A/N: Hey everyone, I know it's been a really, really, long time since my last update. It's just been a really tough time for me to write anything and I'm sorry about the wait. I won't make any promises about when the next update will be, but I hope it will be sooner than the last as I try to get back into writing again. Maybe get some of these stories to the end and start some new ones. Who knows, but for now, here's an update to a few the stories I have. Hope y'all during well.
Summary: Padme Amidala built bridges with people, especially with her 4th grade students. When new student Ahsoka joins her class, she is ready to start building a bridge to the young girl. Anakin Skywalker doesn't trust easily, especially when his little sister is involved. But he's drawn to the 4th grade teacher and willing to trust Padme with the darker battles his family is facing.
Chapter Nineteen: Handle Anything
The day had arrived. Finally wouldn't have been the best word choice, but in truth that was how Anakin and Obi Wan felt, though he wasn't as willing to admit it. This day, where they would appear in court against Maul, had certainly been one to play around in their minds to varying degrees. After all this court date would determine whether or not they went to trial, and if they went to trial, their claim over Ahsoka would be threatened.
All Anakin could feel was fear, absolute terror shrouded him and he just, he wasn't sure he would make it through this. The more fear he felt at the thought of losing his sister, the more anger and rage burned in him. Maul didn't scare him, the man had never scared him in the past, but this was different. Now Ahsoka was caught in the middle of this, something she shouldn't have had to be worried about. Yet here they were.
The Coruscant Courthouse was a large and intimidating sight, the colors were darker reds and browns and slightly ominous if he was being honest. Though maybe that was just his imagination, just his mind reacting to his already uneasy nerves. It didn't help that the clouds overhead were getting darker and darker by the minute, signaling a storm was coming. A hand rested on his shoulder and he turned to look at Obi Wan, he had a reassuring expression on his face. Blue eyes like their father, always filled with care, even when he was angry, there was only ever compassion in those eyes.
"We will get through this," Obi Wan told him, not exactly confident or certain, but like he believed in those words.
Anakin visually swallowed, "We'd better. The judge has to see that Ahsoka needs to stay with us, that we don't need to go to trial to prove it. They have to see she belongs with us." Anakin turned way for a moment, his voice showing more vulnerability than before. "She belongs with us, doesn't she?"
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Obi Wan nod. "Yes, she does."
Anakin believed that, but still worry gnawed at him. They may not have been perfect, but they were a million times better than Maul. All they needed to do was prove that to judge today and then they could get on with their lives. Anakin pressed his lips together at the thought of Ahsoka having to leave him, the very idea of it hurt him. It hurt him so badly and he would have done anything, literally anything, to make sure that it didn't happen. That she would remain with him, that she wouldn't leave, that she wouldn't be taken. His heart couldn't take the loss, he couldn't take the loss. Not now, not ever.
Obi Wan gave his shoulder a squeeze, but there were no further words he could offer. Instead, he took a deep breath to steady his own nerves before letting his mask fall into place and lowering his hand from his brother's shoulder. Now was the time for them to face the music. Daunting as it was, at least they wouldn't have to face it alone. In solemn silence, the two brothers made their way up the many steps before stopping at the front door.
It was 8:37, the meeting started at 9:00.
Padme was not a stranger to anxiety, while she liked to think of herself as a calm person, she certainly had her share of anxiety. Last night Anakin had called her about how today was the summons, today he would find out if the courts would bring the custody of Ahsoka to trial. For days she had been pouring over it, trying to work out the odds for herself and for Anakin, to calm their worries. But no matter how many numbers she ran, or how much she thought it over, nothing would calm their fears.
When she spoke to Anakin last night over holotime, he looked awful. No matter how hard he tried to hide it from her, she could see the bags under his eyes from lack of sleep, the fury in his gaze, and fear in his voice. His emotions always ran much higher than others, he felt things so deeply and he reacted with so much passion to them. The medication he was taking to stop it had been working, but it also made him feel… uneasy and he described it as static. She'd wanted to be there with him, to help him, to offer him any comfort that she could. It wasn't enough, no matter what he said, it wasn't enough and she hated that.
Her brown eyes glanced to the clock on her right, 10:52. She had no idea how long summons usually lasted, but she knew this one started at 9:00 and he still hadn't texted or called. Did that mean things were bad? Did they lose? Well not lost, but were going to trial and he didn't have time to tell her yet from shock? Or was it good news? Maybe they were out celebrating with Ahsoka. Or were they consoling Ahsoka? What if-
"Padme," said her friend, Bail, with a worried look, "Are you alright? One might think there was an earthquake with the shaking table."
Padme snapped her gaze to look at him, she stopped shaking her leg and apologized. "I'm so sorry. Just, I'm just a little on edge is all. Didn't mean to get distracted."
Bail raised an eyebrow in disbelief, "Only distracted? Padme if something's going on, you can tell me."
Padme gave him a sweet smile, "I know. It's just not my story to tell."
