#anakin dreamily staring at Obi-Wan

[cosmic-ships]

Shenanigans

Ships: Starbound Companions (platonic) // Beyond Us; Only Darkness

Words: 583 (small and incredibly silly! NOT CANON to my lore, this is just for funsies!)

Summary: You really need to watch your surroundings Kaden-

Kaden sat in a quiet corner, staring down at their datapad, a soft sigh escaping their lips. Their mind wandered, thoughts swirling dreamily around a certain Jedi Knight. Completely unaware of their surroundings, Kaden didn’t notice Obi-Wan approaching.

“A sigh?” came the voice of the Jedi Master, startling Kaden so badly they nearly launched their datapad across the room. They scrambled to pull it into their lap, cheeks burning as they stammered.

“N-Nothing!” Kaden said loudly, trying, and failing, to sound casual.

Obi-Wan crossed his arms, his brow raising. “I didn’t ask anything.”

Kaden blinked, fumbling for words. “R-Right…”

“But now,” Obi-Wan continued, a spark of curiosity in his eyes “I am curious. What had you sighing like that while staring at your datapad?”

Kaden bit their lip, shaking their head. “It’s nothing…”

Obi-Wan’s gaze didn’t waver. “Your cheeks say otherwise.”

“I promise, it’s—”

“Something tells me it’s Anakin-related isn't it?” Obi-Wan asked with a knowing look.

Kaden groaned, burying their face in their hands. “You'd be… correct...”

Obi-Wan’s lips curled into a smirk as he shook his head. a playfulness in his tone as he asked “Does he know that you fawn over him like a schoolgirl when he’s not around?”

Kaden’s head snapped up. “I was not fawning!”

“Oh?” Obi-Wan chuckled. “So the dreamy sighing and love-stricken doe eyes had nothing to do with whatever you were staring at?”

Kaden’s face flushed deeper. “You’re not going to… tell Anakin, right?”

Obi-Wan looked amused. “You’re joking? If I do, he won’t be silent for the rest of the month. I’d rather not.”

Kaden exhaled a shaky sigh of relief. “Thank you…”

Obi-Wan’s smirk widened. “Or perhaps I will. As you’ve both asked in the past, where’s my sense of adventure?”

Kaden’s eyes widened. “Wait… hang on…”

“I shall see you later, Kaden,” Obi-Wan said with a mischievous glint, turning on his heel.

Panic bubbled up as Kaden scrambled to follow him. “Wait, you won’t say anything, to Anakin right? Right?! Hey, wait!”

The two rounded a corner, and Kaden nearly collided with Anakin, who stood there, arms crossed, a curious expression on his face.

“Say what to me?” Anakin asked, looking between them.

Kaden froze, their words dying in their throat. All they could manage was a high-pitched squeak.

Anakin's brow furrowed as he eyed the both of them, clearly sensing the tension. "What exactly is going on here?"

Kaden swallowed hard, trying to force down the panic rising in their chest. They glanced at Obi-Wan, silently pleading for him to stay quiet. Obi-Wan simply raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment, finally the tables were turned.

"Oh, nothing important," Obi-Wan said with a shrug, but there was a playful glint in his eye. "Just a little harmless fun."

Kaden, still frozen, shot him a desperate look. "Uh, y-yeah, totally nothing worth mentioning." They forced a smile, but it came off more like a grimace.

Anakin tilted his head, his confusion deepening and his expression growing suspicious. "You two are acting strange. Spill it."

Kaden’s heart pounded in their chest as they fumbled for an answer. "It’s really nothing, just...uh...m-maintenance talk! Yeah, repairs and stuff." They waved their hand vaguely as if that would help sell the lie.

"Maintenance talk?" Anakin repeated, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. "You expect me to believe that? When you can’t even look me in the eye? Kaden you're many thing but a liar is not one, you're not very good at it."

Kaden looked down at the floor, feeling the heat rising to their cheeks again. "It’s… complicated," they muttered.

"Complicated, indeed" Obi-Wan added with a smirk, clearly enjoying Kaden’s flustered state. "I’ll leave you two to sort it out."

Kaden’s eyes widened as Obi-Wan turned to leave. "Wait—no, don’t go! Don’t leave me here-" Kaden muttered under their breath "crap.."

[dream-about-dancing]

#anakin dreamily staring at Obi-Wan#talking about building his latest birdhouse#the bartender Quinlan is getting a kick out of it#Obi-Wan only ever goes to said bar to talk to Quin#hes not Gay gay#but with anakin...uh he might be gay#so now hes sending quinlan panic looks like what does he do?!???#and quin is like take that twink home kenobi#obviously (via @gaily-daily-musings)

If this isn't obikin at its core

[tennessoui]

Prompt: “Sorry, were you sleeping?” (Has this question ever been asked by someone who wasn’t intentionally trying to wake someone up??)

lol!!! it is such a bitchy question, but i was feeling soft so i wrote this instead!! it is set in the firefighter 'verse, fic linked here, tumblr tag linked here, where anakin is a firefighter who saves rockstar obi-wan from a fire and then they fall in love <3

(from this list of prompts)

(870 words)

Anakin is out of it in a way that means he probably should not be touching his phone, let alone pulling up his partner’s contact and hitting call.

He’s not drunk or anything. Just…sleep-deprived. He’s coming off the tail end of his on-call shift, and it has not been kind to him. Three different house fires and one dysfunctional elevator in an office building in the span of 40 hours, and Anakin had been on the clock for each one. It’s hardly even safe, really, but they’re understaffed right now. Summer months mean even firefighters want to go to the beach, and with so many of the team related, Anakin has started hating the whole season and even the idea of family vacations.

But he has Obi-Wan now. He can call Obi-Wan and talk to him and listen to his stories and his worries and, well. Mostly the tone of his voice, if Anakin is being truthful. Mostly when he calls Obi-Wan, it’s because he wants to hear the man’s voice, the way he pronounces his name, the beauty of it.

Obi-Wan answers after six rings. “‘Llo?” He mumbles into the phone. “Is Kenobi.”

Anakin’s chest feels too tight all of a sudden. “Oh,” he says. “Sorry, were you sleeping?”

“Anakin?” Obi-Wan yawns audibly over the phone, but then there’s rustling like he’s sitting up. “Is everything alright?” He sounds worried now. Maybe he’s remembering the call he’d gotten after Anakin had been injured during a response to a fire. That had been an awful time for both of them, especially because Obi-Wan had been halfway across the country performing when Ahsoka had remembered to call him from the hospital. 

“It’s fine,” he rushes to tell him. “Nothing happened. Just. Wanted to hear your voice.”

“My voice,” Obi-Wan repeats. There’s more rustling on his side of the line. Probably after realizing that nothing is wrong, he’s laid back down. His partner has never been the easiest to wake. “At three in the morning.”

“I may not have checked the time zone you’re in,” Anakin mutters, running a hand over his face. “It’s four o’clock in the afternoon here.”

“Yes, well. Some of us are not in Coruscant,” Obi-Wan points out.

Anakin huffs, a smile he’d never admit to teasing at the corner of his lips. “Oh, how could I forget I’m sleeping with a famous rock star?”

“Well, you’re not sleeping with him now,” his lover responds. “That’s part of the problem.”

This time, Anakin has to laugh. “How is—where are you again?”

“Tatooine,” Obi-Wan supplies. “It’s as dreadfully dull as you said it was.”

“Be honest, did you schedule a show there on your tour just out of spite?” Anakin moves around his apartment. Ahsoka’s out, which is good because it means he can flop onto the sofa and stare up at the ceiling dreamily, picturing his boyfriend and thinking about how much he loves him without having to hear Ahsoka fake-wretching in the background. 

Obi-Wan sounds like he’s smiling. Maybe a dimple has popped out. Anakin is filled with an intense need to lick it, to kiss him and be kissed in return. “Well, I wanted to see where my boy was from, and he seemed adamant that he would not take me himself.”

“I hate you,” Anakin informs him, closing his eyes. Obi-Wan laughs slightly breathlessly. “No, I don’t.” He says. He can’t say it, not even as a joke. This is Obi-Wan. He has never loved anyone as much as he loves this man. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Obi-Wan replies quietly. The seconds stretch on in silence, and Anakin can feel himself beginning to doze. He’s so tired. He needs to sleep. He should try to stay awake until at least eight o’clock, to try and force his body back to a normal schedule. He just wants to sleep.

“Wish I was with you,” he mumbles, turning over onto his side and placing his phone on speaker so he can get comfortable, tucking his arms behind his head. After a second, he reaches behind him and grabs a pillow to hold in his arms. Obi-Wan has ruined him. He needs to hold something to go to sleep now, and his boyfriend is across the country.

“What would you want me to do if I were with you?” Obi-Wan asks. It could be him trying for phone sex. It could also just be an innocent question. Anakin never knows when it comes to Obi-Wan. He likes that.

“Lemme hold you,” he says. “I’m tired. Just wanna sleep. Ask you to sing to me maybe.”

“I could sing to you now, darling,” Obi-Wan murmurs. He yawns, and Anakin yawns as well.

“Okay,” Anakin agrees quickly, squirming to get even more comfortable. 

“Which song would you like to hear?” His lover asks, and Anakin shrugs before he realizes Obi-Wan can’t see him.

“The one you wrote about me,” he decides even though he knows that’ll just make his boyfriend laugh and probably bring up incessantly later.

“Oh darling,” Obi-Wan croons with a hint of laughter in his voice. “Which one? They’re all about you these days.”

[disastertriowriting]

Obi-Wan: A butterfly! Hey, little guy, gal or nonbinary pal!

Anakin: Can a butterfly be nonbinary?

Obi-Wan: I mean, maybe? I don't judge.

Ahsoka, staring dreamily out of the window: Ah, have you ever imagine having butterfly wings? Then-

Padme: Then it would be so inconvenient. Your wings would smack every doorframe and your clothes would have to have holes in the back.

Lux: Also, your wing's paper thin, so even a six year old aimed a NERF gun at it would... Yeah...

Satine: *sips caf* According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way that a-

Ahsoka: No, nononono. You have already shattered my dream, you don't get the privilege to make that reference.

Anakin: Also, it's about a butterfly, not a bee... Why would you make that reference?

Obi-Wan: You clearly have not lived with them long enough.

[ragnarlothcat]

1/? I was rewatching the prequels blooper reels for the 25th time cos I’m sad like that & you know the part where Hayden burns himself whilst drinking soup? Imagine instead of padme it’s Obi wan & they’re celebrating a successful mission in dex’s. Anakin’s tired cos it was a long mission so he momentarily forgets he’s meant to control his lovestruckness around Obi wan so he’s staring dreamily across the table at his master. Obi wan, equally amused & bemused asks: “what’s on your mind, padawan?”

Anakin, all moon & doe eyes & utterly zoned out & besotted, sighs: “Gods, you’re so hot.”Obi wan: “… what?”Anakin, finally tuning back & realizing what he’s said panics, takes a big gulp of soup, proceeds to burn himself & say: “gods, that’s hot!” & jolts the table with his knees thus knocking over the contents of his bowl. Obvs in the ensuing chaos anakin’s comments aren’t brought up again. Anakin, internally as they’re leaving the restaurant: thanks to my genius my secret is still (tbc)

3/3 safe. Crisis averted 😎Obi wan, dazed & with dawning horror going over every past interaction with anakin where anakin was acting strangely around him & seeing it in a completely different light: I’ve got a bad feeling about this 😩Anyway. That’s the moment Obi wan realizes anakin’s got a big fat crush on him 😌

Oh I love this 😂 Anakin would spill soup all over himself and consider it a job well done. How clever of him to hide his crush from Obi-Wan! How canny!

And I love Obi-Wan finding out this way because he'd probably try to play it cool? If Anakin isn't willing to tell Obi-Wan about the crush there must be a reason for it! Maybe Anakin is shockingly being a good Jedi and not letting his crush get in the way of his duty. Maybe Anakin just thinks he's physically attractive but thinks they're ill-suited in other ways. Obviously none of these things are true, but Obi-Wan might easily suspect them!

I have a fic where Anakin has a crush for years and Obi-Wan finally snaps, but nothing quite like this. It's excellent! Thank you for sharing it 🥰

[bi-wan]

that drawing… will I ever stop staring and smiling dreamily? nope!

!! Thank you so, so much! I never expected this drawing to be as well-liked as it is, but I guess all of us wanted Anakin and Obi-Wan to have a quiet moment together 🥺♥

Sending you virtual hugs, anon ♥

[maudus1]

Okay, I give up on trying to send the link so if you google Rodarte fall 2016 headpieces, it’s like the first or third pic that comes up (hopefully!). Listen I just think anakin would look like some sort of deity if he wore something like that ✨✨✨✨ and then the rest of that part 2 message was....

Also have you ever considered writing a chapter from Obi wans POV? I literally just wanna know what was going through his head in the last chapter so BADLY. Especially that part at the end when he has anakin pinned to the wall between his arms and anakin!!! for once!! Isn’t the one staring dreamily at his master!!! but is actually focused on the mission/their pursuers! Listen. I just adore the way you write these guys so much and I cant WAIT for the next chapter 🥰🥰🥰

Headpieces:

BESTIE???

THESE ARE????

GORGEOUS????? 😍😍😍

I'll be completely honest I am the saddest gay dude to exist. I have no style - I wear jeans and t-shirts and hoodies and flannel and chucks and vans and boots every day of the year - and idk the slightest thing about fashion. BUT I will say I at least have an idea of what's pretty or aesthetic on anyone that is not me. 😂

Anakin would look like an absolute Adonis in these. Thank you for this suggestion you have given me so much inspo!

Troubled Water:

I think you're the third person to request this actually XD the way the fic is planned I had only intended to do Obi-Wan's POV in the final chapter.

However... I am considering writing one as a one-shot because I too would love to explore his POV for that scene (it's so fun!). I just don't want to take too much time away from Troubled Water and make people wait longer for updates, if that makes sense? So it may not happen for a while, but getting feedback and requests, knowing what people enjoy and would like to see, definitely helps me creatively so I will never discourage that. I just wanna be totally honest so no one is expecting it to publish right away or anything.

I can't say it enough though that the response this fic has gotten really overwhelms me in the best way. I've been in such a creative slump and dealing with imposter syndrome over the last couple of years, struggling to find my niche both in fandom and as a writer. Knowing that something I love doing brings even the smallest amount of joy to others makes all the mental and emotional work I put into it feel... valuable. So yeah not to get mushy on main but it really warms my heart and I just wanna say thank you for that. 💙

[mahizli]

Space Pirates (Anakin & Obi-Wan, 32 BBY)

Part 3 of ‘Sparks of Hope - A Star Wars Advent Calendar’ - illustrated by the talented thenegoteator

***

“Whoom! Take this! And this! And this, wermo!”

The little boy bounced excitedly on the bed, clinging to the obi he had deftly wrapped around his bedstand, pretending he was grabbing the control sticks of a Naboo cruiser and firing charges.

“Anakin…”

Ani slowly lowered his hands, heart still hammering with excitement, and looked up guiltily to Master Obi-Wan who was leaning against the doorframe, dry-towelling his hair and staring in silent amazement at Ani’s bed-not-really-cruiser.

“Anakin, is that your obi?”

The little boy shrugged, frowning unhappily under his helmet.

 You said I could play… You said we were done for today.

“I did…”

Obi-Wan’s voice was soft. So were his eyes. They always reminded him of – something like Mom. Different. But with the same expression he could not really pinpoint, one that was both sad and strong and loving and sometimes also just so very calm.

Obi-Wan folded the towel and placed it on Ani’s desk, and then he sat down next to him. He smelt of soap and water, something that was still completely marvellous for Ani, but what Ani loved most was the way the Force felt around him – it was so quiet. So warm.

“Anakin… if by playing you understand firing imaginary shots at people while yelling Huttese curses at the top of your lungs – then there is something I failed to teach you, I am afraid.”

Ani watched his bare toes curl, on the coarse blanket. Small shoulders slumped, and he mumbled, dejectedly:

“I am sorry, Master.”

He raised a hand, ready to remove his helmet, but Obi-Wan shook his head, fingers gently closing around his wrist.

“We don’t want any Jedi Master barging in, asking me if I have taken leave of my senses, giving shelter to the fiercest pilot in the Galaxy…?”

Obi-Wan’s eyes were sparkling, and Anakin straightened, small face lightening as he peered up at him.

“No, Master…

- Well then – I suppose we’ll just need the Force to keep us silent, then”, his Master whispered, winking at him.

That day, Ani learned several things. One was how to make a silent bubble with Force-currents, like a small cockpit to hide under, where it was absolutely safe to shout and make any loud sounds one wanted. Another was, that his Master was the absolute best when it came to answering imaginary radiofrequencies, especially when Ani begged him to fake a pirate’s voice.

“Oh no no no no no no, MasteRRR SkywaLLLLkeRRR, I am afRRRAid your pRRREcious cargo of spices is landing in. My. Very. Shuttle.

- No it won’t, you sleemo!”

Behind him, his Master was quaking with silent laughter, but when Ani turned, Obi-Wan’s face was deadly serious, exactly like he should because he was Anakin’s co-pilot and they were battling pirates together.

“What shall we do with him, Master? He won’t listen…

- Hmmm… What do you think, Ani?  

- We could always blast him.

- Hmmm. Not very Jedi-like, I suppose…”

His Master’s arms were around him, because Anakin had made him sit behind him, using Obi-Wan’s arms like armrests in order to aim his shots. And Obi-Wan squeezed, just a little, and whispered:

“But I think we have tried hard enough to negotiate with the fellow.

- BOOOOOOM!”, Ani yelled, deep under their Force-bubble, and he fired such an imaginary shot that he had to rest against Obi-Wan’s chest, shaking with laughter and glee.

His helmet had slipped, slightly, and Obi-Wan adjusted it once more, tucking Ani’s Padawan braid safely under. And suddenly Anakin felt his heart swell, because his Master was the absolute best friend he ever had – the most wonderful person Ani knew save Mum and Padmé and Master Qui-Gon who was now one with the Force.

