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WARNING: Slight mentions of physical violence, trauma. Fluff.

A/N: I will update "Phoenix" on Fridays, fyi! Hopefully this episode will let you get to know Phoenix a little bit better :).

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Y/N's POV

—Master, I just think it would be better if I focus on other tasks, maybe I can get ahead on other things? It's just that two Sith on a simple recon mission it's too much, don't you think? —I was practically jogging trying to reach Qui-Gon's quick steps. The big aisles seemed to keep getting longer and longer and I was beginning to run out of breath due to my fast blabbering.

—Y/N, let me stop you right there. —He put his hand up and stopped in the middle of the grand aisle. He turned around to face me and sighed. —I think it was foolish of me to think you two would get along right away. However, what I didn't expect at all was for you to get entangled in his childish manners. I think way better of you, my dear. I mean,  I don't blame it all on you, I know what a handful that boy is, but please, can you please try? Don't be friends. Just... tolerate each other. Take this mission as an opportunity to learn about each other, to understand each other. It would make a huge difference. —He asked sweetly. 

I felt guilty for giving him a hard time. I never thought about how my actions would affect him. Qui-Gon had become the family I never had, the only person I let in. The last thing I wanted was to hurt him or to make him feel that I was ungrateful. I still remembered the day he decided to take me in.

*Flashback*

—Your grandfather is... quite the man.

He was sitting in Palpatine's office waiting for the Chancellor to finish up a Senate meeting. I was there on a mission (and in one of my very few visits to Coruscant) with the purpose of spying on one of the Republic's more influential Senators. My goal was to befriend her as the Princess of Jakku and persuade her into producing more clones for the Republic.

—Yeah, he is. And he holds so much knowledge. It's quite remarkable really. —I was staring at the beautiful city lights from the big window, mesmerized by the city's beauty. My hand was touching the glass, my fingers aching to reach the speeders, the flashing lights, the sun's flame, which somehow was more beautiful here. Everything was more beautiful here. 

—What is that on your arm? —He pointed at the purple bruises on my forearm. I tried to hide them, but the fabric of the extravagant dress failed to give the protection I needed. I opted to hug myself, but we both knew it was late. He had seen them.

—You know, I-I fell...

—Mmm,  strange place to get bruises on when you fall... —He looked at my worried face, sensing that I didn't want to deepen into the topic any longer. He gave a sweet smile and asked. —And what is your name?

—Y/n. —I chirped lowly and turned around back to the window, not wanting to miss a thing.

—That is a very beautiful name. —He smiled, which I took a glance at through the reflection of the glass.

—Thank you. —A profound silence took over the room, neither knowing how to keep the conversation alive.

—I presume you are a force user. I can sense you have your shields up. —He finally spoke. —Quite strong, I must add. Did your grandfather teach you?

I shook my head. — No... I taught myself. —I looked down. —He actually doesn't like that- —I stopped, reconsidering if I should share this kind of stuff with him.

—He doesn't like that you have them? That you protect yourself? —I turned around, impressed that he understood me, that he was giving me the reason.

—He says it's selfish and that I should be open to him. That he can't trust me unless-

—Unless he controls you. —He stood up and walked towards me. I flinched and took a step back. He put his hands up, signaling his lack of mischievous intentions and back off one step.

—Yes, exactly.

—So I assume that's what happens when you disobey. —And pointed once again to my arm. I nodded, embarrassed and looked away. —Let me tell you something, Y/n, I have watched my fair share of old fucks that think they know everything. Who think they can use very special people to their advantage and tear them apart when they want to. Normally it comes from a place of fear. He fears you; your power, what you can do to him. —I almost laughed at the comment. Me? Hurt him? Never in a million years. Qui-Gon stared quietly, observing me with care.—You doubt yourself. Makes me believe you don't know your full potential. How much does he train you?

I hesitated for a second and I didn't know how to answer. Basically zero? Unless he needed something out of me.

