Sorry for the drama last chapter! I had to get one last dramatic moment in before the fluffy sugar sweet chapters that are coming. Can you believe it's only 5 chapters to the end? *shocked face* Crazy!
Anyway, Chapter 30: Plo Koon is basically dad and super soft and awesome, Obi-Wan is finally feeling better and not an idiot (well not as much), and of course I had to bring in fluffy family time at the end. Enjoy!
Chapter 30: Self-Care
Plo guided his two charges into the empty healing room down the hall and shut the door behind them. He hadn't seen much of Obi-Wan's episode, just the minute or so that he watched from the doorway before Vokara shoo-ed them all away. He did feel the intense fear and panic coming from the youngling though. He was pretty sure that everyone in the entire wing could feel it. No wonder Obi-Wan's Force signature went haywire. The emotions of little ones are not yet shielded and tend to be very intense and deep, children always having big and messy emotions. He didn't know that caused the little one's pain and fear, but he understood the need to get her away from the situation and away from her father. No matter how distressing it was for her. He heard Vokara and Anakin's shouts for Ahsoka to get Iyla out of the room and he winced in sympathy for the padawan who was being thrust into an unfamiliar and stressful situation. Handling panic attacks in younglings isn't exactly covered in temple classes.
So, when Ahsoka had run out of the room holding a gasping Iyla, looking frantic and completely lost, Plo had stepped in. The little one needed help and care. Both of them. He felt Ahsoka relax at his touch and smiled under his mask at the way she melted into his palm and exuded trust and love into the Force.
"Come in, Ahsoka. We will place her on the bed and sit by her as we work," he said.
"How are we going to help her, Master Plo?" Ahsoka asked, setting the little one down on the bed. "I...I've never dealt with this before. I didn't even know kids this young could get panic attacks."
"It is not terribly unusual. Young children have not yet learned how to release their emotions, so in times of great distress, their feelings build up."
"And they have nowhere to go except out to other people or back into themselves," Ahsoka nodded. "So, how do we break down the built up emotions?"
"In good time, young one. First we must address the most pressing problem for little Iyla," Plo replied.
"The breathing," Ahsoka said.
"Yes. Right now Iyla isn't breathing well and we must work to bring her back under control. We do not want her to pass out," Plo said. He turned to look at Ahsoka who was biting her lip and staring wide-eyed at the wheezing little girl. "Will you help me, Ahsoka?"
"I don't know how, Master," Ahsoka said, slightly ashamed.
"I will show you. Come. Sit on her other side," Plo instructed.
Ahsoka did as told and Plo took her hand and set it on Iyla's small back. He showed her how to measure the breaths and how to rub soothing circles as they worked. Plo took one of Iyla's tiny hands and set it against his chest then put the other on Ahsoka's chest.
"We must regulate our breathing to a relaxed speed. We will have to breathe in unison so Iyla will be able to follow our movements. Are you ready?"
"Yes, Master," Ahsoka answered.
Both Jedi slowed their breaths down to a steady speed, inhaling and exhaling at the same time. Iyla didn't seem to be responding or able to copy their movements well so Plo put his palm over her heart and worked on sending peace and calmness into her Force signature. Ahsoka sat amazed as Master Plo managed to get the Force around them to pulse like the beating of a heart, slow and steady. She concentrated on the feeling and guided it towards the little girl, adding some of her own calming emotions as well.
With a large gasp Iyla's wheezing stopped and she coughed harshly. Her chest was still heaving and she shook with sobs, but Ahsoka's calming strokes along her back helped them decrease. Slowly but surely Iyla's shoulders became less tense and her breaths evened out.
"That's it, little one. There you go. Peace. Calm. Very good," Plo spoke softly.
Ahsoka watched as Iyla slumped against the back of the bed and closed her eyes. The rise and fall of her chest now steady. Master Plo took his hand and moved it to her back to join Ahsoka's in stroking and rubbing gently.
