Banthas were their mode of transportation the next day as they followed the Tuskens to the dragon's cave.

(Y/N) had convinced Din to let her sit in front of him.

"Oh, come on. It makes sense. I'm shorter than you. I'll see my surroundings better if I sit in front."

Though, frankly, it didn't take a terrible amount of convincing, and (Y/N) narrowed her eyes at him after he had lifted her onto the bantha.

"Could've done that myself," she muttered.

The day was hot of course, and sunny, and the cloak (Y/N) was wearing was not completely ideal, but at least it shielded her eyes from the sun. Din's hands once again had found their way to (Y/N)'s waist, gently placed on either side of her hips.

He'd been doing things like that much more frequently recently. Though she didn't mind it, she wondered what the reason was for it.

She placed a hand over one of his gloved ones before pulling away again. So far, this trip on Tatooine was going a lot better than the last one.

By the time they reached Mos Pelgo, the child was asleep, and (Y/N) was mildly disturbed. She completely regretted thinking it would be "easy enough" to defeat the krayt dragon, not after what they just witnessed.

First of all, the krayt dragon, for lack of a better word, was huge. Second of all, it ate one of the Tuskens.

Overall, it wasn't looking very promising.

So, naturally, (Y/N) had resorted to silence.

Vanth had warned the two of them about the tension between the Tuskens and the townspeople.

"The town respects you," Din said to Vanth. "My guess is, they'll listen to reason."

Vanth glanced at the two of them before his eyes landed on the cantina.

"I wouldn't be so sure," Vanth muttered, a tight lipped smile on his face before walking inside.

(Y/N) leaned against the speeder and smiled.

"Let me guess, you'll go in, and I'll keep an eye on the kid?" she asked, glancing over at the sleeping child.

"That would be helpful."

(Y/N) nodded. "Alright, I can do that. If anything, I've been given the hardest task. Kid has a habit of wandering off."

They both laughed, and then (Y/N)'s expression softened.

"You got this," she said. "If you need backup, you know where to find us."

"Thank you," Din said, his gaze lingering once more before heading into the cantina as well.

She watched him go, a smile on her face. The kid was awake, staring at her from the satchel on the speeder. She picked him up, carrying him to the steps of the cantina as they both sat down. She handed him a cookie, and he cooed in response.

The sound of raised voices came from inside of the cantina, and she glanced at the kid, who was staring back at her with cookie crumbs on his face. She carefully brushed them away with her cloak.

"What'd you say, kid? Shall we see what's going on?" she asked.

He cooed again in response.

She lifted the child up, and he reached up to place a hand on her face.

"Hey kid," she said softly. "Let's go see what your dad is up to."

The two of them made their way over to the cantina, and (Y/N) paused outside when she heard Din's. She leaned against the doorway and listened to him talk, the way he was able to calm everyone down, to explain the plan in such a convincing way.

She wished she was more skilled with words, but she admired Din for it. His voice was calm, but commanding at the same time.

Eventually, everyone had reached an agreement, filing out of the cantina while (Y/N) waited for Din. She couldn't help but smile at him as he walked out, and he froze right in front of her and the kid sitting in her arms.

"What'd you do?"

(Y/N) gasped. "Excuse me, I didn't do anything, thank you very much." She leaned forward, patting the armor covering his chest. "I was just admiring you."

All Din could do was tilt his helmet as (Y/N) carried the kid back down the steps. Once again, Vanth had seen the interaction, and all he could do was shake his head in amusement.

***

Later that day, with the suns resting slightly lower in the sky, it was time to prepare facing the dragon. (Y/N) had been tasked with watching the kid for the time being, the satchel over her shoulder.

Din and Vanth walked over and stood on either side of (Y/N), glancing out over the sea of sand and to the horizon line. (Y/N) could see a long line of banthas approaching in the distance, indicating the Tuskens were almost there.

