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phoeebsbuffay · 2 years ago

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Imagine you are Anakin’s Padawan who sacrifice for the Master you love in order to prevent his fall to darkness and become Lady Vader. Together with Obi-Wan and Ahsoka, the anguished Anakin is trying all he can in his power to bring you back to life. Part I.

Warnings: none exactly. It’s too long and there’ll be a part 2.

Warnings 2: based on “The Clone Wars” and “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith”, with alterations. Padmé plays the role of an ex flame to Anakin. 🤭

Warnings 3: loosely based on “This Love”, “I Did Something Bad”, “Look What You Made Me Do”, “Wildest Dreams”, all songs by Taylor Swift. 😏

***

Preface.

A cape slips over your body as the hood that falls upon your face hides your features. Your frame is barely perceptible: you are like a ghost, floating over the floor, invisible to some, erased from most people’s memories.

You follow your new master, observing his plans in destroying new planets all the while he’s architecting the destruction of innocents. You give the order 66. You are not yourself anymore.

You stare the emptiness. But when you fall asleep, you are haunted by his pain, his misery, his frustrations. You want to console him, your good side is willing to spare him of all of this.

Don’t. Don’t make this to yourself, Master. I did what I did to save you. So you wouldn’t suffer.

Then you are awake, bathed in salty tears. Drowned under a menace that not even the Emperor suspects to rise again.

Tentacles of darkness tighten the grip upon you. You suffocate. The image of Anakin on his knees, weeping over you, is terrifying. You want to love him. You’ve always loved him. You never expected him to love you in return… even though he did. But the dark force makes you forget the love that bounded you together.

This love only makes you feel bad. This love brings the good out of you. You are angry at yourself. You thought you were saving him, but when you jumped in these waters, you never came back to surface. A price you were more than willing to pay if it meant his safety.

You’ve lost yourself. And when you realize that, darkness eclipses the sun you once were. It’s when you dress your dark robes and throws the vine cape over your small frame, that you know. This love might come back to you.

But you are gone.

Or so you thought.

***

Years before your fall.

Anakin’s POV.•

When Anakin was told he’d get a Padawan after Ahsoka Tano went away, he didn’t receive the news well. He was still grieving the loss of the one who was like a daughter to him. Like the first time, he wasn’t receptive to the idea of instructing a Jedi-to-be.

But it wasn’t a youngling that would come to him, no. In spite of his resistance, a young woman that was close to be knighted was put under his care. She’d have to go through some trials and because her former master was killed under mysterious circumstances, Anakin was given the responsibility to guide her until the end.

However he wasn’t expecting that you would…uh, look the way you did. Your hair proved a stark contrast to how you presented yourself, calm like waters. Red as flame, it was tied in a very elaborated braid much in the same style Anakin saw in the hairs of the ladies of nobility. It was as if that deep shade red called out your personality.

However, your oval face was delicate with fine features; he noticed how your eyes were open, observing and somewhat shy. Your lips, full, slightly opened in a gentle smile when greeting your new master. But to Anakin’s horror, he came to perceive your handsomeness in other aspects too. When looking down at you, your Jedi robes seemed to reinforce your curves.

He had to shield his mind and suppress his inappropriate thoughts when greeting you.

“This is Y/N, Anakin.” Obi-Wan proudly introduced the two of you. “She was the Padawan of Master Dias before all that tragedy happened, which only recently we’ve come to discover his unfortunate whereabouts. You will be charged to educate her, better yet, to improve her education so she can go to her trials easily.”

Oh, Maker. Here we go again.

“Since I have little choice upon the matter…Greetings, Y/N. I’m Anakin Skywalker and I’ll be your new master.” He took you under his wing, redirecting you away from other Jedis. “I’m sorry about what happened to your former master. But since we are here, I need to know what you’ve learnt so far.”

You were quiet, introspective. So different from Ahsoka that a comparison was inevitable. Anakin didn’t like that. He struggled to understand your thoughts since you’ve learnt to shield them well.

Ugh.

But Anakin would not take long to know that quiet waters hid deadly menaces. Or, as often Obi-Wan told him, the quietest ones often thought too loud.

“You must give me all you have, come on!” He knew he pushed you to the edge. And he was pleased when by doing so your cooling mask didn’t resist anymore.

“I… am… trying!” You exclaimed, frustrated. “This isn’t how I operate, Master!”

“Well I am your Master now”, Anakin said arrogantly. “I know you can give me better than that.”

He smirked as you frowned at him. That day the two of you were fighting without sabers because, as Anakin instructed you, sometimes you could miss it in the heat of the battle or the enemy might steal it from you. So then what? He’d claim that, as important as your lightsaber was, one must never rely entirely one’s survival on it.

So there you were. Using the Force to attack your new Master, who had little difficulty to counterattack you. And that was how you fell. Again.

And again.

“ARGH!” You yell eventually, frustrated.

Anakin then decided to give you a break, seeing that frustration he knew so well in his own days as a Padawan to Obi-Wan. He stood out his hand for you and you took it, though having initially refused because you were proud.

