Whew! This one is super long and filled with all kinds of goodies. I actually filled quite a few requests from my AO3 readers in this one chapter alone which is mostly why it's so long and took me forever. So hopefully I did their suggestions justice!
This chapter is a collection of scenes that revolve around people giving, teaching, doing something with Iyla that Obi-Wan would not approve of, then telling her to not tell him about it even though he inevitably finds out anyways. Except for the last one. *evil laugh*
I hope you enjoy these little scenes and don't kill me for the last one, which was so fun to write by the way ;)
Chapter 5: Don't Tell Your Papa
There were a few occasions when the Councilors would be called to an informal meeting, more of a brainstorming session, and they'd be required to spend their evening in the chambers discussing various issues that had come up or scheduling upcoming meetings and senate visits. These sessions were very rare, so rare in fact, that Obi-Wan couldn't remember the last time Master Yoda had called one. It was definitely before he'd gone to get Iyla from Stewjon. Back when he'd been free to spend all evening and late into the night with his fellow Councilors without concern for late hours, bedtimes, nightly baths, or making sure a tiny human was fed and wound down for the night. Back when he didn't have a 4-year-old to take care of.
But now the summons was sent, as he was getting Iyla cleaned up from dinner and settling her down with a puzzle and her toys, at the very start of their evening wind down routine. He nearly jumped up to grab his cloak to be on his way when he looked up and saw curious blue eyes staring back at him from the couch.
"You gotta go to the cowsul, Papa?" Iyla asked.
Obi-Wan froze in place, one arm in his cloak, and frowned. What was he to do? Was he excused from the meeting? Would they understand his absence? He couldn't leave a 4-year-old alone in their rooms, but he couldn't shirk his Council duties either. It also didn't feel right to dump Iyla in the crèche or take her to Anakin and Padme. They had six month old twins to deal with. Their hands were a bit full at the moment.
He reached for his comm and quickly called Mace to explain his situation.
"You could always bring her with you," Mace replied.
"Bring her?" Obi-Wan asked incredulously. "Bring a 4-year-old to a Council meeting?"
"It's not an actual formal meeting, Obi-Wan. You know that. No one is going to be bothered by her. On the contrary, I can think of a number of Councilors who would be disappointed if you didn't bring her," Mace said with a chuckle.
"We've just finished a bath so her hair is soaking wet and she's in her night clothes already," Obi-Wan explained.
"It's not like any of us care if she's in her night clothes, Obi-Wan. Plus we understand. It will be fine. Iyla is welcome at the meeting," Mace assured him.
"You're sure it's not against protocol, or breaking rules or anything?" Obi-Wan asked.
"You," Mace began, "concerned about breaking rules?" he teased. "That went out the window months ago, when you first brought Iyla here, remember?" Mace laughed.
Obi-Wan chuckled as well. "Fair point, Mace. Alright, Iyla and I will be there in a few minutes."
He turned off the comm then helped Iyla gather up a few things to get her through the meeting. He got out her backpack and put in a blanket, Barney, and some other toys to keep her entertained should things run longer than expected. He hoped it wouldn't go too late. Bedtime was strictly adhered to whenever possible and Iyla was pretty used to their routine by now. After the bag was filled, boots were buckled, and the 'fresher visited, Obi-Wan and Iyla were on their way to the Council Chamber.
Iyla was thrilled to be allowed in the meeting, talking animatedly about how grown up she felt and remembering the day she pretended to be her Papa as a Councilor. She giggled and hopped along happily as she held Obi-Wan's hand, any winding down they'd accomplished moments before vanishing in her excitement.
"Hi, Masser Koom!" Iyla greeted the Kel Dor joyfully as they walked through the door, her damp curls bouncing as she jumped a bit in place.
"Well, hello there, little one. Will you be joining us for our meeting tonight?" Plo asked smiling behind his mask.
"Uh-huh. Masser Window said I can come even if I gots wet hair and in my jammas," she said holding out her arms to show off her flowy and thin pajama top.
"I didn't know we were allowed to wear night clothes," Kit spoke up as he walked up to them. "I would have worn mine as well," he huffed playfully.
"No one wants to see that, Fisto," Depa remarked as she walked by.
"Be quiet, Billaba," Kit scowled.
Obi-Wan chuckled and ran his hands through Iyla's drying hair attempting to tame it a bit, but it was a lost cause.
"Welcome you are, young Iyla," Master Yoda greeted.
"Fank you, Masser Yoba," Iyla bowed respectfully causing Kit to have to bite his lip to contain his squeals at the adorable gesture.
"Have some snacks, will you?" Yoda asked looking towards the large table of sweets in the corner of the room.
Informal sessions were usually accompanied by a table of snacks and endless tea or caff, part of the incentive to show up and endure the often inconvenient meetings.
"Can I, Papa?" Iyla asked Obi-Wan with pleading eyes. "I eated all my dinner. Even the cawwots," she wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"That you did, little one. Very well, we can get you something. But only one sweet and one glass of juice. You do still need to sleep tonight," Obi-Wan replied.
Iyla's face lit up in a huge grin. "Fanks, Papa!" she replied.
They made their way over to the sweets table and Obi-Wan picked out a chocolate brownie and a glass of muja juice for Iyla as well as a cup of tea and a cookie for himself. He left Iyla in the care of Depa with whom she was having a very important conversation about how yucky boys are and went to go make small talk with Kit, Plo, and Mace.
Depa watched Obi-Wan leave and smirked a bit. She'd been wanting to get Iyla alone for a while to start educating her in everything tea related. She knew Obi-Wan took his tea seriously and she thought it would be hilarious to turn his daughter against him as far as taste in tea goes.
"Hey, Iyla," Depa began.
"Yes, Masser Blababa?"
"What kind of tea does your Papa drink?"
"Lotsa kinds. He loves tea!"
"Do you like any of them?"
"I gets a sip when he makes some acause he wants me to like tea. But some of them aren't vewy good."
"Would you like to try my favorite tea? Maybe you'll like it," Depa suggested.
"I'm not 'llowed to have a lotsa tea. Papa says it gots too much cowfeen," Iyla replied.
"Caffeine?"
"Yeah, caffeen."
Depa chuckled and poured half a cup of her favorite tea then handed it to the girl. "Here, it's only half a cup. Not too much."
"I dunno if Papa gonna let me," Iyla said hesitantly.
"Well, your Papa doesn't need to know. It's just a few sips after all, not a whole cup."
Iyla side-eyed her father who was laughing and chatting with the other Councilors then looked back at the cup being held out to her.
"Ok. I not tell Papa," she replied.
Depa smiled and put the cup in her hands. Iyla took a sip then smiled, clearly liking the taste. Depa was delighted that Iyla liked it and decided that another half cup of a second type of tea would be alright too. A single cup of tea wouldn't be too damaging to the little one. Maybe make her hyper for a bit, but it would pass. She handed Iyla the cup with another request to not tell Obi-Wan and watched as Iyla drank that as well. It wasn't as well received as the first cup, but Depa was satisfied that she didn't spit it out or make a face.
Plo walked up to them to tell Depa that Mace wanted to talk to her for a bit and that he would watch Iyla for the time being. Depa nodded and looked at Iyla to give her a wink, a reminder and sign of their little tea secret. Iyla smiled and winked back.
