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Shmi sighs contently as she cuddles the sleeping babe close to her chest.
Her sleeping baby.
The thought makes her smile wider. As exhausted as she is from the whole process, the sight of her infant nuzzling in her arms and looking at her with his striking blue eyes is more than enough to make up for it.
Soft classical music feels her room in the Halls of Healing, adding a hint of coziness to the white walls. The Force feels light all around her, dancing in a sing-song flow in her mind's eye. Shmi sighs, sinking into the pillows and content in watching the baby drift off to sleep.
It came to her as a shock when she found out she was pregnant, namely because there was no reason for it to happen. She never had a romantic partner, let alone married someone, so the odds for her to be pregnant were practically zero.
But, at the same time, the Force hums with a sense of rightness and glee and love -- all centered deep in her stomach. It was then she knew there was no father. Simply the will of the Force. But, even without that knowledge, Shmi knows she would have loved the babe regardless. From the moment she heard his heartbeat to the first little kick she felt, she couldn't imagine feeling anything but.
A faint nudge in her mind makes her look down. Her son fusses in his sleep, small arms thrashing under the swaddle and blanket. His presence -- so vibrant and strong in the Force, he's basically bathing in it -- wildly seeks hers. Shmi immediately rocks her arms, whispering soothing nothings to her son while gently coating their bond with peace and affection.
Just as her son settles once more, the door slides open.
A smile lifts the corners of her lips when two familiar presences enter the room -- one screaming excitement and curiosity while the other, though the same, has a deeper timbre of maturity.
"I was wondering when you would be back," she comments before looking up. Smiles greet her, warm and joyous.
"Shmi." Qui-Gon nods. "I must say your taste in music still hasn't changed."
"Oh, hush." Shmi rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "You just can't appreciate music that is not on top volume and no, you won't get a chance to corrupt my baby with it."
Qui-Gon huffs in pretend-hurt.
"Hi, Master." Qui-Gon's padawan waves.
"Obi-Wan." Shmi smiles. "It's good to see-"
A coo interrupts her mid-sentence, making Shmi look down at the bundle of blue fabric. She chuckles, "Well, it looks like somebody is impatient." Shmi looks up, facing the other two suddenly so still Jedi. "Come, there's someone who wants to meet you both too."
Her son blinks sleepily at them, blue eyes clear as the water in the lakes of Naboo. The two Jedi watch the small baby with wide eyes while Shmi witnesses the interaction with amusement.
"He's so tiny," Obi-Wan whispers in awe.
"Yet so strong in the Force," Qui-Gon comments. "It flows around him more prominently than in anyone or anything I have encountered before."
"Yes, I know. Vokara said the Force was unnaturally strong in him, especially for a newborn, but it's always been that way even before; I could always feel him reaching out. In any case, Vokara plans on doing a midichloriant count today." Shmi moves her arms when the babe yawns and tries to find a more comfortable position. She feels Obi-Wan's gaze -- who's been quiet the whole time, watching her son intently -- and smiles gently.
"Do you want to hold him, Obi?"The padawan looks visibly startled at that. "Uhm... can I?"
Shmi chuckles. "Of course. Here, sit. Hold your hands like this- yes. Okay, now-" Shmi carefully places the newborn in Obi-Wan's arms, positioning him so his head and neck are properly supported.
The padawan adapts to the additional weight and the bundle of blankets after a moment. Obi-Wan inhales sharply when the baby opens his eyes again, turning his gaze to the padawan's own. He babbles.
"Oh." Obi-Wan's eyes significantly soften.
All at once, the Force suddenly sings and its already colorful light turns brighter. It seems to project a sense of right and approval -- all of it centered around the two. By the surprised look given to her by Qui-Gon, Shmi knows he senses it too.
"What's his name, Master?" Obi-Wan asks, not looking away from the baby's deep blue eyes.
"Anakin," Shmi answers. "His name is Anakin Skywalker."
The padawan's eyes seem to sparkle at that, his Force presence glowing as if it recognizes the name. "Hello there, Anakin."
Anakin burrows deeper into the padawan's robe, small fingers wiggling out of the swaddle and then trying to latch onto the fabric. Obi-Wan holds him just a little bit closer.
As the Force embraces them both in its wave, Shmi Skywalker and Qui-Gon Jinn watch them both fondly.
