Another chapter so soon? What, what? Like I said, Christmas break is upon me and I'm raring to get more writing done. Someone a few chapters ago suggested a scene where Iyla gets her monthly cycle and I couldn't stop laughing and imagining the sheer awkwardness and hilariousness of poor Obi-Wan trying to explain it to her. He spends most of this chapter uncomfortable and very much wanting to run far far away. I also felt compelled to write it as I myself was suffering miserably last week so I figured Iyla had to suffer too. Sorry, kid.

Summary: Iyla's 'time of the month' comes for the first time and she freaks out. Obi-Wan tries to be supportive and explain it to her but it backfires and he's left flailing with a scared and confused sobbing preteen. Enter Padme and Ahsoka to rescue poor Obi-Wan and help clean things up.

Chapter 11: Growing Pains

There were many times over the years when Obi-Wan wished that Satine was there. Of course the deep missing and longing for her was an everyday thing but there were certain instances that he wished her to be present more than others. The times when he knew Iyla was struggling with something but was reluctant to come to him. Those preteen years when everything is confusing and awkward and she needed a mother to confide in not an, albeit well-meaning and supportive, father who just didn't and couldn't understand what she was going through. The times when she decided to suffer in silence and secret rather than seeking help for her problems. How he wished for Satine and the motherly touch and understanding she could give to his little one. The empathy and support from someone who truly understood what is meant to be a 12-year-old girl. Iyla needed Satine and Obi-Wan wished she was here. Especially in this moment.

Iyla had been particularly hard to rouse that morning, moaning and whining about wanting to stay in bed. This in itself wasn't horribly unusual, but it was rare. Obi-Wan chalked it up to her starting to enter the moody teenage years and let it go.

Nearly 15 minutes after he had issued his final warning that she needed to be up and out of bed, Iyla stumbled into the kitchen and collapsed into her chair at the table.

"Morning, my oh-so-cheery and bright little one," Obi-Wan greeted with a grin.

Iyla shot him a glare and reached for the cup of tea he set down in front of her. Obi-Wan watched in amusement as she sipped the tea and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She let out a heavy sigh and rested her chin on her hand.

"Any requests for breakfast this morning, love?" he asked.

Iyla shrugged. "Not really. I'll just make some toast. I'm not really that hungry," she replied.

"Not hungry?"

"Yeah, I'm not up for a big breakfast today, Papa."

"Growing girls need their strength," he replied.

"I'll be ok with just toast. I'll have more at lunch. Promise."

"Alright, darling. Just toast it is," he smiled.

Obi-Wan eyed her critically throughout breakfast and frowned in concern when she merely nibbled on her toast and continued to slouch in her chair. Every so often she'd wince and curl into herself, screwing her eyes shut tightly. After she let out a low moan and grabbed her stomach he spoke up.

"Iyla, are you feeling alright, little one?" he asked.

"Not really," she replied wincing again. "My stomach is bothering me."

"Like a sick stomach? Have you thrown up? Do you feel nauseous?"

"No, not nauseous. It just hurts. I think I ate too many of those little pastry cakes Auntie Padme made last night."

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Yes, those are definitely deceiving. Small and delicious but very easy to overindulge in."

"Exactly," Iyla replied holding her stomach again.

"Don't worry about finishing your toast, love. Go start getting ready for class. I'm sure a nice shower and some time with your friends will distract you from your tummy troubles," he replied.

"Ok, Papa. Can I take one of your pain tabs though? I don't really want to deal with a stomachache all day."

"Of course, darling. But just-"

"A half-dose. I know, Papa. Thanks," she said as she got up and walked to the 'fresher.

Iyla seemed much better after her shower and the pain killer and soon she was rushing off to class looking bright-eyed and ready for the day. Obi-Wan waved her off and smiled at her change in demeanor.

He threw away her half-eaten toast and placed her dish in the sink. Hopefully the stomach troubles were now over and she'd be able to eat more at lunch. Lately she'd been eating him out of house and home, her appetite growing bigger as she approached her teen years. Plus the endless energy and exercise from her introductory saber classes turned her into a bottomless pit most days. He took a moment to send a silent apology to Qui-Gon in the Force for his own endless eating when he was 12. How did his Master manage to keep up?

All seemed fine with Iyla and Obi-Wan was ready to write the stomachache off as an overeating of sweets until he got a comm call during one of the breaks between Council meetings.

"Kenobi," he answered.

"Hello, Obi-Wan. This is Master Alann."

"Hello, Ali. Is there a problem?"

"I'm just calling to let you know I sent Iyla back to your quarters to rest. She dozed off during mediation and seemed very lethargic. Her saber instructor said she was unusually slow-moving and seemed to be in discomfort the whole time. She kept complaining of stomach pain."

"Yes, she had some this morning as well. But after half a pain tab and a hot shower she said she felt much better and wanted to go to class. I thought maybe it had passed."

"Well, the pain tab must have worn off or the ache got stronger. Either way she wasn't fit to be in class anymore. I sent her home with an excused absence for the rest of the day. Just letting you know in case you want to go check on her," Ali said.

"I will, yes. Thank you for telling me, Ali," Obi-Wan said.

"Of course, Obi-Wan. Please tell Iyla I hope she feels better soon."

"Will do," he said as he ended the call.

"Excused absence for the rest of the day will you be needing too, young Obi-Wan?" Yoda asked teasingly.

Obi-Wan smirked. "Yes, please, Master. I'm afraid Iyla might be ill. I should be home to be take care of her."