Once Plo was satisfied that the breathing was taken care of, the next step was to address the emotions. A calm body was important but without a calm mind, the body was in danger of reverting back to its previous state.
"She's breathing better now, Master," Ahsoka said, sounding relieved.
"Yes, well done, little Soka. I believe we are ready for the next step."
"Next step?" Ahsoka asked.
"Yes. With the body calm, it is now time to calm the mind. A calm mind is the source of true peace, and peace is what little Iyla needs right now," Plo explained.
"You're right, Master Plo. She's in danger of panicking again if her thoughts are not calm."
"You learn quickly, young one," Plo said, sounding proud. "Have you ever helped quiet a chaotic Force signature before? Children are much different from adults, mind you."
"No, Master."
"Well then, you're in for a truly remarkable learning experience, Padawan. Shall we begin?"
"Yes, Master," Ahsoka answered with an excited glint in her eyes.
"The absence of shields means we must be very gentle. We cannot attempt to enter her mind and we cannot flood her with emotions. This will have the adverse affect and she might shut down. Instead we must draw her out to us and from there we can give to her as well," Plo explained.
"That sounds complicated."
"It can be. But because of Iyla's age, we will be going slowly and you will catch on quickly."
Ahsoka nodded and waited for further instruction.
"Close your eyes and sink into the Force, Ahsoka. Not quite a meditative state, but a heightened awareness. Reach out and feel for Iyla but do not touch or provoke. Can you feel her?" Plo asked.
"Yes, Master. She's…loud and bright," Ahsoka said with a wince.
Plo chuckled. "She is young. And distressed. What emotions can you feel from her, Padawan?"
"She's scared and confused. And…guilty?"
Plo closed his eyes and reached out as well. He hummed sympathetically. "Very guilty. Whatever for, little one?" he asked. He paused and waited for a reponse. "Ah, I see," he replied.
"I heard her, Master. She feels bad that she hurt Master Obi-Wan," Ahsoka said.
"Yes, the guilt and fear are the strongest. Now that she is aware of us, let us try to draw her out more."
Plo and Ahsoka opened their signatures to Iyla, gently sending reassuring waves and inviting her to mix with them in the Force. The 4-year-old shrank back instinctively, but slowly started to reach out towards the two Jedi in the room.
A small whimper escaped Iyla's lips and Ahsoka startled at the sound.
"What's happening, Master Plo? Is she in pain? Should we stop?"
"No, we will stay as we are. Iyla is experiencing her emotions fully right now. It is uncomfortable and she is reluctant, but it is necessary."
Iyla whined quietly in response to his words as if protesting them. Plo chuckled lightly. "I know, little one. But we are almost through. Patience," he soothed.
"Should we help her release her emotions now, Master?" Ahsoka asked.
"Yes. Draw them away and give them to the Force. Then gently send her peace and comfort."
Both of them concentrated on releasing and replacing the emotions with peace and reassurance. Iyla's whimpers ceased and she gave a big heavy sigh.
"Very good, little Soka. I believe that is enough," Plo said opening his eyes.
Ahsoka opened hers as well and turned to the tiny form huddled on the med bed. Silent tears were falling down her cheeks. She didn't look much like someone whose emotions were just released to the Force. Ahsoka gave Master Plo a concerned and questioning look. "Did we do it wrong?"
Plo shook his head. "This is residual emotion. The last physical manifestation of her pain that needs to be released. Also, keep in mind that she is young. Released emotions or not, she is still a scared and hurting child."
"S-soka?" a small voice said.
Ahsoka perked up and sat forward. "Hey, Iyla."
"You was in my bwain?"
Ahsoka laughed. "In a way, kiddo. Master Plo and I were helping you feel better and not be so scared."
"Masser Koom feeled nice in the Fowce."
"I am glad that I could comfort you, little one," Plo replied.
"But…I not aserve comfurd. I huwted Papa. Vewy bad," Iyla said, ducking her head.
"That wasn't your fault, Iyla," Ahsoka reassured.
