#In this house we appreciate Bail Organa

[allthingskenobi]

"Let's hope that day never comes."

[mcrcki]

Was that [WILLA HOLLAND]? Oh no no, that was just [LEIA ORGANA], a [CANON CHARACTER] from [STAR WARS]. They are [TWENTY FIVE] years old, use [SHE/HER], and [ARE] aware that they are not actually from Washington DC. Too bad they can’t stray from this city for long.

how long has your character been here -

leia technically has been here for nearly seven years now. she’s been in dc since she was twenty three, and while for plotting sake i have her age on pages frozen at twenty five, she is almost thirty now.

what is your character’s job -

president of the united states leia organa at your service

where has your character been pulled from in their fandom -

leia is pulled a few months after the battle of endor and the end of the galactic civil war. she was specifically on her way to a meeting with mon mothma about the role she would be taking in the new republic when she entered hyperspace and woke up in dc. that’s the last thing she remembers from home.

has any magic affected your character -

multiple times, yes. when leia first arrived in dc, she was completely unaware of her life back in her galaxy. she had originally thought she grew up in a political family, her father being the senator from oregon, her mother being a state representative. in that time is when she and sheev grew to be close friends, and eventually running for office together while both unaware of the true reality behind their connection. during one of the first storms in dc, leia had gotten caught up in the magic which brought her memories of home back for the past few years. two summers ago however, for reason we’ll get into i promise, she went unaware again, was the absolute worst and regained her memories during the jumanji nightmare. so, while she is completely aware now, she was unaware for a few times on and off. you never know though, third time’s the charm, that might stick this time around

extra information -

we know the drill by now right? i’m going to write a novel for no reason and apologize for how long i will go on gushing about the space mom

background :

let me just start by prefacing this with i pull pretty much everything i know and write about leia from legends canon. i really don’t follow new canon at all. of course, for rp purposes we’ve meshed the two and i love the solo family and their four messy kids, but i do write leia solely from legends and the path that life took.

a woman of too many names and titles. born leia amidala skywalker, younger twin to luke skywalker, the only daughter of padme amidala and anakin skywalker, she and her brother were separated at birth following the death of their mother and the fall of their father. it was the safest option. they would be hidden away from vader and palaptine. they should have been safe that way.

adopted by the organa’s, leia became the crowned princess to the alderaan throne, thus being known as the princess leia organa of the royal house of alderaan. and while she always knew she was adopted, she never knew about the family that she had lost to the force. her parents, bail and breha organa did everything they could to keep leia safe from that. she had at first, not shown any signs of the force.

unfortunately she did reveal a skill in it around the time she was two, and was soon on the empire’s radar for the incident.

might have been a baby but hey, gotta start pissing the emperor off from a young age.

while she never knew her twin growing up, leia had grown up with her best friend, and adopted sister, winter celchu. the two could not have been more different and yet as thick as thieves. winter was the perfect example of refined and regal, it didn’t take long for people to mistake her for the princess of alderaan. where leia was often mistaken as “a domestic girl”. which leia didn’t mind really. she never wanted the pressure of being the princess, to have to go through all of the training that her aunts would push on her. (she appreciates it more than she could have ever imagined now)

honestly shout out to winter for literally everything. the girls used to switch places, winter going to plenty of events as leia so that leia could sneak out of the palace and “create mischief and visit inappropriate boys”. this is something the girls carried on their entire lives, and even now winter will cover for her as president at least once a week.

leia really was just a rebellious child and i apologize to bail and breha for the nightmare girl she was. she was kicked out of almost every single school on alderaan, one of them because she staged a protest for not giving the students fresh squeezed juice, at seven. and another because she broke into the school’s speaker system and changed the programming so that any mention of “emperor palpatine” was replaced with “emperor fuckface” and the empire’s anthem was replaced with the anthem of the old republic. she was like 13 at the time.

she was mostly homeschooled after that by tutors.

honestly i could go into everything leia did as a child because dear god she got in so much trouble she was a terror. like dropping a water balloon on tarkin’s head. truly read her legends wiki, it’s so funny.

proficient in far too many languages, it was her favorite thing to learn and one of the only tutors that held her attention. that and her self defense teacher, but that was to be expected.

either way, leia learned that she hated most of high society, the way they all thought they were better than everyone, the lavish parties while people suffered and she, along with her father’s hand in training her for this, had decided early on that she wanted to change the galaxy she lived in.

bail had trained leia for this. she was the youngest senator ever elected, at just eighteen when she was formally introduced to the galactic senate and palpatine himself.

she was only seventeen when her father started to bring her into the fold of the rebellion.

when her father stepped down from the senate, leia officially took his place and subsequently used her diplomatic immunity and cover for her ship to run secret missions for the rebellion. it began her first steps into her double life of senator and rebel.

this was around the time that mon mothma had taken leia under her wing and she grew even closer into the senate but also the inner workings of the rebellion. she was meant to fully take over the rebellion thanks to mothma’s teachings.

this is about when we get to the events of the original trilogy so !!

JUSTICE FOR ALDERAAN.

life in dc :

alright deep breath everyone.

first and foremost, let’s just talk about the solos. leia is a mother of four, grandmother to three, and aunt to one. and she loves each and every one of them with all her heart and soul. her kids are her life, her grandchildren hold all of her heart. truly is just a very family oriented person, despite her workaholic tendencies, she would do anything to keep her family safe.

she is married to han solo, having eloped right before the halloween gala of 2022. they had kept it rather quiet, and were going to announce it to the family later until SOMEONE had to go and get themselves skewered again..... smh.

she is kinda still the worst. i’m so sorry to any agent ahsoka assigns to her detail because leia is a runner. there are far too many times that ‘nebula’s disappeared’ is called over the radios. but listen she’s got her blaster and her own lightsaber now, it’s fine

she was in the process of training with the force. she knows she’d never really be a jedi, she didn’t ever want to be a part of the order like that. and while she was doing well, learning how to control the force within her, there was always a darkness in her. one that she couldn’t fight off forever. the actual use of the force is something that still scares her. it’s a fear that she only talks to luke about, the both of them having an understanding about the darkness that continues to call to them.

her anger takes over far too often, not thinking clearly when it does and it leave a perfect opening for manipulation. for her own fall. to make the mistakes of her father. and that terrifies her.

she wanted to be good, she wanted to be strong, but she just doesn’t think it can happen. her greatest fear is that she will fall to the dark side as vader had, that she won’t be able to fight it. and with each encounter with palpatine, she fears he’s making more and more progress on that.-- i wrote that like two years ago AND OH BOY DID WE FORESHADOW.

she’s fought with palpatine about four ?? times now, three of them discreetly, but another when she tried to kill him. a futile attempt that ended only with leia falling and her brother’s death only being mirrored instead of avenged. she wants to forget it ever happened but knows she can’t.

she doesn’t think she can ever really forgive her father for what he did. she knows, somewhere deep down, that one day she will find a time to forgive him, seeing as how one of her sons is named after him, but she still has nightmares about what vader did, about the days she spent locked in her cell on the death star. often she will close her eyes and clear as day feel vader’s hand on her shoulder, forcing her to watch as alderaan was destroyed. those days set her back.

right now, leia’s main goal is just keeping her kids safe. keeping luke and han safe. and trying to keep herself from falling. but she’s also made up her mind, that if any of her family is to deal with the dark side, leia will be the one to take that fall. she will let herself fall under palpatine if it ever came down to that or her family’s safety. - big fucking oof to that one lMAO

god there is probably more i could ramble about, like certain things that happened in the og trilogy or headcanons about her and the force or her and her family or her and her job. who knows. i will probably do some like head canon posts for more details about like her and jabba or her and what happened on the death star idk glkdfjg

BUT if you want to know what’s going on with sith vibes, here is the link to that update, since it’s where we’re at currently with leia !!

anyways once more sorry for the length but also as always, throw a middle finger into the sky for the space momby, carrie ♥

connections :

✩ secret service agents

a long standing connection i’ve had up on the main. truly anyone is free to apply for this, if you need a job, the agents are there for you!!

not all of them will work with leia directly, but she would definitely know all of their names, as she cares a lot of everyone who works for/under her.

just be warned, if you are on her personal detail, it’s probably meant to mess with you because leia is known for disappearing from her detail whenever she feels like it and getting into one mess after another

definitely be ready to have “nebula’s disappeared” be part of your daily vocabulary.

✩ white house employees

this can be anything from her cabinet members to a maid, truly anyone who works in the white house would definitely know her

leia doesn’t like to have this big separation between herself and the rest of her employees so feel free to have your characters work in the white house and be friendly with the president!

✩ people in politics

i mean of course she would know just about everyone in politics, but she definitely would have friends she would have business lunches with, go out for some drinks after a long day, all that jazz

✩ people outside of star wars

leia has been in the city for 4+ years as well, she would be pretty much all over, going to any and every fundraiser, doing speeches at schools, visiting different jobs etc

so she would realistically know a bunch of people from all over the city, both good and bad interactions, feel free to plot these out with me!!

✩ friends outside of politics

people she would know that she doesn’t have to talk shop with, someone who maybe she meets on one of her many adventures running away from her agents

just about anyone she can just be leia with

✩ opposing politicians

my love is very very liberal , she is not always going to rub people the right way with very progressive thoughts and actions. she’s the youngest president in history and that can be to her detriment sometimes. on top of all of that, there have been how many disasters under her administration within the city?

point is, she’s not always going to get along with everyone, and i would love to explore some people who are definitely against her re-election, people who oppose her that she has a very strained professional relationship with etc

just tension all around !!!

[brighteyedbadwolf]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Star Wars - All Media Types Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Characters: Leia Organa, Bail Organa Additional Tags: Diplomacy, Family Feels, Family Dynamics Summary:

spontaneous family feels

[deniigi]

Lando The Nosy Neighbor AU

Title: good fences make good neighbors

Summary: Modern AU based off the premise presented to me as ‘Han and Leia move into the same neighborhood and start a feud, only to eventually overthrow the local Homeowner’s Association.’

Relationships: Pot-farmer!Han/Lawyer!Leia; Farmboy!Luke/Survivalist!Din; Lando & Breha Organa & Chewbacca

This is based off a rural community in Washington which has local cults.

Lando POV

---------------

A hippy has moved in next to the Organas.

It’s a good one, too. This one hasn’t even rented a moving truck, they’ve just come on over with all their furniture tetris-ed in on top of itself and wrapped tight with rope, blankets, and prayer.

Lando’s petunias screech for watering as the hippy throws open the truck’s door and comes staggering out, cracking his lanky back. Out of the other side comes an even hairier, even lankier person. He closes the truck door and looks right at Lando.

He stares.

It is a challenge. But of course, not one that Lando is not prepared to handle.

He points at his watering can.

Hippy Two seems to scoff.

Lando waits until he’s distracted by the first hippie struggling with the blue house’s doorknob to dump the remaining water into the pebbles under his ornamental bridge.

He returns inside and goes about his busy business, tying back the curtains.

It is always good to have someone new in the neighborhood.

--

 It takes the hippy couple a few weeks to get settled into their new home, and in that time neither has ingratiated themselves to Lando.

The stupid one with the floppy hair caught onto Lando’s tricks at the weekly poker match held in the local bar. Lando may have lost his irrigation system, but he has not lost his dignity. It was old anyways. He’s been planning to replace it for nearly a year now. There is never a better time than the present to start making your dreams into reality.

And anyways, the floppy haired out-of-towner will get what is coming to him. Lando has already sown the seed of his demise.

Leia Organa returned home to look after her poor, sick, stubborn mother just two months ago. Breha is fine, of course, not even cancer could snuff out her fires, although she is bored of her husband and daughter trying to trap her indoors. Her immunocompromised escapades have been delightful to watch.

The Organas are always a lively group. There is never a dull moment or lack of machinations among them—especially the lady of the household. She, like Lando, appreciates a good tussle. Which is why he has pointed out to Leia that her new neighbors’ greenhouse is mighty interesting, is it not?

Lawyer Leia’s ears pricked up like a horse’s, and Breha’s sharp eyes took on new sheen.  

Lando watches Leia in the mornings now, struggling to find upper-body strength and purchase on the wood of her backyard fence, among the roses and bougainvillea. She’s so tiny, Leia. Breha is not an overly large person either, and thus is no help in this endeavor to collect data on the greenhouse of questionable origins and purposes on the other side of the fence. Leia doesn’t need her, though. She needs no one. She’s seen what she needs to.

Lando pours tea from a glass pot given to him by someone in his company who wishes for their secrets to remain so and beautiful, clear amber liquid fills his cup.

He looks up to see Leia holding her phone out as far as she can without relinquishing her grip on the fence. She fumbles, trying one-handedly to document the crime before her, but alas. Even the mighty sometimes trip on the red carpet.

The phone slips. She grabs after it in slow-motion, horror filling every pore of her face.

It is gone now, that phone.

The Public Nuisances will know what she has been up to.

Lando sighs and leans back in his seat.

--

 It is no time at all before the dropped phone is returned graciously over the white, waist-height fence that separates the Public Nuisance’s yard from the Organas’. Leia snatches her phone back and wipes it off with her hand and sleeve. The shorter public enemy, Han, he calls himself, smiles at her cheekily. He retracts his hand and gestures to the taller fence, barely visible for the fruit trees and vines, between their backyards and says something that makes Leia go very, very still.

It is, undoubtedly, a challenge. Not unlike the one that that the more polite public nuisance, Chewie, opened his and Lando’s relationship with.

Chewie has explained without mincing his words, that he and Han have come here because their last venture was lost in a snowstorm. Chewie will be damned if his precious seedlings are so callously frosted over again. The Pacific Northwest has no chance of freezing over, he says. It provides a better setting to grow stock.

Weed, he means. Marijuana. Chewie is again, not shy. He and Han make good money supplying dispensaries with their organic, hand dried leaves. It is apparently ‘artisan’ like in quality.

Lando isn’t sure he’d go that far, but yes, it is nice stuff. And yes, Leia, bastion of justice, does need to see the men’s permits.

Lando opens the window for a breeze and catches Han telling Leia that he’ll produce them if she arm wrestles him for the right to witness their authenticity. Leia agrees. Han fetches a small worktable from the house’s garage and sets it between them.

The match is over within seconds. Leia has never been so insulted in her life. She demands a rematch and, out of sheer indulgence, Han gives it to her.

He is nearly a foot taller than her. He could lift her up and over her own fence with ease if he so desired. He wins the next round. And the next one. He loses the last one by reason of having his leg deadened under the table but stands abruptly to renegade on his earlier promise.

“You watch yourself, princess,” he calls over his shoulder with his hand on his front door’s knob.

“Oh, I’ll be watching,” Leia snarls back.

Han slams the door. Chewie looks from him to Leia standing fuming in the shade of her family’s pine trees.

“Unbelievable,” she snaps at him before stomping off herself. “UNBELIEVABLE.”

Lando flicks his eyes up to see Breha’s dining room window wide open. She too, has a cup of tea. She lifts it his way and he lifts his back.

Finally, some quality entertainment once more.

--

 Han and Leia’s hatred has become neighborhood gossip. They have begun going to extraordinary lengths to gain the others’ attention. For example, Han, in weeding his sparce flowerbeds, was careful to shove the fruits of his labor between the fence slats into Bail’s well-tended herb garden. Bail, ever the gentleman, does not mind, but of course Leia feels that her family honor has been spat upon. She collects the weeds and returns them to her owner, via mailbox. It is kind of her to put the flag down, so Han knows that he’s received a message.

The retaliation is a mural in rainbow colors commissioned by Han and painted by one of the budding young teenagers from a school about a thirty minute drive downtown. It is...psychedelic. And facing Leia’s bedroom window.

Han asked the youth who painted it to add in a figure in the center of the composition; it is a brown-haired woman dressed all in white, surrounded by thorny vines, and attempting to climb a fence. The young artist must have felt like Michelangelo in the application of those delicate strokes of artistry. They knew they were creating something holy.

Han helps that along by bracketing the figure with solar lanterns that light up at night and keep the image fully illuminated.

When Lando arrives to Breha’s side to go on a walk, arm in arm, with her and her beast of a terrier, she giggles like a schoolgirl behind her hand.

“Han is very handsome,” she tells Lando.

“He’s alright,” Lando says.

“I think he and Leia are a perfect match. Will for will. No one’s ever dared to cross her like this.”

Now that is a fact.

“I wonder if this is the start of something more,” Breha says.

“What does your husband think?” Lando asks.

Breha waves him off dismissively.

“Oh, you know. He’s convinced that Leia will kill Han in his sleep, and we will be forced to post bail, but I told him—as I’ve told you, Lando—Leia’s too smart to get caught committing axe murder. Now poisoning, that’s a different story.”

--

 Lando wakes up and makes coffee. He turns on his computer and opens his curtains to let the light pour in and warm his hardwood floors. He stands at the window, hiding a smirk behind his mug.

Leia has had enough. She has called the Home Owner’s Association and they are standing at Han’s front doorstep.

--

 It is about three weeks before Han and Leia have overthrown the Home Owner’s Association for interfering in their escalating romance—ahem—bloodfeud. By then, Lando’s work-from-home situation is suffering. It is impossible to focus with those two cluttering up his view with distractions left and right. He determines that, for the sake of his finances, he must direct his attention to something a little further afield.

The Lars’s vegetable stand is becoming something of an institution.

It’s about a mile or so out of Lando’s way, tucked smack in the middle of the battlefield that is the stretch of land between the survivalist cult that lives in the forest and the pseudo-Buddhists that live in their compound. The farm itself is a few acres and the Lars’s son can be seen walking around, herding livestock out of the road and into pastures.

Lando has heard whispers that this son is none other than Leia’s twin brother, but no one has the nerve to directly ask the Organas about the truth of such a scandalous idea. The most that can be said about Luke Lars-Skywalker is that he is a master of social media.

He has created a Youtube channel and an Instagram to document the practices of his family’s farm and the products they produce. He is in a twitter-war with many communities online for his videos on small-scale bee-keeping, and his family’s stand is proudly boycotted by the vegan association in the city on farmer’s market days.

It has become well-known among the farm-to-table restaurants in the city, though, and that is why Luke keeps on keeping on with his cows and his fowls and his silly camera holder.

But all that means little because Luke Lars-Skywalker is in love.

Anyone with eyes can see it.

He is in love with an ancestral enemy.

See, in this area there are not one, but two cults and naturally, they abhor and reject the others’ teachings. To the south are the pseudo-buddhist, clairvoyants who have fashioned themselves more or less as monks preoccupied with meditation, self-development, and a few fairly mystical beliefs among the rather terrifying devotion to martial arts. To the north are the survivalist whack-jobs who don’t believe in electricity or running water, but who are also, somehow, preoccupied with self development and a terrifying devotion to martial arts.

Both groups have publicly denounced the other as misguided extremists.

The rumors say that Luke and Leia’s biological father is one of the clairvoyants, and this is where the heart of the current delightful irony lays.

Luke Lars-Skywalker is in love with one of those survivalists.

Lando knows this because he has seen it with his very own eyes.

He took a trip a while back to purchase some greens from the vegetable stand and he was there for a little while, picking through the selection, when he looked up and saw Luke’s posture explode out of its lax boredom. Lando looked over his shoulder to see what Luke’s tan, freckled attention had latched onto and lo and behold.

It was a man. And not only a man, a man with a baby.

Luke stuffed knuckles into his mouth to keep from cooing as the father of the child nodded at him and meandered over to have a poke through the produce piled up on the stand. The baby, dressed carefully in layers of warm, water-resistant clothing, watched Luke right back. He smiled and grunted, waving his dark, stubby arms and Luke melted—literally collapsed into a fraction of his size behind the paystation.

The father, a white rugged guy with dark curly hair and a great deal of stubble, shifted the baby to his other arm. His worn, heavy clothing and the military-style canvas sack on his back marked him as one of the Cabin-In-the-Woods people.

Lando felt like he was watching a country romance flick in real life.

Luke gathered his courage and approached the dad and baby to ask if they were looking for anything in particular. The baby immediately held hands out to him. Luke asked the father if he could hold the little one. The father said ‘no.’

Lando nearly choked on his own spit.

“Oh, sorry buddy,” Luke said to the baby. “Daddy thinks I’m gonna eat you up.”

“He just got a bath.”

Luke gooey expression hardened in an instant.

“Excuse you. You sayin’ I’m dirty?” he asked. “You sayin’ I smell like horseshit?”

The father stared at Luke wordlessly.

“Pigshit,” he corrected.

“WHAT.”

Lando no longer needed only greens. He had to pick a cheese from this bountiful pile. Oh dear, so many to choose from.

“I said, you smell like pigshit. And he just got a bath,” the survivalist father said. “How much for the tomatoes?”

“Twenty a pound,” Luke said viciously.

“That’s steep.”

“There’s a discount for people who smell like pigshit.”

“You get a lot of those?”

“No, but I know how to wallow in the time between buyers.”

“Are you angry or something?”

“Take your damn tomatoes.”

“I didn’t pay yet—”

“Just take ‘em. Go. Go.”

“Twenty—?”

“Hey, Mr. Calrissian, that’ll be ten-fifty,” Luke said over the protests.

That was then. This is now. And Luke Lars-Skywalker has not let up on his tirade against this survivalist. Nor, it is important to note however, has the survivalist stopped coming to the vegetable stand when Luke is working it.

What is even more is that Lando can see with his own two eyes that the survivalist is not holding his baby at the vegetable stand now, as Lando closes his car door a little ways from the stand. Luke smiles at Lando as he draws near; he is bouncing at the knees. He waves the baby’s hand in greeting and the child gurgles and twists back to grab at his face.