"Yes, yes. Of course. Excused you are. Look after your youngling you must," the green Master nodded at him then waved a claw towards the door.

"Thank you, Master. Please send me the notes from any meetings I miss," he said with a bow then quickly took off down the hall towards his quarters.

Iyla was asleep in her bed when Obi-Wan arrived back. He peeked into her room and reached out a bit in the Force to check on her health. No high temperature or anything else worrying. Just a slight ache in her abdomen and some fatigue. Maybe it was just a simple stomachache. He'd have to wait for her to wake up to find out. He decided to sit in the living room to work on reports and go over some pending Senate issues, making sure he was close by should Iyla need him.

A half hour later he felt the first stirrings of Iyla's presence brushing against his Force signature. It seemed she was finally waking up. Obi-Wan gave her a few minutes to get herself together then stood and walked to her room to knock on the door.

"Iyla? Sweetheart?" he asked.

"Papa?" she asked sleepily.

"Are you feeling better, little one?"

Iyla's door opened and she stood hunched over in the doorway looking up at him miserably. "My stomach still hurts, Papa. A lot," she replied with a whimper as tears started to form in her eyes.

Obi-Wan frowned and stepped forward to bring a hand to her forehead.

"You're not warm, love. Is it just your stomach? Does anything else hurt?"

"No, not really. I'm also super tired and I have no energy. I could barely make it through saber class and fell asleep while we were meditating. So Master Alann sent me home," she said.

"Yes, he called me as well. I came back as soon as I heard."

"Sorry, Papa," she said looking guilty.

"Whatever for, darling?" Obi-Wan asked brushing his hand through her wavy hair.

"For making you miss your meetings. I should be able to handle a stupid stomachache. I'm not a baby."

"Iyla, dear, you are so much more important than any meeting. Master Windu can send me the notes on what I missed. It's not a big deal. And there's nothing stupid about you being in pain. Obviously it's more than just a simple stomachache if you can't get through your day. Perhaps a visit to the Halls is needed," he suggested.

"Can we see Master Eerin instead of Master Che?" she asked shyly.

"Why?" Obi-Wan asked with a slight smirk. "What do you have against Healer Che?"

"Nothing. I'm not scared of her like you are, Papa," Iyla said with a teasing smile.

"I am not afraid of Healer Che," Obi-Wan protested looking offended.

"Sure, Papa," Iyla smirked.

Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes at her and playfully tickled her neck. "You're getting much too cheeky, young one."

Iyla giggled and squirmed away. "Master Eerin is just easier to talk to. Not as timindating."

"Intimidating," Obi-Wan corrected with a fond smile. "And alright. Fair enough. Bant it is. Are you ready to go now, love?" he asked.

"Yeah, but I'm gonna use the 'fresher first. Be right back," Iyla said shuffling off.

Obi-Wan grabbed their cloaks and waited by the door for her to finish. He started to get worried though when she was in there for a while. Was she sick? He walked over and called to her through the door.

"Are you alright, darling?" he asked.

"Umm, yes…" she trailed off.

"Are you sure? You don't sound very convinced."

"No, I'm ok. I think."

"You think?"

"I don't know," she replied quietly.

"You don't know if you're alright?"

"Something…happened."

"Like what, dear? What happened? Were you sick? Did you…did you not make it?" he asked awkwardly but still trying to inject some love and assurance into his voice should that be the issue.

"No! Papa!" Iyla yelled sounding horrified. "It's not that!"

Obi-Wan looked relieved that he didn't have to deal with a potentially embarrassing situation. "Then what is it? You can tell me, Iyla."

"Umm…I don't really know what happened but…hold on. I'm coming out."

Obi-Wan backed up from the door to give her space. Iyla emerged looking anxious and puzzled.

"Come sit on the couch, love, and we can talk about it," Obi-Wan said leading her over to the take a seat.

Iyla followed him and sat rigidly worrying her lip between her teeth and twisting her hands in her tunic sleeves.

"Now, what happened in the 'fresher, Iyla?" Obi-Wan asked calmly as if it was normal to ask one's 12-year-old about their bathroom visits.

"Something bad, I think," she replied looking away.

"How so?"

"I think I'm hurt very badly, Papa. There's something wrong inside of me."

"What's wrong?"

"I think it might be an internal problem. Like one of my organisms or something."

"Organs," Obi-Wan corrected gently. "You think you're hurt internally?"

"Yeah, cuz why else would there be so much blood?" she asked looking scared.

Obi-Wan's stomach dropped to his knees and his breath got caught in his throat.

Oh Force. So much for not having to deal with an embarrassing situation. Kriffing hell.

The look on his face must have been alarming because next thing he knew Iyla was launching into anxious and terrified rambling.

"What? What's that look for? Papa? Oh, no! It's bad isn't it? There is something seriously wrong! I'm...I'm bleeding internally, aren't I? Will…will I be ok? Healer Che can fix it, right? She's the best healer in the temple. Surely she can save me! Papa…?" she whispered brokenly.

Obi-Wan snapped out of his thoughts at her scared and teary voice.

"Papa, am I g-gonna die…?" Iyla asked with a sniffle.

"What?" he asked turning to her sharply. He saw the panic quickly creeping on to her face and the tears trailing down her cheeks and rushed to comfort her. "Oh, darling. No, no, no. You're not going to die. It's alright, my love. Shhh, you're going to be fine," he said pulling her to his side and rubbing her shoulder soothingly.

