Two special little Skywalkers enter the world and Iyla gets to meet her new cousins. Be prepared for cuteness, family fluff, and a whole lot of awkward baby-related questions. Oh, yes. Obi-Wan spends a lot of this chapter extremely uncomfortable, embarrassed, and wishing for the Force to take him. Gotta love curious kids and their inquisitive natures ;)

Chapter 34: Cousins

Iyla was very excited. Her Uncle Anakin had told her last night that Auntie Padme was ready to have the babies very very soon. They were both currently in the Healing Halls waiting for the arrival of the twins. Her Papa told her that sometimes it takes a long time for babies to come out and that they had to be patient. Iyla didn't like being patient and didn't like that she wasn't allowed in the Halls with the grown-ups to wait for the babies. Her Papa had dropped her off at the crèche in the morning and immediately returned to Anakin and Padme as "moral support," whatever that meant. He said Uncle Anakin was a bit scared and 'anxious,' a word she was familiar with because of her panic attacks. She hoped Uncle Anakin wouldn't start crying too bad or need help with his breathing. But her Papa was there so he'd help him if he needed it. He was good at helping people.

The arrival of the babies was all Iyla could think about all day. She was understandably distracted during her lessons and meditations and had been reprimanded a few times for not paying attention when the Crèche Masters were giving instructions. Nap time was a lost cause, as Master Terrol was quick to find out. Iyla insisted on staying awake in case the babies came and she missed it. Master Terrol assured her that she wouldn't be missing anything if she rested for a bit and that her Papa would come and get her if the babies did come. Iyla looked at him disbelievingly and raised a single eyebrow then crossed her arms and planted her feet. Master Alann laughed at Master Terrol's exasperated sigh.

"Go check on the others, Terrol. I'll handle this one. Kenobis are my specialty after all," he said with a wink.

Iyla turned her defiant stare to the long-haired Master instead.

"That ridiculous raised eyebrow isn't going to change anything, young one. And neither are those akk-pup eyes so don't even try," Master Alann said with a challenging look of his own.

Iyla scowled and held his gaze firmly. Master Alann crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. After a few more seconds, Iyla's shoulders slumped in defeat and she pouted. The akk-pup eyes made a quick appearance before Master Alann gave a small shake of his head and they were banished immediately.

"But Masser," Iyla whined. "Atie Pamay is gonna have the babies vewy soon! I not wanna miss it acause I'm having a nap like a baby. I'm a big girl and I not need naps no more," she insisted.

Master Alann chose not to mention the fact that she'd been practically falling asleep only minutes earlier during lessons. He had to be careful and clever in his response. Lucky for him, he'd had many years of experience with stubborn children and there had yet to be one that he couldn't get to fall asleep, Kenobis included.

"I can assure you, little one, that should the babies come while you are asleep, your Papa will come to get you as soon as he can," he replied, a last ditch-effort before his next strategy.

Iyla gave him an unimpressed look and didn't reply.

Master Alann let a fake sigh as if she'd worn him down. "Alright. You don't have to take a nap," he replied.

Iyla eyed him skeptically and tilted her head in question. "Really?" she asked.

"Yes, really. Obviously you're set on not taking one and I'm just wasting my time trying to convince you," Alann replied.

"So…I not gotta to take a nap…?"

"No."

The 4-year-old's eyes lit up and a smile broke out on her face.

"However," Master Alann said. "I do have something else you can do while the other children rest."

"What is it? Like a job? I be a helper?" Iyla asked excitedly.

"Yes, little one. You are going to be my helper. Would you like that?" Master Alann asked.

Iyla nodded enthusiastically and stepped a bit closer in anticipation to hear the job she would be entrusted with.

Master Alann allowed himself a small smirk before he answered. "I need someone to help sort the crayons into their boxes. They got mixed up during art time and they're a frightful mess. Since you are very intelligent and a hard worker, I thought you'd be up to the task."

"I'm gonna fix the cwayons?"

"Yes, if you think you can handle it."

"I can! Pwomise! I'm a good helper," Iyla insisted.

"I know you are. So, would you like to help me?" Master Alann asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"Yes, Masser Al-an!"