Lando smiles and does not say anything.

He finds Chewie inspecting a sprinkler at the edge of his and Han’s yard on the way back and crosses the street to inspect it with him. It sputters. Chewie suspects outloud that their squirrels are getting stronger and more destructive by the day.

Lando asks him if he’s been the Lars’s vegetable stand since moving into town.

He has.

Lando asks if he’s ever seen Luke there, holding a baby.

He has.

Lando is smug.

“Mr. Rugged Mountain Man is falling for the farm boy,” he tells Chewie.

Chewie lifts a thick eyebrow.

“One day soon, that baby is going to go from living off the grid to living in a barn,” Lando tells him. “Mark my words.”

Chewie tells him that that is impossible without a kidnapping charge because the Rugged Mountain Man is the straightest man that he’s ever seen. Lando tells him not to judge a book by its cover.

Weirder things have happened. Han and Leia, for example.

Chewie tells him that he knows that Lando is somehow responsible for those two’s newly inescapable sexual tension and he will never forgive him for it.

Lando cannot believe his ears. Him? An instigator? Of course not, Chewie. He is but a humble spider, waiting around in his house for a fly to shake things up. He is an observer, nothing more, nothing less.

Chewie just points a finger at him.

Lando points a finger-gun back. He fires it with a click of his tongue.

[cluelessgurl]

Hey guys, this is like my first fic ever so I hope you like it. I’d love any feedback as it always helps. Enjoy :)

This was requested by the lovely @jedicatt

You and Him

Pairing- Anakin Skywalker X Female Reader

Summary- You are the outspoken representative of Alderaan and the sister of Bail Organa. When you are under threat, you are put under Jedi protection by no other than Anakin.

Warnings- None :)

Words- 2.7K

The luscious green, peaceful world of Alderaan had been your home since birth. Growing up under the success of your brother Bail meant you always wanted to follow his footsteps, and as you grew older your passion for politics was apparent. You were well-spoken but people would always describe you as fiery, you knew you had to stand up for what you believed in and sometimes that got you in trouble. Like the time, when you as a representative of Alderaan beside your brother Bail spoke out against malicious ways of the Trade federation quite blatantly, so much so, your brother swore he heard hundreds of gasps echoing through the senate. This was definitely one of the times you caused yourself trouble, but this time you swore you'd never take it back because this time, you met him.

‘I don't understand why there's any need for this!’ you gasped out you as scurried to catch up to Bail who was currently huffing down the corridors of the senate, ‘Of course you don't, you never understand when I tell you anything, like when I told you to not associate politics and your rather explicit personal view of the Trade federation together yet here we are’ he exclaimed. Smiling up at him ‘Uh yes, however, they deserved everything I suggested about them and you know it Bail and so do hundreds of other delegates. But Jedi protection? That's highly unnecessary and hyperbolic’, he looked down at you sternly but you could see the amusement in his eyes ‘ Well your suggestions have now got us on the tracks of bounty hunters and assassins,we are in danger, and by ‘we’ I mean you specifically. So I suggest this be the time you do listen’ you sighed in defeat, your brother had always been protective of you, he claimed it was due to your ‘outlandish’ ways but you knew it was because he cared for you. As you made it to the docking bay stepping into your yellow speeder, Bail spoke out ‘We’re heading back to the quarters and there we’ll meet our Jedi representative, please try and be polite or say nothing at all, both are fine’ he chucked, you looked up at him with an unamused expression as he turned the speeder around mid-air , why must he always treat you as if you were a child you thought frustratedly,but then proceeded to smirk the way you always did ‘Of course brother, when have I ever disappointed you’ he managed to give you smile before you sped off.

This is my mission, why must Obi-Wan escort me there as if I am a mere youngling, my master is a wise man, but his misunderstandings about my abilities are frustrating to say the least, Anakin’s mind rushed with thoughts as the elevator bolted up towards the quarters when his thread was broken by Obi- Wan ‘You seem a little on edge, nervous for your first mission?’ Anakin turned swifty ‘Not at all’ he replied a little unconvincingly ‘Are you sure? I haven’t felt you this tense since we fell into that nest of Gundarks’ Obi -Wan chipped amused, “Of course” thought Anakin, rolling his eyes, ‘You fell into that nightmare Master, and I rescued you remember?’ Obi-Wan pondered ‘Oh, yes’ followed by a hearty chuckle, this made Anakin smile. He did appreciate all that he and his master had been through, and after all he did care for him, as this thought passed the padawan’s mind,the elevator came to a halt, and the doors opened. Obi-Wan strode into the quarters, Anakin at his heel, if he was being completely honest, this was not the most thrilling first assignment , Aayla told him that she went ventured into the the notorious streets of Corellia as her first mission without Master Tholme, that all changed though, it all changed when he set his eyes on you. You stood there tall, confident with the most mesmerising smile he had ever seen on any species, it made his heart soar even though he’d never met you, though your eyes said different, they shone bright like the suns on Tatooine, like they’d known him for a thousand cycles with a sense of mischief clear, your hair framed your face perfectly like everything about you, perfect that’s what you were to him, perfect. Anakin was lost in you, so much so that he didn’t hear any of the conversation that was taking place, he only came to his senses when Obi-Wan gave him a rather harsh nudge ‘Anakin!’ he muttered. You chuckled softly looking up Bail.Anakin blinked ‘My apologise Senator Organa, and -uh..’ ‘Y/N, Y/N Organa representative of Alderaan’ you replied gleefully ‘Pleasure to meet you Master Kenobi and Anakin’, you must admit to yourself, when you thought you were going to be under Jedi protection, your imagination took you to the likes of Master Yoda,you did not expect men like Obi-Wan and Anakin who were quite frankly, far too dashing. Maybe this would be fun after all.

After brief discussion, it was decided that you were to be escorted back to Alderaan to the family country house under Anakin’ protection. Following a small , private bicker with Bail about sending you away from the Senate, you gave in and said your goodbyes to him and Master Kenobi and waited for Anakin to do the same. ‘I have faith in you Anakin, keep Y/N safe and don’t do anything without discussing with me or the council first’ Obi-Wan spoke somewhat tense himself ‘I assure you, I will master’ Anakin replied with a strange determination in his eyes, ‘Well then,you best hurry’.

As you two settled down in the surroundings of your passenger starship, covered by unknown faces, Anakin took it upon himself to get to know you. ‘So, what is a lady like you doing as a representative in the senate?’ he quipped, the smile you gave him yet again brought warmth to his heart, ‘Well, I have a tendency to speak my mind, so I thought why not put it to good use?’ you noticed how Anakin’s face sweetly scrunched up as he let out a most sincere chuckle ‘How about you? What is a flyboy like you doing at the Jedi temple’ you asked out of genuine curiosity ‘I was found in Tatooine at a very young age, the temple is all I’ve known since then.’he replied plainly ‘Must be difficult, having sworn your life to the Jedi, not being able to visit the places you like or do things you like’ ‘Or be with the people that I like’ he interrupted with a expression you couldn’t quite decipher, he was proving to be more and more alluring, you decided to let it pass. Changing the topic, you spoke mischievously ‘What do you like to do , apart from being the mighty defenders of the Republic?’ Anakin grinned he found you rather humorous, it lifted his spirits ‘We don’t have much time for hobbies but I'm good at fixing things I always have been , I used to pod race back in Tatooine’ he observed that you seemed to perk up that ‘What?’ Anakin inquired smiling with curiosity, you replied with a proud smirk ‘I pod race too actually, I have since I was little’ Anakin was pleasantly surprised, his earlier interpretation of you being perfect was only proving itself to be true ‘Really? I’m impressed, your talents only add to your ravishing beauty’ Anakin replied with the same mischievous grin that adorned your face earlier. You replied with a quaint smile, trying to disregard the heat rushing to your cheeks, nobody had ever spoken to like that, not in the way he spoke to you.

As the starship was just about to land, you stared out of the window you couldn't lie, you did miss home. Anakin stared at you whilst you peered out the window with a smile reaching high up to your cheeks. He must admit, Alderaan was an exquisite planet but to him, nothing compared to your bewitching beauty. Anakin knew he shouldn’t let his mind wander to thoughts such as these, he was a Jedi, he was supposed to be void of attachments. Y/N turned around, her hair gliding across her back ‘Come Anakin, I’ve got lots to show you’ stripping Anakin of his thoughts ‘ Of course Milady’ he smirked through his reply.

Y/N and Anakin spent most of the morning discussing, and jesting around about their strict lives back in Coruscant. Y/N showed Anakin her pod racer that she had previously built, Anakin seemed more and more invested in her life, slowing getting lost in the way she talked, smooth and resilient, like she believed in everything she said, even if she did say some questionable things which only made him laugh like he hadn’t in years. Currently, they were sat down at the table, feasting on some Starblossom fruit, an Alderaan speciality. Just as Anakin made the fruit float your mind also floated to a thought ‘Are you allowed to love?’ I sputtered out, Blast! What was that Y/N?, this was the first time you regretted being so vocal, this was sure to make things awkward ‘I mean, isn’t it forbidden for a jedi?’. You were surprised when he simply just smiled at you, his eyes looking straight into your own, they were blue and deep like the oceans of Mon Calamari, completely mesmerised ,you sighed softly, ‘Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi’s life’ he smirked ‘So you might say that we are encouraged to love’ if you weren’t already completely lost in him, you were now, nobody had ever left you speechless like he had now, silent at his fingertips. Just by using a number of words, there was something so special about him.

The next morning Anakin was woken with the bright sun rays shining upon his eyes and by the roar of your pod racer, pod racer? Anakin quickly changed and jogged out towards the sound, it seemed to be taking him in the direction of the Alderaanian flame-rose fields you had shown him yesterday. There he saw you, standing under the warm sun, you looked ethereal. Your skin glowing, your lips appeared so soft, so comforting, he swore he had never seen anything more beautiful. He noticed it wasn’t just one pod racer that was stagnant by your side, but a second one, now he matched the smirk jeweled on your face. ‘You said you used to pod race so I thought, why not test your skills?’ he smiled so fully, his face felt tight as a tied rope ‘Oh really? I wouldn’t want to undermine your abilities, Milady' ‘Don’t you worry about that Anakin, you don’t want to underestimate me’ ‘Of course, I wouldn’t dare’ he laughed content. Ah that laugh, it made your heart want to jump out and fly away, it made your day already. You both buckled up into your pods, making sure all the dials are at the correct calibration, gave each other one last glance and a signature smirk and sped off, you both doing unnatural speeds to the passing eye, dipping under trees and spinning to reach higher altitudes. Anakin was staying right beside you, almost harmlessly mocking you, you recalibrated the ignition switch and sped off, Anakin raised his eyebrows in surprise, he was genuinely impressed but his competitive side got the best of him, soon he met your speed. The finishing line by the trees was dangerously close you both looked at each other, eyes locked with determination and lips spilling with playful laughter, however, as you and Anakin were lost in each other,you failed to notice the flock of Nerfs herding around grass, you spotted them at the last second and tilted your racer up towards the sky. The finishing line was right ahead, Anakin was mere inches away and you were adamant on winning so, you jumped out of your pod. You steered towards the line and crossed it seconds before Anakin, landing on a patch of flame roses. Anakin’s eyes widened, he abandoned the pod and dashed towards you figure, laying face front ‘Y/N!, Y/N’ he rolled you over, only to hear you burst out laughing, he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in ‘You should have seen your face! Your soul left your body, I swear’ you let out holding your stomach ‘Of course I was! Obi-Wan would have killed me if I let anything happen to you’ Anakin spoke out between chuckles, trying to hide his anxiety ‘Hmm I think not,I think you're terrified at the thought of anything happening to me’ you smirked. Anakin started into your eyes, shook his head and said nothing, but he started tickling your sides which only made you giggle further, you both rolled down the field, roaring with laughter. Anakin had never felt this happy and untroubled before in his life, as you both laid on the grass, the scent of roses brimming in the air, basking under the sun, you and him both letting out sighs of contentment, hands intertwined.

It was late at night, you were restlessly tossing and turning in your bed, your mind was whirling with thoughts of him, his smile, the way he spoke to you and only you, his golden hair glowing in the heat of the sun, his Padawan braid that you’d twirl between your fingers, you giggled yourself; you never had feelings like these sitting in the center of your heart, but it didn’t feel wrong. Your heart took you to the place it always took you when your mind was wandering like this.

Anakin felt your restlessness, his concern grew and grew until he had to come find you, you were right, he was terrified at the thought of anything happening to you. He gave in and, walked timidly towards your room, when you didn't answer to his knock, his anxiety took control. He composed himself and searched his feelings like his master had taught him, he let the force be his guide in search for your signature he’d progressed to love. Anakin's legs finally led him to the roof, where he saw you lying there on the ground under the lights of the stars ‘Y/N, are you okay? I couldn’t find you’, you replied with a simple ‘Join me’, Anakin didn’t hesitate and laid down beside you, he looked up at the glittering stars scattered in the sky of Alderaan, there was a gentle breeze, the scent of roses still following the both of you, then he turned to face you, he watched your chest rise and fall, his anxiety disappearing slowly just at the sight of you, you radiated beauty, charm and confidence, everything he had grown to love about you ‘I come here when my mind runs wild with thoughts’ you spoke out gently, you turned to look at him only to find him already looking at you. ‘What are you thinking about?’ Anakin inquired softly, you stared into his eyes, still bright and blue even in the shadow of dusk, you uttered timidly ‘You' he gave you a wide smile, ‘You’re all I think about Y/N, I love you’ he spoke barely above a whisper, so much so, that you wouldn’t have heard him if your faces weren’t so close and they only got closer when you replied with ‘I love you, with all of my heart’, the small gap between you and him started to close ever so slowly, shaky breaths falling from the both of your lips until they met with a chaste kiss.

You’d never regret the trouble you’d caused yourself that day at the senate, because you‘d always remember his deep eyes staring back at your own all those times, you’d never regret it because you met him. Anakin knew he’d never let you go, his other half he’d met on his first assignment, he’d never forget your face illuminated by the stars, the pure beauty of your face and mind. And for you both, it’d always be you and him.

[soundwavefucker69]

Baby Tal'ika: Mace officially taking them as his Padawan

fhdskfhdkjshkjf okay let’s do this

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“If the honorable Senator Weezin doesn’t want us to investigate a missive from his own planet, perhaps the Senator should not be doing things that requires an investigation, Chancellor Organa.”

A headache was starting to grow just behind Mace’s eyes, a steady and aching pressure that was driving him to distraction, and today was not a day where he could afford a headache that set him off. He’d have to go to Vokara before heading down to the salles.

“Mace, I’m just trying to figure out what is actually going on here, because I’m getting conflicting reports. I don’t like Senator Weezin, either, but I also need to know what’s happening when it regards one of my senators,” Bail said, and rubbed at his eyes.

“Well, we aren’t sure what’s going on, either, and when I have information, I will forward it as relevant. Master Secura just left, and I have nothing currently to report,” Mace explained. “If he wants to pitch a fit, he can pitch a fit to the child king he made the mistake of trying to turn into a figurehead.”

“The reconstructionists want to order you all back to Coruscant. Again,” Bail said quietly, and Mace tried to bat down the growing irritation.

“And they will receive the same answer. You all signed the Palpatine Accords. You can’t void it now that you’re mad militarizing the Jedi has lasting consequences. We are beholden to the Republic, not the Senate, and it is going to remain that way,” Mace bit out, and Bail sighed, sunk down in his seat on the other end of the holo transmission.

“Is Senator Weezin corrupt?” He asked quietly, and Mace bit back the information he had.

“That’s what the investigation is for.” He was absolutely corrupt, but the Jedi handled their own investigations now, and only delivered their reports once everything had been fact checked at least four times, with independent consultants verifying their information. They had to protect themselves.

“Well. I hope Master Secura is thorough.”

“She has Bly with her. She’ll be very thorough,” Mace assured him, because there was nothing that got a Jedi going like showing off their competence to their partner. “Speaking of Bly, is Rizz doing alright?”

“Rizz has put the fear of the manda into Senator Tectate, and I am very much looking forward to them doing it again,” Bail said wryly. “I was worried you’d sent us a pushover when I met them, but they’re practically running the Senate at this point. I’ve never seen the reconstructionists so scared to take the floor. I think they’re going to be my replacement in another ten years.”

Mace was not satisfied with the assessment. He wasn’t, but it was a close thing.

“Rizz is made of firmer stuff than you’d think. I think they’re planning on making another committee.”

“The Senate is not going to survive if they make another one. Please talk them down,” Bail almost pleaded, but Mace knew he wanted it.

“I’ll have Fox talk to them. In the meantime, I have an appointment, so can we continue this discussion at a later time?”

“Tal’ika is twelve today, aren’t they?” Bail asked mildly, deceptively so, and Mace let his lips twitch in something that was almost a smile.

“They are, and I believe they’re in the salles,” he replied, and Bail looked extremely pleased.

“I look forward to your next trip to Coruscant,” he said, and Mace thought of Tal’ika in the Senate chambers. Force, that was going to be a nightmare.

“I’ll keep the theatrics to a minimum.” He wasn’t going to keep them to a minimum. He was going to encourage them.

“Please don’t. Rizz has been talking about today, and so has Padme. They’re excited.”

Rizz was going to be handling their political education. He wasn’t going to let Padme anywhere near Tal’ika. They were bad enough with Anakin.

“I’m sure they are,” he agreed, as serenely as he dared, and stood up to give Bail a severe bow. “Until next time, Chancellor.”

“May the Force be with you,” Bail said, and inclined his head.

“And with you.”

The transmission cut out, and Mace picked up his robe. A quick painkiller, and then he had a Initiate to locate in the salles. The exhibition was starting soon.

With a sigh, he rolled out his shoulders and shrugged on the robe before sweeping out of the empty Council chambers. Quick steps led him through the twisting labyrinth that was the new Temple, and he breathed in the serenity and clarity he had sorely missed. Five years since the end of the war, and fires were still being put out across the galaxy. The separation from the Senate and Coruscant had been sorely needed, and he found that he didn’t regret it as much as he possibly should have. It was better this way. Clearer. With firm boundaries, and actual treaties to keep their independence. The war had been hard, as short as it was, and painful. It had left deep scars on the Order as a whole, but here, they were healing, no longer held hostage by their beliefs.

All because of one time traveling impossibility. A flicker of fondness rose in his chest as he strode through halls made from trees and stone, and he let himself breathe in the reality that things were better now. Some things had changed, some things had remained the same. He didn’t necessarily think their monastic principles prior to the war had been wrong. Far from it. Jedi had families. They had lovers, and healthy attachments. But things had changed in an irrevocable way, and they had to move with the changes. They had sustained scars, and deep ones. The picture of a galaxy where the people had turned on them in such a vicious manner was a hard one, the future Tal’ika painted bleak, because it had all been a trap, and they were blamed for falling into it, despite the fact that they really had no choice. They’d come out with scars, and while they were luminous beings, not constrained by mortal flesh, they were not unlike a body that had sustained heavy damage, and needed to correct as necessary to survive it.

And now they had a new home, made of tree and stone, with a world removed from the strife and conflict, but still participating on their own terms. The world they came to had been renamed Refuge, and millions of refugees from across the galaxy had gathered there, seeking solace. A new culture had rose up, part Jedi, part clone, part bits and pieces of the shattered remains. It was a culture of healing and acceptance, with the leadership populated with clones and freedom fighters like Saw and Stella Guerrera. It was strange, monks existing in the midst of a hardened warrior culture, but it was a nice strange. Even Guardians of Jedha had come to help with the rebuilding. Two of them, Chirrut and Baze, were a fan favorite among the Initiates, and Tal’ika adored them, spoke of how they had hidden them and Plo once upon a time. A kyber cave had been discovered, and the Guardians stood watch over it.

He was happy. It was a strange thing. And now, today was a day to take another step into normalcy. Fox was very anxious to hear about how it went, like it was ever in doubt. It wasn’t like anyone was going to sweep Tal’ika up under Mace’s nose. Tal’ika knew who their master was. He’d already gotten the master-padawan quarters set up, not that they knew that. Fox had helpfully provided their favorite blanket from his house, and Obi-Wan had swung in to be present for it today, and Ahsoka was beside herself with planning for the confusing lineage dinner tonight. Anakin had helpfully broken into Yoda’s quarters with Caleb’s assistance to steal the ingredients for swamp stew. Mace needed to thank him privately for that one. He was turning Caleb into a borderline delinquent, but Mace wasn’t going to complain. So long as Luke and Leia didn’t follow in his footsteps. He wouldn’t be able to handle the twin terrors turning their attention onto him.

Depa was, of course, serene and above it all, but he had a feeling that she was the one that gave Anakin the idea.

The salles were drawing near, and he realized he was going to be late if he didn’t get a move on. The meeting with Bail had dragged out longer than he thought it would.

The open salles were a mess of prospective masters watching the new initiates. Tal’ika was stretching in the corner, breathing through the stretch and pull of their muscles, and Mace settled in next to Obi-Wan.

“Picking a padawan finally?” He asked mildly, and Obi-Wan gave him a side-eye, like he didn’t damn well know he’d had his eye on the tiny Zabrak Nightbrother Boil and Waxer had ‘liberated’ from Dathomir. Tenacity was cute, and an unholy terror when Tal’ika started their instigating, but he managed to get them to slow down on occasion. He was a good, calm, grounding influence. Obi-Wan, after all of the bullshit Anakin put him through, definitely deserved a calm padawan.