"T-Then what's happening to me? Why am I b-bleeding?" Iyla hiccupped miserably. "And why does it hurt s-so bad?"

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and sent a prayer to the Force. "I do know what's wrong, Iyla," he replied.

"You do?" she asked looking up at him with hopeful eyes. "Can you fix it?"

"Well…no," he answered.

"What?" she asked looking scared. "Why not? Do we need a healer?"

"A healer can't fix it either, love."

"So there's no cure? Oh Force! I am gonna die!" Iyla exclaimed looking distressed.

"You aren't going to die, Iyla," Obi-Wan assured her taking her hands in his own. "Calm down, little one. It's going to be alright. I promise."

Iyla took a deep breath and nodded. She looked up at him with big terrified yet trusting blue eyes and he suddenly felt wholly inadequate and undeserving of her complete faith and confidence. Stars above he had no idea what he was doing. How in the Sith hells was he going to explain this to her? Maybe if he petitioned hard enough, the Force would bring back Satine for this conversation.

"Papa?" Iyla asked. "What's wrong with me?"

"You…you're having what's called your…cycle, little one," he started off awkwardly.

"Cycle?" she asked with a head tilt.

"Yes, um, I suppose it's also called your…period…I believe."

Iyla was silent for a moment, her eyes narrowed in thought. "My…period?" she said to herself. Then her eyes widened in recognition. "Oh! A period."

"You know what it is?" Obi-Wan asked looking hopeful that he didn't have to explain anything else.

"Not really. Shona said she got her…well she called it a cycle but Nari called it a period. I suppose it really doesn't matter. I think I prefer cycle though. Anyways, Shona said she got hers last year and Nari just got hers not too long ago. But…I don't really know what it means. I just pretended to know so it wouldn't be embarrassing."

"You never learned about it from a teacher?" Obi-Wan asked.

He still clearly remembered being a young Padawan and the awful day when the girls and boys were separated and taken to different rooms to learn about the changes their body would go through. He spent the whole time looking pointedly at the floor and sinking low in his seat.

"Like my clan teacher? No, I don't think so. I'm pretty sure I would have remembered learning about that."

Obi-Wan wanted to smack himself for his stupidity. Of course Iyla hadn't learned about it yet. She was still in the crèche. That class was given to all new Padawans and Iyla still had a year to go before her Initiate trials. She was too young for the class. Well, by temple standards anyways. Perhaps he should mention something to Master Alann. Maybe get the class bumped down for the senior Initiates also. Save everyone a lot of stress and hardship.

"Of course you would have. I still remember my class vividly, unfortunately."

"Your class? But…boys don't get their cycles, right? Flynn said he was happy he didn't have to deal with it and walked away quickly."

"No, boys don't have cycles. They have…other things. But that's not important right now. Helping you is what's important. You haven't had the class because it's only given to Padawans. Though that should probably change soon. So, I suppose you have to deal with me instead. I will try my best to explain everything clearly. But, this will get pretty awkward, darling. So I apologize in advance."

"Ok, Papa," Iyla said sitting up and giving him her full attention.

"So, um, alright. Well, as I said, it's called a cycle, or I guess more accurately menstruation-"

"Menstrashun," Iyla repeated with difficulty.

"Yes, menstruation. But we'll stick with 'cycle.' It's much easier to say."

Iyla nodded.

"Right so a cycle is usually characterized by fatigue, abdominal pain, as you've experienced, and bleeding of the uh…"

"Down…there…" Iyla finished for him.

Obi-Wan forced a smile. "Yes. Down…there," he said taking a deep breath.

"You're doing great so far, Papa," Iyla encouraged.

Obi-Wan's heart melted at her sweet words and he took her hand in his then gave it a kiss. "Thank you, love. So…where was I?"

"Cycles mean you're tired, your stomach hurts, and you bleed a lot. I understand that part, Papa. But, why does it happen? Does it happen to all girls?"

"Yes, it happens to all girls."

"Then there has to be a purpose for it, right?"

"There is. And that purpose is…um…well, first let's talk about hormones. That might help with explaining things…possibly."

"Hormones?"

"Yes, hormones are…well, scientifically speaking, they-"

"Papa," Iyla said gently. "I don't need a science explanation. I just wanna know what they have to do with my cycle."

"Right. Hormones affect your mood among other things. You might be grumpy or emotional or angry at times, sometimes irrationally so and without meaning to be. This is normal and isn't anything to be alarmed about. They also cause physical symptoms, such as you are feeling now. The pain or the fatigue and sometimes even sickness."

"Ok, so hormones cause my cycle?"

"In a way, yes," Obi-Wan said, not willing to get into the more specific aspects of it. She can wait a year for the class to get that info.

"But…why? What's the point of it all? To make me miserable?"

Obi-Wan chuckled. "No, darling. Although, I'm sure it might feel like that. The point of your cycle is to prepare your body for…"

"For what?"

"For…um…" he was flailing. How did he explain to his 12-year-old that her body was getting itself prepared to get pregnant? "For having a baby."

Iyla's eyes grew wide. "I'm going to have a baby?!" she shrieked. "But, I'm only 12! I can't have a baby!" she exclaimed as she started to cry.

"No! No, you aren't going to have a baby!" Obi-Wan said sounding slightly panicked.

"B-But you just said m-my cycle was preparing my b-body to have a baby!"

"I didn't mean right now!" he replied looking horrified at the prospect.

