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You always loved the rain. Where you came from, it meant prosperity and abundance. So, when raindrops fell for the first time since you arrived on Janix, you clinged to them like a prayer, a sign that times were finally about to change for the better. The view outside kept on darkening, the sounds of the drops clattering on the ceiling getting louder, followed by the strident echo of a thunder. The sky was ripped apart by the brightest light for a second, its rays drawing itself in the middle of the clouds. You smiled, a reflection of the lightning adorning your eyes. These things were only natural, and to you, they fated good luck. You could stare into the storm for hours on end, for it reminded you of home.
That didn't seem to be the case for the man across the room. He faced away from the sight, busy, fidgeting with something. You wondered if you could share your excitement. Usually, Maul was indifferent to the topics of your rambles, but he would always stop to attentively listen to them. Carefully, you stood away from your privileged view, and sat on the floor next to him. That was when you noticed, there was nothing in his hands for him to be messing with, they were simply shaking.
Your eyes widened, minding that not only he was trembling, but his breathing was short and his jaw clenched in discomfort.
— Maul — you called, anxiety raising in your core — Maul, what is it?
But he didn't speak. Instead, he let out a quiet cry, and you stumbled on your own words. You had never seen him like this. You were by his side when he was wounded, defeated, in pain, but none of it seemed remotely close to how he acted when another flash of lightning illuminated the room. He flinched.
— Maul — you tried again, taking his hands in your own and bringing them closer to yourself, warming his cold touch — It's me. Look at me.
His eyes seemed lifeless, still staring down at the floor. Refusing to let him drown in his own terror, you slowly placed yourself in front of him, now holding his face as softly as you could.
— I'm here — you whispered, and his sight finally found you.
You swear you saw a tear fall down his cheek, but you would never speak of it. You brought him closer, wrapping your arms over his shoulders, gently caressing the back of his neck. Against your neck, you felt his breathing gradually steady itself, his hands resting on your back.
— It's alright — you hummed tenderly — You're safe here.
The rain still poured mercilessly outside. It seemed like it would reamain that way for the rest of the day. One more time, the room lit up with the beam of lightning, accompanied by the reverberating sound of a thunder. In response, he pulled you even tighter, gripping the fabric of your shirt.
— Forgive me — he mumbled, shaking his head.
— Don't worry — you shushed him — I'm here for you.
You kept on lightly brushing your fingers against his skin. You had your guesses as to what could be the reason for this reaction, but it was better to leave it for when things settled down. Surely, you didn't mind taking care of him until the storm went away. It was, in fact, very soothing to be close and provide at least some sort of comfort to him.
So that was what you did. You distracted him, and he allowed you to go on about the meaning of rain to you, as it could help changing his own view of it. Eventually, it quieted down, and only the sound of howling wind remained. You fell asleep next to each other, just in case the storm returned in the middle of the night.