#starwarsff

After a long while of brainstorming, Master Choi Minho has an idea, “Why don’t we collect more taxes from the people and place military personnel around our headquarters?”.

There is a wave of silent, approving nods until Chaewon says, “That isn’t much of a plan. What about protection for our people? If their livelihoods are getting strained, they deserve to reap some of the benefits as well!”.

Resounding chuckles fill the air as her cheeks turn pink and her eyes start to well up with tears, feeling embarrassed. However, before she can speak up, Master Chungha smirks. “Oh, you know what, that would be a lovely alteration to the plan! If we were still younglings. Grow up, Chaewon; that isn’t how the world works. We maintain order, and our subjects will be at peace if we are safe. Imagine we are in danger, then they panic; how dangerous that could rapidly become!”.

Most of the Council is clapping for the Master's use of logic when the youngest female Jedi to ever be on the Council, Rei, speaks up, "Yeah, even I know better, and you surpass me by 3 years. You’ll never make it onto the Council if you stay so naïve”.

At this point, Chaewon’s knuckles are white, and she is about to burst with fury at the disrespect.

Luckily, Master Jaeyun diffuses the impending explosion just in time. "All right then, this has been a great start in figuring out how to counteract the Sith issue, but we should dismiss for the day. When we gather next time, let's be more respectful and open-minded. Until next time, stay safe, everyone. Meeting adjourned.”.

Waiting until everyone else leaves to discuss the new developments with Somin and Jihyo, Chaewon remains seated while the rest of the Council files out of the room. Adding insult to injury, Chungha and Rei pat her head as if she were a child as they leave.

As soon as the door shuts, the floods can no longer be contained in her eyes, and Chaewon breaks down. Thankfully, she isn’t alone for long as her allies rush to her side quickly.

Somin reassures her gently while gently rubbing her back, "Let it out, dear; I am so proud of you for standing up for the people and keeping your emotions in check with everything else that happened. While you do need to fine-tune the execution, it was better than staying silent."

Meanwhile, Jihyo kneeled in front of Chaewon with a fierce look in her eyes, “Say the word, and I’ll use my strength training on that prick Minho and his ‘secret’ lover. I’ve been dying to slap them both for so long!” Somin scolds, "Now, why are you listening to those rumors? Whether true or false, it doesn’t concern us or our cause. We need to stay focused, Hyo."

Amongst sniffles, Chaewon chuckles, "I appreciate the offer, but it's okay; we need to make them think we are still aligned with them for the time being.”

At this, Somin looks down at Chaewon with a motherly, proud smile as she kisses the top of her head, and they all head out before curfew is enacted.

Back at Y/N's home shop, she is just finishing her morning routine, getting dressed, and trying to make a game plan for the current list of orders when she hears the bell ring that someone has entered.

Huffing in annoyance, she heads to the front. "I thought I told Huyang to leave the sign off today. Oh well, maybe someone is just lost, and I can get them out quickly,” she mutters.

When she sees who entered the shop, she turns on her heel to walk away, saying, "Look, I have had enough run-ins with you and your gang for a lifetime, so please let me work in peace. Between your elevator ambush, your slightly creepy leader randomly dropping in to apologize for the prior event and slightly offering to work together, then that Winter chick tracking me down, burning my shop, and trying to kill me, I’m all Sithed out, sorry.”

His eyes widen as he pieces together what he has just been told with the argument he heard before leaving. Immediately, he is filled with rage and is concerned for you more than he should be.

Sadly, he doesn’t have time to waste with silly ponderings right now. “Look, I can only speak on my actions, and I apologize if I annoyed you; I was just trying to have a little fun,” he says as his signature shit-eating grin spreads across his face.

He switches modes when he realizes the extent to which you are in no mood for his usual antics. "Okay, look, seriously, I need your help."

You cackle for 2 minutes straight, "Wait, so your crew pesters and threatens me for the last 24 hours, including your insults yesterday, and you think I’ll help you? Get lost.”

Your foot is almost across the threshold of the next room when he says, “You’re right. You can refuse service to anyone. I would, too, if I were you, but I have an offer. I need you to check out and possibly replace my kyber crystal. In exchange, I will pay double your normal service charge to help show you that I am serious about my apology and for information about what happened last night. Do we have a deal?”.

Shocked doesn’t cover how you feel now, “Hold on a minute. Why do you want information about your buddy’s attack? Wouldn’t you just ask them?”

Woo sighs, “ I would, but she is quite emotional right now, and I want the truth. She acted outside of Honjoong’s permission and wounded the integrity of our organization, which, as you know, is already being threatened. She will not know that I know anything or that I got the details from you. The intel will go straight from you to me, then to Hongjoong, who can concoct a story of how he learned about the specifics.”

For once, you can see genuine sincerity in his eyes and give a nod of approval, showing that you understand everything and agree to his terms.

Moving into the connected workshop structure, he sits and watches as you run diagnostic tests on his saber.

After about 15 minutes of this, you start dismantling it in silence so you can replace the crystal that looks like it got jostled by falling off his bedside table or something.

Suddenly, you break the silence. “Wanna know why what you said in the elevator hit such a nerve? Well, even if you don’t too bad. If you can just speak your mind whenever so can I."

Looking taken aback yet endeared at your spunk, he extends his hand in a go-ahead motion.

You continue explaining, "I built this business with my mentor's help after not being taken seriously for 5 years. Just having moved into the city, having no official training, and being a human woman made for an extremely steep uphill climb to where I am now. It was nothing new after a lifetime of having no parents and fending for myself, but there is only so much a person can take. One day, Huyang found me in an alley, about to inject myself with an instant death serum I bought from this shady tent because there was no more hope in my soul. He didn’t realize what it was until he fed me, and I broke down and told him my whole life story.”

Finishing up the saber, you drank some water and proceeded, “I won’t bore you with that, don’t worry. The main point is that after being abandoned and abused multiple times by so-called friends and family alike, I learned I can only depend on myself and, eventually, Huyang. I then put these silver streaks in my hair to remind myself that there is always light in the darkness; the same is true with most people, even those on the Sith side. The way I look at it, they are just misunderstood, and if their methods changed, they would be more respected and less feared.”