“You are doing a good job, Y/N.” He saw tears running up to your eyes, and the struggle you were putting to hold them back. His heart would have softened his behavior, but… something stopped him. Ahsoka wouldn’t have cried. “Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Yet, you overhead your Master’s thoughts. And he realized a little too late that you did. You didn’t say nothing, rather nodding. Since Anakin ended the training that day, you went back to your quarters. He watched you go, defeated.

For fuck sake.

“Y/N.” Anakin called your name as he ran after you. “I’m sorry.”

“What for, Master?” Your voice came out gently, mirroring the sensitive soul that were often seen in your eyes. Anakin was forced to acknowledge that you were not Ahsoka. And thank the Maker for that. You looked at him confused. “I should be the one to apologize for not matching your…hum… expectations.”

Anakin didn’t see until now the bruises in your arms. He hasn’t notice your curves until recently either. Oh damn.

“No need to apologize for that. It’s just… I should have realized this was going to be difficult for you as it was for me”, said he. Now both of you were out of the red room, Anakin led you to your quarters. “I had difficulties when the Council went after my Padawan like that. You must know the story…”

“I have heard about it”, you said almost solemnly. “If It’s a comfort for you, I didn’t agree with the Council’s resolution when it came to my knowledge. We are all worthy of second chances, are we not?”

Anakin was positively surprised as he saw through the goodness you naturally projected in your manners that you could be compassionate and kind.

A small smirk twisted in the corner of his lips.

“I think we are more similar than I thought, Y/N.”

To which you smiled in response.

“I agree, Master.”

***

Current Days. Death Star.

Your POV.•

Your Master asks for you. Sensing conflict in you, the Emperor wants to test you. You have been occupied checking the clones and other bureaucracies that you detest.

When you find him in the usual spot, you know he’s not entirely pleased with your service and you don’t have to speculate too much.

I should have shielded my mind better.

“Lady Vader”, the voice comes out from the dark hood that prevents you to see his face even though there’s no need for that knowing who he is. “Do I detect a troubled conscience in you?”

You step forward and go down in one knee, your eyes on the floor. A position of subjugation. Some part of you shakes against the chains of the dark force. The disturbance has never felt so strong.

Like a prey, you fall right into the fangs of the snake. You suffocate. It’s unbearable. So you give in, because there’s little point to struggle. Because a part of you…enjoys it. To be drawn to darkness. To be… yourself.

“No, Master.”

“You better not. In fact, I sense you have been bored. Given the amount of power you have, it’s understandable. Surrounded by ants you are.” He laughs. A cold laughter deprived of joy. A sound that scratches your ears.

“They are useless.” It’s what you say. “But their skills can work well for us.”

“Indeed.” He makes a pause as if to decide whether you are worthy of his trust. He seems to think you do because Palpatine says: “Naboo is, much to our dismay, resisting our forces. I have only recently learned that Senator Amidala has been rescued. The rebels are planning a direct attack against us. We ought to stop their success in reclaiming our planet.”

You sense where this is going to take you. But prepared for what’s to be said, all you do is nod.

“It also came to my attention that Order 66 has not been as effective as I have hoped”, the Emperor continues. “You must destroy the remaining Jedis, Lady Vader. Do you think you could do that?”

You see a smirk beneath that dark hood. Hate is seen through Force, but somehow you manage to manipulate the Emperor that this sentiment is not addressed to him, but to your former companions.

“Good, good. I wouldn’t like to think that destroying Anakin Skywalker might constitute a problem to you.”

You knew this is what would come to eventually. But hearing his name almost cost your mental shield. You feel that chain again tighten your wrist, your neck… your soul.

“Is it going to be?”

You breathe. Almost mechanically, even though you are not a machine.

“No, Master. I will sweep the Jedis out of the Galaxy as it should have been done long time ago.” You say most convincingly.

“Excellent. Never forget, Vader, that I don’t tolerate failures.”

There’s no need to speak. You bow and prepare to leave. As you take the ship, coordinating the clones to two more ships, ready to command the Order 66, your mind drives you back to the old days. So unwelcoming, so… unwanted.

Flashback of your Padawan days.

You remember the first mission you went with Anakin the two of you struggled to adapt to each other’s modus operandi. He was always doing everything himself, not expecting to get any help from you.

“Master, I need to acquire experience in field so I can go to my trials without much trouble.” You told him, patient as ever. Even if he did test you sometimes.

“Y/N, you’ll be fine with the trials. I know that, believe me.” He chuckled. Always arrogant, always cocky.

You could only sigh. Sometimes you’d surprise him by not listening to his orders and playing the reckless one when you were instructed not to.

“What did I tell you not to do?” Anakin sighed exasperated.

“I did defeat the Ventress, though”, you smirked and surprised him when you pointed out to Dooku’s former pupil unconscious on the floor.

“Did you kill her?” He asked you with eyebrows raised. You felt so full of yourself because, finally, you had impressed your Master.

“Of course not, Master. That is not the Jedi way to resolve things.” You quoted him, which made him smirk in turn.

“Congratulations are in order, Padawan. You did manage to suprehend me.”