(Y/N) could feel a tense atmosphere beginning to form, and this was especially proven to be true when she saw the expressions on the townspeople. Din's hand was resting on her back, and she wondered if he could feel the way her heartrate picked up. He must have, because he moved his hand to her waist and pulled her slightly closer.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

The kid glanced up at her from the satchel and cooed at her. She smiled back at him, reaching down gently and stroking the top of his head.

As the people of Mos Pelgo and the Tuskens continued to move explosives, everything seemed to be running smoothly. That is, until one of the Tuskens accidentally dropped one of them.

One of the townsfolk began to yell, which only set off the Tusken in front of them. (Y/N) took a deep breath and handed the kid to Din before stepping in between the townsperson and the Tusken. Vanth made sure to calm down the man while (Y/N) signed to the Tusken that it would be okay, and that she knew it was an accident.

Finally, the tension subsided for the time being, and (Y/N) allowed herself to relax. Din and (Y/N) glanced up at Vanth as he walked by.

"It's gonna be great," he muttered.

***

The next day, they set out to the cave of the krayt once again, hoping it'd be the last time they'd have to do so. (Y/N) had slept well again, thankfully so, as they had an early morning and a long day ahead of them.

The townspeople, the Tuskens, and Vanth made their way closer to the entrance of the cave while Din paused to talk to (Y/N). She let out a sigh.

"Let me guess, I need to stay up here with the kid."

His helmet tilted down at her. "It's not safe, (Y/N)."

"Din, you realize I can help too, right? I know how to fight, how to help-"

"You're helping just as much by staying here to watch the kid," he said.

(Y/N)'s shoulders slumped. "Fine, we'll stay here. Please don't do anything drastic, or stupid." She waved him off. "Be safe."

"I will."

He turned back around and headed back down the hill, leaving (Y/N) and the kid to watch. She pinched the bridge of her nose and made her way back to the speeder, glancing down at the kid.

"Why do I not believe him?" she said, and the kid squeaked in response.

She gently lowered the kid into the sand next to her as they watched everyone preparing below.

"Well, what shall we do? I suppose we can just the watch the action, however-" (Y/N) paused, reaching over and pulling something out of her bag. "I did bring snacks."

The kid seemed to like this idea very much, reaching his hand out as she handed him a small cookie. The two of them soon became fixated on the intense action in front of them to even enjoy the snacks.

(Y/N) watched as Vanth's jetpack was set off, sending him high into the sky.

And then, it happened too fast, and the dragon took Din under with him. She nearly called out his name as she stood up, waiting for him to reappear.

He had to be okay, right?

And really, (Y/N) would have known if something was wrong. She would have sensed it.

After felt like ages of waiting, Din flew out of the dragon's mouth, the explosives soon detonating afterwards. She watched as the dragon exploded, landing in a heap in the sand.

Din slid across the ground, and (Y/N) couldn't help but feel mildly miffed despite the fact that he successfully killed the dragon.

"We're heading down, kid," (Y/N) said, lifting him up and heading down the dune toward Din.

She wrinkled her nose when she realized he was covered in slime from the dragon's stomach.

"What were you thinking?!" she exclaimed, holding the child in one arm while gesturing toward Din with the other. "I said not to do anything drastic or stupid, and you managed to do both!"

"You also said be safe, and I am."

(Y/N) huffed at his response before muttering, "Unbelievable" under her breath. She sighed, her expression softening slightly as her eyes landed on his visor. "Well, yes, I'm glad you're safe."

***

After loading a piece of meat from the dragon onto the speeder bike, Din and (Y/N) took the time to say goodbye to Vanth. He had given Din the Mandalorian armor.

"Sorry, I didn't have time to explain," Din said regarding the jetpack situation.

"No need," Vanth replied, gesturing to the armor. "This was well-earned." He glanced at both Din and then (Y/N). "I hope our paths cross again."

"As do I."

When they finished saying goodbye, (Y/N) narrowed her eyes at Din. He paused, staring down at her.

"What?"

(Y/N) shook her head. "Din, I can't ride on the speeder with you."

His helmet titled slightly. "What-" He paused again. "What are you talking about?"