"Great. And I'll tell you what. Since you don't want to miss the babies coming and you are waiting eagerly for your Papa, I'll let you sort the crayons right here, against the wall. You'll have full view of the crèche door and be the first one to see him when he comes in. What do you think?"

"Ok, Masser." Iyla replied.

"I'll even give you a blanket and a pillow so you can sit comfortably."

"Yeah, the gwound is kinda hawd."

"It is indeed," Master Alann agreed. "But you'll have to listen to the soft music that's playing for the other sleeping children. Is that alright?"

"That's ok. I like the music," she replied.

"It won't distract you, or make you sleepy?" he asked.

"No, I'm a big girl. I not get 'stracted or seepy. It's ok, Masser. I can handle it," Iyla said with a raised chin.

"Very good, little one. Now, get yourself all comfortable and settled on the blanket and pillow and I'll go get the crayons."

Iyla nodded and shifted herself around as Master Alann walked away quickly in an effort to hide his chuckle. He estimated that she'd last about five minutes with the soft music and comfortable pillow and blanket before she passed out.

He returned with the crayons a minute later to find Iyla settled and slouched a bit against the wall with the blanket around her shoulders and the pillow under her bottom. Master Alann gave her instructions on how to sort the crayons before he retreated to his spot across the room to watch over the sleeping younglings and wait for the inevitable to happen to the little Kenobi.

Alann's estimate was off by three minutes. He was impressed, actually, that she lasted longer than he thought. Around minute six her head started to bob and the slouching became more pronounced. She was still flicking her eyes to the door every few seconds though and powered through her drowsiness with admirable strength. He smirked in satisfaction when he saw her shift to a horizontal position and lay on her stomach. He knew it wouldn't be much longer after that.

Her movements were slower and her blinks were longer as she struggled to pick up crayon after crayon and put them in piles. At minute seven her hand settled over a green crayon and stayed there for a few seconds while her head bobbed down and her eyes closed. Master Alann was about to get up and go take the crayons from her when the strawberry blonde head snapped up violently and turned quickly to the door. Seeing nothing, the girl returned to her task. At minute eight it was finally over. He watched in amusement as gravity took hold and her head lowered to her arms, pillowed on the folded limbs. He waited another minute to make sure she wouldn't jerk awake again before standing up and crossing the room to her. He removed the red crayon from her loose grasp and set it aside. With expert ease he gently rearranged the pillow under her head and fixed the blanket to cover her completely. Quietly gathering up the crayons, Master Alann shook his head in fond exasperation as he thought of the other times he'd had to trick a Kenobi to sleep and how this probably wouldn't be the last time either.

He smiled as he returned from the art room to find Iyla instinctively reaching out for a certain stuffed bantha. Before she could wake and take too much notice of its absence, Master Alann quickly retrieved Barney and tucked him under her outstretched arm. A content smile came over her face and her breathing deepened. Master Alann looked down at her fondly and left her to rest in peace.

Iyla woke up to her Papa lifting her into his arms. She mumbled sleepily and nuzzled his neck. Her eyes blinked open at his soft chuckle and she brought a hand up to rub them.

"P'pa," she slurred.

"Hello, my dear," he said softly.

"What you doin' here?" she asked

"I told you I'd come to get you if anything happened so I'm just keeping my promise," Obi-Wan replied.

Iyla immediately sat up straight in his arms and all sleepiness left her. "Babies?" she asked excitedly.

"Babies," he nodded with a smile.

Iyla's eyes widened and Satine's blinding smile broke out on her face. She gave an excited shout and clapped happily. Thankfully the other children were already waking up from their nap so she didn't disturb anyone too much.

Master Alann handed Iyla's bag to Obi-Wan and laughed at the excited little one who was still clapping and chanting "babies" over and over again.

"She's been very eager to see the new babies. It's all she's been talking about and thinking about since she arrived this morning," Master Alann remarked.

"It's all I've been hearing about for the past week," Obi-Wan replied with a long-suffering look. "I knew I had to come and get her the moment I could or else I'd never hear the end of it. I know what it's like to incur the wrath of a female Kryze and I'm not about to go through that again," Obi-Wan answered with a smirk and a wink.

Master Alann chuckled and clapped him on the shoulder. "Better get going then before you get an earful from her. Give my regards to the Skywalkers and their new little ones."

