Chapter Text
The next day Luke headed off in search for a new lightsaber and Din left to get his ship back. When the Mandalorian came back after a week the other was still gone. He looked for the princess. "Excuse me."
"Oh hello, Din, you're back, took you a while." Leia smiled at him. "How can I help you?"
"Yeah, I ran into a bit of trouble and had to lay low. Is Luke back yet?"
"No, he's still off doing his Jedi stuff."
"Do you think he's okay?"
Leia chuckled softly. "It's sweet that you care. But I am sure he's fine. This whole thing probably only takes a while."
"Oh ok."
"Are you going to stick around this time? I know someone who might like that."
Din wondered who she meant by that. "I can't. Sorry, I need to get back to my tribe."
"Of course, if there is anything we can do for you to thank you for all of your help just say so."
"It's okay." He paused for a second. "Actually can you tell Luke to stay safe and call me if he gets into trouble?"
"Sure, but you do the same." She smiled at him. "We'll have your back too."
At the time Luke came back a few months later Din was already gone. He was sad about it of course but had expected as much. On top of that, there were more pressing matters, Han. During his trip he had thought of a plan, he didn't like it but it would put the least amount of people at risk. When the day came he had his lightsaber hidden in R2D2 and Leia dressed up as a bounty hunter mask and all. Before they went in she stopped him.
"Are you sure about this?" Her voice was completely distorted due to the voice changer. "We can always back out and find a new plan."
"I've got this. I'll just wait for the right opportunity to get Han and get out." He smiled at her. "Don't worry about me. I got this."
"Okay, if you need help just send for us. We will be there in a second."
"I will."
The two went aside R2 beeping next to them. As soon as Luke set foot into the hall seeing the Hutt and everyone he felt his heart drop. Maybe he wasn't ready for this. He felt everything come up again as if someone scratched open an old wound. Knowing that Leia would immediately abort if she noticed his discomfort he took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. The next few minutes had been a blur. The princess delivered her lines about haven found a particular slave the Hutt might be interested in and that she had wanted his favor so it was a gift along with the droid.
Jabba looked at the bounty hunter curiously and didn't quite know what they meant until he meet eyes with the man, blue eyes piercing through him. "Ah, the Jetii!"
Luke picked at the skin around his fingers feeling him stare into him. This was fine. Everything was fine. He gathered all his will and just stared back at him. Right, he wasn't the same person as those years ago. He got this.
Jabba laughed happily. He gestured for some of his guards to take him away before turning back towards the princess. "You join our festivities! You made a friend."
Luke found himself in a room having some clothes thrown at him. He quickly changed into a rather revealing outfit. Needing to find a place for his communicator he quickly slipped it into his shoes before stepping outside to the guards. Never had he thought he would let them put chains on him again. They didn't feel as heavy as they used to though, probably due to the muscles he gained. Yoda might have said strength comes from somewhere else but right now the physical part definitely helped. He still felt like he was about to have a panic attack but he just followed them out.
Leia didn't like this. the other was right this was the least risky plan. But when she saw him step out in the outfit, his eyes full of emotions with nothing she could pinpoint, she felt sick to the stomach. This was so wrong. He had only ever let a few things about his past slip but it was enough for her to know that it was horrible. Not being able to watch this she left. She was just supposed to drop him off and as much as she wanted to get him out of there right now she trusted him.
The Jedi looked after her when Jabba dragged him over at the chain making him sit close to him. Luke managed to swallow his emotions. He just watched everyone mingle and some Twi'lek girl perform. The night went on without much fuzz. But when the silence hit him he started to feel his emotions overwhelm him again all the things he had buried deep down and repressed. He grabbed the chain around his neck trying to pull it away because he felt like he was suffocating. There was no way to calm him down again. He felt tears run down his cheeks. "Kriff." Why couldn't he just deal with it, be over it? It had been so long but being back here in that outfit just brought it all to the surface. He closed his eyes and imagined himself somewhere safe. Before he knew it he thought of Din. His mind wandered to their evening before they parted, to how the Mandalorian put his arm around him and how gentle he always was. Thinking about that he finally managed to get some sleep.
