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banoonagrams · 7 months

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Sandy Waters — Chapter One

Pairing: Anakin Skywalker/Reader

Summary: The Jedi Council is absolutely done with the feud occurring between you and Anakin Skywalker. So, what do they do? They pair the two of you up on an important mission. But what they really did is force two people who have hated each other for years into close proximity with one another. For several days. Alone. What could go wrong?

Warnings: Anakin being his own beautifully annoying self

You hold your breath as the doors into the Council room move smoothly into the wall, granting you entry for your meeting with your superiors that you had hurriedly scheduled upon seeing who was joining you for one of the most trying missions along the course of your Jedi career.

“Why is it that you wish to speak to us? I can feel the tension in your Force signature,” Plo Koon says to you, a neutral but concerned look in his eyes.

“I’d like to speak of my partner that has been placed with me for my upcoming assignment, Skywalker.” You hide the sweat that’s beginning to form on your hands by placing them inside of the sleeves of your dark robes.

“Speak what about him, will you?” Yoda inquires, leaning on his cane in an intrigued manner while sitting in his thoroughly cushioned chair.

“Of us being paired together on the assignment in regards to the thug lord on Hosnian Prime.”

“If you are experiencing any qualms, know now that your pairing with Skywalker was no accident.” Windu’s voice had a slight edge to it, which wasn’t unusual. What surprised you was his sudden exclamation that you and Skywalker were put together intentionally, as you had thought that the members knew of your rivalry with the smug faced man.

“I— If I may ask, why would you purposefully put us in the same room as each other?” You were utterly bewildered, your brow raised in surprise. The council must be a lot less wise than you had thought they were.

“Are you questioning our methods?” Dank farrik, this was already going wrong.

“Oh, no! Of course not, Master Windu. I was just going to suggest that I could perhaps be traded into a different… grouping, of sorts? I wholeheartedly think that the mission would run much smoother.” Windu sighs, pinching his nose disappointedly.

“This is not a discussion, young padawan,” he states, stoic as ever and already knowing how this meeting would end.

“I understand, Master, but I truly don’t think that this mission will go as well as it could be if I was paired with someone else—“

“As a Jedi, you do know that peace and balance are important throughout the galaxy, and are an important way of life for those inside of the Order, yes?”

“Yes, completely. But—“

“So then you understand that you need to make peace with Skywalker.”

Peace with him? He had become even more insufferable after he had been denied the rank of master Jedi. Of course, you wouldn’t deny that the look on his face after the fact was absolutely priceless, but the aftershocks of his rejection were starting to get to you. Every minuscule detail about him that had annoyed you previously had practically doubled in his efforts to prove himself to the rest of the Council, his need for praise in full throttle.

The room had gone quiet, something you were all too familiar with when it meant that Windu and the rest of the Council were obviously done speaking with you. You lower your head, the conclusion of your meeting going completely different than you had anticipated. Skywalker was an ignorant piece of bantha fodder that you could barely tolerate being around, much less stuck in a tiny ship with for a few days. With a dissatisfied sense of defeat, you turn the other direction to walk out of the sliding doors to begin to pack the few belongings you would need for your mission, but not before hearing something else from the Council.

“The two of you may be more similar than you think. Skywalker had the same conversation with us minutes before you came in.”

Son of a bitch. He had beat you to it. What were you thinking? Of course he had. His obnoxious obsession with having to be first at everything probably had him sprinting here to arrive before you.

“Do try to reconcile with Skywalker. The two of you could achieve great things if you simply worked with one another.” Yeah right. As if that ape in robes would ever be capable of doing anything related to working in a team.

When you were younger, everything you did seemed to be a competition to him. In what was supposed to be a simple sparring match, he’d almost knocked you out, leaving you with a nasty lump on your head and a trip to the infirmary. When you were researching a topic for a mission that you had found out about on your own and could potentially score you some points with the Order, you found him in the library, already claiming that it was all his idea to an eons-old librarian there. With the amount of gossip she partook in every day, the tale of ‘Anakin’s brilliant research’ was already being spoken of in all corners of the temple. On that day, you had to meditate in your room for over two hours straight just so that you wouldn’t wring his bronzed little neck.

And now, on the mission that could potentially bring you the closest you’ve ever been to becoming a Jedi Master, he was going to be a thorn at your side the entire time. For many padawans, the style of mission that would determine whether they would be promoted normally included being grouped with another student for a job increasingly important than any of their previous solo ones. These could go from assignments such as rescuing an ally political figure, being judged on how well you handled said assignment, to how you both react in a tense public situation, testing your patience and morals. You know for a fact that Skywalker will be incredibly overeager on every step of this mission in order to make himself look good, his hurt pride letting him go leaps and bounds worse in a team-player situation. Maker, your patience truly was being tested in any direction you turned.

You storm your way over to the dormitories, wanting to get this mission over and done with as soon as possible, heading through the halls with your mind just about boiling over. You’re about to open the door into your room when, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a disgustingly familiar figure heading down the corridor. Narrowing your eyes and closing the difference between you two, you immediately accuse him of the first inconvenience that you can think of, because he wholeheartedly deserved it.

“You idiot! I would have been able to convince them to seperate us if you hadn’t gone in there first and mucked everything up.” With the intensity of how hard Skywalker rolls his eyes, you’d think they’d drop back into his skull. He crosses his arms defensively, his Nerf leather vest squeaking in the process, before speaking.

“I had them debating among themselves when I left, so you must have made such a terrible speech that this nightmare,” he beckons back and forth between you both in a derogatory fashion, “is happening. Oh, and good evening to you, too, by the way.” His voice was practically oozing with sarcasm.

“Oh, don’t give me that,” you say, seeing right through his little plastic greeting.

“My apologies for being sociable, which is a skill I know that I’ve mastered more than someone I know.”

“You’re not being sociable, you’re just being an ass, and you know it,” you say, already completely done with him for the day after two minutes of being around him. “You’re obviously just trying to practice your holier than thou routine after you were oh so sadly denied the rank of Master. They’ll see right through it too, y’know.”

“See? This is what I mean. Are you capable of any other setting besides ‘snarky,‘ or is that the only emotion that you have?” He shifts his weight to one leg. “And I’m definitely going to be jumping up in rank soon enough, young one.”

“We’re practically the same age.”

“There’s that snark again,” he says in a matter of fact tone.

You take a deep breath, closing your eyes and balling your fists into tight, angry and potentially destructive balls at your side, screaming internally before you open your eyes again, a smile plastered onto your face.

“You know what? I don’t have to deal with this right now,” you say, shaking your head and rubbing your fingers on your temples annoyedly. “I’m going to try and make the most of what’s left of today before I have to withstand you after we take off tomorrow.”

You turn around and take another step into your doorway, the whoosh of it opening making the hair on your head move the slightest amount. The chilly, relaxing air helped to cool off some of the steam coming out of your ears.

“That might be the first good idea you’ve had since I met you.” The unfounded, arrogant little smile on his mouth that he’s already used a hundred times this month is making its appearance yet again. He’s just asking for a blaster bolt straight in the kybers, isn’t he? You hope he can see the irritation in your body language as you stiffly turn towards him one last time.

“I’ll see you on the ship, laser brain. Until then, screw you.” He tries to say something, but you put a hand in front of his face, shushing him. “Oh, and at least try to read the holo pad on the dealer we’re after, if you even know how to, yeah? I’m trying to actually get promoted, unlike someone I know.”

You don’t even wait to gauge what his response is, feeling thoroughly proud of yourself that you had just spun his own words back on him. You turn right around and step through your door, closing it directly in his irritating face and stubbornly not opening it again until morning at breakfast time.

Unfortunately for you, shutting the door like this caused you to miss the chance to see him slowly trudging in the other direction. He was muttering under his breath some laughably weak comebacks to respond to you with, such as “Of course I know how to read, you… nutcase” and “No, you’re the one that has a laser brain,” ultimately giving up his attempts at the end of the hallway and continuing to the training room to get some extra practice in before tomorrow’s vital outing.

If you’d like to continue reading, head on over to the story on AO3 or check out Chapter Two here on Tumblr!

A/N: I’m finally stepping into the Tumblr arena for the first time (tentatively, may I add)! We’re entering some uncharted territories here, lads. Anakin is so rude I swear, but DAMN if I don’t want to fuck the life out of him. Unfortunately, sweet, gorgeous, amazing little Padmé doesn’t exist in this universe, but hey, that gives us all the more time to absolutely RUIN Anakin.

Anyways, I hope Tumblr enjoys this as much I as I enjoy writing it :)

#anakin skywalker x reader #anakin skywalker x you #Anakin Skywalker #I want to fuck this man’s brains out #His world would be ROCKED man #Enemies to lovers #Banter #Tension #Star Wars #Star Wars prequels

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padme-amitabha · 5 months

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I read your opinions on Ahsoka and while I like her I agree, I think her fandom is making me dislike her, the final straw for me was reading takes that Ahsoka was Anakin's child more than Luke ever was because he spend more time with her than with Luke despite Anakin ALWAYS aknowledged Luke as his son, I mean remember the iconic "I'm your father" scene? And how after that he always called Luke in his mind as "my son"? Anakin may had not raised Luke, but he always loved his son, ever since Padmé told him that she was pregnant he considered his baby a blessing and the happiest moment of his life, so no wonder those feelings resurfaced when he found out that Luke lived between ANH and ESB, I mean, he came to the Light for him! His baby boy. I even read a Youtube comment saying that when Anakin said Luke before dying "Tell your sister...you were right..." now it refered to Ahsoka when those words were for Leia! Yes, we know Leia sees Bail as her father and has zero connection with Anakin, but even so, those final words were for her. Canonically Anakin saw Ahsoka as much a younger sister, he always refered Luke as his son and Leia as Luke's sister and thus, his daughter. I dislike reading how people are trying to server Anakin from his family (from Padmé to now Luke and Leia) to place Ahsoka in the picture, guys, you can have both! (sorry for the rant)

I totally get it. My issue with her character mainly started from the fact that she is shoehorned into anything that involves the skywalkers. Imagine if she was in the movies, I would think her arc would be very redundant in the PT because we are closely following the Jedi masters and council as well as politicians as they are central to the plot and conflict. The fact that she wasn't in it establishes she is an afterthought. And I think she wouldn't have been so bad if she was a character with a standalone arc and story but now she's just everywhere and I disliked her introduction as Anakin's padawan because the PT establishes Anakin is quite young and flawed and its his journey we are exploring from little Ani to Darth Vader throughout the six films. He is allowed to be an innocent kid, brooding emotional teenager and also a hero. He is the Chosen One but not once is he a Gary Stu, in fact he goes through phases that annoys other characters like Obi Wan. He isn't overpowered either because we see him suffer two huge defeats in the films. He makes mistakes and the wrong choices and can be selfish at times, and other times he tries to be a good padawan and follow the rules and sometimes he disregards them, he lets others boss him around too, he is scared but wants to be a good father and husband etc etc. you get the idea. He's not perfect and that's the point and I think Hayden nails the repressed monk persona. The only reason Ahsoka was introduced was part of "fixing" Anakin's character and to make him more fun but it seems so unbelievable the council would assign someone like Anakin with an impressionable youngling (who is strangely rebellious despite having the same upbringing as the rest?). I just don't see Anakin as being a big brother to anyone or bantering with kids when he seemed understandably awkward and reserved. Also, Ahsoka's thick plot armor and her continuously inflated significance just confirms how much of a creator's pet she was and her whole character (especially when she's interacting with Anakin) feels very fanficy and the fact that she has almost zero flaws and she takes over the roles of every other important person in Anakin's life in the original story. I try not to pay attention to Filoni's pet because it just feels like pure wish fulfillment for him at this point. We could just have more of other cool female jedi like Shaak Ti, Depa, Aayla, or Yaddle as they were preexisting characters and weren't dependent on the Skywalkers for their arc - because I doubt Ahsoka would have been popular at all if she wasn't Anakin's padawan or acting like an Anakin wannabe (and getting away with it almost always while Anakin the CO was given no special treatment). At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if Ahsoka is revealed to be the new chosen one or she's some insanely overpowered demigod lol. And I mean I guess her fans like her for many reasons but she just feels like a Mary Sue to me like you know a character is doomed when a creator admits he's too attached to the character for anything drastic and openly shows favoritism. Let's be honest she is kind of a nepo baby and acts like one too in the SWU. I guess some people are just seeing her as one now but I always thought she would be a Mary Sue because even the emotional moments she has and the few hardships or "deep" moments she gets is just by interacting with the Skywalkers or just dealing with things everyone else is going through. So I don't really feel the emotional value if she tells Luke he is like her father when literally anyone else who knew him could have said that. At least characters like Boba don't rely on mentioning Anakin in everything they appear in. I don't think her arc would even be well developed if she was detached from the existing prequel characters so it's like she just reinforces the same emotions we should feel except she's supposed to be fun and badass so the audience and her fans would empathize with the events more.

Like do people even really like her screentime in Rebels except from her fight with Anakin? And that scene's so memorable because it's with Anakin, a much more realistic and developed character. It's really Anakin who carries the scene and the emotional impact. Replace Ahsoka with any other padawan and it seems like she has no inherent value. She only seems to shine in moments she is interacting with PT era characters due to the backstory and flashbacks and the rest of the time she's just a token strong female jedi character. What is Ahsoka when she is not breaking Jedi rules constantly like she's special or getting in Anakin's business or running into other characters and reminiscing about the past? I could watch a standalone show on Anakin, Padme, Obi Wan, Qui Gon, Yoda or even Dooku just in their solo adventures because they bring a slightly new perspective to the SWU and there's some room for individuality. I could be wrong maybe they explored some of her personal ambitions than being a Jedi and making Anakin proud but I'm really not interested when her role is just so interchangeable. Even Padme has an entire movie around her (TPM) where we see more about her. Despite being Anakin's love interest, we can see how she is a main character and can carry a film without any romance with Anakin. Same with Obi-Wan. He had an entire movie solving mysteries and plots while Anakin and Padme were romancing. That's why they should be the main prequel trio because its always been two force sensitives and a non-force sensitive member. Just like Han, Padme brings a new perspective and skills in the team.

I wouldn't be too bothered about such claims as they always existed. Ahsoka is closer to Anakin than Obi Wan, Padme, Leia and now more than Luke. It's sad and funny how far Filoni will bend space and time to make room for the OC. As far as I'm concerned, she doesn't exist.

This channel has some good videos on her and I highly recommend these: part 1 and part 2

#ask #anti ahsoka #anti ahsoka tano

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prttylight · 11 months

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Home ; Anakin Skywalker

@ Anakin Skywalker × Female!Reader

Summary: Reader runs away from home because of her parents' mental abuse, Anakin receives her.

Warning: Mental Abuse

Tags: Comfort, Confessions, Friends to Lovers

You can also read it in AO3!

Walking along the street, it looked like the sky was about to fall, the storm was strong, and your wet clothes made it difficult to advance. Some people were running under the rain, and others hid under the roof; you walked, how fast you were able.

You were mentally tired, and even if you were freezing, it was so much better than staying in your parent's house. You knew the way to your comfort, to the person who could make you safe, and loved. At the end of the street, a little blue house highlighted among the others, your hands shaking, and your wet eyes weren't a barrier to knock on the door; at first, with a soft punch, but when no one answered, your desperation took control under your decisions. You heard the steps coming, and tried to straighten your hair; the door opened, letting you see him.

Anakin was startled, his clothes were dirty and his face was stained with dust, but you were worse off. Your wet hair, red nose and eyes worried him immediately, wrapping his arms around and pulling you inside.

“ Are you out of your mind? Don't you know how dangerous it is going out with this storm?” Anakin took off one of his clothes to cover you, his voice sounded like he was furious, you were aware that he was worried; he was always worried about you, and you also wanted to do something for him, but he never came to you to ask for a favour. His hands attempted to share some warmth, your skin was cold and the wet clothes did not help.

“I'm sorry, I didn't know where else to go'' Hearing your whisper, made Anakin understand. You didn't mean to put yourself in danger, you just wanted to escape. Anakin was aware of the problem that your parents represented, instead of being responsible for their own mistakes, they chose to responsibilize you for that. Mentally abusing you, every time they were stressed.

He lent you some clothes, they were too big for you but the fabric was soft and a faint whiff of Anakin’s perfume, which instantly made you feel safe. R2D2 was there, next to you, you posed your hand on the top of his head.

“Hi, R2” he made some happy robotic sounds causing your smile. Anakin entered the room checking if you were more calm than before, you noticed him and without stopping yourself you called him. Right away, your ears blushed.

“ Sorry, I was just… Are you feeling better now? ” It was the first time that Anakin looked like this, shy or at least that was how you saw him. He wasn't shy, he was trying to hide his anger, his frustration for not being able to protect you from your parents.

“ Yes, thank you for the clothes” you replied, settling down to get out of the bed. With a smile "Did I surprise you?”

Anakin leaned against the door frame.

“ A lot, actually. But I'm glad you came here” If you were close to him, he knew that he could protect you. “Is there something you want to eat?”

Standing up you smiled kindly, Anakin's house was beautiful, it was comfortable but most of all it had Anakin in it; however no matter how kind he is, you could not abuse his time and space.

“No, I think I should go to my house” The abuse of your parents, their words were strong, but that shouldn't mean that you should simply carry away yourself for your desires. You passed by his side. “ I will send you back these clothes, probably tomorrow after work. Sorry for annoying your evening”

“Annoying?” Anakin laughed stunned. “If I tell you I don't find you annoying, would you stay for dinner?”

You giggled nervously, his touch on your wrist and his words were a clarifying factor as to why your heart was beating so fast. You knew you were useless, that your feelings for Anakin were something that you could not allow yourself, that you should try harder for being enough.

“ Anakin, really, I'm glad but-”

“ If you’re glad, you should thank me accepting my proposing”

Anakin was asking you for something, and you couldn't handle saying no to him. You were good at cooking, so you offered to do it, but Anakin was very persistent with the idea of him cooking. You and R2D2, were not convinced as much as him, promising to keep an eye on him, the result was good, and a much tastier meal than you had thought was served.

