fandomhigh | Flight and Flying [Thursday, August 9, 3rd period]

Anakin didn't apologize for his behavior, you know, ever.

Which was why his gaze was just as sharp ever as he looked at the students when they gathered in the Danger Shop. And if he didn't make eye contact with Rory, well, these things happen.

"Today we're going to try something a little different," he said quietly, pointing to two motorcycle-esque machines hovering before him. "This is a swoop bike," he said, pointing to one, "and the one on the left is a speeder bike, the slightly newer model, which is also equipped with a laser cannon. Don't use the laser cannon. Both fly like the motorcycles of this world drive, but can get up to 400 kilometers an hour. That being said, you will be wearing helmets --" fortunately for the class, much more attractive than the Nubian ones from the previous week, "--and there are two different scenarios based on your level of skill. One is a desert planet with nothing to hit. The second is a forest moon with trees hundreds of meters tall."

He glanced around at them. "Please don't hit a tree and explode. I don't care that it won't actually kill you. There'd be paperwork and I don't feel like dealing with That Woman today. In two weeks, we'll be meeting at my shuttle and doing some actual space flight. If you hurt my ship, I'll be unhappy. If you demonstrate today you don't have the maturity to fly responsibly, you won't be asked to come along." He stared hard at each student. "Questions? No? Let's begin."

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Rory's jaw tightened. "I'm not that strong, Anakin. Sorry."

"I have a habit of asking for the impossible," Anakin said quietly as his shoulders slumped. "There's no reason you should apologize."

"Friends?" she ventured, very, very softly.

His entire face lit up. "For as long as you'll have me."

She smiled a little. "Remember how I'm haunting your ass?"

He chewed his lower lip. "I wasn't sure that still applied," he said softly.

"I can try," she said softly. "I promise nothing."

"It was much more than I was expecting," he said, taking a step closer. "I was braced for another slap across the face."

She shrugged, scooting a bit back. "Slow. For real. I can be friends."

Anakin nodded. "I won't push," he said quietly.

Rory nodded back. "Okay. Friends." She held out her hand for him to shake.

The formality of it hurt.

He swallowed hard as he reached for it.

It was better than nothing by a long, long margin, he reminded himself.

I miss you.

She hadn't meant to project that. Oops.

Anakin's eyes locked on hers.

Baby steps, he said softly.

Rory looked away. I didn't mean that.

Yes, she did.

A soft smile curved Anakin's lips up.

As you wish.

Rory glanced up at him. Don't.

Anakin gave her an abashed look, then focused on the floor.

I apologize.

Rory nodded, crossing her arms around herself. "We should pay attention," she murmured, nodding at the class.

Anakin very carefully didn't move any closer as he turned to watch the students.

"Did you see what That Woman did to Rikku's legs?" he asked, voice growing a little heated.

Rory nodded. "I saw her the other day. Took her a muffin basket."

The hair stood up on the back of Anakin's neck. "Did she hurt you?" he asked.

Rory shook her head. "No, she was just a bitch."

Anakin didn't really relax. "I'm seeing her tomorrow," he said, staring off in a very specific direction. "She did something to Luke."

"She what?"

Re: Talk to the TA!

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