Laughing, you realize, “As far as core values go, the Sith is less corrupt than the Council at this point. Your leaders apologize and are protective; you all seem roughly the same rank. On the other hand, the Council likes to pretend to be more open-minded because it has a diverse membership and cares about the people. Yeah right. They overtax and overwork their citizens, who are practically slaves just so they can live posh, secure lives while the rest of us are dying from a myriad of terrible factors. A few secret friends and I in the Council are trying to gather support to overthrow those who have let greed poison them, but who knows if success will happen in my lifetime...”

Realizing you have been rambling for a while now, you feel self-conscious and hurriedly recount the run-in with Winter and tell him which shop was damaged. Thanking him for his time, you rush him out as questions bombard you.

Why did you open up so much to him? That isn’t like you... must still be off from yesterday. That must be it. Yeah. By busying yourself with other orders, you try to forget about your lapse in fortress status.

As Wooyoung stands outside your shop with a newly repaired saber and the old crystal in his pouch, which is special as it was his first, he has much to think about on the way home, more like the burned shop.

Too much is on his mind, and he can use the longer time away as evidence that he didn’t go to your shop so Winter doesn’t get suspicious when Joong has more details about the event later.

Woo is confused on several fronts as he talks to himself throughout his trek, “Why would anyone hurt her? Wait, why do I care? Why would she tell me about her past? It must be a trick to try to protect herself. Is she that type, though? Whatever, I don’t care.”

The last point is immediately disproven upon seeing the damage that Winter caused to the shop. Instinctively, he starts cleaning up the area and making mental notes of supplies to bring next time to fix up the place.

After about 2 hours, he starts heading back, and his inner turmoil has only heightened. He shouldn’t care, so why does he? I mean, you made some excellent points. But he is also under orders to kill you...decisions must be made.

Once dusk hits, you start tidying up the shop, content with the work you got done today (and yes, still repressing the swirl of thoughts from earlier).

Huyang enters with fresh meals he bought from the market nearby. You can both rest and enjoy easy food after the stressful last couple of days.

During the meal, you confide in Huyang about what happened earlier, and he is eerily silent. Not able to take it, after about 5 minutes, you shout, "What?! Just talk, damn... it’s weird when you’re quiet.”

 Clearing his throat, he says, “Apologies, ma’am, I just don’t think you want to hear my notes on this situation as they are similar to the last run-in you had with this Wooyoung. It is admirable that he repented and was able to be sincere with you. As for you, you already know the truth deep down and don’t want to admit it. That is all I shall say”.

Rolling your eyes, you just get up and go to your bedroom as Huyang chuckles to himself.

Unable to sleep due to the mixed emotions, countless questions, and thoughts, you decide to check out your shop at dawn to assess the damage.

 It is evident that someone else has been there as soon as you arrive. All of the lesser damaged items are in one corner, and it looks.... swept. You shrug and are happy that good people exist; they could have easily robbed you, but everything is accounted for despite its state.

Wooyoung, on the other hand, had a restful night’s sleep. Being physically exhausted and pleased that Winter got scolded more due to the intel he gave Hongjoong made him pass out as soon as he lay down.

Unfortunately, he was awoken in the middle of the night. Winter was knelt by his bed, blocking his saber, shaking him awake, “Woo, I cannot sleep. Can I sleep with you instead?.”

Smiling, he rolls onto his side, facing her, and says, “Sure, c’mon in, babe.”

As soon as she is settled in, he opens his eyes and pushes her onto the floor. Yelping with tears in her eyes, she says, “Why did you say sure and call me babe just to do that?!”

Startled fully awake by her screams, Wooyoung realizes what he has done.

In truth, he was dreaming about you too domestically, and in dreamland, her request was presented as yours.

So, when he was met with Winter in reality, he was appalled not only by her presence so close to him but also anxious about the contents of the dream.

He cannot tell her that, though, so he crafts a half lie; “Oh, um, sorry, I was having a dream about this babe I met at the cantina today while I was getting my saber fixed. Go back to your own room, petulant child.”

Whimpering, she refuses, “NO! I am not a child, and I will not be treated like one anymore, not by you especially. Can’t you see how perfect we would be together? Much better than Joong and Y/N; it is so pathetic.”

At the mention of you, Woo bolts upright, “What do you mean?” Winter is confused by his sudden interest. Nevertheless, she explains, “Well, Joong went to Y/N yesterday and plans to go alone tomorrow, too. It seems like he likes her, but, knowing him, he is probably just toying with her.”

Pondering her words, Wooyoung says, “That is his business, and we should not pay any attention to anything he does not discuss with us. Now go to your own room and sleep or not, I do not care, but goodbye.”

As he turns towards the wall, he cannot help but feel a stab of jealousy at this latest information.

Winter goes to her room, kicking herself for being vulnerable yet again, but damnit, she needed a win. Multiple scoldings by Hongjoong lately, along with neither of her crushes giving her the time of day, has her dejected.

She decides to go into an intense isolation period, claiming it is “that time of the month” to ward off Joong and Woo and to get out of doing fieldwork.

The following day, Wooyoung broaches what Winter told him with his leader. "Sir, I have a question: is what she said true? I told her to keep her nose out of your business, but as your second in command, I feel I should know what is going on to aid however I can if needed.”

Shocked at the initiative, Hongjoong smiles, “Thank you for putting her in her place, and I agree. For Bibi's will to be done, there must be nothing but honesty between us. While I admire Miss Y/N’s tenacity, and she is fairly easy on the eyes, I would not be so foolish as to let animal instinct take over. She is merely a pawn in this game, nothing else. Both you and Winter tend to lack professionalism, so I meet up alone to speed up the process.”

Satisfied with his answer, Hongjoong excuses himself from the table and prepares to meet up with Y/N.

Wooyoung waits until Hongjoong is gone to leave for the burned shop and continue making repairs, feeling thankful yet insulted.

