#and by making the lives of the jedi in charge of him just that much more complicated

[ani-and-the-corries-au]

One of my favorite things about this au is that I get to learn into Anakin's feral gremlin side.

This kid grew up on an outer rim planet, in a really dodgy situation. He's not going to be like the temple raised Jedi

Said Jedi have become more or less accustomed to Anakin's traditional brand of nonsense, but last time he was trying to make a good impression, so while he was definitely different, it was more or less somewhat manageable.

At first, this was also true for young Anakin.

Then he found out about the millions of people they bought and all bets were off, and they were dealing with a tiny feral 10 year old who had completely lost any and all respect for anyone who was ranked Knight or higher. And almost the entire Senate.

Suddenly Coruscant was just a more fancy tatooine and every lesson his Mum and the elders taught him was suddenly very relevant again.

No one in the temple knows what to do with Anakin's very abrupt attitude change. But suddenly he's sneaking around under the noses of the cresh masters, hoarding food and sometimes medical supplies that he got from somewhere that randomly vanishes whenever they try to discuss it with him. (They're mostly for his trooper buddies, but the Jedi don't know that.) and generally avoiding interacting with anyone with authority to the point where they would sometimes not see him for days on end.

And the council are being pinned in by Skywalker nonsense on both sides, because adult Anakin in reeking havoc on the battlefield, and Child Anakin is reprogrammed their bots to rebel against their original programs, refusing to listen to the elder Jedi because "they're not his master." and spending half his time in the Senate doing who knows what.

#ani and the corries au #padawan anakin #anakin skywalker #child anakin skywalker #jedi #Baby Anakin is a gremlin child #anakin is a little shit #Anakin has a lot of anti jedi feelings #and he takes them out by being as petty as a ten year old can possibly be. #and by making the lives of the jedi in charge of him just that much more complicated

[menaceborn]

redeemed au ayru being put partly in charge of teaching clones infiltration techniques and shit... hand-to-hand and close quarters combat... spy shit

#*sprinkles in a bit of how-to-effectively-fight-force-sensitives and then later helps out the clones who want to defect* #i love my handful of redeemed AUs that live inside my head bc despite ayru being....... redeemed and the jedi order being a big part of tha #he would still refuse to outright be a jedi in any of those AUs #he will never (this goes for my main verse too) be what sheev intended for him to be but he also won't be what the jedi would want him to b #which is why i think the jedi/the republic would want to put him in charge of training clones as opposed to padawans. they don't want to #waste him as a resource (and they also want him where they can keep an eye on him) but despite not being Evil he's too rebellious #he still sees too much merit in the sith philosophy and regardless of how much merit he simultaneously sees in the jedi code and philosophy #that makes him too dangerous to have him wandering around the jedi temples for an extended period of time #but. given that the galaxy is at war he's just too valuable of an asset to not use #the jedi don't want him going around telling padawans that murder is alright but they don't care if he says it to the clones

[gatorbites-imagines]

Anakin flirting with m reader and ending making out? Pls

Anakin Skywalker x Male reader

Headcanons

You are a non-jedi general during the Clone wars, cuz yall lost focus and had a consensual workplace relationship.

This turned out a lot sweeter than i had planned ngl.

You were a general during the clone wars. You weren’t anything special, you couldn’t use the force, you weren’t from some rich or special background, your name didn’t carry any weight. The only gift you seemed to have, was your inability to be affected by the force. All in all, you weren’t anything to write home about.

Of course, that’s also what made you so damn useful in your role. No one kept an eye on you, everyone underestimated you, you could get away with so much because to most people in charge, you didn’t exist. You not being able to be manipulated by the force, also made you extremely skilled in what you did, without anyone seeming to notice.

Your feat of climbing the military ranks in leaps and bounds only got you mild acknowledgments, and a handful of attempted manipulations from some people in power. But when they realized you didn’t bend, but you weren’t important enough to get rid of, they left you alone.

At 22 you had reached the rank of senior general in the republic army, placing you above even a good chunk of the jedi you fought against, which was also why you had been placed with the 501st, to apparently teach their general the basics.

Anakin and Obi-Wan had both been unsettled by the fact that they couldn’t sense you in the force the first time you met. Every being, even the nonliving, had a presence. But you didn’t. it was like you didn’t exist.

That took quite some time to get used too, especially to someone as force sensitive as Anakin. But over time you two started getting along, and though it took him some time and a lot of grumbling, Anakin did learn quite a lot from you.

The flirting had been subtle in the beginning, or as subtle as Anakin could be. From getting your help on reports and readings he just “couldn’t understand”, to getting you to help him stretch after he had spent hours going through his katas.

You weren’t oblivious, you couldn’t be with the life you lived, so of course you noticed his attempts at flirting. It was endearing in a way. To see someone who was supposed to have no connection to people like that, seem so drawn to you.

It also left you feeling uneasy in a way, as you had never really had much time to relationships or even flirting for that matter, having spent all these years making something of yourself.

Alongside the flirting you two became good friends, and you had even signed yourself up to stay with his platoon, even when your training was done. This was also where you learned he had had a thing with Padme, but they realized they were better as friends a while ago.

When you shared your own lack of experience, it seemed to boost some of Anakin’s confidence, seeing as you both were on new ground. And like with anything else, he took to it with gusto.

The fact that you never turned him down or rejected him, sometimes even laughing and playing along, only made Anakin try even harder. It was cute, to see him trying his best to woo you in a subtle and less noticeable way, seeing as he was still a jedi and it wasn’t actually allowed.

The 501st knew though. Of course they knew, and when Ahsoka came around she figured it out very fast, and she most likely took up the role as hype man and background support.

Your flirting became part of your dynamic, it was just something that you two did, which to outsiders was just seen as banter to keep the spirits up.

It also didn’t go past flirting for a long time, seeing as you guys were always surrounded by people. And being besides Anakin didn’t let you slip into the shadows like you were used too, since he would glow so brightly.

The need for privacy was what had you two slinking off to the side during one of the nights in camp, the platoon having settled down on a planet and waiting for their next orders. Anakin and you had decided to wander off, settling somewhere nearby, but far enough away to get some time alone together.

There might also have been a bottle of alcohol in your coat. It was nowhere near enough to get either of you drunk, especially with the force helping clear it out of Anakin’s system quicker than average folk. But it was enough to loosen up and get comfortable.

Your normal banter of flirting was constant, but as the buzz settled it became something softer and somehow hotter, the feelings growing thick in the air and noticeable enough that even you, who was as force sensitive as a rock if not lesser, could sense it.

Anakin must have made some corny pass at you, that cocky grin on his lips and his hair brushed back and out of his face, letting you truly see his handsome features. Something came over you, later you would blame the force, but it just felt right.

Leaning in and closing the gap between you seemed to have shocked Anakin, his eyes wide before he seemingly melted against you, arms wrapping around your neck and torso and pulling you even closer.

The kiss was far from the most skilled or pleasant, but your shared lack of experience was fully made up for by enthusiasm.

Anakin would pant and grunt as the kiss turned steamier, lips parting and tongues rubbing together, spit gathering at the edges of your mouths and a line of drool running down his chin. His eyes were shut tightly in concentration, his brows furrowed and hands grasping as your coat.

You had no idea how long you two were laying there, kissing like two lovesick fools from some romance novel. Hands were grasping and exploring, but never going further than that. Now wasn’t the time to go any wilder than what you were doing, but the possibility of it was enough to make the kiss even better.

When you pulled away, Anakin leaned after you with a soft noise, bottom lip pouting out and red from the insistent kissing, his eyes cracking open to look at you with the softest look you had ever seen from him.

“Not all of us can hold our breath for hours” you snarked with a soft chuckle, since you knew he could, thanks to the force. Your jedi grumbled, but tucked his head under your chin, still clutching you close and brushing his lips against your neck.

Neither of you spoke for a while, just holding onto each other. You found yourself brushing your fingers through his hair, Anakin almost arching into the touch like an affection starved tooka, a sight that only made you smile more.

“I like you a lot” he mumbled, glancing up at you through his lashes with that insistent determined, but somehow still soft and warm look in his eyes. Just seeing him like that made you wanna kiss him again, to devour him whole.

“I think I like you too” you replied, an upwards tick to your lips as you pulled him close again. Even without the ability to feel the force, you could still feel it flare, like the sun rising in the morning. It would be no surprise if Ahsoka knew exactly what had happened, and the padawan would be confronting you guys about it later.

But right now all that mattered was laying there with Anakin, and maybe stealing a couple more of those deep insistent and longing kisses, since he sounded so pretty when you did. You guys could deal with everything else later.

#male reader #star wars #anakin skywalker #star wars clone wars #star wars imagine #star wars headcanon #star wars x male reader #star wars x reader #anakin skywalker imagine #anakin skywalker headcanon #anakin skywalker x male reader #anakin skywalker x reader #star wars clone wars imagine #star wars clone wars headcanon #star wars clone wars x male reader #star wars clone wars x reader #clone wars #clone wars imagine #clone wars headcanon #clone wars x male reader #clone wars x reader

[phoenixyfriend]

Post-O66 Mace going into hiding as a pirate with a crew like Hondo's, is that anything?

I got a bunch of input on discord. Calling this one:

A bunch of pirates, a Jedi Master on the run, and a traumatized twelve-year-old.

Kicking off with a key part of it all is @atagotiak (Tia):

He’s annoying because he’s such a stick in the mud (by which I mean it’s rather inconvenient for a pirate crew when the new recruit has morals and stuff) But he’s too valuable to get rid of, due to having all that experience with administration

I am enamored with the idea of Mace's main job being just. Pirate Admin.