"Did you have a sweet, little Iyla?" Plo asked when Depa was gone.
"Yes, Masser Koom. I eated a bownie. It was yummy!" Iyla answered enthusiastically.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Is there another sweet you'd like to try?" Plo asked.
"Umm…yeah, but Papa said only one sweet," she said biting her lip.
"Perhaps we can share one. What would you like?"
"Papa eated a cookie that looked yummy. It gots sugar on top."
"Ah, yes. One of my favorites as well. Would you like to split one with me? I can break it in half so you won't be eating too much," Plo said.
"I do wanna twy it, but Papa not let me."
"Don't tell your Papa then. It will be our secret," Plo said with a wink.
Iyla looked at the sugary cookie half in the Master's hand and tilted her head in thought. It was only a half and it wasn't that big. Surely it would be fine. She smiled up at Plo and took the cookie half from his hand then shoved it in her mouth. Plo winked at her and she winked back, acknowledging their own special cookie secret.
After a few more minutes the time for socializing came to an end and each Council member found their seats to begin the informal meeting. Obi-Wan set Iyla up with her toys and puzzle on the floor next to his chair and made sure she was settled before turning his attention to the matters at hand.
After 20 minutes a break was called and they all headed to the refreshment table again. Iyla was approached by Kit this time while Obi-Wan was distracted by Yoda. Kit saw her eyeing a pastry then looking towards Obi-Wan anxiously, clearly battling with herself as to whether or not she should ask for another sweet. With a sneaky move, Kit slipped the pastry into her hand with a "don't tell your Papa," and winked at her. Iyla grinned widely and winked back as she ate the pastry happily.
This routine continued during each break, a Councilor slipping her a sweet with a wink and a request to not tell Obi-Wan. The same went for small cups of tea as well, Mace and Yoda both joining in on trying to sway the daughter of the biggest tea snob to prefer their tea instead.
By the time the meeting approached the 60 minute mark, Iyla had been slipped a sweet by Plo, Kit, Adi Gallia, and Shaak Ti, and been served two half cups of tea each from Depa, Mace, and Yoda. All this on top of the brownie and muja juice was definitely more than Obi-Wan would ever have allowed her to have. With every wink and "don't tell your Papa," Iyla felt a bit guilty, but even a respectful and obedient 4-year-old would find it difficult to turn away endless sweets and drinks. She knew it was wrong, but she was also a little kid and couldn't be expected to listen to her Papa all the time, especially when goodies were involved.
Sometime around the topic of meeting schedules, Iyla tugged frantically on Obi-Wan's robes and whispered not-so-quietly that she had to "go potty vewy bad," to which the room chuckled and Obi-Wan's face colored. Mace dismissed them with a wave of his hand and Obi-Wan quickly led a squirming Iyla down the hall to the 'fresher.
Iyla fell asleep after that curled up in her Papa's lap as the meeting droned on around her. The Councilors found it difficult to concentrate while the little one was sleeping peacefully on Obi-Wan, one hand cuddling Barney with a thumb in her mouth, while the other gripped his tunics. Her face was buried in his shoulder and she was partially covered by the colorful flowered blanket from her bed and her Papa's big brown robe. They all kept sneaking glances and sharing smiles and smirks as they watched Obi-Wan discuss plans for the senate even as he ran a hand repeatedly down Iyla's back and through her now dry and frizzy curls, the movements so second nature that he probably didn't even realize he was doing it.
Finally Master Yoda ended the meeting when it was clear that no one was paying attention anymore as all of them were too busy cooing and smiling at the two Kenobis and the tender familial scene. A few people hung around to finish off the last of the sweets then trickled out with a goodnight and a polite bow. Obi-Wan was one of the first ones out, respectfully giving his regards and gently carrying his deeply asleep bundle back to their rooms, completely unaware that his colleagues had been stuffing his 4-year-old full of sweets and tea all evening.
He inevitably found out though when he was woken up hours later by a sobbing Iyla who was holding her stomach and hiccupping out apologies for the soaked bedding from her accident. Just as he reached out to comfort her, she threw up violently then groaned as she clutched her middle.
At the Council meeting the next morning, Obi-Wan started with a question to his colleagues.
"I was just wondering who I have to thank for my early morning wake-up?" he asked.
The Councilors looked around the room curiously. "What do you mean, Obi-Wan?" Mace asked.
"I was up at 1 a.m. with a very sick and miserable little girl. So I was wondering who I have to thank for that," he replied with a tilt of his head and a gleam in his eye.
A guilty silence settled over the space as each one of them avoided his eyes.
"What makes you think we are responsible?" Kit asked nervously.
"Because Iyla confessed the whole thing to me as I was cleaning vomit from her hair and tossing soaked bedding in the laundry. I know she was being given sweets and cups of tea all evening," Obi-Wan said, folding his arms and raising an eyebrow.
"Gave her a cup of tea I did," Master Yoda spoke up first.
"I also gave her a cup," Mace said.
"And I," Depa muttered guiltily.
"You mean to tell me that my 4-year-old had three full cups of tea and a full cup of juice an hour before bedtime?" Obi-Wan growled.
"I didn't know that Depa and Master Yoda had already given her some," Mace defended. "I was simply trying to educate her on the different types of teas available."
"Me too," Depa said.
Yoda nodded in agreement.
"More like turn her against me with your terrible tastes."
"Hey! Watch it Kenobi," Depa scowled.
"Shove it, Billaba," Obi-Wan replied with narrowed eyes.
Mace sighed heavily and raised his hand. "Look, we apologize for giving Iyla tea behind your back and for causing an accident that woke you both up. We promise to not do it again," he placated.
Obi-Wan glared at the three of them before nodding. "Thank you. But, she also had a painful stomach ache thanks to some of you as well."
"I gave Iyla half of my cookie," Plo admitted.
"And I slipped her a pastry," Kit said.
Shaak and Adi then admitted to giving her a sweet as well and everyone's eyes widened at the sheer amount of sugar the little girl ingested in such a short amount of time.
"No wonder she was so sick," Obi-Wan whistled as he shook his head.
"Please give our apologies to Iyla for the stomach ache," Plo said looking remorseful.
Obi-Wan gave them an unimpressed look but nodded his acceptance anyways. "I hope that this will be the last time this happens," he said.
The assembled Councilors nodded their heads emphatically and started apologizing profusely and promising to never again stuff his daughter with endless sweets and caffeinated teas. But Obi-Wan knew, even as they hastily and frantically reassured him there would be no repeat of the incident, that this would not be the last time they gave in to their urge to spoil her rotten. The dang girl was just too charming and adorable for her own good. The Force around the room seemed to giggle cheekily in contradiction to his colleague's words and Obi-Wan sighed and resigned himself to his fate.
Qui-Gon Jinn smiled fondly as he floated around behind his granddaughter while she chatted excitedly about her day. Her joyful voice filled the Kenobi balcony that she was bouncing around happily. He nodded and hmm-ed at her stories about playing in the crèche and how they had her favorite snack two days in a row. Most exciting was the fact that she was no longer required to take a nap during the day. Ever since she turned five, she was allowed to play in the garden while the other 'little kids' took their naps inside. But she was a big girl now and didn't need to sleep like a little baby anymore. Qui-Gon congratulated her on her recent change in status with a chuckle and Iyla puffed out her chest in pride. As if she'd earned her no nap privileges by some merit and not because she had a lifeday recently.