"Yeah huh! Papa not huwted 'til I was wif him. I sitted on his wire and I laff too loud."
"Both of those things were unintentional, young one," Plo spoke up. "Your Papa still needs time to heal. You didn't know that your laughing would hurt him."
"But…but then I was gettin' scawed and sad and not breathe good and he got worse! Acause of me! I'm a bad girl and I huwted my Papa and now he…he gonna go away! Like Mama! And he gonna leave me fowever and it's all my fault!" Iyla was now crying heavily.
"He's not going away, kiddo," Ahsoka said.
"Yes he is! Evyone says he's not but he is! He's gonna go away and…and t-turn blue like Ganpa Q-Qwi! I not want him to be b-blue! I can't h-hug him and k-kiss him and sn-snuggle wif him if he's blue!" Iyla sobbed.
"Blue? Grandpa Qui?" Plo asked, turning to Ahsoka.
"Yeah, I guess Master Qui-Gon is a Force Ghost and he visits Master Obi-Wan and Iyla a lot."
"Really?" Plo said curiously. "Interesting. Of course it would be Qui-Gon who figures out immortality," he said with amusement.
"I not want a blue P-papa! I want a real Papa!" the little girl wailed. "I not want Papa to go away acause of me!"
Ahsoka looked to Plo anxiously. They'd already released these emotions from her. Why was she still crying? What more did she need?
As if sensing Ahsoka's thoughts, Plo answered. "I believe that little Iyla could do with a hug."
Ahsoka nodded and awkwardly moved to pull the little one closer to her and into her arms. Iyla twisted away and whined, not wanting comfort and not feeling like she deserved it. Ahsoka shrugged at Master Plo and stepped away a bit.
Plo stood and reached out instead, not backing down then Iyla pushed against his chest. He drew the girl into his arms and surrounded her with peace and warmth. Iyla's protests became weaker and weaker as Plo bounced her and whispered reassurances and comforting words in her ear. Iyla clung to his robes and buried her wet red face against his chest as she continued to cry. Plo indicated for Ahsoka to come over and resume her rubbing motions on Iyla's back. Ahsoka finally felt the little body go limp under her touch and Master Plo's low soothing tones. A few more bounces from Plo and her breathing evened out in sleep, exhaustion taking hold after the emotional ordeal.
Ahsoka peeked at Iyla and smiled when she saw the little face smashed against Master Plo's tunics, mouth open and exhaling small puffs of air. Plo moved carefully to sit on the bed with his bundle and adjusted her to lay against him fully. Iyla made some small snuffling sounds and squirmed a bit, but quickly settled back down against the warm chest and snuggled closer to him.
Ahsoka herself was feeling the affects of healing Iyla through the Force. The weariness and exhaustion was catching up to her. Master Plo's calming feelings permeating the room were draining her of her energy and she couldn't help closing her eyes. They snapped open quickly though when she caught herself. She did have one last question for the Master before she dropped off again.
"Master Plo?"
"Yes, Ahsoka?"
"When Iyla was having her panic attack something interesting happened."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, some of the stuff in the room started to float and break. Was Iyla doing that? Can a youngling's emotions be that powerful?"
Plo was quiet for a moment. "It is not uncommon for a child's emotions to cause involuntary Force levitations. Iyla was in great distress and her emotions were overwhelming her. She couldn't control or contain her feelings and they lashed out instead to the objects in the room."
"So, it can happen?"
"Yes. But it is rare. I think we have a very powerful future Force user in our midst. She will be one to watch," Plo said. "But for now, she is very little and very tired," he said with warm affection. "As are you,"
"I'm ok," Ahsoka said, shrugging it off and forcing her eyes wide open as she sat up straight in her chair.
Plo chuckled and gathered his calming and peaceful Force signature to direct it at Ahsoka.
"Not…fair," she said as her eyes and head grew heavy. Gravity was deserting her and she could now feel herself falling toward the Kel Dor Master on the bed. With a gentle and guiding hand, Plo pulled the teen onto the bed and directed her head to lay against his shoulder.
