#granted when something is revealed he usually kills them but im soft at him trusting someone so much he does face reveal

[sithskywalkerr]

First.

characters: vader/sith oc count: 5.9k (approx) theme: mild angst. vader feeling Emotion. force choking, but with the wrong person (you'll read later hehe). brief hinting at sexual assault/spousal abuse. rating: t author's note: this piece is part one of many of exploring vader and keyti. it's inspired by this song as well as this piece of artwork for vader. also, ik that mustafar is highly toxic but shhhhhhhhhh. keyti's fine. keyti is my sith warrior oc who def has a lot of trauma of her own so i'm gonna explore her story a lot in the SW universe. this approximately takes place between episodes 4 & 5, following vader (2020) comic vol 3: the shu-torun war. I also know that Vader would absolutely kill her in .003 seconds after she opens her mouth, but this is for fun. I like making the funny lil warlord have feelings.

Being assigned to Mustafar was strange for Keyti. She was expecting something with more action, not realizing the trust that was being placed on her for being stationed at Vader’s castle. The Sith warrior at least was able to direct those in the castle when the tunnels had begun to be worked through by a select team, making sure Sith artifacts were correctly taken care of. It was rare that other people were even within the castle, and even Vader’s assistant, Vaneé, had barely been seen lately. She knew that he had most likely brought the dark lord’s wrath upon himself, so she opted to lessen on her usual teasing and smart-ass quips on occasion.

He had noticed the change, but never addressed it to her. He truly wasn’t one for casual talking or being having those beneath his command open up to him. Still, Keyti still managed to weasel her way into his day when he was back on Mustafar. He didn’t know what to make of it when she started to make it a point to be in the landing dock when he returned, but he never inquired of it. As long as she was loyal to the Empire, he was not concerned with her actions.

Restless, the Sith moved to the lower tunnels of his fortress, silent on the dirt paths as he moved. He was aware that he was being followed, but the Force had let him know it was Keyti. She could be trusted with what resided down in these tunnels, he was sure of that. He paused at a junction, turning to look at her as she watched with a small tilt of her head.

“Couldn’t sleep either?” A grin started to spread on her lips, yellow eyes bright.

“Sleep is not required for me.”

Her yellow eyes glance over him, blinking as she pursed her black tattooed lips in thought. “Are you constantly running on caf?”

“No… is there a reason of you following me?”

Coming closer, the togruta lifted her hand to gesture down his towering frame,” you seemed like you needed a companion. I can be quiet.” The faint lighting of the tunnel bounced off her black and red frame, jewelry adorning her montrals and lekku as usual.

“Then cease your speaking.” Turning back, he headed down a corridor to get into one of the rooms that hadn’t been catalogued through yet. His cape brushed through the edges of the doorway as she watched, lowering her hand finally. He seemed to be on edge more this night than before, she noticed.

Keyti let out a gentle sigh, feeling brief pain shoot through her spine as well as the aching pain she had in her knees since the day had started. Kraffing hell. She would have to go to the med wing for her back — again. She reached beneath her robes, adjusting the brace she constantly wore before moving into the room where she saw Vader going through some books.

“Second-guessing your lingering,” he questioned, mask raising to her as he watched her tilt her head slightly.

“No. Just some pain.”

“Then you should go to the infirmary.” Simple response, nothing she hadn’t expected from him.

“I don’t want to. Not right now at least. The droids can be cranky sometimes when you wake them.” She joked weakly, moving to look over the shelves that held stored objects and texts. She didn’t touch anything, still feeling his lingering gaze on her as he watched to see for any indication of what the pain would be.

Nothing he could easily see, so his attention returned down to the book in hand. “You will be sure to go to the med wing before your next shift.” It wasn’t a suggestion.

“Yes, my Lord,” she smiled a little, glancing over to him,” careful. One might think you’re fond of me.” She grabbed a book to open, starting to flip through pages absently.

He didn’t look in her direction as she spoke, but he wasn’t even fazed by her boldness. She was always so bold around him and never frightened. Maybe he could change that, it wasn’t good for someone to be fond of him like she had started to become. That would only lead to her demise.

Within seconds of her speaking, Keyti noticed the tightness on her throat, slow and gradual as she looked over things. She didn’t seem bothered as she noticed his mask tilt slightly to look to her, maybe this was a test? “If you’re going to Force choke me, don’t be such a tease.”

Behind the mask, yellow eyes widened momentarily beneath the mask as his head snapped to look at her fully before she looked over with a small smile on her lips. “What? Did I actually shock you, Lord Vader? I simply prefer my torture and death to be—.”