The topic soon turned to plants and flowers and the Force Ghost perked up at the opportunity to talk about his favorite topic. The collection of flora on Obi-Wan's balcony had grown significantly since Iyla came along, much to her Papa's chagrin. Obi-Wan appreciated nature and enjoyed being in it, but he didn't particularly want a whole forest outside his rooms. Despite Qui-Gon's attempts to convince him that the amount of plants wouldn't grow too large, the balcony had started to resemble a section of the Room of a Thousand Fountains. The Force Ghost wasn't the best at telling Iyla 'no' when she wanted to bring a new plant or flower home. Obi-Wan finally drew the line when he couldn't properly meditate without pushing his way through leaves and flowers. Obi-Wan dismayed at his daughter's excessive interest in plant life while Qui-Gon silently cheered and smirked at his former Padawan's annoyance.
"Ganpa Qwi!" Iyla shouted in excitement. "Look! Mama's flower is gettin' so big!"
"It is indeed, little one. You've been taking wonderful care of it," he praised.
"I pwomised Mama I would," Iyla stated and leaned down to examine the flower's new buds and long stem.
Qui-Gon hovered over her shoulder and examined the flower as well. He pointed out different parts and gave her some advice about how to keep it thriving. Just as they were about to move on to the next plant, Iyla gasped and pointed to something small laying in the dirt almost blending in completely.
"What's that?" she asked. "It looks like a aminal!"
"Hmm, let me see," Qui-Gon said moving forward to peer closer into the pot. He reached out a transparent hand to brush over the dirt lightly and was surprised to see that Iyla was right, it was an animal. A bird to be exact.
"It's a little bird," he commented.
"A birdie?" Iyla asked excitedly.
"Yes. A very small bird. And it looks like it's hurt."
"Oh no!" Iyla said with a sad look on her face. "We gotta help it, Ganpa Qwi!"
"I agree, dear one. Let's see if we can figure out what's wrong and how we can help," Qui-Gon replied using the Force the lift the bird from the dirt and lay it on the ground of the balcony.
Both grandfather and granddaughter examined the tiny bird and discovered that it had a hurt wing. Iyla frowned and stroked the bird's feathers in comfort.
"It's ok, little birdie. Ganpa Qwi and me are gonna help you get better," she said.
"We will certainly try," Qui-Gon smiled. "But let's keep this project a secret between the two of us. I'm not sure your Papa would approve of us caring for a hurt bird on his balcony."
"Ok, Ganpa Qwi. I won't tell Papa," Iyla agreed.
He floated the bird to a safe place beneath another plant and began trying to Force heal the wing. Being a Ghost didn't grant him too many abilities but he still retained a hint of his healing powers. It wasn't much but Qui-Gon could feel that it had done some good at least.
Iyla was satisfied that the birdie was feeling better and smiled happily at her grandpa in thanks. Qui-Gon told her that he'd be back frequently to care for the bird and check up on it and asked her to check on it as well. Iyla nodded seriously and vowed to take good care of the little creature.
Over the next few days Qui-Gon and Iyla tended to the hurt bird that Iyla named "Chirpy" because of the sound it made when Iyla petted its feathers in comfort. It was safe to say that the 5-year-old was growing attached to the, what Obi-Wan would call, 'pathetic life form' and Qui-Gon hoped, for her sake, that the little bird would pull through. It had been looking good for a while but recently he noticed the bird slowly going downhill. He didn't want to imagine what Iyla would be like if "Chirpy" didn't make it.
But no matter how much Qui-Gon wished it, three days later disaster struck.
Iyla skipped happily out to the balcony that morning and started tending to and watering the plants. She touched their petals, turned some toward the sunlight, and packed the dirt in close where it had started to get loose. Next up was her daily check in on Chirpy and she was anxious to look in and see if the bird would be able to finally fly today. She reached out to stroke the soft feathers then pulled her hand back with a gasp. Chirpy was very stiff and very cold. Iyla poked the bird again, hoping to get a reaction but it simply laid there and didn't move. Not even a chirp or a tiny head movement. Something was seriously wrong with Chirpy and she had a sinking feeling that she knew what it was.
Another few pokes and strokes of Chirpy's feathers yielded the same results. Nothing. Iyla bit her trembling lip and sniffled miserably. Tears started falling quickly down her face and she let out a heart-wrenching sob. One sob turned into two which turned into many and soon the 5-year-old was wailing loudly as she looked down at the stiff bird next to her.
Obi-Wan quickly ran out to the balcony in alarm and rushed over to her.
"Darling, what's wrong?" he asked in concern. "What's happened?"
"C-Chirpy is d-dead!" she sobbed loudly.
Obi-Wan was silent for a moment and frowned, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Who?" he asked.
"C-Chirpy!" she cried.
"Who's Chirpy?" Obi-Wan asked.
"My b-birdie," Iyla sniffled.
"You don't have a bird, love," Obi-Wan replied.
"Uh-huh! Ganpa Qwi and me was takin' care a it cuz it gots a bad wing. We was helping it feel better so it can fly but now it's d-dead and it's never g-gonna fly ever again!" she sobbed.
"Grandpa Qui was helping you care for this bird?" Obi-Wan asked looking annoyed.
"Yes. And it's n-name is Chirpy cuz it maked a chirp sound wh-when I petted the feathers. It was 'sposed to get b-better. I thought it was g-gettin' better," Iyla cried.
"I'm sorry, dear one. It seems that the bird…er…Chirpy was just more hurt than you thought. I'm sure you and Grandpa Qui did your best in caring for her…him…it…" Obi-Wan trailed off.
"I didn't see a stick so I not think Chirpy is a boy, Papa. Prob'ly a girl."
Obi-Wan groaned inwardly at the whole 'stick' idea again. Another thing to thank his meddlesome Master for.
"Ok, she was more hurt than you thought. Which happens. Some hurts are too big to help," he replied.
A familiar presence filled the Force around them and Obi-Wan tried to keep his scowl off his face as he recognized Qui-Gon's signature. He had a lot of explaining to do.
"Master, so nice of you to join us. I'm afraid you've caught us in a very sad situation though. Why don't you tell Grandpa Qui what happened, darling," Obi-Wan said turning to Iyla.
Qui-Gon saw the 5-year-old's wet puffy eyes and red cheeks and immediately knew what the problem was.
"Chirpy is d-dead, Ganpa Qwi!" Iyla cried.
"Oh, dear. That's terrible news," Qui-Gon said floating over to her and looking down at the stiff bird in the dirt.
"I thought she was gettin' better. She was 'sposed to fly again!"
"I know, little one. I too hoped Chirpy would fly again. But the Force willed otherwise," Qui-Gon answered.
"W-Why?" Iyla asked with a sniffle.
"We might never know. But I do know that Chirpy had a wonderful last few days with us and is able to fly freely now in the Force."
Iyla smiled at that thought and wiped her face. "Papa said Chirpy's hurt was too big to help. Like Mama's. That's why Mama went to the Force. Is…is Chirpy wif Mama now?" she asked, her big blue puppy eyes looking hopefully up at them.
Before Qui-Gon could answer Obi-Wan stepped forward and knelt down next to her. "I do think Chirpy is with your Mama right now, my love. And she's taking very good care of her."
