#General Kenobi never lets /me/ have fun

[coline7373]

hi, so I kinda fell out of the codywan fandom for a while but I really like your taste based on your fic rec lists I've found. Is there any chance you'd share a couple of fics you liked from last year? Maybe ones that aren't so obvious (like the ones with thousands of kudos are pretty easy to find). If not sorry for bothering you it's not a must of course!

Missile Toes and White Banthas by Ace Raven of Clan Chaos (Music_is_life_2788) (1K)

Lifeday comes once a year, but the trauma of family gatherings is eternal.

A holiday gift exchange written for a holiday gift exchange - it's exchange inception XD

Light-hearted lifeday gift exchange. Rex is out of ideas. Codywan is around the corner and at the end. Sweet and fun!

You be my detonator by Saerus2665 (1K)

“I see they’re just letting anyone on rescue missions these days.” Ben says this as if he’s not currently lying crumpled on his side in a pool of blood in a cold, damp basement. Cody rolls his eyes and does one last quick scan of the room, before stepping around the two bodies on the floor. Or: Agent Ben Kenobi winds up in a sticky situation after a mission gone wrong. Luckily, Cody's there for the rescue.

Spies Modern AU Codywan!!! Not Mr & Mr SMith, they are working for the same side ;) Funny, witty and filled with action. The author makes the most of those 1K

Father War by prouvairablehulk (2K)

We’re damned, after all, through fortune and flame we fall - and if you can stay, then I’ll show you the way (In which 2224 is Cody is Kote is Kote, but more emphatically; or, the Cody-is-Mithras fic that came from being obsessed with my Masters Thesis and Clone Wars at the same time)

Funny. Lovely. And a companion in my mind of that fic in reverse, where it happens to Obi-Wan. But here, it is Kote who gets a little godhood. As a treat.

most things may never happen: this one will by jaigeye (2K)

Cody looks at the bombs bursting overhead. It's friendly fire, and he's beneath it. The heat spewing from it is swift and lacks remorse. It'll melt metal through your hands. Meat doesn't mean anything to light. It goes right through. 

This one isn’t codywan but, by God, if I’m recc-ing any fic, then I’m putting down this one as well. Cody-centric. Fantastic. And I do mean fantastic. About the clones and the droids in Star Wars, and the war and Cody and…

It made me crazy. Crazy.

Must . Read.

half-octopus stewjoni biology no-longer-WIP-now-published-HERE-on-AO3! by passeridae (4.9K)

"Say that again?" Cody pauses, halfway to armouring himself after his checkup, and looks over at Helix. Surely he'd misheard. Helix, eyes rolled towards the off-white ceiling of the medbay as if praying for patience, repeats, "I said, unless you've been having some exceptionally weird sex I don't know about, you've got a prostate tumour." "Weird sex," Cody parrots, his mind helpfully replaying the most debauched trysts he'd had with his General in the past few months. 

The fandom’s usual take for Stewjon is that it’s a hybrid of space!Scotland-Japan and its people are dualsex (even though it’s more often wrongly tagged intersex, which is not the same thing). Not here. Here, stewjoni are half-octopi. They aren’t(?) were-octopi, but half-octopi. Read to find out how. I promise it works. Don’t be frightened by the tags.

What I really liked (other than this little pearl of worldbuilding), is the change to the usual mpreg trope. It’s not Obi-Wan, it’s Cody who carries. It’s not a secret, the main parties involved know about it straight away. Cody is not having A Crisis, the idea makes him happy. Just very refreshing all around.

Medical practices done right. “Normal” pregnancy happening off-screen for a value of normal. “Normal” birth. Started as crack taken seriously then somehow veers sharply off course toward the last part as it becomes bittersweet and happy and joyful and philosophical. Reflection on attachment, the circle of life and all that. Future unknown but ends on a positive note. Loved it.

Dawn by Serie11 (7K)

Obi-Wan had thought of many possibilities, of what his and Cody's life after the war would look like. A child hadn't been among them.

Trans Obi-Wan. Unplanned Pregnancy. Tatooine AU. Heartbreaking. Good ending, though. You don’t stay heartbroken, even if you keep on crying.

Your Smile In Stone by ecarian (8k)

Wooley: can we arrest people for yelling this early? There were two figures standing at the foot of General Kenobi's statue with their backs to Wooley, an adult with a hood, and a child with light hair. The child was pointing at a puddle of Temple tookas who were curled up in General Kenobi’s lap, lounging in the stone folds of his robes, the bend of his knee. Wooley: belay that. Child nuisance.

Clones overthrow the Empire and then… Well.

New Republic and all that.  Sure. They are free, which is nothing to scoff at. But the Senate still voted for the end of the Republic and the jedi are still dead. Aren’t they?

The end… My heart, oh, my heart. Prepare handkerchiefs. By the buckload.

bell tower by smoosey (smooseys) (12K)

In gesture and word and deed, Obi-Wan had made it clear that he saw, in Cody, the same inpollutable, infinite thing that lit the stars. The same Force that had Obi-Wan supplicant his whole life long, luminous under daylight, luminous in the dark, luminous candle-lit, kneeling into the song of the Light. And Cody thinks a part of him has spent the long years since, too, on his knees – in grief, in penance, in duty, in love, and in his memory. But Obi-Wan is alive.

WIP, just once chapter, but what a chapter.

Between hallucinations and dreams, a real communication through the stars with the ghost of his former general or what the spirit of Cody, the purge soldier, concocted to protect himself, a poem, a delirium, a mea cupla screamed at the stars, a fantasy dreamed by a soldier eaten away by the horrors committed by his hands, the State he represents and the atrocities we undertake by ourselves, reality or imagination, metaphor of guilt and forgiveness or real and visceral torture.

PT-2224 made a mistake. Vader makes him pay. Cody is there and not there at the same time. An escape and a voluntary march of his executioner's body towards the final destination.

Incredible. Fantastic. A trip like no other.

Facile Felicity by br1ghtmouth (14K)

Primary functions are supposed to be useful: survive against all odds; shield one’s battalion; fight until the very last breath. Cody would prefer anything besides the bleeding heart he’s been dealt. Or: the General makes plans. Cody follows.

Very fun concept! Lovely characterisation! And, of course, my favorite No-O 66 AU!

True Plain Hearts do in the Faces Rest

by SpaceWall (21.9K)

“We won’t enforce whatever they put forward,” Adi said, “In fact, we won’t fight at all unless they guarantee the clones the right to pursue and refuse soulmate bonds as every citizen of the Republic may. (...)” “You could lose us the war.” “Or we could win it,” Obi-Wan pointed out, “and win it by deserving to, rather than by giving in to that which this order stands against.” Adi’s proposal to offer the senate a bald refusal passed unanimously.

I really liked this one and it’s partly because the codywan is not necessarily romantic. It’s not tagged as such and the connection only happens at the end so I think it’s up to the reader whether they imagine it happening later on or not. It wasn’t necessary for me. 

Cody and Obi-Wan connected on the level of their souls. Nothing, not even romance, can be more meaningful than that.

It was heart wrenching at times and it made me reflect a lot. Not everyone get their happy ending. It’s also a great new take on the soulmate trope and what The Sign is (colorblind vs colored vision, tattooed first/last words, dream/pain/sexual fantasy sharing, ect. And now, A True Smile!!! Because you smile with your eyes, which are the window to the soul. Get it?)

Turn it on to a new kind of bright by rolo_rulu, Saerus2665 (41K)

Someone rolls him over onto his back. “Hnnngh…” Ben blinks his eyes open. There’s a man looking down at him, haloed in the bright light of the sun. (...) “Are—are you an angel?” Ben finds himself saying. He doesn't know if it's the heat or his poor instinctive attempt at flirting that makes him say it. The man squints at him, brow furrowing, clearly caught off guard. “Uh—are you a banana?” OR: The one in which Cody is a hot surfer and Ben’s a biologist who just so happens to be filling in for his brother at his summer job at a perfectly normal, definitely not shady, beachside banana-stand.

Some levity in this recc list!!!! There is no great plot with the Fate of the Universe at stake. This is one of these delightful type of fic that are just… fanfic-y. I don’t know how else to describe it XD

The premise is crackish. The execution is hilarious. The author and artist who work on this (check their accounts out!) were obviously having a hell of a time on this LSD trip together. It also has its sweet moments, its aching moments, moments serious or sad.

Fox is there and amazing. Vos too, stealthily. Obi-Wan is A Nerd and so loveable for it. Cody is so freaking cool. The story keeps throwing you off and making you laugh. The art blows. Uncomplicated and yet rich and varied. Have a grand old time, without becoming anxious about the Meaning of Life Itself.

Just… a cute, funny love story. Happening in a Modern Setting. This is the king of stuff I’m on ao3 for. Gold stars.

Six Months In A Leaky Boat by passeridae (47K)

The year is 1998. Australia is fucked to hell and back, but its neighbour New Zealand is doing surprisingly alright. Well, if it wasn't for the supply shortages, persistent earthquakes, and the government's increasing heavy handed attempts at censorship. Cody, a presenter at Radio Hauraki, is particularly pissed about that last thing. And he knows just what to do about it, too — all they need is a boat. Radio Hauraki started life as pirate radio back in the sixties, what's stopping them from going back on the waves? Also, if his coworker, Obi-Wan, could stop making his life a living hell that'd be great, but Cody is pretty sure the world will end for real before that happens.

Modern Dystopia happening in a 90’s Alternative Universe. Activism. Civil disobedience. The author must be from NZ itself because how else would they have so much knowledge about the slang, the culture, the places? Historical accuracy used like a punch to punctuate the story’s point. Fail gay men. Gay love.

I love the idea of a couple uniting while they are constructing something. This story, though, is less about the boat itself, but the journey they take toward that point. It’s mostly from Cody’s POV while the world, society and democracy is slowly imploding around him. 

At first, he tries to obey the law because he doesn’t want to suffer from discrimination. But as the story goes on, he just can’t follow it anymore because to do so would be to let people die when he could have helped save them. And so he fights.

Various characters take this journey too, along-side him, in the background.

In an extremely vivid New-Zealand setting, with an original format (written, audio, pictures, links to songs…), a story all the more impactful by what we’re currently all living through, two men falling in love and many people rallying for Fairness and Justice.

Amazing.

|vidur viduvasario| by littlekaracan (76K)

There, peeking out from between the grasses, was the glittering and unmistakable head of a grass snake. Cody blinked. Twice. “I – “ he began, and realized he didn’t quite know what to say. “Forgive me, are you – the grass snake, there?” The grass snake’s head twitched – as if reacting to his voice. He saw a flash of its forked tongue, and – “That would be me, yes.”

Between fairytale, folks tale Shakespearean-flavored, and TCW medieval AU. Obi-Wan is not a were-snake or cursed or about to give Cody an apple. He’s just… a snake. And not. I cannot explain too much away without spoiling the story but it was great.

No big, galactic stakes. Just Cody living in a village with his many, many brothers and meeting a snake. That’s it.

Done so well I kept thinking about it for weeks afterwards. Lovely.

|slâfst du, friedel ziere| by littlekaracan (64K)

“Help me,” he whispered, desperate for something he could not understand, and could feel the dirt slowly trickling into the emptiness of his eyes.

A moment of silence, and the voice relented.

“Come to me,” it whispered, and he wanted nothing more. “Come to me, darling, and I will do my best.”

That author decided to slay their readers without mercy and I am here for it. Willing head on the chopping block. Chopchopchop.

2224 is starting to reach the end of his shelf life. Amidst a fevered dream (or a vision?), he embarks on a final mission. That he fails, of course, just like he failed at dying.

Past the reunion of two battered traumatized men, between a journey toward self-forgiveness and the acceptance of the horror of their past and present, a healing of the minds, while Cody’s body is hurling toward death.

Happy ending, of course. I couldn’t stand it otherwise. But boy, there was a knot in my throat the whole while. And that passage where Obi-Wan [insert spolier]... I had to stop to straight up cry.

|keep the wolves away| by littlekaracan (59K, so far)

They saw her around Mos Eisley, sometimes, lingering by the repair shop where her father worked or sitting atop the crates strewn about the street. She had strange eyes - aged and watchful and inquisitive, even more so perhaps than the other children around her, although all of them had grown up too early all the same. (...) There was something important that Reva Sevander had learned throughout the last hours she spent in what once had been a safe haven, lying atop her murdered clanmates and trying not to make a sound as the stench of their deaths grew more and more oppressive - nothing, least of all tomorrow, was ensured.

I have recc-ed this author and I will recc them again! This one is a WIP and it is announced codywan, which is why I gave myself permission to cheat by putting it there since where it stopped, it hasn’t happened yet. But, if it ever becomes finished, I know it will be as brilliant as the rest. 

For someone who had many, many, many, many critics about the Kenobi Show, how they created the character of Reva (who, by all right, should have been awesome) and that hasn’t found a fic where I was able to enjoy her, I was absolutely bowled over by how much it made me root for her.

Yoda and Obi-Wan go to the Temple, before they decide to split to fight Sidious and Anakin respectively. They find Reva. They pick her up. And then, of course, someone has to take her with them when they decide to hide. Spoiler alert: it’s not Yoda.

It’s told from the POV of Reva and Obi-Wan broke my heart as well as made me want to shake him until his teeth rattle. I would be hard pressed to find a child in a fanfic described and characterized so authentically. Obi-Wan goes straight on the Depression Train, like in the show, but he can’t just lie down and let himself starve and stew in his nightmares, because there’s a child who depends on him. Two jedi in a post-jedi world. One who should be starting their journey, but didn’t, and one who should be passing the flame to the next generation, but can’t. Jfc.

The End!

That’s it folks.

When I received the ask for a codywan recc list, I was in a waning enthusiasm period for codywan fics (not the ship itself!).

Because I’m very picky and I have dozens upon dozens of criterias for codywan “fics I loved so much I bookmark them and recommend them to everyone”. I could read literally all week sometimes and not find one fic that meet all these (very subjective and personal, mind you!) criterias.

It’s not ungratefulness for people writing fics (are you kidding?), it’s a matter of taste. Without new canon being produced, fandom/ship tend to stagnate a bit in terms of narrative after a while. It happens to literally every fandom I have been a part of and is no critic of anyone or anything. That’s just the nature of things.

But, well. Then, the number of fics that scratch all my itches and that I haven’t read yet start to get smaller and smaller until, to find new gems, I have to plow through hundreds of fics first.

But I considered it a challenge to myself and my habits and accepted it gladly! To shake things up and find actual new stuff, I put the restriction on myself to look only for fics last updated between 2023 and 2024.

Because I already made a recc list in 2022 and I wanted to give what I hadn’t seen yet a chance.

As you can see, some truly amazing stuff came out of this! If with this list I manage to make you discover new fics, I will consider it worth it!

At the time I am writing this, there’s still plenty of fics downloaded and waiting to be read on my e-reader. But we’re reaching the end of the year so I’m stopping it there so that people can enjoy the fics over the holidays.

If I find new things, I will edit it ;) As always, suggestions are always welcome too!

Meanwhile, enjoy, leave kudos for the authors, and happy reading!!!!

[gffa]

All right, so maybe I went haring off to another fandom for awhile, but I will never fully let go of my STAR WARS fic reading roots because there's just so much incredible fic here and I have such intense feelings about these characters, like how can I possibly truly leave when this fandom knows how to scratch my id just right or make me cry over fictional characters or hyena laugh because you people are very funny? There's just so much fic that is so good that of course I keep coming back! Especially when it comes to Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, there are just so many incredible people making incredible fics for them that feed right back into my love for their twisty, turny, complicated, beautiful, awful relationship. So here's a bunch of Obikin fic because the fandom is amazing and you should go love them as much as I love them, since you can hopefully completely sate yourself on a bunch of fantastic fic to read! Or idk send yourself into a grief coma because sometimes fic writers are almost as mean as canon was, but in the best way, the way that really hits you in the feelings place. Or idk idk just gorge on all the porn because DANG Obikin fandom brings the porn! WHAT KIND OF FIC YOU’LL FIND HERE:

FICS THAT PUNCHED ME IN THE FACE WITH HOW GOOD THEY WERE

CANON-COMPLIANT (-ISH, WHATEVER) AT LEAST UP UNTIL THE GALAXY GOES PEAR-SHAPED

FUCK THE NOISE OUT OF ANAKIN SKYWALKER’S HEAD

DARTH ASSHOLE CAT SHOULD BE GRABBED BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK AND SCOLDED BACK TO THE LIGHT

FUCK YOU, CANON, THINGS GO A LITTLE NICER IN THIS UNIVERSE

WORLD IS HARD AND COLD, OBIKIN FLUFF IS SOFT AND WARM

MODERN AUS CAN BE FUN AND CHARMING AS HELL AND A GREAT CHANCE TO MAP CANON DYNAMICS ONTO A WORLD WHERE THEY CAN HAVE A HAPPIER LIFE, IT’S A WIN ALL THE WAY AROUND

WHAT DID CANON EVER DO BUT BREAK OUR HEARTS ANYWAY? TIME TO TELL CANON TO FUCK OFF AND WRITE AN AU

TIME TO CRY ABOUT SOME FICTIONAL CHARACTERS

FICS THAT PUNCHED ME IN THE FACE WITH HOW GOOD THEY WERE: ✦ Neutron star collision by thedunesea, obi-wan/anakin & cast, NSFW, 121k wip     In the aftermath of Order 66, Anakin Skywalker's miraculous survival after his confrontation with the new Sith Apprentice Darth Vader ignites a sparkle of hope in the remaining Jedi, in the fledgling rebellion and, above all, in his former Master, who thought he had lost everything to darkness. But darkness is generous, and it is patient. ✦ Together in Slumber by ibex_ascendant, obi-wan/anakin, 2.4k wip     Several months after his last confrontation with Darth Vader, Obi-Wan finds himself trapped in a vivid and mysterious mindscape. And he isn't there alone. ✦ Satellite Mind by intermundia, septemberist, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 19.3k     Some doors, once opened, can never be closed, and some secrets, once learned, can never be forgotten. or, Five times Obi-Wan heard Anakin’s thoughts, and one time Anakin heard Obi-Wan’s. ✦ Slow Learner by Is0lde, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 12.6k     Four times Anakin tried to fit Obi-Wan's big dick inside him and one time he managed it. or; the evolution of their sexual relationship. ✦ Redolent of you by Himboskywalker, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, omegaverse, dom/sub, 31.3k wip     This act of espionage is going to require some class A play at antiquated alpha and omega dynamics, only problem is Anakin has never submitted in his life and it's certainly not within his nature,or so Obi-Wan thinks. ✦ Heal Me, My Darling by wasureneba, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, dom/sub, 12.4k     Anakin gets sick. Obi-Wan takes care of him. For two weeks. Alone. This would be easier if Anakin wasn't quite so gone for Obi-Wan. Or if this didn't involve a daily stab in the shebs. ✦ For He, too, is King by MayMeows, obi-wan/anakin & padme, NSFW, historical au, 7.7k     “I am here to present myself to the man who now calls himself King of my people.” Obi-Wan would be impressed as Anakin’s title as God-King, born from the divine himself, often struck people with awe, terrifying or glorifying, but Queen Amidala’s voice is as strong as her shoulders are squared. ✦ How to Save a Galactic Republic Without Really Trying by Sharp_Tongue, obi-wan/anakin & mace & yoda & quinlan & palpatine, nsfw, time travel, 23.9k     After defeating Vader on a barren, nameless moon, Obi-Wan had let go of the past. But the past hadn’t let go of him. ✦ (feel like i die) ‘til i feel your touch by decideophobia, obi-wan/anakin & yoda & mace & ahsoka, 15.5k     OR; Obi-Wan gets himself cursed and makes it everyone’s, but mainly Anakin’s, problem.

CANON-COMPLIANT (-ISH, WHATEVER) AT LEAST UP UNTIL THE GALAXY GOES PEAR-SHAPED AND/OR DIVERGES: ✦ Yellow Surprise by ToolMusicLover, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 11.1k     When Anakin is distant with him during a simple negotiation mission Obi-Wan jumps to the wrong conclusion, luckily for him Anakin isn't willing to let him go so easily. ✦ A Good Epithet by Artemis_Unbound, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 8.2k     Obi-Wan should have been happy. He had fulfilled Qui-Gon’s final wish. He had trained Anakin, he had spent ten years teaching the boy and watching him grow, he had cared for him and scolded him and coddled him by turns. He had, for better or worse, been Anakin Skywalker’s Master. ✦ hold on to this lullaby by decideophobia, obi-wan/anakin & rex, 1k     “Anakin,” Kenobi says with a hint of a reprimand in his voice. “Why aren’t you sleeping?” Skywalker staggers further into the room, and a faint blush spreads across his cheeks. He rolls his eyes but it doesn’t do anything to mitigate the color high on his face and the effect it has on his features: a pleased expression flashing clear as ion fire. Having made his way to one of the chairs, he drops down onto it with the elegance of a Hutt. ✦ Any Other World by mysticmjolnir, obi-wan/anakin & vader & leia & reva, NSFW, dimension hopping, 24.2k wip     Anakin has been looking for his Master for a very long time. Finally, on Mapuzo, he finds him. ✦ sea to a desert by maragny, obi-wan/anakin, nsfw, 3.1k     An interlude and an aftermath; or: how to love someone you seem to have spent half your life loving. ✦ spirit meets the bone by treescape, obi-wan/anakin, nsfw, time travel, dom/sub, 2k     Or, the Force keeps sending Anakin forward in time from the Clone Wars. ✦ Azúcar, Sudor by Delzi, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, spanking/discipline, 18.6k wip     Anakin can't stand Obi-Wan's new disciplinary tactic, but he absolutely loves it. ✦ Too Hot by secretsolarsystem, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 4.8k     Too Hot: A game where two players kiss without stopping and without touching each other. If one player touches the other, that player loses. The winner gets to do whatever they want to the loser. ✦ dream a little dream of me by answersinahauntedclub, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 10.3k     Anakin’s eyes snapped open. Oh no. Oh no. Anakin slumped back into the bed, staring down at himself in horror. Anakin Skywalker had just had a wet dream about Obi-Wan Kenobi. [or—you think you have problems? try having wet dreams of your friend-slash-former-master and then trying to figure out what that’s supposed to mean.] ✦ sea to a desert by maragny, obi-wan/anakin, nsfw, 3.1k     An interlude and an aftermath; or: how to love someone you seem to have spent half your life loving.