“You should not underestimate me, Master.” You told him gleefully.

That was the first day you noticed the deep blue that painted his eyes. They seemed so…inviting. You thought best not to look straight away. How fool you were making yourself.

If he had seen something about the way you looked at him, he’d not say a word. Nonetheless, Anakin pressed a hand over your shoulder and said:

“That was what I meant when I told you that the trials would be easy peasy.”

His confidence over you made you smile. Any insecurity about being his Padawan seemed to dissipate. There was trust between you two at long last.

And he was there when you went to your trials. Before you entered the rooms where your exam was expected to be performed, he said:

“Don’t trust your sentiments, but listen to your instincts.”

“Aren’t both the same?” You asked him confused.

“Sort of. With the difference that the instincts often prove to be more reasonable and thus correct. They are useful in deadly missions, you know that, having fought the Ventress.”

You felt encouraged by his words, how he recollected a great victory in your Padawan career so far. Anakin seemed to be pleased for providing you more confidence, aware that you needed that.

Master Windu was there to preside the trials. He swept the smile off your face when he said:

“This is not a mission, Y/N. You may have defeated the Ventress, but this is different. Overconfidence is not the Jedi way.”

That was the day you found out how arrogant you thought this Master was. And he called himself a Jedi? You scoffed.

But there was little time to overthink his words. The trials were difficult, mostly because they played tricks with your mind. To live your worst nightmares and battle them with the conscience that they could not overpower you… was uneasy. Nonetheless, it was all thanks to Anakin, whose methods and hard trainings shaped your fighting skills, that you were able to subdue the simulator.

“Y/N, a difficult year you went through”, master Yoda said. Lights turned on and exhausted you were, but happier for having it ended. You sought the eyes of your master. Anakin was there, eyes twinkling with pride, a sight that made your heart melt and nearly diverted you from Yoda’s speech. “…and here you are. Down to your knees must you go, Y/N. To welcome you amongst the fellow Jedis we are to knight you.”

You did so. However content you were for this moment, though, you were disappointed that Anakin wasn’t the one to bestow you the knighthood. And you could tell he was disappointed too. You were the only there present to sense his dissatisfaction.

Present Days.

“Lady Vader, what are your orders?”

You are brought back to the moment. Swallowing hard, you say:

“I want them alive. Bring the rebels to me and I’ll be the one to judge their fate.”

You finally land in Naboo. The beauty of the planet is not what once was and part of you laments that the war led that region to this point of destruction.

You leave your ship thus, dressed in a long black velvet gown with a hood over your head. You ought to inspire better fear when you remain unseen. It’s alluring, but every enchant seems amiss at the thought of seeing Anakin again.

You know he’s nearby. You close your eyes. You feel each other. The battle is inevitable.

Your heart breaks again.

***

Flashback.

Anakin’s POV.•

He hoped to dissipate his frustration once he took you out to celebrate. But Anakin could not distract you from himself.

“What’s the matter, Master?“ you asked him, worried. “Did I do something to upset you?”

For the very first time your hair was not tied, but fell loose behind your shoulders. It was like watching fire burn intently. A beautiful sight to behold. It did divert Anakin from his thoughts.

“Uh? Hm, no. Y/N, of course not.” Anakin sought to assure you. “Come now, we have to celebrate your success. If I remember correctly, you can’t drink alcohol, right?”

You rolled your eyes.

“Master, don’t change topics. I know something’s troubling you and I think I know what this is.”

Anakin raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms.

“If you think you know what that might be, why should I tell you?”

“Because you need to trust in me”, you told him. Your good heart always surprised him, often caught him out of guard. “I am not just your Padawan, but a friend you can rely on.”

Anakin chuckled at how mature you sound. He couldn’t believe it. And you were, what, seventeen?

As if you read his thoughts, you corrected him:

“I’m nineteen, Master. I’m hardly underage.” And you smirked. “This tells you that, yes, law allows me to drink alcohol.”

Anakin laughed. He could tell you were lighter when got him in a better mood. In fact, when looking at your demeanor, he was suspecting to see something rather different, even though he could not decipher what that was.

“You don’t have to keep things to yourself.” You insisted again. “Is it because the Council refuses to acknowledge your efforts as a Jedi?”

“What makes you think that?” Anakin wasn’t sure if he appreciated how well you proved to be a people reader. Or… a good reader about him, anyway.

As you entered in the restaurant dressed in Jedi robes, Anakin requested two drinks for both of you.

“I will not talk about this matter today, Y/N. I want to celebrate your conquest.”

He saw in your eyes the stubbornness. You are not dropping the matter.

“Fine, if you say so.” But you didn’t convince him about it. “What did you think about the trials?”

“Easy peasy”. He told you with a smirk on his lips. “You did go to worse battles when we were in the galaxy, no matter what Windu told you. Ventress was a difficult opponent that even Obi-Wan struggled to overpower.”

As drinks were served along food, the talks began to gradually become more casual.

“I appreciate that. Thank you, Master.”

It all began with a sip.

“It’s Anakin now, Y/N.”