"Um, you're covered in dragon goo, and I literally saw it disintegrate people. Not to mention you're wearing beskar and I'm not," (Y/N) explained, and then pulled off her cloak. "Alright, hold on, I can solve this problem, easy."

"What are you-"

She took the cloak and began cleaning the armor, all the while muttering about him being unbelievable once again. Din took the cloak from her.

"You ruined it," he said dryly.

(Y/N) shrugged. "Maybe, but now your armor's clean-sort of. That's why I packed a spare cloak in my bag back on the Razor Crest."

She was met with silence, Din simply shaking his head at her before getting on the speeder. (Y/N) sat down in front of him, pulling her goggles on.

"Shall I drive?" she asked.

"I'll drive this time. You've driven the last two times," Din replied.

"Fair enough."

And then, once again, they headed out. The day turned to night, and (Y/N) pulled down her goggles to peer up at the night sky. It was much harder to do on Coruscant, the stars hidden by the bright lights and buildings. Sometimes she would sneak up on the roof of the building she lived in, just to see them clearly.

Only now, she didn't need to sneak around. She smiled, leaning back into Din while watching the stars go by. At some point that night, she had become drowsy, the chaotic mess of the day catching up to her. She fell asleep while staring up at the night sky.

And once again, the thoughts were quiet.

Once again, she didn't have any nightmares.

***

When (Y/N) opened her eyes, she realized the suns were out again. She squinted her eyes and let out a groan at the bright sky. Not the best way to wake up.

But when she realized she was back on the speeder with Din, her mood improved slightly.

"Good morning," she muttered, yawning. "Too bright."

Din chuckled. "Good morning."

As her eyes adjusted to the sunny morning, her eyebrows furrowed. Something wasn't right. In fact, she knew something was very wrong. (Y/N) could sense it. Not to mention there an awful ringing in her ears.

She groaned as the ringing grew louder.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, something...I don't know. I hear something," (Y/N) replied, trying to shake away the ringing.

"What do you hear?"

She hissed when it grew even louder. "It's like-it's like a shrill, ringing noise." She peered out at the sand. "Din, something's not right. I think we should-"

The words died in her throat as the speeder hit some sort of barrier, sending (Y/N) right over the handle bars. The speeder crashed against a rock in a heap of flames, sending their supplies flying in every direction. The child fell too, rolling a few feet away.

Din managed to engage his jetpack as he flew off of the speeder, making for a smoother landing.

(Y/N) knew she'd have a few bruises with that kind of landing. Unfortunately, she had sand in her mouth again. Slightly winded, she let out a strained groan, looking for the kid. Where was he?!

Four figures emerged from the rocks, and (Y/N) picked up on three words as they charged at them.

"Get the child!"

(Y/N) pulled herself to her feet, but the child was gone. She wasn't sure where the spare blaster had landed, but at least her lightsaber was still on her.

The raiders put up a good fight, but Din still managed to handle them. (Y/N) spat out more sand, that gritty texture between her teeth once more.

Where was the child?

But as Din froze, she found herself doing the same when she realized why. Her stomach churned.

The one raider left was holding the kid in one hand, and a knife in the other, as if threatening them to take another step closer and see what would happen.

The child struggled slightly in his captor's grasp, his eyes landing on Din and then (Y/N). She could feel the familiar rage surge through her body at the sight of the knife merely an inch from the child's face.

How dare they...

He was a child.

Her hand began to tremble, fingers flexing slightly, and as her hand lowered to the hilt of her lightsaber, Din's voice brought her back.

"Wait! Don't hurt the child," Din said, and even though he tone sounded calm, (Y/N) knew he felt differently. "If you put one mark on him, there's no place you will be able to hide from me."

(Y/N) didn't doubt that for a second. And, frankly, if anything happened to the kid, that thief would have to deal with two very angry people; a Mandalorian covered in beskar and a woman wielding a lightsaber...a deadly combination if provoked.

She took a deep breath, trusting Din to handle the situation. If he remained calm, then so would she for the time being.

"We can strike a bargain," Din continued, gesturing around him. "There's a lot of value in this wreckage, take your pick...but leave the child."