FUCK THE NOISE OUT OF ANAKIN SKYWALKER’S HEAD: ✦ Strings Pulled Taut by preromantics, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 4.8k     (AKA Anakin gets a bunch of gunk in his hair, Obi-Wan has been hyper-fixated, and it all bursts like a bubble.) ✦ dark red by wesnenski, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 1.9k     He feels Obi-Wan before he sees him: a ripple in the Force, a glow of warmth in the darkness. When he appears from the shadows like a bleary-eyed spectre, Anakin can only look up at him, nostrils flared, lip quivering. Here is his Master, tired and gaunt but solid and present and real. ✦ Take Care of Yourself, I Wish I Could by Kefalion, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, omegaverse, 7k     While Obi-Wan and Anakin are alone on a planet during a mission, Anakin goes into a presentation heat. One Obi-Wan will not help him through no matter how much they'd both want it. Not that they know that want is mutual. ✦ Fever by dirkygoodness, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, cat boy!anakin, 3.5k     Obi-Wan wakes up to a cuddly (Ny)Anakin and is met with something he isn't expecting. He's going to have to deal with it though. And enjoy himself as he does. ✦ sink into the dunes by stardies, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 9k     [A collection of small Obikin drabbles. Each chapter will have its own one shot.] 01. sfw, anakin’s separation anxiety. 02. first time nsfw. 03. obikin zine piece, sith!obi-wan, jedi!anakin, handjobs. ✦ a necessary respite by Anonymous, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 2.6k     to be fair, all of this is obiwan’s fault. even though his master is calmly sorting through reports the faint buzz of arousal in the back of both of their heads is majorly coming from him, anakin just can’t help but react to it. ✦ the lean and hungry type by tideswept, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, omegaverse, 4.5k     And so is Anakin, really, for being excited about this rather than angry. He wets his lower lip, striving to cohere his thoughts into something that isn’t appallingly horny, when Master speaks. “I’m not in rut,” he says quietly. “I wouldn’t spring that on you.” “I mean,” Anakin pauses. “You could.” ✦ when people show you who they are, believe them by RexIsMyCopilot, obi-wan/anakin, nsfw, spanking, dom/sub, 3k     Anakin has a meeting with the Chancellor. Obi-Wan convinces him to take a slow morning instead. ✦ needs must by silianrail, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, omegaverse, dual sex!anakin, 1.7k     Anakin must be the neediest omega in the entire temple, if not on the entire planet. But if Anakin is needy, what does that make Obi-Wan, who, after all, bends to so many of his padawan’s desires? ✦ Use Me by kittimau, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 2.5k     Anakin knows what Obi-Wan needs, even if he won't say it.

✦ Insatiable by TheSopherfly, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 1.8k     Obi-Wan meets Anakin’s eyes with a rueful smile. “You wanted it fast, yes?” “Yes.” Even without their responsibilities looming, Anakin would’ve wanted it like this; quick and dirty, like they just can’t help themselves. “Yeah. Fast is perfect.” “Good,” Obi-Wan says, punctuating the word with a single thrust. “Because I don’t think I’ll last long.” Or; With the twins still asleep, Anakin and Obi-Wan steal some time for themselves. ✦ Hazy Shade of Winter by Lemon (lemon_sprinkles), obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 2.7k     Obi-Wan runs hot; Anakin most definitely does not. Thankfully Obi-Wan is there to warm Anakin up when things get unusually cold in the Jedi Temple. ✦ The Love You Want by passeridae, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, potential dub con-esque (read the tags), 6.8k     They've returned to their rooms after sparring, flushed and laughing and close enough that the very air feels heated between them. Once the door has closed, Obi-Wan turns to Anakin, smiling, takes Anakin's jaw in the cup of his hand and kisses him like the first blush of spring. "You'll be good for me, won't you?" he murmurs, and Anakin does nothing more than dreamily nod because he knows just what to do when he's slipped under like this. Knows his job is to be obedient and pliant and good. ✦ Handle Me With Care by greeneyes_blondequiffs, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, omegaverse, 5.3k     Obi Wan wants Anakin but he knows he shouldn't. He also knows that there is no way he could ever act on it - or so he thought. ✦ tear me apart by RexIsMyCopilot, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, dom/sub, 2.4k     Obi-Wan uses Anakin in the Council Chamber ✦ A Lesson in Listening by GayCheerios, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, dom/sub, toys, 4.4k     “Anakin,” Obi-Wan says simply. Anakin feels chills run down his spine. That tone means everything except simplicity. “Bedroom.” His husband commands. ✦ Keeping Company by Gwendolyn (storiesofchaos), obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, omegaverse, 11.1k     "So, will you? Will you help me through my heat? Please, I want you to fuck me, Master, I need it." Anakin doesn't care that he's begging already, but he's getting even wetter between his legs and he can't help it. Obi-Wan doesn't seem to mind anyway, because he groans and drags his fingers up into Anakin's hair and tugs slightly, making Anakin gasp. "Force, yes, I'll give you what you need, Anakin." ✦ king unmaker by unbitten, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, transmasc!anakin, royalty au, 4.4k     How to get your King to stop playing hooky from his appointments to make trips to the brothel? Scold him. Stare disapprovingly. Fuck him yourself.

DARTH ASSHOLE CAT SHOULD BE GRABBED BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK AND SCOLDED BACK TO THE LIGHT: ✦ Reunion by Himboskywalker, obi-wan/darth vader, ~1k     Some sweetness to help with the absolute agony of Obi-Wan lol ✦ The Jedi Child by RowenaNie, obi-wan/darth vader & luke & leia & cast, NSFW, pregnant!anakin, 48.1k     “The emperor has put my replacement inside of me,” Vader said. ✦ Hand in Unlovable Hand by Rachello344, obi-wan/darth vader, NSFW, 2.8k     Post Kenobi Part VI: Instead of leaving Vader for dead, Obi-Wan finds himself unable to abandon his dear friend again and so takes him with him. How can Obi-Wan Kenobi live without the other half of himself? Whatever it takes, he will drag Anakin back to himself, kicking and screaming. ✦ dreamscape melodies by egeria, obi-wan/darth vader, NSFW, 2.9k     "The layers you Jedi wear are ridiculous," Vader grumbled. Obi-Wan let out a huff. "We're in a dream, are we not? Can we not just will our clothes off?" -- or: Vader is in heat and Obi-Wan is in his dream. It's still complicated. ✦ to restrain the darkness by treescape, obi-wan/darth vader, NSFW, some dom/sub, 2k     Or, Vader wants Obi-Wan to tie him up. ✦ dreams of old by treescape, obi-wan/darth vader, nsfw, 4.1k wip     Obi-Wan surrenders to Vader on Jabiim in exchange for everyone else's freedom.

FUCK YOU, CANON, THINGS GO A LITTLE NICER IN THIS UNIVERSE: ✦ afterimages by shatou, obi-wan/anakin, 1.3k     Mustafar is nothing but a bad dream. ✦ Sticky by Delziae, obi-wan/anakin & padme & ahsoka & rex & cast, NSFW, omegaverse, 25.9k     [Or: In which Anakin is too horny to handle and Obi-wan has a bit less control than he originally thought.] ✦ That Never Wrote To Me by Artemis_Unbound, obi-wan/anakin & cast, NSFW, omegaverse, 5.3k     After the Rako Hardeen mission, everyone Obi-Wan loves has turned away from him. It’s been months since he’s even seen Anakin, but their bond had been closed off for years. Knowing that Anakin would never want him the way Obi-Wan wanted Anakin had been painful enough, but at least he still had their friendship. And now even that’s gone, and the cold has settled into his bones. Acute Isolation Syndrome is so rare that Obi-Wan doesn’t recognize the symptoms. Doesn’t even realize that he’s dying. ✦ dream a little dream of me by answersinahauntedclub, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka & padme, 10.3k     [or—you think you have problems? try having wet dreams of your friend-slash-former-master and then trying to figure out what that’s supposed to mean.] ✦ Stargazing by thegingerwrites, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 21k     Anakin and Obi-Wan have become too well-known on the Holonet to take on undercover assignments anymore. But desperate times call for desperate measures and the Council asks them to make contact with a Separatist defector at a gala hosted on Mandalore. At least the event is a masquerade. ✦ praise you by RagnarLothcat, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 17.9k     An act of insubordination, a crash landing and a trek through the forests of an uncharted planet bring Anakin and Obi-Wan to a very hospitable village. Sure they think Anakin is a god, but really, what's wrong with wanting to be appreciated? ✦ terribly inconvenient and incredibly terrific by tennessoui, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, omegaverse, 24.8k     Obi-Wan has the sheer nerve to imply that Anakin is ill-suited for a mission he himself is going on, which means that Anakin will stop at nothing to prove his old master wrong. After all, Anakin can do anything Obi-Wan can do, thank you very much. Even if maybe, just this one time, Obi-Wan is right. This mission relies on the one area of Anakin's life he's never spent much time or effort thinking about: his omega designation and Obi-Wan's alpha one. But there's no way that Anakin is going to back down now. What will Obi-Wan do? Go to the planet with another, non-Anakin omega? Don't make him laugh. He's Obi-Wan's partner. And Obi-Wan is his alpha. Alpha master. Same thing. ✦ and when you look at me, the weight of how i feel is heavy on me by brahe, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka & mace & depa & qui-gon & rex & cast, 37.9k     “Jus’ like a sun,” Anakin murmurs, and Obi-Wan has to strain to hear it, almost misses it. He stills. “Beautiful shining sun,” Anakin continues, and presses his face further into the pool of robes. His voice is slow and sleepy, and Obi-Wan realizes he can tell Anakin is about to drop off into sleep. He blinks, lifting his head to stare down at him in something between awe and shock. That seems to be the standard operating procedure when it comes to Anakin, he thinks, a little wry, a little wondrous.

WORLD IS HARD AND COLD, OBIKIN FLUFF IS SOFT AND WARM: ✦ a vacationer's guide to being unexpectedly married by treescape, obi-wan/anakin & cast, 7.8k     “A vacation, you need,” Master Yoda had insisted firmly beneath their incredulous stares when they’d first received their instructions. “On a beach, perhaps, hmmm?” ✦ The Lonely Mollusk by temple_mistress, obi-wan/anakin & luke & leia, nsfw, 2k     Obi-Wan was incredibly horny, Anakin was, Force-bless him, more than ready to oblige, and the children were miraculously still sleeping. ✦ looking for trouble by orphan_account, obi-wan/anakin (mentioned obi-wan/anakin/padme), spanking, 1.7k     Anakin gets in a fight. Obi-Wan cleans him up and spanks him.

MODERN AUS CAN BE FUN AND CHARMING AS HELL AND A GREAT CHANCE TO MAP CANON DYNAMICS ONTO A WORLD WHERE THEY CAN HAVE A HAPPIER LIFE, IT’S A WIN ALL THE WAY AROUND: ✦ (I just) died in your arms tonight by Himboskywalker, obi-wan/anakin & padme & cast, modern au, 2.5k wip     Where Obi-Wan is still a master of politics and Anakin still fixes spaceships and they’re still irrevocably obsessed with one another. ✦ Win Condition by passeridae, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, modern au, F1 au, 4.3k     Anakin has just won his first race of his F1 career and Obi-Wan, his longtime trainer and partner, knows just what his boy should get as a reward. (His dick. The reward is his dick.) ✦ Hooked on You by whohatessand, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, modern au, 5.2k     With his wife's approaching senatorial election, Anakin Skywalker tries desperately to be the perfect husband she needs. Little does Padmé know, her husband has been sleeping with her campaign manager, Obi-Wan Kenobi, for quite a while now. ✦ we’re swimming with the sharks (until we drown) by decideophobia, obi-wan/anakin, modern au, fake married, 5.8k wip     He looks up and meets Anakin’s eyes. A thoughtful expression passes over his face. “Married people are paid significantly more,” he says then, slowly, looking at Anakin like he’s trying to solve a riddle. Anakin stares, dumbstruck. “Huh.” ✦ Would You Like Cream With That? by ranianke, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, modern au, professor obi-wan, 2.1k     Obi-Wan was a good teacher. His students learned the content, he got flattering reviews (even when you ignored the chili pepper Rate My Professors reviews that he could not seem to get taken down), and he generally liked teaching. Good professors did not sleep with their students. ✦ Pride & Preparation by secretsolarsystem, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, modern au, school au, 5.6k     “You’re beautiful,” Anakin praised, making Obi-Wan blush. “And nervous.” Obi-Wan scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Of course I’m nervous.” “You shouldn’t be,” Anakin said easily, pressing a kiss to Obi-Wan’s lips. “I love you, and this is going to be really fun.” ✦ swear each night to let him go by vorpalstars, obi-wan/anakin & padme & ahsoka, NSFW, modern au, professor!obi-wan, 10.3k wip     Anakin develops an unfortunate amount of lust for his literature teacher ✦ Seven Minutes in Anakin by Saratutti, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, modern au, dom/sub, 1.9k     Fully enamored doesn't even begin to describe Anakin’s captivation with the gorgeous professor he has stumbled into dating this Christmas season. ✦ The Melody Wakes the Heart by edgeofn1ght, obi-wan/anakin, modern au, 3.5k     However, it's practically love at first sight when Obi-Wan passes a new busker working the alley he passes through every day going to and from work. ✦ Pick-up Games by SingManyFaces, obi-wan/anakin, modern au, 1.1k     Ben’s quiet afternoon is ruined by a basketball player who needs some medical attention. He doesn’t mind too much. ✦ Prompted - Chapter 22: Brakebills by intermundia, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 10.2k     Anakin Skywalker was not a typical student of Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy.

WHAT DID CANON EVER DO BUT BREAK OUR HEARTS ANYWAY? TIME TO TELL CANON TO FUCK OFF AND WRITE AN AU: ✦ death by any other name by loosingletters, obi-wan/anakin & qui-gon, vampire au, 11.5k     While on a mission during his years as a Padawan, Obi-Wan escapes the tight hold of death transformed into something not quite human. In the years following, he isn’t always so lucky. ✦ Till Human Voices Wake Us by RagnarLothcat, obi-wan/anakin, mer!anakin, 2.7k     It’s late summer when Obi-Wan first notices a flash of gold between the waves. ✦ Goodbye by Ripki, obi-wan/anakin & qui-gon, nsfw, 1.2k     Anakin has no wish to leave Obi-Wan, not when they have just been reunited. Luckily for him, Obi-Wan is good at making their goodbye very memorable. ✦ tender like a bruise by stardies, obi-wan/anakin & cast, omegaverse, 6.8k wip     In a stroke of desperation, Obi-wan mates Anakin Skywalker by force on the fiery planet of Mustafar to stop his Fall and save his life. Taken back to Coruscant and imprisoned, Anakin feels the senate's pressure for justice, and Obi-wan, his mate and former mentor is determined to give him another chance. ✦ canaries underground by TheGoodDoctor, obi-wan/padme & references to anakin/padme & obi-wan/anakin & obi-wan/anakin/padme, NSFW, padme lives, 10k     There are good days, and bad days. This is a good one. ✦ use my body to break your fall by tennessoui, obi-wan/anakin & padme & ahsoka & mace & yoda & palpatine & cast, NSFW, Not a Jedi!Anakin, Sith!Obi-Wan, 63.5k     Obi-Wan Kenobi is too good at being a Sith Lord general of the Separatist army. The Jedi Council approaches Anakin with an offer he can't refuse. These things are, actually, related.

TIME TO CRY ABOUT SOME FICTIONAL CHARACTERS: ✦ you can't just leave me by amadwinter, obi-wan/anakin, nsfw, omegaverse, 1.6k     Anakin swears he’s above his Omega instincts, but when he’s sparring with his Alpha master one day, some wires get crossed that leave him unable to distinguish friend from foe. A primal fear consumes him, and no amount of Jedi training will shake the feeling he needs to escape. He needs to protect himself from the dangerous Alpha circling around him, searching for any sign of weakness. When backed into a corner, an Omega’s last line of defense is their bite. After all, an Alpha would never hurt their mate… ✦ A Little Early, A Little Late by greeneyes_blondequiffs, obi-wan/anakin, omegaverse, pregnant!anakin, 7.4k     Anakin finds out he's pregnant. The problem is that his mating ceremony isn't for another four months. ✦ Sweet Surprise by greeneyes_blondequiffs, obi-wan/anakin, nsfw, omegaverse, pregnant!anakin, 12.3k     Obi Wan and Anakin are forced to land on an unfamiliar planet. Anakin is perplexed by everyone's obvious interest in him, unsure what could be causing it. That is, until he receives some unexpected news. The problem is, Anakin's not quite sure he believes it. The other problem is what Obi Wan might think when he finds out. ✦ That Never Wrote To Me by Artemis_Unbound, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka & vokara, NSFW, omegaverse, pregnant!anakin, 5.3k     After the Rako Hardeen mission, everyone Obi-Wan loves has turned away from him. It’s been months since he’s even seen Anakin, but their bond had been closed off for years. Knowing that Anakin would never want him the way Obi-Wan wanted Anakin had been painful enough, but at least he still had their friendship. And now even that’s gone, and the cold has settled into his bones. Acute Isolation Syndrome is so rare that Obi-Wan doesn’t recognize the symptoms. Doesn’t even realize that he’s dying.

[thatonefanficwriternooneknows]

Corrie Week Day 7: FOX DAY!

And with this I have completed my first ever FULL fandom week thing! (I always end up forgetting to do day 7 lol) and while none of it is particularly long, I'm still proud of me!

Once again writing this at work because why not get paid to write fanfiction?

Here we go!

--

The thing about Coruscant that the GAR didn't know was that it wasn't worth protecting. That the down on their luck people were stepped on by those with money and power, and that the people with money and power could do whatever they wanted and get away with it.

It wasn't fair but nothing in life was.

So Fox did the only thing he could do.

Shrugged and moved on.

There was better osik for him to worry about than natborns and their arbitrary rules of class and other such rot. Fox had shinies to take care of and troopers to train, he didn't have any time or energy to spare in wondering about the strange things natborns do.

Didn't stop the Corries from collecting gossip like a trash chute collected waste.

"Senator Drahish definitely has a few side arms, none of the beings that came over to xir rooms last night were xir spouse and they all stayed until relief at 0600!"

"I'm positive Senator Binks only exists to make us question Nabooian citizen's sanity."

"Last week Senator Ishtasi met up with a Jetii and they totally kriffed in the alley. Smelled awful but whatever rattles your shell, am I right?"

"General Kenobi is clearly in love with his Commander, and the Commander is blind as haran and doesn't notice because we all know Commander Fox got all of the brain cells out of that batch."

"At least it's better than Commander Fox knowing Vos is bucket over boots for him and using his privileges to get whatever the Commander needs or wants."

Fox glared at the two discussing that last bit of gossip, but the idiots just smiled cheekily back at him. Unfortunately, his Corries were well aware of his fondness for all of them. Even if none of them necessarily knew that Fox wasn't manipulating Vos so much as he's letting his partner do nice things for him.

He'd never live that down.

So he let the two off with just a wave of his hand and leaned back in his ever so comfy desk chair said Jedi acquired for him. No he will NOT be asking where it came from.

For once he was doing as Hex ordered, and taking a much needed break from the never ending stream of datawork.

(Mostly because Hex had Codex install cams in Fox's office that live streamed to the medbay. His CMO would absolutely notice if he wasn't taking the mandatory breaks and resting his eyes and hands for some kriffing reason.

It was also the unfortunate reason Fox had had to cancel his much desired visit from Quinlan because there was no way in haran Fox was going to let Hex see him and his Jedi kriffing.

That was too much power for one vod to hold.)

His peace last a whole five minutes (a record) when there was a commotion in the hallway right outside his door.

Fox sighed.

Hopefully it would be something important enough that Hex wouldn't get on his shebs about ending his break early.

There was barely enough time for Fox to put his feet down on the floor before the door to his office was slamming open (how in the Force? They were SLIDING doors?!).

It was a GAR trooper in royal blue.

What the heck was one of Rex's idiots doing in Corrie Command?

Thire, Stone, and Thorn all clamored in right after the frontie, a few other guards crowding around in the doorway.

"I told you earlier, frontie, whatever you need to tell us can go through ME first!" Thorn huffed and tried to push his way between the GAR trooper and Fox with a puffed up chest.

The trooper just pushed Thorn aside, which cause his fellow Corrie to let out a hilarious squawking sound as he was knocked to the floor. (Thorn carried around a massive fire arm for fun, the Force was up with this trooper that they could just knock him aside??)

"Commander Fox?" The frontie slurred slightly, swaying a bit where he stood, so Fox decided to put him out of his misery.

"What can I do for you, trooper?"

"Are you actually Commander Fox? Because all of these Corries said that THEY were Commander Fox." The vod took off their bucket and glared. They did not look healthy.

The Aurebesh five on their temple the only thing not coated in sweat and other debris.

Interesting.

Fox settled back in his chair.

"Pretty sure that os'ika, Rex, told you exactly what my paint looked like, Fives. Now what do you want?"

It was a credit to Fives that he didn't startle at Fox knowing who the Force he was, but Fox was still withholding judgement considering the vod looked like he was on a bad spice trip.

Fives squinted at him then nodded quickly.

"Yeah, the Captain said you were, like, a super asshole."

Fox smirked. He did, in fact, have more asshole than most of his batch (barring Cody and Wolffe, who were definitely more asshole than he was).

"Anyway, the Chancellor is a Sith Lord and there are little microscopic chips inside of every vod with override codes that can make us do anything he wants us to, including murdering the Jedi including their tubies and cadets." Fives swayed where he stood, and Stone came up to steady him.

Fox hummed.