“It’s my child’s choosing day,” he said with a dignified sniff, but his attention was drifting to the tiny little brown child helping Tal’ika stretch. Anakin, the new fledgling Battlemaster, was chatting with Cin Drallig in the corner. Cin had been preparing him for the role over the past five years, and this was the first year Anakin had really been set loose on the temple and Initiates. It was a good role for him, and it kept him from causing more diplomatic incidents. Mace rather liked being able to nail him down to Refuge and not cause problems. Padme probably appreciated it, too. She loved her husband dearly, and loved their visits, but she also appreciated the Order keeping him in line and out of her work. After the fifteenth Ohnaka incident, Mace couldn’t say he was upset to have Anakin practically quarantined to the planet. The very idea of Anakin taking another bundle of padawans for a liberating slave run when they had Knights for that was enough to make him grateful for his lack of hair to lose.

“Have your friends made any more incursions into Dathomir?” Mace asked, and Obi-Wan went suspiciously silent.

“Well, if they did, they didn’t tell me outright.”

“... Obi-Wan.”

“They are simply not on the planet at the moment,” Obi-Wan sniffed, and Mace sighed.

“They’re not helping our reputation.”

“We didn’t snatch them. And they had the fathers’ permission last time.”

“They kidnapped the fathers last time, too.”

“And they are now in wonderful, fulfilling relationships. Boil and Waxer are quite taken with their husbands. Did you know they started a communal garden?”

“I’m sure it’s lovely.”

“Alright,” Anakin called and clapped his hands. “In your lines! Remember your blood circle!”

“Why does he keep calling the safety circle a blood circle,” Mace muttered, and Obi-Wan sniffed delicately.

“It stresses the importance of responsibility.”

And the Initiates were giggling. Again. But they were also lining up quite nicely, so Mace couldn’t be too upset.

“Let’s run through our katas!” Anakin called, and ignited his saber. Hisses broke out across the salles, and the Initiates all fell into proper form. A beat, and then Anakin started walking through their warm-ups, counting in time. Fifteen Initiates followed suit, and Mace’s attention was drawn to his future padawan adding in some excessive flourishes they were unashamedly not trying to hide. Ah, well. They were Obi-Wan’s kid, it was to be expected.

The warm-up lasted ten minutes, and he hummed as he watched Tal’ika comfortably fit into the flow of the proceedings.

“If you’re asking Tenacity today, bring him to the dinner,” he said, and Obi-Wan shot him a look.

“I didn’t say I was asking him.”

A nudge of the Force had the woven strips of leather to stand in for a braid shifting in Obi-Wan’s pocket, and Obi-Wan gave him an answering nudge to make Tal’ika’s beads clack in Mace’s own pocket.

“I had Depa bully Grey into making tiingilar. He liked it when Boil and Waxer made it,” Mace said, and Obi-Wan huffed.

“It’s rude to make them share the same day,” Obi-Wan sniffed, and Mace rolled his eyes as Tenacity’s gaze shot to Tal’ika as his wrist copied their unnecessary flourish.

“They share everything, anyways. Tal’ika is going to be miffed if they’re apprenticed before him, and he’s going to be disappointed.”

“Fine, yes, you caught me, I’m going to ask him,” Obi-Wan muttered, and Mace’s lips twitched up.

“Good. Fox is coming.”

“Did you invite the whole planet?”

“Absolutely not. Ahsoka did. Your lineage is going to make a mess of my quarters.”

“I’ll make sure Anakin picks up after himself.”

The warm-up came to a close, and Anakin ordered the little ones to take a water break before pairing up. Unsurprisingly, Tal’ika grabbed Tenacity and dragged him to the very center of the salle, like they somehow had something to prove, and Mace’s nose screwed up as the two shared a water bottle before Tal’ika gave a pointed pat to Tenacity’s horns and shot a deliberate glance over at Obi-Wan.

“I told you. They’d be mad,” he added, entirely unhelpfully, and Obi-Wan sighed.

“How many people will be at this dinner and do you have the space for another?”

“I already made space for him. And you, me, Tal’ika, Tenacity, Anakin, Depa, Grey, Yoda invited himself, and Plo followed, Wolffe is off world on the threat of swamp stew, Caleb, Fox, Cody, and Ahsoka. Anakin might bring the twins, so keep a close eye on your lightsaber. Leia has grown a penchant for blatant theft.”

“... Yoda is coming?” Obi-Wan looked downright pained, and Mace shot another glance at him.

“I have it on good authority that a mysterious thief pilfered his pantry.”

“Oh. Then that’s fine,” Obi-Wan said, and Mace snorted.

“He probably has a secret stash of ingredients, so put your negotiator face on, and you might survive.” Yoda was suspiciously absent from the proceedings, so Mace didn’t have much hope for escape. He should have really considered the logistics of lineage blending before he set his eyes on Tal’ika and decided on the spot that they were his padawan.

“Force spare me,” Obi-Wan muttered, and Mace bit back a smile. It was almost worth it to choke through the stew to see Obi-Wan’s reactions to being subjected to it for the umpteenth time.

“They’re starting.”

Tal’ika was giving Tenacity a bow, and Tenacity was following suit. A break, and then the exhibition started. As ever, Tal’ika was aggressive, in possibly the most blatant tease Mace had ever seen. Tenacity met it with good humor, his blade flashing as he smiled that quiet little smile he had perfected when it came to Tal’ika’s nettling. Elbows and knees Fox had unfortunately taught them were being thrown in, and Tenacity was blocking them with aplomb. Anakin had started an initiative for bringing in clones to help with training, and it showed. The initiates were not above cheap shots, and trained heavily to learn how to match and block them. It used to bother Mace, but he could see the importance of it, after the war. And the Initiates loved being encouraged to be sneaky and tricky. They got creative with it, and it showed when Tenacity caught a lunge by Tal’ika and flung them over his hip. Tal’ika went down, but their legs tangled up with his and the two twelve year olds ended up in a lump on the ground, laughing loudly when Tenacity’s face smacked into their nose.

The laughing abruptly stopped when Tal’ika realized that hurt, and then Tenacity just laughed at them again as he detangled himself and sprang back, blatantly baiting them. Mace sighed and rubbed at his eyes, and Tal’ika sprang into motion with a showy move, knocking his legs out from under him and pressing him to spring back, a wide swath of his blade putting some distance. Tal’ika pressed forward again, their sabers clashing, and their free hand grabbed his arm when he overextended himself in a lunge. They pulled him in, and a neat twist of their saber sent his hilt clattering away as they pulled him chest to chest, their saber teasingly placed in a way under his throat in a way that would have given Mace a heart attack if he didn’t know that at the most, it would maybe sting a little and irritate the skin.

“I win,” they said smugly, and Tenacity huffed.

“I want to go again,” he said, almost petulantly, and Mace idly wondered who had taught them that disarming move. It stank of Agen’s influence.

“... If we do joint missions, we’re going to have a problem,” Obi-Wan muttered, and Mace considered the merits.

“First mission we should unleash them on the Senate. Do you think Tenacity’s tooka eyes will be a devastating combo with their glares?”

“Absolutely. Rizz will love it. They might steal them.”

“I might let them.”

Anakin let them run a few more spars, where Tal’ika and Tenacity took turns disarming each other and winning, and Mace got a sinking suspicion that they had absolutely planned to take turns making the other look good. Like they somehow had anything to prove, but he’d let them show off. Both of them were advanced for their age, and it was definitely time for them to start receive targeted training.

The exhibition lasted a good hour, and at the end of it, Tal’ika made a beeline for Mace and Obi-Wan, dragging Tenacity in their wake, and Mace tilted his head at the beaming Initiate.

“That was a good show,” he said approvingly, and Tal’ika grinned up at him.

“Didn’t Tenacity do well?” They demanded, and color rose in Tenacity’s cheeks.

“Tal,” he muttered, aggrieved, but they shoved him at Obi-Wan without a shred of shame.

“Dad, you should give him pointers,” they said, and then promptly grabbed Mace by the hand to drag him off. “I’ll see you at dinner!”

The dinner they weren’t supposed to know about, but Mace had learned three years ago hiding anything from Tal’ika Fox was not unlike trying to hide things from Yoda. They found out, and nothing was ever a surprise, but he supposed he could be content with that.

“You’re in a rush,” he commented, and they hummed.

“Tenacity is nervous, so I gotta put on a good show,” they said, and Mace sighed. So they were nervous, and all of this confidence was for Tenacity.

“Obi-Wan already has his braid, so there’s nothing to worry about,” he assured them, and they smiled.

“I know. I put it in his pocket,” they said. “He almost left it in his quarters.”

“So that was you.”

“He was going to ask him next week! I can’t be a Padawan for a week without him! He’d feel left out!” They protested, and Mace thought about a lecture about attachments, but it wasn’t really an attachment. Just meddling to make sure Tenacity’s self esteem was at appropriate levels.

As soon as they were out of range of the milling Masters and Knights speaking quietly with prospective Initiates, Tal’ika sobered, and Mace patiently waited for them to stride through the halls.

“Have you been having dreams again?” He asked, and Tal’ika hesitated.

“Yes,” they answered honestly, and their brows drew together. “It’s... confusing.”

“Do you want to talk about them?” He asked. The dreams of the life they had narrowly avoided had plagued them since they first landed in the middle of a warzone, talking about how Obi-Wan was cooked in twin suns, and it had always confused them. Plo was meant to be their master in that time, and then maybe Obi-Wan was their master, and then they were dying in an alley under Krell’s blade, and then they were kidnapped by a man in black and raised a Sith, or they died at his mercy for crimes someone else committed. It was a rough subject for them, and led to a lot of confusion as to what they were supposed to do with their life and who they were meant to be.

“No,” they decided, and he let them continue to lead them through the twists and turns of the Temple, knowing full well where they were going. The gardens were at the center of their new home, and work was constantly being done on them. The two of them passed Knight Beleren and Padawan Qin, who gave them serious nods, and Mace gave them a suspicious glance, because Tibalt definitely looked too innocent. Hopefully, they weren’t about to go drag racing again.

Problems for later.

“Are you having doubts?” He asked, and Tal’ika was quiet as they stepped through the doors to the Garden.

“I don’t think...” They trailed off, and Mace waited them out as they followed the turns to their favored spot, a still pond with fish brought in from Mon Cala.

“It’s just that...” They trailed off as they came a halt at the tree that rose up next to the pond, and serious amber eyes locked onto the pond. “I want to be your padawan, but...”

Mace was silent. Sometimes, it was best to let them talk out loud, because they needed a sounding board more than they needed advice.

“I can see whole lives that never happened, and I almost want to mourn them, even though... I think this is the first time I had a choice. It feels like... before I had to fight to choose, had to dip into some kind of war just to be somebody, and most of my choices were ones I had to battle to have. Now, it’s easy, and it almost feels like a cheat. Because nothing was supposed to be easy, and now it is,” they admitted. “I don’t... I know everything is pre-destined, but how can it be pre-destined, when all of these things happened, I know they happened, and then they didn’t? It feels like mistakes kept being made, and the Force used me to mop them up, and now I don’t feel like...”

They fell silent, frustrated and a little lost, and Mace thought about their first meeting in a room he would likely never see again, sitting in the grass as they picked at his cuticles. Just a child, lost in a void, looking for guidance while firmly rejecting it at every turn. They had had a lot of meltdowns in those early days, had needed a lot of help to guide them through the confusion of their existence that had been ripped away from them, and he had always mourned a little when he looked at them. They had turned the tide of the war, and done it at seven, and Jedi had not known a single thing about helping them. It took the vode to settle them, those worn and battered soldiers that had been born and molded in trauma and knew exactly how to help a child that was terrified.

“There’s a lot of ideas about what destiny is,” Mace said finally, and they looked up at him with all of the vulnerability of a child. “All of us are a part of it, but what destiny is... you can’t quantify it. You can’t consider it. I imagine the confusion will never stop, but... all you can do in the face of it is make choices in spite of it. I think you made a lot of choices in spite of it, in all of the lives you lived and didn’t live, and I think you should just continue to do it. Anakin... he was meant to be the Chosen One, and he was, to a degree.” After all, it was Anakin that compiled the evidence, and it was Anakin that had delivered the killing blow, but none of that would have been possible in this time without Tal’ika. There was a lot of confusion in the aftermath as to who the Chosen One was, and what it meant, but Mace... “But his choices didn’t exist in a vacuum. Everyone made choices to put him in the place where he needed to be. I think he was just the point where those choices converged, but Chosen One is simply a chosen time, with someone existing in the middle of it. Destiny is nothing but the choices we make, and what we choose to do with them. So ignore who you are and what you want to be and who you could have been, and just... make the choice that will make you happy. There’s a lot of stock in choosing to be happy. People don’t give it enough credit.”

Tal’ika looked down at the ground, and Mace took a seat in the grass, just like he did five years ago, and they paused before slowly sinking down next to him.

“You won’t betray the masters that could have been if you choose me, and you won’t betray me if you choose them,” he promised, even though it hurt to say. “All I ask is that you don’t betray yourself, as you are now, and as you want to be. Can you do that?”

Tal’ika sniffled, and tears rose up in their eyes, and Mace took a deep breath.

“If you want me, you have me. So will you do me the honor of trusting me to guide you into being who you want to be?”

Tal’ika paused, and the silence stretched out, broken by the chirps of birds and the gentle hum of the Force. And then, all around them, the Force broke.

“Yes,” they whispered, and he smiled.

“Then, Tal’ika Fox, I honor your name as my padawan.”

A sniffle, and then they dabbed at their eyes and let out a halfhearted sob.

“Mace Windu, I know your name as my teacher.”

Mace smiled, and with a touch to their red hair, three strands gathered in his fingers, he accepted the next step into a better future.

[padme-amitabha]

Are you still taking prompts? If yes, can you write a Hogwarts AU for Anidala?

Sure! I never stopped taking prompts btw. I’m still willing to write them, especially if it’s with Anidala. 

*

Getting Padmé alone was proving to be a Herculean task. She was always surrounded by her Gryffindor girl squad. Anakin wasn’t ashamed to admit he was a little intimidated by them, particularly by her best friend Sabé (who always looked like she wanted to hex him into oblivion). Padmé herself was one of the sweetest and most amiable people to be around and despite his nervousness, Anakin wasn’t very worried.

As Head Girl and captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, she was very popular but so was Anakin, in a sense (among the Slytherins). There were rumors about him being the child of the prophecy and Anakin made sure to work extra hard in his classes. He wanted to make his mother proud – his mother who had raised him all by herself. As a second year, he was one of the youngest Seekers in the history of Hogwarts and by fifth year, he was already one of the most skilled duelists in Hogwarts.

In his first game (a heated Gryffindor vs Slytherin match), he had been hit by a particularly nasty Bludger, much to the amusement of the Gryffindor team. He had been so embarrassed by their jeers and teasing, he didn’t mind spending the next few days in the Hospital Wing.

That was when he first met her.

He hadn’t particularly registered Madame Pomfrey informing him that he had a visitor, and when he had opened his eyes, he saw the most beautiful face he had ever seen.

“Are you an angel?” he had whispered.

His angel laughed in response. It was a sweet and pleasant laugh that instantly made him feel better.

“I wish!” she said amusedly. “I’m Padmé Naberrie. Chaser in the Gryffindor team.”

He hadn’t exactly noticed that she was in the opposing team, which meant she had seen his humiliating failure.

“O-Oh. I’m Anakin-”

“-Skywalker. I know. Everyone knows you.”

His cheeks grew as red as the Weasleys’ hair.

“You mean after today.”

“No, I’ve heard about you before. You play really well, Ani. May I call you Ani?”

He nodded. A thought crossed his mind.

“Uh Padmé, why are you here? Not that I mind – thank you for coming.”

“I wanted to apologize on behalf of my teammates. They were really mean to you. I tried to tell them off-”

“No, no, you tried. That’s enough. Besides, it wasn’t your fault.”

She looked at him sympathetically as she plopped down next to him.

“It-It doesn’t matter. Really,” he said, his cheeks growing hotter by the second.

“But it does matter, Ani. You don’t tolerate bullies; you stand up to them. And I know they did it just because you are a Slytherin,” she sighed. “I swear house rivalry is the worst thing ever.”

“Yeah.”

“Alright, but if they ever give you a hard time again, you can always tell me, alright?” she had said with a reassuring smile.

They hadn’t and so Ani barely had the chance to talk to his angel in years. He had seen her become a Prefect and then the Head of her house’s team and the more popular she got, the more unreachable she had felt to him. One of the things Anakin loved about Padmé was that she never let the fame get to her head. She was still the kindest and sweetest person ever, but he guessed that’s what other people liked about her too because they were always flocking around her and Anakin wasn’t keen on embarrassing himself in front of everyone.

With the Triwizard Tournament being hosted by his school, he had the perfect opportunity to ask her as his date to the Yule Ball. He was a fifth-year student now and most of the other boys were busy fawning over the Beauxbatons girls. They were pretty, to be sure, but they weren’t Padmé. He was worried she might be going with one of her friends (like Bail Organa, a seventh-year Ravenclaw) since he was keeping himself updated on who was accompanying who, and surprisingly, no other guy had asked her yet. When he had heard even Organa was going with a fellow Ravenclaw he knew he was going to be the only guy who would’ve approached Padmé so there was little chance of her turning him down.

He took a few deep breaths. He could picture Obi-Wan (his adoptive older brother and best friend) scowling at his hopeless crush on the Head Girl. “Do whatever you want, Anakin, but try not to disgrace yourself, or me.”

He cleared his throat nervously. Padmé was in the corridor, with only two of her friends, Cordé and Dormé (the friendly ones, as he liked to call him) so the moment struck him as the perfect opportunity. He started approaching her in the almost secluded hallway but he must have been too jittery from the anxiety because the next thing he knew he was on the floor.

Dormé and Cordé were kind enough not to snicker, though they seemed to be struggling at it as Padmé approached him.

She extended her hand and he took it as he gingerly got up.

“Are you okay- Ani?” she asked in surprise.

“Yeah,” he said sheepishly. “You remember me?”

“I almost didn’t recognize you. I don’t know how we have never talked in so many years.”

‘I wanted to, but you didn’t notice me,’ he thought sadly.

“Yeah- actually I was wondering if you are in need of a date for the Ball. W-Would you like to accompany me?” he blurted as he searched her eyes.

She stared back and just for a tiny moment, he felt that they shared a connection. That magic, however, was lost by what followed.

She broke out of her reverie.

“I’m really sorry, Ani. But Palo already asked me, and I said yes.”

“Oh…” he said though his brain wasn’t comprehending it clearly. Of course, she was going with Palo Jemabie, a seventh-year Hufflepuff. He had heard they had dated briefly so he was certain they were trying to rekindle the flame.

He tried not to wear his heart on his sleeve for once and hide the heartbreak.

“It’s alright. I get the picture. I’ll...ask someone else.”

She smiled apologetically and scrutinized him for a few seconds. He shifted uncomfortably as he had a feeling, he was not very good at hiding his emotions.

“I’ll see around you then,” she said as she waved at him and rejoined her friends, leaving Anakin alone in the hallway.

Anakin kicked the handkerchief that had fallen out of his pocket.

‘This day keeps getting worse.’

Padmé’s rejection had left a sour taste in his mouth. He had lost interest in going to the ball.

‘Why did I even get my hopes up? I’m better off going alone.’

*

He would later discover he wasn’t better off coming to the ball alone. But he doubted he would have enjoyed himself accompanied by a last-minute date either. He was dressed in one of the dress robes his mother had made for him long ago. It wasn’t horrible-looking, just a little out of fashion, but Anakin rarely care about the trend. It was his way of keeping his mother’s memory alive. She had wanted him to attend his first ball in it.

He fidgeted uncomfortably as he saw the other couples entering the Great Hall hand in hand. This was going to be awkward. Even his friend Rodrick, a Gryffindor, had Terrance (Ravenclaw) as his date. He had no other choice other than being a third wheel, though his friends didn’t seem to mind.

“A shy Slytherin. You’re an odd one, aren’t you?” said a sly voice as he felt someone put their hand through his.

It was Padmé. He didn’t bother concealing his awe. She came in a dazzling gown that was a mixture of the lightest yellow and a soft shade of pink. It looked like sunset – and top it off, her hair looked impeccable in a coiled headdress.

“Now, smile because we’ll be the first ones to start the dance,” she said as she waved at her friends.

“Padmé? I thought you were coming with Jemabie!”

“Well, after our conversation I told him someone had finally asked me on a date. We were going as friends since no one had asked me. He was a last resort. Besides, he wanted to go with someone else anyway.”

“Then why didn’t you say yes when I asked you first?”

“I wanted to see how dealt with refusal. Merlin, I haven’t seen someone so genuinely heartbroken in ages! I am surrounded by many false friends, you know. I appreciate your candor.”

“Come on, I am not that obvious,” he said with a pout.

“You are!” she teased as he blushed harder.

“So, you just came with me because I am the only one who asked you?”

She laughed. “That, and because it’s not every day a guy calls you an angel and means it.”

[kriffani]

Second Chances (Chapter Two)

Five years later, Theo is thriving as his Jedi training progresses, exceeding all expectations set for him. When the fate of a revolutionary civil rights bill is to be decided, tensions rise a little too high in the Senate. Several Jedi are ordered to assume escort duties in an attempt to ensure the safety of those under threat of assassination. 

warnings: mentions of death, hints to transphobia

word count: 1.9k

chapter one

taglist: @acomplicatedprofession

“It’s a nightmare. This bill could change everything!” Mace groaned. 

“Unfortunate, it is. Care, not enough Senators do.” 

“Then why are they continually voted in? How do those blasted parasites stay in office?” 

