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“Darth Vader looks at you through his big black helmet, as you struggle to keep yourself upright on the bridge. Pain aches through your body – your missing hand, the loss of your friends. It is only the hope that you may defeat him that keeps you upright.
‘No,’ Darth Vader tells you, his voice a mechanical hiss. ‘I am your father.’”
The room promptly erupts into chaos, communal chip bowl and minifigures going flying. Artoo, who had been asleep in Padme’s lap, yowls at the sudden noise and takes off from his mistress, running across the table to disrupt the proceedings even more.
Ahsoka leans back in her chair in shock, almost falling backwards in the process. They’ve been playing this campaign for months, battling the evil Darth Vader and the shadowy empire. And now he’s her Dad?
Obi-Wan sits there, smiling serenely as the plot point he’s obviously been planning the whole campaign comes to light. The effect is ruined a little by Artoo using his shoulder as a spring board to get to the top of the drink’s cabinet.
“I literally can’t believe this is happening.” Ahsoka says. “I can’t be related to Darth Vader. He’s evil!”
“Exactly!” Anakin says, trying to get Artoo down from the top of the cabinet. “He can’t be Luke’s father – Luke would have felt it in the force!”
“The force works in mysterious ways.” Obi-Wan says, shuffling his notes. “And Ahsoka failed every wisdom check.”
Fuck. She did do that.
“Poor Luke.” Padme pushes herself out from the table to help with the cat rescue efforts. “He’s just had his hand cut off, and now this? I feel sorry for him.”
“Maybe a kiss from a princess would make it all better?” Ahsoka asks.
Padme laughs. “Nice try Luke.” She says. “Leia has her sights set on the handsome space bounty hunter.”
She flutters her eyelashes at Anakin, who shakes his head, laughing. Artoo swipes his paw at Anakin from the top of the cabinet and hisses.
“Even Artoo disagrees.” Ahsoka says. “Obi- Wan, stop gloating and help me clear up this mess.”
By the time they’ve cleared the table of chip crumbs, and allocated the minifigures back to their rightful owners, it’s later than Ahsoka planned to stay out. She yawns, covering her mouth with her hand, and then starts putting her notes back into her bag.
“I’m going to head back.” She says. “I have a 9am lecture tomorrow and Professor Yoda makes everyone wear the hat of shame if they’re late.”
“What’s the hat of shame?” Padme asks, Artoo now cradled in her arms like a baby.
“It’s a giant frog hat that plays the Cantina Band on loop.” Ahsoka explains. “To be fair, I look cute in it, but it does make everyone stare at you.”
She zips her bag closed, and throws it over her shoulder. “Obi Wan, you coming?”
“Give me five minutes.” Obi-Wan is carefully packing away his manuals, making sure that none of them see his DM notes.
“I’m coming too.” Anakin says. “I’ve got a 9:30 meeting with Qui Gon so I can’t stay over tonight.”
This is more said to Padme than the other two. Padme pouts and leans into her boyfriend’s side, and he wraps an arm around her.
Ahsoka sticks out her tongue at them. Fair enough that they’ve finally got their act together and started dating, but do they have to be so gross about it? She almost misses the phase when they just had hopeless crushes on each other, and couldn’t handle being in the same room together.
“Right,” Obi-Wan clips his briefcase clasps shut. “Are we ready?”
“As I’ll ever be!” Ahsoka says brightly. “Bye Padme. See you next week?”
Padme places a hand over her heart. “How will I cope without my favourite space boy?”
“I thought I was your favourite space boy?” Anakin says.
“Luke and Leia is endgame.” Ahsoka tells him. “Han Solo is going to be stuck as the third wheel until the end of time.”
“But he’s so handsome and fun.” Anakin whines. “Luke just complains about everything and waves his magic stick about.”
“Children please.” Obi-Wan says, despite only being three years older. “Let’s not start ship wars over fictional characters of your own creation.”
He pauses. “And anyway, you don’t know what I have planned.”
Ahsoka, Anakin, and Padme all groan.
*
The night is cold, and Ahsoka zips her hoodie all the way up to her chin as she walks between Anakin and Obi-Wan. The streets are empty on a Tuesday night, apart from a few students staggering back from the university library, dark circles underneath their eyes.