Mace: So this is what I am reduced to. Aiding and abetting… in tax evasion. Hondo: And piracy. Mace: The tax evasion is a bigger hit to my pride.

Tia:

The pirates are annoyed that despite him stopping them from going through with the more immoral (and lucrative) plans they’re still making more money than before

Pirates: How are we making more money now-- Mace: Have you heard of a budget.

@jebiknights (knights):

okay but traditionally pirate ships have a quarter master who is high ranking, in charge of the bounty of every prize and therefore in charge of dividing everything up fairly like that could work really well lmaooo

The crew runs into Obi-Wan during the Leia incident and it's just time for "I can explain" on both ends.

Tia:

Hey, d’you think the pirates go after force sensitives? Mace managed to talk them into recruitment and/or relocation instead of selling to the empire. (And that’s another thing that could possibly have worked out better for them than the immoral option (not least because the empire doesn’t really treat its allies well)) Obi-Wan: and how are you dealing with Hondo’s… nonsense? Mace: eh, it’s not like he’s any worse than you or Yoda. (Mace is probably just messing with Obi-Wan. Probably)

Also I'm thinking that one of those initiates that Hondo let go(?) that one time finds them because a pirate might be likely to sell them out but they're demonstrably competent at evading arrest, so maybe-

And that's how Mace ends up with another padawan. Maybe Katooni.

@dracothulhu:

Hondo would put him in so many stupid costumes

knights:

i also just realized that mace loses both of his hands in rots..... hondo tries to convince him at least one of said hands should be a hook or a lightsaber

Tia:

Probably deliberately playing straight man about it. He doesn’t care about dignity that much, but there’s benefits to exaggerate how humiliating he finds it Hey, y’know what’s piratical? Eyepatches

[vibrates in response to baiting for Nick Fury jokes] Love it

Tia:

I do think as much as jokes about Samuel L Jackson’s other roles are fun, pirate Mace shouldn’t swear much, even after becoming acclimated to pirate life.

knights:

also i agree i think pirate mace shouldnt swear much, he should get to use his classically trained acting chops and give dramatic speeches like hes the love interest in a pirate romance novel hondo is swooning in the background .... nixy im about ready to start crack shipping them bc of this dammit this is going to pick at my brain isnt it dhgisrjgser (pirate mace not the hondo/mace part) honestly the funniest thing is that mace would probably really enjoy being a pirate after all of the beauracracy he had to deal with in the senate during the war. things are much more simple even if everyone drives him nuts lol listen mace didn't intend to get directly involved in the actual like heists probably, he is there to lay low and also to keep the ship organized and make sure hondo doesnt blow all their money on booze and "investments", but then hondo's dumbass probably gets in over his head along with his first mate and some other crew members and mace is starting to like the life hes living esp bc he is still able to help people on the Path in between thievery and tax evasion, so he goes to rescue them and is like... what am i supposed to do i am too recognizable i am supposed to be dead and puts on a disguise and just goes for it

Another thing Mace is good at is contracts He is. Painfully good at it. He doesn't enjoy it, but watching Hondo draft up a contract is almost painful. (Hondo is smart at this. He's clever. He's experienced. But he didn't take multiple classes on contract law.)

Tia:

Hondo never seemed especially book smart, and he never made a promise he hadn’t at least considered breaking so contracts would be a weak point for him

#Hondo Ohnaka #Mace Windu #Katooni #Obi Wan Kenobi #pirate au #star wars #the clone wars #post o66 #phoenix posts #mohdaka

[amadwinter]

AgriCorps Obi-Wan who always seems to get into trouble. No matter how peaceful a far-off planet seems to be, whenever Obi-Wan Kenobi is assigned to assist, somehow he ends up inciting a rebellion or uncovering assassination plots right and left. The Jedi Council finds this as troublesome as they privately do amusing

In what Obi-Wan assumes is a punishment for his most recent misadventure (but is actually an attempt to see if someone can actually make a meaningful difference outside of the usual processes), Obi-Wan is given an impossible task. As a part of a treaty with the Hutts over a hyperspace lane at the start of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan is sent to Tatooine of all places where getting anything to grow is the futile effort of a lifetime.

A large part of his work involves spending time with moisture farmers to learn the lay of the land and how best to work with the local populace. He's in charge of a survey team, but experience has taught him that very little can be accomplished without the cooperation of those who already live on the planet.

And that's how he meets Anakin Skywalker, the best mechanic in Hutt Space, and the leader of a burgeoning slave rebellion. He doesn't seem like much more than regular moisture farmer, but the Force guiding him, Obi-Wan knows that Anakin is someone truly special.

Or perhaps that's just lust talking, because Anakin is stunning in more than just an intellectual manner.

#palps gets eaten by the zillo beast and dooku gets murdered by ventress #the war ends and eventually the jedi turn their attentions back to smaller matters #“now where has obi-wan gotten off to?” #“oh. he's unionized tatooine.” #“let's just keep looking the other way.” #just picturing anakin using his husband's garden lab to strategize #because of course they end up married. anakin insists. #obikin #random ideas #what my brain produces when i'm trying to procrastinate writing

[lovelybucky1]

fuckboy!anakin headcanons

masterlist

warnings: gender neutral reader, fuckboy!anakin, dom/sub dynamics, power play, authority kink, light degradation and humiliation

you know how he is. everyone does. cocky, arrogant, self righteous. he thinks he’s better than everyone else just because he’s the chosen one and because he’s master obi wan’s padawan

he is the jedi oder’s golden boy, and every mistake he makes is quickly forgiven and forgotten. he receives constant praise for his power and skills and it has inflated his ego to the point where he can barely fit through the door

his go to pickup line is that he’s the chosen one. everyone loves jedi to begin with, but the chance to sleep with the most powerful jedi who’s ever lived? who could pass that up

anakin pulls more than he knows what to do with. he rarely sleeps alone unless he wants to, even when he’s stationed on various planets during the war

he’s so charming with his grins and smirks, his height and lean, toned muscles underneath his thick robes that draw the eye. even his metal hand, sleek and shiny, makes him more attractive

he is a selfish lover, preferring to receive rather than give, but that’s to be expected by his attitude. he thinks he is the force’s gift to the galaxy and he expects to be served that way

he loves to be above his partners, physically domineering them. he wants you to be on your knees for him, at his feet, looking up like a servant before your king

the jedi order prohibits him from seeking any true power over others, but in the confines of his bedroom (or bathroom, or storage closet, or wherever else he decides to take you), he is in charge and his word is law

he’s had a few casual partners. certainly not dating, maybe not even romantic in nature. just a few creatures in need of guidance and pleasure given by his firm hand.

it does wonders for his ego, and as much as you hate to feed it, you cant deny how good the results are

#star wars #anakin #anakin skywalker #anakin skywalker x reader #anakin x reader #anakin skywalker smut #anakin skywalker fanfiction #star wars fanfic #star wars fanfiction #star wars smut #star wars headcanons

[dystopicjumpsuit]

Double, Double Boil and Trouble - Part 5

A/N: This is part 5 my fic for the @rare-clone-fic-exchange, which I wrote for @goblininawig. The story takes place in a shared continuity with Stars Beyond Number, Martyrs and Kings, and “Do It Again,” but it stands alone and can be read independently of those fics.

Pairing: Clone Trooper Boil x Reader (GN, has hair; reader practices tasseomancy/reads tea leaves) 

Rating: M (mature content intended for readers 18+; minors DNI)

Wordcount: 3.1K

Warnings and tags: mysticism; angst; fluff; mild critique of the Jedi Order (but no Jedi hate); fade-to-black sensuality; implied oral sex; ritualistic drug use; a description of being high on hallucinogens/psychedelics

Obligatory disclaimer: Please don’t use this as a how-to guide for or endorsement of drug use, because 1. it’s inaccurate to the real world, and 2. depending on your location, ThAt WOuld Be ILlEGal. This is a Wendy’s fanfic.

Summary: Boil is willing to do what it takes to get answers about Waxer.

Suggested Listening:

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Masterlist | Sign up for my tag list

“You sure this won’t make me pop positive if I get tested?” Boil asked, eyeing the tin of tea warily.

“Completely. You have two rotations left of shore leave, and this will be out of your system in twenty-four hours.”

You spoke with certainty, and Boil felt some of his doubts ease. He picked up the tin and removed the lid, giving the tea a curious sniff. It didn’t smell like much; just faintly earthy and vegetal. 

“So how does it work?”

“You brew it and drink it, just like regular tea,” you replied. “After a few minutes, you start to feel the effects.”

“And what do the effects feel like?” He set the tea tin down and took a bite of his breakfast.

“Nothing much at first,” you replied. “But when it hits, you’ll know. Everything will look a little clearer and brighter. Food will taste a little better. Everyday things will start to seem really, really interesting. People will be prettier and funnier and smarter.”

“That just sounds like a couple shots of Cheedoan whiskey,” Boil observed.

“Oh, somebody’s fancy,” you teased. “I didn’t realize I was in the presence of royalty.”

He laughed and tossed his crumpled napkin at you, mostly for the fun of seeing you shudder and flick it away with a revolted expression. “The general bought a round for Ghost Company one time.”

“I hope he charged it to the Jedi Order,” you laughed. “Do Jedi get paid?”

“Search me,” he shrugged. “Clones don’t.”

You grimaced. “I know. Kriffing banthashit, is what that is.”

It didn’t change a thing, but Boil still felt a little better knowing you weren’t as complacent as the rest of the galaxy seemed to be about the clone troopers’ situation. 

“So what makes this tea any different from a decent buzz?” he asked.

“That would be the visual hallucinations,” you replied with a cheeky grin.

He eyed you curiously. “I take it you’ve done this before.”

