#he and obi-wan avoid each other because it hurts to much to be in each other's orbit.

[paracosm-draw]

It was so hard to choose which 'kiss prompt' to pick! 😭 These are so good for Obikin.

Sooo, this one was picked with the roll of my dragon die. 😁 It's amazing.

"The kiss that happens mid-argument, furious and messy, teeth and heat and unsaid apologies."

Though it'll be amazing because you baffle and amaze me with how much emotion you can fit into something so short. ❤️❤️❤️

Oh hey, I'm finally back with the answer to that prompt ! Better late than never, right ? 😬

Here we go with some angry kisses happening mid-argument ! Thank you so much for sending it ! 💕

(Also, I need to see that super cool dice ??)

_

“You cared more about her than you care about me.” 

The words cut through the heat of the night, sharp and distant ; not a question. A statement. An accusation. The first words Anakin deigns to speak to him in a little more than a week. Obi-Wan finds himself both relieved and incredibly confused. 

Anakin has been avoiding him for days. Dismissing calls, cancelling dinners, carefully timing the minutes he had to spend in his company during council meetings in order to slip away as soon as decency allowed, avoiding their quarters as well as the common spaces in which they were likely to cross paths. Shutting down their bond entirely. He’s never been subtle. But Obi-Wan wasn’t used to subtlety. He was used to bursts of anger, he was used to shouting and heated arguments, he was used to tears and overflowing emotions. He was used to Anakin wearing his heart on his sleeve. He wasn’t used to silence. He wasn’t used to Anakin pulling away from his orbit, taking his warmth with him, leaving him dwelling in cold indifference and even colder bedsheets. 

Anakin was angry.

Anakin is angry. 

But this time, Obi-Wan has no clue about the reason for his ire, and the words thrown in the tense silence between them like a declaration of war only add to his confusion. 

“Who’s her ?” He asks, compelling himself to stay calm and composed, not too pressing, not too desperate. Not to show Anakin he would drink any of his words like a thirsty man just to never have to endure his silence again. 

Anakin snaps his head to him. He’s standing on the balcony of their quarters, streaks of neon lights and shadows moving across his features and the taut line of his body at the rhythm of the Coruscanti night. The sharp contrast makes his eyes and cheeks look even more hollow, pupils dark like thick ink. Obi-Wan knows that look, even though it’s never been aimed at him before. It’s a look of betrayal and hurt, of fury and grief, piercing a hole through his chest, through his soul and squeezing tight around his heart. Whatever his fault, Anakin isn't there to show mercy on him. 

The boy’s shoulders tense, clenched jaw working for a second before he spits his answer. 

“Satine.” 

Obi-Wan blinks once. Twice. Turns the name in his mind again and again until it makes sense. It doesn’t. 

“You were ready to leave the Order for her.” 

Ah. 

So Anakin had to find out. From someone else. While they were away from each other. Not that it ever was a secret Obi-Wan intentionally wanted to keep from him, but he had learned in time that all truths weren’t good to tell to Anakin. Especially when they tended to toy with the precarious balance that was his psyche, already jeopardized by the cruel machinery of war and the clinging ghosts of his childhood. 

“Anakin-” 

“Is it true ?” Anakin interrupts him, turning around to face him completely, tall shadow cutting in the moving lights behind him. 

“Who told you that ?” Obi-Wan asks, always the negotiator. Stalling, ordering his thoughts, answering questions with others questions. He’s already tired of the conversation to come. He’s been tired for a long time, now.  

“It doesn’t matter.” Anakin growls, sweeping aside his burgeoning attempts at a peaceful talk by taking a step forward, cornering him against the transparisteel separating the living room from the balcony. “Is it true ?” 

Obi-Wan knows what he’s doing, for he’s seen him adopting the same strategy over and over again in the ten years they spent side by side. It’s not the first time they played this game and it will not be the last, so it is all too easy to enter into the dance, to match Anakin step for step, to give ground when he’s pressing on him, only to win it back a beat later. It’s a play he knows by heart. A performance he’s tired of giving.

He remains silent, crossing his arms against his chest. This is a test. Anakin already knows the answer to his question ; he wants to probe Obi-Wan's honesty, wants to challenge the fragile base of trust setting up their relationship. He wants a reason to tear it down and blame it on Obi-Wan. Not because he is angry, but because he is afraid. What Obi-Wan sees behind the intimidating demeanor and the burning eyes is the same nine years old kid who was craving for love and reassurance, the insecure teenager with an abandonment wound so deep he preferred to push people away before they left him.  

“It is true.” He says, because Anakin still deserves the truth. “Though I was very young, younger than you are now and foolish enough not to think about the consequences of my actions-”

“You loved her.” Anakin interrupts him, words spilling like the thought offends him and disgusts him at the same time, spoken directly against his face. 

Obi-Wan didn’t notice when he got this close, and when himself gave ground to retreat back, until his back presses against the bay window. He has to raise his head to look him in the eyes now, a detail that makes his heart go soft and beat faster at the same time. When did he get so tall ? When did he grow from that scared, sweet child to that scared, brilliant and dangerous man ? From that sparkle to that burning meteor ? And when did the love shifted, from simple, selfless and innocent to all-consuming, passionate and infinitely more complicated ? 

Anakin’s hands settle on the transparisteel behind Obi-Wan, brushing along his shoulders. He’s all Obi-Wan can see, all Obi-Wan can smell and touch if he just moved an inch closer. He stays still, breathing in the thick scent of Anakin’s leather and the salt of his sweat still clinging to his skin after a day of training. If he had no self-control he would press his open mouth to the place where his neck joins his jaw and lick at the salt there. He would adorn Anakin’s throat with the mark of his teeth and suck bruises around the golden expense of his neck until he forgets about the war, about Satine and about the dark beast lurking around in the shadows of his mind. If he had no self-control he would use that trick he already abused to quiet the voices inside Anakin’s head. If he had no self-control he would pretend that they would be fine after that. 

“I did.” He says. “I loved her. A long time ago.” 

Anakin draws in a sharp breath, almost the same as when Obi-Wan punches him in the guts with the hilt of his lightsaber during practice. The thick wall of his anger waggers for a second, revealing uncertainty and hurt behind the cracks. When he speaks, his voice lacks the venom coating it a minute ago. It’s raw and shaking and embedded with unshed tears. 

“You loved her and you were ready to leave the Order for her, to give up your whole life for her.”

“I was young and passionate, Anakin. She-” 

Leather creaks near Obi-Wan’s ear as Anakin closes his gloved hands into fists. His eyes are sparkling like wet charcoal in the dark. His jaw is trembling, his whole body strung like a bowstring. 

“You say you love me and still you can’t seem to do half of the things you would have done for her. You say you love me but what proof do I have of that ? I’m like a dog who has to make do with the crumbs you feed me.”

Old guilt sinks a little deeper in Obi-Wan’s guts. A feeling he knows well, which appeared one day when he caught himself looking a bit too long at the shiny drops of sweat rolling down Anakin’s spine and pooling into the dips of his lower back and wondering what it tasted like. She’s been with him ever since. Guilt. Every time he looked, every time he wanted. Every time he loved and felt like not loving enough, not loving the right way. Every time Anakin asked for something he couldn’t give him. Every time he asked for more, and then even more. Obi-Wan knows he wants more, knows he needs more. More than this life of secrecy and deception. Obi-Wan wishes he could offer him more. He realizes then, that this is not about Satine at all, this is about him. About them. 

“I do love you, my darling.” He murmurs, reaching out to gently cup one of Anakin’s cheeks. “More than you realize.” 

Anakin almost bares his teeth at that. 

“Prove it.” He snarls, pressing Obi-Wan a little bit more into the window. 

When Obi-Wan leans forward, Anakin meets him in the middle in a kiss that’s anything but gentle. They collide into each other, teeth clashing against lips in a mix of pain and pleasure. Obi-Wan’s head hits the transparisteel hard enough to make him see black dots for a second. Anakin is all over him, his mouth coating his own with the sweet metallic taste of spit and blood, tongue curling up against his, seeking his approval to possess him completely. He trapped his waist in the solid clutch of his hands, durasteel already pressing a mark on the pale skin under layers of tunics. Obi-Wan can do nothing but hold on to him like a raft in a storm. The hand on Anakin’s cheek moves to the back of his neck as the other one grabs a fistful of fabric at his chest. He can barely breathe between Anakin’s assaults on his mouth, on his throat, with the weight of him - almost painful - pressing his ribs against the hard glass. He moans when Anakin sinks his teeth into the soft flesh under his jaw. 

“Would you leave the Order for me?” Anakin whispers, breath hot against his skin, raising goosebumps down to his chest. 

Obi-Wan uses the truce to take a breath, urging oxygen back into his brain in order to think about his answer. 

“This is not what I want for you.” He rasps, clears his throat and fails again. “For any of us.”

“This isn’t my question.” Anakin growls. 

Obi-Wan feels his teeth grazing above his pulse point, and then a sharp jolt of pain erupts at the exact same place, making him howl and push Anakin away. Or try, at least. It only makes the boy cling harder, lips pressing frantically against the wound he caused, lapping at the crimson droplets rolling down Obi-Wan’s neck. 

“You’re an animal.” Obi-Wan groans, swallowing thickly as the pain slowly subsides into a dull ache under Anakin’s care. 

“You didn’t answer my question.” Anakin whimpers softly. He looks contrite but Obi-Wan knows he’s not at all. He knows Anakin adores leaving all sorts of marks on him for others to see. He takes what he can. Crumbs. 

Obi-Wan sighs and looks at him. Really looks at him, passed the facade. At the vulnerability widening his eyes, at the way he holds his breath awaiting for his answer, at his hands softening in his body, embracing rather than holding in place, clinging to him as if he was his whole world. And maybe he is. How could he ever leave him ?

“Yes.” He whispers. “I would.” 

[obiwansito]

somewhere in the haze

the great war - chapter three

playlist 𐐒𐐚 taglist ʚĭɞ fic masterlist

pairing- obi wan x f!reader

word count- 5.8k

summary- something is happening. the Force feels more dense, more unsteady. even the air feels different. anakin is acting strange, too. you don't know the galaxy -and your life- is going to change forever soon.

tags for this chapter- ANGST. anxiety, nightmares, more angst, dark themes, hurt/comfort (except it's not really comfort bc we all know what's coming), canon typical violence.

a/n- sorry this took so long, no one told me it would be so difficult to ruin my main character's life... 😞

24 BBY. 5 YEARS BEFORE.

The Coruscant sun warmly illuminated the training room in the Jedi Temple. The sounds of lightsabers clashing against each other filled the room, your breaths agitated as you and Anakin tried to avoid each other's blades.

Although you were still Padawans, you were both considered among the best of your generation. That's why you enjoyed training together so much, pushing each other to improve.

From a corner, Obi-wan and Plo Koon watched the two of you closely, closely analyzing every technique and move you used.

“Let the force guide you, so you can prevent every attack.” Your master's warm voice advised you.

Anakin lunged at you, but you leapt, elegantly dodging him. You smiled when he rolled his eyes.

“She has improved quite a bit.” Obi-wan spoke softly to your master.

You tried to concentrate on the match, but having the man you had a giant crush on talking about you wasn't making it easy.

And of course, your best friend noticed. “You look distracted.”

You scoffed, shaking your head. “Of course not.”

But when he charged another attack at you, this time aiming his blade at your side, you barely managed to block it, losing your balance.

Anakin raised an eyebrow, with a victorious grin. “Told you.”

You could still feel Obi-wan's gaze on you, but you tried to concentrate as much as possible, until you managed to disarm Anakin.

“Seems like I won today.” You smirked, extending your hand towards your friend to help him up. He grunted, accepting your help.

You both turned to the masters, who were approaching you. “Great job, padawans.” Obi-wan congratulated you, nodding to both of you. But his gaze settled on you. “You've made quite a progress. Keep it up and you'll be very successful.”

You felt your cheeks heat up, and tried to cover it with a slight bow. “Thank you, master.” You just hoped no one had noticed.

But Plo Koon did. He looked at you with his head bowed in confusion, though he decided not to say anything. “That was all. You both did very well. We'll leave you to practice on your own.”

With a final bow, you watched as the masters departed, your heart racing at what you had just experienced.

Once they were gone, Anakin dropped to the ground with an exaggerated sigh. “You're lucky. But I let you win.”

You chuckled, lying down next to him. “Yeah, right. Keep dreaming.”

You closed your eyes, catching your breath. When you opened them again, you found your friend staring out the window, nostalgic.

“Are you alright?” You sat up.

“Yeah, it's just...” He sighed, his gaze lost in a fixed point. “I was thinking about Padmé. See that? That's the Senate building. She must be there...”

You looked at him, somewhere between amused and incredulous. “Oh, Force. Ani, again? You haven't seen her in years.”

“Yes, again.” He turned to look at you. “She's so special. Even if twenty years pass, I don't think I would be able to forget her.” He sighed. “Didn't you see her when she was queen, on Naboo?”

“Ani, I left Naboo when I was three. She wasn't queen at that time. And I don't remember anything about the planet either.”

“Well, you should. It's beautiful. And she's even more so.” You couldn't help but chuckle at how dramatic he was. “Oh, of course you're amused. You could never understand.”

“Why would you say that?” You arched an eyebrow.

He smirked. “Because you've never been in love, obviously.”

You scoffed. “And who makes you think I never have?”

Anakin looked at you in surprise, and that's when you realized you'd said too much. “Are you trying to tell me that you have fallen in love with someone?”

You laughed nervously. “Of course not... That's not my point.”

“Oh, no. Now you have to tell me.” He sat down next to you, curiously.

“It's just a silly crush... It doesn't mean anything.”

“Come on. You have to tell me who he is.” He shook you by the shoulders. “You know about Padmé, it's only fair you tell me who you're in love with.”

You rolled your eyes, knowing he'd insist to exhaustion. “It's... It's going to be weird, okay?”

He looked at you with intrigue. “It's not... me, is it?”

You pushed him. “Of course not, dumbass. That's gross.” You groaned. You were cornered. “Okay, it's... Ugh, it's Obi-wan.”

His amused smile was wiped away in an instant, turning disgusted.

“That's- gross! He's my master! Like- my father! You like my father?”

You chuckled at his reaction, your cheeks completely red. “It's not like that! Well... maybe a bit yes. But he's not your father!”

He covered his face with his hands. “But why! What do you see in him?”

“Well... he's a great Jedi, he's amazing, and his force mark is very warm, when you see him you feel like everything will be okay and... he's so... handsome.”

Anakin groaned. “Oh, force. I don't know why I asked. I'll have nightmares.”

You laughed at his words. “You act like something is going to happen. Please Ani, he doesn't even know I exist. He just sees me as Plo Koon's Padawan and your best friend.”

“Well, he better. Both of you.”

The two of you remained in a comfortable silence for a few seconds, until he spoke again. “Do you think Padmé still remembers me?”

You couldn't help but chuckle. “Probably. Maybe someday you'll see her again, who knows.”

Anakin nodded. “Ready for a rematch?”

You ignited your blade with a proud smile. “Oh, I'm ready to beat you again.”

Your days at the temple were routine again. Train, teach, meditate, eat, repeat. Hell, you were even a little bored. As much as you hated to admit it... You missed being aboard a ship, floating in hyperspace for hours, reaching a distant planet and destroying droids.