“ What did they say this time?” Suddenly Anakin asked in the silence of the dinner, since you didn't understand, he added “I mean, your parents, what did they say? “

“ Uh, nothing, they were angry and we fought” Trying to sound like you were fine, your eyes didn't direct towards him.

“You fought…?” Anakin asked before fakely smiling. “If they are insulting, it's not a fight. Its abuse ”

Stupid, dumb bitch, useless, you're only a problem.

“ No… I don't think it's like that” you murmured trying to convince yourself. You were aware that your parents weren't the best, or even kind. You felt hurt, unfortunately they were your parents, and no matter how much pain they do to you, hating them was so much harder than anyone could imagine.

“ You don't deserve to be treated like this” Anakin affirmed with the confidence that you didn't have. Anakin grabbed your hand, gently touching it. “Not even for your parents”

His voice was sweet, giving you chills, your heart was weak.

“ Anakin, you're kind and I don't deserve-”

“ T/n don't even dare to say that, you're fantastic” Anakin breathed, he needed to ask for it “Stay this night”

You didn't pretend to misunderstand his words.

“ I like you, and I want to stay with you, I want to protect you” He added.

Maybe, there was nothing to misunderstand. He kneels down in front of you. “Ani…” you were out of breath. “ I like you too ”

OKAY I made so much mistakes, remember spanish is my first language and im just learning english.

#anakin skywalker imagine #anakin fanfiction #imagine #anakin x reader #anakin imagine #star wars #clone wars anakin #anakin #fanfic

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sarcastic-sketches · 2 years

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More Kitsune!Anakin Anecdotes

Couple of things I unearthed from my discord notes (including several thousand words of dialogue) that I haven’t yet addressed: Kitsune turning into women, Fox Fire, and spinning fur into yarn. Not sure if I want them to be canon to this AU but they are fun to think about. (Anakin got turned into a Kitsune by a Force Temple before AotC for shenanigans to better represent his level of connection to the Force)

Kitsune Femme Mode Along with the shapeshifting, limited as it is with Anakin unable to actually make his tails and ears go away (best he can do is eventually giving himself an illusion that looks 100% human), I recall that one of the things Kitsune are known for is appearing to humans as beautiful women. Imagine Anakin just testing out shapeshifting one day until he lands on a more femme version of himself and goes ‘huh’. He’s already very pretty, add in slightly wider hips with tits to match - looking down at his chest and going ‘wow, look at those’. Then he realises the sort of reactions he’s getting and… well now it’s a fun game. And he can switch between forms so quickly too, it would cause a lot of confusion if he did it mid-conversation (and epiphanies in certain people).

[No, this isn’t my genderfluid ass projecting, I don’t know what you mean]

Aayla would be there immediately with all her crop tops. No Anakin, you cannot just wear your usual robes, if you’re going to do this you need to actually commit. God. What is the point of having that figure if you’re not going to own it. Aayla manages to convince him to wear his robes so that they’re hanging slightly off of his shoulders and he can show off a black crop top with a halter neck underneath but he just doesn’t really give a shit about fashion. Aayla is so disappointed. I HC she’s the type that really hypes up body positivity and all that so she’s very into helping people express themselves with clothes and fashion styles and Anakin just doesn’t care about what he looks like. (big mood, honestly)

He does however realise that depending on the form he’s using at any one time can have an impact on the conversation being had with different people. It tickles that little Trial and Error part of his brain and he can’t resist poking at it some more, trying out different combos with his features. Some senators only take him seriously if he looks like a dude, while others feel way more relaxed in the Force if he’s in Femme Mode or visa versa.

(Also consider, boobs annoying but not having to worry about being hit in the dick when fighting is probably perceived as an advantage)

Anakin is still pretty sure he’s a dude, it’s just fun to look a different kind of pretty every so often. Especially with how quick it makes some people (Fives) trip over themselves. Maybe he settles somewhere in the middle. Oddly enough, Rex has no reaction to this change. He knows Anakin is still the same person, he just looks a little different in places and none of it is a turn off. The ears and tails would have been the major hurdle if anything...

Rex: [shrugging] I’m still attracted to you either way. Anakin: [clocking that Rex is probably Bi] Great to hear!

Fox Fire Kitsune have the ability to summon an orb of fire that will then float around them, either to light their way or to lead others off of their path. Anakin’s fire would undoubtedly be blue and he discovers he can do this one day by coughing while in full Kitsune form only to exhale flames. This freaks him out and everyone else in the vicinity.

Ahsoka: Did you just breathe fire?! Anakin: [a literal bark of panic] I don’t know! Rex: Please, do NOT do that on the ship Fives/Hardcase/Jesse: Do it again!

It takes him a while to actually breathe out a little orb of fire instead of just making pathetic wheezing noises but when he does they all just sort of stare at it. Absolutely entranced, like they’re all moths. Someone goes to touch it. It is very hot. Anakin gets an idea.

Yes, you can destroy droids with Fox Fire projectiles. Yes, he can breathe out multiple fires at once. He is living. I have the mental image of a much older Anakin, with more developed tails in Full Fox form and he has flames coming out of the sides of his mouth and little will-o-wisps dancing around his paws. The excess energy from his Force connection manifesting as Fox Fire on his person at all times.

On a more wholesome note, picture the bases the 501st could set up. The perimeter is illuminated by spectral little blue balls of fire that just float serenely at the edges of their encampments. Keeping the place lit and warding off any of the local beasties. Some troopers even find a little orb floating after them specifcally if they’re doing patrols.

Ahsoka gets a little fire companion permenantly.

Spinning Fur into Yarn So, I’ve mentioned the fact that Anakin would need to regularly brush his tails to maintain them and just generally have them look shiny and silky. But that then produces a lot of undercoat fluff in a pile that Anakin has no idea what to do with. They have all learned from previous experience - working out how to hold a lightsaber as a fox - that burned fur smells awful. Does he just chuck it in the waste disposal?

I can picture him having this conversation out loud in the mess hall or something and just as he’s reached the decision to simply bin all the excess fur, one clone near beside himself with panic is like ‘no, wait!’

Cue every mf in that room turning to this one unpainted clone who piped up all of a sudden and now has to very meekly explain, in front of the Force and all his brothers, that he recently got into knitting and he’s learning how to make his own yarn out of loose threads and other textiles etc because… where else is he gonna get the materials to knit with. Anakin doesn't really think further than someone else wants to deal with all this fluff and just unloads a pile of brushed out, light gold fur onto this clone and calls it a day.

About a month later, this clone is showing off his new shiny scarf that he’s wearing. Made with the discarded fur from their Kitsune General. He’s very proud of it and wears it under his armour into battle. He very quickly garners the name ‘Lucky’ because of the frankly absurd number of near misses he racks up over all the campaigns since. Even Anakin is impressed, because you usually only see that level of reaction time in Force Sensitives. They check. Lucky is about as Force Sensitive as a rock.

Ahsoka then suggests they test him again while he’s wearing the scarf. His results go up.

Anakin’s fur woven into Lucky’s scarf has somehow given him slight precog abilities in life or death situations. Just enough to keep him alive, a sudden urge to duck or move a step to the left, etc. Lucky had some fur leftover so he makes another scarf and gives it to Kix, reasoning that if any trooper should be kept alive it’s the Medic. Nobody argues with this. They are henceforth referred to as ‘Lucky Scarves’ even after Lucky realises that he might just be able to knit tiny armbands for people to wear instead and hopefully have the same effect. He doesn’t have enough fur to work with to make everyone in the 501st a scarf and then there’s the other battalions to consider too.

It used to be a problem when Anakin didn’t know what to do with all the fur he brushed out of his tails and he hated having to brush them at all. Now he’s yelling at his tails for the fur to grow faster.

Ahsoka: Just grow more tails Anakin: Quiet, you.

#Kitsune!Anakin #Anakin Skywalker #aayla secura #Ahsoka Tano #captain rex #clone troopers #rexwalker #star wars #star wars au #the clone wars #star wars writing

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daddy-issues-99 · 1 year

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Qui Gon Jinn x GN Reader

PURE FLUFF!!!

Tatooine is horrible. Bold statement but its awful. Its hot, dry and full of aggressive and scary people. As a Jedi you are taught to be able to handle any situation but you, well you could do it. Barely.

You had just finished your Padawan training and were sent on a mission with Obi Wan and Qui Gon. That was the only good part of this trip. Obi Wan was an entertaining Padawan and you got to spend time with Qui Gon.

Qui Gon was a rule abiding Jedi who wouldn't dare break the rules of the Jedi code. Until he met you that is. You two managed to catch feelings for each other when he was teaching you a few years back and eventually you two formed a secret relationship.

The last few days however, even being around your partner couldn't lift your mood.

You sat in one of the spare rooms of the Skywalker hut where you, Qui Gon and Obi Wan were allowed to stay. Obi Wan was entertaining Anakin and Qui Gon was clearing his head outside leaving you alone in the room.

You ripped off your robes and threw them to the floor not bothering to fold them and placed your lightsaber on a shelf next to your cot. All you cared about was getting cleaned off.

You had been outside all day in the Tatooine sun. You were covered in sweat and sand without any relief. You were annoyed and stressed and it made it worse to know that you were annoyed and stressed.

You tugged the final layer of your robe off and fumbled over the pile of clothes you had formed on the floor. You let out a loud grunt in annoyance followed by a string of curses.

Undenounced to you Qui Gon was watching this all unfold.

“Rough day darling?” You sat up and looked to see Qui Gon leaning against the door frame with a smirk on his face, clearly holding back a giggle at your reaction.

You stood up and kicked the cloths to the side. He walked into the room closing the curtain behind him. “I will take that as a yes.”

He sat down on the cot as you walked away to get some water to freshen up with. “What’s wrong my darling?”

“Everything! I hate this god damn planet! Its hot, its dry, and its stressful!”

You turned away slamming your hands down onto a table. Qui Gon slowly stood up and walked over to where you were standing. “I can tell your stressed. I am too.” He said, giving your hand a squeeze.

“I’m just so tired.” You said in a shaky voice. “I know darling, but its the end of the day now. Get cleaned up and come rest.” He gently kissed the top of your head and handed you a clean pair of shirts and tank top.

You smiled taking the clothes from his hands. Even though he’d only held them for a second they smelled like him.

Your turned around and took of your outer layer of clothes so you were in a sports bra and panties. Qui Gon sat on the cot behind you and watched your body as you changed. Not in a provocative way, but in a mesmerized way.

You took a rag and soaked in in some water and quickly washed off the sand and sweat from the day.

You quickly put on the fresh clothes and turned around to see Qui Gon with a small smile on his face. “What?” “Nothing, you're just beautiful.” You walked over to the cot and laid down so your head was on his thigh. He played with your hair and you closed your eyes enjoying his touch.

“I love you Qui Gon.” “I love you too my darling.”

“You look cute together.”

You both jumped and looked at the door to see Obi Wan leaning against the door with a smirk on his face. Qui Gon opened his moth but was cut off by Obi Wan “Don’t worry, your secrets safe with me, as long as I’m invited to the wedding.” He said jokingly.

You both let out a sigh of relief “Thank you Obi Wan, and of course you can be invited to the wedding.”

“Can I make the rings!” Anakin yelled, clearly eavesdropping on the conversation. “Oncourse little Jedi.” “Yay!” He ran over and jumped up onto you and Qui Gon giving you a hug.

*Down the hall* 3PO: Why am I not invited?

#qui gon jinn #qui gon jinn x reader #starwars x reader #qui gon #qui gon x yn #qui gon x reader #star wars fanfic #the phantom menace

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javipispunk · 8 months

Text

Burn the Breeze {Obi-Wan Kenobi}

Part Six | Previous Part | Next Part

Summary: Modern AU where Obi-Wan (Ben) and Anakin are sheriffs that come to your small town to take down the corrupt rancher Dooku. Ben is Sheriff and Anakin is a deputy, same sort of dynamic they have in AOTC

Pairing: Obi-Wan Kenobi x f!reader

Warnings: flirting, slight smut, violence, alcohol, fluff, cursing

Minors DNI!

Word count: 1.3K

The meeting with the detective didn’t take very long and it wasn’t nearly as scary as you thought it was going to be. He just asked you about when you last saw Bill etc. You felt like you were in a cop show. Maybe one day they’ll make a Netflix documentary about this you thought.

On your way out you turned toward Ben, calling his name.

“Yes?”

You took a deep breath, you wanted to ask him to go out with you. Not necessarily on a date, but you wanted to sit with him and talk about anything other than the investigation.

“Do you want to grab a drink maybe?” Quickly you added, “If you have time of course.”

“Yeah, I can make time for you.” That sentence almost had you falling over. You knew he was busy but he still wanted to go out of his way for you.

“Okay” you were blushing incredibly hard at this point. “Call me when you’re done?”

“Of course,” he responded.

You were running around like crazy trying to get ready. You didn’t know when he was going to be done so you wanted to get ready earlier rather than later. Of course it only took you 20 minutes to get ready too so you had to sit around for a while. You thought it was pathetic you were sitting waiting for the phone to ring, you felt like you were in high school again. To calm your nerves you had a drink, then another one, then another. At this point you had been ready for two hours and were not entirely sober anymore. Of course the second you realized this Ben called.

“I’m sorry I’m calling so late. I just finished up for the day.” He apologized

You were slightly annoyed but also it’s not like he had given you a time and then bailed. You said it was fine and for him not to worry.

“Do you still want to go out?” he asked.

“I do. But slight problem,” you paused. You didn’t want to admit you had been drinking. You didn’t want him to think you had a problem. “I’ve had a few drinks and I think it unwise to drive.”

“I see.” Did he sound disappointed?

Suddenly you blurted, “But you can come over if you want.”

It was his turn to pause, “Are you sure?” Why did he sound so hesitant? Were you making a mistake?

“Yes. Please.” You were desperate.

“Okay, I’m coming.”

He arrived quickly. You were a few miles out of town, he must have been speeding. You were going to ask him about it when you opened the door for him until you saw what he was holding, a bottle of wine and a bouquet of orange zinnias and snapdragons. Your smile felt bigger than your whole face.

“You brought flowers.” You stated.

“I did. Is that okay?”

“It’s wonderful, they’re wonderful.” Then after a breath you added, “You’re wonderful.” You hid your face quickly, you couldn’t stand to look at his reaction.

Quietly he whispered, “Thank you.”

You grabbed the flowers and made your way inside, Ben following close behind. You both were quiet as you grabbed a vase and filled it with water. Out of the corner of your eye you saw him leaning on the counter staring at you intently. You kept your head down, pretending not to notice.

He broke the silence, “Where are your wine glasses?”

“In the upper cabinet to the right of the sink.”

He put his hand on the small of your back when he slipped behind you to get the glasses. Normally you hated when people did that, it always seemed unnecessary. But with Ben you actually enjoyed it. Then he poured you each a glass of red wine. You clinked his glass and then brought it to your lips. He was still staring at you. You felt small under his gaze, but not in a bad way. It didn’t feel like he was scrutinizing you, it felt magnetic.

Being bold you grabbed his free hand and dragged him to the bench seat you had in the kitchen. Sitting on your living room couch with him felt a little too intimate at the moment. Once you sat down you pulled your knees up to your chest.

“How are you?” He asked.

You took a deep breath. “I’m okay. Better now that you’re here.” Jeez, they don’t call alcohol liquid courage for nothing. You never would have said something like that if you were sober. Not that you were drunk but you were toeing the line.

He smiled genuinely, which made you smile even more. “I’m glad”

“How are you then?”

“Just as good as you.” You both laughed at that.

You chatted for a while, small talk mostly. You found out he was also from Wyoming and didn’t grow up with much family. He considered Anakin a brother and you could tell how much pride he held for Anakin when he spoke about him. This led into the topic of Anakin and Padmé.

“I’m not supposed to know but I believe they are seeing each other.” He said.

You giggled at that. “Is that why he’s on ‘protection detail’ all the time?”

“Yes” This threw you both into a fit of laughter. When Ben finally gathered his composure he sat his glass down and went back to looking at you intently. You followed suit and put your glass down too. Then he scooted closer and raised his hand up to the side of your head, tucking some stray strands of hair behind your ear. Then his hand trailed down to your cheek.

“You’re beautiful” he whispered before he leaned in and hesitantly kissed you. Before he could pull away your hand was around the back of his neck holding his lips to yours. After a few seconds you let go and you both pulled away blushing and with the biggest smiles on your faces.

Instantaneously your lips were colliding again, with fervor this time, all caution blown to the wind. His hand was on your cheek and before you knew what you were doing yours were in his hair. You wanted more of him, to rake your hands all along his body. You wanted his lips on your neck. You didn’t know how slow he wanted to take it, you just wanted it fast. As if he knew he sat back and pulled you on top of him. You sat back on his thighs, scared to get too close to another part of his body. But then his hands were on your ass pulling you closer. You moved your lips off of his down to his neck, slightly sucking but not enough to give him a hickey. His breathing became more erratic and you felt his cock harden beneath you. You shifted your weight and accident dragged your clothed pussy against him, eliciting a small moan from the both of you.

Then you sat back to really look at him. His hair was a mess and lips red and swollen. You thought he was beautiful. You didn’t want to stop looking at him but you knew you would have to if you wanted to get back to what you were doing. Before you dove back in though you said, “I want you.”

The look in his eyes changed when you said that. “Good” he said and then he pulled your head back towards him and you were back at it again. For a few seconds you felt pure bliss, until his phone went off. He tried to ignore it but it was late in the evening so you knew it must be important. Annoyed, he answered a call from Anakin.

“Padmés been shot.” Was all Anakin said. You and Ben froze.

“Well shit.”

#obi wan kenobi #obi wan x reader #star wars au #star wars fanfiction #obi wan kenobi x reader #obi wan kenobi fanfiction #ben kenobi x reader

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in-kylo-we-trust · 2 years

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I'd like to reqeust Anakin x y/n who is his childhood friend and his secret crush even before Padme! However in the story he's already married with Padme but one day he found y/n again in a bad situation lole slavery or something like that and he knows who he wants after all this time u know♥️ thank you😍

Working for Watto was a nightmare, he was demanding, rude, and sometimes you swore you could just kill him. But as his slave you had no other choice but to endure it all.