Sometimes Ahsoka can’t believe she managed to make friends with Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padme. She’s a first year to their respective Masters programs, and she thought that she was overstepping into their friendships when she signed up to their Dungeons & Dragons society. But they welcomed her in with open arms, and now she joins them every week for a new adventure with Luke the space farmer.
“You’re quiet.” Anakin nudges her. “Okay?”
“I’m fine!” She says cheerfully. “Just thinking about how I’m going to snog Leia after I defeat Darth Vader and save the Empire.”
“Who says the word snog?” Anakin teases. “Are you 12?”
“I don’t mind a snog.” Obi-Wan says mildly, and Anakin rolls his eyes.
“Of course you still use language like that. Honestly, Obi-Wan. We need to update your settings.”
“Beep boop.” Obi-Wan says, so deadpan that it makes Anakin and Ahsoka both laugh.
They turn into the centre of town. It’s still quiet, with lights turned on in all the shop fronts to prevent break-ins. It just adds a creepy quality to the town, which makes Ahsoka stick close to the boys.
They pass one of the suit shops that only does business near graduation, and both Obi-Wan and Anakin stop to look inside. Ahsoka stops too, peering at the boring suits in various shades of black and navy.
“I need a new suit.” Obi-Wan muses to himself. “Rex is dragging me to a conference in a months’ time. I need to look sharp.”
“You always look sharp.” Anakin says. “What’s wrong with your white suit?”
“I was worried it would make me stand out too much.” Obi-Wan looks over at Ahsoka. “What do you think? White suit at a Philosophy conference?”
Ahsoka shrugs. “I don’t know. I don’t have a fashion sense.”
Ahsoka has two requirements for clothing 1) is it comfy, and 2) does it need to be ironed. She’s been living in sweatpants the entire time she’s been at uni, to the chagrin of Padme, who owns a specially tailored outfit for every occasion. Padme even dresses as her character for Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and plaits her hair in special space buns.
“We can tell you don’t have a fashion sense.” Anakin says, and tugs at the strings on her hoodie.
“You’re so mean.” Ahsoka whines, pushing him away. He grins at her, but keeps his hands to himself.
They continue walking, past the closed Starbucks, the empty Burger King. McDonalds is still open, but the night shift staff look bored as they pass by, with only drunken stragglers inside. Ahsoka waves to Cal as they pass, who flips her off in return.
“I could kill for a burger right now.” Anakin says.
“Nope.” Obi-Wan replies. “It’s late. You don’t need junk food.”
“I’m starved.” Anakin says. “See me Obi-Wan? Skin and bones.”
“Honestly.” Obi-Wan rolls his eyes. “Ahsoka, how do you put up with him? The man is ridiculous.”
“Ahsoka thinks I’m brilliant.” Anakin says, slinging an arm over her shoulder. “Don’t you?”
“Oh yeah.” Ahsoka nods. “Master Skywalker is just the best.”
It’s sarcastic enough that Obi-Wan shakes his head at them both. Ahsoka grins, enjoying the casual way they act around each other.
They come to a stop outside Ahsoka’s first year accommodation, a tall building that was once a house now converted into flats. Ahsoka lives with two other roommates who barely talk to her, and insist on leaving bowls of food in the bathroom.
“I guess I’ll see you guys next week.” Ahsoka says, pulling her student ID out of her pocket to buzz herself in.
“You can always hang out with us outside of sessions.” Obi-Wan says. “We don’t do much apart from study, but you’re welcome to join.”
“I’d love that.” Ahsoka says far too quickly. “I mean, thanks! I’ll check my calendar to see when I’m free.”
She opens the front door, careful to be quiet so she doesn’t disturb any of the other occupants. There’s mail on the welcome mat, flyers for the latest fast-food restaurant, and the newest gym opening up. One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn’t belong.
“See you space cowboy.” Anakin says waving. “Let us know if you want to hang out before Obi – Wan destroys us with the next campaign bombshell.”
“You make me sound like I’m demented.” Obi -Wan complains, “Goodnight Ahsoka.”
“Bye guys.” Ahsoka smiles, stepping inside the flat.
She shuts the door behind her, and listens to the footsteps of Anakin and Obi-Wan walking on to the next residence. They’re talking to each other in soft voices, and Ahsoka wonders what they’re talking about.