“A few times,” you nodded. “It can be pretty fun. You haven’t lived until you’ve watched the Eye of Aldhani—you know what, never mind.”

He laughed. “What about the ritual part?”

“It’s a little different. The dosage is higher, so the effects are more intense.” You hesitated a moment before adding, “There’s another element to it as well.”

“What’s that?”

“Force sensitivity,” you replied bluntly. “You need to either be able to wield the Force yourself, or have a strong connection with someone who can.”

He nodded, recalling a detail you’d told him months ago. “And your grandmother taught you to wield it? Why didn’t she send you to the Jedi for training?”

“Our world isn’t part of the Republic,” you explained. “The Jedi order has no jurisdiction that far out in Wild Space, and to be frank, we prefer it that way. They mind their own business, and we mind our own.”

Boil pondered your response quietly, noticing the strained expression in your eyes, and he remembered that you tried to stay off the Jedi’s scopes. “You don’t have to tell me if you’d rather not talk about it.”

You gave him a grateful look and replied, “It’s all right. It’s not a secret or anything. It’s just…” You paused and took a deep breath before continuing. “We do things our own way. And when someone is born with the Sight—the Force—we train them in our own way, too. It doesn’t happen often, and there weren’t many elders with the Sight left by the time I was born. Gran took on my training, but I was only fifteen when she passed.”

Boil gazed steadily at you, feeling a deep sense of foreboding. “What happened?”

“I came to Coruscant, hoping the Jedi could help me. I scraped together everything I had in the galaxy to pay for the trip. But when I went to the temple, they said it was too dangerous to train someone who’d been ‘corrupted.’” The word came out harshly, as though it tasted bitter on your tongue. “They sent me away. Said I would be better off knowing nothing of the Force.”

Boil was horrified. “But you were just a kid!”

“Yeah,” you replied grimly. “I grew up pretty fast after that.”

He didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t imagine most of the Jedi he’d met ever treating a child with such callousness, but he and his fellow clones knew better than anyone that the Jedi order contained all sorts of beings, ranging from those who were kind and wise like General Kenobi, all the way to monsters like that kriffing traitor, Pong Krell.

“I’m sorry,” he said at last, feeling the inadequacy of his words. “I didn’t know.”

“It’s all right,” you replied. “I’m older and wiser now, and I realize I probably wouldn’t have been the best fit in the Order. And I’ve picked up quite a bit of knowledge since then—especially since I met Tas. There are more paths to the Force than people think.”

The conversation had strayed into territory that was wholly unfamiliar to Boil, so he was relieved when your serious expression faded and the usual glint of humor returned to your eyes. “Lucky for you, I know what I’m doing.”

He smiled, content to let you steer the topic back to the ritual. “So when you say we need a strong connection, how strong are we talkin’?”

“It requires a very high level of trust. We will have to lower our mental defenses enough to allow each other in. When I’ve done it in the past, it was with people I was very close to—people I had known for years.”

“So you don’t do this for every trooper you bewitch?” he asked.

You grinned. “Actually, yes. After tonight, I will have done this for every single trooper I’ve bewitched. One-hundred percent success rate. Hopefully.”

“So what happens if our connection isn’t strong enough?”

Your smile faltered slightly. “Nothing. We’ll have a hell of a trip, and tomorrow we can thank the Force that it wasn’t our money that got wasted on the tea.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” he said. “When should we do it?”

“We’ll need a few hours of uninterrupted privacy, so we’ll want to wait until I get off work tonight,” you replied. “It’ll be about half an hour before you start to feel the effects, and then we’ll begin the ceremony.”

“That sounds ominous,” he laughed. “Is there a blood sacrifice, or is that only on Centaxdays?”

“You know, I’m fresh out of sacrificial victims, so we’ll have to skip it this time.”

Your eyes sparkled, and he inhaled softly, stunned by how beautiful they were when you looked at him with that mischievous expression. Not that he would tell you that, obviously. What was he supposed to say?

You have the sweetest eyes in the galaxy.

I’ve never kissed anyone with such perfect lips.

The last two weeks have been the best of my life.

When I’m with you, I feel like everything is easier.

I don’t want to leave.

Please. He wasn’t a total sap.

“Cutting corners?” he asked instead, a hint of a taunt in his tone. “And here I thought I’d get special boyfriend privileges.”

He watched for your reaction out of the corner of his eye, and he didn’t miss the way you bit your lip to keep from smiling.

“Oh, you get boyfriend privileges,” you replied. “Door keycode, toothbrush, unlimited conservator access, your very own caf mug… And other things.”

He grinned, moving closer and sliding his hand around your waist, easing his fingers inside your ridiculous bathrobe to caress the bare skin of your hip.

“What other things?” he murmured in your ear, nipping the skin of your neck softly.

Kriff, you taste delicious.

“Ten percent discount on readings,” you replied.

“Ten percent?” he whispered, trailing kisses down your neck to your shoulder as he untied the sash of your robe and brushed his fingers lower on your body. “You can do better than that.”

“F—five percent,” you stammered in a gratifyingly breathy voice. “That’ll teach you not to haggle.”

“Mm,” he hummed as he worked his mouth down your torso, dropping slowly to his knees in front of you. “Maybe we could work out a barter system. I’m sure I could provide some services you might find appealing.”

Your only response was a broken whimper as he took you with his mouth, gripping your hips and then sliding his hands back to cup your ass and pull you against his face.

Maker, I could worship you forever. I don’t want to leave.

Boil would rather die than admit he was nervous. For kark’s sake, he faced off against entire divisions of battle droids on a daily basis; how intimidating could a cup of tea possibly be? Besides, you seemed perfectly comfortable as you brewed the tea and lit a stick of incense, and there was no way he’d let you see him blink. He was a soldier of the Republic, and he wasn’t afraid of anything.

Still, some of his definitely-not-nervousness must have shown on his face, because you gave his arm an encouraging little touch as you walked past him into the living area. He watched as you pulled all the throw pillows off the sofa and your bed and piled them on the floor to make a soft, chaotic nest, and then you dimmed the lights. Your flat had already taken on a strange, mystical air, and he hadn’t even tasted a sip of the tea yet.

He watched curiously as you placed colorful stones in all the windowsills and doorways of your flat.

“What are those for?” he asked.

“Just making sure the only spirits that show up are the ones we want,” you replied with a lopsided grin, but the look in your eyes made him think you were deadly serious. “Nothing to worry about.”

He blinked. So I guess that’s definitely something to worry about.

“I’m not gonna get haunted by this, am I?” he asked, aiming for a casual tone and not quite nailing it.

“Definitely not!” you replied, before adding under your breath, “... probably.”

“Probably?”

“I’m ninety percent sure,” you reassured him. “Eighty-three percent sure.”

“Are you kriffing with me, or are you serious?” he demanded.

You laughed. “I’m kriffing with you. You definitely, probably won’t get haunted, and even if you do, Tas has a banishing spell that’ll get rid of anything.”

“You know you’re not exactly inspiring confidence, right?”

Your only response was a playful smile that made him want to kiss you until you forgot your own name, so he did. He caught you by the hand and hauled you into his arms, threading his fingers through your hair as he kissed you again and again.

“Could you be serious for ten seconds?” he murmured between kisses. 

“No promises.” You flicked your tongue against the corner of his lips, and he nearly called off the entire operation and tossed you onto the bed on the spot.

With a rather impressive display of self control—if he did say so himself—he pulled away slightly and asked, “Are the walls of the Venator going to start weeping blood if I do this?”

“Oh, almost certainly not,” you replied. “Maybe just a droplet or two on the refresher mirrors…”

He stared into your eyes for a moment, then let out a reluctant laugh, dropping his forehead to rest against your shoulder. You wrapped your hand around the back of his head and pressed your lips against his temple.

“We don’t have to do any of this if you don’t want to,” you said quietly.

His arms tightened around you as he inhaled deeply, trying to memorize your exact scent. “No. I want to know. I need to know.”

You held him silently for a moment, and then you nodded. “If you’re sure, then everything is ready.”

“I’m sure,” he said, pulling back just far enough to look into your eyes. “Let’s do this.”

“Okay.” You held him tightly for another moment, then broke away to retrieve the two mugs of tea from the kitchen. You passed one to him, then tapped your own against it. “Bottoms up, Buttercup.”

Boil was expecting the concoction to taste awful: bitter and sinister, maybe with a hint of brimstone. In reality, it was actually pretty good. It was smooth, a little spicy, and sweetened with honey, and he drained the cup without complaint. He waited expectantly, but nothing happened.

“Now what?” he asked.

“Now we watch an episode of It’s Always Sunny on Abafar and wait for it to kick in,” you replied, glancing down into the mug to quickly scan the leaves the way he’d noticed you do every time you finished a cup of tea.

Whatever you saw must not have been too terrible, given that you didn’t immediately cancel the evening’s activities. He shrugged and moved to the sofa, pulling you down with him as you turned on the holoscreen. He didn’t think he’d ever get used to the luxury of being able to watch whatever he wanted, any time he pleased. Not to mention that your sofa, shabby as it was, was quite possibly the most comfortable piece of furniture in the galaxy—particularly with your head resting on his shoulder and your body tucked in close to his own as he curled around you. 

“Don’t fall asleep on me,” you warned, nudging him with your elbow. 

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he lied.

The episode failed to hold his attention, and his mind and hands began to wander. He traced his fingertips over your shoulder and down your bare arm, around your wrist and back up again, enjoying the smooth warmth of your skin. He’d never touched shimmersilk in his life, but he would have bet a month of rations that your skin was softer. Eventually, he draped his arm around your waist and began to play with the hem of your shirt, tugging it up to expose your abdomen.