"Rest, little Soka," he said softly. Deep even breaths were all he got in reply.
"There you are," Kit Fisto said from the doorway. "Skywalker's been looking for you. We all have actually."
"Yes, well, I have been occupied," Plo replied nodding down at the 4-year-old across his chest and the 17-year-old on his shoulder.
Kit jokingly rolled his eyes at him. "Such a softie, Koon."
"Don't be jealous, Fisto. It is unbecoming of a Jedi," Plo teased.
Kit laughed.
"Figures we'd find you with the younglings," Depa said, suddenly appearing behind Kit.
"I go where I am needed," Plo answered defensively. "Ahsoka and Iyla needed me to help them calm down, so I came."
"Well, if anyone can do it, it's you, Plo. How are they by the way?" Kit asked.
"Ahsoka is fine. Merely tired. We both performed the calming ritual for a chaotic Force signature. She did well, but it can be very exhausting your first time. I'm pleased that the action seemed to soothe her as well. She wasn't as unaffected by Obi-Wan's state as she appeared to be," Plo explained.
"And Iyla? I'm assuming she was the chaotic Force signature. I mean, I'm pretty sure everyone in the wing could feel the turmoil from the child. Such powerful emotions in one so small. What caused it?" Depa asked.
"Iyla blames herself for Obi-Wan's pain. She thinks she hurt him irreparably and he will not recover. She's basically carrying the guilt and fear that she's killed her father."
"Force! No wonder she was out of control," Kit gasped. "Does she know that he's alright? That she didn't kill him?"
"Ahsoka and I both told her as much but she was too far gone to listen. Hopefully when she wakes and has a clearer and calmer mind, she will understand."
"Did the calming ritual go well?" Depa asked.
"Yes. Ahsoka and I were very gentle and Iyla responded well, if reluctantly. We released what we could and soothed what we couldn't. The rest she simply had to 'cry out' and crying out big emotions can be very tiring for little ones. Hence, the state of her at the moment," Plo answered, his eyes filled with fondness.
"You're loving this right now, aren't you?" Depa teased.
Plo ignored her and looked down at the younglings sleeping peacefully against him. He was enjoying it. Younglings were somewhat of a passion for him and something he was teased about often. But he could never really find it in himself to care about that. Especially in moments like these.
"I'll go find Skywalker," Kit said when it appeared that Plo wasn't going to reply. Depa left to follow him as well.
Anakin came in the room moments later looking relieved and just as exhausted as the little ones curled up against the Kel Dor Master.
"Thank the Force! I was looking everywhere. Have you been with them the whole time, Master Koon?"
"Yes. I brought Ahsoka and Iyla here to calm down. They both needed it."
"Well, it looks like you were successful," Anakin said. He came to stand next to the bed and smiled softly at the sleeping kids. His gaze lingered on Ahsoka and he had to suppress the urge to stroke her head.
"I shouldn't have yelled at her," he said. "I know she was scared and anxious but we had to get Iyla out. I didn't mean to snap at her. I was just…"
"Overwhelmed?" Plo asked.
"Yeah. It was chaos. I knew Obi-Wan needed me, but so did Ahsoka and Iyla and I couldn't see to all of them. But Obi-Wan's hand wouldn't let me go so I had to overlook both of them and their needs."
"Ahsoka is strong and smart. She understands why you had to do what you did and she does not begrudge you the need to comfort your Master. She will be fine, as will little Iyla," Plo said.
"Thank you for stepping in when I couldn't, Master Koon. I appreciate it," Anakin said.
Plo inclined his head in reply. "How is Obi-Wan?" he asked.
"Much better. It didn't take long to calm him down once Iyla was gone. He's sleeping now. Healer Che said the Force exhaustion should heal completely within a day and then he can leave. I think she'll be glad to be rid of him," Anakin laughed.
