High time for a showdown

[chaotic_lawful]

Returning from a job with his usual supply of water -and this time some munitions- to find the mine running a skeleton crew had been disconcerting, sure he'd been gone longer than usual, almost a week, but that shouldn't have been enough time for something to have happened.

A runner from town, one of the teenagers, caught up to him as he was disembarking, explaining that the Tuskens had warned them early that morning of a Red Key convoy incoming, maybe as many as ten vehicles, which could mean as many as sixty men, but no one thought it would be any more than thirty, they didn't think Red Key had that many employees left, unless they'd been recruiting, or had gotten reinforcements from somewhere else.

The kid led him straight to the cantina, and Din relaxed a little at finding they were taking the potential threat seriously, working some kind of strategy, which was why, setting the few boxes of slugs he'd gotten ahold of on the edge of the table Cobb was using, he only asked: "How can I help?"

Comments

[chaotic_lawful]

He gestured to the stove even as he was steered to a chair, "I started, just needs to be heated. Didn't know how long it would be until you got back." He'd needed something to do so that he didn't just pass out on the couch and miss Cobb's return, and had suspected that Cobb would need something to eat as much as he did.

He did relax, a little, once he'd been sat down, turning in his chair to watch Cobb move, not really wanting to let the man out of his sight, regardless of the fact that he'd still be able to hear where Cobb was without question.

[heypartner]

"My routine hasn't changed that much since you've been gone." Cobb stood at the stove, flicked it on and started to stir what was in the little pot. "Suns get high and I come home."

Not really. He'd been in the cantina more days than not. The house was so empty, so lonely without Din. Having him here was peaceful. The house felt whole again. Full. Warm. Maybe that was just Cobb knowing his man was back now.

"You want to tell me about all your adventures?" he asked, curious to know what Din had been up to. But he was so tired looking Cobb wouldn't be surprised if he didn't want to talk about it right now. "Or should I tell you all that you've missed out on?"

[chaotic_lawful]

"What I've got to tell is going to be part of a longer discussion than I've got energy for right now." Not the kind of thing he would have admitted to within recent memory, but something that definitely needed to be said now, because if he didn't say it, he'd still try.

"So you might as well fill me in." Cobb had caught him up on what was going on in the early days, when they could still make regular contact, but it had been a few weeks since then and while it didn't look like much had changed, it wasn't like he'd gone walkabout, either.

[heypartner]

That's what he thought. Cobb was fine with that. As long as he got the rest of the story eventually. He was especially curious about the vambrace on his arm. He wasn't used to the weight of it yet and very aware it was there.

"Well, Cienon and Kom'synda are expecting their first. That's the biggest news." Cobb scratched at his cheek for a moment, smiling a little. "The Tuskens came through again. Nothing went wrong there. Pretty sure they insulted my signing but I'd rather have them laughing instead of yelling."

He definitely needed Din around to make sure he kept getting it right. "Just small things here and there but that's the big news." Later, he'd tell Din about all the folks that missed him and how happy the school kids would be to see him. No need to accidentally put some guilt on him.

[chaotic_lawful]

"If the kids or the elders didn't try to correct you themselves, you aren't doing too bad, even if they laughed about it." That was something he'd learned early on, because the same didn't hold for spoken Tusken, because while it wasn't as nuanced as some languages -there was little risk of insulting someone instead of asking a question- it was generally easy enough to understand after a little bit of time. Speaking it was harder, but only because most people weren't used to the guttural, glottal noises it required.

"And expecting is good news. I'll have to offer congratulations when I see them." Because it really was a case of 'when' and not just 'if'. A thoughtful little sound followed before he asked: "Deera and Jo still keeping everyone on track with practice?" That had been one of the first reports, that Deera was still making sure the kids got together to practice at the regular time, and Jo had stepped up to do the same with the teenagers and who still wanted to continue, though that was a smaller contingent, most of the adults having other, more important things to do.

[heypartner]

"They've been keeping it up." But the size of classes had gotten smaller and smaller the longer Din was away. They had all flocked to him and his knowledge. The few that remained, though, were dedicated. "Deera's getting really good."

He slid a bowl of reheated stew over to Din along with some flatbread he had left over from breakfast.

"Life hasn't changed much. Never does around here." The town was steady and Cobb was steady. He hoped that steadiness would keep Din around. A safe place to land. "Gonna be sandstorm season in a week or so."

[chaotic_lawful]

"Ah, so I got back just in time." And more than that they might have some time before the town started having visitors, which was part of the long explanation he owed Cobb, and would get to as soon as he knew he wasn't in danger of just falling asleep in the middle of a sentence. Not that he was quite that badly off at present, but having a full belly might change that.

Besides that, afternoon on Tatooine was really just perfectly designed for a nap before going about late-afternoon and evening business afterward, once it had begun to cool down again. He wasn't going to claim that the fates had been on their side in allowing him to return while it was still easy to do, but it certainly felt like it, a little bit.