You felt that Jedi values had changed quite a bit. When you were a Padawan, and the galaxy was at peace, you never thought anything like this would happen. To be a general in a war? It was crazy.

You were walking through the Temple, fresh from your first class of the morning. It was being a pretty quiet day, at least for now. You had woken up in your boyfriend's arms, sleepy smiles and soft kisses. But unfortunately he had to leave early for - yet another - meeting with the Council.

A force mark you would recognize anywhere brought you out of your thoughts. You turned, finding your best friend walking towards you.

“Anakin!” You started walking towards him, a smile lighting up your face, until it slowly faded as you felt his emotions through the Force.

“It's... so good to see you.” You looked at him with concern. “I wanted to look for you, but I figured you were busy. Are you... okay?”

He sighed. “I was named member of the High Council.”

Your eyes widened with surprise and confusion again. “They named you master? That's incredible news, Ani.”

You were about to go over to hug him, but he took a step back, denying. “No. I'm still a knight.”

“What?” You furrowed your brows, sensing the anger in his voice and in the Force. “Is that even possible?”

His jaw clenched. “No. It's a complete disrespect. I've done more than many Jedi Masters. I've saved lives, won battles. And this is how I get paid?”

“Ani, calm down.” You said softly. “I'm sure the Council had their reasons, but they're going to name you soon. It's what you deserve, after all.”

He scoffed. “That's easy for you to say. But we're not all the Council's favorites.”

This hit you like a bucket of cold water. You looked at him in dismay, trying to find the right words. “You're speaking from your anger. You think I don't understand you? We've always been in this together, Anakin.”

“That's a lie. From the moment they made you master, we no longer were. Why would they do that? You haven't even had a Padawan. I have.”

“I didn't ask to be one.” You were fighting with all your strength to keep yourself calm. “It just happened, and I'm sure soon you be will too-” You couldn't finish, for Anakin interrupted you.

“And here we go again. You're defending them. What about me? Wasn't I your best friend? You'll never understand how I feel. Do you know what it's like to try hard, to give your all and still not have it be enough?”

You looked at him in disbelief. “Of course I do. Force, Anakin. You know all too well my struggles with the Council. I've had to prove myself time and time again.” You took a deep breath, you were beginning to raise your voice. “I've always been here for you, why are you attacking me out of nowhere?”

That calmed him down. He looked down at the floor, embarrassed. “I'm sorry. I- I didn't mean to...” He sighed. “I have to go.”

And he walked away, leaving you confused and angry. What was happening to him? That wasn't Anakin.

You weren't blind, you knew the war had affected him. All of you. But that didn't justify him behaving like a complete idiot.

You were so lost in your thoughts that you didn't notice someone approaching you until you bumped into each other. Immediately, you felt strong arms holding you, stopping a possible fall.

When you looked up, you met Obi-wan's soft gaze.

“Darling.”

Your eyes widened in surprise, glancing sideways to make sure you were alone. Luckily, you were. But you didn't want to take any chances.

“Master Kenobi.”

He laughed a little. “Are we formal?”

You nudged him, rolling your eyes. “Someone may come.” You scanned your surroundings, grabbing his hand and stepping into an empty room.

When the door closed behind him, you noticed he was looking at you with concern. He took a step forward, stroking your cheek. “Are you alright?”

You leaned into his touch, his warm hand immediately comforting you. “Yeah, I just... I argued with Anakin.”

His expression clouded, immediately realizing what was going on. “I guess you heard, then.”

“What happened?”

He sighed, taking your hand, tracing circles on it. “The Chancellor named Anakin his representative on the Council.”

Your eyes widened in surprise. “Is that even possible?”

Obi-wan shook his head. “No. The Chancellor does not have the authority to interfere in the affairs of the Council. But given the circumstances... It was decided to give him a seat, but without giving him the rank of master.”

“That's why he's so upset.”

“Yes, and...” He hesitated for a second, as if debating whether or not to mention it. “He was given an extra-official mission by the Council.”

“What is it?”

“They want Anakin to spy on the Chancellor.”

You brought a hand to your mouth. “What?”

“Palpatine has gained a lot of power in the years of war. We suspect something is wrong... We can no longer ignore it.”

“Obi-wan. The Chancellor is like a mentor to Anakin. He's one of the closest people he has... He's not going to take this well.”

“I know. I know because I already told him.”

You folded your arms, worried. “He must see it as treason.”

He took your hands between his, and rested them on his chest. “That's why I'm telling you this. Please keep an eye on him.” His voice was troubled. “You're his best friend. He trusts you.”

You closed your eyes, processing the situation. The last thing you wanted was to be in the middle of this. But you wouldn't leave your friend alone either.

You nodded slowly. “I will.”

And before you could say anything else, you felt him pulling you in, wrapping you in a warm embrace. “Thank you, sweetheart. Really.”

You sank your face into his robe, snuggling against his body. At times like this, in his arms, you could pretend everything was okay. No war, no Jedi Order, no pregnancy. Just you and him.

“ Everything will be alright.” He whispered into your hair. And you, if only for a second, believed him. You actually managed to think everything was going to get better.

A few seconds later, he broke away, leaving a kiss on your forehead. “I'll look for you later, okay?”

You nodded, even though your whole being was screaming at you to go into his arms again.

His fingers slipped from yours before finally releasing you. He gave you one last look, with the smile that always reassured you.

When the door closed behind him, you let out a half-hearted sigh, leaning your back against the wall.

At what moment had things come to this point?

You placed your hand on your belly, caressing it gently. You have to be strong. For your baby.

You didn't know what, but something in the Force felt... different. Your instincts told you something big was about to happen. But you couldn't figure out what.

You took a deep breath, mentally preparing yourself to go about your day. You couldn't let this get to you.

You were sitting on the floor of your quarters, trying to meditate. It was already night, the window was open and you could appreciate the stars in the sky of Coruscant.

You breathed deeply, trying to connect with the Force. But for some reason you couldn't. Something had changed. Something you couldn't quite figure out, but it felt... dense.

You sighed. You wouldn't be able to meditate today. You opened your eyes, which focused on the holoprojector in front of you. You debated for a moment before turning it on.

A few seconds later, the kind face of your master appeared. “My dear.”

You smiled at him. “Hello, master. Apologies for calling you... You must be busy in battle.”

“Oh, don't worry, my dear. I'm on the ship. And if you decided to call your old master, it must be for a good reason.”

You chuckled a little, nodding. “Yes...well, I felt I had to call you. Something in the force just- told me to.”

He watched you. He was your master, he knew you better than anyone. And he knew something was wrong. “Are you all right, my dear?”

You bit your cheek. Of course he was going to notice. “I don't know.” You looked down. “There's something... Something's going on. In the force. I can feel it and it's... overwhelming.”

“The force is unpredictable, my child. It is constantly changing; it never stands still.” His eyes, though covered by his mask, were kind.

You sighed. “I know, master. But this is different. Something bad is going to happen, I know it.”

He watched you for a moment, reading you as only he could. “Don't let fear cloud you.”

“It's not- fear.” Your voice weakened. You were lying.

His voice softened. “The force is preparing you. And you're already ready for whatever comes.”

“How are you so sure?”

“Because you're my padawan. Because I took you in when you were a little girl and I've watched you grow into the strong woman you are now.” He was being sincere. You could feel it in your bond. “And no matter what happens, I will always be proud of you.”

You felt a lump in your throat, your eyes filling with tears. “Thank you, master.”

“It's late on Coruscant. You should rest.”

You nodded. “May the force be with you, my padawan.”

“And with you, master.”

The blue light that illuminated your face faded, leaving you in total darkness. You swallowed saliva, trying to process the conversation you had just had.

You wiped your tears with the back of your hand. You weren't a child anymore, you had to be strong.

Suddenly, you heard your door open, and Obi-wan's warm force mark flooded your room.

He took off his robe, coming to sit beside you on the floor. “Hello, my love.”

He brushed a lock of hair away from your face, kissing your forehead. “Are you okay?”

You took a deep breath, nodding and forcing a smile. “Yes... I was trying to meditate.”

If Obi-wan noticed your red eyes, he said nothing. Instead, he took your hand gently. “It's late, love. Let's go to bed.”

You had to catch him.

Anakin's footsteps echoed in your ears as he marched through the Jedi Temple.

“Ani! Anakin!” you shouted, but your voice was lost in the corridors. He didn't turn around, but you weren't sure if he was ignoring you or if he didn't hear you.

You quickened your pace, but the further you went, the distance between you grew.

“Anakin, wait!” you felt the corridors becoming smaller with each step you took. The air was thicker, it was hard for you to breathe properly.

Yet you were still following him. You didn't know why, but you had to stop him. Your whole being was screaming at you.

The walls were closing in, so much so that you could now hold on to both of them to move forward, because the suffocating sensation was getting worse and worse and it was difficult to walk.

Suddenly, you felt your body buckle from the pain. You clutched your chest, an intense pang coursing through your heart, sending a nauseous sensation through you.

You gasped, forcing yourself to keep going. But when you looked up, Anakin was gone.

The hallway had returned to normal, but... blood stained the wall.

At first it was just a small drop, and as it slid down, it grew larger and larger, until it completely covered the place.

A shiver ran down your spine. You looked around, you could hear screams in the distance, screams of pain. But when you tried to look for where they came from, you were simply... incapable.

You wanted to run, to scream, to throw yourself to the ground. But it was as if something was holding you down, forcing you to stay still.

Suddenly, a hand touched your shoulder.

You turned with a lump in your throat, it was your master. He was there, his kind face and warm presence. But something wasn't right. He looked like... he was deforming.

“Remember, my padawan.” His voice echoed through the shouts, but it was distorted. “I will always be proud of you.”

You awoke with a jump, your heart pounding desperately and your breathing quickening.

You immediately felt Obi-wan sitting next to you, his warm presence comforting you.

The first sob came out of your mouth, and his arms immediately wrapped around you.

“Hey, darling. Look at me.”

But you weren't listening. Your body was shaking, your ears ringing, making your head throb uncomfortably.

You could feel that he was talking, but it came out as a faint murmur amidst a lot of noise.

“Love.” He cupped your cheeks, forcing you to make eye contact with him. Your breathing was rapid, panting.

“Breathe. Like this, see?” You followed his rhythm, his kind but concerned eyes helping you focus.

After a few minutes, your breathing had returned to normal. “That's good. That's it, love. You did very well.”

He brushed a lock away from your face and you cuddled into his chest, his strong, warm arms around you, protecting you.

“I'm sorry. It was just... a nightmare.”

He shook his head, pressing a kiss to your hair. “It's okay, love. It's okay now. I'm here.”

You nodded, your heart still racing.

“Do you want to talk about it?” His voice was soft and understanding. One of the things you loved most about Obi-wan.

“No... I just want to go back to sleep.”

He nodded, and you both lay back down on the bed. Your head rested on his neck, breathing in his familiar scent.

He left a kiss on your forehead, his hands gently caressing your waist. “Rest, love. I've got you.”

The sound of your holocomm brought you out of your thoughts. You were in your quarters, reporting on the latest battle. Although you were actually dozing off. After last night's incident, you hadn't been able to get to sleep.

The mid-morning sun was streaming through your window. Obi-wan had left quite early, the Council had called him away for an urgent meeting.

Sighing, you answered the call. Your commander materialized in blue light, his helmet on. ‘General, can you meet me at the GAR hangar?’

You raised an eyebrow, but nodded. “Of course, Commander.”

The ride was short, but you were confused. Why would Forge call you to the hangar? Everyone was on break.

When you arrived, clones from your battalion were everywhere, loading supplies and weapons onto the Neptune, your ship.

You looked around, some of them stopping to greet you before continuing on their way. They looked in a hurry. ‘What the-?’

In the distance, you spotted Forge, who was on the side of the ship, giving instructions to some shinies. As you approached, they left and he gave you a military salute. ‘General.’

‘Forge.’ You didn't know where to start. Surely, your confusion showed on your face.

And Forge noticed, for he raised an eyebrow. ‘’Are you... alright?’

‘What-what's going on?’

‘Um, we're preparing for the mission, sir.’

‘What mission?’ Your eyebrows furrowed.

“You... didn't know?” The clone was silent for a few seconds. Surely he had realized he screwed up.

“What mission, Forge?” you insisted.

“We were sent to Mygeeto. As reinforcements for General Mundi.” He ran a hand through his hair, almost nervous at your reaction.

You looked around the room. You hadn't expected the Council to send battalions overseas so soon, especially after the Battle of Coruscant. Yet your men looked ready to leave.

And you were just standing there, like a fool.

“How... How had I not been informed of this?”

“General Windu said you had another mission, and that's why you wouldn't be able to lead us.”

You took a deep breath, trying to contain your emotions. “A mission? I don't have any-”

You stopped when you felt yourself raising your voice. You sighed. “Alright. I'll talk to the Council. If they made this decision, it will have been for a good reason.”

You ignored the pain in your chest. If the Council had chosen this, it meant Obi-wan knew about it. And he hadn't told you anything.

He nodded, his eyes looking concerned at you. “I'm sorry, General. But... You look terrible.”

That at least made you laugh a little. “Believe me, I know. I'm exhausted.”

He gave you a sad smile. You both remained silent for a few seconds, not quite knowing what to do. In the end, you shook your head. “I guess I should be going. You guys are pretty busy here.”

He nodded, hesitating before speaking again. “Just so you know, General... If I had known, I would have fought for you to join us. Our loyalty is to you.”

Your chest felt warm and you nodded, swallowing the lump that had formed in your throat. “Thank you, Forge. I truly appreciate it.”

He gave you a military salute. “May the force be with you, General.”

“And with you, Commander.”

You watched as he returned to the ship, stepping back silently. You had so many questions on your mind... You had to return to the temple immediately.

However, as you were walking through the corridors of the building, you felt someone pulling you. You gasped, everything had gone dark out of nowhere. You were in the service closet. And in front of you was...

“Obi-wan?” You looked at him in confusion. His chest was rising and falling quickly, as if he had run here.

He gave you a sweet smile. “Forgive me, love. I knew you were going to be here, and...”

“You knew.” You interrupted him, and he took a step back. You had caught him off guard.

“Darling...”

“You knew my battalion was leaving today, why didn't you tell me?” your voice was harsh.

“The orders came today, at the morning meeting. Reinforcements were urgently needed, and I wanted to tell you, but...”

“Forge said I wouldn't be able to go because I had a mission, what was he talking about?”

His expression became serious, but he hesitated. He was nervous, you knew him too well. “The Council decided to assign you an unofficial mission.” Your brows furrowed. “ They want- you to keep an eye on Anakin.”

Those words hit you like an icy bucket of water. “What?”

“I had already told you, love.”

“Yes, and I agreed, but I thought you were asking me out of your concern for Anakin. Not because the Council had sent you.” You folded your arms.

“I am concerned about Anakin. And so is the Council.”

“They're locking me out of a mission with my battalion, with my men. And they didn't even bother to tell me.” You took a deep breath, trying to calm your emotions.

He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I know, and that's why I fought for you. But the decision was already made.”

You looked at him for a few seconds. “And what am I supposed to do, spy on him?”

