#if he's dating anakin he will hear that about a thousand times a day

[hanasnx]

diff anon but what fandoms did you meet your close moots through? i don’t know if that counts as indy lore

that counts! more under the cut. i wanted to talk about all my mutuals

@its-clockwork-princess one of my best, oldest, and dearest friends. years and years of friendship, roleplay, fanfiction, writing. every time i see a duo on screen or in any media my first thought is always her and my second thought is always “us.” we went through a thousand different fandoms and i can’t remember our first but we definitely bonded heavily over fandoms like marvel, dc, and fnaf at the very early stages of our friendship. her dad was actually dating my mom for a long time, which gave us plenty of time together. literally cant even summarize everything we’ve gone through together, everything we’ve built, seriously been friends for a decade and i plan on staying that way for the rest of my life. i cant imagine my life without her, how bleak and colorless it would’ve been. i’m honored to know such a generous and kind person, and someone who helped shape me into who i am today. a love truly unconditional.

@ohgodmyeyes loved his takes on anakin, thought he was so real and so down to earth even though he could stand to be more egotistical considering how talented he is. i think about a certain post he made about anakin -> vader's dick literally once a day. i'm not even exaggerating at all when i say it was my roman empire. in just that small amount of time i was taught his quiet confidence, his exquisite way with words, and his unapologetic thought process. i maintain a distance from him because i'm playing the long game and from what i've seen on his personal posts i feel like he might be overwhelmed if i come on too strong, as i often do. but that doesn't stop me from grinning every time i see him in my notifs and i get to think, "this message was approved by ohgodmyeyes." very proudly.

@somuchfrstardust we talked in the comment section of anakin edits on tiktok i feel like and then i was like "hey wanna be friends" and we haven't talked in a while but that's totally cool, that's just how i am. i still consider them my friend i think they're a rly cool person.

@banakinbabygirl was one of the first anakin/hayden blogs i followed, i love how they write smut. it's a very emotional way of writing, very heavy on the descriptions and realistic reactions that drew me in and kept me there.

@starmanskywalker is one of my favorite writers in general. anything on her masterlist is an instant recommendation from me, instant like, instant reblog, instant indy review. i'm such a jealous person in general but the way i feel about alanis' writing is beyond jealousy. it's admiration, it's fondness, it's awe. i don’t feel envious i feel fulfilled. i was very proud to become her mutual, her friend, be on a first name basis with her, and write fanfiction with her. we have a collab we've been working on for a while but because we're both so busy and it's such a big project it takes a lot of time and a lot of love, but i'm still so excited for the day it's finished and can be published.

@xstarkillerx is so much more than a person i met on the internet. truly one of my best friends, and i can’t imagine not having him in my life. there’s so much i can say that i have actually already said on this blog before. donnie has a way with seeing the world i just love to hear about. i’ll ask his opinions and experiences on everything simply to hear what he, specifically, has to say about it. when we have conversations inhibitions are left at the door for the both of us instead of just me. i feel skinless, muscle-less, body-less with donnie. an entity obsessed with him on discord as we write novels to each other, sonnets about how we view the world and its fictions. donnie is my bread and butter, and i’m so glad i found him and stalked him and forced him to be my friend and now he’s reliant on me just like i want.

@weixuldo such a sweet person and very understanding of me and my boundaries. i first found wei’s blog through their fanart of darth vader which i loved so much i sent every single one of their posts to my best friend who i mentioned at the beginning of this post. i still go back to look at those works every so often to brush up on my love for them. such a talented artist i’m very happy i’m worthy of a follow back, and that we enjoy each other’s content.

@mcondance i met through hobie brown back in june 2022. i loved how they kept luring me to their page by mentioning me and my hobie works they kept reading, i swear they were using my vanity as bait and it worked. they are, genuinely, so fucking funny. i only have friends that are funny don’t get me wrong, but there’s something about jupie that when i’m talking about them to other people, that person is like “omg jupie is so funny.” like. jupie just transcends my sense of humor to other people’s. they’re funny to the masses. i’m very bad at texting, but jupie is a person i try to reach out to so they know i’m virtually loving on them. they like the attention. another writer i’m so pleased to be mutuals with when they’re so skilled at the part of writing i always feel like i’m most wooden at. the side of smut writing that takes feeling and sensation and even an edge of genuine horniness, jupie is so good at translating that onto a page.

@murdrdocs is another mutual i gained from the height of the hobie brown era and i believe i saw her content through jupie’s page. now we don’t get to talk too much but that doesn’t mean i don’t think she’s not a super cool person. i don’t read much, but the things i do get to read specifically on icarus’ page make me very proud to be her mutual. not only is she an accomplished and gorgeous writer, but her blog designs are always envy-inducing. she shifts her aesthetics so seamlessly—even tho i know how changing a theme can be draining and time-consuming—and it’s always easy on the eyes. her navigation is especially creative and i’ll never forget her newspaper clipping themed announcement for last kinktober.

@princessbrunette another writer i’m constantly in awe of. i met her through her anakin works, and invited myself onto her kinktober taglist when she was still a relatively new blog that’s how much i was instantly attracted to her work. her style is so distinct and so refined, i can overlook non canon work because hers is just that good. she’s also very funny, and has a gifted silver tongue. i’m always impressed with how she’s able to paint a picture in her pieces using nothing but the most concise and visualizing words. it’s not often that i watch something because a friend watched it, but i watched obx for her so i could still enjoy her work that’s how much i love it. our universes we create in our dms are so special to me.

@empiresheir was someone i met through their anakin one-shot about order 66 which i’ve reblogged several times and it’ll never be enough. it was such a good piece i gave live updates to my best friend who was reading it too. i sent those screenshots to her orc cos she deserved to know what i had to say. she was also an essential help when i was writing my kinktober project, kind enough to read my pieces and give me line by line feedback just like i like so i wouldn’t go crazy from lack of attention on pieces i couldn’t post til october. not only another talented and powerful writer (capable of dropping my jaw at how insanely good she is at wording things), but such a sweet person to talk to. and though she’s not active in the fandom anymore i think of her fondly and i hope she’s having such a good time with baldur’s gate.

@darthvvder had a collection of anakin drabbles that i found on wattpad of all places and i was amazed at what i read. thoroughly impressed by the physical reactions her works were eliciting in me. got me to care about smut tropes i hadn’t cared about before simply bcos she was so good at writing them. i posted about a line that gripped me and she commented that it was her, i followed and the rest is history.

@jarebare99 is my boyfriend :) he gets an honorary mention. i wrote him an entire book of poetry and my thoughts on him so he can read that if he’s feeling left out from everyone getting paragraphs. i met him in irl not through a fandom but idc.

@ddejavvu was someone i’d see in my notifications including my inbox every so often and she was very recognizable. i really can’t remember how us being mutuals happened? i’d like to say i somehow discovered she wrote and wrote well and once i began noticing i consistently liked her content then i followed and lo and behold she was following me too. mei is very respectful of my space and i like that she texts me without expecting an answer back bcos i like to read her updates and don’t always know what to say. i have some of her inbox messages i gatekeep and i go back and read them every so often and think about how diabolical it would be if i answered them and floored the world, but i have yet to be ready to share the genius.

@anakincentric technically through anakin. even though we don’t talk much bcos both of us have really similar no-contact ways that doesn’t mean i don’t think she’s real sweet. i like when she pops in, drops a banger, and then peaces out. like a disney cameo appearance.

@harrisonbrainrot i wanna say han/indiana. i feel like i was already following his blog because i got to read some of his stuff when i was in a han mood and was like, “yea, this guy gets it.” and then when we reconnected in the comments of someone else’s post, i told him i was a big fan which was true, and then wham bam thank you ma’am mutuals. i have no idea if he knew who i was before or if he was following me, but he’s cool asf. not only is he hot and chill, he’s also really kind with me about not texting. a very generous soul who let me use his crunchyroll to watch jjk out of the goodness of his heart, which i am kissing him for. one of the rare writer’s on here who’s unapologetic in the shit they say, which i always admire and prioritize in who i choose to follow. love his han characterization, so when he’s reblogged a han work of mine, i believe it’s been christened by the harrison ford pope.

@anitheus tagging this blog bcos it’s what i followed first but i also follow her other account @silxani because i love her art style. i love how she draws anakin every time. her spider-sam fanart, and her nsfw anakin works are my favorite, as well as the fanart she made of us for my birthday. gorgeous art style i could look at all day, and i like her personality when we text.

@ivysangel i wanna say it was dc comics but i can’t remember the character, might’ve been jason todd. she came for the dc, and stayed for the other stuff including my general tomfoolery. she flatters me with kind words about how i’ve influenced her, which always makes me soft. we have a lot in common, which is always so much fun to compare, and i love that she watched batman beyond when i recommended it even though i wasn’t expecting her to a) do it and b) love it. she’s aware and respectful of my boundaries when it comes to sharing my ideas which i appreciate, and i love seeing her in my inbox. we haven’t had enough time together for me to nail down everything i like about her, but i will.

@loveliestlovelygirl eloise caught me by surprise bcos it’s not often i get instantly hooked, or at least it hasn’t been that way for a while. i haven’t been in an anakin mood for a while, but i still reblog her works instantly so i can get to it later because i know i’ll like it even though i haven’t read it. idk much about her, but her theme makes me bonkers jealous. it’s so beautiful. like her chapter HTML for her fallen angel au makes me drool.

@psuedosis newest mutual. her reaction towards me made me instantly endeared, and i loved her jet works. some zuko pieces as well! hit at the right time bcos i just finished atla animated. very excited to get to know her more.

boom. indy lore and extensive thoughts on tumblr mutuals.

[ragnarlothcat]

I AM SO SOFT FOR HOPELESS ROMANTIC ANAKIN SKYWALKER 🥺🥺🥺 it’s canon, right? It’s canon.

I think so 💕!!! He does marry Padmé almost immediately, after all. I've written a few different versions of Anakin but even when he's not demi or anything I still write him as completely devoted to the person he loves, to the point of being almost unable to comprehend being interested in anyone else.

I wonder what that must be like for Obi-Wan, who is much less intense than our boy Anakin. Possibly a bit overwhelming, but I bet he'd be into it? Obi-Wan likes jumping out windows and being a lot™️ and anyway I dare him not to fall ridiculously in love with Anakin when he's just so cute and earnest!!!

[aerynwrites]

A Tumultuous Task

Captain Rex x F!Reader

(Gif by @badbatch​) - if you would like me to take this down please let me know and it will be done immediately.

A/N: A continuation of this little blurb - I love Captain Rex so much y’all and I love writing for him. So if you have any requests you’d like to send in for him please do so!

WC: 1k

Warnings: None

»»————-　♡　————-««

The air around Rex in the nearly deserted hallway had been buzzing with nervous energy. When this happens, it is usually just before a battle, a restless sort of energy that's created by his brothers, or the Jedi he is commanded by. 

But this time, Rex had been the source of all the nerves. 

He feels hot beneath his armor, exposed with his helmet tucked beneath his arm, where his ears had now felt warm to the touch. The palms of his hands are quick to follow, sweaty now as he begins to have a hard time keeping hold of his helmet there, and the bundle of flowers that he holds with the other.

Flowers….

Yes. That’s the reason he’s so nervous. Not because of the flowers themselves, of course, but because of what they had meant. Their purpose. Honestly, they weren't even his idea. But when he had rushed from the command to come see you in your quarters on base, apparently he hadn’t been guarding his thoughts throughout the day as well as maybe he should have. Running into Anakin there, he must have already sensed this, when he turned to give Rex a mischievous smile, “I think they like flowers Captain, it may help.” And that’s all he offered before walking off with his padawan. 

Of course Skywalker knew what he was up to. Rex himself knew of his relationship with Padmé, so it was no surprise that the Jedi had been keenly aware of his best Captain's own feelings for a certain mechanic. 

Namely, you.

You were the go-to mechanic for Skywalker with his many ship problems after a flight. Constantly admonishing him because of this, you had really been the only one who could ever seem to get the overconfident Jedi to apologize - something that blew Rex away every time. Something that also grabbed his attention and kept it. 

But it hadn't been just that. He loved the way your cheeks would have small smears of grease on them after a long shift, and how that never seemed to dampen the smile on your face. Or the sound of your laugh when Ashoka would make a joke at the expense of her Master, or when you had earned an eye roll from Skywalker after teasing the Jedi General yourself. Rex loved you. He has for a while now - he’s just been too afraid to say anything. Afraid of the rules saying not to do exactly what he was about to do. Afraid of rejection - because who would want a man that looks like hundreds of thousands of others? Someone who’s destiny is to die in the war? 

Stop that! He hears Ashoka's voice in his head. 

Constantly, the padawan had always told him never to talk like that. That him and his brothers were worth something, and that their lives were just as important as anyone else’s. Something that you had always told him too... which was yet another reason why he feels the way he does about you. 

At your door now, he's feeling slightly more confident than when he had first started his journey down the long corridor. 

But not by much. 

He begins to feel his nerves come back full force, with his hands still sweaty, and his ears still burning. 

“Come on Rex! You’re a Captain for makers sake!” He mumbles to himself “you can do this. What was I going to say again?”

He stops his mumbling for a moment before starting up again,  beginning with your name, “I’ve liked you for a while now and Skywalker told me to-“

No that sounds stupid.

“I came to ask you on a date.”

No, that's even worse...somehow.

Rex groans, pinching his nose in frustration, “why is this so hard?!” He practically growls. 

A soft whooshing causes him to look up and he can feel the way his face heats up when his eyes meet yours. 

“Why is what so hard?” You ask, standing in the doorway of your quarters while looking the Captain up and down quizzically. 

He’s at a loss for words. “I uh-I was just, I-“

Your eyes sparkle when they land on the beautiful bouquet of flowers in his hand. “Are those flowers? What’s the occasion?” 

“I uh-“ the Captain sighs, his attempt to woo you with the surprise of flowers and a date proposal failing miserably, ending with him spluttering like a child.

He holds the flowers out to you gently. “They’re for you,” he says softly, eyes cast down to the floor in embarrassment, “I was coming to see if you’d like to go to Drex’s diner with me but…” he sighs again, “I messed up.” 

Your eyes soften at the downtrodden Captain for just a moment before perking back up, taking the bouquet from his hands, and smelling the fragrant blooms before giving him a small smile.

“Are you asking me on a date, Captain?” 

His eyes widen, “I, Uhm- yes that was what I-“

“Then I accept!” You tell him joyfully, eyes bright, “let me just go put these in a vase and then we can go, okay?”

Rex sputters before nodding as you turn back into your quarters, only to return moments later with a huge smile on your face, before looping your arm with his own. 

“Ready?” 

Rex positively beams before holding you tighter to him when he nods. “More than ready.”

You smile at him as you both make your way towards the base's exit. Slowly you move so you are holding his hand, fingers laced with his own. Then, you turn to look at him for just a second before leaning up and pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. 

“I like you too, you know,” you finally admit.

All Rex can manage through the flush on his cheek is to return the gesture - a soft peck to yours, and a quick squeeze of your hand as you finally continue towards Drex’s. 

This is definitely one small step towards something beautiful.

»»————-　♡　————-«« 

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[rainydaydream-gal18]

(The Clone Wars) Rex x Reader: For a Good Cause

(Author’s Note: It’s been too long since I’ve written for Rex.  I still love this man...)

   As another lovely female left the spotlight with her date, the announcer bounced back to the center of the stage.  The room erupted with “aw”s and applause.  You leaned back in your seat, eyes sweeping over the crowd of well-dressed attendees.  Nothing seemed out of place.  Even your senses were giving you the “all clear.”  It made you wonder if there was some other reason you were dragged to this event.  Anakin, Ahsoka, and the soldiers from the 501st were more than capable of handling security, so why were you summoned by the General to be the only one attending undercover?  It was overkill.

   Still, you weren’t exactly complaining about having an opportunity to see Captain Rex.  You’d been on an assignment directly given to you by the Jedi Council and had only just returned a few days before.  You were anxious for an opportunity to work with the 501st again soon.

   A gentle nudge against your right shoulder drew your attention.  Senator Amidala had been the one to help you through the event.  from picking out the right outfit to how to blend in, she was your guide. You turned to see her blue eyes shining as she spoke, but her voice was drowned out in another round of applause.  You only caught the movement of her lips.

   “What was that?” you leaned in.

   “You’re up,” Padme said with another nudge to your shoulder, and you gave a humorless chuckle, reaching for your glass.

   “Ha, that’s a good one,” you said as you raised the water to your lips.

   “The announcer just called your name.”

   You swallowed the water.  Hard.  You stared back at her, hoping that it was some sort of morbid joke that she was playing.  That’s when you heard it, the man at the microphone repeating your name as a question.  He was looking at you expectantly.  Actually, several pairs of eyes from the tables surrounding yours were watching and waiting.

   “Padme, I am a jedi,” you said under your breath.  “I think this sort of thing falls under the ‘forbidden’ category.”

“You’re undercover,” she replied, eyes shining mischievously.  “You’re an eligible female.  You’ll stand out if you don’t participate.  Besides, it’s for a good cause.”

   “And what about you?”  

   She cleared her throat, smoothing out the skirt of her dress.  Her gaze suddenly wouldn’t meet yours as she replied.  “You know I would, _________, but...I have other engagements to attend to.”

   Suuuure.  More like she’d be on a date with her secret jedi husband.  You knew the drill.  If it weren’t for the room of people staring at you, you would’ve given her a hard time about it.  Fortunately for her, you were forced to rise from the comfort of your chair and walk up to the stage.