"She's happy?" Iyla asked.
"Yes. They both are. Now, why don't you go wash your hands then find a cloth to put Chirpy in so we can bury her in the garden. I need to have a quick talk with Grandpa Qui," Obi-Wan said.
"Ok, Papa," Iyla replied then ran back into the apartment.
Qui-Gon eyed his former Padawan warily and was tempted to return to the Force quickly and flee. But he was no coward and he'd face whatever ire Obi-Wan threw at him.
"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan said. "Thank you for getting my daughter attached to another one of your pathetic life forms."
"I see no problem with encouraging her empathetic tendencies. Iyla was as much in favor of tending to the bird as I was. I was simply demonstrating the compassion and helpfulness that all Jedi are taught to have," Qui-Gon defended with crossed transparent arms. He leveled Obi-Wan with a challenging look.
"Empathy and compassion are important values, but emotional attachment to a bird isn't exactly what the Code was referring to," Obi-Wan answered.
"Aren't you a bit disqualified from lecturing me about attachments, Padawan?" Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow and smirked.
Obi-Wan huffed and looked away.
"I didn't see any harm in showing Iyla that all living things are important and have a chance to be helped."
"Yes, well that worked out so well when the bird died!" Obi-Wan answered.
"That is unfortunate. Truth be told I saw this coming. Poor Chirpy hasn't looked good for about two days. I had hoped to be the one to find him…her…it…before Iyla did."
"Iyla says it's a 'her' because there wasn't a stick," Obi-Wan gave him an exasperated look.
Qui-Gon chuckled. "I had hoped to find her before Iyla so I could remove her and tell Iyla that she got better and flew off."
"You were about ten minutes too late on that one, Master."
"Apologies, my Padawan. I am at fault for this situation so I will be the one to take care of it. Send Iyla out here with the cloth and I'll see to the burial and the comfort. No need to worry."
"Good. And no more pathetic life forms," Obi-Wan said giving the Force Ghost a pointed look.
Qui-Gon bowed his head in agreement. "Of course, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan eyed him skeptically and narrowed his eyes. "I can see you crossing your fingers, Qui-Gon. You're transparent," he said looking unimpressed.
"I would never," he insisted. "Now, send that little light out here so we can say goodbye to our feathered friend." Qui-Gon smirked and made a shooing motion with his hands in dismissal.
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes and sighed before turning to walk back into the apartment ignoring the incorrigible spirit cackling behind him.
"Steering is one of the most important aspects of driving a speeder. Hey, no, not that button. Iyla…pay attention," Anakin said exasperatedly.
The Uncle and niece sat in a speeder in the middle of a parking lot a few blocks from the temple. Anakin had promised Iyla he'd start teaching her to fly as long as she kept it between them. Under no circumstances was she to tell Obi-Wan. For both of their sakes.
"I don't wanna talk 'bout driving, I just wanna drive already," the 6-year-old whined.
"I'm trying to teach you, kiddo. Sorry it's not the most exciting thing but there's a lot to know before I let you just jump in and go," Anakin replied.
Iyla sighed and her shoulders slumped.
"I can always stop the lesson now and we can wait a year, until you're older and more mature."
"No! I'm mature! Promise!" Iyla protested.
"Then listen and pay attention," Anakin said.
"Ok, Unca Anakin."
"Good, now just a few more instructions then we can get going."
Iyla perked up and sat forward, taking in every part of the lesson and following all of Anakin's directions perfectly. She wanted to prove that she could listen and learn like a big girl. She'd be an Initiate next year and she had to practice being a good student and obeying grown-ups. Which she usually did. But the prospect of flying a speeder on her own was enough to cause even one of the most well behaved 6-year-olds to abandon all manners.
It seemed like forever before Anakin even let her sit in the driver's seat. Over and over again he had her show him the take-off procedures, the steering maneuvers with correct hand positions, and the acceleration and deceleration buttons. He figured they'd handle parking later on because he could just do it for now. Plus, he could tell she was getting antsy and her attention span wouldn't last too much longer.
"Am I ready to fly now, Unca Anakin?" Iyla asked after the seventh demonstration of the controls she'd been taught,
"I think so, kiddo. But we're going to go very, very, slow and you're going to do only what I tell you. When I say steer left, you steer left, when I say slow down, you slow down, got it?" he asked.
"Yes, sir!" she saluted and smiled.
"Alright, let's give it a go."
Iyla did well getting into the air, but it became very apparent that she wasn't quite tall enough to see over the steering wheel . There were a few near collisions with other parked speeders in the parking lot and Anakin had yelped (in a very manly way of course) when she almost clipped a wall.
"Ok, let's take a break while I find something to give you a boost in that seat," he said taking the wheel of the speeder and guiding it gently back into a spot. He looked at the time on his chronometer and sighed in relief that they still had another hour or so before Obi-Wan would be out of his meeting and expecting them at Dex's.
After a quick search of the speeder's trunk, Anakin found a padded cushion and a bundle of balled up cloaks. He set the cushion down in the driver's seat and piled up the cloaks on top of it, having Iyla test the height with each one. Cloak number five did the trick and soon she could see well enough to not run into everything around her.
"Good, good, now steer right," Anakin encouraged as they made laps around the lot. "No, right. To the right. The right!"
"What's the right again?" Iyla asked as she pulled the wheel to the left. "I'm not so good at my left and right yet."
Anakin groaned and winced when the speeder skidded against a fence. That would definitely leave a mark.
"The right is where the fast and slow buttons are. The left is where the take off controls are," Anakin repeated as patiently as possible.
"Oh, ok. And what about the saber button?" Iyla asked, her finger hovering over a button with a long stick like picture on it.
"Saber button?" Anakin asked.
"Yeah, this one," Iyla replied then pushed it.
Immediately a blast shot out of the back of the speeder from a small hole near the tail-light. Anakin cursed and twisted around in his seat to check the damage. "Kark!" he shouted. "I didn't think that blaster worked anymore."
"It's a blaster button?" Iyla asked with wide eyes as she turned in her seat to look out the back of the speeder.
There was a burn mark on the ground behind them dangerously close to a parked speeder bike. Both of them stared at it with wide eyes, grateful and sighing in relief that the blast didn't damage anything important.
"Ok, I think that's enough driving for today," Anakin said. "Set the speeder to idle and we'll trade places. We need to meet Obi-Wan at Dex's soon anyways."
Iyla nodded and turned back to the console in front of her, hands hovering over the controls with a confused look on her face.
"The button on the left under your arm," Anakin instructed.
Iyla reached out and pushed a button on the right instead and the speeder jerked forward violently into the fence. Iyla cried out and covered her face then felt Anakin's arms grab her and pull her back against his chest.
"Are you ok?" he asked frantically as he checked her over and ran his hands along her head and arms to check for injury.
"Uh-huh," Iyla said gasping slightly.
"Good, good," he said distractedly. "Why did you push the throttle? That's not the button I told you to push! I said the button on the left. Not the right. We could have been seriously hurt because you weren't listening!" he scolded.
"I'm sorry, Unca Anakin. I was listening, I promise! I told you I'm not good at my left and right yet. I got confoosed," Iyla replied looking down in embarrassment and curling into herself.
Anakin sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He hadn't meant to scold her and get angry, he was just rattled and worried. Iyla sniffled and rubbed her eyes with her fist then slumped down in the seat.
