckled. It seems like the adoption was mutual. Han would get a kick out of it. 

She pulled him into a hug when she saw him. Luke's relief sang through their connection. She let go for a moment and she slumped on him, holding him tightly, reassuring him everything was alright.

"I'm not hurt. You didn't have to come," she said to him when they finally ended up snuggling together on her bed as they waited for Han. "You know it's not my first time."

"I won't stop worrying just because you are used to assassination plots, you are still my favorite twin."

"I'm your only twin."

She basked in his answering laughter. 

"Seriously, you didn't have to leave the kids alone and come here. I'm handling it."

"I know you can handle it. I was nearby. The kids are on a break, with their parents. I did not abandon them." 

"I hope not. I don't want a horde of angry parents knocking on my door. I have too much on my plate as it is."

"Have some faith, my dear sister."

"I'm trying. Now tell me about your love life." 

"I don't have one."

"Come on Luke, don't torture yourself like this, kiss your Mando."

Luke shivered, she did not miss it.

"Did you kiss him?" 

"No?"

"Why is that a question?"

"There was this one moment, when we were sparring," Luke said, slowly.

"Tell me." It was a command.

"He yielded. I was on him with a lightsaber at his neck. It was so close and we kept staring at each other, we got closer." He paused.

"And?" prompted Leia.

"We almost touched our foreheads," mumbled Luke, his cheeks were crimson.

"You missed butting heads with each other?"

"You don't know? Mandalorians touch their foreheads to show their affection."

"Makes sense," she said, already planning on drilling Din about Mandalorian customs. She hated being uninformed.

"It's called a keldable kiss."

"Why do you know so much about this?" she teased.

"I listen when he explains the Mandalorian culture to Grogu, sometimes."

"Sometimes?" She stared at him.

"Okay, at every opportunity I get. He is a man of few words. I love to listen when he does speak."

"You're hopeless. Now, finish your story."

"Nothing happened. Grogu brought me back to my senses by throwing a frog at us."

Leia wanted to shake the idiot in front of her. So she did exactly that. She will scold Grogu later for his poor timing.

"Luke, open your mouth and talk to him."

"What will I even say? Mando, I know you're my student's parent and this is very inappropriate, but I think I'm in love with you?" Luke said, patting her hands away 

"Yes."

"Now you're being ridiculous, Leia."

"I am being ridiculous-"

Her comlink beeped. She frowned at it. 

"Sorry, Luke, that's the official line. Now shush."

Luke started floating the fruits on her bedside table. Leia rolled her eyes.

"Senator, we got your assassin."

She slapped away Luke's leg that was on hers.

"That is very efficient, officer. How did you manage to capture him so fast?"

"A Mandalorian brought him in. Refused to give his name, said it was a gift for you from a friend. We took our eyes off him for a minute and he disappeared. Do you want me to go after him, Senator?"

"No. I know who it is. Question the prisoner. I will be there shortly."

"Yes, ma'am."

She started laughing the moment the com turned off. 

"Bo-Katan is going to kill him."

Luke looked at her, perplexed. The corellien berry, that Han loves so much, was being peeled with the force. Sometimes, she wondered how much she could do with the force if she had chosen to learn. 

"What?"

"They found the one that tried to kill me."

"That's unusually efficient of the New Republic."

She ignored the jibe. 

"The Mand'alor decided it was a good idea to take a break from his duties and hunt for my assassin."

"By himself?" He questioned. He was munching on Han's midnight snack.

"He has no self preservation, like you."

"I should meet him. Is he here now?" Luke brightened up.

"He slipped off. Probably, did not want to piss off Bo-Katan more, by staying away too long."

He did not hide his disappointment.

"Maybe another time, come on, we'll interrogate the prisoner." He jumped off the bed, there was a glint in his eyes. Ah, this must be what Han calls, her "unhinged expression".  

"Let's see if I can scare a confession out of your assassin."

"But Luke, the dark side?" She joked. 

"Kriff the dark side." 

Unfortunately for Luke, the Mand'alor was still too good at his ex-job. The prisoner confessed the moment he saw Leia and begged not to unleash that mad man on him again. Luke pouted and cursed her friend. Leia laughed at him.

As for the senator who gave the order to kill her, he was going to regret his stupidity, once she was done with him.