"I will, Ali. Thanks." Obi-Wan bowed and Iyla waved happily from his arms as they left the crèche.

"Papa, are the babies really here?" Iyla asked as they entered the hallway and made their way to the lift.

"Yes, love. They arrived a few hours ago. Uncle Anakin and Auntie Padme are with them now. Healer Che says we can visit as long as we follow the rules."

"What rules?" she asked.

"Bant and Healer Che will go over them once we get to the Halls. But it is important that we listen to them and obey or we won't be able go in."

"Yes, Papa," Iyla nodded, not wanting to do anything that might prevent her from seeing the babies.

They arrived at the Halls and were greeted by Bant who pulled them aside into a small office.

"Vokara is checking on Padme and the babies. I'll go over the details with you instead," the Mon Calamari healer said.

"You gonna tell us the rules, Masser Eewin?" Iyla asked.

"Yes, little one. And it's very important that you listen carefully, alright?"

"Yes, Masser. I unnerstad."

Bant smiled at her serious expression. "Now, Padme and the babies are doing very very well. They're just tired at the moment. So you must try your best to not be too loud so they can rest. You also need to be gentle with the babies. They can get hurt easily and we want them to be safe."

"I be safe, Masser, pwomise!" Iyla nodded.

"They might cry or make noises but don't be afraid. That's normal. Let the grown-ups handle it if they do cry, ok?" Bant said. She looked to Obi-Wan with a cheeky smirk. "And the last rule, the most important of all, is to make sure your Papa is on his best behavior. He's not the best at listening to healers. Can you do that for me, Iyla?"

"Yes, Masser Eewin. I make sure Papa not be noddy," Iyla replied.

Obi-Wan glared at Bant and rolled his eyes. "I'll behave, I promise," he said.

"Good. Now, are you ready to go see the babies?"

"Yes!" Iyla exclaimed then immediately threw her hands over her mouth. "Sowwy, I be quiet," she whispered.

Bant and Obi-Wan laughed as the three of them got up to leave the office. They were met outside by Healer Che who frowned.

"I already have Padawan Tano in there. I didn't know we were expecting two more guests," she said.

"It's really more like one and a half, Vokara," Obi-Wan reasoned.

Vokara gave him an unamused look.

"I pwomise to follow the rules, Healer Che. Masser Eewin tolded me them and I'm gonna be vewy safe and quiet," Iyla said looking at her with imploring big blue eyes.

Now, Vokara Che was known for her no nonsense and unmovable attitude. But she was tired and really didn't have the strength to withstand the puppy eyes and adorable speech impediment at the moment. Dang Kenobis.

"Oh, alright. But any stress or strain on the patients and you're all out. Including Tano. Understood?"

"Unnerstood," Iyla nodded.

Vokara couldn't help the smile that crossed her face at the girl's words and her eager yet serious eyes. "Go on then," she said. "Bant will show you to the room."

Obi-Wan bowed and Iyla copied his movement. Bant bit her lip to keep from cooing at the little girl's unsteady yet respectful bow and turned to lead them back to the Skywalkers' room.

Bant peeked her head in the door and asked if they were alright with two more guests. When Anakin saw Obi-Wan waiting outside he opened the doors excitedly and called them in. Bant bowed out and left them to it.

"Master! Come in, come in. We've been waiting for you," Anakin said.

"Sorry, I had to make a quick stop on my way," Obi-Wan replied bringing Iyla to stand in front of him.

Anakin smiled and bent down to Iyla's height. "Hey, kiddo. Ready to meet your new cousins?" he asked.

Iyla pressed her lips together tightly and gave a silent nod. Anakin tilted his head in confusion and eyed Obi-Wan.

"I thought you'd be more excited. It's all you've been talking about for the last few days," Anakin said.

Obi-Wan spoke up. "Bant and Healer Che told us how important it is to be quiet so the babies aren't disturbed," he said with a wink.

"Oh, I see. Good job following the rules, little one. But I think your Auntie Padme might like to talk to you, so it's alright if you talk too. Just not too loud, ok?"

Iyla looked up at Obi-Wan for approval to break the rules. Obi-Wan nodded at her and smiled.