“I agree with your sentiments, Mace. Which is why the bill must pass. Access to public healthcare is far too limited in it’s current state.” Plo paused, apprehension straightening him in his chair. “Though I do admit, I possess a personal bias in regard to my apprentice.”

“In that respect, I think we all feel the same, Master Plo. Theo is growing up to be a wonderful young man.” Adi Gallia’s remark produced numerous murmurs of agreement from around the Council Chamber. 

“Yes, he is. I’m very proud of him.” Plo relaxed, relieved that the others felt as strongly as he did.

“As you should be, Plo. Regrettably, we must shift the topic slightly. Multiple death threats have been sent to members of the Senate. All of which are very public advocates for the bill, two of them being the ones who introduced it: Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan, and Senator Padme Amidala of Naboo.” Ki-Adi Mundi explained. 

“Have either of them requested our assistance?” Mace leaned forward.

“No, but the Chancellor himself requested that we offer to guard and escort them here from their respective home planets in time for the vote.”

“Then do so, we must. For people like Theo, much at stake, there is.”

“I will take Theo to Alderaan. This mission will be good for him.” Plo offered.

“Mm. Agree, I do. Go to Naboo, to Senator Amidala, I will. Adjourned, this meeting is.” Yoda tapped his staff against the floor in finality.

------

“I don’t know what to do anymore, my premonitions keep getting worse,” Theo frowned, “they feel more...real.” 

“Your premonitions?” Anakin echoed. Golden sunlight poured into the Temple hall, making the already-sacred building look even more ethereal. Soft beams bestowed illusive halos onto the two Padawans as they approached one of the windows. Theo rested his arms on the sill and closed his eyes for a moment, basking in the sun’s warmth.

“Yeah. If I focus while I’m dreaming it’s pretty much like I’m there.” He leaned back, chewing the inside of his cheek, “I feel everything as if it were happening to me. I can hear voices more distinctly, but I can’t place them.”

“Can you tell what’s happening to them? Or where they are?”

“No.” 

“Have you told Master Plo?”

“No...” Theo looked down, guilt tugging at his heart. 

“Why not? He’s one of the most powerful Jedi in the Order!” Anakin scoffed, “If anyone can help you, it’s him.”

“I know that, but what if I’m seeing these things because they’re going to be my fault? What if the rest of the Council finds out and they banish me?” Theo’s knuckles turned white as he clenched the sleeves of his robes. “Whoever they are, I feel their deaths, Anakin.” He turned his eyes back up towards the city. Windows lit up one by one across the skyline as the sun kissed the horizon.

“That won’t happen.” Anakin clenched his jaw. Faith. One of the many things Theo decided that he liked about Obi-Wan’s apprentice. Anakin Skywalker had unwavering faith in his friends. A strength, and a weakness. The duality of man.

“I hope you’re right.” He sighed, resting his chin on his forearms. 

“I am, I can feel it.” Anakin gently elbowed Theo’s rib cage, earning him a tender smile.

“Thank you.” Almost halfway down, the sun’s rays painted the sky scarlet and orange and illuminated the hall in a stronger, more fiery glow. Speeders began switching into night mode, becoming luminous streaks of red and white. Theo almost thought it was beautiful. But that would be a little too ironic. It was nearly five whole years ago he had been an orphan living hand to mouth with his Mandalorian comrade. Now, he was housed and taught at the Jedi Temple. Now, he was the cherished apprentice of Plo Koon, one of the Order’s most esteemed Jedi Masters. What if this isn’t what I’m meant for? What if I don’t belong here? What if I’m a failure? Theo quickly pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind. There is no emotion, there is peace. Fear and doubt were not becoming of a Jedi, and certainly weren’t endorsed by the Code. A pleasant tingling sensation crept up the base of his skull. Oh! He jolted, standing up taller as he whipped around to greet the all-too familiar presence. “Master!”

“Koh-to-ya, little Theo, Skywalker,” Master Plo cheerfully greeted them. “Padawan, tomorrow we have a mission. There have been threats concerning the life of Senator Organa of Alderaan. It will be our job to escort him back to Coruscant in time to vote on the Galactic Rights Bill.” 

“Very well, Master!” Theo was elated. It had been over a month since he had left the Temple, and it took every iota of his self-control not to cheer in victory.

“Whoa, whoa, wait a second, should you even be going on missions? You’re recovering from surgery!” Anakin pointed an accusatory finger at Theo, who recoiled in mock offense.

“Excuse you but I was cleared for low-risk missions by the surgeon this morning, it’s been four and a half weeks, and I’ve kept up with the bacta treatments. I just have to be careful!” Theo gingerly patted his chest. “Besides, I’m sure my Master wouldn’t take me along if he thought I was at risk.” 

“Indeed, young one. Skywalker, your concern for my apprentice is appreciated, yet perhaps it is misplaced here.” Plo placed his hand on Theo’s shoulder.

“Apologies, Master Plo. I didn’t mean to suggest that you would purposefully put him in danger.” Anakin cringed, he had just made a grave mistake. Had the Temple gotten warmer? Or was he simply wearing one layer too many? 

“Hm...I wonder, do you question Master Kenobi’s intentions like this?” Amusement seeped its way into Plo’s voice, and Anakin was too nervous to sense it.

“N-no, Master!”

“Then why would you assume mine to be of any difference?”

“I don’t! I promise! I was just worried about Theo’s recovery, it had nothing to do with your choices as his Master.” Anakin desperately wanted to disappear into the floor.

“My choices? Do you have any suggestions for me on how to train my padawan, Skywalker? Do you believe I am incompetent?” 

“That’s not it, I-”

“Master, please. Leave Anakin alone.” Theo chastised. “He’s kidding, Anakin.”

“Oh! I see...” Anakin’s cheeks burned as he forced a laugh.

“Please forgive me Skywalker, that wasn’t very kind of me,” Plo chuckled, “I truly do admire your care for little Theo’s safety, however, may I offer you some guidance?”

“Of course Master Plo.” 

“Your desire to protect others is very strong, and you should trust your instincts,” Plo’s voice dropped, “but be careful not to let them control you.”

“Thank you. I will keep this in mind.” Anakin reminded himself to breathe.

“Theo, we are scheduled to leave at 0530, so please be ready and in the hangar by 0500.” Plo gave a final pat to his padawan’s shoulder before leaving as silently as he had arrived.

“I should pack, early morning and all. I’ll see you later, Anakin!” Theo practically bounced down the hall, leaving his flabbergasted friend to shout a farewell in his wake. The Galactic Rights Bill...What was that again? Theo mumbled to himself as he walked. Galactic Rights Bill...Galactic Rights Bill...I’ll ask Master Plo tomorrow. By the time he reached his quarters, the sun had completely set, leaving only the dim lamps that lined the ceiling to light the dormitory hall. The door hadn’t quite finished opening when Theo zoomed inside, nearly tripping over himself. He closed the door behind him and stood for a moment, before switching on the lights. The padawan raked his hands through his hair, attempting to recall what task had caused him to enter his room in such urgency. I needed...to pack! He reached for his pack before pausing again. Actually, no. I don’t need a lot. It’s not a long mission. Theo sighed, and collapsed onto his futon. He reached up to his neck, fingers ghosting over his braid before pinching the necklace beneath his robes to pull it out. His thumb brushed across the surface of the pendant as he allowed himself a moment to reflect. To feel. The Mythosaur skull stared back, empty, and taunting. He frowned. Jango. What would Jango think of him now? Would he be proud? Resentful? Would Jango have missed him at all? That was a stupid question. Of course he would’ve. Jango was a good man. Kind, stubborn, brave, and honest. Theo snorted. Most of the time he was honest. Rather than continuing to wallow in his grief he tucked it and the pendant out of sight. Theo closed his eyes. There is no emotion, there is peace.

------

“Can we get jelly-buns?” 

“No. Too much sugar.” Sunlight glinted off of shining beskar as the odd pair walked through the bustling market.

“Please, Jango?” Theo stretched out the ‘e’ sound, gazing up at the bounty hunter with impeccably fabricated innocence.

“We have food on the ship.” Immediate dissatisfaction. The boy scrunched his nose in disgust.

“I don’t wanna eat ration bars, they’re so dry.” 

“Fine. We’ll get a few on our way back to the ship.” Jango huffed, a small smile forming underneath his helmet. “Is there anything else you need before we leave? We won’t be stopping until we get back to the Core Worlds.”

“Nope! Just the jelly-buns.” Theo chirped. He planted his hands on the ground and launched himself into a mostly smooth cartwheel. His balance was off at the last second, making him stumble upon landing.

“Impressive, you’re getting better at those.” Jango mused. 

“Thanks. I’m still not as good as that lady we met yesterday though.” Theo launched himself into a second one.

“Aurra or Zam?” The Mandalorian allowed himself to get lost in thought as Theo made a better, near-perfect landing.

“Zam. Aurra’s the scary one.”

“Mm.” Jango slipped over to a stand to pick up a box of the coveted round pastries. He placed a handful of credits on the counter, and waved away the pirate’s offer of change.

“We don’t ever have to see Aurra again do we?”

“Not often. Only when the situation calls for it.” He tossed a jelly-bun to Theo, who mouthed a ‘thank you.’ The pastry was gone in less than a minute. “I have something else for you.”

“What is it?” Theo asked, bouncing on his toes in excitement.

“You’ll see, I’ll give it to you on...the ship.” Jango trailed off. Not a moment passed before he drew his blaster, the box of jelly-buns discarded and forgotten on the ground. Running towards the boy, he yelled. “Get down!” Theo didn’t have time to react as fire engulfed him and the market.

“Jango!” He was gone. “Jango!” Theo cried out again, but to no avail. All he could feel was heat, all he could see was white, and all he could hear was the roar of fire. It was over, and it was silent. But then it wasn’t. Falling, screams of betrayal, silence. Blaster shots, confusion, silence. An engine exploding, fear, silence. The glow of a lightsaber, cries of grief, silence. Anger, heartbreak, silence. All Theo felt was agony, crushing and absolute. All Theo felt was death.

He snapped upright, gasping for air. He pressed his hands to his cheeks. Theo was alive, and much to his relief, not on fire. It’s okay. It’s just the premonitions. That’s not how the job ended. We got on the ship, he gave me the necklace, we left. It’s just the premonitions. It’s just the premonitions. It’s just the premonitions...I need to tell Master Plo.

[lukeleiahan]

Ripped at every edge but you’re a masterpiece

I read an AU, and I had to follow up...

Essentially, the Empire falls when Luke and Leia are five, and now their parents figure out how to go from here. Lot’s of appreciation for Bail and Breha Organa and Owen and Beru Lars, a generous helping of Sabe, and precious baby!twins Luke and Leia.

Also on AO3, read the fic that inspirated this here.

 Five weeks after the fall of the Empire

It starts, like many great things, with a knock on the door.

(No, that's not right. It starts with an old man, who isn't really that old at all, bringing a baby in the middle of the night. Or maybe with a freedwoman dying in the arms of her son. Maybe even with that same slave woman, not free yet, giving birth to that same son.)

Beru is standing in the kitchen, preparing a small dinner for her family. Luke is sitting to her feet, quietly playing with the spare mechanical parts Owen organised for him. He likes mechanics, that boy of theirs. Likes playing and tinkerin g and building and fixing things. He's got a talent for it, like Shmi always said her son, Luke's father, had.

It's the thought of Luke's father that makes Beru tense up. She isn't really expecting anyone, and while that doesn't have to mean anything...

Well, Beru's never really been a trusting person. She's freeborn herself, but her mother had been born a slave, and she's never really felt safe from the slavers. And ever since Old Ben gave them Luke, that little boy that is both Beru and Owen's sunshine, and told them only that Anakin was dead and the Empire wasn't to know about the boy...

Well, Beru's tense. She wishes one of her friends was here, or Owen. But wishing for something won't make it true, and so she puts down the bowl and bends down to Luke.

“Stay here, darling, please. I'll be right back.” She tells him. He nods, and then he smiles at her. He shines, whenever he smiles, that precious boy, and Beru drops a kiss on his forehead.

The woman at the door doesn't seem particularly dangerous, but that doesn't have to mean anything. Her clothing is dark blue, practical but with intricate details that remind her of water flowing. It's a beautiful effect, and one that immediately makes it clear that this woman is not of Tatooine.

Then Beru's eyes reach the woman's face, and she gasps. She's staring, she realizes distantly, but this... Old Ben said...

“I'm not Padme.” The woman says, sounding both resigned and sad, as though this is not the first time she's said it. “I know I look like her, a lot, but I'm not. She was a dear friend of mine, though.”

That's why she sounds sad, Beru realizes, and tries to get herself under control. It can't be easy to look so much like a dead friend.

“Come in.” She says, and steps aside. The house seems so small, so dirty and cheap, with this woman inside, but she doesn't seem to notice it. Now that the first shock has passed, Beru can see the differences between this woman and Padme. Padme had been... less purposeful in her movements, maybe, and her face hadn't seemed quite this sharp.

“What is you name?” She asks, once the woman is sitting down at the small table and she's brought her a milk. Luke is still in the kitchen, playing quietly. She doesn't want him to come out. Not yet.

It might not be the fair, or even particularly likely, but it has always been Beru's fear that one day, one of Padme's family would come and take Luke away from them. He's her boy, her son in everything but name, but she is very aware that there is no official adoption, nothing to stop rich offworlders from taking him away.

But that's not a reason to be impolite, at least not yet. So she smiles and sits down next to the woman.

“Sabe. Sabe Nertay.” The woman says, taking a polite sip of the milk. Her face is like a mask, completely unreadable. Then she takes a long breath, and looks Beru in the eyes.

“The Empire has fallen. I don't know if you've heard about that, out here, but it has. The Emperor is dead, and so is Lord Vader.” She says it in a rush, as though she has been waiting for a long time to say these words.

Beru has heard rumors, of course she has. But there are always rumors. She doesn't usually put much stock into them, and this time... well, it's not like life was so different under the Empire than it was under the Republic.

But it is important to the woman in front of her, and it caused her to come all the way to Tatooine, so Beru stays quiet.

“Padme... she fought the Empire, you know. She fought it before it had ever been founded, and she died... It was clear that the Emperor, that he'd want to use the kids, and Vader...”

Sabe stops for a moment, trying to regain her composure. In that moment, Luke comes in, smiling at Sabe, but heading for Beru.

“I made something for you!” He says with a smile, handing her the mechanics he was tinkering with before. They fit together, somehow, and when Beru takes it, she realizes it's a small holo recorder. She doesn't quite know how he made that out of some small junk parts, but that's her boy.

“Thank you so much. It's amazing!” Beru tells him, hugging him close. She is very aware of Sabe's eyes on them, but she doesn't look. She just looks at her boy.

“This is Miss Sabe Nertay.” She tells Luke. “Say hi to her.”

Luke goes over to Sabe, holding out his hand to great her. “Hi Miss Sabe.” He says, smiling. The woman seems shocked for a moment, then she takes Luke's offered hand, and smiles at him. It looks fairly honest, too.

“Hi Luke. It's nice to meet you.” She says, something almost... amazed in her voice. Luke looks at her. Beru doesn't know whether he realizes the tension in the room, the weirdness of this woman here in her kitchen, but she thinks he might. He's five, but he's also a perceptive sort, her boy.

“It's nice to meet you too.” He says, shaking her hand seriously.

“How about you go get your uncle, darling?” Beru says, and Luke runs off. Sabe looks after him, that amazed look still on her face. Beru can relate.

“He has her smile.” Sabe whispers, almost to herself.

She debates staying silent. Sometimes, she knows, listening is the best thing to do, but yet... she has to know.

“Are you going to take him away?” She asks, voice steady. She's not going to let the woman know her terror.

“No.... no, of course not. I would never... you have raised him for five years. He's yours. I'm not … I'm not going to steal him... He's Padme's son, but he's... he's yours, too.” Sabe says. She seems... insecure is the wrong word, but she doesn't truly seem to know how to handle this, either.

“Is he safe?” Beru asks. Another terror rises. If Sabe is not there to take Luke away, then why is she here? Is there anything else, something more terrible than even the Empire, coming for her boy?

“Yes.” Sabe says, louder than she was probably intending. She looks Beru in the eyes. “He is safe. Vader... Vader was the danger. Vader and the Emperor. They're dead now. They can't get him. They're dead.”

It shouldn't cause so much relief, Beru thinks, that this stranger, this offworlder, tells her Luke is safe. But it does.

“Why are you here, then?” Beru asks.

“I think... I think your husband should be here to discuss this?” Sabe sounds insecure now. It causes Beru's nerves to ratch up again, but she tries to control that. She thinks of what Shmi would have done.

“How did you know Padme?” She asks. Luke has asked about his mother. Not that often, but it's natural for him to be curious, and Beru knows so little.

“We were little girls.” Sabe says, sounding grateful to have something to talk about that she is comfortable with. “On Naboo, we do our civil service young, you know? We elect our princesses when they are about twelve, and out of these prinesses, we elect our queens.

“I started training as a handmaiden at the academy when I was twelve, and two years later I was sworn in to become handmaiden to the new queen. That queen was Padme. She was fourteen, like me, and she took the ruling name Amidala.”

“That's very young.” Beru can't help but say. Fourteen. She remembers being fourteen. She'd been a child. Of course she'd been. To imagine being in charge of a planet at that age... it's terrifying.

“It's how we do it on Naboo.” Sabe says, sounding unconcerned. “You have noticed we look the same. That's why I was chosen to be one of her handmaidens, you know? Us handmaidens, we are not just there to help the queen with her clothes and hair, we are also there to be decoys in dangerous situations. I was always the one who looked the most like her, so I was usually the decoy.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“It was, I suppose, but I knew what I was signing up for. It was a huge honor, you know. To impersonate the queen. And it was an amazing thing to share, with a friend such as Padme. She wasn't just the queen to me. We were all close, all of us handmaidens and Padme, but the two of us, she was... I never had a sister, but Padme became my sister. I served as a handmaiden for both her terms, and we stayed friends afterwards. She still had handmaidens as a senator, but... I left the service. I became a teacher. I've always wondered.... if I'd stayed...”

Beru takes her hand. There isn't really anything she can say. She wants to tell this woman it's not her fault, but she doesn't even know how Padme died. It would feel like lying to promise something like that.

The door opens, and Luke's chatter fills the room. He's telling Owen about building the holo recorder. Owen is listening, but he's also looking at Sabe with suspicion. Of course he is. Strange offworlders appearing isn't usually a good sign on Tatooine, and he's just as afraid of someone taking Luke away as she is.

“How about you look at those vaps in the garage.” He says, voice gruff but affectionate, running his hand through Luke's hair. Luke grins and runs off.

“So, what's going on.” He says, looking at Sabe. He's not quite glaring, but it's a near thing. Sabe does not seem intimidated, though.

“The Empire has fallen. The Emperor and Vader, they are dead.” Sabe says, looking him in the eyes, the way she did with Beru.

“So what? You gonna take Luke away from us now? 'Cause that's not happening.”

“No. Nobody is going to take Luke away. You are his family. But...” Sabe looks like she's trying to find the right words.

“But what.” Owen says flatly.

“He has a sister. Luke. He has a sister.” Sabe says, and she's looking at both of them now. Beru covers her mouth with her hand.

“Leia.” She whispers. Sabe's head wips around to her.

“Obi-Wan told you?” She asks.

“Old man told us jack shit.” Owen gruffs. He is willing to be nicer, though, now that Sabe told him she's not going to take Luke. “It's a Tatooine thing. Twin names. Luke and Leia... they're only given together.”

“We thought she might have been stillborn. Or died later, something like that.” Beru adds. Luke has asked for his sister. He has asked for her a lot. He was convinced she was there with him, he's dreamed of her. She thought it might be the knowledge that she had existed at one point, or that touch of the desert that allows him to see things others don't, allowing him to communicate with his dead sister. To know she lives...

“I didn't know that.” Sabe says, looking slightly fluxomed. “The thing is... I'm here because it's safe now. As long as the Emperor and Vader lived... if the twins had met, the danger was too high they would have found out.”

“So you do want to take him.” Owen says, defensive again. Beru hears the fear, but she doesn't think Sabe does.

“No! But … they are twins. They should be able to meet. Just meet. Bail and Breha... Leia's adoptive parents, they understand. Leia is theirs, the way Luke is yours. They'd never expect you to give him up. But we thought... we thought they should meet. They have a right to know the other exists. And Leia... she's asked about him. About her brother.”

“Luke's asked, too. About Leia.” Beru says, before Owen can say anything. His hand finds her, warmth and protection and safety.

“We thought they should meet. If you agree. You could come visit, bring Luke. Bail and Breha would be happy to welcome you. And Obi-Wan, of course.”

“I don't see what the old man has to do with anything.” Owen growls, but there is considerably less bite in it. A second set of adoptive parents... Beru can believe they understand.

Sabe seems confused. Beru wonders whether it's the hostility towars Old Ben, or the fact that they refer to him as an old man. He isn't, not really. Beru doesn't think he's much over forty, but he holds himself like a man at least twice his age. He behaves like that, too, so to think of him as Old Ben just feels more natural than anything else. And well... Owen's never liked the man. Too close to Anakin, to the Repbulic, to the sort of things and people that would endanger Luke. Beru doesn't share the dislike, but she understands it.

“He doesn't have to come. You are Luke's parents, not him. But he is an old friend of Bail's so I'm to invite him as well.” Sabe says diplomatically. For a moment, there's silence.