—That's what I was afraid of. Well, I don't know you that well Y/n, but I have quite the history of finding talented people out of nowhere. And I see you. I can see your fire. I'm here if you ever want to do something about it. Sometimes it is up to us to take care of business ourselves. —Something that caught my attention was how even when his facial expressions were kind and gentle, the ruthlessness in his eyes never flinched.

—Thanks Master Jinn, I will consider it. —At that moment, the heavy wood doors opened revealing Palpatine.

—What are you still doing here? Go, go, move! Senator Amidala is waiting outside. For real Y/n, sometimes I refuse to believe you can be more useless, but then again, you prove me wrong. I should dump you, just like your parents. —He touched his head in disappointment and walked towards his desk. The words stung me and reached a really painful place inside my heart. The tears threatened to fall.—Excuse me Master Jinn, but you know how it can be.

—Yeah, sure I do, the ability to speak does not make one intelligent. —Qui-Gon commented, tearing me apart. Wasn't he friendly just moments ago? —Even when the person gives tiring speeches in front of even bigger morons. —He finalized, giving me an reassuring look. A stiffened chuckle leaving my lips and my mouth turned into an "O". Palpatine stayed in shock, looking for a reaction. —I mean, the senators. Just like Amidala. Who is waiting for you, Y/N, you must hurry. —Palpatine softened his reaction and I nodded, rushing to the door. Before leaving I heard his voice in my head.

"Please, Y/n, don't stay. You deserve better. I can actually help you."

I sighed before leaving the room. Outside was who I assume was senator Amidala and another man, tall and strong. They were talking really low, their faces close and sharing laughs.

—Senator Amidala?

Now I know that it was Anakin.

—Yeah, for sure, master. I'm so sorry for the pain I have caused you. —I bowed, expecting he would understand my regret.

—Don't say that, you haven't caused any pain. But I must say, ever since your arrival I've sensed disturbances on the Force. Is there anything you would like to discuss? —He inquired.

—No, no. I've been feeling pretty at home here. The clones and the staff are really kind and the food is...surprisingly good. —I laughed. Anything was better than canned food. — Thanks for reaching out to me, Qui-Gon, I was really tired of the Outer Rim. —I chuckled and he joined. —But no, really, you could have abandoned me at any given moment, even after killing Palpatine, but you didn't. I will be forever grateful for your kindness. —I smiled lovingly.

—Oh, dear. You don't have to be thankful for anything. After the kingdom of terror in which you lived in? After all of you have done for me? For the Empire? Do you even remember when you stole your grandfather's books for me? This is the least you deserve. —He put his hand on my shoulder and lowered his head so our gazes met without me looking up. — And let me tell you something, my dear apprentice, you don't thank what you deserve, you take it. —He closed his fist and his eyes turned yellow.

—Yes, my master. —I nodded.

—Good. —He smiled once more. — Now, go on that mission and make me proud. You have plenty of experience doing that, young one. —He winked and I grinned at the sweet words. Before leaving I turned to him once more and gave him a big hug and stayed there, my head on his shoulder. He embraced me back and gently held me.

—I know what you've just said, but thanks Qui-Gon, from the bottom of my heart. For being my family. —I hugged him tighter at those words, which he returned. We separated and he smiled.

—Thank you for being part of mine.

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I arrived at the hangar and all of the troopers were charging up the ship with stuff for the mission. Because we were taking Anakin's ship, I was traveling with some of the 501st, so I gave my legion specific instructions about what to do in my absence, that included deploying Taaray and Kytra to Zeltron in order to find this "retired rebel". I was sitting on a metal box, waiting for Mr. Chosen One to appear when Obi-Wan showed up.

—Hey, Phoenix. What are you doing here? I thought you would be on your way to Geonosis by now. —He scrunched his face.

—Well...me too. —I chuckled. —But Anakin hasn't arrived. —I restrained myself from making a snarky comment, trying my best to follow Qui-Gon's wishes.

—Sounds an awful lot like him. —He rolled his eyes. — I bet you 50 credits  he is going to come in and excuse himself by saying: "I had some logistical issues" to not say "I overslept".—We laughed at his comment.