The wonder coming from the ten-month-old in her arms makes her smile. Anakin's eyes are wide as he looks around the hangar. A giggle leaves his lips, and he claps his small hands together. His head turns from one direction to another as if searching for something -- or rather, someone. Two someones, actually.
It's become a tradition of sorts that every time Qui-Gon Jinn and his padawan left for a mission, they would await their return in the hangar. The first time they did was unintentional; the only reason being Anakin couldn't wait long enough.
"Excited, huh, my little one?" she teases and presses a kiss on her son's forehead. Anakin giggles, his Force presence vibrating with joy and a dash of impatience as his chubby hands reach out in front of him. He turns his head toward her, tilting his head with a confused expression on his face.
"Yes, yes I know. Be patient for just a little longer, my dear," she says. "They'll be here in a bit."
Obi-Wan notified her a couple of hours ago that they would arrive at about 0900 -- so they have about five minutes to go. Shmi smiles apologetically at the slightly pouting ten-month-old. She's well aware that five minutes is terribly long in Anakin's book.
She's about to say something to occupy her son when a familiar-looking ship entering the hangar catches her eye.
They're here early.
She sighs a chuckle of relief.
Anakin seems to notice it too, and immediately, he leans toward the ship's direction, pulling on her robe insistently. A grin lights up his face, showing his four teeth. "Beebeebee!" he calls.
"All right, all right," Shmi says as she starts walking. "Let's go."
She reaches the ship just as the ramp lowers, and two figures step out of the shuttle, a pack slung over their shoulders. Anakin's face lights up even more at the sight of them, his Force presence projecting a wave of affection and cheer.
"Master Skywalker," Qui-Gon Jinn greets with a smile. To his left, Obi-Wan Kenobi gives a small wave. "Hello, Master." The padawan turns, his small smile turning into a grin in seconds as his eyes meet Anakin's.
Before Shmi can get a word out, Anakin giggles and babbles as he eagerly leans his whole body toward Obi-Wan. "Beebeebee!" he exclaims, making grabby motions with his hands.
Shmi laughs, adjusting Anakin in her hold so he won't tip forward. "Settle down, Ani. We don't want you to topple over," she says with a small laugh.
Qui-Gon chuckles. "Someone seems energetic today."
"Isn't he always," Shmi replies, placing another kiss on her pouting baby's cheek.
Anakin seems to have had enough of waiting today since he immediately tries again. He stretches his arms in Obi-Wan's direction, crying out for his attention.
Shmi rolls her eyes fondly. "All right, all right," she says with an exasperated smile. "Obi-Wan will hold you in a second." She gestures for Obi-Wan to come closer before slowly handing Anakin over to his arms.
Anakin immediately settles, snuggling into the padawan's chest. The Force around him radiates love-content-happiness. Obi-Wan's face lights up and he chuckles. "Hello there, Ani. Miss me?"
"Beebee," Anakin sighs, his fingers clutching Obi-Wan's robe tightly, his blue eyes fluttering close. The padawan smiles, staring fondly at the baby and stroking his scalp. "I'll take that as a yes."
"Oh, you have no idea," Shmi comments with a chuckle. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's last mission sent them to the Mid Rim for a few weeks. Anakin didn't like that; for days he'd look at the door at their usual meeting time and would throw a fuss when he realized Obi-Wan wasn't coming. The occasional holo calls before bedtime helped, but it sometimes left Anakin a bit teary when they had to end it.
It was hard seeing Anakin so troubled, that was why Shmi was relieved when she felt the faint glimmer of Qui-Gon's and Obi-Wan's presence last night. Anakin, of course, felt them too -- if his small gasp and excited clap were anything to go by. Getting her son to sleep was a challenge after that, but Shmi would take excitement over sadness any day.
"I think I might have a few ideas," Obi-Wan answers with a smile, patting Anakin's back gently.
Shmi's eyes soften, and she knows Qui-Gon is wearing a similar expression.
The sharp shrill of a comm ringing makes them all look up. Qui-Gon winces, grinning sheepishly. "I hate to cut this moment short, but the Council is asking for us."
Shmi nods. "All right. But do come over for lunch once you're finished."
"We'll see you then," Qui-Gon replies with a smile. "Come along, Padawan."