“Don’t even think about it,” you said, resting your hand over his. “There’s no way in hell I’m going there on your first trip.”

“Even if I want to?” he murmured, kissing the back of your neck.

“Nope. Besides, we’re not just doing this for fun, remember?” You rolled over to face him.

“Fine. Maybe next time.” He rested his forehead against yours, stroking your cheek softly as he gazed into your eyes. “Your pupils are huge.”

You snorted a laugh. “Seems like the tea is working. Shall we get started?”

He nodded. “What do we do?”

“I have bad news,” you said gravely. “We’re going to have to break the cuddle.”

“Not the cuddle!” he gasped in horror.

“I’m afraid so.”

He grumbled, but begrudgingly disentangled his limbs from yours. As he sat up, the room seemed to sway slightly, almost as if the entire building were floating in water. He didn’t want to alarm you, so he didn’t mention that the pattern on your wallpaper was definitely, absolutely, one-hundred percent coming to life. The designs gyrated and churned in a nauseating swirl, and he tore his eyes away from it, determined not to abort the mission for a reason as pitiful as tea-induced motion sickness.

He followed you silently to the nest of cushions you’d arranged on the floor, sitting opposite you with his legs crisscrossed. You scooted forward until your knees touched his, and you took his hands, holding them in a loose grip. He stroked his thumb over your palm, and the smile you gave him in return made him forget all about the wallpaper.

“Close your eyes,” you said softly, “and take a slow breath, all the way down to the bottom of your lungs.”

He did as you said, and as he exhaled gradually, he felt his stomach settle and the tension drain out of his shoulders. The pair of you repeated the exercise a few times, and then you asked him to focus on keeping his breath smooth and even. He was starting to feel incredibly relaxed and drowsy, and only his promise not to fall asleep kept him from drifting off.

“Think of somewhere you felt safe and happy,” you said in a low voice. “Picture it in your mind.”

Here. With you. 

“Do you see it?” you asked.

“Yes,” he whispered, envisioning your cozy, colorful little flat as clearly as though he had opened his eyes. 

He was alone in his mental version of the flat, and he took a moment to look around. It was tidier in his mind, with the nest of cushions all put back where they belonged, and no telltale pastry crumbs on the kitchen counter. But aside from that, it was the same, filled with signs of you—the eclectic jumble of teacups on your kitchen shelf; the colorful array of robes hanging on hooks on the wall; the vibrant collection of thrifted art hanging on the walls. It even smelled like your scent. The only thing missing was—

Knock knock.

He turned toward the door in his mind, and then he was standing in front of it without ever having moved his feet. He leaned in to look through the peephole—wait, your door has a holoscreen. The image in his mind warped, and suddenly the holoscreen appeared. You stood outside in the hallway, waiting.

“Will you let me in?” you asked quietly.

Your lips didn’t move in the vision of you he saw within his mind, and he realized you’d spoken the words aloud.

“Yes,” he replied, opening the door.

As you stepped inside, your gaze flicked around the flat, and your breath caught. Too late, Boil realized he’d revealed far more than he intended. He swallowed nervously, bracing himself for your mockery now that you had witnessed the true depth of his feelings for you. 

When you looked at him, though, there was no trace of ridicule in your eyes. You stepped closer and took his hand in yours, and as you did, he felt the soft pressure of a gentle, reassuring squeeze on his physical hands. To his relief, that was the only acknowledgment, though he had a feeling the two of you would be having a long conversation once the effects of the tea had worn off.

“Are you ready?” you asked, and somehow, he knew you’d asked the question directly to his mind.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied without speaking.

You smiled. “In that case, I’d like you to meet someone.”

Your gaze shifted to a point over his shoulder, and he turned slowly. A stranger stood behind him, ancient and wrinkled, with eyes that somehow seemed very familiar and very, very kind. A faint blue glow emanated from her, and though she seemed solid enough, Boil had the distinct feeling that if he were to open his eyes, he’d see nothing but you, sitting across from him in a nest of cushions.

“Is this the boy you told me about?” she asked, inspecting him closely.

“Yes,” you replied. “Gran, I’d like you to meet Boil.”

#clone trooper boil #clone trooper boil x reader #boil x reader #gn reader #star wars #the clone wars #star wars fanfic #tcw fanfic #dystopicjumpsuit writes

[satureja13]

Ji Ho and Jack set up a hot tub to heal Jack's pain so he can avoid the Temple and to free Jack from Kiyoshi's 'demonic influence' (that's how Jack calls it at least...)

Jack: "Let's jump right in and let the healing begin!" But Ji Ho hesitated. Of course he felt how hurt Vlad was when he saw him massaging Jack.

Jack: "Oh my, he really has a thin skin when it comes to you. Alright, I'll call him to join us."

Vlad's room is right nearby. Jack: "Vlad! Come over!" (Vlad was just playing 'Sims Forever'. Also with a hot tub scene! This game!)

As always, it's awkward.

For both of them. But what a stunning view they have from here!

The last time they'd been in a hot tub together is over a year ago. It was at the Temple in Mount Komorebi when Kiyoshi prepared them before they tightened their bond.

And they also still remember that embarrassing incident at the Tavern when Vlad attacked Ji Ho after he found him in the hot tub together with Jeb...

Vlad undressed and Ji Ho lowered his gaze omg. After all the times they'd seen each other naked ^^'

Jack tries to nudge them: "Let's change places." Ji Ho: "Ok."

Jack: "You could give Vlad a massage. You haven't charged the Bond for a while." ('Subtle' is not Jack's middle name hahaha). Vlad: "What? No!" (We all know what Ji Ho's massages do to Vlad...)

Jack: "I'll close my eyes ;)" As if this makes it less awkward ^^' Vlad is even more comfortable when Jack is around because he feels so lost when he's alone with Ji Ho.

Ji Ho: "Turn around." Vlad: "Um - ok."

Of course Jack didn't keep his eyes closed ^^'

He thinks of the time he's been in a hot tub together with Kiyoshi at the Jedi Temple... (Omg Jack, how are you supposed to heal if you can't get over Kiyoshi! But healing is a rocky, winding road. A back and forth. And even if you think you've made no progress at all by going one step forward and two steps back. You do.)

'I've kept it inside much too long There's no relief Carry it around just like a stone Too heavy for me I have paid the price of standing On the outside looking in

It's time to let the healing begin

A boy is strung out he's going through hell His mother weeps His spirit is broken and there's nothing left Just a terrible need And the days are marked by the heaviness of the heart It never mends Until the healing begins

And the tension prowels the streets like an animal The people stay behind their locks and chains It's a shame When so many are trying their best to live as one And the smoke from the fires covers up the sun

A young girl is lying in the dirt Her dreams ended there Caught in the crossfire on somebody's turf Hatred in the air

It's a voice that never sings A winter without the spring It never ends Time to let the healing begin'

Joe Cocker - Let the healing begin (Link above leads to the MV on youtube. It's such an amazing song and the MV is worth a watch. He sings about his painful past.)

From the Beginning  ~  Underwater Love ~  Latest 🛺 'Home happy Home' from the beginning ▶️ here 📚 Previous Chapters: Chapters: 1-6 ~ 7-12 ~ 13-16 ~ 17-22 ~ 23-28

#home happy home #underwater love #The Crappy Home #healing jack #sims 4 for rent #for rent #jack callahan #vladimir tepesz #woo ji ho #ts4 #sims 4 vanilla #show us your sims #tomarang #Spotify #the sims 4 for rent #sims #sims 4 story #simlit

[celestial-specter]

Here I am again, for more in-depth analysis of The Bad Batch!!

Here you go, @skellymom :))

Aftermath’s battle simulation: How one scene reintroduces us to Clone Force 99, and possibly foreshadows later events in the series.

(Part 2)

As the simulation begins, Hunter orders Crosshair to ‘take the towers.’ Crosshair is thus the first to split off from the rest of the group, quickly climbing one of the towers. As I discussed in part 1, the higher levels in this scene represent the empire. To explain this idea further in reference to the towers themselves, in literature, towers have been used to represent strength, success, and power - all things which Crosshair personally craves. With all this in mind, this movement provides an early indication of Crosshair’s upcoming departure to climb the ranks of the empire. The climb itself is treacherous with no equipment, but Crosshair manages it with ease, quickly reaching the top level - just as he manages to rise to the level of Commander of his new imperial squad.

Once in position, Crosshair makes quick work of shooting and disabling the four towers. I have thought through several interpretations of what these four towers could represent, but my two personal favorites are:

The towers are a representation of Crosshair’s relationships with his four brothers; his disabling attack on each tower shows the severance of his ties to each brother.

The towers have a much more literal meaning, representing the four members of his own imperial squad that Crosshair later kills on this same training ground.

Meanwhile, at Hunter’s order, the rest of the squad push further into the training ground, leaving Crosshair behind on the tower.

When the battle seems to be taking ‘too long,’ Wrecker charges in alone to take down the droids, unconcerned about the danger to himself. Tech does briefly reach out to stop him, but then does not seem to be worried for his brother either, rolling his eyes as he watches from behind the barrier. While we do not see the reactions of the others during this moment, I assume they also were largely passive towards Wrecker’s antics. To me, this carefree attitude is similar in tone to the first few episodes of the series, in which the batch remain largely unaware of the danger they are in from the empire, and Wrecker begins exhibiting symptoms of his inhibitor chip activating. They remain unaware of this huge risk until the episode Battle Scars, in which Rex reveals the truth about the chips.

The composition of the shot in which Wrecker asks Tarkin for more droids to battle is also interesting - Wrecker is naturally larger than the rest of his squad due to his strength-based enhancements, and most shots we see of him are composed to enhance his size (e.g. placing him beside much smaller characters such as Omega). As far as I am aware, this is the only shot we have seen which purposely makes Wrecker look physically small - the height from which Tarkin is viewing him at does most of the work, but this is furthered by none of his brothers being beside him for comparison.