—I'll take you up on that and I say he's going to say...uhm...Oh! I know! That he was giving us time to get ready. —I upped the bet.

—That's a good one! Okay, deal. —He laughed and offered me his hand, which I shook, closing our agreement.

—To all of this, how long have you known him? —I asked, genuinely curious about their story.

—Oh well, I would ask if you have time, but I know you do. —We chuckled once more. He is really funny! —I guess everything started about fifteen years ago? Oh Force, this is not good for my ego. —He shook his head and laughed. —Qui-Gon and I found Anakin on Tatooine, he was a slave actually- Oh shit, should I have said that? Well, you better act like you don't know that. —He threatened me.

—Trust me, I'm a tomb.   —I made a gesture like I was locking my lips and he smiled.

—So we were actually escaping from Naboo and we landed on Tatooine almost by accident... —

And he proceeded to tell me everything. The pod racing, how Qui-Gon knew he was the Chosen One, the participation of Queen Amidala on the whole mission. He had a way of telling the story so it was funnier than it actually was. I couldn't stop holding my stomach because of the amount of laughter that came from my mouth.

—Obi-Wan, you are killing me, stop! "Another pathetic life form"! — I laughed. —And you were on the ship the whole time? How do you know this story so well? —I asked.

—Try making Qui-Gon or Anakin shut up about it. "Oh, I found the Chosen One!" "Oh, I have more midichlorians than any other Jedi" Oh, fuck off, give me a break. —He rolled his eyes, making me gasp for more air.

—I would love to hear more stories, but about you! How was your time as a Jedi? —He looked at me with sad eyes for a moment, but he then grinned and asked.

—What do you wish to know? The time I went to Kamino and found the biggest Build-A-Clone store in the galaxy, or the time I saved the Duchess of Mandalore from being killed by a spider,  or when I cut Maul in half? —My eyes widened.

—So that was you? I have personal beef with you, mister! —I squinted my eyes.

—So not that one. —He chuckled.

—Let me hear the Kamino one, I'm curious to know how... all of this started.. —I grimaced as I pointed around me with my finger.

—Why the face?

—Sometimes they give me the creeps, man. —I admitted. —All of those faces being the same? It's definitely creepy. I prefer them with the helmet on.

—I hear you, I actually met the OG. —he said cockily.

—No shit, Jango? —My surprise was obvious. —Okay, spill the beans.

—Alright alright, so...—And explained all of it. Just like before, we laughed a lot.

—Kenobi, man, I would have snapped that old bitch's neck, how annoying! "If it's not here, then it doesn't exist", whilst a Sith Lord was ruling the Senate. —I rolled my eyes.

We were in the middle of a laughter attack when Anakin showed up. We tried to dial them down so we could listen to what he had to say.

—I'm sorry troopers, I had... some logistical problems. —He said while scratching his neck, but neither Obi-Wan or I could hide our reactions. We combust into laughter and I high fived Obi-Wan.

—Shit, but it was fair game. I was the dumb one for betting against you, who knows him better. —I admitted, while taking out the payment.

—At least you tried. —And accepted the money.

Anakin approached us, with squinted eyes.

—What is happening here?— He pointed at us, switching his fingers from one another at a rapid pace.

—None of your business, Whineakin. —Responded Obi-Wan, which earned him a glare from Anakin. I laughed once more, harder than before, throwing my body backwards.

—Whineakin! —I cried, not being able to breathe anymore. —That's genius! —Anakin rolled his eyes and uncrossed his arms, walking away, directly to the ship. He stopped before entering and turned around.

—And? Are you ready or do you need more biscuits for the tea session? —He shouted.

—Control yourself, Whinekin, I'm coming. —We cackled a little more, but I had to get up and leave. —Thanks Obi-Wan, I had an excellent time. —I smiled kindly.