"Would it happen to be about the young man you've been seeing," Bail asked, his gaze narrowed, "If he's hurting you-"
"He's not, I promise," Padme interrupted, she shook her head. "I'm worried about him. His family is going through a really difficult time and I feel powerless to help them. And his poor little sister, my student." Padme brought her hands to her temples. "She's only ten and has to deal with so much."
Bail offered her a reassuring look, trying to convey as much support in his brown eyes, "I am certain they will be okay and that you are doing all you can to help them."
"I wish I could do more," Padme sighed softly. "But enough of that. I invited you to brunch so we could catch up. It's been far too long since we last got to just talk."
Bail frowned at her, attempt to change the subject. "We can talk more about it if you want. Truly, we can catch up later after this is sorted."
Padme shook her head, "No, no there's nothing to discuss and thinking about it won't help. Besides, I want to spend time with you. Breha tells me you've moved up to the assistant principal and you didn't tell me."
Bail let out a laugh, "Of course she told you that. It's not certain yet, but things are looking up in my favor."
Padme smiled brightly, "Of course. You would be wonderful in the position Bail."
"I'm glad you think so," Bail told her kindly and told her more on the subject.
It had been more than a month since she had last seen her friend. When she had been doing her student teaching at Alderaan Academy, it had been under Bail Organa and the two became fast friends. He helped her in all her teaching endeavors and gave her the most glowing of recommendations, always ready to help her when she needed it. And his wife, Breha, was the sweetest woman she had ever met. The two of them hit it off right away with teasing Bail to no end, while he acted annoyed by being ganged up on, Padme knew on some level he enjoyed it. Especially when he was able to tease them right back.
Padme had been disappointed when Breha couldn't make it, but her work had gotten in the way and she couldn't get away. Though Padme was determined that next time they would all get together. The married couple however insisted that the next time they met up that she bring Anakin with her, to which she happily agreed. Anakin hadn't met anyone close to her yet while she had already met his family, even stayed over at their retreat home. And she hadn't gotten around to bringing him to meet her family because they were keeping their relationship as low profile as possible and because her family was further away.
Her parents lived roughly two hours away and Sola's family, despite being in the area, had a lot to do and trying to bring everyone together just wasn't feasible now. And given all that Anakin was going through, she didn't think introducing him to her family was a good idea. Padme pushedthe thoughts away, focusing on Bail and letting the conversation flow easily between them. Her worries were settled for a little while and she could almost breathe easily again.
At noon the two ended their brunch in. As Padme was getting her stuff, she looked out to the parking lot to search for her car when she spotted them. Bail followed her sight and glanced at her in a questioning look, but she couldn't give an answer. Not when Anakin was walking over to her, his steps were sluggish and his expression pained. All of that was a bad sigh. The worst sign and it confirmed what she already knew. She met him halfway, mouth open to ask how it went, if he was okay, but the words died on her tongue when he spoke four words she didn't want to hear.
"We're going to trial."
It was all he needed to say for Padme to understand his appearance, to take in the full weight of his words. Trial, he was going to trial to keep Ahsoka with him. Pain flared to life in her chest and she pulled Anakin into a tight hug, not knowing what else she could do, not knowing what to say. They were going to trial. In the back of her mind, she could hear the faint words of her student.
If he wins, will you watch Anakin for me?
Padme shook it from her mind, that man wasn't going to win. No, Anakin would win this trial and keep Ahsoka at his side where she would be safe, loved and could grow up in a warm environment. Padme may not have known everything about Maul's parenting, but she knew enough. She knew that Anakin was the best choice for her student. The courts would have to see it that way as well. Though her mind was spinning, she focused back on Anakin. She needed to be present for him, he needed all the support he could get now.
"I'm sorry," Padme whispered to him, "I'm so sorry."
Anakin buried his face in her neck, taking a deep breath as he tried to steady his uneven breathing. "I, I can't believe this happened. I just, I can't believe it."
Padme rubbed his back, "I know. But he hasn't won, he won't win. We will do everything we can to keep her where she belongs."
Anakin pulled back, shaking his head as he said, "I don't know how, how-" He ran his fingers through his hair- "How am I supposed to tell her? How can I look at her, tell her that I'm breaking my promise? I promised her that I wouldn't let this happen."
Padme brought her hand to his cheek, "You are not breaking any promise. Ahsoka knows that you would do anything to protect her. This doesn't change anything about what you promised her. And she'll know that. She's a smart girl."
Anakin didn't say anything for a few moments, his blue eyes bore into her brown ones, "Would you break the news to her with me? Obi Wan is going to meet with Satine to find some good lawyers and I don't, I can't tell her alone. I mean Rex and Cody will be there, but I just..."
Padme nodded, "Of course I'll go with you. I'm with you. No matter what, I'll be by your side."