So Ani turned, and hugged Obi-Wan fiercely, not caring if the helmet slipped, pressing his body as tightly as he could against Obi-Wan’s chest. And his Master’s arms wrapped themselves once more around him, warm and caring, keeping him safe.

“I think he got what he deserved”, his Master whispered, and Ani giggled, softly, nodding against him. “Shall we return to base, then?

- Tell the Astromech to set the course, Master.”

Ani kept his arms around Obi-Wan, though, and when his Master unclipped the helmet’s laces, he let him ruffle his sweaty hair, leaning his cheek against his shoulder, making the Force-bubble disappear.

“Master, when will we go on missions together?”, Ani whispered, feeling Obi-Wan begin to untie the abused obi.

“We still need to study a bit, Anakin”, and the little boy sighed.

“You mean I have to study a bit”, he mumbled.

“Anakin…”, his Master’s voice was very soft. “You have only been here five months. Most Initiates do not become Padawans until they are at least twelve. We just need to be patient – both of us. I am sure we will find ourselves in a cockpit for real soon enough.

- I hope so”, Anakin sighed dreamily. “Did you ever meet real pirates, Master?

- And how do you think I leaRRRRned how to taLLLLk like this, SkywaLLLkeRRR?”

That evening, Anakin fell asleep thinking of the many pirate-stories Obi-Wan had told him. And that night, because of one particularly scary dream where a  pirate was holding his Master captive, he ended up tiptoeing half-asleep into Obi-Wan’s room, searching for his Force-presence.

 Anakin? Is… Are you alright?

Obi-Wan was barely awake himself, but he instinctively turned towards him, lifting his blanket, letting Anakin crawl under it until he was hugging him.

“Pirates. Spikes was afraid.”

He tucked his tooka-doll close to his cheek and listened to the few quiet breaths Obi-Wan let out, body falling back to sleep but bond still aware.

 Tell him… They were blasted. Fearsome pilot. Never seen his like.

His Master’s hair was all mussed. It fell into his eyes, now that it had grown a bit, and Ani loved its softness under his fingers.

 Ani, don’t… It’s all… tussled.

“It’s always tussled.”

 …

 …

 Not fair, Padawan mine.

Obi-Wan’s breaths were evening out and his arms were growing heavier around Anakin. The little Padawan wriggled a bit, adjusting his position against his chest, leaning his cheek against Obi-Wan’s neck.

“Boom”, he whispered, closing his eyes – and through their bond, faintly, Obi-Wan echoed it.

Boom.

[duxhess-kryzewan]

Jealous Satine please!

- Jealousy - 

- Or, 5 times Satine was jealous- 

1. 

Jumping from planet to planet with minimal supplies typically results in them having to, at some point, slip undetected into civilization to procure basic supplies. It always made her uneasy, especially after their attempt of gathering supplies on Draboon ended with a run in with bounty hunters. It seemed no matter where they went someone was always right on their tail. 

The market place was crowded, which allowed them to blend in rather seamlessly. Obi-Wan took charge of gathering what they would need - she was getting better at living hand to mouth, but he was still much more adept at knowing what to get - and she busied herself with looking at the various stalls. Once upon a time she would have been able to indulge in the various goods.

She glances around in search for Obi-Wan (straying too far from him made her a bit nervous) and finally spotted him chatting with on of the stall workers.

She had only managed a few steps in his direction before the wide smile on his face stopped her dead in her tracks. 

The girl was young, perhaps just a year shy of Satine's age, her dark skin in stark contrast with the paleness of the rest of the shop owners around her. She was laughing at something Obi-Wan had said, elbows propped up on the counter as she leans dangerously close to him and in an instant she can feel anger bubbling in the pit of her stomach. 

The girl reaching out and touching out and touching his hand was the last straw. 

"Ben," She says, marching over in his direction, "Are you ready to go?"

Obi-Wan looks surprised at her question, clearly he had not been expecting her to be so eager to leave so soon.

"If you are," He says lightly, "I was just getting the last of the things we need."

The girl  - who was alarmingly much prettier up close - bats her eyes at the young Jedi and it only served to infuriate Satine more. 

Normally she would never crass, she was raised in nobility after all, but she can't bring herself to care as she reaches out and briskly grabs hold of Obi-Wans hand. It was perhaps a bit distasteful for her to so publicly stake her claim on him, but she was no Duchess in this world.

"I'm ready." 

The girl looks suddenly dejected as they walk away, and while Satine almost never act that way towards another person, she can't bring herself to care as she all but drags Obi-Wan through the market, hand still gripping his tightly.  _____

2. 

Obi-Wan was, in her opinion, one of the better looking men to have ever graced her presence. It wasn't hard for her to understand why some of the unknowing women across their time on the run were utterly taken with him, even if he was too innocent to realize it. 

That said, strangers were one thing, but a member of Sundari Palace was different. 

Of course her safe return had been filled with everyone needing her direct attention. The aftermath of civil warfare was not easily navigated and it took away what little time she and Obi-Wan had left before he was due to return to the temple, but she tried to sneak away when she could. 

She managed to avoid her guards long enough to slip away unnoticed and head towards their normal meeting place in the gardens. It was the most secluded area they could sneak off too without being seen and she would be lying if she said the thrill of getting caught didn't make it even more exciting. 

She glances out on of the ornate windows that overlooks the grounds, hoping to spot him before making her way down, but was greeted with a sight that sent a wave of jealousy through her. 

There gathered around her Jedi was a group of handmaidens and advisors, all staring dreamily at him while he holds his lightsaber in hand. No doubt they were all smitten with his boyish charm and warrior ways. She could understand, but the gaggle of girls were cutting into their time and what little they had left. 

She huffs. Yes, she would certainly find something for them to do that was far, far away form her Jedi knight. _____

​3.

Satine had her fair share of jealous moments in her youth; what young girl doesn't? Especially when they involved the first person she ever loved. 

But now that she was older, with a few more years experience with controlling her emotions and learning what really is and isn't worth getting upset over. When it came to her relationship with Obi-Wan, or whatever it was one would classify their entanglement as, she came to understand that other women really didn't pose any sort of threat. After all, he barely had the courage to conduct any illicit affairs with her much less another woman. 

That said, she didn't realize that she would at times have to fight for him to take some time away from his former Padawan. 

"You're back awfully late." She commented when he finally entered her Coruscant apartment.

"My apologies," He says, draping his cloak on the back of her couch, "Anakin had required my help."

It takes her a bit of self control not to roll her eyes, "Yes, so you've said."

​Its a bit harsh on her part to be so detached, but their time together is always too short and she would be leaving Coruscant soon. Anakin got to have him almost everyday, why couldn't she be given a measly few hours of that time?

"Are you alright Satine?" Obi-Wan asks, and instantly her jealousy is mixed with guilt. Always so well meaning even when he was neglectful. 

"Perfectly fine." She answer, glancing over to him, "Tomorrow is my last day here."

Some selfish part of her feels relieved at his dejected expression. It gives her at least some peace of mind knowing that he would miss her when she's gone. Still, she can't help but envy how much time Skywalker gets with him. 

"I'm aware." He says lightly. Clearly he had picked up on her sour mood. 

"Are you going to spend the last few hours I have here or at the temple?" 

Despite her best efforts to sound unbothered she slips up in tone for just a second and she knows that he undoubtedly picked up on it.

"Here, I should think." He answers. 

Finally she turns to face him and takes his hand gently in her own. 

"You better." ___________

4.

Siri Tachi was a name she was quite familiar with despite never have actually having met the woman.

Obi-Wan had spoken of her in the past; about the fight they had originally gotten into before they were even chosen to be padawans to the times they spent back and forth saving each others life. Obi-Wan had respected her, recalling how she was exceptionally strong with the force and was just as lethal as she was introspective. Satine had known even back when they were on the run that Siri was someone he held in high regard.

Though she hadn't proof at the time, she suspected that perhaps they were once even more than friends, though Obi-Wan had gone on to assure her that there was nothing between them other than mutual respect.

And perhaps that was true on Obi-Wans part, but after seeing Siri and him in person together she certainly couldn't say the same from the other woman. 

Now that the galaxy had declared peace, she was able to visit Coruscant more often than not. Visiting Padme was always her excuse, and no one batted an eye at her sneaking off late in the evening to see her friend. Of course, she ended up with Obi-Wan more often than not. 

But here they were, gathered at the Senate building where Bail Organa had organized a dinner party, the few Jedi he was familiar with invited along with Satine and of course, Siri Tachi.

Satine had to admit, the woman was beautiful, with her dark blonde locks and pale eyes. She was a bit younger than Satine had expect, at least two to three years below Obi-Wan. And maybe Obi-Wan really was as oblivious as she liked to think or maybe he was too polite to indulge her, but there was no mistaking the way that Siri Tachi was staring at him. She would know that look anywhere. After all, its the way she looks at him too and it stirs up something in the pit of her stomach.

"Having a nice time?" 

He finally broke away from his conversation with Siri to approach her., something she wish he would have done sooner. But she understands; she'll never be able to have any public claim on him. That doesn't mean she has to like another woman who clearly has feelings for Obi-Wan occupying all of his time. 

"Of course," She says, "Bail does know how to throw a party. I think it's lovely of him to invite some of your fellow Jedi, rarely do I see any of them aside from you and Anakin."

There's a bit of puzzlement in his eyes though he doesn't vocalize it aloud, "It was very kind of him to extent the invitation."

"Your friend from earlier," She finds herself saying against her better judgment, "That's Siri, is it not? I remember you mentioning her before."

He nods hesitantly, "It is. We haven't seen much of one another since the war started."

Satine takes a healthy sip of the wine in her hands before speaking, "You two seem rather close."

"We're friends," He confirms skeptically, "We've known each other since we were younglings."/

Satine spares a glimpse across the room in Siri's direction and finds her stealing glances at the Jedi master, much to his unawareness. Part of her pities the other Jedi, she understands just how easy it is to fall for Obi-Wan, and the other part resents her for it. 

"Just friends?" She presses, and she can all but see the dots suddenly connecting in Obi-Wans head of what she was hinting at.

"Are you jealous, Satine?" He asks lowly, because truthfully this was not a conversation to be having in the presence of so many witnesses. 

"Should I be?" She retorts.

His confused expression shifts into amusement, "Who would have thought the poised and proper Duchess of Mandalore would be jealous of anyone."

She glares, "I’m not jealous. I’m simply pointing out the fact that your fellow Jedi master seems absolutely smitten with you, whether you know it or not.”

He spares a glance Siri’s way, who quickly averts her eyes and goes back to her conversation with Ahsoka when he does.

“Siri is a valued friend and ally,” He says quietly, “Anything more than that is purely on her side of things.”

Another mouthful of wine was her only response because really, she knows its silly of her to be concerned that Obi-Wan was anything less than honest.

“Satine,” He leans a bit closer than propriety would dictate to whisper in her ear, “You haven’t a reason in the galaxy to think I have eyes for anyone but you in this room.” _____

5.

She plops down on her - their - bed with a huff. He hadn’t so much as said five words to her since the arrival of her guest and it was driving her mad. 

Was it a preposterous reason to be upset? Absolutely. Did it stop her from feeling such? Certainly not. 

Of course the entire visit was by surprise. She had specifically arranged her schedule around his brief leave in order to spend the day with him only for someone else to snatch away his attention at the last second. It wasn’t even particularly anyones fault, but that fact alone wasn’t enough to prevent her from feeling so dejected. 

“Going to bed so soon?”

His voice startles her. She had been so deep in her own thoughts that she hadn’t even noticed he had occupied the empty space of the doorway.

“I am rather tired.” She says with a shrug, “And tomorrow I’m to sit in with the Senator meeting. You know how much that takes out of me.”

He grins and makes his way to sit beside her on the bed. 

“I haven’t seen you much today.” He comments, bringing a hand up to rub soothingly across her back. The sensation of his touch sent a spark through her and sometimes she wonders if that electricity everytime they touch would ever fade. She certainly hoped not.

“Well, you’ve been rather preoccupied with our guest. I didn’t want to intrude.”

In an uncharacteristic move, he rolls his eyes at her.

“Leia is a toddler Satine, she requires a bit more attention than you or I. Besides, I thought you loved to see the children.”

She matches his eye roll with a glare, “I do love those children, though I also appreciate a bit of notice before Padme and Anakin drop them off on the one free day I arranged for you and I to spend time together.”

Obi-Wan, bemused by her words, smiles adoringly, “Well I hardly think they planned for Luke to get sick today, and we did tell them that anytime they needed us all they had to do was ask.”

Satine slumps her shoulders a bit. He’s right of course, they had said that, she in particular emphasizing it to the couple once upon a time. Oh how she wished she could take back those words some days.

“I know,” She relents, “It’s not anyones fault, and you know I love Leia as if she were my own, though she does have a preference for you I have to say. Why do you think she was clinging on you for the entirety of the day? She would have thrown a fit if I intruded on her play time with her favorite uncle.”

He smiles widely at her and she can’t help but smile too. Yes, it was beyond silly for her to be jealous of a toddler and the undivided attention that Obi-Wan gave her. It was simply just a matter of bad timing. 

“A fair point my dear, I see why you kept your distance at times. Best not disturb a behaving child,” He leans forward and presses a kiss to her temple, lips lingering a bit longer than necessary, “But I think she’s asleep for the night. Perhaps I can use the last remaining hours of the day to make it up to you?”

She grins, “I suppose I’ll allow it.”

He leans forward and kisses her deeply and all the worries from the day suddenly disappear under his touch.  

[mneiai]

Jango/Obi-Wan prompt request? How can I resist???? Jango's re-taken Mandalore from Satine, and you know, hasn't killed her because he's being 'diplomatic' but that doesn't mean he won't seduce her former lover away (both from her and the Jedi).

Thanks for the prompt! Don’t know if this was quite what you were after lol

Obi-Wan wanted to be anywhere but Mandalore, staring down the man who called himself Mand'alor. When the Council had given him this assignment, he'd almost refused, almost (foolishly) told them of his feelings for Satine and why he could not do this. But that would have shown too much attachment. They would have questioned his Knighting, maybe even questioned allowing him to take Anakin on as his Padawan. It had been months since he'd taken assignments that Anakin didn't come along on, but this time he left him back at the Temple, whining about the unfairness of it all--he wasn't bringing a thirteen year old into a warzone, he wasn't Qui-Gon. Keldabe was different than his memories--rebuilt, but not in the New Mandalorian style (he could see places, here and there, where that must have existed and been destroyed when the True Mandalorians took it back). Everywhere there were Mandalorians in beskar'gam, watching him with suspicion as if waiting for a peacekeeper to become an assassin. If he broke the truce Fett had given them, it wouldn't be to murder him in cold blood--it would be to find where he was keeping Satine, free her, run off with her to somewhere safe. He wouldn't. Fett was the sort of Mand'alor people thought of, when they thought of the Mandalorians. He might not be terribly tall, but his presence filled the room. His eyes were cold, intelligent, sweeping over Obi-Wan and easily seeing him for the threat he was--and certainly coming up with ways he thought he might neutralize him. In turn, Obi-Wan made himself less of the ideal Jedi, trying to blur what Mandalorian culture he knew with his own heritage as often as he could. The Mandalorians, and Fett in particular, had no reason to trust a Jedi. And the Republic needed their trust, no one wanted another Blockade of Naboo or Stark Hyperspace War. When they found out he knew Mando'a, that became the only language they used with him, leading a flighty protocol droid the Senate had sent to try to translate for the Senators with him. At first he thought to at least say his own part in Basic, but Fett backed him into verbal corners where he could choose a few words in Mando'a or paragraphs worth in his own language. As the only one the Mandalorians were actively communicating with, at first he didn't even notice the way they isolated him from the other Republican representatives. Then, at some point, he realized he'd gone three entire days without seeing any of them and that he barely had any time in the schedule the Mandalorians had checked just to run across them and make sure they were alright. In contrast, Fett was almost always there, watching him like a lazy predator, waiting for something Obi-Wan had yet to pinpoint. The Mand'alor cared little for most of the provisions of the treaty, it was a few of his own that Obi-Wan balked at--the Order was complicit in Galidraan, and of course regretted it, but the concessions Fett wanted for that, and to make sure it didn't happen again anywhere else, were extreme. No matter how Obi-Wan tried to explain that such matters as the Order's connection to the Senate was necessary, was desired by many, Fett didn't budge. Not after the first debate, or the second, or the tenth. But if he thought he could be more stubborn than Obi-Wan, he was going to be in for a surprise. Not that Fett seemed upset, if anything he seemed amused. He invited Obi-Wan to sit in a seat of honor beside him at the feasts he threw, gave him great regard by sparring with him in the mornings when they were both free (something that happened with enough frequency Obi-Wan suspected it was planned), and taught him more about Mandalorian culture in a month than Satine had in a year. It was a soft correction one afternoon of Obi-Wan's pronunciation--too Sundari-short for the word being said--that finally made him crack. "What did you do to the Duchess?" Reports said she was alive, but he hadn't been able to find her in the Force. Fett shrugged. "She's fine, under house arrest, in one piece and being taken care of well enough. Getting rid of her opens up the field for some other New Mandalorian 'leader'." The truth rang through the Force, but Obi-Wan had the impression there was something more, some other, more personal motive. Five months into the negotiation, having not seen anyone else from his team for four weeks, Obi-Wan almost welcomed Fett's seduction. A welcome distraction, he thought, and a way to maybe, finally, get Fett to lower his guard. Instead it felt as though Obi-Wan was the one who had been shattered apart, Fett left to pick up the pieces. He seemed to have perfect instincts for what to say, how to move, how much pressure to use, to break through the persona of control that Obi-Wan projected. He'd forgotten how nice it was, to just let someone else take care of him. To let them take charge and direct the entire encounter. He was so blissed out afterwards he fell asleep in the Mand'alor's bed and had to walk out in the morning under the knowing gazes of the Mandalorian guards. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he spared a hysterical moment to wonder exactly what it was that kept attracting him to leaders of Mandalore. Obi-Wan contacted the Council, when he could, for their opinions on the sticking points of the treaty. For updates on Anakin. He did not tell them what he was doing with Fett, certainly not that they were sleeping together, that they were dining together every night, that the Mand'alor was spending his brief moments of free time showing Obi-Wan around Keldabe and teaching him what it meant to be Mando'ad. Compared to the Mandalorians, the Council's coldness wore on him. He knew if he was there, in the Temple, he'd feel them in the Force and know it wasn't so bad. But so far away, with no Jedi in the sector, he could only rely on their expressions and words. Both of which made him feel like a failure. When they told him they'd "temporarily" assigned Anakin to another Master, it felt like a slap to the face, even though he knew his mission had gone on longer than expected with no sign of resolution. He spared with the Mandalorians after the holocalls, now, becoming more aggressive as he learned just how much they could take. They commented dreamily, sometimes, about what an unstoppable force he'd be like wrapped in armor made of beskar and, sometimes, Obi-Wan imagined it, too. It was nine months in Mandalore when Obi-Wan started wondering what it would be like if he just...didn't go back. When he was younger, with Satine, he hadn't let himself delve too deeply into the fantasies, but now he couldn't help himself. He could have never prospered in the New Mandalorian utopia Satine dreamt of, but now, in Jango's Mandalore, there were avenues he hadn't expected. Obi-Wan spent time around the city without Jango, the Mandalorian guards assigned to him helping him get around when he needed it. There were clinics that could use a Jedi's help, and shelters, and so many other ways that he was needed there. He made friends without much effort, despite being a Jedi (though, sometimes he wasn't sure everyone was aware of that, at some point Jango had put clothing for Obi-Wan in his bedroom and he'd just started putting that on instead of going back for his own things). Eleven months in, Jango asked him to stay. For him, for Mandalore. He asked for time to meditate on the subject, spending a few days away from his lover as the world continued on around him. When he came back, he almost had his answer. But first, he asked to see Satine. She was being kept in a house outside the city, under constant guard but not without some luxuries. There were servants to clean and cook, books and datapads (with limited access to the Holonet). There was a holoprojector with holodramas and, to Obi-Wan's horror, recordings of him--him sparring with the Mandalorians, him cuddling with the Mand'alor, him walking around Keldabe and speaking Mando'a like a native. Satine had never looked at him like that, like he'd betrayed her (broken her heart). She didn't want anything to do with him, not even his help to escape. Back home, Jango waited for him. He took Obi-Wan's screams, rolled with his punches, let him work out his rage in a way completely unbeffiting a Jedi. He held him close as he cried, his own heart breaking at the loss of the most important love of his life. Obi-Wan had spent two years in Mandalore, altogether, before he left the Order.