—I say the same, Phoenix. And don't worry, when you come back we will put these credits to good use. We will buy tons of alcohol, juices and exotic fruits and I will tell you more stories while I prepare some of my galaxy renown cocktails. —He proposed.

—That would be so cool! After all, you still owe me the Maul anecdote. — I squinted my eyes.— I will be looking forward to it! —I grabbed his shoulder as a "thank you" and jogged my way to the ship, where Anakin was -in the most obvious way- annoyed.

—I'm here! I'm here! —I put my hands up, as a sign of peace, at which he just growled. He was already sitting on the pilot seat. I took my place on the co-pilot seat and waited for him to start the engines.

—Rex, are we ready for take off? —He asked and looked back, where I could only assume there was the trooper that interrupted our moment days ago. I covered my face subtly so our gazes didn't meet.

—Yes, sir. —He answered.

—Let's go. — He touched a bunch of buttons, flicked a whole other bunch of switches and finally, he pulled a lever and we were off the ground.

We spent some minutes in silence while he was setting the course of direction. I almost fell asleep due to the swift movement of the ship and the quietness of it all. The beautiful sight of him, so concentrated on the panel, stirring the wheel with excellent expertise. I was resting my head on the leather seat, when I sensed a pair of eyes on me.

—Why are you looking at me? —I asked, eyes still closed.

—Not even when you are half asleep can I enter your shields? —He let out in a tired exhale.

I chuckled.

—Can you please focus your attention on the road ahead? I don't want to die in a crash with an asteroid.

—You are insulting me by assuming I wouldn't sense an asteroid. —He scoffed.

—Mhm. Is space easier than pod racing? — I opened one of my eyes to peek at his reaction. He looked back at me surprised.

—Fucking Obi-Wan, I will- —He talked to himself but I interrupted.

—Don't. —I opened my eyes completely and stared at him. —It was a serious question.

His features demonstrated confusion, almost like he was trying to figure out if I was teasing him, figuring it out if I was worth his trust. He looked at me profoundly, guessing my true intentions. I think he noticed my honest interest in his life and my way of keeping a truce, in the name of a peaceful mission.

—Yes. —He said after eternal moments of silence. —In space there are fewer people trying to kill me. —I raised one of my brows at that and he laughed. Like an actual laugh. What a beautiful sound.—Well yeah, you are right. Let me put it in another way... —He thought for a minute. — I really cannot put it in words. Everything just feels slower? Maybe it is the experience, or the better ships, or my Force development, I don't know. Maybe it was the fact that I was a nine year old in illegal racing and everything was way faster and more dangerous. —He shuddered his shoulders.

—You were 9? —I was shocked. —Why the fuck was a 9 year old in ilegal racing?

—How else would a slave make money? —My heart dipped at the confession. I didn't expect him to be so open about his life. Not to me at least. I was running out of words and I was thankful he spoke. —It's okay, you don't have to say anything. I'm not ashamed of it. I'm way more ashamed of other things I did later.

—Like what? —My tongue was faster than my brain. He gave a sided look and took his sight to the road again.

—Why don't you get back to sleeping? You look very cute when you do it. —This man is on a streak. My cheeks burned red and I looked away as far as possible. He chuckled cockily at my embarrassment.—Not even when I was licking ice cream off of you you had that face.

—Oh, shut it. —I rolled my eyes and got back into my resting position. —That night never happened.

—So you are gonna act like you don't think about it every day? 

I stiffened at his words.

—I don't know what you are talking about, Skywalker. —He snorted at the words and shook his head.

—Sure, sure. You know? When you are horny, your shields are not as strong as they usually are. 

I panicked at that statement.

—That's not true! —I complained.

—So you admit it? That you have been horny? —He chuckled once more.

—Ugh, whatever, goodbye, Ani. —I closed my eyes and crossed my arms trying to create warmth. —Wait, just one last question, did you have a little helmet or something?

—Rest well, princess.

Before completely shutting down, I felt a heavy fabric on my body that quickly provided me with the warmth I needed. Without opening my eyes I knew what it was: Anakin's robe.