Why was he locking eyes with you? When Anakin realized you didn’t break away from his gaze, he was forced to do so. But he didn’t like how it felt.

“If you say so.” Anakin detected a happier tone in your voice.

Anakin rose his eyes again. He had his reasons not to get involved with someone ever since Padmé broke up with him. He was still healing from the occasion, specially because he used to think she was the love of his life. It’s been thirteen months…but it doesn’t hurt like it used to.

“I do say so.” A second long sip followed the first one. “It’s been a while since I’ve done this. Did you have fun with your former Master?”

The next confession caught him off guard. Again.

“I never went outside the Jedi Temple.” You told him. “Had very few friends and preferred to occupy myself with books and trainings.”

Anakin raised an eyebrow at you. He leant forward on the table where he rested his elbows, staring right into your eyes. The Jedi never seemed to notice the grey that colored your irises.

“Am I corrupting you? By the Maker, what kind of Master am I?”

The two of you laughed, in a louder volume. When seeing the frown the owner of the restaurant addressed you two, Anakin asked for the check. It also came to his attention that you were going as red as your hair.

The stars were sparkling the night, ruling the dark skies uncontestedly by the time you left the restaurant, somewhat…drunk.

The two of you locked hands, intertwining your fingers as Anakin led you outdoors, which you didn’t seem to mind. Though you were nervous, there were butterflies in your stomach.

“Y/N…” Anakin was now more serious. He made you turn at him. The whole place fell silent. There were just the two of you. “This night is flawless.”

You thought you should part the gaze, remove his hand and prevent him from putting a lock of your hair behind your ear. But you didn’t. Anakin sensed your heart race. He knew he shouldn’t either.

But before either considered interrupt the moment concerning the non attachment rule of the Jedi Order, he pressed a kiss on your lips. It was slow. Hesitantly, suddenly sober. It was meant only to brush his lips against yours. However when he smelled your scent, his hands cupped your cheeks and he gave in. His tongue broke into your reluctant mouth and was positively surprised by the response yours gave him.

Before the kiss was meant to grow intense, giving path to your souls reclaim each other’s carnally, Anakin broke it. He parted from you and he could see disappointment in your eyes, though you smiled rather shyly.

Anakin took your hand to his lips and there pressed a kiss.

“Thank you, Y/N. For providing me peace.”

And the next words would never leave his heart.

“I would do anything in my power to make you feel this way… Ani. Your happiness lightens my world.”

A small smirk turned into a crooked grin when his eyes melt in yours.

“As yours brings balance to my universe, Y/N.”

That was when he finally fell for you.

The secretive relationship went quiet for the next two years. Because you both were occupied fighting the Clone Wars, there was little time to dwell in the real nature of the matters of your heart, as much as you wanted to take things to another level.

You thought you were fine with it, though, until the day you were assigned a mission to Naboo. There were matters that required the attention of its Senator, a beautiful woman named Padmé Amidala. You had no idea she was once romantically associated to Anakin until the day Obi-Wan casually mentioned:

“You see, Y/N, it’s funny how things can be… Ever since Padmé and him ended their romantic liaison, he refused to go to Naboo. Suddenly he’s been well resolved. I suppose our talk resolved whatever unfinished business he had there.”

There was little time to ask him about it, and you knew clones were with you when you took ship to Naboo. Anakin knew you were serious, more than usual. But he sensed something was wrong. He managed to talk to you away from the men and when he asked the reason you were grumpy, you shoot him a glare and said:

“Why didn’t you tell me Senator Padmé was once the object of your affections?”

Oh. So this is what it’s about. Shit. Should have seen that coming…

“I… to be honest, I forgot to tell you about it.”

“Forgot to tell me about it?” You hissed lowly so only he heard you. “How could you keep this away from me, Anakin?!”

“I don’t have feelings for her anymore! I swear!” He was genuinely preoccupied you’d not believe him and for now, you didn’t give in to the sudden rise of jealousy you’ve never felt until now.

“Well I hope so. For your sake.”

Anakin knew you were hurt. He could search for your feelings and find the truth. Wasn’t ironic how he was placed in the same shoes Padmé was when he was jealous about Clovis? Now, however, he couldn’t really care less about them.

But as cordialities were expected to a mission as diplomatic as this, you realized you were not strong enough to prevent jealousy fang its claws upon your chest when you saw how warmly Padmé received Anakin. And he ignored you all the way after a brief introduction.

You didn’t like that. To watch him touch her elbow and smile down at her. Your chest burnt with rage and you had to excuse yourself to walk outside, but it was right when Anakin called you to summarize the requests of the Jedis to the Senator.

“I thought you’d already given her, Master”, you tried to say cooly, but Anakin narrowed his eyes. He knew you.

“Come now, I forgot the instructions Obi-Wan gave you.” Turning to Padmé he added: “She’s his favorite now. Obi-Wan says he trusts her prudence more than me, can you believe that?”

You blushed.

“I can hardly tell you why, Anakin”, said the Senator, amused.

You ended up doing as you were told, feeling a small hint of regret for letting jealousy cloud your judgement. Padmé was kind and possessed a good heart, even if her eyes lingered a little too much in Anakin’s features.