Huyang let you sleep in as you caught up on most of the orders yesterday. You awoke with lunch by your bed with a note that he would hang flyers and for you to take it easy today.

Naturally, you ate and paid no mind to the resting part as you wanted to fix your shop more.

About 2 miles from your shop, you see a familiar figure approaching you, but it can't be... it is Wooyoung!

Sadly, there is nowhere to hide from him, so you continue strutting in his direction, acting like his presence is unnoticed.

The moment he gets close to you, anxiety radiates off of him as he tries to make small talk and turns around to walk with you. “What are you doing in the middle of nowhere alone? That is dangerous.” He says.

You scoff, “Since when does the Sith care about the life of a lowly sabersmith? And I can handle myself, thank you very much. The better question is, what are you doing out here? Miss me already?.”

Silence and a heated smirk are all you are met with until you trip him and hold your lilac-hued saber to his throat, “Did you fuck with my shop more? I swear I will slit your throat right now, and you will not like it..”

Attempting to scooch away on his back, he pleads with you, “NO, no, I swear, I did not mess up your shop. I was just.. uh... scouting the area to make sure no defectors from the Sith were in hiding.”

Mainly convinced by his story, you sheath your saber and help him to his feet. He nods and says he has to be on his way but decides not to tell you that Hongjoong is on his way to meet up with you.

It is childish, he admits, but something in him likes that he got to see you today, and Joong did not.

You feel played as soon as you step into your shop; he most definitely fucked with your shop but in a positive way.

It is even cleaner than last time, and repairs are obviously underway. You pin that for the next time you see him and try to focus on the work ahead.

Wooyoung returns to headquarters to hear the sound of things being thrown and screaming; he rushes inside, worried they are under attack, only to find Hongjoong as the source of the cacophony.

Hearing the door close, Joong pauses and half turns around with a crazed look while grinning like a rabid dog. Seeing it is Wooyoung, he starts venting, "Can you believe it? She has the nerve to not respond to my attempts at communication and then stand me up at her own shop?! Does she not realize how much I could fuck up or enhance her life depending on how she plays my game? How could she not want to see me? I am charming, handsome, mysterious; everything a spunky bitch like her would want. That is fine. I will show her what happens when you reject the mighty Hongjoong!”

Before Woo can react, Joong storms into his chambers to plot against Y/N. Just a pawn...sure, Wooyoung thinks to himself.

Wanting to test his newly fixed saber, he heads to the practice room to self-spar. Engrossed in the improvements you made and the scenarios played by the holograms for practice, he only notices Winter watching from the doorway when he trips over his foot and falls.

For once, she is calm as he asks, “H-how long have you been standing there?!” “Oh, only a few minutes, but that’s all I needed to bring you down,” she replies.

Confusion colors his features, “What in the galaxy are you talking about now? How and why would you want to bring me down?”.

She saunters over and stands over him, displaying a newfound dominant aura. “Oh, now you are the naïve one, it seems. Firstly, a girl can only take so much rejection before she snaps and turns on those she once wanted most. Secondly, there is only one smith around here whose trademark is white kyber crystals. You are as good as dead once Joong finds out you lied to him about where you got it fixed.”

Panic evident in his eyes, Woo quickly defends, "Okay, true, that trademark is well known amongst the customers of Y/N, but that does not mean she has a monopoly on them; plenty of other shops have them in stock from time to time. Also, how are you still so childish? Oh noooo, I don’t return your crush, so you are going to vaguely threaten me? Geez, go to counseling or get laid, shit.”

Winter is semi-convinced, so she stays to practice for a bit. Meanwhile, Wooyoung exits to wash off the near-death experience and plans a trip to warn you about a potential second attack from Winter.

After Wooyoung bathes, he heads to your shop, praying Joong does not cross his path. He arrives about the same time as you, and being too tired to argue, you let him in while you hydrate and catch your breath from all the manual labor you just did.

As you rest, he warns you, “Look, Winter saw me sparring with my saber. Great work, by the way! Anyway, now it is seen as betraying the Sith by going to you. You could be in a lot of danger, and while I can’t directly protect you, I can give you a heads up at least."

Furrowing your brows, your only response is, “Why would you, though?” He deeply exhales, “ I don't even know, okay, but there is your warning. Have a good day.”

Confused and amused by his awkwardness, you say, “I will, actually. It has been productive so far, plus my efforts have finally shut down a gambling center where the money goes to the Council, so I am happy! Plus, I have even more followers of my cause!”

Turning away, he grins, happy to see you reach your goals, but that smile fades rapidly as you say, “By the way, I know you were the one who has been helping with my damaged shop. Thanks.”

He leaves since he does not know how to respond or why his motivation has been pro-you and anti-mission lately, but not without quipping, “I mean, why would I help you? But if you want to reward me for this supposed aid, you can give my biological saber lip service next time, doll.”

As he leaves with a wink, you are annoyed, not by him for once, but with yourself. That kind of remark usually elicits nausea and a desire to kill every man.

This time, you just giggle once he leaves and feel your entire body heat up at the thought. Yep, you are screwed.

The next day, after you both have very intense sexual dreams about each other, you decide to go to Tatooine. His reason is simply to attempt to distract his brain, while yours is to check on your small shop.

It is a request-only shop as it is the least trafficked area for you, but with recent events, you might as well check in while you collect more kyber crystals.

As you are about to leave, you get a surprise visit from Hongjoong; shocked and perturbed, you politely excuse yourself; "Terribly sorry, but I was just on my way out; you can come back tomorrow, though, if you'd like.” He does not like that at all and backs you into your workbench.

Displaying a devilish, darkened gaze of determination, he states, “Oh, you foolish girl. I do not want to make the trip tomorrow. I am here now, and I want you. Do you know how much business I could get you? I would even share what I collect from the Sith citizens from ‘taxes,’ aka my fun fund. Stop fighting this attraction. It’s just me, not like I am the big bad wolf darling, though I would love to eat you,” he states, smirking a couple of inches from your lips.