   Money was tight in the GAR.  There were several policies being worked through in the Senate, such as a bill that would mean the production of more clones.  The Republic seemed to be stretched thin as it was, so a few events were held to raise more credits to contribute to the war effort.  One of the activities of this particular gala was the bidding on dates.  It wasn’t anything to be taken too seriously, but the thought of standing on a stage while people put down credits for your time was rather embarrassing.  You didn’t want to know how much credits the audience thought your time was worth, whether it be many or not.

   You stole a look of indignance at Padme while she merely offered an apologetic smile, though there was no mistaking the mischief that still lingered.

   “Alright,” the announcer said, taking your hand.  “This here is __________.  Now, now, don’t be shy.  Let’s give this young lady a warm welcome, shall we?”

   The audience responded with a warm applause, and you tried your best to smile.  You caught Anakin’s amused glance to the side of the stage, and Ahsoka was standing there with arms folded, shaking her head.

   You’d get them back for this.  You knew you would.

   The announcer released your hand and stepped aside to leave you at the center of the stage.  “Would anyone like to start the bid?”

   “Three-hundred credits!” Anakin called, cupping his hand over his mouth to amplify the words.

   The announcer’s brows rose.  “My my, what a bid!  Do I hear three-fifty?”

   Multiple voices rose up at once, and you could barely pick out what voice belonged to which individual in the audience.  Your eyes darted throughout the crowd, brain registering the amount as it continued to rise

   “Seven-hundred-and-fifty credits!”  The announcer boomed.  “Would anyone like to top that?”  Suddenly, a young woman ran out from somewhere backstage and leaned in to whisper in the announcer’s ear.  His eyes were large pie plates as he gasped into the microphone.  “This is just in!  A very generous donor has just made a bid of one-thousand credits!”

   You jaw nearly dropped, and you stood frozen as the announcer pronounced you “sold.”  The young woman ushered you off the stage, and your alarm grew.  Who was this bidder?  Why had he spent so many credits?  And why did he choose to remain anonymous?

   You passed by Anakin and Ahsoka on your way backstage.  “What is going on?” you asked.  

   “Nice going, ________.  You raked in a lot of credits for the war effort.”  Though he was seemingly praising you, his tone carried an amusement that you weren’t sure how to read.  “Better get back there to the bidder.”

   “Why do I feel like you’ve had a hand in this whole thing?”

   “It was a group effort,” he admitted.

   “But it was his idea originally,” Ahsoka chimed in.  “So all blame goes to him accordingly.”

   “Thanks, Snips.”  Anakin rested a hand on each of your shoulders, turning you so he could effectively usher you the rest of the way backstage.

   “Blame for what?” You protested.  “Wait, Anakin, blame for what?”

   Suddenly, your eyes landed on familiar blue-and-white armor, and your mouth clamped shut in surprise.  A pair of kindly brown eyes met yours, though the man they belonged to stood there rigidly, as if he wasn’t entirely comfortable with the situation at hand either.

   “She’s all yours, Rex.” Anakin said.  “Now, both of you have some time, but I’ll need you back at the barracks for the inspection later on.”

   “Yes, Sir.”

   He paused, winking.  “Oh, and have fun.”  Once he and Ahsoka were gone, you turned to the captain.  Rex looked at you, the corners of his lips turning up in a hesitant smile.

   “Captain Rex,” you greeted.  “I didn’t take you for the type to do this sort of thing.”

   “Well, I-I…”  He stuttered, eyes dropping to the helmet tucked under his arm.  “It was Skywalker’s  idea.  He and a few of the men cooked up the plan so you wouldn’t end up with some stranger.  You don’t have to, um, stay if you don’t…”

   “It’s okay,” you smiled.  “I’d like to stick around for this date.  I just hope you know that you don’t need something like this to get a lady’s attention.”

   That seemed to put him at ease. His shoulders relaxed as he chuckled.  The sound of his laugh was so pleasant, it made your smile grow even more.  “That’s good to know.”

   The barracks inspection that Anakin spoke about wouldn’t be for a few hours.  A few hours without strategizing, preparing for battle, or participating in battle… And it was time you would get to spend with Rex.

   He extended an arm, and you looped your arm around it.  “Thank you for allowing me a few hours of your time, __________.  I’ve got a few places in mind I’d like to take you, if you are up for it.”

   “Lead the way, Rex.”

[nkatr84]

Obi Wan/female reader one shot : Waiting part 1/2

When the reader is sixteen, she starts working as a waitress at Dex’s Diner. On her first day, she meets the love of her life. There’s just one problem. He’s a Jedi...

It had been a hectic first day. But you wouldn’t complain. Dex liked that about you. You just did what you were told. Buckled down, smiled at customers and only messed up one order so far. You just prayed to the Force that your natural clumsiness wouldn’t flare up.

The Force had a sense of humor.

One minute Dex had left the kitchens to chat with an old friend. Ordering a round of milkshakes. After setting the third milkshake on the tray, you carefully brought it out of the kitchen. But no sooner had you stepped out into the main dining room, the door of the kitchen swung forward knocking into your feet.

Your feet tripped over themselves and as your body twisted you gasped, seeing the tray flying, the milkshakes up in the air. But as you braced yourself for impact, you felt a pair of strong arms catch you.

You peeked open one eye. Then both eyes opened as you took in the sparkling blue eyes looking down at you in concern. It was a boy about your age. And he was gorgeous. Chiseled jaw just losing its baby fat. A perfect nose. You noticed two moles. One on his cheek and one on his forehead. Your heart hammered in your chest.

“Are you alright?” He gently asked, his voice a smooth, refined accent of the upper levels of Coruscant.

“Never better...” you gasped catching your breath. But then you noticed his haircut. Auburn hair buzzcut short, except for one single small braid hanging over his shoulder. Brow furrowed, you realized you hadn’t heard the milkshakes crash to the floor. You glanced around to confirm your suspicions. The milkshakes and tray were floating in midair.

And despite the romance the imagery of being dipped over his knee conjured, reality finally crashed in to ruin the moment. Your savior was a Jedi padawan.

“Hey hey! Looks like your Padawan has good reflexes Qui Gon!” Chuckled Dex from the booth.

Across from him, a tall Jedi with long graying brown hair nodded in amusement,

“One should hope so. Alright Obi Wan I think the poor girl can stand on her own feet again.”

The padawan Obi Wan blushed and righted you on your feet,

“Yes Master.”

“And you can stop showing off. It’s an inappropriate use of the Force.” Qui Gon added, a small wink towards Dex who chuckled, his four arms crossed over his shaking belly.

“Sorry Master.” Obi Wan flushed again, waving his hand. The milkshakes righted themselves and floated over to the table. Obi Wan plucked the tray from midair and handed it to you.

“Thank you.” You said, voice shy and small, eyes cast to your feet.

“You’re welcome.” Obi Wan nodded before sliding into the booth next to his Master. You nodded, returning to your other customers. But not without one last glance over your shoulder at the handsome padawan. It just wasn’t fair.

You tried to forget about the Jedi. But blue eyes haunted your dreams at night. Your mind reasonsed with yourself that the Jedi had a code that forbid attachments. But that didn’t stop your foolish heart from pounding in your chest every time Qui Gon and Obi Wan stopped by the diner for lunch.

It was no use. Having a stupid crush on a Jedi was just part of your reality now. Dex noticed of course. He thought it was hilarious. He made you wait on them every time. You were beginning to suspect he made your schedule out to guarantee you would be working when they came in. You didn’t know how. Especially when they started to go away on more missions and wouldn’t be back for weeks at a time. Once for a whole year. Not that you were counting the days or worrying or anything...

The only way you could cope with the crush was self deprecation. Telling yourself that even if he wasn’t a Jedi, Obi Wan wouldn’t give you a second glance. Oh he was polite and asked how you were, making conversation. But everyone else pretty much ignored you. You even had a customer point out one day that you just had one of those faces that just blended in.

You didn’t think you were ugly. But being a little short and your figure being a bit on the plump side you also weren’t kidding yourself. You guessed that was why you longed for Obi Wan like you did. You couldn’t have him anyway, so you might as well dream of the impossible.

But you also wished someone would want you like you wanted Obi Wan.

In a blink of an eye three years had past. And one day Obi Wan came in by himself. That was new.

“Hey! Obi Wan! Where’s Qui Gon?” Dex wiped his hands on his apron. Your heart twisted at the pained look on his face. Noting how red his eyes were.

“Obi Wan?” Dex pressed, suspicion growing with dread.

“He...fell in battle.” Obi Wan swallowed.

Dex shut his yellow eyes.

“Close the door Kid. We’re closing early today.” The grayish tan alien told you, pain evident.

“Sure Dex.” You nodded crossing over to flip the sign. You were the only waitress working today. Even your droid waitress FLO was out for maintenance. You hadn’t even had a customer all day until Obi Wan came in. The sky rumbled with thunder, the rain matching the mood.

“I’ll take my leave then.” Obi Wan nodded.

“No you sit. We’re going to honor my friend.” Dex let out a shuddering breath, entering the kitchen.

“Will he be alright?” Obi Wan asked you. You jumped hearing a roar of rage and pots crash to the floor.

“He will be. Just give him a minute.” You told him.

Obi Wan nodded then took a seat in his usual booth. Keeping to the edge as if Qui Gon was still beside him.

“Are you alright?” You asked, sliding into the booth across from him.

Obi Wan gave a stiff nod,

“Of course. A Jedi must accept death as a part of life. Less he fall to the Dark side.”

You lifted your brows. That sounded rehearsed. As if he were clinging to that mantra like a life preserver.

“Doesn’t mean it doesn’t still hurt.” You pointed out.

“No it doesn’t.” He conceded. You then noticed his padawan braid was gone.

“Were you knighted?” You asked.

He scoffed,

“Yeah. The council felt that anybody that can kill a Sith Lord after a thousand years needs to be a Knight.”

“A Sith Lord?” You asked. Obi Wan began to tell you the story. Of the Trade Federation setting up a blockade on Naboo and how they had tried to kill Qui Gon and Obi Wan when they came to negotiate for the Republic. Saving the Naboo Queen and the detour to Tatooine. The discovery of a boy named Anakin with a high M count, strong in the Force. Wicked political plots and the wicked Sith Darth Maul dueling both Qui Gon and Obi Wan. Qui Gon’s death and Obi Wan killing the Sith. Of Qui Gon making Obi Wan promise to train Anakin.

“So I was knighted and now Anakin is my padawan. I don’t know if I’m ready.” He confesses to you.

“Qui Gon believed you were.” You point out.

“Qui Gon also believed Anakin is the Chosen One.” Obi Wan sighed.

“Chosen One?”

“The one meant to bring balance to the Force. Don’t get me wrong. Qui Gon was an excellent teacher. I’m confident that he’s taught me well. But how can the kid that was once destined for the Argricore teach the Chosen One?” He asked.

Your heart swelled. So your Jedi Knight doubted himself too. Why was that so endearing? Maybe because it made your stubborn heart believed you were connected.

But Obi Wan needed a friend. So a friend you would be. You squeezed his hand on the table.

“With patience. Kindness. Devotion. All the qualities that Qui Gon saw in you.” You said.

He gave a small smile, eyes still sad,

“Thank you.”

Dex interrupted you, already swaying on his feet from the Spotcha he had stored in his office. The Besalisk poured a round of shots and you all toasted to Qui Gon. That night Obi Wan helped you get Dex home, who was in no condition to drive. Then he walked you home after the rain let up.

The next ten years you’d think of that night whenever you had a bad date or another Life Day went by alone. Oh you tried to date. But no one made you feel the way Obi Wan did.

You had one steady boyfriend once. A good man. A mechanic. But then you had blown it when he tried to kiss you. You had sighed Obi Wan’s name. He was kind enough to forgive you. Until he surprised you at the diner one day. He had been patiently waiting for your shift to end. When Obi Wan and Anakin walked in.

“There she is Obi Wan!” The thirteen year old pointed you out. Obi Wan gave a friendly smile. You had waved, biting your lips as you saw how the beard Obi Wan was growing out suited him.

But then you had caught your boyfriend’s eye. He gave you a sad smile. He knew. And the pity in his eyes told you he understood your dilemma. You were in love with a man forbidden to love. And while he had been free to love you, he just couldn’t compete. He had left and you never saw him again. You had heard he married a few years later, and you were glad. Meanwhile you would stop trying to date after that.

Funny enough that same day, after your boyfriend had left, you had approached Obi Wan and Anakin to take their order.

“Was that your boyfriend?” Anakin had asked.

“Anakin...”

“Yes he was.” You nodded, setting out their utensils, not adding that you were no longer an item as of five minutes ago.

“Does he think you’re pretty like Obi Wan does?” Anakin had asked.

You looked at the boy stunned as his Master admonished,

“Anakin!”

You glanced at Obi Wan out of the corner of your eye. He was shielding his eyes with his hand, neck and face flushed red. You couldn’t help but be amused. Anakin was more like a annoying kid brother to Obi Wan than student and teacher. You liked the kid enough, but sometimes his confidence struck you as arrogance. He was improving that attitude under Obi Wan though.

“I suppose he did.” You answered, giving them menus.

“Did?” Anakin caught.

“That’s none of our business Padawan.” Obi Wan softly scolded.

“I’ll give you a minute to decide.” You told them.

But you heard over your shoulder,

“Don’t you think she’s pretty Master?”

“Shut up Anakin...”

That stupid flare of hope ignited in you once again.

As years past and Anakin grew, the conflict between the Republic and the Trade Federation Separtists grew into a full blown war. Anakin was soon knighted and given his own padawan along with a command over a clone trooper squad. Obi wan was made a general with his own squadron. The Jedi visits to the diner were rare.

The war and Obi Wan wasn’t the only thing you had to worry about. You had to take several moonlighting jobs during the war. Once you were hired as a server at a fancy gala for Republic senators.

You rarely visited the Upper levels outside Coco Town. The opulence of the ballroom had left you speechless. Still you did your job. When you heard a familiar voice call your name.

You were sure you were gawking as Obi Wan approached you. He looked so dashing in his armor.

“Obi Wan!”

It wasn’t you that called his name. A tall, beautiful woman with blonde hair and rich robes caught his attention.

“Duchess.” He said. You heard the warmth in his tone. The one that matched his eyes. You turned and disappeared into the background, not seeing Obi Wan try to introduce you only to find you gone.

You didn’t really have time to process how Obi Wan had looked at the Duchess over the next few months. You had to earn a living. You started taking waitressing jobs in Coruscant nightclubs. Which required a lot of skimpy short dresses. No one noticed you anyway. So they never bothered you too much.

Until a familiar voice said over the chatter of crowds and booming music,

“No one told me the view here was so lovely.”

With a blush you turned to see Obi Wan once again in his armor approach you.

“Hello Obi Wan.” You nodded.

“What are you doing here?” He asked.

“Well between the taxes the Chancellor imposed on businesses considered non essential to the war, and the taxes that made my rent go up, a girl has to eat. Even Dex has a second job now.” You shrugged.

“Which explains why I saw you at the gala. I’m sorry I didn’t know you were working. I thought you might have been there as someone’s date.” He said.

You scoffed,

“Yeah right. Who would take a girl from Coco town to one of those Upper level parties?”

“I would be proud to have you on my arm.” He said. You looked up at him at that.

“That’s sweet. But I don’t have time for parties these days.” You told him, trying to excuse yourself.

“Maybe...when the war is over?”

You stopped and looked at him in shock. Did he just? No he thought of you as a friend.

“Well you’ll have to win the war first.” You recovered.

“All the more reason to do so then My Dear. And quickly.” He said, lips tugged up. Ugh. When did he get so charming?

“Obi Wan!” Ashoka waved him over next to Anakin, Senator Amidala and a few troopers.

“I should get back to work.” You said.

“If you get off soon or have a break you’re free to join us.” He said kindly.

“Thanks. But as soon as I get off I have to head home to get a few hours sleep. I have to open Dex’s in the morning.” You told him.

“Then I’ll walk you home.” He nodded.

“You don’t have to.” You shook your head.

“I insist. And don’t you dare try to sneak out on me this time.” He told you.

You gave him a mock salute,

“Yes Sir.”

He chuckled and returned to his friends, as you took a steadying breath. But you couldn’t help but hear the Senator ask,

“Will your friend join us Obi Wan?”

“You mean his girlfriend?” Ahsoka teased.

“Snips!”

Obi Wan sighed,

“Anakin do control your padawan.”

It turned out that it wasn’t just Obi Wan to walk you home. You were also escorted by a few of his men. Men that had chuckled when Obi Wan had kissed your cheek goodnight. Until a bark from their general made them snap to attention.

You watched him leave that night, savoring the kiss lingering on your cheek. A memory you would cling to when a month later you got the awful news. Obi Wan had been murdered.

You had wanted to curl up and cry for days after receiving the news from Ahsoka. Anakin was understandably too upset to even speak since it happened. But Dex had gotten himself kriffing drunk when he heard. Someone had to keep the diner going.

The diner was closed the day of the funeral. You had to go solo. Dex couldn’t bring himself to go to it. You had never been to the Jedi temple before. It was massive and almost otherworldly. You were escorted to a lift. Where the Duchess from the ball joined you. She too had tears in her eyes.

You were left alone in the lift together. When she asked,

“How did you know Obi Wan?”

“I work at the diner he liked to go for lunch. He’s been coming ever since he was a padawan. The owner Dex is...was...a good friend. He couldn’t come today.” You explained.