Tarkin himself is not a man of physically imposing stature - this is made obvious when the audience sees him beside the Kaminoans. So, the framing of this shot, with Tarkin appearing to be much bigger than Wrecker, makes the usually giant clone appear almost… doll like.

This shot, as seen below, could be interpreted simply as Tarkin looking down on all clones, viewing them as unworthy of service in the new empire. While I agree this is definitely relevant, I believe it is only a piece of a larger problem. Even in the time of the Republic, many nat-born officers viewed clones simply as cannon-fodder - as in, they were created and thus, expected, to die for their army. But, as we saw in The Clone Wars, many Jedi formed close bonds with their clone battalions, and were instrumental in the clones forming their own identities outside of their lives as soldiers.

Now, with the Jedi order destroyed, imperial officers such as Tarkin, and later Hemlock, are free to treat clones as they wish; simply as toys to be played with for their own entertainment, and to be discarded as soon as they are no longer useful.

When Tarkin then orders the use of live rounds, Wrecker encounters a force even stronger than himself, which the audience can see takes him by surprise. This definitively foreshadows the activation of Wrecker’s inhibitor chip - as the ‘muscle’ of the team, it is likely rare he ever encountered an opponent he couldn’t fight off before, and yet both here, and on Bracca, he was caught off guard and suffered as a result.

When Wrecker is shot by the droid in his right shoulder and flung to the ground, it is Tech who puts himself at risk to move from behind the barrier and drag Wrecker out of danger. This mirrors how he is the first member of the squad and the most at risk of physical harm when Wrecker’s chip first activates. Interestingly, Wrecker is shot in the exact same place that Crosshair later shoots him in during their standoff in the hangar. As Wrecker would be viewed by many as the heart of the squad, having him end up injured in both of these scenarios is a good way to highlight that these moments are strong emotional turning points for the batch and their story.

Seeing that his brothers are now in active danger, Crosshair begins to shoot the new droids firing live rounds, still in his position atop the tower. When the droids then turn their attention on him, the shots they fire damage the tower Crosshair is standing upon. He abandons his post, hanging precariously over the edge of the tower for a moment before sliding down to the ground level. These moments could reference Crosshair realization that the empire does not care about any of the clones, leading to his decision to shoot Lieutenant Nolan, thus abandoning his imperial service and falling back to the very same low societal level that he began with, and that his brothers still occupy.

Once back on the ground, Crosshair returns to Echo and Hunter, but they immediately must move behind a barrier to avoid being shot. Pinned down, Crosshair’s sarcastic commentary during this moment shows he is beginning to lose faith in their ability to complete the simulation successfully. Echo comments that their training blasters are useless against the new droids- each member of the team is already aware of this fact, yet Echo being the one to vocalize it shows he likely accepts new information faster than the rest of his brothers (a notable progression in Echo’s character development since his first appearance in The Clone Wars). As such, Echo is the first member of the team to recognize the breadth and power of the new empire, and the consequences it will have for the clones. He is also the first to begin actively fighting against it by joining Rex’s clone rebellion.

#star wars spoilers #the bad batch theories #the bad batch season 3 #the bad batch theory #the bad batch spoilers #the bad batch #star wars tbb #star wars analysis #star wars the bad batch #tbb hunter #tbb wrecker #tbb tech #tbb echo #tbb crosshair #clone force 99 #sw tbb #sw:tbb

[ghostofskywalker]

Trapped, Cold, And Annoyed: Another Mission With Anakin

Anakin Skywalker/Reader

Fictober Day 8 of 31

Words: 1,020

Summary: You would think that clearly traveling in a diplomat's vessel would grant you safe passage through the galaxy. But apparently that wasn't the case, and now you're stuck in a snowy wasteland with a Jedi you can't stand.

Anakin Skywalker Masterlist

"This is all your fault!" Your annoyance echoed through the ship, making your voice seem louder and more powerful than it actually was. It had been hours at this point, and you were no closer to putting the ship back in hyperspace, let alone closer to your home planet.

But the unfortunate side effect of that metallic echo was that your companion's voice was also amplified. "How was I supposed to know that other ship was there?"

"Aren't you supposed to have the kriffing Force or something?"

"I'm guessing someone else on that ship did too, or I would have been able to sense them!"

After a frustrated sigh, you stomped your way to the cockpit of the ship, where Anakin Skywalker was fiddling with something on the control panel. The dashboard was completely dark, and you could see a wall of snow outside as it crept up and slowly consumed the ship, the impact so much more intense due to the way that you had slammed into the surface of the planet at breakneck speeds. This was supposed to be an easy journey, because no one would ever dare attack a diplomat's vessel, especially when there was a Jedi on board. Right?

But of course, you had to be paired with the one Jedi who you couldn't stand, the one Jedi who always manages to find trouble in the galaxy, and then he goes and crashes the ship. You were already expecting things to just worse as time went on, just because that's how much the galaxy seemed to hate you right now.

You had spent a good bit of time on board his flagship and with his troops, and while you were immensely fond of the 501st, you could not say the same thing about their general. Anakin Skywalker may be (unfairly) good-looking, but you and him had never gotten along. He had an inflated ego with subpar abilities, and you had no problem calling him out when he suggested things that were crazy or outlandish. It was only thanks to his Captain's ideas that you were able to successfully deliver aid to several planets that needed it this time around, so you were understandably upset when you found out that it would be him that would provide security for your transport back home.

You had bitterly thought things would go sideways when you were first briefed about the assignment, and you had been right. Another hour passed, and there was still no sign that the ship was any closer to being fixed than it was when you first crashed. And as the suns on this snowy planet began to set, you were starting to grow chillier and more tired by the moment.

You could hear footsteps approach where you were camped out on the opposite side of the ship, and then Anakin's voice broke your train of thought. "I have good news and bad news."

You looked up at him. "The good news better be that we're leaving this Maker-forsaken planet within the next hour."

Silence.

You knew what that meant.

"The earliest we can leave is tomorrow morning," he said. "We need to wait for the battery on the temperature system to finish charging."

You nodded. "So what's the bad news?"

"In order to make sure neither of us are dead before we are able to leave, we need to conserve body heat."

Now it was your turn to be silent. If he meant what you think he meant, and you were pretty sure there was only one way to take his statement, you'd have to cuddle up with the man you couldn't stand from the moment you met him, and you did not want to do that. "Are you sure there's no other way?" you asked, trying not to annoy him any further. You did want to live, and if that meant doing something you'd rather not think about, then so be it.

"If there was I wouldn't be suggesting this right now," he said, clearly a little bit annoyed that you even asked.

So here you were, curling up into a ball on the ship's cot, with the only blanket on board covering both you and Anakin. You were just grateful that the cot was built for multiple people, and that the two of you fit (fairly comfortably) on it. To be clear, that still meant that this whole situation was incredibly uncomfortable, but at least you weren't hanging off the side of the bed.

You tried not to think about the man laying next to you as you drifted off to sleep, but it was nearly impossible to ignore. It certainly didn't help that he was like a human furnace, and the chill was really starting to set in your bones. Several times you caught yourself instinctively moving closer to him, and you had to pull yourself back. You weren't that desperate yet.

He was fast asleep, clearly not having the same moral quandary that you were. At one point you felt his arm across your body, and it seemed that he was trying to nuzzle closer. If you were anywhere else right now, you might have slapped his hand away and sent a cutting remark to really drive home your opinion, but this time you couldn't bear to ruin the moment. Besides, he really did help warm you up.

Part of you hoped that when you woke up and resumed your journey tomorrow morning, that things would be at least slightly better between you. Because as much as you traded insults and you called him unimpressive, he was still a pretty good Jedi, and he clearly cared about his troops and friends. You hoped that eventually the two of you could move past the way you acted right now, no matter how unlikely it seemed that he would ever feel anything but contempt for you.

In the last few moments before you truly drifted off the sleep, you could have sworn you heard him whisper your name, but you couldn't tell for sure.

Besides, you were too tired to really register it. 

- the end -

i no longer have a taglist! if you're interested in being notified when i post, you can follow my library blog @ghostofskywalker-library and turn on notifications!

#ghostofskywalker.fictober #anakin skywalker #anakin skywalker x reader #anakin skywalker x you #anakin skywalker fanfiction #star wars x reader #starwarsficnetwork #anakin skywalker x gender neutral reader

[antianakin]

@theneutralmime

I don't think the Zillo Beast is ever chasing Anakin the same way he is Palpatine. There's a moment in the first episode of the arc where Anakin goes down into the pit they find the Zillo Beast in and he ends up having to run from it, but the Zillo Beast at this point is just reacting to ANYBODY being down there and attacking it, as well as reacting to the fact that it basically just had a BOMB detonated on top of it, exposing it to the outside world for probably the first time in a VERY long time and it is upset and uncomfortable about this. So it's not chasing Anakin specifically because he's Anakin or because Anakin is dark, he'd have done the same if it was Mace down there.

In the second episode, when the Zillo Beast is chasing Palpatine, Anakin is just... also there with him and the Zillo Beast doesn't care who gets caught in the crossfire, he just wants Palpatine. I'd have to go back to rewatch to make sure I'm getting this right, but I THINK that ultimately the multiple Jedi who come in to help end up being able to sort-of redirect the Zillo Beast's attention away until the deadly gas is deployed.