After dinner, you were ready to go back to bed, when he came for you.

“Y/N… We must talk.”

You knew why he was coming after you, aware you were sulking and therefore not in the best mood. Hence why you’ve been avoiding him all afternoon. But it was the way he looked at you that operated a change in your mind as Anakin had hoped.

“I love you”, he said, leaning you against the door of your private bedchambers. “You live in my heart now, my lady on fire.”

You looked right into his eyes. Anakin knew too well what you were feeling and only now he understood the perils of jealousy. But, unlike him, you were more prompted to reason than to angst bursts. So you believed in his words instead of prolonging arguments.

You kissed him passionately in response before dragging him inside your private quarters. Anakin mostly gladly complied to your wishes…

(To be continue)

#star wars #Star Wars imagine #Anakin Skywalker #Darth Vader #lady Vader #Anakin Skywalker x you #Anakin Skywalker x reader #Anakin Skywalker x y/n #Anakin Skywalker fic #alternative universe

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binaryeclipse · 3 years ago

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It’s missing anakin and obi wan hours! So if you had to pick 5 (or more 😏) moments when these guys looked their most glorious (or badass) what would they be?? 🤔

Okay Okay Okay I can definitely do this! YEEE HAW! 🤠

Sorry this turned into glorious = handsome. After I found some screencaps I realized where I ended up. I apologize but here we are 😅

Let's do Anakin first, in descending order:

5. Season 7 Episode 9 of The Clone Wars: Rescuing Obi-Wan

That whole part where he's kneeling on the tank talking down to Obi-Wan while carnage is happening all around him? He's simultaneously the glorious chosen one and also such a brat I love him.

I also just have such a soft spot for animated Anakin (and Matt Latner voicing him), even the jankier versions from the earlier seasons (shut up, his nose is fucking adorable) but this glow-up is everything I could have wanted for him and it really drives home how powerful Anakin already is and, honestly, makes the transformation into Darth Vader all the more terrifying and heartbreaking.

4. Revenge of the Sith: Rematch with Dooku

BAD! ASS! BITCH!

The cool collected expression when he catches Dooku's sabre after cutting off his hands like it's nothing? Yes, work it! He's so blasé about it (right before Palpatine interjects and starts being a creep about killing Dooku like the Skeevy Sheev he is) and it's such a glow up from the disastrous first duel. Anakin got his revenge and then some. You take my arm? I take your hands and your head.

3. Revenge of the Sith: Post Nightmare

The open robe, the low-slung pants, the exposed mechanical arm, the brooding... Hayden Christensen's face and low brow were designed perfectly for two things: being a pretty sad boy and the Kubrick stare. It's kinda sad how dark this scene is without editing but the way the city glimmers and catches on Anakin's brass curls? 😩 Perfection!

2. Revenge of the Sith: Don't even know what to call it I just want to look at him

Love looks so good on him, the way it absolutely consumes him to his core. It's both his most beloved and cursed trait and he wears it like a crown in this scene. It's both dark and warm at the same time, the way he stares at Padmé like she is his whole universe and she carries his future with her.

I'd say get you an SO who does the same but I don't think anyone wants to be put on a pedestal like that. And we all know how it goes down. But his loyalty and love do shine bright here in his gaze as well as his obsession and it makes him very handsome.

1. Revenge of the Sith: Unhinged Anakin

Anakin at his most glorious. As if it could be any other bastard but this one. He's at his hottest when he's high on the dark side and off his rabid ass mind, dreaming of ruling the galaxy with the love of his life. This basically includes the entirety of his conversation with padme and the "I have brought peace, freedom, justice, and security to my new Empire" villain speech. He's perfect, he's evil, he's Darth Vader at his most glorious before Obi-Wan cuts him down to size 😭

Now for the handsome devil himself, Obi-Wan:

5. Season 7 Episode 9 of The Clone Wars: Confronting Bo-Katan and Ahsoka

He. Is. So. Soft. Here.

Soft but stern and so wholly good. He's a Jedi, and you can see it in every line of his body, in his compassion, in how heavy the weight of the decisions of war rest on his shoulders. The grey in his hair, the crows feet... they so lovingly animated him and I love him so so so much in this scene because it shows just how much he loves but is bound by duty to the greater good.

4. Revenge of the Sith: Utapau

Get yourself a man who can be a ✨Disney Princess ✨

The hood! Boga! A desperate last mission to end the war!

I love him with his hood up, being a sneaky mysterious Jedi. He's basically here to kick ass and be hot. Grievous doesn't know what's coming.

There's something about how good he is with animals that speaks to the quiet gentleness that's deep in Obi-Wan's soul. He may have little patience, and be a sass master, and as snippy as Ahsoka on her worst days but at his core he's a Jedi.

3. Attack of the Clones: Battle of Geonosis

YES, BITCH, WORK IT!

The badass snarly stab scene from Attack of the Clones lives in my head rent-free, 24/7, 365 days a year.