Hopefully not spoilers for the next Dungeons & Dragons session.
*
“There is another offspring, hidden from Darth Vader to prevent him from finding her. She was sent across the Galaxy, to remain safely anonymous.”
Ahsoka blinks. “I have a sister?”
“Yes.” Obi-Wan nods in-character. “One that you have already met. A princess of the Force, if you will.”
There’s a beat of silence before Ahsoka realises what Obi-Wan actually means. She looks over at Padme, horrified, who stares back with an equally traumatised expression.
“Wait...” Anakin looks down at his notes. “Does that mean-“
“We’re siblings!” Ahsoka bursts out before she can stop herself. “Obi-Wan you dick! You’ve had me flirting with Padme for months!”
“I did try and warn you-“ Obi-Wan starts.
“Oh my god.” Padme buries her face in her hands. “I kissed you!”
“I kissed you back!” Ahsoka says. “We gloated about it for weeks!”
She flings herself back in her chair, despondent. It’s one thing finding out that the main villain of the entire campaign is your own flesh and blood, but the character that Ahsoka has been trying to get with for months?
Ahsoka picks up a minifigure and throws it in Obi-Wan’s direction. It bounces off his safety shield pitifully. It’s at this exact moment that Ahsoka wishes that she had the Force in real life, so that she could wipe that smug look off his face.
“You are the worst Dungeon Master I’ve ever had.” She says. “And I used to go to campaigns run by Jar Jar.”
“I told you there was another.” Obi-Wan says politely. “You didn’t stop and examine. Plus you failed the wisdom saving throw right before that kiss, if you remember correctly.”
Anakin, who has been laughing loudly for the past minute, finally manages to get under control. Threepio, who is curled up in his lap, looks vaguely alarmed at being jiggled about.
“I can’t believe Obi-Wan allowed incest to happen.” Anakin says. “Twincest! The worst kind of incest.”
“Oh shut up.” Ahsoka says, and throws a minifigure at him and all.
Anakin manages to catch it one-handed. “You know what this means, don’t you?”
“No.” Ahsoka groans. “Don’t say it.”
“Han Solo and Leia are endgame.” Anakin says triumphantly. “They’re going to get married and have a million space babies.”
“What about Lando!” Ahsoka protests. “You were flirting with him!”
“Only because Rex was playing him as a one-off.” Anakin says. “And I wanted to annoy him.”
Padme shakes her head. “I can’t believe this is the DnD campaign we’re playing.” She says, pushing herself up from the table. “I wanted to play as spies but Obi-Wan said it would be too boring.”
“I’m not good at spy drama.” Obi-Wan says politely. “I can only do space drama.”
“Well you’re hitting the drama aspect of it.” Padme says.
She picks up Threepio from Anakin’s lap and snuggles him like a baby. Threepio licks the side of her face with his rough tongue and Padme croons at him. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan exchange glances.
“I think that’s enough playing for one day.” Obi-Wan says. “Ahsoka, are you staying here?”
“And be stuck with these two?” Ahsoka says. “No chance.”
“Hey!” Anakin says. “We’re very nice.”
“You treat the cats like infant children.” Ahsoka says. “Padme spent most of todays session knitting Artoo a sweater.”
“He gets cold in the winter.” Padme says, but she blushes a little.
*
It’s not as cold this week, but Ahsoka still sticks close to Obi-Wan as they walk. He’s a great deal taller than her, and they must look like a father taking his daughter on a weird late-night escapade.
“Are you enjoying the campaign?” Obi-Wan asks as they cross the road.
“Oh yeah!” Ahsoka says. “I’ve never had this much fun before. My previous group were heavy fantasy players, so it’s cool to do something new.”
“What do you usually play as?”
“Chaotic Good rogue.” Ahsoka says, and mimes cutting something with a sword. “I like fighting.”
“I can tell.” Obi-Wan says. “Luke’s very good with his lightsabre.”
“How do you even come up with this stuff?” Ahsoka asks. “I could never be a DM.”
“Honestly?” Obi-Wan says. “I don’t enjoy being a player. I don’t like not knowing what’s going to happen next, and having my character choices being determined by someone else. I much enjoy creating the story.”