There was commotion in the town, probably nothing, Tatooine can get so boring that the smallest thing would get people talking.

You had no time to go and see for yourself anyway so you didn’t pay attention. Watto had you working outside today, moving scrap metal and heavy machine parts. You were in the middle of picking up a particularly heavy motor when you heard someone behind you

“Need a hand m’lady” the man said

You rolled your eyes not even turning to look at him

“No, I got it.” You replied sternly, the men of Tatooine could be annoying and disrespectful. You were not going to entertain any of it.

“Really, do you y/n” he spoke again

You dropped what was in your hand and started yelling as you turned

“CAN YOU LEAVE ME A-“ you were caught off when you saw who the annoying man was, he still looked the same, just much taller and now wore the traditional Jedi clothing, the signature lightsaber resting on his hip.

“Anakin?” You yelled

He extended his arms and you embraced him in a hug. Oh god, it felt so good. You had truly missed him, you wanted to know everything about his life now. The two of you had been best friends and each other’s childhood crushes, you wanted to know who that little boy became.

Watto started yelling out the window, “I don’t pay you to stand around all day”

“You don’t pay me at all” you yelled back

Anakin laughed, since he had once been Watto’s slave he knew the man, he knew the conditions you were under.

You were so stunned at how handsome he was now. You were kind of embarrassed at how you looked compared to him. You had sand all over your clothes, grease and oil from the metal across one of your cheeks. The heat was too much so you wore a top that exposed your entire stomach that was also covered in whatever came off the scrap parts. You thought you looked like a hot mess but on the other end Anakin thought the opposite.

Anakin’s POV:

Look at her, she was always the cutest girl around but now she’s such a beautiful woman. She remains such a high and positive spirited person despite this being her daily life. I can’t help but take quick glances at her exposed skin.

Anakin, focus, I keep telling myself. You are married, Padme is home waiting for you to return.

But seeing Y/N made all the memories come flooding back. Us running around pretending to be Jedi not knowing I would be a real one someday. The way she used to wear her hair in pigtails and I used to pull on them as my way of flirting. It hurts me to think she might also have someone waiting for her at home.

BACK TO YOUR POV:

Anakin was staring at you, oh god you thought to yourself I do look like a mess.

“Are you here for long?” You asked him, hoping he said yes

“No, not really, I just came here on a mission and stopped by to see if you I could find you”

“Well here I am” you say

Anakin scanned your entire body and seemed to focus on all the injuries you have from working here, your arms were bruised, cut, and scarred.

“I have to get back to work Ani, I wish I could catch up, you know how Watto gets”

“Yeah, well take care of yourself y/n” Anakin replied.

The both of you hugged before he walked away. This hug lasted for a minute. The both of you were afraid that it would be the last time in a while that you see each other but parting ways was the only option the both of you had.

As he walked away and you started on your labor again he screamed out

“Don't stay late, don’t want to keep your husband waiting”

You laughed and screamed back

“Still single if that’s what you were trying to ask”

Anakin’s POV:

Seeing Y/N after all these years has deeply affected me. I’ve been back in Coruscant for some days now and all I can think about is running back to Tatooine.

I knew Padme was talking to me because far off in the distance I could hear her voice but I was too deep in my thoughts to understand what was being said

“ANAKIN” Padme clapped her hands in front of me trying to get my attention

“Huh”

“What’s the matter? You’ve been so distant since you returned” She asked

“Just home sick” I replied. Homesick. I was longing for Y/N, I didn’t really feel like I was back home until I saw her.

As the days went by my relationship with Padme was on the brink of ending. Every conversation led to a fight, every action of hers I compared to Y/N. Every embrace and sign of affection I wish could come from somebody else. This was not fair to Padme and it was not fair to me.

With an aching pain in my heart I decided to follow the force that was pulling me to my childhood best friend, the girl I’ve loved from day one. On good terms I left Padme, explained my decision and wished her the best.

Back to your POV:

It was the middle of the night and you heard the familiar roar of a spacecraft motor, whoever decided to visit Tatooine in the middle of the night must be insane.

“Y/N” whispered a familiar voice outside of your home

You were right, it did have to be an insane person.

You wrapped yourself in a blanket and slowly opened the door, making sure you didn’t make too much noise and alert Watto.

“Anakin, what are you doing” you whisper back

“I’m taking you”

“Where?”

“Somewhere far away”

You swore you had to be dreaming. Anakin wouldn’t just show up in the middle of the night to take you away against your owner's consent.

Actually, yes he would. It’s Anakin.

“I can’t just run away Ani” you tried arguing back with him, you wanted to but you were honestly scared of the consequences

He could sense it in you, he knew you were scared. He couldn’t blame you. When Qui Gon and Obi took him away he was scared to leave the only life he knew behind.

“I’ve got you” he said as he took your hand in his, “let’s run on 3”

“1..2..”

Before Anakin even made it to 3 you were running already.

He started leading the way toward his spacecraft, cutting through alleys, hiding from anyone who might see the two of you.

You had finally made it, the two of you where now on board and as the door was closing you see and hear Watto

“Hey, hey where are you -“ he was caught off by the door fully closing shut.

You couldn’t believe it. You were free. Free to live, free to run away, free to love…

Anakin's POV:

I am so going to get in trouble for what I just did. Not only did I steal Obi Wan’s ship but I just helped Y/N run away. It’s all worth it though, sitting next to her and seeing the smile on her face as we cross the galaxy and she takes in the sight of all the stars fills me up with so much joy.

“So, now that you’re free..maybe you and I can, you know, like um” I try to express my thoughts but it was like I forgot every word I knew

“We can what?” She asks and looks at me with curious eyes

“I don’t know if you remember but when we were little we promised each other that if we were ever free we would live together on a far away planet, with a family of our own. Give them a life we could only dream of when we were children” I said to her

“You remembered?” She questioned with a smile on her face

“It’s all I’ve thought about since I saw you again”

I swear the look on her face said everything I wanted to know, she looked at me lovingly, as if she had waited for this moment her entire life, she probably has. I know deep down I was always hoping to come back to her. Yes, I did grow to love Padme but with Y/N is different.

I am IN love with her.

“So how about we look for that planet we want to settle on?’ I ask as I take her hand in mine and kiss it ever so gently.

Y/N leaned back in her chair and nodded, “Let’s do it Ani”.

#anakin x reader #star wars #fanfic #fanfiction #romance #darth vader #darth vader x reader #imagine #anakin skywalker imagine #darth vader imagine

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loveoaths · 1 year

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Do you actually like Anakin? You’re so critical of him

hello there! you must be referring to my tags on this post!

before i begin what will certainly be a long (and personal?) answer, let me issue three blanket statements.

one: liking anakin doesn’t make you a bad person, sympathizing with him does not mean you’re a bad person, and frankly you don’t need to do all the critical analysis and real-world linkage i’m about to do under the read-more to like a character. you can just like them, because they’re pretty, or fun, or you want to make them slob on somebody’s knob. knobs are fun to slob on. that’s just a fact.

two: the post below is based solely in my experience as a black queer man in america, and should be treated solely as my personal interpretation of anakin’s character and star wars fandom, and not as a monolithic statement on behalf of all black people and people of color in this fandom. it’s annoying that i have to say that, but yeah.

three: later in this post i mention whiteness as it relates to fiction and fandom. whiteness theory is “the study of the structures that produce white privilege, the examination of what whiteness is when analyzed as a race, a culture, and a source of systemic racism, and the exploration of other social phenomena generated by the societal compositions, perceptions and group behaviors of white people” (wikipedia). i am applying my academic background to my reading of anakin, and to my experience in a mostly-white fandom so far. this is not a condemnation of either.

now, to your actual question.

Do you actually like Anakin? You’re so critical of him

the short answer: yes, i do like anakin.

the long answer: yes, i do like anakin, because he is messy and complex and i love rolling around in the filthy mud that is his brain.

the longer answer: yes, i do like anakin, because i am critical of him — and every other character that i like.

liking a character, to me, has nothing to do with being on their side/thinking they’re hot/etcetera and everything to do with understanding how they work, and using that understanding to gain insight into them as a character, how they function in their narrative, what characters like them mean in pop culture and to their fans, and, by extension, in real life.

but that’s a general overview. you asked me about anakin, so let’s talk about anakin.

i like the fucker. because he is passionate, and powerful, and horrifically insecure, and clueless, and competent, and desperate. anakin as a character feels so much all the time in a very similar way to how i did as a child. i have a lot of sympathy for him, especially when he’s younger. i understand loss, and pain, and joy, and losing that joy, and feeling like the universe owes you something because of everything it’s taken. i do.

but beyond that basic level of liking him, i am fascinated by how absolutely fucked up anakin is, and how a lot of his fucked-upness is a one-to-one of most shitty white manchildren in real life. (you know who i’m talking about.)

what fascinates me about anakin is everything about him that i am not and do not agree with. anakin is an entitled white man (in space) who acts like entitled white men in real life. the jedi are not cops, they’re peace keepers and magical ombudsmen, but anakin sure as hell did not get that memo, and his behavior often mimics that of real life cops. he abuses power but does not see that as abuse, but rather as an extension of his entitlement to perceive right and wrong and mete out appropriate punishment even when his superiors and the Council do not agree with them, because anyone who does not agree with anakin is wrong.

to me, anakin is every white boy i went to school with who was nice and sweet and decent (except when you did something he didn’t like) (or when he repeated borderline racist commentary and jokes and when you got mad so he said “you’re too sensitive it’s just a joke”) (or who always sided with power and authority as long as it served him even if it fucked the rest of us over but when it didn’t he rebelled and insisted things weren’t fair) then ten years later he’s posting pro-jan 6 stuff on facebook. old (white) high school friends were quick to say “he wasn’t always like this,” “something changed,” “that isn’t the guy i knew,” while i sat there thinking, yes he was. he just got louder. he’s the same person and i’m not surprised he’s like this now. how are YOU surprised he is?

so my interest in anakin (and, by lesser extension, obi wan) is this: i want to understand the emotional thought process that turned a genuinely sweet little underprivileged boy into a self-absorbed vicious murderous fascist attack dog, and i want to understand the many layers of denial and favoritism and insecurity and exceptionalism and what the fuck else that allowed obi wan to be blind (willingly or otherwise) to anakin’s changes until they were too blatant to ignore.

because for me, as a black queer man, there is a lot to be gained from understanding the ways in which whiteness works even in fiction, both on the page and in the fanbase around these characters. looking at what george lucas meant for anakin to be, versus how he was received by his audience, versus how he is popularly interpolated by and within fanon, function for me as an inside look at the morphology of whiteness; specifically, the way whiteness is interpreted, dissected, retrofitted, and at times supported by (primarily) white american women in defense of white men. by way of example, i mean the way fandom instinctively pits mace windu against anakin as his boogeyman, or how anakin’s genocidal and murderous actions are often ignored/dismissed/removed from canon/or excused because he “feels bad about it after.”

now, to be clear, i am not saying anyone is wrong for not engaging with anakin’s character or the above topics the way i do. most people are in fandom as a means of escapism or as a means of playing a communal fantasy game of House with thousands of online strangers. most of fandom is here for Horny Adult Playtime and not, y’know, a breakdown of everything wrong with the world today and political failures and racism and fascism and whiteness (in space or otherwise); you’re here to look at pretty pictures of boys and girls and whoever and make them kiss and hang out with friends. i get it! i don’t watch a lot of movies that are Explicitly About Racism for this exact reason. but because of who i am, i can’t help to notice patterns like these whether its in real life, fantasy, or fandom, and in noticing them i wind up analyzing them, which has honestly become kind of entertaining as well as informative for me. other people without my life experiences aren’t going to see anakin or star wars or any media the same way. you aren’t wrong for that. just like how i am not wrong for interpreting media through my experience. our lives are filters. we’re all going to see and focus on different parts of the same things as a result. for me, i tend to see how fucked up characters are and engage with the hows and whys of that. for other people, they see a pretty boy and want to see him kiss another pretty boy. that’s cool too. none of this matters. it’s all just make believe.

so, tl;dr recap: being critical of a character does not mean i do not like or appreciate them. highlighting a character’s flaws and failures is not “being mean” to them (as some of my other, unanswered anons have suggested). i personally prefer to engage with characters, warts and all.

if that is uncomfortable for you, and you do not want to see me talk about anakin (or others) being lovable and awful and well-meaning and racist, i invite you to reflect privately on why that is, then block the tags “[character] meta”, and/or unfollow me.

i’ll be sad to see you go, but i understand. your dashboard is your space to cultivate, just as mine is, and you’re not obligated to look at, read, or engage with anything that upsets you. again: none of this matters. this is all pretend.

to conclude, i hope i answered your question and then some.

and hey, whatever you choose to do, have fun out there!

#the irony is that i am very intrigued by anakin but ppl assume i hate him because i talk about his failures a lot! haha #answered.#anakin meta #walkie talkie.#long post

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magicalforcesau · 2 years

Text

Dancing With Ghosts in Your Garden~ Chapter 23 - Year 3: Summer

(ao3 link)

Summer had come and gone in the blink of an eye. There was something to be said about spending the hottest days of the year lounging in the cool water of the Kenobi’s rather extravagant pools. At first at least.

Money, in Anakin’s opinion, could buy some level of happiness, but there was always a point where such a thing fizzled out. For quite some time he’d been content to just explore the massive mansion, imagining it to be some sort of long sleepover in his mind. Now however closer to the school year he was beginning to get a little antsy.

He’d tried and failed to rally the Kenobi’s into tracking down his mum. They seemed concerned for his safety every time he tried, even after suggesting they all go together. Maybe they were just scared that they’d also get attacked, but they all seemed rather good at magic. Still he hadn’t been allotted any time to leave. He’d thought of trying to sneak out, but it would be rather rude if he was caught. They’d taken him in when he had nowhere else to go.

Obi-Wan, he’d seen quite a bit of for two people in a house so large. He’d accuse his mentor of babysitting him, but there were quite a few times where he seemed quite spacy, like he was lost in thought. The times they weren’t together in some capacity he’d seen Obi-Wan manage chores around the house, or occasionally finding time to sneak away into the house's massive library to read. Anakin had picked up a book or two off the shelf in his explorations, but they all seemed quite dry and ancient.

Even with little to do he felt guilty for having such a relaxing summer. His mother was still out there, Qui-Gon (and others) had died just last May, and there were terrible, horrible people who kept crawling out of the woodworks to try and kill him. All he was doing was sitting in an inflatable tube sipping pumpkin juice.

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan, like always it seemed, appeared just before his mood could dip too south. This time he sounded exasperated and he was running his fingers through a particularly unruly strip of hair, “I thought I told you to get changed ages ago!”

He had, but Anakin quite thought Obi-Wan took too much time getting ready, “I’m practically ready,” He had been learning all summer, ways to annoy the other boy. He tipped his head back to lean on the cool plastic and tried not to let his lips twitch up when he heard the frustrated huff of breath from his mentor.

“So you want me to apparate you to Diagon Alley, right now?” There was a rustle of fabric, likely as he moved towards his wand. Anakin really didn’t, he was in his batman swim trunks and quite wet. He doubted anyone wanted a boy dripping all over their store. Still he just shrugged a bit. Obi-Wan had seemed to think that would have done the trick and paused when met with no resistance, silence stretching on. Anakin tried to see him out of the corner of his eye, “Well if you insist,” Obi-Wan straightened his wand hand. He was bluffing and Anakin knew it, but on the off chance he wasn’t, Anakin moved to get up.

“Alright! Keep your pants on I’m coming,” Anakin groaned, sliding out of the plastic ring and making his way out of the pool.

“You know, I’d quite like to be on. Time. ” Obi-Wan tapped at his watch and Anakin rolled his eyes.

“Diagon Alley isn’t going anywhere!” Anakin teased. He scrubbed a towel through his hair until it stopped dripping before grabbing his real clothes. He ducked into the small changing room as Obi-Wan’s foot began tapping in impatience.

“Yes, but some of us have time sensitive appointments!” Obi-Wan reminded him. Anakin reappeared in record time, snatching his wand off the table and approaching the older boy.

“We’re early!” He pointed out, ducking away from Obi-Wan’s hands as he reached to attempt to fix the way his damp hair sat, “Plus look! I’m ready now!”

“You’re all wet!” Obi-Wan’s wand was suddenly pointed right at him and Anakin nearly jumped back in surprise, “Ventis arida,” A gust of wind shot out of his wand and spun around him like a tornado, in seconds he was completely dry.

“Whoa!” Anakin patted down his hair, “You should teach me that one, that's really handy!”

“Later,” Obi-Wan urged as he stuck out his arm. Now that Anakin was close enough to look at him, his mentor looked a little nervous. His eyes were looking at Anakin with a touch of concern, but for once it wasn’t directed at him. Anakin grabbed Obi-Wan’s arm without further heckling and the two disappeared out of Kenobi Manor.

He was running late, much to his irritation, and had to carefully weave through the onslaught of wizard families that hovered through the streets of Diagon Alley. Surely, he looked as he felt: in total disarray. Being 17 and capable of apparition, while handy, was not always so smooth when there was so much traffic out and about. He would have arrived sooner if he had any say in the matter, but Anakin had taken forever to get out the door and he couldn’t exactly leave the boy to transport to and from Diagon Alley himself.

Of course he’d needed to stop into Madam Malkin’s for their robes, Slug and Jigger’s Apothecary for some potions ingredients, Flourish and Blotts… Then Anakin had begged to go to the joke store. They’d hit nearly every shop on the street before he’d looked down at his watch and nearly had a heart attack.

He’d left Anakin with Rex near Gringotts and then hurried on his way, ensuring he remembered to meet him back in the same spot later.

Perhaps, since it was technically his final time necessitating such a visit to Diagon Alley for himself, he should take time to celebrate. However, time was just not in the cards for him at the moment and he opted to try and soak in whatever sentimentalism in passing.

He passed the butterbeer cart, where the rest of the Fett boys could be seen plain as day ready to grab a pitcher for themselves. He absently wondered if they’d managed any back to school shopping or if Cody was truly embracing being so near to the end of their tenure at Hogwarts.