[tennessoui]

Pour one out for Cody who was just living his life till his boss fell in obsession during a single car ride. Worst night of his life and now this brat won't go away, his bro has betrayed him by becoming bffs with brat, and his boss has lost his mind over some t

Cody will sigh longingly mid meeting and Obi-Wan will be like ? What’s up ?

And Cody will be like “oh nothing seeing you two so happy together (literally cuddling right now during this important meeting about killing people) makes me think about my happiest moments”

“Oh?” Anakin will ask, falling for yet another trap. “When was that?”

“Every moment P.A.,” Cody will sigh again, staring off dreamily into the distance.”

“P.A.?” Anakin will say as Obi-Wan starts to rub his temples, already feeling a headache coming on.

Cody will smile beatifically. “Pre-Anakin.”

[obi-wan-kanbonemi]

Crash

Obi Wan Kenobi x Royal!Reader

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I don’t know why but Obi Wan being with a person of royalty just makes my heart go boom. Sorry for typos

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You were suppose to be on a peaceful trip back to your home planet after spending many weeks on diplomatic visits to neighboring planets. The reason you would use the word ‘suppose’ was because currently you clutched to the bottom of your seat to keep your butt firmly pressed against the bottom as the cruiser took hit after hit from a separatist spacecraft. Nervously, you looked to the two men that was left to escorting  you. Master Jedi Obi Wan Kenobi and his padawan, Anakin Skywalker, were sent to you before you had even departed on your long diplomatic journey through the neighboring planets.

“I’m sorry your highness...but we have no choice, in order to escape we are just going to have to crash into your planet!” Shouted Anakin over the loud blast and over the engines that exhausted themselves to keep running on the little strength they had left.

You on the other hand could only stare at him in horror as the padawan moved quick to begin flicking and presses buttons and switches with a professionalism that you knew you could never attain. Obi Wan Kenobi though was quick to stumble towards you, kneeling his handsome self before you. You would have let your mind run a daydream of you and the handsome Jedi before you if it weren’t for the life or death situation that stared you plain in the face along with Obi Wan’s beautiful, cerulean eyes.

“Don’t worry your highness, my padawan and I are very experienced with these types of situations, you have nothing to worry about!” His voice shouted out to you, but you were too busy staring at your planet speed toward the ship with a ferocity that made your stomach knot up in fear. Though finally your head whipped to look over at him, a bewildered look etched upon your beautiful face, but Obi Wan simply couldn’t let himself indulge in your beauty at this point in time.

“Experienced?!” You shot a hand out to rest it upon the muscular and toned shoulder of Obi Wan as a wave of sickness had passed over you, fear nestled all over your stomach and racing heart. The world was spinning so terribly around you, but you couldn’t even determine if that was because of your fear or if the cruiser really was spinning like that. You had zero time to even figure that out when the cruiser had finally struck land, skidding and crushing against many trees, clearing a huge path behind itself before finally skidding to a final jolt. 

“Well...that wasn’t so bad,” announced Obi Wan, arms wrapped tightly around your waist in order to protect you from the crash that all of you had endured. You only rolled you eyes, his arms leaving from their position around you, leaving you feeling cold from his missing touch. You discovered though that it was bad once you had begun to step out of the ship and proceed to fall into the shallow water of the lake that the cruiser had partially landed in.

“Nothing better than wet shoes...” grumbled out Anakin as he landed beside you, Obi Wan soon to follow, also taking it upon himself to begin to gather the long train of your dress as the three of you waded to the bank. And yes, the situation had proven to continue to get worse as the two suns had disappeared under the horizon, lifting moans and groans from the party of three’s lips. 

“Anakin, please try to connect to anyone who could retrieve us and also update the counsel as well....at this point they are bound to worry,” Obi Wan ordered to his padawan as he took it upon himself to use his callused hands to begin to squeeze out the water from the bottom of your dress. Anakin was already off a distance, speaking muffled words into his transmitter. 

“I’m going to go start a fire before we freeze to death out here,” he said, already seeing your body begin to shudder and it didn’t help the fact that the bottom of your dress hung down around your legs wet with cold water. Your feet instantly began to take long strides to keep up with his longer legs, causing Obi Wan to instantly stop and turn to look at you. “Your highness, it be best if you would stay here with Anakin,” he protested, cerulean eyes piercing yours.

“With all due respect, Obi Wan, after crashing and now standing in soggy shoes, I don’t care, so I am going to go with you...,” you spoke out firmly, gaining a sigh from the other that you knew was laced with frustration as the two of you began to trudge forward into the forestry that surrounded you. Obi Wan’s hands were already picking up sticks and quizzically staring at them, tossing away the ones that would simply not be of use. Silence had slithered its way between the both of you, leaving you with the bubbling sensation to hurriedly blurt something out to the other to break away the silence and to wipe away the creases that bunched up on his forehead in thought.

“So-,” “How-,” the both of you were once again left in a silence again as the both of you had tried to say something. You were also about to continue with what you were going to say, but your tip of your foot came into contact with a tree root that crept across the path, plummeting you to the ground, hand reaching out for Obi Wan as he turned at the noise of your struggle, the sticks dropping to his feet as his arms caught you, cradling you safely against his chest. 

Your heart pounded at just the thought of you being pressed against his chest, your body screamed with shivers at actually being against the handsome man’s chest. Only ever in your dreams did you let things like this happen between you and the master jedi, never in real life knowing that he simply couldn’t have you and you couldn’t have him. How could a master jedi even come to feeling the same about you? Oh how you were so wrong though as his own heart pounded within his own toned chest.  

If only you knew how he would fight the urges to burst into the rooms you stayed in across the galaxies to kiss you and love you as he stood guarding it throughout the night, how he just wanted to take your hand in his whenever they would brush up against yours when you would accidentally sit too close to him during meetings or when eating and hanging out in the cruiser when traveling from planet to planet with you. 

You couldn’t help but look up at him, a bit of shock held within your eyes as you now heard the way his own heart pounded within his chest. At that moment, he knew that you knew, and you knew that he did as well and with that knowledge gained, Obi Wan’s lips came crashing down onto yours, his beard tickle the skin around your lips, neck, shoulder, anything he could to that was in reach. Your hands and his own now clawing at each other’s clothes, the nightly sounds accompanying the gasp and breathes that was tossed out into the chilly air. 

“Where are those two...,” Anakin muttered to himself, already having a fire started along with fresh water and food ready. Though this food did beckon for him, he couldn’t help but pace anxiously before it, finger tips messing with his padawan braid as he waited and waited, almost allowing himself to run into the woods but was stopped at voices growing near the makeshift campsite, soon seeing his master and the queen, but his eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. The two of you were shyly grinning to each other, bashfully even, both  blushing and hair slightly messed up and both seemingly out of breath. 

Anakin had even reached up his hands to rub at his eyes in disbelief upon seeing a ghost of a hickey upon your shoulder that was quickly covered up as you reached a hand to tug the dress over your shoulders properly. 

“What happened out there! I was worried sick!” Anakin spoke up as Obi Wan tossed down a pile of sticks near the fire, you staring dreamily at Obi Wan. 

“Oh we are perfectly fine, any luck connecting to anyone?” He asked as he lowered himself down the ground, already beginning to fix food that he handed over to you along with water. 

“They will send a group to retrieve us tomorrow...,” Anakin spoke out, confusion hitting him again as you sat almost curled up into Obi Wan’s side. “Hey, did anything happen out there? You two are acting weird. Not to mention you two look like you went through hell and back,” Anakin said, crossing his arms as he stood before the two of you, which caused that blush to appear on Obi Wan and your own cheeks.

“She tripped! Her foot got stuck in ...a hole in the ground and it took quite a bit to get her out. Isn’t that right your highness?” Obi Wan said, looking to you for back up on his story. 

“Oh yes! I did! Master Obi Wan came to my rescue, good thing I wasn’t alone or that I didn’t twist my ankle!” You chided along side Obi Wan, the two of you giggling like two school kids, but all Anakin could do was accept the story of his Jedi Master and sit, beginning to eat and join in on the conversation beside the warm glows of the fire. 

But he did think it strange that the two of your slept so close together that night, oh well, guess it was just a hole in the ground.

[magicalforcesau]

Dancing With Ghosts in Your Garden~ Chapter 18 - Year 2: February

(ao3 link)

In lieu of the incident with the sleeping draught, all prefects were mandated to enroll in Professor Palpatine’s brand new weekly Potions seminars. As the misstep with the Vitamix potion along with Maul’s nearing presence showed, it was ideal that all prefects be properly trained in the event that professors were once again subdued. This, they felt, combined with Professor Fisto’s ongoing dueling club, would prepare them.

Obi-Wan’s doubts of how prepared they could possibly be for something so unpredictable grew stronger with each day. Although he was already enrolled in the advanced potions class, he would never deny the opportunity to learn more. If anything, it would at least offer more practice.

“Given that it’s February, I figured it best we start with a common favorite amongst the masses of troublemakers,” Palpatine’s shoes clicked on the ground as he paced at the front of the room.

From what Obi-Wan understood, Palpatine didn’t receive any punishment for the accidental sleeping potion brew. Yoda had, of course, received a rather scathing howler from the Ministry at his supposed flightiness, of which he took the blame for. It seemed Anakin had stepped up and claimed it was he who accidentally knocked the draught in the already brewing potion.

That all certainly added up and did not help Anakin’s reputation amongst his peers.

“Any guesses to what that would be?” Palpatine asked, eagerly taking in the small crowd of Hogwarts’ best with expectant eyes.

Because this was a class full of prefects, each were considerably decent students and wanted to learn. There were exceptions, Obi-Wan realized as he looked over to a nearly snoozing Zeb, but they were outliers.

“Love potions?” Breha Organa said rather dreamily. Obi-Wan didn’t need to turn around to know she’d been looking at Bail as she said it.

“Right you are, Breha!” Palpatine smiled, “Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in the world, at that. Many of you and your students are for the first time diving into the wondrous and mysterious landscape that is romance. Some of you aren’t even aware that you are.”

Did he look at Obi-Wan on purpose? No, that would be silly. Palpatine always took care to rove eye contact throughout the classroom. It was a sufficient method of maintaining focus and Obi-Wan knew this, but he still shifted his gaze immediately elsewhere like he’d been caught copying homework.

“Love and potions aren’t all that different, really.” He continued, “The right and organic combination makes a fruitful and prosperous brew. The wrong and inauthentic combination is bitter and not made to last.”

“And if you’re not careful, you could end up with a wrinkly, scrawny little creature.” Zeb added knowingly, earning a few chuckles throughout the group.

“As if you’ve got anything to worry about there.” Caleb muttered, and much to Zeb’s dismay, acquired a more popular response.

“Boys, please.” Palpatine chastised, “I don’t want word to travel that Gryffindor’s prefects lost them points.”

“Cody would have an aneurysm,” Satine whispered and Obi-Wan only nodded in response. It was no secret to either of them that their friend was less than pleased with how bleak Gryffindor’s odds of obtaining either the House or Quidditch cup were becoming. If he heard that Caleb and Zeb worsened those odds, neither would be awaiting a very pretty conversation.

The troublesome two seemed to recognize this and justly shut their traps.

The class turned back to Palpatine, who seemed rather satisfied with the change in their mood and circled around the cauldron at the center of his desk. From it, emerged a pink fog that resembled a cloud at sunset and judging by the smile its scent drew from Palpatine, it smelled as pleasant as it looked.

“A love potion manufactures the deepest desires from the person who ingests it, manifesting them all at once in an intoxicating fashion that causes them to see the intended target in a different light.” He said almost reverently, “Ironically, it’s called a love potion, when it should really be called an infatuation potion.”

“That’s because you can’t build love from a substance.” Satine muttered from beside him. “Try as some might.”

Obi-Wan stared at the cauldron. He’d heard of amortentia. Evidently, a cheap ineffective version was sold at Zonko’s in Hogsmeade, though he never took much care to notice. He didn’t know much about love, save for the fact that it seemed highly unlikely for anything to recreate something as complicated as attraction.

She raised her hand, “Professor? Aren’t love potions banned at Hogwarts?”

“That they are,” Palpatine said with crossed hands, “Though that’s not to say they haven’t been smuggled in before.”

“Why would they do that?” A familiar high pitched voice from the back called.

Despite his interest in the subject, Obi-Wan couldn’t resist snapping his neck in turning to see none other than Anakin Skywalker sitting at the back desk, looking incredibly small in stature next to Onaconda Farr. Farr, in his defense, looked just as confused by Anakin’s presence as Obi-Wan felt.

“What are you doing here?” Obi-Wan asked him, “This is supposed to be for prefects only.”

“Not to worry, Mr. Kenobi, I did grant Anakin permission to attend.” Palpatine answered before Anakin could muster up a smart response, “Anakin shows a real knack for potions and given the circumstances, I would say it’s best that he be included whenever he could be protected.”

Obi-Wan slumped back in his chair, feeling properly admonished. It wasn’t that he didn’t think Anakin was capable. It was quite the opposite, actually, but there was an order to these things and learning advanced spells before one was ready did not seem indicative of a sound idea. Anakin needed to learn the building blocks still, whether he believed it or not. Despite his talent, he knew there was an absence of maturity to handle heavy source material. Dueling was one thing, as there was an obvious precedence for it right now and it was typically taught to some degree during second year anyway. Teaching Anakin about love potions felt more like giving a dog a steak and telling him not to eat it. He could try to convince everyone that he was over his crush on Padmé all he wanted, but it simply wasn’t true.

“To answer your question, Anakin,” Palpatine continued, “When someone is too blind with desperation to see reason, they will do just about anything to acquire what they want. A love potion, while sounding frilly and fun, occludes all rational thinking from the person it's given to.”

“And typically, it’s not ingested voluntarily.” Satine added.

Obi-Wan frowned, thinking of the potentially dastardly effects such a tool could provide for a desperately lovesick person. It was no different than being under a curse, in a sense, because the poor sap trapped in such a state had no agency whatsoever.

“How does one tell if someone is suffering from the effects of a love potion?” Fenn Rau asked.

“Why, you see them every day in young and happy couples as you walk through these halls. They’re starry-eyed, flushed, unspeakably happy, practically in a trance.”

“How are we to tell the difference then?” Obi-Wan asked.

“These features tend to be a good deal more exemplified and elongated.” Palpatine said, “For instance, while the honeymoon phase is technically normal, it’s really not meant to last. There’s also known to be loss of memory in the person as the potion begins to fade. We advise that you all keep an eye and see if you notice any excessively clingy and almost controlling couples.”

Obi-Wan thought about his parents, finding it very hard to believe they ever had any semblance of a honeymoon phase. They were so professional all the time that he’d rarely seen them even smile in the other’s presence. Of course, he was always splitting up sneaky couples that tried to sneak off to snog, so he supposed he did have some experience witnessing what Palpatine was referring to. Part of him was having a difficult time reconciling with the fact that it was their ancient potions professor who was explaining to them the complexities of romance.

“Because of the dangers that this possesses,” He waved a little pink vial around for all to show, allowing the light to catch it in a way that made it sparkle, “I believe it’s important that you understand these properties quite well and that you take care not to share this information outside of this room.”