The grasp was tightened abruptly as he moved closer to her causing her sentence to trail off as she watched him. Yet, there wasn’t any fear in her eyes as she looked at him even as she was hovering over him. Even a fool could have been able to see the pure adoration in her eyes at him.

Was he too curious? Perhaps so, and using the Force, he probed into her mind. When she felt him there, she struggled harder to not be as aroused as she was, small choked noises coming as she reached out to his arm instead of her throat.

Even more odd of her.

The helmet tilted as he looked to her touch, able to feel her warmth as her black nails dig slowly into the glove that shielded his cybernetic. He eased on the choking, getting her gently settled back on the ground as she inhaled deeply. She still held onto him as she caught her breath, watching him a moment,” was that a test, my Lord?” As she exhaled, she only smiled at the dark lord again, yellow eyes a light.

“You’re a very peculiar woman, Keyti.”

Finally, she let go of his arm, but still stood close to him. She looked into the lenses steadily, a corner of her mouth slightly lifting,” a good peculiar, or a bad peculiar?”

“I believe it is good…”  There was a heartbeat of pause before his voice continued to rumble out,“ Why did you let me choke you?”

“I knew you weren’t going to kill me.” She simply said, shrugging as she looked to the book again she had in her other hand. “You didn’t have annoyance or anger rolling off you. Your Force signature is very noticeable when you feed into the dark side.”

“You notice my signature?”

“It isn’t hard to brush off when you’re already irritated. It’s like…. Sticky darkness wanting to corrupt. If that makes sense.” She looked up at him,” but now, since you’re not irritated or angry, your signature is still dark, but softer… still full of anger, though. Always angry.”

He silently watched her then, thinking over her words. “Your anger also makes you noticeable within the Force. Especially around my Master, I have noticed.”

“I’m sure he has noticed as well.” She said bitterly then, shelving the book back. She couldn’t even bother trying to hide her disgust for the Emperor, not even from his right hand.

Ah. A sore spot. Perhaps that could be of use. “Should he not know of it?”

“No, I want him to know I hate him…. But don’t worry, my Lord. I don’t hate you.” She patted at the steel that covered his shoulders beneath the cape, giving him a small smile,” I could never hate you.” Moving from him then, he watched her leave the room only before he was soon following after her.

“Keyti.”

She paused, looking back to him with a small noise at her name as she moving to meet him between the distance between them. Too eager to talk to him. “Yes, my Lord?”

“Why are you…. fond…. Of me?” He searched over her face as she smiled at him, showing her sharp canines as she let out a soft laugh.

“Because you’re interesting.” She knew better than to confess feelings. She was a Sith warrior, not a common civilian that could say (mostly) what they truly desired and felt.

“I amuse you?”

“You captivate me, my Lord,” a hand moved to reach up to remove some dirt that had fallen onto his shoulder but he caught her hand. The leather was smooth against her skin, and she was only sure this set was newer than some of the battle worn gloves he had. Cracked from the elements, fraying from the remnants of the battles he fought in their seams. Instead of trying to free herself, she only moved closer, voice a soft purr. “There is dust on your shoulders.”

“It does not matter…. You keep reaching out to me, why?”

“Isn’t that the big ques—“”Keyti,” he interrupted, voice holding slight irritation. “Because I’m fond of you.”

“That is unwise,” he said simply.

She felt the traces of self-hatred more closely within his signature, curiosity starting to burn in her mind. How could a figure of his authority have so much hatred within himself? Instead of asking, she got her hand moved to hold onto his, kissing the soft leather of the knuckles. She heard the mechanical whirring of his prosthetic beneath the thick fabric, eyes watching the lenses of his helmet. “It might be, but I do not fear it.”

How long had it been since someone had touched his hand? Or even gave him such small affection? Well. If one counted one night rendezvous, then not too long. If not, then it had been almost two decades since his time with Padmé. It felt like a different lifetime ago to someone that wasn’t himself. Still, Keyti stood here holding his hand and kissing the knuckles as if it was just a normal day for them.

Her voice was soft from the silence that fell over the two of them, gently squeezing at his hand,” can you feel it?”

Another pause came from him, watching her step closer as her other hand went to gently rest on his forearm. “Yes. My touch sensors are like the piece is organic.”

“How well can you feel?” Her cheek moved to sweetly rest on his hand as she looked up at him. Slow, he lets his fingers curl into hers, intertwining leather and her calloused fingers together. “I can feel warmth… textures can be a hindrance on occasion.”