He smiles at her. “And seeing your reactions.”
“I’ll never forgive what you did to Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen.” Ahsoka grumbles.
They walk through the town centre, avoiding the gaggle of drunk girls who are singing loudly to Riding Solo. Ahsoka can’t remember the last time she got drunk, time taken up now by Dungeons & Dragons and studying with the group.
“How’s Professor Yoda?” Obi-Wan asks. “I remember him from first year. He’s certainly... an experience.”
“I haven’t worn the frog hat in months.” Ahsoka says. “Not to flex or anything.”
“I miss that frog hat.” Obi-Wan says wistfully. “Mace Windu just glares at you if you’re late, and that’s almost worse. I hate the feeling of shame.”
They pass by the suit shop again, and Obi-Wan hums thoughtfully. “Still haven’t bought that suit. I’ll need to bring Padme along to pass judgement.”
“Girl’s shopping trip.” Ahsoka says.
“Oh, you could come too!” Obi-Wan says, mistaking her words. “We can go to that record shop you like. And the boba place.”
“I still can’t believe you haven’t tried boba yet.” Ahsoka says. “I’m going to force you to try it.”
“Bring it to one of the campaign sessions.” Obi-Wan says. “Maybe it’s a Tatooine delicacy that Luke finds at one of the local markets.”
“That famous Tatooine tapioca.” Ahsoka deadpans.
Obi-Wan laughs. “Exactly.”
“You guys really go all out for your campaigns.” Ahsoka says. “I mean, Padme dresses up, you have custom minifigures. Even Anakin has that stupid vest he insists on wearing. I feel that I don’t do enough as Luke.”
“You’re so good as Luke.” Obi-Wan says. “You make lightsabre noises when you fight, and you do a funny voice for him. That’s perfect for the campaign.”
“I just feel like it’s not enough.”
Obi-Wan looks at her. “I think you’re doing enough.” He says. “We love having you as part of the campaign. We couldn’t do it without our space farmer.”
“Even when you got annoyed that I made him wear Chanel boots to fight Darth Vader?” Ahsoka asks.
“Even then.” Obi-Wan says. “You looked very fetching.”
“I just worry.” Ahsoka twists her braids in her hands. “I don’t want you guys to feel like you’re taking on a charity case by inviting me to play with you.”
“We don’t think that.” Obi-Wan promises. “You’re part of our team.”
They come to a stop outside Ahsoka’s flat, and Ahsoka rummages in her pocket for her student ID.
“How far away do you even live from here?” She asks. “I can’t believe I’ve never been to your house.”
“Not that far.” Obi-Wan waves a vague hand. “It’s easier to host at Padme’s though. Otherwise she’d insist on bringing the cats with her, and I refuse to have those two mischief makers wandering around my house.”
“I think they’re sweet.” Ahsoka says. “Apart from the licking. That’s just gross.”
“I can’t believe you don’t want a cat that eats nothing but fish and cat treats to kiss you.” Obi-Wan says sarcastically. “You do surprise me Ahsoka.”
She laughs, readjusting her bag on her shoulders. “I better get inside. I don’t want my roommate to lock me out.”
“Please don’t.” Obi-Wan says.
Surprisingly, he pulls her into a hug, squeezing her tightly. He smells of wool and expensive cologne, and Ahsoka hugs him back.
“Be safe.” He says, letting her go. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Don’t get murdered on your way home.” She says. “Anakin will never forgive me.”
“I won’t.” Obi-Wan says, and Ahsoka lets herself inside her flat.
She takes the stairs two at a time, backpack heavy with notes and manuals. She unlocks the door to her bedroom and quietly shuts the door behind her, before switching on the light.
Ahsoka crosses the room to the window, peering out into the darkness. Obi Wan is still standing outside, obviously checking to make sure she’s safely in her room. Ahsoka waves through the window, and Obi-Wan waves back, if a little guiltily.
Ahsoka draws the curtains, and flops back onto her bed, smiling.
*
“Darth Vader wheezes as his face is exposed to the cold harsh air of the Death Star. It’s the first time he’s taken a non-assisted breath in over twenty years, and his lungs can barely manage it. He looks at Luke, his only son, and begins to cough-“
“No!” Ahsoka says, furiously flicking through her notes. “I’m not letting my father die. Anakin, help me think of something that I can do!”