“No, no. Just- keep an eye on him. You can talk to him... or Padmé. I went to see her in the morning, but she didn't tell me much. You two... you're close. She trusts you more.”

You scoffed. “And what am I supposed to do, report my friend's personal business to the Council?”

He winced. “If you feel something is wrong, you tell me. I'll take care of it.”

You closed your eyes, analyzing. Finally you sighed, nodding reluctantly. “Fine. But I'm not doing it for the Council. I'm doing it because Anakin is my friend.”

He gently grabbed your waist, pulling your bodies closer together in an embrace. Even though you were upset, you couldn't pull away. Sometimes you hated how comforting Obi-wan's force mark was.

“Forgive me. I didn't intend to fight.” He whispered, his thumbs stroking your waist and belly. It was a familiar gesture. You felt him pull away, but you stayed wrapped around him for a few seconds longer.

When you came out of his arms, he was looking at you, his lips parted and brows furrowed. He was probably waiting for you to say something. “It's okay. It's not your fault.” You smiled a little at him, and then a doubt popped into your mind. “What are you doing here anyway? We could have talked at the Temple.”

Obi-wan blinked a couple of times, as if his mind had been in another world. “Oh, yes. Actually, I... I was coming to say goodbye.”

Your heart stopped for a second. “To... Say goodbye?”

He took your hands in his. “Grievous has been located. He is on Utapau, and the Council chose me to stop him.”

Your lips parted in surprise. Oh.

The war was one step away from being over, and Obi-wan would be in charge.

You were proud, of course. He was the best.

But still, everything inside you was begging you not to let him go. To be selfish and have someone else sent away, but not the man you loved.

You swallowed saliva with difficulty, you had a huge lump in your throat. “You're going to... stop the war, then.” You forced a smile, your voice was cracking.

“If all goes well, yes.”

His words echoed throughout your insides. And you knew there was a chance that this was the last time you would see him. A small one, but it was there.

And of course, you were in a war. There was always that possibility. But this time it felt different.

Your foreheads pressed together, feeling the warm presence of the other enveloping both of you.

You didn't say anything, but you didn't have to. Your force mark spoke for yourselves.

Please don't go.

Don't let me go.

But you knew very well that this was not your decision to make.

“Be careful, please.” His hands rested on yours, which were on his cheeks.

“Always.” He left a kiss on your forehead and gave you one of his reassuring smiles. “I'll be back before you know it.”

You nodded, watching as he walked to the door. But before he could open it, you called him again. “Obi-wan.”

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

The elevator doors opened, materializing Padmé's living room. Your friend stood there, looking out the window. She was dressed in elegant attire, surely she had just arrived from the Senate.

You had finished your last class of the day and decided to visit her, considering your conversation with Obi-wan.

Again, you were doing this for your friend. You cared about him. Not the Council.

She turned, calling your name. ”Dear. How nice to see you.”

You moved in for a hug, your gaze dropping down to her wide robe, to cover her tummy. “Likewise. We haven't seen each other since... well.” Your hand rested on your own belly, which was still unnoticeable.

She smiled tenderly at you, but you noticed that her gaze was somewhat lost.

“It's true. And I have a lot to tell you.” She took your arm gently. “Come, sit down. Would you like something to drink? Maybe some tea?”

You looked at her cautiously, her hands were playing with the fabric of her robe. “Uhm, yes. Tea would be nice.” Padmé called out to Threepio, who immediately went towards the kitchen.

She exhaled, settling into the armchair. “You didn't... run into Anakin on your way up?”

You raised an eyebrow. “He was here?”

“Yes... But the Chancellor called him.”

“The... Chancellor?” you mumbled, your mind flashing back to the conversation you'd had with Obi-wan.

She nodded, her gaze distracted. “Yeah... I guess they told you about the Council stuff. Anyway,” She looked to you. “You have a lot to tell me... Have you told Obi-wan yet?”

You knew it was a tactic to evade the subject, but her voice sounded genuinely interested, so you decided not to press her. Yet.

“Uhm... No, not yet.” You lowered your gaze. “I was going to, but with the whole Grievous thing, and the war being at its end point, I decided to wait.”

She frowned. “Wait?”

“Yes... He's already under a lot of stress. I want to wait for the most appropriate time.”

“Dear,” She took your hand. “You know there's no such thing as the right time, right?”

You sighed. “I know. But I feel it's not time yet. The Force tells me so.”

She smiled a little, nodding. “If you feel it in the Force, then I believe you. But don't wait too long.”

You nodded. “Well, what about Anakin? I'm guessing you've already told him. And if not, then he probably figured it out.”

“Yeah, he already knows. He's very excited.” You noticed her smile didn't reach her eyes.

“Padmé.” Your eyebrows furrowed. “I know you. Did something happen?”

She hesitated, but just as she was about to say something, Threepio arrived with the teas.

When the droid was gone, Padmé took a sip, and you watched her expectantly. After a few seconds of silence, she finally spoke.

“Obi-wan came by this morning. To ask me about Anakin.” She licked her lips, thinking carefully over her words. “Are you here to do the same?”

You raised your eyebrows, surprised. Obviously she would notice, your friend is not naive. “Yes.” You nodded, exhaling. “Padmé... We're worried about Ani. Something's going on with him. You know that, don't you?”

She lowered her gaze. “I... I don't know what you're talking about.”

She was in denial, you knew. You took her hand, intertwining her fingers with yours, forcing her to meet your eyes. “Please. I want to help him.”

Taking a deep breath, she nodded. And told you everything. The doubts towards the council, his trust to Palpatine, and his ambition to have more. You noticed she was still holding some things back, but decided not to mention it. The information you had was enough so far.

When she finished, she took a sip of her tea. Her hands were shaking slightly. “He's not like that... He's so different from the man I married.”

You felt a lump in your throat. “I thought it was because of the war. We've all changed. But this...”

“He's still there.” Her voice was determined, but you could sense she wasn't entirely sure. “The Ani we love is there, we just have to be there for him.”

“You're right. He has to know that the people who love him support him.”

She nodded, and without another word, leaned toward you.

You both hugged each other for a few seconds, letting the warmth of the other comfort you. You closed your eyes, instantly relaxing. “It's going to be okay.”

When you pulled apart, she gave you a soft smile. “Thank you for caring.”

“You know I'll always be there for both of you.”

After another quick hug, you stood up. “I should probably get going. If I see Anakin, I'll try to talk to him.”

“Okay, you go carefully.”

You drove to the temple, leaving the speeder in the hangar. As usual, there were several clones there, loading supplies onto the ships.

You remembered this morning, when you saw Forge and your men leave on a mission without you. You wondered how they were doing, perhaps you would call your commander later, to see if all was well.

And inevitably, you also remembered Obi-wan. By this point, he would surely have reached Utapau. You silently asked the Force to protect him. You knew he was more than capable, but that didn't stop you from worrying.

You walked along the platform, waving to the troopers and jedi you recognized. In the distance, you spotted Anakin, who was talking to Mace Windu and other members of the Council.

You moved a little closer, but not close enough to interrupt. Master Windu was saying something to your friend, before boarding a ship with the rest of the masters.

You took the opportunity to reach Anakin, but as you did so, you felt a great change in the Force. And it was all coming from him.

You furrowed your eyebrows. “Anakin?”

When he turned, and his eyes met yours, you held back a gasp.

His force mark... it was different. You were afraid to say it, but almost dark. “Are you okay?” your voice trembled slightly.

He nodded, his gaze somber. “Yeah, I'm fine. I have to go.”

He walked past you, not even looking back. You frowned, grabbing his arm. “Anakin. I want to talk to you.”

“I just told you I have to go.” His body tensed.

“It'll just be a few minutes. Please.” You stared into his eyes, looking for your best friend in that man full of anger and confusion. But before he could say anything, a soft voice calling your name distracted you.

“I was looking for you!” It was Sammi. You took a deep breath, this was the worst moment. When she saw your expressions, she took a step back. “Oh, forgive me, am I interrupting something?”

Anakin released his grip on you. “No. I was just leaving.”

You watched as he walked away without looking back, his robe fluttering until he disappeared into the temple elevator. You sighed, you had a very bad feeling.

Sammi rested a hand on your shoulder. “Are you okay?”

You turned, forcing a smile and nodding. “Yeah... don't worry, why were you looking for me?”

“Oh! I have a class with the younglings and I need your help...” She kept talking, but you couldn't concentrate. You felt a huge weight on your chest, not letting you breathe properly. Something was very wrong.

“How do you possibly have time to watch this?” you giggled. After helping Sammi with her class, they went to your quarters, and she showed you the latest holodrama she was watching.

“Well, General Jedi, may I remind you that I don't go out on the battlefield.”

“Just the same, you must be too busy in the infirmary!” you both laughed. The drama was a very theatrical recreation of Jedi life, and the main characters had a secret relationship.

“This is very unrealistic, anyway.” Sammi mentioned. “Secret relationships between the Jedi? Pff, of course not.”

“Yeah... obviously. That doesn't happen in real life.” You chuckled, trying to hide the fact that you had turned red.

Sunset was already coming, staining your room a nice orange. The younglings had helped distract you from the pain in your chest that plagued you. And Sammi's company was comforting, you could look for Anakin tomorrow.

Then your friend said something, but you didn't hear her, as a shiver ran down your spine.

You looked down at the ground, trying to analyze what was happening. Something had changed. In the air, in the Force.

You noticed that Sammi had gone quiet, so you turned your gaze to her. Her eyes were wide, her breathing accelerated.

“You feel it too.” You whispered, it wasn't a question.

Everything felt dense, as if time was suddenly slowing down. The pain in your chest had returned, but this time it was worse.

“What's going on?”

You rose gently from your bed, as shouting began to be heard in the hallway. You gasped, moving closer to the door and sticking your ear against it.

You closed your eyes, trying to connect with the Force, but-

You clutched your head, an excruciating pain was covering it.

You heard blasters.

Lightsabers.

And finally- nothing. Total silence.

Above it all, an emptiness of total suffering and pain. It was the dark side.

Sammi whispered your name, desperate. “Tell me what's going on.”

You winced, trying to find your words. “The clones.” Your voice came out choked. “They're here. They're attacking us.”

next chapter 𖥔 ͙ࣳ ⸰ֺ⭑

© obiwansito, 2024. reposts, copies and translations are not allowed. my work cannot be used for training AI.

[tragedy-for-sale]

Favorite Liar pt. I

I have yet to see people talk about the physical pain Obi-Wan must have been in during the Hardeen arc. I mean, this man was constantly getting beat up and had dozens of untreated injuries. Not to mention, we saw how much pain he was in during the facial transformation, what about the pain turning back?

─── ❖ ── ✦ ── ❖ ───

Obi-Wan found it humerous Master Windu and Master Yoda had failed to mention how much this would hurt. But Obi-Wan knew if they kept adding on to the already long list of things that made Obi-Wan want to back out, that he would have. He was already lying far beyond he'd ever wanted to, he'd already hurt all those he loved and he didn't dare ask for forgiveness because had their places been shifted, Obi-Wan would have a hard time accepting an apology all the same. But this, this was just cruel. Returning to Obi-Wan Kenobi was a lot harder than becoming Rako Hardeen.

He would be lying if Obi-Wan had said he hadn't been avoiding Anakin and Ahsoka. He felt their betrayal all throughout the temple, from star systems away he could sense their pain. Pain that he caused. Obi-Wan couldn't stand that truth, he'd hurt them and there wasn't anything he could do to make it alright. His need to help others had only hurt the people he cared the most about. So there Obi-Wan sat, alone in the medical wing of the temple, hidden far from others, where he could hide and no one would see the shame on his face.

He looked out the window, that was all he could do. Upon his initial scan, the droid pointed out his several cracked ribs and the transformation back had left his face swollen and bruised, and the voice changer had left his throat feeling as if he'd swallowed blades. So Obi-Wan laid there, holding himself tightly as he fought the pain that came with each breath, as he prepared himself to swallow and whince at the pain. But he didn't have enough energy to whince, he didn't have enough energy for anything at all.

When hours passed, he woke up and shot up as he grabbed the container on the bedside table. He'd been terribly nauseous and he had yet to be able to keep anything down. Obi-Wan fell back onto the pillows, staring at the wall, he'd asked for privacy and he'd gotten it. Mace nor Yoda had come by since. Plo had left flowers, a rather odd gesture Obi-Wan thought, but appreciated it all the same.

Sitting up, he held his hand closely to his chest, moving slowly to ease his pain. Obi-Wan closed his eyes and took a deep breath, he could make it to the chair, Obi-Wan knew he could, it wasn't as if he'd gone through a major trauma, he was fine. He was just in a lot of pain. Nothing to worry about. Swinging his legs over the bed, he braced himself and with another deep breath, Obi-Wan stood up. He was leaning against the bed but he felt he could do this. He could make it to the chair. His left arm was still pressed against his aching chest, but he could make it. Step after step, he could make it- he really almost did.

Obi-Wan took too confident of a step, he felt blades against his lungs and he fell. Obi-Wan whimpered as he opened his eyes. His entire body shaking. He felt a wave of frustration wash over him, he slammed his fist down. "Dammit-" He whinced, eyes flooding with tears as he let out a sob. Obi-Wan shook his head, he shouldn't have done this, he didn't want to be fighting with Anakin, he didn't want Ahsoka to be mad at him, he didn't want his friends avoiding him like the plague. He wanted to be chasing after Ahsoka, finding Anakin in hide-and-seek, he wanted his family close, not held at arms length. He wanted Cody. Most of all, he couldn't stand Cody hating him. He loved him too much.

He'd been so angry with him, and Obi-Wan just stood there, wanting to tell Cody that he loved him, but Obi-Wan would open his mouth to say it but nothing would come out. He had tried to grab Cody's hand and Obi-Wan was still haunted by Cody yanking his hand back. He wasn't strong enough for this. He tried so hard to be okay with losing everyone he loved, he tried so hard not to be swept away by the undercurrent of remorse, but he'd failed so miserably. He cried for Cody, for hours, Cody's anger echoed in his mind, Cody fighting him until his tears caused his anger to resign. Obi-Wan had done his duty as a Jedi, but he'd lost everything, now all he had was himself, and he wouldn't choose to spend the rest of his life with himself. He wasn't someone Obi-Wan liked.

Obi-Wan fell onto his back, gasping for air. He shouldn't have tried to be brave. He should have just stayed in the bed. He shouldn't have tried to be a Jedi, he should've been selfish and let another take upon this task. He couldn't handle all the people he loved being angry at him, he couldn't handle being alone. Obi-Wan closed his eyes, he could feel his entire body shake, he was so cold. But he couldn't get up, he couldn't move his hand, he couldn't even think to use the force. All he could do was lay there and think, think of all he'd done,

Think of all he'd ruined.

─── ❖ ── ✦ ── ❖ ───

Part two here

[heartofroses112]

Our Own Choices Deleted Scenes — finding Ahsoka and Rex, pt. 2

It was good they left the shuttle when they did. They’d only been moving for a few minutes, Rex hanging heavy and limp between the Commander and Echo, when Ahsoka felt a tremor travel through the ground and up her body. She stopped, craning her head over her shoulder to peer back at the crash site. It was hidden by a hill and the rocky terrain, but the smoke pouring into the air was a pretty obvious sign.