“Hello there!” Obi-Wan said loudly, not minding the fact that he turned other heads in the process. Something about entering his seventh year made him feel as though he’d earned the right to be bolder, to be proud.

“Kenobi!” Cody called with his hands cupped around his mouth, “Running late, aren’t ya?”

Obi-Wan kept his stride past the boys and tossed over his shoulder, “Trust me, I’m aware.”

“Good luck!” Cody yelled after him and Obi-Wan just didn’t have the time to process what he felt he would need luck for, but he accepted the well wishes nonetheless as he made his way to the brick wall at the end of the road.

He’d never exited Diagon Alley this way, shockingly, so seeing the musty pub setting from the other side was a fascinating new experience for Obi-Wan. The patrons were quiet and kept to themselves at their tight tables, keeping intimate conversations as opposed to outlandish crowds. If he didn’t feel like he stood the chance of sneezing in someone’s ale from all the dust in the room, he might have liked it.

Not enough to actually grab a drink here, but still.

He avoided eye contact, per instruction, because he likely would have been sucked into the excitement of the muggle world if he did. Evidently, there was a lot he still didn’t know. He would be a liar to say he wasn’t interested as was.

Still, he was a man of his word (or was trying to be), and exited the pub swiftly without much thought on the matter. When he did, his eyes immediately caught sight of the green corner shop to his right.

Screed & Sons

He could tell even from here that it had been the ideal choice to meet. It was a bookstore, after all, and while he was anxious to see what sorts of reading material it held, that wasn’t the sole reason he was so eager to arrive.

He felt his heart stuttering in anticipation as he tried to move both smoothly and quickly towards the entrance- all the while taking in his surroundings. There were cars on the road just beside him, busily careening through the streets of London with no abandon. Muggles walked by with some form of communication device held to their ears as they talked. Hell, there was even a food truck not far off that was claiming to sell fantastic “tacos”.

He blinked and shook his head, unable to really be interested in any of that when the little green shop came into full view. He pushed open the door without a second thought other than how impossible it seemed for his brain to be hammering in his ears as it was.

“Stop being ridiculous.” He told himself aloud, as though he’d ever take this piece of advice.

It wasn’t like he was meeting with royalty or putting on a performance- just about to see his best friend for the first time since school let out.

Back when he’d almost expressed how he truly felt about her.

As per his nature, he’d given it a lot of thought. In a sense, it was the one small speck of light in the dark trenches that had been the aftermath of Qui-Gon’s death. His heart still stung at such a loss, especially when it went so obviously unnoticed in his household. However, thinking about Satine in the slightest, even if just about her laugh or her eyes, was enough to give him a bit of hope.

And as he first caught sight of Satine Kryze, who stood at the farthest end of the store, completely enraptured in a book she’d started to skim, he felt that hope burgeoning into something bigger- as though his heart was capable of growing several sizes.

She hadn’t noticed him yet, even with the little bell that was attached to the top of the door to let the shopkeeper know that a new customer had arrived. He would have immediately wondered what she was reading first, but was far too taken by her beauty to form any other coherent thoughts.

She’d cut her hair so that it hung just above her shoulders now and while some might mourn the loss of her neverending tresses of blonde waves, he felt the shorter look somehow suited her even more. It was as elegant as it was mature, but not without its youthful waves that Obi-Wan often wondered how they were so perfectly sculpted on their own.

The nice weather had been kind to him that day, because it afforded him the opportunity to see her in what appeared to be a new sundress. It was the color of the sky, similar to her eyes, and had tiny little navy and white flowers on it. He decided not to harp too much on how it complimented her slim figure and showed off her long arms and legs. Had he, he feared he might turn too red for denial.

“Can I help you, sir?” A woman, who had to be in her late eighties with white hair that was tied back tightly in a bun, popped the spell he’d been under, causing Obi-Wan to knock a stack of books to his left over with a thud .

“Oh, my! I’m terribly sorry!” Obi-Wan dropped to one knee to instantly retrieve the books from the floor, glad to have something to do to distract from his fumbling mistake. This woman must have thought he was a bloody fool.

“Why, that’s alright, young man.” She said kindly, “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“It’s not enough that you’re late,” A familiar voice teased, “But making a mess already, are we?”

In spite of knowing exactly who the voice and set of feet in front of him belonged to, his heart still fluttered as he slowly allowed his line of vision to take in Satine up close. Her face was scrunched in what was meant to be disapproval, but he could see the smile twitching at her lips.

He’d seen her a million times, but something about the present moment felt new to him and as he still kneeled in front of her with a book in hand, he wondered if she felt it too. Either way, he didn’t bother to hide the smile that naturally tugged at his lips.

Thankfully, his foggy brain finally caught up before the silence stretched beyond the realms of a charming pause.

“You should talk.” He said as he slowly rose to his feet, not missing the way her gaze followed him to his full height in surprise at how he’d grown, “When you’re tired enough, you’re like a troll in a china shop.”

“Trolls?” The shopkeeper, who Obi-Wan was embarrassed to admit he’d almost forgotten, asked with confusion knitting her wrinkled brows, “Not sure why the kids around here always talk of such things.”

Satine, who was probably used to this sort of faux paux from constantly dipping back and forth between the muggle and magical world, smiled in a convincingly carefree manner, “It’s all that television, Madame Quist.”

“Hm, perhaps that’s true,” She tapped a longer finger to her chin and then pointed at Obi-Wan, “If you enjoy fantasy, we have multitudes in the back.”

“Oh, that does sound lovely.” Obi-Wan exchanged a look with Satine, who made it incredibly difficult to tear his mind back to Madame Quist. When he did, her dark gray eyes were looking at both of them rather amused.

“Or perhaps…” Her grin turned wicked, “A romance is what you seek?”

Obi-Wan felt suddenly like he sucked in too much air at once while Satine coughed on seemingly nothing at all. Madame Quist, on the other hand, seemed quite pleased with herself and burst into a fit of laughter that sounded a little too much like squawking for Obi-Wan’s comfort. He was absently grateful to have Jocasta Nu at Hogwarts as opposed to this incredibly blunt woman as a librarian.

“I’m sure we’ll be able to find him something he likes,” Satine, who Obi-Wan finally dared to peek at from the corners of his eyes, was quite pink.

“Do keep an eye on him, dear.” Madame Quist called after them as Satine pulled Obi-Wan by the arm deeper through the aisles of books, “He seems a bit klutzy.”

During any normal circumstance, Obi-Wan would have huffed at such a claim. He may not have been the MVP of his Quidditch team, but he wasn’t a complete oaf of a keeper. He usually managed to allow minimal points and any time he fell off his broom was not his fault (or at least he clung to that idea, anyway). However, the sensation of Satine’s warm hand tugging on his arm coupled with the less-than-subtle insinuation dropped by Madame Quist, had his mind a bit rattled.

Her hair looked quite lovely from the back too, bouncing even more with the shorter length. He fought himself from being distracted by it.

“This shop doesn’t look as big on the outside.” He commented, because it was true as it was neutral.

“Structural design.” Satine merely said, “It’s meant to look small and quaint from outside.”

“I still think it’s quaint.” He offered when they came to a stop, “I’m just surprised you were quite eager to meet here.”

“Well, as approaching seventh years, I felt it appropriate we did something different. Plus, it does feel a bit criminal that I’ve never shown you this spot since you’ve been asking about muggle books for all the time that I’ve known you.”

“Had I known there was a place so close to Diagon Alley, I might have braved it myself.” He looked around, finally able to let the awe wash over him. The reading material here would last even him for ages. There was so much to explore.

“You wouldn’t dare!” She joked, “Not without me.”

“I’m not the one who’s been holding out.” He reminded her, folding his arms over his chest as he looked down at her.

“It’s not nearly as meaningful if you came alone.” She poked him in the chest, “You couldn’t possibly deprive me of the experience of making recommendations.”

He had to concede to that, partially because he was still quite captivated by how close they were standing and because she would absolutely lead him down the right path in terms of reading material. Who knew what he would end up reading without her guidance?

“I do have much to catch up on, it seems,” He relented, “I suppose it is helpful to have a guide.”

“It won’t kill you to say I’m right.” She pointed out and pulled a book out of her own bag to place into his. “Speaking of, I got this for you.”

“It might.” He said, “Depending on what it is we’re debating.”

“Always so difficult.” She murmured, but she didn’t sound too upset about it. Instead, her eyes scanned the spines of each book near their direct vicinity, plucking off the ones she felt would suit him best. He held in a chuckle at how she didn’t even bother to ask if he liked the sound of them, knowing good and well that he would read just about anything she’d give him. Over the years, his limited amount of muggle books had come from her and they ranged from stories to actual textbooks.

He liked to see how the other side lived.

Unsure what compelled him to blurt it out, but much too slow to stop the words from forming, he said, “I like your new haircut.”

She looked up and over at him, surprise tinging her cheeks as she instinctively reached out to touch the ends of her golden hair, “Really?”

“Of course! It suits you.” He said, sticking his hands in his trouser pockets. It wasn’t like he was sure what else to do with them.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that,” She smiled brightly and drifted into a more shrouded section of the aisle to grab another book for him, “It was more of an accident than anything else. My sister decided she would try and go for the world record of the biggest bubblegum balloon.”

Obi-Wan’s eyebrows shot to his forehead in shock, “How’s that possible?”

“Without magic.” She amended, because obviously, Bo-Katan would not be using that. It certainly reduced Obi-Wan’s mental expectations a great deal.

“Any success?” He still asked, which earned him a sidelong glance that made him laugh.

“Unless the trophy for such an accomplishment is several inches of blonde hair, no.” She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair absently, “Though I must admit, it does feel like I shed some unnecessary weight in the process.”

He smiled at her fully in a way he realized he only did with a few people. Such a realization only made him smile wide.

“What? Caught up on the image of me with gum all over myself?” She asked as she added to the growing stack that he took from her, “Because you may be pretty, but no one looks good with gum in their hair.”

He seriously doubted she ever looked bad. “No, nothing like that, actually. I’ve just missed you this summer.”

“I’ve missed you too.” She smiled back, though he could see the gears working in her mind to process what he was trying to say. He wished they could be more direct- wished he could.

He walked up to where she now leaned so he could get a good look at her. He was unsure if she noticed the stray curl that edged outwards, but before he could think better of it (or worse, for that matter), he reached out with his free hand and put it back in place. He froze, realizing what he was doing with sudden panic that was met with the hitch of her breath against his palm. Her eyes were glued to his in that same curious fashion that they had been at a certain Christmas party.

He very easily could have dropped all the books again right there, but was grateful to whatever higher power that kept him from doing so.

He had to say something instead of just continuing to stare at her like an idiot. It was only a matter of time before Madame Quist questioned if they were truly reading back here or something else that would pop the moment into a million pieces.

“Did you come here looking for romance?” Satine asked suddenly.

He wasn’t sure if it was the distracting weight of the books in his arms, the different setting, or the sparkling look in her eyes, but Obi-Wan felt brave enough to say, “And if I was? Do you have any recommendations?”

“One or two.” She took a step towards him and he felt his breath preemptively stop, “And you?”

“I like happy endings.” Was all he could think to say.

“Yeah,” She tilted her head up expectedly, to which he leaned forward a bit too. “Me too.”

Before either could get swept into the magnetic pull that suddenly engulfed the air, a loud BANG outside followed by several screams jolted them apart. Obi-Wan had dropped the books in his hands and followed Satine on instinct towards the front of the store. Madame Quist, with wide concerned eyes, stared at them in horror.

“It appears some bearded man started a fire in the middle of the street!”

Just as Satine and Obi-Wan reached the door, the ground shook with ferocity. Satine stumbled, her hands grasping for some sort of stability, but she ended up latching onto Ben’s arm and dragging the two of them down together.

“Sorry,” She managed to grunt as she peered out the window.

Dust swirled in the air and people, mostly muggles she’d have to guess, were rushing to get away. In the middle of it was Dooku, looking a tad more disheveled than he had as a teacher, likely on account of being in hiding. Still he wasn’t stupid enough to reveal himself as a wizard openly. Instead he tossed vials of potion this and that way, as casual as sprinkling bird seed. She’d never seen him as the type to do something so bold for nothing.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ben reach for his wand. In a panic she was reminded of the muggle shopkeep still within sight and she pinned his wrist to the ground.

“No,” She breathed, “You can’t.” She nudged her head just to the side and he followed her gaze towards the poor store owner who was huddling behind the register. They both snapped their eyes towards the window again, Satine carefully removing her iron grip from Ben’s wrist.

Dooku’s eyes flickered towards the bookstore, Satine refused to move or breathe. He approached, slowly and without a clear direction. Something touched her arm and she almost jumped, but she caught Ben’s careful eyes. He put a finger to his lips and pulled her down so they were just out of sight from the window.

She lost herself in his eyes for a moment. If Dooku were to enter it was truly no telling what would happen.

It seemed Ben had similar thoughts because he pulled his wand and with careful consideration, hid his wand flourish behind her and his words behind her hair.

“Colloportus,” He hardly even said the word for how softly it sounded, but the lock fell into place anyways. He looked over to see if he’d been spotted, but Madame Quist had not reappeared from behind the counter.

“That’s risky-” She tried to remind him, but he placed his hand over her mouth just as the door handle jiggled. Once more she found herself frozen and unable to breathe. Ben crawled over her after it had stopped and peaked out the window. She saw his eyes widen and then found herself jostled and pulled behind the counter next to the shopkeep.

“Ben-” She began a question that would never be asked. The side of the shop exploded. Glass rained in from the windows and books and pages scattered everywhere. The dust in the air made her sneeze, but she quickly covered her nose with the fabric of her dress. She wouldn’t allow herself to give them away.

Ben was too bold for her liking, already trying to peer over the counter and she wanted to drag him back down. He was frowning, that much she could tell from the position on the floor.

“He’s moving towards-” His eyes widened, “Anakin!”

She moved up beside him. He was correct, Dooku was moving towards Diagon Alley. Satine didn’t want to part, not like this when their old deranged professor was out there causing trouble, but she feared he wouldn’t go without her blessing, “You have to go!” She demanded. Holding her ground even after seeing the conflict in his eyes, “Get out of here. Get Anakin out of here.”

“Satine-” He tried to argue, it was written so plainly on his face, but she shoved him towards the hole in the wall.

“I’ll be fine,” She tapped the tip of her wand, just barely peeking out from her bag, “I’ll make sure everyone else is too.” She was sure poor Madame Quist would need a shock blanket at the very least.

“I-” He tried to stall again, but seemed to realize that this would not be the best use of his time. He turned and ducked into the next shop, a music shop, she realized.

She moved from behind the counter and peered through the shattered glass window. Ben would need a distraction if he were to get past Dooku and she always had been talented in illusion. She breathed a spell under her breath, she’d never used this particular one before, being that it was more powerful than those they’d learned in school. She’d read about it before and made sure to push quite a bit of magic into it. She needed to trick not only Dooku, but any muggles who were watching. Let alone anyone stupid enough to hang around and video record. It was a lot of effort, but smoke eventually poured from her wand and expanded throughout the area.

It looked much like the London police had arrived at the scene. It wasn’t a perfect illusion, she cringed at the way many of the officers seemed to repeat the same sentiments. Sloppy.

It was enough of a surprise to Dooku however, who whirled on them. His wand slipped from his robe into his hand and he was clearly preparing for a fight if it came down to it. She knew Ben wouldn’t be fooled. He’d studied such things alongside her and she knew he’d see the flaws in it. She hoped he did at least. Enough to run.

Dooku flicked his wand and the building behind Satine’s fake police force was nearly sliced in half. One of the officers had been standing in the path of such an attack and none of them even flinched. Satine’s eyes widened as Dooku immediately banished the illusion with hardly any effort at all. His eyes skimmed dangerously close to where she still peaked out from the shattered window. Her foot slipped on the shattered glass and she caught herself with her free hand. Wincing as the glass wedged itself in her hand, she hoped quite a bit that the noise wasn’t enough to give herself away. She huddled under the window not daring to look.

There was a loud crack, followed in quick succession, by several others. Satine jerked her head up, she knew that sound. Apparition. Several Aurors had appeared on the scene and were pointing their wands towards Dooku.

The man seemed more inconvenienced than anything. He whirled, dodging a few stupefies before disappearing in a cloud of black smoke.

It was still. Only wind disturbed the scene as the remaining smoke rose towards the sky. It curled and wrapped around itself until it was high enough to be glaring down at them. It fanned out. A circle in the middle with twelve points coming out from it.

The Aurors began talking amongst themselves, a few even trying to sketch the image quickly. It was unnecessary however because the smoke broke out into searing light. The symbol blazing like a second sun in bright horrifying red. Satine had to avert her eyes to avoid going blind. It painted the whole street in a horrifying blood red.

Dooku, it seemed, was no longer content with hiding in the shadows.

Once the world around them refocused from their hasty retreat from Diagon Alley, Obi-Wan finally felt it safe to release Anakin’s hand from his. There was no protest at the lingering contact from the 13 year old, despite the seeds of teenage indignation that began to take shape this summer within him. Instead, he looked uncharacteristically rigid and lost in thought as he stared forward at nothing notable in particular.

“Never a dull moment, hm?” Obi-Wan smiled weakly, trying and failing for levity. It was difficult when it hadn’t even been a full three months since the last life-threatening event was at their heels.

He blinked, trying not to think of blood and swords and crumbling bridges.

“Dooku has followers,” Anakin said, surprisingly calm considering the events that interrupted back-to-school shopping. There had been at least one other wizard causing havoc on the magical side of things, though neither of them had wanted to stick around and find out more. Anakin looked up at Obi-Wan, clearly awaiting a proper answer. Not for the first time that summer, Obi-Wan felt the pressure of Anakin’s dependency on him. “What does this mean?”

“And he’s taking his platform to the muggle world,” Obi-Wan frowned. “I’m not sure, but it’s not good.”

Anakin didn’t outwardly look disappointed, but still radiated dismay for the lack of conclusive reasoning or wisdom. It hadn’t been what he wanted to hear, but Obi-Wan didn’t have the same effervescent open-mindedness towards the future or the infinite experience that came with guiding and molding young minds to provide what Anakin needed in this moment. He’d saved him, brought him through the fire, but he wasn’t sure just how to assuage the concerns that came from the aftershock.