“Your gloves are softer than normal. New ones?”

“I need a pair to look pristine for meetings,” he said simply,” I have pairs for battle and pairs for other activities that take my time.”

She got that kraffing devious smile on her lips again,” do you have a specific pair for choking?”

A cracked noise erupted from the modulator and it took her a moment to realize he had scoffed at that. She only grinned wider, sharp canines exposed more,” you do, don’t you?”

“No, I do not have a specific pair for that.” Humor was in his voice as she looked at him with stars in her eyes, cheek leaning against his hand once again. “I think you should invest in it. Make them look more intimidating.”

“I do not need specific gloves to add intimidation.”

“No… you don’t. Your height and… broadness, I suppose, make up for that, my Lord,” she purred out rubbing his arm gently.

She was certainly too bold and too fond of him. Yet, it comforted him. Why would it comfort him? He didn’t need someone to be fond of him. He needed power. Control. Order. Keyti was nearly the opposite of order and control, but he recognized her power she often held back from showing. She was cunning, only using force when needed by means of obedience. He did admire that about her — she never rushed off to fight or cause fear unless necessary.

“You ‘suppose’?” He could entertain her a moment, curious of how she viewed him. It was clear she viewed him differently than the rest of the crew on any of his ships or on Mustafar.

“I know I cannot lie to you easily,” she said, earning a rumble of agreement from him before she continued,” but I do not want to speak freely then be punished.”

“I do not believe the usual method of punishment would teach you any lesson in insubordination,” Vader says, finally pulling his hand back to have his arm vanish beneath the thick cape around him. “… You may speak freely if we are alone, Keyti.”

“It wouldn’t, considering earlier.” Another purr escaped her, but this time she refrained from reaching out to him again. She always wanted to touch, touch, touch. That was dangerous in itself, especially with him. She knew the risks, how she could be murdered because of it. Still, her fingers craved to dig into the quilted fabric of his biceps or hold onto the wool of his cape.

His voice pulled her from her thoughts,” you are distracted.”

She lifted her eyes from the spot they had fixated on momentarily, looking up at him. “Forgive me, my Lord. What I meant to say, respectfully, is your size is what brings intimidation the most. Height and build.”

“The true horror is beneath the suit,” he mused, causing her to blink a few times.

“I don’t think so…. But… I have not had the privilege of seeing you out of the armor…. I hope one day, I possibly can. I’m sure your eyes are beautiful.”

Beautiful? Him? Beauty was a lifetime ago for him just as his wife was. Sometimes he struggled to remember details of her or even his own face. He could rarely be without his helmet, and meditation pods were in a very short supply.

She watched the stillness of the mask with the mechanical breathing from him being the sound between them. The longer he took, the more she wondered if she had overstepped a boundary somehow. “I apologize, Lord Vader,” she murmured, dipping her head.

That caught his attention and brought him back, helmet turning to her more as she watched him. “Apologize for what?”

“It seemed as if I stepped over a line… I know that it is highly unlikely I’ll have that privilege.”

It felt like it was a gentle suggestion in the Force, a soft, ethereal voice coaxing him to open up to her. Deliberating, he straightened up, not realizing he had even softened with her holding his hand. “Follow me.”

Oh. Okay, hopefully she wasn’t going to be murdered, but understood if it was happening. She watched him move past to head up to his chambers on the top level, and she moved into the elevator beside him as he held the door open.

As the doors closed, he only gave one sentence in warning to her of the evening to come. “You will never speak of this to anyone or it will be your undoing.”

She looked at the helmet that stared at the doors, voice soft,” I wouldn’t dream of it, my Lord.” After her words, the ride was silent as she watched the floors tick by, and the doors opened to the dark hall lit by red. He motioned her out first, and she gave a small smile as she moved out, curiously looking around the floor. “Is this floor where your office is?”

“Yes, and my chambers. Elevator and doors are secured by codes. Only I and a select few can enter.” He moved down the hallway to another room, keying in a code that caused the doors to whoosh open. A gloved hand signaled her to enter, and she did, eyes adjusting to the large room that she now entered.