"Well?" Fives looked a little angry, but it was to be expected considering he was a frontie.

"Thorn."

"Sir." Thorn snapped to attention and saluted, recognizing Fox's voice for the Professional Shenanigans are Afoot tone that it was.

"You still have that slugthrower I'm not supposed to know about?"

"Yessir."

"Please go get it, I'm going to shoot the Chancellor."

"Yessir!"

The Corries departed with shouts of glee and a few exclamations of "finally!" following them.

Poor Fives just looked confused.

"That's it? I thought I'd have to be more persuasive than that..."

Fox shrugged.

"I've been looking for a way to murder that old man since I got on this skughole of a planet. This is better than the excuses we've been brainstorming."

"And if I'm wrong??" Fives furrowed his brows and looked to Stone like he was going to be of any help.

"Are you?"

"NO!"

"Then it's time to commit a murder. Let's go."

[dvrksiderr]

Gotcha.

It was yet another game of cat and mouse. You and the droid army had managed to push General Kenobi and his troops into the woods as they scrambled to take cover among the trees.

You grinned.

Oh, how you loved this part.

Walking deliberately slowly, lightsaber ignited by your side, you felt like a predator waiting on its prey, waiting to pounce.

In the distance you could hear the sound of blaster fire and the shouts of both droids and clones. You paid them no mind. You only had one thought engulfing your entire being. One Jedi...

"Kenobi..." you whispered softly.

The snap of a branch behind you.

The deranged smile on your face when you whipped around, your eyes darting in search of the familiar robe-clad figure, was frankly terrifying. You inhaled deeply. You could smell him.

Eyes blown wide with excitement, you began lurking towards the sound, weaving your way through every tree.

It was silent, apart from the hum of your lightsaber and your own deep breathing. The things he does to you - even when he's not there. All those sleepless nights, wishing your fingers were his own...it was never enough. You needed more than a thought. More than a memory.

"Kenobi," you called again, louder.

You giggled, putting a spring in your step as you continued your search. He was close.

"Obi-Wan?" you sang sweetly. The sound of his name from your lips felt like honey. Warm, gooey honey falling from your mouth.

The whirring of a lightsaber coming to life.

You turned, slowly. There he is.

"There's my little Jedi!" The maniacal smirk on your face was more than enough to put him on edge. He shifted under your gaze but his eyes remained determined.

You loved that look. You were about to have some fun.

He moved to a fighting stance, wordlessly. His eyes narrowed.

You cocked your head.

He pounced.

Now this was new. He never initiated. It was you who always took the lead. Honestly the change in behaviour excited you…

hold on a second-

Not a single witty remark before your fight? Where was the foreplay?!

You pouted as you parried his strike. The red hue of your lightsaber and the blue of his merged, casting a purple glow across his beautiful face. You force-pushed him away before you got lost in the sight. He was truly intoxicating.

"Come now, Kenobi," you said, running madly towards him, your lightsaber raised high, ready to strike him down. "Whatever is the matter with you?"

He blocked the attack, of course. He was so strong. You loved that about him.

"Perhaps the fact that you and your Separatist friends just destroyed an entire city. Tell me, how many lives must you take until you're satisfied?" His voice was spilling with emotion before he charged at you.

You rolled your eyes as you easily blocked again, kicking him onto the dirt with the heel of your boot.

He was in one of those moods. Of course he was. But even when he sounded so pathetic, it only made you want him more.

"Oh, darling," you purred, your hand extended out in front of you, pinning him to the ground with the force. "If I had known killing all those people would get you so worked up like this, I would've done it ages ago."

He tried to knock you off your feet by sweeping at your legs, but you had already pounced, straddling him and twisting the hand that he held his lightsaber in, until he was forced to let it go with a grunt.

You brought your own lightsaber to his neck, the proximity to the heat causing sweat to drip down his forehead.

You brought your face down to his and grinned. "Gotcha,"

You observed him silently for a moment, staring into his wide eyes. So pretty.

He struggled against you but it was useless.

You had him. And you were loving every second. The way he was writhing against you in a desperate attempt of escape made your head swim.

You bit your lip at him, not bothering to hide your smile. "So eager to leave already?"

He finally noticed the way you were looking down at him. He parted his lips to respond but you couldn't take anymore, You pushed yourself forward and claimed his lips with yours.

He was frozen at first, and you felt his whole body tense beneath you.

Then you tossed your own lightsaber off to the side somewhere and slid one hand around his neck and placed the other firmly against his chest. You felt him start to kiss back and it was electric.

The warmth of his body against yours made you moan shamelessly into his mouth. 

Finally. You had him. You had him and you were never letting go. 

You continued to move your mouth against his, your lungs were burning for breath but you'd rather go cold and lifeless than take your mouth off of his.

The feeling of his hand hesitantly place itself on your lower back made you smirk against his lips. You grabbed it off of you and squeezed it tightly.

You opened your eyes to see his looking at you, his face flushed red. But then, you moved his hand down to your ass and placed it there firmly and he had to look away in embarrassment. You weren't having that.

The hand you had around his neck tightened until he choked and you grinned, eyes blown wide at the sight.

You were completely and utterly drunk on him. Your mind was running wild, playing fantasy after fantasy of things you were going to do to him.

But then it all crashed as he suddenly jerked his knee into your stomach.

You felt the air knock out of you as he threw you down onto the floor and rolled on top of you, calling his lightsaber to his hand and bringing it to your neck.

You were about to chastise him for his naughty behaviour but the sight in front of you made your mouth fall open. 

He sat on top of you, breathing heavily, lips parted in exhaustion. The light of his saber illuminated his face in the most perfect way- you could see beads of sweat running down his face and a lock of his hair had fallen in front of his eyes.

Fuck.

You had never been so turned on in your life.

All you could do was watch as he pulled a comlink from his pocket and brought it to his lips. His lips- they still glistened with your saliva.

"Cody?" He somehow managed to keep his voice strong and clear. As if he hadn't been necking with a sith two seconds ago. "I'm going to need backup. I've got her."

He looked directly into your eyes as he said this.

You couldn't help but grin like a Cheshire cat. "Yeah you do,"

You knew his Commander heard you. Obi-Wan looked down at you reprimandingly and hung up. You blinked up at him innocently. He sighed and put away the comlink.

There was silence before you huffed.

"If we're not gonna fuck, then I have to go."

Obi-Wan raised a brow at you. "How exactly do you plan on that, my dear?"

He shook the lightsaber he held at your neck to emphasise his point.

Smug bastard.

You loved him though. You'd make him yours, just not today.

You grinned, bringing your wrist panel up to your mouth.

"Fire,"

His eyes widened and as if on queue, blaster fire began to rain down on you from above.

With Obi-Wan distracted, you managed to throw him off you and summon your lightsaber back to your hand. Your battle ship lowered down and you jumped on, waving at Obi Wan as it ascended.

"Until next time darling. I'll be counting the minutes," you called, watching as he looked up at you until you disappeared into the clouds.

Yes, you were looking forward to next time.

***

FIRST POST ON HERE AHAHAHA…yes it might be from my ao3 but still. Hope you like :p

[vodika-vibes]

Ladies Night

Summary: Your night out with your friends takes a turn, and Cody rides to your rescue.

Pairing: Commander Cody x Reader

Word Count: 1388

Warnings: Mentions of drinking and an overbearing boyfriend

Songs: None

Prompt: N/A

A/N: I have a migraine forming, and my husband kept interrupting me every five minutes while writing this, so it might not be my best work. Also, I'm still trying to figure out Cody's personality.

Divider by saradika

Ladies Night is probably one of your favorite ways to spend an evening. Not your most favorite, no, that honor lies solely on Date Night with Cody, which happens twice a week…or more, depending on how hard you’ve been working and how hard he’s been working and how much Cody needs space from General Kenobi.

But Ladies Night is still very important to you.

And, as an added bonus, Ladies Night generally occurs at 79s, which is where Cody has a Guys Night with his brothers every other week. And, it just so happens that your Ladies Night and his Guys Night is happening on the same night. 

You lean against Cody as he guides you into the club, your arms settling comfortably around his waist, “So,” You say lightly, a grin crossing your face as he lightly grips your hips, “I’ll keep my friends on this side of the club-”

“-and I’ll keep my brothers, well, the ones I’m meeting up with, on the other side.” Cody answers in turn as he ducks his head and kisses the corner of your lips, “Have fun, let me know if you’re leaving early?”

“Mm. I will.” You stand on your toes and kiss him gently, “You have fun too. Don’t let Wolffe get you in trouble.”

Cody chuckles quietly, “I’ll do my best,” He lightly releases you, and quickly kisses your temple, “Love you.”

“Love you too. I’ll see you later.” You kiss his cheek quickly, and  drop your arms. 

He crosses the club, over to the table his brothers already claimed, and you turn to join your friends at the booth that they claimed. Surprisingly, you’re not the last person to arrive.

“You’re on time!” Your best friend sounds surprised.

“I’m not always late,” You counter as you slide into the booth next to her and accept the drink she hands you, “Where’s Midi?”

“Late,” One of your other friends says with a roll of her eyes, “Was that Cody we saw with you?”

“He’s having his Guys Night with his brothers on the other side of the club,” You reply with a shrug, “It’s fine. He promised not to bother me unless he has to.”

30 minutes later, the final member of your party finally shows up…with her boyfriend hot on her heels. She looks apologetic and sheepish, “Sorry I’m late,” She says brightly, very notably not mentioning her boyfriend, or commenting on how he was pulling a chair to the end of the table.

You arch a single brow, “Uh, Midi? You do remember that this is Ladies Night, right?”

“Uhm, yeah. But-”

“But I know that Ladies Night is code for cheating on your boyfriend,” Her boyfriend interjects with a sneer, “Do your boyfriends know where you are?”

You share a look with your friends, and then as one you turn to look at Midi, who blushes and ducks her head, “We can still have fun?”

“And I’m not leaving.” The boyfriend said, “You have to have “me” approved fun.”

You make a face, “Right. Well, if you’re staying then I’m not.” You slide out of the booth, reaching for your com as you do. You pause as he grabs your wrist in a tight grip.

“You’re here now, you should stay.” He threatens.

You stare at him for a moment, “Okay. So there are two possible ways this ends. You let go of me and I pretend this never happened, or you don’t let go of me, and you get your ass beat.”

“By you? I’m hardly scared.” He tightens his grip on your wrist, tight enough that you wince.

You try to tug your wrist out of his grasp, but when that doesn’t work, you grab your com and you press a single button, holding it for 5 seconds. When you first started dating Cody, he worried, excessively, about your safety. To the point that he, with your permission, installed a panic button on your com. 

A panic button that sends an alert to Cody, allowing him to either help you himself, or send someone else to help you if he’s not on planet.

Cody is across the club and has the situation assessed in less than 30 seconds. He reaches out and grips Midi’s boyfriend’s wrist, squeezing tightly, “Didn’t anyone teach you not to manhandle people?” He asks, his voice mild enough that you can tell that he’s furious.

He releases your wrist immediately, and you sigh in relief as you rub your wrist. As soon as you’re released, Cody releases the other man, and he moves to your side, his gaze dark as he lightly takes your hand and brushes his fingers over the red skin of your wrist.

“Are you okay?”

You flex your wrist, “Yeah. I’ll probably have a bruise, but that’ll heal.” You smile at him, “Thanks for coming so quickly. And sorry for bothering you.”

He scoffs, “He was hurting you, cyare. You don’t have to apologize for calling me to help. That’s what the panic button is for.”

“I suppose you have a point,” You lean in and kiss his cheek, “I’m just going to go home, I think.”

“You want me to come with you?” Cody asks.

But you’re already shaking your head, “Spend time with your brothers, Cody. I know you miss them. Do you want me to order enough food for you?”

“I’ll take care of it.” He brings your hand to his lips, and he presses a light kiss to your knuckles, “I’ll see you when I get home.”

“Alright. See you then. Love you.”

And you fall a little more in love with Cody when he remains at the table to make sure that your friends, who are also unwilling to have a supervised Ladies Night, are able to leave safely as well.

Highly disappointed that your night had been ruined, you return home and order your favorite food, and then curl up on the couch while wearing one of Cody’s old shirts and eat while watching a movie you’ve been meaning to watch for ages.

It doesn’t really surprise you that you fall asleep on the couch while watching the movie and waiting for Cody to come home.

You wake up later, to the feel of a warm hand sliding through your hair. “Mm…Cody?”

“Hey, cyare.” His voice is low and soothing, and his hand slides through your hair, and then down your spine. “You fell asleep on the couch.”

You roll slightly and open your eyes, a sleepy smile crossing your face as you look up at his face, “Wanted to wait for you.” You sit up slowly, and whine low in your throat as you stretch your arms over your head.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Cody says in reply as he stands from where he was kneeling next to you, and he offers his hand to tug you to your feet.

You accept his hand, and you giggle when he tugs you into his arms, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. You slide your hands up his chest and settle your arms around his neck, “Welcome home,” You say warmly.

His hands settle on your hips, and slide up your sides, “Well, I feel welcome,” Cody teases, before he leans in and kisses you once, twice, three times.

He tastes like the beer that he prefers when he’s out with his brothers, and your lips curl up into a fond smile, “Are you drunk?”

“Only on my love for you.” He answers with a slowly growing grin.

You dissolve into laughter, pressing your face against his neck, “That’s awful, Cody.”

He curls his arms around you, and you can feel his amused grin against the side of your head. “Made you laugh though.” He kisses your temple, “Come on, I need a shower. Or a bath, if you’re willing to indulge me.”

You press a light kiss just under his ear, “When have I ever not indulged you, love?”

“There’s a first time for everything.” He replies cheerfully, and then he scoops you into his arms and effortlessly carries you through the house until he can set you on the bathroom counter. “And, in case you are wondering, I’m a lot more sober than you might think.” He kisses you again, even deeper than before.

[lazuliquetzal]

Fic Stats Game

Ohoho thank you @tavina-writes for the tag!! Pretty sure this is gonna be the same 3 fics over and over but we'll see :)

rules: give us the links to your fic with the most hits, second most kudos, third most comments, fourth most bookmarks, fifth most words, and fic with the fewest words.

1) Most Hits

It's AA Batteries (Daiya no Ace). I know this without even looking, it's AAB 100% and by... not a significant, but a decent lead. That thing breached containment. I'm glad that it did, because I had fun writing it, but it always surprises me because sports anime twin OC fic? Really?

But I'm glad it's my most popular fic, even if I don't consider it my best, because even if it's a canon rewrite, I finished a 100K+ fic and I am proud. I'm literally never over it, I could talk about it all day.

Like, I usually don't ship things very strongly, but Misawa is insane to me. Also, do you know how embarrassing it is to relate to Miyuki Kazuya? And not even in a 'generic repressed character' way, I'm talking in a Hey I Literally Was In His Shoes And Made The Same Exact Fucking Mistakes And Decisions way. Nobody gets Miyuki Kazuya like I do. I'm fucking Miyuki kin. I didn't ask for this. I didn't--

2) Second Most Kudos

This one is also AAB, so I'll go with first place: Reflection (The Magnus Archives). A classic. A nice and simple time travel fix-it comedy.

I remember the writing of this one because I had been utterly obsessed with TMA. It would not let me go. I drafted the early chapters on my phone while walking across my college campus. I almost got ran over by a bike when I was writing the "Martin witnesses Jon have a mild breakdown in the break room" scene.

3) Third Most Comments

Dawn of the Fourth (Linked Universe). The LU fandom is super giving with their comments! Probably the most comment-friendly fandom I've been in.

I think it also helped that DotF is one of those stories where every chapter is a punch to the throat lol. If you didn't comment after ch7, it's probably because you zoomed through haha.

4) Fourth Most Bookmarks

It's DotF again, so I'll go with third place: ain't no rest for the wicked (Naruto).

Ah, this one... I'm fond of it, in the way I'm fond of all my writing, but also I was in high school. There's a lot about it that I would do differently now. But I learned a lot from writing it, and actually Chie, Issei, and Riku are still my children and I love them all. I'm proud of the color test. :)

5) Fewest Words

If you ignore the Zelda comic and the CSS formatting test and the anonymous April Fool's fic that I will not be claiming ownership of publicly, my shortest fic is Blackout Blues (Daiya no Ace) at 1101 words. If you subscribe to the belief that a picture is worth a thousand words, then that bumps the word count up to 4101 words.

I should draw more art for my fanfic. I have the power. It's fun.

tagging (if you want!): @yellowocaballero @xxsolar-writesxx @ellie-tarts @zarvasace @dottie-wan-kenobi and anyone else who wants to!

[adhd-coyote]

I guess I might as well make an intro, huh? Heya, I’m Coyote or Codi, pronouns she/it, lovely to have you here <3

I’m a fanfic writer and sometimes even an artist! All of my works can be found on ao3 under adhd_coyote. It’s mostly Star Wars, as that hyperfixation started almost two years ago and has not let go since. But I’ve also got a few bnha fics and even a Teen Wolf oneshot, so there’s a bit of variety!

Please don’t hesitate to dm me, send asks, or tag me in wip/prompt challenges or anything else, even if we’ve never interacted before! I’m always eager to engage with my fellow fans! You can also find me on Discord as assigned_coyote (tho I don’t accept random friend requests, so dm me first please)!

I don’t accept any kind of hate or toxicity. My policy is ship and let ship; if you aren’t hurting anyone, then I don’t have a problem with you. If you don’t agree with this policy, the back button is very easy to use.

Happy to have you here, and hope you stay a while! <3

Links to tags+explanations under the cut!

Coyote’s OC Masterlist

my writing - What it says on the tin. Stuff I've written, either on my own or with the lovely @darkest-of-rats! my art - There isn't nearly as much of my art as there is my writing, but I still tag it! coyotes clone chaos - I've got a whoole bunch of clone trooper ocs and I love to talk about them! Anything related to them can be found with this tag! I also tag every post with the names of the characters mentioned, in case you'd like to look for a specific oc! (I also have a fic by the same name; a series of oneshots featuring my precious babies) 193rd battalion - My original Clone Wars battalion, featuring General Adai Na'kala, Commander Sil, and Captain Badger, along with a couple more ;3 coyotes yips and yaps - My non-fandom related rambles minifig adventures - The adventures of my Star Wars mini figures! Featuring Padawan Kenobi, Commander Cody, Berry the Storm Trooper, and @the-best-ie!

Fanfic Tags - All of my ongoing fics! don't give up on me - A fic series I'm writing with @darkest-of-rats! Featuring Cody/Obi-Wan/Fox, many clone trooper ocs, and so much hurt/comfort! Updates every Monday! this house don't feel like home - @darkest-of-rats and I's second fic! Featuring Cody/Fox, Ace!Obi/Ace!Rex, heavy Fox whump, and many many feels! You are going to hate Anakin in this one. Updates on Fridays! visions verse - My series Visions and Where They Lead! It's a series of oneshots and small fics following a young Obi-Wan who had a teensy mental breakdown on Galidraan, killed Dooku, and Fell. Featuring a slightly insane Obi-Wan, a very concerned Silas, and death! Updates are sporadic, I write when the muse strikes. cult of fox - @darkest-of-rats and I's third fic! It's a Cult of the Lamb crossover featuring fluffy crack, tookas, ancient deities, and lots of fun! Updates are irregular, as this is a side project, and no knowledge of Cult of the Lamb is needed to understand and enjoy!

I have other fics, but those don't have tags as they are either oneshots or completed. You can find 'em on my ao3!

[carolinetano7567]

A Rex x female Jedi General reader :3

Warnings: None. Word count: 2,497 (sorry y’all)

“C’mon, General, you could use the fun! What’s one night at 79’s gonna do to you?” Fives pleaded as he threw his arms out. “Yeah,” Jesse agreed, grinning slightly. “This is just the thing we need.” You sighed heavily. You were sore, and tired. You had just come back from a traumatic battle on Felucia, and you had lost many good men in the 501st. Quite honestly, you wanted to go hide in your room and be left alone for weeks to mourn them. 

“I don’t know, boys.” You rested your hands on your hips and looked up into the bustling skies of Coruscant in the fading daylight. You had managed to escape from the confrontation of the Temple to a solitary platform that Captain Rex had showed you long ago. You had spent many long hours conversing with the Captain up here. It was like a safe haven for the two of you. The sounds of the traffic were less clamorous up here. It was just you, and a small square of sky amidst cloud-piercing buildings. 

“I…I think I ought to just stay here.” You mumbled. You still felt as if a great weight was upon your shoulders. Fives furrowed his brow and took a few steps closer to you. 

“I know where you’re at, General. I’ve been there, myself.” The ARC Trooper let out a bitter chuckle. “But believe me when I say…” He searched your eyes for a sign of approval. “A couple of drinks with merry company is just what you need.” He finished, and gave a lopsided grin; one that had become quite familiar to you in recent months. 

“And!” Jesse added, a glint of good humor twinkling in his eye. “The Captain will be there.” He wiggled his eyebrows as he did when he teased you about Captain Rex. Your heart did a slight flutter at the sound of his name, but you kept your face stoic. 

“I see.” You nodded nonchalantly. You knew better. Rex had been fighting side-by-side with you…you knew the last thing he wanted was to party with his drunk brothers. 

“Rex never goes to 79’s. He’s too consumed by his business and that of General Skywalker. You’re pulling my leg.” You shook your head and gave a slight laugh. 

“Well…uh—” Five’s hand sought the back of his head and scratched it. “Jess and I may or may not have convinced him to come by saying you’d be there.” He flushed, and laughed nervously. 

“Insubordination!” You yelped, and sent a playful punch to his shoulder. “Why the kriff would you do that to me?!” You rolled your eyes and huffed, unable to contain a small smile. 

“Pleaaase, General y/n?” Jesse pouted. You knew he was milking it…and it was working. Fives peered at you through his amber eyes, begging you to join them. 

“ALL RIGHT!” You cried, exasperated. You threw your hands in the air. “I’LL COME.” 

Jesse and Fives hooted and cheered. “But you…Mr. Matchmaker,” You said, jabbing a finger at Fives. “Are paying.” 