Obi-Wan nods and moves to hand Anakin back to her. That doesn't sit well with the baby apparently. Anakin shakes his head. His tiny hands scrunch small fistfuls of Obi-Wan's robe, holding onto the padawan tighter. Obi-Wan raises an amused brow.
"Anakin, dear, Obi needs to meet with the Council," Shmi explains, trying to meet her son's eyes. "You'll see him again at lunch."
But when Shmi attempts to take Anakin again, the ten-month-old starts to whimper, mumbling his opinion on that -- which is a strong 'no'.
Before she can try to persuade Anakin again, Qui-Gon chuckles beside her. "I think the Council wouldn't mind if we bring one unexpected guest with us. Just this once."
Obi-Wan snorts. "Oh sure, Master, it's not like we have ever brought an unexpected guest with us before."
Shmi can't hold her chuckle. She knows enough of Qui-Gon's particular knack for bringing random life forms home with him from missions if Mace's frequent grumbling is anything to go by.
(Though Mace has never minded when Anakin comes along. The Council adores younglings.)
"Very funny, Padawan." Qui-Gon rolls his eyes good-naturedly before they settle back on her form. "He'll be in very capable hands."
It's Shmi's turn to snort, knowing full well how the Councillors are around the ten-month-old -- or any younglings; protective is one word for it. "I'm sure." She sighs a chuckle. "Oh, all right."
Obi-Wan's expression brightens at that, bouncing Anakin slightly in his arms, making the baby giggle in delight.
"I expect you to be on your best behavior, little one," Shmi says to Anakin, tapping his nose with her finger teasingly. She looks up and meets Qui-Gon's green eyes. "Now perhaps you three had better get going lest you want to be late."
Qui-Gon smirks. "We'll see you at lunch, Shmi."
"Bye, Master," Obi-Wan says before the three of them move to exit the hangar. Anakin gives her a little wave from the padawan's shoulder, grinning widely.
She waves back.
Shmi stays until the three disappear from her sight. She sighs contently and turns on her heels in the other direction.
Now, about lunch...
"No!"
Shmi sighs, attempting once more to tuck her incredibly stubborn two-year-old son in. "It's already past your bedtime, Ani. You need to go to sleep."
Anakin struggles against the blankets before he sits up and crosses his arms, giving her a pout.
Again.
"Anakin." Shmi pinches the bridge of her nose, trying to clamp down her simmering displeasure. "You need to sleep."
Her son huffs, wiggling on his bottom to turn away from her. "No!"
Shmi resists the urge to groan in frustration. She is used to a lot of Anakin's antiques -- not that she has a choice on the matter, but she manages (even with the constant near-heart attacks Anakin gives her daily). Despite all that, Anakin has never had an issue with bedtime (probably because he's used up all his energy during the day, but Shmi is certainly not complaining), so tonight is beyond rare.
She takes a deep breath and lets it out. "Anakin," she says slowly, leaning over toward the toddler. "It's bedtime, my love. You wanna play tomorrow, don't you?"
Shmi can make out the slightest nod. "Then you need to rest, Ani."
Anakin turns his head, blue orbs peaking from long lashes in a sorrowful look. "No, Mama, please." He shakes his head desperately. "No bed now."
"Why, Ani?" she asks gently.
"Wanna wait."
Oh.
Shmi's eyes soften. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon have been off-world on a mission, one she doesn't know much about but it must be serious enough that it's kept them away for months. As usual, their absences are greatly felt, especially Obi-Wan's. Every day since their departure, Anakin has never once stopped asking for their return, and his dejection is always evident in his posture when he gets an answer. Anakin's sad, little "Okay, Mama" doesn't get any easier to hear each time.
Luckily, they are due to reach Coruscant tomorrow morning. It seems Anakin is just anxious to see Obi-Wan again.
Gently, Shmi lifts Anakin and places him on her lap, facing her. Anakin looks at her questioningly. "Tell you what, Ani, if you sleep now, I promise I will wake you up the moment Obi arrives tomorrow, okay? I bet Obi can't wait to give you that hug he promised."
"Pinky?" Anakin asks, holding up his right hand, not quite able to stick out only his littlest finger.
Shmi smiles fondly as she wraps her own pinky around her son's tiny finger. "Pinky."
A small smile tugs at Anakin's lips as he nods.