Oh, it was beautifully decorated. Black, silver, and red adorned the room, windows around the top letting in the glow of the lava fill the room. A mini-medical wing was immediately in front of them as he entered, locking the door behind himself. Plenty of cabinets and storage units were around the room, but she noticed there was still a bed within the room despite the bacta tank suggesting otherwise. Maybe the trooper chatter might have been right after all…

She saw another angular structure to the right, nestled in a small cove of the room to keep it mostly out of the way. He moved into the pod, holding a hand to her. She curiously came over, gently taking the offered hand as she carefully navigated in. As he turned the pod on, she flinched at the bright lights momentarily, trying to give him as much space as possible as the pod closed. As the air became purified and stabilized, he pressed another button which caused a mechanical arm to come from the center of the top of the pod.

She watched in awe as the helmet was removed with the mask, exposing the pale, heavily scarred skin of the warlord. The large wound on his head gave her worry, moving to look closer to ensure it wasn’t open and a risk to him. He watched her closely, mechanical breathing still filling the space as she leaned over for a closer look. “Is it fresh?”

“No. It has been closed for some time… it simply never healed properly due to burned flesh.”

“Same with under your eye?” She gently motioned below his left eye which only caused him to nod before yellow eyes lifted to her. Hers were soft to him, still full of adoration as she could only form a soft smile. She managed to get crouched down on the side of his chair he rested in, getting carefully settled as she leaned her folded arms on the arm of the chair. She went to rest her cheek on her top arm only to have his hand gently catch her before she could.

She lifted her head up obediently, looking up at him with a soft noise. Leather clad fingers moved to hold her jaw, thumb brushing slowly against the markings tattooed over on her cheek. “Are you not frightened?”

“Should I be?” She closed her eyes, nuzzling into his hand as she let herself soften.

“I know I’m… unsightly without the armor.”

“Who told you that? I’ll tear them apart.” She murmured without hesitation, and she looked up at him as he let his thumb brush against her lower lip. While his face still held no emotion, his eyes had grown softer towards her, features weathered from him still emoting beneath the mask after all these years.

“Do not worry about that, Keyti.” His natural voice was audible now, softer, weak seeming, but she still heard it. She watched him as she nodded, pressing a kiss to the pad of this thumb softly. “If you’re sure, my Lord…. But I won’t hesitate.”

“I am aware you would not hold back, but that is what is captivates me. Why are you so willing to lay down your life for me?”

“Everyone needs someone in their corner. Even you, Lord Vader.” Her voice melts into a purr with his thumb returning to her cheek, rubbing the skin sweetly. She relaxed, leaning into the touch again with little purrs, tips of her canines peeking out from her upper lip.

“There is still too much light in you,” he warns, moving his hand from her finally to look ahead at panels of the pod.

“You as well. I can still sense it.” She murmured, hand slowly moving to rest on his arm. “What was your life like before the Empire?” She had an idea of his identity, but she didn’t want to say a name and be wrong. However, the fighting style was still unmistakable.

“Life then was…” He paused a moment to think of how to sum it up, exhaling slowly,” different.”

“Mine is for the better.” She murmured softly, nail absently tracing the carefully stitched lines of the fabric above his bicep.

He watched her hand move, then to her, prodding gently,” difficult life in the age of the Republic?”

“Yes…. Not that it would have been better if a former Jedi hadn’t found me to train. She got me out of an… interesting situation in Shu-Torun.”

“Yes, I heard. You slaughtered your husband,” he quirked a brow to her, the scarred skin still showing it despite the lack of brow hair.

She turned quiet then, mulling over everything. “He… wasn’t good to me… and I was a child-bride essentially.” She pulled her hand from him then, looking away from him entirely.

His brow relaxed, and eyes scanned over her, humming a moment,” did he harm you?” She only nodded, but her silence caught his attention the most,” physically?”

“Any way he could,” she said softer, messing with her robes, covering inked skin. Trying to hide the scars. Hide the past. Bury it, bury it.

Watching her, his eyes fall to her hands and his heart ached. She shouldn’t have had that experience, but Maker above, that man was lucky she had slaughtered him and not Vader. At his silence, she peeked up at him, catching his gaze. From her seat on the flooring, she could only see from his nose up, but his eyes were still soft. Oh, they still held ache for her, sorrow for the past she had been through.

He held his hand out to her again, and she took it, making a soft noise at feeling the Force flowing through the air around them as he got her to stand. He used his other hand to pat at his thigh twice, and she didn’t hesitate to move herself onto his lap. She sat sideways, legs leaning over the other arm of the chair before her right arm moved around his back to keep herself there. He settled back, voice soft,” rest yourself. I can feel the pain radiating from your back.”

“It’s just my condition.” She murmured, head softly resting on his shoulder,” my spine never developed properly. I’m in constant pain because of it. The brace only helps so much.”