With his eyes closed, you take the opportunity to hit him in the head with one of your tools and run out, hopping on your speeder and quickly zooming away with tears in your eyes.

You are reeling from the encounter and frustrated that your heart wants to flee to Woo for comfort.

With Hongjoong yelling at you that nobody is ever going to love you if you do not let them in or just be grateful that a god like him designed to give you his attention, you decide against walking into the lion’s den; you stay the course to Tatooine ignoring your yearning for comfort.

After a while, you head to the local cantina to grab something refreshing to drink since you have been in the sun crystal mining for 3 hours now.

En route, you notice people fighting and pay no mind, believing it to just be a couple of drunkards squabbling over the bill. Until you get closer, that is, and find that the fighters are Wooyoung and Hongjoong!

Staying a safe distance away yet being able to hear every word of their conversation makes you worried. Yet, you know it would be foolish to get in the middle, so you stand there paralyzed.

It seems that your rejection led Joong to the desert looking for a hook-up at the bar, where he ran into Woo and immediately went on the offensive.

Hongjoong is slurring at Woo, “Why did you go to that bitch for your saber? You know she is mine! Now, you ruin my attempts to get rid of the blue balls she gave me earlier? You are dead, apprentice.”

Wooyoung retorts between defending Joong’s strikes. “First off, she is not a bitch, and she was the closest sabersmith. Secondly, blue balls are not a thing, and you would not be looking for a drunken desperate cunt to sink into if she had initiated it, so stop lying to yourself and to me.”

Hongjoong looks victorious, “HA, so you admit going to her! For once, Winter was the good pupil. Maybe I will send the signal for her to attack Y/N while you are busy here..since you cannot even kill her like you were ordered."

Too worried about you, Woo freezes for a split second, which is enough for Joong to pull out his dagger and slice Wooyoung’s right cheek and left shoulder.

Right after, Joong hears a speeder and does not want witnesses, so he runs away; thank goodness your idea worked.

Helping Wooyoung onto your speeder, you head to your shop. It is not an ideal reason to head over there, but you were already planning on checking on it, so oh well.

Upon arrival, you help support him off the bike as he got beat up quite a beat; laying him on the bed in the back of the shop, you start taking off his robe to assess the wound.

Always a smartass, he smirks, and then he is screeching for dear life. He stares at your attempt at stifling a laugh, "Hey, don’t look so pleased.” You snort, “Sorry, just nice to see you are human sometimes.”

He pouts and turns away, forgetting his cheek is sliced too, so he turns back, defeated, towards you while you tend to his wounds and wrap up his shoulder.

You hate to admit it, but damn, his body looks even better than you thought; no, you scold yourself, not the place or time.

You change the subject, "So why can't you kill me? Or was he drunk?". Still on edge, he barks, "I don't even know, okay?! I warn you; I fix your shop secretly; I duel my master to defend your honor. It is all worth it, but-“

You interrupt. “You don't need to get hurt for me, though, idiot.” He grins. “I know I don’t have to, but I do, and I’m not sure why, but I want to help your cause and think it’s a great thing you’re doing and-“

This time, you interrupt him with a kiss that immediately gets returned. Pulling away, you apologize, “Sorry, but I had to stop your nonsense. I think I know why you do the things you do. It’s the same reason I helped you today, and don’t mind your drop-ins as much as I let on.”

He raises an eyebrow, asking why, to which you lean in close to him again and whisper in his ear, “Because we want each other badly but are scared of being that close and getting hurt.”

Sitting up, you blush. “I mean, maybe it’s just me, but it feels like we are very similar and fated in a way; just tell me if I –“

He stops you with a hungry kiss, supporting himself with his good arm, cradling the back of your head with his left hand as his tongue explores your mouth.

Your boldness peeks through as you lightly suck his tongue and let your hands gently trail down his abs and palm his covered, very strained bulge.

He groans into your mouth as he snakes his hand under your tunic and palms your voluptuous breasts in response, rolling your hardening nipples between his fingers.

This does not last long before his skilled tongue is swirling the buds and sucking on your tits, bringing you to ecstasy quicker than expected.

Sitting up as much as he can, you remove the rest of both of your clothes and straddle him, both of your sweat mixing in an intoxicating concoction of desire and safety in each other as your hands roam all over each other, passionately making out and making up for lost time.

You feel him grow beneath you, and with remarkable quickness, you shimmy down and lick the slit of his leaking tip for a moment or two before engulfing his thickness down your throat with ease earning you a nonverbal good job on the cheek with his veiny hands.

As he approaches his climax, he pulls you up by your hair, your lips releasing him with a pop and gestures for you to kiss him.

He gazes hungrily into your eyes, “I need to be inside of you, Y/N god, like right now.” You look sideways and reveal, “I want that too, but I, um, well... you would be my first. Can we go slow?"

His energy softens as he caresses your face, tucking your hair behind your ear. “Of course, baby, I simply want to be closer to you.”

Nodding, you line yourself up and sink onto him slowly. It hurts a bit at first, but you quickly adjust to the sting, and it feels sinfully good to have your aching cunt being filled by him finally.

The shop is consumed with the sound of your delicious moans and skin coming together more and more rapidly until you are about to reach your high.

Wooyoung can tell you are close to your release and reaches down to play with your clit, “C'mon love, make a mess on me, princess” At his words, your body reacts by cumming so many times you lose count.

With his help, you ride out your high for about 10 minutes as you feel his heat fill you up three times before you both slump over in exhaustive bliss.

Over the next few days, you stay in that shop talking about everything, and he officially decides to join your cause and recant his Sith ways.

You reveal that you chose his kyber crystal on purpose because you saw the light in him. He tears up and hugs you tightly, "I know it's soon, but I love you, my moth."

You kiss him, saying you love him as well, and have for a while through light sobs.

You both return to Coruscant after going to a nearby hair studio for a change of pace.

He adds blonde streaks to his black hair to remind himself of the light inside and has his old crystal fashioned into a necklace to remind him of where he has been and that he has changed.