"P-Papa, I don't understand! I gotta be in pain and bleed in weird places so I can maybe have a baby sometime that isn't right now? T-That's not f-fair!"

"No, it's not, dear, but that's just how it is."

"Well, it's stupid! I hate my cycle and I don't want a baby and my stomach hurts so bad and I just wanna…I just wanna cry!" she shouted and then proceeded to do just that.

Obi-Wan sighed and ran a hand down his face. This was not going well. Not that he expected it to. He was probably the last person who should be explaining this stuff to her. He sat silently and tried to gather his thoughts, Iyla's sobs piercing the quiet of the living room. He reached out and put a comforting hand on her shoulder and was pushed back into the cushions when she launched herself at him, burying her head in his chest.

"T-Take it away, P-Papa! P-Please!" she begged.

"I can't, my darling. I'm sorry," he said rubbing her back. "But you will get used to it after a while, Iyla. I promise."

"Get u-used to it?" she asked bringing her head up from his chest to look him in the eye.

"Yes, you'll have plenty of opportunity to learn to deal with it," he said wiping a tear from her cheek.

"How long am I gonna have it?" she asked nervously, her red puffy eyes pleading with him to give her some good news.

"Well, basically for the rest of your life," he replied with a wince.

Iyla's face crumpled even further and her lip wobbled. "I'm gonna bleed and have a stomachache for the rest of my life?!" she wailed. "Then I r-really am g-gonna die! I c-can't b-bleed forever!"

She was now wheezing and her breathing was becoming erratic. Obi-Wan recognized the beginning of a panic attack and rushed to stop it in its tracks. He flooded her Force signature with peace and prompted her to regulate her breathing with him, his hand splayed out over her chest and his breaths deep and even. Iyla obeyed and allowed him to guide her back to calmness. When he was satisfied that she wasn't in anymore danger of hyperventilating, he took his hand from her chest and ran it through her hair.

"Am I really gonna bleed forever, Papa?" she asked in a small and scared voice.

"No, not forever, dear. I mean, it will stop eventually and-"

"But you just said for the rest of my life, Papa! Why do you keep saying things you don't mean? Why do you keep lying?" she asked, her timid mood vanishing instantly.

Force save him from moody pre-teens. "I'm not lying, Iyla, I'm-"

"But you are, and you're c-confusing me! First I'm gonna have a baby then I'm not. Then I am gonna bleed forever then I'm not. Which one is it?!" she exclaimed starting to look angry.

"Iyla, calm down," he instructed.

"No! I don't wanna calm down! I'm gonna have a baby and then I'm gonna die. I just wanna be sad and mad and cry and…and…my stomach hurts and I need the 'fresher again but I don't wanna go cuz more blood's gonna come out and then I'll be closer to dying!"

"Iyla," Obi-Wan sighed.

"And, and, all of my clothes are gonna get ruined because it keeps coming even when I don't want it to and I can't make it stop, and-"

"There are things that can help with that, sweetheart."

"Well, where are they? Why don't you have some?"

"I wasn't prepared for this moment yet, darling, I-"

"Why not?! You know I'm a girl! You should'a been ready for this!" she shouted and scowled at him.

Obi-Wan looked dumbfounded at her tone and the venom behind it. He pushed back his annoyance and reminded himself that it was the hormones speaking. No use getting angry over something she had no control over.

Iyla, it seemed, appeared to be horrified by her own tone as well as she looked at him with wide eyes and covered her mouth. "I…I'm sorry, Papa. I…I didn't mean to yell at you. I was just…I got so mad and…"

"It's alright, little one," he replied calmly. "Hormones, remember?"

"But it's not alright. I yelled at you after you were so nice and helpful. I'm a terrible daughter, Papa! I'm sorry. Please f-forgive me!"

"I do, Iyla. I forgive you."

"Th-Thanks, Papa," she said with a sniffle.

"You're welcome, love. Now, do you feel a little better?"

"No," Iyla mumbled. "My stomach still hurts. And I'm tired. And I feel so gross! And I know I stained my clothes. I'm sorry!"

"You don't need to apologize, Iyla. The laundry droids will take care of it. Now, how about some tea, hmm?"

"K-Kay," she replied curling up on the couch.

"I'll add some ginger to help with your stomach pain," he said standing up to go to the kitchen.

Iyla sat silent and sullen resting her head against the cushion and wrapping her arms around her stomach. Obi-Wan watched her and his heart ached for his poor little light. Dealing with so much growing up in one day was really affecting her. Hopefully some tea will calm her nerves and settle her down.

But it seemed he underestimated just how much the hormones were affecting her because soon he had a sobbing 12-year-old on his hands holding her tea and staring at it with a devastated look.

"Is…is there something wrong with your tea, darling?" he asked hesitantly.

"It's h-hot," she cried.

"Isn't it supposed to be hot?"

"It's too hot!"

"Then let it cool for a moment, dear."

"N-No. It's r-ruined now. I don't w-want it anymore," she hiccupped.

"Iyla, sweetheart…" he started to say but was cut off by another sob as Iyla roughly set her cup down and covered her face with her hands.

Obi-Wan reached out to her but she scooted away and buried her head in her knees. He pinched the bridge of his nose and stood up to grab his comm. This was beyond his abilities now. She needed someone who understands.

"This is Senator Amidala," Padme's voice said over the comm.

"Padme," Obi-Wan began.

"Obi-Wan. You sound exhausted. What's wrong?"

"Do you…are you able to come over?" he asked.