"Now, it's time for bed, young one," Shmi says, pressing a kiss to Anakin's crown. Anakin clutches her pajama shirt, burrowing close, his eyes droopy.
Shmi carefully lies both of them down. Then, she begins humming a gentle tune the creche masters used to sing while she brushes through Anakin's golden locks.
"Good night, my love."
A yawn escapes Anakin's lips, his eyes fluttering. "Night, Mama."
It's 0630 in the morning when a knock comes from the door. A smile graces her face, already feeling the presence standing behind it. She puts down her almost-empty cup of caff, before walking toward the door.
"Hello there," she greets.
Obi-Wan grins up at her. "Master Skywalker."
"Do come in. And where might your master be?"
Obi-Wan steps in, the door closing behind him. "Uh, well, he's sorta held up at the moment, Master. The shuttle didn't quite come back as smooth as it had been. Master Windu is not particularly impressed."
"Oh my, are you all right? You're not injured are you?"
"We're fine, Master, not to worry. Master Qui-Gon's flying just requires some work. He says he'll catch up in a bit."
Shmi chuckles, relief settling in her chest. "It's good to have you back, Obi. Anakin misses you very much. He's been asking for you non-stop, you know?"
Obi-Wan's smile turns a bit sheepish. "Oh, I have missed him too. Is he still sleeping, Master?"
"Yes, he slept rather late last night, but I did promise to wake him up when you arrived." Shmi gestures for Obi-Wan to sit on the couch. "Wait here. I'm going to get Anakin."
Anakin is curled up on his side when Shmi quietly pads inside the room. He has a firm grip on one of the pillows, his blanket hugged tightly to his chest. Shmi takes a moment to take in the sight before sitting on the side of the bed.
"Anakin," she whispers, placing a hand on the toddler's head. "Wake up, little one."
His son squeezes his eyes shut, groaning as he stretches. He reaches a hand up to rub his eyes. "Mmm, Mama," Anakin mumbles around a yawn. "Sleepy..."
"I know, my love," Shmi chuckles. "but there's someone here to see you."
"Hmm?" Anakin puts his arms out, silently asking to be picked up. Shmi complies, rubbing Anakin's back soothingly. "Obi is here already, Ani. He's waiting on the couch."
At that Anakin visibly perks up and looks up at her like the time she gave him a tiny wind-up droid last year. Even so, Anakin still looks minutes away from falling back to sleep. "Bee?"
"Yes. Do you want to see him?"
Anakin nods, resting his head on her chest.
"All right then." Shmi hoists Anakin up to her shoulder. After that, she fishes for Anakin's blanket from the sea of pillows, draping it on the two-year-old before walking out of their room.
Obi-Wan looks up at her with a fond smile when he sees them. 'Sleeping?' he mouths.
Shmi shakes her head in reply. She turns to the side -- so that Anakin's head is facing Obi-Wan -- and gives him a soft nudge. "Ani, look."
Anakin lifts his head from her shoulder, body leaning toward the person standing next to them. Shmi can picture how her son's eyes light up as he squeals, "Beebee!"
"Good morning, Anakin." Obi-Wan moves forward, gladly taking Anakin into his arms. The two-year-old immediately latches his arms around the padawan's neck. "Did you miss me?"
"Bee," Anakin sighs full of contentment, sleepy eyes gazing adoringly at the person holding him. Shmi can't help but coo at the sight. One thing about Anakin is that he has the most expressive blue eyes. Even Mace has to agree to that. Qui-Gon still teases him for it.
Obi-Wan's eyes soften. "I'll take that as a yes."
Shmi chuckles at the familiar conversation. "You have no idea. Though I must agree, you were gone for far too long this time."
Obi-Wan grins cheekily at her. "You could blame Master Qui-Gon for that."
"Oh? Then he should expect a proper interrogation once Mace is finished with him." Shmi smirks, before a warm smile replaces it. "Looks like someone has found the perfect spot to continue his sleep."
Obi-Wan looks down and sure enough, Anakin's eyes are already fluttering. The padawan laughs fondly. "That's all right. I don't mind." He leans his head on top of Anakin's golden locks and starts patting the toddler's back. "Sleep well, Ani."
The Force hums around them in a sweet and gentle tune. And if Shmi uses it to fetch her camera, well, she thinks The Force wouldn't mind.