He's peak badass Obi-Wan here, tapping into that energy and viciousness which makes him a cunning warrior and general the Separatists learn to fear. This is the Sith Slayer in action and I love it.

The sex appeal is strong and it comes from the danger factor 💯💯💯

2. Attack of the Clones: Lost A Planet

This may actually be Obi-Wan's prettiest scene. Period. The screencap doesn't do it justice, go find one of the many pretty gifs of this scene to appreciate it's full majesty.

I don't even like mullets! How has he done this to me?

The planets floating around him like sparkles and stars just highlight how gorgeous Ewan McGregor is. How dare they film this scene like this, like he belongs in the cosmos and is home amongst planets and nebula like its second nature?

Anakin may be the son of the Force, but Obi-Wan is the Force's blorbo (that it loves to torment).

1. ROTS: Post Invisible Hand Crash

"This is how gays flirt." - my girlfriend

She's right. The cocked hip, the hand on it, the lean and the devilish smirk? He's never been hotter. What a ho!

He's bantering with Anakin, they just had a major victory they somehow bumbled into like a pair of disasters that they are and the war looks like it might be turning in their favour! He's just managed to dodge dealing with politicians by making Anakin do it. He's cheeky and sassy and having a good time. I love that for him.

Everything about this is so gorgeous and glorious. He's happy, do you know how rare that is in star wars? This man was made to suffer and his joy and love just shine all the brighter for it.

#anakin skywalker #obi-wan kenobi #the boys

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raven-m-3 · 7 years ago

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Jealousy and possession in the romances of Star Wars

I’ve seen a lot of concern recently about Rose acting jealous of Rey in the novelization. I get it.. no one wants to see a Rey-Rose cat fight.

But guys, I’m convinced that it won’t happen, and that we Reylos and FinnRosers shouldn’t be worried in the slightest. Why?

Jealousy, or its darker twin, possessiveness, are hallmarks of Star Wars romances. They’ve always been there. Further, although possessiveness is bad for relationships, a little jealousy can actually be a good thing.

Before we get started, some warnings: A) this meta is heavily Reylo focused, because of course, and B) it discusses Kylo’s jealousy and possession as the direct result of his primal drive and desire to have sex with Rey.

Look away if you’re uncomfortable with aggressive / primal sexual themes, or if you’re underage.

If you were bothered by my hunger meta, I do not recommend reading this. I love constructive criticism, but please read responsibly, my dears. If you find primal sexual hunting themes upsetting, this is NOT the meta for you.

Still with me? Before we get to the good stuff 😏, let’s take a walk down memory lane.

Anidala

Let’s start with the two that started this mess. Anakin’s possessive tendencies towards Padme were there from the start. I mean, they only briefly met in TPM, but he still thinks about her every day for the next 10 years before AOTC.

The most defining moment of jealousy occurs in ROTS, when Padme journeys to metaphorical “hell” (Mustafar) to save Anakin from becoming Vader. And she might have succeeded, were it not for naughty stowaway Obi-Wan.

Anakin was already jealous of Obi-Wan as a Jedi, and (in his deluded mind) as a romantic rival, so his appearance was the worst thing that could have happened. Anakin’s ensuing jealousy and rage are symptoms of his possessiveness towards Padme (e.g., “I won’t lose you,�� “You will not take her from me!”).

Believing that Padme is conspiring against him with his old master, Anakin falls completely to the darkness. He brutally lashes out at Padme despite her vulnerability (carrying his twins), resulting in her death, his death as Anakin Skywalker, and the death of their relationship.

Lesson learned: Possessive love leads to jealous rage, death, and the dark side.

HanLeia

Our favorite space dad provides us with much “lighter” examples of romantic jealousy (thank God). We first see mild examples in ESB– e.g., his annoyance when Lando flirts with Leia.

However, a more defining example begins with this scene in ROTJ. Luke has just left to face Vader, and when Han asks her what’s wrong, a miserable Leia replies that she can’t tell him. Here’s his response:

That’s textbook romantic jealousy, kids. Poor Han is left to wallow in his insecurity and misunderstanding until the end of ROTJ, when we get this scene:

Han: I’m sure Luke wasn’t on that thing when it blew.

Leia: He wasn’t. I can feel it.

Han: You love him [pause], don’t you?

Leia: Yes.

Han: All right. I understand. Fine. When he comes back, I won’t get in the way.

Make no mistake: Han is still jealous. However, he shows a compassionate love for Leia despite it. He realizes that Leia loves Luke (though he mistakes the type of love), and while he doesn’t like it, he promises not to stand in the way. He accepts that Leia is free to seek belonging wherever she chooses.

As soon as Han comes clean about his jealousy, Leia clears up the misunderstanding, and the two finally meet each other in a fully open and emotional way. Their relationship strengthens from this point on, at least in the near future- they marry and conceive Ben within 3 months).

Lesson learned: Responding to jealousy with compassionate love is a good thing that propels relationships forward.

Now let’s turn to our two new ships.