 You, however, exchange your silver-streaked hair for more of a rust color to match the sentiment of his crystal, promising to keep each other in check and make sure no corruption enters your hearts.

Back at the Council, you, along with Somin, Jihyo, Chaewon, and Wooyoung, expose the corrupt members despite Masters Moonbyul and Jongseob trying to rationalize their actions but failing as they all get carted away to the highest security prison.

Later that day, the secretly good trio became the new faces of the Council and immediately threw a celebration for the city's people, returning all the money that had been wrongly collected.

You and Wooyoung, of course, attend in support. As you are about to steal a kiss, you notice a familiar pair of beady eyes peek behind a pillar.

But now, they are filled with pride and wonder instead of obsession. “What did you see?” Wooyoung asks; you smile and say, “Oh, an old friend, they are shy now but are doing better, I can tell, and I’m happy for them.”

It was Captain Andor’s worst nightmare.

Everything that could possibly go wrong on their first date had gone wrong.

To begin with, he had gotten to the medical building late to which Lya had not taken well.

“Wait- wait!” he caught her just as she was leaving the building.

“Twenty minutes late,” she had said doubtfully shaking her head.  A habit he realized she often did.

She wasn’t wearing her white coat. Instead, her hair was loose brushing just above her shoulders, and she had decided to wear a light layer of makeup.

“I’m sorry I’m late-” He began. She continued walking with her head held high. “Twenty-minutes…” she clicked her tongue not stopping. “Por favor- You look beautiful by the way, I mean-you always do, but more so today-”

She rolled her eyes to look at him. Despite her annoyance, she wore the smallest of smiles on her face.

He came to a sudden halt. He had messed up. Perhaps it was best to try again tomorrow. Several people crowded the streets as she advanced the terrain.

“Hey- so are you coming?” She called after him finally turning. “Let’s go to the cantina.”

He had forgotten the flowers bouquet he had gotten her for their first date. When they arrived at the cantina the place was so crowded that they were seated all the way in the back next to a loud band. He had stained his shirt with a sauce, and his smooth dancing skills had faltered due to his jumping nerves. It was even more embarrassing after he had reassured her he was a saucy dancer. He had been so preoccupied with making more mistakes that he merely started an unstoppable chain reaction.

He had stepped on her many times when she asked him to dance. It was hopeless. He could see her irked expression growing with each passing minute. Cassian decided to call it a night and asked for the handsome check. However, upon receiving it, he realized that he had forgotten his wallet at home. He held the back of his neck in embarrassment as they walked out of the cantina. Thankfully, Lya hadn’t minded picking up the tab.

“I’ll get it next time,” Cassian promised her with a nervous chuckle.

“Oh, it’s not a problem.” She said kindly offering him a polite smile. Both were slightly intoxicated.

The night couldn’t get worse, could it?

Yes. It could.

From above the violet skies suddenly rumbled and thundered with an instantly pouring storm. He took in a deep breath to hold in his frustrations. He cursed and remembered that Kaytoo had warned him about the high probability of rain for the evening.

“We should get back home,” she began. “Thank you for the evening; it was er-” She paused for a moment as she sought for the appropriate word. “Interesting Captain.” she nodded apprehensively. Her hands slid into her pockets as she turned her own way.

Lya put a step forward in the muddy ground when she suddenly felt a weight on her shoulders. She turned only to see Cassian jog in front of her. He had laid his blue parka jacket on her shoulders. “Allow me to walk you; it’s only proper.” He offered.

She could see the distress in his dark eyes, and with a humorous huff, she agreed. “Alright, just know that I can take care of myself.” She shrugged as she now moved her hands to the inside of his parka’s pockets.

“I need an excuse to save this date!”

The rain slowly poured above the two of them. Her home wasn’t too far. Cassian was dangerously quiet. There was a solemn expression on his face that appeared to be uncharacteristic in her eyes. She couldn’t help but smile fondly at the poor fool. He had tried everything tonight, and he still had horrifyingly bombed their date night. ‘I’m probably going to regret this,’ she thought to look away with wary eyes. She wore a playful smile on her face as she reached for his hand. He looked down at it confused. Lya looked at his surprised expression and smiled at him.

“So- tell me about your travels, I’m sure you get out a lot.”

It had been a long walk. Both of their paces had slowed down just to give them enough time for the walk to save the night. Lya remained warm and dry under his parka. Cassian was wet to the bone. She protested and offered to return the jacket. He had insisted that if he got sick, it would only land him in the medical ward again. He wasn’t one to complain.

“-And the same song was playing in the cantina?” she asked laughing at the conversation they were having.

“Yes! It was like they didn’t know any other damn song.” He added in his accented voice, shaking his head incredulously. “It was terrible. I mean- like come on!” he laughed. He was surprised to see her smiling with him at his anecdotes. Cassian didn’t meet many people, but the ones he did not find his stories to be humorous. He could see the small dimly lit home that they were approaching. It was then that a brisk movement from the over populous flora of the tropical jungle caught his attention. His instincts kicked in and he drew his blaster standing in a fighter stance. Without another word, he put a protective hand over the Doctor pushing her back behind him. He was ready to shoot when-

She barely felt the coldness of the drawn weapon being pressed to the back of her head. An audible gasp escaped her lips as a stranger twisted an arm behind her back and held her in place.

He pivoted a moment too late and found himself unable to fire.

Lya was being held as a hostage by a masked enemy. He couldn’t risk shooting this individual as she was too close to him.

“Captain Andor, I’ve been tracking you for months. Can’t believe the poison didn’t get to you...” The masked individual spat out dangerously.

“She’s got nothing to do with this.” Cassian hissed with his pistol still pointing at the villain.

Lya swallowed the knot that had formed in her throat and looked back at the creature that held her with a frown on her face.

“You rebel scum snake. Did you really think no one would notice the slithering snake that you are? A spy? Providing information to enemies of the Galactic Empire?”

“Listen,” Cassian said frustrated through gritted teeth. “She has nothing to do with this. I will not repeat myself, release her.”