The next day he was allowed to mingle a bit with the other people in the palace. The Hutt was never sexually interested in any of the slaves which was a blessing. He seemed to just enjoy the company and entrainment they provided as well as getting to look at pretty people. If it weren't for the situation Luke would probably feel somewhat flattered. He found himself strolling through the masses trying to locate Han. When he saw him adorning a wall like some decoration he felt awful. This was so wrong. But before he could look at it longer some guest wrapped him up in conversation. He talked with the man and ignored how he looked at him.
Throughout the day he did his best to entertain the guest without letting them too close to him. He almost flinched when he saw Din come in. Kriff, he didn't want him to see him like that. Quickly he tried to escape his field of vision. He moved through the guests but it was of no use as he found him looking right at him. When he noticed him wanting to come up to him he shook his head slightly gesturing to him that right now wasn't the right time.
For the rest of the evening, he could feel the other stare at him. Finally, having managed to get out of Jabba's sight he went up to Din pulling him a bit further from the main group.
"Luke, what is going on?" Din gently put his hand on his shoulder. He was concerned.
But the Jedi just smiled and put his hand on his. "Everything's okay. I can't tell you more right now. Not here but I am alright."
Din wasn't really convinced but he respected the other and knew he must have some plan. But he planned to stick around just in case. He watched Luke from afar making sure he was okay.
Luke did his job with ease almost as if he never left, which somewhat worried him, that was at least until he got ordered to privately entertain someone for the night. Most of the people had already left, gone to sleep, or disbursed except for the man. He didn't want this but also felt like he had no choice. So he followed him down the hall to a room. When they arrived at the room he felt the man touching his waist, the touch burning under his skin, in a bad, not sexy way. He flinched making the man grab onto him harder. Eventually, he found himself pushed onto the bed the man leaning over him cornering him. "Stop."
"What?"
"Stop! Don't touch me, please." He felt his voice fail him as the man ignored his pleas. Trying to push him off he failed since the other was bigger and stronger than him. Tears filled his eyes. "I said stop!"
Din who had gotten worried had actually taken a Twi'lek girl to the room next to him in hopes of being able to get him out somehow. When she tried to make some advances he quickly turned her down saying she could just go to sleep instead. Confused but not complaining the girl sat on her bed while he figured out what to do. He was just about to go outside and try knocking on the door when he heard a crash coming from the room. Quickly he rushed out and into the room to find the man slumped against the wall bleeding and Luke shocked on the bed.
"Luke!" He hurried over to him kneeling in front of him to block the sight. "Are you okay?"
The Jedi didn't answer shaking and just staring at him.
"Can I hug you?"
A nod.
Din carefully touched his arms, easing him into it before embracing him to calm him down. He felt the other's hands desperately cling to him and his heart broke. "You need some air."
"I-" He got interrupted by sobs. "I can't leave."
"You need to leave. This is not safe."
"No, Han-"
Din made him look at him. He knew there was no way to talk him out of it. "Then let me help you. There is no need for you to do this alone." His hands cupped the Jedi's face and he gently wiped away some stray tears.
"Okay."
"Now, let's sort this out." He kept caressing his cheeks to calm him down. "Can you tell me what happened?"
Luke looked at him as lost as when the other had freed him all those years ago and even though he never saw his face looking at him calmed his nerves. The normally so cold and emotionless helmet somehow looked so soft on him. "I tried to get him to stop but he wouldn't-" He paused. "So, I tried pushing him off and I don't know how or why but I must how been so desperate that I unintentionally used the force." He took a deep breath to try and gather himself again. "Is- is he alright?"
Din felt his heart break all over again hearing the shakiness in his voice. "Why do you care? He hurt you."
"Please, Din."
"I'll check. You stay here." He stood up and went towards the man. He checked his pulse and he was still alive just knocked out. Well saying 'just' might not do it justice he had a major head wound and probably some brain damage. "He's alive."
"Oh, thank god." Luke sighed relieved until he realized he was alive. "Kriff! He's gonna be so mad and probably tell Jabba and-"
"Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it."
"What?"
"I'll take him outside and talk to him. I can be very convincing." Din looked at the wound, he would have to fix it up. So he tore a bit of his sleeve off to bandage it.