“Sounds like Obi Wan.” She nodded fondly. “He protected me during the Mandalore Civil War. Him and Qui Gon. Then just Obi Wan for nearly a year. We grew so close...”

She sniffed delicately into a hanky, not noticing how you turned green. Of course a beautiful Duchess would turn his head. You were just a plain waitress from the lower levels. A friend. Every moment you thought had been proof of hidden affection for you was just a product of your imagination. You had tried to push away a good friend because of some stupid crush. A stupid crush that he wouldn’t return because of the woman next to you and the Jedi code. And now he was gone.

The lift opened and you exited into a large open air chamber. Your breath catching seeing the body lying in state under a sheet. You only noticed Anakin seething in rage in front of the body. The look on his face gave you chills. The rest of the service you kept your gaze on Obi Wan’s body until the last moment he was lowered into his tomb that slid closed. The emblem of the Jedi craved into his marker.

Unlike other funerals you had attended, once the service was over the Jedi left. Regular mourners like you, the Duchess and Senator Amidala lingered to give final respects. When it was your turn, you whispered,

“I’ll never stop loving you Obi Wan Kenobi. Even if you never loved me.”

You returned home and back to life. A few days later, it was almost closing when a man entered. He was bald headed, and rough looking. A scar and tattoo on his face. Bounty hunter written all over him.

“Hi. Welcome to Dex’s. The kitchen just closed but if you want caff or pie we have plenty.” You greeted with a courteous smile.

He stood there staring at you. He made you nervous. But not afraid. Odd.

“Sir?”

He shook himself,

“Just caff.”

“Coming up.” You nodded turning to grab the pot. You startled when you found him sitting in Obi Wan’s booth. Sure others had sat there, but the way he sat now, it was just too similar. Too eerie.

Something wrong?” He asked, voice gruff but gentle. There was something familiar about it.

“Nothing. It’s just...have we met?” You asked.

“No. I’d remember a pretty girl like you.” He said hiding his smile behind his cup. He wasn’t that attractive, but you blushed nevertheless.

“Not many people would call me pretty.” You said.

“They’re idiots.”

“Well thanks.” You laughed, ready to leave him alone.

“Why are you sad?” He stopped you.

“Excuse me?”

“Did you lose someone?” He pressed.

You gave a short laugh,

“That obvious huh?”

“Who did you lose?” He asked.

“A friend.”

“Just a friend?”

You furrowed your brow,

“Not that it’s any of your business, but yes. He was just my friend.”

“I meant no offense.” He said as if remembering himself.

“Right...” you nodded wanting to excuse yourself.

“It’s just...I can’t believe a man would just be content to be your friend. I’d imagine...he’d wish things were different. More than once.” He said.

“Maybe. But not with me.” You said.

“Why not?”

“Well at first I thought he was devoted to his calling. A calling I was told didn’t allow for attachments. So I didn’t want to take that away from him. Only later I discovered he had feelings for someone else.” You confessed. Why you were sharing this with a stranger you didn’t know. But it felt good to confess it.

“Maybe he was confused himself. Torn between his calling and his feelings for two different women.” He offered.

“You haven’t seen the other woman.” You scoffed putting down the pot and leaning against the booth.

“Let me guess? Tall? Blonde? Regal?” He prompted.

“Uncanny. You sure we haven’t met?” You asked.

“I’d never forget meeting you.” He said.

It was the twinkle in his eye that had you shaking your head.

“Well. If you had seen them together, there would be no doubt on who he would choose if he wanted to give up his calling. They looked made for each other.” You told him.

“Maybe. But I can see why he’d be drawn to you.”

At your skeptical brow raise he continued, “Your kindness. Your selflessness. Your work ethic.”

“This sounds like a job interview.” You quipped.

“Your eyes. How they light up when you look at him. Your smile would haunt his dreams. Your laugh ringing in his ears. How you treat him like a normal man. Put his happiness ahead of your own. The other woman may have a strength, intelligence and beauty that’s draws him as well, and he does care for her. Deeply. But he can’t imagine a normal life with her. He can with you. It’s tempted him far more than she ever did. All he needed was a word from you.” The stranger went on.

“Who are you?” You asked. He suddenly stood, looking out the window. He exited the booth looking down at you.

“A coward. For not doing this sooner.” He replied. Then he kissed you. Your eyes widened in surprise. Then you melted in his embrace.

Before losing yourself completely, he suddenly bolted into the kitchen. Confused beyond belief, you tried to figure out what just happened. When Anakin stormed in, lightsaber ignited.

“Where is he?” He barked.

“Who?” You asked.

“Rako Hardeen!” He hissed.

“Who?!”

He growled stomping into the kitchen. Ahsoka burst in, out of breath, troopers on her heel.

“What’s going on? Who was that man?” You demanded.

“That’s the man that killed Obi Wan!” She huffed. You collapsed into the booth, feeling sick.

Hours past and you were kept there for questioning. Master Windu had come to question you. If you knew anything about Hardeen. What you talked about. You got the impression that he was trying to see if you were an accomplice. That angered you. It was Master Yoda that stopped him. The wise green Jedi master sensed the truth in you he had said.

“Forgive Master Windu and Young Skywalker you must. Seeking justice they are.” He told you as the Jedi left, a few Clones assigned to take you home.

“It’s not like I asked for a murderer to seek me out. Master Yoda? Why would he kiss me?” You asked, embarrassed. But you had to know.

“Hmm. To get in heads of targets, snipers learn everything about them they do. Saw your friendship with Obi Wan he did. Snipers known to fall for those their target cared about. Happens more than you think.” Yoda assured you.

It made sense. Especially given your odd conversation. Obviously just the man’s misconceptions.

“Hmm. Curious though. Why call himself a coward he did?” He asked. A secret dancing on his little smile as he left you.

To top off the strange day, after the troopers had cleared your apartment, posting a guard outside just in case, you dreamed of the kiss. Only when Hardeen broke the kiss, he had turned into Obi Wan.

You tried to get on with life. Work at the diner during the days, the clubs at night and on your days off. Hardeen was caught and sent to prison. You still dreamed of that kiss.

Months went by. Anakin started to come for lunch. His way of remembering Obi Wan you supposed. Only he only brought Ahsoka half the time. Senator Amidala was often his company. Padme as she insisted you call her. And judging by the looks they gave each other, they weren’t just friends. Which didn’t surprise you. Anakin had always been more willing to break the rules than Obi Wan had.

As much as you enjoyed getting to know them better, you still felt like a third wheel. When Ahsoka and the Clones joined him, you were more inclined to hang out. But seeing them flirting when they thought no one was looking you had to roll your eyes. Did they know how obvious they were?

But one day, you woke up with the realization that you hadn’t dreamt of the kiss. Maybe you were finally moving on. You fixed yourself a full breakfast. Then walked to Dex’s for the afternoon shift. Settling into the routine of taking and filling orders. You were mixing a milkshake when a voice you never thought you’d hear again spoke up.

“Hello there.”

You gasped, dropping the glass. Only it didn’t shatter. You looked and saw it was floating in midair.

“We really must stop meeting like this.” That voice said. You turned. Praying this wasn’t a cruel dream. For there was Obi Wan. His hair was buzzcut short again, his shaven beard growing back in. Smiling gently at you.

“That’s an inappropriate use of the Force.” You reminded him.

“Just say the word and I’ll give it up.” He said.

You blanched,

“What?”

He was interrupted by Dex running from the kitchen,

“Obi Wan! Knew you weren’t dead!”

“Hello Dex.” Obi Wab greeted before being pulled into a tight four armed hug.

The greeting soon turned into a celebration when Anakin, Ahsoka, Padme and the Clones showed up. You were soon given an explanation. Obi Wan had faked his death to go undercover to save the Chancellor from an assassination plot. Taking the identity of Rako Hardeen and even changing his face. Doing the timeline in your head, you realized something.

“That was you that night wasn’t it?” You asked him quietly.

“I’m sorry for deceiving you.” He apologized.

“But why?” You asked.

“I needed to make sure my voice modulator was working correctly. That if a friend who knew me for years couldn’t tell, then I could fool everyone else.” He replied.

Friend. Of course.

“And the kiss? All the things you said?” You asked.

“Well I like to be though.” He quipped, taking a bite of cake.

“I see.”

“You’re angry with me.” He stated.

“Maybe I am. After all Master Kenobi you did manipulate my feelings just to test your dumb disguise.” You clarified.

“Manipulate? I didn’t mean...”

“Next time try Satine. I’m sure she won’t be so easily fooled.” You told him yanking off your apron and stomping out, ignoring Obi Wan calling after you.

It would be almost a year before you saw him again. Anakin said he was focused on ending the war. Not that you asked about him. More than...six times. This time you suspected Dex had changed your schedule so you could avoid the Jedi. Until one night when you showed up for the late shift. Dex was sick again. So you would have to close up. Luckily you didn’t have to work the clubs tonight.

Only when you got there, you saw Obi Wan in his usual booth.

“He’s been sitting there all day. Won’t let me or FLO get him anything.” the other waitress Hermoine told you. You sighed tying on your apron. You still had a job to do.

“What can I get you General?” You had asked.

“That depends.” He replied.

“On?”

“If you’re still mad at me?” He asked.

You laughed softly, folding your arms,

“Believe it or not Obi Wan, regular people don’t hold on to past grievances. We’ve got lives to live.”

“I know. It’s one of the things I admire about you.” He said.

“I’m sorry about Satine.” You offered. You had heard it from the news. The Duchess assassinated. Mandalore under the control of a mysterious crime boss. The fate of the war up in the air.

“Thank you.” He said softly. Eyes sad.

“You were there weren’t you?” You guessed taking a seat.

“I tried to rescue her. I can’t say much, but the man who killed her is an old enemy of mine. He wanted me to suffer. I barely escaped.” Obi Wan told you.

“I’m sure she knew you did your best.” You assured him.

“She told me she loved me. That she always would.” He confessed.

Your heart skipped a beat,

“And what did you tell her?”

“That had she said the word, I’d have left the order.” He said.

“You did love her.” You said. But not me, you thought.

“Remember that year Qui Gon and I went to help during the Mandalore Civil War?” He asked.

“Yes. Satine told me. At your funeral. You spent a year together.” You recalled.

“We did grow close. And if she had asked I would have left the order. If I hadn’t mucked up our one and only kiss.” He explained.

“Mucked up how?”

“I called her by your name.” He confessed.

“What?” You blinked.

“She was furious. I tried to explain but I didn’t know how. I still don’t to be honest.” He said.

Your brain stopped working. You tried to process his words.

“I devoted myself to the Order because it was easier to ignore the fact that I cared for not just one woman but two. So I wouldn’t have to choose. That cost one of you your life. And it’s not fair. To either of you.

I only thank the Maker that no one knows about you. None of my enemies anyway. To be on the safe side a trooper will be working undercover here to protect you. You might have to pretend to be dating him.”

Obi Wan had grumbled this last part.

“Jealous?” You teased him.

“Very. But I promise you once this blasted war is over, I’m not going to keep you waiting anymore. I’ll leave the Order and we’ll figure out what we have. Together.” He stated.

“Are you just saying this because I’m your only choice now?” You asked.

He looked confused,

“What? No...I...”

You stopped him by taking his hand,

“Obi Wan. The Force chose you to have these marvelous gifts. To be used for good. Even before I knew about Satine I never wanted you to give that side of yourself up for me. I love you for who you are. As you are. I’ve dreamed of you wanting me as I’ve wanted you. But because you can’t live without me. Not because you’re scared to lose me. Correct me if I’m wrong but that’s the path to the Dark Side right?”

“Right as always my Darling.” He conceded.

[thorne93]

History Repeats (Part 12)

Prompt: Life’s hard, right? Well throw in a not so great job, a broken heart, and chasing a pipe dream in LA. But could someone come along to make all the bad shit disappear? Or is he just another heartbreak waiting around the bend?

Warnings: language, drug addiction, alcohol addiction, angst/heartbreak, adult themes (??)

Word Count: 3612

Note: Aesthetic made by @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo because she’s absolutely amazing Beta’d by @like-a-bag-of-potatoes and @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo . Brainstorming from @carryonmyswansong​

**Song Inspiration: Death By A Thousand Cuts by Taylor Swift

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

Dating Hayden was so easy, surprisingly easy. Talking to him during dates was the most comfortable thing you’d ever done. And oddly, it just felt right to go home together but go to separate rooms. You could take things slow and simple, and yet still be around each other all the time. And Hayden was great to you. He treated you nicely, complimented you all the time, encouraged you on your newfound work. In fact, one night, you were siting on the couch, writing a new song. 

“What’s that?” Hayden asked over your shoulder. 

“A new song,” you said as you hid the notebook, shielding it with your body.

“Ah, I see. Will I get to hear it?”

“With any luck,” you hoped. “I’m hoping Trey will work with me to record this one for the EP, I think it’s really good.” 

“I’m sure it’s fantastic,” he assured as he sat beside you on the couch. 

“Actually, it’s almost done… Would you want to… read it?” you offered timidly. It was a very personal song, but it also had a lot to do with him. 

“Are you sure?” he inquired, his brows knitting together. 

You nodded. “Yeah, you actually inspired it.”

“Oh, then I definitely want to look,” he said happily as he reached towards you. He grabbed the notebook and looked at your frantic handwriting. 

Is it cool that I said all that?

Is it chill that you're in my head?

'Cause I know that it's delicate (delicate)

Is it cool that I said all that

Is it too soon to do this yet?

'Cause I know that it's delicate

Isn't it? Isn't it? Isn't it? Isn't it?

Isn't it? Isn't it? Isn't it? Isn't it?

Delicate 

He looked up at you and gave you the warmest smile. “I love it. You’re going to be the next top star, I swear by it.” 

You blushed and thanked him before leaning forward to kiss him deeply. 

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

By now, the two of you had had a date a week now, and things couldn't be better for you. 

Your producer, Trey, invited you to meet some members he thought should join your band. You had a good sound on the demos you’d given him, but he said he wanted to boost your vocals with the best instruments and sounds he could. That’s where another producer, a drummer, and a guitarist came in. All were looking for their next project and wanted to meet you. 

He asked you to meet at a restaurant in the city. You said you’d have to wait until after your shift, but he said he didn’t mind waiting. So you finished your shift at 11 and headed to the exclusive lounge and bar. When you got there, there was only one party in the whole place. It seemed as if the place had closed. You frowned and greeted the hostess. She showed you to the table where Trey, a woman, and a man were sitting. You sat next to the man you didn’t know on the edge. 

“Ah, Y/N, you made it,” Trey greeted as he leaned forward. 

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss it. Thank you so much for waiting for me.”

“Sure thing. So this is Stacia, she’s the other producer I work with from time to time. She heard your voice and really liked it. She’s worked with some great names before and I think she has a good shot at making you the next big thing.”

“Oh, wow, such a pleasure to meet you,” you said, reaching over the table and shaking her hand. 

“And this misfit beside you is Darren,” he said with a smirk. 

You shook his hand. He was lean as all get out, wearing a white wife beater, black jeans, and a black blazer with white pin stripes. He had a purple scarf wrapped around his neck and his hair was disheveled. 

“He’s a drummer. He’s damned good and I think he’d work well with your sound. Or the sound I think we should try to go for,” Trey explained. 

“That’s great! I’d love to start right away. We can start in the morning or --”

“Woah, slow down,” Trey said with a bit of a chuckle. The rest of the table laughed too. You felt a bit embarrassed and he could tell. “No, you’re fine. You’re excited. You should be. You’ve got a great voice and I can tell you’re willing to work with us on sound and marketing and advertising, the works, right?”

“Absolutely,” you said.

“Great, good, then we’re in good shape. We can talk business tomorrow. I want to get you in a booth, maybe polish up a few of those demos you gave me. I want to see what my team can do with you, and for you. But tonight, I think we should all just chat. Get to know you, your story, what your goals are regarding music…” He waved over one of the waiters standing by. He gestured to you. “What’ll you have?”

“Oh, uh, water?” you said, unsure what you were ordering. You didn’t know if this was a dinner, or cocktails or finger foods or what.

Trey gave you a funny look. “You don’t want a cocktail? Do you not drink? You sensitive to substances?” 

You shook your head. “Oh, no, nothing like that. I just wasn’t sure if I should be drinking walk talking business…? Thought it might be a bad mix.”

He laughed and shook his head. “Don’t think of this as a business meeting. I’m your friend, Y/N. Business? Yes, both you and I should always be professional and business-like, but I think we should build this out of friendship, right? So get a drink. We all will.”

“O--Oh, okay, uh, I’ll have a screwdriver,” you said quickly. 

“There ya go. Whiskey sour,” he ordered. Stacia ordered a cosmo and Darren ordered a tequila and tonic. 

They began asking you about your dreams, aspirations, goals, where you write, how you do it, what your inspiration came from, your current job. They talked a little bit about their plans for you. 

When it was all done, you called Hayden to pick you up. You weren’t sober enough to drive on your own. He asked you how it went but after a few answers, he realized it might be better to interrogate you later.

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

You continued to meet with Trey and his team almost every day or night. He discussed the future, plans, and contracts. In just a few days, you’d cut a contract to turn your demos into a real EP. He wanted to re-record the tracks on your demo, and add two more. 

It turned out he was more than a producer, he owned that lounge you were at and a few bars. It was pretty customary for people he produced to be at them. He didn’t care one way or the other if his musicians partied, as long as they showed up to the booth on time and did their work. 

You’d been to one party at a club and met several others that were in Trey’s circle and Darren’s. Some musicians, some singers, some other music executives. It was good to meet these people, to network, but after that first night, you learned to say no to the alcohol. You thought it was better to be on your best behavior when you met all these people. 