His eyes once again landed on the woman’s before him. Despite the grim situation, she remained somewhat composed. There was a hard look in her eyes. It was then that the crimson laser beam sank into the dark depths of the tropical forest before him.

The enemy appeared to be immobilized. He lay face down in the muddy dirt unable to move. The Doctor stood with her back straight as she clenched and unclenched her open fist. She merely wore an annoyed expression.

He didn’t waste a minute in bolding towards her. He embraced her in a tight hug. She eyed him uneasily not feeling at the comfort level of hugging yet.

“Lya! Are you O.K.?” He asked holding her tight, looking at her eye to eye. He could feel the cold rain soaking his body and her warm hand on his shoulder. “Are you alright?” He repeated looking at her azure eyes. She nodded still looking down at the man on the floor. “I don’t understand what happened,” Cassian said confused. How had she managed to take an intergalactic spy like that?

“Pressure points,” She explained pointing her index finger up. He turned to look at her with narrowed eyes still not comprehending. “It’s a rare art of combat. I applied some pressure to a certain nerve ending spot in the body to immobilize him,” she said casting a casual look down at the man on the ground.

Cassian kept his eyes focused on her in awe.

Well, she did tell him she could take care of herself.

Feeling self-conscious Lya couldn’t help but nervously chuckle under his intense gaze.

“Cassian! You don’t have to worry about me. I can take care of myself.” She reminded him with a smile, squeezing back his hand. “I figured he might possess vital information that might be useful to us. You might want to interrogate him amongst other things since apparently, he was the one who poisoned you.” She said before tucking a strand of wet hair behind her ear.

The thundering rainstorm echoed through the jungle flora.

 He was speechless. He wasn’t aware he was gawking at her. He had found her. The perfect woman for him. It was then that a sullen feeling filled him.

What had just happened- it had been his fault. If he were foolish enough to remain in her life, it would always be the same. She would be attacked, prosecuted, threatened. He looked at her sadly. He couldn’t allow himself to do such a thing to her.

Besides, he would soon be embarking on a mission. Who knew if he could come back…

He figured it simply wasn’t meant to be.

Let me know what you think! I always appreciate feedback! <3

Their carriers, Winter, Wooyoung, and Hongjoong, were representatives from the Sith headquarters on behalf of Darth Bibi.

They had arrived in Coruscant for questioning as the Council had requested. The reason is that they were recently made aware of some odd happenings across the galaxy that fit their brand of chaos a little too well.

Looking visibly annoyed at the interruption and their cocky demeanor, you glare at the smug side profile of Wooyoung as his distinguished partner in training, Hongjoong, defends the accusations being hurled at the trio from each member of the Council.

Wooyoung moves a bit behind Hongjoong, and as he adjusts his footing, he catches Y/N’s disdainful expression. Looking aghast at her audacity, he mouths, "What is your problem?" Y/N responds with a shoulder shrug and feigns dissociation out the window.

The questioning wraps up, and Kai thanks them for their time and cooperation while permitting them to exit the Council hall. Yeosang picks up where Minghao left off and swiftly concludes Y/N's weekly session as the sun sets. With the recent uptick in random violent acts, a curfew was put in place, which meant everyone needed to get home quickly.

Exiting the hall, you speak into your communicator necklace and let Huyang know you are heading home. As you enter the elevator, you spot the Sith trio huddled in a corner, seemingly in a heated discussion.

Ignoring them, you enter the elevator and breathe a sigh of relief that you will be home soon. However, your peace doesn't last long as you hear a thud above you. Stealthily, you draw your pair of mini batons, staying alert in case of trouble.

Trouble ends up dropping into the elevator with you by the name of Wooyoung. Shoving the end of your baton into his razor-sharp jawline, you question, “What is with you? Couldn’t wait for the next car?”.

Simply chuckling and leaning aloofly on the wall, his reply shocks you. “Oh, it isn’t that; I wanted to make sure you weren’t going to make any trouble for me and my friends since I saw that you noticed our little pow-wow.”

Scoffing, she retorts, “I couldn’t care less about you and your hooligan friends. That’s between the Empress and the Council.”  “Hooligans? What are you, my great-grandmother?” he chortles.

 Rolling your eyes, you decide to ignore him as you are almost on the first floor. He hates that he didn’t get a reaction out of you, so he speaks his mind even more, "Well, we don't give a fuck about you either. In fact, it boggles my mind how the Council even stands by your lowly presence. You are nothing special, just a simple-minded saber smith who can’t even use a saber. So pathetic.”

Too taken aback by this stranger’s blatant insults to defend yourself, you stand there, fists balled up at your sides and full of rage, wanting to give him a taste of what you can do with your batons and staff.

Sadly, before you get the chance, the elevator dings, and he saunters out with that same annoying smug look, mockingly bidding you adieu as he rushes to catch up to his group.

You are confused about why his words affected you the entire way home. You spent years building up your reputation, never dreaming the path would lead to garnering the attention and trust of the Council, but here you are.

You went from just operating out of a measly tent to having several shops across the galaxy with the help of your droid mentor turned friend and co-manager, Huyang; you have made a respectable name for yourself. “To hell with that asshole! He doesn’t know me.” You think to yourself as you cross the threshold of your home shop.

Looking up from the dinner he was preparing, Huyang greets you with a fond "Hello there, Y/N! How’d  it go with the Council?” Scrunching up your face, you give a not-convincing “Fine, I guess,” as your pet mouse droid does laps around your ankles.

Not believing you but not daring to pry further before you have eaten, Huyang gives a half-hearted “Well, that’s good.” After dinner, you tell Huyang everything about the meeting, Sith intrusion, and your ambush elevator visit. He starts to giggle and has no intention of stopping even as you glare at him for seemingly not taking you seriously; “What is so goddamn funny, Yang?!”.

Composing himself, he answers, still fighting the urge to laugh, “Well, you see, young master, I have lived a long time and have seen this same song and dance many a time, which ends in the same manner.” Raising an eyebrow, it is apparent that you are thoroughly confused, “What in any of the galaxies are you insinuating?”