Fives snickered, and nodded. “I expected nothing less, General. Come on. Mine and Jess’s Speeders are over here. Now you get the joy of choosing which of us you wanna plague on the way to 79’s.” He winked. 

“Oh, you’re hilarious.” Your tone dripped with sarcasm. “Seeing as you’ve already proved to be a pain in the rear this evening, I’ll catch a ride with Jesse, thank you very much.” You chuckled, and Jesse smiled. 

“I-I’m honored, General!” He exclaimed, and saluted. “Calm down, Jesse, it’s y/n, not General Kenobi.” Fives laughed as he mounted his speeder. You smiled, and clambered onto Jesse’s behind him. 

“Heads up, General. He drives like he’s fresh outta the tube!” Fives teased from a few yards away. 

“I do not, Fives! Stop making me look bad!” Jesse shouted back, and flushed. “S-sorry, General.” He apologized sheepishly. You suppressed a laugh, and patted his shoulder. “It’s quite alright, Jesse.” You chuckled and gave a content sigh. “It’s quite alright.” 

Arriving at the bustling platform of 79’s you were shocked at the amount of Clones gathered on it, and making their way either in, or out of the bar. The flashing neon lights of the sign pierced the darkness, and threw vidid splashes of color across your white robes. 

“Well, looks like we won’t be alone, tonight!” Fives exclaimed as he dismounted his speeder. “When are we ever alone here, Fives?” Jesse rubbed his temples as if a headache was coming over him. Fives stretched, and popped his fingers. “Who’s ready to get kriffing wasted!” He bellowed. You strode up behind him, and slapped him upside the head in one swift motion. “No, Sir you’re not! We have a strategy meeting in the morning! I forbid you get ‘wasted’.” Fives blushed and chuckled. “I was only mostly joking with all due respect, General.” He methodically explained. “Mhm. I see that.” You eyed him as you walked in stride with him into the bar. It was bustling on the inside. Part of you feared being recognized, but the rest of you didn’t care. You were here to forget, and throw caution to the wind for a few hours. You’d deal with the consequences later. It was hard to concentrate on just one area of the bar, seeing as there were many mixed dynamics unfolding every few feet…but a particular figure caught your eye. A solitary clone, sitting hunched over at the bar with his fingers running absently around the rim of his shot glass. You recognized him instantly. 

“Ey, General!” Fives called, waving you over to a booth. He had found Echo, Hardcase, and Kix and was asking if you wanted a go at darts. You shook your head, and motioned towards the bar, hoping he would get the message. Fives grinned, and nodded. 

A good man, that Fives. 

And a good soldier. 

As crazy as he was, he genuinely was a kind, and caring soul. But now as you squeezed through a labyrinth of dancing, drinking Clones…your thoughts were only focused on one soul. You knew Rex felt every loss just as deeply as you did. He merely had a better way of hiding it. You were right behind him now, but his head was hung, and he had not noticed you. 

“You know, when Fives said you’d be here, I thought he was joking.” You slid onto the barstool beside him, thus announcing your presence. 

“Oh! G-General!” Rex stammered, and his head shot up. He raised his eyebrows, and peered in an intrigued manor at you. “I…could say the same about you.” He began slowly. “Can I buy you a drink?” He politely offered. You smiled, and shook your head. “The drink I’ll take, but put it on Fives’s tab. He’s paying this evening.” You nodded firmly. 

“Ahh, I see.” Rex chuckled, and a small grin pulled at his lips. He cast a glance over his shoulder and rolled his eyes seeing how dramatically Fives was telling another one of his daring tales. He finished off what was left in his shot glass, and waved down the bar tender, insisting that your oder be put on Fives’s tab. 

“All of his shenanigans aside— I’m glad you’re here, General.” Rex looked at you, and you thought that his eyes looked older than when you’d seen them last. “Please, Rex,” You sighed as you looked down at the counter. “Call me by my name…just when it’s us.” Rex’s eyes widened a bit, but he nodded as if he’d just been given an order his life depended on. “Understood, y/n.” 

The way he said it made you flush, which you wanted to kick yourself for. “Are you doing alright…just—y’know, after the other day. I don’t want to ruin the evening, I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” You asked as you received your shot. Rex looked bitterly into his. 

“Nothing I’m not used to.” He shrugged. 

“I didn’t ask if you were nullified to it, I asked if you were okay.” You gently reinforced. Rex took this into consideration. “I-I’ll be alright. Thanks for asking.” You noticed a hint of blush had crept up into his cheeks, but figured it was just the alcohol. You’re heart ached. You could see the hurt in his dark eyes. You could sense his heaviness and grief. After downing your shot, you waved down the bartender for another. 

“I didn’t think that you drank.” Rex quietly observed. “I do tonight.” You replied with a small sigh. Rex creased his brow and gazed at you. You wanted to look back at him, but you could not meet his eyes. 

At that moment, a song started blaring from the speakers and the whole crowd went up in a riot. You could hardly hear yourself think. Then Rex laid his hand firmly on your shoulder as he rose from his seat. “Follow me.” He shouted to be heard above the noise. You chuckled, and followed on Rex’s heels through crowds, out the back door, and into the cool night. There was a small balcony that was used for deliveries that was seemingly deserted. Even the sounds of traffic paled in comparison to the obnoxious concoction of noises in the bar. Your chest rose, and you exhaled contently, mind eased by the quieter atmosphere. “Much obliged to you, Rex.” You winked. Rex rested his arms across the railing of the balcony. You did the same, and stole a glance up at him. His lips were pursed, and his eyes were distant…but he was as handsome as ever. 

“How about you?” He asked suddenly, still not looking down at you. You tilted your head to the side. 

“Pardon?” You further inquired. 

“Are you…okay?” 

Your heart skipped a beat. Of course you weren’t okay. But how on earth could you tell him that without lying to him? 

“Dunno,” You quickly shrugged and turned your head away. Rex shifted to where his side leaned against the railing.

“You don’t know?” He repeated doubtfully. “Y/n, I have a hard time believing that.” 

You bit your lip as tears stung your eyes. You hadn’t cried for them yet, you hadn’t gotten a chance to. But Rex was here now, and he cared about you. Could you cry in front of him? 

“I just…” Your breath got caught in your throat. You heaved and your lower lip trembled as your self control started to slip. “I failed them.” You whispered as a tear fell. Rex instinctively took a step closer to you. 

“Y/n, no you didn’t…” He quietly contradicted. 

“I did, too!” You sobbed, swiftly turning and looking up at him. “Every one of those boys died at my command! Their blood is on my hands! I was the officer in charge.” Tears streamed down your face, and you choked as you sobbed. Rex simply stood there, unsure of himself or what to do. He slowly raised his arm, and laid his hand on your shoulder. “I understand.” He whispered. “I…understand.” You pressed your hands to your heaving chest, and leaned into the Captain as you were overcome by sobs. Rex did nothing for a moment, but after observing the situation, he gently folded his arms over your shoulders. He gently patted your back and hushed you. “There now, you’ll be alright.” He whispered. You shook your head slightly and heaved. Rex pulled away, and held you by the shoulders. He looked deeply into your tear-filled eyes. “Y/n, listen to me. It’s not your fault. In battle the loss of life is inevitable. I was out there with you, and you commanded those troops to the best of your ability. The lives lost were due to the enemy, not you. I know that, and those boys knew that. Understand?” He finished gently. You sniffed, and nodded realizing how ridiculous you must look. Then another thought kicked in. Your face was only inches away from Rex’s. The city lights glimmered in his dark eyes like nothing you’d ever seen.

“Can—can I have another hug?” You meekly asked, feeling your already red face flush. Rex’s eyes widened for a moment before he cleared his throat and regained his composure. “I—sure. Sure you can.” His eyes darted about as if making sure no one was around to see you. You put your arms around his waist, and he held you slightly tighter than before. You slowly started to steady your shaky breaths, and calm your spirits. “Thank you.” You whispered after a moment…but you did not pull away. Rex did not make you. You then realized just how long you had wanted to hug the Captain. You went directly against the Jedi code in what you felt for the Captain, but was it really a bad thing? This “attachment,” had brought no pain. Instead it had brought happiness, and light to you. You looked up into Rex’s face, and moved back a step. 

“Rex, I—” you began, unsure of what to say. You knew what you felt, but how could you put it into words? 

“I’m here.” Rex grinned and your heart leapt. 

“I think…” You began quietly. “I think you’re a wonderful person. I admire and respect you very much…would it be so wrong for a General to fall in love with her Captain?” You let your words hang in the air as Rex stood before you in shock. “Y/n…” He stuttered. “Are—are you serious?” He blinked as his breathing quickened. 

“I am, Rex.” You looked into his eyes with an unwavering gaze, anticipating the worst. 

“All this time…” Rex breathed. “I thought it was something wrong with me.” His eyes scanned you, and you sensed the conflict within him. “I…” He began, but you took his gloved hand in yours, cutting him off. Now you knew his blushing was from more than the alcohol. 

“I understand.” You smiled at him as your heart started to pound inside your chest. Rex hesitantly drew you by the hand closer to him, you could have sworn there were tears in his eyes. You gazed up into his deep brown eyes, and your stomach back flipped. His eyes were seemingly alight with some newfound glow. He leaned his head down, and you could feel his breath as your foreheads pressed together. 

“I’ve…never done this to anyone before.” He bashfully admitted, releasing a wry chuckle. You grinned, and cupped the side of his face with your hand. “Neither have I, so maybe we’ll have beginner’s luck.” You joked. Rex shut his eyes, and softly brushed his lips against yours, sending an electric shock wave through you. Your eyes fluttered shut, and as you slid your arms around his neck, you noted to thank Fives for inviting you out that evening. You had needed it more than you realized. 

[setaripendragon]

Trying to organize my ask notebook better since I've run out of space under general fandom asks and I would like to know what fandoms you are in so I can ask the correct people about the correct fandoms.

I think my main ones are Bagginshield/The Hobbit, Sherlock/Johnlock, Dragon Age Inquisition, {Pippin/Faramir Merry/Eowyn}/The Lord of the Rings and I dip my toes in a few that I currently can't remember but ones I don't engage in canon at all are Good Omens but only for Crowley/Azirapheal ship, Stranger Things but only for Steve/Eddie ship, The Witcher but only for Geralt/Jaskier things and Ladybug and Cat Noir but only for Adrinette .

Also do you like getting asks that are or include story ideas or snippets?

*Asks are sent for fun, no pressure to answer within a certain amount of time or at all.

Ooh, I am in so many fandoms XD It wouldn't actually be easier to list the ones I'm not in, but sometimes it feels that way.

Definitely there with you on The Hobbit and Bagginshield and Lord of the Rings and that whole 'verse, and I'm all in on the Good Omens and The Witcher (well, all in on most of the fandom, I've read some of one of the books, played some of one of the games, watched some of one of the shows... XD).

I also enjoy me some Sherlock, but my preferred flavour is Elementary, rather than BBC.

At the moment my main fandoms are One Piece (catching up with the anime atm, it's taking a while XD), Supernatural, and Star Wars (pretty much entirely second hand, except for the Kenobi show and recently being bullied into watching the Mandalorian with a friend =P).

Okay, I'm going to try and be concise now because otherwise we'll be here all day. Here are fandoms that I've written stuff for (published or not): A Song of Ice and Fire, Alice in Wonerland, Assassin's Creed, Avatar the Last Airbender, Black Butler, Bleach, James Bond, Charmed, Criminal Minds, Critical Role, Emperor's Edge, Fairy Tail, Firefly, Frozen, Fruits Basket, FullMetal Alchemist, Girl Genius, Rise of the Guardians, Harry Potter, Kingsman, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Merlin, Chronicles of Narnia, Naruto, Avatar (2009), Once Upon a Time, Peaky Blinders, Percy Jackson, Pride and Prejudice, The Sandman, Shadowhunters, Sinbad (Dreamworks), Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Teen Wolf, The Untamed, Torchwood, White Collar, X-Men.

I'm not, you know, deep in the fandom of more than usually three or four at a time, but my muse wanders like she's got itchy feet. And I'm probably at least passingly familiar with several other fandoms: I'm enjoying watching Dungeon Meshi at the moment but I haven't yet got the itch to play in that sandbox, I love reading Scum Villain's Self Saving System fanfic but I don't feel I know the characters well enough to write my own, I watched basically all of the Disney animated movies as a kid but I haven't yet had a solid enough idea to write, I have seen some of Stranger Things but I watched most of it while somewhat sleep deprived and that is not the best way to watch horror ^^" I've played FF7, I've read the Hunger Games, I've watched Yuri On Ice, etc, but I don't have a convenient list of those, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I won't make this any longer than it needs to be going into my ships unless you ask specifically, but let it be said that I'm a polyshipper in a big way (nothing gets my brain to go brrrrrrr like complicated relationship dynamics =3), and making it onto my NoTP list takes some seriously rancid vibes and/or overly pushy fans, and it's always safe to ask me about a ship =P

Story ideas are very welcome! The muse needs constant feeding =P I won't make any guarantees about them going anywhere, but I love seeing them all the same. Snippets... are probably the same? I don't know, I've never been sent one. I'm probably even less likely to do anything with them, just because of stupid brain quirks, but who knows?

[ihathbenobiwankenobied]

the artifact

Part Ten (TEN!!!) of 212th Medic Skull Has Had Enough on ao3

| Part two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9

Summary:

There were approximately three minutes of glorious silence as Skull opened his medkit and began to reorganize its contents.

Then there were hushed whispers filling the cabin.

“You shouldn’t have taken this mission, Obi-Wan. You know what happened the last time.” Cody’s voice was low, barely a whisper, but it couldn’t be ignored in the confines of the space.

(Or, a mission to Corellia leads Obi-Wan to another Sith artifact. Skull, Oxy, and Cody try to stop its effects before it's too late.)

Word Count: 10,647 (A hefty one, I know)

It had been almost two standard months since that dreaded night –the one sharing a bed with Quinlan– and Cody had only just stopped teasing Skull to the point of making the medic want to wring his neck. Sure, the flirting had been fun, and definitely something Skull secretly enjoyed despite the Commander’s endless commentary, but Quinlan was always on the move, never sticking around in one place for longer than a few days.

In other words, it was impractical to let anything other than flirting happen, it wouldn’t be able to last.

Skull was okay with it, especially the demands of his own job. The 212th had an unimaginable propensity, as an entire unit of men, to be riddled with endless medical issues and injuries unrelated to the war efforts. At least Skull wouldn’t be out of a job anytime soon. 

There had been a couple of weeks of leave on Coruscant, leaving Skull and Oxy with enough time and resources to finally procure a year’s supply of a medication that was strong enough to treat General Kenobi’s epilepsy. While it was difficult to get him sitting still for long enough in between Jedi responsibilities and Council meetings to explain the need for the medication, Skull was fairly certain Kenobi was taking it when his absence seizures had disappeared after two more weeks. 

With that resolved, and at bay for at least a year save for any additional Kenobi-related inconveniences, Skull finally felt free enough to spend his time researching new medications, unknown illnesses running through the ranks, and new types of flora he had come across in their travels. 

His latest research of a desert plant he’d found on Jakku led him to his lab in the Negotiator’s medbay on a particularly quiet day. No orders had been communicated from the ranks above, and the last of Skull’s patients had trickled out of the medbay the day before. 

Then– 

“Got new orders, Skully; suit up.” Oxy’s voice rang loud from the door outside his lab. 

Sighing– because he’d just begun to look at the healing properties of this particular plant, and he was making some headway– Skull stood from his creaky chair and left his lab behind.

“Where are we going this time? Please tell me not the desert.” He asked, collecting his scuffed armor from his desk and beginning to position each plastoid piece. 

“No, some city planet, small squadron. I’m thinking Jedi- osik. Diplomacy or whatever.” Oxy was practically shaking with excitement over the idea; Skull snorted. Oxy probably figured there would be drinks and bars and fun if they were headed for a diplomatic conference. 

“And you think they’ve requested medics for a diplomatic meeting? Must be some treaty.” Skull pulled his bucket over his head, grabbed his packed medical kit, and shrugged as they left Splint in charge and headed for the hangar. 

As predicted, the mission was not for diplomatic purposes, but rather one to retrieve a Sith artifact from the hands of a bounty hunter. From the look on Ahsoka’s face when Skywalker explained it, medics were brought along for a reason.  

Sith. Skull’s stomach rolled ominously. 

Skull had only heard fragments of conversations about Sith in his time surrounded by the Jedi, but he had been able to piece together a decent idea of what the Sith were. Dark, deceptive, Force-wielders; a direct contradiction to the Jedi. 

Skull shared a dubious look with Oxy. It was one thing to be thrown into battle with one hundred of the vode, and another to share a mission with the Jedi– Skull liked to think only the former had common sense.

It seemed Commander Cody shared the unease. He stared at Skull as he stepped off of the top of the ramp into the cruiser, lips in a hard, unmoving line. While he always appeared somewhat cross, he seemed particularly so in the moment. Beside him, Kenobi stood with his arms tucked within the arms of his cloak, his usual tranquil demeanor on display. However, there was something off about him, an edge that usually wasn’t there which lingered around his presence. 

“Outside of Coronet there is a rumored non-operating droid factory buried under farmland,” Skywalker spoke as the ship took off from the hangar. “Our intel shows there is a good chance the Sith artifact is hidden there. We will retrieve it, place it in the Force-suppressing shipping container,” Skywalker pointed to a durasteel case that sat in the corner of the room, “And ship it back to Coruscant.”

Silence enveloped the cabin, and Kenobi cleared his throat after a pause. 

“How do you suppose you will find a way in?” He asked, voice curiously low and shaky, unusual for the normally confident Jedi.

“Well, Obi-Wan, you’ll be happy to hear I already enlisted a spy to search for an entrance– and he has sent me the coordinates.” Skywalker seemed proud of himself, but the tension that had filled the cabin was more than telling of Kenobi’s feelings on the matter.

“And how do you… suppose you’ll retrieve it? Anakin– Sith artifacts can be dangerous.”  

Cody folded his arms across his chest, eyes narrowed at Skywalker like a predator hunting its prey. 

“Obi-Wan– it’s an artifact not an actual Sith lord– as long as we contain it before bringing it on board, I don’t think it should be an issue. Should be a simple in-and-out.” Skywalker looked at Kenobi expectantly, who didn’t respond.

Skull could see the worry that leaked into Kenobi’s eyes, and that wasn’t to be taken lightly. Kenobi usually wasn’t worried for no reason. 

“With all due respect, General, if this is an easy in-and-out, why are we here?” Skull asked, and punctuated the question with his thumb thrown in Oxy’s direction. It was a fair question, given Skywalker’s explanation of what their mission would entail; medics barely seemed like necessity. Skywalker opened his mouth, but before he could get a word in, Cody cleared his throat and took a step forward, looming just ahead of Kenobi. 

“As a precautionary measure. We don’t know what this Sith artifact is, much less how the Jedi react when they’re in contact with it.” Cody’s answer was spoken in an even tone, but Skywalker looked on with suspicion. 

From there, the conversation dissolved, no one really wanting to discuss the matter more, and no one wanting to be the one to cut through the waves of uneasiness. 

Oxy trudged off to one of the free enclosed bunks for a nap, and Ahsoka and Anakin wandered off toward the cockpit bickering about something. That left Skull in the slightly cramped main cabin with Kenobi and Cody. Fantastic. Wonderful. There was nothing Skull would rather do less than spend four or more hours trapped in an enclosed space with them.

Skull took the seat furthest from the pair, which was all of thirty feet, but it was enough that he hoped the two could have their space to discuss whatever it was they needed to discuss. Cody usually didn’t look so… intense. That was, unless there was something up, and Skull truly didn’t want to witness it. 

There were approximately three minutes of glorious silence as Skull opened his medkit and began to reorganize its contents. 

Then there were hushed whispers filling the cabin. 

“You shouldn’t have taken this mission, Obi-Wan. You know what happened the last time.” Cody’s voice was low, barely a whisper, but it couldn’t be ignored in the confines of the space. 

For the love of the Force. Skull wasn’t in the mood. 

“Cody… you know I must. Was I supposed to tell the Council no? Do you think they take no for an answer?” Kenobi usually didn’t have a bite in his tone, but this time, it rang clear with his punctuated words. Skull chanced a glance at the pair where they stood at the opposite end of the cabin and noted the red flush on Kenobi’s cheeks. Cody leaned against the wall, arms still folded across his chest and his bucket on the floor between his legs. Kenobi sat in a seat against the wall, his legs crossed in his lap like he had intentions to meditate.

So much for that, Skull supposed. 

“They could have sent someone else, they know what you went through… the suffering.” Cody shook his head into his hands with a deep sigh. 

The suffering. The word piqued Skull’s interest. General Kenobi, as Skull had come to find out, was a deeply complicated man, both in personality and medically. For that reason, and in lieu of recent events, Skull had extracted and read every element of his personal file, and all the additional paperwork that had been shoved into a folder by way of crumpled flimsies. Yet, there was nothing he could recall regarding an incident with a Sith artifact. 

“And I don’t? I am indeed self-sufficient, Commander. I know what I can and cannot handle.” The General shifted, arms folding into his brown, flowing sleeves, as if he were trying to compose himself. 

“This isn’t a good idea, and you know it.” Cody responded after a moment, and turned to head toward the cockpit. He didn’t bother to spare one of his angry glances at Skull, and nearly stomped past him through the doorway.

For a few moments, there was silence, and Skull thought he might have a relieving four hours to himself and his medkit.

“I’m sorry, Skull. You didn’t need to hear that.” Kenobi's eyes were slightly watery when Skull looked up at him; even from far away the medic could tell he was blinking back tears. 

“I–” Skull wished he could deny he heard anything at all, keep himself out of whatever little love-quarrel was going on, “It’s alright, General. I’ve heard worse from the two of you.” 

He hoped it would lighten the mood, a small joke, but Kenobi only hummed and seemed to curl in on himself even more, if possible. Skull was surprised he didn’t immediately begin meditating. Skull pondered him for a moment, the thought of that supposed suffering still niggling at the back of his mind. 