"Yeah, sure. What's going on?"

"Iyla's started her, uh, cycle and it's not going well," he said thinking about how much of an understatement that was.

"Oh, no. Poor thing! I'll be right over. Ahsoka's here too. I'll bring her along as well."

"Thank you, Padme. I appreciate it. I'm in over my head a bit here."

"No, problem, Obi-Wan. I'll see you in a few minutes," she said before disconnecting the call.

The few moments it took for Padme and Ahsoka to get there felt like an eternity to Obi-Wan as he could do little more than sit next to Iyla on the couch and watch her cry her heart out. He nearly sprinted to the door when the chime went off.

Padme and Ahsoka came sweeping in and went straight for the couch.

"What's wrong?" Ahsoka asked him.

"What isn't wrong?" he replied.

"Did something happen?" Ahsoka asked again.

"The tea was too hot," he said with a shrug.

Padme took a seat next to the crying girl and rubbed her back gently. "Iyla," she called. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Iyla looked up and turned to her. "Auntie P-Padme?" she asked.

"Yes, dear. Your Papa called me and said you were having a hard time. Ahsoka's here with me too. We want to help."

"S-Soka?" she sniffled.

"Right here, kiddo. What's going on?"

"G-Got my cycle. It h-hurts and I'm s-scared," she replied.

"Scared?" Padme asked.

"Yeah. I don't wanna have a baby and I don't wanna die."

"Die?" Ahsoka asked.

"Cuz I'm gonna bleed forever!"

"Iyla, I think you misunderstood, sweetheart," Padme said gently.

"But P-Papa said my body is getting ready to have a baby and that he c-can't take my cycle away because I'm gonna have it for the r-rest of my life, which is f-forever," she cried.

Padme and Ahsoka turned to Obi-Wan.

He held up his hands in defense. "Hey, I tried my best. It was going well for a while but…well, I'm afraid I did muck things up a bit at the end. But it's not my fault. I'm wholly unequipped for this type of thing. You can…fix her, right?" he asked nervously.

"We'll fix her," Padme assured him. "But do yourself and Iyla a favor next time."

"What?" he asked.

"Call us first," she said with a small chuckle and a fond shake of her head.

Obi-Wan ducked his head and nodded. "Noted," he replied.

"Now, perhaps you can find something else to do for a few hours. We'll need to do some damage control here and it might take a while," Padme said as Ahsoka was whispering quietly to Iyla and rubbing her shoulders.

"Yes, yes, of course. Take all the time you need," he replied before hastily grabbing his cloak and his datapad and running from the room.

"You told her she was going to have a baby?" Anakin asked trying to hide his amusement.

"No! No, I did not say that. I said she's bleeding because her body is preparing itself to have a baby. But I didn't mean right now," Obi-Wan defended.

"But all she heard was that her body is getting ready to have a baby at 12-years-old."

"She asked why this is happening. I just answered her question."

"Yeah, with the least amount of details possible," Anakin smirked.

"You bet. I'm not about to get into a discussion about sex and reproduction with my 12-year-old," Obi-Wan said looking horrified.

"It's the 'sticks' situation all over again," Anakin said. "At least you tried this time though and didn't pawn it off on poor Qui-Gon."

"He threatened to haunt my sleep if I did that to him again. It was self-preservation that kept me from calling to him through the Force."

"Good to know you have some self-preservation instincts after all."

Obi-Wan scowled at him. "Iyla will get the full details next year after she becomes a Padawan. It won't hurt for her to have minimal details for a bit."

"You know Snips is probably giving them all to her at this very minute, right?"

"Better her than me," Obi-Wan muttered.

Anakin laughed and clapped him on the back. "This was traumatic for both of you, wasn't it?"

"Immensely," Obi-Wan replied wearily scrubbing a hand over his face.

"Poor Obi-Wan," Anakin said with a fake pout.

"What's wrong with Obi-Wan?" Depa asked from behind them.

Both men jumped and turned to look at her as she stood there with a smirk.

"He had to explain hormones and cycles to Iyla today. He's a bit traumatized," Anakin replied placing a comforting hand on his Master's shoulder.

Depa bit her lip to keep from laughing. "Did it not go well?"

"She started sobbing because she thinks she's going to get pregnant and die," Obi-Wan replied with a heavy sigh.

Depa's lips were now pursed and she almost looked to be in pain with the effort to hold back her laughter. Obi-Wan could see the tears welling up with the effort to keep her amusement in. He sighed and waved his hand at her.

"Go on," he said.

With his permission Depa immediately started cracking up, holding her stomach and leaning against a pillar in the hallway. She was getting some funny looks from the passersby and Obi-Wan brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose as he heard them whispering curiously to each other.

"I…I'm sorry…I just…" Depa attempted to say but was cut off by another round of laughter.

"It's not that funny, Depa," Obi-Wan scowled.

"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan. It's just…I was imagining you trying to explain it all to her and…" Depa trailed off with a snort.

"Yes, thank you. I can really feel your concern and empathy for my situation."

"Don't pout, Master," Anakin scolded with a shit-eating grin.

"Sleemos, both of you," Obi-Wan muttered.

"Please tell me you didn't just leave her to cry in her room," Depa said straightening up and wiping tears from her eyes.

"Of course not! I called Padme and Ahsoka and they're helping clean up my mess. Once she started crying about her tea being too hot I knew I was in over my head. I'm not too proud to admit defeat and ask for help you know."

"More like running for your life," Anakin replied.