"I'll have to make the rounds tomorrow, after I tell you the important parts about where I went and what happened." The less important parts he could fill in later, as needed.

[heypartner]

Cobb sat down with his lunch across from Din and slid his foot across to nudge against Din's. Just a little bit of touching because he needed it. He needed to know Din was actually home and this wasn't a dream. If he woke up to an empty house again Cobb was going to drink until he couldn't think anymore.

"I'll take the morning off and let Issa-Or patrol with Jo." So that they could linger around in bed together, just the two of them. He didn't think Issa-Or would refuse that. She would find her own time to yell at Din for leaving him alone like that. "We can catch up the rest of the way."

They could lay around in bed and talk. Or something else depending on their mood. They would have to put up with Razor though who would want to climb all over Din to welcome him back.

[chaotic_lawful]

Truthfully Din was grateful for that contact, as small as it was, because it was just further proof that he was back where he belonged, which was something that was going to catch him off-guard for a while yet.

Once Cobb settled, Din set into eating, careful bites, commenting: "One thing I can tell you now," Because it wasn't part of anything larger, nothing that would really lead into anything more complex, "Boba Fett knew Bo-Katan was after the Darksaber." He'd given Cobb a brief run-down a time or two, how the provenance of the thing went and the king-ship that went with it, "Nearly laughed himself sick when he found out I had it instead."

[heypartner]

"You still have it?" Cobb figured Din must still have it. If he had found his people and intended to rule them, he'd need that weird sword at his side. Normally, it was something Cobb would notice but once he saw Din that was all that mattered.

He was still unsure about Boba Fett as well. The man was infamous on Tatooine. Even though he was clearly Din's friend and trusted ally Cobb knew he sat on the throne and had mostly good intentions but... he could never feel easy about anyone in power.

"No other Mandalorians came around while you were gone." He would've radioed Din right away if they had. "Don't think anyone knew you were out here besides Fett."

[chaotic_lawful]

He just nodded at the question, making a quiet sound of agreement, because he did still have it, he'd just packed it up at the bottom of his bag to keep it out of the way as he didn't have a whole lot of sword training, or really any to speak of.

"They didn't before." He replied to the statement, "They do now." He gave a little shake of his head, "That's part of the long explanation you're due. After a nap, or likely more accurately, after a good long sleep like he hadn't had since he'd left.

[heypartner]

"Lie down after lunch. Don't you worry about the rest of the day." Cobb hesitated a moment before he reached across the table and brushed his fingers along Din's cheek. He wouldn't be over seeing Din's face for a long time. It was unfair how handsome he was.

When they finished lunch he took the dishes to the sink and cleaned them quickly. The temptation to blow off the rest of the day was there but he couldn't abandon his duties that easily.

"I'll see you when I get home around first sunset." He leaned in and pressed his lips against the corner of Din's mouth. "Damn good to see you, darlin'."

[chaotic_lawful]

He had tilted his head reflexively into that first touch, the same way he had before, and most likely the same way he'd continue to do for a while yet, nodding once at the offer, "Thanks. Appreciate it."

There was a soft sound in the back of his throat at the kiss, but Cobb had moved away again before he could register it and return it and he gave another nod, "I'll be awake." He planned on setting an alarm, of course, but that was only good if Razor didn't wake him up first, since by that time would have walked the kids home from school and come to check on things at the house before going out to walk the workers back from the mine.

[heypartner]

"We'll see."

Cobb left Din to rest but he felt lighter than he had in weeks. Din was home and while it may only be temporary it gave Cobb hope that he would keep coming back even if he left. He could let him go as long as there was a promise to come back.

And Issa-Or noticed the spring in his step, the smile on his face, and the new vambrace on his arm. It was hard to miss since he had gone to lunch without any of those things. Cobb was happy to explain Din was back but needed rest. He figured the vambrace was just a sign of how much Din loved him. A token.

Word spread quickly through town that Freetown's Mandalorian was back and the school kids were very happy. The town was happy. Din was one of their own and had been since he killed the krayt dragon.

He was happy to go home at the end of the day, though Razor got home first and immediately had to say hi very enthusiastically to Din.

[chaotic_lawful]

Din had already been awake, but only by a few minutes, when he was barged in on by an enthusiastic Massiff, one that got scratching along the face and head only once he'd listened to Din's command to sit down.

What he asked Cobb, some kind of amusement riding under the tone was: "How early am I going to have to start my return tour tomorrow to make sure it's done by sundown?"

[heypartner]

"Should at least be up in time to walk the kids to school with Razor." Cobb looked Din over and he definitely looked better after a rest. "But if you make the rounds with me tomorrow it'll be easier. Still might have a few drop by around dinner time."

Which was a good warning. Cobb didn't want someone to drop by unexpectedly and catch Din with the helmet off. He didn't think the man had changed that much of his Creed.