“I do have a question, Sir, if you don’t mind.” Skull asked as Kenobi nodded once, “Cody mentioned there was suffering ah… the last time. The last time you were in contact with a Sith artifact?” It was barely a question, and Skull kicked himself for the awkwardness of it all. 

“I– it was early on in the War. Barely a memory now…” Kenobi’s gaze was fixed somewhere in the distance as his voice trailed off.

“Uh, General?” Skull said after a moment of waiting.

“Sorry, Skull. I don’t wish to rehash it.” While Skull wished he could leave it alone, let the General enjoy his own suffering alone, but medics were not enlisted to be here for no reason. Clearly, someone thought a medic was needed, and he had his suspicions it was Kenobi. 

“Apologies, Sir, I don’t mean to pry, but I’d like to know ahead of time why exactly a medical staff has been brought on for this.” Kenobi blinked down at the floor before tilting his head to look in Skull’s direction. 

“It’s… complicated, I suppose. If you must know, I had a reaction the last time I was in the presence of a Sith artifact. More mental than physical, not anything to be too worried–” Skull wasn’t about to let him continue to ramble trying to disguise the true nature of what had happened. 

“A reaction, Sir?” The alarm bells were ringing loud and clear. The last time Kenobi informed him of having a reaction he had been minutes away from anaphylactic shock on some rainforest planet in the Outer Rim. 

“Reaction might have been a strong word to use– more like a mental inconvenience if you will.” Kenobi blinked at him innocently like the truth hadn’t been buried layers deep inside of his thick skull. 

Skull wanted to question him more, grill him until there was no doubt about what exactly a kriffing mental inconvenience was, but there was an easier option. Although that option was likely to be less pleasant, Cody would tell him the brutal intricacies of the truth, or an extreme exaggeration depending on his mood. Regardless, Cody was at least a twenty-percent more reliable source than Kenobi when it came to Kenobi problems. 

So Skull nodded, letting the conversation trail to a stop as naturally as he could. 

He took to organizing his kit again, rearranging the gauze and bandages so they were next to each other and grouping all of his remaining bacta products together. “I’m going to see where we are at for time.” Skull said after half an hour had passed, and Kenobi nodded again, strangely silent. 

He pushed past the sliding doorway and was surprised to find that Cody wasn’t in the cockpit as expected. Rather, he was sitting in the space between the doors to the cabin cockpit, one knee pulled up toward his chest and one of his hands twirling his bucket on the floor. 

He looked up when Skull snorted, his own arms crossing over his chest. “Got tired on your way to the cockpit, Commander?” Skull asked, forcing an eye roll from Cody.

“No. Just didn’t want to be around a kriffing Jedi.” Skull could understand the sentiment. The Jedi were often his deepest point of annoyance. 

“Welcome to the war, brother.” Skull said with a laugh. “Now, are you going to tell me what that was all about? You left him all teary-eyed.” 

Cody shook his head, a sigh heavy on his lips. “Is it really your business, Skull?” 

“Whatever your little squabble is about is the reason I’m here. So yes, it is, in fact, my business.” Why did Cody always have to make things so karking difficult? It felt like pulling teeth. “What was Kenobi’s reaction to the Sith artifact? It wasn’t in his file, and hells– Skywalker doesn’t seem to know about either. But you do.” 

That same tension, and possibly a hint of frustration, swirled between them and radiated from Cody. The man in question bit his lip. “His reaction– it was something like rejection. His body rejected a Sith artifact before– before you were assigned to the 212th. There was a mission to a Sith planet called Zigoola, almost a year ago now. Obi-Wan and Bail Organa–”

“The senator?” It sounded absurd to think that a senator would be involved, but it would explain the fairly close relationship Kenobi held with Organa. 

“Yes– the senator– they took a mission to this planet, and I don’t know all of the details, but they sustained… rather severe injuries. And Obi-wan–” Cody looked slightly choked up where he sat staring at something past Skull, “He told me this artifact weakened him, made him sick and broken. Made him want to die. Commanded him to die.”

Skull’s heart beat thunderously inside his ribcage at the thought of Kenobi withering under the trance of some magical artifact. To a clone, it didn’t seem possible. It was hard to believe all of the Force -osik when he had never felt it himself. He needed to research it, and quickly.

“What were the physical symptoms? Do you know?” Skull asked as evenly as possible. He wished he could be more comforting, but it wasn’t his area of expertise, and Cody wouldn’t want that anyway. 

“Mostly illness and hallucinations– bleeding from his eyes and nose– he fell down a ravine in a haze. It’s how he fucked up his leg.” Cody’s words flowed out quickly, like he had memorized lines. Skull empathized, it was a lot of swallow. “And that’s not even the worst of it.”  

“Not the worst?” Skull felt his own voice waver. 

“No. His leg– he made Organa use his lightsaber to hurt him. The pain was the only thing that kept that fucking Sith thing from killing him.” Cody seethed with every word, spitting them out in a ruthless whisper as he squeezed his bucket between his hands. “The Council knows what happened– they know how dangerous these artifacts can be– but they still asked him to come. Skywalker and Ahsoka don’t know the whole story either– they can’t see the danger.” 

Skull let himself go numb and tried not to imagine the absolute trauma Kenobi had experienced. To allow lightsaber wounds to be repetitively inflicted, to ask for the searing pain, would only be possible as an act of desperation. Whatever had been happening inside the General’s mind, with the Force , must have been much worse. Unimaginable pain; suffering. 

“He didn’t ask to be excluded?” Skull asked tentatively watching Cody’s knuckles turn white where he still gripped his helmet. 

“He’s too kriffing proud for that. Now here we are.” It checked out; Kenobi had always seemed to have an endless desire to help others, to save the Republic, and bring peace to the galaxy. To his own detriment, that was. 

“Well kriff. He shouldn’t fucking be here.” Skull voiced his thoughts as he tried to work out his course of action. Maybe it was time he meddled in this karking relationship, yet again. 

“I can’t make him listen to me.” Cody muttered, shaking his head. 

“Let’s talk to him. Together. I’m a reasonable person.” Skull suggested, testing the waters with the extent he’d be allowed to insert himself into the situation. 

“Fine. Let’s go.” 

Cody was apparently desperate then.

In the main cabin Kenobi hadn’t moved from where he sat, legs folded. Although, it seemed whatever meditation he had tried didn’t work. Instead, he sat perfectly still while he stared at the far wall with unblinking eyes. 

“Sir?” He asked, Cody trailing a few steps behind him. The General’s head snapped toward them and he swallowed deeply. 

“Oh. Hello.” His voice barely rose above a whisper.

“Are you alright?” Skull asked, noting the way Kenobi’s eyes were slightly bloodshot. He blinked a few times, and rubbed at his eyes. 

“Fine– a headache, that’s all.” Kenobi answered simply. Skull eyed him suspiciously, but didn’t press further.

“In that case, I have a quick question: are you kidding Kenobi?” It could have been phrased as a joke, but it clearly wasn’t. Kenobi winced. “Cody’s right– you shouldn’t be doing this. As your medic, I cannot authorize this mission. Why was Zigoola not in your file?” Skull knew it was a bombardment of accusations and questions, but the man needed to hear it, even if Kenobi flinched when Zigoola was mentioned by name. 

“I’m afraid I cannot acquiesce to your request.” The response was too simple, Kenobi’s face too blank yet determined all at once. Confusing. 

“Obi-Wan– we’re serious–��� Cody growled, but Obi-Wan stood, his slightly taller stature now making him rise above them both. 

“No, Commander, I’m serious. I am a Jedi, and duty comes above all else. I have been asked to supervise this mission for the safety of Anakin and Ahsoka, and I intend to do so as planned. My experience has proven invaluable to the order and I will do what I must.” 

Kenobi brushed past them, always the dramatic, and headed for the cockpit. 

Stunned silence was decidedly Skull’s least favorite type. 

   The cabin was silent even as everyone gathered in its center, now only minutes from landing on the surface of Corellia. 

There had been several hours for Skull to search through the holonet, gathering whatever available information he could on Sith artifacts and the Jedi reaction to them. While there wasn’t much information available, most of it matched what Cody had described. Mostly– it was an overwhelming illness that could take down even the strongest of Jedi. Even make them fall. Sure, Skywalker had been said to be an anomaly, but there was a chance the effects of the artifact could be enough to make the young Jedi lose his way. 

While research usually made Skull feel more prepared and confident, this time, it made his stomach churn ominously. Oxy shared the sentiment, his usual smile faltering into something of a disgruntled frown. 

Skywalker reviewed the plan again, indicating that General Kenobi would stay aboard, medics as well and Ahsoka and Cody would join him. Skull and Oxy would just have to wait, holding their breath for word on whether the artifact had been secured or not.

“Alright Snips, Cody, ready to go?” Skywalker asked, smiling at his Padawan. Ahsoka offered him a watery smile.

“Sure Skyguy. Let’s get this done.” She sounded less confident than she looked, which was saying something. Cody grunted, but didn’t bother to utter a word. 

Kenobi, while usually not afraid to voice his final concerns and words of advice, was oddly silent, his mouth shut and eyes void of any indication of emotion. Skywalker spared a look back at him as he walked down the ramp, but Kenobi had already turned to walk toward the cockpit, hand scratching at the edges of his beard.

   It had been an hour since any communication had come through the comm channel and Skull couldn’t help but nervously wring his hands together as he paced the length of the cabin. On any ordinary mission he wouldn’t feel the searing sting of anxiety pulsing through his veins, but ordinary missions didn’t include Sith artifacts mixed with reckless Jedi. 

“It’s been too long– something went wrong.” Oxy hissed, checking his comlink again. He shook his head and sighed. Skull wanted to disagree, but Skywalker was the chatty type.

Kenobi hadn’t made an appearance from the cockpit since the two younger Jedi had left either. Given the circumstances, Skull was not surprised, but there was a chance Skywalker had been in contact with him. “I’ll go see if the General has heard anything.” Skull said, already heading toward the doorway. 

Upon entering the cockpit, Skull was surprised to find both seats empty, and Kenobi nowhere in sight. His heart skipped a beat as he swore silently. 

Kriff. 

Skull’s heart hammered against the inside of his chest for what felt like the twentieth time that day. 

Where the kriff was he?

Skull gripped his blaster where it clung to his hip and let his eyes scour the area for intruders. No glass was broken and there didn’t appear to be any signs of forced entry. Skull would have systematically searched the space, but he heard a small noise that brought his attention to the left side, just past where the copilot’s chair was situated. 

On the floor, head buried between his knees, and fingers pulling at the roots of his hair, Kenobi sat. 

Karking hells!

Skull wasted no time falling to his knees next to him and his own hands pulled at the white-knucked fingers Kenobi had laced in his hair. “Sir! Sir– please stop.” Kenobi either didn’t hear him, or didn’t care, because his grip only became tighter and he jerked away from Skull’s touch. 

“M-make it stop! Stop!” His voice was hoarse as he yelled out, and the tears that hadn’t fallen earlier now streamed down his rust red cheeks. 

“What– make what stop?” Skull responded, but it was less of a question, and more of a realization as the words left his mouth. 

Oh. This was what Cody had described; there was something in the General’s mind scratching at his consciousness and clawing into the crevices of his mind. It was the Sith artifact, now supposedly close enough to have an effect. 

Suffering. That’s what had begun.

Kenobi’s yells continued, summoning a confused, then immediately focused Oxy. “It’s the artifact.” Oxy said, dropping to his knees, medical kit clunking to the floor beside him, “Sedation maybe? Will that help?” 

The truth was, Skull wasn’t sure, which was a rarity in itself. His research had been enough to identify the possible reactions that would come with close contact, but there hadn’t been any known way to prevent these symptoms. Was it safe to sedate him? Skull couldn’t be certain, but it had become increasingly apparent that something needed to happen. 

Kenobi let his hands crawl down his legs, fingernails burying themselves into the skin of his thighs and calves through the thin fabric of his leggings. 

Skull felt himself gasp, immediately ripping the General’s bloodied hands away from him, “General! No– yes, Oxy, prep the hypo.” Oxy worked quicker than most medics, hands almost immediately stabbing the full syringe into Kenobi’s exposed neck. 

There was a silent second– save for Kenobi’s increasingly loud sobs– then his body relaxed just enough that Skull was able to let go of his hands and reach for his head instead where it was still locked between his knees. As expected, per Cody’s description, there was blood everywhere. 

Spewing from his nostrils and dripping from his eyes– hells, even trickling down from his ears. Blood splattered onto the floor faster than Skull could process the fact that it needed to stop. Oxy, three steps ahead, was already digging through the medical kit.

“We need gauze.” Skull murmured numbly. Then– gauze appeared. It was already soaked with blood the second Skull pressed it against Kenobi’s nose and pinched to stop the flow, “Can you clean up his eyes?” Skull asked, his free hand dabbing at the General’s ears.

“Stop! P-Please– don’t!” Kenobi’s sobs continued, though they slowed as the sedative slowly worked its way into his bloodstream. It made Skull’s chest hurt. 

“We need to contact Skywalker– he and Tano could be affected.” Oxy was calm as he pressed more gauze against Kenobi’s eyes. 

“Yes but– I– the bleeding needs to stop.” Skull responded, removing the soaked-through gauze from Kenobi’s face and pressing more back on; it barely made a difference. He agreed with Oxy, they needed to know if Skywalker was experiencing any of the effects.

“Skywalker, come in!” Skull practically yelled in his comlink. He was far too overwhelmed to care if it sounded rude.

“Skull– we’re on our way out.” It was curious– Skywalker’s voice was level, not a note of pain in it. It seemed the artifact barely had an effect on him at all. 

“Ahsoka– is she fine?” Skull hated the way his voice wavered. 

“Uh– yes?” Skywalker’s confusion was evident, “Why wouldn’t she be? This thing is basically a rock– doesn’t really seem like a Sith artifact–”

“Put it in the containment unit. Now.” Skull used the voice he’d usually use on Cody when he was being difficult in the medbay. Skull hoped that would fix the problem and cut the karking artifact off from hurting the General, but that was all it was, a hope. 

“Sure– fine. What’s happening?” Skywalker’s tone didn’t convey the urgency that Skull felt crawling through his own form. It was too difficult to explain in the heat of the moment, Kenobi’s desperate whimpers for mercy loud enough to drown out Skull’s thoughts. 

“ Just do it, Skywalker.” 

Skull waited, breath caught in his throat waiting for the symptoms to reside. 

But the symptoms didn’t, and Kenobi didn’t stop yelling, voice only seeming to get louder. 

“It’s not working– whatever that thing is– it doesn’t respond to Force-suppression!” Oxy uttered loudly, looking frazzled where he attempted to staunch the flow of blood still running from the General’s eyes. 

Skull let it sink it, the overwhelming dread he had been keeping at bay now for hours. He had no prior knowledge on these artifacts, much less their effect on the Jedi, and he certainly wasn’t trained in how to fucking fix his Genenral. The only person who might have a semblance of an idea was Kenobi himself, who was indisposed. The next best option would have to be Cody.

Again, Skull spoke harshly into his comlink, impatience bleeding into his tone, “Cody, come in! Force-suppression isn’t working on that karking thing!” 

There was a telling silence, then Cody’s voice crackled over the line, “ Fuck,” The Commander breathed loudly, voice barely reaching a whisper. 

“How do we get this to stop, Cody? He’s bleeding.” Skull asked, almost pleading. 

“I– Obi-Wan told me the one on Zigoola was destroyed. That might be the only way to make it stop. Is he…?” Cody stammered in a whispered tone, which was unusual to say the least. 

“Kenobi’s not looking good. Just convince Skywalker to destroy it, and don’t come any closer.”

Skull silently prayed to the Force the kriffing young Jedi would listen to Cody. 

Kenobi’s condition did not change as the minutes passed. Though the bleeding slowly became less and less, the General began to twitch uncomfortably, limbs trashing out in front of him.

“Woah– woah! General, stop!” Skull yelled out as Kenobi pushed himself upward, eyes blown wide. He seemed like he couldn’t hear or see anything, his gaze set on something in the distance. Skull watched as Kenobi’s hand slowly moved toward his hip, fingers clasping over the metallic shaft of his lightsaber where it was attached to his hip. “Oxy! Get back!” Skull yelled, immediately realizing what was about to happen. 

Cody had mentioned hallucinations, but this was not the type that Skull had imagined. 

He and Oxy backed away from the General where he now stood, the hilt of his lightsaber extended in front of him. While the blade hadn’t appeared, Skull was convinced it would and somehow, he needed to get Kenobi out of the cockpit before he destroyed it. 

“Ventress… you shouldn’t be here.” Kenobi suddenly sobered, like he wasn’t out of his mind, and the scorching blue of his lightsaber raised up in front of his face. The glow of it reflected into his focused eyes as he scanned over something beyond Skull’s shoulder. 

“We need to get him out of here!” Oxy said, panic laced in his tone. The medic backed away from where Kenobi now pressed forward toward him. 

“Just–” Skull couldn’t think, not with a bloody-faced General Kenobi staring back at him, “Run– let’s see if he follows.” 

So they did, and Kenobi, for better or worse, followed. 

He swung his lightsaber at nothing, and it glided through the air with the same ease it did when Kenobi tore through a crowd of clankers. The fiery blue blade scraped against the sides of the cabin as Skull and Oxy pressed toward the ramp. With every screech of scorched metal, Skull cringed, hoping it wouldn’t affect the integrity of the ship and their ability to escape this Force-forsaken planet.

They backed down the ramp, Kenobi still swinging as he Force-jumped down to the ground where they had landed on an open patch of mud and grass in a clearing of dense trees. 

“You won’t escape this time!” Kenobi growled as he pierced a tree to his right and twisted violently to cut through the trunk of another on his left. In any ordinary circumstance, Skull would have been impressed with his remarkable skill, but this time there was no foe in sight, just the silence of the forest as an enemy. 

“Cody! Do you have an ETA on destroying that kriffing thing?” Skull yelled into his comlink as he and Oxy ducked underneath the ramp, just nearly avoiding another violent swing of Kenobi’s lightsaber where it dug into the side of the durasteel. 

“Working on it.” Cody growled after a moment.

“Well work on it faster– Kenobi’s cutting down every tree in sight–” Skull paused to gasp as the General slammed onto the ramp, using it to launch himself into the branches of a large pine tree that swayed under his weight, “Kriff! Just– he’s losing his mind. He’s seeing Ventress.”  

“– hold on.” This time Cody seemed panicked, and Skull could hear him saying something away from his comlink, “I’m coming.” 

   They were at a standstill, and had been for some time. Getting into the empty droid factory had been easy enough; it was still under construction and didn’t yet contain working machinery. 

There had been a collection of battle droids stationed outside of a clearing by the edge of the farmland, and strangely, not another indication of life or other droids. Skywalker and Ahsoka had easily taken them out as Cody searched the surrounding area for any hidden cameras, traps, or tracking equipment. Though he didn’t find anything, nothing could stop the pained nervousness that had uncomfortably settled in his stomach. 

Obi-Wan’s description of his last interaction with an artifact of the Sith still made Cody nauseous. 

It had been almost too easy for Skywalker to locate the artifact using the Force. It was hidden inside of a vault furthest from the underground entrance, only requiring the misdirection of one droideka. The vault itself was password locked, but Skywalker had managed to bypass it by taking down the security system in the matter of minutes.

That had been when Skull commed Skywalker with a curious sense of urgency that made the hair on the back of Cody’s head stand up straight. It was true, the artifact looked more like a stone than anything, and from what Cody could tell, neither Ahsoka or Skywalker appeared to have any lasting effects. 

“It just feels… strange.” Ahsoka whispered to Cody as Skywalker bickered with Skull, “Like tickle in my mind, nothing worse than that.” She shrugged and rolled it on the ground with her foot. 

Cody grunted and adjusted the containment unit under his arm. 

“Let’s put it in the box; Skull seems nervous about it, and I don’t want him on my back.” Skywalker said suddenly, reaching down and pulling the stone-smooth object up with him. Cody, uneasiness only growing by the second, unlatched the box and allowed Skywalker to place it inside. Hurriedly, he closed the case and latched it before typing in the code to trigger its Force-suppressing qualities. 

For minutes they walked silently through the empty halls of the factory, weaving between unused machinery and dusty tables. Skywalker stayed alert and in front, eyeing any slight noise with suspicion. 

Then suddenly, the mechanical sound of battle droids talking startled the three of them, coming from the railing around the outside of the top part of the factory.

“Did you hear that?” One droid said. Cody looked up at the same time as both Jedi. 

How had they not noticed before?

Along the edges of the walkway that spanned the circumference of the top of the factory, there were clankers stationed equidistant from each other. From what Cody could see, it seemed like there were hundreds of them, at least four hundred if he had to take a guess. Kriff. 

“Those weren’t there before.” Skywalker whispered harshly, just loud enough for Ahsoka and Cody to hear, “They must have caught wind of our movement. Doesn’t seem like they’ve called reinforcements.” 

Right, not yet at least.

“What do we do?” Ahsoka asked, glancing around them like she was looking for a closer exit. There wasn’t one– not one that would lead them back out to the edge of the farmland near their ship, and Cody was certain they didn’t want to risk running through someone’s farm. 

It was then, in the silence of the empty factory, that Cody’s comlink crackled to life. Panic flaring, Cody shoved it into the fabric of Skywalker’s cloak in an attempt to silence it as he lowered the volume. Skywalker, ever the dramatic, shot him look, eyebrows raising.

The minute Cody finished his whispered conversation with Skull, he felt himself go pale. 

“We need to destroy it. Obi-Wan– he’s having a… reaction. It’s not worth it for research if he’s in pain.” Cody whispered loudly.

“What do you mean by a ‘reaction?’ It’s– we’re at least a klick away from him. How can it even have an effect that far away?” Skywalker answered as he started to attempt to move forward, the droid voices silent again. 

Cody caught his arm, keeping him in place. 

“No– we shouldn’t get any closer. It’s got Sith properties, Sir.” Cody growled, “It’s breaking his mind.”  