FinnRose

The revelation that Rose appears to be jealous of Rey in the novelization has many Reylos and FinnRosers in a tizzy. Here’s one example:

“‘Our mission, remember?…stop pining for Rey, and get with it.’ ‘I was not pining for Rey,’ Finn objected. Rose looked scornful. ‘Heavy pining. Heavy. How can one person mean more to you than a whole cause?’” (p. 141)

Sure, it’s a little sassy, but it really shouldn’t compromise our overall view of Rose. She has a good heart and strong moral compass– TLJ made that very clear. Rose is jealous simply because she’s human. That’s the point.

Further, Rose’s jealousy serves an important purpose: it helps her come to terms with her feelings for Finn. The jealousy literally unfolds as she begins to see Finn in a new light:

“Rose wondered how Finn’s mysterious Rey felt to have this bumbling goof folow her around, mystified by everyone in the galaxy that wasn’t her. If nothing else, Rose hoped she appreciated Finn’s wide-eyed, seemingly unconditional devotion…You would have loved him, Pae-Pae. You would have said he has a good heart.” (p.189)

It’s because Rose realizes that she loves him that she chooses to save him in an act that fully embodies compassionate, selfless love.

Just as Han responded to his jealousy with compassionate love, so did Rose (more dramatically, but still). In both cases, the resolution of that jealousy helps strengthen the relationship moving forward. I mean, just look at how Finn dotes on Rose afterward. *swoons*

[Credit to @skysilencer for helping me realize that Rose’s jealousy is likely resolved, and will not appear again, in Ep. 9].

Lesson learned: Same as HanLeia.

Reylo

Saved the best for last, my dears. As I discussed in my hunger meta, there is clear evidence that Ben / Kylo (particularly Kylo) wants possess Rey sexually, emotionally, and in all ways really. His urge to possess Rey has been there since the first moment he laid eyes on her– just like Anakin with Padme.

First up: the abduction on Takodana. The act itself is possessive, as is his choice to carry Rey in his arms rather than let stormtroopers touch her (cause ya know, who cares about norms for POWs when you’d rather bridal carry your bae).

In fact, Possessive Kylo!’s “tell” is that he consistently flips his sh*t any time someone else touches Rey. Speaking of which, let’s address his jealous rage after confronting Finn and Rey in the forest on Star Killer Base.

This scene is a clear parallel to Anakin’s jealous rage at the sight of Obi Wan with Padme. We then get this telling line:

I’m far from the first to point out this double entendre. For further proof that Kylo thinks of Rey as his, see his lines in Battlefront II: “The girl. Rey. I know her. I sense her. She is mine.” (Thanks @darthrenvan for this point!)

Kylo then proceeds to toy with Finn in a show of masculine posturing / dominance, before defeating and severely injuring him.

He’s literally behaving like an alpha wolf fighting another wolf over a female (complete with teeth baring). This right here is how we know that Kylo’s urge for possession is closely linked to, well, his urge for sex. Guys, I don’t make the tropes here. Don’t shoot the messenger!

[Credit to @skysilencer for first drawing the link between Kylo and the Wolf, with Rey as his prey, in her Little Red Riding Hood meta.]

Kylo’s jealousy of Finn again roars to life in the junior TLJ novelization. Take a look at the opening of the second Force Bond scene:

“He sensed her standing in the rain… his nostrils flared in disgust when [his] mind intruded on hers. She was thinking of someone else, the renegade stormtrooper.. she was concerned about him… he hoped the traitor died.” (abridged)

Whoa there…Down boy. Possessive Wolf! Kylo is sniffing out Rey (note the use of “nostrils”) thinking about another man and then wishing that man dead. Your granddad would be proud, Kylo. *slow clap*

That being said, possession, and lust, frankly, aren’t all that Ben feels for Rey. (Or Kylo, for that matter. Both "personas” deeply care about Rey – they just approach her differently).

In between his moments as Possessive Wolf!Kylo, Sweet and Tortured! Ben is busy bursting with compassion for Rey. Ben’s compassion for Rey has also been there fairly early on (see Snoke’s famous line in the TFA novel: “You have compassion for her.”)

Compassionate!Ben returns in TLJ. We first see him in the Throne Room with Snoke when shedding a tear over his father, and during the Leia encounter. But in terms of interactions with Rey, the novel tells us that Compassionate! Ben only appears in full force during the fourth Force Bond (the Smut Hut).

[As I discussed in my hunger meta, hunter/prey language is used during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ForceBond scenes to show that Possessive! Kylo is dominating those earlier interactions with Rey, and trying to hunt her. That’s not to say that Compassionate!Ben is totally gone in those scenes, but he’s not primary].

In the Smut Hut, there’s no Possessive! Kylo at all. Just Ben – a man with no other agenda than to listen and provide comfort to a woman he deeply cares about.

The compassion Ben shows her in this moment strengthens their relationship in a highly significant way. Yes, it builds emotional intimacy. Yes, it literally promises a shared future for them via Rey’s force vision. But you know what I’m really about to address here. The official confirmation from RJ that this scene is symbolically represents sex *screams*.

Guys, Rey symbolically initiates sex with Ben as soon as he shows her compassion. We’re talking about a girl who has stubbornly resisted Kylo, despite her raging attraction to him, but as soon as she encounters Compassionate! Ben, BOOM: Her Body Is Ready.