He missed Qui-Gon Jinn.

“Oh thank the heavens you’re alright!” A trembling voice echoed from behind them along with the hasty clicks of heels against marble.

He nor Anakin were able to turn around in full before Anakin was essentially absorbed in a sea of mauve fabric. While intending to be a comforting gesture, from Obi-Wan’s perspective he could only see his mother’s bony arms as though she were trying to trap the boy.

“I’m okay,” Anakin’s voice was muffled against her shoulder, likely now with a deep understanding of what satin tasted like. Surely, it was a far cry from the comfort Anakin still reverently spoke of in reference to his own mother. Even still, the concern plastered across her sharp features did seem genuine as she pulled back enough to regard Anakin, running thin fingers through cropped blond hair.

Obi-Wan suddenly wasn’t very sure what to do with himself beyond just standing there to make sure Anakin wasn’t suffocating from the hug. It almost felt like he was intruding, which logically, he knew was ridiculous. This was supposed to be his house and while he’d likely never be able to explore the full extent of it due to rules and regulations set forth by his parents, he was currently supposed to inherit it one day.

“We listened to the WWNN,” His father sounded just as worried as his mother was, which meant that the Wizarding Wireless News Network minced no words in Dooku’s little stunt, “We heard someone was killed.”

That had been news to Obi-Wan, which caused him to forget any established formalities when he burst out, “What?”

“And we just wouldn’t be able to live with ourselves had something happened to you,” She cut in, voice audibly watery. His father placed an assuring hand on her opposite shoulder and Obi-Wan tried not to fixate on the fact that it had been the most affectionate he’d seen him without a slew of cameras or company around them.

“Someone died?” Obi-Wan repeated in shock.

“Yes, and we were worried sick!” Eyes that had been almost tender when taking in the embracing duo hardened as their gaze shifted to Obi-Wan’s. “We assumed the worst!”

“Did they say who?” He asked, not overly concerned about being chastised for speaking out of turn at the present moment.

“No one that concerns us!” His mother snapped, but remembered herself as she released her hold on Anakin, who seemed quite confused by the change of tempo in the room. Now, both of his parents’ sights were set on Obi-Wan and it was not with the overflow of relief and compassion that had once been set on Anakin.

This summer had surely been the strangest that Obi-Wan had lived. His mother and father, while strict on principle and formality even in the supposed comforts of home, had bent to the necessity of making Anakin happy. It should have made Obi-Wan feel good to see them treat the boy with such unexpected kindness, but instead it felt like a gnawing sense of unease. To what, he wasn’t sure, but it didn’t aid his already heavy heart.

While coaxing Anakin through the darkness that was the end of the previous year did provide some distraction for Obi-Wan, he was also to constantly pretend that nothing had changed to his parents. Not to mention, he was supposed to have fun with the boy all summer.

A strange summer indeed.

Still, Obi-Wan was far more concerned that he hadn’t received a proper answer to his question. He and Anakin had seen to it that their friends had a safe departure, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t worried about what possible acquaintance or even stranger met a dastardly fate at Dooku’s hand. Obi-Wan wasn’t sure he could take the fearful anticipation of last year all over again.

“Was it a muggle or a wizard or-” Anakin asked this time, which seemed to take some of the heat off Obi-Wan. It wasn’t anything he wasn’t already used to. His parents were notoriously hard on him, because they expected the very best of him. He used to take it quite personally as a child, but as he grew older, he began to wonder if their expectations were even feasible.

“A muggle by the sounds of it.” And because Obi-Wan was observant, he knew his father nearly slipped and said the word “just” in front of it. Doing so, however, would immediately and rightfully upset Anakin.

Anakin, luckily, hadn’t noticed the almost-slip. The boy had been through enough without Obi-Wan’s gray-colored portrait of this life tainting his view. There was already enough on his plate.

“Not your mother, dear,” She shook her head as she smoothed a hand through Anakin’s hair again. Obi-Wan wondered if her hands were as cold as usual, “Some shop owner.”

Obi-Wan’s heart thudded in his chest once again, “What shop?”

This, unfortunately, garnered all attention back to him indefinitely. It was a lapse in judgment, no doubt, and one that Obi-Wan was usually too smart to make, but the visual of the blunt yet formidable Madame Quist suffering under the hands of Count Dooku left him bristling beyond reason.

“And why would you know of any muggle shops?” His father’s voice was made to sound curious, though Obi-Wan could feel the thinly veiled tension coiling beneath the surface.

“I’ve heard of many through classmates.” He answered coolly.

Too cool, apparently, because his parents only exchanged suspicious glances before forcing their faces into bright smiles that resembled manufactured masks.

“Anakin, dear, why not go get yourself ready for supper, hm?” His mother suggested, “The chefs have gone to the trouble of preparing one of your favorite dishes.”

“Mac n’ cheese with hotdogs?” Anakin asked.

“Indeed, we are looking forward to trying such a peculiar delicacy!” His father nodded while tightening his firm grip on the silver serpent that wrapped its way around the top of his walking stick. “We will ensure that Obi-Wan is not far behind.”

Anakin turned to look back up at Obi-Wan, who only nodded with ease. There was no reason for him to believe anything was wrong. Anakin had enough to worry about that wasn’t a familial dispute that Obi-Wan should have seen coming. It was far from the top concern on his list either, considering the circumstances of the afternoon.

So, Anakin went on his way, taking two marble steps at a time and greeting each of the stone-faced servants as he went. It was not until he was completely out of earshot that Obi-Wan looked back to his disapproving parents.

“Where were you?” His mother asked tightly, teeth gritting as she did so.

“Diagon Alley-” He began the half-truth with too much practiced ease, but his father wasn’t having it. Swifter than anything Obi-Wan had been ready to account for, the bag that had been slung over his shoulder was slashed with the heel of the walking stick- sending its components tumbling to the crowd. Jars of necessary ingredients shattered against the marble tile, clothes of a bigger size fell into an unimpressive heap, and the books thudded most dramatically into the disarray.

He made no move at bending to pick any of it up, knowing good and well that whatever point that was being made was not finished. Instead, he held together composure as his mother sauntered over, kneeling before him to sift through his belongings, only rising when she found something of interest.

And while he should not have been surprised, his heart still sagged when he caught sight of what she’d found.

A book.

Namely, a muggle book. Pride and Prejudice to be precise, which was a strong recommendation that Satine had made through the years that she’d given him. From what little he understood, since she never liked to spoil anything for him, it was a romance about two people from two different social classes.

Apparently, it was a classic.

He tried to appear nonplussed by her interrogation, fearing what might become of Satine’s book should they find out how he came in possession of the book, but his silence was likely damning enough.

“Did we give you a bad life, Obi-Wan?” His mother’s voice was low, but lethal.

“No.” He answered automatically and forced himself to remain locked on her eyes.

“Did we deprive you of any necessities or luxuries?”

“No.” He said.

“Did we not bring you into this world with the possibility of a bright future and grand standing in the community?”

He wasn’t sure exactly how to answer that one, but said, “You did.”

“Then why...” She began, trailing off as the tension amidst her jaw seemed unbearable and she clenched her teeth tight. “Why do you insist on betraying us so?”

“It’s just a book.” He said.

“Do we not have a damn library upstairs for you to relish in?” She screeched, “Do you not have a never-ending trove of wealth to purchase all the books your heart desires?”

He knew not to answer with the truth. He knew not to argue the fair point that he hadn’t been allowed to purchase just any old book or that he’d already read everything within the scope of their library.

“Answer me!” She practically shouted.

“We have plenty of books,” He said, “I just wanted to try to read this one.”

“And where did you get it?” She pressed.

He leveled with her, searching her disbelieving eyes and knowing that no matter what he said, it wouldn’t be the correct answer. He knew that no half-truth or lie could separate himself from the fact that he’d taken it upon himself to explore the other side.

So, he answered as honestly as he would allow, “Screed & Sons.”

SMACK!

The sound, while not completely foreign, echoed in his ears for a moment before settling back into reality. It wasn’t until he realized his head was still jutted to the side and his eyes caught sight of the book skidding into the stairs did he register that he’d been struck with the damn thing. He raised his hand on instinct, gingerly touching the lingering sting that clung to his cheek like a burn. She swatted his hand away like he’d touched a Venomous Tentacula and inched closer to him, making up for the advantage he had in height with heels that propped her up high.

“Wanda, enough,” His father cut in, though not to Obi-Wan’s benefit.

“But Obi-Diah,” She began to object, “He-”

“-I said …” He hissed, voice cold enough to cause Obi-Wan to shiver, “Enough.”

Still, she stopped in her tracks and backed away obediently in a fashion that despite the violent outburst that shattered her usually icy exterior, still made his skin crawl.

When he turned to Obi-Wan, he was less visibly outraged than his mother, but thrice as scathing somehow. Typically, his father allowed his mother to handle any chastising or punishment. The older man would only provide feedback should he feel truly scathed. Otherwise, he could hardly be bothered and was too consumed with work to focus on menial things.

“This… Book, it’s from the muggle shop.” He confirmed.

“Yes, sir.” He answered, though he could feel how hollow the sentiment was on his tongue.

“And this is where you were when that mad man struck the town.” He said evenly. “And you were there… Alone?”

“Yes.” He said earnestly, “I only wanted-”

“-Oh, I know what you wanted.” His father tsked, dull eyes consuming him with the feeling of inadequacy. The only relief that came to Obi-Wan in that moment was the fact that he clearly did not know what he’d wanted at the bookstore, “And pray tell, what if something were to have happened to Anakin while you were busy entertaining your own wants and desires?”

Obi-Wan opened his mouth and closed it, unable to formulate a proper answer. He hadn’t even thought of it somehow. He was bewildered by this accusation, namely because it wasn’t far from true. What if he hadn’t been able to locate Anakin in the scuffle of the scene? Had Dooku truly wanted to hurt Anakin in that moment and not just cause a scene, surely he could have.

And if he had, he would have failed him, just like that.

“You were entrusted with the care of that boy,” He pointed behind him, “That boy is to be the savior of our kind. He is to instill a balance that has been long forgotten ever since those wizard imposters infiltrated our community! And you dangle his life on a thin little spool for what? To catch up on some light reading?”

“I know, I’m… I’m sorry.” He said hoarsely, feeling emotion climbing his throat.

“You’re sorry?” He mimicked and gripped him tightly by the shirt, “Should anything become of him, I assure you, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you will answer to far more than a cool slap across the face from me. Do you hear me?”

“Y-Yes.” He stuttered, still recovering from the concept that his negligence could have very well been Anakin and the entire community’s undoing. It was horrifying! How could he have been so stupid?

“So, do not allow me to hear that you are having any such dalliances again.” He said, shoving him back, causing Obi-Wan to stumble a bit before recovering his balance. “For God’s sake, you’re meant to be pureblooded.”

“Don’t be so pitiful.” His mother scowled and Obi-Wan straightened instantly. “Own your failings.”

Approving of the change, his father paced slowly in front of him, “You are seventeen years of age. It is time you stop wallowing in the shadow of success and rise to become who you are truly meant to be. When you slaughtered that maniac back in the spring, I nearly believed you were through with this boyish tomfoolery. Clearly, I was mistaken. You have much to learn and little time to do it.”

“We are growing weary of distributing chance after chance, my dear.” She scolded, “You will be expected to fulfill your destiny this year. You’re lucky we are allowing you to pursue this Auror apprenticeship.”

“And only because it would suit us.” His father mused and raised a wispy eyebrow at him, “Not that you ever think of the good of the family.”

“I will do better.” He promised, finding a voice that sounded very unlike his own. It was one that pleased them at least enough to wipe the complete look of contempt from their long and pointed faces. Instead, they wore a similar weariness that always addressed him whenever he entered a shared space.

“You better,” He said, “Lest Dooku assume you are a sympathizer and there goes the family name.”

And that was it, because without so much as another look, his father turned on his heels and swept out of the room, his mother falling behind him in step. As the sound of their shoes clicking against tile grew more distant, he released a shaky breath and stepped across the room to where the discarded book lay. He opened it, straightening out the bent pages.

On the inside cover, there was a note written in smooth cursive blue ink. One that he was very grateful didn’t receive any scrutiny since it was written quite small.

Ben,

It is to my hope that you enjoy this book “most ardently” as it is one of my favorites.

“You must learn to be content with being happier than you deserve.”

~ Satine

He stared at the page long enough to feel his eyes glaze over from not blinking for so long. Or at least, that’s what he told himself, and gently closed it. He moved to gather the rest of the mess that spread across the otherwise spotless floor. After, he would busy his flooded mind with perhaps a bit more light cleaning.

He tried to find contentment in that being what he deserved.

The bed beneath him was arguably the most luxurious he’d ever slept on in his 13 years of living- with its grandiose size and expensive silk sheets. The blanket that lay on top was of old make and quite scratchy, but usually wound up on the floor anyway. The pillows were like laying on the actual bodies of geese while the flat sheet never seemed to warm up no matter how long a body laid on it. He supposed this should have been ideal given that it was summer, but it only made the matters of Anakin’s restlessness worse.

He didn’t know how Obi-Wan slept in this room his entire life. It was large, yes, but mostly empty save for the many rows of bookshelves. He highly doubted Obi-Wan owned any of the strange decor that lined every surface, particularly from how horrifying they looked in the dark.

He was thankful for the limitless generosity of the Kenobi’s, but did they have to have such scary ancestors immortalized in miniature stone figurines?

He huffed as he laid on his back. While the house was impressive beyond belief, with amenities that he couldn’t even dream of and access to anything he could ever materialistically want, it was at night, when such items didn’t matter, that he was reminded what he truly desired.

He couldn’t seem to stop dreaming about his mother. Or Qui-Gon. Sometimes both. He wasn’t sure what that meant when he did. He knew they were once friendly, of course, given he was left in Qui-Gon’s care before he met his own untimely fate, but he still never quite got the whole picture.

He carefully pulled a picture from beneath his pillow- unmoving, unlike the rest of the wizarding community’s documented memories- and utilized the small glint of moonlight that crept through the floor-length drapes. With it, he could just make out his mother’s smile as they stood side-by-side.

It was approaching a year since he’d last seen her, last heard her voice, last felt her embrace. He felt a familiar lump grow in the back of his throat. It never got easier, exactly, even as time trudged along.

“I won’t give up on finding you, Mum.” He whispered.

Even as the Kenobi’s hospitality was heartwarming, it wasn’t where his heart was. His heart, he resigned, would always be with his mother. She was out there somewhere. Otherwise, he reckoned, he would have had an answer stating the worst. Dooku surely wouldn’t just hold his tongue on it.

But, as he harked back to the awful day that saw the end to Qui-Gon Jinn, where he stared pure evil and hatred down in the form of Maul, he had to acknowledge that there was much to do before he’d be ready to guarantee safety to those he loved.

“I just need to get strong enough first,” He added, as though she were truly listening. He knew this wasn’t necessarily for her benefit at this point, but he wasn’t ready to admit that just yet, “I need to prove myself strong and worthy. Then, I’ll find you.”

How he was going to do that so soon, he wasn’t sure, but if he knew one thing about his previous couple of years in the wizarding community, it was that there was never a shortage of trials and tribulations.

Somehow, that gave him enough peace to drift into an uneasy slumber.

He was alone.

This should not have been news, but it was unwelcome all the same. Fog clung to the ground and rolled around his feet, nearly obscuring the walkway before him. The moon hung low and wide, consumed by the horizon, along with every star.

The barren trees parted ways just so he could hardly make out his destination- a graveyard by the looks of it- and a long abandoned one at that. His shadow dragged wide alongside him like a phantom closing in on the kill. He was not sure if he would or should allow it. There was a coldness in his heart that reflected the bitter wind that snapped trees and bent his will to its own.

Every stone had been etched out beyond recognition and with it, the stories and the legacies of those once previously put to rest. It should have been disheartening, but it was hard to grieve those who were nameless and faceless. It was why oppressors rarely assigned or allowed identities of their inferiors.

Except this inferior.

He knelt, not at his own will, before the stone centered in front of what appeared to be a fallen angel stretched into stone behind it. Anguish coated his face and while he couldn’t make out who such a headstone belonged to, he knew that pain was real and that this was not the burying place of those who fell from natural causes.

“So glad you could make it…” A chilly voice hissed.

Parseltongue.

He wasn’t sure how he knew, but he felt it in his bones rather than took the time to interpret it in his mind. It was as easy as taking a breath, though he couldn’t help but hold his at this moment.

The figure who spoke stood practically obscured by the fog, save for the fact that he wore a thick black robe that shrouded his appearance. All that could be seen was a pair of ghostly white hands and shriveled lips to match. They stretched and flexed like claws grasping for prey, but he did not come any closer.

“I wouldn’t miss it.” A deep voice that did not belong to him spoke. He knew this voice, however, and it didn’t speak snake.

“And you have brought the Sith to the people.”

“I have, master. They will see our message.” He bowed his head further, becoming more acquainted with the rotten smell of poorly kept soil and decaying bodies. He did not know where this was, exactly, but it was not dealt with the care of honoring loved ones. If anything, it almost seemed to be a spot for enemies.

“Good…” The pale lips curled into a smile that exposed teeth so rotten that they might have belonged to one of the deteriorated beings beneath the ground. “For it is imperative you understand that this is where it must end.”

“We will destroy the boy.” His voice rumbled in determination, clenching his hand into a fist. He could feel this person- Dooku’s- thoughts, but he could not speak his own. He removed the cloth covering over the newly fixed headstone.

Lightning flashed, exposing and blinding him from seeing whose name was carved into the gravestone, though there weren’t too many guesses as to who it could be.

“We shall toast with his blood.” The master slowly poured an obscure bottle of what appeared to be firewhiskey into a chalice. “And he who shall fail to rise will be ours.”

#Anakin Skywalker #Obi-Wan Kenobi #obitine #Satine Kryze #the clone wars #tcw #star wars #hpau #magical forces au

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phoenixyfriend · 3 years

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Commander Buir

Follow-up to this post. Not in any particular order, just spitballing ideas, with contributions from several friends on discord.