"Hey, kiddo, I'm sorry," Anakin said bringing a hand up to rub her back and stroke her hair. "I shouldn't have yelled at you."
"S'ok," Iyla whispered. "Sorry I'm bad at speeders and not a good student," she said dejectedly.
"You're not bad, little one. Just a bit too young for driving lessons at the moment. I forget that not everyone was raised around machines like I was. When I was six I'd already had my first pod race under my belt. But things are different for you and that's ok. You're not quite ready yet. But you did very well today, Iyla. You were a great listener and you caught on quickly. Thank you for being an excellent student," Anakin said.
Iyla uncurled herself and looked up at him. "I did good?" she asked biting her lip and flashing her big blue eyes at him desperately.
"Yeah, sweetheart. Very good," he smiled.
Her bright grin lit up her face and infused his Force signature with pure light and warmth. Iyla sat up tall and leaned over to give him a hug around his middle and a kiss to his cheek. Anakin tugged her closer and returned the hug but it offset her balance and she flailed wildly trying to grab on to something so she wouldn't fall. Her hip hit the blaster button again and two quick shots fired out the back of the speeder. They gasped and let go of each other to look at the damage this time. There were two holes in the brick wall behind them, rock and cement covering the ground and blanketing the speeder bikes around them.
"Haar'chak," Iyla said with wide eyes. She looked up at Anakin's shocked face as she stared at the ruined wall. "Lemme guess. Don't tell Papa?" she asked.
Anakin nodded mutely then quickly moved her to his spot and took over in the driver's seat. With one last glance behind him, he sped off for Dex's praying to the Force that Obi-Wan would never find out about their little adventure.
The truth inevitably came out though when Obi-Wan asked Iyla to pass him the sauce on her left.
"Is that the take off buttons side or the fast and slow buttons side?" she asked him.
"Take off buttons?" Obi-Wan asked then turned to glare at Anakin.
Anakin chuckled nervously and started to scoot out of the booth. "Kids and their imaginations. Where do they come up with this stuff?" he asked.
"Anakin Skywalker, did you let my 6-year-old fly a speeder?!" Obi-Wan asked incredulously.
"He said I did good, Papa. Esept when I pushed the blaster button on accident," Iyla said forgetting that that was supposed to be a secret, too excited to share her success with her Papa.
"Blaster?!" Obi-Wan exclaimed.
Anakin jumped up and bolted from the booth yelling something about Padme needing him before he sprinted out of the diner.
Obi-Wan seemed to catch on pretty quickly to when Iyla was up to something he wouldn't approve of. It was if he had a sense for the words "don't tell your Papa" and would come running just in time to see her engaged in some kind of crazy stunt or shady operation.
That was how he knew to go down to the garden where Ahsoka was helping a 7-year-old Iyla Force jump from tree to tree and waterfall to waterfall. The Togrutan was jumping with her and never let her fly on her own, but Obi-Wan's breath still caught every time she soared through the air.
He marveled at the girl's fearlessness and suddenly became very afraid for the future. It appeared that Iyla was showing more and more of her mother's adventurous spirit and, he admitted, more and more of his love for adrenaline rushes.
"Hey, kiddo. Wanna jump that pond over there? It's the biggest one on the garden and farther than we've gone before," Ahsoka asked.
"Ok!" Iyla agreed with enthusiasm.
"Awesome! Let's do it," Ahsoka grinned then lifted Iyla up in the air before launching them both over the pond, clearing it by a good three feet.
"That was so cool Soka! Can we try going to the top of that waterfall? I think it's the tallest one!"
Ahsoka followed her pointed finger and looked nervous. It was pretty high and there wasn't much of a landing platform, just a rock that looked barely big enough to fit both of them. She was tempted to say no, but she was also never one to pass up a challenge. This would be as much of a learning moment for her as it was for Iyla. With a determined look in her eye she nodded and crouched down, instructing Iyla to do the same.
Before Obi-Wan could object or shout out in warning, both girls were up and jumping towards the towering rocky surface. Ahsoka landed first and held out her arms prepared to catch Iyla the second she landed. It would have been a successful jump if it wasn't for the slippery surface of the wet rocks.
Iyla landed neatly but started to slip as she adjusted her footing. Ahsoka cried out in alarm and used her Jedi reflexes to stop her headfirst fall into the bottom of the shallow pool of water below.
Obi-Wan felt his stomach rise in his throat as he saw his little light hovering dangerously in the air with a straining Ahsoka trying to reel her back in as she started to slip as well. He was immediately out of the shadows and reaching his own hand out to keep her in the air. Ahsoka's head snapped over to him and she bit her lip nervously as she helped him guide Iyla down to the ground in front of him. With a giant leap, Ahsoka landed next to her seconds later.
Both girls looked up at him guiltily and wavered under his disapproving glare. None of them spoke as Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow and put his hands on his hips.
"Iyla and I were just practicing some Force jumping, Master Obi-Wan," Ahsoka said after the disappointed silence became too much to bear.
"I wasn't aware that seven-year-olds were learning how to Force jump yet," he replied.
"Well…they aren't but…I thought I'd get her started early. So she's ahead of the game," Ahsoka smiled nervously.
"Ahsoka…" Obi-Wan said then folded his arms.
Ahsoka winced at his tone. The same reprimanding one that he'd given Anakin many times and usually preceded a stern lecture.
"Sorry, Master," she replied giving him a remorseful look. "I shouldn't have agreed to show her when she asked me. I know better."
"Yes, you do. While I appreciate you being cautious and not letting her jump alone, it was very dangerous," Obi-Wan chided.
"Yes, Master."
"That was a very close call on the waterfall. You're both fortunate I was here to help out."
"Soka wouldn't have dropped me. She's a great Jedi," Iyla said with a nod and an adoring look up at her 'big sister.'
"Thanks for the confidence, kiddo, but your Papa is right. It was dangerous and we shouldn't have done it," Ahsoka answered.
Iyla looked disappointed and apologized to Obi-Wan as well. He reached out to run a hand through her hair and smoothed it back with an affectionate graze of her forehead. He smiled and pulled her in for a hug then kissed her brow. Ahsoka stood awkwardly by and Obi-Wan could feel her guilt and shame leaking out into the Force around her. He reached out a hand and squeezed her shoulder gently before giving her a kind smile. Ahsoka's relief at not being in too much trouble was palpable and Obi-Wan chuckled as he led both girls out of the garden.
"Despite your questionable activities, I must say that your Force jumping is quite impressive, Padawan," Obi-Wan said with a wink.
Ahsoka relaxed and smiled as well, sending him gratitude and thanks through the Force.
Iyla winced as Fives groaned and coughed after a well-placed kick to his stomach. She was worried that he'd be mad at her for hurting him, but when he lifted his head he was smiling widely. She gave a tentative smile back and started to apologize.
"I'm so sorry, Fives! I just-"
"No, no. That's exactly what you're supposed to do. You did great!" Fives praised.
"But I hurt you," Iyla said.
"Nah, that didn't hurt," Fives replied even as he grimaced a bit when he stood up.
"Sure it didn't, vod," Waxer teased.
"Shut up, Waxer. Your turn now. Practice the cross body hit with her," Fives said.
"No, she needs to get more force behind that right hook. Teach her to throw her weight into the punch," Echo spoke up.