Luke watched him intently seeing a part of his skin. He felt himself staring and looked away not wanting to make the Mandalorian uncomfortable.
After a while and cleaning off the blood from the wall he handed the other the blanket that had fallen off the bed as well. "You must be cold."
"I- thank you."
"Are you okay?"
"I will be."
Din kneeled back down in front of him to be on eye level. "You know you can always call me if anything is wrong right?"
Luke felt a small smile creep on his face after everything that happened this night, being here with him right now felt good. He leaned his forehead against the other's. "I know, Din. Thank you."
Din was just about to answer when he heard the man wake up. He went over to him.
"What?" He held his head confused looking around before realizing what happened. "You little-" Before he could finish his sentence he got pulled up by Din. "Hey-"
"We're going for a little walk." Din held his blaster against the man's side discreetly before walking out. He was glad it was dark because it had made it easier for them to slip past the guards. When they arrived outside he spoke up again. "You're lucky you only got knocked out."
"What do you want Mando?"
"I want you to leave, never come back and never tell anyone about this."
"And what is if I don't?"
Din held his blaster up to his neck. "I'll find you."
The man rolled his eyes but as he was only some rich asshole with no real fighting experience he agreed and left. Din took a deep breath this was bad. This whole plan was such a bad idea not only is this probably horrible for the Jedi's mental health but he is lucky that Jabba's 'colleagues' feared the Hutt or they would have turned his 'new slave' into the empire real quick. Luke had to learn how to lay low, he was an official war criminal after all.
So, he decided to stick around to make sure nothing bad happened. He had gotten attached and it was bad.
The next day went normal, he felt the Twi'lek girl eye him still confused. But he focused on the Jedi who had gone back to his usual self, though he noticed he was a bit more tense keeping more of a distance from people.
Luke spent the day talking to more of the guest and entertaining Jabba by doing some small Jedi tricks. He managed to get a few moments with R2D2 who was not happy that he was now a glorified moving table. As the night rolled around he hoped to get a good night of sleep when he heard that someone had requested his services. Great. He missed the days Jabba had kept him all to himself. Trying to figure out a way to get out of this he went to the room where the guest was apparently already waiting.
When he stepped through the door surprise hit him. "Din?"
"I thought this way you wouldn't have to worry about people booking you and you could just sleep."
Luke felt his heart flutter. How could someone be so considerate and sweet? He beamed and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you, you big softie!"
Din wanted to protest but just smiled letting the other hug him.
"You scared me! You could've told me beforehand. I was walking down here all nervous and uncomfortable."
"Sorry."
"Don't apologize." Luke chuckled and gently nudged him. "You are way too nice."
"So, what's the plan? When are you getting Han out?"
"I thought this would be easier but there are always so many eyes everywhere and this outfit doesn't really make it easier to blend it."
"We could get him out at night, together."
"What if we get caught and you get hurt?"
"Mesh'la, I am not worried about that. I am worried about your safety here." Din didn't quite know why he called him that. To be fair he was beautiful but it just kind of slipped out. "Look, I can take care of myself, worry about yourself for once please."
Luke smiled at him softly. He didn't know what he called him but it made his heart flutter. "Okay, maybe we can do that tomorrow night? We can sneak passed the main hall and get him out, quick and easy, at least I hope so." He took his hand. "You truly are one of the best people I've ever met, Din. You must be my guardian angel or something, always showing up when I need you the most." He gently squeezed it. "Thank you, I feel like I say that a lot but also not enough."
Din was happy just being able to help him. He wanted to hold him close and shelter him but knew he shouldn't, he had already gotten way too attached and too far in. "You should try and get some sleep."
"Stay with me?"
"I-"
"Please."
"Okay."
Luke shuffled to the side of the bed and gestured to him to join him. He was sitting against the headboard.
Din carefully sat down next to him. He didn't really know what to do when the Jedi leaned against him.
"You make me feel safe." Luke closed his eyes and enjoyed the closeness. He had seen him at his worse when he was a shadow of himself and he never thought less of him. Even when he was unsure of himself, he respected him. The simple motion of offering him his hand and a spare change of clothes back when they met made him melt. This man had shown him kindness when most people wouldn't and he saved him not only physically but mentally. He wasn't sure how long he could've stayed in the trade before he would have lost any semblance of himself.