“Nothing aids in the pain?”

“Pain is only an agent for divulging in the dark side.”

“…. Yes, but the best power from pain comes from your emotions, not your physical pain, Keyti.”

“And what about you? I’m sure you’re in some kind of pain.” She peeked at him as he glanced to her out of the corner of his eye,” it is nothing I have not deserved.”

“That isn’t fair to yourself, Vader.”

He hummed, head turning as much as it could within the gaiter,” Lord Vader.”

“Oh, now you’re pulling rank, hmm?” She smiled a little,” stop deflecting. It’s true. If I need to get out of physical pain, so do you.” She let her eyes close, causing her to miss the hint of a smile that ghosted on his lips just barely.

He let his eyes glance over her, noticing how comfortable she already seemed to be so close to him. He moved his arm from beneath her legs, a small hum of apology from her as she lifted them briefly before settling them against the arm. Watching her settle, he let his eyes shut as he stayed in place for her. He felt her body slowly relax as she began to doze so casually around him as if he wasn’t this imperial monster. She still managed to still see the humanity within him, even as he tried to bury it down. He was hesitant to let his arm rest between her knees, the motion waking her before she grabbed his arm n held onto his hand. She let the weight rest in the crook of her belly and thighs, letting out another soft sigh.

“You are too comfortable around me,” he rumbled out, and she made a small noise,” you need someone to be comfortable with.”

“I do not require this.”

She opened her eyes finally, tilting her head to see him better. His eyes slide to the corner to watch her before moving as her hand lifted up to poke at his nose. “You do.”

“You have gotten more bold.” He moved his head back from her touch as she lowered her arm down.

“Is that a bad thing, my Lord?”

There was that pause again from the Sith Lord as his eyes moved ahead, the bright lights straining the sensitive pupils. “It is acceptable only from you.” Softness. That lingering softness that was always there for Padmé had now shifted into softness for Keyti. That was dangerous and a weakness only his Master would find to exploit and dangle in front of him — most likely with an audience as well. He didn’t realize his hand had curled around hers more as he balled the other into a fist until she made a soft noise at the pain of the grip from the metal fingers beneath leather.

He loosened the grip on her hand, eyes moving to her face that was only soft and still holding adoration for him. His thumb moved across the back of her palm in silent apology as she gave a tired smile with a reassuring squeeze to his hand. She soon dozed again from the comfort, but she didn’t wake this time when he shifted beneath her ten minutes later. He watched her closely, opting to let her stay within the bed he rarely used. He got the helmet on and secured before opening the pod, getting her lifted up. As he had suspected, she was had in fact fallen asleep. He still wondered how she could be so soft with him.

He soon got her in the bed, gently placed in the black sheets as she slowly settled in. He watched a moment as his methodical breathing filled the space in the usual increments it was paced at, and she only seemed to melt in more slowly, bunching up some of the thick comforter in her arms to cuddle. Once she was truly settled in, he finally had let himself get disassembled and in the bacta tank, slowly relaxing in the murky liquid.

Waking, Keyti took a moment to realize where she was, and another moment to recognize the tell-tale breathing coming from a chair within the room. Vader was absently to the side, tapping at the tablet here and there, analyzing data from his TIE. He felt her gaze on him, and his head lifted as the helmet turned towards her.

“Finally woken, hm?”

“I can’t help that your bed is so comfortable and warm.” She slowly moved to roll onto her belly, burying her face into the pillow as she held onto it more. She noticed her brace had been removed, peeking at him past her right lekku that settled over her arm and dropped over the edge of the large bed.

“You still have duties to attend to, and it is past eleven-hundred.” The tapping on the tablet resumed as his head tilted back down,” I had my med droid remove your brace and analyze it. You will be given a new one.”

That caused her to sit up, looking at him curiously now,” you let me sleep in?” She looked to find the other, seeing it on the dark nightstand beside the bed before she got it back onto her.

“Yes. You needed the rest. Your exhaustion was striking in the Force.”

“And you also got a new brace for me?” She tilted her head, feeling like she was in a dream.

“It is in development.” She moved to stand, fixing her robes up first as she came closer to him. She let her hand softly rest on his shoulder a moment,” thank you, my Lord.” She let her fingers brush his hand that held the tablet as she moved to the doors,” and I know. Last night never happened.”

“Wise decision.” He simply said as he let her go, but his eyes had lingered on where her fingers had brushed his glove. There was that burning within his heart again, yearning for more, for her. His voice betrayed him as he spoke her name.