Skywalker didn’t appear to want to believe him, even as they discussed it further and Cody explained what exactly he meant by breaking his mind. The more Skywalker resisted, the more Cody wanted to slap some sense into him. 

Your former Master is suffering! Do something about it!

He wished he could yell those words, but instead, he gritted his teeth.

Eventually, the second desperate comm from Skull finally convinced Skywalker. And now they were here, stopped in the middle of the factory, surrounded by armed droids. 

“Well what do you suggest we do? Blow it up with a grenade? Every battle droid in this place will try to kill us!” Skywalker glanced downward, arms crossed and the stone-like Sith artifact on the concrete floor beneath him. They had opened the case, now staring at the smooth object as they stood in a triangle around it. 

Cody didn’t have an answer, but he was fairly certain some sort of Force -osik could do the trick. 

“Can’t you do something– with the Force, I mean?” Cody whispered and pointed toward the artifact, “It’s a rock you said it yourself. It can’t be that difficult to destroy.” 

Skywalker grunted, and uncrossed his arms, then lifted a hand to scratch at his chin. The thoughtless movement made a spike of longing run through Cody’s chest. It was an unconscious movement, but one that was undeniably reminiscent of Obi-Wan and his tendency to stroke absently at his beard while deep in thought. 

Cody needed to go to him, to protect him. He didn’t want to wait any longer. 

Cody tried to ignore the guilt that clawed at him; if only that he had tried harder to convince Obi-Wan to drop the mission, to defy the expectations of a clearly flawed decision of the Jedi Council. 

“I need to go to him.” Cody said with a swallow, “I don’t care how you do it, but get rid of it. The safety of your Master depends on it.” 

With that, and without a sound, Cody ran for exit. 

   Skull cursed under his breath as he– yet again– watched Kenobi ruthlessly stab his lightsaber into the remains of a tree trunk he had already cut from its roots. While the Jedi had initially referenced Ventress in his chaotic screams, now he seemed to think he was caught in the midst of an onslaught of clankers. 

Skull knew the Jedi were strong and were built for endurance, but Kenobi had been at it for almost half-an-hour at full speed, never slowing for a second, even to catch his breath. Blood still painted his face and neck, making him look all the more deranged as he destroyed nearly anything that crossed his path. 

“We need to get him to stop.” Oxy reiterated for now the third time, not looking away from the forest of carnage in front of them. 

“Yeah? And how do you suggest we do that when he’s swinging his lightsaber around like that?” Skull snapped and gesticulated to another violent swing of the blue blade in the distance. He immediately shook his head apologetically, “Sorry.” 

Oxy just sighed and checked his comlink. “I sent another message to Cody– where the kriff is he?” Skull shared the sentiment. If anyone was going to get the General out of whatever stupor this was, Cody was going to be their best shot. 

As if on cue, Skull received a text comm message and stared down at the words. 

Look right. 

Behind a line of trees, Cody was crouched behind some brush, just the slight gold accents of his armor visible through the tall grass. Skull sighed in relief. With shaky fingers, he typed out his response. 

On my signal, come here. We need your help. 

Skull waited for Kenobi to turn around, slashing into more fallen branches where he faced away from Cody’s position in the brush, and then signaled the Commander to join him. With the grace of a skilled soldier, Cody wasted no time running behind the silhouettes of trees, footsteps silent among the loud gasps that emitted from Kenobi’s form. 

Cody crouched and crawled beneath the ramp, pulling his bucket from his head, “Hallucinations…” He said, near breathless, and eyes slightly red-rimmed. 

“It’s been at it for a long time– he is going to hurt himself.” Skull said, watching another tree fall to the ground, “Do you think you can distract him? Oxy and I think we can disarm him from behind.” Oxy looked wary at the suggestion, but their options were limited. It seemed unlikely Obi-Wan would willingly set down his lightsaber at this point. 

“I can… I can try.” Cody said, still whispering.

“Any luck on getting the artifact destroyed?” Oxy asked cautiously, flinching at the sound of another fallen tree-trunk. 

“They’re working on it… there were complications.” Cody answered with a swallow and held his bucket tightly in his arms. “Let’s focus on Obi-Wan– he’s–” Cody bit his lip, “He looks bad.”

Skull agreed, the image in front of them was borderline horrific, if purely for blood alone. 

“We can stay here if you can get him turned around in the opposite direction.” Skull said, “We’ll disarm him from behind and see if we can get him on the ground. Let’s hope he doesn’t… throw us.” The last thing Skull needed was to be Force-thrown across a forest. 

With a nod, Cody slipped on his bucked and dislodged his blaster. Then, he was gone, racing across the littering of branches and stumps to secure the General’s attention. 

Skull held his breath watching as Cody launched himself in front of the General, still keeping a reasonable distance, and one arm raised above his head as if it were a sign of surrender. The hand with his blaster was firmly locked behind his back, a precautionary measure. 

“Obi-Wan! Look at me! It’s not real– none of it is real!” Cody yelled out, his voice hoarse and eyes watering. Skull wanted to look away.

Kenobi paused, his lightsaber snapping upward from where he had stabbed it into a trunk now laid horizontally across the ground. He looked hazy still, eyes not quite focused, but he stared in Cody’s direction, eyes open wide for a moment.

“C-Cody?” Kenobi said, lightsaber blade disappearing into the hilt and stumbling toward Cody. 

Skull motioned to Oxy and they made their move, feet slamming into the mud and flattened brush just as General turned his back. They reached him in seconds, Skull’s hand successfully dislodging the metal hilt from Kenobi’s grip as Oxy wrapped his arms around Kenobi, pulling him down to his knees.

“Cody! M-make it stop!” Kenobi yelled as Oxy pulled him backwards so he was almost sitting in his lap. Skull threw the lightsaber toward the ramp and pinned the General’s legs to the ground with his hands as he thrashed violently in their hold. 

Suddenly, Cody was there on his knees by Kenobi’s side, a shaking hand pressing into the man’s bloody hair. “Obi-Wan, I need you to listen to me. It’s Cody– It’s me.”  

Desperation. Anguish. Longing. 

A thousand emotions flashed through Cody’s eyes and Skull hated himself for noticing; it felt like a violation. 

“No– no! Cody please. Please. ” Obi-Wan resisted, his uncoordinated movements causing his arms and head to slam into the mud. 

It was a useless plea, Cody seemed to realize that, but still he whispered every variation of, “It will be over soon.” 

Not soon enough, Skull thought bitterly as he reviewed their options again. For now, the General was incapacitated, but Skull feared that wouldn’t last for long. He had only had a single bout of sanity in his rampage through the forest, only for a few seconds at that, and he was bound to attempt the use of the Force to throw them aside any minute now. 

Think Skull. Think. 

Then, it came to him.

“Pain. That’s what you said– the only way to keep him sane is with pain.” The words rang in Skull’s mind, making his stomach twist with impending nausea. It was his job to protect the Vode and the General, and he took that to heart. It was his job to stop pain and to heal wounds and to make sure everyone was alive and well. To inflict pain, on purpose, went against every fiber of his being.

Yet, there didn’t seem to be another viable option. Whatever effect the sedative dosage had earlier was not enough to stop the artifact’s effectiveness, and without the use of the Force, there wasn’t another method they had left to try. 

Cody looked up, lips drawn into a wavering line. “I– there isn’t another option.” Equally as much as Skull wanted to protest, they both understood in that moment the gravity of the situation. 

It had to be done. 

Oxy looked on warily. Skull shook his head and cleared his throat, “We need an injury painful enough to keep him present, but not bad enough we can’t fix it. Something that won’t bleed to profusely– he can’t lose much more blood. A laceration, maybe ah, uh–”

“A burn.” Cody spoke up, iron grip on Obi-Wan’s white-knucked hands. “Bail burned him.”

Skull and Oxy both stared at him knowing exactly what he meant. The scars on Kenobi’s knee had been enough to make that inference before. Skull eyed the lightsaber where it had landed in the grass next to the ramp. 

“Alright…” He said softly as Oxy stood, quickly retrieving the gleaming metal hilt. One look at it was enough to make Skull nauseous. 

“I can do it.” Skull spoke in the most confident tone he could muster. He was the lead medic of the 212th, a leader to many others and a friend to the two men suffering before him. No matter how visceral his initial reaction was, this was his job, and it needed to be done. 

Oxy handed him the lightsaber and Skull held it tightly in his hand. He scanned over the General’s body, considering the best location for the burn. There wasn't a good choice, it would be torturous no matter what, but he needed a location that would induce the least permanent damage. 

“Cody, roll up his sleeve. I’ll use his left forearm.” It was simple, the forearm was easy to pin down, and it wasn’t the arm he held his lightsaber with. Skull didn’t feel like damaging his leg again. 

It felt like slow motion, Cody rolling up Kenobi’s sleeve, Skull’s finger on the trigger of the lightsaber, the sizzling burning noise that emitted from the blue blade.

“I’m sorry, Sir.” Skull said, voice low in the midst of more sobbing, more tears streaming from his General’s eyes, even before the blade touched his skin, “I’m so sorry.” 

With that, Skull lowered the lightsaber toward the exposed skin. 

   “Um, Master?” The prolonged silence was broken by Ahsoka’s soft voice, “I have an idea.”

For a moment, Skywalker allowed himself a dubious look, but then offered his Padawan a nod, “Sure, Ahsoka.”

“Well– I was thinking I might be able to use the Force to um– implode it? And you could suppress the sound?”

Anakin searched his mind for recollection of what he had been taught about using the Force as a sound suppressant. He recalled a time in his youth where Obi-Wan had used it to suppress the noise of a crying rescued child as they had pushed through a thick crowd of strangers in some city on Bespin. 

It had seemed easy enough then, but he didn’t want to go in blind. 

“Let me try it first.” He muttered, “Make a noise or something.” 

Ahsoka tapped her foot lightly against the concrete floor, eyes trained on Anakin as he sucked in a deep breath and focused on the Force’s energy swirling within his mind. He closed his eyes, channeling everything toward the distant tapping noise. As he did so, the tapping noise faded into obscurity, hidden behind an invisible wall he had constructed to stop its effects. 

After a moment, he snapped his eyes open, focus gone, and the tapping noise returned. 

Ahsoka offered a soft smile. “It worked.” She said, and pointed toward the artifact, “Now just to suppress an implosion.” 

Anakin sighed. Right, that was the hard part. While it hadn’t required much focus to stop a small tapping noise, to stop the noise of an implosion would require much more effort. 

“Let’s hope this works.” He said, “Now, let’s see about imploding this thing.” 

   Die Jedi. Die Jedi. Die Jedi. Die Jedi.

The chant of the Sith burned him from the inside out, searing in his bloodstream and rattling against the inside of the Skull. Well it hurt on a physical level, it pierced into the Force with a strength so severe and endless that it made the Force itself hurt.  

Obi-Wan’s vision was hazy, coated with a mixture of blood and flashing images of war. 

Ventress periodically flashed across his view, then droids, then Anakin’s face, covered with burns and soot. It made him scream, the noises hurtling from his throat without permission. 

I’m right here. 

It will be over soon.

I’m sorry.

Among the commands to die there was an odd interspersing of comforts; they floated just around the edges of his consciousness. Just as quickly as they would come, they were gone again, replaced with an even louder more menacing chant of the same words.

Die Jedi. Die Jedi. Die Jedi. 

Obi-Wan thought he heard himself beg to make it stop, but he couldn’t be sure. Nothing felt real anymore, any previous emotions replaced with pain and horror and death. 

I’m sorry, Sir. I’m so sorry.

He heard those words again, then whatever pain that had materialized in the Force slowly morphed into something more tangible, something easier to grip, but no less painful.

He screamed this time, and it felt concrete, like it wasn’t just a dream. His eyes slammed open, revealing three clones– Cody, he recognized instantly among the faces.

His arm burned like nothing else, Skin on fire as he watched a blue blade press against his exposed arm.

But at least this pain was manageable, palpable, real. 

Die Jedi. 

The command didn’t stop, but it slowly faded into a whisper.

It was a perplexing kind of relief. 

   “It’s working.” Oxy said, “General?” Skull paused, bringing the lightsaber up where it had only been burning against the flesh for a few seconds. Yet, the General’s eyes were clearer, less muddled, and his screams had been reduced to a whimper. 

Kenobi blinked, his other hand reaching out, “C-Cody?” This time, his voice seemed to have a level of coherence that it had not before. 

The Commander did not immediately react, shock still painted across his features, but he reached out to grasp the General’s bloody and outstretched hand, “Obi-Wan. Are you…” 

“T-thank you. Thank you. Keep going.” Obi-Wan’s sigh was desperate, but also relieved as more tears spilled down his cheeks.

“Are you sure, Sir?” Skull asked shakily, lightsaber still held inches above the new burn wound. It looked awful and smelled of burning skin.

“Yes. It won’t–” He sucked in labored breath and squeezed his eyes shut in pain. Skull wanted to vomit. “It won’t stop unless it k-kriffing h-hurts.” Kenobi hiccuped out the words, chest heaving violently. 

“Look at me, Obi-Wan.” Cody commanded, now leaning over so the General could see his face, “Don’t stop looking at me. Skywalker is almost done destroying that karking artifact, and it will all be over soon. I promise.”  

Skull appreciated the distraction, and with a heavy heart, brought the blade of the lightsaber down again, pressing against the already corrupted flesh. Kenobi produced a gut-wrenching scream, one that Skull would be hard-pressed to forget, but yet, he kept going. He didn’t stop until Kenobi begged him to, but even then, Skull knew the General well enough to know he would ask for it again, no matter how bad the pain became. 

It repeated for another few minutes, and Skull’s impatience began to show, but Cody reassured him Skywalker would hold true to his word, the artifact would be destroyed. 

Burning flesh, blue light, sparks. With Kenobi’s every scream felt like another scar on Skull’s soul. 

He was about to give up, about to tell the General he couldn’t fucking do it anymore, but then–

“Stop!” Kenobi yelled, and his body suddenly relaxed, all of the tension seeping from his skin and bones in the matter of a split second. 

Kenobi cried, not sobbed, but cried.  His tears came out liberally and Skull realized finally, that these were not longer tears of pain, but desperate relief.

“I’m sorry, Obes. It’s over now, I promise, it’s over.” Cody whispered, hands crawling into Obi-Wan’s hair as he pressed their foreheads together. It would have been a sweet moment, but the smell of burning flesh, and the horrific sight of fresh lightsaber burns curling down the length of Kenobi’s arm was enough to make Skull rush to his feet, barely making it only a few feet away before the contents of his stomach came up and fell into the brush. 

   The cabin was silent as they floated the stretcher into the open space. 

Skywalker had yet to say anything other than to confirm the artifact had been destroyed. Instead, he stared at his former Master with something like guilt written in his eyes. Kenobi had looked back at him, a forgiving half-smile on his face, but there was another silent conversation going on that everyone else couldn’t hear. Force -osik, of course.

Cody didn’t leave the side of the stretcher, even as Oxy pressed the hypo of sedation into the side of Kenobi’s neck when Skywalker had Ahsoka into the cockpit and away from the image of Obi-Wan’s brutal burns. Skull didn’t blame Cody and didn’t bother to make fun of his clinginess like he usually would. 

The silence persisted as Skull rummaged through his kit, searching for scissors, and then began to cut off the General’s soiled and bloodied robes. The man would be sore when he roused after having spent so long fighting off invisible threats. Not to mention, the burn wounds would continue to feel fiery until Skull could assess the severity of them and then rinse and clean them. 

Skull pulled away the tattered robes, enlisting Oxy’s help to pull them out from underneath his back. Once Kenobi’s chest was bare, Skull was happy to find that no other wounds, beyond a baseline level of bruising he had expected, had been inflicted.

Relieved, he handed Oxy the burn kit, hands shaking as he passed them over. Oxy raised his eyebrows in suspicion. 

“I’m too shaky, you think you can handle it?” Skull asked, hating that his voice also shook as he spoke.

“Of course.” Oxy said, and Skull turned to go find a seat. He needed a minute to unwind, to unpack the events of the day and the actions he took.

He wouldn’t sleep for a long time. 

It felt like he had just sat down, when a shadow seemed to loom over him. 

“Skull– I wanted to say thank you.” Cody stood in front of him all of the sudden with his arms crossed over his chest. It was shocking to hear, given the fact that Skull had just damaged his boyfriend on purpose. Skull swallowed, shaking his head.

“Why? You have no reason to thank me. I–I hurt him. That’s not what a medic should do.” The words felt heavy in his mouth, and he let his eyes mindlessly trace over some scrapes on the floor.

Cody sat beside him heavily, their shoulders pressing together. 

“I do have a reason. I wouldn’t have been able to do it, but it needed to be done. You don’t give up, and you helped Obi-Wan more than I would have. So I am ordering you to accept my thanks.” Cody stood just as quickly as he sat, then just as Skull looked up at him, offered just the hint of a smile. 

“You’re… welcome.” Though the words felt wrong in mouth, he forced them out, if only to appease Cody.

“I owe you one.” 

With that, Skull leaned back and tried to stop his mind from replaying the sound of the lightsaber pressing against Kenobi’s flesh. 

Periodically in the three hours back to the Negotiator Skull checked on the General, noting that his vitals were fine each time, but he couldn't stop himself. 

Worry caged him in, barely letting him breath until they were safely landed in the hangar. 

   Kenobi’s recovery had been mostly linear with only a few minor hiccups. Burns were common injuries among Jedi, and it wasn’t Kenobi’s first lightsaber burn at all. He already knew all the rules on how to replace his bandages and gently clean the wound once the bacta had begun the baseline healing process.

This time, Kenobi had been a picture-perfect patient, a smile on his face as Skull fiddled with his IV and ran his vitals every few hours. Skull sensed it had something to do with relief, and he certainly was happy to have a cooperative Kenobi for a change. 

Similarly, Cody was less difficult than usual. He wasn’t as demanding, and his teasing about Quinlan had completely stopped. In a way, it seemed like a small amount of respect had grown between Skull and Cody, a new understanding of their places in Kenobi’s life. 

Kenobi was their General, and though their relationships with him were different on many levels, they both maintained an urge to protect, and for that, they could respect each other. 

And now, two weeks later, Skull was back to sleeping, mostly, except for the occasionally vibrant and realistic nightmare that kept him up until his shift started at 0500. 

Bitterly, Skull removed himself from bed at the mark of two weeks since the mission. He had been awake since the early morning, and he had laid in bed for hours trying to distract his mind. Even reading hadn’t helped much. 

Skull dressed himself in his scrubs, ignoring his still dirty armor that leaned against the edge of his chair in his quarters. 

He brought his breakfast and caf from the refectory to the medbay, nodding at Copper and Splint as he passed them and headed toward his lab. 

Kenobi would hopefully arrive for his check-in appointment in a matter of fifteen minutes, but Skull hoped to get his cluttered thoughts organized over a steaming breakfast before he got there. He rifled through his notes, reading over some of his thoughts from the day before where he had begun to research a new epilepsy medication for the General that would have longer lasting effects. 

He had almost drained his cup of caf and finished his oatmeal when there was a faint knock on his door. He checked the time, noting that Kenobi’s appointment was still ten minutes away and yelled, “Come in!”

To his surprise, the doors slid open and revealed Kenobi and Cody standing side-by-side in the doorway. 

“Hello, Skull. Apologies for intruding, we’re a few minutes early and Copper told us we would find you here.” The General smiled warmly, and shifted into the room, Cody hovering close to his side. 

“Oh– of course. Let’s–um–” Skull shuffled the papers on his desk into a neat pile feeling strangely flustered under their gaze. It’s because you haven’t forgiven yourself, the voice in the back of his head reminded him, “Get an examination room. You know where they are.” 

Kenobi smiled, “Of course.” 

Skull followed behind them until both of them walked into a free examination room and then he shut the door. 

“Alright,” He started, washing his hands off in the sink, “Let’s take a look.” 

Cody helped Obi-Wan bring the sling over his head. Skull had offered him one as a reminder to not kriffing use his arm, and Cody had forced the General to accept. Sure, Kenobi didn’t need to immobilize it, but it was easier than him ripping open the healing wounds once a day. 

Skull busied himself with looking at the General’s chart on his datapad while the couple bickered about whether or not Kenobi could get his undertunic over his head without help. 

“You two fight like all the time? Can’t imagine that’s very efficient when it comes to–” Skull started to say, he couldn’t help himself. 

“Skull for the love of the Force–”

“What! What? It’s a joke, Cody.” The Commander glared at him with a grunt, and things suddenly started to feel a lot more normal. Kenobi even smiled as he pulled his own tunic over his head and tossed it onto Cody’s shoulder.

“See? I’m quite alright, Cody.” He held out his arm for Skull. Now, the thick bandages hadn’t been necessary for a few days, but Skull still wanted to check and make sure there hadn’t been any tearing or damage to the wound. 

Skull noted a full range of motion, and the scarring progressed enough to satisfy him for the time being. He made a few notes on his chart and looked back up at the pair of men. There was something soft, and frankly, disgusting, in Cody’s eyes as he looked down at Kenobi where he sat on the bed. No matter how many times he watched the knowing looks and soft touches exchanged between the two men, it never failed to make warmth burn in his chest. 

The General deserved someone as good as Cody, and if anyone was going to keep the General out of Skull’s hair, his bet was on the Commander of the 212th. 

“Alright, it looks like you are healing up nice, but as per usual I will remind you both,” He eyed Cody specifically, a blush already spreading against the tops of the Commander’s cheeks before Skull had the chance to finish his sentence, “Absolutely no physical exertion for another week. None.” 

“Kriff, Skull we don’t need a–” Cody started.

“No– no kriffing. That’s what I meant.” Skull retorted, watching Kenobi barely choke back a laugh as Cody turned on his heel, eyes rolling as he threw Obi-Wan’s discarded tunics at him. 

The minute Cody left the room with a huff, Kenobi let out a chuckle and reached for his tunic, carefully pulling them over his head with only a small wince, “He’s not in the mood for jokes today, I suppose.” The General said with a shrug and held out a hand to Skull.