"Well, yes, that too," Obi-Wan smirked.

"You do have my sympathies friend," Depa said. "Dealing with a pubescent and hormonal teenage girl is not a situation I'd wish for anyone to be in."

"I wasn't prepared for this moment. I thought I had more time," Obi-Wan despaired.

"Would you have been prepared a year from now?" Anakin asked.

"Well, no, but at least I wouldn't be the one to tell her about this stuff. She'd have had the class all new Padawans have."

"Unfortunately puberty doesn't wait for Padawanship," Depa chuckled.

"It should," Obi-Wan muttered.

Depa snorted and put a hand on his shoulder. "Condolences, Obi-Wan. Your little one is growing up. But look on the bright side, this will likely be the least awkward conversation you have with her."

"Is this meant to be reassuring?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes. When taking care of teenagers one must try to find the little things to reassure themself with."

"Master Billaba's right, Master. At least you didn't have to give her 'The Talk' or anything…yet," Anakin smirked.

Obi-Wan groaned and put his head in his hands. "I need to meditate," he said standing up at booking it towards the gardens.

Anakin and Depa laughed and followed slowly behind.

Hours later, Obi-Wan returned to his quarters hoping that Padme and Ahsoka were successful in calming Iyla down and righting any wrong he might have committed in his efforts to explain things to her.

He poked his head in cautiously and looked around. He spotted Ahsoka and Padme sitting and talking quietly on the couch but Iyla was nowhere to be seen. Padme looked up at him and motioned him into the room.

"Is it safe?" he asked nervously.

Padme chuckled and stood up to greet him. "Yes, Obi-Wan, it's safe."

"Did you fix her?" he asked again.

"It was hard, but yes, we were able to fix her," Ahsoka answered looking amused.

"I screwed up that badly, huh?"

"Not horribly," Padme assured him. "You just weren't very clear and she took it the wrong way. She mostly just needed a more thorough explanation and some comfort and reassurance to smooth over any fear and confusion. But don't worry, Obi-Wan, she's not scarred for life or anything," Padme smiled.

"Well, she's the only one then," Obi-Wan replied.

Ahsoka snorted and hid her laugh behind her hand. "Sorry, Master. But at least you'll both have a funny story to tell."

"I think this is a conversation we'd sooner like to forget."

"I'm sure Iyla agrees," Padme smiled.

"Where is she by the way? How is she?"

"She's fine. Resting in bed. The emotions wore her out a bit, I'm afraid. But she's alright," Padme assured him.

"Good, good. She needs rest. Monthly cycles can be mentally and physically exhausting. Or so I've been told."

"Definitely," Ahsoka agreed.

"Is she still in pain? Did her clothing get, er, taken care of? Does she need any…supplies?" Obi-Wan asked looking every bit the anxious yet uncomfortable father of a newly pubescent preteen.

"We took her to the Halls to see Master Eerin and got it all taken care of," Padme said. "Clothing changed and sent to the laundry and specific pain medicine for this type of thing. She's going to be fine, Obi-Wan."

He sighed in relief and looked at them gratefully. "Thank you. Really. I don't know what I would have done without you. She'd probably still be crying over her tea expecting to get pregnant any second."

"No problem. Ahsoka and I were glad to help. Iyla is very special to us both and we'll always be here for her when she needs a woman's touch or perspective."

"Iyla's lucky to have you both. And I'm sure Satine appreciates it as well. Iyla may not have a mother to help her through these next few years, but thankfully she has two loving aunts to make it easier," Obi-Wan replied with a smile.

"Glad to help anytime," Ahsoka said standing up from the couch. "I left Iyla some cocoa powder for a few cups of hot chocolate. Not sure if she'll like it or not, but it always helps me feel better with my cycle," she shrugged looking a bit timid.

Obi-Wan put a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her. "I'm sure she'll love it, Ahsoka. Thank you."

Ahsoka returned the smile and Padme put an arm around her as well.

"We should get going. I need to pick up the twins from the crèche and get us some dinner," Padme said.

"Yes, of course. Tell the two terrors Uncle Obi says hello."

"I will," Padme replied with a chuckle.

With one last 'thank you' and goodbye hug the two women left the Kenobi quarters.

Obi-Wan saw them out then went to go check on Iyla. He quietly opened her door and peeked in. She was sprawled out on top of her blankets and he smiled fondly before tip-toeing in to gently fix the covers. He reached out into the Force and checked on her health, relieved to find that she was alright and resting comfortably. He smoothed her hair back from her face and lightly ran a finger over her cheeks. They had lost their baby fat a few years ago and she was looking more and more like Satine everyday. Obi-Wan smiled sadly at the thought that she was no longer a little girl and would soon become a beautiful young woman, strong, independent, and fierce. He felt like he was losing his baby right before his eyes. She really was growing up much too fast for his tastes.

Iyla shifted in the blankets and turned over to face him, blinking drowsily. "Papa?" she asked.

"Hello, my dear. How are you doing?" he asked quietly.

"Mmm'ok," she replied bringing a fist up to rub the sleep from her eyes.

Obi-Wan smiled at the endearing gesture. "Are you hungry, love? It's just about dinner time."

Iyla wrinkled her nose a bit. "My stomach still hurts a bit, Papa. But, Auntie Padme did say I should eat something with the pain tabs. Maybe some soup?" she asked.

"Soup is a wonderful idea," Obi-Wan said. "Are you ok if I go and pick us up some from the dining hall?"