She paused before keying in the last digit of the code to leave, looking at him curiously. A man of very few words usually held everything to say in actions, and as she watched him slowly move his free hand up and reaching out to her. She padded closer, hand moving to his as she let her fingers brushing onto the palm of his glove. Still as soft as yesterday, but his hand buzzed with the Force. His sheer power even when stagnant never ceased to surprise her. Moving the tablet down onto the arm, he looked up to her as he held onto her fingers more, thumb brushing her knuckles. “Return to my door at twenty-two hundred.”

A soft flush came to her cheeks, nodding,” for what, Lord Vader?”

“Shared meditation time.” He rumbled, letting her hand go. She took that as the silent waiving off of her to leave, and she nodded,” I’ll return.” Standing, he moved to the door’s lock, beginning keying his number in,” your code will be granted access to my chambers. Do not abuse this.”

She followed, stopping his hand from the second to last digit of the code which caused him to look to her. “I know your expectations, my Lord. Have some faith within me,” she smiled, hand moving up to squeeze his bicep. Maker, he was very toned beneath the quilted sleeve.

He watched her a moment, and she moved her hand back, thinking she might have overstepped too far now. Well, today might be the day she actually dies.

However, he was calculating what his next move would be. Of course, he rarely had physical contact with others, but she was so flippant about it. Always wanting to touch, touch, touch. She was unsure of what her fate was as she noticed his hand lift more to softly hold her cheek. The moment of shock melted into affection as she leaned her cheek into his hand,” I won’t tell anyone.” If only she could just confess to him then and there at the black doors of his chambers. I love you, I love you, I love you. She couldn’t let it erupt from her, she could only ever formulate what she expected him to want to hear.

“I know.” He pulled back to finish the code, doors sliding open as he motioned her to exit first.

Moving out, she took a moment to remember the path they had taken, heading down the hall to get herself into the medical wing of the fortress. She felt his lingering gaze on him, glancing back before she disappeared behind a corner.

The Sith Lord looked down at his hand, eyes studying the glove before balling into a fist. Affection would not be suitable to develop. Yet, he craved her. The craving was starting to claw it’s way out of his heart, wanting to escape his throat and lips. I care about you. You’ve made my survival more worth the time and effort.

Perhaps one day, he would address this in full. This day certainly wasn’t that fateful day, and he still had a meeting to attend to, after all. Life never stopped for him now. He was always within motion, always killing, and always bringing fear and ruin. He didn’t want that to seep into her. She needed to stay soft, not sharp, jagged and broken like he had grown.  

Moving his hand beneath his cape, he moved out of his room and locked it before he began to move down to the meeting room. As he walked, he was greeted by various troopers that passed him, to which all had not been reciprocated by the dark lord. Within the meeting that was a waste of time, he still stood at the chair saved for him, hands on the back as his mind was elsewhere through the boring meeting.

Keyti had gone to the medical wing, giving the med droid more accurate measurements of her body as well as seeing her spine better. Through the treatment, she only could think of the night they shared, softening on the table visibly at remembering his face. Oh, she wanted to kiss him. Bathe him in softness until he believed her, but that was simple hopes. She knew that. She would most likely be dead before she could even kiss the helmet. That was alright, she would always have her longing. Her silent, longing that never ended. She didn’t bother Corporal Amara anymore with her silly little feelings of the Dark Lord. She had felt like she always bothered her with her constant talking of him. Now, Keyti stayed silent, knowing it was for the best between her and Vader, but she could at least hold onto the softness that was the prior night.

Even if she never saw the softness and Light within him again, she would think about it a lot… too many times, really. She wanted to ignite her passion more, make it explode and feel like she no longer has to lie. The most feared man - save for the Emperor himself - had been willingly soft with her. Surely that had to mean something to her, but now there was a little voice it seemed in the back of her head. His face is familiar. Where had she seen him before? Shu-Torun? No. Nothing placed him there. Though, she did hear of the slaughtering of the royal family minus the youngest. No doubt he was involved. However, she would have loved the Sith to be there when she had been married.

She started to think of trying to place him now, the familiar eyes. He always had this air of familiarity to him, especially when she witnessed him fighting.

The droid pulled back from making adjustments, coming over to her to try the improved brace on. Getting it suited on her, she noticed that it was better than the other, basic brace she had. “Is there any way we can model it after the aesthetics of the other one?”

“Of course, my Lady. This is simply a fitting. How does it feel?”

“Better than the other. Significantly better. Thank you.”