“We have to move faster,” she said, hands tightening around the hilts of her lightsabers. “They’ve found the wreckage.”

Bly glanced behind and cursed. “More like they blew up what remained.” He stretched his stride, trying to increase their pace without putting too much strain on the group. “Commander, Corporal, you got this?”

“Just keep the way clear, Marshal,” Echo grunted, adjusting his grip on Rex’s waist as the older man started to slip. “Kriffing- why did they have to give me a scomp link of all things?”

Ahsoka sent a wave of the Force to help Echo, determined to support Rex’s weight for as long as her focus let her. Echo grunted as Rex’s weight lessened. “Thanks, Commander,” he said over his shoulder.

The Commander said nothing, simply holding tight to Rex and picking up the pace, helmet lowered to avoid the treacherous divots and bumps in the ground beneath their feet. Ahsoka fought back the urge to reach out to him with the Force; he probably wouldn’t appreciate it, not now. Is it weird that I keep referring to him as the Commander? she wondered. I know it’s Cody. There’s no one else it could be. So why… She sighed internally. Because he’s not yet revealed himself to me. If he wants to stay hidden, stay concealed… I must respect that.

Ahsoka stared at the back of the Commander’s head, senses stretched to their limit as she used the Force to watch their backs. Master Obi-Wan is dead, she reminded herself, ignoring how it still hurt to remember him. And just as the 332nd turned on me, the 212th must have turned on him. Even with the chips, it can’t have been easy for him to have killed Obi-Wan. I mean, they were so obviously in love with each other.

She allowed herself a brief smile at the memories, Cody and Obi-Wan never far from the others’ side, nothing less than professional at all times. It had fooled Anakin, but anyone who actually knew either of the men could tell the depth of their feelings.

Anakin had never managed to separate his personal feelings from his duty to the Jedi and the Republic. It had benefitted her several times but… in the end… Padmé was still dead, and Anakin—

Ahsoka loosed a slow breath, washing away all thoughts of her former master. Lingering on the past would not help her now. She and… the Commander would need to talk about it all, but that could wait until after Rex was safe and there were no enemies on their tail.

Their new loping stride ate up the ground quicker than before, dust billowing in the air with the speed of their movement. She felt Bly pushing a sensation at her; the clones’ ship was just behind the next ridge. Had he learned how to do that with Master Secura? It’s a neat trick, especially when we have to stay quiet. Wonder why we never thought of it.

Despite all of their efforts to increase their movement across the hardened earth, they weren’t fast enough. A blaster bolt shot past Ahsoka and hit the dirt just a foot from Echo. He cursed loudly, half-turning to see where it had come from.

“Run!” Ahsoka shouted. “I’ll cover you, just go!”

“Commander—”

“Go!”

The bolts were beginning to rain down all around them, little explosions of dirt and grass all around them as the shots missed. But it was a near thing, and they couldn’t rely on the shitty aim of the enemies behind them.

Ahsoka turned, unclipping her ‘sabers and facing the hill that now rose up in front of her. A squad of stormtroopers, only about two dozen or so, approached, movement hindered by the slope of the hill and the rocks beneath their feet. She noted the aim of their blasters, and realized most were still firing at her friends despite her proximity to their group.

A grim smile crossed her face. Time to change that.

She ignited her lightsabers, and the harsh white glow filled her periphery. Ahsoka kept half her thoughts of her friends, Force still lightening the weight of Rex’s unconscious body. Once she was sure they had reached their ship safely, then she would join them.

But for now…

“Focus all fire on the Jedi!” The order reached her on a breeze. She scowled, rolling her shoulders and shifting her head enough that her hood fell down from her montrals. It wouldn’t be a difficult fight, but, with their numbers, it may take longer than she wanted.

Oh well. Anakin had trained her against this kind of situation. And while her feelings about her former master were… complicated at best, he had done well by her. And it was far past time to put his lessons into action.

She raised her lightsabers, falling into the familiar stance in which so many duels had begun—slight crouch, main saber held in a reverse grip and shoto held across her body. She felt flickers of unease from the Imperials before her. She let her smile widen. Good. They recognized the form of a trained Jedi before them. And they knew she would not be going down easily today.

What they failed to acknowledge was that a Jedi never fought harder than when she was protecting those who could not, the innocent, the injured, the weak. And when those injured where her friends… the Jedi would become a force of nature.

And Ahsoka was ready to rage.

As soon as the ship was in sight, Echo and Bly switched places. Echo bolted up the ramp, climbing the ladder as quickly as he could. He fumbled with the rail, scomp link banging against the metal with a loud clang. Cursing, he dragged himself up the rest of the way and spilled into the cockpit. He was throwing switches and hitting buttons before Cody and Bly even made it onto the ship.

“I’ll get Rex situated,” Cody said, voice muffled by the floor separating Echo from his brothers. “Bly, man the guns. Echo, get this bird off the ground! Tano’s going to need a pick-up!”

“Yessir,” he hollered back down the hatch. There was the telltale thud as the loading ramp shut, a hiss as the hold depressurized. Despite the situation, Echo couldn’t help the fierce smile that crossed his face. Odd, he hadn’t smiled like this in ages.

Echo also hadn’t thought Ahsoka Tano was alive in ages.

He’d not seen much of her in the dark cockpit, and her hood had concealed most of her features from view. But she was so much taller than she had ever been, montrals taller and lekku longer. She grew up. Not that he was surprised. It had been practically two decades since they had seen each other. 

Well, he was surprised, actually. As far as Echo had been aware, Ahsoka had perished along with the rest of the Jedi. When he and the rest of the Bad Batch had met up with Rex only weeks after the Order, the captain had never let on about Ahsoka’s survival. Had he not trusted them enough? Not even Echo?

No, more than likely, Rex had been protecting her even then. He never seemed to stop. Echo paused in his motions, hand resting over a lever. He’d never told Cody about Rex. All these years, at least five of those knowing that the Commander was Cody himself, and Echo had never once mentioned that Rex, Cody’s closest brother, had not perished in the Venator crash that killed the entirety of the 332nd.

He flushed even as he kicked himself back into gear. He would have to apologize to Cody later; he knew how much Rex’s loss had been hurting him. But to be fair, Echo hadn’t seen Rex in months. How was he to know if Rex had managed to survive all these years? Better to not get Cody’s hopes up. That’s why he hadn’t said anything.

Echo kicked himself. Stop making excuses, he told himself. Just admit you forgot and never thought about telling Cody. Accept you’ve been a terrible brother.

“Echo!” There was a vibration at the hatch as if Cody had banged his fist against the ladder. “Hurry it up!”

Echo cursed to himself, and, instead of responding to his CO, he flicked the final switch. The ship shuddered as it lifted off of the ground, landing gear sliding back into place within the ship’s interior. “We’re airborne, Commander!”

“Good!” came the response. “Take us over Tano and open the ramp when we’re near.”

“While we’re still in the air?”

“Come on, Echo, you fought with her more than I did.” Echo could hear the grin in Cody’s voice. “You know that gravity doesn’t apply to the Jedi.”

Echo laughed, stretching across the console and plugging his scomp link into the ship’s mainframe. He winced as the overload of information flooded his brain, but he cleared it quickly. With his left hand on the controls, Echo pulled their ship into the air.

Her heard Bly whoop from his position farther into the ship. Echo couldn’t help his own matching grin. Despite the stressful situation, despite the danger that they found themselves in, despite not knowing how the day would end, there was nothing quite as intoxicating as battle. The Kaminoans must have done something to the clones in creation to make them like this; Echo didn’t know any other species who reveled in action and exhilarating fights like Jango Fett’s clones did. Or maybe it was just Jango himself.

The ship’s controls vibrating beneath his hand, information pouring into his head through the scomp link. He scanned the screens around him before focusing his attention out the viewscreen. Echo angled the ship in order to afford himself a better view.

Oh, he’d forgot how amazing it was to watch a Jedi in action. Ahsoka would always be his little sister. But Force,was she beautiful like this.

Ahsoka twirled, twisting through the air in a corkscrew before she slashed her sabers across the chest of a stormtrooper. He crumpled, but she was already moving onto the next one. She jabbed and slashed and stabbed, and Imperials fell like dominos before her blades. A pair of troopers aimed their blasters at her, bolts flying through the air and flashing toward the Togruta. Echo sucked in a breath, preparing to shout down to Bly to open fire.

But he needn’t have worried. Ahsoka reflected their blasts into the troopers at their side, whirling with the grace of a well-practiced warrior. Echo remembered training sessions during breaks between missions, General Skywalker having a dozen brothers fire stun bolts at the Commander until she fell to the ground. He was glad to see those sessions had paid off.

“Echo! Bring us down!”

Echo jumped into action at Cody’s order, pushing the controls down. The ship dipped in the air faster than he intended, and Bly’s disgruntled squawk let him know his brother’s feelings on the drop in altitude. “Steady, Echo! Bring us down steady!”

“I’m doing a lot, up here, Bly! What are you doing, sir?”

“Oho, I see why Rex wanted you in his battalion!”

Echo grinned, sending a command for the ramp to lower. He felt the guns fire before he heard them, and then he watched stormtroopers fall, puffs of dust in every spot where Bly missed. Ahsoka moved easily around the helpful fire, twisting in ways that made Echo’s metallic joints ache.

“On my signal, Echo!” Cody hollered, voice barely audible over the whistle of the wind from the open hatch. Echo pulled his focus from Ahsoka outside, instead centering all of his attention on the controls; the jump to hyperspace would be rushed. He’d only have a few moments to make the calculations.

“Yessir!”

Cody clung to the handle by the open ramp, wind whipping around his body. His hair was barely longer than it had been during the war, and yet he was still going to have to fight with major tangles later. He should have left his helmet on, not discarded it as soon as they were on board the ship. But he had needed to see Rex with his own eyes, see the proof of his brother’s survival with absolutely no chance of a trick. One hand clenched tight around the rail, the other outstretched into the empty space where the hatch should be. He waited, heart hammering and breath ragged in his chest.

The familiar sound of blasterfire reached him from the outside, along with the long unheard hiss of a lightsaber. Why did it hurt so badly to hear that sound, the sound that once meant safety and peace and justice and comfort? Why did it only bring him to the past, a battlefield raging around him, his General guarding his back and never allowing any harm to come to him? Why was he haunted by the memory of the man he had—

“Tano!” Cody shouted, hanging himself further out of the ship. “Come on, Commander, we have to go!”

He held his breath and waited, unable to see the battle below due to the lowered ramp. He couldn’t see, but he could hear the swish of a lightsaber as it deactivated. Cody tightened his grip around the handle, eyes searching the box of open air in front of him.

Ahsoka came flying up, lekku whipping behind her. She reached out her hand, and he stretched just a little farther, and they met, fingertips just barely brushing, before her momentum carried her further in the ship. Ahsoka’s full weight crashed into him, and Cody only just managed to keep them both standing.

He turned his head so he wasn’t yelling directly in Tano’s ears. “Echo! Get us out of here!”

There was no reply, but the ramp closed in front of them, small rattles reminders of the blasterfire their ship was still taking. The louder return fire from Bly at the cannon shook the frame of the freighter, but Cody spread his stance wider and held fast to the handle. Ahsoka took a step back, no longer falling against his chest but rather bracing herself against the wall.

As soon as he heard the hiss of the mechanics locking the hatch in place, Cody let Ahsoka’s hand fall, confident in her ability to keep her balance. With Echo flying the ship, he likely should have been more concerned. “All right, Commander?”

“Never better, Commander.”

She flashed him a slight smile, their old joke coming back with surprising ease. He’d often wondered how their relationship might have different if Ahsoka had been assigned to his General and not Skywalker. Cody had never truly gotten the chance to work with Ahsoka that often, but whenever she ended up on the Negotiator for a brief mission with Cody’s General, she had always been willing to spend time with the 212th. Waxer had always pushed the General to apply for a padawan commander after Tano had visited.

Her blue eyes scanned his face, lingering for a long time on the scar. He matched her gaze, falling into parade rest with his arms behind his back. Ahsoka’s eyes tightened. So, she recognized the stance he had picked up from her grandmaster.

“Can I, I mean, may I—” She fumbled with the words, glancing away from him for a second. Cody had rarely seen a Jedi anything less than composed. It was odd. It was also a strong reminder of her expulsion; she had never gotten the chance to fully become a Jedi, not the one she could have been. Not the one his General had believed her to be, regardless of where life had taken her.

Ahsoka took one single breath before returning her gaze to him. “Do you wish to stay the Commander? I can forget that—”

“No.” Cody ignored the flash of mortification at interrupting a superior officer. “No, Tano. I may be the Commander to the rest of the galaxy, to Senator Organa and the rebellion, but,” he offered her a tight smile, “you’re not the rest of them.”

She returned the smile, shoulders loosening. “Well then. It’s good to see you, Cody.”

“You as well, Tano. I was under the impression you had died.”

Ahsoka shrugged, looking deeper into the ship, focus inherently drawn to where Rex lay in one of the bunks. “They tried. Rex is the only one I could save, but… We got out. Figured that keeping our survival secret was for the best.”

“Ahsoka, take it from—” His voice broke. He dropped his eyes, staring at the metal beneath their feet. “They wouldn’t have known it in the moment. But they would have chosen their own deaths over yours. Living with that choice, the knowledge of what I’ve done…”

Cody couldn’t continue. He never had been able to. And now, face to face with Ahsoka, his grand-padawan, someone who had loved cared for him, known him as much as Cody had, someone who should hate Cody because of everything he did, chip or no chip—

“Oh, Cody.” Ahsoka’s hand brushed over his pauldron, dark blue symbol of her Order faded beneath her fingertips. Cody looked up at her once more to find a deep sadness in her gaze. “Cody, I do not blame you.”

“That would make one of us,” he choked out. He shook his head, shrugging out of her touch. “We can… later.” Cody strode to the ladder, ignoring the shame and anger and love still burning in his gut. “Echo! How long until we reach the fleet?”

“About an hour or so! I’ll be down in a moment, just finishing up.”

Cody nodded to himself before turning back to Ahsoka. She was still watching him with those painful eyes, vision reaching into his soul. He blinked, shaking himself out of the thoughts. Jedi aren’t psychics, he reminded himself. She’s not reading my mind, only what’s obvious. And his face always had been easy to read.

“Let’s check on Rex, yeah? Make sure he’s doing okay.”

She nodded, adjusting the fall of her cloak so it once more concealed her lightsabers from view. Then she raised her eyebrow—was it an eyebrow? Her markings made the correct shape along her brow bone, but it wasn’t an eyebrow in the traditional sense. No, this wasn’t important. “What fleet are you talking about? Are we meeting the rebellion?”

“Not quite,” Cody said, relieved to find a smile not far from reach. “Come on, Commander, I’ll explain it to you. It seems as if there is a lot for us both to catch up on.”

She nodded, falling into line beside him as they moved through the freighter. “Naturally, Bail knew about everything.”