"Teach her a choke hold!" Boil shouted excitedly.
"Choke hold? She's eight!" Cody exclaimed.
"It's never too early to learn a choke hold," Boil pointed out. "We are trying to teach her how to defend herself, right?"
"Yes, but the bullies are kids, Boil," Kix pointed out.
"Yeah, nasty kids who will definitely leave her alone if she puts them in a choke hold."
"Relax, vod," Rex said. "Choke holds might be a bit too much at the moment. Let's stick with basic take downs and intimidation."
"Alright," Boil grumbled. "I just want those little or'diniise to get what's coming to them. Insulting our vod'ika and our heritage. Disgusting."
"I agree vod," Fives said. "They deserve to get their as-butts kicked," he said correcting himself at the last minute.
"I'd like to kick their asses too," Iyla replied with a cheeky grin.
"Iyla, language!" Cody chided. "No swearing, vod'ika."
"Can I swear in Mando'a?" she asked innocently.
"No. No swearing in Mando'a either."
"What about Huttese? Uncle Anakin has said some pretty good ones."
"No swearing in any language," Rex cut in. "The General would not appreciate us encouraging you to have a dirty mouth."
"Oh, alright," Iyla sighed unhappily. "Then let's keep going with the lesson. I think I got my uppercut almost perfect!"
"That kick was pretty good too," Fives replied.
Each vode took their turn teaching her a self-defense tactic whether it was punching, kicking, or even evading any punches or kicks dealt to her. They made it very clear that the goal was not to hurt or do damage to her opponent, but to defend herself and avoid getting hurt from them. At least for now, when her opponents or bullies are children. They'd teach her higher level stuff when she was older.
All of the vode were upset when they heard what happened to Iyla in the crèche with Moreck and his buddies. Luke and Leia were quick to tell them all about their adventures and how they beat up three Initiates who were much bigger than them because they made their Iyla cry and called her a Sith and a Jedi killer. After hearing about the incident, they realized they needed to teach her to defend herself, not just with a saber, because they couldn't have their vod'ika getting bullied or pushed around anymore. Next time she'd teach those kids a lesson and the vode felt confident that they could train her well enough in the basics to scare them away. Obi-Wan himself is a fierce fighter without his saber and they weren't fooled for a second by Satine's unassuming pacifistic personality. They were very certain that that woman could kick some ass when she needed to. So, of course Iyla would be a natural. It's in her blood. Especially as a Mandalorian.
It turned out that Iyla was a natural. Even at 8-years-old she caught on quickly and packed quite a punch. Rex was sure he was going to be a bit bruised for days and Boil had yet to stop rubbing his sore shins. Echo was breathing heavily and slumped over after a lesson in using her weight and size to her advantage. She was a sneaky and slippery little thing and had ambushed him more than a few times.
"You've done very well today, vod'ika," Cody said with a smile. He originally opposed the idea of teaching Iyla hand-to-hand combat but had come around when Iyla recounted the incident from the crèche with tears in her eyes and a shaky voice. He couldn't overlook the wet akk-pup blue eyes that looked so dejected and hurt.
"Thanks, Cody! I had a lotta fun. And I promise not to use my new moves to hurt or cause pain. Only to defend and in extreme circastances to inpatasicktate," Iyla said with a nod.
"Incapacitate," Cody corrected with a fond smile.
"Yes, that," she replied.
"I'm glad you learned a lot today, vod'ika," Echo said. "You'll definitely be ready next time those slimy bullies try to mess with you."
"Yeah!" Iyla shouted raising a fist in the air.
They chuckled and raised their fists along with her.
"There is something else that's important to remember from today, little one," Rex reminded.
"Oh, right! Don't tell Papa," Iyla nodded.
"Exactly," Rex smiled. "That's very important to remember."
"Also, for a quick get-away, and when all else fails, kick the hut'uun in the ba-"
"Excuse me?" Obi-Wan exclaimed as he came around the corner. "Kick the who in the what?"
Iyla swallowed nervously and snapped her mouth shut. She looked at her ori'vode wide-eyed and panicked. "Uhhh…" she stalled to think of a good explanation for her words. "N-Nothing…" she finished lamely.
Obi-Wan crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at each of them. He could feel the aches and discomfort coming from his troopers through the Force and caught Boil gingerly rubbing his shins while Fives winced and held his stomach a bit. Rex was quickly trying to hide his bruised leg but Obi-Wan caught the movement and groaned inwardly. It seemed that the vode had found out about Iyla's bullies and decided to do something about it. He should give them a disapproving glare and make his opinions known, but he was tired and hungry and simply didn't have the energy at the moment.
"If you are done teaching my daughter how to kick bullies in sensitive places, I'd like to take her back to the temple for dinner and meditation. Unless you have more instruction to do on how to fight dirty with her agemates," Obi-Wan replied.
"We…uh, we never intended for her to hurt her opponents, General. We made it very clear that this was to be used in self-defense purposes only," Kix replied.
"We just want her to be able to be safe and stand up for herself," Cody cut in.
"You approved this as well, Cody?" Obi-Wan asked with narrowed eyes.
"Well, not at first. But…but she told us what happened and she was crying, and I really hate it when she cries and then she just looked so sad, sir that I couldn't ignore it," Cody replied.
Obi-Wan sighed. "She's got you all so wrapped it's almost comical. Look, I'll let it slide this time, but only because I sat in the most grueling Council meeting followed by an equally as grueling Senate meeting and I don't have the energy right now. But know that I don't approve and I don't appreciate the language either."
They all stood at attention and nodded together. "Yes, General. Sorry, General."
Obi-Wan waved his hand as a sign for them to relax then held his other out to beckon Iyla forward. She skipped to him and grabbed the offered hand tightly.
"Did you have fun with your vode, darling?" he asked. "I'm sure it was very educational," he smirked.
"Fives said I got a powerful uppercut," Iyla grinned.
Obi-Wan shook his head in exasperation then both of them turned to say goodbye before heading back towards the temple.
The wind whipped around her as she soared erratically above the peach trees in the Kryze Estate's courtyard. Iyla's first jetpack ride was by no means a smooth flight but thankfully she'd gotten over her fear of heights recently…well, mostly gotten over it. She looked to her left and saw her Auntie Bo flying along next to her, trying to guide her into some semblance of smoothness and calm. She saw her point to her wrist at the stabilizer controls then stick her arms straight out at her sides. Iyla quickly followed her instructions and soon she was no longer listing from side to side or losing control of her altitude.
Bo gave her a thumbs up then waved her hand and indicated for Iyla to follow after her. Iyla did her best to follow her aunt and keep her pack steady along their lap around the courtyard. She cried out in alarm when she started going faster than intended, accidentally pushing the thrusters on her wrist band. Iyla passed Bo up easily and her aunt must have felt her panic because she pushed her thrusters forward and caught up to her quickly, pulling up alongside her and latching on to her arm. She guided Iyla safely to the ground and powered down her pack for her.
Bo took off her helmet and waited for Iyla to do the same but the 11-year-old left it on and turned her face to the ground.
"You ok?" Bo asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.
Iyla kept her helmeted head turned down and jerked her head in a quick nod.
"Can you take that helmet off so I can see for myself?" Bo asked.