"Ok, Unka A'kin," Iyla replied barely above a whisper.

Anakin hid his amusement as he led the little girl over to the hospital bed. Padme was talking quietly with Ahsoka who was holding a small bundle in her arms. Padme looked up from adjusting the blanket of the baby in her own arms to see Iyla and Obi-Wan approaching. She smiled widely and waved them over.

Obi-Wan bent down to give Padme a kiss on the cheek and ran his hand lightly over the soft head of the little one she was holding. Ahsoka handed the other baby back to Padme and Obi-Wan greeted that twin as well.

"They're beautiful, Padme," he said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Obi-Wan," Padme answered. She looked around him and saw Iyla nervously clinging to his robe. "Hi, sweetheart," she greeted. "Would you like to come meet your cousins?"

"Yes, pease," she said timidly.

Padme smiled fondly and held out her hand for the girl to take while Obi-Wan gently urged Iyla forward and stood behind her. Iyla took Padme's hand and smiled when the woman squeezed it lightly. Curiosity was quickly taking over the 4-year-old and she had to try very hard to control the urge to jump excitedly and clap her hands. Instead she stood on her tip-toes and strained her neck to see the small forms in her aunt's arms, her hands twisting together restlessly. Anakin brought over a chair and set Iyla down on it then pushed it closer to the bed so she could see the twins better. Iyla sat up on her knees and shifted towards Padme.

"The babies taked a long time to come," Iyla stated looking curiously at the babies but not moving to get any closer to them.

"Yes, they did," Padme agreed.

"Masser Eewin said you vewy tired and me and Papa gots to be quiet and careful."

"I am tired, darling, but not as much anymore."

"Did you take a nap? I taked a nap in the cwush too. I not want to though. I not want to miss the babies. But Masser Al-an gived me a job and it maked me seepy and I falled aseep," Iyla said.

"Naps are good for you, little one. And yes, I did take a nap too. It was hard work getting these two here," Padme said looking at her two little bundles with a loving smile.

"How'd they get here, Atie Pamay?" Iyla asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Flynn fought you frowed them up but Papa says you didn't. But if you not frow them up, then how they get outta your tummy?"

Everyone exchanged uncomfortable glances and didn't know what to say.

"It's not important right now, love. The important thing is that they are here now and they are healthy," Obi-Wan answered.

Iyla pouted and gave him an annoyed look. "How come no one tell me?"

"It's really not that exciting, dear," Padme placated her. "Now, how about you say hello to them? They're very eager to meet you. I've been telling them all about you."

"You have?" Iyla asked with wide eyes.

"Yes, of course. You're a very special person in their lives."

Iyla's face lit up and she leaned slightly more towards to the babies.

"You can come closer, darling. I want them to see you when they meet you," Padme said invitingly.

"Masser Eewin said I gots to be gentle acause they get huwt easy," Iyla said hesitantly. "I not wanna huwt the babies or bweak the rules. Then I not get to see them no more."

"You won't hurt them, Iyla. I know you're a good girl and you'll be careful. Come sit on the bed a bit and say hi to your cousins," Padme replied.

Ever so carefully and slowly Iyla shifted to sit on the side of the bed. Padme's hand found her own and she placed it on the nearest baby's head. The 4-year-old and the baby blinked at each other curiously.

"Iyla Kenobi, this is your cousin, Luke Skywalker," Padme said.

"Peased to meet you, Luke," Iyla replied with a half bow.

Anakin and Ahsoka had to bite their lips to keep from squealing at the cuteness.

"Luke is very pleased to meet you as well," Padme replied.

Iyla kept her hand on the small head and looked in awe of the tiny bundle. "Luke not talk yet, right Atie Pamay?"

"No, sweetheart. He's too small to talk and will be for some time. But I know he's happy to see you. As is his sister," she said, bringing Iyla's hand to rest on the head of the second baby. "This is Leia, your other cousin."

"Hi, Leia. My name is Iyla Kemmobi. Peased to meet you," Iyla greeted and half bowed again.

Leia stirred in Padme's arms and waved her small fist in the air while scrunching her face.

Iyla giggled. "Leia waved at me! Did'ya see, Papa? I fink she likes me."

"I did see, my darling. She's happy to meet you," Obi-Wan replied.