Allowing a giggle or two to slip out, he replies, “Oh nothing.... just more couples than I can count have started off ‘hating each other’ or ‘being annoying.’ Anyway, go get some rest while I clean up. We got a lot of orders in while you were gone today, so we have a busy day ahead of us, Y/N!” Looking mortified and too tired to tell him how wrong he is, you shuffle off to bed full and a little offended that Huyang would say such a thing about that scoundrel.

Meanwhile, back at the Sith training center, Bibi is giving Wooyoung a similarly hard time about his little drop-in. The only difference is he has a worse temper and has a bit to drink, so he ends up flipping the table they are dining at while Hongjoong is in his own world, expression unreadable, unlike Winter, whose face has been flushed, and the entire aura is radiating annoyance.

The next day, you are busier than you have been in weeks, thanks to the Council allowing you to finally post flyers about your services around the city. Finally getting a moment to scarf down the lunch Huyang packed you and have a relaxed seat, you hear the bell above the door indicating that you have a customer.

Contemplating ignoring them until they get fed up and leave only lasts a few seconds as your pride gets the best of you. Plus, you want to avoid getting a bad rap or losing a sale. Your breath hitches as soon as you see your patron, none other than the Sith lord in training from yesterday, Hongjoong.

Plastering on your best friendly smile and trying not to show how scared you are that trouble is imminent, you greet him, “Hello, Sir. How can my humble shop be of service to you?” Grinning eerily kindly, he tells you, “Oh, I’m not here on business, Ms. Y/N. Simply stopping by to apologize for the actions of my counterpart in the elevator yesterday. He is still young and foolish and hasn't the faintest idea of properly conducting oneself in a business setting yet. I hope he didn’t give you too much grief. Rest assured that your services are appreciated by both sides; you have immense talent, Y/N.”

Taken aback by his forethought and reassurance, you feel sure that the day's stress must be getting to you. Pinching yourself discreetly, you realize that this is a very real interaction and compose yourself so as not to seem rude. “Apologies, Sir Hongjoong, it has been a busy day, and I wasn’t prepared for such a kind visit. Thank you for stopping by; it’s good to know that someone else realizes what a petulant child that man is; if that is overstepping, I am sorry it just came out.”

Shaking his head, he assures you that no offense was taken and makes known his wish to maintain this business friendship. Halfheartedly agreeing, you see him out and reflect on what just happened. A Sith in training came all the way to your shop to apologize for his colleague's actions that he didn’t even witness. How did he know where to find you? Was Wooyoung talking about you? If he was, why? Was Huyang right? No way...

Being at a stopping point with your projects and feeling dizzy from the wide range of thoughts you were having, you decided to close up the shop for the day. Once you get home, have a quick snack, and shower, you are out like a light.

Over at the Sith camp, Hongjoong relays his visit and smiles differently, more than either of his training mates has seen before, as he stands at the head of the table. Wooyoung takes a break from sulking to whine at his senior, “Hyung, why would you do that? Now she is going to think I was talking about her or something. Plus, we have more pressing matters to tend to here at base camp."

Winter finally decides to join the conversation, "Yeah! Why did only you get to go see her? You should have brought me along at least...you know, for a female advantage."

Hongjoong starts cackling at this point, to the extent that he has to lean on the table for support. He calls out each of his colleagues, “First of all, Wooyoung, you did tell us about your little escapade. Meaning you were talking about her, in fact. I did it because you are too emotional and don’t know the art of strategy. See, if we get on her good side, or at least make her think we are, we can use her for intel or leverage, depending on her attitude.”

“ Now, Ms. Winter. You seem to be hurt that I didn’t require your presence today. I know you are eager to prove yourself to Bibi, and that is admirable, believe me. However, I left you behind because you were of no use. The situation needed a charismatic performance, which you so stunningly lack. I didn't need you weirdly gushing about how she braided her "pretty silver locks" and go and screw everything up with a female target. Again.”

The younger students look appalled, but shockingly, Winter speaks up first, "Well, that just isn't right. I could be an asset if you allowed me to redeem myself after last time. I know I got distracted by the target. But I've grown and won't allow personal feelings or desires to interfere. Isn't the fact that I was chosen for Empress training a plus and a testament to my abilities and potential?”

Lowering back into his plush chair, Hongjoong curtly gives a “No. It does not, and you are naïve if you think you were chosen for any reason other than your late uncle paid Bibi to take you under her wing. He hated going to his grave, not knowing if you would ever make anything of yourself. Now stop whining like a lovesick adolescent and get out of my sight.”

While she can keep the tears at bay behind her lash line, the quiver of her lip gives her away immediately. Wooyoung jumps at the chance to ridicule her. Still, Winter won't stand for any more shit-talking her way.

She shows him such a sentiment by holding her saber right above his wrist, attempting to intimidate him while holding him tightly by the back of his head as she verbally warns him to stop before he regrets it.

Deciding to play dirty, she reminds him, “The only reason that the Empress enlisted you into our troop was that you were on the verge of being publicly executed for your heinous crimes, and she got word of it, was impressed, and sent a team to collect you. At least our offenses are tasteful and have meaning. You really just massacred a hut full of elderly individuals because you were bored? Some child was screaming too much in the market, so you beheaded them? The list goes on and on. At this point, you are simply a hired thug who doesn’t deserve to handle a saber, especially not in our ranks.”

There is a brief flash of slight remorse in his eye from the sting of her words, but this tactic doesn’t work for long. While Wooyoung isn't necessarily proud of his past, he did what he had to do to survive, and bosses paid top dollar for disgusting jobs that nobody else had the stomach to carry out.

He regains his cocky demeanor and chuckles darkly, his obsidian eyes locking into belittling mode,  “It’s cute you think you have any influence over me, really.” He says as he elbows her in the stomach, making her fall on one knee, and holds her chin up to face him.

Leaning down, he whispers into her ear, “Not only do I not think you have it in you to actually hurt me, but I’m also kinkier than you can imagine, so any physical pain or perceived discomfort is only going to end up with me fighting to not get hard instead of fighting you. Nice try, though, sweetheart.”