“What is she like, Leia?” Beru asks, and for the first time since Luke left, Sabe truly smiles. She takes out a small holo, places it on the table and let's it play. A small girl, Luke's age, with dark eyes and brown hair in braids, is sitting on the floor, flipping through the pages of a book. After a moment, she looks up, smiling at whoever is recording the holo, and Beru's heart melts. That's Luke's smile on that girls face.

She looks at Owen, and knows that they've both decided in that very moment.

     Four weeks after the fall of the Empire  

It's a day of celebration. It should be, by all rights.

The End of the Empire, and the Beginning of the New Republic, capitalized for importance, and what it means, now, after a month of celebrating and working and organizing a new government, should be a celebration.

And yet, the mood in Bail's brand new chancellors office is somber. They've all seen too much war, lost too many friends.

“To the lost ones.” He says, raising his glass. Breha, Mon, Carlist, Garm Bel Iblis and Sabe mirror the gesture silently, each of them deeply in thought.

The new government is running, sort of. Bail has been elected the new chancellor, more or less happily. The senate has it's old powers back, and there are three different motions started that should, if they go through as planned, at least put up some strong protections against another Palpatine. Nothing is guaranteed to stop a determinated, manipulative, powerful being like Palpatine to come and take over again, but at least with these new laws it should be more difficult. Bail hopes.

He'd once thought that there was no way for the republic to fall, either, and he'd been wrong. He won't let himself be sure of anything like that anymore.

“Padme should be here.” Mon says, looking at the empty spot at their table wistfully. They always leave a space for her, when they're together like this. The Empire tried to ignore her, but they won't. They won't forget her.

“She knows. In the Endless Sea, Padme knows what has happened.” Sabe says, a quiet conviction in her voice. It's a Nabooian belief, the Endless Sea of the afterlife, but Bail has always found comfort in the idea that Padme is there now, watching over them.

“She deserves her rest. Her and all the fallen.” Garm says.

 For a moment, they all stay silent, remembering all their lost friends. Too many of them, Bail thinks. Too many good people died in this fight. Then, Garm gets up.

He looks tired, Bail thinks. They all do, tired with exhaustion and grief and a sense of fear that doesn't seem to want to disappear, even though the Empire is defeated. And his marital troubles won't have gotten easier, either. How someone so passionate about democracy could marry a supporter of the Empire, he'll never understand.

It makes Bail all the more happy about his own marriage. He smiles at Breha, and feels warmth in his heart when she smiles in answer.

“I have an early morning tomorrow. The Imperial forces don't decomission themselves, after all. I'll turn in. A good evening to all of you.”

“Don't remind me. I'll come with you. Good night.” Carlist sighs.

“I'll go, too. My son has been having nightmares these last weeks, all the changes, probably, and the battles, and I promised him I wouldn't be out too late.” Mon says, standing too. “Winter and Leia don't have that problem?”

“Not yet, though it might still come. Currently they're still fascinated by all the changes, especially Leia.” Breha says.

“Consider yourselves lucky, then. We'll see us in the morning. Good night.” She says, smiling, and together they leave.

Bail waits until they're out of the room, then he stands up and picks up one of the holos of his daughters he has standing on his desk. Winters white hair shines next to Leia's brown, and both their smiles glow. They're healthy and happy and safe, he tells himself, just a few rooms down, guarded by Artoo, in hearing distance. Protected by Artoo and two guards in the corridor, to make sure no vengeful imperial gets any ideas.

“There is something else we have to do.” He says. It's been on his mind since the Emperor and Vader died, and now is the time to start doing something about it.

“Luke.” Breha says, putting down her glass. Bail nods.

Sabe seems confused. He never outright told her about Leia's biological parents, never sat down and told her the whole sad story of Padme's last days, but he didn't have to. Sabe knew Padme so well, knows him so well, had prepared Padme's body for the funeral, and Leia just looks like Padme. It wasn't difficult for her to piece it together, as he knew it would be.

But because they never talked about it, she doesn't know about Luke. Doesn't even know enough to suspect anything like this. Maybe he should have told her, but … well, people have always said that the Jedi can read minds. Obi-Wan had denied it, when Bail asked, years ago, but nobody ever truly explained the Sith to him, either, so he couldn't be sure. And though he trusts Sabe with his life, and more importantly with both his daughters lifes, the first rule of espionage still holds: One can't reveal a secret one doesn't know.

Breha knows, though, because she is his wife and he could never keep something like this from her, and she takes the lead.

“We need to call Obi-Wan.” She says.

“What are you talking about?” Sabe asks. She knows Obi-Wan, of course she does, but neither Bail nor Breha ever corrected her assumption that he died with the rest of the Jedi.

And she'll have assumed they'd contact the Naberries first, probably. They'll have to do that, too, Padme's family has a right to know, but it can wait a bit longer. Just a bit.

“Luke is Leia's twin brother.” Bail tells her. Sabe stares.

“It wasn't... it wasn't safe, to raise them together. Obi-Wan and Master Yoda... they said something about... I don't know, combined Force presence? It didn't make very much sense to me, but they were absolutely sure that if the children were raised together, the Emperor and Vader would find them. So Obi-Wan took Luke to be raised by Anakin's stepbrother and his wife on Tatooine.”

“Leia has... Padme had...” Sabe stumbles over her words, clutching her glass of wine as though it would provide her safety. Breha walks over to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

“Twins. Yes. Now that it's safe, they have a right to know.” Bail says. They had a right to know since the beginning, he thinks, but now is the first time since their birth that it's a possibility.

“Are we sure? That it's safe. Are we sure?” Breha asks. Her voice doesn't betray it, but Bail knows she's scared. He is, too. Leia has never quite been safe, never really been out of danger. Neither of their daughters have, on account of being the princesses of Alderaan and the daughters of two rebels, but with Leia it has always been more immediate, the danger. The thought that she might be safe now is so strange. What if they've overlooked something?

“As far as we know, the only people who would pose a direct threat to Leia and Luke due to them being Padme and... Anakin's children are Vader and the Emperor, and they are dead.” He hesitates over Anakin's name, only briefly, but Sabe notices. Of course she does.

“What about Anakin? He died when the Jedi fell, did he not?” She asks. She's not asking whether he is Luke and Leia's biological father. Of course not. She'd known of Padme and Anakin's relationship before even Bail had. But there are things he'd never told her. Things he never wanted to speak about to anyone. He takes a deep breath, seeks stability in his wife's eyes.

“No.” He says, and tries not to get caught up in memories.

(Fire and smoke, Padme on a table, a child being murdered by clone troopers, Obi-Wan and Yoda suddenly broken old men, a newborn's cry)  

“Anakin Skywalker did not die when the Jedi fell. He died with the Emperor, a month ago.” Bail says. No one knows exactly how those last hours went inside the Imperial palace. All Bail knows is that the Alliance forces won the battle against the Imperial forces, and that when they came to clean up the palace, Vader and the Emperor had both been found dead. Bail himself had done the identification.

Anakin Skywalker had looked somehow both so old, scarred and tired and dead, and so very young. He'd only been 28 years old.

“What are you talking about?” Sabe asks, shouts, really. He's happy that the girl's room is far enough away that they won't hear. They're too young for this conversation. Much too young.

He should have explained all of this to her before, but he hadn't dared risk it. Hadn't dared take the risk that she'd get caught and talk, hadn't had the strength to deal with it himself.

He's only ever talked about it once, when he told Breha the day he brought Leia home. He'd broken down then, completely, and he hadn't ever talked about it again.

But he'll have to do it again. Now, and then at least once more.

“Vader. Anakin... was Vader.”

“What? How?” Sabe is pacing, he notes distantly. Breha has moved to stand by his side again, a supporting presence he's grateful for.

“I don't know. I thought … I thought, when Master Yoda called, that we were there to pick them up, Padme and Anakin and Obi-Wan and even Master Yoda. They survived the … the purge, they're calling it, aren't they? They'd survived, and when Master Yoda called I thought I was going to pick them up, and we were going to figure out what to do next.

“But then... Padme was giving birth, and when I asked Obi-Wan about Anakin, all he would say was that he'd 'fallen'. That was the word he used, 'fallen'. Didn't really understand it until I was introduced to Vader.

“And Padme... the med droid said she was fine, you know? I kept asking, because she was pale and so damned silent, but the med droid kept insisting she was fine. She named Luke and Leia, and then she... I don't know. She slipped away.” There are tears in his eyes, and he can't break down again, he can't. He focuses on Breha's hand in his, willing himself to focus.

“Slipped away? What does that mean?” Sabe asks, tears running over her cheek, but she's refusing to break down, too, just like Bail, and isn't that a testament to how much they're all politicians, all spies, that they won't let themselves break down over the death of a friend?

“Master Yoda said she 'lost the will to live'. As though that's a cause of death. I … you and Dorme and Yane, you were the ones who prepared her for the funeral. You saw how... you saw that there were no obvious injuries. Nothing to indicate what could have killed her. I still don't know how she died.”

It's something that's been bothering him since that day.      Lost the way to live    , what      bullshit    . Padme was desperate, and she was grieving, and she might have given up, but one doesn't die of that. Not without other things happening. And the med droid said she was fine...

And yet, the Sith... He's never voiced this thought out loud, but well... the Jedi were never open about the extent of their powers. And the Sith are supposed to be worse...

“That doesn't make any sense!” Sabe yells, throwing her hands up.

“We've been puzzling over it for years.” Breha says, calm and compassionate. “There is no answer we can see, but we can't help her now. We can help her children, though.”

 There's a long silence. Then.

“Where is he?” Calm. Focused. She was a handmaiden to the warrior queen Amidala, a spy for the Rebel Alliance against a fascist empire. It shows.

“Tatooine. Beru and Owen Lars are his parents now, at least that's what Obi-Wan said he was planning. We'll have to talk to them, make plans with them.” Bail says.

“I'll go. I'll talk to them. Bring them here.” Sabe says, running her hand over her dress. She wipes the tears of her face, resolute in the face of having a mission. Bail knows he won't talk her out of this, and he doesn't want to. He can't go himself, the new chancellor leaving would be seen as weakness. And Breha as the queen of Alderaan would draw way too much attention. Sabe though, a gouverness and former handmaiden, she can go wherever she wants whenever she wants.

“Bring Obi-Wan too, if he wishes, but the important ones are Beru and Owen and Luke. We need to figure this out, all of us. We're in this together.” Breha says, equal parts queen and friend.

Sabe nods.

“I'll be leaving in the morning.”

      Six weeks after the fall of the Empire  

The air is tense when Sabe leads the Lars' through the halls of the chancellors residence.

They had considered having Bail, Breha and Leia meet them at the shuttle, but it had been decided that it would be less weird for the children, if they didn't meet each other for the first time in a crowded and busy station. Not to mention the possible media attention that would be the new chancellor of the brand new New Republic, his wife the queen of Alderaan and one of their daughters meeting a family of poor moisture farmers from the territories.

Beru and Owen are holding hands, and every now and then they whisper in a language Sabe doesn't understand. She's fairly sure that they're talking about the wastefullness of such grand halls standing empty. If this were Naboo she'd argue, probably, if only out of patriotism, but after having seen their home on Tatooine, warm and small and lovely and      enough    , she can't quite disagree with them.

Luke, though, is running around them, always either a few steps ahead or behind them. He sticks close enough to them that Sabe always has him in her sights, and she knows that Beru and Owen, too, always watch him, but he doesn't seem to feel the tension.

He seems so fascinated, by everything, just like he'd been on the flight here. Sabe's ship, Nabooian build but stationed and customized on Alderaan for the last few years, had interested him just as much as the grand houses here, and the art that decorates the wall. He's staring at it all in childlike wonder, and Sabe can't help but smile at his genuine amazement.

Finally, they reach Bail's office. She opens the door and let's the Lars' go in first.

Leia is sitting on the floor, a book in front of her. Sabe wonders whether she was truly reading it, or whether she was just pretending. Leia is good at picking up on tension, so she might have just been trying to put her parents at ease. She's looking up now, though, staring at Luke.

It must be so weird for her, Sabe thinks. Five years old, and suddenly she's moving to another planet, and the Empire is gone, and her father is the new chancellor, and on top of that she now has a brother whom she's never met.

Then again, it must be quite weird for Luke too, to suddenly leave Tatooine, if only for a week, and visit a sister he never knew about on Coruscant. Though... he had been so excited about it. She turns to look at him, and finds him clutching his aunts hand tightly. He looks shy, suddenly, in a way he hasn't been with her … ever, she thinks. Maybe it's because she came to him, to his planet, into his house, and was offered milk and hospitality by his aunt. Maybe it's just this place that must be so strange to him.

“Welcome to Coruscant.” Breha says, straightening and holding out her hand to Owen and Beru. For a tense moment, they don't move, then Owen takes the hand. Sabe breathes a quiet sigh in relief.

“I'm Breha Organa, I'm Leia's mother. This is my husband Bail, and this is our daughter Leia.” She says, smiling at Beru and Owen. She offers her hand to Beru, and Bail steps closer.

“I'm Beru Whitesun Lars.” Beru says, her voice not betraying any nervousness. “This is my husband Owen, and this is our nephew Luke.” She shakes Bail's hand, too, and Owen follows suit.

There's a silence, again, and the Leia moves. She's up to her feet and running to Luke before anyone truly notices, and then she's hugging him. It's an absolutely adorable sight, and Sabe has to bite her lip not to break out in tears.

Padme would have loved this, she thinks. Padme would have loved seeing her children together.

“I'm Luke.” Luke tells Leia, looking at the floor, mostly. He doesn't seem to be too scared, though, and he's let go of Beru's hand when Leia hugged him.

“I know that.” Leia says, smiling, her eyes warm. Any worry about how they'd get along disappears in that moment, and Sabe feels a little bit of the tension leaving the room. They're all different people, from completely different backgrounds, but they'd all do anything to see these two children happy. It's quite something.

Leia takes Luke's hand and starts showing him around the room. Luke let's her. They'll be best friends before dinner, Sabe thinks. She hopes Winter won't be jealous. But then, she's spend some time with Luke now. He'll be Winter's best friend, too. At least he'll try.

“Come sit with us.” Bail says, leading Owen and Beru towards the table. There are some refreshments there, water and wine and some biscuits. “Did you have a good journey?”

Owen's not looking too happy, grim and worried and probably scared, but it's Beru who speaks.

“Yes. We have never been off Tatooine, and Luke has been fascinated by it all. And Sabe has been very kind.” It's awkward. Incredibly awkward. But Luke and Leia are running around the room together, holding hands, so... that's that.

Bail doesn't ask after Obi-Wan, and Sabe is glad for it. It had been strange, to realize just how much Beru and Owen distrust Obi-Wan, but Sabe accepted it. She'll have to ask about it at some point, but she had been relieved when Obi-Wan had decided to stay on Tatooine for the moment, to make plans, he'd said. He'd probably realized his presence at this meeting would only make things more difficult.

“What's your plan here?” Owen asks, gruff and hostile. He's scared, Sabe thinks, terrified of losing Luke to some rich coreworlders he doesn't know and doesn't care about. She hopes that Bail and Breha see it too. But she shouldn't have worried.

“For the moment, just to let the children play.” Bail says, looking at them. “For the future... that's for us all to discuss.”

“We're not taking him away from you.” Breha says firmly. “He is yours, like Leia is ours. But they are siblings. Twins, even. They have a right to know each other.”

It reassures Beru, Sabe thinks, though Owen is not quite convinced.

“What does that mean? Are we supposed to come live here? Because I'm not leaving Tatooine, that's for sure.”

“You don't have to.” Bail says. “Nobody would ask that of you.”

It would be easier, Sabe thinks, if they moved here, and closer to Naboo, too, but it wouldn't be fair. They have their own lifes, and nobody is expecting Bail and Breha to move to Tatooine, so why should the Lars move?

“We could just have them visit. Every few months, at least, you bring Luke here or we bring Leia to you. And com calls work too. We could set up a permanent holonet connection, so that the kids can talk to each other as often as they want.” Breha adds.

“We don't have to decide now.” Beru says, taking her husbands hand. “We're here for the week, and we've had a long journey.” She looks at the kids, talking quietly. They're still holding hands, and are intensely focused on some game Leia is showing Luke. They look different, blond and blue eyed with tan skin to brown hair and eyes and pale skin, but their expression is the same. It's one of Padme's expression, the one she always had when reading some complicated law proposal. For a moment, the resemblance almost takes Sabe's breath away.

“Luke asked after her, you know. Leia. He's asked after her since he could talk, and the last few days, when he knew she's alive and there and he can see her... he's only stopped talking about it once we reached Coruscant.” Beru says, her eyes never leaving the children.

“Leia too. I don't know how she knew... she's always talked about her brother. We didn't tell her, but … she'd dream about two suns and the desert, and her brother. We never knew what to tell her.” Breha says.

“Now we can just tell them the truth.”

                                                          xxx

The adults are still talking, important things and meaningless small talk, but that doesn't matter.

 In a corner in Bail Organa's office, two children sit, a girl and a boy, a princess and a farmboy, twins. They have never met each other before today, yet they have known each other their entire life.

They hold hands, and soon they will not need words to communicate anymore. At the moment, though, they still do.

“I missed you.” One of them says.

“I missed you too.” The other answers.

They are five years old, and yet, for a moment, they are more wise than any of the adults.

“We're together now.”

[gabriel4sam]

Three is a magical number, or how Bail Organa wasn’t on Coruscant on the most important day of the Republic

A little Bail/Breha/Obi-Wan fic, written for  EclipseMidnight (EternalEclipse) in  @swrarepairs​ beta-ed by @wrennette​

It all started when someone tried to murder Obi-Wan Kenobi. An inconvenient event, but not exactly a rare one. And from there, it all snowballed until three lovers found each other and Bail Organa, who had never missed a Senate session since his election, wasn’t even on Coruscant the day the fate of the Republic was decided.

All of this started without fanfare.

Well, it started with an explosion, but that was the usual. Where Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker went, and before that where Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi went, things exploded, from ships to space stations to (only once) a poor Hutt who had swallowed a grenade.

No, what needs to be remembered is that it started exactly like a lot of days started for Obi-Wan Kenobi. Someone tried to kill him. There was nothing strange about that, nothing unusual.

Someone tried to kill him and Obi-Wan didn’t even bother to act surprised. Since the first day he had stepped out of the Temple, in theory to go to the Agricorps, it had happened a lot.

So, when a warning in the Force had given him just enough time to toss the two clones with him on the shuttle into the nearest building through a window before the explosion, he hadn’t been surprised.

(On a totally unrelated note, those two clones met on this occasion the owner of the flat they had unceremoniously entered through said window and would later ran away with her to parts unknown and be very happy, but this is not their story.)

No, this story is about Obi-Wan and the insufficient time he had had to toss himself properly into safety after the clones, and about the Senator he had a meeting scheduled with that day.

A meeting Obi-Wan didn’t attend, being unconscious and in the hands of the Healers.

Bail Organa, who chaired that particular sub-committee about war refugees, was too fine a politician to let even the shadow of a moment of surprise show on his face when, only five minutes late because the Jedi were nothing but efficient, the door opened and a Jedi entered the room.

A Jedi, but not the one he was waiting for, unless Obi-Wan Kenobi had far more talent for disguise than Bail thought. As everybody took their places with the usual unnecessary level of noise, he observed the unknown Jedi from the corner of his eye. A Mirialan woman, wearing dark colours. Age had slightly hunchbacked her, she was perhaps eighty years old, probably more, but her eyes were clear, sparkling with will. Oh, what did Bail know, she could be somewhere between eighty years old and two hundred, for all he knew! Bail wasn’t very good at guessing people's ages, and Jedi were quite tricky on that matter.

He refocused on the days subject and stood up to introduce the first speaker. The Jedi Order’s envoy was only here to observe today, and the change of their representative could wait for later.

At the end of the meeting, Bail ditched another Senator trying to convince him to go to lunch, and bowed to the Jedi.

“Senator Bail Organa,” he introduced himself to the Mirialan woman, and she bowed in return.

“Your actions have made you well-known, Senator,” she said, “and House Organa’s long term friendship and help to our Order is even more known, and appreciated. I am Master Cyslin Myr.”

“It is an honor for this sub-comittee to have you attending our meetings,” Bail said, more on autopilot than anything.

“I appreciate your kindness, Senator, especially for an old Jedi you weren’t waiting for.”

“Master Myr-“

“No, no, you don’t have to be ashamed. Our Obi-Wan makes quite a sensation on the holonet, of course, and every sub-committee in need of a Jedi will  imagine its importance rising if the Negotiator himself is on board, you could say. The Order understands it, of course, and we play the game, no matter how frustrating it can be, because it is the way of democracy. Nevertheless, my former Padwan told me your interest in Master Kenobi is more than professional?”

“Friendship, Master, there is a shared friendship between Master Kenobi and myself, dare I say.”

“Then, Senator, I have bad news.”

****

It was rare that people who weren’t Jedi were allowed to step into the Healing Halls. Jedi had no family outside the Order after all, a clean slate from the moment they entered the nursery. Friendship was of course permitted, but it wasn’t usually close enough for visits.

Bail Organa knew all of that and he wisely didn’t comment on the invitation Master Myr had offered, like it would jinx it and he wouldn’t be permitted to see Obi-Wan.

His friend had always had the complexion of a fair maiden in a holodrama, he was a red head after all, but he was quite ashen that day, even the lips.

“I don’t understand,” Bail said to the Healer, a stern Twilek Jedi, after contemplating the unconscious man a few minutes, “I believed Jedi healing was almost immediate.”