Iyla's Force signature lit up like a beacon and her smile was just as blinding. "I wuv the babies so much, Atie Pamay!" she said excitedly.

"They love you too, little one," Padme replied.

Iyla smiled but then furrowed her brow. "But…they look the same. How we gonna know who they are?"

"Well, kiddo, one's a boy and one's a girl. So it will be easy to tell," Ahsoka answered.

"But they gots no hair and Luke not gots a beard even though he's a boy. What if I get it wrong? How I know who is a boy and who is a girl?" Iyla asked looking distressed.

"Uh…" Ahsoka said with a panicked look at her Master and Grandmaster.

Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged awkward glances and seemed to be communicating through their bond.

I'm not going to tell her, you tell her, Anakin said with a head tilt towards the girl.

I am not ready to have a human anatomy lesson with my 4-year-old. I only just got her off of the 'where babies come from' topic, Obi-Wan replied.

Well, someone has to say something, Anakin said.

Make something up, you're good at that, Obi-Wan told him.

Master, you know that will just create more questions. You need to tell her. She's your daughter, Anakin shot back with an expectant look.

Obi-Wan sighed and looked resigned. Fine. But don't come to me for help four years from now when Luke and Leia are asking the same questions.

Anakin rolled his eyes at him. Just say something, Obi-Wan.

"Papa…?" Iyla asked curiously.

"Um…well, darling. You see…uh…there are certain differences between boys and girls and…they both have different…things…that make them a boy or a girl and those…things…uh, they…" Obi-Wan was stuttering and floundering his way through an explanation all while his face grew steadily redder.

"You ok, Papa?" Iyla asked looking concerned.

"Y-yes, love, I just, um…" he trailed off again.

Iyla's eyes suddenly lit up in recognition. "Oh, I know," she said.

"You do?" Obi-Wan and Anakin asked at the same time.

"Yeah, you not know, Papa. It's ok. You not gots to know evyfing," Iyla replied with an understanding smile. "We can ask Ganpa Qwi. He knows lotsa fings."

Anakin snorted and coughed while Obi-Wan looked immensely relieved to be pushing this topic onto his former Master-turned-Force-Ghost.

"Yes, little one. I think Grandpa Qui would be a great person to ask," Obi-Wan agreed.

Iyla looked satisfied with this idea and turned back to her cousins. She watched as Luke yawned widely and started to close his eyes. Leia followed soon after.

"They so small and cute," Iyla cooed, "So dorbul!"

Padme laughed. "They certainly are adorable. As are you, little one," she said running her fingers over Iyla's stomach.

Iyla giggled delightedly and laid her head on Padme's shoulder. "I hope we gets to play togever lots. I really wanna be fwiends wif them. Do you fink they wanna be my fwiend too?"

"Most definitely. I think you three will be the best of friends," Padme replied.

"Yeah! We gonna have so much fun! I'm gonna tell them all 'bout the tepol and being a Jedi and I show them the Fowsan Fownans and the twees and fowers and they can meet Shona and Flynn and Nawi and play wif us in the cwush. And I share my toys too. And maybe my bezert if they ask nicely. Then they can meet Bawney and I guess they can hold him if they get sad but I still want him when I got to seep. But I can give them hugs if they wanna and help make them happy. Do you think they like hugs, Atie Pamay?"

"They love hugs," she answered looking amused at Iyla's excited rambling.

"Good acause I wanna hug them lots. Also I wanna teach them so many fings! Acause they prolly not know lotsa stuff so I gots to help them learn evyfing I know."

At her words Obi-Wan frowned and looked worried. "Oh dear, I think I'm having a vision of the future," he said bringing a hand to his head.

"Master?" Anakin asked concerned. "What is it? What do you see?"

Obi-Wan smirked and brought his hand down to rest on his former padawan's shoulder. "Gray hair, my friend. For both of us. Lots and lots of gray hair."

Anakin blanched and looked back at the 4-year-old talking excitedly to his children. "We're in big trouble, aren't we?" he asked.

"With two Skywalkers and a Kenobi-Kryze? Endless amounts, my Padawan," Obi-Wan replied with a long-suffering sigh.

"Don't worry, Masters, I'll keep them all in line," Ahsoka said, coming to stand next to them.