There was a warning tone to his voice that was rarely used and Obi-Wan swore everyone sat up even straighter, though he doubted that was possible for Satine, who already appeared quite alert.

“It’s okay to take notes, of course, right?” Hondo asked from the other back corner of the room opposite to Anakin.

“Yes, but-” The older man did a double take as he whipped back around, “Hondo, what are you doing here?”

Obi-Wan thought it was fairly obvious what Hondo was doing and why he was suddenly so apt to take notes. He hadn’t thought to say anything when he originally saw him, seeing as if Anakin was invited, maybe he’d thought to include another unexpected guest. Hondo was possessed for a significant amount of time, after all.”

“Just trying to perfect my recipe is all.” Hondo had the gall to shrug, “What’s so wrong about that?”

“You mean besides intruding upon a meeting where you are not welcome and admitting in advance that you intend to sell an illegal substance throughout the school?” Palpatine asked, “I suppose we could discuss your time management skills, seeing as you have plenty of potion’s homework that you could be catching up on.”

Reading the room for a change, Hondo sighed like a great disservice had just been done to him, “You can’t fault a guy for trying.”

“Actually, I can. 15 points from Slytherin.” Palpatine crossed his arms, “And I expect your essay on Felix Felicis on my desk tomorrow morning.”

“My tutor isn’t going to like that.” Hondo grumbled as he walked by Obi-Wan, “He’s not even finished my Charms presentation.”

“Why would you say that to us?” Satine hissed, knowing full well that they were now going to have to look up the legitimacy of Hondo’s new “tutor” in their dwindling free time.  

“I’m honest to a fault!” He shrugged as he fully exited the room and was promptly locked out by Palpatine. He even took the effort of using two padlocks to secure the job. To be fair, Hondo was quite slippery.

“Now,” He said as he clapped his hands together once, “Why don’t we get to the important part? Brewing!”

***

This was a colossal waste of his time, skills, and resources.

While Sidious normally enjoyed when the school devolved into chaos, he did not appreciate when it stood in the way of his plans. Right now, his former apprentice was the obstacle that could feasibly destroy everything he’d worked tirelessly to achieve, all before it could truly start.

He knew he should have killed him when he had the chance, but Azkaban just seemed all the more fitting for the murder machine to waste his days away at the hand of his own failure. He would not make that mistake ever again.

So, it seemed Sidious’ own interests aligned with the rest of his colleagues: get rid of Maul. It felt peculiar- to be on the same side as the enemy, but if he wanted to defeat them, he needed this loose cannon of a pawn to be decimated before it was too late.

And through it all, the putrid “open-minded” community only served to remind him why they needed to be brought to an end. In what world would enlisting the Potions professor to teach love potions be useful? How he managed to seem convincing, he was unsure, because there was no greater waste of time than the frivolous pursuit of love. Well, unless it was being manipulated as a fulcrum for change.

Even with as little soul as he had remaining, if any, he still found the smell of amortentia to be utterly arousing. They certainly wouldn’t enjoy to know what he smelled when he breathed in amortentia: fire, ash, rubble, stained blood.

They should be barricading, sending students out in troves to hunt the demon down, and utilize the muggle-borns as bait in a trap to be sprung. Maul couldn’t resist the hunt. He knew such instincts never changed, not even from the waning sense of purpose that Azkaban reduced men to.

Instead, here he was, giving a pointless lecture on the dangers of love potions. After which, they’ll have another practice dueling session with snowballs. It was pitiful. At the very least, they should be using stones. Children needed to learn pain at an early age. They needed to become so familiar with the sensation that they found home in it. In the hearth of that home, is the power that exists from within. Only then, can they prevail.

He glanced to the back corner of the room and felt his lips twitch. Between this year and the last, Skywalker was becoming quite acquainted with pain. He grimaced as he took in the rest of the lot, noting how soft they all were as they nervously discovered what attracted them when they leaned over their brewing cauldrons. At least he’d been able to kick that waste of blood Ohnaka out. He was spared of that particular headache, especially when just looking at the boy angered him to no end when he considered how deeply that botched experiment failed. Truly, that family couldn’t do anything right- not even when under hypnosis.

He had no doubts that Maul was scoping out the land, realizing just how weak these wizards had gotten since he was in school- that his lessons from Sidious had always reigned supreme and that no one stood in his way, save for Yoda and Sidious, himself. That would be disastrous if anyone witnessed a reunion between the two. They would know instantly.

Then again, if Sidious were to capture and kill Maul, he would only further his popularity amongst the simpletons that allegedly “ran” their community. Perhaps, there could be salvaging of this wreck. Tyranus need not be the only one to pull strings in the wake of Maul’s drama. It was only fitting, since Sidious was the marionettist and this was to be his show.

Not only that, but such a feat would certainly impress the boy, who clearly had a sound reason for disliking Maul. While Sidious loathed the concept of needing to work towards the trust and approval of a child, understood that in due time, it would be worth it.

Even if such a boy nearly killed them all with his own klutziness.

Sidious breathed a steadying breath, just barely turned away from any possible lingering gazes.

He moved over to his desk and opened the top drawer. He needed a drink.

***

Satine, like many of the curious girls in her year, had done fair research on the subject of amortentia. Apparently, it had ruined its fair share of marriages as well as mental health states, making it completely illegal to produce for private or public subsidization. It seemed, curiously, only the aurors could do so with Ministry approval. That, much to Satine’s confusion, was the case for many subjects.

“Because I would hate to have a bunch of little zombies in my class, we’ll just be smelling the potions today.” Palpatine announced.

Despite her knowledge that amortentia affected everyone differently, she still wasn’t quite expecting the drunk-like sensation that filled her up from head to toe as she took a deep breath in from the fumes that emanated off the surface. Everything around her seemed to move in slow motion and her chest rose and fell with the relaxed notion of falling asleep, except she simultaneously never felt more stimulated in her life.

She’d never known that you could smell so many wonderful things at once yet still differentiate them for what they were and more importantly, how it got her flushed in a way that made her shift in her seat.

New books, homemade apple pie, crisp fall air, the lingering remnants of a minty aftershave wrapping around her like a scarf…

She started out of her reverie, blushing too mad to even consider looking to her left no matter how curious she suddenly was. Her heart was beating out of her chest and if she wasn’t absolutely certain of the potency of amortentia, she’d have the decency to be more embarrassed. Instead, she willed herself to calm down and refused to breathe through her nose any further, no matter how warm she felt when she had.

While none of what she witnessed was news to her per say, it wasn’t like she made a habit of lollygagging and daydreaming in the middle of a classroom setting. It was quite disarming to be so vulnerable yet also so close to what (or who, for that matter) was driving her crazy to begin with.

“Problem, Mr. Kenobi?” Palpatine was suddenly standing in front of them, which was at least a little bit of a distraction.

A ringing in her brain wanted desperately to ask him what he smelled, but she felt herself frown deeply when she noticed Obi-Wan was leaning with his entire face in his little cauldron, trying desperately to catch a whiff. Surely, if he got any closer, he was going to accidentally inhale the potion through his nose.

“I might have brewed it incorrectly.” He muttered, echoing a bit from still having his head in the cauldron.

“Let me see,” Palpatine urged him to lift his head and under normal circumstances, Satine might tease him for the little creases that the rim brought to his face.

The professor raised his nose to the fumes that still wafted through the air and smiled dreamily. She wondered if they would ever know what he was seeing when he inhaled the scent. It was none of their business to ask, but she really couldn’t picture Palpatine being in love with anyone.

“No, no, it’s perfectly correct,” He said with the airs of residual glee, “Why?”

Instead of giving him a straight answer, Obi-Wan turned to Satine, “I think I need you to move.”

Any previous concern, as per usual with Obi-Wan, was replaced with a scalding sort of annoyance only reserved for him, “What? Why?”

As she held her own special adverse reaction to him, he had one for her that matched. His eyebrows furrowed as he gestured to his cauldron. Sometimes, he was far too serious for his own good, “As lovely as your perfume is, you don’t need to go so heavy-handed with it! I can’t smell the potion.”

Satine, who initially believed they were going to get into an argument, found that she had no points to be made, because all that came out of her mouth was a little puff of air. Palpatine, if she had the eyes to spare him a look, was equally as surprised, even if not nearly as emotionally invested in such a rebuff.

“What?” Obi-Wan finally asked, growing more annoyed at not being in on the punchline.

Everyone else was suspiciously quiet too, much to Satine’s growing unease, but she could hardly spare a thought other than to say, “I’m out of perfume, actually. I sent Copikla home yesterday so my mum could send me a new bottle.”

Instead of being annoyed, the clouds seemed to clear, if only a little bit, and he flickered back to the potion, “But how-”

“-It smells different to everyone.” Palpatine, who looked between the two of them with his face stretched in discomfort and eyebrows raised beyond physics, clarified with a tone that was clearly meant for only them, “Based on what the individual finds attractive.”

All of the color seemed to wash out of Obi-Wan’s charmingly embarrassed face as his mind worked rapidly to wrap his head around that answer. Even though she hadn’t breathed in her potion again, Satine still swore she was suddenly feeling the effects of it.

“I- Well,” He tried to formulate a response, but to his credit, he had just admitted that he was at the very least attracted to her perfume (which she made the mental note to stock up on more frequently), in front of the entire class of prefects and Anakin.

“Oooooooh Obi-Wan likes perfume.” Anakin, while completely missing the point and a big teasing opportunity, shattered the tension that previously froze the entire room and everyone burst out into a fit of needed laughter. Even Obi-Wan laughed, though nervously, as he flashed Satine the occasional glance here and there through lowered lashes, as if trying to gage her reaction to this accidental admission.

She smiled. Clearly, it was to her benefit to read ahead of him.

“For what it’s worth,” She said in the midst of the uncontrollable chatter that erupted thanks to Anakin’s offhand comment, “You smell nice too.”

He blushed, which she found she quite liked the shade of pink on his face, “Thanks.”

It didn’t address the underlying implications, just as neither of them seized the moment to do so on Christmas Eve. She found it was just as frustrating trying to guess what was going on inside of his head as it was waiting for him to do something about the things she did know.

As much as she wanted the cat to be fully out of the bag, she knew the middle of Palpatine’s potions class wasn’t the time or place.

***

“I believe it’s a mistake to have any more Hogsmeade trips this year,” Qui-Gon said to his other heads of house and to Yoda, who was staring quite pensively out the window, “Not when we know what we know. It’s quite possible that Maul has an entrance to the school if he truly is behind what happened to Bultar Swan.”

“We have no real proof that he is, though.” Shaak Ti said, “It certainly doesn’t seem like his style.”

“While I know the usual term “innocent until proven guilty” is our mantra, I think we should consider being more hesitant with Maul.” Qui-Gon said.

“I agree,” Windu nodded, standing firmly next to him, “Though having more students out of the school would allow us a proper amount of time to sweep the school and see if he had any secret entrances.”

“We have that same opportunity at night.” Qui-Gon said.

“You know this school shifts and changes between night and day,” Palpatine said warily, “It is ever-moving and Bultar Swan was attacked in broad daylight in a common room.”

“Why are we not interviewing more Ravenclaws then?” Windu asked, “We’ve got to do something! Skywalker’s mother is missing and we all know that boy isn’t going to lay down and allow for speculation to simply rise without doing something foolish.”

“I don’t appreciate your assumptions of Anakin.” Qui-Gon said, “He’s a bright, even if impulsive boy, who is going through an unspeakable grief.”

“No one twice his age should have to endure what he’s going through,” Shaak Ti said kindly, “Let alone as young as he.”

“I’m not saying he has no reason to act out.” Windu raised his hands, “I’m merely stating that it is only a matter of time before he takes matters into his own hands.”

“That would make it easier for Maul, unfortunately,” Palpatine agreed, “Perhaps we should motion to shut off the Floo network?”

“Done that, I have.” Yoda spoke up, “Because used it, he did.”

“For what?” Qui-Gon asked eagerly.

“Unknown location, he accessed.” Yoda mused, “Unregistered through the network, it is. Talk to Dooku, I suspect.”

Palpatine frowned, “That can’t be good.”

“No, it can’t.” Windu agreed, “Can you extend your protective charms to Hogsmeade, Yoda?”

“Do that, I did, after we woke up from the sleeping incident.”

“Oh, so it’s safe then.” Shaak Ti shrugged, “The dementors haven’t detected Maul on the inside and he was last seen on Diagon Alley.”

“I’m sure this is quite exhausting for you, Headmaster.” Windu acknowledged.

It was true. Extending his powers over an entire settlement as well as the castle at all times would have drained any normal wizard to death. Yoda, as it were, was not a normal wizard. Even still, it was visible on his worn features that he was exhausted.

“Safe, the students should be,” He said instead, “But careful we will still be. Search the school we will for secret entrances while they are gone, we will.”

***

“Are they gone yet?” Anakin asked, ducking up from where he’d been digging furiously through his trunk. Rex who was sitting on the window sill keeping watch over the massive gates of Hogwarts nodded slowly.

“Yeah I think so,” He confirmed, stretching his arms above his head and yawning, “I dunno mate, don’t you think a nice Saturday in might be nicer than trying this again. Don’t you remember what happened last time?”

“Psh!” Anakin waved a hand, “Well we’re certainly not trying anything like that again. Although I would like to get another look at that sword.”

“I figured you’d seen enough swords in your short life,” Rex rolled his eyes, “Didn’t Dooku intend to sacrifice you with one?”

“It was still cool, but I’m not really trying to go to Hogsmeade, just give off a good impression.” Anakin shrugged before he pulled out his nicest T-Shirt, swiftly pulling the one he had been wearing off and switching them out, “Well how do I look?”

“The same but in green,” Rex deadpanned leaning his head on his hand, “If all we’re doing up here is playing dress up then I’d much rather get this show on the road.”

“Oh come on,” Anakin checked himself out in the dingy mirror on the back of the door. He was really hoping he’d run into Padmé; he thought she’d like it. He’d already seen her leave, but overheard her talking to her friends about Rabé meeting them later and taking the tunnels. His mum had bought it for him over the summer and he tried to push past the rising feeling of sadness, “We had to wait until all the prefects left anyways, I’m not really looking to be caught and dragged back here by any of them and especially not Zeb, who was eyeing us up pretty hard at breakfast.”

Rex shuddered, “Definitely don’t need him tossing us through the portrait hole again. It’s not our fault that the rest of the second years left without us!”

“I’d hate to see what happens if we’re caught alone of our own accord,” Anakin grinned, despite the true statement, such a thing wouldn’t stop them, “Well, let’s go before Windu gets here to babysit.”

“Right,” Rex grimaced, standing up and grabbing his wand. Anakin grabbed his as well, throwing it into his robe, it was much too cold to go around without it, and they headed down and out of the common room. He really hoped no one would snitch on them.

The two traversed the halls carefully. Keeping quiet for once to listen for approaching footsteps and ducking into a few empty classrooms to avoid the ghosts lurking around the otherwise empty halls. It took much longer than they’d have liked to make it down to where the tunnel’s entrance would begin. Luckily, the map showed Rabé’s little figure moving in that direction too, marking a bit of a clear path. She would lead them straight to Padmé.

Anakin’s heart rate increased for more reasons than being caught.

He thought better of it. Obi-Wan would probably kill him on the spot if he slithered out of the tunnel and into Hogsmeade. Not to mention, Maul was lurking around in the area looking for him. Maybe, if they caught up with Rabé in the tunnel, he could simply give her the necklace to give to Padmé.

It didn’t sound incredibly indicative of his house in terms of bravery, but he knew at least Obi-Wan would approve of his method.  

“Almost there!” Anakin grinned at Rex, but almost had his head knocked clean from his body when Rex grabbed his robe and yanked him hard into an empty classroom, “Wha-?”

“Shh!!” Rex was very much alert and his eyes narrowed as they both heard footsteps echoing off the walls. The footsteps paused just outside of the door and Rex cursed under his breath as a shadow moved towards the entrance. Rex glared at Anakin for a few minutes before mouthing, ‘You owe me!’ and straightening.

“Mr. Fett?” Palpatine’s confused voice echoed off the stone walls, “What are you doing here? And all alone?”

“Sorry Professor,” Rex gave Palpatine a rather over the top concerned look, “It’s just, I haven’t seen Anakin since breakfast and he did mention he was thinking about coming to see you.”

“To see me?” The professor sounded a little more surprised than Anakin thought he should, but perhaps he was trying to avoid looking like he picked favorites, “Well I certainly haven’t seen him. I’ll keep an eye out, but I’m going to need to escort you outside with the other second years.”

Anakin winced, of course even Palpatine wouldn’t be willing to overlook a student wandering the halls without an escort. He’d have to bring Rex back something good from Hogsmeade.

“Alright, thank you Professor,” Rex nodded, although he didn’t look very thankful in Anakin’s opinion.

Their footsteps faded away, but still Anakin waited a minute longer before darting from the classroom himself.

He wandered the empty halls, being extra careful to listen and flicker his eyes to the map. Rex was a little more perceptive than he tended to be. Anakin certainly didn’t want to get caught, but at least he knew what story to go with if he did.

Finally, he reached the entrance of the tunnel, looking around carefully, he quickly slipped inside and hurried to close the entrance, plunging him into complete darkness.

Anakin pulled his wand out, lighting it with a, “Lumos Maxima,” They’d been working to improve their maximizing skills in charms recently and Anakin felt it was paying off. The tunnels were rather boring and unremarkable. He remembered them being pretty long, though he’d never made it all the way to the end the last time.

He took his time, kicking away rocks and humming softly. He still didn’t want to give his position away if there was someone scouting the tunnel for mischievous students, but boredom without Rex crept in fast.

He paused a moment at an odd noise and listened hard. It was a soft shuffling noise and despite the echo, it sounded like it was coming from behind him. Could it be another student trying the same thing he was? Unlikely, most of the houses were pretty locked down outside. He wasn’t sure why the professors had been so insistent on a supervised snow day, but most students went for it.