Plo chuckled as well, very much familiar with how terrible of a patient Obi-Wan Kenobi could be. Anakin sat down heavily in the chair next to the bed and ran his hands down his face. Plo took in the slumped shoulders, baggy eyes, and disheveled hair of the very very young Master next to him. The boy was exhausted and clearly needed to sleep.
"Perhaps it is time we all head back to our quarters. It has been a busy and emotional evening and I think we could all benefit from some rest," Plo suggested.
Anakin sighed deeply. "You're right. I'm about ready to drop, honestly. I'll take Iyla back to mine and Ahsoka's quarters for the night."
Plo nodded and gently stood up from the bed. Ahsoka woke up a bit from the movement and blinked groggily up at Anakin.
"M'ster?" she slurred.
"Hey, Snips. Let's go home," he said with a smile.
Ahsoka took his offered arm and allowed him to help her stand up. "Master Obi-Wan?" she asked.
"He's fine. Just resting. Which we all should be doing."
Plo shifted Iyla in his arms and passed her off to Anakin who took her gently and carefully. She whined in protest at being moved but quickly settled back down against Anakin's chest. Ahsoka, now steady on her feet, came to stand by Anakin's side. She turned her still sleepy eyes to Plo and gave him a smile.
"Thanks for helping me, Master Plo. And for letting me sleep. I really needed it," she said.
Plo's Force signature surged with affection and bumped against Ahsoka's own. "You're welcome, little Soka. Anytime," he said with a nod. He watched silently as the three younglings left his care and walked towards their rooms.
Iyla slept fitfully without her Papa and with her mind still convinced that she would never see him again and it was all her fault. Ahsoka ended up letting the little girl sleep in her bed so she could comfort her when she woke up upset. She was eager to use the calming techniques she'd learned from Master Plo to help Iyla and was pleased to see that it was mostly working.
Anakin left early to check on Obi-Wan and promised to comm with an update. This left Ahsoka to get the 4-year-old up and ready for the day. It wasn't too difficult. Iyla was pretty capable. Ahsoka mostly had to prepare some breakfast and help put her shoes on the right feet.
Since Master Alann excused Iyla from the crèche for a few days so she could focus on having some family time with Obi-Wan, Ahsoka decided to take the girl to the gardens and let her play for a bit. This time she was sure to keep both eyes on the girl the whole time and restrict her to a certain section only. Pretty soon she got wrapped up in a stone and leaf Force moving game with Iyla. Both girls were laughing and playing, their earlier worries fading in the excitement. Anakin's comm call brought them back to reality though.
Of course, Obi-Wan was fine and Ahsoka had no reason to worry, but she couldn't help remembering the pain on his face and his desperate whimpers and muffled screams from the night before. She pushed back the feelings and released them to the Force though, so as not to stress out Iyla or worry her. Iyla agreed to go see her Papa again in the Halls, even though she was practically bleeding anxiety into the Force around her. Ahsoka decided to stop by the room so Iyla could grab Barney for comfort. She noticed that Iyla's thumb kept inching toward her mouth as she hugged the bantha close to her chest. Ahsoka wasn't sure if she should discourage the thumb sucking, knowing Obi-Wan was trying hard to break her of it. But she remembered the wheezing, terrified little girl that she and Master Plo had to soothe and decided to turn a blind eye to the bad habit.
By the time they reached the Halls and were in the lobby, Iyla's thumb was firmly in her mouth and she was gripping Ahsoka's hand like it was a lifeline. The teenager could feel the girl's unease notching up and she sent reassurance and peace to her through the Force. When they reached Obi-Wan's room, Iyla firmly planted her feet outside the door and refused to budge and enter the room. She simply stared wide-eyed and curled into herself, clutching Barney tightly and sucking her thumb almost hungrily.
Obi-Wan was sitting up on the end of his bed looking healthy and well rested. He frowned a bit when he saw Iyla's posture and felt her apprehension. Clearly his shields were rebuilt and the Force exhaustion was nearly non-existent because he didn't even flinch at Iyla's projecting emotions.