“Naturally.”She laughed, soft and only briefly. But it was a welcome sound. Cody had spent so long believing he had destroyed the Jedi, been the hand to fall to signal the genocide of an entire people. But here was Ahsoka Tano, laughing at his side. It wasn’t a lot. But it would be enough.

pt 1 | pt 2 | pt 3 | pt 4

[hollow-lime-green]

me again :) maybe i'll leave a signature this time

one final note on the blocking thing is that i used to be something of a twitter addict. ive since cut it out entirely and shifted to tumblr, where i block somewhat liberally as a way to wean myself off of that reactive + argumentative + stressful twitter brainrot cycle. ive got a twinge of moral anxiety, so the way people can tie innocuous opinions to righteousness can make me anxious about my own thoughts, and blocking is my Patented Helpful Trick to avoid rumination

i also wanted to talk about the whole puritanism thing, and i just read your response to another ask where you said this discourse is a result of sexual repression, which i agree with wholeheartedly

the idea of "switch = they are equals = the Right choice" ...shows a lot of people do not understand bdsm. switching is awesome and valid dgmw, so is vanilla sex, and plenty of people switch between dom and sub; but rigid power dynamics do not an unhealthy relationship make. bdsm relationships promote communication, and you hear time and time again how people in those relationships may feel more secure with their partner than many "vanilla" couples do. just because they might go at it nasty + crazy style does not mean they cant "make love." just because one dominates or tops the other doesn't mean there's a lack of intimacy between them

im asexual and have no intention of ever having sex. one of the reasons i love smut fanfic (aside from the fact that it's just fun and hot 👍) is that it's a way for me to explore sexual themes as a concept. i personally am drawn to the ways that sex can, for some people, be a very emotional experience. how domming/topping can be a way to take care of the person you love, how subbing/bottoming can be a way to give yourself over to the person you love, etcetera. (especially because i just want satosugu to be happy and make each other feel good)

this is of course a perspective im lucky to have. jjk is clearly a lot of people's introduction to fandom And "deviant" sex practices. still, fandom as of late trends toward taking very staunch positions and simply digging your feet in

- ☁️

oh yeah fuck twitter. it's def worse. i'm glad to be off it.

i love and agree with all that you said about bdsm (and sexual dynamics etc.). most people do not know a lot about the scene, and do not realize how much communication is actually involved in real life, properly-practiced bdsm. people make a lot of assumptions, or at least, they skip a few steps that might seem obvious in retrospect.

bit of a meta tangent here on introspection, re: security in bdsm vs vanilla relationships -

when you are coming at any idea with the assumption that you're just doing it 'normally', whether it's sex or something as mundane as cooking or driving or cleaning, sometimes you tend to not ask questions. i think all the time about this one reddit post of this guy who would step in a cold shower and wait for it to get warm, and he hated being in the cold water. people in the thread were like 'dude what the fuck'. and then he was like 'wait… you guys wait for it to get warm before stepping in?? holy fucking SHIT'

when you are coming at something knowing that it is nonstandard, or taboo, or at the very least, different - you will probably ask more questions. you'll confront the details. wait, you want me to hurt you? but how much? what if it's too much?

of course, the answer is safe words. even a vanilla person probably knows about those conceptually. going further, you're going to need to talk about things beforehand, to be honest with your partner about what you like and dislike, because this is a group project and you both want to do well. that is a given. [obi wan kenobi] that's... why we're here.

and, just like the guy with his ice cold shower, maybe one day a vanilla person will see that and go, 'wait... you guys [communicate fully, establish clear boundaries, and put actual work into compatibility]?? holy fucking SHIT'

anyway, that's a side tangent. but it's an interesting one, i hope

ok back to the topic - sex and intimacy and writing about it

in writing, sex (and intimacy in general) can be such a powerful way to characterize your characters. there can be power dynamics. maybe it's just sexual, maybe it goes deeper. with all acts of intimacy, there is an exposure of one's self. in how you give and receive pleasure, physically and emotionally. in how you see yourself, and how you react to being seen. intimacy is vulnerability, and vulnerability is a chance to peek into our characters' deepest heart.

so, of course, it makes sense that people can tie sexual preferences, whether it's d/s, t/b, s/m, etc. into characterization, and to use them as a way to explore themes. (and i think it gets REALLY fun when you start exploring toxic dynamics, too)

maybe satoru likes bottoming as a way of feeling dominated by suguru, a reinforcement that suguru matches him in strength, or even exceeds him.

maybe satoru likes topping because he's good at it, extremely perceptive, and is able to find his partner's perfect spots and angles instantly

maybe suguru likes bottoming as means of self-flagellation. maybe he hates the feeling, but does it as penance to satoru, and to show vulnerability and truth when he insists on living a lie

maybe suguru likes topping because he needs to feel in control, he needs to feel dominant, and he needs to keep his walls raised high

or, maybe satoru/suguru just likes getting railed by special grade dick because it feels good

preferred means of intimacy (nonsexual included) can say something about a character. and also, they may say nothing at all. that's why you slap the character study tag on that smut, if that's what you're going for.

misc.

side note, i think i (aroallo) read/write romance fanfic sort of for the same reasons that you, an asexual person, read/write smut. for me it's a very nice, safe, distanced way to explore romance as someone not currently very interested in it (although for me, not to tangent too much, this is a more of a fluid identity)

also, i agree that it seems like jjk is a lot of peoples' first fandom. and young, b/c shonen. i benefitted a lot from having fandom experience and fandom olds around me in FE3H. now it feels like my turn to be a fandom old. and i'm not old, just extremely jaded lmao.

[phant0msworld]

Feelings of warmth

Summery: you both knew it was wrong but the forced proximity didn’t make hiding your feelings for each other easy

Paring: Obi-wan x padawan reader

Warnings: non

Notes: it was really fun writing this and I hope it turned out well

He knew it was wrong.

You were his padawan and he was your master, but he can’t help the way he is feeling about you. It didn’t help that you two were on a solo mission without the 212th where he could avoid you for a bit to calm himself down.

But now that was not possible,you toured him without even knowing.

The mission was simpel,but it took a lot of time. You were to spy on a separatist base for two weeks and then report back to corusant before taking further steps.

So that’s how he found himself in this situation, sitting in a cave where you set up camp and avoiding the storm outside.You were huddled close to him trying to get some warm from him,he could feels your body pressed against his.

You knew it was wrong.

He was your master and you his padawan, but he made you feel things no one ever before did.You knew he cared about you deeply, but probably not like you did.

The storm outside the cave was strong, you could hear the wind blowing and the rain falling. The fiere before you did little to warm you, and who are you to not take an opportunity to get close to your master.

He was tense and you felt it, so you gently placed a hand on the arm where you were leaning on and looked up at him.

“Master if you tense so much you will lose Temperatur.” Your voice was quiet and delicate, obi-wan turned his head to look at you. As he saw you he preyed to the maker that he would survive this.

“You’re right my padawan.” He called you his padawan, a warmt speed to your body and to your cheeks.

Mentally you were fighting with yourself if you should speak about your feelings, about the love you have for him.But was it worth the risk,is it worth the pain it could not only cause you but him as well, for the small chance he feels the same.

Obi-wan could practically hear you thinking, your face showed deep concentration as he looked at you from the side. He studied your face every chance he got and he got never tiered of it.As he looked at you,he imprinted once again the shape of you face, the color of your eyes and the way your lips looked.

He can’t keep living like this he has to tell you, even if there is only a small chance that you love him back.

“(y/n), I’m afraid I haven’t been honest with you.” His voice ripped you out of your thought, but what could he mean with he hasn’t been honest with you.

“Master what do you, I’m afraid I don’t follow.”As he looked into your eyes he could see the confusion and hurt his word brought to you.

“I know it is wrong for me to feel this way not only as a Jedi but also because I am your master. I can understand if you don’t feel the same, but I have to tell you for me to move on.” You could see that he looked away out of shame, a small smile graced your lips when you placed your hand onto his cheek and turned his face to look at you. The rain was still going strong outside, and the cold was coming to you but you didn’t care about any of that.What you cared about was Obi-wan and what he just said.

“Obi-wan, are you saying that you like me?” His heart was beating so fast that it would surely spring out of his chest. The warmth of your palm centered him and now there was only you. Sighing he placed his hand above yours and pulled it into his lap.

“Yes I’am and I know that it is wrong but what I feel for you is real, and strong.” Your smile only grew wider at him admitting this and before he could say anything else you kissed him. It was a sweet and gentle kiss, but he melted right into it.

“Obi I feel the same, I also know that it’s wrong but I can’t help it. I care deeply about you and I want to be with you, even if it means hiding wahr we feel for each other.” His heart warmed at your confession, he is glad you feel the same way and now a smile graced his lips, where not only a moment ago where you lips.

“I’m relieved you feel the same, I want this with you, I want to try this and if it works, we can leave the order after the war.” You nodded at his words, and he pulled you into his chest hugging you. You snaked your arms around him and hugged him back, as the night was coming the two of you decided to sleep together. The night was spent with exchange of words of love and affection.

And suddenly it wasn’t cold anymore, and the thoughts of war were far away as you spent the night together and hopefully many more to come.

Notes: so I hope you liked this and had fun reading it, I sure did have fun writing this

@onlystarwarsamdmarvel

[burnwater13]

Grogu lying next to the rancor. Both are sleeping. Image from The Book of Boba Fett, Season 1, Episode 7, In the Name of Honor. Calendar by DateWorks.

Yes, Grogu was sleeping. He’d had a long, eventful day. He’d left Luke’s Jedi Sleep Away Camp. He and R2 had determined that the Mandalorian had ended up on Tatooine. They’d gone to Tatooine. Found Peli Motto. Took her droid cart to Mos Espa from Mos Eisley. Found Din Djarin. Messed up the Scorpenek Annihilator Droid and then soothed a very upset and hurt rancor. Grogu saw the advantage of taking a nice nap at once. No one was going to wake him up at the risk of waking up the rancor. Right?

He had hoped that he would dream of simple, lovely things. Soft things like moss bunnies, and sweet things like honey stacks, and kind things like the tickle bugs from Coruscant who acted like alarm clocks. Grogu had always enjoyed waking up laughing. Ian hadn’t liked them at all, but then Ian didn’t always appreciate the early hour that the Masters expected them to be out and about by. 

But he hadn’t dreamt of simple comforts. Nope. He also hadn’t dreamt about the Mandalorian, which was a little surprising, all things considered. No. His dream was all about going on some sort of smuggling run. He wasn’t sure why he was doing that. He didn’t really think he was cut to be a smuggler. In fact he’d been the thing smuggled more than anything other than just being himself. But in this dream he wasn’t the prize. 

He was in a YT-1300 light freighter, sitting in the pilot’s seat. Another Jedi was sitting next to him, but it wasn’t Luke or Ahsoka. He looked like an older version of Obi-Wan Kenobi, but Grogu knew it wasn’t Obi-Wan. This Jedi looked like he’d never lost a lightsaber or forgotten his cloak anywhere.

“Do you two have the course laid in? She says we won’t have much time when we get there and every minute counts.”

The Mandalorian walked into the small bridge and spoke to them both with something like panic in his voice. Grogu glanced over his shoulder to say something soothing, but stopped as soon as he saw his dad’s face. What!? Why wasn’t Din Djarin wearing his helmet? He didn’t want to go to Mandalore and find out whether or not it was safe, just so he could swear by the Creed again. They clearly didn’t have time for that.

“Tell my daughter that we will get there when we get there and not a minute sooner. She should know by now that the Force doesn’t always show you exactly what you need to see.”

“Seb, I invite you to tell your daughter that. The last time I said that I received a very cold cup of caf and a raised eyebrow along with two hours of silence.”

“That sounds like a gift, not a threat. But you two live your lives as you see fit. Grogu, is the course laid in to Coruscant?”

Grogu nodded because he was too flabbergasted to do anything else. Coruscant? Why were they going there? Had they run short on Imp-sympathizers? Or did they need to find a Sith artifact? The place was riddled with them. 

“Excellent. Okay. Time to go.”

Seb pushed the appropriate control and the next thing Grogu knew was they were being bathed in the strange light that was the hallmark of hyperspace. At least this time he didn’t see any space whales. The first time he’d seen those he thought he was dreaming. But he hadn’t been. They’d been real. He’d found out that they were called purrgils. They used the Force to travel through hyperspace. It was fun as a fact but better as a dream.

“Okay. It’s going to a take a while to get there. I’m going to take a nap to avoid listening to your parents complain at each other about why we didn’t leave yesterday. You should get something to eat. I can hear your stomach growling, young one.”

Grogu looked up at Seb, with his beard and fading ginger colored hair and smiled. Whoever Seb was, Grogu liked him. He seemed like the sort of person who had seen a lot but it hadn’t affected him other than to make him kinder and funnier. 

“And we would have been able to leave yesterday if you hadn’t left your lightsaber in the twins’ room and Djarin and I hadn’t had to rebuild that part of the house when they realized what it was and started to argue over it.”

“Daughter, don’t get me started on the many things that you did as a child that created havoc among our family’s plans. I am surprised that we managed to get here at all, given all of that.”

Seb laughed as he exited the bridge. Grogu was still reeling from the various announcements that Seb, the Jedi had made. He had a daughter? His daughter was with them? She called Din Djarin, Djarin and they had twins?  And she was his mom?! He had a MOM?!

Grogu woke up with a start and looked around, his eyes wide and his brain racing. Where was this mom lady? And Seb, where was Seb, the Jedi? Where was his dad?!

“Buddy, how are you? You took a pretty big risk with that rancor. I can’t thank you enough for saving me.”

The Mandalorian picked him up and held him close. Grogu sighed. For once he was glad that Din Djarin was wearing his beskar helmet. Things were the way they were supposed to be, at least for now. He’d just have to be prepared for what was coming. And prepare his dad for that as well. Uff. 

A future where Din Djarin had a wife and kids and didn’t wear his helmet all the time sounded like a dream, but Grogu knew that Force dreams were only ignored at your peril. He’d spent too much of his life in that state to want to spend more time there. For him, this dream was just reality showing up late to the party and he hoped he had enough food for everyone. He would hate to run out of fire stacks, even though he had no idea what they were. Dank Farrik!

[limnsaber]

Mandalorian Gen Fic Rec List - Volume III: Adventures & Encounters, Tatooine Friends, Side Characters, and Others

Hello all and welcome back to the third edition of the Mandalorian Gen Fic Rec List! See Volume I (Din) and Volume II (Clan of Two) here. For reference for this list, 🔐 means a restricted work and 💜 means an personal favorite, but as always, they are all must reads. Please let me know if you like them, and please give love to the authors we owe so much to!! -Yours, Lim <3 <3 <3

Adventures & Encounters

💜 it's called a flush by deniigiq (Din Djarin, Ensemble Cast, Found Family, one of my absolute favorites, Queer Families, Humor, Mand'alor Din Djarin, Gen, 130k)

“Word is that you’ve shacked up with Boba Fett, Mando.” That tone sent shivers unrelated to the water down Din’s spine. The urge to lash out filled his lungs, but he pushed back on it. “You two have history,” he said as evenly as he could. He turned and found the Jedi’s face completely void of emotion. His eyelashes were darker, though. Din could see them clearly even from across the river. “Do not bring him here,” the Jedi said. (Din tries to make a family. Now if only the new members didn't hate each other.)

Ways and means. by @outpastthemoat (Din Djarin, Luke Skywalker, The Mandalorian Darksaber, Jedi Philosophy, Gen, 4k)

Din sighs. “I’m here because I need you to teach me how to use…” He gestures at the darksaber hanging from his belt. “Well. This.”