Iyla's shoulders slumped and she reached up to remove the classic Mandalorian style helmet. Bo took it from her and set it on the ground, studying her curiously. Her strawberry blonde waves were frizzy and in disarray from the helmet and she scrubbed an arm over her eyes hastily, completely avoiding Bo's eyes.
"Hey," Bo said gently. "It was a simple mistake. It's your first time. You're doing very well so far," she reassured her.
Bo, Korkie, and Obi-Wan had discussed Iyla's anxiety and insecurity at length, especially relating to her fear of rejection and failure. They all knew how important reassurance and encouragement were for the girl.
"N-No, it wasn't that. I just…I was pretty scared when the speed went out of control. But I-I'm ok now," Iyla said with a sniffle and a raised chin.
Bo smiled fondly and put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "You're a tough kid. Most kids your age wouldn't have even strapped the thing on, let alone fly it around."
Iyla smiled and leaned in to the half embrace, more physical affection than she was used to with her stoic and detached aunt. The speed incident must have rattled Bo too.
"Thanks, Auntie Bo," she said.
"No problem, kiddo. Wanna get back up there? You had some great control once your mastered the stabilizers."
"I can go back up?" Iyla asked excitedly.
"Of course! But, remember what I said before. Don't tell your Papa," Bo said seriously.
"I won't," Iyla promised then picked up her helmet and put it back on.
Both Kryzes fired up their jetpacks and rose up into the sky for another lap around the garden, this time a bit slower and not as high. Bo didn't want to risk Iyla flying off again by herself. One lap turned into two laps and soon they were rounding the second story windows of the estate for the third time, completely unaware that a certain Jedi Master had spotted them as they flew by and was making his way down to the garden hastily.
By the time Obi-Wan reached the courtyard, Bo and Iyla were on the ground with their helmets off but the packs still strapped to their backs. His eyes widened as he saw the blaster in his daughter's hand and the look of pure glee on her face as she shot blast after blast at one of the trees with Bo cheering her on. Clearly they had forgone the jetpack lesson for some target practice and clearly neither of them was aware that he was watching.
"Blasters are so fun!" Iyla gushed. "Thanks for teaching me, Auntie Bo. Papa would never let me shoot one of these!"
"No problem. You're a Mandalorian after all. It's my job to teach you more about your culture. What better way than to give you your first jetpack and blaster lesson? And you're a natural, just as I suspected you would be. A Kryze through and through," she smiled proudly.
"I'm really good?"
"Definitely. Just like me at your age," she replied. "Now, let's work on your stance a bit. If you want to hit your target you have to have your feet planted and pointed the right way. There you go. Now, show me that Mandalorian fighting spirit."
"I think that's enough spirit for the day," Obi-Wan spoke up from behind the tree next to them.
Iyla gasped and jerked the blaster up, two shots firing into the air and making contact with a branch of a peach tree. Dozens of peaches rained down on them and they covered their heads at the assault. Iyla closed her eyes and winced, afraid to look at her Papa. She peeked an eye open and saw him covered in peach juice with a scowl on his face. Iyla smothered a laugh, knowing he would definitely not appreciate it or find humor in the situation.
"Sorry, Papa," she grimaced. "You scared me."
Obi-Wan sighed and wiped sticky fruit pieces from his face. "I should have known better. But you shouldn't be using a blaster at your age. Or a jetpack."
Iyla's eyes widened at his words. He knew about the jetpack too. She cast a wary glance at her aunt and swallowed heavily. They were doomed.
"Relax, Kenobi. I was flying right next to her the whole time. She was perfectly safe. And the blaster was set to the lowest setting. There was no danger at all," Bo reassured him.
Obi-Wan leveled her with a disbelieving look and crossed his arms. "Iyla doesn't need to learn how to shoot a blaster or ride a jetpack. She's eleven years old."
"Better to start her off early. Besides, she's not always going to have a lightsaber to defend herself and I figured I could fit in a little cultural lesson as well. Just doing my part to educate the next generation."
Obi-Wan looked unimpressed then ran a weary hand down his face. "Well, I appreciate your efforts, Bo, but I'd rather curb the Mando fighting spirit until she's old enough to need to defend herself."
"Auntie Bo said I'm a natural, Papa. A true Mandalorian!" Iyla said with a bright smile.
"Wonderful news, dear," he replied sarcastically but Iyla didn't catch it. She had turned back to Bo and started helping her clean up the fallen fruit chatting happily about their lessons and asking excitedly if they could make peach tarts for dessert.
The cool air felt nice on her skin after being in the stuffy ballroom for hours and she breathed it in deeply, letting it fill her up and clear her head. Iyla enjoyed the Padawan Yule Parties very much, but there was only so much teenage drama and terrible contemporary music that she could take before needing to retreat for a bit. She'd been dancing with Shona and Nari to a song that was actually good when the next song came on, slower, less catchy, and much more awkward for everyone. She looked around at the shy glances of the girls who were looking at the wide panicked eyes of the boys and decided the situation was much too uncomfortable to stick around for. She excused herself from her friends and made for the back door. She looked back and saw Nari heading to get a glass of punch and Shona being approached by numerous nervous Padawan boys asking for a dance. Iyla chuckled. Shona was quite the catch-smart, beautiful, charismatic, and a powerful Jedi-and apparently all the boys had come to the same conclusion. Shona caught her eye from across the room and silently begged for her help in getting the hormone charged teens away from her. Iyla grinned cheekily and waved at her as she stepped outside.
Now finally and blissfully alone in the peace and quiet, Iyla was free to kick off her uncomfortable shoes and hike up her dress a bit so she could swing her legs over the side of the balcony. Padme had insisted Iyla get the shoes for the party because "every girl needs a pair of sensible dress shoes" and she'd had a similar pair when she was sixteen as well. Iyla appreciated the gesture and had been grateful but Force they were painful. At the risk of sounding dramatic, she didn't think she'd ever be able to feel her toes again after wearing the monstrosities all evening.
Feet now liberated and face less flushed, Iyla turned her eyes to the sky and leaned back on her elbows to look at the stars and revel in the stillness and silence around her. Silence that was all too soon shattered by the opening of the back door and the momentary shrill of music and chatting as someone stepped outside. Iyla groaned inwardly and hoped the intruder of her solitude would see her and realize this spot was taken then move on. No such luck though.
"Hiding?" the person chuckled.
"Yes," she replied still staring at the sky.
"Got tired of Master Kenobi staring down any boy who gets within five feet of you?" the voice asked getting closer to her.
"I stopped paying Papa any attention hours ago. Let him spend the whole night brooding," she scoffed.
"I saw Shona surrounded by admirers and Nari dancing with someone who I think was Padawan Keller."
Iyla's eyes widened and she straightened up then turned to look at the intruder. Flynn's blonde hair, which was gelled and styled at the beginning of the night, was hanging loosely in his green eyes which held a mischievous twinkle.
"Padawan Keller?" she asked. "Nari's been crushing on him for years."
"Yes, I know," Flynn said with an eye roll. "At least maybe now she'll stop obsessing over it."
Iyla laughed and shook her head. "Oh, Flynn. So clueless. If Nari is dancing with Keller, then we're not likely to hear the end of it until we reach Knighthood, maybe even after."
"Great," Flynn groaned flopping down next to her.
He nudged her over to make room for himself as Iyla protested.
