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The Perk [afternoon after classes]

Anakin was in the back of the coffee shop drinking the largest, blackest cup of coffee they had.

And only because it was too pathetic to start drinking when the sun was still out.

[OOC: Come bother the ridiculously emo teacher omg.]

Cannonball - Damien Rice

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Anakin quirked his eyebrow up, aware of her entire anger management process. "You took Rory into that world," he said quietly. "She didn't mention the rampant lawlessness. Just because you want to control everything doesn't make you qualified to do it."

He folded his hands up into his sleeves as he pondered her question. "I won't kill like that," he said quietly. "I've lived through wars. I've had more than my fill of death."

"Metaphor. Because while the law works fine most of the time, if you're rich enough and powerful enough, it doesn't matter at all. You just have to be careful not to be too obvious." Parker shrugged helplessly. "I'm one of the few people aware of these crimes in my corner of it. Sometimes it seems no one else even cares. Should I just ignore it all? And what would make me qualified? Seriously. Because I'd love to be sure I knew what I was doing."

She considered his answer to her question, then nodded slowly. "I really want him dead. But... too many reasons not to kill him, in spite of that." She looked out the window, her voice tired. "It's just difficult not to feel like a coward. Or like it wouldn't solve everything, if I did."

"I don't say ignore it," Anakin said sharply. "I say don't do it alone. Jedi work in pairs. Losing Obi-Wan...it was harder than losing my arm. You need someone to watch your back. And to know everything--not just the bits you feel are important."

That had certain come around to bite him in the ass.

He had to bite back hysterical laughter. Was she trying to guilt him about his decision? "Any idiot can kill someone," he lectured, pulling back all of the old lessons he'd been given when he first picked up a lightsaber. "And it never solves the problems you think it will. The Emperor's death, though necessary, has plunged the galaxy into lawless chaos. I did it anyway, but I knew what the consequences would be--more decades of conflict and death. Everything is connected."

Which would be Jarod, of course. But he had his own difficulties, and couldn't get as close to the Centre as she could. Parker looked away. Then took a breath of relief, remembering: Angelo. Who was much easier to deal with. And was more than willing to tattle on her to anyone he thought could help. She might as well have fifty minders, with him as her conscience.

"That's covered." She looked down at her hands, calmer now, then back up at Anakin. "I guess I was looking for certainty." She tilted her head. "But there really isn't any, is there?"

"Only in glimpses," Anakin said, smiling softly.

"Mmmmmmm." She lifted her eyebrows at him. "So. You have my apology. For what it's worth. I would do things differently now." Parker very gently teased, "And at least now you're not floating your chair, the table and all its contents to get away from me." More quietly, she added, "One of many reasons I'm glad you're not dead. You can't make amends to a ghost. Well, maybe here you can. But you know what I mean."

"Too showy," Anakin said, wrinkling his nose. "I'm more of a point-and-glower type these days."

He looked momentarily thoughtful at her last comment. "You'd be surprised who shows up here," he said. "It's best not to leave too many people unhappy with being dead because of you."

Parker grinned a little. "You won't even make the top ten glowers on this Island. And the second you do, Principal Bristow will come back. And we don't want that, do we?" She gave him a half-smile, and dryly added, "So far, no one left for dead. Or actively made so. We'll see if I make it to thirty with that still true. Maybe if I put that down on my life goals list like 'make Board of Directors' and 'see Tahiti'. Although at least one of those will probably cancel that out." More quietly, she added, "The only dead I'd see I'd be happy to talk with for a while."

"I missed the 'no killing' goal by a lot," Anakin said, grimacing. He glared. "And I rock the glower. I could make younglings cry from a completely different hallway."

"Wars do that, I think." For herself, Parker isn't counting Reavers, or zombies, or vampires... and nobody died this weekend. She glared back at him. And threw a little sneer into it. "Pffttt. Amateur. There are freshman who think I can kill them with my brain. And I don't even have Force powers."

"I'm assuming my son isn't one you tried to traumatize," Anakin said flatly, giving her a no-nonsense stare.

Parker thought back, then blithely said, "Considering what I could have said to him? No." She grinned slightly. "I tried to warn him about not jumping off the roof, but I don't think he believed me. And I wasn't even lying! Walter and his buddies were playing base jumpers that week."

Anakin? Had no sense of humor when it came to his son. "If you ever get the urge to mess with him again?" he said icily, "restrain yourself. It's not a request."

"Chill, Anakin," Parker said, fairly mildly, after wrestling her temper under control again at his tone. "I told you, remember? I like the kid. Besides, he stood up to the Emperor of Whatever; do you honestly think I can intimidate him?" She snorted and took another sip of her drink. "Good luck on that."

Anakin stared at her flatly. "He's not a kid any more," he said. "He's a Jedi."

There was pride shining in his eyes when he said that.

"I know how you love to tweak people," he continued. "Pick a different family."

"I could just keep tweaking you," Parker pointed out. "Given your fondness for giving orders to someone who isn't your student or-- what was it, padawan?" Another sip of her mocha, and she shrugged. "But I won't punish Luke because you're still bossy."

"Or you could remember that I'm a teacher now," Anakin reply sharply, "and say 'nice to see, you, Master Skywalker,' and move on with your day before your mouth drops you into detention. I'm not 18 any longer, Parker, and I'm getting tired of your tone."

Parker got her temper under control for the last time. She put her shades back on, and picked up her mocha. "You're not my teacher, and we're not in school. But it was nice to see you. Enjoy your coffee. Still glad you're not dead. Bye."

And headed for the door, throwing away her cup as she exited.

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The Perk [afternoon after classes]

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