"Why does that not make me feel any better?" Anakin asked.

Ahsoka grinned impishly at him and Anakin groaned.

"I think it's time to ask the Council for an extended mission. One that lasts about 18 years, maybe," Obi-Wan said.

"That sounds perfect. We'll approach them tomorrow," Anakin nodded.

"Don't you dare Anakin Skywalker," Padme said from the bed. "And stop encouraging him, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're both incorrigible."

Both men looked contrite and mumbled an apology.

"I swear any problems caused by these three are the direct result of you two. You'll only have yourselves to blame with your constant troublemaking habits. How the Council deals with you both, I will never understand," Padme said.

"They can't," Ahsoka teased. "They realized that years ago. That's why Master Obi-Wan is one of them now. They probably figured, it was a 'can't beat 'em join 'em' type of situation."

"Hey! Ahsoka!" Obi-Wan exclaimed.

"Whatever Snips, you're just as bad," Anakin said.

"I am a product of my training, Master. And whose fault is that?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Brat," Anakin mumbled.

"Shhh!" a small voice interrupted. "The babies are seeping."

All three Jedi turned to look in the direction of the bed and were met with the stern and challenging gaze of a 4-year-old. "Too loud. Masser Eewin said we gots to be quiet. You bweaking the rules!" Iyla whispered harshly.

"Apologies, dear. We will obey from now on," Obi-Wan replied with a light chuckle.

"Good," Iyla said with a firm nod.

They all watched as Iyla took turns rubbing each little cheek and pressing kisses to their little heads while whispering a soft 'night night cousins.' She sat back and leaned against Padme's shoulder watching the twins in fascination.

Padme turned to plant a kiss on Iyla's head. "Thank you, sweet Iyla. You're already a wonderful big cousin."

"Really?"

"Most definitely, little one," Anakin spoke up. "Luke and Leia are lucky to have you. I can tell they love you so much already."

Iyla smiled shyly. "I wuv them too. And I gonna be the bestest big cousin evew. I help you take care a them, Atie Pamay and make sure they safe and happy. And I always be wif them fowever and evew, just like Papa says."

"That's right, my darling. Forever and ever," Obi-Wan agreed coming to stand next to her. "I know you are going to me an amazing cousin, Iyla."

"Fanks, Papa," Iyla replied.

She turned to him and reached up to put her arms around his neck. He bent down and let her latch on before straightening up and settling her on his hip. Iyla snuggled against him and softly ran her hand over his beard and through his hair. Obi-Wan's heart melted and he smiled at her affectionately while nuzzling her soft curls. He wasn't sure what brought on this tender moment but he was going to relish in it as much as possible.

"Can we get a baby too, Papa?" Iyla asked from his shoulder.

And just like that the moment was gone as Obi-Wan choked on air and closed his eyes in embarrassment.

"Ah, no, darling. I think we'll stick with Luke and Leia," he said awkwardly.

"Ok," Iyla replied looking disappointed.

Luke started crying in that moment and Iyla looked down at him in alarm. "Luke sad?" she asked. "He wanna hold Bawney? Bawney is good at helping sad people feel bettew."

"That's a very nice offer, Iyla, but you can keep Barney. And I don't think he's sad, probably just hungry," Padme said. "I should feed him. Leia too."

"Well, I think that's our cue to leave," Obi-Wan said.

"But Papa, how the babies eat if they gots no teef? Maybe we bing them some soup," she suggested.

"They drink milk, dear," he answered.

"Oh, ok. I like milk too. We gonna bing them some?"

"Uh, they have milk here, so we don't need to bring any."

"Like from a fidge? Can I have a cup too?"

Ahsoka was nearly on the floor trying to hold in her laughter.

"We'll get some at the dining hall, love. Now say goodbye to your cousins," Obi-Wan said, quickly changing the subject.

"We come back later? They still gonna be here? They not go back in Atie Pamay's tummy?"

Obi-Wan chuckled. "No, dear. They're here to stay. They won't go back into Padme's tummy, don't worry. And we'll come back tomorrow, love. I'm sure Auntie Padme, Uncle Anakin, and the babies are pretty tired. We'll let them rest tonight."

