Stay With Me [L. Skywalker] (REMASTER)

Nine

Thirteen sat outside of the Kenobi home dangling her feet over a small ridge at the edge of the property. It'd been a few days since the trip into town, and she'd tried her best to keep to herself. Seeing Iago opened up old wounds and put her in a very bitter mood, ruining any inkling of desire to try talking to the Rebels she was stuck with.

"This whole situation is so incredibly stupid," Thirteen said aloud, wrapping an arm around one knee. "Not only did I get wrapped up in working for the enemy, but I had to rely on them to get me out of trouble." She paused, then continued. "That's probably the worst part about this. Iago- former squadmate and the worst person I know, if you don't remember- is stationed here, and he's an officer now."

Thirteen threw a glance at the small lizard perched on a rock beside her as if waiting for a response from it. It flicked its tongue, which was about the best she could expect. "I thought I'd feel better if I talked about it, so here I am, talking to you. I don't suppose you have some sage advice for me," Thirteen grumbled to it. She paused. "No, of course not. You probably can't even understand me, you've got a brain the size of a marble."

The last of the suns disappeared below the horizon. She studied the lizard again. "You can't even fathom how easy you've got it. Count your blessings, pal. The worst thing that's probably happened to you is what," Thirteen shrugged, "you've been chased by a bird? Certainly nothing in comparison to what I just told you. We could trade if you want."

"Are you talking to a lizard?"

Thirteen jumped and snapped her head toward the owner of the voice. The lizard scurried away at the sudden movement. Standing behind her with his arms crossed and giving her a judging look was the Jedi. "Gods, you're quiet," Thirteen commented with offense. "How long have you been there?"

"Not long," he answered simply.

"What do you want?" she asked, turning back around to fix her eyes on the horizon again.

Luke sighed. "Jabba didn't take the bargain with the droids."

The droids had gone earlier that morning after the all-clear from Lando. Thirteen didn't think Jabba would take the deal; it was a poor trade in her eyes. "So, that means..."

"You're up," Luke confirmed.

"Great," Thirteen said unenthusiastically.

Luke shifted to head back inside, but paused. He could feel a dull emotional ache from Thirteen's sense and took a deep breath, walking to her side. She saw him sit down beside her out of her peripherals. "Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

Thirteen looked at him. There was genuine concern in his eyes. She looked away again. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"People who are okay don't normally ask lizards to trade places. There's also the fact that you've been actively avoiding us for days and spending a lot of time out here brooding; and when you do decide to say something, it's short and cold."

She exhaled heavily in annoyance at his psychoanalyzations. She almost wished that he lived up to the Empire's propaganda. Jedi being annoying and not terrifying was quite the letdown.

Luke continued. "I know you aren't very fond of us–"

"Not very fond of you," Thirteen corrected.

He ignored the remark."–but that doesn't mean you have to keep your defenses up. I want you to feel like you can talk to us. We'll work better together if we aren't distracted by contempt."

"I don't need to talk about anything," Thirteen said coldly.

Luke shrugged one shoulder. "That's not what you told the lizard."