Like presumably it takes long enough for them all to meet up again that Anakin and Cody do, in fact, end up treating each other like family, just so I can have that good good "well, guess I'm Dad now" energy. Shmi isn't entirely sure what's going on but she's not a slave anymore and her kid seems to like this rando mando, so.

Anakin gets to have a mom and two dads, though one of the dads is arguably younger than him.

Also when they all meet up again and Cody explains the "General Skywalker got shrunk" thing, there are three reactions: (General) Obi-Wan: Oh, Anakin. Obi-Wan: [gestures to take him, ends up with an armful of clingy padatoddler] Anakin: You can't blame this on me, Obi. Obi-Wan, a little teary, because babies cause emotions: Of course I can, you absurd human being. ------ Rex: That's... my general. Anakin: I am, Captain. Rex: Cool cool cool I'm gonna go stand where I can't, uh, break you. Anakin: I'm not THAT fragile! ------ Ahsoka: [gasp] Skyguy is SKYKID! Anakin: Padawan, this is-- Ahsoka, grabbing him and cuddling: Oh my goodness you're adorable this is the best day ever. Anakin: This is humiliating, Snips, put me down. Ahsoka: Never.

Anakin hates being a toddler because of the lack of independence but Cody keeps picking him up when he's cranky and just holding him until he falls asleep and that's... nice.......

- The brain limitations aren't quite as bad as the situation with Sokanth and Ylliben in the other AU, but - Even if his brain is mostly adjusted he’s still got a tiny body with different needs that he’s not used to. Like, he needs to sleep more but he’s got more energy than usual when he’s awake and it’s all weird.

Cody carrying around toddler Anakin like "God you give me ulcers but you're adorable, you little shit."

Inconveniently tiny body aside, Anakin has a pretty great time in this au. His family are all together and safe and within reach. His wife isn't around, but toddler brain means he doesn't have the Romance Drive, so that's not as bad as it could be It could be significantly worse.

@atagotiak asked: Does Anakin get annoyed about being called cute? - To which I say, He bites the first few times but Shmi tells him that's Naughty so he stops. - Babies are cute so you packbond with them before they’re annoying, Anakin is cute as a self defense mechanism - He’s extra annoying so he needs to be extra cute

You know how you need to keep an eye on toddlers so they don't, like, fall down the stairs or put something toxic in their mouth? - They need to keep an eye on Anakin specifically so he doesn't rewire the ship they're in while they're in hyperspace. - He has less self control on account of being smol. He still has all the mechanical knowledge! Just less comprehension of y’know, consequences.

Anakin, with a sippy cup: This is demeaning. Ahsoka: Your hands don't work great enough to avoid accidents yet. Anakin: It's still embarrassing.

General Kenobi can't just kill Maul, not when Maul is baby right now (sixteen, which is baby enough) so he just. Kinda. Kidnaps a baby Sith. (It's fine. He's fine.)

General Kenobi (not to be confused with Padawan Kenobi) decides to declare Maul his new padawan because someone has to deal with this teenager, and Plo already claimed the rest of Ahsoka's training. And Anakin's three, so.

"What do we do with Maul?" "Eh, I can handle him. I dealt with teenage Anakin getting arrested for illegal pod-racing twice a month, I can work with this."

Maul bites, but only slightly more often than Anakin, it's fine

Ahsoka definitely bullies Maul whenever possible

Consider: Rex holding very still because Anakin wanted to be tall, so he climbed Rex. Being unexpectedly climbed is better than being unexpectedly yeeted. It's still extremely nerve-wracking. - Cody is perfectly capable of running around with a backpacking toddler General, but Rex freezes like a statue. - Ahsoka finds this hilarious

You know how little kids like to be thrown around and swung in circles and stuff like that? This must get even more ridiculous with force users. Can throw a child real high and catch them safely. - Rex panics whenever Ahsoka throws her chibified Master

Literally everyone except Rex loves being yeeted. Even Maul can appreciate a good tactical yeet no shut up he's not having fun this is TRAINING - Rex is Suffering - Cody, a very Tired Dad, deserves to mock his vod'ika a little, as stress relief - Rex, a certified Little Brother, shoves Cody off something tall. Jokes on him, Cody thinks freefall is fun too.

Tia asked: So the people who didn’t exist yet got flung bodily back in time and Anakin did the mental time travel. Why did Obi-Wan not become Padawan Kenobi? (I mean “because I want it that way” is def a good enough answer I’m just wondering if there’s any reason.) - Which, well, it really was mostly "I want to" but here's two options, both of which come down to Blame Daughter and Father. 1. They figured a responsible adult Jedi Master was needed to convince people. 2. Nobody was supposed to get de-aged but Daughter figured they needed to make Anakin less liable to kill things for a few years. - Also IDK the Force God-Manifestations also took away any risk of rapid aging and early death from the clones because uhhhhhhhhhhh I said so

Rex and Ahsoka are fumbling their way through a relationship where ages are just really confusing and awkward, so they're keeping it to just kisses and cuddles for a bit.

Cody is so tired he doesn't even realize anyone's hitting on him until it's been three years of co-parenting with Shmi and his General. - Somehow Anakin knows Cody is in a relationship before Cody does. Cody has never been so embarrassed. - How did he manage to be less observant than Skywalker? -- it was sabotage; all his brain cells were taken up in managing said Skywalker -- Because Skywalker was up at three in the morning whacking a training droid with a stick so he didn't have the energy for Relationships

Also Shmi's come-ons are super subtle, while the General's are... well, Cody's gotten very used to ignoring anything ambiguous on that end because fraternization rules, and also because Obi-Wan flirts a lot with everyone. So.

Please imagine Cody and General Kenobi walking around with Anakin tucked into a toddler sling while they do whatever work they've ended up with at the Temple. - Yes, Cody is helping the Jedi figure out the best plan of attack to take down this slave ring because his grasp on tactics is phenomenal and he knows how to deploy people at greatest efficiency, but also he's got a nosy toddler on his hip who keeps offering his own insane-but-competent ideas. - General Kenobi ends up with a Council Seat just on account of, like, being the kind of person he is. As often as not, he's got Anakin tucked into his robes, chewing on the ear of a stuffed tooka or something.

IDK what Shmi's doing but apparently Legends had it that some of the administrative and support positions in the Temple were held by non-Jedi civilians? So probably something like that.

GENERAL KENOBI LECTURING PADAWAN MAUL WHILE ANAKIN'S BALANCED ON HIS HIP AND GLARING AT MAUL FOR STEALING HIS DAD

General Kenobi: Ahsoka's babysitting. Anakin: I'm her master, I don't need babysitting, this is-- General Kenobi: Fine, then you need supervision, so that you don't blow up a training salle again. Anakin: And you think Ahsoka would stop me? General Kenobi, eye twitching: Fine, I'm leaving you with Plo.

Even if he’s mentally an adult Anakin always needs supervision Look at canon! Anakin was left without supervision for like two days and he became a Sith

Quinlan gets distracted by how attractive General Kenobi is and tells Obi-Wan "dude, you're gonna be so hot once you can get rid of the stupid haircut" and Obi-Wan pushes him into the nearest pond.

They end up with this weird "Uncle Jango" situation (uncle to Anakin, via weird brotherhood-ish to Cody) because Rex and Cody are just like "Uhhhhhhhhh yeah okay" about him eventually, and Jango just like. Drops by. Trying to Earn Affection Of Blood Kin by bringing weird gifts for them and their (ugh) Jedi.

"Okay, Rex'ika, I stopped by Shili--" "What?" "--and apparently this is a delicacy there, so just... your girlfriend will like it." "She's not my girlfriend." "..." "Okay, I can't call her my girlfriend. Jedi have rules about that sort of thing, and--" "This will make your Jedi happy, probably. Just take it, kid."

Baby Anakin got his arm back but for some inexplicable reason still has The Eye Scar. He matches Buir.

#disaster lineage #Anakin Skywalker #CodyWan #Commander Cody #Obi Wan Kenobi #Ahsoka Tano #Captain Rex #Shmi Skywalker #Maul #Darth Maul #Rexsoka #time travel #de aging #baby characters #Quinlan Vos #Phoenix Posts #Commander Buir

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writingonsaturn · 3 years

Text

Better Unsaid

a/n okay this has been all over the place!! it was originally going to be a blurb and darker and closer to smutty (so keep your eyes out for that??? lol), but then I made it softer and the concept got away from me and it got soooo much longer than expected lmao and i still dont love where it ended so maybe part 2?? i have the idea i just dont know lol

summary: Reader is a princess and Anakin has been her guard during the most public season for the past two years (not the most logical thing but just go with it lol, it gets explained better in the fic) and after a near death experience the two are conveniently forced into a....

ONE BED TROPE ONE BED TROPE *cough cough* ONE BED TROPE WITH ONE PERSON HAVING TO WAKE UP THE OTHER BC THEYRE HAVING A NIGHTMARE,, :)))))))

His smugness is the only thing about him I can consider ‘ugly’. And because I am so desperate to not have feeling for Anakin, the Jedi who has been assigned to protect me through coronation season (which lasts for most of winter), for the last two coronation seasons, I hold onto my distaste for that side of him. Which is why I suppress my laugh as he waits for my reaction with that confident smile.

“Come on, that was funny.”

Rolling my eyes, I let myself sit on my bed. I can’t tell if he’s actually funny or if my evening has been so boring that his sense of humor has started to become appealing to me due to comparison. In short, the suitor I was forced to spend an entire evening with lacked personality so much I’m starting to find Anakin funny.

“You’re much more entertaining than this evening’s suitor.”

Anakin’s expression shifts slightly, his assured grin dropping slightly. “Another miss?”

“You have no idea.” I relax slightly, taking a moment to be glad that I completed my father’s request and now I can just enjoy the time I have with Anakin. “I know my father’s desperate to make sure my marriage is useful for our people and that he worries about this selection process because he always thought my mother would be here to help, but sometimes I wish he wouldn’t rush it so much. It feels like all he wants me for is to marry me off in exchange of finance or weaponry or something diplomatic.”

“You’re more than that.” His response is so soft I think I might have missed it if I needed it less. I curse myself for feeling so validated by him. His words shouldn’t mean anything to me. After all, he could easily just be saying that because agreeing with my father will just make me more unpleasant to be around.

I smile politely while avoiding his eyes. I keep my hands on either side of me, fighting the urge to fidget. “Thank you, Anakin.” My words sound weak in my own ears, so I’m sure he notices my shift in mood. “I’m tired today, I think I’m going to go to bed early.” Normally, I’d be able to shrug off these kinds of things, but the beginning of Coronation Season makes me irritable. The anniversary of my mother’s death hits me harder each year.

“Y/n.” My name comes out so velvety I can’t find it in myself to interrupt him. “You are more than someone meant to be used as some kind of royal currency, and I mean that as more than just a...friend.”

I let his last word linger. We’ve tried so many titles that never seem to fit right. He’s the chosen one, one of the most powerful Jedi to exist, and the Jedi assigned to protect me each Coronation Season because that’s when my mother was assassinated. He’s my guard, but we’ve spent too many nights laughing together and talking about everything and anything. And I guess now he’s my friend, even though sometimes when he looks at me in a certain way or sits too close to me or reaches for my hand to guide me somewhere I can’t breathe right.

“Anakin, you know I love when you’re here, even though sometimes you drive me insane. And I appreciate your kindness, but your words can’t change the truth. That’s how my father sees me and he’s not exactly wrong. I’m not a son, I haven’t been raised to lead an army or lead much, and--”

“I’ve seen you in meeting after meeting, convention after convention. I’ve witnessed the way you handle real problems and I know how you care about your people. You’d make a great leader, you don’t need a husband to be valuable.”

My chest swells, feelings I never let myself think about mixing with thoughts of Anakin that I’ve spent so long trying to avoid. “That settles it, you’re my favorite person.”

He grins, the look warm enough to melt the odd lump in my throat. I fight down a smile as he steps forward. “And I wasn’t before?”

“I take it back--your head’s big enough without the additional praise.”

Rolling my eyes, I lean back slightly in order to recreate the distance he so easily destroyed. “And I thought you had finally warmed up to me, princess.”

The use of my title makes me skeptical. The last time Anakin used it was when he was trying to ease me so that I’d walk around the palace garden so he had an excuse to do the same. It was beyond late and I was half asleep, but he had os much energy he was desperate and just needed to do one more thing. I felt bad that his schedule revolved so heavily around mine (and when he softens his eyes and says please, I’m left incapable of saying the word ‘no’) so I agreed.

“What do you want?”

Anakin dramatically clutches a hand over his heart. He throws his head back slightly as if he’s just taken a fatal blow. “When did you turn so cynical? I’ve been back for three days and I’m starting to believe you’re a different person now.”

Yeah...he’s definitely getting ready to ask for something that’s more trouble than it’s worth. Then again, everything with him seems to be worth it in some capacity. Even if it’s just that one smile he gets when he’s truly content and doesn’t think anyone’s looking.

“Mhm,” I mumble, still fighting a grin, “so you’re not going to ask me anything?”

His lips part slightly as he exhales. I watch the way his eyes narrow at my victorious expression. “I don’t have anything to ask of you, but I do have a small request. A request so small you won’t have to do anything but say yes.”

Suspicious. Too easy. “You’re unbelievable.”

“You just said I was your favorite person. Remember that.”

I’m too tired for his coyness. I’d rather him make his ridiculous request now so that I can be in bed within the hour. Though I can’t pretend I don’t normally feel better after letting him drag me along on whatever ‘adventure’ he just needed to complete while also not letting me out of his sight. I used to tell him that I wouldn’t tell anyone if I wasn’t under supervision for an hour or two a day, but he dismissed the idea immediately. That’s been the cornerstone of everything.

“What is it?”

He sighs once, tilting his head slightly. The way his eyes soften tells me he’s already won at least half the battle. “They still haven’t caught the attempted--” Anakin pauses, something behind his eyes darkening. I know what he’s remembering. Last night, an assassin had gotten closer than they ever had. I had almost been shot in the garden, Anakin had barely pushed me to the ground in time. A fact he’s been beating himself up for since, especially considering that no one has been able to find my attempted killer yet. “They were so close to you. They were within palace limits and they disappeared like they never existed. Who’s to say they don’t work here and are waiting for the next moment you’re exposed? Who’s to say they aren’t here tonight, waiting for me to retire for the night?”

I didn’t realize how my near death experience had been so personal to him. He, like everyone else, was beyond frantic after it happened. But my father put an end to verbal worry before it could truly begin. He said the best thing we could do was act like everything was fine as the assailant was searched for. Anakin hadn’t been particularly cheery after my father instructed the guards to focus their search on known enemies instead of prioritizing venting the staff closest to me. I comforted him as best as I could, but he didn’t feel like speaking about it and I had to worry about the suitor meeting my father wouldn’t let me cancel.

“Anakin, you’re right next door to me.” I have to fight the urge to reach for him. “I was fine because of you, and I will be fine because of you.”

He sighs once, his expression not easing. “And if the person is silent? The attacker could easily work in the palace, but no one wanted to direct the search inwards.” His words are more strained than I’ve ever heard them be. “I think it’d be smart for me to stay in here. I know you’ve refused having a guard stay in your room or outside your door, but...” Anakin sighs. “Your safety would be more assured.”

Him staying in my room? The only line I’ve ever been allowed to draw, and I’m actually considering letting that go. If he seemed even slightly less sad, I wouldn’t even consider it. It’s not a good idea. I’m already too attached to him. “Anakin--”

“I’d feel more assured.”

Damn him. Stupid, extremely sweet Anakin who makes saying no to him impossible. I stretch my arm forward, letting my hand squeezes his forearm gently. “There’s no reason to not feel assured.” He doesn’t ease, the cloudiness behind his eyes remains stubborn. “You’re still worried.” No reaction, the haze that’s taken him isn’t letting go. “Fine--but tell no one or my father is going to take to posting guards at my door every night.”

...I guess there are worse ways to spend a night. Which is kind of a problem since I’m trying to...enjoy Anakin less. Ugh, I even sound dumb in my head. “I promise, princess.”

Ugh, he’s adorable. “You’re intolerable.” I stand from he foot of my bed and pull back the covers on my bed. He doesn’t reply, something dark still playing for him. I watch him move to face the door. Wait--is he doing what I think he’s doing? “No, you’re not going to stand there all night. You need sleep.” He has the audacity to give me an annoyed look. “I already didn’t want to do this so now you have to listen to my conditions.”

He raises an eyebrow, his lips pressing together oddly. He’s trying to gauge something from my expression, perhaps he’s looking for buttons to press to get his way. I guess I look as stubborn as I feel because instead of arguing he just sits on the floor. What? I watch him cautiously, trying to figure out if this is some weird argument trick.

“What are you doing?”

“What you asked.”

And just like that I’ve put myself in a position that I will no doubt regret terribly the second common sense returns to me. There’s no way to deny that Anakin and I are closer than we probably should be. We’ve felt like friends first since the day we first met. I can’t think of any reason to not offer to let him sleep in my bed except those stupid budding feelings I refuse to label.

It’s not like I actually like him. I can’t--I’m going to be married to some nobleman and he’s prohibited from ever forming attachments. I’m not even sure if we’re allowed to be friends. Having actual feelings for him would be so, so pointless. It would just lead to heartache and the ruining of the one genuine relationship I have. I’m just a tiny bit confused right now because he’s objectively really attractive and he’s always there for me. Always there to make a joke after a particularly rough meeting. Always there to offer me a supportive smile. Always there to humble me when I teeter on acting like my father.

Anyone’s heart would flutter at that, so it doesn’t mean anything. And if it does, I need to squash any budding feelings now before I mess things up. Which is why I should keep him at arm’s length until I get it together. But is that fair to him? And what if doing that is making things worse? What if it’s just reinforcing the idea of having feelings?

This is ridiculous. I’m going to get over this if it kills me. It’s just a bed and it’s only sleeping. I’m meant to be able to lead an entire union and I can’t sleep next to someone and act normal?” “You don’t have to sleep on the floor.”

The second the words leave my mouth I regret it all. What’s wrong with me? Did I seriously think I’d be okay?