As he walks to his chambers, she rushes out of the camp. Sadly, they are so used to her antics that they pay no mind. She typically paces in the nearby clearing for about a half hour and then returns.

In the meantime, Hongjoong catches Wooyoung before both retire to their chambers and reminds him, "Wooyoung, don't forget. The Council must be taken care of soon, but we must be methodical. Start taking out the nobody's that frequent the Council."

Gulping nervously, knowing who he was referencing, Wooyoung nods and informs Hongjoong that the Empress has already assigned him his first target: Y/N. Hongjoong looks like he has seen a ghost but clears his throat and disappears into the hall's shadows leading to his room. He shakily mutters about how good it is to know he shares Bibi's vision.

Neither knows that Winter is determined this time to prove that she can be an asset. Hopping in her ship, she heads straight for one of Y/N's smaller shops in Coruscant. While she wants to go for the kill at your leading shop and residence in Tatooine, she worries that she will be overstepping.

Little did she know that you had decided to camp out there for the night as you needed a night in the city soon, and that day was tomorrow once some more work got done.

Winter gets to your shop, and without checking to ensure it is empty, she sets it ablaze from every corner. During a dream where Huyang was baking fresh bread for you, your nose picks up on the prevalent smoke smell and jolts you awake.

Even though the fire has already done some surface damage to your arms, legs, and some of your hair, you manage to get out of there in time and flee from the scene on your Flitknot speeder bike. Winter spots movement out of her periphery, and she doesn’t realize it is you until she gets closer.

She continues the pursuit all the way to the heart of the city by the ’79s, even as it starts to rain. How fitting, she thinks; the sky is overflowing, and so are her emotions.

She wanted to tell Hongjoong he was utterly wrong. Nothing about you intrigued her. Not even your unique hair and magnetic energy. Attachments only led to downfall, and it was bad enough she had to internalize her attraction to Wooyoung; she couldn’t literally fall for the enemy. That was too cliché.

But she didn't stand a chance; she fantasized about you so often it was shameful on every level. She had gone crazy jealous that Wooyoung AND Hongjoong had gotten to have private chats with you, but she didn’t. However, if there was an incident with your shop, she could make a case to ensure that you were unharmed for purely strategic reasons.

Now that she had you in her sights, all of her anger returned, and she was determined to show that she could be fierce and just as murderous as Bibi’s favorite, Wooyoung. Emotions were confusing. Violence was simple. She had made up her mind.

Not knowing you had been followed and grateful to be alive, you entered the 79s for a much-needed drink. The door then aggressively swung open to reveal a soaked-to-the-bone Winter approaching you with a fully lit saber and a psychotic look in her, showcasing how ready she was to use it on you.

Wanting to keep the innocent bystanders safe, you pleaded with her to take this outside. You didn’t want any trouble nor have any motive to be engaged in a disagreement with her, especially not to this extent.

Agreeing, she follows behind you from the coziness of the cantina to the monsoon outside, the only illumination being the neon lights from the rest of the businesses on the street. Trying to get your bearings, you lose sight of her; no way she is that inhumanly fast, you think to yourself.

As if she could read your mind, she whistles, “Hey, Y/N, up here. I guess it’s true; the pretty ones are always dumb. Such a shame I have to rid the world of your pitiful existence, but duty calls.”

Leaping to the top of the building, you strike the first blow of your staff, hitting her on the head. Struggling to her feet, she laughs maniacally, “Ohhhhh, we are off to a great start, aren't we? You'll have to do better than that to discourage me, though.”

Determined to live another day, you separate your staff into mini batons and manage to block all of her attempts to slice you in half. Knocking her off the ledge, she uses her power to boomerang her saber right over your face and back to her. While you managed to dodge it for the most part, your right cheek got slightly burned by the saber's edge.

Managing to land on her feet, she hobbles away to her bike but warns you that this isn’t the last you will see of her. Were those tears on her face or the rain? Was she raspy from trying not to cry or hoarse from all of the hits she took from your staff? It didn't matter. You needed to go home and warn Huyang the whole time, praying you weren't too late...

The following day, you and Winter both woke up sore and confused, but that is where the similar experience ends. You awoke with Huyang bringing you breakfast in bed, and she was busy getting scolded by Hongjoong from the moment he saw her. “HOW IN THE WORLD DID YOU THINK IT WAS SMART GOING ROGUE, ESPECIALLY ALONE? AT NIGHT???? God, you really are too immature to be in Empress training. Explain yourself.”.

Fighting back tears and trying to ignore the dull ache in her sides, she pleaded her case to Hongjoong, “Listen, I know it wasn’t the smartest thing, but I figured too many people would garner more attention than would be wise, plus I wanted to prove myself.”

Hongjoong chuckles mockingly, “Prove yourself?! You proved nothing except that you have the brain of a high-strung adolescent and that scratching a cheek is all you are capable of. Congrats, truly...." he ended sarcastically.

She continues to loudly defend her actions between sobs caused by the physical and emotional pain she is enduring to no avail. Hongjoong laughs at her existence and exits the room, but not without aggressively hurling a few more insults.

Looking annoyed, Wooyoung walks out of his chambers, ignoring the scene; those two are always fighting. As he was about to ask Hongjoong to spar with him, he noticed that his kyber crystal was only half working. Who just happens to be the nearest sabersmith? Y/N.

Already not being a morning person, plus being done with the constant fighting AND finding out he has to interact civilly with the newest annoyance in his life, created a very dejected Wooyoung. Winter notices the door open and starts begging him to wait for her but gets ignored and starts sobbing more as he makes his way to Y/N’s shop.

About halfway to the shop, Wooyoung is contemplating just taking the entire day and going to the next nearest shop, which would extend your trek from about 2 hours to 5 hours. He just can’t reconcile giving you the satisfaction of him coming to you for assistance. He was also exhausted and wanted to be done with his errand and return home for training and a nap as soon as possible. But what can his pride handle?