“Why are you putting this all on me?!” Anakin says panicking. “I don’t know what to do!”
“Can you use the Force?” Padme asks, searching through her manuals. “Obi-Wan, is that an option?”
“I don’t know.” Obi-Wan says. “Is it?”
“Don’t play coy with me.” Ahsoka argues. “Can I, or can’t I?”
“Look inside your heart-“ Obi-Wan starts in his Master Jedi voice, and Anakin kicks him under the table. “Hey!”
“You don’t understand how serious this is.” Anakin argues. “Snips, just go for it!”
“Um, okay!” Ahsoka says, closing her eyes. “Luke reaches into the Force, and finds Darth Vader’s soul. It’s all squidgy and gross, but he grabs it tightly, and he tries to push it back into Darth Vader’s body.”
Obi-Wan smiles. “Roll a D20 please.”
Ahsoka fumbles for her dice but Anakin pushes his own across the table at her. They’re bright red, with the numbers embossed in gold paint. Ahsoka takes them from him, looking at Anakin for confirmation.
“Do it.” Anakin says.
Ahsoka rolls. The dice bounce across the table, narrowly avoiding a swipe of the paw from Artoo, before coming to a stop by Obi-Wan’s safety screen.
“I can’t look.” Padme says, covering her eyes.
Obi-Wan peers over the top of the screen.
“What is it?” Ahsoka says. “What did I roll?”
Obi-Wan smiles. “Natural 20.”
Ahsoka breaks into a wide grin, grabbing hold of Anakin’s hand to squeeze it tightly. He clenches her hand so hard that he almost snaps a finger, but he’s smiling wildly.
Obi-Wan continues. “You find Darth Vader’s soul, broken and bruised. He flinches when you hold it in your hands, eyes pleading with you. You gently push it back into his chest, and watch the light return to his body.
Darth Vader reaches out to you, cupping your cheek with his hand. He looks into your face, and you realise for the first time, that you have the same eyes.
“My son.” He says, and you let him hold you for a while.”
Ahsoka wraps her arms around herself, kicking her legs underneath the desk in delight. She just saved her father. She just rescued Darth Vader, the worst villain of them all. Luke could have killed him, but Luke is kind.
“I can’t believe I managed that.” She says, delighted. “Seriously. You’re not tricking us Obi-Wan?”
“Darth Vader lives.” Obi-Wan says, smiling. “For this session, at least.”
“Daddy Vader.” Anakin says softly, which almost ruins the moment. “Do you think he realises Leia is also his daughter?”
“I’ll surprise him when we next encounter each other.” Padme says. “Congratulations, two children for the price of one.”
She looks over at Ahsoka. “I’m sorry we’re siblings. We would have made a great pair.”
“It’s all Obi-Wan’s fault.” Ahsoka says sadly. “We’ll never forgive, and we’ll never forget.”
“Agreed.” Padme says, and giggles.
Ahsoka rescues her backpack from the floor, which the two cats were inspecting, and begins to shove her notes inside. She stands upright, swinging it over her shoulders.
“Are you ready to go?” She asks Obi-Wan, who still hasn’t moved from the table. “I have an early start tomorrow with Yoda. I refuse to wear the frog hat.”
“Ah, I’m staying over tonight with Anakin.” Obi-Wan says. “I can walk you home though, if you’d feel safer?”
“Sorry, I didn’t realise.” Ahsoka says. “It’s okay, I can go by myself.”
Truth be told, she is a little nervous. She’s never made the trip by herself before, and the idea of walking home in the dark is not her idea of fun.
“No you’re not!” Anakin says cheerfully. “I’ll walk with you. I need to pick up something from my place anyway.”
“Are you sure?” Ahsoka looks at him suspiciously. “I don’t want to put you out of your way?”
“I love our trips together Snips.” Anakin slings an arm over her shoulder. “Our midnight walks. Our late night rendezvous.”
“Get fucked.” Ahsoka laughs, and tries to push him away. “Only if you’re sure you want to come.”
“Always!” Anakin says happily, and doesn’t let go of her.