Not to mention that one touch of Ben’s penis hand is enough to make Rey lash out at Luke and ship herself Priority F-ing Express to the devil’s lair so she can find Ben Solo and bring him home. That is, as soon as they have symbolic sex, Rey becomes the hunter of Ben Solo. Now she wants to possess what is hers (big credit and thanks to @skysilencer for helping me catch the reversal of this trope).

However, Possessive!Kylo isn’t ready to let Compassionate!Ben win just yet. He returns with a vengeance in the last third of TLJ.

Exhibit A: How Rey’s face falls in the escape pod when she finds Big Bad Possessive Wolf!Kylo waiting for her, not Sweet!Ben.

Annnd the trope has flipped again, kids. We’re back to Kylo hunting Rey.

The junior novelization further supports that it’s Kylo, not Ben, who greets her:

“Ren took her arm and helped her forward… He let it go on his own. ‘I’ve been waiting for you,’ he said.”

Umm.. wow. Kylo might as well have added, “You are mine,” at the end of it.

Exhibit B: Kylo’s bloodthirsty glare after Snoke tortures Rey because “HOW DARE YOU HURT HER SHE’S MINE.”

Exhibit C: The language used to describe the Proposal Scene in the novel. As brilliantly noted by @postedbygaslight in a reblog of my hunger meta, after he’s killed the “apex predator of the wild” (Snoke), Kylo literally steps over his body in a show of dominance, approaches Rey like his prey (“advancing”, “locking eyes” on her), and “claims his right to breed.”

As discussed in that meta and many insightful reblogs from fellow Reylos, the novel’s language makes it very clear that Kylo is approaching Rey in that moment to try to capture her, or possess her, sexually and romantically. We know that Rey is back to being the prey again because she is “scared” by the lack of threat in Kylo’s approach (i.e., she knows what he’s really after).

Should any of us be surprised, then, that Rey rejects Kylo’s proposal to be sex partners for life who rule the galaxy together? It’s Ben that Rey really wants. (she wants Kylo sexually too, for the record, but she won’t give in to him).

Lesson learned: Ben’s compassionate love for Rey must beat Kylo’s darker impulse to possess her.

My dears, we are definitely moving towards Compassionate! Ben tipping the scales and “defeating” Possessive! Kylo so he is no longer dominant. TFA was like 80% Kylo and 20% Ben, and TLJ was like 55% Kylo and 45% Ben.. so we know where Ep. 9 is headed.

This is precisely why I think that Ben will sacrifice himself for Rey in Ep. 9, (before being resurrected by Rey’s force healing, as @skysilencer and others have predicted). Sacrifice is the ultimate sign of compassionate love, and it parallels what Rose did for Finn.

Healthy love as balance

Star Wars teaches us that possessive love can have disastrous consequences. However, the saga is just as critical of the Jedi’s frigid rules against attachment. We also see terrible consequences arise from purely selfless, compassionate love (e.g., Anakin’s separation trauma as a result of his mother’s selfless choice to surrender him to the Jedi).

Thus, the correct position on love / attachment lies in the compromise between dark and light. Dark side impulses (e.g., passion, jealousy), if accompanied by light side ones (e.g., compassion), are part of healthy and balanced romantic relationships.

FinnRose will demonstrate this balance, just like HanLeia did in the original trilogy. But our favorite star-crossed force users will be the consummate example of this compassionate and soft, yet also passionate and raw, dynamic.

Importantly: although Possessive! Kylo must be defeated, the balance philosophy suggests Ben won’t surrender all aspects of Kylo’s darkness. I think Ben will own and accept his anger, and passion, up to a certain degree – as will Rey. And Ben won’t have to abandon all of Kylo’s darkness to be a good partner to Rey, though he will have to keep its intensity in check.

To sum up: when jealousy is a symptom of possessiveness, yes, it’s concerning and needs to be tampered down. SW is clear on the morality of possessive love. But jealousy isn’t always a bad thing – in fact, it can be constructive, as long as it is tempered with compassionate love. Balance, my dears.

Sources

I want to acknowledge these incredible metas for heavily informing this work. If you haven’t read them, do it now!!!

@ohtze ’s Kill the King and Take The Crown. An instant post-TLJ classic that discusses how Anidala and Reylo reflect Usurper / Holy Mother tropes, in which Usurper’s desire to possess the Holy Mother leads to sexually aggressive behavior and violence towards all the male figures standing in the way.

@ohtze’s Death and the Maiden. The seminal meta that first pointed out the hunting / possession themes in the Reylo dynamic in TFA, including the bridal carry and Kylo’s aggression towards Finn.

@ashesforfoxes’ Bride of the Monstrous. Another seminal post-TFA meta noting the possessive, jealous tendencies of the “monster” (Kylo) towards the “maiden” (Rey), and predicting that this possession will ultimately be resolved by the realization that he loves her enough to let her go (i.e., Ben’s compassion).

#reylo #reylo meta #reylo fam #mine #jealousy #possession #compassion #my meta

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