Skull, only hesitating for a second, shook his hand, offering a sheepish smile.

“A handshake, Sir?” He asked, and Kenobi’s lip quirked upward.

“Yes– as the first part to the many thanks I owe you.”

There it was again, the crushing guilt that had been boiling steadily in Skull’s stomach. He swallowed, eyes trained on the floor. 

“I don’t need or deserve your thanks, Sir. I did what I had to, and I am more than happy to have taken that burden away from Cody.” There was no use trying to tell the General that he was guilty, that he would never come to terms with the way he had inflicted pain.

“You do deserve my thanks. Senator Organa was in the same position as you, and I know he feels a sense of shame– but you saved me from something much worse than just pain. So thank you, I owe you my life.” Kenobi’s hand pressed against Skull’s shoulder, the warmth radiated through his shirt. 

“Well– I suppose you are welcome.” Skull said after a pause, and looked up to find that Kenobi’s soft smile had yet to disappear. “Now, would you stay out of my medbay for once? I’m banning injuries for the next week.” 

He couldn’t help but change the subject, not wanting to rehash the haunting memories anymore.

“No guarantees, but I’ll try my best.”

With that, Kenobi floated out of the room, the perfect picture of grace.

[writer66]

Chapter 2: S7 "A Distant Echo"

Hunter (The Bad Batch) x Femalejedi!reader

Series Summary: You've always liked clones... At least the ones that you fought with your old Master Obi Wan Kenobi, and your older brother Anakin Skywalker, after your training you became a Jedi Knight General. However, you weren't given a platoon but a small squad... Clone Force 99.

Chapter Summary: After a successful mission with The Bad Batch and Rex finding out that Echo is alive, The Batchers, Rex, Aria, and Anakin head to Skako Minor to retrieve Echo.

<Last Chapter

Masterlist

Genre: Strangers to Friends (sort of) to Lovers

Warnings: cannon typical violence, talk of death, mild injuries, the Force, slight cannon deviation (mostly in later chapters)

Word Count: 3k

Author Notes: As stated in the Masterlist these stories will get spicy so 18+ unless you are old enough to handle the content. I will not be using Y/N, the OC is Aria Skywalker, Anakin's younger sister.

Once back on base, Aria went to her Cambers to meditate on the shocking news Rex had told her. He had been alive, is alive, she couldn't believe her friend ARC Trooper Echo.

She thought she'd never her old friend ever again, the things that worried her know was how Rex was feeling and if Echo really is there on Skako Minor, what condition is he in.

Aria left her cambers and headed toward Anakin, Rex, and Hunter.

"Word is the general staff isn't completely behind this mission." Hunter says, "I admit the idea of Echo being alive is a long shot." Rex adds, "I'm sure the Council will approve the mission. Just remember, the primary goal is to learn how the separatists are predicting our strategy, whether it's Echo behind it or not." Anakin reassures. "Well, if you want my opinion, sounds like a trap, but me and the boys will tag along anyway, if only to say "I told you so."" "Just make sure you're ready if we get the go ahead from General Kenobi." Aria says. "If you're certain he'll approve the mission, why wait? Let's get going." Rex says looking at Aria then Anakin. "First, we have that thing to do." Anakin says to Rex suspiciously. "Uh, what thing?" Rex questions, "you know." "We don't have time for that, sir." "Yes we do" Anakin says quieter and more stern. "Well, I'll just let you two sort this out. I'll be waiting on the ship with the rest of the team." Hunter says, walking away. Aria smiles, as she walks closer to her big brother, "tell Padmé I say "hi and hope to see her soon!"" Aria says, teasingly, she has always known about Anakin and Padmé. She was there when they got married in secret, breaking the most important rule of bring a Jedi. Anakin just glares at her, "Hurry up, I'm late as it is." He says to Rex.

"Hey Bandana, wait up!" Aria says, turning away from Rex and Anakin. Hunter turns around confused, "Bandana?" He asks toward the nickname. "Yeah, I like to give all clones funny nicknames" "oh really, like?" "Well, Rex is Blondie, Hardcase is stupidity, Jesse is Boo-Bear" Hunter looks at her funny, "that one is a long story..." she laughs, "anyway, Bandana is a good one that's all you gotta know." He laughs, "okay, I believe you." Aria starts to laugh, Hunter had noticed her beauty since he first stepped off his ship. Knowing that she was a Jedi and he, a clone, he had to set his mind straight. Now meeting her, seeing that she is kind, funny, intelligent, caring, and like 3 billion other things, he wants to know her, and have her around.

As the Jedi and clone approach the rest of the Batchers, the rest of the batch can clearly see that there is something there between the Sergeant and the General. "25 credits, he falls for her" Crosshair spits out, "What?! No way!" Wrecker says, "No way, what?" Aria asks, "well, Cross says-" "Nothing" Tech and Crosshair say. Both Hunter and Aria look at each other with the same expression. "Okay then... You guys ready for another mission" Hunter says to his squad.

Aria is now standing beside Wrecker, the two had a couple fun banter moments on the last mission, so Aria thought that out of the others he'd be a fun one to talk to. "So, Wrecker, is it true that you're blind in one eye?" "Hey, how did you know that?" "Jedi intuition." Aria lied, Tech told her. "Cool! Yeah, it went blind after a failed attempt of blowing something up" "really?" "Yeah" "well what are the odds, Echo, the clone we're going to save potentially also blew up." "Sick."

Wrecker and Aria became fast friends, she even gave him the nickname "Big-Fella" and he even gave her one too, "Bite-Size", they both laughed as Wrecker was 6'6" and Aria only being 5'2".

Aria starts to connect with Tech as Obi Wan comes up and says, "Aria, where is Anakin?" Obi Wan says as he comes up to the Batch, "sorry, master, I haven't seen him since the last time I saw him." "When was that?" "The last time I saw him? Was definitely the time I saw him last." Aria says, smiling, "Aria..." "He went that way" she says, pointing him toward the barracks, as Obi Wan is walking away Wrecker and Aria look at each other and burst out laughing, and then he says, "that was awesome!" "I know right" "that is not what I would have called it-" Tech says "in fact you made his job much harder-" "hey googles, I'm just joking around" "goggles?" "That's my nickname for you." "What-" "She gives clones nicknames" "yeah! I'm Big-Fella!" Wrecker says excitedly. "Oh, but we already have names" "I guess, but I like to consider clones real people too, so I make funny names to connect with them" "wow" "what?" "It's just that, from the data I have collected, most other Jedi hate us." "Well not me goggles" Aria said, punching his arm. "Okay, well what's Hunter's, I'm guessing he has one?" Crosshair finally speaks up, with a toothpick in his mouth. Aria smiles "Bandana." Wrecker loses it, even though the name itself wasn't funny, the conversation they were having before about their Sergeant and the General made it worse. "Hey, that isn't even that worst one, I've given." "What about Cross?" Hunter asks, "I don't know, I haven't connected with him yet." Aria looks toward Crosshair, and he just death glares her.

Anakin and Rex came back with the go ahead from Obi Wan, now on the Havoc Marauder with the squad. Wrecker is lifting their Gonk Droid, Gonky, Tech is piloting, Hunter looking at control panels, and the rest of them are standing together in the middle of the ship. Anakin is looking at Crosshairs sniper, "so, how many missions has your team been on, Sergeant?" "Honestly, sir, I've lost count. All the action sort of blurs together." Hunter says, "I know you work with Cody sometimes, but who do you guys report to?" Rex asks. "Hmm... good question. Can't say I've got an answer." "Yeah!" Wrecker jumps in. There is a little turbulence as they got out of hyper space. Tech yells, "we are approaching Skako Minor. It looks to be a difficult landing." They all get into seats on the ship as fast as possible, Crosshair, Rex and Anakin go to the middle seats while Wrecker goes up front with Tech, leaving both Hunter and Aria the two at the back.

They safely land and Anakin asks, "Rex, what do we know about this place?" "On this part of Skako, there's a race of locals, the Poletecs. All we know is they're very primitive. " ""Primitive" is being kind. My intel says the Poletecs worship flying reptiles." Techs just as one jumps on the window of the ship and screeches. "What the hell was that?" Aria says, "Wrecker's twin" Crosshair says calmly, they both look at each other and laugh. "No Crosshair, it's one of those reptiles." "I want that thing off my ship." Hunter commands, "hold on! Hold on! Don't just run out there." Rex says, as they proceed to do just that. Both Anakin and Aria ignite their lightsabers, Anakin’s one blue and Aria’s 2 blue ones. "Hey! Get off of there!" Wrecker yells. "Hey, calm down. We need to talk to them." Anakin says, taking control of the situation, "why?" Hunter questions, "to let they know we come in peace and wish them no harm, so we avoid unnecessary battles." 2 more reptiles come down on them, and the one on the ship jumps off and grabs Anakin, dropping his lightsaber. Rex grabs it and starts shooting, "I have a thermal reading. Point-two-five east, elevation 175." Tech says. "Relax. I'll handle this." Crosshair says adjusting his sniper and using Tech's shoulder as a ramp. It is a grappling hock that latches on the reptile, "what are you doing?" Rex asks. "Going for a ride." Hunter responds in his raspy, sexy voice, as he attaches the end of the grappling hock to his waist and lifts off the ground. Aria was shocked for a moment, she stood in awe, but she was brought out of her trance by Rex and the others yelling to get back on the ship to follow their sergeant.

We all get on and strap in, Hunter's voice comes through the comm channel "Tech, I'm with the General, hone in on my signal." Tech does as he says, and they touch down slightly behind the clearing where Anakin was. They all ran out towards Hunter. Aria leans down next to Hunter to get a better view, "that creature still has a hold of the General." Hunter says to the group, noticing Aria, she looks at him them at Rex. "Rex, any ideas?" Aria asks, "we're going in, but remember what the General said. "No casualties, disarm only."" "We're on it, Captain. Wreck, Crosshair, rockslide!" Hunter responds, Wrecker moves a big rock down to the clearing and slides down after it while Crosshair starts to shoot the Poletecs' weapons out of their hands, then he shoots the winged creature in its leg with a tranquilizer, forcing it to let go of Anakin. The rest of them move in, the Poletecs start to speak in their tongue. "Tech, translate what he said." Tech starts to do translate, "he says he does not want our war on his planet. That is why he took our leader." "We didn't bring the war here. It was Wat Tambor and the Separatists." Anakin says calmly, Tech, then translates. "Tell him we apologize for what's happened." Aria says compassionately. "But tell him the enemy is holding one of our men prisoner in Purkull. As soon as we rescue him, we'll leave his planet, for good." Rex jumps in. Tech translates again, then the Polectec leader starts to speak. "The chief says he will provide us with scouts and lead us to Tombor's city. From there we're on our own." "Any help is better than no help." Anakin states. "Tell the chief thank you for their help" Aria says, offering a smile. Tech does so, and the scouts start to lead the way.

The scouts show the way and head back to their village. "I hope nobody's scared of heights." Anakin says, Hunter and Crosshair both turn and look at Wrecker. "Well, I'm not scared of nothing. I just... When I'm up real high, I got a problem with gravity." "Speaking of problems" Tech interjects, "I am no longer picking up Echo's signal." "I... I don't understand. You said it was coming from this city." Rex said confused. "I can only speculate, but it is possible there's a latency issue with the frequency caused by all these atmospheric disturbances." “Or…. maybe they sent the signal to lure us into a trap. And maybe your friend’s actually dead. Well, I can’t be the only one thinking that.” Hunter says, looking at Aria, she just shrugs. She’s known Echo for a long time and would love if he was alive, but she also had to be realistic. “Look, every mission could be a trap. This one is no different. I’m telling you, that signal is being sent by Echo himself! He’s alive!” “I think you’re letting your personal feelings get in the way because you left him for dead at the Citadel.” Crosshair says, “I had no choice. You hear me?” “Oh, I don’t blame you. I would’ve left him for dead, too. Besides, he’s just another reg.” Crosshair says making Rex angry, Rex retaliates by starting to fight Crosshair, and honestly Aria really wanted to join in because Crosshair was out of line. “Hey!” Wrecker yells, “why don’t you pick on someone not your size?” He says, lifting Rex off the ground, then throwing him a little farther away. Rex walks straight up to Wrecker and says, “you’ll be a whole lot smaller when I’m through with you.” “Hey! Guys enough!” Aria yelled as Anakin goes to break the tension between the two. “Aria, Sergeant, take your men and scout the area for a tower entrance. I want to talk to my Captain alone.

Hunter and Aria take the boys and start to do what Anakin said. “I could’ve taken him” Wrecker pouts. “Yeah, the Captain was way outta line.” Hunter says, Aria is in front still scouting, not listening to their argument, “I’m just saying that is all probably a trap.” “Oh my force! Can you guys just stop!” Aria yells, the Batch looks at her unexpectedly, “imagine it was one of you” she pauses and faces them. “Imagine, you had to leave one of your brothers behind, and now that there is a slight chance that, that brother is alive wouldn’t you guys care enough to try!” Hunter looks sheepish, “I’m just saying, yes Rex needs to understand that this might all be for nothing, but you guys need to understand he just wants his family back.” “Aria is 100% correct” Tech states. “Sorry, general, truth is for my brothers I’d do anything.” Hunter responds. “Good now let's get back to work.” Aria says. 

We find an entrance, and Rex and Anakin come running. "We're in business, General. Tech regained Echo's signal. It's coming from this tower. How's it going, Tech? " Hunter says. Tech is using his Keypad to hack into the tower. He is able to get the door open, "sorry it took so long." "Hey, Crosshair, check it out." Hunter says, ordering his brother. Crosshair goes in and says, "yeah, it's a lift." "Well, we already knew that." Tech states. Aria laughs, "wait, wait, wait. A lift? How far up are we going?" wrecker questions. "Don't worry Wrecker. I'll hold your hand" Hunter teased. "Hey! Cut it Sarge. Just give me some droids to crush." 

Setting up the lift, both Anakin and Aria reminded the squad that this is a stealth mission. “No blasting, No blowing things up. Nobody knows we're here.” Anakin finished, The door opened, revealing droids, Wrecker charges out followed by the rest of clone force 99. They start to destroy the droids. “So much for stealth” Aria says. 

 After Wrecker finished crushing many droids, he said, “Yeah! Hah! Ha-ha! Uh… sorry. I just got excited.” “It’s alright, Big-Fella.” Aria said. “I’ve still got a lock on Echo’s signal.” Tech said. “All right, men-” “what does that mean?” Aria said teasingly beside Hunter, “well… uh- you know” “do I?” “Alright you two, sort this out later.” Anakin said, giving his little sister a knowing look, her smile quickly faded. “Let’s hunt dome droids.” Hunter finished, “now you’re talking! Yeah!” 

They all walked into the main facility, Hunter and Rex destroying the first few droids. “Where exactly is Echo’s signal coming from?” Anakin asked, Tech responded “strange. I just lost the signal.” “What? How can that be? There’s no “atmospheric disturbances” up here.” Rex said, “Well, I have a new theory. I’m surprised I didn’t consider it earlier. The signal is only traceable during data transmissions. So until Echo dispenses more intel, I cannot pick up the signal.” “Okay, we’re splitting up.  Search every door. If someone finds Echo, contact the others. We go in together just in case there’s trouble.” Anakin said, looking straight at his sister, who just smiled and shrugged. Anakin, Wrecker, and Crosshair set off in one direction while Tech, Rex, Aria and Hunter set off in the other direction. Tech then says he regained the signal, we all followed them to a much bigger door, Hunter conformed that Echo’s signal was coming from there. “Tech, open this door.” Rex says as a message played on the screen by the door. “You clones are so predictable.” “Wat Tambor” Aria said, “Your algorithm predicted nearly every move you made to infiltrate Purkoll.” “There is no algorithm. We know you’re holding a prisoner of war here.” Rex yelled “prisoner? I don’t know what you mean, Captain.” “I am leaving here with my friend.” Rex said threateningly. “Your friend is dead. His mind is ours.” “Liar!” While Rex was having that conversation, it was a distraction as more droids showed up, “execute them.” Wat Tambor said. Hunter grabbed his knife and threw it toward the droids, Aria ignited her lightsabers, as Anakin, Wrecker, and Crosshair came running in. They all finished off the droid quickly, but more started to arrive. “Tech, Open that door for Rex and Aria!” “Yes, sir!” “I hope you find what you’re looking for, Captain.” Hunter says, Rex gives him a nod, then heads over to Tech and Aria as the door opens. 

Once in the room, Aria said “I don’t like the look of this” “neither do I” Rex agreed. Tech got right to it, starting to open the chamber above the controls. “I am definitely picking up a life-form in there. It seems to be a stasis chamber. I think I can get it open.” Tech gets the chamber open and a pale, frosty, Echo fell forward attached to a bunch of machinery. “Echo. Tech! We gotta get him out of here. Figure out how to unplug him from this mess.” Rex set Echo on the ground and Aria instantly saw that most of him was no longer man but machine, “what have they done to you?” Rex whispered, still in shock. “We-- We have to get to the shuttle to escape the Citadel. No! I’ll go first.” Echo mumbled “Echo!” “No, no, no” “Echo, It’s Rex. I’m here.” “Rex? You came back for me.” “Yes. Yes, I did.” “He’s not the only one” Aria said kneeling beside them, “Commander?” “Well General now” Aria said offering a smile. “What happened? Where am I?” “It’s okay, Echo.” “You’re safe now, just sit tight, trooper. You’re going home.”

Next Chapter>

[ocprompts]

Very long infodumping ahead sorry in advance! (Also all art belongs to me and is posted on my sideblog @thechaoticfanartist )

Idk if I've shared her here but this is my Star Wars OC:

Her name is Grim Kennet and she's a Jedi Padawan during The Clone Wars. Specifically she's Obi-Wan's Padawan. But here's the fun part! Grim isn't from Star Wars, she's actually from our universe and ended up in the Star Wars universe.

She makes it her goal to stop Order 66, prevent Anakin's fall to Vader, and save the Jedi Order. Although ultimately she fails and the story goes as it does in canon.

She has a close bond with Obi-Wan seeing him as a father figure. She also grows to see Anakin as an older brother which causes her to have a lot of mixed feelings about him knowing who he will become. She also ends up having a crush on Anakin's Padawan Ahsoka. Grim and Ahsoka end up dating for about a year and a half before Ahsoka ends up leaving the Jedi Order so the two of them break up because as much as Grim loves her she puts her duty above her feelings. And her duty is to the Jedi Order. To save them. And she can't let her love for Ahsoka become an attachment.

Along with her friendships and the love she finds. Grim also becomes an enemy to Darth Sidious. As she knows the truth about him and works to expose it. Although she never succeeds at this. (This is also how she got that scar on her face she got into a fight with Sidious!)

Despite her failure to change the ending because Grim has grown so much and learned a lot in just three years she still gets knighted by Yoda after the events of Revenge Of The Sith. After all she would have to discard her Padawan braid in any case, and the honor of being a Knight even if she can't show it means enough to all of them.

(Grim lost her arm to Anakin during her fight on Mustafar, that's why she has a metal arm in the above image)

Grim spends 3 years hiding with Obi-Wan on Tatooine under the alias of Rue Kenobi. Her cover story is that she is Ben's (Obi-Wan's) daughter. I still don't know much about what happens during these three years. What I do know is that Rue never tells Ben the truth about Anakin surviving their battle on Mustafar and that when she eventually leaves she doesn't say goodbye. She only leaves a note to explain why she is gone.

Although she told Obi-Wan she left to join the Rebellion and that had been her intent Grim spends another year in hiding by herself. I don't know anything about this year in hiding other than what she looks like (shown in the image above), she wears that mask to cover the scar on her face knowing it could easily be used to identify her and that she still goes by Rue Kenobi. Despite it being dangerous to continue to use Kenobi as her last name. (She's not ready to let go of Obi-Wan yet, but she won't admit it.) After this year in hiding however Grim does eventually join the Rebellion.

In the Rebellion Grim goes under the code name The Oracle and uses her knowledge of Star Wars canon to help undermine the Empire especially regarding their secret projects. Her biggest target is the Death Star. Although she is unable to prevent the Death Star's completion. Grim prefers to work alone during the Rebellion as she doesn't want to risk anybody else. She's aware of her history with both Vader and Sidious and worries that if anyone is connected to her that the Empire will use them against her. She doesn't want anyone else to get hurt because of her. She already feels as though she failed the galaxy.

When the events of A New Hope finally roll around Grim decides to take a bigger role in the larger Rebellion. She also takes Luke as her Padawan and trains him in the ways of the Jedi. Eventually Knighting him after the events of Return Of The Jedi. She spends the rest of her life as a Jedi Master working to rebuild the Jedi Order and train the next generation of Jedi.

Sorry for this being so long I've had this character for 3 years and she's always on my mind 😅.

:O they're all so cool! love your art style too!

[gmariam19]

Well, it has been six months and things look a little different here! New editing, something called Tumblrmart?? I checked in every so often on the app, but I had to login again on my laptop. So weird.

I never thought I'd leave Tumblr. I suppose I haven't, not really. It's been probably ten years for me hanging out here, maybe more? First with a bit of Harry Potter, then Torchwood and Doctor Who, then Star Wars and Finnpoe, my OTP. 🧡 But now it's been six months since I've posted. Just a lull, I suppose.

I moved. After seventeen years, I moved across the country and started over. And you know what? It's not easy. It's been harder than any other move - I miss my old house and friends and job terribly, even six months later. (Yes, I edited that.)

So that's why I kind of disappeared. We drove twelve hours with a cat and a kid over the summer and bought a lemon of a house and have been trying to settle ever since. You know that movie The Money Pit, where everything goes wrong with the house? That's us. I'd actually move again if it wasn't a total loss. We have so many more things to fix and four frustrating dogs that bark constantly next door. But as my husband says - we are bringing this house back to life and it will be amazing when we do. The rest of our family is only two hours away now instead of multiple states and a plane ride so that's nice - and all that plane fare $ has gone right into the money pit. Hopefully to include a new fence soon. 🤪

Anyway - my time is mostly given to general contracting (painting, landscaping, even fixed my sink today!) but I check for messages if anyone wants to say Hi. I'm sorry I haven't read anything since this summer. And I miss writing terribly but I'd only end up writing about Finn and Poe moving somewhere new and all the problems they encounter with their new house! Thank you to anyone reading and reviewing my fics - getting those notifications always makes me feel good and smile. I'm damn proud of some of those stories! I don't think I've missed any major SW/Finnpoe news but let me know if I did. Kenobi and Andor were fun to watch but I'm looking forward to The Mandalorian even more!