The reason the Zillo Beast chases Palpatine is implied to be that, upon arriving at Coruscant, the Zillo Beast is sentient and intelligent enough to be able to pick out that Palpatine is In Charge and therefore the reason for the pain he's going through. How exactly it does this is unclear, whether it's sensing that darkness and chasing after it, or something else. But it very clearly pinpoints Palpatine as the source of its pain which is why it goes after Palpatine in the Senate and there's a lot of shots intercutting the Zillo Beast's eye with Palpatine to let you know that this is who it's after.

It's entirely possible that it CAN sense the dark side in someone and that's why it hones in on Palpatine and can track him, but I feel like it is sort-of implied within the episode that the Zillo Beast is intelligent enough to put things together and specifically hunt down Palpatine because it blames Palpatine for what's happening to it. It isn't just reacting to the dark side in Palpatine or to being hurt, it's got a very obvious motivation that requires a certain amount of intelligence. The problem that the Jedi have is that they do not know how to communicate with it and aren't really being allowed the opportunity to even TRY and this leads to there being a situation where the Zillo beast is causing so much damage that communication is no longer an option and they have to prioritize the lives of the innocent civilians of Coruscant over this one creature. But just because no one was ABLE to communicate with it doesn't mean that it didn't have more complex motivations for its actions and choices.

#star wars #zillo beast #sheev palpatine #the clone wars #tcw #star wars the clone wars #anakin skywalker

[geekywritings]

“You are beautiful to me.”

Here is the first of the requests I still got in my inbox. There are quite a few of them, so thank you all for your patience in advance. I will get to all of them, I promise :D And thank you for showing my writing so much love! I absolutely adore Cal with all my heart and am so thrilled to share these stories with you!

And here is the request: “hi!! i’ve been living for all your cal kestis fics! im currently playing Survivor and i’ve always loved cal but there hasn’t been a lot of fics. so thank you!! if you’re taking requests… i would really love one about cal with a plus sized reader? it doesn’t necessarily have to be directly mentioned but just maybe insecurities the reader has but cal showing that he loves her and thinks she’s beautiful. maybe music is apart of reader’s life and she’s either apart of the mantis crew or like a koboh local? i haven’t really sent a request before so idk what you’d want but yeah… just been currently thinking about how cal would react or say in that situation… thank you” Please enjoy!

_____

Like most people on Koboh, you were looking to get away from something or someone. People here sought refuge, safety, or simply some peace. Yet they rarely talked about why they came to this desolate planet, choosing instead to focus on building a new life.

Although the community was tight, there were also troublemakers around. Or as you liked to think: “If there is a bar, there are bound to be assholes.”

You had worked in various restaurants and taverns already, and everywhere was the same. Given enough alcohol, some people would always turn nasty or cause trouble. Pyloon’s Saloon, your newest workplace, was no different. On most days, it was quiet and you could go about your day in peace. You’d either clean, help in the kitchen or serve drinks to customers, happy to help in whatever way possible to earn your keep.

Most people were extremely friendly, chatting easily with you. Your favourite guest was a certain Jedi, however, who came around far too scarcely for your liking. Cal Kestis, a friend of your boss, was often off-planet, fighting the Empire in some way. Sometimes he’d return to Koboh to recharge or to follow some other mission.

Whenever he did show up, your face brightened into a smile. The redhead was nothing but kind to you, making you laugh with his surprisingly dry and strange humor or telling you some stories about his latest adventures.

Sometimes, he’d also return beaten and battered and would sit patiently on a bar stool, while you took care of his injuries. There was a friendship between you, a bond that had formed so naturally and quickly that it often surprised you. Especially since you weren’t used to men showing any kind of interest.

You weren’t ugly, by any means! But you didn’t exactly have the figure most males were after. Certainly not handsome ones like Cal. You had always been chubby, even as a child, and eventually womanly curves got added to the mix. You liked yourself just fine, but sometimes you did wonder what it would be like to feel desired.

And on some days, you did wish you looked different. Days like this one, for example, where you were in charge of serving drinks again, while a small group of young men were playing Sabacc at a table, ordering far too much ale.

“Hey, Hutt-girl! Come and give us another round!”, one of them yelled, using one of the many insulting nicknames you had heard over the years. “And try to be quick, we are thirsty.”

You would have let it slide when suddenly a familiar voice spoke: “What did you call her?”

It was Cal! The music was so loud, you hadn’t even heard him enter the Saloon.

He was looking at the man, who had addressed you, his eyes narrowed, mouth tense. He was angry and his hand was itching to reach for his saber. But he had promised Greeze not to cause trouble of the Jedi kind in this place.

“Chill. It’s just a nickname. Hutt-girl doesn’t mind. I mean, look at her. She…”, the man slurred in Cal’s direction but didn’t get to continue, as the Jedi had quickly closed the distance and punched him straight in the face, knocking the fellow off his chair.

“Don’t call her that. She has a name.”, Cal spoke, voice icy.

The other men were instantly on their feet, though they looked unsure whether to fight or not. Cal wasn’t exactly unknown in these parts.

“Apologize to the lady.”, the Jedi demanded.

The group exchanged some looks, glancing back and forth between Cal, you, and their friend with a heavily bleeding nose. Without the alcohol, they might have taken the smart decision to follow Cal’s request. But too much ale made young men like these restless and rowdy, and a moment later one of them tried to take a swing at the Jedi.

He missed of course and Cal was quick to use his first to knock the attacker down. Within seconds, the thing escalated, all six young men attacking a single one. It wasn’t a fair fight, but Cal didn’t need help. He had dealt with much worse than troublesome drunks. Within five minutes, he was throwing the bunch out of the door, telling them to stay out.

“Thank you…”, you said, finally having found your voice again. “Cal… your lip…”

He had come out mostly unscathed, but one of the idiots had obviously landed a punch.

Cal wiped at the corner of his mouth with a thumb, noticing the blood. “No worries, I had worse.”, he replied casually, taking a seat at the bar.

“Let me get you something.”, you were quick to spring into action, grabbing a cool wet cloth for him.

“Do they often call you that?”, he asked, after you were done cleaning the busted lip. It really wasn’t as bad as it had looked at first glance.

“I’m used to it.”, you replied, trying to sound nonchalant. But the truth was, such names hurt.

“You shouldn’t be.”, Cal spoke, voice quiet and thoughtful.

The words earned him a smile, as you took a seat on the stool next to him. With the group gone, the Saloon was quiet and you could spare some time.

“Cal, I’m not blind or naïve. I know why they come up with names like that.”, you tried to explain. “I am not exactly what many would consider beautiful.”

“You are beautiful to me.”

His reply had your heart stop for a moment, your voice getting caught in your throat. What? Had you heard that correctly?

Cal seemed to notice your shock and reached out to brush his fingers against your cheek.

“You really are, Y/N. Inside and out.”

You went from not hearing your heart at all to being certain that everyone on the planet could notice it beating wildly in your chest.

“Cal… I…”, you weren’t sure what to say. How did one respond to such beautiful words?

“Everytime I come here, I hope that you are working.”, the Jedi continued, saving you from your word loss dilemma. “I look forward to hearing you laugh, to see that smile again. Whenever I am hurt, I know that you will patch me back up. Physically and emotionally.”

His hand was still on your cheek, thumb gently stroking over your skin, flushed red due to a deepening blush.

“And as long as I am around, nobody has the right to hurt you in any way. I won’t allow it. Because you are special to me, Y/N.”

He had laid out his heart to you and although your throat still felt tight, it was only fair to show him the same honesty. Part of your mind screamed a warning, that this could end badly, but you tried to drown that voice out.

“You are also special to me, Cal.”, you began. “My day gets a hundred times better whenever you walk in… I love listening to your stories… hearing your jokes… I like when you are next to me.” Was this too much? Were you interpreting his words the wrong way and running headfirst into rejection? It was too late to reconsider now, as your feelings fought to break out.

“Whenever you come back hurt, my heart breaks a little. And all I want to do is see you healthy and happy again… I miss you when you are not here. Then I find myself thinking about you…”

You didn’t have a chance to continue, as suddenly Cal’s lips were on yours. Stars, he was truly kissing you! Without thinking about it, you kissed him back, one arm sneaking around his head to play with his hair, while the other grabbed his upper arm for support.

He groaned into the kiss, as it intensified, both of you getting lost in the moment. Far too quickly it had to end, as you both remembered that you needed to breathe.

“Sorry… I should have asked…” There it was again. That caring and considerate side of his.

“No, don’t apologize. It was perfect.”, you were quick to say. “And I definitely would have said yes, anyway.”

His lips curved into a grin. “Good. I’m glad.” And with that, he leaned in for another kiss, pulling you closer this time.

“Y/N! I need some help down here!” Greeze’s voice was coming from the kitchen, breaking the moment once again.

“I should go. Boss is calling.”, you said reluctantly.

“What time do you finish?”, Cal asked.

“In an hour or so.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

You knew he would be. And the thought alone brought a smile to your face. Who would have thought that such a shitty evening could have such a beautiful end? Or was it just a beautiful beginning?

#cal kestis #cal kestis x yn #cal kestis x you #cal kestis x reader #jedi survivor

[literallyjustanerd]

Snippet Sunday! (Codywan fluff)

Here's a flashback scene from Chapter 5 of Dear Fellow Traveler, a post-Order 66 Codywan fic I wrote because I refuse to let this man's story end off-screen. It also works as a short one-shot on its own, and I am extremely impatient, so you get to read it before the rest of the chapter is done!

The moment the last trooper files out of the war room, Cody makes his move. In three short strides he bridges the distance between them, impatience turning his steps sharp, echoing off the durasteel walls. They had agreed before the briefing to stand back, to let Commander Tano take charge. That alone would have prolonged the affair, but, as usual, General Skywalker was less willing to restrain himself. Shocking. Their bickering had dragged them ten miserable minutes overtime, and eaten into the already minuscule gap they have between meetings. Still, the noise Obi-Wan makes when Cody presses him against the console makes all the waiting worth it. Obi-Wan turns within the cage of Cody’s arms, his hands falling easily into their usual places; one on Cody’s shoulder, the other cupping his cheek.