That left the possibility that he was about to be caught.

Letting the fear of boring evenings in detention spur him on, he picked up the pace until he was running rather swiftly. With the way his wand was swinging, the light bounced around enough to make him motion sick so he gave it a quiet, “Nox,” not letting up on the speed of which his shoes pounded the ground.

He slowed when he nearly tripped over something lying on the ground, but wasn’t quick enough to avoid running right into someone.

Anakin fell backwards with an, “oof,” He tried to catch his breath for a moment, “Sorry, Rabé,” He said softly standing up, “While I’ve got you, I’ve got a question for you. Lumos.”

His wand tip glowed again, revealing him face to face with a student’s face frozen in a scream. This was not Rabé. Anakin stumbled back, tripping on what felt like the fabric of a scarf, before he saw the glint of eyes reflecting the light off his wand.

Yellow. Bright yellow eyes narrowing as they realized they’d been caught. Anakin felt his heart leap in his chest. Fear filling his lungs, causing him to nearly choke on a scream. He heard the eyes take a step forward and he scrambled to his feet and fell into a sprint. His wand light faded as his concentration waned and he shoved it into his robes.

He shouldn’t be running from Maul, because that’s who it was, of course. He’d vowed revenge even if Qui-Gon always gave him that sad sort of look when he said it. He should be back there giving that kidnapper a piece of his mind. He was the Chosen One, it was his job to save everyone and take down the bad guys.

Even as these thoughts played in his mind, he continued to sprint, fear pushing him into overdrive. He nearly screeched again when he ran full tilt into something human knocking them both to the ground.

“Bloody hell!”

“Rex!” Anakin was relieved to find someone he knew, but it wasn’t enough to stop the adrenaline that had him back on his feet and pulling desperately on Rex’s arm to get him to move, “We have to go now!”

“Great, I just escape Palpatine only to get caught again. Who is it? Windu?” Anakin nearly growled at the slow pace Rex was moving at.

“It’s Maul! We have to go!” That was enough to get him moving.

They didn’t stop to even breathe again until they burst from the wall and right into Professors Palpatine and Qui-Gon who nearly got bowled over.

“What-” Qui-Gon looked ready to start a lecture and Palpatine even looked like he was ready to dole out a few point reductions, but Rex cut them off quickly.

“Anakin saw him!” Rex was pointing his wand at the entrance to the tunnel like Maul was about to come out right then and there for a fight.

“Saw who?” Palpatine asked head tilting to the side in curiosity and Anakin nearly spat the name out as he joined Rex in his battle stance.

“Maul.”

***

The deafening screech that stretched from Hogwarts through Hogsmeade with painful clarity was one that very few students attributed meaning to. It wasn’t unreasonable that students, particularly younger ones, immediately leapt into disorder, running hither and yon, terrified they were about to be dive-bombed. It was a horrible sight to see, even if it didn’t make his job all the more difficult.

Designed with the vocal cords of mandrakes, the emergency siren was only used in times of utter duress and was a means of warning students and faculty to return to Hogwarts at once. Historically, it hadn’t been officially sounded since the early twentieth century. Even still, prefects were always trained on what to do in the event of hearing the siren.

All the training in the world still didn’t fully prepare Obi-Wan for the very real visceral reaction that the ear-splitting sound brought. Of course, he could not spare a single moment to think, a tough reality for a Ravenclaw, and immediately moved forward with what he’d been taught: gather his house, ensure they were all in company, and get them back to the school.

While not given a direct message with it, everyone seemed to share the same thought as he did. There was only one true reason that the archaic alarm would be used right now accompanied by the dementors that jetted across the sky: Maul was close.

Not only close, but likely in their midst.

Shop owners wasted little time in evacuating their premises and battening down the hatches, effectively snuffing the warm glow of Hogsmeade in a singular swoop. His brain was busy scanning the hysterical crowd that was amid constant motion, searching for every and any blue-robed student that he might come across. It occurred to him now that there was perhaps more meaning to the explicitly placed Hogsmeade dress code than the professors led on to. It certainly made rounding up students a lot easier when they were color-coded.

Moving around on the ice-laden stone walkways? Less easy. He’d not only had to catch his own balance in his haste, but many other wobbly students. Even Satine’s elbow was caught by him a time or two, of which she spared no time to thank him, though he knew otherwise she would. She was just as stern as him in their mission, practically grabbing students and sliding them across the way to the huddle of other students, hardly blinking in the process.

It was with this goal in mind that he was able to develop a razor focus that practically tuned out the alarm. That, or the pounding in his ears did a decent job of it. Silently, he found the space to be relieved that Anakin was safe back at the castle with the other younger students.

It couldn’t have taken more than a couple of minutes to successfully corral all of the students that lingered about. It wasn’t as though any of them truly wanted to sneak off, after all. The horror on everyone’s faces spoke volumes of their concern.

Each of the prefects did their headcounts rapidly, trying not to dawdle for a moment longer than necessary, all praying they reached the same number they started with. He felt capable of breathing again when Ravenclaw reached that quota. Gryffindor prefects, it seemed, had forgotten to include themselves for a moment, which briefly induced a panic that was quickly assuaged by an irritated Mace Windu.

Perhaps it was a bit presumptuous to be relieved that Mace Windu and Kit Fisto were the supervising professors that day, but it certainly helped their odds to have experienced fighters of dark magic alongside them. The sky grew dark above them, not from the descending sun, but from the mere presence of the dementors swarming together like an ominous storm cloud.

No one looked back as they were ushered down through the storm cellar beneath Honeydukes, which remained open only at Windu’s order.

“Move quickly, don’t linger, don’t stop, don’t pause!” He ordered in a booming voice that didn’t even need to be amplified with a charm.

While Gryffindor’s prefects had nobly volunteered to lead the charge of students down and through the tunnel, the others remained on the side, performing last-minute counts to ensure all made it safely while urging them to hurry it up. No one seemed to have a problem with performing the latter, but some were getting a little rowdy in the process.

“Hey, hey, this is not an excuse to push or shove!” Satine chastised a few overeager Slytherins, “The only way this works is if you work together!”

She was right, of course, but Obi-Wan believed it was falling on deaf ears. They were terrified and rightfully so. Perhaps they shouldn’t have allowed the Hogsmeade trip to occur in the first place with everything going on. It was almost like they were trying to lure Maul in. If that was the case, it was a very sadistic choice.

Padmé Amidala as well as her friends had been some of the last people to filter in, surprisingly, and tears stained their cheeks.

“Keep it moving, ladies!” Kit Fisto ordered.

“We can’t find Rabé!” Sabé, the girl who looked most like Padmé, cried.

“I’m sure she’s here somewhere.” Windu said, “Slytherin house reported no missing students based on their earlier count. Now GO!”  

“She came later!” Padmé insisted, pushing back against the hands of Fenn Rau, who was trying to make them descend down the ladder. “We never saw her!”

“Then maybe she never came at all?” Satine tried.

“She came.” Padmé looked between both of them, “I know she did! She wouldn’t flake out on us like that. What if something horrible happened to her? What if-”

“-We can explore these possibilities back at Hogwarts.” Windu said, “If she is indeed missing, I will waste no time in coming back for her. I promise you.”

“That is already a waste of time!” Sabé protested, “What if she’s hurt?”

“I cannot risk all of you, including these prefects, for one possibly lingering student. I need to get you back to safety. The tunnels will be locked behind us.” Windu said and waved his wand to provide a gust of air, sending all of the girls down the tunnel against their own will. Satine looked horrified at the choice and frankly, so did Windu for a moment, before he began insisting the prefects follow.

For Obi-Wan, time began to slow down as his brain methodically and almost mechanically traced back through that day, desperately trying to recall if he’d seen Rabé. She stood out among Padmé’s friends in that she was the only Slytherin and yet it was still odd to see them apart. Before the alarm had turned the world on its head, it had been a rather mundane and peaceful day at Hogsmeade. The weather had been nice, if not quite nippy. He’d popped into Tomes & Scrolls with Satine while Cody lingered around Spintwitches, but none of them bought anything. If they had, surely, it would have been lost in the chaos with many other student’s purchases.

He’d debated getting a box of every flavor beans, since Hondo said he had a game of Russian Roulette, but with the beans, brewing. Cody seemed interested and it sounded like less of a consequential gaming experience than Hondo’s usual ventures. He wasn’t afforded the opportunity to go into Honeydukes, but…

Obi-Wan felt his heart stop altogether in his chest. He hadn’t gone into Honeydukes, but he almost did. And who was lingering by the butterbeer stand when he was busy deliberating with Cody?

Rabé.

He’d only caught a glimpse of her for a fraction of a second before he turned around. Clear as daylight and standing at the far end of Hogsmeade. There were other Slytherins around her, but like Padmé, her hair was always intricately woven and this made her stand out.

Where did she go so that none of her friends saw her?

“She was here today,” Obi-Wan lurched forward, grabbing Satine by the arm on instinct.

“How do you know?” She began to ask, eyes searching his own with growing concern.

“I saw her.” He said and then shoved against the stream of students that were still pouring down the tunnel.

“Ben,” It was her turn to grab him, “Wait!”

He didn’t wait, though. Instead, he slipped out of her grasp, which had been firm enough to take his robe with it, and pushed through the crowd. Windu, never the slouch, noticed him instantly and his eyes widened as he realized what Obi-Wan was trying to do. Unlike Padmé and the girls, he didn’t give him the opportunity to stop him, instead lunging forward and falling into an immediate sprint out the door- the cold wind whipping his face so hard that it caused tears to freeze in their wake.

He vaguely heard his name shouted from behind him, but he could only think of finding Rabé before it was too late. It might have been impulsive and it was definitely foolish, but he wouldn’t be able to leave with a clear conscience unless he did everything in his power to bring every student back safely. He understood that the professors needed to do their duty, but Obi-Wan was to be an auror someday. Running into the line of fire was surely a requirement of such a field.

All he could think of was how he knew what it was like to be forgotten. If there was even a small chance of preventing someone else from befalling that fate, he had to try.

Running across the slick stone walkway proved itself to be even more difficult than walking had, but Obi-Wan was utilizing the forward motion that the ice provided him for acceleration. The sky above him was almost completely black- as though Hogsmeade was at risk for being sucked into outer space. Suddenly, the cold that Obi-Wan felt no longer seemed to be as a result from the climate.

He’d studied dementors a good deal over the years and objectively understood how they drained a person from their hopes and dreams, removing the parts of them that basically made them human, but he realized then that he never really knew. He wasn’t even the target for these dementors and just being in their presence made him feel like all color was depleting from the landscape.

He forced himself through it, focusing on the task at hand and what purpose that gave him. He decided to slide by the (now closed) butterbeer stand at the end, where he’d last seen Rabé. After all, it was entirely possible that he was the last person to see her alive. That certainly didn’t give him much comfort.

He turned his head from side to side, trying with a last stitch effort to see if she’d taken refuge in one of the closed shops. The keepers were kind and would more than likely house a lost student during a crisis such as this.

As dread pooled deeper in the pit of his stomach and his body struggled to fight off the shaky chill that climbed its way up his spine, he dared to look up, noticing that the dementors were no longer searching, but swarming. The snowfall only seemed to thicken, which was rather unfortunate as Obi-Wan had to swipe his arm over his eyes several times to continue seeing.

They congregated at the Three Broomsticks- in front of which, Obi-Wan did not stop, but in his haste, did meet the bloodshot amber eyes of none other than the Dathomirian known as Maul. In their midst, Obi-Wan found he would rather embark on a lengthy stay with a dementor than look another second into the killer’s eyes. He was leaning back in his seat with casual aplomb and raised his stein of butterbeer as though in cheers or celebration, selling the chilling lack of regard for life with a cruel smile curling his black and red lips.

It was if he was saying, “I’ve won.”

Obi-Wan swallowed thickly and averted his gaze immediately, understanding that this might be his final moment. If that were so, he would use it wisely.

“No, you won’t.”

Maul’s smile broadened, resembling the actual devil as he did so.

Yes, Obi-Wan was definitely about to die.

However, the moment ended as quick as it started, for once the dementors dive bombed past Obi-Wan and straight for Maul, he flipped a galleon into the air and caught it, allowing himself to disappear to whatever rock he dragged himself from before.

Obi-Wan only thundered forward until he arrived at the end of the limits of the town, sighing deeply and wincing at the wreath of frost that circled his head as he caught his breath. He was immensely cold and with nothing to do about it and worse, began to feel quite defeated. Part of him wanted to rationalize that Rabé did likely go back to the castle. However, whether it was intuition or simply an unknown magic in the air, he could practically feel the presence of another.

Then, from the corner of his eyes, he noticed something poking out of the snow- just next to an old townhome, and drew closer. His steps were heavy and without hopeful anticipation as he regarded the gray fingers breaking through the massive snowdrift.

He knelt down slowly, and raised his wand to blow away the piles of snow and ice and used his hands to remove the last remnants on his own. Attached to the outstretched hand, which served as much as a warning as it did a signal of distress, was the petrified gray face of Rabé.

***

“You have to go back for him!” Satine demanded as she was practically carried by Fisto all the way back to Hogwarts. It had been the only way they were able to prevent her from slipping after Obi-Wan in a panic-induced gut-reaction. She believed he was an idiot for running off the way he did, but that wasn’t to say she didn’t understand the feeling.

“The dementors are mobilizing, Satine!” Windu turned on her with fire in his eyes, “Had Mr. Kenobi not been so uncharacteristically impetuous, we wouldn’t be here.”

“And there would still be a lost child out there!” She growled, not usually one to ever speak to a professor so brazenly, but this was Obi-Wan they were talking about, and she would always be a bit irrational when it came to him. “It doesn’t seem like anyone really cares about that though!”

“Not care? I would lay down my life for every single one of you. Do you think it pleases me to know that not one, but two students could be suffering at the hands of that animal on my watch?” Windu said hotly, “But I cannot jeopardize the dementors potentially catching a murderous sociopath. Obi-Wan would not want me to do that!”

She knew deep in her bones that he was right, but she didn’t take to it any better, instead feeling bile rise up her throat- only subdued by the way it seemed to constrict at the wretched thought of losing her best friend. The cold weight of pure dread settled on her chest, evaporating her fury and nearly suffocating all logical thought.

Nearly.

She turned on her heels back to Ravenclaw house, who were staring at her with a mixture of sympathy and shock. Satine knew she had the capacity to lose her patience, but she tried to always do so with some semblance of professionalism.

“We’ll go find him ourselves then!” Cody, equally as heated as she had been, raged alongside Echo and Fives. All were still dressed for the winter and had their wands at the ready.

“You will do no such thing.” Professor Fisto pulled Cody back by the arm, “Headmaster Yoda is the only one who can save your friend now.”

“What was the point of teaching us all that stuff if we aren’t going to use it?” Cody fired.

“In the event that there is an inescapable situation, Cody.” Fisto said, “I commend your bravery, but there is a line between courage and stupidity.”

“So, that’s it?” Echo chimed in, “We’re just going to run and hide every time a bad guy comes knocking on our door?”

“Yeah, you’re supposed to teach us defense against the dark arts!” Fives added, “I’d say Maul qualifies.”

“Maul is much more than any of you can understand or handle.” Windu’s voice no longer spoke with anger, but from a deep place that teetered on remorse and pity. There was a defeated look in his eyes that Satine would never forget, as though Maul had already won.

“Glad you’ve all been effectively wasting our time then.” Cody snarled, “Propping us up and making us feel as though we’re really doing something all year. What has all of this been? Some show for the Ministry?”

A few other Gryffindors pooled around him and it occurred to Satine just then that if Cody hadn’t been so set on pursuing Quidditch as a career, that he’d make a mighty fine commanding officer. People rallied behind him. They believed in him.

She just wished that call to order wasn’t coming from a place of wishing to fight a dark lord.

“Cody, I highly recommend that you stand down.” Fisto said, “I get that you’re upset, but we need to remain calm. Take your brothers back to the Great Hall and wait for further instructions.”

Cody was teeming with anger- she could tell just looking at him and for a moment, she feared he was going to act brashly. Windu seemed to think the same thing judging by the appraising look he gave him.

He didn’t move, but he did send Echo and Fives back with the Gryffindor prefects and the rest of the house. The other houses and their respective prefects trickled afterwards, each going to the Great Hall for what was surely to be another lockdown.

“Great, another sleepover.” Fives huffed as he went.

“Yeah, telling ghost stories by candlelight altogether will surely keep us safe.” Echo complained under his breath.

“I thought I said-” Fisto began.

“-I’m not leaving until Kenobi is found.” Cody said, “Dead or alive.”

“Don’t you dare talk like that.” She seethed, grabbing his attention instantly and Cody, to his credit, did appear riddled with guilt at her reaction.

“Sorry.” He muttered.

“I expect this level of irrationality from Cody.” Windu said and eyed Satine, “But not you.”

“I’m not leaving either.” She said, clutching Obi-Wan’s robe tightly between clenched fists, “Consequences be damned.”

Where she thought there would be retribution or even more yelling, there was not. Fisto, of the two of them, actually appeared more upset. Windu, instead, nodded slightly. It seemed he understood that this was a battle he would not be winning today.

Satine scanned the area, remembering someone very curious to be missing from the pack. As if it were possible, more horror gnawed at her nerves, “Where’s Anakin?”

That was Maul’s whole purpose for scouting out the school, right?

Windu grimaced, “He did try to sneak out to Hogsmeade earlier.”

Her eyes widened, “But he’s alright?”

“It is to my understanding that young Skywalker is with Professor Jinn.” Palpatine swerved around the corner, dark cloaks flowing behind him dramatically as he reconvened with the professors, “Any update on Maul?”

“No,” Windu said tartly, “But seeing as our students have been debating on staging a coup, it might have been useful to have your presence, Professor.”