“It is,” the Master said grimly. “Master Kenobi had been healed from the internal bleeding, the torn ligaments and the broken bones. Like he had been, three days ago, when he came back from a mission with damage to his neck. And two weeks before that, with a crushed leg. And the week before, directly from the field, with a shoulder wound, and-“

“I think I understand, Master Jedi, the list is unnecessary. At the Senate, we’re quite aware of the blood the Jedi spill for the war effort.”

“That’s not the impression we have,” the Healer commented, her tone harsher that Bail was used to from one of the warrior-monks.

“It will be enough, Master Che,” a voice said, and Bail turned to it and immediately bowed very low, this time more with great respect than out of habit. He had come to know Mace Windu in the Senate, and the man deserved his admiration and frankly more help than he usually received from Bail’s colleagues. Sometimes, Bail had the frustrating thought that the Jedi would have stopped the war long ago if the politicians didn’t get in their way so much.

“Walk with me,” Mace Windu said, and Bail half-turned to Obi-Wan in surprise, because the poor man was so pale, he looked like he would go into the Force if someone didn’t watch over him. And Bail had always been a bit of a mother hen with his friends.

A small smile played on the severe face of Master Windu, taking away a few years, and he added:

“I can assure you, Obi-Wan is in good hands in our Halls, and my Master will even keep him company.”

Bail hadn’t even seen the frail silhouette of Master Myr, behind the impressive shoulders of the Master of the Order. He hadn’t even known she had been Mace Windu’s master and he realized, as he saw her sitting down next to the bed, that it hadn’t been a coincidence which brought her as Obi-Wan’s replacement to the sub-committee. Mace Windu had sent her, as a way to bring Bail at Obi-Wan’s bedside in a way that seemed only a natural sequence of coincidences. He looked closer at Master Windu. He knew the keen intelligence behind those black eyes. It certainly wasn’t compassion that had made Mace Windu take the time to bring one Senator to one Jedi’s bedside. Not that he was devoid of sympathy, but he had better things to do with his time in these difficult war years.

So, Bail’s first question, once they were walking in the Room of the Thousand Fountains, was straight to the point: “What can I do for you and for the Order, Master Windu?”

Bail could have wrapped it up in other questions, or let Mace Windu arrive to the point slowly, but he was pretty sure the other man was even busier than Bail, and it would have been almost insulting to the long tradition linking the Order and the Organa family, to pretend he wouldn’t give what they wanted of him. He trusted that man enough to know Mace Windu would never ask something that wasn’t honourable.

“Obi-Wan’s mind isn’t healing the way it should,” Mace Windu said instead of the request Bail was waiting for. “It happens sometimes, when the body had been through a quick succession of grievous wounds and fast healing. He is one of our best Generals and we aren’t numerous enough anymore for the task the Republic ask of us. I grieve the fact that many of us have been returned too soon to the field, after being healed.”

“I can’t say I’m surprised, Master Windu, and everything I can do to lessen the tasks of the Order…”

“I know,” Mace Windu said, and once again, that quick half-smile, “but what I will ask you will be easier than what you imagine. I want you to take Obi-Wan to Alderaan.”

“It …yes, of course, but I must confess-“

“You were imagining yourself playing defector and spying on the Separatists?”

“Almost. And…not that we don’t have very good medicine on Alderaan, but isn’t the best care for Obi-Wan here?”

“His body is healed. He should even awaken in a few days. But his mind will need time, time he wouldn’t take here. And I have another reason to ask you, something that you’ll need to discuss with your security officer. This morning, when Obi-Wan was stable and sleeping, a droid entered the Temple through the vents. It was a vicious little thing, and it went directly to Master Kenobi. If Master Che hadn’t forgotten her set of healing crystals in his room and arrived just in time to disable the droid, he would have joined the Force.”

“Someone tried to assassinate Obi-Wan in the Temple ?!” Bail blurted in surprise, and his chest felt tight, despite the wonderful scent of plants in the air and the singing of the fountains.

“Yes. He is a ferocious warrior, I don’t need to tell you that, as you undertook that terrible mission with him a few months ago. The perpetrator simply decided that, since Obi-Wan was vulnerable, it was the right time to finish the job. When he couldn’t defend himself. It was probably the same perpetrator who exploded the shuttle he was on, and your security officers need to be aware of the circumstances. Even if we, the Council, hope that sending Obi-Wan away from Coruscant will be enough for his - for his enemies to redirect their plotting in another direction.”

“You aren’t talking about Separatist spies on Coruscant, are you? You are talking about the Sith Lord.”

Bail could feel the Jedi tensing up, like a physical feeling; like an ancient, animal part of his brain, had suddenly registered the other man not as the pleasant being he had met dozens of time, but as a predator, ready to pounce. Mace Windu stopped walking and studied Bail’s face with an off-putting attention. Jedi sometimes had predatory gazes, not very comfortable for the one under scrutiny. In the Senate, Bail had seen grizzled politicians fold under Master Windu’s eyes like houses of cards under a strong wind.

“Obi-Wan’s lips are looser than they are supposed to be,” The Master commented finally.

“Oh, it wasn’t Obi-Wan,” Bail said, before closing his mouth so hard his teeth hurt. It was a Junior Senator’s mistake, saying that. If Master Windu didn’t like that Bail knew about the Sith, he wouldn’t appreciate that it was Padmé Amidala who had told him, and he would like to know who had told Padmé!

Bail immediately carried on:

“I will prepare for departure immediately. My junior Senator will undertake my tasks in the Senate.”

Master Windu was kind enough to go along with that obvious change of topic.

“Thank you, Senator. You accomplish a great deal in the Senate and I know it certainly isn’t easy for a man like you to leave the arena for a time.”

“May I ask, you say what ails Obi-Wan happens sometimes…. What of the others? We can certainly house other Jedi if necessary.”

Mace Windu seemed surprised. How long had it been, since someone had offered help unasked to the Jedi Order? Offered more than was asked? The Jedi were always the ones helping, such was the way of the galaxy. Who helped those who helped the galaxy?

“I insist,” Bail said and Master Windu nodded, and that small smile made an appearance again. It was oddly endearing and Bail realized that he would like to become that man’s friend, and not only his ally. Perhaps he should send an invite for the next party they would have at Alderaan’s embassy…even if forcing Master Windu to spend more time with politicians could perhaps be seen as a declaration of war, more than an offer of friendship!

Ten hours later, Bail supervised the loading of a shuttle with tinted windows of ten Jedi, eight on stretchers including Obi-Wan. He thought the only mobile Jedi who would accompany them was a Mon Calamari Jedi Healer who introduced herself as Master Eerin, but at the last minute, the door of the platform opened and Master Myr herself came to the ship, followed by Master Windu, apparently in charge of her pack. Bail politely found something else to watch when the two said their goodbyes. In these times of war, there was no certainty the two Jedi would see each other again.

And Bail’s ship left for Alderaan.

Alderaan.

No matter how many worlds Bail visited, no other planet would ever compare.

Alderaan and the beauty of its mountains, the light playing on its lakes, the sweetness of its nights, the talents of its artists.

Alderaan, and its most precious jewel, his beloved wife Breha.

She waited for them at their arrival, something that touched Bail every time. He knew how busy her schedule was.

“Rooms have been prepared for your patients in the infirmary,” the Queen said to the two bowing Jedi, “separate from the other patients, to be sure your patients won’t pick up anything in the Force.” And to be sure any potential murderers wouldn’t risk unsuspecting civilians as collateral damage, but Breha was too smart to say that outdoors, where anyone could listen.

Even on Alderaan, the war was spreading caution.

Bail could have gone back to Coruscant, of course, but the idea of leaving the palace, even with all the guards, when some murderer could come to end one of their Jedi guests, was just impossible.

He had told the most important points to Breha already  over a secure line during their travel, but they came back to the subject once they had retired for the evening to their private rooms, nestled together on a couch.

“You did well,” Breha said, as she had before.

“Even if I brought someone that users of the Dark side of the Force could follow back to our home? Did I put our people in danger?"

She stroked his thighs, a gesture of comfort.

“Probably, but how could we spend our lives blind and deaf to the suffering of the galaxy, just for the hope that it would keep our people safe? And it wouldn’t really make Alderaan a safer place. History has taught us that the darkness you ignore because it covers others, will one day turn to you. We’ll advance the date of the last session of parliament, and it will empty a good part of the palace. And to be sure nobody thinks it’s about the Jedi, we’ll put that on my health.”

He kissed her hair, sagging into the mountain of pillows on the couch. Their rooms were the only place in the entire galaxy where he could really relax. With her, that woman he adored, Bail felt like he could stop playing Viceroy Organa, stop representing Alderaan.

“You’ll like him,” Bail said, to open a less depressing conversation.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi? I hope so. With all the compliments you’ve given him, I would be quite disappointed if he revealed himself to be boring, and your fascination only came from that thing you have for redheads.”

And Bail couldn’t do anything but laugh, because if there was one thing that Obi-Wan Kenobi wasn’t, it was boring, and Breha, beloved Breha, was even worse than him about red hair. The few lovers they had shared in the years of their marriage had been humans, or near humans, with red hair; and sometimes, when it was late and they were tired, they liked to talk about the possibility of finding one they wouldn’t just have for a few days. Someone who would stay.

Three was a sacred number, on Alderaan.

**********

The first Jedi, a Bothan female with the eyes of a great Krayt dragon, woke up thirty hours after their arrival, and the second Jedi two days later. One by one, the Jedi opened their eyes, or equivalent organs, in the calm haven of the palace.

Bail and Breha visited each and every one of them, to assure them of their welcome on Alderaan, to offer everything they could in terms of physiotherapy or simply time and a calm environment for them to finish healing. And every evening, they had Master Eerin and Master Myr dine at their table, as a way to reaffirm in the eyes of the court their support for the Jedi Order.

Breha loved to break her fast in the morning with the Jedi. Bail regularly endured, and that term wasn’t strong enough, work breakfasts with various ambassadors, politicians, and moguls of conglomerates. The medical specialists had dictated that Breha, with her failing health, shouldn’t be bothered so early in the day.

But the Jedi? There was pleasure in those simple moments with them. Alderaan had traditionally been their ally, but Breha had never really met one, and she began to appreciate them individually, as more than a great mass of beings with beige robes and strange powers whose objectives aligned with Alderaan’s.

The weeks passed slowly, and Breha emptied the palace the best she could, provoking an early recess for the parliament. The weeks passed and, last but not least, one fine morning, as the sun’s light slowly climbed over his face, Obi-Wan Kenobi woke up, a little disoriented since his last memories took place in a shuttle on fire, and he was waking up in a comfortable bed, on another planet, with the songs of the early birds in his ears. It was a real struggle to seek consciousness, like his body weighted too much, but finally, he opened his eyes, not sure if he was really awake or not.

Above his bed, a beautiful woman was leaning down. She had dark eyes and dark hair, and golden brown skin, and her smile was like the first touch of the Force.

“Welcome to Alderaan, Obi-Wan Kenobi,” she said, and Obi-Wan’s heart missed a few beats in its usual rhythm. The beautiful apparition had no time for more words, because Bant, dear Bant, rushed into the room to subject Obi-Wan to their usual dance where he affirmed that he was “quite fine” and she looked ready to burst at the gills for his bad faith and what she loved to call “gross negligence of his health.” They were old actors on a piece they had repeated so many times Obi-Wan could play his part in his sleep.

Later, when Obi-Wan was sleeping again, exhausted by the simple act of a meal, Breha lead Healer Eerin in the garden.

“Tell me about Obi-Wan Kenobi,” she said to the young Jedi.

“I don’t know what your majesty want to know. Jedi’s lives are far less interesting than holodramas would let you believe.”

“It is impolite to contradict honoured guests, so I will pretend to believe you, but let it be known that I haven’t forgotten that Master Kenobi is here because people tried to kill him. Twice.”

“To be honest, it’s a terrible habit of Obi-Wan’s that not all our brethren share. Twice is a slow week, for him.”

“You have known him a long time?”

“Since we were no more than younglings in the creche. All my life, in fact.”

The Queen let a friendly hand touch Bant’s shoulder.

“It must be difficult, to see your brothers and sisters and others, risk their lives every day in this war, Master Kenobi and all the other Generals.”

For a second, Breha could have sworn she saw unshed tears in the Mon Calamari’s bulbous eyes, but the Jedi’s control made them disappear almost immediately. Together, they watched as Master Myr led the two Jedi patients who weren’t bed-ridden anymore in a very slow series of katas. The old Mirialan woman, who walked with a cane most of the time, showed a grace Breha found ethereal.

“My brethren who left us are in the Force,” Bant said finally, “and I find comfort in that fact. And in the fact that my patients brought here by your husband will heal better than on Coruscant. And they are safe, for now.”

“For now,” Breha agreed sadly, because the Bothan Jedi was already talking of leaving to join the war effort again. Since staying upright too long was exhausting for Breha, she sat down on a stone bench in a small alcove of vegetation, Bant hovering next to her.

After a moment of silence, observing together the katas, Bant started again:

“I know you have your own team of healers, but I would be honoured to have the permission to examine you, your Majesty.”

“Those are old problems, Master Jedi, it’s far too late to do anything about it. My medics help me manage my pain levels.”

“I am sure they are excellent professionals, your Majesty. The level of dedication and professionalism I’ve seen in your people since our first day here is excellent. But Force Healing is….it is Other. I won’t lie and say I will snap my fingers and everything will suddenly be perfect. But, as a sign of our gratitude, I would like to help.”

Breha’s throat tightened. Years of chronic health problems had made her suspicious of hope. Because of that, she had given up her dear dream of a child. Because of that, she had had to put more duties than were traditionally the consort’s job on Bail’s shoulders. Because of that, her everyday life was a careful calculation, between her needs and her duties.

“Now,” Breha said. “Now, before I change my mind. Hope is quite a dangerous drug.”

Bant bowed very low and she offered her arm to the Queen to go back to the medical wing.

The next day, Obi-Wan awoke at dawn again and felt good enough for a few steps in the sun, with Bant’s arm around his waist.

“Who was she? The woman at my bedside?” he asked. Not first. Because he was a Jedi, so he asked about his Padawan. Because he believed in democracy, he asked about the latest negotiations. Because he was a General, he asked about the war.

But the first question he asked for himself was that one.

“The Queen of Alderaan, Breha Organa,” Bant answered, and Obi-Wan went pale, then red.

Since Bant knew him so well, she said nothing more. No need to trigger a furious desire to skedaddle.

At their return in the room, Bail was there.

“My friend,” Bail exclaimed, and to Obi-Wan’s surprise, Bail hugged him, more casual that the Jedi had ever seen him. Bail Organa gave excellent hugs, Obi-Wan decided, closing his eyes and indulging in a few seconds of his friend’s warmth. There was a goodness in this man that radiated in the Force and seemed to shine from him. Bail Organa was - he was safe and comforting and solid and careful with people, and Obi-Wan craved his presence, since they had become friends, in a way that sometimes made him feel quite ashamed.

“Master Myr and Master Eerin, and all the Jedi who have permission from the healers to leave their bed, are dining tonight in our wing of the palace,” Bail explained, “and I have come to invite you too, if Master Eerin give you her benevolent permission.”

“With pleasure, your Highness. I am even grateful to you. I would spend the meal worried Obi-Wan was slipping from his bed for dangerous adventures, if he wasn’t with us.”

“I am not so bad,” her old friend protested immediately.

“From what I have seen, you are,” Bail joked good-naturally, and Obi-Wan glared at him.

The Queen and her consort didn’t use the ceremonial rooms used for state dinners for the Jedi. Not that they didn’t want to honour their guests, but the few of them would have been lost in a room designed to seat easily four hundred people.

No, that night, like every other time the Jedi had shared their table, they dined in the private wing, in the room the couple used when their close family visited. As Breha looked at them, she realized it had stopped being a political statement, to have the Jedi had their table.

It had become friendship.

She loved discussing Mirialan literature with Master Myr. She appreciated young Master Eerin’s pragmatic attitude, and her dry humour. Even the Bothan Jedi, Master Knol Ven'nari, although frankly a little terrifying, was a fascinating being, full of anecdotes on the Outer Rim. Breha had found herself taking notes during their conversations, finding in them numerous ways to better the Republic’s relief efforts, in which Alderaan played a big part.

The efforts of Bant to help better Breha’s health weren’t exactly an impediment to liking the Jedi either. The Mon Calamari had never lied and pretended the Force could do miracles. It had been too long, since the beginning of Breha’s health problems, her body was too battle-worn, and Bant would probably be called back to Coruscant, or to the front, too soon. But in an afternoon of work, the Jedi had already helped Breha regain a part of her lost range of motion, in the neck. It was only a part of a normal range of motion, but it had felt enormous and even if the effects probably wouldn’t be permanent, Breha savoured every minor progress.

And tonight, for the first time, Obi-Wan Kenobi was at their table, too. He had the most beautiful eyes in person, Breha immediately noticed, something Bail hadn’t told her, and that the holo-images of him, everywhere in the Republic, didn’t really capture.

She placed him at the honoured place, on her right. He was…he was every bit a diplomat, well-read, charming, seductive, and not really letting anything true shine out.

“Did you like him?” Bail asked that night, as he was helping her shampoo her hair. She couldn’t raise her arms to do it herself anymore, and when he wasn’t on Alderaan, her handmaiden had to help. She preferred when it was Bail. With him, she didn’t think of every little thing her illness had taken from her. With him, it became almost a treat. He made it comforting or sensual, depending on their mood, but always, always good.

Tonight, she was definitely in a sensual mood. Bant’s healing had given her a boost of energy, and Bail’s hands in her hair were giving her ideas.

“He’s very charming,” she admitted, “but also very closed off. I don’t have the option of a dangerous life or death situation to break through his shell, like you had with him.”

“And thank the Three Goddesses for that.”

She turned to her husband, enticed him closer.

“You like him,” she singsonged.

“Alderaan and the Jedi….”

“No, my sweet, my love, you like him…”, she put her arms around his neck and immediately his hands went to her waist and he lifted her to set her on their bed. Their height difference was so great that it hurt her neck to kiss him standing up.

Bail kissed the corner of her mouth, her cheek, her ear.

“Fine,” he admitted. “I’m attracted to a red headed warrior monk with a death-wish. I find his mind fascinating and his rear nicely shaped.”

“What would you do?” she asked. “If he was there with us?”

“I don’t know what his opinion is on triads, my dear. He has…he has a bit of a reputation in the Senate, so I know he isn’t celibate, but…”

“You, Bail Organa, you, you listened to gossip!? Oh, you like him even more than I thought!” Breha teased, and in revenge, he described in excruciating detail what he would do and encourage if Obi-Wan was there. Bail had quite the way with words, not very surprising for a politician, and he extended this talent into the bedroom.

And when he was finished explaining, he did a demonstration.

******************

Summer was soon in full force and the small Jedi contingent on Alderaan lost two of its members, back to the front. Bant still refused the others what Obi-Wan called their escape from custody .

Life in the hands of the Healers could be a tad boring, Obi-Wan had discovered long ago. It was for that particular reason that he spent so much time dozing off, and not, totally not, despite what Bant said, because he had an enormous sleep debt and a body working on years of abuse.

But on Alderaan, it was less boring. Every morning, since Obi-Wan was an early bird, Bail visited him before going to breakfast with various officials, and brought him interesting datapads from the palace library. The Senator always took the time to discuss what Obi-Wan thought of the ones he had already read. Bail was quite a passionate debate partner, especially since he had already read most of the contents of the library.

Every afternoon, the Queen came to the medical wing to put herself into Bant’s hands, and after, under Bant’s orders, she spent an hour in the sun in the garden, letting the Force healing’s effects settle into her body. She never slept, and she enjoyed Obi-Wan’s company in those moments. Little by little, she understood better her husband’s interest in the man. Perhaps it was also the effects on the Force healing that gave her rose tainted vision.

Once he wasn’t trying as hard to present the face of a perfect Jedi, Obi-Wan was still charming, but in an endearing way. He was passionate in his opinions, he was stubborn as the Force itself, he had a tendency to tell terrible jokes, and the worst sweet tooth Breha had ever seen. Little by little, Bant’s judicious help lessened old pains and unlocked joints, but Breha found herself more desirous of those conversations with Obi-Wan than of the sweet relief of Force Healing.

Another Jedi left them for the battlefield and when she bowed to Breha in her goodbye, the Queen felt her heart jumped in her chest. Soon, it would be Obi-Wan who would go. Every day, she knew, he had long holoconferences with his clone commander, and even longer holoconferences with his former Padawan, that didn’t seem to go very well. He felt guilty for being here, safe, with Breha and Bail, when his men were dying, when his brothers and sisters were fighting all across the Republic.

More than anyone, Breha understood duty. She knew its cost, her whose reign would steal years of her life, incompatible as it was with her health problems.

Still, when Obi-Wan laughed and joked, seated next to her in the sun, when a moan escaped him as he tasted a pastry, she wished she didn’t understand.

Obi-Wan liked Alderaan. He could say it was for the peaceful rest it had offered him, for the climate, for the comfortable bed and inexhaustible library. He could say it was for Bant’s smile, which he hadn’t seen since the beginning of the war, and that Alderaan had made bloom again. He could say it was the culture, the food, the palace’s garden, and while all those things were delightful, it still would be a lie.

If Obi-Wan liked Alderaan, it was first and foremost for its Queen and her Consort.

His morning meetings with Bail, his afternoons in the sun with Breha, had led to lunch the three of them, to tours in the garden when Breha had the strength and the time. As the unknown date of his departure came closer with every day, the knowledge that he would lose those moments was a pain he didn’t dare to examine. He could be emotionally blind and deaf, if Siri was to be believed, but he was still aware that the two of them didn’t treat him like the other Jedi.