Hayden wasn’t thrilled about you going to these events or parties, but you stressed that you needed to do it for your career. You explained you were only meeting other people that would help and once you reminded him wouldn’t be drinking, he didn’t see much wrong with it and seemed to accept it.

You were having the time of your life. You had a new, great boyfriend who treated you well. You were on your way to your dream career. Everything was more perfect than it’d ever been in your life. 

One night though, you were talking with Darren, in a booth at one of the clubs. 

“I’m so nervous. I go in to re-record my first track tomorrow,” you said, giddy with fear and excitement.

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll do stellar,” he assured. “But… if you want.” He glanced around for a moment before pulling something out in a small bag. “I do have something to take the edge off.”

“Holy shit. Is that coke?” you demanded, your heart already racing. 

He nodded his head subtly. “You want a bump or not?”

“Uh, no, I’m good. I don’t… I don’t do that. I’ll be fine,” you assured, holding your hand up.

“Suit yourself,” he said with a shrug. He tapped a little on his fist, and snorted. You bobbed your head before saying you were gonna go get another drink at the bar. You avoided Darren the rest of the evening. 

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

“You ready for this?” you asked as you plopped beside him on the couch with popcorn and cokes. 

“No, absolutely not,” he informed with a laugh. 

You put in the first movie -- Star Wars: Attack of the Clones -- and pressed play. “I’m ready. I am beyond excited.” 

“Ugh, this movie… I got so much grief over this,” he confided, cringing as he stared at the screen.” 

“So? Fuck ‘em,” you said easily.

“Y/N, you’ll understand better when you’re in the music business, but it does matter what some people think about you. Having a lot of critics isn’t a good thing, I hate to break it to you.” 

“No, I know that,” you assured. “But I also know that you were unjustly criticized for this. I think you portrayed Anakin exactly how he needed to be.” 

“Really?” he asked incredulously as he shot a glance your way. 

“Uh, yeah, absolutely,” you said defiantly. “I don’t think anyone else could’ve played him any better, I swear.” 

“Thanks,” he said quietly, shooting you a half smile that made butterflies erupt inside you. He could still do that to you despite dating for a while now and living together. 

The two of you watched more of his filmography all the way to the Vanishing. During a particularly jumpy scene, you ended up nearly jumping in Hayden’s lap. Your legs were on top of his, and most of your butt had scooted over onto his lap. 

Embarrassed a little bit by your needlessly scared actions, you turned around to apologize, blushing. 

“Oh, uh sorry,” you said as you eased yourself off his lap. 

He chuckled a low, sweet laugh. “It’s fine,” he assured. 

Just as you scooted off of his lap, the two of you were face to face, your legs still on his thighs. His mouth was just a few inches from yours. You stared at him, then stared down at his lips. You slowly planted a kiss on his lips that he reciprocated by curing his hand up to your hair. Gently, he began lowering you back onto the couch before continuing to kiss your lips, your cheek, down your collarbone.

You were breathing quickly. You wondered if you were moving too fast with him, too fast since Jason. But nothing had ever felt more right. You and Hayden had so much in common, he shared the same humor, you lit up when you saw him, you still felt both incredibly comfortable around him but still got butterflies when you saw him. He lived in the country and he adored children. He understood the music business and he supported you. He believed in your dreams. No one else had ever done that for you. 

He and you saw everything the same way. He was everything you ever wanted and more. He was kind to you and sweet to you. If you’d built him yourself on paper, you couldn’t have done a better job. 

The more his mouth moved over your body, the more you wanted him closer to you. You laid down with him hovering on top of you, and before you even really realized what was happening, you two were a sweaty heap on top of each other.

You spent the night chasing releases and exploring each other physically. You gave yourself entirely to him and you didn’t look back. 

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

You didn’t tell Hayden about the drugs or the offer of them during the first meet up. It was the first of a few, actually. You had already started the re-recording, on your second track now. You typically went in before your shift at the hotel. On your days off, you and Hayden would set up a date, if he wasn’t beat from filming. 

By now, you’d been to three parties where you’d been offered drugs, and the last two times it wasn’t Darren. Everyone was cool about it though when you said no. Didn’t make you any more comfortable around them, but that was a hazard of the job.

Tonight was your tenth official date with Hayden. The two of you agreed to keep it simple since you were tired from working two jobs and he was filming for 10 hour days. Tonight’s location was a simple italian restaurant in the heart of the city. 

“So how’s the recording? I haven't heard much. Is it going well or better than you expected?” 

“It’s good,” you said, nodding. “Better than I imagined actually. I was so nervous the first day. I thought they’d rethink signing the contract. I worried they'd think I sounded like the worst thing they’d ever heard.”

He laughed slightly and said, “Oh my god. No, why would they think that?”

You shrugged. “I guess because this is too good to be true. Like, this kind of stuff doesn’t happen to me, or people like me. I’m just, I’m a nobody, and I’m being discovered by a guy who produces artists that top the charts weekly.” 

“But you’re great. This guy heard you sing in the lobby and then heard your demos and he wanted more.” 

You nodded. “Yeah, I know but still, it’s so hard to believe it’s real.” 

“I know the feeling. Believe me, it doesn't really get easier,” he informed with a smile.

“Oh, that’s so good to know,” you said, laughing. “How about you? How is filming going?”

“Really great. I really like this new project. I wish you could come on set,” he said, gesturing to you. “I think you’d have fun.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Just as you went to ask him something, a brunette woman walked up to the table. She wasn’t your waitress, so you had no idea who she was. She came up behind Hayden at first, then stopped just next to him at the table. 

He saw a figure out of his peripheral vision. He glanced over to her, then did a double-take. 

“Rachel?” he greeted, completely flabbergasted. “What--What are you doing here?” 

“I saw you, from the window, thought I’d come in and say hi,” she said before glancing at you. “And this is...?”

“Oh, sorry, uh, Y/N this is Rachel, Rachel this is Y/N.” 

You held out your hand before the name Rachel registered with you. Just as she went to shake  your hand, you remembered who she was.

His ex. 

The mother of his child. 

She shook your hand, smiling warm and friendly before she turned back to Hayden. “Could I talk to you for one second?” she requested.

“Uh, sure.” He glanced back to you before scooting away. “I’ll be right back.” 

“Yeah, I’m just gonna borrow him for one quick second,” she said. “So good to meet you.” 

“Yeah, you too,” you said, trying to hide your confusion and slight offense. 

You watched the two walk outside and they talked for a few minutes before Hayden rejoined you at the table. 

“Hey, everything okay?” you asked sweetly, putting your hand on his. 

“Yeah, fine.” He pulled his hand back and sat it in his lap. 

“Are you sure? You seem a bit rattled--”

“I said I’m fine,” he snapped. “Let’s just finish our dinner, okay?” 

Pulling away from him, you stared at him, concerned. “Oh, okay, yeah, sure.” 

The two of you finished your dinner in silence. You had tried to question him a few times, but nothing happened. When you two got home, the atmosphere had shifted. It was no longer this lovely, warm, sweet air. It felt cold, distant, tense.

“I had a good time,” you tried as you stood between the two doorways to the bedrooms. “If you want, we could watch--

“Yeah, listen I'm gonna hit the hay. I’m beat. Thanks though. Goodnight.” He barely looked at you as he shook his head while talking. He gave you a quick glance and then went inside his bedroom. 

You frowned, having no idea what you did wrong. 

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

The next day, you saw Hayden in the morning as the two of you headed into work. You were on your way to the studio and he was on his way to film. 

“Oh, hey,” you greeted him happily. “So weird about seeing Rachel last night. Are you okay?”

“Huh, yeah, I’m fine,” he said as he poured a cup of coffee in his to-go cup. 

“Oh, good. If you want to talk about it, we can.”

He nodded. “Not now. I’m running late. I’ll see you later tonight, okay?” 

“Sure thing. See you later.” You went to kiss him but he just picked up his cup, smiled slightly at you, and swept around him. You frowned after him. 

When you got home that night, it wasn’t much better. He said he was tired and went into his room, barely even looking at you. 

This stayed this way for the next few days. You spoke to him, he would excuse himself and leave. You sat next to him on the couch, he’d get up to shower or go for a run. You’d offer to have a late dinner, he’d say he had already eaten. Everything you did, he found a way to avoid you. 

Until finally, on your day off, you stopped him as he came in the door. 

“Hey, can we talk? You’ve been kind of off lately, and I just want to check in with you.” You got close to him. “You’ve barely looked at me or talked to me.”

He began chewing his lip as his gaze cast to the floor. “I don’t think we should date any more,” he said. 

The air left the room. 

“I--I-- What did you say?” you stammered, frowning. 

“Look, I’ve thought about it and I think it’s best if we just remain friends. I really like you but…” 

“But… what? You decided to get in my pants and just leave?” you wondered, anger building up inside you. “I mean, was the sex that bad?” you asked, trying to lighten the mood, but also trying to sincerely understand what happened between you two.

He shook his head and ran a hand down his face. “No, that’s not it at all. I swear. I really do like you, I just…” 

“Just what, Hayden? I deserve an explanation. We were fine. We were more than fine, or happy, so I thought. I mean, what the hell?” you demanded, completely confused. 

“I just think… Look, you and I met under some shaky circumstances. I just don’t want just to be…”

“To be what?” you pressed. 

He finally looked up and looked into your eyes. “To be each other’s rebounds,” he informed. 

You shook your head. “You’re not my rebound. You’re… you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me and now you just want to throw that all away?” 

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea for us to keep dating. Rebounds often feel like they’re the best thing in the world, because it masks the pain--”

“I’m not masking shit! I thought I loved Jason, I really did. But after we broke up, I realized I just loved the idea of being with him. I got comfortable with him. I told you this. But you and I… I thought we were real, I thought we had a future.” 

“I thought we did too, but I’ve re-evaluated our situation, and I don’t think our heads are in this.”

Shaking your head, you were spinning. “I don’t understand. We were fine! Weren't we? We were having fun. I thought things were really good between us. Did I do something wrong?” 

“No, no,” he assured. “It’s nothing like that.”

“So, this is it then? You just think of me as a rebound and after you get in my pants to forget about your ex, you just want to throw me aside?” you shouted. 

“No!” He stepped forward and squeezed your shoulders. “I care a lot about you,” he started.

You wrenched out of his grasp. “Just not enough to stay with me? Hmm? It’s fine. I get it. All guys have ever done to me is use me. Get me to like them, I treat them well, just when I think it’s going great, I get dumped. Rinse, repeat. Whatever. I’m over this.” 

You stormed into your bedroom and slammed the door, turning your stereo nearly all the way up. You got ready for bed and curled up, letting the tears flow. Your chest hurt so bad from feeling this way, from feeling so… used, so betrayed. 

You were far from over this. You were far from fine. Out of everyone you’d ever been with, Hayden made the most sense. He seemed to fit you so perfectly. He fit your life so well. 

And now, he wanted out, like everyone else you ever got close to.

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

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[evabellasworld]

Storm of the Republic

Chapter 15

AO3 Link | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15

——————————————————————————————

Summary:  When Tup murdered General Tiplar during a battle, Anakin Skywalker and Captain Rex dispatched Ahsoka, Fives, and Yara to solve the mystery that was plaguing the Clone Army. Meanwhile, Senator Padme Amidala contacted Commander Fox, Commander Tori, Riyo Chuchi, and Dipper to help her continue investigating the death of Palpatine, suspecting that Dooku was behind the evil plot. But when Dooku send an ISB agent to stop them, the team had to race against time to search for the truth, which could alter the course of the galaxy.

————————————————————————————

With the crickets humming in the background, Boil, Faven, and Hyewon continued to carry the boxes underneath the wet rainforest, their armours and inner soaked. Hyewon is no stranger to rain, but she felt her legs were wobbly and her arms and shoulders aching since she had been trekking since late afternoon.

She has never been on a scouting mission before, and being in a strange environment, Hyewon will have to get used to the purple rainforest for a few days. On one hand, she was entranced with the natural beauty around her, which could only be seen in a priceless painting in a senator’s office. But she also hated the humidity surrounding her.

Despite the dark clouds above her, Hyewon felt her skin underneath her armour was sticky and itchy. She was tempted to scratch her back, but not when she was wearing her Corrie Guard armour. Besides, she felt her bladder was full, waiting to be emptied.

“Are we there yet?” she panted.

“We’re almost there,” Boil said in a stretchy voice. “Just hang in there.”

“You got it.”

“This is taking too long,” Faven complained. “We should just sit down or something.”

“I second with Faven. I really need to use the bathroom right now.”

Boil nodded in agreement, letting them drop the box on the muddy ground. Faven breathed in relief as Hyewon gave a thumb up to Boil, leaning against a tree bark.

“Shouldn’t you be going right now?” he raised one of his eyebrows.

“I need to rest my legs first,” answered Hyewon, removing her helmet. “Then I’ll answer nature’s call.”

“Well, that sounds fancy,” Faven smirked. “Where did you learn that from?”

“The prisoner I used to guard was excellent in poetry. His poems were romantic, if you ask me. You will feel swooned after reading one of his works.”

“So why was the poet in jail in the first place?” Boil asked, taking a sip from his canteen. “What did he do?”

“He murdered his girlfriend in anger,” Hyewon told them, much to their horror. “He said that his emotions were out of control, but honestly, I don’t buy it.”

“In that case, I will never date a poet in the future, no matter how romantic he seems,” Faven reminded herself, keeping her two fingers intact. “For all I know, he could plan to kill me in my sleep. But if it’s a woman poet, then I would put on my wedding dress after the first date.”

“Okay then, I respect your taste in your future spouse,” the purple-haired clone stood up. “I’ll be peeing in that tree over there, so just don’t look at me while I’m doing it, okay?”

“You have our words, vod,” Boil showed his pinky finger to his sister, as he watched her walk past them, leaving them alone together. “I like her. Can we keep her on the 212th?”

“If Cody is okay with it,” Faven lifted her shoulders. “But I think she’s a cool person to hang out with. Plus, she had gorgeous hair. Like, what is her secret to having her hairstyle?”

“I wonder if I could get a hair dye like Hyewon. I always wanted to colour my hair blond, or maybe even blue.”

The frizzy-haired let out a bellow, slapping her thighs. “No offence, Boil, but you would look terrible in dyed hair.”

“Oh, come on,” he throws his arms in the air. “Crys had blond hair, and he looked good.”

“It matches his personality. For you, well, it’s best to stick with your natural colours.”

“Whatever, you dyed your hair orange.”

“It’s sunset orange, Boil,” Faven raised her tone. “There’s a difference between orange and sunset orange.”

Boil could only blink, trying to differentiate between orange and sunset orange. To him, orange is orange. It doesn’t matter what kind of shade it was, as long as it’s in the same colour family. I honestly can’t tell the difference between those two colours.

He does envy Faven’s orange hair, since it matched her style. She could pull off other hair colours, but she sticks with the same colour, since it matched with their official colour, yellow. Yellow and orange go well with each other.

Maybe she has a point, Boil stroked his fancy moustache. I would be better off with my natural hair colour.

After a few minutes of waiting, Hyewon returned from her personal business, grabbing her helmet. “We should go now,” she gestured towards the box they had to carry. “We don’t want to keep Commander Thire and Cody waiting.”

“You got it, Hye,” Boil gave a small salute, as the three of them continued to carry the box of weapons and rations with their combined strength. Nothing will stop them from carrying out their duties for the three of them.

Their surroundings were peaceful, with the larks singing in the trees and the rainbow-coloured flowers blooming among the leaves and shrubs. This differed from the scenery Hyewon had seen on Coruscant, which barely had any flora or fauna, except for the Grand Park. She couldn’t complain, though. She would kill to live in a place like this.

Faven is indifferent. She had been to many planets, and no matter what colour the sky was, or what animals that lived on the planet, it’s all the same for her. Either her comrades survived or they died in the battle in the end. There’s no in-between for her. That’s what she was made for by the Kaminoans. An expendable soldier that outlived its usefulness.

I wish I would have gotten killed, instead of Amala, she thought about her best friend, looking at the flowers. She would have loved this planet, since it matched her hair and her aesthetics.

Amala always loved anything related to the colour pink. Faven felt sorry that she could never experience life ahead of her. Her friend always dreamed of living in a candy store after the war ended. Faven used to have a similar dream like that until it died in Quill. She dreamed about resting on a hammock on a tropical island, but it will never come true.

“Do you think the rest of them made it on time?” Hyewon wondered, glancing at the treetop. “I don’t hear guns being fired anymore.”

“Hopefully they do,” Boil yearned. “I’m sure they succeeded with the first waves of battle droids.”

“Wait, those were only the first batch?” exclaimed Hyewon. “How many more do we have to fight?”

“A lot,” Faven spoke. “We have to fight hundreds and thousands of droids in every battle we face. It’s a lot, but you’ll get used to it.”

“Oh my goodness, I can’t imagine fighting that many droids. How do you guys still live, anyway?”

“We were lucky, though I never asked to survive every battle. Trust me, it’s much worse than death.”

Boil slowed down on his steps as he took a quick glimpse of his sister. Faven used to be cheerful, but the war hardened her, just like Commander Cody. It would be nice if he could see her smile for one last time.

As they arrived at the midpoint, the trio placed the box down and scanned their area, which was unoccupied by their troops. There were only similar-looking trees and shrubs, nothing else. Boil looked at the sky, which was darkening. “Where is everyone?”