"Hello, dear one," Obi-Wan greeted with a kind smile. "Won't you come in?"
Iyla shook her head firmly.
"I'm alright now, darling. I promise."
"You not huwted no more?" Iyla asked hesitantly.
"No, not at all. In fact, I'm just waiting for Healer Che to come in and tell me I can go home," Obi-Wan replied.
"You feel bettew?"
"Very much so, little one."
"Sowwy I huwted you, Papa. Sowwy I was bad," Iyla said, using her fist to scrub at her eyes.
Obi-Wan felt his heart hurt a bit at her words. "Iyla, you are not bad. And you didn't hurt me."
"Yes I did! And you almost goed away acasue of me," Iyla replied, eyes filled with tears and lip trembling.
"I promise you, my darling, I am not going away. I'm all better now, see? Don't I look better?"
Iyla nodded but still didn't leave the doorway.
"Can Papa have a hug and kiss, little one? I've missed you so much," Obi-Wan said.
"No! I just huwt you again!" Iyla replied, looking scared.
Obi-Wan sighed and realized that she wouldn't come in the room on her own and she didn't believe him when he said he was better. It was time to prove to her that her fears were unfounded and that she could come to him without being anxious.
With a little more effort that usual, he stood up from the bed and walked to the doorway. He was very careful to hide his wince as he knelt down in front of her and held out his hand in invitation. Iyla shrunk back a bit, afraid to touch it. Obi-Wan moved the hand to card it through her soft curls then rub her cheek. Iyla leaned into the touch hungrily and ever so carefully moved her tiny hand up to cover his. Obi-Wan smiled widely and brought his lips to her forehead, rubbing his scratchy beard against her temple to tickle her. Iyla giggled then gasped and threw her hand over her mouth. Her eyes were wide and panicked as she watched his reaction. Obi-Wan simply laughed as well and gave her another kiss. This was all it took for Iyla to bridge the gap between them and melt into his arms.
"I was so scawed, Papa!" Iyla's muffled voice said from against his chest.
"I know, love. I know. But it's ok now, you don't have to be scared anymore," Obi-Wan soothed, rubbing a hand down her back.
"You was huwt vewy bad. You making scawy noises and not talk vewy good."
"I'm sorry you were in here to see that, dear. I'm sure it was very scary."
"Uh-huh. And I not bweathe good again. But Soka and Masser Koom helped me feel bettew. They was in my bwain," Iyla said.
"Well, we weren't in her mind, really. We just helped her release her emotions by calling out her Force signature and mixing it with our own," Ahsoka explained.
"You performed a calming ritual on a chaotic Force signature?" Obi-Wan asked her, looking impressed. "Well done, Ahsoka," he praised.
"It wasn't a big deal. And Master Plo did most of the work," Ahsoka said timidly.
"No need to be humble, Snips. You did very well. Take the compliment," Anakin said.
Ahsoka blushed and nodded.
"You sure you not gonna go away, Papa?" Iyla asked, taking her head from Obi-Wan's chest and looking up at him with her big blue eyes.
Obi-Wan melted at the sight. "No, little one. Everything is fine now."
Iyla smiled and snuggled closer to him, content to stay in his arms forever. Eventually Obi-Wan's knees started to hurt and he stood up, holding Iyla tightly no matter how much his still sore ribs protested the action. He clung to his little light desperately. He really had missed her and he'd worried about her all night. The last he saw she was struggling to breathe and shaking in the corner of the room as small objects floated and rattled around her. When he woke again she was gone and he had no idea what happened to her or if she was alright. He'd panic comm-ed Anakin at midnight who reassured him that Iyla was fine and was sleeping peacefully with Ahsoka.
