A/N: I do not own Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Crossing the Rubicon- Down Time
Ruwee Naberrie, like most people, lived by a simple set of rules. Treat other the way you want to be treated, don't lie, don't steal, and don't cheat.
However, there was another rule Ruwee lived by: Never deprive a sentient being of a big cone of ice cream. Especially when you happen to be good friends with the owner of the best ice cream shop in this part of Naboo.
Ruwee supposed that his family was an odd bunch; he was a professor, his wife a librarian, his oldest daughter a stay-at-home mom.
They were the "normal" bunch (though Ruwee was of the opinion that there really isn't such a thing as normal if everyone is unique). His oldest son-in-law was a renowned engineer, having stepped up during the rebuilding process after the invasion.
His youngest daughter was a Galactic Senator. (Even now, roughly four years after the fact, Ruwee took a small amount of pleasure in telling people that his daughter was representing her home in front of the galaxy.) His other son-in-law was (now) an ex-Jedi (Ruwee hadn't been aware that one could just up and leave the Jedi, but if anyone would do it, he supposed that someone who had been raised in an environment outside the Jedi Temple would), and his son-in-law's companion (re: little sister) was his former apprentice.
Said apprentice had discovered a fondness for Naboo Truffle ice cream. And was tearing into said cone so fast it was a wonder she hadn't gotten a brain freeze.
"Owwwww…." Ahsoka moaned. "My head hurts. I guess my brain doesn't like chocolate."
Spoke too soon. "No," Ruwee chuckled. "It's a brain freeze; it happens when you eat something cold really fast."
"Oh… sorry."
"It's quite alright," Ruwee replied. "It's all part of the fun, right Ryoo?"
"Yes, Papa," the little girl responded happily, between mouthfuls of Birthday Cake ice cream (with lots of sprinkles.)
Perfect day, Ruwee thought wistfully.
Meanwhile, back at the house, Padme was dealing with a headache of her own. Sadly, it wasn't brought on by brain freeze.
No, Padme's headache was named Anakin Skywalker.
The guy had just up and left the Jedi Order. Which was going to cause some problems when Padme returned.
For one thing, Padme knew that Obi-Wan would ask her if she'd seen Anakin. Should she lie and say no? Be honest and say well, master Jedi, he's currently sitting in my apartment fixing my leaky faucet for the umpteenth time? What would Obi-Wan's reaction even be?
Then there was the Republic as a whole. Anakin was looked up to by many in the Republic as a hero, a shining example of perseverance, honor, and every virtue Padme could name. Anakin's sudden departure could bring morale crashing down, and the Separatists could win the war just by cooling their heels (spirits forbid!)
Then, she and Anakin started making plans about training one of Padme's nieces in the Force, which caused Anakin to go on a long explanation of Force meditation practices, and Padme was lost.
Yep- headache.
Anakin picked up on all of this, and offered to show her what he was talking about.
Which was how Padme found herself sitting cross-legged in front of Anakin, her hands in his.
"Breathe in," Anakin spoke, calmly, soothingly. "Breathe out."
Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.
When Padme opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the bright white cord running between her and Anakin.
This is the bond between you and I, Angel.
Padme had "meditated" alongside Anakin a few times, but she had been utterly lost, and C-3PO was usually there to interrupt them. Here, though, there were no distractions.
And then there were the other cords, which also glowed white.
Ever wondered why I called you an Angel, Padme?
Sometimes.
This is why. Look at your hands. That white light? That is you.
Wow….
My reaction to all of this the first time I saw it was much the same. Now look at me.
Padme looked to where Anakin was, right in front of her- and noticed the swirling currents of white, silver, and black.
This is what it looks like on the inside. The black is… Darkness. We all have it, to a degree; some more than others.
This was all new to Padme. Anakin worked very hard to keep his emotions in check- which meant that he often buried them deep down, and only let them show when he wanted to- or just couldn't take it anymore.
So, for him to open up like this was refreshing. Padme could already tell that a weight had been lifted from Anakin's shoulders.
I know we're not perfect, Ani. If I wanted perfection, I'd still be single.
Anakin's laughter echoed across their bond, which pulsated a brighter shade of white. This, naturally, caused Padme to laugh, too.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was frantic.
He'd just arrived at Anakin's room at the Temple to find it empty of anything Anakin-esque. Upon further inspection, Obi-Wan had found something- a holorecording.
With a rising sense of dread, Obi-Wan pressed the button to play the message.
Hello, Master. If you're watching this, I've quit.
Oh, Force... Obi-Wan thought.
Before you ask, no, it's not your fault, Anakin continued. I just… I can't take it anymore. I know Ahsoka's innocent, but why don't you?
It was much more complicated than that, Anakin, Obi-Wan thought. It had been gnawing at him, though, the whole Ahsoka debacle.
So, I hereby tender my resignation from the Jedi Order. I've seen this war change us, Master. We're not supposed to be soldiers, Obi-Wan.
If you need me, I'll be on Naboo, with my wife, her family, and Ahsoka as I try to make a new life.
May the Force be with you, Master.
Obi-Wan was in shock for several minutes. Then, he made a call:
"Master Yoda? It's Master Kenobi. I need to speak to you…."