"Ok, Papa," Iyla said. She waved goodbye to Padme and Anakin and blew kisses to the babies.

"Mind if I join you at dinner, Master Obi-Wan?" Ahsoka asked.

"Not at all, Ahsoka," Obi-Wan replied with a smile.

Obi-Wan and Ahsoka bid Anakin and Padme goodnight and offered their congratulations once more with hugs and smiles. The new parents went back to adoring their new little lights as the rest of their family left the Halls.

Obi-Wan made sure dinner was quick after Iyla tried to ask Kit, Plo, and Depa about babies and the difference between boys and girls. He was pretty sure Kit was close to passing out from the effort of holding in his laughter. Plo was indulgent as always but evasive thankfully, even though he kept glancing at Obi-Wan and was clearly amused at the younger man's humiliation. Depa, the traitor, told her that Obi-Wan would answer all of her questions eventually.

"But Masser Blababa," Iyla said. "Papa not know how boy and girls diff'ent. He said we gots to ask Ganpa Qwi."

Depa gave Obi-Wan an unimpressed look, clearly trying to communicate her feelings about him pawning the awkward question off on his Master. Obi-Wan sheepishly ducked his head and focused on his stew instead.

"Papa also said we not gets a baby acause we already gots Luke and Leia. But maybe Papa can put a baby in his tummy like Atie Pamay," Iyla mused as she tilted her head in thought.

Ahsoka choked on her drink and Plo hit her on the back while he chuckled lightly under his breath.

Iyla looked up at Obi-Wan expectantly. "You put a baby in your tummy, Papa?"

"N-no, sweetheart. Boys can't have babies in their tummies. Only girls can do that," he answered.

"So, can I get a baby in my tummy?"

"Grown-up girls, darling," Obi-Wan replied.

"Oh. Then when I'm bigger I can get a baby in my tummy?" Iyla asked innocently.

"No. Absolutely not. Never," Obi-Wan said emphatically.

"But, Papa. I want a baby in my tummy," Iyla whined.

"No babies are ever going to be put in your tummy. Ever."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so. Now, finish your dinner," was all he said then quickly took a large bite to avoid having to say anything more.

Their dinner companions hid their smiles and chuckles behind their hands and kept shooting Obi-Wan teasing looks. Obi-Wan glared at them all and ignored their smirks.

Once Iyla started telling the rest of the table about the milk that Luke and Leia were drinking and how disappointed she was that she couldn't have any, Obi-Wan ushered her out of her seat and gave a hasty and embarrassed bow to his fellow Councilors and Ahsoka. He felt his face heat up as he heard their laughter behind him.

Later that evening as the Kenobis were winding down Qui-Gon paid them a visit, as if summoned by the Force itself and just in time to answer all of the questions Obi-Wan didn't want to face. Iyla enthusiastically greeted him and started telling him all about her day and her new cousins. Qui-Gon listened intently and kept shooting amused grins at his former padawan when the more awkward topics came up in conversation.

"And Papa said we should ask you. Do you know why girls and boys are diff'ent, Ganpa Qwi?" Iyla asked seriously.

The Force Ghost glanced at Obi-Wan who was busying himself with cleaning a non-existent spot on his tunic. He looked up to meet his former Master's eyes and blinked innocently at him. Qui-Gon gave him an exasperated look then turned to address his granddaughter.

"I do, little one. What would you like to know?" he asked.

"How I gonna know which baby is Luke and Leia? They look ezacly the same. But Soka said we tell acasue one is a boy and one is a girl but they don't gots hair or a beard so I not know how we 'sposed to know. Papa said there are fings that make them a boy or a girl but he not say what the fings are."

"I see. So you'd like to know what these things are?"

"Yes, Ganpa Qwi," Iyla replied.

"Alright, well, hmm, where to start…" Qui-Gon said trying to calculate and come up with the most innocent and least awkward way to explain it to the 4-year-old.

Obi-Wan beat a hasty retreat and bid him a 'good luck, Master,' as he jumped up from the couch and suddenly became fascinated with straightening the living room.

"But, Papa. You not know either so you gots to listen too," Iyla insisted.

"I'll listen as I clean, darling," Obi-Wan promised from over his shoulder.