Obi-Wan carried his bundle to his bed and reclined against the pillows. Iyla's fist was in his light healer-issued tunic while her other arm was holding Barney. She shifted carefully, looking up at him with every movement to make sure he didn't cry out in pain. Obi-Wan pulled her closer to his side and kissed her head again. Iyla sighed happily and closed her eyes as she snuggled with him. Anakin and Ahsoka smiled and bid him goodbye, wanting to give them privacy and peace. Obi-Wan gave them a grateful nod.
Healer Che came in a few minutes later and frowned slightly at the intruder in his bed. Obi-Wan threw his akk-pup eyes at her and clutched Iyla closer to him.
"Please, Vokara? Just until you discharge me," he pleaded. "She needs this. We both need this."
It wasn't that hard to convince the healer. "Alright. Only because the poor thing was nearly catatonic yesterday and I won't deny her the comfort. I'll come back in an hour or so to discharge you," she said, smiling softly then leaving the room.
An hour later Obi-Wan was released with very strict orders from Bant and Vokara to 'take it easy for Force sake.' Anakin and Ahsoka promised to keep an eye on him for the next couple of days to make sure he was doing as told. Obi-Wan scowled at the coddling, but agreed after a glare from Vokara and a threat to send him back to his healing room.
Anakin and Ahsoka brought lunch back to Obi-Wan's quarters from Dex along with a few choice words from the Besalisk about his stupid stunt. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes since he'd heard it all before many times. Well, maybe not quite as colorfully as Dex put it.
As lunch progressed, Anakin noticed the two Kenobis were fading quickly. Of course they were being stubborn about it and Obi-Wan even insisted on doing some work that he'd missed out on during his stay in the Halls. Ahsoka was employed by Anakin to quickly confiscate any datapads she could find to keep Obi-Wan from trying to get out of resting. Obi-Wan was upset at the sabotage and sat on the couch like a pouting youngling, bemoaning the lack of anything productive to do.
"I don't see why I can't at least get some work done. I didn't damage my eyes or my mind," he cut off Anakin who had opened his mouth to reply. "Not really."
"Healer Che said you had to rest, Master. I'm sure that includes not doing any work. But if you want, I can always comm her and ask her about it, to clarify."
The look of pure terror on Obi-Wan's face made Anakin and Ahsoka laugh out loud.
"No! I mean, no, thank you, Anakin. I'll just find something else to do," Obi-Wan said.
"Papa let's watch the holofilm I got from the vod'e! I fink you gonna like it lots!" Iyla suggested, already running to get the film from the living room table.
"Oh, yes, of course. I'd love to spend my time watching an animated children's film when I could be doing something useful instead," Obi-Wan said sarcastically.
"Good! I put it on then! Soka, can you help me?" Iyla asked eager to watch the film with her Papa and completely clueless to sarcastic nature of him comment.
Obi-Wan sighed and settled back against the cushions. Anakin took care of the dishes while Ahsoka got the film set up.
"So what's this film about?" Ahsoka asked.
"It's 'bout fam'ly and fwiends and there's a banfa and a tooka kitty and they can talk! I not see the end acause I falled aseep when I watched it wif the vod'e. But I stay awake this time!"
"Sounds great, kid," Ahsoka smiled.
"You and Unka A'kin watch wif us, Soka?" Iyla asked. "It's 'bout fam'ly and we fam'ly so we should watch it togever."
Ahsoka looked at Anakin questioningly. It wasn't really her idea of fun, but she couldn't bear to let down her "little sister." Anakin smirked and shrugged. They didn't have anywhere else to be and someone had to keep and eye on Obi-Wan to make sure he didn't sneak off during the film.
"Sure, why not. I should probably get used to watching children's holofilms anyway, right?" he replied.
Iyla clapped delightedly and settled on the couch with Obi-Wan, cuddling close to his side. Anakin brought in a chair from the kitchen and Ahsoka sat on the other side of the couch.