The tension, as it was, seemed unbreakable.

“My apologies, Professor Windu, but I will say these students have the right to be upset. All of our efforts to protect the school have thus far failed.” Palpatine said.

Satine also couldn’t blame everyone for being upset. In their effort to make everyone feel safe, they only propped them up with delusions of grandeur. There was a fine line to walk between keeping the student body informed and propagating debilitating fear- at least in this predicament.

“You’re here now.” Fisto said, “That’s what counts.”

Satine wasn’t so sure, but then again, Maul hadn’t broken in yet.

“Surely, it’s not wise to have students so close to the entrance.” Palpatine said.

“Yes, well, it also wasn’t wise to allow Anakin so close to your Vitamix potion.” Windu countered, “I guess we’re all doing things a bit differently right now.”

Palpatine seemed properly slapped by that, because there was little argument that could be brought up to counter the comment. That was, indeed, what happened and it left the school wide open for possible attack.

“Yoda should be back any minute.” Fisto paced the floor, his wet boots making a squeaking noise as he did so, “And hopefully, he has good news.”

“If not?” Cody asked.

“If not, we might have to help him and if that’s the case, you two will stay back.” Windu ordered.

Even Cody didn’t argue with that logic.

Not but a moment later, erratic banging came from the metal door, growing more desperate as the seconds went on. Palpatine leaned forward as if to open it and Fisto grabbed his wrist before he could perform the charm.

“There’s a password.” Fisto said.

“And why would Maul just come knocking on the front door?” Palpatine scoffed.

“Maul is anything but conventional.” Windu reasoned.

Cody and Satine looked between each other as the three professors deliberated. They were beginning to understand why it sometimes felt like it took forever for anything to get done. No one could agree on the simplest things.

“What if it’s Ben?” Satine stepped forward, “You’ve said it yourself that the tunnels are blocked off now.”

“Yoda would have found him and brought him back by apparition.” Fisto said.

“And if he didn’t?”

Windu opened his mouth to respond, but then from a familiar voice, “HELLO THERE? IS ANYONE THERE?”

She glared between the three professors, who were all a bit dumbstruck as they hastily moved to open the door. As it swung open unceremoniously, her heart resumed beating as Obi-Wan Kenobi, pale, drenched and speckled with snowflakes, practically fell through the entryway.

She moved on instinct rather than thought and caught him in a tight hug, combatting the sharp chill that traveled up her spine at his frigid body with the warm relief that he was alive. She only removed herself enough to tightly wrap his robe around his shoulders before pulling him closer.

“Get him some blankets!” Windu ordered while Palpatine was simultaneously brewing a warm beverage from thin air. Satine, for her part, could not let go.

“N-nice t-to see you t-too.” He shivered and did not reject the warm contact.

“You’re an idiot, Obi-Wan Kenobi.” She muttered into his shoulder, but it really didn’t have as much fire as she would have liked it to- not when he looked so pitiful with wet hair in his face, teeth chattering, and a nose and cheeks red from the cold.

“I’m aware.” He said.

“You could have been killed!”

“I know.”

“And you really couldn’t have at least brought your robe with you if you were going to go running off on a deadly mission?”

“You’re right.”

“Stop agreeing with me!” She leaned back and glared at him.

“My apologies,” He smiled ruefully, but it faded almost instantly, “All the trouble I’ve caused, I’m afraid it was for nothing.”

“What do you mean?” Fisto cut in.

“I saw him.” Obi-Wan’s voice was hollow when he said it. His eyes became downcast as he reminisced, “And Rabé. I couldn’t move her on my own… She was frozen in carbonite.”

Windu cursed, scrubbing a hand over his bald head, “And Maul?”

“Gone.” Obi-Wan said, “He used a portkey before the dementors could get to him.”

***

The dementors separated like parting clouds, allowing for remnants of dwindling sunlight to cast a yellow beam onto Hogsmeade. Even with the sunset behind it, the usually buzzing and quaint town looked barren without the lively folk that inhabited it. It was to their best interest to hide, of course, and he knew that once this awful storm passed, they would return again. Yoda moved slowly through the snow, feet unbothered by the crunch of the ice beneath him.

He had no doubt that Maul was here, but held equal assurance that he no longer was. His protective charms were supposed to stop people from getting in, not out.

He grimaced as he knelt to the Slytherin girl’s motionless body- frozen in time with a horrific expression painting her features. She would need to join the growing group that took up beds in Madame Nema’s hospital wing. He just hoped with everything in him that they could make this right.

It tugged at his heart that children always seemed to be the ones to suffer for the choices of adults. This one was not excluded as Yoda and the other professors deemed that it would be safe.

It should have been safe.

He cursed as he thought back to the extensive lengths he’d gone to in protecting the school. He was exhausted, constantly firing off on all cylinders to keep this place safe. Even Hogsmeade hadn’t been exempt from his reach.

Well it had, but it seemed the small window of Maul’s murder in Diagon Alley to Yoda waking up from the botched Vitamix potion was the hole he’d crawled through. The dementors hadn’t detected him, which was a whole other concern that he would need to investigate at a later time.

There were so many ways that they failed.

Yes, well, this girl’s parents will not enjoy a meager response like that, so he ought to think of something better. Either way, he would not be sleeping well for his hubris. Maul might not storm the castle with his being there, but he was not above dancing around it. He was boxed out for now, but there was only so much that could be done. He had managed to convince them to disallow apparition for the time being without Ministry approval. This combined with the monitorization of the Floo network, limited Maul significantly.

However, there were always portkeys, which was the most secure way for a person in hiding to quickly transport. You didn’t need a license for it and you didn’t even leave a trace on your wand in the process.

It seemed Maul was getting significant joy from toying with them by instilling fear. It was just like a dark wizard to play on people’s emotions as such.

And yet…

He looked back down at the girl with a different sort of befuddlement. Not that he was complaining, but why hadn’t he killed her? Was it because it would have drawn too much attention for his liking? That didn’t seem right, though, because he had no problem murdering the guards at Azkaban or that store owner on Diagon Alley. Why utilize this mysterious alternative method now?

It hadn’t been the first time, obviously. There was the first official occurrence in December, not to mention the carbon remnants found in Shmi Skywalker’s flat, and Obi-Wan and Satine’s discovery at the Shrieking Shack.

Maul had certainly developed a predilection for the long con in his time locked away in Azkaban. Yoda would say it was out of character if he didn’t understand how much a man could change from trauma. He’d seen it in his own face and he’d seen it in many other’s. Maul didn’t want to mess up this time. He wanted his target and he wanted it done right.

But why Anakin Skywalker? Surely, Maul didn’t buy into the Chosen One prophecy. And if he did, why the sudden malevolence towards the boy? Nothing from the ancient texts seemed to make any reference to Maul in the slightest. It wouldn’t have affected him in Azkaban.

Would it?

As Yoda waved his wand once to lift the casket of carbon from the ground to float aimlessly behind him, he turned back towards the castle, realizing not for the first time that the more he learned, the more he had to ask.

***

“We were worried you became a popsicle out there,” Cody said as he took off his own robe and coat to also wrap around Obi-Wan. They all sat in the Great Hall with the rest of the student body, each positioned on their own sleeping bag as they faced each other. Despite having been inside for over an hour, Obi-Wan still clutched the blankets that were given to him tightly and didn’t reject Cody’s addition to the pile.

“I’m sure he was more concerned about seeing Maul.” Satine said.

“I’m sure he was.” Ventress sauntered by with her trademark smirk painted on her black-stained lips.

“Come off it, Ventress,” Cody scowled, “Kenobi wouldn’t lie about such a thing. Dementors were there too.”

“They’ve been here the entire time, Fett.” Ventress said, “How many false scares have there been? I’m beginning to believe it’s all conspiracy, myself.”

“It’s that level of thinking that’s going to get someone seriously injured.” Satine said, “Or worse.”

“Maybe then someone will start to take legitimate action,” She sighed almost dreamily, like she was fantasizing about the possibility.

“And I suppose Rabé basically turning to stone was just nothing.” Cody barked.

“A pity, truly.” She inspected her fingernails, which were actually quite noticeably jagged and cracked with chipped black polish, “Have we not noticed that every victim has been pureblood? You don’t hear the Ministry talking about that, of course.”

“What are you getting at?” Satine growled.

“I’m just saying, Duchess,” Ventress displayed her best pout, which coming from her, still had all the appearances of a cat ready to pounce, “I would hate to see a group marginalized by their blood type.”

“Listen here, Ventress-” She clutched his sleeping bag tightly and was surely ready to fire off on a meaningful tangent of her own, but was interrupted by the sound of barreling footsteps coming their way.

Anakin and Rex came sprinting down the aisle and slid onto their knees towards where they sat. Anakin, for his part, skidded right into Obi-Wan and nearly knocked him over by the velocity at which he traveled.

“Where have you two been?” Cody asked.

“We were with Qui-Gon!” Anakin said and looked around to Obi-Wan, “Fives just told us about what happened at Hogsmeade and I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Obi-Wan’s heart melted at the thought of Anakin’s concern and ruffled his hair, “Not a scratch on me.”

Anakin nodded in relief, “That’s good. It’s crazy that we both saw Maul today and he didn’t even do anything to either of us!”

Obi-Wan, Satine, Cody, and the briefly forgotten Ventress all snapped their attention towards Anakin in surprise.

“I’m sorry, what?” Satine was the first to speak.

“When and where did you see Maul?” Cody followed shortly behind.

“And you lived?” It was unclear whether Ventress was surprised or disappointed.

Obi-Wan, in all fairness, was still processing the small twelve year old boy, who presumably alone, faced the bloodthirsty killer that had it out for him. He knew he must have looked horrified, because Anakin’s own worry seemed to grow by just looking at Obi-Wan.

“I’m okay!” He said first, knowing that this was the most important thing, “And for the record, it wasn’t my fault.”

“It was a little your fault.” Rex winced.

“Rex! You’re supposed to be on my side!” Anakin whined.

“What did you do?” Obi-Wan pinched his brow.

“I already told Qui-Gon and he promised me immunity and while I don’t know for sure what that means, I’m pretty sure it means you’re not allowed to get mad.”

“That’s not what it means.” He said.

“Well, then, who’s got a decent ghost story to share?” He tried, looking around to each of them, “Ventress? I’m sure you’ve got some just by looking in a mirror every day.”

“Anakin…”

“Fine…” He sighed, “I… Might have sort of tried to go give Padmé her Valentine.”

“Of all the foolish and impulsive things to do!” Obi-Wan roared instantly.

“You said you wouldn’t get mad!”

“No I did not!” He snapped, “Do you not realize how incredibly dangerous that was? And the kind of risk you were putting yourself at? What would have happened if he had gotten you? I swear, I know you’re young but you need to think in terms of the long-”

“-Mate, not sure you are in the best position to be giving that lecture today.” Cody said, “Seeing as you also ran right into Maul’s clutches.”

“Yeah, really!” Anakin defended, “I heard all about what you did!”

“To save someone!” Obi-Wan rounded on his friend, “Not to retrieve a pretty trinket for a girl I fancy!”

“Based on your taste that’s a good thing.” Ventress scoffed.

Satine, who was admittedly calmer than Obi-Wan, frowned and looked at Anakin, “What happened?”

“If I’m allowed to continue.” He said pointedly before going on, “I wasn’t actually going to go to Hogsmeade. Believe it or not, I’m not completely stupid.”

“You just said-” Obi-Wan’s voice cracked.

“-Ben, let him finish.” Satine admonished.

“Thank you,” Anakin nodded and the kid really had the nerve to look smug, “I wasn’t going to Hogsmeade, but Rabé was and believe it or not, I get nervous too sometimes. I wasn’t sure I would have the nerve to give it to her in person, so I was going to ask Rabé if she could give it to Padmé for me. So, I used the map to follow her, obviously, and was never going to leave the tunnel system. But then about halfway through, I saw him.”

“Maul?” Cody asked in awe.

“No, the boogeyman. Yes, Maul.” Rex rolled his eyes.

“Seems like the same thing to me,” Ventress yawned, clearly unimpressed, “Seeing as Maul can’t be in two places at once, I would say one of you is lying.”

“I’m not lying!” Anakin asserted and looked to Obi-Wan, “And he’s not either.”

“Rabé didn’t just turn to carbonite on her own.” Obi-Wan said.

Anakin’s eyes widened, “He got Rabé too?”

“What do you mean too?” Satine asked.

“I mean, Tiplee was also frozen in carbonite down in the tunnels. I only managed to get away because I must have caught him off guard. I ran as fast as I could.” He patted his pockets, “Dang! I think I dropped the map in the process. Again.”

“Seriously, no more of those for you.” Satine said.

“Not like it’ll be of much use now that Yoda is closing the tunnels again.” Cody said.

“That’s horrible.” Obi-Wan frowned and stroked his chin thoughtfully, “But I wonder why he wouldn’t have come into the school.”

“He’s afraid of Yoda.” Ventress scowled, “Everyone knows that, but clearly, he’s a fool to be leaving all of these little clues around.”

“There’s got to be a bigger plan at play here.” Satine said.

“Like what? Two Maul’s?” Ventress rolled her eyes, “I could see the creep going after Skywalker as that is clearly his primary intent, but Kenobi? Who would bother to go after someone who cowered at his own shadow at one point?”

The particular incident that Ventress was alluding to happened when they were only five years old, he might add, but even in his head it didn’t pack the same impact that she wanted it to. Instead, Obi-Wan flashed her a disapproving look.

“Rabé is a member of your house.” He pointed out, “I didn’t see you running back to save her.”

“Actually, I didn’t see you at all.” Satine added.

Ventress, nonplussed, rolled her eyes dramatically, “Good to know the two of you are still conjuring nonsense that would rival The Quibbler, but if you must know, I was tutoring in the library.”

“Wait a second,” Obi-Wan allowed some of the blanket to slide off of him when he sat up straighter, trying his best to suppress a shiver that immediately followed. He was grateful that Satine set it back into place, “Don’t tell me you’re Hondo’s tutor.”

Ventress furrowed her brow, “Be wary of the tone, Kenobi. My marks often rival your own.”

She wasn’t wrong. Horrible personality aside, Ventress was an exemplary student. Like him, she sort of had to be, given the reputation their respective families upheld.

“I wasn’t underestimating your intelligence,” He said, because he wasn’t a total fool, “But I never took you for a good samaritan.”

“Surely, he’s paying her.” Satine groaned as she leaned back on her hands.

“I don’t need the money, muggle-born.” She hissed.

“Since when has galleons been his only form of currency?” Satine shrugged, “Everyone has a price, is all I’m saying.”

“Fools,” Ventress shook her head as she walked away, “All of you.”

“Yeah, well, when you turn to stone, it’ll match your heart.” Anakin said and stood up, “I’m going to go apologize to Padmé.”

Obi-Wan watched him sadly as he walked over to where the crestfallen group of usually chipper girls huddled together. At least they were able to comfort each other in this trying time. Obi-Wan looked to Cody and Satine, who were both wearing a considerable amount of concern on their features.

He knew their responsibilities as older students and prefects, alike, were only going to rise as the fear and sense of danger increased. Anakin had nearly come to his end if he hadn’t been so quick on his feet. He supposed those dueling classes did have their uses if implemented properly. As it were, Maul would likely not make the same mistake twice.

***

The atmosphere was much more subdued than most Quidditch mornings. Even Cody found himself sitting quietly across from where Obi-Wan was falling asleep over a plate of pancakes. Ventress was the only one not subdued, she was glaring around at her team, snarling at anyone not paying attention to her. He didn’t think she’d get very far with an attitude like that. As captain, sometimes the best thing you could do was read the mood of your teammates.

Obi-Wan’s head dropped forwards almost landing in the syrup before Satine managed to pull him back without even a glance over. He blinked, looking around like he hadn’t even been aware they were in the Great Hall in the first place.

“Might want to eat something, mate,” Cody suggested, gesturing to his plate that he seemed surprised was loaded even if he had done it himself.

“Right,” He did so without another word. Satine looked fairly volatile this morning, having woken up extremely early for a morning patrol so there wasn’t much conversation for them to be had. He was tired too, having been picking up a few patrols of his own. Palpatine’s accidental sleeping potion may have been an unfortunate idea, but a few extra hands that could take on prefect duties were still welcomed. It’s not like Cody could say no after watching his friends be run ragged.

“You sure you’re going to be awake enough to stay on a broom?” Cody asked as they both watched a piece of pancake fall slowly off his fork. Obi-Wan just nodded looking up with a sigh.

“We’re all tired,” He nodded towards where Koth had passed out at the breakfast table. Aayla and Cin were awake enough to doodle on his face so it maybe wasn’t the entire team, “Hopefully this will make for a short game.”

“Hopefully,” He nodded, but he wasn’t sure he was honest in his statement. Ventress was looking especially poisonous this morning and wouldn’t take anything sitting down, “Maybe we shouldn’t be playing anyways.”

Obi-Wan and Satine both looked at him like he’d just grown a second head and he met their looks with a glare.

“Who are you and what have you done with Cody?” Kenobi squinted at him as if checking to make sure he hadn’t been cursed.

“I think hell must have frozen over,” Satine added with a nod, “I never thought I’d hear Cody Fett, not want anything to do with Quidditch.”

“Hey! Woah!” He shook his head quickly, “I never said that.”

They both raised an eyebrow at him and he rolled his eyes.

“Even I am not enough of a sports fan to look past the elephant in the room,” He jabbed his fork at them, “Maul’s close and we’re just going to take the whole school outside? Again? Plus, morale is down,” Instead of gesturing to the two obvious examples in front of him, he pointed to Koth, who had just woken up and hadn’t figured out why everyone was laughing at him yet.

“When you put it that way...” Obi-Wan flicked his eyes to the professors, who were desperately trying to keep warm inviting facades. He took a sip of pumpkin juice.

“Why go through all this trouble for such a barbaric game anyways,” Satine glowered, “We need a break from potential violence not more.”