He didn't really pay much attention as he worked, much preferring to block out the whole awkward conversation and perfectly happy to leave it all for Qui-Gon to deal with. He did catch bits and pieces though that made him question if his Master was the best person for the job.

"A stick? Like a lightsaber?" he heard Iyla ask. "But Soka gots lightsabers. She gots two of them. Is Soka a boy then?"

Obi-Wan whipped around and gave Qui-Gon an alarmed look. 'Stick?!' he mouthed incredulously. Qui-Gon shrugged slightly and looked helpless. Obi-Wan groaned. Qui-Gon ignored him and quickly reassured Iyla that a lightsaber was a vastly different stick than the one he was talking about.

"So boys go potty wif the stick? Is that why Papa goes potty standing up? Acause he gots a stick?"

"Er…yes. Boys stand up when they use the 'fresher," Qui-Gon replied.

"Oh," Iyla said. She turned to call out to her Papa from across the room. "You really gots a stick, Papa? And you go potty wif it?"

Obi-Wan brought a hand up to his face and prayed for the Force to take him. "Yes, darling. I have a…stick," he answered.

"Huh. Is that why boys and girls gots diff'ent potties? Like the boys not go in the girls' potty and the girls not go in the boys' potty. Is it so they not poke us wif the sticks?"

"Kriffing hell," Obi-Wan muttered.

Qui-Gon chose not to answer the poking question and instead addressed the different 'freshers. "Different 'freshers are important, yes. The boys' and girls' 'freshers are each made to suit their…needs when they use the toilet."

"One time I assidentally goed in the boys' potty. They only gots one potty and some big sinks. Why do boys go potty in the sink?" Iyla asked looking confused and disgusted.

"Um, those aren't sinks, little one. They…you know what, that's not important right now. The important thing is that we now know how to tell which baby is Luke and which baby is Leia, right?"

"Yes. Luke gots a stick and Leia gots a…" Iyla trailed off.

"Not a stick," Obi-Wan answered quickly. "Now, I think it's time for bed, my dear. Say goodnight to Grandpa Qui and thank him for his educational lesson about boys and girls."

"Ok, night night Ganpa Qwi. Fanks for telling me about the sticks and the diff'ent potties. Wuv you!"

"You're welcome, darling. Love you too. Sweet dreams," Qui-Gon replied, looking much too relieved to be done with the conversation.

Iyla trotted off to the bedroom, picking up Barney from the floor on her way. She stopped suddenly and turned around looking concerned.

"Papa…Bawney not gots a stick. Is…is he a girl?" she asked.

"Toys are different, love. Barney is still a boy, don't worry. Now go get your night clothes on, please," he said somewhat desperately.

Iyla shrugged and with an 'ok, Papa,' she disappeared from the room.

"Thank the Force that's over. Why in the world would you pass that conversation on to me, Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Well, I certainly wasn't ready for it. I figured you'd be able to explain it better than I could. But apparently I was wrong. Sticks?! For Force's sake, Qui-Gon!"

"At least I tried. Which is more than you can say, Obi-Wan. It will do for now until a more detailed explanation is needed. At which time you will not be pawning it off on me. I've paid my dues already, young one. Your turn," the Force Ghost said raising a stern translucent eyebrow.

Obi-Wan huffed and scowled.

"Papa…does Flynn gots a stick too?" Iyla's voice called from the room.

Obi-Wan groaned and put his head in his hands.

"Goodnight, Padawan," Qui-Gon chuckled and quickly faded back into the Force.

"Traitor," Obi-Wan muttered as he took a deep breath and prepared himself for a long night of questions.

The next day Crèche Master Ali Alann had to leave the room to laugh hysterically in peace as Master Terrol sputtered after innocently being asked by the little Kenobi if his 'stick' was blue like the rest of him. Likewise Anakin Skywalker nearly became one with the Force after returning from the 'fresher and being bombarded with questions about why he goes potty in a sink.

Omg guys! This is the penultimate chapter! Can you believe it? I can't! I'm actually getting a bit sad. I'll miss this story and I don't want it to end. But all things must end sometime. Hopefully it's not totally the end for Iyla and this AU, just the end of this particular story.

As always thanks so much for your reviews and feedback. It has kept me going and sustained me throughout this journey. See you in the final chapter!