"Hey, I was here first. Get your own ledge," she said and swatted at him.
"Stop whining, Kenobi and just scoot," he replied.
"Nice manners, Markus," she grumbled and glared at him.
"Careful," he warned. "You look like Master Kenobi when you do that," he teased.
Iyla looked horrified and quickly wiped the look off her face. She turned to look back up to the sky and swung her legs absentmindedly.
"So what are you doing out here anyways? Avoiding all the boys who are brave enough to risk the wrath of your Papa to dance with you?" Flynn asked.
Iyla snorted and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right. I'll leave the whole 'boy magnet' thing to Shona. Plus, I'm not really the type."
"Oh? I don't know about that. I saw plenty of boys looking like they wanted to dance with you, but the wall of bodyguards behind you kinda scared them away."
"Papa and Uncle Anakin are enough to drive anyone away. Add in Masters Koon and Fisto and I'd be lucky if even a womprat got close enough to dance with me."
"That would be fun to see!" Flynn grinned. "Think I could sell tickets?" he asked.
"Sure, but I get half the profit," Iyla agreed with a smirk.
"What? It was my idea. How about twenty."
"Twenty? You're crazy Markus, I'm the one dancing with a womprat. That alone bumps me up to thirty at the least," Iyla protested.
"Whatever," Flynn replied. "You'd have to put your shoes back on and go inside anyways. Which you aren't likely to do now that you're comfortable out here."
"Those shoes have been holding my toes hostage for hours. They deserve to be cast aside," she pouted.
"Glad I'm not a girl. It looks…painful," he winced.
"You have no idea," Iyla smirked. "But I'm glad you're not a girl too."
Flynn raised an eyebrow and glanced at her. "Why?" he asked playfully.
"Uh…" Iyla said, eyes darting around frantically. "Because…because it would be super weird…and…and it wouldn't feel as good when I kick your butt in saber drills," she answered.
"You've never kicked by butt in saber drills, Kenobi. Maybe in your dreams," Flynn snorted.
"In yours," she countered.
"Nice come back," he teased.
"Whatever. I came out here for peace and quiet and I've yet to get any since you invaded my space. So why don't you head back inside and find one of your admirers to dance with."
"Can't," he replied.
"Why not?"
"Because the girl I want to dance with isn't there anymore."
"Pretoria Orlo left the party?" Iyla asked disbelievingly.
Flynn rolled his eyes. "No, not Padawan Orlo. Been there done that."
"Flynn!" Iyla exclaimed wide eyed.
"No! Not like that! I just mean I'm not into Pretoria anymore. I'm into someone else now," Flynn said.
"Well, go find her then," Iyla said waving her hand away.
"She's not in there," he insisted.
"Are you sure? I don't think anyone has left yet. Maybe you just need to look harder."
"I'm pretty sure she's not," he smirked.
"Then you must not be looking hard enough because as far as I know I'm the only one that's…" Iyla's mouth snapped shut and she glanced at him awkwardly.
Flynn was looking at her with an odd smile and she wasn't sure that to think about it. The wind had blown his hair even more since they'd been sitting there and it was now a crown of messy strands framing his face. The terrible Padawan haircut had been done away with after the war, thankfully. Someone cleverly snuck in that amendment when the Code and rules were being rewritten. Iyla herself had never been a fan of it and now she found herself even more thankful that it was no longer required. Flynn's hair would have looked awful in it. Not that she cared, really. Just that it suit him more to have longer hair, that's all. And she wouldn't have to look at the stupid style whenever she looked at him. Not that she looked at him a lot or anything just…
"Are you ok?" Flynn asked, eyebrows furrowed and head tilted in question.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Just thinking about…uh, the stars. They're, uh…nice," she answered lamely.
Flynn looked amused. "Pretty sure the stars are in the sky and not on my face," he answered. "And no zit jokes! You know how I feel about that," he grumbled.
"Yes, yes, can't damage your fragile feelings," she teased.
Flynn rolled his eyes then leaned back to look up at the stars. Iyla copied his movements and glanced up as well. They sat there for a moment in awkward and uncomfortable silence, each trying desperately to focus on the stars and not the unknown thing that was settling heavily between them.
"They, uh, they're really bright tonight," Iyla remarked. "It's beautiful."
"Yeah. Beautiful," Flynn agreed though his eyes were no longer on the sky. "And bright. It's…nice."
"Yeah. Nice," Iyla replied trying to ignore the fact that his gaze was most definitely on her and not the stars. Iyla willed her stomach to unknot itself and her mind to be at ease as she kept her gaze stubbornly on the sky.
She swallowed nervously, searching for a way to end the awkwardness between them. Flynn was her best friend. It had never been this hard to talk to him before. They were always teasing each other and pushing each other around. Why couldn't they just go back to that?
Flynn had yet to look away from her and as much as Iyla liked it, she needed the weirdness to end. Time to get back to teasing.
"I was talking about the stars, Flynn," she smirked, taking her hand and forcing his eyes to the sky. The playful physical contact didn't ease the tension though. On the contrary it seemed to notch it up even higher.
"I wasn't," he replied taking her hand off his cheek and holding it in his own.
Iyla panicked and pulled her hand away even though it had felt nice. "Stop being weird," she replied and wrinkled her nose trying to bring them back to their playful banter from before. But Flynn wasn't falling for her deflections.
"I'm not being weird, Iyla. I'm being honest," he said looking into her eyes.
Iyla heart skipped and a pit settled in her stomach. She bit her lip. "Flynn," she began.
"Please, Iyla. I…I'm trying to..." he broke off losing his nerve.
"I know. I just…"
"Don't feel the same way," he said lowering his eyes.
"No!" she replied. "No, I…I do, but…"
"Then what's wrong?" he asked.
"It's just that, we're best friends and I like the friendship we have and Papa…"
"He doesn't need to know about whatever this is. I mean, I don't even know what this is, but I…I'd like to find out. If you'd like to," Flynn said.
"I would," Iyla confessed. "But Flynn, Papa might kill you. And Uncle Anakin too. And the vode and probably half the Council. Oh, and Grandpa Qui. Wait, can Force Ghosts commit murder? Probably. Like through the Force or something. Hmm, something to research. I wonder if the archives have-"
Flynn held up a finger and put it to her lips. "Shh, no talking about archives right now. You're spoiling the moment."
Iyla shivered at his touch to her lips and swallowed anxiously. "And what moment is this exactly?" she asked.
Flynn smirked and leaned closer closing the gap between them. Iyla could feel his heart beating wildly along with her own as she leaned in as well. His lips met hers and she closed her eyes getting lost in the feelings surrounding them. Affection, elation, confusion, anxiety, awkwardness, and pure desire. She felt him smile and she did as well. They pulled apart after a moment but kept their foreheads together and looked into each other's eyes.
"How about we just don't tell your Papa?" Flynn whispered and smirked.
Iyla giggled and nodded then leaned in again.
I think I'll leave you all hanging for a chapter or two before we see Obi-Wan find out about Iyla and Flynn. Why? Because I'm evil :) Anyways, hope you enjoyed that and all the crazy shenanigans Iyla got up to with her friends and family. As always, thanks for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting! You all are amazing!
Mando'a translations:
haar'chak-damn it
or'diniise-morons/fools
hut'uun-coward
ori'vode-big brothers