“I’m not so sure,” Faven doubted. “General Kenobi and Commander Cody are never late.”

“I could say the same for Commander Thire and Stone,” Hyewon acknowledged their concern, turning to her brother. “Are you sure we’re in the right place? I feel we may be further away from our rendezvous point.”

“According to the map, this is the exact coordinates the commander gave,” he showed through his holographic device.

“Something is not right.”

And unfortunately, the Coruscant Guard was right. Before they could speculate among themselves, the Imperial battle droids popped out from the bushes with their weapons pointed towards them. “Freeze, Republic dogs.”

“Oh, fuck me,” Faven cussed, loading her blaster.

[thechaoticfanartist]

A Happy Ending For Everyone (Except Palpatine)

Words: 1416

Ships: Codywan,Grimsoka,Anidala

Characters: Rex, Cody, Ahsoka, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Grim (OC)

Summary: An AU where Grim successfully defeats Sidious and everyone lives in peace

Read on A03

Four days ago everything had changed. Four days ago Chancellor Palpatine was killed after it was revealed that he was the secret Sith Lord. Four days ago The Clone War had ended. Four days ago there was a happy ending. Despite all of this joy, despite the war having ended, Sidious being dead, and a happy ending for all, there was one person who wasn’t happy. She knew she should be, she had succeeded, everyone was going to live now, and yet Grim, that was her name, wasn’t happy, in fact she was completely lost.

Grim currently sat in the room of a thousand fountains, meditating. Grim thought about everything that had happened in the past four days. She had won so why did she feel so lost? Grim guessed it was because she no longer had a purpose, a reason to be around. After all, her whole goal was to defeat Sidious, which she had done with much success. Now what was next? Grim didn’t know. “What’s wrong Grim?” asked Obi-Wan. The younger Jedi opened her eyes, and smiled at her former master. That was another one of the changes that had happened, Grim was knighted after defeating a Sith Lord, though she doubted that she was ready for that change, perhaps Grim wasn’t ready for any of the changes.

“I don’t know what’s next,” Grim replied. “For three years I’ve been fighting to save people, and now that I saved them I have no clue what to do. It’s like I’ve lost my purpose….does that make sense?” she asked.

“I believe it does, you’ve always talked about preventing the future, but you never did talk about what you wanted to do once you had succeeded,” Obi-Wan replied, he sat down beside his former padawan and gave her a gentle smile.

“That’s because I never thought about it,” Grim admitted. “Maybe I could be an archivist? I love learning, oh I could perhaps teach? I love teaching the little ones.”

“Do what makes you happy, Grim. You deserve your own happiness, there is nothing to stop you from doing what you would like.”

It had been ten years since then, and now Grim was a Jedi Master with a padawan of her own. Her padawan was one of the many Jedi she had saved by destroying Sidious, and he loved to boast about it. “My master destroyed a Sith Lord and saved me! What about your master?” he would say to the other padawans. Grim would merely laugh and shake her head.

“Sors, my young padawan, you cannot just go and boast around like that,” Grim would reply. Though a smile on her face would show she was amused.

Sors would look down and apologize, “sorry Master,” he would say, though a grin on his face revealed he wasn’t that sorry.

Today Grim was going to show Sors a nice mediation spot and teach him some meditation when she saw an old friend, “Master Skywalker!” Grim called a grin on her face. “How are you?”

“I am doing well Grim,” replied her fellow Master, several younglings were flocking him like ducklings and Grim couldn’t help but chuckle. Anakin noticed and rolled his eyes, “how have you been?”

“I’ve been well, I was just about to teach Sors some more meditation,” replied Grim. “Have you seen Master Kenobi or Master Tano?”

“Snips is busy, and our old master is doing council stuff,” Anakin replied. “Though I’ll let you know if I see them.”

“Thanks, Skywalker,” said Grim a grin on her face.

After night had fallen Grim tucked her young padawan in for bed and left to meet with her old friends. Tonight was the tenth anniversary of Sidious’s defeat and they had planned to go out to 79’s. “Hey Ash! Obi-Wan! Anakin!” Grim called upon seeing all of them waiting on her.

“Hey Grim,” they called back.

“What took you so long, babe?” Ahsoka asked, kissing her wife on the cheek.

“Had to wait until Sors was asleep,” Grim replied. “Padawans am I right?”

Obi-Wan laughed, “you finally got a taste of your own medicine?” he asked with a chuckle.

Grim rolled her eyes, “oh shut it, master,” she replied with a grin and a chuckle. “Where’s Codes and Rexter? I thought they were gonna meet us here.”

“They’re already inside,” Anakin replied.

“Then let’s go inside as well,” Grim said, and the four Jedi Masters headed inside.

“‘Nani! Dally!” cried Grim upon seeing her old friends. “How’s Tann?” she asked.

“Y’know her, she’s a handful but she’s been good,” Lennani replied.

“That’s good to hear, how have y’all been?”

“We’ve been good, busy but good, how about you, Master Grim,” Lennani asked, playfully empensizing Grim’s title of Master.

Grim rolled her eyes, “I’ve been good, I’ve had my own handful to deal with,” she replied.

“Sors isn’t nearly as bad as you were,” remarked Obi-Wan.

“I take it that’s good luck for me then,” Grim retorted, knowing that her former Master didn’t believe in luck. He rolled his eyes and Grim chuckled.

“Hey guys,” called the familiar voice of a clone, the four Jedi turned to spot Rex and Cody in the crowd. Cody ordered some drinks for the six of them and the two clones sat down with the four Jedi.

“Hey Codes and Rexter, how’ve things been?” Grim asked.

“Things have been good, the shop is doing well,” Cody replied.

“Speaking of, I’ve been meaning to drop by,” Obi-Wan told Cody.

“How about after the drinks we go by?” suggested Grim, already planning a date for the two men.

Anakin grinned, already seeing what Grim was planning. “Yeah why not?”

Cody and Obi-Wan blushed, “oh very well, I don’t see why not,” Kenobi said.

Rex smirked at his brother, he saw where this was heading and was in full support.

Dally came back with the drinks and the group of six all thanked her, as she went off to serve the other customers. “How’ve things been with you and Padmé?” Grim asked Anakin, “and the twins too of course.”

“Never a dull day with them,” Anakin replied. “Padmé’s been busy with senatorial duties as per usual, and helping with Chancellor Organa, and the twins have decided that levitating each other is a fun way to get their father’s attention.”

Grim laughed, “I bet it is.”

“How’s things been with you and Snips?” Anakin asked.

Grim leaned her head on Ahsoka’s shoulder, “well things have been great,” she said, a grin on her mouth.

Anakin raised a brow, “oh? Something happened between you two?” he asked.

“We’re planning on adopting a kid,” Ahsoka told him. “Surprise, Skyguy you’re gonna be an uncle!”

“And you’re gonna be a granddad Obi-Wan!” revealed Grim.

“Oh I am not that old,” Obi-Wan said, placing down his drink, having finished it. “I will merely be an uncle to your child as well.”

Grim laughed and rolled her eyes, “whatever you say gramps.”

Once they had all finished their drinks the group went to Cody’s flower shop. “Whoa,” said Grim. “You grew all these Codes?”

“Yep,” Cody said proudly.

“These are beautiful,” Obi-Wan said, though his eyes met Cody’s when he said that. The two blushed and looked away. The others looked at each other sharing a grin.

Grim bumped Obi-Wan slightly causing the clone and Jedi to stand closer; they blushed even more deeply. Obi-Wan glared at Grim who shrugged her shoulders and went to check out some of the other beautiful blooms.

Rex and Ahsoka chatted in the distance sharing stories, Anakin shopped for flowers to give to his wife, leaving Grim to shop alone and reflect on everything. Ten years ago Grim had changed everything, ten years ago The Clone Wars ended, ten years ago Grim had defeated Darth Sidious, ten years ago Grim had become a Jedi Knight. Five years ago Grim had become a Jedi Master, five years ago Grim had married Ahsoka, five years ago Grim had gotten a padawan. Now every single one of them had gotten a happy ending, Grim glanced over to Obi-Wan and Cody who were holding hands and smiled, now all of them had found their new life.

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, is always how the story began. The story never ended with an entirely happy ending, though now there was a fully happy ending. The only person that the ending wasn’t happy for was Sidious though he was long dead.

[twilightofthe]

OTP AU Number 6 for Obitine? I want all the Obitine AUs lol

Hell yeah more Obitine!  (I’m willing to write all of em but ur gonna have to prompt me directly I’m a lazy ass who needs to be prodded)  

(OTP prompts list found here)

Obitine 6 - Single Parent AU:  Which one is the single parent? (Alt. if they’re both single parents: Which one is open to starting a new relationship from the start? Which one is never planning on finding love again… Until they meet the other and are instantly smitten?)

It has been exactly three years since Obi Wan took in Anakin’s orphaned children as his own when he wakes up late-- on the first day off where he has the luxury of sleeping in in over a month, thanks kindly --to find the twins not in their beds and the apartment door unlocked with the chair still dragged over from the kitchen table so a pair of devious four year olds could reach the locks.  

Obi Wan shrugs on a wrinkled shirt from last night for the sake of decency and tears out the door and down the stairs, praying they hadn’t made it too far down the street, only to stop and stare at his two children sitting on the ground on the landing below them, swimming in oversized teeshirts that don’t belong to him nor either of them and watching a strange woman paint the door of the apartment that had been up for sale until a few weeks ago.

All three apparent artists look up at whatever strangled noise leaves his throat, and while Luke and Leia take turns trying to hide behind one another, the woman gets to her feet, wipes her paint-streaked hands off on her already stained jeans, and holds out a hand.  You must be Uncle Ben, she says, using the name Obi Wan had chosen for the twins to use rather than suffer through whatever horrid nickname that would undoubtedly occur from toddlers learning to speak trying to pronounce his absurd New Age given name.

She has a smear of bright green across her forehead and flecks of pink in her hair falling out of its bun and the bluest eyes he’s ever seen.  He shakes her slender hand despite the paint and quite forgets to tell her that no one else calls him Ben.  He abruptly realizes he probably should have made an effort to button his shirt before running out the door, despite the warm feeling he gets when her eyes flick to his chest once or twice.

She introduces herself as Satine, says that she just moved in-- and God is Obi Wan grateful that at least a random stranger did not encourage his children to vandalize a door that didn’t even belong to her --and that she’s noticed him bringing his children in and out of the building-- and she’s beautiful, truly beautiful, how the hell hadn’t he noticed her? --and that she was awoken this morning by the sounds of Luke and Leia trying to draw on her door with crayon.

Obi Wan’s horrified apology is drowned out by Luke blanching and loudly insisting that the crayons hadn’t even worked on the wood while Leia glares at Satine and Obi Wan both before adding that Miss Satine was the one who told them painting on it was okay.

Satine laughs and admits that yes, the paint was her idea.  She had confirmed that their uncle was upstairs sleeping, and as she believes children should explore creative outlets, decided she would keep an eye on them and keep them busy by covering them in makeshift smocks and bringing out some nontoxic paints that wash right off of wood.  She’s an artist by hobby, and as Obi Wan actually looks at the abstract geometric design she had the twins filling out on the door, he notes that she is a good one.

Still embarrassed, Obi Wan insists that when it’s time to wash it off before the landlord sees, he and the twins will be over to do it for her to make up for the hassle.  Satine counters with a sparkle in her eye and a suggestion they trade phone numbers, that way if he is ever in need for someone to watch them, he can call her and maybe avoid future vandalism.  She does work, but if she’s free, she would love to, he’s raised lovely children.

Obi Wan hasn’t even considered the idea of dating since Anakin and Padmé died and he abruptly became a single father/uncle/guardian/???, but her words hit a warm note in him, the first to tell him he isn’t ruining these kids’ lives who isn’t his exasperated friends trying to reassure him or his therapist.  Frankly, he’s still not too sure, but if anything, Satine seems like she would be a good friend and she’s already charmed Luke and Leia, so he suggests that she at least let him treat her to coffee to make up for it.

She accepts, and they tentatively schedule a time, and then he leaves with his protesting charges tucked under his arms while his mind tries frantically to alternate between panicking about the pretty woman and ideas on how to further child-proof a lock from kids related to Anakin Skywalker.

The guilt he still feels on asking one of his friends to watch the twins so he can do something for himself is likely never going to completely vanish, but when Ahsoka hears he might actually have a date, she practically shoves him out the door, promising that she had Bail and Breha to call as backup if necessary, and for him to please try and enjoy himself  

At their meet up, she has no paint in her hair, but it shines gold in the sunlight as they sit outside and both laugh when they prove themselves walking English stereotypes by both ordering one of the few teas off the coffeeshop menu.  She has a deep, chuckling laugh, he notices.  He likes that.  They ask each other where they’re from and how they ended up across the pond and across and down a landing from each other.  They talk about shared hobbies and interests and God, she’s smart, there’s a fire in her eyes as she talks about how she spends her time trying to help people and change the world.

The entire time, she still thinks his name is Ben.  He likes how it sounds when she says it.

Eventually though, she tentatively bridges The Question, how long are his niece and nephew living with him?  He’s told the story a thousand times to different people, and it still hurts, but his tea is warm in his hands and her eyes are warmer, and he doesn’t feel quite as bad as he slowly reveals the disaster that was his closest friends dying out of nowhere, trying to keep their kids from being put into the system by stepping up to take them despite having no clue how to raise a child, the hellish first year after when he was trying to just keep his head above the water.

She sits and listens to the entire story with sympathetic eyes, and at the end repeats that she admires him, that he’s done a great job with such challenges.  Something in him ignites.  She hesitates, before revealing her own story: being little more than a child herself when one of her own came into her life, her struggles raising him completely on her own.  He’s a teenager now, away at a private school for talented children, and she’s very proud.  He’ll be coming home soon for break.  

She takes his hand again, soft hands warmed by tea, and strokes over his knuckles.  I’ve been where you are, she tells him.  It’s not easy, but we do what we can.  It’s worth it in the end.  I promise you.

He knows it’s worth it.  He loves those two ridiculous children of his more than his own life.

As they walk back together, and she lets him kiss her cheek at the door, he figures, maybe there can be some more room in his heart.  

[nny11writes]

1, 33 and 48 for the writers ask meme? :)

1. Tell us about your WIP!

Oh god which one?????? Fic I’m currently get good writing in on and excited about is How to Quit You which is already posting but not finished. Buuuuut, I think I want to talk a hot second more about the dang Art Model AU that jumped me in a back alley. One of my friends has a story she’s writing/planning for a different fandom (Power Rangers: Jungle Fury!) and we were hashing through her idea that one of the characters was an art model back in college and he took his crush to an art gallery where a nude of him was hung up.  I liked it! And then weeks go back by, maybe months, and suddenly all I can think is, “How fucking hilarious would it be if Adora was an art model? Like, she’s not ashamed of her body or nudity, she’s not bothered by the process or images of her being put out into the art world.” and then the very next thought was, “We all like hc Catra as an artist in Modern AUs, oh my god she could be the disaster lesbian she is!”

And now I’m a few thousand words into it and Adora has started attending the drawing sessions when she’s not a model with a cheap drug store “art book” and her mechanical pencil she chewed to death. Because she’s fallen for the mean artist and wants to impress her she has a genuine interest in learning how to draw even if everything she puts on paper looks like a misshapen potato.

I’m going to force them to ride in the car while Animotion’s Obsession plays on the radio and they both break out into a sweat.

(Warning for that song, it’s one of those “oh this is so catchy, but I can’t hear lyrics when listening to new songs” and then I looked it up and it’s a bit date rapey. Like, why do so many 80′s tunes I like end up really skeevey?)

33. What’s your revision/rewriting process like?

I would hesitate to say I even have an actual process for revisions and rewrites. Basically, every time I open my doc to work I always go back to the start of the chapter I’m working on and re-read until I hit where I need to write.

This gets me in the right head space for the fic, helps me remember what the characters are doing/plot, and nail down the same tone in my writing.

But it also means that every time I write I do a bit of editing before hand. Heck, if I need to re-read an older chapter or skip ahead to a later one to double check consistency I’ll do some editing /while/ I’m writing as well.

Because I tend to look at one fic then a different one then a different one, with no consistent schedule it ends up being the great advice of write it and walk away. Come back a day or two later and look at it again because you’ll see more errors that way.

I think this isn’t the best system for most people. A lot of folks need some separation between writing and editing so that they don’t hamstring themselves via perfectionism. I’ve been learning over the last year that I’m, in fact, not a fat lazy bastard like I’ve always thought I was. I am, in fact, a fat overachieving hype-man. Which is wild! So I know I fall into that trap sometimes too.

Great example is Chapter 18 of how to quit you, I wrote the chapter, edited that for about two or three months, then realized it was really not good and deleted it to start over, edited that for a few weeks and realized it’s still not right. So I might need to delete it again but I’m going to try and fix it via smaller section re-writes and adjusting what I thought I wanted plot wise. But what chapter isn’t finished and is next to be posted? Chapter 11. Fucking, god damn it all. Almost every chapter from 11-14 has been heavily ignored despite needing to be in the story and being good I just can’t get my brain to work. So instead I get stuck editing and editing and editing and not WRITING.

On the other hand, I tend to bulldog it and then when I do ask people to edit/beta read there’s not as much obvious stuff that they have to slog through since I’ve caught most of my common spelling mistakes (-ign instead of -ing will kill me some day), tense mistakes, and consistency errors.

I like doing it this way, and while it can get it the way it normally helps. But again...it’s not exactly planned out. I just launch into a fic and go “cool I wanna write something for this fic” and I’m not a chronological writer so god speed little dude.