Mando'ad Draar Digu (A Mandalorian Never Forgets) by the unacknowledged (Din Djarin, Grogu, Ensemble Cast, Hurt/Comfort, Father-Son Relationship, New Republic Politics, Gen, 163k)

A run-in on an Imperial ship between Mandalorians and New Republic pilots ends in violence and a stalemate. Tensions are now heightened as several New Republic senators extend negotiations to the mysterious ruler of Mandalore, a reformed planet isolated from the galaxy. Mand’alor Din Djarin and Duchess Bo-Katan Kryze begin defensive discussions with the Galactic Senate, opposed to becoming involved in any outside government after so recently reclaiming their home planet. As they aim to keep Din’s identity confidential, the Mandalorians hunt the rest of the Empire in the Outer Rim and attempt to avoid the New Republic’s domineering presence. But Senator Leia Organa isn’t taking no for an answer with peace on the line. (Oh, and of course, the clan of two reunites.)

Scatterplot Solution by Now_With_Conviction (Din Djarin, Ensemble Cast, Star Wars Rebels, Rescue Missions, Gen, 10k)

“Anyone gonna fill us in?” Fennec asks. Without looking at Fennec, Bo-Katan wonders, “do you really wanna know this...this,” she searches for the phrase, “galaxy-brained story? Because Ahsoka will jump at the chance to tell it.” Din wants to tell Ahsoka she doesn’t have to, but once something piques his interest, he prefers to know in case the withheld information becomes important later. He’s been in plenty of dark corners and unfortunate dealings to hone such an instinct. “I’ll bite,” Din says neutrally.

Faith in Darkness by icarus_chained (Din Djarin, Grogu, Luke Skywalker, The Force, The Jedi Order, Gen, 11k)

Hindsight was perfect. And all nightmares came back, eventually. All nightmares came again. In an echo of another temple on another world, thirty years before, the Empire comes for Luke's school. The Empire, and a dark force long thought lost. The Force doesn't warn them, not in time. But someone will come for them. Someone will save them. All Luke and Grogu have to do, Anakin and Obi-wan, Ben and the children under Luke's care, is hold on until they reach them.

Where My People Are by Hypercamera3 (Din Djarin, Sabine Wren, Canon-Typical Violence, Teen, 7k)

Din Djarin goes to a the headquarters of a minor crimelord operating under the Gray Syndicate, intent on collecting a bounty. However, another Mandalorian, Sabine Wren, is already there, pulling the wool over the crimelord's eyes. This can only get worse.

🔐 Suddenly, I'm Respectable by nik_knows_nothing (Din Djarin, Leia Organa, Reva Sevander, Kenobi Show, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Pre-Canon, Gen, 52k)

Din really only gets the bounty because no one else is foolish enough to take it. After all, he's one of the youngest bounty hunters in the guild, and a hunter in his position can't exactly be picky with the jobs he does or doesn't take. Even if it's very obviously a trap. (AU in which Bail and Breha Organa have a backup plan in place for Leia's rescue, and that backup plan involves a very high-paying bounty and a very tired Mandalorian with no ship, no real reputation, and a worn-out set of durasteel armor.)

Tatooine Friends

💜 The Gang Goes Viral by stopcryingyoullrust (Tatooine Cast, POV Outsider, Crack Treated Seriously, Gen, 4k)

Bounty hunter turned small business owner, Boba Fett, tries his best to promote his retreat. But when a commercial he filmed with his friends goes viral on the holonet for all the wrong reasons, the galaxy starts brimming with speculations about Fett's supposed resurrection. One intrepid podcast intern makes it their mission to interview the elusive legend and find out if there really is a spa in the middle of the Dune Sea.

All Help Us Survive by miztes, @temporoyales (Din Djarin, Tatooine Cast, Mandalorian Culture, Book of Boba Fett Big Bang 2021, Gen, 1k)

Boba Fett is settling in as the leader of a syndicate on Tatooine, crushing his enemies, freeing their slaves, and generally trying to build a new reputation for himself. He'd like to see more of that Mando he helped. Djarin was useful around the Palace and good company. The kind (ever so rare) you could trust to watch your back. But Kryze got her claws into Djarin and they're off reclaiming Mandalore and Boba doesn't expect to see Djarin any time soon. Boba really doesn't expect to see Djarin in his throne room with a group of kids. And that first visit is only the beginning.

Gar sa aliit, ori'wadaas'la by seashell_heart (Tatooine Cast, The Book of Boba Fett, Mature, 51k)

The Pykes have declared war on the new daimyo of Tatooine, and Boba Fett and Fennec Shand have called in the help of the Mandalorian, Din Djarin. As the storm builds, the Fett gotra unites to face its enemies. This is a completely self-indulgent rewrite of The Book of Boba Fett episode 5-7, mostly by scooping out the Mandalorian Season 3 setup and replacing it with events that actually feature Boba Fett, Fennec Shand and the Mods. No major changes from what happens on Tatooine in canon, just much more time spent in Mos Espa with my new favourite found family: the Fett gotra. Because sometimes, a family can be an infamous bounty hunter, an equally infamous assassin, a Mandalorian dad missing his adoptive green son, a Wookie mercenary, and a group of youngsters with cybernetic limbs and authority issues.

The Strangers by @ro-moray (Cobb Vanth, Tatooine Cast, Gen, 2k)

Power changes hands on Tatooine practically overnight. Rumors of the coup make their way across the ever-shifting sands of the Northern Dune Sea, all the way to the isolated town of Mos Pelgo and its Marshal. Much sooner than he expected to, Cobb Vanth sees his old armor again—and gets a peek into various galactic dramas that fortunately have nothing to do with him.

Stronger for the Breaking by @seascribbling (Din Djarin, Boba Fett, Head Injury, Gen, 23k)

“Hey, little guy. Look at this. Do you think any of these people can help us?” He pulls up a projection of the log and holds the child up to see it. “Any ideas?” The child looks at him and then back at the contacts, screwing up his face in an expression of concentration. He takes his time, and the man tries to be patient. Finally, the child stretches out a tiny hand and points to a log entry. “Boba Fett,” the man reads. He pauses, to see if the name sounds familiar. It doesn’t. “Tatooine.” Or, Din Djarin crashes his starship and only knows two things when he wakes up: One, that he never removes his helmet and two, that he would die to protect the child.

The People v. Din Djarin by @mandaloria314 (Din Djarin, Ensemble Cast, Legal Drama, Humor, Gen, 1k)

Transcript of the Third Judicial Division of Mos Eisley of the Planet Tatooine plea hearing on the case of the People of the New Republic v. Din Djarin, Division Chair presiding

Side Character Focused

💜 Get Back Up by angiebodies (Luke Skywalker, Yoda, Grogu, Din Djarin, one of my fav!!, The Book of Boba Fett, Gen, 1k)

In the wake of Grogu's departure, Luke receives some much-needed guidance from an old friend.

🔐 Te Nuhun by @quillandink-tmblr (Boba Fett, Jango Fett, Ensemble Cast, Humor, 2k)

The Fetts are only funny to a select few people, to Boba's utter chagrin. OR Five people who don't really get the joke, and one person who finally does. Podfic in end notes.

Quid Pro Quo by @bobafett (Fennec Shand, Boba Fett, Developing Friendships, POV Alternating, 13k)

In the Syndicates, you’re either good or you’re dead, and Fennec Shand is very, very good. Or, at least, she used to be. Maybe she’s lost her edge, or maybe the galaxy has just changed around her. Now the Empire is gone, and her Syndicate contacts aren’t taking her comms. Even the karking credits are different. Maybe it shouldn’t have been a surprise when a bounty hunter half her age with a contract for her live capture shoved a blaster into her stomach and pulled the trigger. But it’s just a setback, and Fennec can handle setbacks. She can even handle a new set of cybernetic implants and a Boba Fett imposter. She’s remade herself a dozen times, what’s one more?

this is a low, but it won't hurt you by @mantelpieces (Boba Fett, Din Djarin, Jango Fett, Character Study, 2.5k)

Djarin pulls a little metal ball out from his pocket, and rolls it between his palms. “Do you remember your father? Really, properly?” Boba's father exists in a strange in-between now. Sometimes he is clear-voiced and vibrant, as if he’s only in the next room. Other days, Boba can just about conjure the image of his hand on a blaster, can just about remember the weight of that same hand on his shoulder. “Not as much as I’d like,” he says. (or: Boba is raised with love. years later, he sees another man trying to do the same.)

Weft and Warp by beanenchilada (Fennec Shand, Boba Fett, Canon Compliant, Platonic Soulmates, 1k)

The first time he sees her pick up her rifle is the first time he sees her relax. He didn’t realize she was so tightly wound until, suddenly, she wasn’t. The first time she sees him in the armor, she looks at him for a long time before saying, not bad.

First meetings, in noir by sithness (Boba Fett, Fennec Shand, Fanart, 3k)

Run-ins between two rising stars in the galactic mercenary scene, bathed in moody neo-noir lighting. I: In an upscale Nal Hutta establishment, Boba Fett makes a business proposal. II: A derailed hunt, and a collegial gesture. III: Fennec Shand contemplates the disturbing news of another elite mercenary's demise. An artwork series, with snippets.

Between the Rain by Art3mys, FortinbrasFTW, @asiminthering (Boba Fett, Fennec Shand, Din Djarin, Crime Fiction, Book of Boba Fett Big Bang 2021, 24k)

As Boba Fett seeks to establish the foundation for a crime empire that can meet this newly shaped galaxy, he finds the desert will always hold secrets. Enemies hanging in dust and shadows, a ruined empire of loose ends, and a child who can’t seem to understand he isn’t interested in keeping strays, all circling whispers of rain. One way or another, he’ll have to find a way to build a shattered past into a present that doesn’t slip through his fingers.

💜 Descent by Buckhunter (Boba Fett, Fennec Shand, Bib Fortuna, 100w)

Bib Fortuna is nothing in comparison to Jabba, and he knows it. But so does the green-clad ghost that storms the palace.

Others

💜 Our Souls Our Own by icarus_chained ((Listen I know this is tagged as slash but if you're this far into these lists you're going to have to trust me on this one. it's one of my favorites. ever., and the slash is not explicit dnw it is mainly about din and its beautiful beautiful beautiful,) Din Djarin, Grogu, Boba Fett, Cobb Vanth, Planet Tatooine, Honor, Mandalorian Culture, Slavery, King Boba Fett, Mand'alor Din Djarin, Family, Hope, Crisis of Faith, hajsbdjhds, 13k)

On faith, armour, debts, friendship, and the crucible of slaves, heroes and kings that is Tatooine. In the aftermath of breaking his creed, Din takes a long walk into the desert, and Boba Fett and Cobb Vanth set out to bring him back.

Knight in Shining Armor by musicmillenia (Crossover, The Last of Us, Din Djarin, Joel (The Last of Us), Ellie (The Last of Us), Mand'alor Din Djarin, Grogu, 2k)

Ellie, born as Nori from Coruscant, is rescued by a knight who knows her name. Her actual name.

[arkainea1911]

Soulmate/Mark idea where Anakin,Obi-wan and Reader are all soulmates but the dynamic is crazy as hell in that whole reader and anakin bothe Obi-wan (one slightly more platonic than the other) Both reader and Anakin hate eatchother.

Or more it actually reader dislikes/ hate Anakin and anakin was meh about reader till he found out they actively dislike him and now is salty about it cause his him how can anyone actually hate him!

They fight constantly when they are near each other, and their fights are the stuff of legions!

Saber have been drawn, and levels of diststutaion that rival major offense on highly contested worlds have been wrought on their battle grounds.

It was to the point that are forbidden from having weapons on temple grounds and they have to limit there fighting under threat if exsplution.

Still one can hear Screaming and cursing throughout the temple whenever they someone end up near eatchother. (Which is a good amount given how they actively avoid each other) and no one can stop them Obi-wan.

But even then it is a delicate peace as best.

Others who have seen tea or meal times between the three and liken it to a hostage situation with obi-wan living up to his name as the negotiatetor and is probably the only reason they haven't killed each other.

In the end, it is their rivalry that stops anakin from fall for Sidious tricks.

Because when he comes to the man with his offer. Anakin remembers how reader said they were "weak willed" who "would fall to the dark side to keep his pretty face from being scratched"

Theyvsaid more but his stuck and ther his no way he will let reader be right about anything. So he says he needs to think about it and leaves. Only to call reader and tell them they were wrong and he didn't take the siths offer.

This leads to a bunch of questions, confusion, and then all hell breaking lose.

After all is said and done when anakin sees reader again after the flames had died down and he goes to gloat reader just looks at him with a mixture of feelings he has never seen them directed at him and walks away without a word. Leaving him confused.

It happens again and again and again. Anakin is at a loss. He is used to the reader yelling at him but finds that this cold sholder/silence treatment is far worse.

After talking to Obi-wan about it, he finally catches the reader alone in the gardens. Anakin stops them from leaving but asking them to stay. With a nod, they sit back down, and anakin joins them. They talk a bit, but it's awkward and not anywhere near as explosive as it normally would be. It's new ground for them both, but they do overcome it and actually have a simple conversation. They stretch out in the grass after it dies, side but side, and look up to the sky.

Obi-wan wan finds them hours late with reader curled into anakin side with his arm around them.

On the flip side, the reader is lost because as much as they want to fight him, like in the past, they can no longer find the words. Anakin could have very well fallen, and they would have lost one of they sould mates. However, what really gets them is that the only reason anakin didn't fall was because he didn't want them to be right about him. It's something that while they are glad to be wrong, still stings in a way nothing else had before. They knew their treatment of him left much to be desired, of course, but it still just hurts that anakin is only good because he wants them to be wrong more than anything. It speaks to the reader that he hates them to this extent. Its not surprising but it hurts and they aren't sure why. In short they are confused and torn, and all Obi-wan has said is that maybe it's time for them to bury the past and talk.

They go to meditate on it when anakin finds them alone, and for the first time, they actually just talk to him. It's werid but uncomfortable, but...nice.

Hours later, when they find themselves in a sleeping anakins side, they think that maybe just maybe he isn't so bad after all.

The 180 of the two is a shock to everyone! They still bicker of course but it's nothing like it was in the past and it more of a force of habit more than anything.

It's jarring as mich as it's welcome and a bit concerning after everything that has happened.

When Obi-wan is asked why he doesn't looked shocked by the change he says he isn't any when asked more he says they he has always been the one they went to complain about the other and found the reason they could see eye to eye is because thy are both so much alike.

Both are stubborn to fault, proud, and unwilling to yield.

He says reader never hated anakin but hated how he got away with everything and disliked how arrogant he is.

Likewise, anakin was actually interested in the reader more that he let one when he found out about they were souldmates but was hurt when the reader seemed to hate him for no real reason.

Obi-wan always knew they would come around. They just needed something to make them see past themselves.

Granted, not becoming a sith Lord's apritence because you want the other to be wrong was not what he thought would be the thing to open their eyes, but eh, it works, he guesses.

[written-musings]

I saw that your asks were open for obidala Drabble requests and I just had to request!

If you’re up for it would you mind writing an angsty (smutty if you’re okay with that, wasn’t sure of your ask rules) obidala moment, after they survived order 66 & everything and are now on tatooine. Where all their emotions and genuine love for each other become something more?

