Office hours [all day]

[sith_happened]

After lightsaber practice with Ben, where Anakin had thumped his grandson around the gym because the boy wouldn't stop smirking about the weekend's sparring session with Luke, Anakin hobbled stalked slowly (stupid knee injury) back to his office.

He'd listened to his messages, so he was a little anxious to see if Raven came in today.

The door was open. The Jedi was grumpy. Just an average Tuesday.

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[sith_happened]

"Why?" Anakin asked. "What happened to Roy?"

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"Oh, well, I didn't go back with him," Hayley said. "He wanted me to go, but...I didn't wanna."

[sith_happened]

The vision Anakin had of a shallow grave in the Preserve dissipated slightly. "I think there is a lot you can still learn here," he said.

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"Yeah," Hayley said. "And..."

He expression faltered a bit. "I think it'll be easier, away from that stuff at home."

[sith_happened]

"I can understand that impulse," Anakin said, "but you won't be able to stay here forever, either."

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"So I guess Roy did end up telling ya things, huh?" Hayley said. "I was worried..."

[sith_happened]

"That he would or that he wouldn't?" Anakin asked.

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"That he'd tell you stuff, and you'd think I was crazy," Hayley said. "I'm not, you know. I'm not crazy."

[sith_happened]

"I didn't think that you were," Anakin said, "but it helps to hear more than one side of anything. Hearing Roy's perspective is helpful for me because it gives me more insight into you."

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"I just hope it's good insight," Hayley said. "I want you to like me, Master Skywalker."

[sith_happened]

Anakin looked amused. "Why should what I think matter?"

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"...Why shouldn't it?" Hayley said, her expression going back to a smile.

[sith_happened]

"Because you should try to make yourself happy, rather than focusing your efforts on pleasing anyone else," Anakin said.

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"But I am happy!" Hayley said. "See, I'm smilin' and everything."

She was trying to ignore the fact that Roy had said something quite similar.

[sith_happened]

Anakin gave her a look. "I'm not that easily persuaded about anything."

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"What do I gotta do, dance for you?" Hayley asked, eyes wide. She just didn't want him worrying or anything.

[sith_happened]

Yeah, little late for that. Trying to pull one over on a Jedi was tough. "Please don't," Anakin said with a tiny smile. "Just be honest. I can tell when you aren't."

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"...Yes, Master Skywalker," Hayley said, looking down. "I promise."

[sith_happened]

"I'll hold you to that," Anakin replied, his tone very much the teacher. "Now. Tell me about your weekend."

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"Well, I guess it really started when I ran into Roy," Hayley said. "I wasn't expecting him or anything, and I hadn't even seen him since... since I got arrested."

[sith_happened]

Anakin nodded. "How long ago was that?"

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"About three days before I came here," Hayley said. "It was kinda hectic. They really moved me here fast, after all that stuff."

[sith_happened]

Anakin nodded again, trying to put the pieces together. "And you don't know why Roy might have been worried about you?"

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

"Well, we only went out a little bit," Hayley said. "And he ran away that night, he didn't stay or anything. He was happy to leave me with Bianca, then."

[sith_happened]

Anakin would have given quite a bit to be able to talk to Roy again. "Did he, or did you not want to leave?"