They stayed like that until both of them fell asleep. When Din woke up he felt a bit sore from sleeping in his armor but seeing the Jedi leaning against him still sleeping calmly made it all worth it. He waited a bit longer before nudging him awake.
Luke drowsily looked up at him a smile spreading across his face. "Good morning." He had an indent where his face connected with his armor.
"Morning, mesh'la."
He sat up stretching. Just one more day and he was out of there for good. He should probably let Leia know. So he took out his communicator at sent her a message that if he didn't make it to the pick-up spot tonight something went wrong. "Okay, so tonight-" He paused getting a bit worried.
"It's going to be okay."
"I know." Luke looked at the time. "I should probably get out there. I will meet you tonight."
"Okay."
They parted ways and during the whole day Luke couldn't help but glance over at Din. He had definitely grown attached to him and wished that maybe this time they could stick together.
When the time came Din had again requested the Jedi for the night and Jabba obliged but wondered why the Mandalorian had sold the slave if he liked playing with him so much. Luke went to the room with him and they waited until it got quiet to sneak out. They made sure to be as quiet as possible when Luke tripped and almost fell against the Hutt when Din caught him. He looked up at him the other's strong arm around his waist. Feeling his face burn up a bit and get red he quickly stood up and mouthed a thank you before continuing to walk.
Din followed him and watched him unfreeze the smuggler who fell on the ground before them.
Luke kneeled down next to him and helped him up having him lean against him, the other shivering and clearly disoriented. "Han, relax, it's me, Luke. You're okay. We're going to get you out of here." He pushed some of his hair out of his face.
"I can't see."
"Your eyesight will return in time," Din answered. "It's hibernation sickness."
"Is that the Mandalorian?"
"Yes."
"Where am I?"
Luke held him stable so he wouldn't fall over. "Jabba's palace. Come on we have to get you out of here." He helped him stand letting him rest against him. They were just about to leave when they heard Jabba laugh behind them. "Kriff, really?"
"I know that laugh," Han spoke up. "Look, Jabba, I was just on my way to pay you back and I got a little sidetracked. It's not my fault."
"It's too late Solo. You may have been a good smuggler. But now your Bantha fodder. Take him away."
Han tried to argue but got dragged away no matter how hard Luke tried to hold onto him.
"As for you two." He looked at Din and him. "I am disappointed. Take the Mandalorian to the smuggler as for the slave-" He paused. "Bring him over to me."
Luke looked at Din scared he didn't want him to die or get hurt because he dragged him into this stupid rescue mission. He tried to get to him but they both got dragged apart.
Din went into the cell without a fuss, knowing that he would have to find a way out.
"Who's there?" Han was still majorly disoriented.
"It's the Mandalorian."
"What's gonna happen to the kid? He's crazy thinking he can rescue someone when he can't even take care of himself."
"He's going to be okay. He's a Jedi now." Din answered but was worried himself.
"A real Jedi? How long have I been gone for?"
"I think it's been a year."
"A year?!"
Meanwhile, Luke was brought in front of the Hutt. "Jabba, let my friends go. We can give you triple the amount Han owes you and you can profit from this."
"Little Jetii slave wants to make deals?"
"I urge you not to underestimate me."
"I will not bargain with you, slave. I shall continue to enjoy watching your circus tricks in my court."
Luke looked over to see one of the guard's guns and pulled it over to himself with the force pointing it at the Hutt. But before he could shoot the trap door beneath him opened and he and one of Jabba's men dropped into the Rancor pit. "Kriff." He knew the trouble he was in he had seen too many people get dropped in here. But if the Hutt thought he would go down without a fight he was mistaken.