*
There’s a student social going on tonight, so Anakin and Ahsoka take the long route back to her flat. It’s easier than going through town and dealing with hundreds of drunk students. Ahsoka has learnt from experience that girls want to flirt with Anakin, and boys want to fight with Anakin. It’s better just to avoid people at all costs.
“Where are you living in second year?” Anakin asks as they walk through the back alley.
Ahsoka shrugs. “I don’t know. Probably with some of the girls from my year.”
“You don’t have it planned yet?”
“I know some people have their accommodation sorted.” Ahsoka says. “But nobody’s asked me yet.”
“That sucks.” Anakin says. “I lived with strangers for my first three years. I’d never do it again.”
“Who do you live with now?” Ahsoka asks.
“People from my course.” Anakin says. “We’re not friends. But we don’t argue about whose stolen the milk, so I’m fine with it.”
“Those dreaded milk thieves.” Ahsoka says.
“You joke.” Anakin warns. “But I have gone to blows over milk.”
“I’m not surprised.” Ahsoka says. “It’s clearly a very important issue to you.”
They cut through the park, walking so close together that their arms keep brushing. Ahsoka is incredibly grateful that she’s not here alone.
“I’m glad you saved Darth Vader.” Anakin says suddenly. “I know it was tense, but I’m glad you managed to bring him back to life.”
“It’s stupid, to be so attached to him.” Ahsoka says. “But I really think of him as my dad now. I want to protect him. Not sure what my actual Dad would feel about that.”
She laughs, and it echoes around the trees.
“Any galactic space villain would be better than my Dad.” Anakin says. “I’d rather have Darth Vader raise me from birth than him.”
They’ve never spoken about Anakin’s father before. Ahsoka knows he has a mom, who sends Anakin care packages in the mail that include the most delicious cookies that Ahsoka has ever tasted. Padme’s parents are famous, and sometimes end up on the evening news, discussing politics. Obi-Wan’s parents are British, and send him tea by first class.
Ahsoka doesn’t say anything, only looks at Anakin.
“He didn’t stick around when I was born.” Anakin says as explanation. “I bounced around foster care for a while until my mom got back on her feet. It sucked.”
“I’m sorry.” Ahsoka says, because she doesn’t know what else to say.
“You don’t need to apologise.” Anakin says. “It’s not your fault my Dad’s a waste of space.”
“I know.” She says. “But I’m just sorry you had to go through that.”
Anakin shrugs. “Got me a scholarship here. Let me meet Padme, and Obi-Wan. And now you.”
Ahsoka doesn’t know if that’s a compliment or not.
“Have you ever met him?” She asks.
“Couple of times.” Anakin says. “We don’t get along. He’s not a good person.”
“Unlike Darth Vader.”
Anakin laughs at that, which gives Ahsoka some relief. “Oh yeah, Darth Vader would have been a top tier Dad. Taking you and Leia to softball games, making sure you got your fruits and veggies.”
They’ve finally reach Ahsoka’s flat, most of the lights still on inside. Everyone must be still getting ready to go out clubbing.
“I bet my roommates are going out tonight.” Ahsoka says. “And then they’ll wake me up at 5am and ask me to cook them chicken nuggets.”
“You should go out drinking with them.” Anakin suggests. “Get some culture.”
“I’m not doing that.” Ahsoka wrinkles her nose. “I’m going in and going straight to bed. DnD wears me out.”
“Baby.” Anakin says, but fondly. “I’ll see you next week, okay?”
“Okay.” Ahsoka says, and he pats her on the arm.
She watches him disappear the way they came and leans against the doorframe. His flat is in the opposite direction, which means he’s going back to Padme’s.
Seems he just wanted to get her home safe. The thought makes Ahsoka warm inside.
*
“And as Luke sat by the fire, alongside his best friends Han and Leia, he felt content for the first time. In the distance, his father was disguised and drinking quietly with Lando, as the Ewoks danced around them.
Luke felt eyes upon him and looked over his shoulder. There, were the force ghosts of his Jedi Masters, smiling at him proudly. They glowed in the light, casting a beautiful blue glow over Luke and his friends.
Luke felt his family all together in the force, and was happy.”
Obi-Wan gently pulls down the screen that protected his notes from the others. “The End.”