Breha was friends with Bant and Master Myr. Bail was friendly with the whole bunch, but they spend more time with Obi-Wan, hours charged with words unsaid, with casual touch sometimes lingering too long. And Obi-Wan wanted, he wanted so much. Every morning, and every evening, he reproached himself for his weakness in his meditation. One-night stands or casual liaisons were one thing, but here, he had already passed the line in the sand, and he had not even kissed them, or admitted anything, and neither had they.

One day, Bant finished his weekly exam, and instead of the usual “Not yet, you’re not ready,” said: “Move over, let me sit with you.”

Obi-Wan obeyed, abruptly on edge, and the Healer came to sit next to him on the exam table.

“You’re so serious, suddenly,” Obi-Wan said, aiming for humour and his tone falling flat. “Is it so terrible? Will I grow another arm, or something even more bizarre?”

“If someone would, it’s probably you. But no, you’re good. Better than you have been since the beginning of the war, in fact.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

“So, I can….I can leave.”

“Yes, you can.”

Her webbed hand found his.

“Obi…”

“Hmmm?”

“I will say that from the bottom of my heart, which adores you like the human brother I didn’t know I wanted. You are sometimes your own worst enemy.”

“Well, I prefer not to know what you would tell me if you didn’t love me,” Obi-Wan dryly remarked.

“If Master Windu hadn’t send you there, I’m not sure you would have woken up. You were burning the candle on both ends.”

“We all are.”

“But the rest of us, more or less, understand the importance of rest, of accepting comfort and support, instead of trying to take the entire world on our shoulders.”

“You’re a tad of a hypocrite, Bant. What was the last time you left your patients before the middle of the night?”

“Well, Quinlan and me…”

“ What ?”

“We didn’t know how to tell you, we feared you would find that strange.”

“Quinlan? Bant, that’s almost incest, you were raised together!”

Bant inhaled sharply.

“If it wasn’t the shock talking, I would shove you off the exam table for that,” she said, and Obi-Wan understood he had, in his stupidity, hurt her deeply with just a few words.

“But…”

“Obi, I found some happiness in darkness, and as my brother, the correct answer is congratulations.”

“…Congratulations?”

“With less of a question in the word, it would be better, but we will work on that. And now, tell me, if you leave soon this world, what could you do to find something that would make you happy? Happier. Something that you could take with you, in the night of space, something that will keep you warm.”

“Bant, Bant, I’m leaving. Soon, perhaps tomorrow.”

“Then, it’s now or never. They will never ask themselves, in their position they can’t. But you know they are only waiting for a word from you.”

She kissed his cheek.

“Perhaps it’s time you chose a little happiness for yourself.”

She left him to his thoughts.

After a moment, he took his holocomm:

“Anakin? Can you make a detour to fetch me on Alderaan?... Yes, I know you’re in route for Coruscant, but you’re the closet, it will only delay you for a day….Well, perhaps you can wait twenty hours before meeting the Chancellor again, when you haven’t seen your old Master for weeks!”

After another round of bickering with his Padawan, Obi-Wan, missing the turns in the corridors three times, slowly made his way to the palace gardens, wandering like his brain was still rebooting. Anakin would be there in less than a day, so whatever he decided, it needed to be now, when he would have preferred to have months to fret whether Bant was right or wrong. Matters of the heart were so much more complicated than battle.

He found the queen and her consort in one of their favourite places, a little hidden place under a tree, the trunk and branches creating a secret hollow under the cascading foliage. The bloom of that particular species was finished at that time of the year, and under Obi-Wan’s feet a carpeting of petals rustled, their perfume strong in the air.

Breha smiled when she saw him, and gestured in invitation. Force Healing was not a miracle, it couldn’t suddenly change her body into a totally healthy one, but even Obi-Wan could see the progress she had made, and the joy it brought her. She was glowing. He took her hand and joined them.

Then he took a careful breath and stepped into the unknown with a simple question. Searching for happiness. And the prize of his courage was the sweetness of Breha’s kiss and the strength of Bail’s arm around his waist. Obi-Wan closed his eyes, pushed to the background of his mind the countdown to Anakin’s arrival on Alderaan, and his departure. He gave himself fully to the moment. He opened his arms and bared his soul and tried his best to forget it would only be one night and gently, so gently, they pulled him against them and he found safety and closeness.

***********************************

Bail and Breha were sleeping when Obi-Wan finished dressing. Dawn was still hours away and the sparks of pleasure still lingered on his skin when he tied his belt around his waist, struggling with it like he hadn’t since he was an Initiate. He didn’t really know what he was doing. That night had been…

That night had been….

How could he go back to being so alone, when he had let them breach the walls of his entire being?

He didn’t know if he would have the strength to leave, if he woke them up for it. Bail was still curved like he had been around Obi-Wan’s smaller bulk and Breha’s hand, flat on the mattress, seemed to search for the missing body. The light of the moon exposed their almost nakedness and Obi-Wan wanted to crawl back into bed with them, and to disappear under the black, silky sheet covering their legs.

He was hesitating in the bedroom’s threshold when he heard quick steps in the hall. Someone was running into the private apartments, someone who probably wasn’t an assassin, as they didn’t try to muffle the sounds they made.

Obi-Wan turned into the bedroom and woke up his lovers. Whatever that was, he was pretty sure it was important. He could feel fate and history weighting down the Force.

“The Jedi killed the Chancellor!” The handmaiden who swooped into the rooms yelled, forgetting protocols in her turmoil and Obi-Wan could do nothing more than sit down heavily on the bed, at Bail’s feet. He put his face into his hands and grumbled:

“If this is Anakin who finally cracked, he will face so many remedial meditations. So, so, so many.”

On his shoulders, the small hand of Breha on one side, the larger hand of Bail on the other, so Obi-Wan took a careful breath and let their presence give him strength. He stood up again.

Time to face the music.

*****

Mace Windu had an eyepatch and difficulty staying upright. From the holoscreen, Obi-Wan could only see the arm of a Jedi bracing the Master of the Order to stop him from sliding down the bed. From the shape and colour of the hand, Obi-Wan though that the helper was Depa.

In the background, Master Che’s sour expression made clear she believed Mace Windu should have been sleeping, instead of taking holocalls, even calls from fellow members of the High Council.

In general, nobody in the galaxy was less impressed by the High Council than the healers in charge of keeping them alive, and they always said to anyone who was ready to listen that it was a thankless task!

It was crowded around the screen: Bail and Breha, and Obi-Wan and Bant, and the Alderaanian Prime Minister, and all the Jedi contingent still present, and a few security officers who refused to leave the Queen alone with the Jedi until more was known. It was crowded but silent. Master Che had made very clear that anybody who interrupted Master Windu with stupid questions before the end of his story would earn a place in her black book, and nobody wanted that. Not even the Prime Minister, a no nonsense woman who had never met Master Che and probably never would.

When Master Windu’s retelling of the Sith’s death was finished, there was a moment of silence. Obi-Wan had put his arm around Bant, quietly crying at the death of her former Master, poor Kit Fisto. Obi-Wan had the impression she had already known, before Mace’s report of Masters’ Fisto, Tiin and Kolar’s deaths at the hands of Palpatine, because her gills had been almost white - a sure sign of sorrow - from the moment he had found her this morning. The link between Master and Padawan was still a great mystery of the Force. Obi-Wan remembered knowing Qui-Gon would die, long before he had seen the wound, when his own fate was still unknown, fighting to the death with that thrice damned Zabrak.

“I think the Sith never intended to battle us alone,” Master Windu was saying. “I think it was a set-up. But whatever he was waiting for, or whoever, never happened.” His surviving pupil was fully dilated, the only sign he was on the good drugs, since his diction was perfect.

“He moved too many pieces,” Master Myr sagely said. “It was bound to happen. One day that one of them wouldn’t be at the place he expected, at the time he expected. It is a lesson for us all, how much we depended on his arrogance about his plans to take him down.”

“There were even more pieces than we suspected,” Master Windu continued. “Master Tholme and his team are already working with Judicials, cracking the Sith’s communications on the undeclared holocommunicators found in his apartments, and it seems he was in contact with the Separatist Council. Master Gallia has left with a team to apprehend them on the mining planet where they are hidden. It will probably take years to learn the extent of his crimes.”

The last word was a little mangled, as Mace Windu fought it against a yawn.

“Enough for today,” Master Che declared despite various protests, and Obi-Wan and the other Jedi had only time to wish a swift recovery to the Master of the Order, before the communication was shut down.

Obi-Wan was on the point of offering to accompany Bant to her rooms when all the Jedi in the room grimaced. The nova of power that was Anakin Skywalker had just arrived in orbit out of hyperspace, and his temper was a roaring tempest, so violent they could sense it from there.

“I will take care of that,” Obi-Wan announced, already anticipating accusations and a tantrum, and so much placating in his future. It really was a miracle of the Force, he decided, that Anakin hadn’t been on Coruscant during that fateful event. The young man would perhaps have done something unwise. Now that the war might stop, Anakin would have time for himself, and Obi-Wan hoped it would help.

“Take care of what?” Bail asked, surprised, but Breha was more reactive, and offered her arm to Bant, asking:

“Master Eerin, let me take you to your rooms? Or perhaps the garden? Nature is such a balm against our pains.”

“Your Majesty…”

“Breha, please.”

The other Jedi left with the Alderaan officials, already debating the best ways to participate in what would certainly be the best chance of peace, now that the Chancellor was dead and everybody would be quietly horrified to have been manipulated in such a way, horrified enough to give a real shot at negotiations, and Bail was left alone with Master Myr. He didn’t know exactly what to think about the latest events. He had opposed the Chancellor on so many laws, more and more, as Palpatine slowly accumulated more powers and encouraged more and more terrible legislation, but he never would have thought him an ancient evil with Force powers, ready to burn the galaxy down to possess it.

“I don’t know what to do right now,” Bail confessed to Master Myr.

“At this hour, I like to feed the birds in your biggest aviary,” the old Jedi said. “You have a very nice collection.”

“I was thinking more long term, but who am I to contradict the wisdom of the Jedi Order,” Bail joked, then he offered his arm. She didn’t walk very quickly and didn’t try conversation, letting Bail work on his thoughts. Soon, those thoughts were leaving surprise for irritation, as he understood better the chain of events that had put him there, on Alderaan, during the most important crisis of the last centuries of the Republic.

After a moment, he said:

“I must confess, Master Myr, when you accompanied us to Alderaan, I thought you were supposed to keep an eye on us. I was almost vexed, that Master Windu wasn’t sure of our House, but I had it backward, didn’t I? He didn’t think there would be danger, here, for the wounded Jedi, and send you to protect them. He thought the danger was on Coruscant, and he wanted you in safety, so he used me taking Obi-Wan and the other patients here as a pretext to send you too. He knew…he knew something would happen.”

She smiled sadly:

“He would have bundled up the entire Order and sent them with you, if he thought he had even a possibility to do it in secret. Since you are an allied planet, he could only send one adult Jedi in the company of our patients, and a Healer. He will feel guilty about his choice for years, the poor boy, but I am his Master, and even Jedi’s friends forget sometimes that we put more meaning in that word than other people. And what child wants his aging parent in harm’s way?”

“Was Obi-Wan really in danger?”

“Yes, he was. The numbers of attempts in his life, these last months… The Sith wanted him out of the way.”

“For what?”

“We’ll probably never know. The Dark One undoubtedly thought Obi-Wan was between him and something he wanted. Greed is the base of numerous Sith’s actions.”

She patted his arm with a cheerful smile:

“I don’t think Mace predicted Obi-Wan would take so well to Alderaan,” and Bail could have sworn he was as red as the sun at sunset.

“Master…”

“Don’t fret, my dear. After all, the time of diplomatic missions will come back for Jedi. Who knows which elected member of our Senate they will have to work with. Who knows how they will work on strengthening the Order’s bonds with our allies. Perhaps it’s time to put Jedi outposts on planets other than Coruscant, to let people remember who we are.”

Bail’s smile was quite too big for that important day, but she didn’t comment on it.

Together, they went to feed the birds.

[onwardintolight]

@digifan99 replied to your post:

Them making her a Jedi also confirmed that she was a terrible mother since now we know she could have trained Ben instead of throwing him away to live with Luke at 10, but she was either too much of a pussy or too neglectful to actually help or care about her son.

I’m sorry but... WHAT????!!????!!!???

Where in the universe did you get this idea? Because it’s certainly not in any canon material?!!!?

Did you forget about the part where Leia loved Ben so much that she used the last of her life force to reach him, sacrificing herself for him? Where she waited to become one with the Force until she could go hand in hand with him?

Did you forget that in TLJ, it’s implied that she’d held out hope for her son to turn back to the light all these years? Or that in the novelization, it’s the realization that his mother loves him and wants him to come back that keeps Kylo from pulling the trigger to destroy the bridge?

Did you forget about all the crap-ton of books and comics that deal with Leia and Han and their relationship with Ben? Did you forget about the Aftermath series, where Leia communes with her yet-to-be-born son in the Force, and where Han and Leia await him with eagerness and love? Did you forget about Last Shot, where Leia is consistently shown as a loving mother? (And where, by the way, Han is also shown as a loving father—terrified that he doesn’t have what it takes, sure, but never less than completely in love with his son, and always trying his best?) Did you forget that even when Ben was getting older and acting out and they started worrying about him being tempted by the dark side, they made every effort to protect and love him? Sending him to Luke, the person who they most thought would be able to help him, was precisely that??

Did you forget about the Kylo Ren - Age of Resistance comic?

That Ben himself knows, in his heart of hearts, that his parents love him?

Did you forget that Snoke/Palpatine had been whispering him to years, twisting his thoughts and preying on his deepest fears? It makes total sense that except for moments of truth like the above, Kylo would tell himself that what his parents did out of love was actually rejection and abandonment. But if I’m following you right, you believe that the lies that Palps fed him are actually truth?!!?

Finally—and this is the most perplexing thing to me—did you somehow miss the part in the movie where Luke said that Leia had a vision that if she continued on the path to becoming a Jedi that she would end up killing Ben? And that she then chose to stop her Jedi training so that she wouldn’t end up doing that?? In what universe does her choice to give up power to save her son mean that she doesn’t love him? Because to me that sounds a whole lot like love.

And if you’re going to come at me with the whole “Han and Leia were neglectful parents because they were absent sometimes” thing, I just want to say: Do working moms automatically not love their kids? Does a parent have to be around a kid literally 24/7 to love them? Do they have to give up everything meaningful to them as soon as they have a kid? Does any parent that has ever sent their child to boarding school automatically not love them? (Mrs. Weasley would beg to differ!) How about literally every parent of every Jedi past? 

With this logic, Leia should have turned dark as a teenager, since Bail spent so much time off-planet representing Alderaan as a senator and Breha had to devote so much of her time to being queen. Were they bad parents? Did they not love Leia? Clearly not—that’s preposterous. 

As is the entire notion that Leia, one of the most fiercely empathetic, loving, and devoted characters in Star Wars, did not care about her son, despite all evidence to the contrary.

Honestly, I don’t particularly appreciate you coming into the replies of a post of someone who so clearly is enjoying TROS and is so clearly a huge Leia fan with this super-negative, ill-thought, bad faith take. If you didn’t like the movie, that’s totally fine, but try not to be an asshole towards others about it. 

And don’t come here to attack my princess and general. In this house, we respect Leia Organa.

[mcrcki]

Was that [WILLA HOLLAND]? Oh no no, that was just [LEIA ORGANA], a [CANON CHARACTER] from [STAR WARS]. They are [TWENTY FIVE] years old and [ARE] aware that they are not actually from Washington DC. Too bad they can’t stray from this city for long.

how long has your character been here -

leia technically has been here for nearly five years now. she’s been in dc since she was twenty three, and while for plotting sake i have her age on pages frozen at twenty five, she is almost twenty eight now. 

what is your character’s job -

president of the united states leia organa at your service

where has your character been pulled from in their fandom -

leia is pulled a few months after the battle of endor and the end of the galactic civil war. she was specifically on her way to a meeting with mon mothma about the role she would be taking in the new republic when she entered hyperspace and woke up in dc. that’s the last thing she remembers from home.

has any magic affected your character - 

multiple times, yes. when leia first arrived in dc, she was completely unaware of her life back in her galaxy. she had originally thought she grew up in a political family, her father being the senator from oregon, her mother being a state representative. during one of the first storms in dc, leia had gotten caught up in the magic which brought her memories of home back for the past few years. back in the summer however, for reason we’ll get into i promise, she went unaware again, was the absolute worst and regained her memories during the jumanji nightmare. so, while she is completely aware now, she was unaware for a few times on and off. you never know though, third time’s the charm, that might stick this time around

extra information -

we know the drill by now right? i’m going to write a novel for no reason and apologize for how long i will go on gushing about the space mom

background : 

let me just start by prefacing this with i pull pretty much everything i know and write about leia from legends canon. i really don’t follow new canon at all. of course, for rp purposes we’ve meshed the two and i love the solo family and their four messy kids, but i do write leia solely from legends and the path that life took.

a woman of too many names and titles. born leia amidala skywalker, younger twin to luke skywalker, the only daughter of padme amidala and anakin skywalker, she and her brother were separated at birth following the death of their mother and the fall of their father. it was the safest option. they would be hidden away from vader and palaptine. they should have been safe that way. 

adopted by the organa’s, leia became the crowned princess to the alderaan throne, thus being known as the princess leia organa of the royal house of alderaan. and while she always knew she was adopted, she never knew about the family that she had lost to the force. her parents, bail and breha organa did everything they could to keep leia safe from that. she had at first, not shown any signs of the force. 

unfortunately she did reveal a skill in it around the time she was two, and was soon on the empire’s radar for the incident.

might have been a baby but hey, gotta start pissing the emperor off from a young age. 

while she never knew her twin growing up, leia had grown up with her best friend, and adopted sister, winter celchu. the two could not have been more different and yet as thick as thieves. winter was the perfect example of refined and regal, it didn’t take long for people to mistake her for the princess of alderaan. where leia was often mistaken as “a domestic girl”. which leia didn’t mind really. she never wanted the pressure of being the princess, to have to go through all of the training that her aunts would push on her. (she appreciates it more than she could have ever imagined now)

honestly shout out to winter for literally everything. the girls used to switch places, winter going to plenty of events as leia so that leia could sneak out of the palace and “create mischief and visit inappropriate boys”. this is something the girls carried on their entire lives, and even now winter will cover for her as president at least once a week. 

leia really was just a rebellious child and i apologize to bail and breha for the nightmare girl she was. she was kicked out of almost every single school on alderaan, one of them because she staged a protest for not giving the students fresh squeezed juice, at seven. and another because she broke into the school’s speaker system and changed the programming so that any mention of “emperor palpatine” was replaced with “emperor fuckface” and the empire’s anthem was replaced with the anthem of the old republic. she was like 13 at the time. 

she was mostly homeschooled after that by tutors. 

honestly i could go into everything leia did as a child because dear god she got in so much trouble she was a terror. like dropping a water balloon on tarkin’s head. truly read her legends wiki, it’s so funny.

proficient in far too many languages, it was her favorite thing to learn and one of the only tutors that held her attention. that and her self defense teacher, but that was to be expected. 

either way, leia learned that she hated most of high society, the way they all thought they were better than everyone, the lavish parties while people suffered and she, along with her father’s hand in training her for this, had decided early on that she wanted to change the galaxy she lived in. 

bail had trained leia for this. she was the youngest senator ever elected, at just eighteen when she was formally introduced to the galactic senate and palpatine himself.

she was only seventeen when her father started to bring her into the fold of the rebellion.

when her father stepped down from the senate, leia officially took his place and subsequently used her diplomatic immunity and cover for her ship to run secret missions for the rebellion. it began her first steps into her double life of senator and rebel. 

this was around the time that mon mothma had taken leia under her wing and she grew even closer into the senate but also the inner workings of the rebellion. she was meant to fully take over the rebellion thanks to mothma’s teachings.

this is about when we get to the events of the original trilogy so !!

JUSTICE FOR ALDERAAN. 

life in dc :

alright deep breath everyone. 

first and foremost, let’s just talk about the solos. leia is a mother of four, grandmother to two, and aunt to one. and she loves each and every one of them with all her heart and soul. her kids are her life, her granddaughters hold all of her heart. truly is just a very family oriented person, despite her workaholic tendencies, she would do anything to keep her family safe. 

she is married to han solo, despite them living apart, she respects that han wants that space. being that intertwined with the presidency can’t be easy and she won’t ever force that on any of her family. they didn’t ask for that. 

she is kinda still the worst. i’m so sorry to any agent ahsoka assigns to her detail because leia is a runner. there are far too many times that ‘nebula’s disappeared’ is called over the radios. but listen she’s got her blaster it’s fine

currently trying to train to learn to control the force in her, but trust me it’s not going well. leia isn’t the worst with a saber, but the actual use of the force is something that still scares her. it’s a fear that she only talks to luke about, the both of them having an understanding about the darkness that continues to call to them. 

her anger takes over far too often, not thinking clearly when it does and it leave a perfect opening for manipulation. for her own fall. to make the mistakes of her father. and that terrifies her. 

she wants to be good, she wants to be a strong jedi, but she just doesn’t think it can happen. her greatest fear is that she will fall to the dark side as vader had, that she won’t be able to fight it. and with each encounter with palpatine, she fears he’s making more and more progress on that. 

she’s fought with palpatine about three times now, two of them discreetly, but another when she tried to kill him. a futile attempt that ended only with leia falling and her brother’s death only being mirrored instead of avenged. she wants to forget it ever happened but knows she can’t. 

she’s working on forgiving anakin, and is thinking that they’re making pretty decent progress. she’s started seeing him as anakin skywalker, and vader as a separate person completely. there’s still set backs, she still has nightmares about what vader did, about the days she spent locked in her cell on the death star. often she will close her eyes and clear as day feel vader’s hand on her shoulder, forcing her to watch as alderaan was destroyed. those days set her back. but she’s trying. 

right now, leia’s main goal is just keeping her kids safe. keeping luke and han safe. and trying to keep herself from falling. but she’s also made up her mind, that if any of her family is to deal with the dark side, leia will be the one to take that fall. she will let herself fall under palpatine if it ever came down to that or her family’s safety. 

god there is probably more i could ramble about, like certain things that happened in the og trilogy or headcanons about her and the force or her and her family or her and her job. who knows. i will probably do some like head canon posts for more details about like her and jabba or her and what happened on the death star idk glkdfjg

anyways once more sorry for the length but also as always, throw a middle finger into the sky for the space momby, carrie ♥

[sushigirlali]

Nice Things (Reylo Fanfic)

Prompt 12: “this sofa costs fifteen thousand dollars, dont you dare ruin it” ‘guess ill just have to cum in you then’ 

Summary: Sometimes life threw in-law sized curveballs at you, but on the plus side, making furious love to her husband in the middle of the day on his mother’s favorite sofa was a pretty good alternative to a Hawaiian vacation. 