The film wasn't as terrible as Obi-Wan thought. It was actually quite sweet and even funny in some places. He felt himself relaxing and enjoying the downtime after being so stressed from his mission. Iyla's happy giggles warmed his heart and her little hand in his was like an anchor to his drifting and tired mind. Force he loved her so much. His precious little one who was fighting valiantly to stay awake and see the end of the film that she'd already missed out on once. She just barely managed it too, her head falling towards his chest as the credits scrolled. Obi-Wan smiled fondly at her and stoked her curls.
Ahsoka stood up to turn off the film, but stopped when she heard sniffling. She turned to Anakin.
"Master, are you…crying?" she asked incredulously.
"No!" Anakin said defensively. "It's just allergies."
"You don't have allergies, Anakin," Obi-Wan replied.
"Well, I could have just developed them."
"Uh-huh, yeah, sure, Master. It's your recently developed non-existent allergies that are making you cry. Because it can't possibly be the animated children's film we just watched," Ahsoka sassed.
"The bantha and the tooka became a family, despite their predator and prey relationship, Ahsoka! Why can't your hardened heart appreciate the beauty in that?" Anakin snapped.
"Oh, I can appreciate that. I'm just not crying about it," Ahsoka replied.
"You're a terrible person, Snips."
"Thanks, Master," Ahsoka grinned cheekily at him.
Anakin stuck his tongue out at her turned back.
"Very mature, Anakin," Obi-Wan said trying to hide his smirk.
Anakin gave him a scowl and stuck his tongue out at him as well. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes but couldn't help the chuckle that came out. Ahsoka ignored both of their antics and took out the film and set it on the table in front of the couch.
"Are your emotions recovered enough to spar with me, Master? I wouldn't want to hurt your delicate feelings when I wipe the floor with you," Ahsoka teased.
"So much sass, Padawan. You've been hanging around Obi-Wan too much. And, to answer your question, yes, I am recovered enough to spar but the true question is, are your delicate feelings strong enough to handle the butt whooping I'm about to dish out?"
"Bring it on, Skyguy."
"Oh, it's on, Snips."
"Just go already," Obi-Wan groaned. "Ahsoka, kick his arrogant butt, please. He's vulnerable on his left side to overhead attacks, so plan accordingly."
"Master! You'd betray me like this?" Anakin said, putting a hand to his heart as if wounded.
"It's not betrayal. It's teaching."
"Well, let me be responsible for teaching my Padawan, thank you," Anakin huffed and crossed his arms.
"Will you be ok without us, Master Obi-Wan?" Ahsoka asked.
"Yes, yes. I'll be fine. I'm not a child. Plus, I can't exactly go anywhere at the moment, can I?" Obi-Wan said pointing to the little girl completely draped across his front.
"I wouldn't put it past you to try," Anakin muttered.
It was Obi-Wan's turn to stick his tongue out. "Just go."
"Ok, if you're sure. We can always come back after sparring," Anakin offered.
"Don't worry, Unka A'kin. I take good care of Papa," Iyla spoke up from Obi-Wan's chest.
"I thought you were asleep," Obi-Wan said with a raised eyebrow.
"I was. You talk too loud," Iyla replied.
Anakin laughed and stood up from the chair. "So, I can count on you to keep your Papa in line, little one. Make sure he's resting and being good?" he asked her.
"Yep. I make sure Papa eat his food and take a baff and go to seep and not be bad."
"Oh, thank you, I've always wanted a 4-year-old caretaker," Obi-Wan replied.
"Hush, Papa. Seepy time," Iyla said, putting a finger to his lips.
"You're doing a great job already, kiddo. Keep up the good work and look after your stubborn Papa, ok?" Anakin said.
"Ok. I tolded Mama I would. Gotta keep my pwomise," Iyla mumbled already starting to doze off again.
Anakin and Ahsoka smiled at her words and didn't comment on the slightly watery eyes and shocked look on Obi-Wan's face. Instead they said their goodbyes and promised to check in the next morning, then headed off to one of the salles to wipe the floor with each other.
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Next up: Obi-Wan experiences just how stubborn and hard-headed a child of his and Satine's can be. He also reflects back on the stubborn teenage Iyla he met during the war.