48. Do you prefer to write skimpy drafts and flesh them out later, or write too much and cut it back?

I mean, kinda like I talked about above I tend to edit and polish parts of my draft while still actively writing other parts of it. Like, with the same chapter and across the whole fic.

I honestly fall into both categories because I’m somewhat of a blend of them. I lean more towards expanding on what I’ve already written but I don’t tend to write super skimpy drafts that need actual fleshing out.

I do love [I DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENS BUT TRANSITIONS ARE MAGIC] for areas I have a vague idea about, but there’s usually fully fleshed out scenes on either side of it. It’s just when I’m doing the editing to write thing that I’ll sometimes go, “Oh, wait, this would be much more impactful if I expanded a bit more.” So a one off line about Obi-Wan realizing that Palpatine ordered Maul to kill Qui Gon and is trying to corrupt Anakin, became a third of a chapter that I felt was really well rounded already both before and after that moment. Or a short paragraph about Glimmer and Catra riding back into work devolved into them teasing one another and got some good descriptions in (I’m so bad at describing physical things in stories, so that one line about Catra’s cheeks looking like hibiscus from her blushing was fucking god tier for me), and all the sudden I didn’t just have a short transition area, I had a full blown scene. (Thank you again dontcallmebugaboo for listening to me ramble about how the transition sucked and I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and you just said “romantic horse ride” and the clouds fucking parted, ilu) The most COMMON version of this is when Characters Suddenly Take Over and completely derail my story. Because then as I look around I go, “Hey yeah that could work, but I need a chapter about A and then need to seed in more references to B before I can expand on C.”  

So idk is the short answer lol. I tend to write things out as I go along and every so often I get jumped in a dark alleyway.

[brooklynislandgirl]

@mynameisanakin {{xx}}

He knows.  Just doesn’t want to admit to it, and that she absolutely understands. There is something absolutely terrifying about bearing your deeper truths, whether its sex or fears or things you aren’t exactly proud of. Which is essentially why she asked the question. She wasn’t trying to make him jump out of his skin, but more to see how he handled something so out of left field, but she now has to admit the look on his face makes her curious. The struggle between unvarnished truth and a comfortable lie doesn’t sit well on him. There’s also...it isn’t a blatant fear but something that shadows the arches of his cheeks, takes the depths of his eyes and makes them more pronounced until she’s reminded of nothing so much as twin blue flames inside the eye sockets of a skull. Entrancing is a word but not the one she’s searching for. It’s maybe...maybe he gives her too much credit. She could put him at ease and explain she hasn’t got Mind, that she can’t pry a portal into his head and draw out his secrets. That was never her forte` although maybe she could go about it a slightly different way. Carefully balance his serotonin and dopamine levels and...

And she feels guilty before he’s said more than two words, because wow. That’s taking things a little too far. She makes herself trail from his face to his hands. Watches the tapered fingers as if that’s any better, there was a reason she’d looked away from them before. It’s distracting bordering on criminal. Even she has to admit, and noticed from the get-go, that he has beautiful hands. Painfully so. Hands that should belong to a surgeon or a musician or a specific kind of model. Especially when she’s got a bottle of Live Love Polish upstairs in this gorgeous electric blue and holographic glitter that she has not a single trouble imagining on him. But before she can get too far down that rabbit hole ~and not imagine a spa day shared between them~ he finally starts talking and she blinks once, twice, and makes a bee-line for his lips, to catch the words carefully. Thankfully Anakin doesn’t talk very fast. And at first she thinks she mishears him but no, out of his angelic face... those two words that...oh. dear. And then...he explains it. Because he can’t quite put her in the realm of knowing such things, or maybe he thinks she’s a little dumb, which she’s used to. She is grateful to the very universe itself that she didn’t have a mouthful of wine right then...or it would be all over the rug, the upholstery, even all over Anakin. She brings her hand up quickly to cup over her mouth just in case she’s mistaken, but no...nothing comes out.

Its a slow creep effect. Snail and moss slow. Enveloping with horror when it finally does occur to her that he shouldn’t know a thing about this. He should be worried about getting the weekend off and taking his person on a date. He should be worried about making the dean’s list ~Anakin is so very far from stupid, he’d be any college’s dream if he applied himself~ and suddenly she can hear a thousand generations of her ancestors rolling their eyes and so she slowly nods not knowing if she wants to beg him to stop, or keep going. Anakin, fortunately, bears no witness to this, and opts for the later.

A tick develops at the back of her eye because that quiet surface belied quite deep waters, it seems. And it’s increasingly disturbing because she can’t quite tell if he’s talking fantasies or actual history of his...ah...exploits? She doesn’t like that word. It feels...dirty. Wrong. Almost worse than what she’s hearing. The tip of her tongue darts out and slicks over suddenly dry lips, and she doesn’t realise it’s because her mouth was already parted and she had dragged in a lungful of air. She almost regrets asking. Not because the darkness that slithers around him, drawing light from the room itself, dimming the already faint gleam of lamps and candles, but people don’t come this way, not usually and the insight she is getting is as excruciating as the lack of any characteristics in his voice, how he puts himself on this kind of display. He is comfortable with these thoughts, too familiar with them so that they don’t really...

She can feel it.

Ghostly brushes of those fingers she was a moment ago admiring fluttering around the delicate ridges of her collar bones so close to the surface of her skin. Tracing their edges, thumb dipping into the tiny space between them and she doesn’t realise she sighs softly. The way the whorls and loops slide along her skin until his nails unmanicured and just this side of ragged ~is he a biter~ gaze the back of her neck. The slightest, slowest increase of pressure that she has to admit makes little flutters below her belly.  Then...tighter. And tighter. Pinprick motes of light dancing in front of her eyes, the pressure as she can’t take another breath. A whisper of panic, something that is remarkably close to fear... the urge to kick. Struggle. Flail until she is free. Pain from capillaries bursting in her eyes. Sensations of dizziness or falling and she can’t tell if its that terrible. If she can just let.... She shakes her head to dislodge the phantom sensations, bringing up every ounce of willpower to bear because...he didn’t mean it. Reliving those moments inside his head, something he must connect to so powerfully that she felt the writhe and twist of his avatar, the magick making itself manifest and honestly she’s absolutely stunned. The taste of power sits like salt and lime on the back of her tongue. She can’t simply just sit there though, and shifts in her spot, drawing her knees up to her chest, and settling her feet on the cushion, leaving only her toes exposed by the hem of her skirt on the edge of her chair. And yet. She doesn’t stop him. Not because she has a ghoulish need to hear the rest of what he has to say, but because like a wound, he needs to expose it to sunlight and air if he has any chance of recovering from any of this.

She takes a sip of her wine when he falls silent, not wanting to seem pushy, though, thinking maybe this was the extent of it. And she’s absolutely wrong, isn’t she?

What he tells her next is far different. Lacking those details that he’s removed himself from, put distance between, gives her far more room to imagine without complicating things with a lashing out even subconsciously of his magick. No, the effect on her is purely psychological on her end and the guilt of that wends its way up her spine following the heat that spreads out through her limbs. Her toes curl on the edge of her seat

As is common for most of her Tradition, Beth has a high thresh hold as far as pain is concerned, is equally blessed a spark of life so tenacious that wounds and illness are practically strangers to her, particularly the kind that are self inflicted. And she might just have a fondness for blades that exceeds what is normally accepted by societal standards. But what did anyone expect from a barefoot heathen, a child of earth and wood and sea, with the blood of sharks in her ancestry? Anakin can’t possibly know any of this or how the idea of shallow lacework across her skin enthralls her, the red smear and heat. The coppery tang and sharpness on the tongue. How she can feel her body respond wantonly especially when she can physically recall the sensations of Marion’s breath hot on the soft flesh of her thigh just before the creature’s teeth sink in. Tear greedy chunks of muscle from her bones until it’s hunger is sated. Her writhes, the screaming seems to feed the rougarou too, though she doesn’t know how or why, and the exhaustion afterwards usually provides some of the best sleep Beth has gotten since....

Since moving here.

When her eyes struggle to catch his, she isn’t aware of the faint sheen on the exposed skin of her throat and modest decolletage, or that her eyes have darkened considerably. That she would blame the wine for a new floridness to her complexion.  “I...ah.” She uncurls her limbs, long for her small stature, the hem of her skirt whispering louder than her voice as it settles around her ankles. She prowls behind around behind him, settles her hands on either side of his shoulders. Leans in so that her lips are close to his ears, and her tone as well as her breath is a little ragged. “Mahalo, Anakin. But I t’ink...I t’ink is time...I show ya some kine. Only question is....jus’ how far ya willin’ t’ go?”

[eleanor-writes-stuff]

third generation’s the charm [pt. iii/iii]

When I offered up more backstory for my Greek Gods AU, you guys probably thought you were agreeing to more Reylo. Instead I’ve given you tragic titans Anakin and Padmé, and Leia gathering a build-it-yourself pantheon.

But today is the day, that glorious day! THE REYLO HAS ARRIVED. And so, without further ado, here’s Rey finding out she’s a goddess and very rudely kicking the god of darkness out of her garden.

act three: a time for love

Our divine pantheon: LEIA – Goddess of the skies; queen of the Pantheon LUKE – God of the seas HAN – demi-God of the forge AMILYN – Goddess of the moon and night POE – demi-God of the sun and day ROSE – demi-Goddess of invention FINN – immortal former reaper REY – demi-Goddess of nature; queen of the Underworld BEN – God of darkness; king of the Underworld HUX – immortal judge of souls PHASMA – Goddess of death

WHEN A SMALL shrub first sprouted outside of Rey’s tiny shelter, the people of Jakku did not think much of it. Their polis was in the middle of a desert, yes, but even deserts were known to grow a plant or two to mark those the gods looked upon with favor.

Not long after, the tiny shrub bore berries and its leaves grew heavy with dewdrops even though the desert had seen no rain in years – but only for Rey. Those who plucked her berries without permission found themselves with a handful of sand, and those who tried to drink from her leaves watched in despair as precious drops of water rolled right past their awaiting mouths and disappeared into the ground.

Blessed, the people of Jakku whispered and hissed. Blessed by the gods, that child is.

Blessed, Rey told herself, shrugged and went on with her life-

-until the night a tower of thick ivy grew over her tiny shelter to protect her from Plutt’s goons, and any who tried to hack at the greenery found their skin red with blisters and raw with wounds. The goons stopped coming after two days, but it was too late.

Something within Rey had woken up, something she could not put back to sleep. The tower collapsed, but it did not sink into the sand. Instead the ground was carpeted by grass softer than anything the inhabitants of Jakku had ever felt in their lives, and overnight the desert turned into a forest.

The next morning, the wisest, oldest woman in Jakku took one look at Rey and fell to her knees. Ascended, she cried out to the streets. A new god has ascended!

And so Rey found herself crowned a Goddess.

To mark her arrival, Leia presented Rey with a priceless gift: the queen’s own private gardens.

Enna was the first place Rey had ever been given the right to call her own, and she grew fiercely protective of her little slice of heaven. All bar Leia had to seek permission before entering, and none were allowed to pluck even a single leaf without her approval.

Trespassers were absolutely not tolerated, and Rey was sure to make an example out of anyone who attempted to invade her private space.

Including the god of the Underworld himself.

In her defense, the young goddess couldn’t possibly have known that the strange, brooding man in her meadow was, in fact, Kylo Ren of Hades, son of Leia, frequent visitor of his mother’s once-gardens.

What she did know was that someone had invaded her gardens, and he was a threat to her flowers if the crushed blooms trapped in his curled fist were any indication. And so Rey made an example of the man, summoning great, thick vines to wrap around him and throw him out, calling him an endless string of awful things as she marched his ivy-bound form to the gates.

The intruder quickly got over his shock and started to struggle against his bonds, vehement protests muffled by the leaf wrapped around the lower half of his face. Rey motioned for the vines to harshly drop him down to the ground just outside her gates, and felt the slightest twinge of guilt when the man simply looked up at her with sad, tired eyes.

And don’t come back, she snapped at him, irritated at both the trespasser for his actions and herself for her soft heart. The gates slammed shut as Rey turned her back on him, and that was that.

Or so Rey had hoped.

Because weeks passed and still she could not purge the image of the intruder’s eyes from her mind, and on some nights she found herself wondering just what his voice would have sounded like without the leaf over his mouth. On other nights she wondered why he’d been there in the first place, and how he’d even gotten in, and eventually it struck Rey that the stranger could only have been a god.

Sounds like Kylo Ren, Finn informed her casually the day she finally confided in him, and behind him Poe nodded in agreement.

Odd. He hasn’t been back in centuries, Poe mused. Probably didn’t even know that the gardens don’t belong to his mother anymore.

Rey sat on this information for a few days, and then sat on her decision for a few days more. Finally, she cornered Finn and made him list out every entry point to Hades.

Armed with the list and all of Finn’s two thousand warnings, spurred on by the memory of sad eyes and fleeting dreams that left her wanting, Rey descended into the Underworld and marched right into the throne room.

It’s you, Kylo Ren whispered as his flame-haired judge kicked up a fuss and screeched for someone named Phasma to protect them. The girl I’ve heard so much about.

Goddess, Rey corrected flippantly as she walked across the cavernous throne room and came to a stop at his carefully-wrought silver and onyx throne. She held out a trembling hand. Come with me?

He took her hand without hesitation, and somewhere in the distance she heard his judge huff and stalk out of the room, telling the mysterious Phasma to stand down.

Where are we going? Kylo asked, allowing her to lead him out of the throne room, out of his kingdom.

On a date, Rey told him as she navigated them back the way she came without once looking back at him to gauge his reaction. It’s a new mortal custom in the metropolises, when two people…

The king of the Underworld squeezed her hand, gently turned her around and pulled her into his arms. I know what a date is, he told her with a small smile on his lips, a smile she’d been dreaming of since the day they met. And I would love to go on one with you.

And the rest was ancient history.

Well, this got out of hand. I think the combined word count for all three posts might actually be close to the fic itself - and that’s without me including the side plot of Rose/Finn/Poe! If you need me, I’ll be in a corner shaking my damn head at myself.

As always, I hope you guys enjoyed this, thank you for reading, and please don’t hesitate to like/reblog/comment. Hearing from y’all is seriously the highlight of my days.

[lorrainecparker]

Valerian: Luc Besson’s hero drives a Lexus

Valerian, the film, picks the comic series from 1967 and mixes it with a promise of the future: the Skyjet vehicle designed by Lexus for a world set 700 years in the future. Time to look at Luc Besson’s love and a dream which started half a century ago.

The first trailer from Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, revealed last November, gave viewers a glimpse of the Skyjet, a single-seat pursuit craft featured in the film. The vehicle is the result of a cooperative work between the team behind Valerian and Lexus, challenged to create a vehicle grounded on reality but existing in the future universe of Valerian.

The creative team met with Lexus’ Chief Engineer, Takeaki Kato and the Lexus design team, to discuss incorporating believable, imaginative technologies and contemporary design cues into the final iteration of the Skyjet. The result is a craft the being futuristic includes an adapted interpretation of Lexus’ signature “spindle” grille, and a similar headlight design to that of the anticipated 2018 Lexus LC coupe, defined by an athletic and aerodynamic shape.

The Skyjet vehicle and the technology that makes the film possible, are the only modern elements of Valerian, because the story is old, a sci-fi saga that started back in 1967, when the first adventure of Valerian and Laureline (yes, because there is a heroine in the series) was published in Europe, in the French magazine Pilote. The comic book series, created by writer Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières, was published until 2010, a total of 21 volumes plus a short story collection and an encyclopedia. The books are being reissued now, in special editions that hope to explore the public’s interest in the film.

In 2012 Luc Besson announced that he wanted to make a film based on a comic book from his youth. The idea of adapting the adventures of Valerian and Laureline to the cinema was not new, though. Since Besson made The Fifth Element (1997), also based on a French comic series, that he wanted to do it, but the director felt the technology available would not allow to reproduce the unique universe of the spatio-temporal agents. It was only after Avatar, from James Cameron, that Luc Besson believed the conditions were met, and started to think of Valerian as a film. Or more, as the director suggested in a recent interview: “I will be the happiest guy in the world if the film works and I can do a second one and a third one.”

Are we about to see another saga like Star Wars?

Valerian, as multiple articles on the Internet have enumerated over and over, is one of the sources for Star Wars. The comparison reveals so many “coincidences” that it is hard to believe it’s just a coincidence. From Princess Leia’s costume worn in Return of the Jedi, very similar to the slave-girl outfit that Laureline wears in The Land Without Stars (1972), to the figure with a burned face present in Empire of a Thousand Planets, from 1971, which is similar to Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker), going through the Millenium Falcon and Valerian’s spaceship or the way Valerian is frozen in liquid plastic, in the same comic book, and Han Solo is imprisoned in carbonite in The Empire Strikes Back of 1980, nine years later, there are too many coincidences.

An interview with Pierre Christin, by Martin Scholz of the German newspaper Die Welt,  (available in English at Europe Comics, under the title Valerian: A Model for Star Wars), touches the subject. The journalist asks if the authors were surprised when they saw, ten years after their first comic book came out, the first episode of Star Wars borrowing heavily from their characters, creatures and design of spaceships and Pierre Christin replies that “Yes, that’s exactly what my colleague Jean-Claude Mézières and I told ourselves when we walked out of the cinema after watching Star Wars for the first time. But my first reaction was not anger.”