(Y/N) narrowed in her eyes at the thief, but she still managed to remain calm. The thief pointed the knife toward Din, and she wondered what they were asking for. The Mandalorian sighed, and (Y/N) watched as he removed his jetpack, lowering it to the ground.

"Okay, it's yours, take it," he said, backing away slowly. "It's okay."

The thief finally set the kid down, and the kid wasted no time in rushing over to Din, stumbling slightly as he was picked up.

"You okay?" he asked softly, holding the kid in his arms.

The thief tossed away the knife, quickly grabbing the jetpack and scurrying away. (Y/N)'s eyes flicked to Din's vambrace as he pushed a couple of buttons. The thief yelped as the stolen jetpack flew high into the sky, taking him with it.

The three of them tilted their heads up to watch the jetpack fly around, the thief in tow. Din pushed a few more buttons, and the jetpack accelerated. A couple of seconds later, the thief fell to the ground with a thud, motionless.

(Y/N)'s eyes trailed up Din's armor until her eyes remained on his visor, the corners of her mouth quirked up in amusement.

"Din?"

He looked down at her.

"I want a jetpack."

"Absolutely not."

"Flamethrowers?" she suggested.

"No."

She tapped her chin. "Alright, I'm out of suggestions."

The three of them stood there, eyes landing on the speeder in dying flames near the rocks.

"Din, Din!" she exclaimed, suddenly spinning around in the sand.

"What?"

"My knife, the one you gave me. Where is it?" she asked, scanning the sand. "It must have fallen out when you-we crashed."

"(Y/N)."

"No, no, this isn't good. It means a lot to me, and now I can't find it."

Din sighed. "Mesh'la."

She paused, turning back to him. "What? What is it?"

In Din's outstretched hand, was (Y/N)'s knife. A sigh of relief escaped her lips before she grinned, briefly wrapping her arms around her friend before taking the knife.

"Thank you, cyar'ika. I thought I lost it," she said, staring up at him. "Thank goodness."

At the sound of Din's breath hitching through the modulator, (Y/N) raised her eyebrows.

"Did I say something wrong?" she asked, her smile feigning innocence, and yet, she knew exactly what she had said. She tilted her head in a Din-like manner. "I was just thanking you for finding the knife."

She held his gaze for a moment, interrupted by a soft coo from the child, who was glancing back and forth between them. She waited for him to say something, her expression softening.

"Really though, I mean it. Thank you for finding it," she said. "It's very important to me, as are you. And the kid."

They both glanced at the speeder once more.

"I'm thinking you deliver the news about the Peli's speeder," (Y/N) said, shuddering. "That woman's fierce. Her second impression of me will be tarnished."

That earned a soft chuckle from Din as he began to gather their supplies.

"I was thinking you'd tell her," Din replied.

(Y/N) placed hand on her hip. "Why me? I wasn't driving."

"Blaming me right after I found your knife for you." Din shook his head. "Maybe I should take it back-"

"No, no!"

"She'll go easier on you," Din said with a slight shrug. "You haven't destroyed anything...yet."

(Y/N) sighed. "Look, I know you two have a history with you destroying parts of your ship and her needing to fix it. I could tell from that look on her face, but don't drag me into the chaos."

"But you're part of my-"

(Y/N) raised her eyebrows. "Part of your?"

He shook his head. "Never mind, it's nothing."

(Y/N) narrowed her eyes at him for a moment before shrugging it off.

"Hm, okay," she replied.

Though, just when she thought the sand was gone, she felt more of it in between her teeth. She groaned.

"Din?"

"Yeah?"

"You know how I told you I wouldn't fall in the sand again, and you know, eat sand?" she asked.

Din's helmet titled slightly in her direction.

"It happened again, didn't it?"

"Possibly."

The two of them stared at each other for a moment, and then the child cooed again, looking up at Din. They most certainly had a long trek back to Mos Eisley.

"Well, there's definitely one thing that hasn't changed since I last visited Tatooine."

Din glanced over at her. "What hasn't changed?"

"I don't like sand."