I’m obsessed with the idea of Obi wan and Padme surviving, going into hiding and falling in love.

Sorry this is so late, I had a draft and I lost it. But I typed this up this afternoon. It's unedited, but I hope you like it. It's a bit steamy and smutty!

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ ☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

Six begrudging months passed since Order 66, since Anakin turned to the dark side, since the Republic fell, since the perceived deceased Senator had her children and had to hide them, since Obi-Wan and Padmé lost everything, and their relationship changed forever.

They were friends for so long, well over a decade, and just like that… they loathed each other. To make matters even worse, they were forced to live in close proximity via an isolated hut hidden the endless dunes of Tatooine.

Perhaps hate is not the right word, for both of them have too much good in their hearts, but being around each other hurt more than they could bear – grief, anger, sadness… Maybe, just maybe, the fact they felt a gush of emotions in each other’s presence entailed sentiments far greater than they could understand…

Or admit.

But the moment where she let herself slip, that one moment where she met with the Senators who would eventually be the foundations of the Rebellion…

“One Jedi then,” she had offered to the politicians in the room.

At least let me speak the trust to my love. At least. Please, she had pleaded silently.

“There is only one Jedi- one who I truly know all of us can trust absolutely…” She had trailed off, leaving her usually composed self in a stunning silence upon the realization that the Jedi she was referring to was, in fact, not Anakin. The man who had helped save her planet from the Trade Federation after they had invaded her planet. The man who asked her, the young queen who had to be brave, how she was doing. The man who jumped out of a window for her. The man who wholeheartedly kept the secret of her relationship with Anakin to himself because he loved them both. The man who completely understood her as a politician despite his distaste for them.

Obi Wan.

Padmé. He had whispered her name as he stroked her cheek after saving her on Mustafar, her life and the futures of her children uncertain. He chose her after his own Padawan, his own brother, his own son, his own best friend.

They had successfully avoided each other during these months, whether it be hiding in different corners and spaces, or Obi-Wan exploring the planet and working on ventilators while Padme would also explore and barter at markets, selling parts Obi-Wan would make for much needed credits.

An avoidant, yet invisible partnership.

They were in control again.

Today was just like all of the other ones, blistering sun, wondering when they would have to cross paths again, blaming themselves for what happened with thoughts of “I should have done…” and “what I could have done…” skipping over and over again like a broken record. The Jedi was in town looking at parts while the former Senator was scavenging hidden gemstones on rocks a couple clicks away and would hike back for the evening.

All was well.

Until it was not.

The howling. The shadows obscuring the cloudless sky, then the high binary suns. The entire planet growing still. A sand storm. A bad one.

Obi-Wan immediately jumped in his speeder with hopes to return before it hit. Meanwhile, the woman was scrambling down the rocks and sprinted over the dunes in hopes she could make it back, but deep down she knew it may not be the case.

He sped. She ran.

By the time he returned to the little hut, he had made it just in time, only to see she was not there. Panic had struck within him, knowing she could be out there, out anywhere. Frantically looking around the hut, he noted the little colorful gemstones she had collected to sell sprawled about the corner she would avoid him in. Something within him immediately told him where he needed to go.

Meanwhile, the storm was gaining on her, and quick. She covered her thick, caf-colored curls with her cloak as she ran through the sand, the resistance and give in the steps she made making it that much harder to step forward. The howling grew closer and closer, louder, and louder, the burning of the sand infested wind through her cloaks grew more unbearable.

She kept going until it seemed to be impossible. Her arms and legs ached from walking against the wind, the sand pelted her face she blocked with her arm, and it seemed inevitable that she was stranded, stuck, alone. Her legs were ready to give out.

Maybe this was the best way to go. To finally say goodbye. She was too tired to carry on anyway.

But a shadow came into view through the dusty distance, a slight buzz of an engine and indecipherable yelling. Before she had time to even comprehend what was happening, she was being pulled into a speeder that drifted away. Lulling in and out of darkness, she observed the hooded being that saved her, noting it was not a sand person, it could not have been. As the vehicle stopped and she heard the muffled words hurry in the familiar Coruscanti accent she had loathed, she listened anyway.

He had saved her. Again.

He always seemed to be doing that.

Obi-Wan put his arm around her waist as he guided her back to their hut, the sand penetrating everything and blasting through the door as the swirls and howls of the gusts soaked everything around them.

Using the Force, he shut the door. In an instant it was almost silent save the faint whistles outside.

Both of them were tired, exhausted, panting, realizing this was the first time they had even touched each other since the day that changed the entire galaxy.

He was relieved yet she was fuming, also relieved, but mostly fuming.

It was an uncomfortable silence, one they did not know if they could handle any longer, but their limbs were too exhausted, and their skin burned from the sand.

“I would say ‘You’re welcome,’ but your anger tells me otherwise…” He murmured lightly, almost with a sarcastic tone.

The woman rolled her eyes, “Thank you… for the unsolicited psychiatric analysis of my emotions…” She responded in a snarky tone, staring in the omnipresent fire they have on their hearth.

Their exchanges of witty banter had always kept them on their toes, even more with six months’ worth of things unspoken on their tongues.

The Jedi raised his eyebrow as he lowered his hood , “I suppose someone is under… the weather,” he replied, crossing his arms.

“I don’t always need you to come to my rescue, you know…” She also removed her hood, the light gains of sand contrasting that of her hair.

He merely scoffed, “What was I supposed to do? Leave you for dead in the sand?”

The woman pursed her lips, “It would have been a poetic way to go… and at least it would have been my choice.”

I don’t like sand. It’s coarse, rough, irritating, and it gets everywhere.

“Sometimes we do not always make the right choices…” He trailed off, unable to finish his sentence, thinking of the past.

“Like the one where you and Master Yoda decided I would be stuck here with you?” She retorted bitterly, before finally crossing the tight quarters to hang her robe, where she’s wearing a sleeveless tunic and a long linen skirt.

The man sighed again. He was tired. But he could tell she was too. “Do you think I asked for this to happen? Do you think I wanted this to happen? You think I have not thought about what I could have done to save him every day? You think I don’t blame myself?”

“That’s not what…” She stopped herself, not knowing what to say.

“I know that is what you are thinking because I feel the words in your heart, and you have every right to be angry.”

“You think I did not see the signs, Obi-Wan? That I did not think something horrible was going to happen. You think I don’t blame myself? I blame myself every day! I want to fix this! I want to see my children! But I can’t because people made decisions without my consent.”

She was angry… Who could blame her?

“I miss him…” She whispered.

There was an eerie silence so sharp you could hear the wind singing songs outside.

“I miss him too…” He finally whispered back.

Finally… some common ground.

They were heartbroken. Coping with the betrayal. Grieving the loss. He was no more.

“I had it under control!” She had almost shouted. “Coming home in the storm. Just like I had it under control when I took my ship to Mustafar… If you hadn’t been there…” She turned away from him, unable to even look at him without tears falling down her face.

The man moved towards her, sensing the overwhelming sadness in her heart, “You would be dead…”

“What if I should be…” She whispered so quietly she did not realize that was what she had been feeling this whole time until the words escaped her mouth, and she could not take them back.

She had just revealed her soul to the man she could not stand.

A part of him broke when he heard her say such things, but he also understood a bit too much.

The words escaped him before he could stop himself, “Then I would have no one, nothing left…”

The woman turned around and looked into the broken man’s cold, blue eyes, brimming with tears as he looked down, but he knew she noticed. For the first time she realized how self-centered she had been. He, too, lost everything – Satine, his Master, the Jedi Order, Anakin, the Republic he also fought for, his Clones betrayed him, everything.

She stepped towards him and raised her hand to his cheek, which he found himself leaning into… Tears filled her eyes and fell down her sand coated cheeks.

This was the one time she was okay with swallowing her pride.

“Thank you.” She stated confidently.

Surprised by her profound statement he looked up at her and their eyes finally met, and it was at that moment they realized after losing everything around them, they were still here, despite everything.

Those two words somehow melted the ice between them. Suddenly the air seemed stuffy. Kenobi could not explain it, but he found himself kissing her palm.

“You are most certainly welcome.” Kenobi could not explain it, but he found himself kissing her palm again and again.

Padmé felt heat rush to her cheeks, but also between her thighs. However, she did not move her hand, but wanted to continue feeling his warm breath on her skin. She wanted to walk on that fine line of betraying whatever values they had left.

Then again, they were betrayed by so many people. So why the hell should it matter anyway?

He noticed this, and he kissed her palm again, his soft lips and the bristle from his beard tickling her hand and the sensation brought warmth through her entire body. She shivered beneath him, and he trailed along her hand and down her wrist, and down her arm and up to her shoulder, then her collarbone where he licked the crevice between her collarbone and neck, causing her to involuntarily gasp at the sensation.

Kenobi was teasing her, of this she was sure, but she could not get enough. Kisses traveled up her neck, causing her breaths to hitch and for her arms to reach behind his back and pull him closer to her, to feel him against her. An enamored chuckle escaped his throat has he continued to feel her under his lips, even covered in sand she was intoxicating.

He somehow walked forward, and she moved backward with him as he sucked her neck, moaning when he found the perfect spot.

Once her back hit the wall she realized she wanted him, right here and right now.

But all remnants of patience went out the window when his lips finally met hers and his teeth lightly bit her lower lip before his tongue brushed hers. They had been living in a desert and they were desperately parched. She feverishly untucked his shirt and undid his belt, hearing the thud of it and his lightsaber on the ground below. Under hitched breaths and hot, wet, messy kisses he removed her tunic and kissed her neck, her chest, the warmth of his lips and roughness of his beard traveling to her breasts as he sucked her, with a moan of reverie escaping her lips, her fingers in his long auburn hair.

His shirt came off between kisses, reveling his toned chest and abdomen, hair growing in all of the right places, and she took it all in, his face, his body, the overwhelming smell of him. And somehow, her skirt was discarded, and his pants undone, and like the storm, they could not hold themselves back

He had lifted her to him, her back to the wall her legs wrapped around his hips as he felt the wetness of her on his belly. They couldn’t even wait to go to the bed as he filled her, both filling the endless emptiness that was more expansive than the desert dunes – hips thrusting, hot kisses of desperation, nails digging, moans begging for more.

They rose and fell together.

Hidden and tucked away in the Outer Rim,

Sweat pouring like a much-needed rain shower,

Holding on to each other for their dear lives in ecstasy,

Moans harmonizing the whistles of the storm outside,

Because they were all they had left.

[fanfictasia]

Whumpcember Day 3

Hypothermia

Spoiler: This is an excerpt from When Stars Align

Barriss isn’t that hard to get past, all things considered. Anakin vents again, hiding until Obi-Wan finally contacts him to tell him to rupture the coolant system. That’s not hard, either to do or to get to. What matters is stopping these creatures, more than anything else.

Anakin is still hidden safely in the vents when his master contacts him with the information that cold should kill the worms. Considering the heat of Geonosis, that makes sense. Cold certainly isn’t ideal, considering Anakin has nothing to keep warm in, but it’s the best they can do. They’ll… have to get off-board fast to avoid freezing to death.

The air is foggy as the temperature drops below freezing. Anakin never realized exactly how humid air was on ships until right now, but the ship is still moving fast, and he needs… he doesn’t know, but he’s afraid to dock at the station right now.

Master Fisto did give him orders, though.

He’s mid-contacting the Jedi master again to tell him he succeeded, and to ask if he has nay further instructions, only for Barriss to jump out at him, slamming her lightsaber down on the controls.

Anakin jumps out of his seat, drawing his lightsaber and grabbing one of the pipes leaking icy air, shoving it towards her. The cold is supposed to kill the worms, and the faster they’re dead, the sooner the chance of them getting out of here.

His hands are numb enough that he can hardly feel his lightsaber, can’t feel anything except the fact that it’s freezing and everything is freezing, and they better dock soon before anyone freezes to death. To be fair, humans don’t die that fast, but he has a right to be worried after everything that’s happened here.

Barriss is trying to infect him – or at least the worm in her is. It’s sickening and Anakin hasn’t wished so desperately he wasn’t alone since he and Barriss were trapped in the factory together. But at least, they had each other there.

He can’t say the same now.

All he knows is that he wants to get out of here, and he Force-shoves Barriss across the room.

She hits the floor, the worm screeching something in Geonosian, or at least that’s what it reminds Anakin of.

“Kill me,” she pants weakly. “Please.”

Anakin stares at her, a gut-wrenching horror ripping him apart inside out. She’s – he can’t do that. “This isn’t you,” he argues, shaking his head. “It’s not your fault. We’ll be okay,” he adds, because even if it won’t do much to help, he has to try. She needs the reassurance, and Anakin can’t imagine what it would be like to get possessed by something. It sounds – he doesn't want to think about it.

She’s panicking, and so is he – there’s really nothing they can do except wait for the cold to take effect. Is it hurting her? Will she be alright?

Will the clones be alright? Anakin has no idea.

(Barriss killed one of them, she killed Trap, and Anakin can’t get that moment out of his head. There was nothing he could do but stand there, and he – who will he lose next?)

She pushes herself to her feet again, and Anakin shifts, repositioning himself and slashing the worm in half. If it’s dead, well – maybe he can free her, though that won’t do good for the clones still aboard.

At least he can save her.

That’s – the most Anakin can do right now.

[hearts-of-iron]

Attachment, Connection, and the Fall of the Jedi (Brandon Boylan, for CLASHING SABERS,  January 3, 2024)

The fall of the Jedi is a nuanced and ever-evolving story that grows deeper with each new Jedi story told. From Ahsoka to Cal Kestis, from Obi-Wan to Anakin, each Jedi had their own strengths and weaknesses that eventually led to their downfall. Thus, when considering the root problems of the institution itself, one must look at common elements between the characters to find the common denominator.

Said denominator becomes increasingly obvious when one juxtaposes the fall of Anakin in Revenge of the Sith with the success of Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi. Why, when presented with similar scenarios, do the two characters make such different decisions? The answer lies in the distinction between attachment and connection.

During the era of the prequels, and even before that in The High Republic, the Jedi forbade attachment. It was viewed as dangerous and an element of the dark side. They were not completely wrong in that regard. However, as time went on and the Jedi Order became more dogmatic, the line between attachment and connection became indistinguishable.

But that line is extremely important because it is the difference between engaging in relationship, romantic or otherwise, from the lens of selfishness versus that of selflessness and giving. Attachment is selfish, as it is about holding onto something or someone in a possessive manner and feeling as though one cannot survive without said thing or person. Connection, on the other hand, is selfless, as it is about giving oneself to another person and understanding the mutual value that comes from a healthy relationship dynamic.

As Dr. Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller describe in their book, Attached, humans are shaped by their attachment style, be it secure or insecure. A secure, or healthy, attachment style comes from being raised in an environment where one’s needs are met, concerns are validated, and love is given consistently and unconditionally. Insecure, or unhealthy, attachment styles come from being raised in an environment where one’s needs are not met, one’s concerns are not validated, and/or love is not given or given conditionally. These insecure attachment styles are further broken down into anxious attachment, wherein one desperately craves emotional intimacy and closeness for fear of losing whomever one is attached to, and avoidant attachment, wherein one pushes away from emotional intimacy for fear of the hurt it can cause. By taking children from their families and raising them in a constant state of avoidant attachment, the Jedi never allowed for their pupils to create secure bonds.