The room is silent, breathing in the majesty of those words, the pouring rain outside the flat added to the ambience. Ahsoka ignores the sadness in her stomach at the campaign being over, and looks down at her notes to distract herself. A crude drawing of space farmer Luke stares up at her, face ridiculously round and smiley.
Beside her, Padme gives a little sob. The three turn to look at her, and Padme covers her face with her hand, embarrassed.
“I’m sorry!” She says. “I’m just really going to miss Leia, and Chewie, and my brother, and Han. Oh, and the Falcon! Sorry, it’s so silly.”
“It’s not silly.” Obi-Wan says kindly. “I’m going to miss them too. This has been one of the best campaigns we’ve ever run.”
“Even better than the Star Trek one?” Anakin says.
“Even better than Star Trek.” Obi-Wan says. “Captain Kirk.”
Anakin mock salutes. Ahsoka looks at Padme, bemused.
“It was a weird space campaign we ran.” She fills in quickly. “When we had more people. You would have liked it!”
Ahsoka feels warm and fuzzy at the fact that Padme knows what Ahsoka likes. She can’t believe that someone like Padme wants to be friends with Ahsoka.
“I’m going to miss Luke.” Ahsoka says. “He was so stupid, and I loved him so much. I can’t believe he got his hand chopped off and continued on with life.”
“Hey, I was stuck in carbonite for months.” Anakin says. “Don’t complain about a missing hand.”
“Well if you hadn’t got a cold, you could have been to those campaign sessions.” Ahsoka says. “It was very annoying to carry you around as a solid block of metal.”
Obi-Wan shuffles his notes together in a neat pile. From here, Ahsoka can read some of the handwritten scribbles on the paper, phrases such as DARTH VADER FORCE GHOST?
“I’ll be honest,” Obi-Wan says slowly. “I’ve been having ideas about the next campaign.”
Ahsoka perks up at that. “Seriously?”
“I don’t want to jinx anything.” Obi-Wan holds up his hands. “But it would be good idea to start creating characters.”
“I want to play someone evil next time.” Anakin says before anyone can speak.
“Of course you do.” Ahsoka rolls her eyes. “I’ve never seen someone so delighted to do an evil voice.”
“Don’t judge me!” Anakin protests. “Being evil is fun!”
“Well then I want to play evil too, if you’re evil.” Padme says, wiping a tear from her face with a handkerchief. “I’ll be your evil right-hand man. In a fabulous uniform. Probably gay.”
Ahsoka tips back in her chair, thoughtfully. “I still want to be a boy next time,” She says, “And a pilot. But I don’t want to be the chosen one anymore. Someone else can do that.”
“We’ll probably need more players.” Obi-Wan says, flicking through his notes. “I could ask Rex if he wants to play full time.”
“And Cody.” Anakin says innocently.
“Mm.” Obi-Wan says, tips of his ears going pink. “I could ask him.”
Ahsoka stands up from the table, collecting her notes. She’s still slightly wired from the session, and can’t wait to start planning her new character. A flyboy chaotic good with a heart of gold, and perhaps the desire to blow things up?
“Are you guys going home?” She asks Anakin and Obi-Wan, who are still discussing Cody.
“I’m staying over tonight.” Anakin says, looking up. “Obi-Wan is too.”
“Packed my toothbrush and everything.” Obi-Wan says.
“Okay.” Ahsoka shoulders her backpack. “I guess I’ll see you next week then?”
Truth be told, she doesn’t want to go home. Her flatmates aren’t talking to her since the Chicken Pot Pie incident, and the rain isn’t exactly inviting her to walk back in the pitch-black night. She could get an uber, but that’s money that she doesn’t have.
“Hang on.” Padme interrupts. “Why don’t you stay over tonight? If Obi-Wan is staying, I feel bad sending you home in the rain.”
“Are you sure?” Ahsoka asks, heart beat racing. “I don’t want to impose.”
“You could never impose.” Padme promises. “You’re part of our group now.”
“Yeah.” Anakin says. “You can’t escape us now.”
“Stuck forever.” Obi-Wan adds.
Ahsoka can’t help the smile that travels across her face, beaming with delight at her friends. She drops her backpack onto the floor, and sits back down in her seat.
“Okay,” Ahsoka says. “I’ll stay.”
*