Cody knew explaining the dynamics of Quidditch would not change her mind any so he kept his own thoughts to himself on the matter. He thought of Quidditch as a much needed break most of the time. But it was hard to deny the fact that only a few people would be having a good time today and that wasn’t how he felt a healthy Quidditch environment should be.

The screech of an owl alerted everyone to the arrival of the morning mail. It was always a little hectic, but it didn’t stop them from being able to spot one of their three owls if it chose to show up. The only owl Cody could recognize was a large tawny one. Well manicured and, if memory served, sharp talons. Obi-Wan barely avoided getting his letter dropped on his head, his hand flicked up to catch the falling parchment with deft precision. As most letters from his parents, he was careful to shield it so Satine couldn’t see, something that always had her frustrated despite knowing that it was fair given the nature of these letters.

Obi-Wan read the whole thing in lightning speed, eyebrows furrowing the further he got, although he nodded before swiftly depositing it on the table next to his plate. His owl swooped down again landing on his head causing him to wince.

“Alright message received,” He tried to pick up the pesky owl, but it looked rather indignant to be manhandled. Still because he was gentle and fed him a bit of breakfast, the owl allowed itself to be set on his arm, “Tell them they’re early,” He tried saying it quietly enough so neither of them would hear, unfortunately they were both rather intune to his voice. If an owl could show emotions, which Cody had, up until this moment thought untrue, Obi-Wan’s owl would look almost melancholic for a moment. A hard thing to do for a bird that had permanent angry eyebrows colored into its feathers.

It took off in a hurry, nearly taking off a few heads as it went and disappeared back into the flock it had arrived with.

“What did they say?” Satine asked, as she usually did, but he just shrugged.

“Nothing out of the ordinary,” He gave her a smile, but she frowned.

“That never makes me feel better,” She told him sternly. He just shrugged.

There was a loud pop and they all looked up to see Palpatine and Qui-Gon standing at the head of the Great Hall, the two of them would be escorting both teams outside and to the pitch. It was best to have an experienced teacher at the helm and who better than those who had earned their titles as Heads of House.

Obi-Wan stood swiftly, accepting their well wishes and good lucks, before falling into line behind Eeth. Satine was watching them leave with narrowed eyes and Cody wasn’t sure what was going on, but she certainly looked much more focused than earlier. She slid her hand across the table, snatching the note from where he’d left it, clearly for the trash pile, and spread it open.

“Should you do that?” He asked even if he was curious himself, he wasn’t about to get accused of reading other people’s mail.

“It’s a suspicious piece of parchment I found unattended,” She lied as she peered down at it. Her nose scrunched up in disgust as she read it just loud enough for him to hear.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi,

As you are about to turn 17, we remind you once again of your duties and expectations. In one year you will turn 18 and we’ll discuss then your future. Despite your best attempts to undermine our plans we will do what we can to work around your failure.

Don’t expect a gift this year, you received one last year and we’ll be happy to give you one when you turn 20. Consider continuing to go to school despite your constant disappointments gift enough.

-Mother”

Cody felt the grip on his fork tighten as he stared a hole through the paper. A correspondence with Obi-Wan’s family really was never pleasant, but did they have to be so outwardly despicable? What surprised him most was the excitement lighting up Satine’s eyes as she read the letter over again.

“Brilliant!” She grinned and he practically snapped his fork in half.

“What’s so brilliant about those two bastards continuing to tighten the noose around his neck?” Cody growled and Satine looked up, having the decency to look aghast.

“Oh heavens no,” She looked sick at the thought, “That’s not what I was referring to at all. How could you think-?”

“-How could I not? Maybe hell is freezing over,” He ran a hand down his face as she rummaged around in her bag before shoving plates and goblets out of the way, nearly toppling a few over. She set down a massive book-like object with a white exterior and silver rings. It was full to the brim with pages and she opened it up excitedly.

“It’s a binder,” She told him at his look before moving on to what must have been the important thing at hand, “You know how Ben’s rather dodgy about his birthday?” Cody nodded, “Well I’ve been tracking him ever since 2nd year,” She flipped around in the binder and Cody could see so many color-coded graphs it made his head spin.

“You did this? For what?”

“If he won’t tell us, I’ll find out on my own,” She glared sternly at a picture of Ben that blinked up at her from the page, “That’s what I told him,” She flipped through it, pointing at various sections, “I was able to surmise that his parents tend to have a letter pattern. They only send him mail on major holidays or if he’s done something they disapprove of.”

“When is that not the case,” He muttered.

“I was able to narrow it down after a few years to February or March,” She was in the back of the book now where a calendar full of crossed out dates sat, “It was confusing, sometimes they sent him a letter end of February like this one,” She waved the letter at him, “Sometimes it was in March. This is the first time I’ve been able to read one,” She grinned proudly tucking the letter into the back pocket for evidence purposes.

“What good does that do? They didn’t say what day it was,” Cody studied the calendar in interest.

“It does a lot of good!” She pulled a fancy highlighter from her bag, “He said they were early, meaning it can’t be any of these dates,” She ran her finger through most of the month. They only had a few days left until March though, maybe she’d figured out the month, “Most importantly!” She looked at him face as serious as it was when she was taking her OWLs, “They said they got him a gift last year-”

“Yeah a ruddy gift,” Cody frowned, “What good is an antique quill if it doesn’t even work?”

“I agree,” She said impatiently, “That’s not the point. They said they’d get him another one when he turned 20. He turned 16 last year-”

“Your point?” Cody was beginning to get lost and would rather she hurry up her point than leave him thinking.

“He doesn’t have a birthday this year at all!” She announced and Cody straightened, staring at her in shock.

“Well that’s not possible!” He declared, “Everyone has a birthday once a year! Even those who don’t care much like Kenobi.”

“It is possible!” She grinned proudly drawing a line on her calendar right between the 28th of February and the 1st of March, “He was born on February 29th! A leap year!”

Cody blinked. That actually made a lot of sense. Kenobi wasn’t a liar and he was sure he’d asked about specific days and been told he was wrong. He’d only seen Kenobi get a birthday present their first year (a pack of gobstones) and their fifth year (the aforementioned broken antique quill). Cody had just figured they wouldn’t ever figure it out unless he told them himself, so he usually just tried to get him a good Christmas present every year. He had noticed Satine had started to give him a present around this time of year, but now they had the exact day.

“Does this mean his parents use that as an excuse to never get him anything?” He frowned and Satine angered instantly.

“I’m almost shocked they haven’t forgotten the date themselves.”

“So,” Cody looked at the little highlighted line indicating the fruition of 5 years of work, “What are we doing about it?”

***

“I still say we should have gone with March 1st,” Cody said from where he was balanced rather precariously on a ladder taping the end of a streamer, “Then we’d be celebrating him having turned 17.”

Satine, who was holding onto the ladder to make sure she didn’t have to take anyone to the hospital wing today, glared up at him, “Absolutely not! He has a February birthday, we’re celebrating it in February. Otherwise he’s going to assume we’ve forgotten it!”

“He doesn’t even know we know it,” Cody rationalized, but came down from the ladder anyways to admire his work with her.

“Alright,” She looked down reading her list. She’d had years to plan this event, he’d never had a party before that she knew of and she wanted it to be perfect, “We’ve got the streamers and the balloons. The guests have been told what time to arrive...” She checked off the boxes as she went, “Can I trust you to go and get the cake without dropping it?” She looked up at her friend and he grinned giving her a thumbs up.

“Oh yeah definitely,” It didn’t instill in her a lot of hope, but he was at least eager to do it.

“Alright go, but hurry!” She checked the time off the clock in the corner. “They’ll be here soon.”

“On it!” He saluted her and raced out the door.

Satine observed her surroundings once more. They’d chosen an empty classroom rather than something elaborate like the Great Hall or too intimate like Qui-Gon’s office. She’d gotten approval, Qui-Gon was to arrive any minute now to supervise. He’d been the only professor she could think of that would understand how important this was to do. She was sure if she’d talked to Windu or even Headmaster Yoda, she’d have gotten shot down before she even began. Qui-Gon knew about Ben’s family though and like her, seemed to want to give him the best experience he could.

There was a spot for the cake on the teacher’s desk as well as plates, utensils, and napkins. The ceiling was practically drowning in streamers of all different colors and balloons were floating around aimlessly. Her and Cody’s presents to him were sitting in a neat pile on a couple of tables pushed together. She hoped he’d get a few more, but hadn’t explicitly said anything on the invitations. It was rather short notice after all.

“You’ve done a wonderful job,” She turned to see Qui-Gon in the doorway. He was holding a colorfully wrapped package which she gratefully took from him placing it on the table next to the other.

“Do you think it’s too much?” The last thing she wanted to do was overwhelm him, but she’d learned over the years it was hard to figure out what would.

“I’m sure we could all do with a little cheeriness,” He said in lieu of answering. Maybe he didn’t know any better than she did.

It didn’t take much more time before the students she’d invited began to arrive. The entirety of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team poured in along with Stass. They’d been a little downtrodden at being beat so terribly by Slytherin, but seemed happy enough to be there. The clones were the next to arrive with Anakin in tow. Anakin proudly added his gift to the stack before going back over to Rex.

Cody arrived again, loudly kicking in the door gingerly holding the cake. It hadn’t gotten squashed which she was thankful for. Behind him was Breha and Bail, both levitating trays of food and a bowl of punch, letting them settle into place on a row of desks.

More prefects appeared as well as a few other students. Hondo had seemed rather pleased to have been invited, but Satine was a little worried about what he had possibly brought as a present. Soon the room was pretty full and Satine shushed everyone as well as she could without shouting.

“Alright I’m going to get Ben,” She announced, “Be ready.”

“Yes ma’am!” The Fett’s all saluted her and the others in the room nodded keeping their chatter to a minimum.

***

Obi-Wan was growing a little concerned. Satine had been the one to ask him to meet her in the library, but she had yet to appear. He’d kept himself occupied with his textbooks, but he was tempted to go out and look for her. It was no sooner than he closed his textbook and stood that she rounded the corner looking rather flustered.

“Sorry I’m late,” She panted as she flipped her hair back and out of her face. It was down today, which was becoming a bit of a rarity and he smiled.

“It’s no trouble,” He said sitting back down, “Was there something in particular you wanted to work on? I’ve already finished my essays, but I can help you with yours.”

“Actually,” She was fidgeting nervously and he gazed up at her in concern, “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind if we went on a walk first.”

“A walk?” That was an unusual request.

“Yes I- I just think it would be nice, don’t you?” Well, he was hard pressed to deny her anything. Especially something as simple as a walk around the castle.

“Alright,” He agreed, sliding his text book back into his bag. She was scrutinizing him and he looked down to make sure his clothes were straightened, because the last time he’d gotten that look his fly had been undone. Rather embarrassing.

He looked up again, starting in surprise, when he felt a hand in his hair. She gave him an apologetic look as she stepped back.

“Sorry, your hair was messed up,” She told him and he felt his face warm slightly, but she just coughed awkwardly and started walking. He ran to catch up.

He couldn’t help, but to run his own hands through his hair, just to ensure that it wasn’t still a mess, “It’s fine Ben,” She told him as she walked just far enough ahead to force him to follow her path.

“I didn’t think you minded much if it was messy,” He said instead of removing his hands.

“I don’t, I just-” Satine cut herself off with a shake of her head. Obi-Wan was confused, but let his hands finally drop to his sides.

“Well alright?” He wasn’t sure what else to say. She was acting off and he couldn’t pinpoint it. Maybe she was upset? But she didn’t look it. Even if she was, the library was perfectly quiet that evening. His heart beat a little faster in his chest as he remembered another time the two of them had been alone, the Christmas party. Did she- were they going to talk about it? He wasn’t sure he knew what to say about such things.

“Ben?” He looked up at his name and she was frowning at him, “Are you alright? You look pale.”

“I’m completely fine,” He confirmed, “Are you?”

“Yes?” Maybe they were both acting a little off this evening.

“Good,” He smiled at her and she returned it easily.

She turned then and walked towards the door of an empty classroom, disappearing inside. What on earth could she want with him in an empty classroom?

He refused to lose her though and quickened his pace until he was pulling the door open only to be assaulted by many loud cheers. It took him a moment to register what they were saying in the first place.

“Happy Birthday!”

His birthday? He blinked, taking in the scene. Many of his close friends were there, his Quidditch team, Anakin, Qui-Gon. All of them were standing there watching him which made him more than a little nervous. The ceiling was decorated in nearly every color of the rainbow and it was complete with balloons. He gripped the strap of his bag, unsure what was expected of him. He certainly had never had a party for himself before.

“Happy Birthday, mate!” Cody appeared in front of him practically dragging him into the room and pushing him towards the professor’s desk. It broke the tension in the room and chatter resumed much to his relief. There were less eyes on him.

“Uhm, thank you,” He managed a smile.

“Look at your cake! We had it made special.”

He looked down in surprise at a white cake decorated with 17 silver candles. Written in delicate blue icing was, “Happy Birthday Obi-Wan!” He’d never had his own birthday cake before, but he’d seen them when Satine or Cody had celebrated theirs. It was kind of them to think of him, he just wished he knew the proper way to respond. The parties he attended usually had scripts to follow and he had never been instructed for one like this.

“It’s chocolate,” Satine’s hand landed right next to his on the desk and he looked up catching her eyes, “I know it’s your favorite.”

“It is,” he agreed almost solemnly.

“Do you like it?” She asked and he nodded quickly, his face heating up, how rude that he hadn’t immediately offered them a thank you.

“Yes of course! I- Thank you,” He told them both seriously, “I’m sorry, I’m just not at all sure how I’m supposed to react.” Satine’s eyes flashed sadly at him for a moment before it was gone and she smiled at him softly, bumping her fingers into his.

“You can react however you’d like,” She assured him, “Yell at me that you hate it for all I care,” He took a step back and nearly tripped over Cody at the insinuation.

“Absolutely not, I’ll treasure it!” He vowed with a stern expression and she laughed a little, it was a sound he quite liked.

“Don’t treasure it too long,” Cody warned him, “Because after we sing to you we’re all going to eat it.”

“Sing?”

Neither of them answered, but he found himself pushed into the professor’s chair and everyone seemed to gather all around him. He felt his face get warm and he hoped it wasn’t too noticeable. Both Cody and Satine were lighting the candles on the cake and right when they were done a rather off-key rendition of “Happy Birthday” was sung and shouted at him. There wasn’t much for him to do except sit there and try to look less uncomfortable. When Fives and Echo finally finished drawing out the last “you” Satine told him to make a wish and gestured for him to blow out the candles. It took him two attempts and he wondered if he looked as foolish as he felt.

Soon, however, everyone was preoccupied with their slices of cake and mingling with one another. Obi-Wan had to admit despite his embarrassment of having so many eyes on him, the cake was rather good. It was certainly his favorite kind from the Great Hall and he was quietly delighted when Satine offered him another piece.

“You know today’s not my birthday,” He told Satine as she sat down next to him cutting into her own slice.

“I know,” She smirked, “I know that your birthday isn’t today or tomorrow, but is actually February 29th. Despite what anyone else may say about this though, is that it’s still worth celebrating even if the day won’t appear again for a few more years.”

He blinked at her, shocked. He knew she’d been interested in figuring out his birthday, but he had assumed she’d dropped it by now, “How did you find out?”

“Years of observation,” It wasn’t a helpful answer, but he had to admire her intelligence in getting this far, “So am I right?” She leaned in close to him, her eyes searching his for the answer.

“Yes,” He answered quietly.

“Kenobi!” Hondo nearly knocked him into his cake when he slapped him on the back, “Why have you not shared your birthday with me before! Hondo gives fabulous presents that one would not wish for in their wildest dreams!”

“Ah thank you Hondo,” He peeled Hondo’s arm off his shoulders. He was fairly sure Hondo was correct in his assumption that he definitely wouldn’t have wished for whatever lurked in Hondo’s present in any of his dreams.

“You’re welcome, my friend! Only the best for one of my closest associates,” He winked at him before waltzing away back into the crowd. Obi-Wan watched him go as Satine stifled her laughter.

“I assumed you’d want to open your presents later?” She asked.

“I have presents?” He looked around the room until he spotted them and blanched. There had to be at least 10 sitting there in a pile just for him, “I can’t accept that,” He looked at her with wide eyes and she narrowed her eyes.

“It would be ruder for you to reject them,” He looked between her and the presents. A catch 22.

“I’m not opening Hondo’s in front of anyone,” He decided and she laughed again.

Suddenly there was a loud crash and they both looked up to see Anakin sprawled out on the floor. Obi-Wan’s heart flew into his throat thinking of a similar event at the last party he’d gone to at this school. Before he could run over there though, Anakin was sitting up with a dopey smile on his face. He giggled.

Obi-Wan let out a sigh of relief, but something still didn’t seem right. Anakin had Qui-Gon’s help to stand up, but he wobbled. He looked a little bit like he was drunk, but he doubted Satine or Cody would spike the punch at his birthday party. Cody seemed to have a similar guess because he took a sip of his own punch and frowned.

“Don’t you think,” Anakin giggled so hard he almost fell down again, “Don’t you think that Miraj Scintel is the most beautiful girl you’ve ever met?”

The room went silent.

“She’s really beautiful,” He said again giggling wildly. He tripped and Qui-Gon just barely managed to catch him.

Half the room broke out into laughter, it was a ridiculous sight, but Obi-Wan was more worried about what the cause of this was. Qui-Gon was too and immediately slapped a cookie out of Hondo’s hand.

“Someone’s snuck a love potion in,” Satine said standing up, looking particularly mad.

“Miraj Scintel by the sound of it,” Cin Drallig raised an eyebrow as they all quietly set their food down.

“Must have been after you Kenobi,” Fives pointed out, “After all this is technically your party.”

“Me?” He barely talked to the girl and found her quite detestable, they were as different as they came.

“It’s possible any of you were the target,” Qui-Gon frowned as he picked up Anakin to keep him from getting anywhere.