“I am simply doing my job as instructed by Lord Vader.” The silver droid nodded to her, and she smiled,” yeah? What were his instructions?”

“To assure your comfort and support through the new brace while keeping it flexible for battle, my Lady. If you have further inputs, I can begin on enhancements.”

She stood, maneuvering around like she would when she’s fighting,” no, this seems good for now. I wouldn’t know for sure until I’m in a real battle… though, the pain is still there.”

“I could equip technology with micro needles to inject pain medication when needed.”

“Yes, do that please. I cannot falter on the battlefield.” Moving to get settled back down, Keyti exhaled softly.

This would be better…. Though, she still wanted to place the dark lord’s familiarity. Maybe one day she would. For now, she had to catch up on her duties from being allowed to sleep in. That thought was for another day.

#fanfic #star wars fanfiction #vader x oc #darth vader x oc #keyti's debut ♥️ #sobbing violently. #sobs sobs sobs #im also soft at vader being soft with Select People #granted when something is revealed he usually kills them but im soft at him trusting someone so much he does face reveal

[rubiesintherough]

​ @emeraude-nobrega

LONG AND RAMBLEY FIREBIRB FACTS INVOLVING HISTORY AND PEOPLE CONNECTING HIM TO DARK MAGIC AND THE DEVIL BC IM A HISTORY NERD  AKA, THE ACCOUNT OF AEDUS BEING ENTIRELY DONE WITH HUMANS AND THEIR SILLY SUPERSTITIONS AND REACTIONS TO THEM:

Aedus was absolutely, repeatedly  accused of being the devil, himself, during the Middle Ages all the way up through to the American Civil War… which tends to happen when you have unusually colored eyes, a charming demeanor… and the habit of catching on fire. During the European witch hunts, he was even accused of being a warlock, having sold his soul. So, they tried burning him at the stake. That worked about as well as you’d expect. He didn’t want to harm anyone, as many of those in the crowd were innocent women and children caught up in this hysteria, so Aedus    ( then, going by the name Aurav )   simply waited until the flames burned through the ropes, freeing him, and he casually strolled away from the terrified and screaming onlookers. Stark naked. And positively miffed that they’d burned one of his favorite shirts.

And that wasn’t the only time. Throughout his years of traveling, Aedus has found that most mortals generally don’t take very well to seeing a man who can ignite himself at will… or who’s most GRIEVOUS wounds heal in a matter of days. During the reign of Bloody Mary, he was, again, burned at the stake. This time, not because he was believed to be a witch, but because he was branded a heretic, spreading wild stories about a history that didn’t align with the current church’s beliefs. That, also, went about as well as you’d expect. Again, he walked away, bemoaning the loss of his clothes and terrifying everyone who attended the execution.

On the other end, people attempted to drown him for witchcraft in Salem. Aedus made the mistake of stopping there just toward the tail end of the trials. Already, the townsfolk were in a panic and treated him with suspicion when he arrived. And, then, some man he got into an argument with accused Aedus of CURSING him and the Phoenix was dragged into the courtroom. Four other people he’d never even laid eyes on testified against him, claiming he’d come to them in dreams and used magic to make them behave strangely. Aedus, of course, denied it. So, he was dragged to the river, bound to rocks, and thrown in to either prove or dismiss their accusations. Well, since he doesn’t need to breathe, the Phoenix remained under there far longer than anyone could hold their breath — almost an hour, before he was dragged back up. Still alive. Of course, this didn’t go over well with the Puritans. Even less so when Aedus had, understandably, had  ENOUGH  and ignited every inch of skin, MELTING the ropes and evaporating every drop of water off of him. The heat got so bad, those who hadn’t already retreated screaming prayers were forced to. They called him the devil. And Aedus, essentially, had to go into hiding for a few years as word of him spread past Salem. But, the story did die out fairly quickly after the trails ended and the town magistrate tried to brush everything under the rug, so to speak.

Throughout his time with Samuel during the Revolutionary War, Aedus did try very hard to hide what he was from the population. It worked, up until Samuel’s death during a particularly brutal battle… then, the Phoenix sought out the man who’d fired that killing shot and burned him to ASH. That  unnatural death  frightened the community, who claimed it was magic. They weren’t entirely wrong.