“Do you pretend to be surprised, just to humour me?” Cody asks, a smirk tugging his brow high. “I thought nothing could get past a Jedi’s intuition.” Obi-Wan laughs, a soft little hum like bees among spring blossoms. Cody wants to kiss him then and there, wants to swallow that perfect sound, but Obi-Wan speaks before he can move.

“I’m afraid this Jedi is suffering the effects of too little sleep and too much…” He trails off, nose crinkling as he looks for a fitting end to the sentence. Even exhausted, even alone with Cody, still determined to maintain his eloquence. Cody can’t help his grin.

“Too much General Skywalker?” he offers. Obi-Wan gives him a shrug and a resigned smile. 

“I found another one this morning,” he says, like a petulant child, and it takes Cody a moment to realise what they’re talking about. Once he does, he feels a laugh bubble up from deep in his chest. Again, he leans in, but Obi-Wan swats playfully at his chest before their lips meet.

“It isn’t funny!” he protests. “There’s more of them by the day.”

Cody rather reluctantly lifts one hand from Obi-Wan’s hip to comb through his hair. Sure enough, he finds a few more strands of silver among the auburn. Up this close, Cody can follow the lines worn in Obi-Wan’s brow and around his eye, deeper with his frown. He’s let his beard grow out longer than it used to be. Not that anyone aside from Cody has noticed. It, too, now has one or two greys peppered through it.

“Old man,” he teases, just for the scandalised reaction it gets from his general.

He’s never been able to understand Obi-Wan’s aversion to his own ageing. As far as the clones were concerned, it was a point of pride and a privilege to live long enough to notice signs of age. Besides, as far as Cody is concerned, Obi-Wan only looks better like this. More experienced, more refined. The lines on his face are a tapestry, a testament to years of battle, years of life. He wants to tell Obi-Wan that. To let him know that each grey hair he finds is just proof of another day that Cody falls more in love with him, that every time he smiles all Cody can think about is kissing the creases that grow at the corners of his eyes. But he’s never been as eloquent as his general. And in the moment he hesitates to look for the right words, the chance is stolen from him by the chirp of his commlink.

“Sorry,” he says instead, letting go of the air he had wanted to use to sing Obi-Wan’s praises. His head falls forward, their foreheads pressed together. “Rex is expecting me. New batch of shinies need orientation, and–”

“I understand, my love. It’s alright. I really ought to be going, too. I’m already late for a council meeting.”

Silence falls. Reality is an ambush predator, jumping at its chance, stealing the room. Cody feels its claws sharp in his sides. Heavily, he lifts himself away from the console, forcing his posture straight as Obi-Wan adjusts his robes. They are not unused to this routine of stolen seconds and unfinished conversations, always cut short by their duties. It’s unavoidable, unchangeable, as rigid and unyielding as the armour on Cody’s chest. It’s how things are. It’s how they have to be. Cody can't expect Obi-Wan to shirk his duty to the Jedi, just as Obi-Wan would never dream of keeping Cody from his men. Their love can exist only in whatever gaps the war cares to leave them. A flower growing between jagged rock faces, sparse but stubborn, stealing the raindrops that slip between the cracks and straining to snatch glimpses of sun. 

Silently they walk to the door. For a moment, both pause, unwilling to be the one to break the seal and invite the world back in. Obi-Wan finally moves, reaching for the control panel, but Cody grabs his hand instead, making the decision in a split second. He pulls Obi-Wan in by his waist, gripping tight the thin fabric of his tunic. Whatever question was poised to spill from Obi-Wan’s parted lips is stolen when Cody kisses him, deep and driven and sure. Determined that Obi-Wan should feel him there for the rest of the day. His general softens within his arms, melting into the embrace, though his grip on Cody’s forearm is vice-like. They're both breathless when Cody finally decides his job is done. Before he pulls away, though, he chances one final kiss, quick and fleeting, to the crow’s feet at Obi-Wan’s eye. 

“You're gorgeous like this,” he says, lips ghosting across skin. “I love you like this.”

Up this close, he can feel the sharp, trembling breath Obi-Wan lets out, hot against his neck. Speechless at last. Cody grins, gives himself the indulgence of a few more seconds to bask in the sun. Then, he moves. Lifts his hand from Obi-Wan's waist. He puts a strategic foot of distance between himself and his general, clears his throat, rolls his shoulders, and opens the door to let the world pull them apart once more.

#codywan #codywan fic #codywan fanfic #codywan fluff #sw tcw #obi wan kenobi #commander cody #drabble #sw tcw fanfic

[merrysithmas]

“give me that absolutely on-point analysis of Kenobi’s self-doubt influencing his worldview so much that he has no idea his worldview is even partly based off his own anxiety!!! peak Kenobi” hey you cant just say this and not expect your followers (me) to be content with just that we (i) need more thorough meta/analysis on this :(( *on my knees, begging for you to write it*

oh man well -

Obi-wan is really insecure in TPM. He becomes even more self-critical after Qui-gon basically tosses him to the side (a BIG surprise to Obi based on his reaction) in a desperate bid to train Anakin - as Qui-gon is certain Anakin is the Chosen One and the Council will be making a huge mistake letting him go without proper guidance.

In The Jedi Path there are numerous scribbled comments by Obi-wan where he doubts the bond and sincerity of the relationship between he and Qui-gon as Master and Apprentice. He is extremely wanting for approval and often comments on his own surprise that Qui-gon selected him as a padawan following his past mistakes and his uncertainty that Qui-gon has reliable faith in him.

It always strikes me as funny when I read the ubiquitious assessment that Anakin is DESPARATE for approval (he is!) without paring it alongside how absolutely anguished Obi-wan is because he needed and wanted the exact same thing from his Master -- his unaddressed need resulted in nervy perfectionism, anxiety, insecurity, a facade of perfection (see AOTC), and heavily spilled over into his role of Master of padawan Anakin.

He often doesn't given padawan Anakin the kind of emotional security he wants because... he doesnt know he should. He was never taught that. He staunchly follows the rules. He may also believes he became "strong" as a Jedi because Qui-gon never indulged his emotional needs - that this is what Qui-gon wanted to teach him (and so, he'd stick rigidly to it, missing Qui-gon as he does).

But it's the opposite that is true - Qui-gon never indulged him because he wanted Obi-wan to realize he didn't need his approval, he was inherently worthy. A whole mixup of types of guidance there.

Anakin's need for praise comes from a deep desire for love, whereas Obi-wan's comes from a need for approval. This is where each finds their self-worth ... and neither ever truly receive it.

Obi-wan has absolutely no idea what he is doing in AOTC. He is playing 100% by the rulebook and treating Anakin as the rulebook tells him - this creates a rift between the two at this point. Obi-wan is like the older sibling left in charge when the parents go out. He was given authority by circumstance (Qui-gon's death) but truly doesn't understand it. This is his facade era.

He wants to appear as the wise and knowing Jedi who killed the first Sith in ages! Who has all the answers others must stare at him in wonderment for... but he doesn't. He often has no answers at all, something Padawan Anakin often teases and pokes at him about ("Your senses aren't that attuned" "And yours are?"). This facade does him no favors and compounds his anxiety and the petty rivalry between he and Anakin as they are growing through this phase of their life -- two young men essentially thrown to the wolves.

Obi-wan's worldview is formulated on the precepts of dedication, committment, steadfastness. This worldview comes from his unaddressed needs and also from his shock and hurt at Qui-gon's assessment of his skills ("he is headstrong... and has much to learn of the living force. but he is capable").

That world should be tattooed onto Obi-wan's chest! CAPABLE. Not great. Not remarkable. Not impressive.

Capable.

In padawan Obi-wan's eyes, this is insulting. With the amount of work he does, the sacrifices he makes, to become as keen with the force as he is... the amount of rule-clinging he does to quell his anxiety. The effort he puts in to please the Council. He suspects he should be viewed as far more than capable.

And the thing is- he is! Obi-wan is massively talented with the Force and insanely powerful in the Light (see OWK). He is one of the greatest Jedi to ever live and the inspiration for a generation for Force Users. But he doesn't see himself that way.

And so, what Qui-gon saw in him was pretty much what happened to him. Obi-wan was unbendable. A noble and admirable quality to be certain, but one that failed him nonetheless in the end. His loyalty to the Order and its principles disabled him to the inevitable greys and changes of life, it inhibited creative philosophy, and even forgiveness. Qui-gon feared this in Obi-wan and saw him as too rigid and approval-seeking.

He often commented that Obi-wan focused too much on the future... a future he was nervous he would appear as a failure in, that he would not live up to.

This was Obi-wan's problem, like Anakin he feared the future, but in a very different way, and like Anakin he created that future... many eventually saw Obi-wan as the Ultimate Failure (Reva, for example).

In TCW Anakin himself does much to quell this unease in Obiwan. They become The Team. They outgrow their jealousies and rivalries with one another and become cemented partners, beloved companions who have survived something remarkable together - the siege of Naboo, Qui-gon's death, an unusual Master-Apprentice dynamic, and a War.

Anakin helps loosen Obi-wan's rigidity with the power of his omnipotent love for him. It is this precisely which I think actually enables Obi-wan to finally relax and tap at the door of his own true potential. Anakin's unyielding, loyal-to-a-fault love for Obi-wan is quite literally unconditional. It is everything Obi-wan was ever missing, which led to the pitfalls of his own personality, and helps him heal immensely despite it being quite contrary to the Code.