Iyla nodded. "I'll be ok, Papa. I need to, uh, take care of some things anyways," she said looking away awkwardly.

Obi-Wan spared her the embarrassment and didn't comment. Instead he gave her forehead a gentle kiss and stood up. "I'll be back in a bit with dinner, darling," he said.

Iyla looked grateful that he didn't make the situation more uncomfortable and nodded as she started to get up. She loved her Papa with all her heart but sometimes, in his effort to be understanding and supportive, he just made things more awkward and mortifying. There were some things no father needed to know about their daughter. Things better left personal and private.

She stumbled to the 'fresher and did her best to do the things that Padme, Ahsoka, and Master Eerin said to do, then walked to the living room to sit on the couch and wait. Her sitting became more of a slump as the muscles in her stomach clenched again.

Of course her Papa just had to come walking through the door at that moment and catch her curled up and whimpering miserably. He quickly put the food down and rushed over to her.

"You're still in pain? Has it gotten worse? Do you need to Halls? Perhaps I should call Padme back. Maybe the medicine isn't working," he rambled worriedly as he rubbed a hand over her head.

Iyla reached up and patted his hand grimacing out a smile. "I'm ok, Papa. Auntie Padme said the medicine might not work that well right away cuz we weren't sure what dose to take so she gave me only a little. I prob'ly just need more. But I gotta eat first. Too much medicine with no food could make me sick."

"If you're sure…" he said hesitantly.

"I'm sure. I'll have some soup then try another pain tab."

Obi-Wan nodded then got up to dish the soup into some bowls. He also set the kettle on and rummaged around in the cupboards for a few minutes muttering to himself distractedly. Iyla turned to look back at him curiously and saw the counter littered with tea bags. She had to resist the urge to laugh at his furrowed brow and disheveled hair. What was he doing?

She heard a triumphant 'aha!' and saw him pull out a jar of light orange tea bags. He dropped one in a mug and poured the hot water over it letting it steep then picked a different tea bag for himself and did the same.

Iyla jumped up to help him when she saw him struggling to carry the two bowls of soup and the two mugs of tea but he shook his head. "Don't get up, darling. I've got it," he insisted even as some tea sloshed on to his tunic.

She raised an eyebrow at him disbelievingly and he rolled his eyes then gave up and Force floated the bowls of soup on to the table in front of the couch. Iyla opened her mouth to say something but he cut her off.

"Don't," he warned. "That wasn't frivolous. It was necessary," he defended.

"Ok, sure, Papa," Iyla smirked.

"Don't tell Anakin," he said as he set their mugs down next to the bowls.

She snorted out a laugh and shook her head fondly.

"You still have that awful thing?" she asked pointing to the bright and messily decorated 'Galaxy's Bestest Papa' mug sitting in front of him.

"Hey, I happen to like this mug. My favorite person gave it to me. Back when she used to be cute and sweet. I wonder what happened to her?" he asked playfully.

Iyla stuck her tongue out at him and picked up her bowl. "We're having dinner on the couch?" she asked. "We always sit at the table."

"I figured you'd be more comfortable here," he shrugged. "It's not written in stone that we eat at the table, you know. There are some exceptions."

Iyla smiled softly at his kind gesture and started to eat her soup.

"I managed to find some ginger lemon tea in the cupboards. It might help with the pain while you wait for your stomach to settle enough to take some more medicine," Obi-Wan said gesturing to the mug in front of her.

"Thanks, Papa," she replied.

"Ahsoka also left some cocoa powder for some hot chocolate. Perhaps for later, when you're feeling better," he suggested.

Iyla nodded and continued to eat. She sipped her tea and let the warmth, flavors, and healing properties begin to soothe her pain and discomfort. It was actually helping a lot and she was starting to think another pain tab wasn't even needed anymore.

Obi-Wan took their empty bowls to the sink and refilled his tea before coming back to sit on the couch. "Shall we see what's on the telly?" he asked as he picked up the remote.

Iyla nodded and settled back against the cushions. "I think that travelling food reporter is on. He's supposed to be somewhere in the Mid-Rim right now," she said.

"Hmm, yes. I remember he said he was going there after last week's episode. Let's take a look," Obi-Wan replied flipping to the correct channel.

"Oooh, look, a fancy soup," Iyla said excitedly. "That looks good, doesn't it, Papa?"

"It looks familiar," he replied. "Like I've had it before."

"Maybe you have. He said it's called," she looked at the subtitles. "Hoi-Broth."

"Oh, no," he replied looking stricken. "Oh, dear. I have had that before. And I never will again," he shivered.

"Why? Was it that bad?"

"No, no. I mean, yes, but, not like that. It turns out I'm severely allergic. Something I found out the hard way on a mission back when your Uncle Anakin was still a Padawan."

Iyla's eyes lit up at the prospect of a story from one of her Papa's missions. She loved hearing about his life before she came along. "Oh, do tell, Papa. Pleeeeasse!"

"I'm afraid it's a bit embarrassing."

"Excellent," Iyla grinned impishly.

Obi-Wan turned to her and raised an eyebrow.

"I mean…I'm sorry that happened to you, Papa. But I'd really like to hear the story," she said with a fake sweet smile and wide imploring eyes.

"Brat," he muttered affectionately but began to tell her anyways.

Iyla giggled and cackled as he recounted the tale and soon she was holding her stomach once again from laughing so hard.

"I'm so glad you're sympathetic to my plight, little one," he replied once she was back under control.

