The Perk- Sunday afternoon

[solo_sword]

Jaina was really trying to keep this visit low-key, because basically, she didn't really want everyone worrying about her. There were of course those who knew what she was heading into and would know to worry anyway, but for the most part, she wanted to see people just in case it was her last time to do so. So she sent out the usual message just saying she was here and leaving tonight, and headed to the Perk.

Her drink got completely ignored once she'd found a table, though. She was busier trying not to count down the hours until the portal that would take her back to her galaxy, and running through what she wanted to say to the Council for the hundredth time, and internally cursing the fact that her datapad was now telling her that time back home and in Fandom had synced up again, because why couldn't that have happened sooner.


[If you think you got the message, you did. Open!]

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[nonelikemesince.livejournal.com]

Well, she wouldn't get out of Fandom without a visit from her little brother, that was for sure.

"You're too busy these days," Anakin complained lightly, moving in for a hug as soon as he spotted her.

[solo_sword]

"Oh, you have no idea," she said honestly, moving to hug him back tightly. "I'm glad I got to see you."

[nonelikemesince.livejournal.com]

You know, his sense of curiosity was piqued, but --

"I'll take your word for it," Anakin promised. "And as your little brother it's my job to be a pain to you every chance I get. Whether you like it or not."

[solo_sword]

"Well I guess I'm just going to have to suffer through it," she said with a little smile. "How are you doing?"

[nonelikemesince.livejournal.com]

"Restless," he admitted. "It's been quiet here, except for the usual strangeness. But I'm doing all right."

He tilted his head and looked at her. "How about you?"

[solo_sword]

She'd outright lie and say she was fine if she didn't know he'd be able to tell she was lying. "I've been better," she admitted. "Things have been tough, but we're working on it."

You know. By killing their brother. That's all.

[nonelikemesince.livejournal.com]

Oh, was that all? Not that Anakin was on fantastic terms with Jacen these days, but.

"I'd be surprised if things weren't tough," Anakin said. Because when weren't things, with them? "But you'll find a way. You always do."

He grinned mischievously. "You're too stubborn not to."

If he had any idea what he was being encouraging about . . .

[solo_sword]

And yes, she did feel guilty not telling him. Though she'd probably feel guilty if she did tell him, too.

"Thanks," she said, managing a smile. "I wish it all left me with more time to come back here."

[nonelikemesince.livejournal.com]

"Good reason for you to take care of business soon," Anakin said, in what he thought was a perfectly reasonable way. "And then come back for a visit, and go for ice cream with me."

Someone had to carry on the family ice cream thing.

[solo_sword]

"You sound like Ben," she said, amused.

[nonelikemesince.livejournal.com]

Whose influence this was, ultimately.

"We do seem to have a few things in common," Anakin replied.

Imagine that. Who knew?

[solo_sword]

"Never would have seen that coming," she said dryly. "Do you guys get to hang out much?"

[nonelikemesince.livejournal.com]

"Not really." Because Anakin got way too absorbed in his projects, and occasionally forgot to eat.

He did remember Jaina kind of scolding him for not keeping in touch with Tahiri, though, and had the grace to look sheepish. "I should work on that, shouldn't I?"

[momslilassassin]

Ben tackle-hug incoming in three...two...

"Jaina!"

[solo_sword]

She really should have been prepared for a tackle hug at some point this weekend, huh? Hugging him back and even laughing a little, she said, "It's nice to see you too."

[momslilassassin]

He was just going to cling a little while, then. "How long are you staying?"

[solo_sword]

"Just until tonight," she said. "I've been gone too long as it is."

Sort of. Seriously, time couldn't have straightened out before she spent a month with Mandos?

[momslilassassin]

"What's been going on?" Ben asked, grabbing his espresso and trying not to look terrified.

[solo_sword]

She turned serious, knowing she was just going to have to get used to saying it. "I'm going after him," she said softly.

[momslilassassin]

Ben's jaw clenched in an effort not to cry. He set his coffee down, reached out and gave her another hug.

There weren't really words for this.

[solo_sword]

"It's okay," Jaina said, holding him back. "It is."

[momslilassassin]

"Not really," Ben insisted.

[solo_sword]

"Then it's the only way this was going to feasibly work out in my time," Jaina amended.

[momslilassassin]

"In that case, I'm so, so sorry," Ben mumbled into her shoulder.

[solo_sword]

"I'm not. I'll save my sorry for later," Jaina told him, sending him some reassurance through the Force. "I'm going to do my job, and I'm okay to do it. And right now, that's what matters to me."

There was no guarantee she'd be saying this when she faced the Council, but for now...