Ye olde shuttle parking [morning]

[sith_happened]

There was less than a week until Rory left.

Anakin was trying not to panic.

This...wasn't really working.

Which was why a slightly important part of the shuttle was in pieces around him as he tinkered around, his shirts and robe in a neatly folded pile on the shuttle ramp.

[OOC: For Rory and I totally didn't forget it was Monday omg for reelz.]

Won't Give In - The Finn Brothers

Comments

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"I do too," she replied, still not looking sure.

[sith_happened]

His other hand moved up to cup her face. "Trust me," he whispered. "Haunting my ass or not, you were born for this kind of opportunity. I'm always here if you need me..."

He took a deep breath. "But I don't think you will."

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"I might," she corrected softly.

[sith_happened]

He leaned in and brushed a kiss against her temple. "Then I'm here."

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

Rory shut her eyes, just breathing him in for a moment and sighing.

[sith_happened]

Anakin gave into his impulse and wrapped his arms around her. "We were friends first," he said quietly. "It'll be fine."

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

Rory didn't relax in his arms, tensing slightly. "If you say so."

[sith_happened]

Anakin pulled back again. "I'm right occasionally," he said with a very slight curve to his lips. "You'll be babbling to Luke in no time about classes and friends and boys."

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"Classes and friends," she agreed. "Not sure I'm ready for boys."

[sith_happened]

"I'm not sure Luke's ready to hear about it," Anakin replied.

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"I'm not that insensitive," she said, sounding a little offended.

[sith_happened]

Anakin flicked his fingers out in a placating gesture. "I didn't mean anything harsh by that."

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"I'm not ready," she said, shaking her head. "Stop being self-loathing and thinking that's going to happen."

[sith_happened]

Anakin watched her face carefully, then bit his lip and nodded. "I'm just trying to prepare myself for when it does," he whispered. "It's not going to take long for people at Yale to see what I do."

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"Doesn't mean anything if I don't care."

[sith_happened]

"Don't shut yourself off forever, Rory," he murmured. "You deserve more than a half-life."

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"I'm just not ready right now, okay?" she said, crossing her arms. "How many different ways do I have to stress not being over you?"

[sith_happened]

Apparently, that once more did it, because Anakin's eyes went wide.

His mouth opened as he sorted through the hundreds of responses he could give her. Most of them were him begging to be taken back, but his pride just wouldn't let him make that move.

Finally he sighed and turned away. "I don't mean to push. We're back where we used to be, picking fights so it won't hurt to say goodbye."

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"You planning on dragging me into the shower with you?" she snorted.

[sith_happened]

"Would you come?" Anakin shot back.

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"I don't know."

Rory decided this was not the time for innuendo, tempting though it may be.

[sith_happened]

Anakin sighed again and focused on the nebula in front of them. I'm not pushing it, Rory, he murmured at her. For once in my life, I'm letting something go.

The lines around his eyes showed how much the effort was costing him.

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

I can't, she whispered in his mind. I just...I can't.

[sith_happened]

"I know," he said aloud, wrapping his arms around his chest, eyes full of guilt and regret. "I'm so, so, sorry, Rory."

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"For what?" she asked softly.