"You get to feed him. I'm gonna start dinner for us." He pulled off his bandana and little bits of armor but paused as he started to take off the vambrace. "Am I allowed to take this off?"

[chaotic_lawful]

It was a good warning, and one he appreciated, patting Razor's shoulder to get the Massiff to move, amused as he did get up, made a full circle and then dropped right back down to sit again.

It had given Din time to roll to his feet, at least, and he patted Razor's head once more, "C'mon, it's alright." His brow creased a little at Cobb's question, "Why do you think you wouldn't be?" Din had already realized that there were some misconceptions he was going to have to clear up, and mostly figured the best way to do that was by asking how Cobb thought things went and correcting from there, easier than just dumping everything on him at once.

Especially when there were a few things he was going to need to know, and sooner rather than later.

[heypartner]

"You've explained how important the armor is," Cobb said with a little shrug. "Just want to be sure I'm treating it right."

He had been a little casual with his armor before. Not his armor, but after spending a lot of time watching Din take care of his and wear it practically all the time Cobb wanted to... well, he wanted to do right by the gift Din had given him.

It was a little bit of a Mandalorian's soul and souls meant a lot to Cobb.

"I could keep it on until we go to bed." Because that was usually when Din took his off.

[chaotic_lawful]

He inclined his head, not really a nod, but an agreement, even some kind of acquiescence, "That would be reasonable. How it's most commonly done. Though as with the helmet, if you're in your own home space, with your clan, and not expecting trouble you would need the armor for, it can be removed." Even then, most didn't, at least not completely except for sleep.

He was still out of the way, if only barely given the size of the kitchen, and his only question was: "Is there anything I can do to help, or should I just stay out of your way?"

[heypartner]

"You're not in the way." Cobb was rather glad to have him there. He was thrilled, actually. Just to feel his presence and look over his shoulder to see him there was a blessing. "But come here and chop some tubers."

They could squeeze into the kitchen together. They'd done it before to cook together and the occasional brush of elbow or hip would be a real nice way to end the day.

"You wanna tell me the whole story now?" he asked with a glance and an eyebrow raised. "Or is that a tomorrow conversation?"

[chaotic_lawful]

He just nodded at the first, sidling easily into place beside the other man, setting to work with his usual precision even as he answered: "Might as well start now, though it might take until tomorrow to finish."

A pause then as he actually considered that, shaking his head, "No, shouldn't take that long unless there's questions." And it was possible that there would be, all things considered. There was another pause, brow creasing a little, apparently wholly focused on the work for a moment, mostly working out where to start. It was the kind of thing Cobb would have seen before, but only with the helmet covering it. The same angle of his head, the same quiet stillness, and where he finally started was somewhere near the middle, as he was prone to doing.

"My Covert's armorer is the one who found me, I think I said that, the kids and those with Creche duty the day everything fell apart had gotten away, and she found them after I was off-planet with the kid. They'd already had to move to a secondary location, the first was compromised before they even arrived." He hadn't gotten the whole story there, but was reasonably sure it had to do with Bo-Katan and her search for the Darksaber.

[heypartner]

Cobb went quiet while Din talked. He could provide comments. He'd done it to other stories in the past but this one was more important. This was the time he had wondered and worried and missed Din so much it was a heavy ache.

Din's silences spoke volumes now that Cobb knew how to read his body language. He was an expert in all the little ways Din tilted his head and held his shoulders.

"Good that the kids got out." Cobb knew the fate of the Covert had weighed on him. It was good to know the little ones were safe and many of the adults as well.

[chaotic_lawful]

"Another group in a similar situation joined them shortly after they arrived, not the same numbers they, we, had before, but neither group is in danger of dying, now, even though it meant changes for both."

He shook his head, jostling himself back on track, no need to get distracted with the side-bar details, those could come later.

"What's important is that they know now what happened, that I'm the one who holds the Darksaber." Which still didn't feel right to say, and he wasn't sure he'd ever get used to it, "And they know where I am now. Word will spread."

[heypartner]

Cobb considered the whole story for a moment and then nodded. "Guess I'll let the town know we might have some more Mandalorian visitors come around."

They wouldn't be able to support all of them on their own, though. Housing would be the first problem. Water the second because he trusted the Mandalorians could handle their own rations and earning their own credits.

"Any idea when they're gonna start showing up?" Either to follow Din or to challenge him. Cobb didn't care which one it was because he'd be ready for either.

[chaotic_lawful]

He shook his head at the question, "No. It could be a few weeks or a few months. If they know about the storms it won't be until after they've passed. But not everyone's going to know about another planet's weather systems."

His brow creased, trying to sort out how to word the next part even as he continued chopping, careful and methodical as ever, "The ones who come to pay homage will be the most helpful. But some will come to challenge me, and others will come to challenge you." There wasn't any way around that, regardless of how he'd tried to come up with one as soon as he knew.