Anakin took a shuddering breath, he brought his gloved hand up to her own and nodded once to show he understood. Then his eyes flickered away from her to Bail. There was some animosity in his gaze and she expected that. As emotional and expressive as he was, he didn't like for others to see him completely lose his control, especially when he didn't know them. Given the circumstances, she wasn't surprised that he only just realized she wasn't alone.
"Anakin, this is my friend Bail Organa from Alderaan Academy. I did my student teaching under him," Padme introduced as she lowered her hand from his face, but still gripped his hand. "Bail, this is Anakin. My boyfriend."
Bail nodded to him with a kind smile, he extended his hand, "It's nice to put a face to a name. Padme speaks very highly of you."
Anakin shook his hand, the animosity leaving his gaze. "You as well. I'm glad Padme has a friend as good as you."
"She's a great friend, I would do anything for her," Bail said sincerely, his gaze held Anakin's, "Padme hasn't told me anything of your situation, but based on what I just heard, I do happen to know a very successful family lawyer who would be more than willing to help."
Anakin frowned at this, but said nothing.
Padme informed him, "His wife Breha, she is a great attorney and works on cases like this. She could offer some great legal advice or even represent you, if Obi Wan or yourself think that would help."
Anakin flickered between Padme and Bail before he said, "I'll talk to Obi Wan about it. Thank you Bail, for the offer. We appreciate it."
Bail gave him a kind smile, "Think nothing of it. Anyone important to Padme is important to me and I assure you, we will do all we can to help if you will take it."
"We need all the help we can get," Anakin said and Padme knew it pained him to say that.
Asking for help was a struggle for many people, a large struggle for him that he had to work on every day. She gave his hand a squeeze, hoping to remind him that she was there, that she was proud of him. With a final goodbye, Bail left the couple alone to stand on the curb, no words leaving them. Though they didn't stand there in silence for long.
Moments after Bail left, Obi Wan appeared to them and explained that he and Satine were meeting with a lawyer now. While Obi Wan had put together a list of possible lawyers, he and Satine were going to interview them so to speak and find out who would be best suited for the job. Anakin informed him about Padme's friend and Obi Wan nearly added her to the list, rubbing his temple as he typed her information down. The stress of it already getting to him.
Soon as Obi Wan had all of the information, he left with a brief farewell to go meet with Satine. Padme didn't blame him for his quick departure, the weight of all that had happened was weighing down on him tremendously. That feeling of powerlessness hit Padme as she watched him get into his car and take a few moments before starting it. There was so little she could really do for the family, but she vowed to do everything in her power to help them.
In silence, Padme and Anakin walked to her car. They didn't immediately leave the parking lot though, instead they sat there for several minutes. No words exchanged as the full weight of the news rested in their minds.
Ahsoka stood tall and with a shrug of her shoulders she said, "Then we'll just beat him in court. Piece of cake."
It sounded so simple, so easy and so possible. A laugh left Anakin, the first laugh he had been able to release in days. Explaining the situation to Ahsoka had been easier thanks to Padme speaking when he felt like he couldn't breathe, her presence easing him and making him feel more centered. No matter how chaotic things were, no matter how bad the storm around him seemed, she always managed to make things better, to calm all of that chaos.
Ahsoka was upset by the news, but she was doing her best to hide it and keep up that same positive outlook she almost always had in bad situations. The pre-teen was standing on the edge of the fountain, dressed in casual clothes that were covered in patches of dirt from time playing with her friends at Onderon Park. Cody had put the whole thing together so that Ahsoka could have fun and take her mind off of everything for awhile. Unfortunately, it couldn't last.
While Ahsoka had known from the beginning it was meant to be a distraction for her, she didn't mind too much. After all, she'd been looking forward to hanging out with her classmates and she was tired of thinking about Maul, so she welcomed the distraction. It did bother her that the news wasn't good like they hoped, but she had all the faith in her brothers that they would no doubt turn this around and the trial would be over in no time flat. No way was she leaving them behind.
"Couldn't have said it better myself Snips," Anakin told her, his smile watery. "And the way you're handling this, it's much better than any of us. I'm proud of you."
Ahsoka tilted her head up with a beaming look, "You taught me well. I can handle anything."
"That's right," Anakin said, his eyes still shining. "And don't you forget, I'm going to make good on that promise."
"I know. You're stuck with me Skyguy," Ahsoka said with a wink that made Anakin smile wider.
Padme spoke next, "What do you say we get you and all your friends ice cream?"
Ahsoka returned the smile, "Sounds good to me." She hopped off the fountain edge and started running back over to the playground where her friends were. "Hey guys grab your stuff, we're getting ice cream!"
The resounding cheers caused the couple to laugh softly to themselves. The road was going to be a very bumpy one, that much was certain. Maul wasn't going to go down without a fight, but neither were they. As Anakin watched his younger sister speaking excitedly to her friend and felt Padme squeeze his hand, he felt more confident than before. It was like Ahsoka said, she learned how to handle anything from him. This was just one more obstacle to beat, and he planned to destroy.