18 year old Ben Solo is training under the authority of Luke Skywalker. However, he's finding himself being drawn to something dark, while simultaneously falling for a fellow student in training.
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"You okay?" Caster asks Ben as they sit outside together. They are supposed to be studying and helping each other memorize things, but Ben keeps zoning out.
"Ben?"
"Yeah?"
"I asked if you were okay."
"I'm fine. Why?"
"Because I've asked you about this page 3 times and it's like you didn't even hear me," Caster rolls his eyes and closes his book and Ben's for him. "You clearly aren't in the headspace to be doing this right now. What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Ben avoids eye contact with Caster because he knows that Caster usually is pretty good at seeing through facades.
"I know you're lying," Caster crosses his arms. "We're best friends, Ben. You're not supposed to lie to me."
Ben sighs. Truthfully, he's feeling hungover and exhausted from that dream he had last night, and there are dark circles under his eyes to prove it. But, he still feels so weird about the dream that he doesn't want to tell anyone about it, even Caster. It's not a trust issue with his friend, it's more like, if Ben openly talks about it, it might seem more real. He knows it's a ridiculous and illogical notion, but he can't shake his bad feeling. So, he settles for a half truth.
"I just didn't sleep well last night. I'm tired, that's all," Ben shrugs.
"Well, go take a nap, then. We have our break this afternoon and evening and it'd be a shame if you were too tired to enjoy it," Caster says, "Go. If anyone asks where you are, I'll cover for you."
"Thanks, Cas," Ben stands and grabs his book.
On his way back to the temple, he contemplates whether he should actually sleep or not. On one hand, he's exhausted, but on the other hand, he's scared to sleep again. He doesn't want to have another dream like he did before, but he has this eerie feeling that it's going to happen next time he sleeps anyway.
But, his train of thought is abruptly interrupted as he sees Anika, sitting alone on the steps of the temple, a book in her hands like usual. Her hair is tied up this time, and she has a concentrated look on her face. Ben doesn't want to interrupt her work, so he continues on. But just as he's about to enter the temple, he hears his name.
"Ben," Anika says, and he turns around all too quickly. The dream has suddenly disappeared from his mind and he's focused on her instead.
"Hey, Anika. What's up?" He goes over and sits down beside her on the steps.
"I was just wondering if you had plans for the break time tonight?"
It's all Ben can do to not raise his eyebrows in surprise. He focuses on keeping a normal-looking face. But, Anika is asking him about his plans?
"Um, no, I don't think so. What about you?"
"None. Rach isn't feeling well so she said she's going to use the time to rest. Speaking of which, are you feeling okay?"
