Torn Asunder

Torn Asunder

Chapter 4: Turning Point

CW: Unhealthy attachment, budding co-dependency, mentions of war

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"We need to talk."

"I...no...you go...." you both started in. You paused and motioned for Anakin to speak first.

He seemed just as unsettled as he was this morning before school. He took a deep breath to steel his nerves. "[Y/N], I joined the National Guard," he blurted out quickly.

You stared at Anakin, mouth agape in shock. No, no, not him, too! He wasn't the first of your circle of friends to enlist. Your high school years coincided with the height of the Iraq war. Some of your friends and family had already been deployed overseas.

"I...I don't understand. You only just turned 17 last week. A minor can't enlist. You're in the middle of your junior year! Why would you do this?" You defeatedly slumped against the body of your car, your legs suddenly unable to support you as your mind raced.

"A minor can enlist early in the National Guard if a parent gives permiss..."

"SHMI SIGNED OFF ON THIS?!" you interrupted. "How could she possibly be okay with this? WE ARE AT WAR."

"Because SHE supports MY decision for what to do with MY life, at least for the next six years of it," he retorted.

You stared blankly at him in return. "Six YEARS? Why would you sign away six YEARS of your life? When your life is really just beginning?"

"It's a way for me to carve my own path. I won't get the scholarships that you will because my grades have suffered from moving around too much. This way, I can pay for college without depending on mom and Ben."

You couldn't argue with the logic, but logic doesn't prevail against emotion. Anakin's voice seemed distant as you replayed your conversation with Aayla in your head. "What was it you wanted to talk about?"

"I think we need a break."

"What?" he stammered. "Because of this?"

"No, because we became too intense too quickly. We are rushing headlong into adulthood, some of us faster than others (as you vaguely gesture his way), and there's still so much to enjoy in the here and now."

"You want to see other people, don't you?!" he snarled.

"No, but your angry tone suggests that maybe I should. You don't own me."

"FINE," he said through gritted teeth and clenched fists. He took in a sharp breath. "Fine. I...I can respect that. I will give you as much time as you need, because I love you."

"You...what?!"

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Taglist: @lissanovak

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Chapter Five [coming soon]

Word.

"All I have to do is squeeze"

I decided to run through the Indiana Jones saga before watching the new movie...but Star Wars is always on the brain. This scene had me 🤔 about a Sith!Han Solo (because y'all can't convince me he is 100% force null)

- the force awakens, 2015

Fantastic casting

Don't let the perfect get in the way of the good.