He stepped back as he saw it come out of it's den and eat the guard. It was way more intimidating in person but he quickly grabbed one of the bones on the ground before getting picked up. He couldn't lose. This wasn't only about him but Han and Din as well. So thinking quickly he shoved the bone in the beast's mouth keeping it open and impossible for it to bite down, which made it drop him. He looked at the exit and opened the gate running out of it to find a second locked gate. "You have to be kidding me.' Panicking he looked around to see the Rancor come toward him. He grabbed a rock and though he was planning to throw it against the giant first he saw the button he used to open the first gate. Hoping he wouldn't miss he threw it against the button making the gate drop and fall on the beast killing it.
He took a deep breath feeling bad because in the end it had been trapped here just like him but he had no choice. The Hutt wasn't as happy though as he ordered his men to get Din and Han as they would all collectively suffer for this. At the same time, Leia and Chewbacca arrived having grown concerned about them not making it to the meeting point. They naturally immediately got apprehended but not before Lando managed to sneak in dressed as a guard.
Luke saw Han again as they together with Chewie and Din got hauled off. "Han! Are you alright?"
"Luke! Together again."
"Wouldn't miss it."
"How are we doing?"
"Same as always."
"That bad, huh?"
The smuggler heard the Wookie greet him happy to see his best friend alive again.
"Chewie, is that you? How did you get roped into this?"
The Wookie answered.
"Leia is here too? Where?"
The princess who was now dressed in a slave's outfit and sitting in front of the Hutt answered. "I'm here."
Jabba declared that they would be terminated immediately too with Han making an off-hand joke about hating long waits that made Luke chuckle. Before it was announced that they would be taken to the Dune Sea and cast into the Pit of Carkoon, where Sarlacc resides, where they would be slowly digested.
"You should've bargained." Luke comment. "That's the last mistake you'll ever make." They got taken away while both Han and Din wondered why in the hell the Jedi was so confident.
"I think my eyes are getting better," Han mentioned while they were on a ship driving through the dune sea. "Instead of a big dark blur, I see a big light blur."
"There's nothing to see." Luke joked. "I used to live here, you know."
"You're going to die here, you know. Convenient."
Luke knew he still had an ace up his sleeve in case everything went wrong. There was a reason he had R2 hide his lightsaber. The only thing he dreaded was having to fight in this outfit which was in fact not convenient at all.
Din looked over his shoulder. "Actually yeah, why are you so confident?"
Luke smiled at him. "Don't worry. Just look after Han with Lando for me okay? I've got this."
"Oh great," Han interjected.
When they arrived Luke looked down at the pit. It was nasty but also kind of cute in a way. It looked like a little bird. Still, he would prefer not to be too close to it. He stepped up to the plank and after another one of Jabba's speeches he spoke up. "Jabba, this is your last chance. Free us or die."
The Hutt laughed, never had he seen such misplaced confidence. Not only were they on the executioner's road but the Jedi was still dressed in his slave outfit.
Din watched him step forward and give a salute like a madman when he jumped off grabbing hold of the plank and flinging himself back up with a front flip while grabbing the lightsaber R2D2 had shot out for him. A fight broke loose as multiple guards fell off the ship into the pit. He joined in nicking a blaster and kicking someone down while helping the Wookie keep the still half-blind Han safe.
During the turmoil, Boba Fett flew over to them shooting at them which made Luke wonder why he hadn't turned him over to the empire yet. Maybe he had been afraid of the Hutt or his relationship with Jabba had been more complicated.
Lando got kicked down holding onto the ship for dear life when Han heard him screaming for help he leaned down to pull him back up. Din meanwhile shooting down the guards on the main ship, Jabba's ship, that were trying to shoot Luke.
The Jedi fought with Boba Fett cutting open his jet pack. He hesitated for a while recalling how he had been kind to him when he was a slave before he ultimately kicked him into the pit as the bounty hunter tried to do the same to him. "Sorry!" He looked after him for a second before jumping on the second smaller ship to make quick work of the guards there.
Leia meanwhile strangled Jabba with her own chain which was honestly really cathartic for her.
Din had lost sight of Luke until he saw him climbing the exterior of the big ship. "Kriff, that is impressive." He shot down one of the guards trying to shoot him down before helping Han and Chewie to pull Lando up.
Luke had gotten to the deck where Leia was. "Are you okay?" He shot her a smile before going back to fighting.
"Yes, but we have to get out of here!"
"Get the gun, and point it at the deck."