I hear his soft exhale, “I’ll be fine. I’ve slept in worse places than on your marble floor.”

His voice sounds so weighted I can’t help but feel bad for not noticing that he’s still bothered. Whether he’s upset about his near miss or the fact that my father didn’t take his advice, I don’t know. But something’s wrong. The easy thing to do would be to just let him sleep it off. The smart thing to do would be to leave him alone until tomorrow.

I think of all the times that I’ve been upset and Anakin had refused to let me go to sleep angry or sad or overwhelmed. “I know, but it’s really not a big deal. It’s not like we don’t know each other. I mean, last Coronation Season you buttoned me into more gowns than my handmaid. And I owe you for saving me from one of the worst suitors I’ve ever had.”

“I’m starting to think we need to develop some kind of signal.”

The tiny bit of lightness that’s returned to his voice makes all of my internal struggle feel worth it. “You always seem to know.”

“That’s because when you’re reaching your limit, that one line appears between your eyebrows.”

I didn’t realize I had such a tell. I try to remember the way that the suitor drawled on and on about how amazing he was and how he couldn’t wait for the day he had a bride to bear his children and plan (tedious) social events. My hand moves to my forehead, trying to feel the crease Anakin mentioned. Can everyone tell when I’m growing tired? Am I that transparent?

Anakin’s slight laugh steals my attention. He’s facing me again, his elbow holding his head up on the foot of my bed. “What are you doing?”

“I don’t--I don’t think i get a crease between my eyebrows when I’m irritated.”

I hear him stand. I don’t realize he’s approaching me until he’s so close I could touch him without even needing. to stretch. “No, when you’re irritated you raise your eyebrows slightly, because that’s when you’re at your most sarcastic.”

“Really?”

The corner of his mouth tugs upwards. “Just like that.” I force myself to keep my expression blank. “When you’re reaching your limit, your eyebrows crease here.” His finger taps the space between my brows so gently I almost don’t realize what he’s doing. “And when you’re trying not to laugh--which is often, because you refuse to admit that I’m funny--you press your lips together in a way that forms a dimple here.” The knuckle of his pointer finger brushes against the bottom of my cheek.

I bite my tongue to fight the warmth spreading across my face. “I didn’t realize i was so transparent.”

“I can’t always tell what you’re thinking.”

“I’ll take it.” Maybe if I was less tired, I’d argue a little more. “You know you’re not that difficult to read either.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I can tell when you’re just being stubborn for the sake of it. I can see it in your eyes and you’re doing it right now.”

His expression harshens slightly before softening. “Y/n--”

“I’m not wrong.”

He sighs once, stepping back. I watch him pace around my bed before taking a seat on the edge of my other side of the bed. “Are you happy now?”

“Happy that I won? Absolutely.”

Anakin halfheartedly glares at me. “Careful, add a crown and a robe that trails down a throne and I’d feel like I was speaking to your father.”

“Careful, another side comment like that and I’ll ‘accidentally’ kick you off the bed in the middle of the night.”

“Not if I kick you off the bed first.”

I trace a thoughtless pattern on the fabric of my bedsheets. “What are you? Twelve?”

“I’m older than you.”

“Barely.” I continue the thoughtless pattern tracing as I fight the sleep from my eyes. “Your comebacks are usually more creative than that.”

He exhales, relaxing slightly as he rests his back against a pillow. “I’m tired, like you claimed to be.” His eyes flutter slightly, a bit of his exhaustion showing. “Go to sleep.”

I should. I’m too old to think I can put off a tomorrow I don’t want by just staying up. This is stupid. I’m too old to think I can put off the anniversary of my mother’s death by going to bed. She had been taken from us on castle grounds, killed by a revolutionist who viewed my mother as a class traitor. I still remember the way she slumped to the ground, her blood staining the snow beneath her. I remember the way the guards were so busy chasing her killer no one thought to keep me away from the body.

“Y/n?”

I scratch the back of my arm in hopes of banishing my thoughts. “Yes?”

“You’re being quiet.”

“You said to go to sleep, that tends to be a quiet thing.”

I can feel his eyes on me. “Since when do you listen to me?” Not trusting myself to actually reply, I only offer him a hum of acknowledgement. “I know you’re not half asleep.”

Folding my hands on my lap, I avoid his gaze. “It’s tomorrow.”

I don’t know why I trust him to understand my vague response, but I do. His silence stretches over us like a thin blanket on a cold night. Maybe he doesn’t understand what I’m implying. I can always correct him tomorrow, when my eyelids are no longer as heavy as my heart. The more seconds that pass in total silence, the more I think that maybe he’s fallen asleep.

I wouldn’t be surprised, Anakin has seemed tired recently, like some additional weight he won’t share with anyone has been thrust onto his shoulders. A small part of me rolls in guilt. I need to be a better friend, just because I’m suddenly a little too aware of him doesn’t mean I can shrug him off and ignore him.

My hand almost flinches away from the feeling of something surprisingly warm touching my pinky. When I realize that it’s just Anakin and that the contact was probably accidental, I force myself to ease. It’s not like we’ve never touched before, I don’t understand why I’m making it weird. Sitting in my bed in the dark doesn’t change anything. His hand turns slightly, pressing into mine a little more assuredly. Biting my tongue, I turn my hand slightly, exposing my palm. And just like that, our fingers intertwine.

“She would have been proud of you.” His voice comes out so low I barely register the words.

The words shouldn’t mean much to me--he never knew my mother and has no way to know what she wanted me to be.--and yet I find comfort in them. I smile, turning my head towards him. “You didn’t even know her.”

He rolls his eyes slightly, relaxing further before squeezing my hand once. “Who wouldn’t be proud of you? You’re kind and smart and decent to be around when you’re not telling me what to do.”

My heart swells in my chest so much I’m surprised it doesn’t burst. Could he be cuter? “Yeah...now I’m sure you’re my favorite person.”

“Now you’re sure?”

The smugness in his voice has me rolling my eyes. “Don’t make me regret saying that.”

“Maybe in the morning,” he says easily, “now go to sleep. There’s nothing worse than escorting you from meeting to meeting while you’re tired.”

“I’m not that bad.” Even in this darkness, I can make out the way he raises an eyebrow. “Shut up--I’m going to sleep, but not because of you.”

He lets out a slight huff. “You’re impossible.”

The desire to respond to his comment is not enough for me to win the fight against the weight of my eyelids. The moment my eyes shut, I feel powerless to anything that isn’t sleep. I let myself fall into a weightless sleep, my only tether being the Anakin’s fingers around mine.

A distant noise yanks me from my sleep. I’m too drowsy to do anything but register the sound. I hear another similar...whine? cry? I can’t tell and I’m too asleep to figure it out. I almost fall asleep again, but a third distressed sound keeps me from it. I wipe my eyes lazily with the back of my hand as I try to sit up.

Squinting, I make out a figure on my bed. It takes me a moment to remember Anakin and how I fell asleep. Our hands are still together and no light is peering through my window so it can’t be that long since I fell asleep. Another disgruntled sound carries itself throughout the room. I shift slightly, leaning over Anakin cautiously.

Golden brown curls are beginning to stick to his forehead and his eyebrows are drawn together sharply. He’s having a nightmare. I shift even further forward before cautiously placing a hand on his shoulder before squeezing him gently.

“Anakin,” I whisper, “it’s not--it’s not real.” His eyebrows draw together even more harshly. I shake him a little more stubbornly. “Anakin, wake up--you’re having a ni--”

My forearm is grabbed so suddenly I barely register it before I feel my back shoved into my mattress. I blink twice. His dark eyes are frantic and the look on his face is far from the gentle, easygoing expression I’m used to. He’s breathing deeply, his chest rising and falling from above me. I swallow a slight panic and something I don’t understand as I try to keep my eyes on his face and my thoughts away from how close he is. Anakin pries his fingers from my forearm one by one until only his palm is touching me.

“Y/n, I--”

“It’s okay.” Honestly, I’m more worried about his uneven breathing than the way he grabbed me. I can’t imagine everything he’s been through or how justified his nightmares are. Anakin moves his hand away from me. I don’t sit up until he’s off of me and sitting with his back against my headboard. “It’s okay--I just--you were having a nightmare and I thought I should wake you.” He doesn’t react. I turn my body further, keeping my back straight. Anakin doesn’t move, and the longer he stays still, the more I feel like I should say something else. “Do you want talk about it? Or do--do you want to talk about something else? Or go to sleep? Or get some water? Or--” The far off look behind his eyes silences me. I scoot forward slightly. “You’re okay, Anakin, I promise.”

His head turns at that, his eyes searching mine for something I don’t understand. “I thought...” He cuts himself off by swallowing once.

I shift a little more, trying to find anything normal in his expression. “Thought what?”

Anakin’s hand is on my arm so quickly I don’t even register his movement. I let his fingers press into my skin. He’s holding onto me like I’m a figment of a dream and he’s beginning to wake up. “I thought I’d failed.” He exhales, the sound heavy. “Failed you and that you’d--I thought I had lost you.”

A lump rises in my throat, thick and unmoving. Cautiously, I place my hand over the one still gripping my shoulder like a lifeline. “You didn’t. Nothing happened, it was just a dream.”

His gaze falls to the ground before he repeats the last of my words. “Just a dream.” There’s a hollowness to his voice I don’t understand.

I exhale, carefully running my thumb over his knuckles. “Yes.” He doesn’t say anything but his expression hardens again. I let us sit there like that for a long minute. “I promise.”

“You can’t promise things like that.”

I sigh, unsure of where to go from here. “Bad dreams are only bad dreams.” He doesn’t reply. “I think you should try to get some more sleep.”

Anakin is unresponsive. I shift back, but before I can transition from almost being on top of him to just sitting next to him, he pulls on my arm to keep in place. “I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you.”

“Nothing’s going to happen to me.”

“You almost died today, y/n. I was right there and if I had been a second later--”

“But you weren’t.” He doesn’t ease. “You were there and I was fine. Don’t torment yourself over what could have been. You’ll drive yourself crazy.”

“If anything ever happened to y--”

“It’s not going to,” I whisper, ignoring the way his hold on my arm tightens even further, “Especially this time a year when I have a pretty good gau--”

He tilts his head slightly, eyebrows drawing together and a ghost of a smile on his lips. “Pretty good? Really?”

“Someone needs to watch your ego, chosen one.” This time when he tries for a smile, the look has some strength behind it. Relief pools in my stomach. “Now get some sleep, tomorrow’s a busy day and when you’re sleepy you’re beyond irritable.”

Anakin lets me pull away enough to lay down, but he doesn’t follow. Not for a long second. When he does, his movements are impossibly rigid. I watch him out of the corner of my eye as carefully as I can manage.

“Y/n?”

I regret turning my head immediately. I didn’t realize how close he was. It would take no effort from me to make our lips meet. Wait--why am I thinking of that? I’m not allowed to think of stuff like that...especially not about him.

“Yes?”

He lets out a breath before moving his hand. I don’t understand his hesitation until I feel his hand cupping my cheek gently. “What if next time I’m not enough? What if next time I lose you because I’m not strong enough?”

I never thought my death would be such a personal thing to him. Sure, I knew that we had some kind of bond, some kind of friendship, and that my death would bring sadness. But I never imagined I’d matter enough to him that thoughts of my death would be frightening enough to slip into his subconscious and become a thing of nightmares.

“You are enough. Nothing is going to happen to me and if it does it’s not going to be because of you.” Anakin’s lips press together in a way that implies serious uncertainty. His thumb brushes across my cheek so unexpectedly I almost ask him what he’s doing. The intensity behind his eyes is enough to burn me. “Was your dream really that bad?”

He lets out an uncertain breath as his eyebrows draw together. I don’t miss the way his jaw clenches. “It’s more than the dream. I...y/n, princess,” he tacts on, a hint of humor returning to him, “you’re more than a mission to me.”

The admission is so soft I can’t help but smile. “I know, Anakin, we’re--”

“You’re more than a friend to me.” I don’t know if my blood freezes in my veins or if my lungs don’t contract when they should or if my heart literally skips a beat, but I know something in me completely stops at his words. “I--”

“Don’t say it.” I don’t know how I managed to cut him off so sharply and I’m a little disappointed when I do, but it’s the right thing to do. Thought of the code that’s so important to him have clouded half the immense shock and joy swelling in my chest. “What you’re trying to say...I um, I want to say the same.” I try to drop my gaze but he tilts my head up slightly with his hand. “But we shouldn’t, you know that.”

"You want to us to pretend that nothing’s different? You want me to escort you from meetings with one suitor to the next every Coronation Season until you’re married off?”

“No, I’m not saying that. The point is that I’m not saying anything.” His eyebrows draw together in uncertainty. “Isn’t it enough for now, for both of us to just know? If we say it...that could mean bad things for you. And I don’t want to be a bad thing for you.”

“You could never be.”

It’d be so easy to believe him. To believe him and to let him say what I never imagined I’d be able to hear and damn the consequences of tomorrow. “Can we just refrain from verbally saying anything until you’re sure?”

“I’m sure right now. I’ve been sure since the first time we ever walked in the garden together. The night after the first Coronation Ball I escorted you to.”

I remember that night well. The way he hadn’t scolded me for needing air or taking off my uncomfortably high heels to walk in the grass. “If you mean it, you won’t say it yet. I refuse to get in the way of what you’re meant for.”

His thumb runs my cheek entirely, stopping at the corner of my mouth. “Are you capable of not disagreeing with me?”

Rolling my eyes slightly, I place my hand over his. “Probably not.”

Anakin exhales, his playful irritation clear in the sound. “You’re impossible when you’re tired.”

“I am not tired.”

“I can see the sleep in your eyes.”

“I can see it in yours too.”

He pauses, eyebrows drawn together cautiously. “I’ll go to sleep if you do.”

He must be more tired than I thought if he’s compromising with me so quickly. “Deal.”

Neither of us close our eyes for a long second, we just watch each other with wide eyes. It still doesn’t feel like he’s eased, but he’s come back to me so much more than he was earlier. I’ll make sure to check how he’s feeling in the morning. The first morning after we’ve...I don’t know.

I’m trying really hard not to get excited because anything that’s been not said could be taken back so easily. That’s the point--but it’s hard not to let my heart get ahead of my rationality. I’ll just take the good for what it is for now and tomorrow we can figure out the rest. Even though he’s not allowed to form attachments and my father really wants to marry me off to foreign royalty.

Tomorrow. This can begin to be solved tomorrow. My eyes shut and I let myself roll fully onto my back. The second I’m comfortably settled, I feel Anakin shift against the bed. I’m too tired to open my eyes until I feel a weight placed against my chest.

I open my eyes on instinct, less surprised than I should be when I see Anakin’s head resting against my chest. Before I can speak, I feel his arm rest against my side. “Anakin,” I breathe, my hand moving to smooth his hair out of his face the way I’ve wanted to for so long. “What did we just talk about?”

“You said not to say anything,” he mumbles comfortably, “I’m not saying anything.” ...It is kind of the ideal compromise. Especially since I’m too tired to find reason and he feels so warm. “I can feel you overthinking. Go back to smoothing my hair before I have to rise and stand at your door so that your handmaid comes to wake you. Something tells me she’d be glad for the excuse to get rid of me.”

That might be the most dramatic thing I’ve ever heard him say. Selma is the most patient woman in the palace. “Selma would never report anything involving me, I can’t believe you don’t like her. She’s the sweetest woman I’ve ever met.”

“She’s the one that doesn’t like me,” he says, “she always watches me like she’s trying to figure out if I’m planning on stealing you away.”

Too tired to fight my smile, I go back to smoothing his hair out with my fingers. After a moment, he lets out an exhale that relaxes his entire body. “Goodnight, princess.”

“Goodnight.” The word is barely a mumble as I feel sleep tug against me for the second time tonight.

It’s strange, but my excitement doesn’t diminish my tiredness, it just makes the prospect of rest feel so much fuller. Safer. Because there’s so much to sort out and grieve but it’s okay, because we have the time and everything feels okay because Anakin is here, right beneath my fingertips.

#anakin skywalker #anakin #anakin skywalker x reader #anakin x reader #anakin x you #anakin skywalker imagine #anakin skywalker x you #anakin skywalker x y/n #star wars #star wars x reader #star wars imagine #star wars imagines #star wars fic

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obiwanobi · 3 years

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jedi but enemies au, we’ve seen Anakin reacting to Obi-Wan getting hurt, but what about the other way around? Like Obi-Wan realising how worried he is but not knowing if he’s allowed to be? Does it spark a revelation? He’s like “I have .... feelings for Skywalker, I just don’t know what they are yet”

YES I want the best kind of hurt/comfort with this situation!

Obi-Wan didn't expect that Skywalker getting seriously hurt in front of him would unsettle him so much, but here he is, trying to stop the bleeding with frantic hands and asking the medic on the comm to hurry up every five seconds. Skywalker is bleeding to death and still joking about writing 'Kenobi did it' with his blood to frame him for his murder, and suddenly Obi-Wan can't take his stupid bravado anymore and tells him to shut up, just shut up, and he's too gone to realise that he's calling him Anakin now, and saying please too.

And that is what makes Skywalker quiet, before saying in a very small voice which is even worse to hear, "Oh, it's that bad, hm."

The medic still isn't here and there is too much blood on Obi-Wan's hands and Skywalker is looking way too pale now. He isn't sure Skywalker is still conscious enough to hear Obi-Wan calling him dear, and desperately telling him that he will make it, he has to, he can't be the first to leave, that's not even imaginable.

When Skywalker wakes up in the medbay, Obi-Wan isn't there. He doesn't come after being informed that Anakin is awake. Even when Ahsoka and Cody tell him they can handle everything for the day, and he tells them that there is no reason for him to take a break.

(Obi-Wan is in fact, too busy trying to put some order in the mess that Skywalker made of his feelings to take the risk of seeing him right away, but it's not like he's going to show that he cares to other people, Skywalker and him have a reputation to uphold)

Anakin is.... disappointed, to say the least. Visiting hours are over and the medic orders him to go to sleep, but he stays awake, thinking about Kenobi saying nice things to him while he was dying. Definitely some sort of hallucinations.

