#mandadlorian

Content to observe from a distance, Din lingered farther up the beach where his presence would not disturb them.  Grogu giggled as Rotta splashed him.  He gleefully retaliated, the water he sent sailing back a mere fraction of what had just drenched him.  It didn’t matter that one was small and the other large.  They were like two best friends as they rolled around in the mud and surf.  Din would have moved worlds to make it last.  How often would they be able to play like this?  If ever.  They’d both been robbed of their childhood but the universe had brought these kindred spirits together.  The odds against it were staggering.  Fondness washed over him, as impactful as the ocean waves. 

Only when Grogu showed signs of tiring did Din complete his trek down the coastline.  He was loathe to see the day come to an end, so he strolled and enjoyed the colors on the horizon.  It prepared all of them for the transition that was to follow.  He peered down at Grogu, little arms and legs stretched out beside him, eyes closed.  Din cocked his helmet, not sure if Grogu had fallen asleep sunbathing or if he was petulantly ignoring his father. 

“I think he wore himself out,” Rotta offered, pulling himself close enough to cast Grogu into shadow. 

A single eyelid cracked open, then snapped shut. 

“You’re not fooling anybody, kid.”  Din hooked his thumbs into his belt, his gaze still squarely on his son. 

Grogu groaned dramatically before fully opening his eyes.  He continued to lay limply on the sand.  When he finally reached up his arms, it was to Rotta. 

“I know,” he commiserated, not hesitating to pick him up.  “I’m disappointed too.  But we had fun.  Thanks for spending time with me.”

Grogu perked up.  “Patoo,” he agreed, splaying his hand against Rotta’s forearm tenderly. 

“I guess this is it.  I don’t know where I’ll go from here.”  He looked around at the beach, the trees, the base that was only partially in view.  Answers sometimes presented themselves to those willing to wait.  He’d waited for his freedom.  Now he didn’t know what to do with it. 

Little shoulders clad in soggy material and coated in clingy sand slumped deeply.  Grogu hung his head.

“You can lay low with us until I can pull in a few favors.” 

Rotta’s eyes widened and he pulled himself into a straighter stance.  “Really?  You don’t mind?”

Happy sounds bubbled out of the wiggler.

“It’s not a permanent solution but it’ll do for now.”  The threat of the twins was a real concern.  As long as they were alive, Rotta would never be safe.  Din knew what a life on the run entailed.  For a short time, he could offer the safety of his home. 

Grogu extended grabby hands to his father, cooing. 

“You’re a sugar cookie,” Din declared, taking custody.   

Confusion crossed his face.  Then he looked down at himself, took the collar of his jacket, and tried to put it in his mouth. 

“No.  Don’t eat that.”

Rotta’s laughter boomed.  “Is there anything he won’t eat?”

“He’s not excited about vegetables.” 

Grogu made a face.  Was there anyone fond of vegetables?

“I don’t like them either,” Rotta admitted.

A quick dip of Grogu’s chin and the lifting of his ears conveyed a definite sentiment of approval.  He extended his arm, his three fingers curled inward.  Rotta reached out and bumped his fist in solidarity. 

“Let’s head back and get you cleaned up.”  Din affectionately rubbed a finger over Grogu’s other fist. 

He looked up over his shoulder at his father expectantly. 

“Rotta can come when he’s ready.” 

“It’s pretty here.  I might stay for a few more minutes.”  It was the first time he’d ever seen a beach and played in the ocean.