"Aww, poor Papa," she said petting his arm and leaning on his shoulder. "Should I turn the program off? Are you too traumatized to watch?" she teased.

"No, you can leave it on. I'll read instead," he said picking up his pad and putting on his glasses.

"Good, cuz I still wanna watch," she said settling against his side.

They sat in contented silence as Obi-Wan read and Iyla focused back on the telly. She shuffled around and squirmed as she tried to find a more comfortable position which ended with her head on his lap and the blanket from the couch pulled up over her shoulders. Obi-Wan smiled down at her fondly and absentmindedly ran his fingers through her hair as he continued reading.

"Papa?" Iyla's drowsy voice piped up.

"Hmm?" he grunted.

"Thank you," she said.

"For what?" he asked looking down at her, his reading glasses slipping down his nose.

Iyla giggled and pushed them back up. "For everything you did today. For trying to explain cycles and hormones and answer all my awkward questions. I'm sure that was uncomfortable for you."

"It was, but you were scared and in pain and I just wanted to help you. I apologize for screwing it up so badly, though."

"You didn't do a bad job, Papa," she insisted.

"Thank you for trying to spare my feelings, love, but I'm afraid it was pretty bad."

"No, it wasn't. I just kinda freaked out and reacted badly. I knew it was irrashnull when I was doing it but I couldn't stop. Sorry, Papa."

"No need to apologize, dear. Like I said, hormones can make you irrational and overly emotional. It's not your fault."

"Thanks for still wanting to help me even after I cried stupidly about my tea," she said.

"You're my little girl. I'll always help you. Even when you cry over tea."

Iyla laughed then went silent for a moment looking down at the blanket and lazily tracing patterns on it. "Wish Mama could'a been here to help you," she said quietly.

Obi-Wan swallowed around the lump in his throat. "I do too, darling," he replied as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

"But…" she began. "Even though I miss her. I'm really glad I got you."

Obi-Wan's eyes grew misty and the words blurred together on his screen. "Thank you, my love," he whispered hoarsely.

"And Auntie Padme and Soka. To clean things up when you make a mess of them," she teased.

He barked out a laugh and flicked her nose playfully. Iyla squirmed away and batted at his hand then settled back down and burrowed further into his thigh, her make-shift pillow. The little family lapsed into silence once again as Obi-Wan went back to his reading and Iyla focused her attention back to the telly and the food show, the Force around them warm and bright.

At the Council meeting the next morning, Obi-Wan brought up the idea of including the senior Initiates in the 'puberty talk' with the new Padawans. The rest of the Councilors looked around at each other and stared back at Obi-Wan. The Force was humming in amusement.

"Is there a reason for this suggestion, Obi-Wan?" Mace asked, his lips twitching into a smirk.

"I just…um, it was brought to my attention that only the Padawans get this…talk and that sometimes puberty starts before Padawanship, and that maybe, for those children who aren't yet Padawans who have to deal with this stuff, that it might be easier for everyone if we included the senior Initiates as well," Obi-Wan said awkwardly.

He made it a point not to look at Depa who was clearly trying to hold in her laughter again. Kit also seemed to be restraining himself while Plo gave him a knowing and sympathetic look.

"Are you volunteering to give the senior Initiates this talk, Master Kenobi?" Adi Gallia spoke up teasingly.

"No! I mean…no, thank you. I'm merely suggesting the idea. We can leave the rest up to the crèche and clan Masters. It's more appropriate that way."

"Plus, we wouldn't want any of them to start crying because they think they're going to get pregnant and die," Depa muttered lowly but loud enough for most in the room to hear.

"Depa!" Obi-Wan growled.

"Hmm, failed at giving this talk before, have you, Obi-Wan?" Yoda asked with an impish grin.

"It could have gone better," he stated as he rubbed his neck uncomfortably.

The room erupted in laughter and he folded his arms and narrowed his eyes at them. "Are you going to take my request into consideration or just laugh at my pain?"

"Both," Mace chuckled.

"We will contact Master Alann tomorrow and give him the suggestion then," Plo answered nodding his head and trying to hide the mirth in his voice.

"And for now?" Obi-Wan prompted.

"For now, we'd like to hear more about how not to give this talk," Kit replied.

"I don't see how that is any of the Council's business," Obi-Wan replied with a scowl.

"On the contrary, young Kenobi," Yoda began. "Learn from their mistakes, a good Master does. Open to suggestion and correction, they must be."

"Oh, I've learned enough, Master. Believe me."

"And we've learned something as well," Master Mundi replied.

"What's that?" Obi-Wan asked.

"That you, Master Kenobi, are many things," Mundi began.

"An infamous Negotiator and accomplished Master," Mace said.

"A skilled swordsman and powerful Force-user," Plo added.

"But when it comes to explaining the intricacies of hormones and puberty," Kit said.

"You're complete rubbish," Depa finished.

"Well, I can't be good at everything," Obi-Wan smirked then finally gave in to his laughter as the rest of the Councilors cackled along with him.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Parts of it were inspired by my own first time experience. I also thought I'd eaten too much candy/sweets and that was why my stomach hurt. Plus we were at Disneyland so it made perfect sense to me. Yes, my first time was at Disneyland when I was 11. It was terrible and traumatizing. I'm just now starting to get over it, 21 years later😉 lol jk. I'm fine.

Thanks for reading, reviewing, and favoriting! I'm hoping to get more written over the next two weeks so watch this space for more updates soon, hopefully!