With the passing of the Land Act in 1804, Aedus moved  West  with a SMALL caravan ( only three wagons ), hoping to find solace after Samuel’s death. Halfway through the journey, a terrible winter storm struck. The wagons sought shelter in a grove of trees along the trail, but that wasn’t enough to keep the cold from taking its toll. Hypothermia, frostbite…. The oxen were in danger of dying, winds whipping through reaching a chill FAR below freezing… so the Phoenix made the decision to reveal what he was. To one of his friends, first, a young woman. She was scared, of course, Confused. But, she understood that he could save them and get them safely through this weather to Oregon. She’s the one who broke the news to the others, and, even though many of them were extremely frightened of him, in their desperation, they accepted his help. He kept them warm. Helped them cook their food. Offered light in the way of flames sprouting from his fingertips whenever needed to help conserve their supply of candles… being unaffected by the cold, himself, he offered all of his clothing to the others, save enough to preserve modesty, for them to layer. He went out hunting and gathering food. For two weeks, he kept them alive, warm, fed, and safe… everyone revered him as something of a guardian angel. Less of the MONSTER  they’d first thought when they’d found out, and more of a miracle from God. They reached their new home, all of them swearing to keep his secret safe as they set up their new lives.

so since aedus is active right now, too, i would like to take this moment to say… if your muse ever needs a place to stay, or someone to look out for them, especially if they’re a lost or scared kid, throw them at this soft-hearted, ancient firebird.   he will 10000% make sure they have food in their belly, a warm and safe place to sleep, will have their back and protect them.   just aedus, y’all.  he’ll open his home to anyone who needs it.  he’ll make them tea or hot cocoa, give them freshly tumbled blankets so they’re warm and cozy.    listen, the amount of kids he’s essential;ly adopted, helped raise, looked out for, cheered for, over the centuries??   i mean for someone who’s scared of being a dad bc of PHOENIX FAMILY DRAMA ™, he sure as hell has that powerful paternal instinct.  will 1000/10  adopt your muse    all you gotta do is throw ‘em his way and he will take them right under his fiery wing    

ME:  considering how much losing people he loves screws him up, could it be another few centuries and this phoenix could possibly snap and grow colder, and begin to distance himself from humanity, just to spare himself from that pain?? ALSO ME: he’s legitimately too soft-hearted and too attached for them for that, so despite the pain, he will continue to integrate himself into humanity and continue to watch those he loves fade and die, mourning them, subjecting himself to that pain willingly… because the alternative is isolation and he already tried that once after samuel died and he wound up on a wagon train west, making new friends, watching them pass, and new friends out on the coast… and watching them fade, too, before he finally moved back. Because even when he actively tries to distance himself he physically can’t, ‘cause he needs that companionship. and not only that, but he recognizes that being around humanity keeps him grounded and helps him be better, improving himself as they improve… and without them, he would truly be lost and stagnant

also, some of aedus’s physical traits, because appearance and tactile senses do play a big part in interactions. especially first meetings ( i.e. things i am totally okay with your muse noticing about him right from the get-go tbh )

GOLDEN EYES:  his irises look a LOT like fire… they’re a lighter gold at the top and darken to almost an ORANGE near the bottom. TEMPERATURE: his skin does feel incredibly warm to the touch, as though he’s constantly suffering from a high fever… this heat can even be felt simply radiating off of him when the fires inside of him flare hotter, such as when he’s angry or upset. ATTIRE:  Aedus is always impeccably dressed. Considering how rich he is from all the money he’s stored away throughout his life  ( a big chunk of it coming from selling items after they’ve become antiques and VERY valuable to collectors. Authentic coins from the Roman Empire, first edition books dating all the way back to the early 19th century, random household items from the homes he kept throughout the Middle Ages, clear up to the American Civil War )    he can definitely afford the BEST tailors his current place of residence has to offer. Not to mention, he does have quite a discerning taste when it comes to fashion. I mean, he worked hard making this body look just how he wanted it… of course he’s going to wear clothes that accentuate it. VOICE: his voice holds traces of accents from all over the world. It’s a little difficult to pinpoint just one… but, I’d say the more prominent ones, most simple to pick out, would be Irish and British. He has a very LOW voice. Keeps his tone very soft and steady for the most part.

random reminder that samuel’s watch is aedus’s most valued possession. it’s the one he usually keeps on his person  ( unless he’s planning on picking a fight with someone, in which case it sits securely in his bedside table’s drawer )    and it’s something he would risk his safety to get back if lost or stolen. it’s the very last shred of samuel that remains… the last physical reminder of the man he loved more than anything in this world, trusted more than anyone else, would readily have married if they’d been granted the chance. aedus will be extremely hesitant to let anyone else touch it, no matter who they are…

#(( long post. ))