Leia did as she was told pointing the giant gun at the deck before returning to Luke who had grabbed onto a piece of rope. He held onto her and fired the gun before swinging back to the smaller boat.
"Let's go and don't forget R2 he jumped off so he should be around here." They picked up the droid before flying off.
Luke leaned against the railing taking a deep breath while the giant ship behind them went down. He looked over to Din. "Thanks for having my back."
Leia went over to Han and kissed him as the ship exploded.
"That's Leia kissing me right?"
"Yes, you idiot." She gently caressed his cheek. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, my sight is getting better."
Luke hurried over to him kneeling next to the princess. "That's good news! I was scared that you might have some lasting damage."
Han rubbed his eyes and blinked a few times seeing everything a bit blurred. "Are you not wearing a shirt?"
"Eh, long story." Luke chuckled. "Oh, on that topic, do you guys mind if we make a quick stop?"
"Sure where?" Lando looked at him just glad he didn't die back there.
"Jabba's palace."
"Kid, we just got out of there." Han looked at him like he was crazy.
"I know just drop me off. I have something to get from there."
"Luke-" Leia wanted to interject.
"I'll go with him." Din put a hand on his shoulder. "There shouldn't really be many guards left there. They all sort of crashed."
She sighed. "Okay, but you have 30 minutes or we will storm the palace with the rebels."
"Deal."
They sat Din and Luke down. "What are we doing here, Luke?"
"I am getting the slaves out of here. Who knows when the next Hutt will come here or who it will be. I am not leaving them behind."
"I don't know if that's a good idea. There-"
Luke turned to him. "Respectfully I don't care. I will not leave them here just to be sold again." He went inside, the Mandalorian following him. There were only a few guards who disbursed when he told them Jabba was dead and to not fight him. There were a few stubborn ones who left when Din pointed his blaster at them.
The Jedi stepped into the Slaves' quarters. He didn't quite know what to say. "I am here to free you and get you out."
They looked at him confused especially because he was still dressed like a slave and had a bounty hunter standing behind him. That was until he drew his lightsaber.
"Stand back." He quickly cut the chains with which they had all been tied to the floor. "I am with the rebellion. We will provide you with clothes and credits for a new start in life. If you do not wish to come with me. You can leave as you are free now. No one will make choices for you anymore." He waited for a second until he made sure they all digested what he just said. "Is this everyone or are there still others left?"
"We're everyone, sir." A petite Twi'lek woman got up and took his hand. "Thank you."
"Now let's get you all out of here."
"What about Jabba?"
"Jabba is dead."
He went outside with them smiling as he saw a few happily feel the sun on their skin. Everyone had gone with him because they didn't quite know where to go. Before Leia got time to worry he called her to pick them up with the falcon. When she stepped out, now back in her regular clothes, she looked perplexed.
Luke smiled at her. "Got some room for more passengers?"
"Sure?"
Luke helped them all inside and looked at Din who stood in front of the ship but did not come inside. "You're leaving again, huh?"
"Yes, my ship is just a bit further from here."
The Jedi smiled. "I bet we'll meet again." He stepped closer to him and kissed the top of his helmet surprising the Mandalorian. "Stay safe."
Din watched him leave still overwhelmed until he yelled after him. "You too."
Luke chuckled and they took off. He went to the cockpit. "Thanks for the pick-up, Chewie!" He looked at Han who was a bit pissed he couldn't see enough to fly. "Good thing you're not flying yet."
"Who are your new friends, kid?"
"Let's say, old colleagues." He smiled and pat the other on the shoulder. "I should probably get back to them." He went to them and helped Leia to hand out some water and rations, before pulling her aside. "Oh, I told them, we would get them something starting money and clothes."
"You could've talked to me about this before." She sighed. "But of course, we can get that for them. This was important to you right?"
"Yes."
"You're a good person. Where's Din?"
"He left." He smiled a bit sad but with their track record, they would probably meet again. "I should probably go back to the group, and ask if they need help." With that, he left.
Leia watched him leave knowing full well that he was infatuated with him and it was tragic seeing them always separate. But nonetheless, they had more important things to worry about, the empire.