“Hey put me down! I need to go tell Miraj Scintel that I love her!” Anakin cried, “Rex, do you think she’ll like me back.”

Rex was looking at Anakin as if he were contagious, but he just gave him an awkward nod and a, “Sure mate.”

“I’ll take him to Madam Nema,” He told everyone and gave a steady gaze at Obi-Wan, “He’ll be fine. In the meantime I’m sorry, but it looks like we’ll have to cut this party short.”

Before long the room had thinned out leaving just Obi-Wan, Satine, Cody, and a mess to clean up.

“You don’t have to help, Ben,” Satine said with a sigh as she pulled out her wand, “It’s your birthday after all.”

“And leave you to do all the work? I don’t think so,” He stood beside her as they both pulled the streamers off the ceiling with their wands. Cody made short work of sending all their food back down to the kitchens. The three of them moved the desks back to where they were meant to before collapsing together at a section of desks in the center of the room.

“Who knew a party would be so much work?” Cody complained as he picked a bit of streamer out of his hair.

“I did,” Obi-Wan answered quietly, “I really appreciate the thought, but I’m not sure I like having all the attention on me.”

“The point of a birthday party is just to be around those that love you,” She told him, “Yeah it’s a little embarrassing being sung too or opening presents, but there are some things in life you just have to accept.”

“I’m not sure,” He would really rather not make such a big fuss about something as mundane as the day he was born. Satine gave him a rather scathing look for a moment before sighing deeply and reaching into her bag.

“Do you remember when I was late coming back to school?” She asked them.

“Only every day,” He complained and Cody just nodded. She sized them both up before pulling out her wallet and, as if it was physically painful for her she pulled out a thin white card.

“I was late because I was getting my driver’s license,” She set the card down in front of them, revealing Satine in rather bad lighting. On the right was a list of identifying information and quite interested, Obi-Wan picked it up to look at it.

Cody immediately had broken into a fit of laughter, catching the end of Satine’s fiery glare, “It looks like a mug shot!”

“That’s why I wasn’t too interested in telling anyone!” She snatched the card out of his hands and Obi-Wan just blinked looking over at her.

“What’s wrong with it? You look lovely,” That comment just made Cody laugh harder and earned him Satine’s glare as well.

“It’s a bloody terrible photo!” She shouted shoving the thing far back in her wallet and stashing it back where it belonged, “The point is,” She emphasized, “Sometimes you have to suffer through some embarrassment in life, I doubt having a birthday party is as terrible as having that as an identifying picture.”

“I don’t see what’s so bad about it,” He looked between Cody and Satine. It showcased her hair and although she wasn’t smiling, in it he could see the softness in her eyes.

“You are unbelievable, Obi-Wan Kenobi!” Satine’s face had gone red, “I show you the worst picture of me forced to exist and you still think being sung too is worse?”

“Let’s open presents!” Cody changed the subject quickly, shoving a shoddily wrapped gift into his hands and trying to whisper, “Come on mate, open it! She already has a mugshot, what’s going to stop her from murdering us.”

“Cody!”

[stylesluxx]

lightsaber – a.skywalker

[warnings: none]

summary: in which y/n is fascinated with the jedi

word count: 1,413

masterlist

You were always interested in the Jedi ever since your dad told you stories when you were just a little princess. Now you were a big princess and at the mere age of 18, you were still obsessed with the Jedi. You've never even met a Jedi before but something about lightsabers and "being one with the force" was so intriguing.

It was bittersweet to say the least when someone had attempted to kill you one night. Obviously, you didn't want to be killed but when your parents hired Jedi to protect you, it was like you were in a dream. You were so excited to meet them that you had forgotten why they were there.

When their ship landed, you smoothened out your silk, sleeveless, baby blue dress and held a huge smile on your face. Your parents greeted them before introducing you.

"I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is Anakin Skywalker, it's a pleasure to meet you Princess Y/N," Obi-Wan spoke professionally.

"You can just call me Y/N; it's a pleasure to meet you as well. I've always wanted to meet Jedi," You spoke, completely enamored. "I've, uh, always wanted to be a Jedi. It'd be cool if I were the first Jedi princess, yeah?" You joked.

"Y/N!" Your mother said, giving you a stern look to match her tone. But Obi-Wan and Anakin laughed, and that's all that mattered to you.

Obi-Wan was a handsome man but Anakin was something out of a fairytale. His shoulder-length brown hair, blue eyes, and plump, pink lips were prince-like. He reminded you of the princes in the fairytales your mother used to read.

"He's a dream, isn't he, Mary?" You sighed dreamily to your favorite handmaiden.

"He's a little kid," She laughed, shaking her head. Mary was much older than you and 20 years older than your father. But she was the sweetest thing and always took care of you; it was her job but it was in a motherly way. "But for you, he's a dream. Just don't get attached, Jedi aren't supposed to have attachments."

"Yes, yes, I know," You mumbled and looked down at your hands.

"But that doesn't mean you can't make friends," She tried to cheer you up as she rubbed your back.

You nodded and stood from your bed and grabbed your crown. You placed it atop your head and started out the room. You walked down to the center room and knocked before walking in.

"Oh, perfect timing Y/N!" Your mother smiled at you.

"We were hoping you would give Obi-Wan and Anakin a tour," Your father explained.

"Oh I would love to," You nodded and clapped your hands happily.

Anakin smiled at you as if you were refreshing to be around. Both him and Obi-Wan stood up and followed you out of the room.

"I apologize for the big gown, this was a big day for me. My father always told me stories of the Jedi. He would've let me train had it not been for my mother. I'm their only child so she didn't want me going away," You explained with a shy smile. "Sorry, I'm rambling."

"It's okay Princess, it's good we know more about you. It'll give us more reason to protect you," Anakin spoke kindly but received a look from Obi-Wan.

"It's okay, you guys don't have to be professional around me. I could use some friends," You said to Obi-Wan could ease up on Anakin.

You showed then around the palace and showed them their rooms last.

"This is where you'll stay Obi-Wan. It's right next to my parents' room and three doors down from mine," You said and pointed at the doors.

"Thank you, Princess," He said as he bowed. You nodded and he walked into his room, quietly shutting the door behind him.

You looked over at Anakin and gave him a small smile before walking over to his door.

"This is your room, my room is right next door," You told him and blushed as you realized how close you would be.

"Thank you, Princess," He smiled.

"Just Y/N, please. I've been a princess all my life, sometimes I just want to be Y/N," You told him wistfully.

"I apologize, Y/N," He said and bowed.

"It's okay," You giggled. "Dinner is at 6:00, maybe you'll let Obi-Wan know?"

"Of course," He nodded. "See you then."

You nodded and walked to your room. You gave him one last smile before you entered and shut the door behind you.

Dinner went along uneventful and your parents asked if you were willing to give a tour of your home planet tomorrow, which you agreed to.

"You look beautiful," Anakin said as soon as you came down the grand stairs, causing you to blush a bright red. You wore a pale blue dress with gold accents under the lace. Obi-Wan nudged him, causing him to clear his throat, embarrassed.

"Thank you Anakin," You smiled. "Are you ready to head out?"

They both nodded and you smiled, leading the way into the town.

"It's very quiet here, but so beautiful," You spoke softly as you walked through the town.

"It's amazing here," Anakin nodded and took in all the scenery.

"Y/N!" You heard a little girl shout happily. You smiled and turned the greet her.

"Hi pretty girl," You said as your crouched down and turned her brown hair behind her ear. "How are you today Niaga?"

"Good, I have a little brother now. I was hoping for a girl, but he'll do," She shrugged.

"Oh, you're so lucky, I wish I had a little brother," You said. "What's his name?"

"Johlo, after my dad. I told them to name him something cool like Zeth, but no one listens to me."

"Johlo is a cool name. Not as cool as Niaga, but very cool," You told her and she giggled happily.

"Niaga!"

"That's my mom, I probably have to go help with the little bother," She groaned. "I'll see you later, Y/N."

"Bye Niaga," You laughed and stood from your crouching position.

She ran into her house and you waved at her mom who stood in the doorway before walking off.

"You must be well-liked and respected," Obi-Wan spoke up.

"I would hope so," You nodded. "But the relationship I have with the kids is something I hold very dear to me. But I do love my people."

"And they love you," Anakin kindly spoke. "It would be hard not to." Obi-Wan sighed and shook his head. "Well, I mean, because of how you treat them," Anakin quickly self-corrected.

"Thank you, Anakin," You tittered and pushed your hair behind your ear.

That night as you got ready for dinner, you heard a knock on the door which caused you confusion. You usually send Mary to her room to rest by this time.

"Come in," You called and turned the face the door. "Oh hello, Anakin."

"Sorry to interrupt, the queen says you're late for dinner," He spoke once he opened the door.

"And she sent you to tell me?" You asked.

"No, I offered," He said as his cheeks began to turn red.

"Oh okay, I'll be right down," You smiled as you took in his appearance. Something was different.

"I'm not wearing my robes," He said as if he were reading your mind.

You nodded your head and your eyes widened as you saw the handle of the lightsaber.

"Woah, so cool," You said and walked toward him. "I've never seen one in real life. That's your weapon?"

He was confused at first but looked down at where you were pointing.

"My lightsaber," He nodded.

"Do you mind?" You asked politely. "Well, never mind. It's a weapon and you really have no reason to trust me–"

"Here," He said and placed it in your hands. "It's a bit heavy."

"Wow," You mumbled and stared at it. "What color is it?"

"Blue."

"Blue is pretty, very pretty" You nodded and looked into his eyes. "I should probably give this back before I do something dumb," You chuckled and handed it to him.

"Maybe I can teach you something" He suggested.

"Oh, you don't have to," You shook your head.

"But I want to," He insisted. "Tomorrow after breakfast. But we'll have to do it in here, Obi-Wan can't know."

You nodded happily and hugged him without thinking.

"Thank you, Anakin, so much," You said gratefully and pulled away.

"Of course, Princess."

[intermundia]

The real question is does Obi-Wan and sex-droid-OB2 decide to absolutely wreck Anakin together?

RIP Anakin Skywalker (41BBY—whenever the fuck Obi-Wan decides to ‘punish’ Anakin for trying to ‘replace’ him) 😂

I like to imagine Obi-Wan and 0B2 going out for tea afterward and talking about ethics or something (he made Anakin adjust OB2 to make him a good conversationalist) and Anakin’s still just at the apartment laying in bed staring at the wall dreamily

[starwarsfic]

I.18

Originally posted August 4, 2020

Summary: Obi-Wan is assigned to the team of negotiators to work out a treaty with the new Mand'alor. It takes far longer than expected.

Details: Jango/Obi-Wan, past Satine/Obi-Wan

xxxxxx

Obi-Wan wanted to be anywhere but Mandalore, staring down the man who called himself Mand'alor. When the Council had given him this assignment, he'd almost refused, almost (foolishly) told them of his feelings for Satine and why he could not do this.

But that would have shown too much attachment. They would have questioned his Knighting, maybe even questioned allowing him to take Anakin on as his Padawan.

It had been months since he'd taken assignments that Anakin didn't come along on, but this time he left him back at the Temple, whining about the unfairness of it all--he wasn't bringing a thirteen year old into a warzone, he wasn't Qui-Gon.

Keldabe was different than his memories--rebuilt, but not in the New Mandalorian style (he could see places, here and there, where that must have existed and been destroyed when the True Mandalorians took it back). Everywhere there were Mandalorians in beskar'gam, watching him with suspicion as if waiting for a peacekeeper to become an assassin.

If he broke the truce Fett had given them, it wouldn't be to murder him in cold blood--it would be to find where he was keeping Satine, free her, run off with her to somewhere safe.

He wouldn't.

Fett was the sort of Mand'alor people thought of, when they thought of the Mandalorians. He might not be terribly tall, but his presence filled the room. His eyes were cold, intelligent, sweeping over Obi-Wan and easily seeing him for the threat he was--and certainly coming up with ways he thought he might neutralize him.

In turn, Obi-Wan made himself less of the ideal Jedi, trying to blur what Mandalorian culture he knew with his own heritage as often as he could. The Mandalorians, and Fett in particular, had no reason to trust a Jedi. And the Republic needed their trust, no one wanted another Blockade of Naboo or Stark Hyperspace War.

When they found out he knew Mando'a, that became the only language they used with him, leading a flighty protocol droid the Senate had sent to try to translate for the Senators with him. At first he thought to at least say his own part in Basic, but Fett backed him into verbal corners where he could choose a few words in Mando'a or paragraphs worth in his own language.

As the only one the Mandalorians were actively communicating with, at first he didn't even notice the way they isolated him from the other Republican representatives. Then, at some point, he realized he'd gone three entire days without seeing any of them and that he barely had any time in the schedule the Mandalorians had checked just to run across them and make sure they were alright.

In contrast, Fett was almost always there, watching him like a lazy predator, waiting for something Obi-Wan had yet to pinpoint. The Mand'alor cared little for most of the provisions of the treaty, it was a few of his own that Obi-Wan balked at--the Order was complicit in Galidraan, and of course regretted it, but the concessions Fett wanted for that, and to make sure it didn't happen again anywhere else, were extreme.

No matter how Obi-Wan tried to explain that such matters as the Order's connection to the Senate was necessary, was desired by many, Fett didn't budge. Not after the first debate, or the second, or the tenth.

But if he thought he could be more stubborn than Obi-Wan, he was going to be in for a surprise.

Not that Fett seemed upset, if anything he seemed amused. He invited Obi-Wan to sit in a seat of honor beside him at the feasts he threw, gave him great regard by sparring with him in the mornings when they were both free (something that happened with enough frequency Obi-Wan suspected it was planned), and taught him more about Mandalorian culture in a month than Satine had in a year.

It was a soft correction one afternoon of Obi-Wan's pronunciation--too Sundari-short for the word being said--that finally made him crack.

"What did you do to the Duchess?" Reports said she was alive, but he hadn't been able to find her in the Force.

Fett shrugged. "She's fine, under house arrest, in one piece and being taken care of well enough. Getting rid of her opens up the field for some other New Mandalorian 'leader'."

The truth rang through the Force, but Obi-Wan had the impression there was something more, some other, more personal motive.

Five months into the negotiation, having not seen anyone else from his team for four weeks, Obi-Wan almost welcomed Fett's seduction. A welcome distraction, he thought, and a way to maybe, finally, get Fett to lower his guard.

Instead it felt as though Obi-Wan was the one who had been shattered apart, Fett left to pick up the pieces. He seemed to have perfect instincts for what to say, how to move, how much pressure to use, to break through the persona of control that Obi-Wan projected.

He'd forgotten how nice it was, to just let someone else take care of him. To let them take charge and direct the entire encounter.

He was so blissed out afterwards he fell asleep in the Mand'alor's bed and had to walk out in the morning under the knowing gazes of the Mandalorian guards.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he spared a hysterical moment to wonder exactly what it was that kept attracting him to leaders of Mandalore.

Obi-Wan contacted the Council, when he could, for their opinions on the sticking points of the treaty. For updates on Anakin. He did not tell them what he was doing with Fett, certainly not that they were sleeping together, that they were dining together every night, that the Mand'alor was spending his brief moments of free time showing Obi-Wan around Keldabe and teaching him what it meant to be Mando'ad.

Compared to the Mandalorians, the Council's coldness wore on him. He knew if he was there, in the Temple, he'd feel them in the Force and know it wasn't so bad. But so far away, with no Jedi in the sector, he could only rely on their expressions and words. Both of which made him feel like a failure. When they told him they'd "temporarily" assigned Anakin to another Master, it felt like a slap to the face, even though he knew his mission had gone on longer than expected with no sign of resolution.

He spared with the Mandalorians after the holocalls, now, becoming more aggressive as he learned just how much they could take. They commented dreamily, sometimes, about what an unstoppable force he'd be like wrapped in armor made of beskar and, sometimes, Obi-Wan imagined it, too.

It was nine months in Mandalore when Obi-Wan started wondering what it would be like if he just...didn't go back. When he was younger, with Satine, he hadn't let himself delve too deeply into the fantasies, but now he couldn't help himself. He could have never prospered in the New Mandalorian utopia Satine dreamt of, but now, in Jango's Mandalore, there were avenues he hadn't expected.

Obi-Wan spent time around the city without Jango, the Mandalorian guards assigned to him helping him get around when he needed it. There were clinics that could use a Jedi's help, and shelters, and so many other ways that he was needed there. He made friends without much effort, despite being a Jedi (though, sometimes he wasn't sure everyone was aware of that, at some point Jango had put clothing for Obi-Wan in his bedroom and he'd just started putting that on instead of going back for his own things).

Eleven months in, Jango asked him to stay. For him, for Mandalore. He asked for time to meditate on the subject, spending a few days away from his lover as the world continued on around him.

When he came back, he almost had his answer. But first, he asked to see Satine.

She was being kept in a house outside the city, under constant guard but not without some luxuries. There were servants to clean and cook, books and datapads (with limited access to the Holonet).

There was a holoprojector with holodramas and, to Obi-Wan's horror, recordings of him--him sparring with the Mandalorians, him cuddling with the Mand'alor, him walking around Keldabe and speaking Mando'a like a native.

Satine had never looked at him like that, like he'd betrayed her (broken her heart). She didn't want anything to do with him, not even his help to escape.

Back home, Jango waited for him. He took Obi-Wan's screams, rolled with his punches, let him work out his rage in a way completely unbeffiting a Jedi. He held him close as he cried, his own heart breaking at the loss of the most important love of his life.

Obi-Wan had spent two years in Mandalore, altogether, before he left the Order.

xxxxxx

A/N: From the anonymous prompt: "Jango/Obi-Wan prompt request? How can I resist???? Jango's re-taken Mandalore from Satine, and you know, hasn't killed her because he's being 'diplomatic' but that doesn't mean he won't seduce her former lover away (both from her and the Jedi)."

Originally posted here.