And then, in the darkness of the room, he hears a noise.

And then a panel on the ceiling falls down in front of his bed, shortly followed by Kenobi.

"Kix caught me trying to sneak in. I had to improvise," Kenobi says, as if it's the most common entrance he has ever made in his life.

Anakin makes a startled noise, which turns into chuckles, which turns into laughter, and somehow Kenobi is the one looking panicked, trying to shush him so Kix doesn't come to kick him out.

The pain in his belly suddenly flares up, and he has to stop to gasp and concentrate on stabilising his breath. A hand finds his shoulder, and Anakin lets it pull him against his pillow, brushing his hair out of his face. Their eyes meet for a second.

"What did I say about dying on me, Anakin?" Kenobi asks, too gently to sound as annoyed as he wants it.

Maybe not a complete hallucination, then.

#the next morning kix finds obi-wan asleep half on a chair and half on anakin's bed #he's like 'I TOLD you not to bother the patient!'#'bad general! bad!'#and anakin is enjoying it way too much so he plays the weak patient like #'general kenobi wouldn't let me rest... he's so mean and I'm so fragile.... so delicate....'#and obi-wan plays right into his hands by saying 'skywalker you have NEVER been delicate in your life you idiot'#kix kicks him out #he has to sneak inside anakin's room again the next night #jedi but enemies au #clem's aus #asks #anon

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stolen-pen-name23 · 3 years

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KATIEEEE THAT PROMPT LIST IS AMAZING YOUR MIND—

ahhh there are so many good ones okay maybe #15 with anakin and ahsoka??

FIONA MY LOVE I'M SO SORRY THIS TOOK FOREVER!!!! //from this prompt list// prompts now closed//

Here ya go!

---

Sickness looms thick in the air like humidity blanketing a coastline.

Refugee camps breed a lot of things – desperation, camaraderie, hunger – but disease is the most ruthless of its spawn. Ahsoka can feel the lives of these poor, tired souls blinking out like so many ancient stars.

Anakin walks beside her, and from the weary set of his shoulders, she knows he senses it too.

They are here to provide relief, but Ahsoka fears they are too late. Hundreds of people lie in sick beds, their emaciated bodies lacking the strength to fend off the virus that has circulated the camp.

The sour scent of bile and death fills Ahsoka’s nostrils and she grimaces. She shifts the heavy backpack full of medicines and vaccines on her shoulders and hears the vials clink against each other.

Anakin falters.

“What is it, Master?”

“Maybe you should go back to the ship,” he says nervously, eagle eyes scanning the hundreds of dead and dying.

“Why?”

“I don’t like the look of this disease.”

“It’s non-transmissible to Togruta. If anything, you should go back to the ship.”

Anakin waves off her protests but does not make her go back to the ship. Instead, he leads the way to a makeshift office area. A woman, haggard but determined, greets them.

“Are you the Jedi?” she asks, hope glinting in her bright eyes.

“Yes. We’ve come with the supplies. There is more on our ship, but we have some here to get started with,” Anakin says.

“Excellent,” the woman says. “We cannot thank you enough. These vaccines will save many lives.”

“Of course. It is the least the Republic can offer.”

Anakin returns to the ship to unload more supplies while Ahsoka stays and begins to help the woman organize the medicines and vaccines.

She pauses and looks around at the desperate scene before her.

These refugees all fled Separatist-controlled planets in search of asylum — in search of hope. Their hopes were dashed when disease broke out in the camp. Now, with every life-saving vial Ahsoka unpacks, she prays to the Force that their hope can be restored.

---

The Resolute has been in hyperspace for two days. Ahsoka knows the journey from the outer rim planet back to Coruscant is a long one, but this knowledge fails to stave off the boredom.

She knocks on the door to Anakin’s quarters impatiently. Ahsoka hasn’t seen him all day and quite frankly, she just needs someone to talk to. She is about to give up and try searching for him in the hangars when he opens the door.

He looks… disheveled.

“Ahsoka? Do you need something?” he asks, voice husky from sleep.

“Did you just wake up?”

“Aren’t you the one always telling me I need to sleep more?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s Obi-Wan and honestly you should listen to him when he tells you to do that.”

“Whatever. Did you need something?” Anakin asks again.

“No, I was just bored. I wanted to see if you wanted to spar. But you look tired so…”

“No, no, I can spar. Just give me a minute to get changed.”

He gestures for her to step inside and she lets the door click closed behind her. His quarters are warm and stuffy and Ahsoka once again finds herself resenting the desert planet he was born on. Ahsoka liked warmth, but having the heater on this high was a tad ridiculous.

“I don’t know how you stand to have it so warm in here.”

“It’s a reasonable temperature,” Anakin says defensively, rifling around in his dresser drawers.

“It’s a reasonable temperature for lizards,” Ahsoka says unimpressed.

She takes a moment to step toward him and give him a closer look. “Are humans supposed to be this pale?”

“I’m not pale,” Anakin says. “Maybe it’s the lighting.”

“The lighting is fine,” Ahsoka says. “But you aren’t.”

“I’m perfectly fine,” Anakin says with a conviction so strong Ahsoka would have believed him had he not stumbled forward as he said it. He manages to catch himself and stay upright, but Ahsoka isn’t fooled.

“Are you sure you didn’t pick something up from that refugee camp?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” Anakin says. “We’re not as susceptible to contagious diseases, you know that.”

“Not as susceptible, but not immune either,” Ahsoka replies nervously.

It is true that a side-effect of Force sensitivity is heightened stamina and a higher immunity against illness, but that does not mean Jedi are invincible.

Anakin stumbles forward again. This time he puts a hand on the wall to steady himself.

“Master?” Ahsoka asks with concern.

“I’m fine. I’m fine… just a little dizzy,” Anakin says just before sliding down the wall to the floor.

“Anakin!”

Ahsoka rushes forward and grabs his shoulders before his head can hit the ground. “Master?”

“Ahsoka, I’m—”

“Stop saying you’re fine, you’re clearly not fine,” Ahsoka says, a frantic edge creeping into her voice.

“I’m dizzy,” Anakin mumbles. “Was gonna say I’m dizzy.”

This confirmation doesn’t make Ahsoka feel better. She presses her hand to his forehead and winces.

“I don’t think humans are supposed to get this hot,” she says. “I think you did catch something from that camp.”

“It’s okay,” he says softly, his eyes closing. “Just gonna sleep it off.”

“Master…”

“I’ll be fine in the morning,” Anakin insisted. “Just… just need to sleep.”

Anakin’s eyes close right there on the floor. Ahsoka groans. She does not want to drag him all the way to his bed or to the medbay.

“Promise not to get mad,” Ahsoka says as she pulls out her comm.

---

The steady beeping from the heartrate monitor is as comforting as it is annoying. Ahsoka has been listening to it’s rhythmic chimes for hours now, so when the pace changes just slightly Ahsoka shoots up in her seat.

“Master?” Ahsoka asks hopefully.

Anakin groans, his eyes open just a sliver and Ahsoka puts herself in his line of sight.

“Snips?” he asks softly.

“Hey Skyguy. How are you feeling?” Ahsoka asks.

“I feel alright. I told you I just needed to sleep it off.”

“Anakin, you were asleep for 26 hours.”

Anakin’s eyes widen. “Twenty-six?”

“Yeah,” Ahsoka says bitterly. “Twenty-six. And no you did not just ‘sleep it off.’ Kix had to put you on an IV. You were lucky we still had some medicine after we gave so much of it to that refugee camp.”

Anakin shrinks back from her ire, but Ahsoka doesn’t have it in her to feel guilty.

“I’m sorry, Snips, I didn’t realize it was—”

“Oh you didn’t realize it was that bad? You passed out in your room and I had to get Kix to send some clones to come and carry you here.”

Anakin looks around like he’s just noticing that he’s not in his quarters.

“Ahsoka, I’m sorry, but you need—”

“If you’re about to tell me to calm down, you can save it.”

“Ahsoka,” Anakin says softly. “Talk to me. What’s going on? I’ve been hurt much worse than this before. Why are you so angry with me now?”

Ahsoka huffs and crosses her arms. She looks away from Anakin.

“Ahsoka,” Anakin says, his voice turning more commanding. “Please tell me.”

Ahsoka sits down on Anakin’s bed, but doesn’t look at him. “At the… at the camp. All those people… they were dying and so many of them were dead and I saw you collapse and you wouldn’t respond to me and I was just…”

“You were scared,” Anakin finishes.

Ahsoka keeps her gaze firmly fixed on the floor.

“It’s alright to be scared, Ahsoka. You just can’t let it control you.”

“I know,” Ahsoka sighs. “But I still don’t like it.”

“I know. I don’t like it either,” Anakin says.

They sit in silence together, tension still hanging in the air.

“You look exhausted,” Anakin says, breaking the still quiet.

“I’ve been here,” Ahsoka says.

“Come on,” Anakin says, gesturing for her to come lay down with him. “Let’s both get some rest.”

Ahsoka offers him a smile and climbs into the small medical bed. Anakin lifts the blankets and she slides in next to him, laying her head on his chest.

“Master?” she asks after getting settled in.

“Yeah, Snips?”

“Don’t do that again.”

Anakin laughs and the deep rumble of it in his chest reverberates through her montrals.

“I’ll do my best, Padawan.”

#my writing #prompt fill #snips and skyguy #fiona tag #ficlet #anakin skywalker #ahsoka tano

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chaoticevilbean · 3 years

Text

When the Force doesn't know what a kid should look like

SW BI 3

Anakin's brow was starting to sweat. He knew he could keep it up a little longer, but Obi-Wan was already suspecting him and there was another 10 minutes of class. If anyone saw him- they wouldn't kick him out. Would they? No, Jedi were nice. Good.

5 minutes... 3... 1... Anakin heard the teacher dismiss the class and lunged from his seat, his pile of things barely stowed away as he dashed off. He rushed down the halls, leaping around other beings in his haste. He could feel his resolve sliping, but he could see the right hallway, see Obi-Wan's door-

A hand pulled him back by his shirt, lifting him off the ground and destroying all hopes of reaching safety. Anakin had time to register Master Tiin holding his shirt, Masters Fisto and Windu clearly accompanying the Iktotchi. Then he slammed his hands over his ears, his eyes closed, trying to curl up as several sensations and urges kicked back up.

He forgot about the tail.

"Padawan-" Master Windu's voice stuttered out, and Master Fisto began emitting a few high-pitched noises that made Anakin cringe. The Nautolan swiftly stopped, but then there was shouting , and the heat of more bodes, the scents. He was lost in a sandstorm of chaos, he couldn't think, couldn't breathe-

Something warm wrapped him up, enveloped him in familiar. There was someone's robes around him, darkening the world. The tail tried to flick away when a hand pulled that under the robes as well, but Anakin appreciated the gesture.

The familiar face of his mas Obi-Wan looked down into the robes.

"Better?" Anakin blinked languidly up at the man, shrugged, and gave into his instinct to burrow deeper into the darkness. "Anakin, I would really prefer a yes or no of some sort."

An ear flicked into his face in response. Then the other. Both stood straight up for a moment before flattening. Anakin was busy finding out that closer to Obi-Wan meant both warmer and darker. And when the Human pressed into his torso, the Jedi automatically wrapped his arms around the smaller being.

"Master Prix, do you know what's going on?"

"Not necessarily, but I have a theory. If he's been pushing down certain traits, then they might be returning full-force. It happens quite often when one of my people enters a foreign place. Too many unknowns of how another will react to them"

"Does that mean he's responsible for the scratches I keep finding under the sofa?"

"That rat had it coming," Anakin growled out, trying to see if he could go deeper. Sadly, it seemed that was impossible.

"Anakin, do you mean the mouse droid?"

Anakin ignored the question. He knew he wasn’t supposed to scratch things, but he also knew that his hunting instincts had come that day. Although he wondered how his mas Obi-Wan had found the marks.

“What should I do?”

“Make a den, incorporate different training exercises in your day, try to be receptive to any open affection.”

“I meant right now, not that that isn’t helpful.” A den did sound nice. Like the one under his mom’s bed.

Something poked the robes. Anakin’s attention honed in on the movement, ears perking back up and tail starting to twitch. The thing came again, poking enough to nearly touch him before retreating quickly. Obi-Wan's arms withdrew as his Padawan tensed up, the movement moving the robes somewhat.

The third time the thing came, it made its way through the layers, and Anakin immediately pounced on it. He barely realized it was a furred hand before it had grabbed his shirt and started pulling him out of the darkness. He hissed, trying to turn and quickly grab onto Obi-Wan, only to have the traitor pull away from him.

The light in the hallway had been dimmed, and there was only three other people in it. Anakin didn't care much, as he was busy trying to fight off the grasp of an unknown, very furry Jedi in beige. Whoever they were, they knew what they were doing. Faster than even his mother could, Anakin found himself turned around and pinned in a tight hug, someone's head nestled atop his own, right between the ears.

He started growling. He didn't like it. He didn't like losing to some stranger who someone won Obi-Wan's loyalty.

The person started rumbling in response.

Anakin amended himself. They were amazing. His growling turned to purring in an instant, and despite all his logical mind telling him not to, he went practically limp in the hold.

"Think of it like dealing with a loth cat or a dire hound. Hunting instincts will be strongest at first, but they should eventually fade into the background. That is, if he doesn't feel the need to push them down again."

"Hush," Anakin mumbled at the voice, leaning back into what he realized was quite warm fur. Even warmer than Obi-Wan. Another robe wrapped around him, this one belonging to whoever was holding him. His eyes were drooping fast, but who cared? He felt safe for once. Completely and undoubtedly safe...

~ ~

Anakin awoke to find himself still wrapped in something warm, but not the same thing. His The ears flattened for a moment before relaxing at the scent. Obi-Wan again. He decided to forgive the man, for the reasoning of the stranger not being an actual competitor and the twice-over of getting hugs.

His eyes opened to the dark room where Obi-Wan usually slept alone. They closed again, content with knowing where he was and ready to sleep himself, like the calm person next to him.

He shot away from the other at the return of his logical instincts. No, at his instincts. Anything else wasn't him. And he'd let them take over before. In front of the Jedi, in front of Obi-Wan. How long had he slept? Did he miss any of his classes?

What was he going to do now‽ He couldn- would he just continue like before? He couldn't! Could he? What if they wanted him to-

He froze at the sudden weight around his shoulders. It took a moment for his brain to restart enough to react. He tried to dart away again, but the weight just starting pressing down a little and he froze once more, waiting. The weight moved a little, shifting until he finally realized what it was.

"Kriff you."

"That's hardly language befitting a Jedi apprentice, now is it?"

"You son of a Hutt."

"I don't know what I did to deserve such name-calling. Care to inform me, dear Padawan of mine?"

"You motherkarker."

"Anakin!" Said boy giggled at the offended tone of his mas Obi-Wan, who retaliated by pulling him into a hug.

"Wait, no!" He struggled to pull himself away, to no avail. He grumbled as he flopped back, resigning himself to being stuck.

"I know you don't want to talk about this, seeing as you went as far as you did to hide it, but I would like to discuss it at least partially."

Anakin tried to free himself again. He failed again. He decided it was more annoying that he was so weak than that he was getting hugs. Was he getting the hugs because he was getting annoyed?

"Please?"

"Fine," Anakin sighed, settling into his mas Obi-Wan's chest. "What do I need to tell you?"

"Why did none of this come up in Master Che's check-up? Or did it and you didn't tell me? It's alright if it's the latter, I simply wish to know."

"It came up, ish. She did all the stuff and then asked if there's anything I should tell her, and I told her I was hiding it, but she doesn't know anything besides I have them."

"And what is 'it'?"

"Uhm..." Anakin thought for a moment, mentally going over his list of features. "Physical stuff, like the tail and the ears. Mental stuff, like the, uhm, the 'hunting'. Other stuff, but I don't really know what."

"And how does this 'hiding' work? According to Master Prix, it seems less like hiding and more like suppressing your... quirks."

Anakin tried to squirm away from his mas Obi-Wan. He sighed when it worked as well as before. He knew how to explain it all. His mom had helped him learn it so he would know if it came up. But knowing and doing are very different. And it's all a habit and habits are hard to break.

"Uhm, just- I just tell myself to wait? Like, until I sleep or get somewhere... safe?" That was awful.

"And what was earlier? Master Windu said that you were sprinting and just.. popped out a tail and all that."

"I- well, there's- rrrr." Anakin let out a short growl as he attempted to sort his thoughts. He was a Padawan. He could do this. He took a deep breath, trying to translate it all into the right words.

"On Tatooine, it's hot in the day. And it's very cold at night." He paused. Obi-Wan said nothing, waiting. He needed to figure out a way to thank his mas Obi-Wan. "And no one does much during midday, and no one does much during midnight. Around that, people like to head inside and start to adjust." Was that right? Yes, he was sure he hadn't mixed up the opposites again.

"So when it starts to get closer to midday or midnight, everyone sleeps. But on Coruscant, most people sleep once. And all the Humans sleep once. Once during a cycle," Anakin clarified. Obi-Wan made a noise of understanding, prompting his Padawan to fall silent and wait.

"So, if I'm understanding correctly, the reason you were in such a rush to make it back to our quarters was so you could stop hiding." He got a small nod in affirmation. "And the reason you were struggling to hide is because you are used to sleeping twice every cycle, for shorter times. Therefore, you are used to shorter periods in which you feel the need to hide." Another nod.

"Anakin why do you hide? I understand doing so on Tatooine, given its shifty nature. But you have been at the Temple for a month. Surely you understand you are safe here."

"Habit."

Obi-Wan said nothing to the short answer for a moment. Then he stood up, pulling his Padawan up with him. He turned the boy around, staring into the eyes that were both so different and so much the same as the ones he'd been seeing for a month.

"We don't have to go over everything now, but... do you want to break this habit?"

"...yes."

~ ~ ~

[Should I do more?]

#star wars #When the Force doesn't know what a kid should look like #Father Force #anakin skywalker #obi-wan kenobi #sw bi 3 #star wars au #i feel like i should do one of those masterlist things but i don't know how #feral anakin #bebe anakin #communication #so much is fixed with communication

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