In the same interview Pierre Christin comments that “In the ’80s, particularly in France, people were convinced that George Lucas had stolen from Valerian” and adds that “in general, all you hear from the US in reply to such allegations is that French comics are barely known and not successful at all on that side of the Atlantic – which, on the whole, is true. Nevertheless, the few people in the US who do know French comics fairly well are Hollywood’s art directors and storyboard artists. They might not be able to read the magazines, but they still flick through them now and then in search of ideas. That’s what French film-makers who’ve been to Hollywood have told me: They happened to have seen piles of French comics in the creative departments of various film studios.”

One important element that many seem to forget is the influence that, without any doubt, one French magazine had in Hollywood. Metal Hurlant, a comics magazine launched in France in 1975 was renamed and launched in the United States in April 1977 as a monthly magazine, Heavy Metal. The artists published in the magazine included names as Jean Giraud (a.k.a. Moebius), Philippe Druillet or Enki Bilal. Although the first Valerian and Laureline album translated to English was Ambassador of Shadows, published in Heavy Metal in 1981, it’s only natural that Heavy Metal, which is still published today in the United States, attracted the attention of a whole generation of artists when it was launched, and made French and Belgian comics and European comics in general even more popular with a generation after new visions.

The cross-influence from comics to cinema should not come as a surprise and Star Wars is not the only case. In fact, Luc Besson’s film The Fifth Element is said to have “borrowed” the idea from the comic series The Incal, created in 1980 by comics writer Alejandro Jodorowsky and artist Moebius (Jean Henri Gaston Giraud). Moebius did contribute storyboards and concept designs to the movie, but some suggest that Besson used more than just the storyboards.  In a 2002 interview published by Danish comic book magazine Strip, Jodorowsky said it was an honour to have his ideas stolen.

Moebius and Jodorowsky are also associated with another project that never saw the light of day, at least as Jodorowsky meant it, but which, apparently, was used in Hollywood as “guide-book” for science-fiction films: Dune. A documentary from 2013, Jodorowsky’s Dune, reveals that the “film notes, Jodorowsky’s script, extensive storyboards and concept art were sent to all major film studios”, and argues that these inspired later film productions, including the Alien, Star Wars and Terminator series.

Still looking at Star Wars and Valerian, it is also interesting to see that Valerian and Han Solo seem to have similar traits, while Laureline is basically Princess Leia. One other element usually not mentioned, but that fascinates me, is that Luke Skywalker lives as a farmer with his adopted family until he starts training to be a Jedi, while Laureline is a 11th century French peasant brought from the past by Valerian and trained to become a space-agent. Both heroes are farmers, both are taken from their element to receive training…

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets launches in cinemas around the world starting next week. In the United States it will be available in 2D and 3D beginning 21 July 2017, and it will be interesting to see how the public receives Luc Besson’s adaptation. Featuring an all-star cast including Clive Owen, Ethan Hawke, Rihanna, and Kris W, the project marks Luc Besson’s most ambitious film to date and the largest-budget European motion picture ever produced. The film is produced by Virginie Besson-Silla.

Having collected Valerian and Laureline stories throughout the years, since they first appeared, I must admit I am very curious to see the film, because, as Luc Besson, I always thought the comic deserved to be translated to the cinema. Knowing the series, I also hope this Valerian and Laureline film opens the door for more films, because it would be fantastic to see the evolution of the saga beyond the first books. In fact, while Star Wars became a sterile universe after the first three films, in my opinion, the stories created by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières have evolved, from the exciting sci-fi adventure from the initial books to stories touching multiple political and social topics that could just be the base for sequels to the saga.

The film gives us an image of Laureline that corresponds to the image  the comic series build of her throughout the different albums. As Gabrielle Bellot wrote recently in The Atlantic, Laureline was, “from the start, a radically impressive figure who set the bar high for women in science fiction. No mere beautiful figure, Laureline has a piercing intellect, a near-indomitable pride in herself, an endearing but acid wit, and formidable fighting skills. And yet she resists being an archetype of female perfection.”

It’s easy to understand why Luc Besson says that he fell in love with Laureline when he first read the comics. It’s a love and adventure that started 50 years ago.

The post Valerian: Luc Besson’s hero drives a Lexus appeared first on ProVideo Coalition.

First Found At: Valerian: Luc Besson’s hero drives a Lexus

[starwarseureviews-blog]

Star Wars EU Reviews: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Yeah, yeah, I know; this is supposed to be Star Wars EU Reviews and I am reviewing new canon material. The only thing I can say in my defence is that May 25th was the first of the last seven days of the month and it just seemed appropriate to do all seven movies to fill in the rest of May. And, to be honest, I really like The Force Awakens anyway. I must confess to liking both the New Canon and the Expanded Universe. Do I like them both equally? No, but which one I like better is a subject I will get into at a later date. For the time being I am going to review the latest film in the main Star Wars saga.

Since episodes I through VI are universally known by the fans who read these reviews I thought it best to avoid reviewing their respective stories and instead discuss my feelings on the films in general and my overall impressions of them. However, since The Force Awakens is more recent I am going to review it more like I do my comic reviews and go over the plot in more detail. Obviously this means there are going to be spoilers in this review and if you haven’t seen the film yet (which I kinda doubt by this point) it may be best to turn away.

For the rest of you who have seen the film or at the very least those of you who don’t give a womp rat’s butt about spoilers here goes:

The Force Awakens is set 30 years after Return of the Jedi in a galaxy so far away that there are no Yuuzhan Vong around, Chewbacca is still alive, and the Solo family only had one child. And there is not a sign of any Mara Jades, Kyp Durrons, or Jaxxon the Green Rodents to be found. If Disney’s axing Jaxxon from the canon infuriates you then avert your eyes from The Force Awakens.

The story opens with the opening crawl declaring that Luke Skywalker is missing and General Leia, who is leading a Resistance against an evil organisation called The First Order, has dispatched her best pilot Poe Dameron to find him.

On the desert planet, Jakku, Poe Dameron (played by Oscar Isaac) receives from an old man named Lor San Tekka (Max von Sydow of Ingmar Bergman fame) a star map which will reveal the location of Luke Skywalker when combined with additional maps. The other maps are thankfully all stored in R2-D2’s memory banks so the Resistance doesn’t need to go looking for them, but getting this final piece to R2 may be harder than it sounds. Their meeting is interrupted by a sudden attack of First Order Stormtroopers led by a Dark Side user (he’s not a Sith, remember that) named Kylo Ren (played by Adam Driver). With Kylo is a chrome plated stormtrooper named Captain Phasma (played by Brienne of Tarth herself, Gwendoline Christie). To prevent the First Order from getting the star map to Skywalker Poe gives it to BB-8, his ball-shaped astromech side kick. He tells the droid to get as far away as possible and find a way to get the map to the Leia. Lor San Tekka is soon killed and Poe Dameron is captured and taken to Kylo’s Star Destroyer. Kylo Ren orders Captain Phasma to have all the villagers from where Lor San Tekka resided to be executed, but one of the Stormtroopers named FN-2187 (played by John Boyega) is too horrified by the carnage to take action and watches in silence. Meanwhile, BB-8 wanders the desert when he is nearly captured by a junk dealing alien named Teedo before he is rescued by a young woman named Rey (played by Daisy Ridley). She, who can understand astromech language, reluctantly lets the droid follow her, but resists at first only giving in when the little robot tugs at her heart strings by making wimpering sounds. Why she didn’t want BB-8 following her in the first place is beyond me since the droid took up little space and it wasn’t like she needed to feed it. Rey lives by herself in an abandoned ruin that was once an AT-AT and she makes a living scavenging parts which she sells to a dealer named Unkar Plutt who gives her meager payment which she spends on food. She has lived on Jakku since she was a little girl and she hopes some day that her family will come back for her. Spoiler: They don’t.

Elsewhere, Poe Dameron is being interrogated and tortured by Kylo Ren until he is forced to reveal the location of the map. When Kylo finds out that the map is located in a BB unit he informs his colleague and rival, General Hux (played by Domhnall Gleeson). While preparations are made to return to Jakku, FN-2187 finds Poe Dameron and busts him out of his cell. FN, whom Poe nicknames Finn, decides he wants nothing to do with the First Order and he defects. But, lacking the training to pilot a TIE Fighter he recruits Poe Dameron to help him. How a low ranking stormtrooper whose specialty is sanitation knows that there is a high-profile prisoner aboard who is a pilot for the Resistance is beyond me. He was not there when Poe was captured and he was ordered to shoot everyone in the village. Either the First Order is fairly open with their intel or some water cooler gossipers are overdue for a good Force choking.

They steal an X-Wing, but they are almost instantaneously shot down and crash on Jakku. Finn survives, but Poe Dameron is nowhere to be found and Finn assumes his new friend is dead. He treads through the desert until he reaches Niima Outpost where BB-8 and Rey happen to be. BB-8 spots Finn and recognises the jacket he is wearing which he scavenged from the crash. BB-8 tells Rey that that is Poe’s jacket and she charges at Finn with a big stick and knocks him over with it. She demands to know where he got the jacket and he tells her that he is with the Resistance and the jacket belonged to Poe Dameron who gave it to him.

But, before any introductions can be made they get attacked by low flying TIE Fighters hellbent on retrieving BB-8 and the map. Rey, Finn, and the droid escape inside the Millennium Falcon which just happens to be in the possession of Unkar Plutt and take off. Just moments after going into hyperspace they get caught and are tractor-beamed into a large cargo freighter. The Falcon is then boarded by none other than Han and Chewie themselves who are pleased to have their old ship back. Apparently in the past several years the ship had passed hands from thief to thief and having tracked it down, Han is intent on claiming it back. When Han sees that Rey, Finn, and BB-8 are not the original thieves he decides not to lock them in the brig. And when he learns that the droid is carrying a partial map to Luke Skywalker he tells Rey that years ago Luke had tried to start a Jedi academy, but a young student rebelled, turned to the Dark Side, and destroyed it all. Luke felt responsible and he fled in search of the first Jedi temple. Kylo Ren, the boy who rebelled, who we learn is Han and Leia’s son had worshipped Darth Vader and sought to mimic him. He joined a Dark Side cult called the Knights of Ren and changed his name from Ben Solo to Kylo Ren. Han became devastated over his son’s betrayal and left Leia to return to a life of smuggling. Leia continued leading the Resistance against the First Order which is being led by an evil being called Supreme Leader Snoke (voiced by Andy Serkis of Gollum fame). The origins of Snoke, the First Order, and the Knights of Ren are not elaborated on in this movie and barring reading the new canon material I feel that most of the information that is missing is going to be expanded upon in The Last Jedi.

After Han discusses the state of the Galaxy they are suddenly boarded by pirates who are bent on collecting a bounty on Solo’s head. This goes poorly for the pirates, however, when Rey accidentally opens all the cell doors containing Han’s cargo. The cargo happens to be giant man-eating rathtars which are basically huge tentacled monstrosities that make the dianoga in the trash compactor in A New Hope look like a kitten. While the unfortunate pirates are getting devoured by the rathtars our heroes escape in the Falcon and leave the cargo ship behind. They head to Takodana to meet a thousand-year old alien woman named Maz Kanata who runs a bar that hosts a variety of unsavoury patrons, but is a good and friendly source for information. Like Lor San Tekka she venerates the Force while not being a Force-sensitive herself. When the main characters arrive she detects Han’s presence almost immediately and shouts his name across the bar. You know, because that is what friends do. They loudly and obnoxiously declare the presence of their friends with bounties on their heads in a seedy bar. This goes exactly as one would expect and while Maz and Han converse several patrons secretly dispatch messages to the First Order notifying them that BB-8 and by extension the map to Luke are here. Maz tells Rey that she has the power of the Force within her and that she can use it to fight the First Order. Rey refuses as she still believes her family will come for her on Jakku. She storms off but starts to hear a child crying in the bar’s cellar. She goes down to investigate and finds that the sound is emanating from a wooden trunk in a closet. She opens the trunk and finds inside an old lightsaber. When she grabs it she is suddenly plunged into a Force vision in which she sees her younger self dropped off on Jakku crying for those who abandoned her to come back. This is followed by images of Luke sitting by R2, Kylo killing students at the Jedi academy, and visions of locations such as Bespin. When the vision ends she is accosted by Maz Kanata who tells her to take the lightsaber which once belonged to Anakin and Luke Skywalker. But Rey refuses despite Maz’s pleas that Rey’s future is ahead and not behind on Jakku. Maz tells her she needs to stop waiting for someone who isn’t gonna come back, but Rey doesn’t want to hear it. I am not sure why Rey is so upset. I would have been relieved persoanlly. If I was in some seedy backwater bar and heard a child crying in the basement my first assumption would not be that it was Force vision.

Rey runs off into the woods and around this time the First Order arrives and attacks Takodana. But before doing so they demonstrate the full power of their new super-weapon, Starkiller Base. This weapon is a planet whose core has been converted into a device that can annihilate several planets at once. With this weapon the entire Hosnian Prime system (It’s not Coruscant so you can stop saying that!) which is the current seat of the New Republic is wiped out. Han, Chewie, and Finn manage to get out of Maz’s bar and the old woman gives Finn the lightsaber Rey wouldn’t take. Finn who is trained in melee as well as blaster combat proves effective with the blade and takes out several stormtroopers with it (TRAITOR!). However, in the end Han, Finn, and Chewie are captured by the overwhelming forces and Rey is abducted in the woods by Kylo Ren who takes her to his Star Destroyer; though Han and his gang are soon rescued by the Resistance who fly in with a squadron of TIE Fighters. These are led by Poe Dameron who is alive and well. After the First Order flees a Resistance shuttle lands and out comes General Leia and C-3PO who is sporting a red arm. Don’t ask; the canon explanation is really quite stupid. After a brief bonding moment Han tells Leia he saw their son carrying Rey away. The heroes all head to the Resistance base on D’Qar and discuss plans to destroy Starkiller Base. Finn who has by now fessed up to being a former Stormtrooper claims that he knows the inner workings of the facility and can help them not only rescue Rey, but also destroy the base. The base is heavily shielded which protects it from attack, but Han and his friends devise a plan to infiltrate the base and plant explosives that would shut down the shielding system. They take the Falcon to the base and get to the surface of the planet by taking advantage of the shield’s refresh rate. The Falcon has a rough landing but they all make it in one piece. Inside the base they find Rey who had already escaped by herself using a Jedi Mind Trick on one of the guards (fun fact: he’s played Daniel Craig in an uncredited cameo!). After Maz told her she could use the Force Rey apparently decided to try it by using her guard as a test subject. After Han and Chewie plant the explosives Solo sees his son Ben walking along a catwalk. Han calls out to him and tries to convince him to come home and leave the First Order and the Knights of Ren. Kylo feigns remorse and offers to let his father take his lightsaber. Unfortunately, when Han make a grab for it Kylo Ren ignites it and the blade penetrates through Han Solo’s chest. The wounds are fatal and the last thing Han Solo does before he dies is take his hand and gently touches his son’s face before falling off the catwalk to his death. While I am not the biggest fan of how Han is killed off for reasons I will get into later, I do like this scene as it shows how Han feels about his son. Touching his son affectionately was his way of showing Ben that he forgave him and still loved him at the end. We see Han Solo grow in the Star Wars films from a cynical self-serving scoundrel to a loving father who firmly believed in the good of the Jedi and the Light Side of the Force. Chewie roars in grief and immediately ignites the bombs effectively shutting down the shielding network for Starkiller Base. The Resistance then attacks and destroys crucial segments of the base causing it to explode and begin falling apart. As the forests of the planet begin to quake and come apart Rey and Finn encounter Kylo Ren for one last time on their way to the Falcon. Finn tries to take him out in lightsaber combat but is easily overcome by Kylo’s superior skills and he is wounded and rendered unconscious. Rey draws upon the Force a second time and Force-pulls the lightsaber to herself. She then fights Kylo Ren in a duel that is both raw and rough demonstrating both of their need for further training. Rey eventually gets the upper hand and slashes upward and strikes her enemy in the face. He survives but is badly injured and she and Chewbacca take Finn back to the Falcon to escape the base that is falling to pieces around them. As they leave Snoke tells General Hux to retrieve Kylo Ren so he can finish his training.

While Chewbacca is aboard the Falcon weeping for his lost friend Rey pilots the Millennium Falcon back to D’Qar. At the base R2 takes the map and adds it to a larger map revealing that Luke Skywalker is on a water planet consisting of small islands called Ahch-To. There Rey takes the Falcon with just herself and R2-D2 and finds the ruins of an old temple. She climbs the steps and after several hours she finds an old man in a Jedi robe standing looking over a cliff. He turns around and looks at her revealing himself to be the long lost Luke Skywalker. Rey opens her pack and takes out his lightsaber. The same lightsaber he lost on Bespin thirty years ago. She holds it out to him with a look that is almost pleading in its intensity and he looks at her with a quizzical and somewhat sad expression as she holds the weapon toward him. Before Luke utters a word the film ends cutting to credits and leaving its audience two years to wait for him to say anything.