Growing up on Tatooine with Shmi, Anakin was building a secure attachment style. He had connection with his mother, his friends, and his community. Despite his status as a slave, he had unconditional love from his mother, as Luke had from Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen. When Qui-Gon takes Anakin to be a Jedi, Anakin is capable of leaving his mother because of their secure bond, as well as the secure bond he is building with the Jedi Master. Both of those bonds are brutally ripped away from him, shaking him to his core. From here Anakin moves toward a much more possessive sense of attachment and an anxious attachment style. He becomes possessive over Padmé and fears losing her as if it will end his very being.

On her podcast “Do the Work” Sabrina Zohar unintentionally describes Anakin’s attachment to Padme in saying, “When you attach to things then that means you’re telling your nervous system ‘I’m only okay if I have this.’” By attaching to Padmé in such an unhealthy manner, Anakin opens himself to a following a very dangerous path. But Anakin is not alone in losing the ones he loves. When Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen are brutally murdered by the Empire, Luke is put in a similar situation. Why, then, does Anakin go to the dark when Luke is able to maintain his relationship with the light?

The difference comes down to what replaces those bonds that they lose. At the end of The Phantom Menace, Anakin is left with the Jedi Order as his main source of connection. That Order built an avoidant attachment style within itself because of the fear of the insecure form of attachment. But Luke’s relationship with his aunt and uncle is replaced by a secure connection with Han and Leia. Luke never feels like he has to cling to his them because they constantly show up for him in a way that Padmé is not able to for Anakin because of the secrecy and taboo surrounding their relationships (a problem that likewise falls at the feet of the Jedi Order).

In the throne room of the Second Death Star, Luke is able to show his father the difference between being secure and insecure, between connection and attachment. Luke enters that cave of darkness knowing that he will most likely die in trying to redeem his father, but doing it nonetheless. This unconditional love reminds the Anakin deep within the mechanical facade of Darth Vader of the love he had from Shmi, who gave everything she had simply to provide a better life for her son. This act heals the wounds within him, the wounds exploited by Palpatine for decades, and creates space for Anakin to sacrifice his life in order to save his son.

Much of life comes up to circumstance, but a lot also comes down to the choices one makes. While there are similarities between Anakin and Luke’s journeys, the important distinction comes down to their choice between connection and attachment. Anakin, raised as a Jedi, develops unhealthy attachment and brings the Order to its knees. His son chose connection over attachment, and thus saved the galaxy.

-Brandon Boylan, January 3rd, 2024, Attachment, Connection, and the Fall of the Jedi | CLASHING SABERS

[the-bi-space-ace]

The World Tumbles Down Chapter 7 - Good Soldiers Follow Orders

Well, here we are! We’re at the midpoint of this fic - more or less - and things have gotten… worse. Much. Worse.

I knew that if I was going to do an Order 66 fix it one of the main players was going to have to have their chip activated. I chose Crosshair (sorry crossy). I love putting this man through shit over and over again. He is one of my narrative punching bags. I partially chose this because of what I have planned for something later down the line. However, this is also the catalyst for the rest of the team to take the chips more seriously as their main goal.

They’ve been in a bit of a limbo for the first part of this fic. They are investigating and pulling pieces together but they’re stuck primarily on the ship without direction or a goal. It’s frustrating, it’s difficult, and they’re getting to the end of their rope. We’ve seen Crosshair and Hunter butt heads. Echo and Rex avoid each other like the plague. And Cody and Obi-Wan have a merry go round of arguing and ignoring each other unless if has to do with their mission. The stress is getting to all of them, even leaving Tech and Wrecker to try to pick up pieces when they can even if this hurts them just as much as it hurts everyone else.

Crosshair’s chip activating gives them an actionable goal. While they know finding the missing drugs is important they are also aware it’s not going to fix anything. It leaves them at a loss, no leads, and nothing but intuition and guesswork. His chip activating proves what Fives knew long ago.

This chips are a problem. There is a plot. They have to do something about it.

I’ve introduced a lot of different pieces in the first 7 chapters and all of those pieces are going to start slowly coming together: Fox’s involvement, the chips, each of their individual conflicts, who is behind everything you know who.

Crosshair’s pain is a big part of his conflict with Hunter and that is just another can of worms that they refuse to work through. You will see more of that in chapter 8 when I post it tomorrow.

I said once before that typically strong characters are going to break and uh… I would be prepared for that tbh. This is ripping apart their entire worldview. It’s tearing down everything they thought they knew and that isn’t going to be easy for any of them to deal with.

I’m excited to share chapter 8 with all of you tomorrow! It’s uh… sure gonna be interesting!

[gleefullypolin]

You could (and probably should!) write fic for them, I'm sure it would be lovely if that little snippet is anything to go by.

I truly adore Eloise and can't wait to see what her place is in all of this. I know there are people waiting for some sort of revenge plot from her or hoping she outs Penelope based on the end of last season but then again, there is a distinct lack of media literacy the last few years that's truly sort of exhausting at this point.

I feel like the fight between them had to happen. Penelope being isolated from the people who know her best is now motivation for her narrative. Anthony felt isolated and under pressure and it was a large part of his motivation in his season. Colin will now be isolated from his usual friendship with Penelope and that will be part of his motivation, etc. Our Freytag's Pyramid essentially started with the end of s2 for our dear Penelope and Colin but also feel like they've always given the main characters a bit of the Hero's Journey without the supernatural element to contend with as well.

(Well now I'm just going to call him Lord Obi Wan Kenebling)

I am curious to see how they handle Colin knowing, in the book he was worried for her more than anything and I think I'd like to see that played out with the contrast to Eloise's anger. Having both Colin and Eloise get viscerally angry at her and saying the worst sort of things isn't going to do anything to move a story forward imo and will just feel redundant. Colin being in love with her by then very well may soften it and having them work together, especially since they keep saying how much it's friends to lovers, how they're going to be able to tell each other things they wouldn't tell anyone else, would be a good departure from the avoidant behaviors of earlier seasons.

Oh yes, I don't think she's going to hold anything against him. What he said was not something she didn't expect, it was the hurt of him saying out loud to everyone like that. I do think he will be the architect of his own suffering and I have to admit that I find that much more enjoyable than some perceived punishment that someone who loves him would dole out.

I did just stumble into the info that they were going for Marlboro Man for him vs sexy pirate and either way, they're very clear on him being a man now, ha. I think at this stage, she is used to him looking at her, even so much as staring at her at times, but she's never managed to read him right when it pertains to her and I think it will be fun if they play with that insecurity of hers, she won't quite get it until she *gets* it and it will be very satisfying indeed when he finally says it to her out loud.

I really don't think you can ever go wrong with using longing looks and yearning as foreplay tbh.

I have been writing the final chapter of my last Captain Swan fic for 2 years now. I keep telling them all it’s almost done as I write one sentence and delete it over and over again. I swore I was done writing. I dare not try my hand at things anymore for the sake of sucking me in. Hahahaha!

Back to the point at hand, I will be so annoyed if Eloise does out her to Cressida. I just don’t feel like she would do that even out of revenge. She’s angry and acting childish but they have been friends for so long, I can’t see her of all people just being cruel for cruelty’s sake. I just saw the snippet of her and Cressida on Netflix and you can see in those few seconds that their friendship is not because she WANTS to be with her, its not because suddenly she’s a girls girl who wants to hang and gossip. She’s hurt and feeling a way and who is the one person who would hurt Pen more than Cressida? Women can be cruel creatures when reacting with each other. But that does not mean she wants to cause her permanent damage by outing her to the Ton. She knows what that would mean and if she had wanted to truly hurt Pen, she would have done that already.

I can never not unsee Lord Obi Wan Kenebling and so I shall forever address him as so! Thank you!

I agree with you whole heartedly, if Eloise is angry and seeking out the one person that would anger Pen as revenge, I do not want to see Colin treat her with the same anger. I want to see Colin show after of course his initial confusion and anger, because of course he was affected by Whistledown himself and then trying to understand why she would do such a thing and take such a risk and especially, not tell him of all people. But I also want him to be the one person that understands her in the end.

I want him to be her refuge, her safe space, and the place where she finds her acceptance. Colin has always been some sort of home to her. Whether it was the one person who sheltered her in the sea of people at the ball, or the person who was interested in her thoughts while he was traveling and heard her desires via her written word, Colin has been the home to her heart, and I want that to be where Whistledown comes to find peace too.

She’s going to be scared when she realizes there is a price on her head, and she is alone in this only to have someone to offer her security and acceptance and THAT is going to glorious because it has always been Colin. But now, he will recognize that too. He’s been a bit slow on the uptake! I’ll have to really control myself not to fast forward out of impatience to get there. I love angst but I also hold it in great disgust for what it does to my heart!

I have a feeling that all the sultry stares and dare I say lustful, breathy ways these two will say Colin or Penelope will surely make up for it.

[notthestarwar]

For character opinion bingo, Obi-Wan? :D

Obi Wan! Yes!!!

I have so many opinions about Obi Wan.

I feel like fanon depictions tend to polarise him. He's either a sad wet cat defenceless as fate continues to torture him, doing whatever the Jedi want him to do because he doesn't know any better (or else is too self conscious to argue, or else he's unbelivabley bad ass, unstoppable, always with the right sarky comeback, above the Jedi, doing his own thing. Respectfully lol I couldn't disagree more with either side. I think attempting to fit characters in to one box flattens them. Humans aren't black and white. I understand where each of these extreme portrayals finds its roots. In canon Obi does do certain things that seem to indicate some kind of insecurity (and his backstory explains where that might have come from) but we usually see him acting very sure of himself and at times even arrogant.

Like most people. I don't think he's sure of himself all the time even if he does promote an image of someone who has it all figured. But he's also not unable to look after himself. I find Obi Wan a really fun character cause to me, he does have an unintended impact on people around him and does occasion inadvertently contribute to things that ultimately hurt him. A lot of the time it can be hard to talk about Obi Wan in this way cause ppl fall back on 'oh but it isn't his fault' but it's not about blame. Everyone does things they don't intend sometimes. Everyone occasionally makes a mistake that'll hurt them down the line, and possibly hurt those around them.

I like to see Obi Wan as someone who is sure of themselves, but who has some personal blindspots. He's exceptionally competent but that's thanks to his own hard work, he's no not a prodigy, he's worked for the knowledge he holds and he's respected by his people because of that. Professionally, he has mastered himself, he has control over his emotions, he is able to see things for what they are. But in certain areas of his personal life he struggles and he doesn't even see that he struggles. His relationship to Anakin, his inability to stop him, the fact that he only stopped him when pushed to his absolute limit and even then, he couldn't remain detached enough to be fair, to Anakin, or to the galaxy. He didn't want to be the one to land the final blow so he left Anakin to die, and they all paid for that. I like to think this unhealthy attachment is rooted in the unhealthy attachment Obi wan had with his own master. He felt he could never do right where qui gon was concerned (even if this wasn't true) and so he doesn't tell Anakin he IS wrong, when it matters. He's avoidant. Anakin may feel that he can do no right when it comes to obi wan, thanks to obi wan picking at the small stuff, but in reality, Obi Wan lets him get away with so much. He doesn't push when he should because he knows he won't like the answer, he knows it'll be difficult and he'll have to face up to his attachment to Anakin. This isn't a Jedi flaw, we see that other Jedi do manage to do better than qui gon, Obi Wan, and anakin himself, as masters. But ultimately they are human. These are human flaws.

It's not about blame and its certainly not about absolving Anakin or anyone else of responsibility. But Obi wan isnt perfect. And I wouldn't want him to be. As a character his imperfections make him seem human. I think that he does struggle to let go, he pushes people away because he knows that when it matters, he won't be able to let them go, like he knows he should, like he teaches.

And I'll stop now because I've talked about him for way too long. But yeah! I have many many thoughts about obi wan lol and I'm so glad you asked! He's never come up in these games before and I feel I don't get to talk about my thoughts on him so often

Thank you!

[corruptedforce]

Okay I'm going to chime in on this, because I do ship Anidala, in the right situation. They are the main relationship of the prequels. He loved her from the moment he met her, but sometimes love isn't enough. The Clone Wars, losing Ahsoka, Palpatine's grooming which was the big catalyst were stronger. He spent over a decade grooming Anakin.

The ruminations scene in Revenge of the Sith is one of my favorite, because they can feel each other, because she is pregnant with force sensitive children. Anakin was terrified of losing her and the babies, but despite it all, he did fall to the dark side.

He fell fully. You cannot just fall slightly and Anakin doesn't do anything halfway. He loved her very deeply. She was right that there was good left in him, but she didn't know that, because they were connected by the force. She knew that because she knew his heart.

Anakin hurt Padme deeply, but as a mother, she could have chosen to want to live for her children. The dying of a broken heart thing could have been avoided. But, that's what I love about Matthew Stover's novelization is it all already happened and nothing anyone does will change, as said in the beginning.

He fell to the dark side completely, when he pledged himself to his teachings, despite still loving her and the children they were going to have. Whether they felt any of each other's pain is unknown but when she died, Vader did force scream, which showed how much he did indeed love her.

But Vader is Anakin and Anakin is Vader. They are not separate. His loss he felt over her was losing her and the child, as well as what happened on Mustafar.

There is also 0 chance that Padme couldn't have talked him down on Mustafar. Obi-Wan couldn't and he knew Anakin better than anyone. Anakin was extremely powerful that night, and the dark side was extremely strong in him. He was convinced what he was doing was right and there was no talking him out of it.

He had turned against the Jedi (which I don't really have an issue with) and he'd been poisoned against Obi-Wan and Padme both.

While there are small moments in time, where there's a glimpse of goodness shown in him, there's no real growth on it until Luke comes into his life. Obi-Wan didn't make progrss in Kenobi, Ahsoka didn't when she fought him. He didn't want to deal witth how a lot of the choices he made, made him feel.

I did not mean for this to be this long, but like I said, I am an Anidala shipper sometimes. I don't buy into the lies that people try to tell, though.

But, I am an Anakin fan before I ship anything and the changes that happened, after he became Vader weren't ultimately about Padme.

He got to transition as a force ghost because Obi-Wan reached out to him. Anakin told him he was sorry and he was quickly told how to do so, by Obi-Wan.

The visits he made to Leia were his choice, as was his acceptance to understand why she hated him.

Though he loved Padme so much, he forged his own path without her.

I'm sory this is so long, but he had a long, rich history before and after his fall, that isn't all about her. She and the babies were so much a part of who he was, but not the only parts, and ultimately, not the most important.

I had to ask myself and my friend about what his destiny entails and in many ways, his destiny entails a lone journey, towars balance in many ways. I'm always willing to consider every perspective though.

I'm didn't say anywhere that Padme and Anakin didn't have a deep connection, they were the main romance of the prequels after all. I just corrected that you said he didn't fall completely. Lucas made a lot of cuts from both trilogies coincide and mirror each other, because of his whole "it's like poetry, it rhymes" thing. But yeah I do agree that Anakin and Padme are connected cause, again, they're married and that's the whole point of their marriage.

And I still can't believe Lucas let them bring Palpatine back in the sequels like, way to completely ruin everything Anakin did in the end.