I hope you are all well and that life and fandom are good for everyone! 😊

[veradragonjedi]

Have some funny Grim & Obi-Wan (ft. Maul, Savage & Ventress) moments from Chapter 22 of TCWGANV:

"You don't mean- Maul's returned already?" Kenobi sighed, of course she figured it out, "it is a possibility, yes. I am going to face him alone, you are not to come along on this mission with me. I will return shortly." Grim looked even more unconvinced than ever. This was what he wanted to avoid. “No you won't. I'm coming with you." He sighed again. He knew she would say that. "No you're not," Obi-Wan replied. "You are to stay here.” Grim sighed and put her hands up in surrender, "alright, fine," said Grim in defeat. "I won't go along with you." As Obi-Wan walked off, Grim added in a whisper, "that you know of." With that she followed him.

“Hello Master,” she greeted him. Obi-Wan turned around and saw her. “Grim? What are you doing here?” He asked her, surprised. Savage ran at the two Jedi, one half of his saberstaff ignited. Grim and Obi-Wan both blocked, but the force of the blow shoved them back. “What do you think? I’m saving you Kenobi,” she remarked. Maul jumped down behind them. “Behind you,” she told him, moving around to face Maul. “I believe I told you not to follow me,” Obi-Wan replied, as he defended himself from Savage’s attacks. “And you thought I would listen? Come on, how long have you known me now, Master?” Grim asked, a playful smile on her face.

Grim and Obi-Wan were touching backs now, as they tried to defend against the Sith they battled against. “I was supposed to do this alone,” he told her. “What, was I supposed to let you have all of the fun?” Grim asked him.

Grim groaned and rubbed her head, “I did not want to get involved in the plot like this .” “Then perhaps you shouldn’t have followed me,” Obi-Wan remarked. “Are you kidding? I said like this , I was getting involved no matter what,” Grim retorted.

Maul threw Obi-Wan at her and the two Jedi fell to the ground. “Padawan, maybe take some advice, don’t anger a Sith Lord, especially when you don’t have your lightsaber.” “Oh yeah, because you don’t manage to anger every Sith Lord to ever live,” retorted Grim rolling her eyes. Obi-Wan helped Grim up. “What do you mean by that?” “Master, have you met yourself?” she asked.

“Master, I know you’re the negotiator and all but can you not negotiate right now?”

“It looks like I’m here to rescue you,” Ventress told the two Jedi, helping them to their feet. “Since when did you become the good guy?” Obi-Wan asked. “Don’t insult me,” Ventress replied. “What a lovely sight to wake up to.” “Don’t flatter yourself, Kenobi. You’ve never been much to look at, especially now.” “Can you two please stop flirting in front of me!” Grim cut in. “We’re not flirting!” Ventress and Obi-Wan both argued. Grim rolled her eyes, “whatever y’all say.” “The witch and the Jedi,” said Savage from above. “Here for our taking,” Maul continued, igniting his lightsaber. Ventress tossed Obi-Wan one of her lightsabers, “I want that back,” she told him. “That’s fine,” said Obi-Wan. “Red’s not my color.” “ Again with the flirting?” Grim groaned. “I am right here!” “Not flirting,” they told her. “And what about my lightsaber? Am I just going to punch a Sith Lord?” Grim asked. “Not that I’m against that.” “If it works,” replied Ventress. “Grim, do not punch a Sith Lord, please. ” Obi-Wan told her, knowing she was not beyond doing so. Ventress and Obi-Wan got prepared to fight Maul and Savage. “No promises,” replied Grim, also preparing herself for the fight.

Out of AAAALL of this I'm OBSESSED with "I did not want to get involved in the plot like this"

HONEY

You are GENERAL KENOBI'S PADAWAN

[imtheonetheycallme]

The one with the Force - Chapter 2

Kenobi spends some time with Nara, and realises why, yet so young, she holds the title of the Head of Medic.

If you prefer to read it on AO3, you are more than welcome ;)

Plot of the story: A new tactic has been introduced to help the Jedi and the Clones to fight the War. A young, clumsy and stubborn head of medic and a respected Jedi Master may not be the best mix, however, for some reasons, the Force decided other way.

Pairing: Obi Wan Kenobi x Original Female Character

Warning: nothing in this chapter.

Words: 3 008

She was never a fan of Coruscant. There was something fishy about this place. Whether it was the underground, the bounty hunters that came here looking for a job, or politics, she didn’t know. But she did like one place though. Not the most fancy, or with the best food, but for sure the one that brought her some very nice memories. 

“I didn’t know you knew of this place”, she turned around, surprised to hear a familiar voice of a man she didn;t see for almost 2 weeks. The surprised look on her face, confirmed Obi Wan, that she indeed did not know they were back. He sat opposite her in the booth, ordering two of whatever she was drinking with his hand. 

“I didn’t get any information of your return”, she murmured, making room for him at the table. He looked around the papers and raised his brow. There were some about the healing properties of whatever the hell was in the pictures, some were in a language he was sure he had seen before, but didn’t understand and there were some plans, probably made by her. “Are you alright? Are there any injured ones? I should probably go back” he gripped her arm softly and smiled at her shaking his head. 

“No need to worry, Cody got a bit injured but your team has already taken care of him. Ashoka brought him to the med bay despite his furious attempt to run”, he chuckled, remembering the scene.”You are not needed. I heard you were out, and I was surprised to find you were here.”

“And which one of the traitors told you where I was?” she asked, cleaning the table just a little bit, to make sure that nothing would be destroyed in the possibility that any of the drinks would spill. 

“Dia seems to like me a bit more than you do”, he smirked seeing as she rolled her eyes. “I did have to bribe her with one of my brightest smiles, but she broke pretty easily.” The young woman chuckled, shaking her head slowly. “I would never guess you knew of this place, never much liked it.” He thanked the waitress who brought them drinks and looked at the bar, noticing the owner, waving at him, giving him a sign that he will greet him in a while, after he finishes whatever he was doing. 

“It was my go to place during my studies. I really like the tea they serve here”, she smiled while taking a sip of her drink. “If you are a bit more adventurous, you can ask Dex to add some alcohol there and there is no Force in the Galaxy that would make you not regret being awake the next day”, She smiled, proud of herself, when Obi Wan laughed out loud. She liked the sound of it. It has been about two months since their first meeting. They haven’t really spent much time together. To her surprise, the General didn’t get hurt that many times during the mission. And even if he was, the injuries weren’t serious enough for him to come see her. He did, however, bring his men up, with an apologetic smile, asking for some help. She learned he was quite chatty, when she let him, fun and sarcastic when no one was there to notice. And not to mention his laugh was so contagious that even during her worse days, she couldn’t help and at least smile back. She really did like the sound of that, very much indeed. Especially when it was accompanied with that little spark in his beautiful, blue eyes, that seemed to pull her closer and closer whenever they were together, alone. 

“I can’t imagine you being nothing but proper”, he sassed and she raised her brow as a challenge.

“You’re saying I’m boring?” his eyes widened for a second, and the little mischievous smirk coloured his lips. “I’m sure I would be able to drink you down under the table.” 

“Oh really now?” he murmured, the smirk never leaving his lips. He scooted a little closer, his arm going behind her, his head lowering to whisper in her ear. “I’d love to see you try, Doc.” Oh, how she hated when he did that! That sneaky bastard knew, he just had to know what reaction those kinds of moves bring out of her. She blushed, and was about to answer to his Kenobi-sm when a loud laugh caught her attention. 

“Kenobi! What a nice surprise”, she smiled at the owner, ignoring how the lack of the man's presence bothered her, when he pulled away from her, to greet Dex. “I did not know you knew each other.” 

“We work together”, she answered, scooting closer to Obi Wan once again, when Dex decided to join them at the booth. “Kind of”, she added after a while, trying to organize her papers. With Dex so close to them, it seemed like an easy way for them to get destroyed. 

“I’m not sure who I feel more sorry for, then”

“Hey!” they both half shouted, making the owner laugh loudly. Nara sighed and took a sip of her drink. As she was about to say anything to defend herself, a shrieking sound of her pager brought the table to her attention. 

“We need you, girl. A whole squadron is back from a mission. That doesn’t look good. We have only us here. Dia and some medics went out to help at another location. Team Beta is away until tomorrow.” Gal’s deep voice sounded distressed, which never seemed good. “I know it’s your day off…”

“I’ll be there in ten”, she interrupted him. It didn’t matter if it was her day off or not. Her team needed her. The Warriors needed her. “Get the equipment running. Divide the patience into four categories, leave the ‘A’s’ for me”, she hung up and stood up quickly. “I’m sorry Dex, Kenobi, but..”

“I’m coming with you”, the Jedi murmured, already getting ready to leave. “I’m with a spreader, it will be faster”, she only nodded, and smiling apologetically to Dex they both left. 

“Are you sure you know how to ride that thing?” She eyed the speeder with concern and sighed deeply. She hated those. She hated flying if she was being honest, but most of the time, she at least got some kind of protection. Here she was just holding to … nothing really, which if she was being honest with herself was her best idea of dying. 

“I’m not Anakin, but do give me some credit, Doc.” he winked at her and extended his hand for her to take. Hesitantly, knowing there are people who need her help, she obliged and sat behind him. “Hold onto me, scaredy cat!” Cycling her hands around his waist, she ignored the comment, indeed being scared to death, when it started. 

***

“20 patients all together. 19 Clones, one Jedi. The Jedi is an A+, we have Captain Rex as an A+++, so you decide what to do”, Gal continued talking, while preparing her for whatever was on the other side of the doors. “It's bad. We took care of 12 of the Ds, Cs and Bs. Just as you kindly asked, all of the As are yours.” The man’s eyes traveled to the Jedi as he squinted and sighed. “Things don’t look good there, General, you may have to say…”

“I liked you better, all quiet with your head in your books”, Nara interrupted him, giving him a pointed look. “I need all the patients that were taken care of to be taken to a different room. I want that room only for the As patients. How many Bacta Bombs do we have here?”

“Bacta bombs?” Kenobi asked, but was ignored by both of the medics. He heard the Hutts were acquainted with them, but whenever the Jedi Council tried to get their hands on it, it was taken as an offense by the Hutts. However, that mysterious girl was able to get them was a mystery to him. 

“We have three left. Dia took one, Fed two more and Hammond is already working on maintaining some more”, she nodded, and ignored the look of Kenobi’s on her back. She felt it in the Force. The pain and suffering. But rushing now would only bring chaos, which was the last thing that was needed now. She needed to focus on what she had to do. And if her predictions were right, she will not enjoy the aftermath of today's actions. 

“Put two of them in the rooms for the Bs and Cs patients. I will need one just in case. Please make sure that the life supporting Equipment for Captain and Jedi…” 

“Fisto”, the man finished, and she could feel a slight change of Jedi’s Force at the back. “They were back from one of the battles. Apparently it doesn't seem good out there.” 

“Ok, so I got 8 in there. Two critical and the rest ?” 

“If we would like to take a risk, I would say the bomb should be enough.” 

“You know what I think of the risk”, she murmured, tying her long hair in a high ponytail. She took a deep breath and walked into the room, disappearing from Obi Wan’s eyes. As he was about to walk in, a hand stopped him in track. 

“Not many people know what she’s really capable of. I guess she being your personal medic,  would lead to you finding out one day, but…” the man sighed and looked at the Jedi with the stern stare of a protective older brother. “Out there… She’s the boss, remember that, Jedi.” 

***

She could smell the blood in the air. She closed her eyes and searched through the patients. The situation wasn’t ideal, but she wasn't pessimistic either. She saw the Captain and the Master hooked to the machines and looked around at the other six. If she thought that through she should be able to help them all. However, one bad move, and at least two of them would be dead. Six was her best record. Six of Bs, none were ever in such bad condition. But this was War. It was different. Everyone did everything they could, so it was her time as well. 

She walked to the two of the most critical, ignoring the doors opening. She needed to focus on the patients. On the Force and the surrounding. But not the background. It was just her, the Force and the patients. She closed her eyes and extended her hands feeling the connection growing. She doesn’t believe she would ever get used to that first moment, when she does indeed connect with the Force. It’s like something is pushing her to the brightest place on the planet. There is nothing but that Light. It’s big, warm and fulfilling. Like there is nothing better than this. And yet, despite it being so Great, she knew that the longer she becomes one with it, the more she will suffer. 

His eyes widened when he felt it. It was like all the Force just gathered around her. It was like there was nothing around but her, like she has become one with the Force. No… it felt as if she was the Force at the moment. For bystanders it was nothing worth seeing. She did create a barrier which surrounded the two patients. But it was never really what meets the eyes and Obi Wan never felt as confused before. Especially that he has never felt her being Force Sensitive. 

He wanted to blink, swallow, but he felt like even these simple moves would have disagreed with whatever was happening now. He was rubbish at healing Force and he wasn’t afraid to admit that. He did, however, see other Jedi perform it and it was never truly anything like that. The wounds on Master Fisto were disappearing almost as if they were never there. While the nasty wound under Rex’ rib was slowly healing. It was incredible and yet petriffing. How was it possible that someone so young, so… so normal was able to become one with the Force. She was just a girl. A young woman. A medic person that brought a forgotten smile on his mouth, whenever, she truly spoke her mind. She was intelligent and incredibly talented. He saw her deal with minor and less minor injuries. She was well-equipped and knew enough to be able to deal with the situation without her team. A team of people older than her, and yet all of them respected her. No, it wasn’t just it. It was a bond much deeper than just respect. They trusted her and in her. Believed in her leadership and her knowledge. He learned pretty quickly that despite her age and kind of shy personality, she was indeed at the right position. 

A blink was enough for her to change the pace of the Force. It wasn’t as strong and bearing as it was. It was then he realized that Gal had moved and was already taking care of the Master and Rex. The oxygen masks were on, but Obi Wan felt as if they were just a precaution. They both looked much better, as if they were both just taking a nap. He looked at the girl who was focusing her attention on the other patients. The barrier has become bigger, but it wasn’t as thick as before. He did also notice how her breathing quickened. No one better than him understood that, indeed Force was something amazing, it could also become a double-welded sword, if used too much. 

He never saw anyone being able to heal as many people using just the Force. She wasn't a Jedi that was for sure. He was certain, she never even got proper training. For someone so talented, she was.. Well… clumsy. Something a person with even the basics of Jedi training wouldn’t be considered. She must have, however, been visited by a Jedi… And then it struck him. Master Windu. He knew her, probably more than anyone, and for whatever reason always ignored any questions related to her, almost as if despite the respect, she tormented him in some way. Kenobi wondered if she was one of the children that were refused by the parents, when the Jedi came to pick them up. It was possible, very likely, but there was also one more thing that bothered the young Master. Her incredible ability to control the Force and hide her sensitivity. Not many, even well trained Jedi, were able to do it, and yet, it looked so easy and effortless for her. 

And then it was over. The whole feeling was over. The barrier disappeared and he was able to move again. And he did, a couple of steps towards the woman, to be able to steady her, when she felt light headed. He could only imagine that she didn't feel the best now. Overusing the Force didn’t always end up well. He glanced at the patients and couldn’t help to feel the pride that the woman in his arms was his private medic. She did an amazing job and it was for that one moment he saw this small Light in the darkness, that this maybe a step forward for them and the Republic to win the War. 

“How about we sit down, Doc?” He asked softly, guiding her onto the small chair in the corner. He glanced at Gal who was taking care of the last treated patients, and he noted towards him. “What you did there was truly magnificent, Nara”, she smiled softly, trying to fight the headache that was creeping close. Ha sat her down, but never moved too much, making sure that she wouldn’t fall. The way her eyes were closing on their own, didn’t give him a sign that she was about to not fall asleep sitting on that chair. 

“Drink this, Ardan, you stupid girl!” Gal huffed, giving the girl a glass of what looked like water. As Kenobi was about to respond to what seemed to be a rude thing to say, the girl started to laugh quietly, gulping with disgust, whatever was in that glass. “I should have stopped you after you healed the Jedi. I hope the headache you will feel soon will teach you something.” And before she was able to respond, he walked away, to go see other patients. He gave a last warning glance at Kenobi and left the room. 

“Not the nicest man I have ever met…” The Jedi murmured, making the girl chuckle a bit. He pulled a chair from himself and sat down next to the girl, letting her drop her heavy head on his shoulders. 

“It’s a sign he cares. He likes to be in control, and when he loses it, he becomes very honest and well… Yeah you heard it. But is an incredibly talented man, not to mention he’s like a brother to me, so do care how you speak of him.” There was a hint of a joke in her tone, however, Kenobi was aware that he should just listen to her. 

“You’re the boss, Nara”, he murmured and grinned seeing her little smile. He looked around the room, just now realizing that before leaving, Gal did indeed take care of everything. The room looked clean, and all the patients were asleep. The Force seemed to be more stable and controlled, but this was all thanks to the girl on his arm, who was laying there on his arm. There were so many questions he wanted to ask, so many things he needed to know about, but it wasn’t a priority now. The key point was, to let this incredible girl just rest. And selfishly he closed his eyes, contempt in just resting in this quiet room, with nothing other than them two, the sleeping patients and a beeping of two of the machines. 

[captaingondolin]

here, have a beginning of this that I have no actual plot for (and that's heavily leaning into the Anakin/Cody of it all so far):

Cody’s deep sigh is not audible outside his bucket. It does not matter to Darth Ananke - he knows him far too well.

“Don’t spoil my fun, Commander.”

“I would never. Sir.”

Ananke throws his beautiful head back and laughs, throat exposed, curls bouncing off his shoulders. Cody could never get him to wear proper armour.

“You are such a bad liar, Twenty-four.”

“I learned from the worse,” Cody deadpans.

It’s true. For all the effort Darth Tyranus and Darth Sidious put into training him, subtlety and deceit are not Darth Ananke’s strong suit. Not that it matters, not when he has the raw power to reshape the whole galaxy.

Pity he wastes it on toying with a single Jedi.

“I can hear you judging me,” Ananke whines.

Spoiled brat, Cody thinks very clearly at him, and Anakin turns to give him a smile and a wink, pulling the myriad of scars around his cybernetic eye into zigzag patterns. He’s always so proud when Cody fucks around with the Force. Despite being a null, he’s picked up a trick here and there. And he’s better than Ananke at meditating, that’s for sure.

The aforementioned Jedi picks that moment to regain consciousness. He’s tied to a chair, a Force-suppressing collar around his neck that Cody knows damn well won’t stop him. It hasn’t before. And yet somehow Kenobi is still alive.

You have a soft spot for him.

“I do not!” Darth Ananke lies, very poorly.

Kenobi’s pale grey gaze flits between the two of them, trying to follow what is, from his perspective, a one-sided conversation. One eye is swollen shut, and there’s blood on his lips. He looks positively delectable - but this thought Cody keeps close to his chest, since Ananke does not always like to share his toys. Cody being one of said toys, of course. A cherished one, maybe, but he knows his standing. And so is General Kenobi.

“The Count sends his regards,” says Ananke pleasantly.

Kenobi only frowns.

“He really does miss you, you know?”

“He should have thought about it before becoming a Sith!” Kenobi spits out.

“You could always join us,” he offers tiredly. It never works.

Cody is only there as background intimidation. In this situation, he’s not a Commander, he’s just muscle, just the guy with a big gun standing back. His grade would allow him to send someone else, but he doesn’t like the idea of leaving Ananke alone with a Jedi. The guy might have the power of a star about to go supernova, but Cody - human, non-Force sensitive Cody - still feels protective of him. Sue him.

But this game of tooka and mouse with Kenobi is getting tiring. Cody can still see Ananke favouring his left leg after Kenobi broke his right in multiple locations during their last fight. A fight that Kenobi himself didn’t leave unscathed: the burn scar from where Ananke’s red lightsaber nearly took out his hand peeks out from the dirty tunic sleeve.

So Cody decides to take a risk. He points his rifle to the ground and leans on it. “We could always decide not to let you go, this time.”

“Let me…?!” The Jedi sputters.

Darth Ananke whips around in a flutter of black and red, gaze fixing on Cody. Even with the helmet, he knows exactly where his eyes are. Cody shrugs.

Ananke frowns, but it’s not an angry frown, not yet. He’s thinking. Then, ever so slowly, a smile appears on his face like a sun coming up from the horizon.

“Actually,” he says, turning once again towards their prisoner, “I think we will. Let you go, I mean. As a show of good faith.”

He leans down towards Kenobi, and Cody tenses again, fingers at the ready around his blaster. He’s so close to the Jedi’s face their noses are almost touching. Maybe Cody doesn’t like sharing so much either, because the scene sends an unforeseen spike of rage through him. It’s so quick he doesn’t manage to tamp down on it, and he knows Darth Ananke has noticed. But first he puts a sleep suggestion on the prisoner, so that he won’t try to kill them as soon as they free him.

Then he stalks towards Cody, making him back down all the way against the wall. His duraplast armour clanks dully against it.

“What was that?”

Darth Ananke is prone to fits of rage. He’s thrown even Cody around once or twice, but that doesn’t scare him. He always figured he’d die during the war - not much of a difference if it’s friendly fire. This, however, is different. Ananke is calm, his tone measured. His lips are almost touching the white surface of the armour.

“Apologies, sir.”

“No. You won’t ‘sir’ your way out of this. I want to know what made you so angry,” he licks his lips, “I want to do it again.”

me, talking to a friend, explaining how Savage is a poor little meow meow: well, he did almost kill Obi-Wan with his brother, but I can forgive that, all my faves nearly kill Obi-Wan: Anakin, Cody…

my friend: I sense a pattern