Now what did I think of The Force Awakens? Well, I liked it a lot. I think it is a step in the right direction for the Star Wars films which had hitherto degenerated into convoluted plots with little to no character development and an overabundance of CGI and green and blue screen photography. Episode VII uses more practical effects and actual sets, balancing state-of-the-art special effects with old methods that have withstood the test of time. The story is very reminiscent of the original trilogy and the characters have colour and interesting characteristics unlike the Prequels which tended to ignore the characters in favour of expanding the backstory. Some have complained that The Force Awakens borrowed too heavily from A New Hope and while I can see what they are referring to I never saw it as an issue. The Phantom Menace does the same thing if you really think about it and I think at this point it should be realised that Star Wars is like a musical composition or an epic narrative poem that repeats and rimes themes, motifs, and ideas to form a rhythmic symphony. The echoing and repetition is a part of the natural flow of the narrative. I do, however, have reservations about Starkiller base. It seems a bit cheap to add another super weapon to the mix. The Death Star II was an unoriginal and unimaginative bit of overkill itself and Starkiller Base is no better. The fact that it is bigger, can destroy more than one planet at a time, and is built inside of a planet is not a major difference to me.

Speaking of Ben Kenobi I find it a bit odd that Han and Leia decided to name their son after him. Leia never knew the man and Han only met him briefly while spending the entire time mocking him for his “hokey religion”. It was Luke who connected with the old man, not Han and Leia. I think the old EU made the smarter choice in having it be Luke who named a child Ben and not Han. They might as well have had Han name his son Owen or something. It just doesn’t make sense. I also seriously dislike the way Han is killed off. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with Han Solo’s character dying. Done correctly it would have added a dimension to the story that would have been both meaningful and emotional for the viewers and the characters. But, this is not the case though. There is no real sacrifice and Han seems to achieve no end that benefits his friends. He is simply tricked by a false redemption and killed for it. Han didn’t die saving anyone. He didn’t die doing something that benefited the heroes or the Resistance. He just died. And the revelation that he had not been with Leia at this time also negatively affects the impact this scene could have had. I am not sure why the writers even thought we wanted to see this. Why would they think we, the fans, wanted to find out the love story between Han and Leia fell apart? It would have been better if Han had remained with Leia and stayed with the Resistance. That would have added a stronger meaning to his death and a deeper sense of loss. Han Solo’s death was a missed opportunity and I was disappointed with it.

I am also a bit perturbed by how much use of deus ex machina is in the story. Finn meets Rey and BB-8 by accident because they just happened to be in the same outpost at the time. They steal the Millennium Falcon which just happened to be there. They meet Han and Chewie who just happened to be near enough in the sector to track it. They go to visit Maz who just happens to have Luke’s old lightsaber. A bunch of pieces fall into place so easily in this movie and I am uncertain if I should just explain it away as the “will of the Force guiding destiny” or lazy writing. Oh wait, this was co-written by the writer and director of Star Trek Into Darkness. OK, so lazy writing it is.

But seriously, for the most part I have had no issues with the story and I found it a welcome addition to the Star Wars saga. I like the characters, new creatures, and space ships; and I like how Kylo Ren contrasts Luke in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. In those films Luke struggled with the temptation to turn to the Dark Side and resisted until he made a final resolution to be a Jedi by tossing his lightsaber aside. Here, Kylo does the opposite. Ben Solo is tempted by the Light Side of the Force and resists its pull. This is a concept we have never seen in Star Wars before and I find it a unique take on an individual’s relationship with the Force. And like Luke he makes a decision to demonstrate his final resolve. In this case, by slaying his own father.

There is another complaint that I have with this film that I also share with Attack of the Clones: The music. John Williams is a master composer and all of his Star Wars soundtracks are masterpieces. However, some of them are less good than others and Episode II and Episode VII’s soundtracks are sort of the black sheep of the bunch. The music in both of these films are not that memorable and only a few tracks stick out to me. Also I am not sure if I am the only who noticed this, but the first note that plays when the words STAR WARS appear on the screen doesn’t sound the same way it does in the other six episodes. Listen and compare next time. It’s a little different.

Another thing I have noticed that few others realised is relating to Kylo Ren’s name. When I first heard the announcement that his name was going to be Kylo Ren I was appalled. The reason was because I had watched some of the old 1980’s Droids cartoons when I was a kid and I distinctly remember there being a villain named Kybo Ren. He was a portly, mustache-twirling, midriff-showing pirate who always referred to himself in the third person. In a word, he was ridiculous! The fact that the villain in The Force Awakens is called Kylo Ren cannot be a coincidence and the decision baffles me. That would be like making a movie about a badass action hero and then naming him Dorrest Gump! It’s such an odd thing to do.

If The Force Awakens seems to lack something to the viewer; whether it be the lack of memorable music, unique planets, or a story that expands on the lore in a major way, I understand where you are coming from. I have similar gripes. Episode VII takes too few risks. The planets are mundane and are not much different than anything else we have seen before. The music sounds tame and standard. And the plot feels small and less epic than the last few Star Wars films we have seen. There is a certain characteristic dullness to The Force Awakens’s aesthetic and the more I watch the movie the more I become aware of it. It hasn’t led me to hate the movie or even put it on a par with the Prequels, but I do think it has some lacklustre aspects that did hurt it inevitably. However, I am truly expecting more from The Last Jedi and I am excited to see where we are taken next in this galaxy far, far away. Despite its imperfections The Force Awakens is a refreshing revival of the Star Wars films and it is an awakening we have all felt. I believe Episode VII is only our first step into a larger world.

Stay tuned Friday for a review of Star Wars Classic Marvel #64: Serphidian Eyes and may the Force be with you.

[brooklynislandgirl]

❓

Reflections || Accepting

Nova Heart || Anikeni

~Does my muse trust yours~

Anakin sleeps. Fever-wet brow, deep hollows below closed eyes. Old scars and healing wounds. A sickness of the mind so deep that even she cannot reach him entirely. This rest is fitful and the nightmares are so real they threaten to choke everything in miles around his presence. She has been more than once in these few hours tempted to tie him down to the makeshift bed. To make a choice for him and course-correct. Never go to Mustafar and find some way to secret him back home where he can get the care and rest he needs. To maybe bring her Anakin back from the abyss he's fallen into, or at least some semblance of their former normalcy.

But to do so would be to admit that her trust, her absolute faith in him, had broken right along with his sanity. That there are, in fact, limitations appended to her promise that wherever he was, she would be too. That maybe loving each other just wasn't enough. And that she cannot do. She would sooner burn the galaxy down to the foundations, sacrifice everything that ever existed. She would give up the living Force before she would betray him.

So she mops his brow with a cool cloth and lets his hand curl in hers. She becomes an anchor, a beacon in the dark. Her trust remains inviolate.

~Does my muse dislike yours~

"I almost had you!"

She throws down the practice sabre, it's green blade disappearing after she lets go and it makes a defeated, metallic thunk when it lands. Her face is flushed green, dark strands of her hair stick to her cheeks and her neck having escaped the tight confines of its braid, and no one with olfactory senses in the room can miss the distinct but vague floral scent that rises from her skin.

"You did," Anakin says mildly, unbothered by her outburst, at least on surface level.

He did not tell her she let her guard drop, nor that she was distracted and thereby allowed her speed to be effected. He knows how much that stings coming from anyone but the masters, and from them it's murderous. Just like she doesn't dare utter the words 'I hate you'. Because even if he knew she was just frustrated, it would eat him alive. And she could never dislike Anakin. "We take five, and go again."

~Would my muse kill someone for yours~

Anakin is on Coruscant. She can only imagine the cruelty being imposed on him by the Emperor. Imagine because she is languishing in the Halla sector, currently locked in her quarters avoiding it's Moff. His crime is that he is both insufferably arrogant and mind-numbingly boring. His only real desire is to regale her with tales of his bravery and genius in the war, and in crushing the Jedi. He speaks of personally having a hand in dispatching General Skywalker, and claiming several of the young Jedi's victories as his own.

Clearly, he cannot read his audience.

To entertain herself in her solitude, she pulls out her datapad and keys in a specific encryption. She scans through faces, through condensed personnel records. Certain Moffs, admirals, courtiers...who thought they could replace Anakin as the Emperor's right hand. But what they fail to see when they look at her Za'lali is exactly what a man is capable of when that hand is cut off... And that he has two others, always. Kenobi escaped, much to her disappointment, though in no situation would she put him above Anakin. She has been gathering rumours as young women collect flowers and young men collect hearts. The strongest of the whispers point to either the Outer Rim or the wild-space beyond. It's only a matter of ti- The chime on her door breaks through her thoughts. Shouting, pounding on the door, demanding she come quickly. It would seem that the Moff had ingested something that did not agree with him and required emergency medical attention.

She smiles languidly, before deleting one of the records.

~Would my muse kill your muse~

"No, and do not ever think to ask that of me." She means it. The seriousness etched not only in voice but visage too is harder than any other thing she has ever said to him. A deep verdant blush creeps about her cheekbones though there is nothing romantic about it. It's spoken in the way she rises up where they'd been lounging seconds before, his hand that had been tucking strands of hair behind her ear left hanging in place until it falls out of sight in shame, discomfort. His Presence is as turbulent as her own though held in an infinite check. Emotions as hotly burning stars are dangerous things within the Temple walls.

It has never been easy for her to be angry with him, and isn't so now. She only has indignation to stand on. But for him to ask if she would do such a thing is so utterly galling she can't even begin to unpack the flicker-flash of temper. She would willingly die for him. She would think it a gift to slaughter half the galaxy in his name. But that he would even think to ask if she would ever hurt him, much less... It's...it's... "I could not do it, Za'lali. Not really. And...you must forgive me for that."

~Would my muse save yours~

If Melakeni had a heart it would be in her throat. Choking her slowly until black spots danced before her eyes. It is lucky that she does not, she's hyperventilating as it is, having run from the final push of the assault. She'd known something was wrong long before they'd reached the breach. She'd heard his scream through the Force and had nearly staggered under the weight and the pain from it.

By the time she'd found him the scene before her felt almost serene, which was wholly incongruous to the reality of it. Two others were fawning over Master Kenobi, but she only saw Anakin. And the Senator wrapped around him. Consoling him, holding his long and lithe frame...missing one of his limbs. His face is so pale, his body in such shock, she's surprised he's still upright. Her eyes narrow, murderously so, as she surveys the two of them. The jealousy is bitter in her throat. But the Senator is...just that. She has no place here and even if Keni herself had to participate in battle, she is still a Consular knight, a healer and Anakin falls under her care.

She strides like small thunder to present herself to them both, and with great care she gingerly wraps an arm around him, pulling him from the other woman's embrace. "You should report to one of the other healers, Senator. You wouldn't want your wounds to fester. Skywalker is in good hands now."

~Does my muse find your muse attractive~

When he was a child Keni's affection was entirely based on the fact that he seemed so lost and so lonely, so very out of place. She always hated the cruelty of the other children who thought themselves superior to him simply because they'd had the misfortune of being snatched away from their families sooner. It grew as they did. It became something no less protective but infinitely more attentive when they started maturing, and Keni began to notice exactly how he was growing into the man he would become. And then even that slowly began to change to, though she couldn't say when. But standing here in her quarters, turning her head over her shoulder to see him leaning in the doorway? Everything inside of her seizes up. She can drown in his eyes. There are entire other worlds that linger in those depths that she has never seen before. She wants to run her fingers through the burnished gold curls now lingering close to his shoulders like strangler vine. She wants to kiss the lips slowly drawing into a smile meant only for her. She swallows hard as her mouth has gone suddenly dry, sets down her brush. IloveyouIloveyouIloveyou.

"Anakin. I wasn't expecting to..."

She rises like a rogue wave and perhaps with as much grace spills across his chest when she finds herself beside him. Breathing him down into her lungs, every cell in her body joyful that he has returned, whole and with only a week long need to sleep. But even haggard, exhausted, utterly spent in every possible way, he is still beautiful. He is still Anakin. "Welcome home." ~Is my muse disgusted by yours~

"Incredibly, utterly, totally inedible." Her whisper is a breath, the words meant to impart the height of displeasure, though they carry none of it in their seductive tone. A specific sort of tease meant for no one else to hear. Arms wound up behind his neck, legs wrapped around his hips. Every thing soft about her body is gently pressed into his as though with enough desire they can transcend physical limitations and become literally one body with two souls. A moment later she gives lie to the feigned disgust by sealing her lips to his throat, a long leisurely lick of his skin, indulging in the texture, the warmth, and absolutely the taste of him. It has nothing to do with feigned cannibalism, not that she's sure it counts considering they are different species, but the little sounds the restrained affection draws out of him is worth every bit of the game.

~Would my muse go on a date with your muse~

If she were to be honest, Coruscant is an eyesore. More than that it is the thing from deepest nightmare, thousands of layers of ever increasing scar-tissue atop the body of a dead or dying world. There is no sun here. No real wind to speak of, no life giving waters. The only greenery that exists are the cultivated kind set aside only for the incredibly fortunate wealthy, and the Temple gardens which are necessary to help provide food. The light is as loud as the people, and since the day she stepped foot on this world, it has caused her a perpetually low-key anxiety that she cannot shake. She still has the occasional nightmare of her own world becoming like this if they let outsiders in.

The only soothing thing about it is being up here on the roof. Laying back and staring up at the skies, watching ships break atmosphere in one direction or another. Fingers laced in the small space between them. Listening to him spin stories of the places they will one day go see together that are nothing like this monstrosity. This is the only time they seem to have to be together unimpeded by things like Masters and politicians, ever increasing missions of importance. And she wouldn't trade it for anything, not even a glimpse of trees.

~Would my muse kiss yours~

They pass one another in the halls, and fingers brush accidentally against the other's before they continue one, each as silent as barren worlds. Contemplative hours give each of them the meaning of patience. During a mission briefing from Master Yoda, they sit opposite of one another in the semi-circle. A shared gaze perhaps no more than seconds before their field of vision is full of holo star maps and battalion formations. A meal taken in the dining hall together. A cup is lifted and sipped from. Set down. The other takes it up and has their own drink. They eat in silence. The water pouring down over them both, the small confines filled with breath-stealing steam. Her forearms brace against the wall. His lips find a particularly tender spot at the name of her neck and he whispers a term of endearment across her skin. He sits on the edge of the exam table, anxiety fluttering the tips of his fingers inside the sleeves of his robes. There's a thousand different things he could be doing. That he thinks he ought to be doing. That this isn't a necessity, and that is why she insists. Better to loose an hour for a thorough neurological scan than the alternative. And at least this way, he has a touch of privacy. She steps into the small space between his parted knees. She presses her mouth to the outside corner of his lips. There are a hundred ways to kiss someone that you aren't allowed to. There's a hundred intimacies that go unnoticed. Anakin and Melakeni know them all.

~Would my muse betray yours~ "You are distracted, my little apprentice." She raises her eyes to her Master's, and is once again reminded of darkest Nekotrig. Of the dozen superstitions, the most compelling being the tale of how having it's lack of light falling on a person would kill them. The same could be said of his glittering black gaze. "I am sorry, Master." He raises an infinitely sharp and deceptively delicate looking quadranium stiletto, tests it's heft then balances it perfectly on the tip of one long and elegant finger. The keenness of the double edge could slice a whisper in half, it's strength allowing for deeply penetrating injuries. A sentient could bleed out in a matter of seconds. "Is it the Skywalker boy? You two are very close...friends." She doesn't hesitate to lie. "I do not know what you mean, Master. He is merely my clan brother. And is often injured. Careless of him, I know." She is only grateful to the Living Force that she has no heartbeat to escalate and prove her falsehood, and it pains her to reduce Anakin to nothing more than someone inept at taking care of himself. But she knows better. One wrong word, one moment of her Master's displeasure and... Accidents happen, or so they say.

"Next time allow Offee to see to him. You cannot play nursemaid forever." She lowers her gaze so that she can squeeze her eyes shut without him noticing, the hood of her cloak offers what scant privacy that it can. She licks her lower lip. "Yes, master."

~My muse's favourite thing about yours is~

Everyone else could make an argument were it common knowledge of just how much Melakeni loves Anakin that it is because he is young, he is handsome, he is the Hero With No Fear. They could say it comes down to the brilliant blue of his eyes, or the way his smile lights up entire sectors. They could say it is because he is the perfect Jedi...strong, courageous, compassionate to a fault. And she would not be able to say any of these things are a lie. But that isn't why she does. She loves that he is a quiet spirit, sometimes too nervous inside of his own skin, sometimes too thoughtful by half. But it is because he is gentle and puts so much of himself aside for the good of others. He believes very much in what the Order was supposed to stand for that he'd risk life and limb at any moment to uphold that ideal. He is perfect because he isn't at all. He has very real emotions, strong and grounded in love. That kind of selflessness is not something the Order ever taught him. If anything that was something they'd hoped he'd grow out of, given time. But then again, the Order never quite understood him. They are gone now, shattered and broken as they tried to make him. What few of them who have survived now hide like animals, which is something Keni cannot bring herself to be upset about. She crosses the catwalk of the Executor soft as snowfall until she comes to rest at his side. Though her arms remain at her side, her Presence envelopes him with every ounce of love she possesses.

Come to bed, Za'lali. We have hours still before we arrive. ~The thing my muse dislikes about yours is~ She watches him agree to what Palpatine wheezes about and lowers her eyes demurely, not for a moment allowing the sneer to curve her lips and bare her teeth. Flesh crawls at the mere idea of rending him apart fang and claw. Everything inside of her seethes that the ancient Sith lord still draws breath, still holds his invisible chains around Anakin. Who accepts the snide comments made with a grace that even in the courts at home she could never hope to duplicate. The not-so-veiled threats, the constant goading of hands that belong nowhere near him much less stroking his arm, his back, wherever they like with impunity. She can see now that it is better that she be sent away for these kind of affairs. She wants to create a new ocean for Coruscant out of the blood she wishes to spill. She doesn't only because she does not wish to make things worse for him. And just maybe she cannot help but to be angry with him. It seems Anakin has finally learned patience.