Free Me - Dinluke AU

The calm before the Storm

"I'll hold you to that." The Mandalorian joked. "If you don't save my life like a badass with a great entrance I'm going to be disappointed."

"I never disappoint."

"Yeah?" Din teased him.

Luke looked up at him only now noticing how close he was to him. "You doubting me?"

"And if I was?"

"Well, then I'd just have to prove you wrong." He smiled at him moving a bit closer so there was only an inch between his face and Din's helmet.

"Ah, there you are!" Leia came up behind them.

Luke flinched and moved back. "Oh- Hey, is everything alright?"

"Mind if I steal you for a second?"

He went with her a bit annoyed at the disruption. Before moving out of eyesight and earshot of the Mandalorian he gave him an apologetic look and mouthed be right back. "So, what's up?"

"I wanted to check if you were okay. You were supposed to check back at the medical station to get some more medication for the night."

"Wait, it's that late already?"

"Yes, I was worried you might have passed out somewhere or something."

"Sorry, I guess I lost track of time." He scratched the back of his neck feeling guilty that he made her worry.

Leia just smiled and sighed. "Well, you're alright so everything's fine. But I guess time flies with good company, huh?" She teased.

"I don't know what you mean."

"I think it's adorable." She handed him the pills. "I'll let you two catch up some more."

"Thanks." Luke took the painkillers and went back to Din.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah, Leia just gave me some more pain medication for the night." He sat back down next to him. "Where were we? Oh yeah, me saving you in the future."

Din chuckled and Luke cursed Leia for interrupting them. If the Jedi was honest he had always gravitated towards the Mandalorian. How couldn't he? He was kind and cared for him even if he had a more rough exterior. On top of that, his voice was calming to listen to, like it was his favorite song.

"Guess I got to get myself in a troubling situation then." Din smiled to himself.

"You better." Luke leaned back against him. "I am worried about how this whole rebellion will end."

"It's going to be fine."

"You think so?"

"I know so. Like you said yourself losing is not an option." Din gently put his hand on the other's trying to reassure him.

"You remember that?"

"Yes, and I believe you."

Luke was touched. He felt his heart melt. "Thank you."

"Do you sometimes think about what would have been if you left with me or if I stayed?"

"Yeah, I actually thought about it a lot after you left. But I think it's good that I didn't leave with you. I would have probably been happy, perfectly safe, and still have my right hand." He chuckled and closed his eye. "But I would have never trained or made a bigger difference in this world. I would've been the same defenseless kid I was three years ago." There was a short pause. "I might still fail and struggle but I am happy with the person I managed to become. But I think it's also good that you didn't stay. Don't get me wrong I would have loved for you to stay but it wouldn't have made you happy. You have your own life and I think that's great. I think no one should pressure you to change that. I mean that's what I like about you."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, you have your own morals and code that you stick to. You chose a path but aren't selfish about it. I mean you went out of your way to help me again. It's admirable." Luke nudged him. "I'm glad you're here now, though."

Din just hummed a quiet "Hm" and they just sat there for a while enjoying the calm when the Jedi's medication kicked in and he started to dose off. The Mandalorian didn't quite know what to do looking at the sleeping figure. Should he wake him? Maybe he could just let him sleep a bit longer. He watched his chest slowly rise and drop. The other seemed so calm he didn't want to disturb him even if that meant sitting here the whole night. After a while, the other started to tumble over and afraid he might fall off the bench Din carefully put his arm around him steadying him. Was he allowed to do that? They hadn't spoken in three years so why did this feel so normal?

A while later Luke woke up still drowsy. He looked around unsure where he was when his eyes settled on the Mandalorian. "Din?"

"Oh, you're awake."

"Sorry for falling asleep."

"Don't worry about it. Looks like you needed it."

Luke sat up stretching as a yawn escaped his mouth. "You could've woken me up."

"I know."

"Thanks though for letting me nap a bit." He smiled at him while fixing his hair.

"Maybe you should go to sleep and rest."

"I think you're right. Walk me to my room?"

"Sure." Din walked with him, the ship being oddly quiet and empty at this hour. He felt his hand brush up against the other and it made him want to grab it but he just kept on moving.

When they arrived at the Jedi's room Luke hugged him. "See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah."

"I missed you, Din. Have a good rest of the night."

"You too." The Mandalorian watched him disappear into his room and went to sleep himself.