It is Anakin's adoration and love which finally crowbars open the door of Obi-wan's sometimes blind dedication to the Order & the Council. Anakin outright criticizes many of the systems and rules which have sustained the bedrock of Obi-wan's anxieties... finally showing him there is another side to the story. And of course, Anakin's starry-eyed estimation of Obi-wan's skills bolsters Obi-wan's self-esteem through the roof.

He becomes the Great Negotiator during the War, a legendary general, and a fixture in Jedi culture. It is no coincidence that this is the time period of his closest affiliation with Anakin.

This is another reason why Obi-wan is so utterly devastated to lose Anakin to the dark... he truly does feel he failed him. Anakin showed him the Light. And he "let" Anakin stumble into the dark.

And if the person who taught him to be his best self is gone -- who is Obi-wan without him?

#ask #anon #obi wan kenobi #anakin skywalker #qui gon jinn #obikin

[buggstuff]

CODYWAN WEEK DAY 1!!

Aha. I just woke up!

@codywanweek

Day 1, writing prompt: Rebel AU/Cody with a lightsaber. It also can be found here on my ao3!

    "Cody!" Obi-Wan calls out as he slips in the fight, hilt flying out of his hand. 

    Cody quickly grabs the saber and activates it, slashing the attacker quickly, then spins around and grabs Obi-Wan by his robes, holding him carefully over the edge. He brings Obi-Wan back up, slowly.

    "You really need to stop dropping this," Cody scolds, clipping the hilt onto his own belt.

    "I'm aware, but, I do need that back-"

    "I'm aware," Cody echoes, teasingly. "You'll get it back when we're done."

    Obi-Wan stifles a laugh, following Cody through the dark canyons. They walk quietly, the dirt and pebbles crunching under their boots.

    It had been 3 years. 3 years since Obi-Wan left the Jedi Order. He hadn't known how persistent Cody would be. It was quite impressive, actually, how well the trooper had hid from Obi-Wan and put up mental barriers. The only reason Obi-Wan found out Cody had followed him was because Cody let his guard down, and the rogue Jedi sensed him. Why did Obi-Wan leave?

    That was indeed a question.

    <em>"Why did you leave?" Cody prompts, voice quiet in the dark cave, lit dimly by their lantern.

    "Why did you follow me?" Obi-Wan retorts back, seeming amused.

    "Obi-Wan.."

    The older sighs and gives in.

    "The order... It wasn't for me. It had just taken too much. My family, so many of my friends, any chance of.. Well, a romantic relationship. And the last straw was..."

    Obi-Wan shudders at the memory. Of Ahsoka, facing charges for something she never would have done.

    Anakin and Obi-Wan both left the order that day. The trio kept contact, but travelled the galaxy separately.

    Obi-Wan was glad he had Cody.</em>

    Obi-Wan takes deep breaths as they walk, calming his body after the sudden attack. The breeze is gentle, a bit chilly, as you would expect in the dead of night. Three moons shine brightly in the sky, passing ships visible where they are. Creatures call out, making a natural melodic sound of the forest. The ground was dirt and pebbles, brown, meanwhile the trees had a dull, dark brown wood and round, glowing cyan spores in place of leaves. It was quite beautiful.

    It would be, if the two weren't constantly being attacked by robbers, rogue pirates and predatory animals out here.

    Obi-Wan caught Cody's blaster and began firing, the forest lighting up at the green blasts, clashing with the blue saber in such a lively way. The sounds of chaos ensued as they ran, Cody hitting anything away from the front while Obi-Wan aims back to shoot there. They were hostile animals of this planet, a 'kill-on-sight' sort of thing. A whole pack of them.

    Cody and Obi-Wan share a glance before going back to back, keeping away the predators with ease now. They moved fluidly and they moved together, fighting the animals off. Obi-Wan turns and shoots one far away that was approaching quickly, while Cody blocks off attacks on Obi-Wan's side. They spin back around and continue.

    "Cody, dear, we may not be able to win this one!" Obi-Wan shouts to his partner, it seemed like the animals didn't stop coming.

    "I gotta agree with you there!" Cody shouts back.

    The two share a nod then begin running, fast through the forest, making sure the other doesn't get left behind. Their weapons now tucked away, they moved easily between the trees and vines, dodging and weaving- The animals don't have that balance and fluidity. They eventually reach a cliff, seeing dirt and a river at the bottom.

    Obi-Wan looks at Cody.

    "Don't hate me," He says.

    "I don't think I'm able to do that."

    Cody smiles.

    Obi-Wan launches Cody up and to the side, dangling over the ravine, before he jumps down and releases the force-hold on Cody.

    They fall and fall, Obi-Wan landing safely thanks to a common force-trick, but as he rolled to land, his hands scratch on the sharp pebbles. He hisses quietly through his teeth, but quickly lifts his hands to begin catching Cody. His speed slowly declines until Obi-Wan places him on the ground. He looks unamused. 

    "I may take back my statement," Cody deadpans, swinging the saber once before deactivating it and clipping it to his belt again.

    "Oh, you would never," Obi-Wan grins.

    "Sure," Is all Cody says.

    They start walking once more, the river flowing fast next to them. Obi-Wan looks at his callused, dusty and scratched hands, then tugs his sleeves up a little. He turns direction, striding to the side of the river now. He lets out a soft exhale as the cold, almost freezing, water washes away the dirt and blood on his hands. He hears Cody's soft footsteps, then his saber igniting. He sees the blue glow and brings his hands out of the water, standing as he shakes them off.

    He turns to see Cody in an opening stance of Ataru. It was a bit sloppy, but good for someone not trained well. He takes in the form before approaching Cody, standing at a close diagonal to him, gently adjusting the form.

    "This is.. Form IV?" Cody questions, turning his head to look at the former Jedi.

    Obi-Wan smiles and nods, hands gentle as he makes minor adjustments, then gently moves Cody's head by his chin to face forward.

    He'd never forget the sight- Cody using his lightsaber, learning everything he could before the sun rose and they could peacefully continue their journey. The way the sun rose, it lit up Cody's body, making his dark skin so vibrant, his eyes sparkle, his mix of old armour and tan robes looking slightly younger than they actually were.

    He just couldn't believe Cody was truly his.

#codywanweek2023 #cww23 #obi wan kenobi #my writing #star wars #the clone wars #commander cody #codywan

[heyclickadee]

There’s one sense in which the bad batch had a little more control over their lives than clones sometimes had. They didn’t have a jedi general, they had their own ship, they were allowed special accommodations like their barracks and their armor, and they were given an enormous amount of leeway in how they fulfilled their missions.

In another sense, though, there’s a way in which they had a lot less. And just to be clear, I’m not trying to make an argument about who had it worse. None of the clones has ever had much agency in their lives. None of them were ever afforded the decency of being considered people. None of them really had the option to do anything but be soldiers conditioned to fight and die for a cause they didn’t choose, not without putting other clones in danger (like Slick) or risking court martial (like Cut). Things are bad for all of them. Mostly I’m looking at how the bad batch’s perception of their own experience could change depending on the angle at which they’re looking at it.

Because yes, they were given more leeway in certain ways, but in that other way? Not only were they not given the choice as to whether or not to be soldiers, they were not given the choice as to what kind of soldiers they wanted to be.

Wrecker, for example, is incredibly smart. Not just in the sense that he’s emotionally intelligent, but he’s also a skilled mechanic, weapons specialist, and demolitions expert. This is a guy who built a handheld laser canon out of scraps while getting shot at, and it took him, what—fifteen seconds? But due to the accident of the way he popped out and the way the Kaminoans took advantage of that, because he’s just so much bigger and stronger than everyone else, he was never given the option to be anything but the designated muscle. I think the weapons and demolitions stuff is something he picked up over time because he likes it, but he didn’t have the option to be the team’s technician the way that Tech is. And Tech—Tech is the second strongest guy on the team. He’s strong, extremely athletic, and he’s got a wild pain tolerance. But because of the accident of how he came out, he was never given the option of becoming the hand-to-hand specialist Hunter is, and certainly not the tank that Wrecker is. (I’m still forming my thoughts on Hunter and Echo, but there’s no way anyone else on the team besides the guy with magnified senses would be allowed to be the team tracker, and Echo’s situation is a little different. And before joining the batch and leaving Kamino, Omega never had any agency in her life at all.)

And then Crosshair. This is something we don’t talk about in the fandom all that much, but Crosshair’s a genius. He’s as stone cold brilliant as anyone else on the team, if not more so, in his own way. The thing that makes him such a good sniper isn’t just that he’s got good eyes and steady hands, it’s also his ability to do the math and calculate angles and timing to an incredible level of precision. And, based on what we see in “Reunion,” “Return to Kamino,” and even “The Solitary Clone,” he’s got a good head for strategy and some decently solid, on the ground, battlefield leadership skills (even if he wasn’t technically in charge during that last one). He could make a decently good field commander. But, again, because of the way he popped out of the tube, he wasn’t given the option to be the analyst guy or the leader, he was the sniper. And that’s it.

Every one of them has the capacity to be good at other things. Every one of them is good at other things. But at the start they roll out like your prototypical late 80’s/early 90’s action cartoon hero team because those are the roles they were forced into since getting decanted. But when they look at their experience as part of the GAR, I think they probably look at the other part of that experience where they were given some leeway that other clones didn’t always have, and it makes it difficult for them to see how completely controlled their lives have always been.

#the bad batch #Hunter bad batch #wrecker bad batch #tech bad batch #crosshair bad batch #echo bad batch #if you squint #I’m still formulating my thoughts on how this worked for him #because on the one hand he chose to join the batch #but on the other hand the need to make that choice was forced on him by the techno union