Pairing: Rey x Kylo Ren/Ben Solo 

Rating: E

Continuity: Modern AU

A/N: Thanks for the prompt, anon! This drabble actually ended up being an epilogue of sorts for a multi-chapter wip I have banging around in my drafts. It can be read as a standalone, though, so enjoy!

Master list –> AO3 | ff.net | Tumblr 

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Nice Things

By: sushigirlali

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Rey Solo tried to focus on what her husband of three months was whispering into her ear, but found the task impossible as his hips slammed hard against hers. With her thighs pushed wide to accommodate his width and a plush pillow propping up her hips, Ben had worked his thick cock so deep inside her body that she could practically feel him in her throat. 

Not that she was complaining, per se, but it was rather annoying to be stuck housesitting for Ben’s mother, the esteemed Senator Leia Organa, instead of enjoying the long awaited honeymoon in Hawaii they had painstakingly planned over the last year.

After a whirlwind courtship that involved Rey saving Ben from some rather unscrupulous characters while he visited London in his mother’s stead, the unlikely pair had fallen in love. But that was another story altogether.

Since coming to live with Ben in America, Rey had met Leia exactly three times. Once at her engagement party, then again at her wedding, and finally only hours ago in the very room Ben was fucking her brains out in now. She was a kind woman, if a bit stern, and loved her son to distraction. Which was fortunate, since Rey was pretty sure they didn’t have anything else in common. 

Still, she wanted to be a good wife and daughter-in-law, so she’d sucked up her disappointment when Leia had asked them to babysit her pets and water her plants for two weeks instead of going on her dream vacation while Leia jetted off to lord knows where to bail her erstwhile husband out of a jam.

Having never met the man, he’d be conspicuously absent from their wedding, Rey’s only opinion on the elder Solo was that he was lucky to have a family that cared about him so much. Having grown up in the foster care system, she knew never to take such things for granted. In fact...

“Rey?” Ben’s hoarse whine broke into her thoughts. “Rey, I’m gonna lose it!” His long fingers slipped between them, zeroing in on her pulsating core. He deftly manipulated her slick nub, dragging her to the brink as well. “Do you want me to pull out, or…?”

Sometimes life threw in-law sized curveballs at you, but on the plus side, making furious love to her husband in the middle of the day on his mother’s favorite sofa was a pretty good alternative to a Hawaiian vacation. Being married to the love of her life was turning out to be quite the adventure after all.

“No!” Rey locked her ankles around his waist and tightened her inner muscles around him. Ben swore in response, his careful rhythm becoming sloppy as they careened toward climax. “This sofa costs fifteen thousand dollars, don’t you dare ruin it!”  

“How the hell do you know that?” he grunted, but she could tell he was pleased. While she enjoyed when he made a bit of a mess during sex, Ben had always preferred coming inside her.

“Your mother,” she gasped, arching into his next stroke. “When we toured the house earlier she–she–ah! Ben!”

“Guess I’ll just have to cum in you then,” he panted, playing her body like a fiddle. “You’ve been off the pill for a month. Do you think you’re ready for me? For my cum? Are you ready to have my baby?”

“Oh, Ben!” she moaned, heart racing madly at the mention of having his child. Whoever said procreation wasn’t sexy hadn’t met her husband. They’d barely started trying, but he’d already reconfigured his home office into the perfect nursery. “Yes! Cum inside me, please! Fill me up! I want your baby, Ben!”

“Fuck! Rey!” He pounded into her harder, angling his hips in just the way she liked, giving her everything he had to give. “Right there?” he huffed, hooking one of her legs over the crook of his arm. “Is this what you want?”

“Yes!” she cried, nails digging into the soft suede sofa. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” 

Stars suddenly exploded behind her hazel eyes, making her blind to everything except the man holding her. “I love you,” he whispered over and over again, trailing kisses across her face as her cunt milked his shaft for long moments. “I love you so much, Rey.” 

She curved her arms around his neck, returning his affectionate embrace. “I love you too, Ben.”

“I’m only sorry I couldn’t give you the honeymoon you deserve,” he sighed absently.

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I think we’re off to a great start.” She kissed his prominent nose. “Besides, we have traveler’s insurance, so we can just go away next month instead.”

“Thank god for that,” he chuckled. “And you for.” Ben slowly sat up with her in his lap, careful not to dislodge his softening member. “So, about this sofa.”

“Yeah?”

“I think you may want to trim your nails before we start round two.”

“Oh? Why’s that?” she said bemusedly.

Ben turned her cheek to see two sets of crescent indentations cut into the arm of the couch. Apparently her grip was stronger than the fine fabric. “Shite.”

“This is why we can’t have nice things,” he said with mock seriousness. “Mother will be so disappointed.”

She giggled and pushed his unruly hair away from his face. “Then I guess it doesn’t matter what else we do on this sofa, now does it?” 

“Nope.” He grinned at the possibilities. “Nothing else matters at all…”

-FIN-

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A/N: This is me procrastinating on my current fic Admiration XD Go check out it out! Part I is up now. Comments are deeply appreciated!

[harlahartall-blog]

Longing

(A/n: Hi tumblr!! This is my first time posting on here but I just posted this on ffn if you’d like to check it out over there. But this is just a lil drabble about Leia missing her dad, it might not be the best as I wrote it kind of quickly but I just wanted to get the idea down, Y’know? Also reminder that I’m still very new at all of this, so be gentle with me, lol!)

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“Here, you stand on my feet and take my hand.”

“Daddy, I’m too heavy!” Leia Organa giggled, placing her tiny feet onto her father’s large ones.

Bail Organa feigned discomfort. “Oh! You are so heavy, my dear!” He bent down and picked the child up by the crook of her arms.

The six year old laughed exuberantly as she was spun around to the gentle music coming from a music box on her nightstand. Her mouth was wide with a smile that matched her father’s. The two were happy and together, unbeknownst of what was to come to them in thirteen years.

———————————————————

Getting married was something Leia had never planned on. There were far better things for her to spend her time on, and she definitely couldn’t picture the idea of spending her life tied down to one person without getting extremely enervated with them. Marriage was for boring people, she’d said. Sure, as a child she occasionally imagined what her future wedding would be like- she decided it would take place under the Chinar trees in the back of the palace- because it was something her aunts had frequently promoted to the young girl as something to look forward to when she turned eighteen. These day dreams didn’t come frequently though, and diminished into a childish memory of the past as Leia grew older and her heart went to the rebellion.

And then Han proposed to her as the war ended. She’d accepted in a heart beat, of course, but Leia was quickly made aware of all of the stress and hassle of wedding planning. And because she is as stubborn as a mule, Leia had claimed all of the responsibility for planning it because “it couldn’t be that hard”.

A frustrated sigh exited a messy haired and disgruntled Leia as she sat on her couch, surrounded by various papers about chairs, flowers, and gods only knew what else at that point. She had always thought that when the war ended, she maybe could finally get some sleep and return to a normal schedule, but it seemed that the universe was against her going to bed before 2:00 AM.

“Leia?”

She turned to the dark hallway that led to her bedroom and saw a tousled looking Han. “Sorry,” she apologized. “I’m just trying to figure out catering for the reception, which I know sounds stupid, but is actually so stressful and-“

Han moved to the couch, noticing that the only light in the room was a dim lamp. “Hey, Hey, relax,”

Leia closed her eyes and slumped back. “Relax isn’t in my vocabulary.”

“Well it is in mine,” he leaned back so he was even with her and turned his head to the woman. “You don’t have to stress over all of this, we can still hire someone-“

“No! I’ve got it all under control.” Leia defended.

“Right. Well you don’t really look under control, sweetheart,” Han raised his eyebrows knowingly. “You know what I think? I think there’s something bigger happening that’s making you stress over the little stuff.”

Leia did her best to keep a straight face, but Han had just driven right through her walls, just like he always somehow did. She hadn’t realized it til that moment, but then it all made sense. Of course there was something else; it was Alderaanian tradition for the bride to dance with her father before she danced with her husband, as to metaphorically hand the girl off to her new spouse. But in the back of her mind, Leia knew that that wasn’t possible for her. And it made it feel like she watched her home get destroyed all over again.

“Hello?”

Leia was snapped from her thoughts with a nudge from Han and her chest suddenly felt tight.

“W-what?” Her voice faltered. Her brain was torn between ignoring her problems as she always did, or letting everything down and telling Han. This was something she’d vowed to keep inside. Her brain said ignore it, but her eyes quickly filled with tears and her body clearly had chosen telling her fiancé.

Wordlessly, Han wrapped a large arm around her and pulled her into him. His hand ran up and down her back soothingly. He didn’t even care what the issue was, he just wanted her to feel okay.

———————————————————

The months between her breakdown and the wedding quickly passed. Leia almost felt like she was teetering on the verge of another one as she stood, clad in Alderaanian marriage robes, in one of the back rooms of Cantham house. She realized it was a mistake to let the holonet stream her wedding to billions of viewers across the galaxy- Leia felt like everything was wrong with the wedding and she was almost sure she was going to receive backlash for the next few months. She felt like she had invited too many people, and gotten the wrong food, and the wrong flowers, and just about anything else that could’ve possibly been the wrong choice.

All she wanted was to grab Han and run away, run to her childhood home and get married under the trees out back. She wanted her parents and her friends and even her aunties, but she couldn’t have any of it.

A knock on the door startled the woman back into wedding mode. Leia took a breath and walked down the long hallway to the large chapel, silently nodding and smiling to one of the workers from the house.

“Ready?” Luke asked, approaching from the other end of the hallway.

“Why aren’t you in there?” Leia asked with an alarmed tone. She couldn’t handle anything else at that point.

Luke smiled kindly. “Han told me you were upset about your father and... Well, I know I’m not him, and I know I can’t give you him, but I figured I could help out for the day.”

Leia didn’t know if her heart was aching or swelling- perhaps a combination of the two. Every emotion hit the girl at once; Gratefulness, because she realized that she was surrounded by so many people that genuinely loved her. That was something she didn’t know if she’d ever experience again. She also felt heartbreak- she loved what Luke was doing, but it didn’t bring her father back. The gesture was still appreciated, though. Leia also felt extraordinarily overwhelmed with the whole situation, which was good and bad, she supposed. With wet eyes and a thankful smile, Leia took her brother’s arm and walked in.

———————————————————

Being married was certainly a strange feeling, mostly because she didn’t feel any different. Leia was most definitely in love with Han- he made her feel happier than anyone else. But she thought it was rather funny that after the ceremony on the way to the reception, she’d asked Han how he felt, and the two agreed that they really felt like nothing changed. They were practically married before the wedding anyways.

For the second time that evening, Luke approached his twin. Swallowing her pain, Leia huffed and took his hand, doing her best not to think about what was happening.

“I’m sorry if I’m not a good dancer,” Luke chuckled at one point to break the silence between the two.

The siblings stood in the middle of the floor, all eyes on them. Luke held leia’s right hand in his left and placed his left hand on her upper back.

“I’m... thank you, Luke, for doing this. You don’t know what it means to me.” Leia avoided his eyes.

Luke gave her a toothless smile. “It’s no problem. You’re my little sister, it’s the least I could do,”

For what felt like the thousandth time, Leia blinked back tears after being struck with a memory of her parents. This one from when she was aged nine or ten, and they all sat in the front parlor of the palace, looking through old holos of Bail and Breha’s wedding. Leia secretly found it rather boring, but she would have never told either one of them that. In the snapshots the young couple didn’t look too different from Han and Leia, from what she could recall. They wore the same robes and stood in a similar building, and shared the same grin as the new married couple did in the recently taken holos.

Leia cleared her throat. “This is strange, isn’t it? People are just staring at us.” She giggled a bit as Luke’s comment caught up to her. “And we’re the same age!”

The music changed, still maintaining a slow tempo. “Well, one of us has to be older! I’m done with you, sister,” Luke spun her out on one arm to where Han stood patiently, a grin on his face.

“What are you all happy about?” Leia joked, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling herself close.

Han wrapped his arms firmly around her back. “Nothin’, I’m just happy. Are you?” He craned his neck to look at her.

Leia scanned the room, not sure of what to look at. Sure, she was distraught that none of her family was there to witness her marriage, yet she knew they all were somewhere watching. She could just feel it, she could feel their presence, perhaps through the force. And though she longed to dance with her father, she felt so, so incredibly blessed to have the family she’d built over the last few years. She met eyes with Chewie, who waved and growled happily. She saw Threepio, who Han was reluctant to invite, but she decided it was only fair. She saw various friends she’d made working in the senate, And some people she couldn’t really recall inviting but didn’t bother worrying about it. She soon she saw her brother beaming at her, clearly proud to have cheered her up, and then she returned her eyes to Han.

“Yes.”

———————————————————

[thepilotanon]

can you go over more abt how leia saw breha as a role model/iconic bcuz although she did raise leia and stuff wouldnt. i dont know what breha really did other than help rule alderaan im sorry.

I would be more than happy to go over why one of the most underrated, amazing and worthy minor characters in Star Wars deserves as equal love and appreciation as Padmé Amidala to Princess Leia, and helped carve her out to be the beloved General we all know and love!!

While, yes, Breha did rule Alderaan, along with her husband, Bail (who was more of a Senator than King, in my opinion), she didn’t get it handed to her by election or just being born into one of the Elder Houses - this woman had to prove herself to her planet (and essentially, the galaxy) that she was worthy to take the crown and throne through an Alderaan custom - or a rite of passage.

Somewhat a mix between Padmé studying since a young age of her planet’s history, culture and heritage, and the galaxy’s systems and alike, Breha had to go through a trial almost similar to a Jedi becoming a Master. Before the publishing of Leia: Princess of Alderaan in 2017, it was hinted that Breha and Bail couldn’t have their own children wanted to adopt (in Revenge of the Sith). It’s explained from the novel that Breha took the trial at a young age and got injured to the point that vital body parts were replaced with mechanics. They didn’t say if her reproductive organs were removed or damaged, but I would say it is a safe bet that it was recommended that she should never conceive/carry children. Another thing that was mentioned, Breha refused to have the privilege of growing new flesh to hide them. **I like to think that Breha wanted this as a mark to prove to others that she was capable of overcoming obstacles (physical, mental, her expected appearance of a beautiful royal) and represent Alderaan as more than just a pretty planet, and her a pretty face.**

In addition to the fact that Breha (and Bail, but this isn’t about him right now) wanted to adopt. Specifically a girl. Even though the films didn’t produce a whole lot of female characters until (very) recently, and the average “idea” in fact and fiction, of a royal person adopting and preferring a girl is a big deal. You gotta admit, Breha probably had to hear it from everywhere and everyone how boys would be better, that adoption into the royal family wouldn’t look good, but she didn’t give two shits. I also would think that Breha would have been somewhat close to Padmé, being that she and Bail were allies, and I can definitely see those two women discussing their dreams of motherhood; Breha helping to support Padmé through her first trimester, during a visit to Alderaan to discuss political matters. Padmé openly supporting the Organas to adopt and supporting orphans and refugees of the Clone Wars (canonly, Breha and Bail have done this).

If there’s one thing that I strongly believe Breha taught Leia, right before she could walk, is absolute confidence and stubbornness. Don’t let any Senator or political figure tell you how it is or what it’s going to be when you’re in charge. Don’t let people use your appearance as an excuse to get things done. Don’t ever settle for negotiations - fight for change and don’t rest until it’s made available for everyone.

I strongly believe and would love to see Breha constantly telling Leia of Padmé Amidala through the years, not just that comic. Breha would honor and acknowledge Padmé as much of a mother as she is to Leia being her adopted mom. When Leia grows to discover who her true parentage was, she can remember the influence Padmé had to the Senate, but also how Breha influenced the planet of Alderaan, and her to influence the galaxy. 

Both Breha and Padmé are worthy to be considered Leia’s mothers, and Breha deserves as much appreciation and love, end of discussion.

[ofdarkstars-blog1]

     The dining hall of House Zyra is dimly lit with golden light, but it illuminates just enough of the room so that the gold trim and decorations catch the beams from the crystal chandeliers. Like most Alderaanian royal estates, the interior of the dining room is all white and gold with polished white and black furniture; the perfect place to celebrate a wedding, or so it seems.

     All of the guests sit calmly around the dining room table, but for some reason, Selene Organa has not been able to relax for the entirety of the event. She has always had a “sixth sense,” or so her parents call it — it is like she can almost sense when something is awry.

     But it isn’t until the violinists stop playing that Selene’s instincts scream at her to run. The tension in the air suddenly solidifies and turns to ice. Despite the fear that begins to eat away at her core, Selene maintains her composure and continues to smile and nod at the nobles who are still finishing their stories. Her little sister, Leysa, sits beside her, but as Selene glances around the room, she realizes that she may not be able to reach her parents, who are on the other side and far to the right. However, she reaches her hand under the table and squeezes Leysa’s hand. They turn their heads and their eyes meet; Selene’s gaze sends a warning.

     As soon as Selene is about to excuse herself from the table, men in red and black garments appear in the doorway — Thul nobles and warriors. She recognizes with a bitter taste in her mouth the man who leads them: Aiden Thul, Lord of House Thul and one of the most despicable men on Alderaan. But then, more men quickly appear, and Selene can hardly believe her eyes. Imperial Stormtroopers? On Alderaan?

     Selene’s mother, Breha Organa and Queen of Alderaan, stands up from her seat when she sees Aiden. “What is this?” she asks. “Lord Zyra, what is the meaning of this?”

     Before Selene can even move, Lord Aiden Thul raises his blaster and fires a shot right into Breha’s head. She instantly crumples to the ground, her head smashing against the edge of the table as she falls.

     Leysa screams and Selene almost follows, but her voice is trapped in her tightened throat. She can hardly even register what has happened — her mother is dead, but it doesn’t feel real. It’s like Selene is trapped in a nightmare and if she pinches herself she’ll wake up . . . but another part of her knows that this is real. Tears springs into her eyes, but Selene doesn’t have the luxury to curl into a ball and cry.

     More blaster fire unfolds into the room; lasers shoot towards Selene, Leysa, and her father, as well as some Organa loyalists in the room. However, no matter how many blasts are sent she and Leysa’s way, Selene is able to deflect them somehow. (In the midst of the turmoil, she doesn’t have time to ponder how she is doing it.)

     She and Leysa begin to run toward the exit, but when they do, they leave their father behind. Selene doesn’t look back to see her father die — she cannot afford to — but she doesn’t need to. She feels her parents’ deaths deep within her. It is a terrible hollowness ripped into her chest; it’s like she could feel their life forces slip away, cut like delicate threads.

     She has never experienced an emptier feeling.

     Terror holds Selene in an iron grip, but the adrenaline that burns through her veins like acid overpowers it, and she is able to push onward without much hesitation. If she had not been raised by Breha and Bail to be strong, Selene would have collapsed under the pressure and cried out all of the moisture in her body. But she is not a weak girl; she never has been.

     As Selene races through the hallway with her sister, every step strikes more panic into her body. Her heart hammers in her chest and blood roars in her ears, almost drowning out the sound of blaster fire and screams. Halfway down the hall, Selene nearly trips on the long skirt of her dark blue gown. If she had the time and less of an appreciation for fine fashion, Selene would have cut part of her skirt off for better mobility.

     Tremors in the ground nearly shake Selene from her feet. Ever since House Thul had risen up against House Organa, she has grown accustomed to the sound of bombs raining down on the earth and gunfire ripping through the air. But the assault today is nothing like the ones Selene has hidden from in the past; it is directly on her shelter with weapons and troops sponsored by the Empire.

     She has never been so afraid in her life; Selene has faced the Thuls before, but never Imperial forces. The Organas would hardly stand a chance against the Thuls if they wielded the power of the Galactic Empire. It is a thought that Selene tries not to dwell on, considering she is short on time for introspection.

    “Leysa! Leysa, come on! We — we need to get out of here, now!” she urges her sister to move faster, but Leysa’s tiny legs can only carry her so quickly. Selene refuses to allow Leysa to die like their parents.

    Her grip on her sister’s hand tightens as she sprints down an adjacent corridor to one of the back exits of the Zyra Estate.

     I really should have brought my blaster, Selene thinks frustratedly.